Self-supporting life aiding device, self-supporting life aiding system, self-supporting life aiding method, and program

Abstract

To aid a user who performs an exercise such as a gymnastics in keeping or improving his or her exercise functions and the like.SOLUTION: A self-supporting life aiding device comprises: a data acquisition unit which acquires evaluation data showing evaluation about a user's self-supporting life motion; an analysis unit which analyzes a user's self-supporting life function based on the evaluation about the self-supporting life motion and generates analysis result data showing a result of the analysis of the self-supporting life function; a generation unit which generates an aiding report including the analysis result data; and a providing unit which provides the aiding report.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an independent living assistance device, an independent living assistance system, an independent living assistance method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, aging has progressed in developed countries including Japan, and efforts to extend healthy lifespan have become increasingly important. In light of this background, a method for evaluating healthy lifespan has been disclosed as a technique for extending a user's healthy lifespan (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] This method of evaluating healthy life expectancy involves assigning a score using the same scale to two or more evaluation items selected from physical function, memory, feelings and mood, nursing care prevention score, sense of health, and confidence in exercise, and then evaluating the effect of extending healthy life expectancy based on the overall evaluation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-174715 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional method for evaluating healthy life expectancy evaluates the effect of movements that constitute exercise such as gymnastics, and does not motivate users to continue exercising to prolong their healthy life expectancy. In order to prolong healthy life expectancy, it is important to encourage users to continue exercising.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an objective of providing an independent living support device, an independent living support system, an independent living support method, and a program that can motivate people to exercise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an independent living support device comprising: a data acquisition unit that acquires evaluation data indicating an evaluation of a user's independent living activities; an analysis unit that analyzes the user's independent living functions based on the evaluation of the independent living activities and generates analysis result data indicating an analysis result of the independent living functions; a generation unit that generates an support report including the analysis result data; and a provision unit that provides the support report.

[0008] In addition, in the above-mentioned independent living support device, the independent living function includes a motor function related to the function of the body and an oral function related to the function of the oral cavity, and the data acquisition unit acquires motor evaluation data indicating an evaluation of the motor function generated based on the detection results of the user's body movement and oral evaluation data indicating an evaluation of the oral function generated based on the detection results of the user's vocal sounds, and the analysis unit may generate, as the analysis result data, motor function analysis result data indicating the analysis results of the user's motor function based on the evaluation of the user's motor function, and oral function analysis result data indicating the analysis results of the user's oral function based on the evaluation of the user's oral function.

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned independent living support device, the motor function may include at least one of the user's posture maintenance ability, balance ability, agility, or leg and hip muscle strength, and the oral function may include at least one of the user's lip and cheek strength or tongue strength.

[0010] In the above-mentioned independent living support apparatus, the analysis unit may determine an independent living action to be recommended to the user based on an analysis result of the independent living function of the user.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is an independent living assistance system including any one of the independent living assistance devices described above, a sensor that detects independent living actions of the user, and a providing device that provides the assistance report to the user.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is an independent living support method in which a computer acquires evaluation data indicating an evaluation of a user's independent living activities, analyzes the user's independent living functions based on the evaluation of the independent living activities, generates analysis result data indicating results of the analysis of the independent living functions, generates a support report including the analysis result data, and provides the support report.

[0013] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to acquire evaluation data indicating an evaluation of a user's independent living activities, analyze the user's independent living functions based on the evaluation of the independent living activities, generate analysis result data indicating analysis results of the independent living functions, generate a support report including the analysis result data, and provide the support report. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an independent living assistance device, an independent living assistance system, an independent living assistance method, and a program that can motivate exercise. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of one configuration of an independent living assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a support report. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the content of a game and exercise recommended to a user. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of the first control unit 40. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first display image F1 including a user's action image and a sample image. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the second display image F2 to the eighth display image F8, which show a state in which the instructor is respectively performing a plurality of body movements. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows an example of a ninth display image F9 including a game image. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a second control unit 60. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows an example of the results of an oral function improvement confirmation test. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows an example of the results of a motor function improvement confirmation test. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] An independent living assistance apparatus, an independent living assistance system, an independent living assistance method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an independent living support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The independent living support system 1 of the embodiment includes, for example, a main device 10, a tablet 20, and a printer 30. The printer 30 prints, for example, information transmitted by the main device 10. The printer 30 provides, for example, an assistance report, which will be described later, to the user. The printer 30 is an example of a providing device.

[0018] The main device 10 includes, for example, a motion sensor 11, a microphone 12, an input interface 13, a display 14, a speaker 15, a first communication device 16, a first control unit 40, and a first storage unit 50. The tablet 20 includes, for example, a touch panel 21, an optical camera 22, a second communication device 23, a second control unit 60, and a second storage unit 70. The tablet 20 may be a smartphone.

[0019] The independent living support system 1 is a system that supports the independent living of a user, for example, by evaluating the function related to the independent living activity of an elderly user (hereinafter, the independent living function) and promoting the independent living support activity. For example, the independent living support system 1 shows the user a sample of exercise when the user performs exercise such as gymnastics, detects and measures the user's movements, analyzes the user's independent living function, and generates a support report based on the analysis result.

