Care support system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023001555
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing systems for supporting the care of elderly individuals with decreased sensitivity to temperature and humidity are inadequate, as they do not account for the large individual differences among care recipients, making it difficult to maintain a suitable environment without direct feedback from the care recipient.
A nursing care support system that connects a server device and client device via a network, utilizing body condition sensors and environmental sensors to monitor and analyze the physical and environmental conditions of the care recipient, determining suitability through learning models, and providing appropriate environmental adjustments.
The system effectively maintains a suitable environment for elderly care recipients by timely notification of environmental adjustments based on individual patterns, improving comfort and care quality.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a care support system. [Background technology]
[0002] In caring for elderly people who have decreased sensitivity to temperature, humidity, etc., it is often difficult to maintain an environment suitable for the care recipient. For example, even if the room temperature deviates from the level suitable for the care recipient, the care recipient may not recognize this situation and may not report it to the caregiver, making it difficult for the caregiver to adaptively improve the environment for the care recipient.
[0003] Meanwhile, in recent years, various systems that support childcare of infants who have not yet acquired the ability to communicate through language have become widespread. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that, when it is determined based on the infant's crying that the infant is crying because the diaper is wet, a screen indicating that the infant is crying because the diaper is wet is displayed on a display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-095931 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] However, compared to infants, there are large individual differences among elderly people and other care recipients, and it is not realistic to convert the existing system that supports childcare for infants and young children as described above into a system that supports care for care recipients. For these reasons, there is a demand for a system that supports care for care recipients, including maintaining an environment that is suitable for the care recipients.
[0006] The present invention provides a care support system that can solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present invention provides a care support system in which a server device and a client device are connected via a network, the client device including a care recipient information transmitting means for transmitting to the server device physical information of the care recipient acquired by a physical condition sensor for detecting the physical condition of the care recipient and environmental information of the care recipient acquired by an environmental sensor for detecting the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present, and an environmental suitability information receiving means for receiving from the server device environmental suitability information regarding the suitability of the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present, the server device including a memory for storing the physical information and the environmental information received from the client device in association with time information. The present invention provides a care support system comprising: a physical condition determination means for determining whether the physical condition of the care recipient is good or not based on physical information stored in a memory means; an environmental suitability determination means for determining whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate or not based on the determination result of the physical condition of the care recipient by the physical condition determination means and the physical information and environmental information stored in the memory means; an environmental suitability information generation means for generating environmental suitability information including the determination result of the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present by the environmental suitability determination means; and an environmental suitability information transmission means for transmitting the environmental suitability information generated by the environmental suitability information generation means to a client device. Effect of the Invention
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a care support system that can solve the above problems. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a care support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a server device in the care support system of the embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a client device in the care support system of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a personal database used in the care support system of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an individual characteristic table used in the care support system of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a learning model used in the care support system of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the client device of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of a care recipient or a suggestion notice for improving the environment in the care support system of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the care recipient or a suggestion notice for improving the environment in the care support system of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of a care recipient or a suggestion notice for improving the environment in the care support system of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for further explaining a notification example in the care support system of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a model generation process executed in the server device of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a notification process executed in the server device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011] First, a configuration of a care support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The care support system 1 is a system for supporting a caregiver 62 who is responsible for care of a care recipient 61.
[0012] The care recipient 61 is, for example, an elderly person who needs assistance with excretion. Note that assistance with excretion is just one example, and the care support system 1 does not assume that the care recipient 61 needs assistance with excretion. In other words, the care recipient 61 may or may not be wearing an absorbent article. The absorbent article is, for example, a paper diaper or a cloth diaper.
[0013] The caregiver 62 is a user who uses the care support system 1 to care for the care recipient 61. The caregiver 62 is, for example, a family member of the care recipient 61 or a person who provides care at a care facility where the care recipient 61 resides.
[0014] The care support system 1 includes, for example, a server device 2, a client device 3, and a plurality of sensors 5.
[0015] The server device 2 is an information processing device that analyzes data related to the care recipient 61 and provides information for supporting care. The server device 2 can be realized, for example, as a server computer. The information for supporting care is, for example, information related to excretion by the care recipient 61. Details of the information for supporting care will be described later.
[0016] The client device 3 is an information processing device used by the caregiver 62. The client device 3 may be realized as, for example, a portable information terminal, a tablet computer, a personal computer, or an embedded system built into various electronic devices. The portable information terminal is, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a smartphone.
[0017] The client device 3 can communicate with the server device 2 via a network 4. The communication via the network 4 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The network 4 includes, for example, a wired local area network (wired LAN), a wireless local area network (wireless LAN), and a wide area network (WAN). The WAN includes, for example, a mobile phone network, a fixed telephone network, a satellite communication network, a leased line, an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), and an Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network (IP-VPN).
[0018] The multiple sensors 5 are sensors that detect the physical condition of the care recipient 61 and the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present. The multiple sensors 5 include a communication unit for transmitting a signal including the detection result to the outside. More specifically, the multiple sensors 5 transmit the signal including the detection result to, for example, the client device 3. The multiple sensors 5 use, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN as a communication method for transmitting the signal to the outside. The multiple sensors 5 include, for example, a physical condition sensor 51 and an environmental sensor 52.
[0019] The physical condition sensor 51 is a sensor that measures the body movement, posture, and physical condition (heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, etc.) of the care recipient 61. When the care recipient 61 needs assistance with excretion, the physical condition sensor 51 further detects excretion by the care recipient 61. In other words, the physical condition sensor 51 is configured by appropriately combining, for example, a body movement / posture sensor, a physical condition sensor, and an excretion sensor.
[0020] The body movement / posture sensor may be attached to clothing worn by the care recipient 61, or may be attached to the care recipient 61 himself / herself as a so-called wearable device. The body movement / posture sensor may be realized as an inertial sensor in which an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor are integrated. Alternatively, the body movement / posture sensor may analyze an image including the care recipient 61 captured by a camera installed near the care recipient 61. The body movement / posture sensor detects the movement and direction of the body of the care recipient 61, and measures the physical movement and posture of the care recipient 61, such as standing, sitting, walking, and lying down.
[0021] The physical condition sensor, like the body movement / posture sensor, may be attached to the clothing worn by the care recipient 61, or may be attached to the care recipient 61 himself / herself as a so-called wearable device. The physical condition sensor measures the heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, etc. of the care recipient 61.
[0022] The excretion sensor is attached to, for example, an absorbent article worn by the care recipient 61. Alternatively, the excretion sensor may be built into the absorbent article worn by the care recipient 61. The excretion sensor detects excretion by the care recipient 61, for example, by detecting changes in conductivity, temperature, humidity, odor, etc. The excretion sensor has a function of measuring the elapsed time since detecting excretion and a function of detecting excretion (urination) multiple times.
[0023] The body condition sensor 51 transmits signals indicating the detection results of the body movement / posture sensor, the physical condition sensor, and the excretion sensor to the client device 3. These signals may include information on the time when each event was detected.
[0024] The environmental sensor 52 is a sensor that detects the environmental state (measurement value, etc.) of the place where the care recipient 61 is present. The place where the care recipient 61 is present is typically a room or bed where the care recipient 61 spends most of the time, but is not limited to indoors. For example, the care recipient 61 may be walking in the garden of a care facility, so the place where the care recipient 61 is present, where the environmental state should be detected by the environmental sensor 52, may also include outdoors. Like the body movement / posture sensor and physical condition sensor, the environmental sensor 52 may be attached to clothing worn by the care recipient 61, or may be attached to the care recipient 61 himself / herself as a so-called wearable device.
