Bathing accident detection method and asymmetric electrostatic sensor

Abstract

To provide a bathroom accident detection device, a method, a bathtub, and software that detect an abnormality in a bather at an early stage and reports the abnormalities outside the bathroom.SOLUTION: A method of detecting changes in a bathroom caused by a bather, and issuing an alarm both inside and outside the bathroom if there is no change for a predetermined period of time or longer to detect an abnormality of the bather at an early stage, wherein sounds and vibrations emitted by the bather are detected as means for detecting changes, and the changes caused by the bather are determined by obtaining information through external lines or using AI even if a program performs learning. Detection means, means for determining abnormalities of bathers, means for communicating outside the bathroom and the like are incorporated into lighting in a bathtub, is inserted into a clearance with a lighting fixture, or is integrated with the lighting fixture. The detection means may be a combination of a capacitance sensor capable of capturing changes in ta water level in the bathtub and other detection means. In particular, an asymmetric capacitance sensor that uses water in the bathtub as a part of electrodes that capture changes in capacitance can capture changes in the water level in the bathtub with high sensitivity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application relates to a method for early detection of accidents that may occur while bathing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional methods for detecting accidents involving bathers required the bather to operate the system themselves, took time to detect the accident, and were not simple. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent application 2008-292787

[0004] [Patent Document 2] Patent application 2000-040515 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case of fatal accidents occurring while bathing by people living alone, delays in discovery due to the double confinement of the bathroom and the fact that the person lives alone may be: The impact of the accident is extremely large, including damage to the body due to the high humidity environment, the need for special cleaning, a decline in property values, and the impact on the neighborhood. Even if there are other people living in the bathroom, a delayed discovery of an accident in the enclosed space of the bathroom could lead to serious consequences. The present invention aims to detect such accidents that may lead to fatal accidents at an early stage and to issue a warning outside the bathroom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This application is an invention of a means for detecting displacement caused by the bather's movements while bathing, without the bather being aware that he or she is being watched, and sounding an alarm when the displacement stops.

[0007] The present application provides a method for detecting changes caused by a bather in a bathroom, the method comprising: The signal is distinguishable from signals not attributable to the bather; If the signal caused by the bather is interrupted and the signal is not recognized within a predetermined time, Computer software was devised that would output a signal outside the bathroom.

[0008] Furthermore, the operation of the computer software or the opening / closing (ON / OFF) of the detection means may be linked to the switch of a light in the bathroom.

[0009] The operation of the computer software or the means of communication with the outside of the bathroom may use power line communication.

[0010] The detection means, the software, and the communication means, all or at least a part of which Built into a light or luminaire, or Can be placed between the light and the lighting fixture, or It may be located on the lamp or any part of the lighting fixture.

[0011] Of the two or more electrodes in the present application, at least one electrode may be embedded and insulated so as not to come into contact with the water in the bathtub, forming an electrode-embedded bathtub.

[0012] Among the various electrodes that can be used as electrodes for capacitance sensors, At least one of the sensors is fixed and separated by an insulator so that it does not come into contact with the liquid to be detected. At least one of the electrodes other than the electrode may be a capacitance type sensor arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the liquid.

[0013] (electrode) At least one of the electrodes used in the present application is manufactured on the back surface of the bathtub member or embedded in the bathtub member; Since the electrode surface is not exposed to the bathtub, the possibility of the electrodes corroding is low, and bathing and cleaning of the bathtub are no different from conventional bathtubs.

[0014] (electrode shape) In this application, a bathtub such as a unit bath manufactured by sandwiching (stacking) electrodes is The different components need to adhere to each other and be integrated to maintain their strength. In addition, even if the adhesiveness is maintained during manufacturing, This condition may not be maintained with long-term use. For example, metal and polyester resin have different shrinkage rates depending on temperature. Furthermore, since the bather is subjected to repeated pressure from the water and his / her body weight, there is a possibility that the adhesion of the bathtub may decrease. Therefore, during manufacturing, the electrode material should be made of a material with one or more holes (including porous materials), The electrodes are made of nets or fibers. The electrode material to be used may be treated with a primer having good adhesion. The surface of a laminating fiber member such as glass fiber used in manufacturing the bathtub is coated with a conductive material, or At least a part of the material may be made of conductive carbon fiber.