[0020] The independent living support system 1 measures the user's movements by having the user perform the same movements as when exercising, such as gymnastics. The independent living support system 1 is a system that can support independent living by encouraging the user to exercise, such as gymnastics, and also evaluates the user's independent living function by detecting and measuring the exercise, such as gymnastics, performed by the user, and provides information on recommended exercises and training games for the user.

[0021] The independent living support system 1 can operate in any of a plurality of operation modes, for example, an "exercise game mode" or a "measurement game mode." The "measurement game mode" includes a "motor function measurement mode" that measures the motor function of the user and an "oral function measurement mode" that measures the oral function of the user. When operating in these operation modes, the independent living support system 1 acquires data for analyzing the independent living function of the user.

[0022] The operation mode can be set based on an operation mode designation signal transmitted by operating a switch or the like provided on the main unit 10 or the tablet 20. The independent living assistance system 1 includes an independent living assistance apparatus 100. The independent living assistance apparatus 100 includes, for example, a first control unit 40 and a second control unit 60.

[0023] The motion sensor 11 in the main unit 10 includes a light source that emits infrared or laser light (hereinafter, detection light) and a light receiving unit that receives the light reflected from a reflection point of the light emitted from the light source. The motion sensor 11 calculates the distance from the motion sensor 11 to the reflection point based on the time from when the light source emits light to when the light receiving unit receives the light.

[0024] The reflection points are set, for example, at a plurality of points on the user's body to be detected, such as points corresponding to each joint of the hand (arm), leg, neck, etc. The motion sensor 11 measures the distance from the motion sensor 11 to the position of each reflection point at regular time intervals. The motion sensor 11 generates distance information relating to the measured distance to each reflection point, and outputs the generated distance information to the first control unit 40.

[0025] The microphone 12 collects sounds around the main unit 10. The sounds around the main unit 10 include the user's voice. The microphone 12 generates collected sound information regarding the collected sounds and outputs the generated collected sound information to the first control unit 40. The input interface 13 is a device that can be operated by the user.

[0026] The input interface 13 includes, for example, a touch panel display, a mouse, and a keyboard. The input interface 13 generates input operation information according to an input operation by a user, and outputs the information to the first communication device 16 and the first control unit 40. The input operation information includes, for example, start information for starting the independent living support system 1 and stop information for stopping the independent living support system 1.

[0027] The display 14 displays various images under the control of the overall control unit 41 of the first control unit 40. The display 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like. The display 14 may be a touch panel. The speaker 15 outputs various sounds under the control of the overall control unit 41 of the first control unit 40.

[0028] The first communication device 16 is, for example, a device that performs wireless communication with the second communication device 23 based on, for example, Wi-Fi, DSRC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other communication standards. The first communication device 16 may be a short-range communication device that performs near field communication (NFC). The first communication device 16 transmits information generated by the first control unit 40 to the tablet 20 and receives information transmitted by the tablet 20.

[0029] In the main unit 10, the display 14 is supported by, for example, a stand that is set upright on the floor. The motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12 are housed in, for example, a common housing. The housing that houses the motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12 is placed in a position where it is easy to detect the movements and voice of a user who is exercising or performing an action for measurement while looking at an image displayed on the display 14, for example, directly below the display 14.

[0030] The housing that houses the motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12 may be disposed in other positions. The motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12 do not have to be housed in a housing, and the motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12 that are not housed in a housing may be disposed close to each other or may be disposed apart from each other.

[0031] The speaker 15 is disposed in a position where a user who is exercising or the like can easily hear the output sound, for example, directly below, directly above, or directly to the side of the display 14. The speaker 15 may be disposed in a position close to the motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12, for example, in a housing that houses the motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12, or may be disposed in a position away from the motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12.

[0032] The first control unit 40 includes, for example, a general control unit 41, a detection unit 42, and an evaluation unit 43. The first control unit 40 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor (computer) executing a main body application 51 (program) stored in a first storage unit 50 (memory, storage circuit).

[0033] The hardware processor may be, for example, a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD) or a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). It is realized by hardware including circuitry such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0034] The overall control unit 41 executes the main application 51 stored in the first storage unit 50 and performs overall control of the entire main unit 10. The overall control unit 41 operates the main unit 10 according to, for example, the operation mode. For example, when the operation mode is the "exercise game mode", the overall control unit 41 displays on the display 14 a sample video of an instructor demonstrating sample movements for the user to perform an exercise, and outputs music to the speaker in accordance with the exercise. In the specification, "image" may be appropriately replaced with "video" in which images are displayed continuously.

[0035] The overall control unit 41 displays a user's own action image showing the user's own action together with the sample image on the display 14. For example, the overall control unit 41 expresses the user's own action image as a skeleton image in which reflection points set by the user are likened to joints and straight lines connecting adjacent points (joints) are likened to bones, and displays the skeleton image on the display 14.

[0036] The overall control unit 41 may display the user's action image in an image other than the framework image, for example. The overall control unit 41 may display the user in an image captured by an optical camera, or in an avatar. When displaying the user's action image, if there are multiple users (up to three, for example), the overall control unit 41 may display the actions of multiple users simultaneously.

[0037] For example, when the operation mode is the "measurement game mode", the general control unit 41 causes images such as game images corresponding to the contents of the training game to be executed and training images corresponding to exercises that can be done in the room (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as training movements) to be displayed on the display 14. There are multiple types of training games and training movements.

