Action time management system, action time management method and program

Abstract

To enable appropriate management of a daily action of a patient with mild dementia in a specific area using a general-purpose sensor and the like, and alert a patient or a caregiver thereof when there is an abnormality.SOLUTION: A caregiver-purpose device 10 acquires detection information of a patient from an action detection device 30, and sets a time when the time is first acquired as an action starting time for the action of the patient in a specific area when the detection information of the patient is acquired in a continuation manner. The caregiver-purpose device 10 sets an action finish time for the action of the patient in the specific area after the action starting time is set, and the continuation of the acquisition of the detection information is interrupted. The caregiver-purpose device 10 determines whether the action of the patient is abnormal by using at least one of the action starting time and the action finish time, and alerts the patient via a patient-purpose device 20 when the action of the patient is determined to be abnormal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an activity time management system, an activity time management method, and a program for managing the activity time of patients with mild dementia. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been systems in which various cameras and sensors are installed in the bathrooms and toilets of the homes of patients with mild dementia to monitor the patient's behavior and issue warnings if they detect any abnormalities.

[0003] For example, in a system that uses infrared detection elements to detect a human body in a bathroom and sound an alarm, multiple sensors are installed to prevent false detections, and an abnormality detection system is provided that determines whether there is an abnormality in the detected person from the detection time and outputs an alarm (see Patent Document 1). There is also a home protection and management system for dementia patients that is equipped with a triple monitoring mechanism that monitors the location of the dementia patient using a transmitter attached to the patient and sensors in each room in the home, and monitors the opening / closing and locking of each door (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-256943 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-110579 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a special waterproof sensor in the bathroom to monitor for abnormalities during the patient's bathing behavior, and although it is cheaper than using a camera, it cannot be said that it can be easily used in an ordinary household using general-purpose commercially available sensors, etc.

[0006] In addition, the system described in Patent Document 2 mentioned above is designed to monitor the behavior of dementia patients at home to reduce the burden on family caregivers, but is not suitable for managing behavioral cycles such as detecting abnormalities in the patient's daily behavior.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an activity time management system, activity time management method, and program that can appropriately manage the daily activities of patients with mild dementia in specific areas using general-purpose sensors, etc., and can issue a warning to the patient and their caregiver if there is an abnormality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an activity time management system that detects a patient's activity in a specified area using a sensor and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's activity is abnormal, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires detection information of the patient from the sensor; a first setting unit that, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired, sets the time when the detection information was first acquired as the activity start time of the patient's activity in the specified area; a second setting unit that, when the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit is interrupted after the action start time is set by the first setting unit and the detection information is continuously acquired again from the sensor, sets the time when the detection information began to be acquired again as the activity end time of the patient's activity in the specified area; a judgment unit that judges whether the patient's activity is abnormal using at least one of the action start time or the action end time; and a warning unit that, when the judgment unit judges that the patient's activity is abnormal, warns the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an activity time management system that detects a patient's activity in a predetermined area with a sensor and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's activity is abnormal, the system including a first input unit that inputs a first time, a second input unit that inputs a second time, an acquisition unit that acquires detection information of the patient from the sensor, a first setting unit that, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or more, sets the time when the detection information was first acquired as an activity start time of the patient's activity in the predetermined area, and a time when the detection information is acquired for the first time or more. the second setting unit sets the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information was interrupted when the continuous acquisition of the detection information was interrupted for more than the second time period, or the time when the detection information started to be acquired again when the detection information is acquired again from the sensor for more than the second time period, as the action end time of the patient's action in the specified area; a judgment unit judges whether the patient's action is abnormal by using at least one of the action start time or the action end time; and a warning unit that warns the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device when the judgment unit judges that the patient's action is abnormal.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an activity time management method for detecting a patient's activity in a specified area using a sensor, and issuing a warning via an output device if the patient's activity is abnormal, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired, setting the time at which the detection information was first acquired as the activity start time of the patient's activity in the specified area; when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted after the activity start time is set and the detection information is again continuously acquired from the sensor, setting the time at which the detection information began to be acquired again as the activity end time of the patient's activity in the specified area; determining whether the patient's activity is abnormal using at least one of the activity start time or the activity end time; and when the patient's behavior is determined to be abnormal, issuing a warning to the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an activity time management method for detecting a patient's activity in a specified area with a sensor, and issuing a warning via an output device if the patient's activity is abnormal, the method comprising the steps of: accepting input of a first time; accepting input of a second time; acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; and, if the detection information of the patient is acquired continuously for more than the first time, setting the time at which the detection information was first acquired as an activity start time for the patient's activity in the specified area; and, if the activity start time is set and the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted for more than the second time, setting the time at which the continuous acquisition of the detection information was interrupted or, if the detection information is again acquired from the sensor continuously for more than the second time, setting the time at which the detection information began to be acquired again as an activity end time for the patient's activity in the specified area; determining whether the patient's activity is abnormal using at least one of the activity start time or the activity end time; and, if the patient's behavior is determined to be abnormal, issuing a warning to the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problem, the computer-readable program of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to detect a patient's behavior in a specified area using a sensor and issue a warning via an output device if the patient's behavior is abnormal, to execute the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; a first setting step of setting the time when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired as the behavior start time of the patient's behavior in the specified area if the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired; a second setting step of setting the time when the detection information began to be acquired again as the behavior end time of the patient's behavior in the specified area if the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition step is interrupted after the behavior start time is set by the first setting step and the detection information is continuously acquired again from the sensor; a judgment step of judging abnormality in the patient's behavior using at least one of the behavior start time or the behavior end time; and a warning step of warning the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device if the patient's behavior is judged to be abnormal by the judgment step.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, a computer-readable program according to the present invention detects a patient's behavior in a predetermined area with a sensor, and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's behavior is abnormal. The program includes a first input step of inputting a first time, a second input step of inputting a second time, an acquisition step of acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor, a first setting step of, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for more than the first time, setting the time when the detection information was first acquired as an action start time of the patient's behavior in the predetermined area, and a second setting step of setting the action start time by the first setting step. The system is characterized in that it executes a second setting step of setting the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the sensor is interrupted for more than the second time period, or the time when the detection information is again continuously acquired from the sensor for more than the second time period, as the action end time of the patient in the specified area; a judgment step of judging abnormality in the patient's behavior using at least one of the action start time or the action end time; and a warning step of warning the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device if the patient's behavior is judged to be abnormal by the judgment step. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the daily activities of patients with mild dementia in a specific area can be appropriately managed using general-purpose sensors, etc., and if any abnormality occurs, a warning can be issued to the patient or his / her caregiver. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an action time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a time measurement pattern of a patient's activity using the activity time management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation image of a patient information input section of the caregiver device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation image of a timing condition input section of the caregiver device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation image of a timing condition input section of the caregiver device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram showing an example of input support parameters in a timing condition input section of the caregiver device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for managing a patient's behavior by the behavior time management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for managing a patient's behavior by the behavior time management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for managing a patient's behavior by the behavior time management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of measurement conditions when using a sensor used in this embodiment that detects both human movement and the opening and closing of a door. [Figure 11] 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining an example of a detection signal by a sensor used in the present embodiment and an example of a behavior inferred therefrom. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state transition process in a caregiver device that has received a notification from a behavior management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for managing a patient's behavior by an activity time management system in a case where a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of patient behavior management by an activity time management system when a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification sending function according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. [Figure 15]11 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of patient behavior management by an activity time management system when a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification sending function according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measurement case regarding bathing and toilet use of a patient or the like in the activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measurement case regarding bathing and toilet use of a patient or the like in the activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between people and devices in managing toilet usage intervals and bathing times in a behavior time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention and its operation will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a patient is assumed to be a patient with mild dementia, and a healthy family member acts as a caregiver at the patient's home and manages the activity time of a specific activity of the patient. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an activity time management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment is composed of a caregiver device 10, a patient device 20, and a behavior detection device 30, and each device is connected to each other via a network 40.

