Watch system, watch server, program, and watch terminal

Abstract

To estimate in an early stage a degree of danger of a subject who has moved to outside a residential area.SOLUTION: A watch system 1 includes a watch terminal which a subject carries, a first gateway that is installed within a residential area, that is, in the inside of a residential area where the subject resides, and transmits existence / non-existence information on the subject within the residential area, a second gateway that is installed outside the residential area, that is, in the outside of the residential area and transmits communication condition information relative to the watch terminal, and a watch server that is connected to each of the first gateway and second gateway. The watch server includes acquisition means that acquires existence / non-existence information transmitted from the first gateway and communication condition information transmitted from the second gateway, detection means that detects based on the acquired existence / non-existence information whether the subject has moved to outside the residential area, and estimation means that estimates a degree of danger of the subject existing outside the residential area on the basis of the acquired communication condition information according to the fact that the subject's movement to outside the residential area has been detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring server, a program, and a monitoring terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are known monitoring systems, such as position identification systems that ascertain the location of people to be monitored, such as elderly people, infants, and children (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a target terminal carried by a target person, which transmits identification information to a detection terminal via short-range communication at a first time interval, acquires location information using a GPS function at a second time interval longer than the first time interval, and transmits the identification information and location information to a server via long-distance communication; a detection terminal that detects target terminals with which it is able to communicate, acquires the identification information transmitted from the target terminal, and transmits it to the server; and a server that identifies the location of the target terminal within the monitoring area based on the identification information of the target terminal transmitted via the detection terminal, and identifies the location of the target terminal outside the monitoring area based on the identification information and location information transmitted from the target terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-184306 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the detection of a subject who has moved outside the residential area corresponding to the monitoring area and the identification of the location of the subject's terminal outside the residential area are not executed in conjunction with each other. It is required to estimate the risk level of a subject who has moved outside the residential area earlier.

[0006] The disclosed technology aims to provide a monitoring system, a monitoring server, a program, and a monitoring terminal that can quickly estimate the level of danger of a subject who moves outside his or her residential area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The monitoring system of the present disclosure comprises a monitoring terminal carried by a subject, a first communication device installed within a residential area inside the residential area in which the subject resides and transmitting presence information of the subject within the residential area, a second communication device installed outside the residential area outside the residential area and transmitting communication status information with the monitoring terminal, and a monitoring server connected to each of the first communication device and the second communication device, wherein the monitoring server comprises an acquisition means for acquiring each of the presence information transmitted from the first communication device and the communication status information transmitted from the second communication device, a detection means for detecting that the subject has moved outside the residential area based on the acquired presence information, and an estimation means for estimating the degree of danger of the subject outside the residential area based on the acquired communication status information in response to detection of the subject's movement outside the residential area. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the disclosed technology, the risk level of a subject who moves outside of his / her residential area can be estimated early on. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a system block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a monitoring system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a watching terminal in a watching system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a first gateway in the watching system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4]3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second gateway in the watching system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a watching server in the watching system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the watching system according to the first embodiment to detect an elderly person who has moved outside a facility or the like. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an estimation operation of estimating a risk level of an elderly person in the watching system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a sequence chart illustrating an operation of the watching system according to the first embodiment to detect an elderly person who has entered a prohibited area of ​​a facility or the like. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of transmitting outside-area position information of an elderly person in the watching system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a system block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a monitoring system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a first human presence detection unit in a monitoring system according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a sequence chart illustrating the operation of the watching system according to the second embodiment to detect an elderly person who has moved outside a facility or the like. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a system block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a monitoring system 1B according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a sequence chart illustrating an operation of the watching system 1B according to the third embodiment to detect an elderly person who has moved outside a facility or the like. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components may be denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, in the description of each drawing, the description of components that are the same as those already described may be omitted.

[0011] The term "connection" as used herein includes a case where multiple different terminals (devices) are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. In other words, it includes a case where multiple different terminals (devices) are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication network, a communication relay device, etc.

[0012] [First embodiment] <Configuration> The overall configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a system block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the monitoring system 1.

[0013] The monitoring system 1 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a system for monitoring elderly people residing in facilities for the elderly, such as nursing homes and nursing homes. However, the monitoring system 1 may also be a system for monitoring elderly people living alone in their homes or other residences, or elderly people who commute to facilities for the elderly.