[0025] The environmental sensor 52 detects temperature, humidity, sound volume, illuminance, gas concentration, etc. The type of gas to be detected for gas concentration may be a gas that is a component present in normal air, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen, or may be a gas that is considered harmful, such as a volatile organic compound (VOC) or nitrogen oxide. Any detection method may be adopted for the environmental sensor 52.
[0026] The environmental sensor 52 transmits a signal indicating the environment of the care recipient 61 in time series to the client device 3. For example, the environmental sensor 52 transmits signals indicating a plurality of environments in time series within one unit period to the client device 3 for each unit period. Alternatively, the environmental sensor 52 may transmit a signal indicating the environment to the client device 3 in real time. This signal may include information on the time when the environment was detected.
[0027] One client device 3 is associated with, for example, one care recipient 61. Hereinafter, the associated one care recipient 61 is also referred to as a target care recipient 61. The target care recipient 61 is a care recipient who is an object of care by a caregiver 62 who uses the one client device 3.
[0028] The client device 3 cooperates with a plurality of sensors 5 to transmit data on the physical condition and environment of the target care recipient 61 to the server device 2.
[0029] For example, the client device 3 cooperates with the physical condition sensor 51 to transmit physical condition data of the target care recipient 61 to the server device 2. The physical condition data indicates the time series of body movements, postures, and physical conditions (heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation, etc.) of the target care recipient 61. The physical condition data may include the time when the physical condition is detected.
[0030] Moreover, the client device 3 cooperates with the environmental sensor 52 to transmit environmental data of the target care recipient 61 to the server device 2. The environmental data indicates a time-series environment of a place where the target care recipient 61 is present. The environmental data may include a time when an environmental state is detected.
[0031] The client device 3 may further transmit data on the condition of the target care recipient 61 to the server device 2 based on the information input by the caregiver 62. The client device 3 may have a function to input meal data on meals such as the amount of food eaten or the time of eating. Any information related to the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 (for example, information related to excretion) may be input to the client device 3. For example, the amount of sweat may be input by analyzing an image captured by a camera or by a moisture sensor installed on the sheets.
[0032] Furthermore, the client device 3 receives information for supporting the care of the target care recipient 61 from the server device 2. The client device 3 notifies the caregiver 62 of the received information.
[0033] The client device 3 may further transmit feedback data for the notified information to the server device 2. The feedback data indicates an evaluation of the notified information. More specifically, the feedback data indicates, for example, a result of the caregiver 62's judgment as to whether the notified information was appropriate or not.
[0034] One client device 3 may be associated with multiple care recipients 61. In this case, the client device 3 cooperates with multiple sensors 5 provided for each of the multiple care recipients 61 to transmit data on the state and environment of each of the multiple care recipients 61 to the server device 2. The client device 3 also receives information for supporting care for each of the multiple care recipients 61 from the server device 2 and notifies the caregiver 62 of the information. The client device 3 can notify the information in a form that allows the caregiver 62 to recognize which of the multiple care recipients 61 the information relates to. The client device 3 notifies the information together with the name of the corresponding care recipient 61, for example.
[0035] Also, a plurality of client devices 3 may be associated with one care recipient 61. For example, the plurality of client devices 3 are used by a plurality of caregivers 62, respectively. Alternatively, one caregiver 62 may use a plurality of client devices 3. At least one of the plurality of client devices 3 cooperates with a plurality of sensors 5 provided for the care recipient 61 to transmit data on the state and environment of the care recipient 61 to the server device 2. For example, the at least one client device 3 is located within a range where short-distance wireless communication with the sensor 5 is possible. The remaining client devices 3 may be located remotely where short-distance communication with the sensor 5 is not possible. Also, each of the plurality of client devices 3 receives information for supporting childcare of the care recipient 61 from the server device 2 and notifies the caregiver 62 of the information. In this way, information for supporting childcare of one care recipient 61 can be notified to a plurality of caregivers 62.
[0036] In the following, for ease of understanding, a case in which one client device 3 is associated with one care recipient 61 will be mainly illustrated.
[0037] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 21, a random access memory (RAM) 22, a storage device 23, and a communication unit 24.
[0038] The CPU 21 is a processor that controls the operations of various components in the server device 2.
[0039] The RAM 22 is a volatile memory. The RAM 22 is, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The memory area of the RAM 22 is allocated as a storage area for, for example, an operating system (OS) 221, an application program (for example, a nursing care support server program 222), and data used for processing by the CPU 21.
[0040] The storage device 23 is a storage having a non-volatile memory. The storage device 23 is, for example, a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage device 23 stores programs and data for controlling the operation of the server device 2. The storage device 23 stores, for example, a plurality of personal databases 231, a personal characteristic table 232, a care database 233, and group information 234.
[0041] The multiple personal databases 231 correspond to the multiple care recipients 61, respectively. Each of the multiple personal databases 231 is a database for managing data (i.e., personal data) related to the corresponding one care recipient 61. One personal database 231 includes, for example, physical condition data and environmental data of the corresponding one care recipient 61. In addition to these, the personal database 231 may include any information input by the caregiver 62. For example, the personal database 231 may include feedback data indicating the result of the caregiver 62 determining whether the information received from the server device 2 was appropriate or not.
[0042] The individual characteristic table 232 is a table for managing information on the attributes of each of the multiple care recipients 61.
[0043] The care database 233 is a database for managing data (i.e., big data) related to multiple care recipients 61. The care database 233 includes, for example, analysis results using multiple personal databases 231 and knowledge information on care recipients obtained by surveys and research.
[0044] The group information 234 is information for managing a plurality of groups into which the care recipients 61 may be classified. The plurality of groups are obtained by classifying the plurality of care recipients 61 using at least one attribute. In the classification, a group to which each of the plurality of care recipients 61 belongs is determined based on at least one attribute. For the classification, a clustering method such as k-means is used. At least one care recipient 61 belongs to each of the plurality of groups. Each of the plurality of care recipients 61 belongs to one of the plurality of groups. The plurality of care recipients 61 belonging to one group have at least one of age, sex, place of birth, place of residence, weight, and height in common, for example.
[0045] The communication unit 24 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the server device 2 and the outside. The communication unit 24 performs communication with the client device 3, for example. The communication unit 24 includes a transmission unit and a reception unit. The transmission unit transmits a signal. The reception unit receives a signal.
[0046] Next, the programs executed by the CPU 21 will be described.
[0047] The CPU 21 executes various programs loaded from the storage device 23 to the RAM 22. The programs executed by the CPU 21 include an OS 221 and a care support server program 222.
[0048] The OS 221 is a program for controlling basic operations of various components in the server device 2. The CPU 21 executing the OS 221 controls, for example, input / output, file management, memory management, and communication.
[0049] The care support server program 222 is a server program for supporting care for at least one care recipient 61. The care support server program 222 may have, for example, a function for notifying about a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61, a function for supporting an appropriate environment for the care recipient 61, a function for notifying that the care recipient 61 has excreted, and a function for notifying the next excretion by the care recipient 61. An example of the functional configuration of the care support server program 222 will be described later with reference to Fig. 8. Hereinafter, the care support server program 222 will also be simply referred to as the server program 222.
[0050] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of the client device 3. The client device 3 includes, for example, a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a storage device 33, a touch screen display 34, a first communication unit 35, a second communication unit 36, a vibration unit 37, and a speaker 38.
[0051] The CPU 31 is a processor that controls the operation of various components within the client device 3 .