[0017] The caregiver device 10 comprises a patient information input unit 11 through which the caregiver inputs patient information necessary for managing the patient's activity time, a timing condition input unit 12 through which the caregiver inputs time conditions necessary for managing activity time, a behavior detection device input unit 13 that receives a signal from the behavior detection device 30, a timing and judgment unit 14 that judges or determines timing and notification according to conditions set by the caregiver, a memory unit 15 that records various input information and the history of timing and notification, a patient device communication unit 16 that issues instructions to the patient device 20 to present notifications such as warnings, and a caregiver notification presentation unit 17 that notifies and warns the caregiver using the caregiver device 10 by sound, voice, image, text, etc.

[0018] As specific functions of each unit, for example, the behavior detection device input unit 13 acquires detection information of the patient from the behavior detection device 30 functioning as a sensor. Furthermore, the timekeeping and judgment unit 14 sets the start time and end time of the patient's behavior based on the detection information of the patient, and judges or determines whether the patient's behavior is abnormal using these times. Furthermore, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 cause the patient device 20 and the caregiver device 10 to notify or warn the patient and the caregiver, respectively, by voice, text, image, etc., when the patient's behavior is judged or determined to be abnormal. The caregiver device 10 can be, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a notebook PC. Furthermore, the operation using this device described later can be performed, for example, by installing an API (Application Programming Interface) in this device and executing a program via the API screen.

[0019] The patient device 20 includes a caregiver device communication unit 21 that receives notification instructions from the caregiver device 10, and a patient notification presentation unit 22 that presents notifications such as warnings to the patient. The patient device 20 can be, for example, a smart speaker, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) speaker, a smart watch, or other device that can give warnings to the patient by voice, sound, vibration, screen display, or the like. Here, when a device with a timing function such as a smart watch is used as the patient device 20, the timing and determination unit 14 that performs timing and notification determination according to conditions set by the caregiver may be provided in the patient device 20 instead of in the caregiver device 10. Similarly, the behavior detection device input unit 13 and the memory unit 15 provided in the caregiver device 10 may be provided in the patient device 20.

[0020] The behavior detection device 30 includes a behavior detection unit 31 that detects the behavior of a patient in a specific area, and a caregiver device output unit 32 that notifies the caregiver device 10 when a behavior is detected. The behavior detection unit 31 of the behavior detection device 30 can be realized by combining a general-purpose sensor available on the market, such as an infrared sensor that detects heat radiation emitted by the patient or a pressure sensor that detects contact with the patient, with a device that has a function of transmitting a detected signal to the caregiver device 10 via the network 40.

[0021] The network 40 connects the devices to each other in a wired or wireless manner, such as the Internet, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or a LAN, so that the devices can communicate with each other.

[0022] Here, when the location subject to the patient's behavior management and the location of the warning notification are the same, the patient device 20 and the behavior detection device 30 may be a single device, for example, a smart speaker with a human sensor. In addition, when the patient himself can carry a device such as the patient device 20, for example, a beacon mechanism may be used in combination, and the device may be given the function of a beacon transmitter to transmit a BLE signal, which is an identification signal unique to the patient, and the behavior detection device 30 may be given the function of a receiver to receive the BLE signal. This makes it possible to identify who the patient is who is detected in a specific area shared in a facility where multiple patients reside, based on the identification information of the beacon. An example of using a beacon in combination will be described later with reference to FIG. 12. Furthermore, when the patient device 20 includes the timekeeping and determination unit 14, the behavior detection device input unit 13, and the memory unit 15, the detection information from the behavior detection device 30 can be received by a BLE signal to obtain the same effect as using a beacon in combination.

[0023] 2 is a diagram for explaining examples of time measurement patterns of a patient's activity using the activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Three time measurement patterns among the patterns that can be timed by the activity time management system 1 will be explained below.

[0024] In pattern A, the behavior detection device 30 is installed in a room where the patient is active (for example, a bathroom or toilet), and when the behavior detection device 30 detects the patient's activity, it starts timing. When the behavior start time set by the caregiver in the caregiver device 10 has elapsed, it is determined that the patient has started the activity and continues timing. After that, when the patient leaves the room and the behavior detection device 30 no longer detects the patient's activity, it is determined that the patient's activity has ended when the behavior end time set by the caregiver in the caregiver device 10 has elapsed, and timing is stopped. In this pattern A, a warning is issued to the patient depending on the length of time the patient spent in the activity location.

[0025] In pattern B, the behavior detection device 30 is installed at the entrance / exit of the patient's activity location (for example, the changing room side of the entrance between the changing room and the bathroom, or the outside of the entrance / exit to the toilet), and when the behavior detection device 30 detects the patient's first activity (entering the toilet), it starts timing, and when the activity start time set by the caregiver on the caregiver device 10 has elapsed, it determines that the patient has started the activity and continues timing, similar to the above-mentioned pattern A. After that, the behavior detection device 30 continues timing even if it no longer detects the patient's activity, and when it detects the patient's activity again and the activity end time set by the caregiver on the caregiver device 10 has elapsed, it determines that the patient's activity has ended and ends timing. In this pattern B as well, a warning is given to the patient depending on the length of time the patient spent in the activity location.

[0026] The above-mentioned processing is realized by the function of each part of the caregiver device 10, the patient device 20, and the behavior detection device 30. For example, the clocking and determination unit 14 has a function of setting the time when the detection information of the patient is first acquired as the behavior start time of the patient's behavior in a specific behavior place when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired. In addition, the clocking and determination unit 14 has a function of setting the time when the detection information is again started to be acquired as the behavior end time of the patient's behavior in the specific behavior place when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted after the behavior start time is set and the detection information is again continuously acquired from the behavior detection device 30. Furthermore, the clocking and determination unit 14 has a function of determining or judging an abnormality in the patient's behavior using either one or both of the set behavior start time and behavior end time.