[0014] Elderly people are an example of a "subject." Additionally, facilities and residences for the elderly (collectively referred to as "facilities, etc.") are an example of a "residential area." Specifically, a residential area corresponds to the interior of a facility, etc. "Indoors" includes areas within the rooms where elderly people live, as well as areas within a facility, etc., such as the corridors in front of the doors of each room, and the stairs and landings connecting each floor. Note that "residing" includes not only constantly residing in a place, but also staying for a short period of time, such as a few hours or a few days.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the watching system 1 includes a watching terminal 2, a first gateway 3, a second gateway 4, and a watching server 5. Preferably, the watching system 1 further includes a wireless base station 6 and an external terminal 7. The first gateway 3 is an example of a "first communication device." The second gateway 4 is an example of a "second communication device."

[0016] The monitoring terminal 2 is a communication terminal carried by an elderly person. The monitoring terminal 2 in the first embodiment is, for example, an active type wireless IC tag. However, the monitoring terminal 2 may be another type of wireless IC tag such as a passive type, or may be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet.

[0017] For example, when the watching terminal 2 is located inside the facility 100, the watching terminal 2 performs wireless communication with the first gateway 3. On the other hand, when the watching terminal 2 is located outside the facility 100, the watching terminal 2 performs wireless communication with the second gateway 4.

[0018] The communication method between the watching terminal 2 and the first gateway 3 is preferably LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), which is a power-saving long distance communication method. The communication method between the watching terminal 2 and the second gateway 4 is also preferably LPWA. Furthermore, the communication method between the watching terminal 2 and the first gateway 3 and the communication method between the watching terminal 2 and the second gateway 4 are preferably the same.

[0019] The monitoring terminal 2, the first gateway 3, and the second gateway 4 constitute an LPWA wireless communication network NW1. This allows mutual communication between the monitoring terminal 2 and the first gateway 3 (second gateway 4) to be performed with low power and over a wide area. Examples of LPWA include LoRa (registered trademark), ZETA, Z-WAVE (registered trademark), and Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Utility Network, registered trademark). A specific configuration example and function example of the monitoring terminal 2 will be described separately with reference to FIG. 2.

[0020] The first gateway 3 is a communication relay device installed in a facility 100. The first gateway 3 is connected to a watching server 5 and an external terminal 7 through a closed communication network NW2 such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired LAN installed in the facility, and a wide area communication network NW3 such as the Internet.

[0021] However, the mutual connection relationship between the first gateway 3, the watching server 5, and the external terminal 7 is not limited to via the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. For example, the first gateway 3 may be connected to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through the closed communication network NW2 or the wide area communication network NW3. Furthermore, the first gateway 3 may be connected to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through other communication networks in addition to the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0022] The first gateway 3 preferably serves as a wireless base station that transmits an LPWA signal including identification information such as an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​at any time and communicates with the monitoring terminal 2 located within its communication range. The communication range of the first gateway 3 may be the same as the range of an area within the facility 100, for example.

[0023] When the watching terminal 2 is present within the communication range of the first gateway 3, the first gateway 3 transmits communication start information to the watching terminal 2 to start mutual communication with the watching terminal 2. The first gateway 3 also acquires response information from the watching terminal 2 that responds to the communication start information from the first gateway 3. The response information includes identification information of the watching terminal 2. This starts communication between the first gateway 3 and the watching terminal 2. For example, the first gateway 3 and the watching terminal perform packet communication.

[0024] The first gateway 3 receives an LPWA signal from the monitoring terminal 2. The first gateway 3 also converts the LPWA signal received from the monitoring terminal 2 into a signal of another communication method such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark). The first gateway 3 then transmits the converted WiFi signal to the closed communication network NW2. Hereinafter, a wireless signal based on WiFi will be referred to as a "WiFi signal." However, the first gateway 3 may convert the received LPWA signal into a signal of a communication method other than WiFi. An example of another communication method is Ethernet. A wireless signal based on Ethernet will be referred to as an "Ethernet signal."

[0025] The first gateway 3 may be a communication device having a component performing a communication relay function and a component performing a function as a wireless base station integrally in structure, or may be a communication device having each of these components separately in structure. Note that specific configuration and function examples of the first gateway 3 will be described separately with reference to FIG. 3.

[0026] The second gateway 4 is a communication relay device installed outside the facility 100. Examples of the area in which the second gateway 4 is installed include the roof of the facility 100, an outdoor multipurpose area attached to the facility, a parking area, a garden, a passageway leading from a gate to an entrance, etc. The area in which the second gateway 4 is installed may be an area outside the facility, such as a road or a building.