[0038] The game images include, for example, games in which an avatar that resembles the user is displayed and games in which an avatar is not displayed. In games in which an avatar is displayed, the avatar may move in accordance with the user's movements. The user can recognize how he or she is moving by the movement of the avatar. The game images include motor function measuring game images used in games that measure motor function (motor function measuring games) and oral function measuring game images used in games that measure oral function (oral function measuring games). The training images include sample images similar to those displayed on display 14 while the exercise game mode is being executed.

[0039] The detection unit 42 detects information on independent living activities related to the independent living activities of the user. The independent living activities refer to activities necessary for daily life without assistance or care for physical movements while maintaining a healthy life expectancy. The physical movements here include, for example, movements by motor function and oral function.

[0040] The independent living activity information includes, for example, body movement information related to the user's body movement and the user's vocalization. The detection unit 42 detects the user's body movement based on, for example, distance information transmitted by the motion sensor 11. The detection unit 42 detects the user's vocalization based on the sound collection information output by the microphone 12.

[0041] The evaluation unit 43 performs an evaluation of the user's independent living function based on the independent living activity information detected by the detection unit 42, and generates evaluation data indicating the evaluation. The evaluation unit 43 generates motion evaluation data that evaluates the motor function related to the function of the user's body based on the detection result of the user's body motion, for example, the time change of distance information for each reflection point of the user detected by the detection unit 42.

[0042] The evaluation unit 43 generates oral cavity evaluation data that evaluates the oral cavity function of the user based on, for example, the detection result of the user's vocalization detected by the detection unit 42. The evaluation unit 43 transmits the generated evaluation data to the tablet 20. The evaluation by the evaluation unit 43 will be described in further detail later.

[0043] The first storage unit 50 stores, for example, a main body application 51 and a main body local file 52. The main body application 51 is a program for operating the main body device 10. The main body local file 52 is a file generated by linking the independent living activity information detected by the detection unit 42 and the evaluation data generated by the evaluation unit 43 to user identification information including a nickname for identifying the user.

[0044] When the operation mode is shifted to the "exercise game mode" or the "measurement game mode", the general control unit 41 generates user identification information in the main body local file 52. When the detection unit 42 detects independent living activity information, the detection unit 42 updates the main body local file 52, and when the evaluation unit 43 generates evaluation data, the evaluation unit 43 updates the main body local file 52.

[0045] The touch panel 21 of the tablet 20 is provided, for example, occupying a wide area on the front surface of the tablet housing. The touch panel 21 has, for example, a function as an input interface that accepts operations by facility employees and a function as an output interface that displays various information such as image information and text information. The touch panel 21 generates and transmits input operation information according to the user's input operation, and displays images based on information transmitted by the second control unit 60.

[0046] The optical camera 22 is attached to, for example, a part of the outer periphery of the tablet housing. The optical camera 22 may be, for example, a digital camera, or a camera other than a digital camera, for example, an analog camera. The optical camera 22 captures an image in response to an operation of a GUI (Graphical User Interface) button displayed on the touch panel 21 or a physical button provided on the outer periphery of the tablet housing. Every time the optical camera 22 captures an image, the optical camera 22 adds imaging information such as the imaging date and time and the imaging location to the captured image (optical photograph) and stores it in the first storage unit 50 as needed.

[0047] The second communication device 23 is, for example, a device that performs wireless communication with the first communication device 16 based on, for example, Wi-Fi, DSRC, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other communication standards. The second communication device 23 may be a short-range communication device that performs near field communication (NFC).

[0048] The second control unit 60 includes, for example, a data acquisition unit 61, an analysis unit 62, a generation unit 63, and a provision unit 64. The data acquisition unit 61 acquires evaluation data transmitted by the first control unit 40, for example, motor evaluation data evaluating the motor function of the user and oral cavity evaluation data evaluating the oral cavity function of the user. The motor evaluation data is generated, for example, based on the detection result of the user's body movement. The oral cavity evaluation data is generated, for example, based on the detection result of the user's vocalization sound.

[0049] The analysis unit 62 analyzes the user's independent living function based on the evaluation indicated by the evaluation data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61. The analysis unit 62, for example, analyzes the user's motor function based on the evaluation of the user's motor function, and analyzes the user's oral function based on the evaluation of the user's oral function. The analysis unit 62 generates analysis result data indicating the analysis result of the independent living function based on the analyzed independent living function. The analysis result data includes motor function analysis result data indicating the analysis result of the user's motor function and oral function analysis result data indicating the analysis result of the user's oral function.

[0050] The generating unit 63 generates a support report including the analysis result data generated by the analyzing unit 62. The providing unit 64 provides the support report generated by the generating unit 63. When providing the support report, the providing unit 64 transmits support report information indicating the contents of the support report to the tablet 20 or the printer 30, for example.

[0051] The touch panel 21 displays, for example, an assistance report based on the assistance report information transmitted by the providing unit 64. The printer 30 prints, for example, an assistance report based on the assistance report information. The assistance report is displayed on the touch panel 21 and printed by the printer 30, and is provided to the user.

[0052] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a support report. In Fig. 2, the left figure shows a first page R1 of the support report, and the right figure shows a second page R2 of the support report. The support report is a report provided monthly to users who participate in a meeting for independent living activities that is held eight times a month, for example. The first page R1 of the support report includes a title display area GA10, a participation record display area GA20, a gift information display area GA30, and a scenery information display area GA40.