[0027] In pattern C, the interval between use of the behavioral location used by the patient (for example, the interval between use of the toilet) is measured. Therefore, the behavior detection device 30 is installed in a specific behavioral location, and when the behavior start time set by the caregiver in the caregiver device 10 has passed since the behavior detection device 30 detected the behavior, it is determined that the patient has started the behavior (first behavior), and when the behavior is no longer detected, it starts timing the usage interval of the behavioral location. Then, when the behavior detection device 30 detects the patient's behavior again, if the behavior start time set by the caregiver in the caregiver device 10 has passed, it is determined that the patient has started the next behavior (second behavior), and the timing of the usage interval is stopped. Furthermore, after that, when the behavior detection device 30 no longer detects the patient's behavior, it is determined that the patient has finished the second behavior, and the timing of the usage interval is started again in the caregiver device 10.

[0028] The above-mentioned processing is realized, for example, by inputting and setting the threshold times of the action start time and the action end time in the caregiver device 10 in advance, and using them as the judgment criteria for setting the action start time and the action end time. For example, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for more than the set threshold time, the clocking and judgment unit 14 can set the time when the detection information is first acquired as the action start time of the patient's action. In addition, when the continuous acquisition of the detection information of the patient is interrupted for more than the set threshold time after the action start time is set, the clocking and judgment unit 14 can set the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted, or when the detection information is acquired from the sensor again for more than the threshold time, as the action end time of the patient's action. Then, the clocking and judgment unit 14 judges or determines whether the patient's action is abnormal by using either one of the set action start time and the action end time, or both of them.

[0029] The following describes an overview of the operation of the patient information input unit 11 in the caregiver device 10 for a caregiver to manage the activity time of a patient using the activity time management system 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation image of the patient information input unit 11 of the caregiver device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The patient information input unit 11 inputs the patient's name, which is used for voice warnings such as calling out to the patient, and the patient's wake-up time and main place of stay, which are referenced as initial parameters when inputting the time and place to call out to the patient in the timing condition input unit 12.

[0030] Next, there will be described an overview of the operation of the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10 for a caregiver to manage the activity time of a patient using the activity time management system 1. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining an image of the operation of the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The measurement condition input support screen 100 of the timing condition input unit 12 is a screen for the caregiver to input the location where he / she wants to measure the activity time and the patient's usual activity time. In addition, the measurement condition confirmation / modification screen 200 has initial values ​​set based on the patient's usual activity time, and the caregiver can modify the conditions as appropriate. Furthermore, the message editing screen 300 allows the caregiver to edit messages to the patient and caregiver that are set as necessary in the measurement condition confirmation / modification screen 200.

[0031] Here, a method for providing initial values ​​displayed in the timing condition input unit 12 will be described with reference to the operation image diagrams of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of input support parameters in the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. For the room name 101 in Figures 4 and 5, the room name selected as the patient's location in the patient information input unit 11 is cited as an option from the room master in Figure 6. Also, for the measurement start time 102 and measurement end time 103, the patient's wake-up time period input in the patient information input unit 11 is cited as an initial value. For the installation location 104, installation location [1] and installation location [2] are cited as options from the room master in Figure 6. Moreover, no initial values ​​are given to minimum start time 105, minimum end time 106, minimum use time 107, ideal use time 108, maximum use time 109 and measurement target time 110 in FIGS.

[0032] 4 and 5, the measurement start time 102 and the measurement end time 103 are set as initial values. The measurement start time 102 is used as an initial value for the reset time 203. In the case of 24-hour measurement, for example, 4:00 a.m. is set as the initial value. Furthermore, the measurement start time 204 is initially set to the minimum start time 105 in the case of measurement at an entrance / exit, and to the minimum use time 107 in other cases. Furthermore, the measurement end time 205 is initially set to, for example, 1 minute in the case of measurement indoors, the minimum end time 106 in the case of measurement at an entrance / exit, and the minimum use time 107 in the case of measurement of a behavior interval.

[0033] Furthermore, the alert time 206 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 has the ideal use time 108 as an initial value. The snooze interval 207 has the time obtained by dividing the difference between the longest use time 109 and the ideal use time 108 by a predetermined parameter (3 in this embodiment) as an initial value. To make the call unnecessary, the checkbox 208 for snooze is checked. Furthermore, the minimum use time 209 has the time obtained by dividing the ideal use time 108 by a predetermined parameter (3 in this embodiment) as an initial value in the case of measuring the action interval, and the minimum use time 107 in other cases. To make the call unnecessary, the checkbox 210 for action forgetting warning is checked in the same way. In the case of not requiring a notification to the caregiver in FIG. 4, the checkbox 211 for action start notification is checked in the same way. Furthermore, the longest use time 212 has the longest use time 109 as an initial value. The contents thus input to the measurement condition confirmation / correction screen 200 are stored in a measurement condition table recorded by the storage unit 15.

[0034] Furthermore, the action completion reminder location 301, action completion reminder message 302, action forgetting notification location 303, action restart reminder message 304, and caregiver notification message 305 in Figs. 4 and 5 can be set in the same manner.

[0035] <Example of checking the sensor status from an application> 7, 8 and 9 are flowcharts for explaining the procedure of patient activity time management by the activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the operation of the activity time management system 1 having the above configuration will be explained with reference to FIGS.

[0036] First, the sensor detection process when the behavior detection unit 31 of the behavior detection device 30 detects the behavior of a patient will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0037] When the behavior detection unit 31 (e.g., an infrared sensor) of the behavior detection device 30 installed in a specific area where the patient's behavior is to be detected detects the patient's behavior, a signal is sent from the caregiver device output unit 32 to the behavior detection device input unit 13 of the caregiver device 10 via the network 40, and the timing and determination unit 14 of the caregiver device 10 sets the most recent detection time (sensor most recent detection time) detected by the behavior detection unit 31 such as an infrared sensor as the current time (step S55). Here, if the sensor detection start time has not been set in the caregiver device 10 (No in step S56), the sensor detection start time is set to the current time (step S57), and the sensor non-detection start time is initialized (reset) (step S58).

[0038] Next, a sensor non-detection process when the behavior detection device stops detecting the behavior of the patient will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0039] When the behavior detection unit 31 of the behavior detection device 30 no longer detects the patient's behavior, a signal is sent from the caregiver device output unit 32 to the behavior detection device input unit 13 of the caregiver device 10 via the network 40, and the timing and determination unit 14 of the caregiver device 10 determines whether the value of the behavior start time has already been set (step S59). If it has been set, it is determined that the behavior has started and the process proceeds to step S59. If the value is not set and remains at the initial value (No), it is determined that the behavior has not started yet and no particular process is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the behavior has started in step S59 (Yes), it is further determined whether the sensor non-detection start time has been set (step S60). As a result, if the sensor non-detection start time has not been set (No), the sensor non-detection start time is set to the current time (step S61).