[0052] The RAM 32 is a volatile memory. The RAM 32 is, for example, a DRAM. The storage area of the RAM 32 is allocated as a cache area for data used for processing by the OS 321, application programs (for example, the care support client program 322), and the CPU 31, for example.
[0053] The storage device 33 is a storage device including a non-volatile memory. The storage device 33 is, for example, an SSD or an HDD. The storage device 33 stores programs and data for controlling the operation of the client device 3.
[0054] The touchscreen display 34 is an input / output device. The touchscreen display 34 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel. The touchscreen display 34 displays, for example, an image based on a display signal generated by the CPU 31 on the screen of the LCD.
[0055] The touch panel is disposed on the upper surface of the LCD. The touch panel is a capacitive pointing device for inputting on the LCD screen. The touch panel detects the contact position on the screen touched by a finger and the movement of the contact position. The touch panel can send signals indicating the detected contact position and the movement of the contact position to each section (e.g., CPU 31) in the client device 3.
[0056] The first communication unit 35 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the client device 3 and the outside. The first communication unit 35 performs communication with the server device 2, for example. The first communication unit 35 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.
[0057] The second communication unit 36 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication between the client device 3 and the outside. The second communication unit 36 performs communication with, for example, each of the body condition sensor 51 and the environmental sensor 52. The second communication unit 36 includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.
[0058] The vibration unit 37 is an output device having a vibration mechanism. The vibration mechanism is realized, for example, as a motor with an eccentric weight attached to a rotating shaft. The vibration unit 37 vibrates the client device 3 based on a signal generated by the CPU 31, for example. The signal generated by the CPU 31 may be a signal in which at least one of the vibration magnitude, vibration time, and vibration pattern is specified.
[0059] The speaker 38 is an output device and outputs, for example, a sound based on an audio signal generated by the CPU 31.
[0060] Next, the programs executed by the CPU 31 will be described.
[0061] The CPU 31 executes various programs loaded from the storage device 33 to the RAM 32. The programs executed by the CPU 31 include an OS 321 and a care support client program 322.
[0062] The OS 321 is a program for controlling the basic operations of various components in the client device 3. The CPU 31 executing the OS 321 controls, for example, input / output, file management, memory management, and communication.
[0063] The care support client program 322 is a client program for supporting care for at least one care recipient 61. More specifically, the care support client program 322 may have a function for transmitting data on the physical condition and environment of the care recipient 61 to the server device 2 in cooperation with the sensor 5, and a function for notifying the caregiver 62 of information for supporting care for the care recipient 61 provided from the server device 2. The care support client program 322 may also have a function for transmitting feedback data to the server device 2. An example of the functional configuration of the care support client program 322 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the care support client program 322 will also be simply referred to as the client program 322.
[0064] Next, examples of the configurations of databases and tables used in the care support system 1 will be described.
[0065] (Personal Database) 4 shows an example of the configuration of the personal database 231. The personal database 231 is a database for managing physical condition data and environmental data of the care recipient 61. The personal database 231 may include a plurality of entries corresponding to a plurality of times, respectively. Each of the plurality of entries includes a time field, a temperature field, a humidity field, an illuminance field, a sound volume field, a gas concentration field, a heart rate field, a body temperature field, an oxygen saturation field, an excretion field, a body movement intensity field, and a body orientation field.
[0066] In an entry corresponding to a certain time, the time field indicates the time. The time is expressed, for example, as a date and time.
[0067] The temperature field indicates the temperature of the location of the care recipient 61 detected at the corresponding time. The temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius, for example.
[0068] The humidity field indicates the humidity at the location of the care recipient 61 detected at the corresponding time. The humidity may be a relative humidity or an absolute humidity. The humidity is expressed as a percentage, for example.
[0069] The illuminance field indicates the illuminance of the location of the care recipient 61 detected at the corresponding time. The illuminance is expressed in lux (lx), for example.
[0070] The volume field indicates the volume of the sound detected at the corresponding time in the location of the care recipient 61. The volume is expressed in decibels, for example.
[0071] The gas concentration field indicates the gas concentration, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), detected at the corresponding time in the location of the care recipient 61. The gas concentration is expressed, for example, in parts per million.
[0072] The heart rate field indicates the heart rate detected at the corresponding time of the care recipient 61. The heart rate is expressed, for example, as the number of beats per minute.
[0073] The body temperature field indicates the body temperature detected at the corresponding time of the care recipient 61. The body temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius, for example.
[0074] The oxygen saturation field indicates the oxygen saturation of the arterial blood of the care recipient 61 detected at the corresponding time. The oxygen saturation is expressed, for example, as a percentage (the ratio of the amount of oxygen actually bound to hemoglobin to the maximum amount of oxygen that can be bound to hemoglobin).
[0075] The excretion field may indicate excretion by the care recipient 61 detected at the corresponding time. If excretion by the care recipient 61 is detected at the corresponding time, for example, "Yes" is set in the excretion field. If excretion by the care recipient 61 is not detected at the corresponding time, for example, "No" is set in the excretion field.
[0076] The body movement intensity field indicates the body movement intensity of the care recipient detected at the corresponding time. The body movement intensity is expressed in three levels, 1 to 3, for example, based on the magnitude of acceleration.
[0077] The body orientation field indicates the body orientation of the care recipient detected at the corresponding time. If the care recipient 61 is detected to be lying on his / her back at the corresponding time, the body orientation field is set to, for example, "lying on his / her back". If the care recipient 61 is detected to be lying on his / her side (while lying down) at the corresponding time, the body orientation field is set to, for example, "lying on his / her side". If the care recipient 61 is detected to be sitting at the corresponding time, the body orientation field is set to, for example, "sitting". If multiple states are detected within a unit time, the multiple states can be set in the body orientation field.
[0078] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the time “2021 / 03 / 01 08:00” is associated with temperature “23°C”, humidity “60%”, illuminance “100[lx]”, volume “20dB”, gas concentration “0.05ppm”, heart rate “60”, body temperature “36.1°C”, oxygen saturation “98%”, excretion “no”, body movement intensity “1”, and body orientation “supine”. In addition, the time “2021 / 03 / 01 09:00” is associated with temperature “25°C”, humidity “70%”, illuminance “150[lx]”, volume “20dB”, gas concentration “0.38ppm”, heart rate “60”, body temperature “36.2°C”, oxygen saturation “98%”, excretion “yes”, body movement intensity “3”, and body orientation “sideways”.
[0079] In the following description of the personal database 231, the value shown in the time field is also referred to simply as time. The same applies to the values shown in the other fields of the personal database 231 and the values shown in the other fields of the other databases and tables.
[0080] (Personal characteristics table) 5 shows an example of the configuration of the individual characteristics table 232. The individual characteristics table 232 is a table for managing information related to the attributes and characteristics of each of the multiple care recipients 61. The individual characteristics table 232 may include multiple entries corresponding to each of the multiple care recipients 61. Each of the multiple entries includes, for example, a care recipient ID field, a date of birth field, a gender field, a level of care required field, a height field, a weight field, and a group ID field.
[0081] In an entry corresponding to a certain care recipient 61, the care recipient ID field indicates identification information (care recipient ID) given to the care recipient 61. One corresponding care recipient 61 can be specified by one care recipient ID.
[0082] The date of birth field indicates the date of birth of the corresponding care recipient 61 .
[0083] The gender field indicates the gender of the corresponding care recipient 61 .
[0084] The level of care required field indicates the level of care required by the corresponding care recipient 61 .
[0085] The height field indicates the height of the corresponding care recipient 61 .
[0086] The weight field indicates the weight of the corresponding care recipient 61 .