[0053] At a gathering, for example, exercises are performed simultaneously by many users, followed by exercises for measuring independent living activities by a small number of users. In cases where the number of users participating in a gathering is small, these exercises may be performed together. The independent living support system 1 operates in an "exercise game mode" when many users perform exercises simultaneously, and operates in a "measurement game mode" ("motor function measurement mode" or "oral function measurement mode") when a small number of users perform exercises for measuring independent living activities.

[0054] The title display area GA10 displays, for example, the target month, the user ID assigned to each user, and the user's name. The participation record display area GA20 displays the number of times the user participated in gatherings in the target month, and the number of training games played at the gatherings. The gift information display area GA30 displays information on incentives granted to users according to the number of times they participated in the target month, such as "Bronze Award," "Silver Award," and "Gold Award" in the example shown in the figure.

[0055] In the scenery information display area GA40, images of photos taken during the meeting and comments to the participants are displayed. For example, photos taken by the organizer of the meeting using the optical camera 22 in the tablet 20 can be used as the photos displayed in the scenery information display area GA40. The optical camera 22 may be provided in other positions, for example, in the housing of the main unit 10, or may be provided on the surface of the display 14, such as directly below or directly above the display 14, or near the motion sensor 11 or microphone 12.

[0056] The photographs displayed in the scenery information display area GA40 may be images captured by other cameras. The comments for the participants are, for example, comments written by the organizer of the gathering using the tablet 20. The comments may be comments selected from preset fixed phrases prepared in advance by the organizer, or may be comments that modify this fixed phrase.

[0057] An analysis result display area GA60 and a recommendation area GA70 are displayed on the second page R2 of the support report. The analysis result display area GA60 displays analysis result data generated by the generation unit 63. The recommendation area GA70 displays recommendation information obtained from the analysis result data.

[0058] The recommendation information includes independent living functions in which the user excels (hereinafter, "the abilities the user excels in"), independent living functions that the user should improve (hereinafter, "the abilities the user should improve"), and information on training games and exercises that can be done in the user's room that are recommended for the user (hereinafter, "recommended information").

[0059] The analysis result data is data showing the analysis results of, for example, posture maintenance ability, balance ability, instantaneous reaction ability (agility, hereinafter reaction ability), leg and waist muscle strength (hereinafter leg and waist muscle strength), lip and cheek strength (hereinafter lip and cheek strength), and tongue strength (hereinafter tongue strength). Of these, posture maintenance ability, balance ability, reaction ability, and leg and waist muscle strength show the analysis results of motor function, and lip and cheek strength and tongue strength show the analysis results of oral cavity function.

[0060] The ability to maintain posture is the ability to keep your back and arms outstretched. Balance is the ability to reach your arms out far. Reaction is the ability to react to an emergency step and to move your arms and legs quickly. Leg and hip strength is the ability to lift your legs and bottom off the ground. Lip and cheek strength is the strength required to eat, inhale food, and converse expressively. Tongue strength is the strength required to move food down the throat and speak clearly.

[0061] The analysis result data displayed in the analysis result display area GA60 shows numerical values ​​in a radar chart, which are evaluated on a scale of 100 points for posture maintenance ability, balance ability, reaction ability, leg and hip muscle strength, lip and cheek strength, and tongue strength. In the support report, for example, the analysis result data for the month when support started is shown in a radar chart along with the target month.

[0062] The "ability that the user excels in" and the "ability that the user should improve" included in the recommendation information displayed in the recommendation area GA70 are selected from the independent living functions obtained as analysis result data and displayed. For example, the independent living function with the highest evaluation score is displayed as the "ability that the user excels in," and the independent living function with the lowest evaluation score is displayed as the "ability that the user should improve."

[0063] The training games and in-home exercises included in the recommendation information are determined by, for example, referring to a recommendation table 73 stored in the second storage unit 70 for the "skills that should be improved." Here, the recommendation table 73 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the recommendation table 73.

[0064] The recommendation table 73 is a table in which "strengths that are good to improve" are associated with the contents of games for improving the strengths and exercises that can be done in the room. For example, "lip-cheek strength" as one of the "strengths that are good to improve" is associated with multiple games (oral function measurement games) such as "Fukuwarai" and "Target shooting with sound" and an exercise (oral function measurement action) of "puffing out cheeks with mouth closed." In addition, "ability to maintain posture" as one of the "strengths that are good to improve" is associated with multiple games (motor function measurement games) such as "roll splitting" and "offshore fishing" and multiple types of exercises (motor function measurement action) such as "put hands together in front of chest and push against each other for 10 seconds" and "straighten your back, raise both elbows to chest height, open your chest and hold for 5 seconds."

[0065] When there are multiple training games and training actions (exercises that can be done at home) that are associated with a "skill that should be improved" and are recommended to the user, one or more may be selected from the multiple and displayed, or all training games and training actions may be displayed. When selecting one or more training games and training actions from the multiple, they may be appropriately selected according to the user's preferences, characteristics, condition, etc., for example, or the organizer may be able to select them. Alternatively, multiple training games and training actions may be displayed in a sequential loop.