[0040] Next, the processing within the timer effective time (a time period during which the patient is likely to be active, which can be set by the caregiver on the caregiver device 10) in the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0041] When the timer is started in the caregiver device 10, the preset timer measurement conditions are read from the memory unit 15 (step S1). Then, in the caregiver device 10, the timing and determination unit 14 checks whether the current time is within the timer valid time, and if it is within the valid time, the patient's activity time is repeatedly checked at regular time intervals (steps S2 to S54).

[0042] Here, the confirmation of the activity time may be repeated at a constant time interval (X seconds) by approaching 0 seconds, but it may be designed to repeat the confirmation of the activity time at 10-second intervals (X=10 seconds) in consideration of the design of the patient device 20 and the behavior detection device 30, the application program, etc. Specifically, when a general-purpose sensor system is used and the maximum number of calls per day is limited to 10,000 due to the conditions of the system API, the confirmation of the activity time may be designed to be performed at 10-second intervals so that the number of calls does not exceed 10,000 even if the measurement is performed for 24 hours. If the current time is outside the valid time, the timekeeping and determination unit 14 will confirm the activity time from step S3 onwards when the valid time comes next (step S2).

[0043] If it is determined in step S2 that the timer is within the valid time, the process proceeds to step S3, where a determination is made as to whether or not the action has started. In the process of step S3, if the value of the action start time remains at the initial value (reset state), it is determined that the action has not started yet (No), and if a value has been entered, it is determined that the action has already started (Yes), and the process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that the action has not started yet (No), it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the sensor detection start time satisfies the action start condition read from the storage unit 15 (step S4). As a result, if the action start condition is satisfied (Yes), the sensor detection start time is set as the action start time (step S5). On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the sensor detection start time does not satisfy the action start condition (No) in step S4, it is determined whether or not a certain time (Y1) has elapsed since the most recent detection signal in the behavior detection device input unit 13 (step S8). As a result, if the certain time has elapsed (Yes), the sensor detection start time is initialized (reset) (step S9). On the other hand, if the certain period of time has not yet elapsed in step S8 (No), the process proceeds to step S54, and returns to the process of step S2.

[0044] Here, the certain period of time Y1 can be set to, for example, 30 seconds or more. This is the time required for confirmation of activity time at least three times if the usage interval is X=10 seconds. By providing a certain amount of time in this way, it is possible to deal with restrictions due to malfunctions of the sensor system (for example, in some commercially available systems, once a detection is made, the system is designed to send a "detection" signal for 30 seconds even after it has stopped detecting something, and even if a detection is missed, if it detects something again within 30 seconds, it is considered to be continuing to detect something).

[0045] Next, the determination of the end of the patient's action in a specific area will be described. If it is determined in step S3 that the patient's action has already started (Yes), it is determined whether the action end condition read from the memory unit 15 of the caregiver device 10 is sensor detection (step S10). If the action end condition is sensor detection (Yes), it is checked whether the elapsed time from the start time of sensor non-detection is equal to or greater than the buffer time (step S11). If it is equal to or greater than the buffer time (Yes), it is determined that the first action has ended, and the process proceeds to step S12. If the action end condition is not sensor detection in the process of step S10, that is, if the action end condition is sensor non-detection (No), it is determined whether the elapsed time from the start time of sensor non-detection satisfies the action end condition (step S37).

[0046] If it is determined in step S11 that the first behavior is continuing, that is, if the buffer time is less than the buffer time (No), the confirmation is repeated after a certain time (steps S2 to S54). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first behavior is finished, that is, if the buffer time is equal to or greater than the buffer time (Yes), it is confirmed whether the behavior start time and the sensor detection start time match (step S12). As a result, if they match (Yes), the sensor detection start time is initialized for the second behavior measurement (step S13). Next, it is determined whether the measurement is not a direct measurement within the specific area, but a measurement at the entrance to the specific area (step S14). As a result, if the measurement is not a measurement at the entrance (No), the sensor non-detection start time is set to the behavior start time (step S15), and the process transitions to step S16. Also, if it is determined in step S12 that they do not match (No), and if it is determined in step S14 that the measurement is at the entrance (Yes), the process transitions to step S16.

[0047] If the sensor detection time does not satisfy the behavior end condition in the process of step S16 (No), it is determined whether a certain time (e.g., Y2=30 seconds or more) has passed since the most recent detection signal in the behavior detection device input unit 13 (step S27). As a result, if the certain time or more has passed (Yes), the sensor detection start time is initialized (step S28) and the process proceeds to step S29. On the other hand, if the certain time or more has not passed in step S27 (No), the process proceeds to step S29 without performing the process of step S28.

[0048] In step S37, if the time elapsed from the sensor non-detection start time is short and the behavior end condition is not satisfied (No), it is determined whether the signal from the behavior detection device input unit 13 is sensor detection or not (step S44). As a result, if it is determined to be sensor detection (Yes), the sensor non-detection start time is initialized (step S45) and the process transitions to step S46. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be sensor detection (No), the sensor non-detection start time is not initialized and the process transitions to step S46.

[0049] Next, various notifications during normal processing will be described. As described above, the start of the action is determined (Yes in step S4), the sensor detection start time is set to the action start time (step S5), and then it is determined whether or not notification of the action start time read from the memory unit 15 is required (step S6). If the start notification setting is present (Yes), the caregiver is notified of the start time by presenting an action start notification to the caregiver notification presenting unit 17 (step S7). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S54, and the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the start notification setting is not present in step S6 (No), the process proceeds directly to step S54, and the process returns to step S2.

[0050] If the sensor detection time satisfies the behavior end condition in the process of step S16 (Yes), it is determined whether the behavior time exceeds the minimum usage time read from the memory unit 15 (step S17). If the behavior time is equal to or exceeds the minimum usage time (Yes), the caregiver is notified by notifying the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 of the patient's behavior time (step S18).

[0051] Next, it is determined whether the patient was detected at an entrance / exit of a specific area (step S22), and if it is determined that the measurement was at an entrance / exit (Yes), the timer is initialized (reset) (step S23) and the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the measurement was not at an entrance / exit (No), the sensor non-detection start time is set to the activity start time (step S24), the sensor detection start time is initialized (step S25), and further the number of snoozes is initialized (step S26), and the process proceeds to step S54. The processes in steps S38, S39, and S43 are similar to the processes in steps S17, S18, and S23 described above.