[0087] The group ID field indicates identification information (group ID) given to a group to which the corresponding care recipient 61 belongs. One corresponding group can be specified by one group ID.
[0088] (Care database) The care database 233 is a database for managing data on a plurality of care recipients 61. More specifically, the care database 233 manages, for example, statistical values obtained by analyzing a plurality of personal databases 231 for each group to which the care recipients 61 belong. The care database 233 may also manage data based on care knowledge obtained by surveys and research.
[0089] (Learning model) Next, a learning model (daily life pattern model) that learns the daily activity pattern of the target care recipient 61 and determines whether or not to issue a warning notice of a change in the health condition of the target care recipient 61 or a notice of a suggestion for improving the environment will be described.
[0090] 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a learning model 75 used in the care support system 1. The server device 2 generates the learning model 75 by learning 71 using at least one of a personal database 231A of one or more other care recipients 61 belonging to the same group as the target care recipient 61 and a personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61. The learning 71 is, for example, modeling by a neural network. The learning model 75 is, for example, a mathematical model or a physical model.
[0091] The generated learning model 75 is a learning model corresponding to the target care recipient 61. The server device 2 can generate a plurality of learning models corresponding to a plurality of care recipients 61, respectively.
[0092] The server device 2 uses the latest physical condition data and environmental data of the target care recipient 61 as input and uses the learning model 75 to determine whether or not to issue a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 and a notification of a suggestion to improve the environment. The warning notice of the change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 and the notification of a suggestion to improve the environment correspond to the information for supporting care described above. A case in which a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 and a notification of a suggestion to improve the environment should be issued is, for example, when the latest activity pattern of the target care recipient 61 deviates beyond a threshold value compared with the daily activity pattern of the target care recipient 61. When a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 is recognized and the cause is presumed to be the environment, the learning model 75 determines that a notification of a suggestion to improve the environment should be issued.
[0093] Furthermore, the server device 2 may use the learning model 75 to give a notice of the next excretion. For example, the time when the next excretion is predicted may be calculated and included in the notice of excretion. The time when the next excretion by the target care recipient 61 is predicted is also referred to as the predicted excretion time. The predicted excretion time may be the predicted time, or may be the time from the current time to the time when the excretion by the target care recipient 61 is predicted (for example, n minutes).
[0094] For example, the server device 2 generates a standard learning model 75 by learning 71 using, as prior learning data, the personal database 231A of one or more other care recipients 61 belonging to the same group as the target care recipient 61. The server device 2 inputs the most recent physical condition data and environmental data of the target care recipient 61 and uses the standard learning model 75 to determine whether or not to issue a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 or a notice of a suggestion to improve the environment. The server device 2 sequentially stores the physical condition data and environmental data of the target care recipient 61 in the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61.
[0095] Next, the server device 2 generates a modified learning model 75 by learning 71 (i.e., retraining) further using the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61 as updated learning data. The server device 2 uses the modified learning model 75 with the most recent physical condition data and environmental data of the target care recipient 61 as input, and determines whether or not to issue a warning notice of a change in the target care recipient 61's physical condition or a notice of a suggestion for improving the environment.
[0096] For example, the server device 2 generates a modified learning model 75 in response to the addition of physical condition data or environmental data to the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61. That is, the server device 2 repeatedly performs the learning 71 using the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61 as learning data for updating. This allows the server device 2 to improve the learning model 75 to a model more suitable for the characteristics of the target care recipient 61. In addition, the learning model 75 may be modified based on feedback data added to the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61. This can improve the prediction accuracy regarding whether or not to issue a notice of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 or a notice of a suggestion for improving the environment. In addition, the prediction accuracy regarding a notice of excretion of the target care recipient 61 can be improved. In addition, if the physical condition data and environmental data of the target care recipient 61 are stored in the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61 before generating the standard learning model 75, the server device 2 may further use the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61 as pre-learning data.
[0097] (Functional configuration of client device 3) Next, the configuration of the client device 3 will be described.
[0098] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the client device 3. The client device 3 includes, for example, a first reception processing unit 501, a transmission processing unit 502, a second reception processing unit 503, and a notification processing unit 504. The first reception processing unit 501, the transmission processing unit 502, the second reception processing unit 503, and the notification processing unit 504 are functional configurations provided in the CPU 31 by executing, for example, the client program 322.
[0099] The first receiving processor 501 and the transmission processor 502 are configured to transmit data on the state and environment of the target care recipient 61 to the server device 2 using a signal received from the sensor 5 (hereinafter referred to as a configuration for transmitting sensor data). The second receiving processor 503 and the notification processor 504 are configured to notify the caregiver 62 of information received from the server device 2 (hereinafter referred to as a configuration for notifying information). The configuration for transmitting sensor data and the configuration for notifying information will be described below.
[0100] (Configuration for transmitting sensor data) The first receiving processing unit 501 receives signals from the physical condition sensor 51 and the environmental sensor 52 via the second communication unit 36. The first receiving processing unit 501 generates data related to the excretion and environment of the target care recipient 61 using the received signals. Then, the first receiving processing unit 501 transmits the generated data to the transmission processing unit 502.
[0101] More specifically, the first receiving processor 501 generates physical condition data using the signal received from the physical condition sensor 51. When the signal received from the physical condition sensor 51 does not include information on the time when the physical condition was detected, the first receiving processor 501 may generate physical condition data including the time when the physical condition was detected.
[0102] The first reception processing unit 501 generates environmental data using the signal received from the environmental sensor 52. If the signal received from the environmental sensor 52 does not include information on the time at which a detection value (such as temperature) was detected, the first reception processing unit 501 may generate environmental data including the detection value and the time at which the detection value was detected.
[0103] Then, first reception processing unit 501 sends the physical condition data or the environmental data to transmission processing unit 502. First reception processing unit 501 may send to transmission processing unit 502 a combination of the physical condition data and the environmental data.
[0104] The transmission processing unit 502 transmits the data received from the first reception processing unit 501 to the server device 2 via the first communication unit 35. In addition, the transmission processing unit 502 may transmit information (feedback data, etc.) input by the caregiver 62 to the server device 2 via an input device such as a touch panel.
[0105] (Configuration for Information Notification) The second receiving processor 503 receives information used for notifying the caregiver 62 from the server device 2 via the first communication unit 35. The information used for notifying the caregiver 62 is, for example, information for notifying the caregiver 62 about a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61, information for supporting an appropriate environment for the care recipient 61, and information for notifying the care recipient 61 of the next excretion. The second receiving processor 503 sends the received information to the notification processor 504. Hereinafter, information for notifying the care recipient 61 about a change in the physical condition is also referred to as physical condition change information. Information for supporting an appropriate environment for the care recipient 61 is also referred to as appropriate environment support information. Information for notifying the care recipient 61 of the next excretion is also referred to as advance notice information.
[0106] The notification processing unit 504 uses the information received from the second receiving processing unit 503 to provide information to the caregiver 62. For example, at least one of the touch screen display 34, the vibration unit 37, and the speaker 38 is used to provide the information.
[0107] For example, the notification processing unit 504 uses the physical condition change information and the appropriate environment support information received from the second receiving processing unit 503 to notify the caregiver 62 of a warning about the change in physical condition of the target care recipient 61 and a proposal for improving the environment. More specifically, the notification processing unit 504 generates a display signal for displaying, for example, an image for notifying a warning about a change in physical condition (hereinafter referred to as a warning notification image) or an image for notifying a proposal for improving the environment (hereinafter referred to as a proposal notification image) based on the physical condition change information and the appropriate environment support information. The notification processing unit 504 transmits the generated display signal to the touch screen display 34. The touch screen display 34 displays the warning notification image or the proposal notification image on the screen based on the received display signal. The caregiver 62 can recognize that a warning about the change in physical condition of the target care recipient 61 and a proposal for improving the environment have been notified by looking at the displayed warning notification image or the proposal notification image.