[0066] The second storage unit 70 stores, for example, a tablet application 71 and a tablet local file 72. The tablet application 71 is a program for operating the tablet 20. The tablet local file 72 is, for example, a file generated by linking user information related to the user with an evaluation based on evaluation data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61, analysis result data generated by the analysis unit 62, and assistance report data generated by the generation unit 63. The user information may include information related to the user, such as the user's name, age, address, occupation, family structure, place of employment, etc., in addition to information included in the user identification information.

[0067] Next, a process in the independent living support system 1 of the embodiment will be described. In the independent living support system 1 of the embodiment, the first control unit 40 in the main unit 10 and the second control unit 60 in the tablet 20 operate independently. In the following description, the process in the first control unit 40 will be described, and then the process in the second control unit 60 will be described.

[0068] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the first control unit 40. The independent living assistance system 1 is first started when the first control unit 40 receives start-up information transmitted by the input interface 13 or the tablet 20 (step S101). The start-up information is included in, for example, input operation information transmitted by the user operating the input interface 13 or the touch panel 21 of the tablet 20. When the independent living assistance system 1 is started, the detection unit 42 detects the user's independent living action information including the user's body action and vocalization sound based on the distance information and sound collection information transmitted by the motion sensor 11 and the microphone 12.

[0069] Next, the central control unit 41 determines whether the operation mode is the "exercise game mode" (step S103). The central control unit 41 determines the operation mode based on an operation mode designation signal transmitted by the tablet 20 by operating a switch provided on the main unit 10 or a switch provided on the tablet 20. If the central control unit 41 determines that the operation mode is the "exercise game mode", for example, a state in which many users are performing exercises at the same time. Therefore, the central control unit 41 displays a sample image on the display 14 (step S105). After each user is ready, for example, after the organizer of the gathering transmits start-up information based on the operation of the input interface 13, the central control unit 41 starts displaying the sample image.

[0070] While many users are doing the exercises, the organizer of the meeting captures the scenery of the meeting with the optical camera 22 provided in the tablet 20. The organizer takes scenery photos of the users doing the exercises as the scenery of the meeting. The scenery photos taken by the optical camera 22 are stored in the tablet local file 72 as needed.

[0071] Next, the central control unit 41 determines whether or not the "exercise game mode" has ended (step S107). If it determines that the "exercise game mode" has not ended, the central control unit 41 returns the process to step S105 and continues displaying the sample video. If the central control unit 41 determines that the "exercise game mode" has ended, or if the central control unit 41 determines in step S103 that the operating mode is not the exercise game mode, the operating mode is the "measurement game mode."

[0072] In this case, for example, a small number of users are performing exercises for measuring independent living activities in front of the main unit 10. The independent living support system 1 detects the user's body movements and vocalizations, and the motion sensor 11 and microphone 12 in the main unit 10 generate distance information and sound collection information corresponding to the user's body movements and vocalizations, respectively, and transmit them to the first control unit 40.

[0073] Next, the overall control unit 41 determines whether the operation mode is the "measurement game mode" (step S109). If it is determined that the operation mode is not the "measurement game mode", the overall control unit 41 advances the process to step S131. If it is determined that the operation mode is the "measurement game mode", the overall control unit 41 then determines whether the operation mode is the "motor function measurement mode" (step S111).

[0074] When it is determined that the operation mode is the "motor function measurement mode", the general control unit 41 selects a motor function measurement game suitable for the user from the recommendation table 73 (step S113). Next, the general control unit 41 causes the display 14 to display a motor function measurement game video or a training video corresponding to the selected motor function measurement game (step S115). Next, the evaluation unit 43 generates exercise evaluation data that evaluates the user's motor function based on the user's body movements detected by the detection unit 42 while the user is playing the motor function measurement game (step S117).

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation mode is not the "motor function measurement mode", the central control unit 41 determines that the operation mode is the "oral function measurement game mode" and selects an oral function measurement game suitable for the user from the recommendation table 73 (step S119). Next, the central control unit 41 causes the display 14 to display an oral function measurement game video or a training video corresponding to the selected oral function measurement game (step S121). Next, the evaluation unit 43 generates oral evaluation data that evaluates the oral function of the user based on the user's vocal sounds detected by the detection unit 42 while the user is playing the oral function measurement game (step S123).

[0076] The evaluation unit 43 determines whether or not both the motor evaluation data and the oral cavity evaluation data have been generated (step S125). If it is determined that both evaluation data have not been generated, the evaluation unit 43 returns the process to step S109. If it is determined that both evaluation data have been generated, the evaluation unit 43 integrates the motor evaluation data and the oral cavity evaluation data to generate evaluation data that evaluates the user's independent living function (step S127). The evaluation data includes motor evaluation data that evaluates the user's motor function and oral cavity evaluation data that evaluates the oral function. The evaluation unit 43 transmits the generated evaluation data to the tablet 20 (step S129).

[0077] The evaluation unit 43 generates evaluation data including the motion evaluation data and the oral cavity evaluation data and then transmits the evaluation data to the tablet 20, but may transmit the motion evaluation data and the oral cavity evaluation data to the tablet 20 every time they are generated. In this case, the tablet 20 may generate evaluation data including both the motion evaluation data and the oral cavity evaluation data after they are collected.