[0052] Next, a warning that is given when the patient's activity time exceeds a predetermined time set by a caregiver will be described. In the process of step S29, it is determined whether the behavior time exceeds the alert time or the snooze time. As a result, if it is determined that it exceeds the alert time or the snooze time (Yes), it is determined whether the behavior end condition and the signal of the behavior detection device input unit 13 match, that is, whether it is sensor detection or not (step S30). As a result, if they match, that is, if it is sensor detection (Yes), it is determined that the behavior is ending, and the process proceeds to step S34 without generating an alarm. On the other hand, if they do not match, that is, if it is not sensor detection (No), it is determined whether it is the first alert or there is a snooze setting read from the storage unit 15 (step S31). As a result, if it is the first alert or there is a snooze setting (Yes), a notification such as an alarm is sent to the patient device via the patient device communication unit 16 to prompt the patient to end the behavior (step S32), the number of snoozes is counted up (incremented) (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S34.

[0053] In step S34, it is determined whether the activity time exceeds the caregiver notification time read from the memory unit 15. As a result, if the activity time exceeds the caregiver notification time (Yes), a warning is issued via the caregiver notification presenting unit 17 to warn the caregiver that the patient's activity time has exceeded (step S35), the timer is initialized (step S36), and the process proceeds to step S54. The processes in steps S46 to S53 correspond to the processes in steps S29 to S36 described above.

[0054] Next, a warning will be given when the patient's activity time is less than the predetermined time set by the caregiver. If the sensor detection time satisfies the behavior end condition in step S16 (Yes), in the process of step S17, it is determined whether the behavior time is equal to or greater than the minimum usage time read from the memory unit 15. If the behavior time falls below the minimum usage time (No), it is determined whether or not there is a minimum time notification setting, that is, whether or not a minimum usage time warning is required is further read from the memory unit 15 (step S19), and if there is a minimum time notification setting and a warning is required (Yes), a warning is issued to the patient device 20 via the patient device communication unit 16 to warn the patient of forgetting to act (step S20), and further a warning is issued to the caregiver notification presenting unit 17 to warn the caregiver that the time is less than the minimum time (step S21), and the process proceeds to step S22. The processes in steps S38 and S40 to S42 correspond to the processes in steps S17 and S19 to S21, respectively.

[0055] <Example of receiving notifications from a sensor and understanding state transitions in an application> Next, an embodiment will be described in which the behavior detection device 30 uses a commercially available general-purpose sensor that can detect both human movement and the opening and closing of a door and can send a notification to the caregiver device 10 upon detection.

[0056] For example, a sensor that detects both human movement and the opening and closing of a door consists of two parts: the sensor body that is attached to the door and a magnet that is attached to the door frame. Normally, both parts are installed on the inside of the room, such as the inside of a toilet door or a dressing room door.

[0057] The sensor itself is equipped with a human presence sensor function and a magnetic sensor function that detects the distance to a magnet, and these two functions are combined to detect four movements, as described below.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of measurement conditions when a sensor that detects both human movement and door opening and closing is used in this embodiment. The measurement conditions shown in Fig. 10 are defined according to "B: Measurement value at entrance / exit" in the (2) measurement condition table definition in Fig. 6 in the above-mentioned embodiment, and while "B: Measurement value at entrance / exit" in Fig. 6(2) refers to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, "D: Measurement value at entrance / exit (also using open / close sensor)" in Fig. 10 refers only to Fig. 5. Also, in "D: Measurement value at entrance / exit (also using open / close sensor)" in Fig. 10, the measurement end condition and buffer time reference destination are different from those in "B: Measurement value at entrance / exit" in Fig. 6(2). FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a detection signal by a sensor used in this embodiment and a behavior inferred therefrom.

[0059] <<When installing the motion sensor on the inside of the room>> In the following, a human presence sensor is used as the behavior detection device 30 of the behavior time management system 1, and the behavior of a patient or the like is estimated when the human presence sensor is installed on the inside of a room (as in FIG. 11(1)).

[0060] (Event I1: Door opens when entering) When entering the room, the door is opened from the outside, so the human presence sensor installed facing the inside of the room does not detect the door opening, but the door opening is detected by the open / close sensor. Therefore, in such a case, an event of door opening upon entry occurs. (Event I2: Doors closed upon entry) After entering the room, the human presence sensor detects human movement, and then the door closing sensor detects that the door has been closed. In such a case, it is determined that an event of door closing upon entry has occurred. (Event I3: Door opens when leaving the room) When leaving the room, the human presence sensor detects human movement, and then the door open / close sensor detects that the door has been opened. In this case, it is determined that an event of door open when leaving the room has occurred. (Event I4) After leaving the room, the human presence sensor installed facing the inside of the room does not detect the person, but the door opening and closing sensor detects that the door has been closed. Therefore, in such a case, a door closing event occurs when the person leaves the room.

[0061] <<When installing the motion sensor on the outside of the room>> In addition, a human sensor is used as the behavior detection device 30 of the behavior time management system 1, and the behavior of the patient or the like is estimated when the human sensor is installed on the outside of the room (as in FIG. 11(2)).

[0062] (Event I1: Door opens when entering) When entering the room, the door is opened from outside, so the motion sensor installed on the outside detects human movement, and the open / close sensor detects the door opening. Therefore, in such a case, an event of door opening at entry occurs. (Event I2: Doors closed upon entry) After entering the room, the human presence sensor does not detect any human movement, and then the door closing sensor detects that the door has been closed. In this case, therefore, it is determined that an event of door closing upon entry has occurred. (Event I3: Door opens when leaving the room) When leaving the room, the human presence sensor installed on the outside of the room does not detect human movement, but the door open / close sensor detects that the door has been opened. Therefore, in such a case, a door open upon leaving event occurs. (Event I4) After the person leaves the room, the motion sensor installed on the outside of the room detects the person and the door is closed by the open / close sensor. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that a door closing event occurs when the person leaves the room.

[0063] Next, a description will be given of a state transition process performed in the caregiver device 10 when a notification is received from the behavior detection device 30 in the behavior time management system 1. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state transition process in the caregiver device 10 that has received a notification from the behavior detection device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. When the timer is started in the caregiver device 10, the initial state becomes Not in residence (state J10). After that, when a notification of door opening when entering the room (event I1) or door closing when entering the room (event I2) is received, the state transitions to Not in residence <Chattering countermeasures being taken> (state J20). Here, chattering refers to unstable operation or vibration that occurs in specific situations in machines or electronic systems, and includes mechanical chattering that causes noise etc. due to vibration of machine parts, and electronic chattering that causes switches or relays to repeatedly turn on and off at high speed.

[0064] Next, after transitioning to Not Visiting (taking measures against chattering), the state transitions to Visiting (state J30) after the time (X seconds) during which chattering may occur has elapsed. In other words, the time X during which chattering may occur corresponds to the chattering countermeasure time, and any notification from the sensor within this time is considered to be due to chattering, so a state transition is not performed.

[0065] Furthermore, after transitioning to Staying (state J30), if there is no notification of leaving the room even after the forget-to-close countermeasure time (Y seconds) has passed, it is suspected that the door was left closed or the sensor missed detection. Therefore, to prevent the reverse phase (judging that the person is staying when in fact they are not, or vice versa), the state transitions to Staying <forgot-to-close countermeasure in progress> (state J35). In other words, if there is no notification from the sensor even after the forget-to-close countermeasure time Y has passed, it is suspected that the person left the door closed, so the transition destination of the door closing on entry is changed to Not Staying.