[0015] (Means of detecting abnormalities) The detection means capable of detecting a change caused by a bather in the present application is, for example, The sensor may be a sound or vibration sensor, a water pressure sensor, a capacitance sensor, a water surface height detection means, a microwave distance measuring sensor, a laser distance measuring sensor, a proximity sensor, an infrared sensor, a thermograph, an image sensor, various speed sensors, an acceleration sensor, a piezoelectric element, a condenser microphone, a dynamic microphone, a silicon microphone, etc. Furthermore, abnormalities in the bather may be detected by detecting breathing sounds and heart sounds using sensors (microphones, vibration sensors, etc.) placed in the bathtub.

[0016] (controller) In addition, a computer having software that receives signals from a detection means placed in the bathroom as input, a communication means, an alarm means, and a means (controller) for setting and operating the alarm, etc. The respective locations may be either inside the bathroom or outside the bathroom, and the setting operation and the means for issuing the alarm may be performed by any mobile terminal via a communication means.

[0017] (Data update) The controller in the present application may be capable of updating the criteria for distinguishing between displacements of bathers and other objects, the criteria for determining abnormalities, and the methods for doing so, via an internet connection or using a memory device such as removable memory.

[0018] (Abnormality detection for bathers) Generally, the movement of a bather in a bathtub produces noise and ripples on the water surface in the bathtub. However, if they fall asleep or faint, there will be almost no movement on the water surface. However, slight changes in water pressure can be seen due to breathing and heartbeat, and if breathing and cardiac arrest occur, these changes will no longer be seen. The asymmetric capacitance sensor of the present application is suitable as a detection means capable of detecting such changes.

[0019] (sealing the device) In this application, the sensor that can be placed in the bathroom, or the control circuit thereof, excluding the signal input port from the sensor and the power port, It is possible to pot and seal with synthetic resin or the like, and in this way it is possible to protect the control circuit even in a high humidity environment. In addition, the sensor, the input / output port, and part or all of the control circuit may be built into the lighting (light) or lighting equipment.

[0020] (Capacitive signal conversion) The electrode functioning as the electrostatic sensor in this application is, immediately after its output, The change in capacitance of the electrode may be converted into another signal change, such as a change in frequency, voltage, current, or the like.

[0021] (Unit placement position) A signal input port for detecting or receiving a signal from the detecting means in the present application; The unit having a means capable of outputting a result of processing a signal from the detection means comprises: Built into the lighting in the bathroom, Or placed in any position of the lighting fixtures placed in the bathroom, Alternatively, it may be possible to place it between a lighting fixture placed in the bathroom and the lighting attached to it.

[0022] (Unit alarm means) The alarm issued by the unit may be, for example, sound, light, or a warning voice.

[0023] (Asymmetric capacitance sensor electrode arrangement) In the capacitive sensor usable in the present application, Among the multiple electrodes that can be used as electrodes for capacitance sensors, At least one of the sensors is shielded and fixed with an insulator so that it does not come into contact with the liquid to be detected. Alternatively, an electrode other than the above-mentioned electrode may be a capacitive liquid level sensor (hereinafter referred to as an asymmetric insulating capacitive sensor) arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the liquid.

[0024] (Characteristics of asymmetric capacitive sensors) As shown in FIG. 5A, the asymmetric capacitance sensor is configured so that one of the electrodes (2a) can be in contact with the water (hot water) in the bathtub. The electrode (1a) embedded in the bathtub component acts as a capacitor having a dielectric constant. At this time, the dielectric constant and capacitance of the water (hot water) containing impurities vary depending on its temperature and water quality (regional differences, water contamination by bathers, etc.).

[0025] Therefore, it is difficult to determine the absolute water level using the absolute capacitance value. By noting the deviation between the current capacitance value and the most recent value, It is possible to estimate whether a bather is in the bathtub and whether or not they are moving.