[0108] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 504 may send a signal requesting vibration to the vibration unit 37 based on the attention notification information or the appropriate environment support information. The vibration unit 37 vibrates the client device 3 based on the received signal. By vibrating the client device 3, the caregiver 62 can be prompted to check the attention notification image or the suggestion notification image displayed on the screen. This vibration may have a specific vibration pattern. The caregiver 62 can recognize that the client device 3 vibrates with a specific vibration pattern, and thus a notice of a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 or a suggestion for improving the environment has been notified.
[0109] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 504 may send an audio signal to the speaker 38 to notify the user of a warning about a change in physical condition or a suggestion to improve the environment based on the warning notification information or the appropriate environment support information. The speaker 38 outputs a sound based on the received audio signal. This sound may be a sound in which a specific message is spoken or an alert sound. The caregiver 62 can recognize from the sound that the caregiver 62 has been notified of a warning about a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 or a suggestion to improve the environment. Alternatively, the caregiver 62 can be prompted by the sound to check the warning notification image or the suggestion notification image displayed on the screen.
[0110] Furthermore, even when the notification processing unit 504 receives advance notice information, it notifies the caregiver 62 of the next excretion by the target care recipient 61 in the same manner as when the notification processing unit 504 receives caution notice information or appropriate environment support information.
[0111] With the above configuration, the client device 3 can transmit data on the physical condition and environment of the target care recipient 61 to the server device 2 by using the signal received from the sensor 5. The client device 3 can notify the caregiver 62 of the information received from the server device 2. In addition, the client device 3 can transmit feedback data for the notified information to the server device 2.
[0112] (Functional configuration of server device 2) Next, the functional configuration of the server device 2 will be described.
[0113] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes, for example, a storage processing unit 401, a group determination unit 402, a learning unit 403, a judgment unit 404, a generation unit 405, and a transmission processing unit 406. The storage processing unit 401, the group determination unit 402, the learning unit 403, the judgment unit 404, the generation unit 405, and the transmission processing unit 406 are functional configurations provided in the CPU 21 by executing, for example, the server program 222.
[0114] The storage processing unit 401 receives data (sensor data) related to the physical condition and environment of the care recipient 61 from the client device 3 via the communication unit 24. The received data includes at least one of physical condition data and environmental data. The storage processing unit 401 updates the personal database 231 corresponding to the care recipient 61 using the received data.
[0115] More specifically, when the storage processing unit 401 receives, for example, physical condition data and environmental data corresponding to a certain time from a client device 3 associated with a certain care recipient 61, it generates an entry including the time, the physical condition indicated in the physical condition data, and the environment indicated in the environmental data. Then, the storage processing unit 401 adds the generated entry to the personal database 231 corresponding to the care recipient 61.
[0116] The group determination unit 402 determines a group to which the target care recipient 61 belongs, using the group information 234 and the individual characteristic table 232. More specifically, the group determination unit 402 identifies an entry corresponding to the target care recipient 61 in the individual characteristic table 232. Then, the group determination unit 402 determines one group to which the target care recipient 61 belongs, using at least one attribute indicated in the identified entry and the group information 234. The group determination unit 402 sends a group ID indicating the determined group to the learning unit 403 and the generation unit 405.
[0117] The learning unit 403 learns the daily activity pattern of the target care recipient 61 and generates a learning model (daily life pattern model) 75 that determines whether or not to issue a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 and a notification of a suggestion for improving the environment. Using the group ID received from the group determination unit 402, the learning unit 403 generates the learning model 75 using at least one of the personal database 231A of one or more other care recipients 61 belonging to the group specified by the group ID and the personal database 231B of the target care recipient 61. Each of the personal databases 231A and 231B includes at least one of physical condition data and environmental data.
[0118] The determination unit 404 uses the learning model 75 sent by the learning unit 403 to determine whether or not to issue a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 or a suggestion notice for improving the environment. For example, the determination unit 404 receives as input physical condition data indicating the current physical condition of the target care recipient 61 and environmental data indicating the environment, and uses the learning model 75 to determine the physical condition and environment of the target care recipient 61 and determine whether or not to issue a warning notice or a suggestion notice. The determination unit 404 may calculate the time when the target care recipient 61 is predicted to next excrete (predicted excretion time) and issue an excretion notice.
[0119] When the determination unit 404 determines that a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 or a notification of a suggestion for improving the environment should be issued, the determination unit 404 sends the determination result to the generation unit 405. In addition, the determination unit 404 may send an excretion notice including a predicted excretion time to the generation unit 405.
[0120] The generating unit 405 generates information to be provided to the caregiver 62. More specifically, the generating unit 405 generates warning notification information or improvement proposal information for issuing a warning notification of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 or a proposal to improve the environment based on the determination result by the determining unit 404 that a warning notification of a change in the physical condition of the target care recipient 61 or a proposal to improve the environment should be issued. The generating unit 405 also generates advance notice information for issuing an advance notice of excretion. Then, the generating unit 405 transmits the generated warning notification information, improvement proposal information, or advance notice information to the transmission processing unit 406.
[0121] Next, examples of a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 or a suggestion notice for improving the environment in the care support system 1 will be described with reference to Figs.
[0122] (Example 1) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first example of a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 or a notification of a suggestion for improving the environment in the care support system 1. As shown in FIG.
[0123] In the first example shown in FIG. 9, excretion is detected as "present" at the time "2021 / 07 / 03 09:00", and a notification of "diaper change" is made. Meanwhile, excretion is detected as "not present" at the time "2021 / 07 / 03 11:00", but excretion is predicted at the time "2021 / 07 / 03 11:00" based on the daily activity pattern of the care recipient 61. Furthermore, contrary to this prediction, the learning model 75 determines that the cause of the detection of "not present" excretion is the temperature "28°C" (higher than usual) and humidity "80%" based on the daily activity pattern of the care recipient 61. As a result, a notification is made to "reduce the temperature and humidity".
[0124] This enables the caregiver 62 to realize that he or she should, for example, operate the air conditioner to lower the temperature and humidity.
[0125] (Example 2) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 or a suggestion notice for improving the environment in the care support system 1. In FIG.
[0126] In the second example shown in FIG. 10, at the time "2021 / 08 / 05 11:00", the learning model 75 determines that the temperature "28°C" and humidity "80%" are inappropriate values (higher than usual) based on the daily activity pattern of the care recipient 61. As a result, a notification is made to "lower the temperature and humidity." In the first example described above, since there is no excretion at the time when excretion is predicted, an abnormality in temperature and humidity is notified as the cause, but the notification of the proposal to improve the environment does not necessarily have to be made in response to a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61, as in this second example.
[0127] In the second example, at the time "2021 / 08 / 05 20:00", the learning model 75 detects a high body movement intensity of "3" from the daily activity pattern of the care recipient 61, even though it is during bedtime, and determines that the cause is the illuminance of "150 [lx]" (higher than usual). As a result, a notification is issued that the illuminance is "low."
[0128] In this way, the care support system 1 can suggest to the caregiver 62 an illuminance level suitable for the care recipient 61 to go to sleep.
[0129] (Example 3) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of a warning notice of a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 or a suggestion notice for improving the environment in the care support system 1. In FIG.