[0027] The second gateway 4 is connected to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. However, the connection relationship between the second gateway 4, the watching server 5, and the external terminal 7 is not limited to via the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. For example, the second gateway 4 may be connected to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through the closed communication network NW2 or the wide area communication network NW3. Furthermore, the second gateway 4 may be connected to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through other communication networks in addition to the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0028] The second gateway 4 preferably serves as a wireless base station that transmits an LPWA signal including identification information such as an SSID at any time and communicates with the monitoring terminal 2 located within its communication range. An example of the communication range of the second gateway 4 is a range with a radius of 5 km to 10 km, with the installation position of the second gateway 4 as the origin. However, the communication range of the second gateway 4 is not limited to this.

[0029] If the watching terminal 2 is present within the communication range of the second gateway 4, the second gateway 4 transmits communication start information to the watching terminal 2 to start mutual communication. The second gateway 4 also acquires response information from the watching terminal 2 that responds to the communication start information from the second gateway 4. The response information includes identification information of the watching terminal 2. This starts communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2. For example, the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 perform packet communication.

[0030] The second gateway 4 receives an LPWA signal from the monitoring terminal 2. The second gateway 4 converts the LPWA signal acquired from the monitoring terminal 2 into a WiFi signal. The second gateway 4 also transmits the converted WiFi signal to the closed communication network NW2. However, the second gateway 4 may convert the received LPWA signal into a signal of a communication method other than WiFi. An example of the other communication method is Ethernet.

[0031] In communication with the watching terminal 2, the second gateway 4 preferably transmits an LPWA signal with a transmission strength stronger than the transmission strength of the LPWA signal transmitted by the first gateway 3 for communication with the watching terminal 2.

[0032] The second gateway 4 may be a communication device having a component performing a communication relay function and a component performing a function as a wireless base station integrally in terms of structure, or may be a communication device having each of these components separately in terms of structure. Note that specific configuration and function examples of the second gateway 4 will be described separately with reference to FIG. 4.

[0033] The watching server 5 is an information processing device having various functions such as estimating the risk of an elderly person who has moved outside the facility 100. The watching server 5 may be, for example, an on-premise server installed in the facility 100, or a cloud server installed in a location other than the facility 100, such as a data center. The watching server 5 may be configured with one information processing device, or may be configured with multiple information processing devices each performing various functions.

[0034] 1, the watching server 5 is connected to the first gateway 3 and the second gateway 4 through a closed area communication network NW2 and a wide area communication network NW3. The watching server 5 is also connected to an external terminal 7 through the wide area communication network NW3. A specific configuration example and a function example of the watching server 5 will be described separately with reference to FIG.

[0035] The wireless base station 6 is installed in a facility or the like 100. The wireless base station 6 transmits wireless signals based on short-range communication methods such as WiFi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) as needed, and communicates with terminals and devices located within its communication range. An example of the wireless base station 6 is an access point such as a wireless LAN router. However, the wireless base station 6 is not limited to this. A wireless signal based on Bluetooth is called a "Bluetooth signal". A wireless signal based on UWB is called a "UWB signal".

[0036] The wireless base station 6 of the present embodiment is installed in or near a forbidden area where entry by elderly people is prohibited, such as a cooking facility or a machine room in the facility 100. The wireless base station 6 detects an elderly person who has entered the forbidden area.

[0037] Specifically, when the watching terminal 2 moves into the communication range of the wireless base station 6, the wireless base station 6 detects the start of communication with the watching terminal 2. At this time, the wireless base station 6 transmits identification information of the wireless base station 6 to the watching terminal 2. The watching terminal 2 transmits each of the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 to, for example, the first gateway 3.

[0038] The first gateway 3 transmits the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 to the watching server 5 through the closed area communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. The watching server 5 stores correspondence information between the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the location information, and between the identification information of the watching terminal 2 and attribute information such as the name of the elderly person carrying the watching terminal 2. The watching server 5 checks the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 against the correspondence information, and identifies the attribute information such as the name of the elderly person who has entered the entry prohibited area and the location information of the elderly person. It is preferable that the watching server 5 transmits information that the identified elderly person has entered the entry prohibited area and the location information of the elderly person (watching terminal 2) to the external terminal 7. Identification information such as a number may be stored as attribute information instead of a name.

[0039] The wireless base station 6 may be connected to, for example, a closed communication network NW2. In this case, the wireless base station 6 may acquire the identification information of the watching terminal 2 in communication with the watching terminal 2, and may transmit each of the identification information of the watching terminal 2 and the identification information of the wireless base station 6 to the closed communication network NW2 without going through the first gateway 3. Each of the identification information of the watching terminal 2 and the identification information of the wireless base station 6 is transmitted to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0040] According to the monitoring system 1, it is possible to quickly detect when an elderly person enters a prohibited area through mutual communication between the monitoring terminal 2, the wireless base station 6, and the monitoring server 5. This makes it possible to prevent accidents involving elderly people in the facility 100.