[0026] Detecting possible sleep, submersion, or loss of consciousness while immersed in the bathtub The asymmetric capacitance sensor in this application is suitable for detecting changes in the water level in a bathtub.

[0027] It should be noted that the use of the asymmetric capacitance sensor in this application is not limited to a bathtub.

[0028] (Light line) By using the light line as the power source for this application, there is no need to replace batteries. Furthermore, it can also be used as a communication cable for power line communication (electric light line communication / PLC communication), Furthermore, it can be linked to the bathroom light switch, so that Bathers may also be added as a condition that the computer software uses to determine whether they have started or finished bathing.

[0029] In addition, the detection means (sensors) that can detect changes caused by the bather's movements are It may be connected to a detection circuit that is powered by the electric light line that is pulled into the bathroom, Additionally, power line communication may be used as a means for communicating data from the detection circuitry including the changes.

[0030] (Means of communication) Methods of communication outside the bathroom include wired communication using power line communication (PLC) and communication cables, as well as Wireless communication means such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi, and infrared communication may be used.

[0031] (Power Line Communications) The power line communication may have an identification code for identifying the signal from other communication signals, noise, etc. It may have its own carrier wave.

[0032] (sensor) In this application, the sensor includes a device or a means capable of detecting a change in the state of an object. The above-mentioned means refers to a means capable of detecting a change in the state of an object by combining components, such as arranging a plurality of electrodes to form a capacitance sensor.

[0033] (Definition, etc.) In this application, water may also be hot water.

[0034] Further, the detection target of the asymmetric capacitance sensor in this application is not limited to water, but refers to liquids in general.

[0035] In this application, the term "alert" refers to the transmission of any information or signal to the bather, his / her family, or a third party, regardless of the location or means of transmission.

[0036] In this application, since sound and vibration are essentially the same thing, If either sound or vibration is mentioned, the other is also included.

[0037] In this application, the term "light" or "lamp" refers to a single electrical component capable of emitting light, which is generally attached to a lighting fixture, although there are exceptions where the lighting fixture is not used.

[0038] In this application, a lighting fixture is defined as a fixture to which lighting (electric lamp) can be attached, and Components that can be attached thereto, accessories that accompany said device, For example, mounting parts, screws, hoods, shades, covers, etc. are included.

[0039] In this application, "outside the bathroom" does not mean only inside the residence where the bathroom is located, This also includes family members outside the residence, management companies, security companies, hospitals, etc.

[0040] (sensor signal reception) In this application, the part that receives signals from the sensors and inputs them into the computer software is: It may be installed alongside a sensor placed in the bathroom, or it may be installed outside the bathroom via a communication means.

[0041] (filtering) Basically, the changes that bathers make in the bathroom are not continuous, but rather one-off or discontinuous. It is different from periodic, continuous noises such as power supply noise, the sound of running water, or the sound of a ventilation fan. Therefore, in the software of the present application, the signal of continuous change is not obtained by the bather's actions while bathing, The data may be excluded (filtered) from the abnormality determination data. Conversely, the fact that the sounds made by bathers are discontinuous may also be utilized.

[0042] (Bathroom presence determination) It may be determined that the person is taking a bath by detecting the sound of the bathroom door opening and closing following the turning on of the light in the bathroom, and further sounds in the bathroom.

[0043] (Abnormality judgment) After the sensor detects a loud sound or vibration, such as a fall, an alarm may be sounded outside the bathroom if no discontinuous sounds, excluding continuous sounds such as running water or shower sounds, are detected within a predetermined time, or if no displacement, such as sounds that may be made by a bather, is detected.

[0044] (Sounds, vibrations and abnormality detection in the bathroom) Sounds and vibrations in the bathroom include the sound of the bathroom door opening and closing, footsteps, sounds made by bathers using the bathroom equipment and tools, the sound of the exhaust fan operating, continuous sounds such as running water (shower, filling the water), and sounds reverberating from outside the bathroom. Also, - The bather does not emit any sound or vibration for a predetermined period of time while bathing (possibility of losing consciousness or drowning), - After emitting noise or vibrations greater than the specified value, there is no noise or vibration caused by the bather's movements (possibility of being unable to move or losing consciousness after falling) By detecting such conditions, it may be possible to determine whether there is something wrong with the bather or whether there is a possibility of an accident.