[0130] In the third example shown in FIG. 11, at the time "2021 / 11 / 17 09:00", excretion is detected and the body position is detected as "sideways", resulting in a notification of "diaper change". In the first example described above, a notification of "diaper change" was issued because excretion was detected, but some absorbent articles (diapers) can accommodate multiple excretions. If an absorbent article that can accommodate multiple excretions is worn and the excretion is within the allowable number of times, it is possible that a "diaper change" is not necessary.
[0131] On the other hand, if the baby is wearing an absorbent article that can handle multiple excretions and the excretion is within the allowable number of times, but is in a position that is likely to cause excretion leakage, it is preferable to change the absorbent article. Therefore, in this third example, when the learning model 75 detects that an excretion has occurred and that the body position is "sideways," it determines that there is a high possibility that excretion leakage will occur, and decides to notify the user to "change the diaper."
[0132] In the third example, at the time "2021 / 11 / 17 11:00", a high heart rate of "80" is detected even though a body movement intensity of "1" indicating a resting state is detected. In this situation, the learning model 75 determines that the temperature of "28°C" and the humidity of "80%" are inappropriate values (higher than usual), and decides to issue a notification to "lower the temperature and humidity."
[0133] Note that the notification of “Lots of tossing and turning, low illuminance” in response to the detection of a body movement intensity of “3” and illuminance of “150 [lx]” at the time “2021 / 11 / 17 20:00” is as described in the second example.
[0134] Next, a notification example by the care support system 1 will be further described with reference to FIG.
[0135] For example, if conditions such as "high" temperature, "high" humidity, and "low" excretion are detected during the "daytime" hours, and if the level of care required by the care recipient 61 is "low," the care support system 1 will determine that "the room temperature and humidity are high" and issue a notification such as, "Be careful of dehydration. Lower the room temperature and drink plenty of fluids."
[0136] It should be noted that here, for example, whether the temperature is "high" or "low" is a judgment result obtained by the learning model 75 which learns the daily activity patterns of the person being cared for 61, and it is entirely possible that different results will be obtained for different people being cared for 61, even if the temperature is the same.
[0137] Also, for example, if a condition in which the temperature is "high," the humidity is "high," and the heart rate is "high" is detected during the "daytime," the care support system 1 will determine that "the temperature and humidity in the room are high" and issue a notification such as, "Your body is under strain. Lower the temperature and humidity in the room."
[0138] Also, for example, when a condition of "low" temperature, "low" humidity, "high" heart rate, and "high" body movement intensity is detected during the "daytime" time period, if the level of care required of the care recipient 61 is "low", the care support system 1 judges the care recipient 61 to be "exercising" and determines "no notification". Note that "no notification" does not necessarily mean that no notification is given. For example, it may include notification that there is no abnormality. By notifying that there is no abnormality, it is possible to give the caregiver 62 a sense of security and to make the care recipient 62 aware that the care support system 1 is operating.
[0139] Also, for example, if the following conditions are detected during the "nighttime" hours: temperature is "high," humidity is "high," excretion is "normal," and body movement intensity is "high," the care support system 1 will determine that "the temperature and humidity in the room are high" and issue a notification such as, "It is becoming difficult to sleep. Please lower the temperature and humidity in the room."
[0140] Also, for example, if a situation in which the illuminance is "high" and the body movement intensity is "high" is detected during the "nighttime" hours, the care support system 1 will determine that "the illuminance in the room is high" and issue a notification such as "The room is bright and causes you to wake up during sleep. Turn down the lights in the room."
[0141] Also, for example, if a condition in which the temperature is "low," excretion is "heavy," and the body movement intensity is "high" is detected during the "nighttime" time period, the care support system 1 will determine that the "room temperature is low" and issue a notification such as "It's cold. Increase the room temperature."
[0142] Also, for example, if the following conditions are detected during the "nighttime" hours: "low" temperature, "low" humidity, "high" excretion, and "high" body movement intensity, the care support system 1 will issue a notification such as, "It is dry and you are prone to catching colds. Increase the humidity."
[0143] Also, for example, when a certain time (α) has passed since the last time the body position was changed, and the following conditions are detected: temperature is "high", humidity is "high", heart rate is "high", and excretion is "low", if the level of care required of the care recipient 61 is "high", the care support system 1 issues a notice such as "The room temperature is high and you are likely to sweat. Change your body position." The time to change the body position can be obtained, for example, by feedback from the caregiver 62.
[0144] Next, the procedure of the process executed in the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0145] (Model generation process) 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the model generation process executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2. The model generation process is a process for generating a learning model (daily life pattern model) 75 of the target care recipient 61. For example, the CPU 21 executes the model generation process when an entry corresponding to the target care recipient 61 is added to the personal characteristic table 232. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may start execution of the model generation process when physical condition data and environmental data for a specific period are stored (accumulated) in the personal database 231 corresponding to the target care recipient 61.
[0146] First, the CPU 21 identifies an entry corresponding to the target care recipient 61 in the personal characteristic table 232 (step S101). The identified entry includes information indicating at least one attribute related to the target care recipient 61. The CPU 21 uses the identified entry and the group information 234 to determine a group to which the target care recipient 61 belongs (step S102). More specifically, the CPU 21 determines to which of a plurality of groups indicated by the group information 234 the target care recipient 61 belongs. Then, the CPU 21 generates a daily life pattern model representing a daily activity pattern of the target care recipient 61 by learning using the personal database 231 of other care recipients 61 belonging to the determined group (step S103). The generated daily life pattern model is a standard daily life pattern model corresponding to the group to which the target care recipient 61 belongs. The CPU 21 may generate a standard daily life pattern model for each group before, for example, the target care recipient 61 is registered in the server device 2. In addition, the CPU 21 may further use the personal database 231 of the target care recipient 61 in the learning for generating the daily life pattern model. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may generate the daily life pattern model by learning using only the personal database 231 of the target care recipient 61.
[0147] Next, the CPU 21 judges whether a unit time has passed since the current daily life pattern model was generated (step S104). The unit time is, for example, one day, several days, one week, one month, etc. If the unit time has passed since the current daily life pattern model was generated (YES in step S104), the CPU 21 acquires the physical condition data and environmental data for that unit time from the personal database 231 of the subject care recipient 61 (step S105). Then, the CPU 21 generates a corrected daily life pattern model using the acquired physical condition data and environmental data for the unit time (step S106). That is, the CPU 21 corrects the current daily life pattern model using the physical condition data and environmental data for the subject care recipient 61 for the unit time.
[0148] If the unit time has not elapsed since the current daily life pattern model was generated (NO in step S104), the process by the CPU 21 returns to the procedure of step S104. That is, since sufficient data for correcting the current daily life pattern model has not yet been stored in the personal database 231 of the target care recipient 61, the CPU 21 returns to the procedure of step S104.
[0149] Through the above model generation process, the CPU 21 can generate a daily life pattern model of the target care recipient 61. Furthermore, when the CPU 21 obtains further physical condition data and environmental data of the target care recipient 61, the CPU 21 can correct the generated daily life pattern model. The corrected daily life pattern model becomes a model more suitable for the characteristics of the target care recipient 61.
[0150] (Notification processing) 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a notification process executed by the CPU 21 of the server device 2. The notification process is a process for notifying the caregiver 62 of a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 and suggestions for improving the environment.
[0151] The CPU 21 acquires time information (step S201). In addition, the CPU 21 inputs physical condition data and environmental data of the care recipient 61 (step S202).
[0152] The CPU 21 determines whether there is an event to be notified about regarding excretion based on the physical condition data (step S203). Events to be notified about regarding excretion include not only the occurrence of excretion, but also the occurrence of excretion that should have occurred. If there is an event to be notified about regarding excretion (YES in step S203), the CPU 21 issues a warning about excretion (step S204).