[0078] Next, the central control unit 41 determines whether or not the stop information transmitted by the input interface 13 or the tablet 20 has been received (step S131). If it is determined that the stop information has not been received, the central control unit 41 returns the process to step S103. If the central control unit 41 determines that the stop information has been received, the independent living support system 1 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0079] Next, the evaluation of the independent living function will be described. First, the evaluation of the motor function will be described. The evaluation of the motor function is performed, for example, on a user who performs exercises while watching a sample video. The evaluation of the motor function is quantified and, for example, transmitted to the tablet 20 and displayed on the display 14 together with the user's movement video and the sample video.

[0080] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first display image F1 including a person's action image and a sample image. The first display image F1 displayed on the display 14 includes a person's action image GB11, a sample image GB12, a first sample image GB13, a second sample image GB14, a first evaluation score image GB15, and a second evaluation score image GB16.

[0081] The user's own movement image GB11 is an image that visualizes a framework image generated based on the user's body movement information detected by the detection unit 42. The user's own movement image GB11 moves in the same way as the user's own body movement, so the user can recognize his or her own body movement while watching the user's own movement image GB11.

[0082] The sample video GB12 is a video showing a sample of exercises performed by an instructor. The sample video GB12 is included in the main application 51, for example, and can be displayed on the display 14 when the main application 51 is running. The first sample video GB13 is a framework video of the instructor's movements viewed from the front, and the second sample video GB14 is a framework video of the instructor's movements viewed from directly above.

[0083] The first evaluation score image GB15 is an image showing the degree of matching between the user's movement and the instructor's movement as a score out of 100 points. The upper part of the first evaluation score image GB15 shows the total score of the degree of matching since the start of the exercise, and the lower part shows the current degree of matching. When detecting independent living activities of multiple users, the score of the user designated as the target is displayed as the first evaluation score image GB15.

[0084] The second evaluation score image GB16 is an image showing the score of the degree of agreement for each of the independent living activities of multiple users when they are detected. In the example shown in Fig. 5, since the independent living activities of only one person are detected, "0" is displayed for the second evaluation score image GB16 for two people.

[0085] Body movements that are detected to evaluate motor function include, for example, movements for measuring postural ability (hereinafter referred to as postural ability measurement movements), movements for measuring balance (hereinafter referred to as balance ability measurement movements), movements for measuring reaction ability (hereinafter referred to as reaction ability measurement movements), and movements for measuring leg and hip muscle strength (hereinafter referred to as leg and hip muscle strength measurement movements).

[0086] The posture maintenance measurement action involves straightening the back, stretching both arms upwards without bending the elbows, and placing both palms together above the head. Posture maintenance is evaluated based on, for example, whether the instructor is hunched over or not bending the elbows. Figure 5 shows the instructor performing the posture maintenance measurement action.

[0087] The balance ability measuring action, the leg and waist muscle strength measuring action, and the reaction ability measuring action will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second display image F2 to the eighth display image F8 showing the instructor performing a plurality of body movements. Note that in each image shown in Fig. 6, the instructor's own action image GB11 and the like other than the sample image GB12 are omitted.

[0088] The balance measurement action includes a first balance measurement action in which the right arm is stretched far from the trunk, and a second balance measurement action in which the left arm is stretched far from the trunk. The balance is evaluated based on whether the arm is stretched far from the trunk, specifically, the degree to which the armpit is open when the arm is stretched, and whether the waist is bent forward. The top left side of Fig. 6 shows a second display image F2 in which the instructor performing the first balance measurement action is displayed. The top right side of Fig. 6 shows a third display image F3 in which the instructor performing the second balance measurement action is displayed.

[0089] The reaction force measurement action includes repeating the action of closing and opening both arms and legs while sitting on a chair. The reaction force measurement action is evaluated based on the time it takes to close and open both arms and legs depending on the degree of opening of the hip joints and the degree of raising of the elbows. The left middle row of Figure 6 shows a fourth display image F4 showing an instructor sitting on a chair with arms and legs open. The right middle row of Figure 6 shows a fifth display image F5 showing an instructor sitting on a chair with arms and legs closed.

[0090] The leg and hip muscle strength measurement actions include a first leg and hip muscle strength measurement action of raising the right leg while sitting on a chair, etc., a second leg and hip muscle strength measurement action of raising the left leg while sitting on a chair, etc., and a third leg and hip muscle strength measurement action of lifting the buttocks from a sitting position on a chair, etc. Leg and hip muscle strength is evaluated based on the time it takes to lift the leg and the time the buttocks are lifted.

[0091] The sixth display image F6 showing the instructor performing the first leg and hip muscle strength measuring action is shown on the lower left side of Fig. 6. The seventh display image F7 showing the instructor performing the second leg and hip muscle strength measuring action is shown on the lower center of Fig. 6. The eighth display image F8 showing the instructor performing the third leg and hip muscle strength measuring action is shown on the lower right side of Fig. 6.

[0092] Next, the evaluation of oral function among the evaluations of independent living activities will be described. The evaluation of oral function is performed, for example, on a user playing a game while watching a game video. The evaluation of oral function is quantified in the same manner as the motor function, and is transmitted to, for example, the tablet 20. The evaluation of oral function is not displayed in the game video, but the progress of the game substantially indicates the oral function.