[0045] (spectrogram) As a way to distinguish between sounds made by bathers in the bathroom and other sounds, sound frequency analysis and frequency distribution (spectrogram) can be used.

[0046] (Use of AI) For computer programs such as AI, Sound patterns that occur when taking a bath, such as the sound of the shower, the sound of water pouring, the sound of water made by the bather, and the sound of the human body colliding with the unit bath, etc. The bathing time of the bather and the duration of the sounds related to the bathing may be memorized and learned multiple times to distinguish the sounds made by the bather from other sounds. The predetermined set time variable may be reflected by the learning result.

[0047] (Privacy protection) When using a sound sensor (microphone) as the sensor of this application, users are concerned about the risk of sound information leaking to the outside. The sound picked up by the microphone is not sent directly to the outside via communication means, Sound picked up by the microphone may be converted into a signal or encrypted in the bathroom before being sent to the outside. In addition, the present application is not limited to the microphone, but also includes a circuit capable of detecting the displacement of a signal obtained from a sensor, A computer with software that uses that signal as input It does not necessarily have to be integrated.

[0048] (Control of drainage means) When the software, which receives signals from sensors placed in the bathroom, determines that there is something wrong with the bather, it may control the bathtub drainage means.

[0049] (Detecting water level change in a bathtub using a capacitance sensor) A change in capacitance between two or more electrodes embedded inside the bathtub component or disposed on the outer surface of the bathtub component in the bathroom is Alternatively, a change in capacitance between an electrode embedded in at least one of the bathtubs and an electrode exposed in the bathtub and capable of contacting the water in the bathtub is After it is determined that the cause is a bather entering the bathtub (water level rise determination), When the water level no longer changes without the bather leaving the bathtub (and the water level does not drop), The bather may be determined to have fallen asleep or lost consciousness and a signal may be issued.

[0050] (Two-stage alert) If no change caused by the bather is observed for a predetermined period of time or more, a notification (warning) may be issued to the bather. If there is no change in the state despite the alarm being issued, a two-stage alarm may be issued to the outside of the bathroom.

[0051] (Identification of vibration source) In the present application, multiple vibration sensors placed at separate locations may be used to determine the location of the vibration source through software. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] An example of a software flow chart for this application [Diagram 2] An example of a bathroom light with a built-in sensor, a lighting fixture with a built-in sensor, and a controller [Diagram 3] An example of the electrode arrangement of asymmetric capacitive sensor A and symmetric capacitive sensor B [Figure 4] An example of a graph comparing capacitance displacement due to changes in water surface height between A and B [Diagram 5] Diagram of asymmetric capacitive sensor A and symmetric capacitive sensor B DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] An example of this application is given below. (An example of monitoring using sound or vibration) Equipping it with sensors (detection means), a computer with software that can process the signals, and a means of communication with the outside world, The one integrated with the electric light (illumination) (2A in Fig. 2) By replacing existing lights, It is possible to monitor bathers without requiring installation or wiring work. Specifically, for example, a microphone or a vibration sensor, The software that can input the output is activated in conjunction with the bathroom light switch. The system detects when someone enters the bathroom by the sound of the door opening and closing, followed by the sounds in the bathroom. The system separates and recognizes the sounds caused by bathers from other sounds, If the sound caused by the bather is interrupted for a period of time longer than a preset period of time, a warning may be issued in the bathroom. If no sound caused by a bather is detected after that, the alarm can be set off outside the bathroom (two-stage alarm). Naturally, there is no such interruption, and the monitoring routine ends with the sound of the bathroom door opening and closing and the bathroom lights being turned off.

[0054] (Two-stage alarm) The reason why the first warning is given in the bathroom is because the bather may simply be asleep in the bathtub. Falling asleep in the bathtub can lead to drowning, so safety is prioritized by waking up bathers with a warning.