[0153] Furthermore, CPU 21 determines whether there is an event related to body movement and posture that should be notified based on the physical condition data (step S205). An example of an event related to body movement and posture that should be notified is, for example, frequent tossing and turning. If there is an event related to body movement and posture that should be notified (YES in step S205), CPU 21 issues a warning related to body movement and posture (step S206).
[0154] Furthermore, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is an event related to the biological information that should be notified based on the physical condition data (step S207). Events related to the biological information that should be notified include high body temperature, high heart rate, etc. If there is an event related to the biological information that should be notified (YES in step S207), the CPU 21 issues a warning related to the biological information (step S208).
[0155] The CPU 21 judges whether or not an event to be notified has been detected for excretion, body movement / posture, and biological information (step S209). If no event has been detected (NO in step S209), the CPU 21 notifies that there is no abnormality (step S210).
[0156] On the other hand, if an event to be notified is detected (YES in step S209), the CPU 21 judges whether the environment is appropriate based on the environmental data (step S211). The CPU 21 notifies advice regarding the environment based on the judgment result in step S211 (step S212).
[0157] The judgments in steps S203, S205, and S207 are processes performed using the learning model (daily life pattern model) 75 generated in the model generation process, and these processes may be performed in different orders or in parallel.
[0158] Furthermore, even if no event to be notified is detected for excretion, body movement / posture, and biological information (NO in step S209), the CPU 21 may determine whether the environment is appropriate based on the environmental data and notify advice regarding the environment. In other words, as described above, notification of advice regarding the environment does not necessarily have to be performed in response to a change in the physical condition of the care recipient 61.
[0159] As described above, in the care support system 1 of this embodiment, by learning the daily activity patterns of the care recipient 61, it is possible to timely and appropriately notify the caregiver 62 of changes in the physical condition of the care recipient 61 and suggestions for improving the environment. In addition, by continuously learning the daily activity patterns, it is possible to follow the changes over time of the care recipient 61.
[0160] Furthermore, the care support system 1 of this embodiment may continuously learn the daily activity patterns of the care recipient 61, and analyze the trends in the daily activity patterns to determine, for example, changes in the level of care required by the care recipient 61.
[0161] In carrying out the present invention, the above embodiment is an example, and the specific aspects can be changed in various ways. For example, the care support system 1 is not limited to a configuration including the server device 2 and the client device 3, and may be any configuration as long as it is configured to analyze data on the state of the care recipient 61 and provide information for supporting care to the caregiver 62. For example, the care support system 1 may be realized by one information processing device (for example, a stand-alone computer, a smartphone). That is, one information processing device may have functions corresponding to the above-mentioned server device 2 and client device 3. In this case, information indicating various processing results by the information processing device (for example, the client device 3) may be transmitted to another information processing device (for example, the server device 2). The other information processing device can use the transmitted information, for example, in the care support system 1 for another care recipient 61. Alternatively, for example, the client device 3 may have a part of the functions of the server device 2.
[0162] Regarding the above embodiment, the following supplementary notes are further disclosed. <1> A care support system in which a server device and a client device are connected via a network, The client device includes: a care recipient information transmitting means for transmitting to the server device physical information of the care recipient obtained by a physical condition sensor that detects the physical condition of the care recipient and environmental information of the care recipient obtained by an environmental sensor that detects the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present; and an environmental suitability information receiving means for receiving environmental suitability information regarding the suitability of an environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located from the server device, The server device includes: a storage means for storing the physical information and the environmental information received from the client device in association with time information; a physical condition determining means for determining whether or not the physical condition of the care recipient is good based on the physical information stored in the storage means; an environment suitability determining means for determining whether or not an environmental condition of a place where the care recipient is present is appropriate based on a result of the determination of the physical condition of the care recipient by the physical condition determining means and the physical information and the environmental information stored in the storage means; an environmental suitability information generating means for generating the environmental suitability information including a result of the determination by the environmental suitability determining means of the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present; and an environmental suitability information transmitting means for transmitting the environmental suitability information generated by the environmental suitability information generating means to the client device. Nursing care support system. <2> The environmental information includes at least one of temperature, humidity, sound volume, illuminance, or gas concentration. <1> The care support system described in. <3> The physical information includes at least whether or not excretion occurs. <1> or <2> The care support system described in. <4> The physical information includes at least one of body movement and posture. <1> ~ <3> 13. A care support system according to claim 12, wherein <5> The physical information includes at least one of heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or sweating. <1> ~ <4> 13. A care support system according to claim 12, wherein <6> The environmental suitability information includes at least one of information on an inappropriate environment among the environmental conditions of the place where the care recipient is present, and information for making the environmental conditions of the place where the care recipient is present appropriate. <1> ~ <5> 13. A care support system according to claim 12, wherein <7> The server device further comprises a physical condition change determining means for detecting a change in physical condition of the care recipient based on a result of the determination of the physical condition of the care recipient by the physical condition determining means and the physical information stored in the storage means. <1> ~ <6> 13. A care support system according to claim 12, wherein <8> The server device further comprises a care-requiring level change detection means for detecting a change in a level of care required of the care recipient based on a result of the physical condition of the care recipient determined by the physical condition determination means. <1> ~ <7> 13. A care support system according to claim 12, wherein <9> The client device further includes a notification unit that notifies the care recipient whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is comfortable for the care recipient by using the environmental suitability information received from the server device. <1> ~ <8> 13. A care support system according to claim 12, wherein <10> the server device includes a learning means for generating a determination model for determining whether an environmental state of a place where the care recipient is present is appropriate or not by learning using the physical information and the environmental information stored in the storage means; The environmental suitability determination means determines whether or not the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate by using the determination model. <1> ~ <9> 13. A care support system according to claim 12, wherein <11> the learning means learns an excretion cycle of the care recipient and generates the determination model for determining whether or not the excretion of the care recipient is performed at an appropriate timing; the physical condition determining means determines whether the care recipient's excretion is performed at an appropriate time as part of determining whether the care recipient's physical condition is good or not, using the determination model; <10> The care support system described in. <12> a storage means for storing physical information of the care recipient, the physical information being acquired by a physical condition sensor that detects the physical condition of the care recipient, and environmental information of the care recipient, the environmental information being acquired by an environmental sensor that detects the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present, in association with time information; a physical condition determining means for determining whether or not the physical condition of the care recipient is good based on the physical information stored in the storage means; an environment suitability determining means for determining whether or not an environmental condition of a place where the care recipient is present is appropriate based on a result of the determination of the physical condition of the care recipient by the physical condition determining means and the physical information and the environmental information stored in the storage means; an environmental suitability information generating means for generating environmental suitability information including a result of the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located determined by the environmental suitability determining means; An information processing device comprising: <13> The environmental information includes at least one of temperature, humidity, sound volume, illuminance, or gas concentration. <12> The information processing device described in <14> The physical information includes at least whether or not excretion occurs. <12> or <13> The information processing device described in <15> The physical information includes at least one of body movement and posture. <12> ~ <14> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12, <16> The physical information includes at least one of heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or sweating. <12> ~ <15> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12, <17> The environmental suitability information includes at least one of information on an inappropriate environment among the environmental conditions of the place where the care recipient is present, and information for making the environmental conditions of the place where the care recipient is present appropriate. <12> ~ <16> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12, <18> The physical condition determining means detects a change in the physical condition of the care recipient based on the physical information stored in the storage means. <12> ~ <17> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12, <19> The system further includes a care-requiring level change detection means for detecting a change in the level of care required of the care recipient based on the result of the physical condition determination by the physical condition determination means. <12> ~ <18> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12, <20> The device further includes a notification means