[0093] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the ninth display image F9 including an image of an oral function measurement game. The image of the oral function measurement game displayed on the display 14 is an image when a game called "Syllable" is being played. "Syllable" is a game in which the sounds "pa" and "ta" are repeated. The game image of "Syllable" includes a large number of candle images GC10. The candle images GC10 include both lit and extinguished candle images.

[0094] When the game is started, all the candle images GC10 are lit. When the game is started, the flames of the candle images GC10 are extinguished one by one when the user utters a designated sound, for example, "pa" or "ta." The user's vocalization is collected by the microphone 12. The detection unit 42 detects the vocalization collected by the microphone 12 and determines whether or not the user uttered the designated sound (for example, "pa" or "ta"). When the detection unit 42 determines that the user uttered the designated sound, the general control unit 41 sequentially extinguishes the images of the lit candles.

[0095] The vocal sounds to be detected for evaluating the oral cavity function include, for example, a vocal sound for measuring labial-cheek strength (e.g., "pa", hereinafter referred to as the first vocal sound) and a vocal sound for measuring tongue strength (e.g., "ta", hereinafter referred to as the second vocal sound). The detection unit 42 detects the user's vocal sounds while the "syllable" is being made.

[0096] The evaluation unit 43 evaluates whether or not the first and second vocal sounds are consecutively uttered among the detected vocal sounds. The evaluation unit 43 evaluates labial cheek strength based on the number of times the first vocal sound is consecutively uttered, and for example, evaluates that the labial cheek strength is higher as the number of times the first vocal sound is consecutively uttered increases. The evaluation unit 43 evaluates tongue strength based on the number of times the second vocal sound is consecutively uttered, and for example, evaluates that the tongue strength is higher as the number of times the second vocal sound is consecutively uttered increases.

[0097] Although "Syllable" has been described here as an oral function measurement game for measuring oral function, the oral function measurement game may be a game other than "Syllable" shown in recommendation table 73. Alternatively, the oral function measurement game may be a game other than the games shown in recommendation table 73, such as a game that displays a bird flying in response to the user's voice.

[0098] Next, a description will be given of the process in the second control unit 60. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process in the second control unit 60. First, the second control unit 60 starts up when it receives start-up information transmitted by the main body device 10 or the touch panel 21 (step S201).

[0099] Next, the second control unit 60 determines whether the operation mode is the "measurement game mode" (step S203). If it is determined that the operation mode is the "measurement game mode", the data acquisition unit 61 acquires the evaluation data transmitted by the main device 10 (step S205).

[0100] Next, the analysis unit 62 judges whether or not the "measurement game mode" is ended and the measurement of the independent living activities is ended (step S207). When it is judged that the measurement of the independent living activities is not ended, the analysis unit 62 returns the process to step S205 and continues the measurement of the independent living activities.

[0101] When it is determined that the measurement of the independent living activities has ended, the analysis unit 62 analyzes the evaluation data and generates analysis result data (step S209). Next, the generation unit 63 acquires a landscape photo to be included in the support report (step S211). When acquiring the landscape photo, the generation unit 63 displays a plurality of landscape photos accumulated in the tablet local file 72 on the touch panel 21, and allows the organizer or user to select a landscape photo to be included in the support report and input a comment. The generation unit 63 acquires the selected landscape photo as the landscape photo to be included in the support report.

[0102] Next, the generation unit 63 refers to the generated analysis result data in the recommendation table 73 and selects a training game and a training action to be recommended to the user. The generation unit 63 also acquires user information and gift information, and synthesizes this information to generate the support report shown in FIG. 2 (step S213).

[0103] Next, the providing unit 64 provides the support report by transmitting support report information indicating the contents of the support report generated by the generating unit 63 to the tablet 20 or the printer 30 (step S215). The organizer or the user receives the support report displayed on the touch panel 21 of the tablet 20 or printed by the printer 30.

[0104] Next, the data acquisition unit 61 determines whether or not the stop information transmitted by the touch panel 21 or the main body device 10 has been received (step S215). If it is determined that the stop information has not been received, the data acquisition unit 61 returns the process to step S203. If the data acquisition unit 61 determines that the stop information has been received, the independent living support system 1 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0105] The independent living support system 1 according to the embodiment has been described above. The independent living support system 1 includes a data acquisition unit 61, an analysis unit 62, a generation unit 63, and a provision unit 64. The data acquisition unit 61 acquires evaluation data indicating an evaluation of the user's independent living activities. The analysis unit 62 analyzes the user's independent living functions based on the evaluation of the independent living activities, and generates analysis result data indicating the analysis results of the independent living functions. The generation unit 63 generates an assistance report including the analysis result data. The provision unit 64 provides the assistance report.

[0106] This allows the independent living support system 1 to evaluate the independent living function of the user and provide the user with a support report including the result of analyzing the independent living function of the user. Therefore, the independent living support system 1 can motivate the user to exercise to improve the independent living function.

[0107] In addition, the independent living motions recommended to the user are determined based on the analysis results of the user's independent living functions. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with information on the independent living functions that the user is good at and bad at. Therefore, the user can easily recognize what kind of exercise he or she should do, and it is possible to increase the motivation for the user to exercise in order to improve his or her independent living functions.