[0066] Here, if there is a notification that the door will open when leaving the room (event I3) while not staying (taking measures against chattering) (state J20), or if there is a notification that the door will open when entering the room (event I1) while staying (state J30), the state will transition to "Waiting for door to close" while staying (state J45). In the "staying" state (waiting for door to close) (state J45), if there is no notification from the sensor even after the door closing waiting time (Z seconds) has elapsed, it is suspected that the door was only opened or closed or that the sensor missed a detection. Therefore, the state transitions to "not staying" (state J10).

[0067] If a notification is received in any of the staying states (states J30 to J45) that the door will be opened or closed when leaving the room, the state will transition to staying (chattering prevention measures in progress) (state J40), and after the chattering prevention time (X seconds) has elapsed, the state will transition to not staying (state J10).

[0068] Here, the processing of the activity time management system 1 in the case where a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification transmission function is incorporated will be described with reference to Figs. Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of patient behavior management by the behavior time management system 1 when a sensor having a door opening / closing detection and notification transmission function according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The two flowcharts shown in Fig. 13 (transition to non-resident (state J20) and transition to non-resident (state J10)) correspond to the two flowcharts shown in Fig. 7 (sensor detection processing and sensor non-detection processing), respectively, and the same processing step numbers are assigned to the same processing steps.

[0069] That is, the differences in the patient behavior management procedure are as follows. First, in Fig. 7, "sensor detection" and "non-detection of sensor" are each triggers for processing, but in this processing, "transition to not present (chattering countermeasures in progress) (state J20)" is the trigger instead of "sensor detection". Also, "transition to not present (state J10)" is the trigger instead of "non-detection of sensor". Note that, as shown in Fig. 13, the procedure for patient behavior management by the behavior time management system 1 when a sensor equipped with door opening / closing detection and notification transmission functions is incorporated is the same as the processing shown in Fig. 7 in terms of individual processing other than the trigger, and therefore the same step numbers are used.

[0070] Fig. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of patient behavior management by the behavior time management system 1 when a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The flowchart shown in Fig. 14 corresponds to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8, and the same processing steps are assigned the same processing step numbers.

[0071] That is, the patient behavior management procedure shown in FIG. 14 differs from the procedure in FIG. 8 in the following ways. First, the "execute every X seconds within the timer valid time" process (step S2) in FIG. 8 is changed to "execute each time a state transition or trigger is fired within the timer valid time" process (step S2-1). Next, the "sensor non-detection time >= buffer time" process (step S11) in FIG. 8 is ignored (always Yes). Also, the "Y2 seconds or more since most recent sensor detection?" process (step S27) in FIG. 8 is changed to "0 seconds or more since most recent sensor detection?" process (step S27-1). Furthermore, the "sensor detection?" process (step S30) in FIG. 8 is changed to "staying (state J30-45)?" process (step S30-1). Furthermore, before the end of the repeating process in Fig. 8 (step S54), a process of "Is the action start time set?" (step S62) is added, and if it has been set (Yes), a process of "Set trigger after the shorter of alert time or snooze interval" (step S63) is performed. Note that, as shown in Fig. 14, the procedure for managing a patient's action by the action time management system 1 when a sensor equipped with door opening / closing detection and notification transmission functions is incorporated is the same as the process shown in Fig. 8 except for the above steps, and therefore the same step numbers are used.

[0072] Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of patient behavior management by the behavior time management system 1 when a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The flowchart shown in Fig. 15 corresponds to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9, and the same processing steps are assigned the same processing step numbers.

[0073] That is, the differences in the patient behavior management procedure are as follows. First, the "Y1 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S8) in FIG. 9 is changed to "0 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S8-1). Next, the "Y3 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S47) in FIG. 9 is changed to "0 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S47-1). Furthermore, the "sensor detection?" process (step S44) in FIG. 9 is changed to "staying (states J30-45)?" process (step S44-1). As shown in FIG. 15, the procedure of patient behavior management by the behavior time management system 1 when a sensor having a door opening / closing detection and notification transmission function is incorporated is the same as the process shown in FIG. 9 in terms of individual processes other than the above steps, and therefore the same step numbers are used.

[0074] The processing flow of the procedure for managing patient behavior by the behavior time management system 1 when a sensor with door opening / closing detection and notification sending functions shown in Figures 13, 14, and 15 described above is incorporated, other than the above-mentioned changes, is the same as the content described above in paragraphs 0041 to 0054, etc., and therefore will not be explained here.

[0075] <Examples of measurements regarding bathing and toilet use by patients, etc.> Next, an example of a measurement case in the activity time management system 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining an example of a measurement case related to bathing and toilet use of a patient, etc. in the activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Case 1 is an example of timing the bathing behavior of a patient. For example, the behavior detection device 30 is installed at the entrance to the bathroom in the dressing room, and the patient device 20 is installed in the dressing room. The patient enters the dressing room at 17:00 and enters the bathroom after the threshold time (5 minutes) has elapsed, so 17:00 when the patient entered the dressing room is the behavior start time. In case 1, since the predetermined time (45 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the behavior, the behavior time management system 1 notifies the patient and then indicates the state of the timer when the patient voluntarily ends the bathing. In addition, the caregiver enters the dressing room during that time, but since the time is short enough to notify the set threshold time, it can be distinguished from the end of the patient's behavior. In this way, according to the behavior time management system 1 according to this embodiment, even if the caregiver assists or the patient's behavior time exceeds the set threshold time, the caregiver does not need to operate the caregiver device 10, etc., and measurement can be performed normally.

[0077] In this case, for example, a threshold time is input from the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10. Then, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the threshold time or more by the timing and judgment unit 14, the time when the detection information is first acquired can be set as the behavior start time. Furthermore, when the continuous acquisition of the detection information from the behavior detection device input unit 13 is interrupted after the behavior start time is set, and the detection information is continuously acquired again from the same sensor, the timing and judgment unit 14 sets the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as the behavior end time of the patient's behavior in a specific area (e.g., a bathroom). Furthermore, the maximum behavior time of the patient in the specific area may be input from the timing condition input unit 12, and the timing and judgment unit 14 may determine that the behavior of the patient is abnormal on the condition that the input maximum behavior time has elapsed from the behavior start time of the patient. In this case, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 instruct the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10, which function as an output device, to warn the patient or the caregiver of the patient to end the patient's behavior.

[0078] Case 2 shows the state of the timer when a family member living with the patient takes a bath. In this embodiment, the various parameters shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are set so that the measurement conditions are not met when a healthy person acts at a normal movement speed. Therefore, the activity time management system 1 does not measure bathing behavior of a healthy family member living with the patient. In other words, this can be achieved by setting the threshold time input from the timing condition input unit 12 to be shorter than the activity time of the patient in the target activity (e.g., bathing) and longer than the activity time of a caregiver (healthy person) who cares for the patient.