[0055] (An example of water level detection using an asymmetric insulating electrostatic sensor) The asymmetric insulating electrostatic sensor has electrodes embedded in a member that constitutes a bathtub, for example. The other electrode is a metal bathtub drain that can directly touch the water in the bathtub (3A). Two electrodes are embedded inside the bathtub material and insulated from each other and from the water in the bathtub (3B). When the change in capacitance due to the change in water level was experimentally observed using a model water tank 4, which resembled a bathtub, Also, in graph 3B of Figure 4, the change in water level is small when the water level changes by 5 mm. The change in capacitance caused by waves on the water surface is too small to be seen, whereas Graph 3A shows a capacitance change that is nearly 10 times larger than that of 3B. Furthermore, when water was poured in to raise the water level by 5 mm, fluctuations in capacitance (C to F) were observed in response to changes in the water surface position caused by waves. This is of course for bathers to enter and exit the bathtub, It shows that it is possible to detect the presence or absence of waves in the bathtub caused by the slight movement of a bather in the bathtub, 1. Detection of a sudden and large increase in capacitance caused by a bather entering the bathtub 2. Detecting bather movement in the bathtub (detecting smaller capacitance than 1 / changes due to waves on the water surface as seen in C to F in Figure 4) 3. There was no sudden and large capacitance decrease that would normally occur when a bather gets out of the bathtub. The patient falls asleep when no change in capacitance is detected for a predetermined period of time. Or, an estimate of the possibility of an accident can be obtained from the change (displacement) in capacitance.

[0056] In order to monitor more precisely, it is advisable to combine the water level detection means with other detection means, such as the sound or vibration detection means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] AC power line / power line communication line 2A An example of lighting with built-in sensors and communication means 2B An example of a lighting fixture with built-in sensors and communication means An example of a controller with 2C communication means 3A Asymmetric electrode placement 3B Symmetrical electrode arrangement 5A(3A) 3A configuration diagram 5B(3B) Schematic diagram of 3B C~F Fluctuations caused by waves on the water surface in the bathtub 1a Bathtub component embedded electrode (electrode 1) 2a Drain metal parts (electrode 3) 1b Bathtub component embedded electrode (electrode 1) 2b Bathtub component embedded electrode (electrode 2) 3. Water in the bathtub (hot water) 4 Bathtub parts 10 Light emission section 11. Electric Light 12 Lighting equipment 13 Bathroom light switch 14 Communication means, sensor signal conversion circuit 15 Built-in Sensors 16 External Sensors 17 Communication means, software built-in control unit 18 Operation panel, alarm (alarm) device 19 Internet connection or telephone line 20 Mobile Devices 21 Built-in alarm 22 External alarm device ga, gb equivalent dielectric

Claims

1. A signal from one or more detection means capable of detecting a change caused by a person bathing in the bathroom is input; The signal is distinguishable from signals not attributable to the bather; If the signal caused by the bather is interrupted and the signal is not recognized within a predetermined time, Computer software that outputs a signal outside the bathroom.

2. The operation of the computer software according to claim 1 or The method for detecting accidents in a bathroom, wherein the opening and closing of the detection means according to claim 1 is linked to the lighting in the bathroom.

3. The method for detecting an accident in a bathroom, comprising the steps of: operating the computer software according to claim 1; or using power line communication to communicate with the outside of the bathroom.

4. Any one of claims 1 to 3, in whole or in part, Built into a light or lighting fixture, Or it can be placed between the light and the lighting fixture. Or it can be placed anywhere in the luminaire, Bathroom Accident Detection Device

5. Of the two or more electrodes that can be used in this application, At least one electrode is embedded and insulated so that it does not come into contact with the water in the bathtub. Bathtub with built-in electrodes for detecting accidents in the bathroom

6. Among the various electrodes that can be used as electrodes for capacitance sensors, At least one of the sensors is fixed and separated by an insulator so that it does not come into contact with the liquid to be detected. In addition, at least one of the electrodes other than the electrode is a capacitive sensor disposed at a position where it can come into contact with the liquid.

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