[0108] The effects of the independent living support system 1 according to the embodiment when providing support for independent living will be described below. The support provided by the independent living support system 1 allows the user to continue exercising (playing a game) in a fun manner. As a result, support was provided to multiple users using the independent living support system 1, and the result was that 100% of the users were able to continue exercising. This result shows that users can maintain and improve their health by making exercise a habit.

[0109] In addition, an oral function improvement confirmation test was conducted to confirm the effect of improving oral function. In the oral function improvement confirmation test, the number of times "pa" and "ta" were pronounced per 5 seconds was measured before the start of support with the independent living support system 1, and 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months after the start of support.

[0110] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the results of the oral cavity function improvement confirmation test. As can be seen from Fig. 9, the number of times "pa" and "ta" were pronounced per 5 seconds increased two weeks, one month, and two months after the start of support using the independent living support system 1 compared to before the start of support. Therefore, it was found that oral cavity function was improved by providing support using the independent living support system 1.

[0111] In addition, a motor function improvement confirmation test was conducted to confirm the effect of improving motor function. In the motor function improvement confirmation test, the 5-meter walking speed (seconds) and the time to stand up (seconds) in the TUG (Time Up & Go Test) were measured before starting support with the independent living support system 1, and two weeks, one month, and two months after starting support.

[0112] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the results of a motor function improvement confirmation test. As can be seen from Fig. 10, the 5-meter walking speed and TUG were shortened at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months after the start of support by the independent living support system 1. Therefore, it was found that support by the independent living support system 1 improves motor function.

[0113] Furthermore, as oral and motor functions improved, the rate at which users slept soundly increased. For example, when users staying at elderly care facilities received support from the independent living support system 1, the rate at which users wandered around at night decreased. This reduced the workload of elderly care facilities dealing with nighttime wandering. Furthermore, elderly care facilities can expect to attract more customers by differentiating their services.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the independent living support apparatus 100 includes the main unit 10 and the tablet 20, each of which is equipped with its own processor and executes different processes. Alternatively, the independent living support apparatus 100 may include a processor having the functions of both the main unit 10 and the tablet 20, and the main unit 10 and the tablet 20 may be integrated into an independent living support system 1. Furthermore, in addition to the main unit 10 and the tablet 20, a printer 30 may also be integrated into the main unit 10.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the evaluation data is generated based on the result of detecting the independent living activity actually performed by the user, but the evaluation data may be generated in other manners. The evaluation data may be generated based on the result of inputting data showing a video or image showing the user performing the above-described exercise into a machine learning program and evaluating the data by the machine learning program.

[0116] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the independent living support device, the independent living support system, the independent living support method, and the program are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications, substitutions, combinations, and / or design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0117] The effects of the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention may have other effects that a person skilled in the art can recognize from the description of the above-described embodiments in addition to the above-described effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1... independent living support system, 10... main body device, 11... motion sensor, 12... microphone, 13... input interface, 14... display, 15... speaker, 16... first communication device, 20... tablet, 21... touch panel, 22... optical camera, 23... second communication device, 30... printer, 40... first control unit, 41... general control unit, 42... detection unit, 43... evaluation unit, 50... first memory unit, 51... main body application, 52... main body local file, 60... second control unit, 61... data acquisition unit, 62... analysis unit, 63... generation unit, 64... provision unit, 70... second memory unit, 71... tablet application, 72... tablet local file, 73... recommendation table, 100... independent living support device

Claims

1. A data acquisition unit that acquires evaluation data indicating an evaluation regarding an independent living activity of the user; an analysis unit that analyzes the independent living function of the user based on the evaluation regarding the independent living activity, and generates analysis result data indicating an analysis result of the independent living function; a generation unit for generating an assistance report including the analysis result data; A providing unit that provides the support report. Independent living support equipment.

2. The independent living function includes a motor function related to the function of the body and an oral function related to the function of the oral cavity, The data acquisition unit acquires motion evaluation data indicating an evaluation of a motor function generated based on a detection result of a body movement of the user and oral cavity evaluation data indicating an evaluation of an oral cavity function generated based on a detection result of a vocalization sound of the user, The analysis unit includes, as the analysis result data, generating motor function analysis result data indicating an analysis result of the motor function of the user based on the evaluation of the motor function of the user; generating oral function analysis result data indicating an analysis result of the oral function of the user based on the evaluation of the oral function of the user; The independent living assistance device according to claim 1.

3. The motor function includes at least one of the user's posture maintenance ability, balance ability, agility, or leg and hip muscle strength, The oral function includes at least one of lip and cheek force or tongue force of the user. The independent living assistance device according to claim 2.

4. The analysis unit determines an independent living action to be recommended to the user based on the analysis result of the independent living function of the user. The independent living assistance device according to claim 1.

5. An independent living assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a sensor for detecting independent living movements of the user; A providing device that provides the assistance report to the user. Assisted independent living system.

6. The computer obtaining evaluation data indicative of an evaluation of the user's independent living activities; Analyzing the independent living function of the user based on the evaluation regarding the independent living activity, and generating analysis result data indicating an analysis result of the independent living function; generating a support report including the analysis result data; providing said support report; Independent living support methods.

7. On the computer, obtaining evaluation data indicative of an evaluation of the user's independent living activities; Analyzing the independent living function of the user based on the evaluation regarding the independent living activity, and generating analysis result data indicating an analysis result of the independent living function; generating a support report including the analysis result data; providing said support report; program.

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