[0079] Furthermore, case 3 shows the state of the timer when the interval between patient's use of the toilet exceeds a predetermined time (set to 2 hours) and the patient does not take any voluntary action even after several notifications to the patient via the snooze function, and a notification is sent to the caregiver device 10 to encourage the caregiver to speak to the patient directly. Thus, in the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment, even if the patient does not take any voluntary action, if the patient takes action in response to a call from the caregiver, there is no need to operate the caregiver device 10 and measurement is completed normally.

[0080] In this case, the patient's behavior is related to toilet use, which is one of the types of behaviors that are performed regularly every day, and for example, a warning is issued to prevent the patient from using the toilet too long. Therefore, for example, the maximum allowable time between repeated actions (toilet use) by the patient is input from the timing condition input unit 12. Then, the timing and judgment unit 14 judges the patient's behavior as abnormal if the maximum allowable time has elapsed since the end time of the behavior. Next, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 warn the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10 to start the patient's behavior.

[0081] Furthermore, case 4 shows the state of the timer when a cohabiting family member uses the toilet. In this case, for the same reason as case 2, if a healthy person uses the toilet at a normal speed, the measurement conditions are not met in a short time, so no measurement is performed.

[0082] Furthermore, case 5 shows the state of the timer when the patient realizes that he or she has left something behind in the middle of bathing and the bathing is interrupted. That is, if the patient realizes that he or she has left something behind and leaves the dressing room after the measurement has started (activity start time is 17:00), this embodiment uses a general-purpose sensor, etc., and it is not possible to detect which direction the patient is moving in, so it will be erroneously determined that the patient is taking a bath. Therefore, if the caregiver notices this, they will need to manually start the measurement.

[0083] Furthermore, case 6 shows the state of the timer when the patient forgets to wash his / her body or hair and ends the bathing activity in a short time, i.e., when the patient's bathing time ends before the minimum time is reached. In this way, when the patient leaves the bathroom and enters the dressing room, the threshold time has passed, so the bathing is determined to be over. However, because the activity time does not meet the minimum usage time (30 minutes in this embodiment), the system warns the patient and notifies the caregiver. Therefore, the caregiver must manually start the measurement. In this case, for example, a minimum activity time of the patient's activity is input from the timing condition input unit 12. Then, the timing and judgment unit 14 judges the patient's activity to be abnormal if the time from the start time of the patient's activity to the end time of the activity does not meet the input minimum activity time. Next, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 warn the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10 to encourage the patient to continue the activity.

[0084] Furthermore, case 7 shows the state of the timer when the interval for using the toilet is exceeded while the patient is taking a bath. In this case, the notification that the interval for using the toilet has exceeded (2 hours in this embodiment) is sent from the patient's main place of stay (the living room in this embodiment), so it does not reach the patient who is taking a bath. Therefore, it is necessary for the caregiver to encourage the patient to use the toilet after taking a bath, and such a case is shown.

[0085] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a person and devices in the management of toilet use intervals and bathing times in the activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the activity time management system 1 according to the present invention, the patient himself does not necessarily need to have a transmitter for an identification signal, but if the patient himself can carry a portable device such as a smart watch, the device can be used as a transmitter for transmitting a patient's unique signal and as a patient device 20 that can warn the patient by voice, screen, or the like. As shown in FIG. 12, if the patient does not carry the patient device 20, the device installed in a specific area can be, for example, a smart speaker. On the other hand, if the patient carries the patient device 20, the device can be, for example, a smart watch or the like that can notify the patient of warnings by voice or screen. In addition, by transmitting an identification signal of the device (used to identify the patient) from the smart watch and notifying the caregiver device 10 of this identification signal, the patient's identification can be used for activity time management, and the present system can be applied in a scene where multiple patients in a facility or the like use the same area.

[0086] For example, when obtaining detection information of a patient from the behavior detection device input unit 13 of the caregiver device 10, an identification signal is obtained from the patient device 20 carried by the patient. Then, the timing and determination unit 14 determines abnormality in the behavior of the patient identified by the identification signal by using at least one of the behavior start time and the behavior end time. Next, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 issue a warning to the specific patient or the caregiver of the specific patient via the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10.

[0087] In the above embodiment, an application example of the activity time management system 1 has been described in which a patient with mild dementia receives care support from family members or other caregivers at home, etc. to manage bathing time and toilet usage intervals. In addition, the activity time management system 1 according to the present invention can also manage toilet usage time when a behavior detection device 30 is installed at the entrance or exit of the toilet. In addition, a pressure sensor can be installed as a behavior detection device 30 on the bed where the patient sleeps to issue an alert if the patient's sleeping time is too long, or to encourage the patient to go to bed if the wake-up time (the interval between sleep sessions) is too long, and can also be used for behavior management.

[0088] As described above, according to the activity time management system 1 of this embodiment, even in an environment such as a bathroom that is not suitable for installing electronic devices due to its high temperature and humidity, it is not necessary to install equipment directly in the bathroom to manage the time of bathing activities, and the same effect can be obtained by simply installing at least one general-purpose sensor in a place with good environmental conditions, such as outside the entrance. This reduces the risk of failure or false detection of equipment such as sensors, and keeps the introduction cost low.

[0089] Furthermore, the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment can measure the time spent on each individual activity, such as bath time or toilet use time, while it can also be used to measure the interval between actions that are repeated throughout the day, such as toilet use, and is therefore suitable for managing and optimizing activity cycles.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the activity time management system 1 of this embodiment, it is not essential for the patient to carry the device himself / herself. Therefore, it can be applied without any problem even if the patient cannot understand or remember the purpose of installing the system, and there is no problem of forgetting to carry the device, so that activity time can be managed stably and appropriately.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the activity time management system 1 of this embodiment, by reflecting the time required for an activity of a mild dementia patient as a threshold value of the measurement condition, it is possible to prevent erroneous judgment or misjudgment of an activity that is shorter than a predetermined time that a healthy person can perform the activity. Also, by reflecting the difference in activity time between a mild dementia patient and a healthy person as a threshold value of the measurement condition, it is possible to appropriately measure the activity time of the patient without being influenced by the assisting behavior of a healthy family member (caregiver) at home or other behavior of the family member living together.

[0092] Furthermore, by setting a minimum usage time for the patient's activity time, even if the patient temporarily leaves the detection area in the middle of an activity, a notification can be sent to the patient or caregiver to encourage them to resume the activity and prevent them from forgetting to do the activity. Furthermore, by properly managing the time the patient spends on certain activities and by repeatedly giving appropriate warnings and encouraging them, it is possible to prevent forgetting actions and repeating the same actions in a short period of time, which are common in patients with mild dementia. In other words, it is possible to avoid dangers in the patient's daily life and correct irregularities in lifestyle caused by the inability to remember when an action started due to memory impairment caused by dementia.