for notifying the care recipient whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is comfortable for the care recipient by using the environmental suitability information. <12> ~ <19> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12, <21> a learning means for generating a judgment model for judging whether an environmental condition of a place where the care recipient is present is appropriate or not by learning using the stored physical information and the stored environmental information; The environmental suitability determination means determines whether or not the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate by using the determination model. <12> ~ <20> 13. An information processing device according to claim 12, <22> the learning means learns an excretion cycle of the care recipient and generates the determination model for determining whether or not the excretion of the care recipient is performed at an appropriate timing; the physical condition determining means determines whether the care recipient's excretion is performed at an appropriate time as part of determining whether the care recipient's physical condition is good or not, using the determination model; <21> The information processing device described in <23> storing physical information of the care recipient acquired by a physical condition sensor that detects the physical condition of the care recipient and environmental information of the care recipient acquired by an environmental sensor that detects the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located in association with time information; Determining whether the physical condition of the care recipient is good or not based on the stored physical information; determining whether an environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate or not based on a result of the determination of the physical condition of the care recipient and the stored physical information and environmental information; and generating environmental suitability information including a result of determining an environmental condition of a place where the care recipient is present. Care support methods. <24> The environmental information includes at least one of temperature, humidity, sound volume, illuminance, or gas concentration. <23> The nursing care support method described above. <25> The physical information includes at least whether or not excretion occurs. <23> or <24> The nursing care support method described above. <26> The physical information includes at least one of body movement and posture. <23> ~ <25> 2. A care support method according to claim 1 . <27> The physical information includes at least one of heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or sweating. <22> ~ <25> 2. A care support method according to claim 1 . <28> The environmental suitability information includes at least one of information on an inappropriate environment among the environmental conditions of the place where the care recipient is present, and information for making the environmental conditions of the place where the care recipient is present appropriate. <22> ~ <27> 2. A care support method according to claim 1 . <29> Detecting a change in the physical condition of the care recipient based on the stored physical information. <22> ~ <27> 2. A care support method according to claim 1 . <30> and detecting a change in the level of care required of the care recipient based on the result of the determination of the physical condition of the care recipient. <22> ~ <28> 2. A care support method according to claim 1 . <31> The method further comprises using the environmental suitability information to notify whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is comfortable for the care recipient. <22> ~ <30> 2. A care support method according to claim 1 . <32> generating a determination model for determining whether an environmental state of a place where the care recipient is present is appropriate or not by learning using the physical information and the environmental information; Using the judgment model, determine whether or not an environmental state of a place where the care recipient is present is appropriate; Equipped with <22> ~ <31> 2. A care support method according to claim 1 . <33> generating the judgment model that learns the excretion cycle of the care recipient and judges whether the excretion of the care recipient is performed at an appropriate timing; Using the determination model, as part of determining whether the care recipient's physical condition is good or not, determining whether the care recipient's excretion is performed at an appropriate time; Equipped with <32> The nursing care support method described above. [Explanation of symbols]
[0163] 1. Nursing care support system 2. Server equipment 21 CPU 22 RAM 221 OS 222 Nursing care support server program 23 Storage device 231 Personal Database 231A Personal database of other care recipients in the same group 231B Personal database of eligible care recipients; 232 Personal Characteristics Table 233 Nursing Care Database 234 Group Information 24 Communications Department 3 Client Device 31 CPU 32 RAM 321 OS 322 Caregiver Support Client Program 33 Storage device 34 Touchscreen Display 35 1st Communications Department 36 2nd Communications Department 37 Vibration section 38 Speaker 4. Network 5 Sensors 51 Body condition sensor 52 Environmental Sensors 61 Care recipients 62 Caregivers 62 Parents 71 Learning 75 Learning Model 401 Storage Processing Unit 402 Group Decision Department 403 Learning Department 404 Judgment section 405 Generator 406 Transmission Processing Unit 501 First reception processing unit 502 Transmission processing unit 503 Second reception processing unit 504 Notification processing unit
Claims
1. A care support system in which a server device and a client device are connected via a network, The client device a care recipient information transmitting means for transmitting to the server device physical information of the care recipient obtained by a physical condition sensor that detects the physical condition of the care recipient and environmental information of the care recipient obtained by an environmental sensor that detects the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located; and an environmental suitability information receiving means for receiving environmental suitability information relating to the suitability of an environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located from the server device, The server device a storage means for storing the physical information and the environmental information received from the client device in association with time information; a physical condition determining means for determining whether the physical condition of the care recipient is good or not based on the physical information stored in the storage means; an environment suitability determination means for determining whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate based on the determination result of the physical condition determination means of the care recipient and the physical information and the environmental information stored in the storage means; an environment suitability information generating means for generating the environment suitability information including a result of the determination by the environment suitability determining means of the environmental state of the place where the care receiver is located; and an environmentally friendly information transmitting means for transmitting the environmentally friendly information generated by the environmentally friendly information generating means to the client device. Care support system.
2. The care support system according to claim 1 , wherein the environmental information includes at least one of temperature, humidity, volume, illuminance, and gas concentration.
3. The care support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the physical information includes at least whether or not there is excretion.
4. The care support system according to claim 1 , wherein the physical information includes at least one of body movement and posture.
5. The care support system according to claim 1 , wherein the physical information includes at least one of heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and sweating.
6. The care support system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the environmental suitability information includes at least one of information regarding an inappropriate environmental condition in the location where the care recipient is located, or information for making the environmental condition in the location where the care recipient is located appropriate.
7. The care support system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the server device is equipped with a physical condition change determination means for detecting changes in the physical condition of the care recipient based on the determination result of the physical condition of the care recipient by the physical condition determination means and the physical information stored in the memory means.
8. The care support system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the server device is equipped with a care level change detection means for detecting a change in the level of care required of the care recipient based on the result of the physical condition judgment of the care recipient by the physical condition judgment means.
9. The care support system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the client device is equipped with a notification means for notifying whether the environmental conditions of the location where the care recipient is located are comfortable for the care recipient, using the environmental suitability information received from the server device.
10. the server device includes a learning means for generating a determination model for determining whether an environmental condition of a place where the care receiver is present is appropriate by learning using the physical information and the environmental information stored in the storage means; the environmental suitability determination means determines whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate or not using the determination model; The care support system according to claim 1 or 2.
11. a storage means for storing physical information of the care recipient, which is acquired by a physical condition sensor that detects the physical condition of the care recipient, and environmental information of the care recipient, which is acquired by an environmental sensor that detects the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located, in association with time information; a physical condition determining means for determining whether the physical condition of the care recipient is good or not based on the physical information stored in the storage means; an environment suitability determination means for determining whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate based on the determination result of the physical condition determination means of the care recipient and the physical information and the environmental information stored in the storage means; an environment suitability information generating means for generating environment suitability information including a result of the determination by the environment suitability determining means of the environmental state of the place where the care receiver is located; An information processing device comprising:
12. storing physical information of the care recipient acquired by a physical condition sensor that detects the physical condition of the care recipient and environmental information of the care recipient acquired by an environmental sensor that detects the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located, in association with time information; determining whether the physical condition of the care recipient is good or not based on the stored physical information; determining whether the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is present is appropriate based on the determination result of the physical condition of the care recipient and the stored physical information and environmental information; generating environmental suitability information including a determination result of the environmental condition of the place where the care recipient is located. Care support methods.