[0093] In addition, in the activity time management system 1 according to the present embodiment, all or part of the functions provided by the caregiver device 10 can be realized by a service that provides a program installed on a device such as a smartphone via an API. Each service can also be provided via SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), etc.

[0094] The configurations of the activity time management system 1, the caregiver device 10, and the patient device 20 described in this embodiment are merely examples and may be changed without going beyond the scope of the present invention. The processing flow of the caregiver device 10, etc. is also merely examples, and unnecessary processing steps may be deleted, new processing steps may be added, or processing steps may be replaced without going beyond the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Action Time Management System 10 Caregiver Equipment 11 Patient information input section 12 Timing condition input section 13. Behavior detection device input section 14 Timing and Judging Section 15 Storage section 16 Patient device communication unit 17. Notification section for caregivers 20 Patient equipment 21 Caregiver device communication section 22 Patient Notification Section 30 Behavior Detection Device 31 Behavior Detection Unit 32 Caregiver device output section 40 Network

Claims

1. A behavior time management system that detects a patient's behavior in a predetermined area with a sensor and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's behavior is abnormal, an acquisition unit that acquires detection information of the patient from the sensor; a first setting unit that sets a time when the detection information of the patient is first acquired as a behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired; a second setting unit that, when continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit is interrupted and the detection information is continuously acquired again from the sensor after the first setting unit has set the behavior start time, sets the time at which the detection information started to be acquired again as an behavior end time of the patient in the predetermined area; a determination unit that determines whether the patient's behavior is abnormal by using at least one of the behavior start time and the behavior end time; a warning unit that warns the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device when the judgment unit judges that the behavior of the patient is abnormal; An action time management system comprising:

2. A behavior time management system that detects a patient's behavior in a predetermined area with a sensor and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's behavior is abnormal, a first input unit for inputting a first time; A second input unit for inputting a second time; an acquisition unit that acquires detection information of the patient from the sensor; a first setting unit that sets a time when the detection information of the patient is first acquired as a behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time period or more; a second setting unit which sets, when the first setting unit sets the behavior start time and the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit is interrupted for the second time period or more, a time at which the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted, or, when the detection information is again continuously acquired from the sensor for the second time period or more, a time at which the detection information begins to be acquired again, as a behavior end time of the behavior of the patient in the specified area; a determination unit that determines whether the patient's behavior is abnormal by using at least one of the behavior start time and the behavior end time; a warning unit that warns the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device when the judgment unit judges that the behavior of the patient is abnormal; An action time management system comprising:

3. The activity time management system according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the detection information of the patient from the sensor installed outside an entrance / exit of the predetermined area.

4. and a third input unit for inputting a maximum allowable time between when the patient repeats the behavior, when the behavior is a type of behavior that is performed regularly every day; the determination unit determines that the behavior of the patient is abnormal on condition that the maximum allowable time has elapsed since the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit was interrupted after the behavior start time was set by the first setting unit, The warning unit warns the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device to have the patient initiate the action. The activity time management system according to claim 1 .

5. 3. The activity time management system according to claim 2, wherein each of the first time period and the second time period is shorter than an activity time of the patient in the activity and longer than an activity time of a caregiver caring for the patient.

6. A fourth input unit for inputting a maximum action time of the action, the determination unit determines that the patient's behavior is abnormal on the condition that the maximum behavior time has elapsed from the behavior start time, The warning unit warns the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device to have the patient end the action.

3. The activity time management system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A fifth input unit for inputting a minimum activity time of the activity is further provided, the determination unit determines that the patient's behavior is abnormal if a time from the behavior start time to the behavior end time is less than the minimum behavior time, The warning unit warns the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device to encourage the patient to continue the behavior.

3. The activity time management system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The acquisition unit acquires an identification signal from a device carried by the patient when acquiring the detection information of the patient, The determination unit determines an abnormality in the behavior of the patient identified by the identification signal by using at least one of the behavior start time or the behavior end time; The warning unit issues a warning to the specific patient or a caregiver of the specific patient via the output device.

3. The activity time management system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A behavior time management method for detecting a patient's behavior in a predetermined area by a sensor, and issuing a warning via an output device when the patient's behavior is abnormal, comprising: acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; When the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired, a time when the detection information is first acquired is set as a behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area; when continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted after the behavior start time is set and the detection information is continuously acquired again from the sensor, the time when the detection information started to be acquired again is set as the behavior end time of the patient in the predetermined area; determining whether the patient's behavior is abnormal by using at least one of the behavior start time and the behavior end time; If the behavior of the patient is determined to be abnormal, a warning is given to the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device.

13. An activity time management method comprising:

10. A behavior time management method for detecting a patient's behavior in a predetermined area by a sensor, and issuing a warning via an output device when the patient's behavior is abnormal, comprising: Accepting an input of a first time; Accepting an input of a second time; acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; When the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time period or more, a time when the detection information is first acquired is set as a behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area; when the behavior start time is set and the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted for the second time period or longer, a time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted or when the detection information is again continuously acquired from the sensor for the second time period or longer, a time when the detection information begins to be acquired again is set as a behavior end time of the behavior of the patient in the specified area; determining whether the patient's behavior is abnormal by using at least one of the behavior start time and the behavior end time; If the behavior of the patient is determined to be abnormal, a warning is given to the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device.

13. An activity time management method comprising:

11. a computer that detects a patient's behavior in a predetermined area with a sensor and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's behavior is abnormal; an acquisition step of acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; a first setting step of setting a time when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired as a behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area to a time when the detection information is first acquired; a second setting step of, when continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition step is interrupted after the action start time is set by the first setting step and the detection information is continuously acquired again from the sensor, setting the time at which the detection information started to be acquired again as an action end time of the action of the patient in the specified area; a determination step of determining whether the patient's behavior is abnormal by using at least one of the behavior start time and the behavior end time; a warning step of warning the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device when the behavior of the patient is determined to be abnormal by the determining step; A computer readable program for executing the program.

12. a computer that detects a patient's behavior in a predetermined area with a sensor and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's behavior is abnormal; a first input step of inputting a first time; a second input step of inputting a second time; an acquisition step of acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; a first setting step of setting a time when the detection information of the patient is first acquired as a behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time period or more; a second setting step of setting, when the action start time is set by the first setting step and the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition step is interrupted for the second time period or more, a time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted or, when the detection information is acquired again from the sensor for the second time period or more, a time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as an action end time of the action of the patient in the specified area; a determination step of determining whether the patient's behavior is abnormal by using at least one of the behavior start time and the behavior end time; a warning step of warning the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device when the behavior of the patient is determined to be abnormal by the determining step; A computer readable program for executing the program.

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