[0041] The external terminal 7 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet carried by staff of the facility 100, a security guard who guards the facility 100, or a family member or relative of an elderly person residing in the facility 100. The external terminal 7 may also be an information display terminal such as a display or digital signage provided in the facility 100.

[0042] 1, an external terminal 7 of this embodiment is connected to a wide area communication network NW3. The external terminal 7 is connected to each of the first gateway 3, the second gateway 4, and the watching server 5 through the closed area communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. The external terminal 7 acquires various information transmitted from each of the first gateway 3, the second gateway 4, and the watching server 5.

[0043] The above describes an overview of the overall configuration of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. Here, the terminals and devices constituting the monitoring system 1 are connected to each other via communication networks that can be used free of charge, such as a wireless communication network NW1, a closed area communication network NW2, and a wide area communication network NW3. Therefore, the running costs, such as communication fees, associated with the operation of the monitoring system 1 can be significantly reduced.

[0044] <<Configuration of monitoring device 2>> Next, a configuration example of the watching terminal 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the watching terminal 2.

[0045] 2, the watching terminal 2 includes a battery 2B which is a power source for the watching terminal 2. The watching terminal 2 transmits a wireless signal of a predetermined communication method such as an LPWA signal or a WiFi signal using power supplied from the battery 2B. The watching terminal 2 further includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, a sound output unit 25, a measurement unit 26, and a signal modulation unit 27. The control unit 21, the storage unit 22, the communication unit 23, the operation unit 24, the sound output unit 25, the measurement unit 26, and the signal modulation unit 27 are each connected to each other via a bus.

[0046] The control unit 21 is a processor that controls and processes various operations in the watching terminal 2. An example of the control unit 21 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 21 may also be composed of other electronic circuits that perform the same functions as a processor such as a CPU.

[0047] The storage unit 22 stores identification information, such as a Media Access Control address (MAC address), that is assigned to each monitoring terminal 2, as well as programs executed by the control unit 21 and various data required for executing the programs. An example of the storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage medium, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM).

[0048] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface including components such as a communication circuit and an antenna for communicating with other communication devices such as the first gateway 3, the second gateway 4, and the wireless base station 6. The communication unit 23 transmits wireless signals based on various communication methods such as an LPWA signal and a WiFi signal under the control of the control unit 21. The communication unit 23 also acquires various information transmitted from other communication devices such as the first gateway 3, the second gateway 4, and the wireless base station 6. The communication unit 23 also transmits information such as response information in response to communication start information transmitted from other communication devices such as the first gateway 3, the second gateway 4, and the wireless base station 6 to the other communication devices.

[0049] The communication unit 23 receives a wireless signal including the position information of the watching terminal 2 transmitted from a positioning satellite 110 such as a global positioning system (GPS) or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The position information of the watching terminal 2 includes information on the position of the watching terminal 2 such as the latitude and longitude. An example of the position information of the watching terminal 2 transmitted from the positioning satellite 110 is outdoor position information corresponding to the position information of an elderly person who has moved outside the facility or the like 100. The communication unit 23 may be provided with multiple types of communication interfaces according to the communication method in order to communicate with other communication devices such as the first gateway 3, the second gateway 4, and the wireless base station 6, and the positioning satellite 110. By providing multiple types of communication interfaces, the communication unit 23 can transmit and receive wireless signals based on various communication methods such as an LPWA signal and a WiFi signal.

[0050] The operation unit 24 is a member such as a touch sensor or a push button that outputs an operation signal to the control unit 21 in response to an operation by the elderly person. In response to the operation of the operation unit 24, a sound output operation of the sound output unit 25 may be performed. In addition, in response to the operation of the operation unit 24, a transmission operation of location information related to the current location may be performed.

[0051] The sound generator 25 is a member that generates an alarm sound or the like in response to, for example, the elderly person moving outside the facility or the like 100. An example of the sound generator 25 is a buzzer that vibrates in response to a control signal from the control unit 21.

[0052] The measurement unit 26 measures, for example, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), which is the reception strength of the LPWA signals received by the communication unit 23 from the first gateway 3 and the second gateway 4. Specifically, the measurement unit 26 includes a signal processing circuit for measuring the RSSI. The measurement unit 26 may further include a signal processing circuit for measuring the frequency of communication errors (packet errors or bit errors) in communication with the first gateway 3 and the second gateway 4. Hereinafter, the RSSI measured by the measurement unit 26 of the watching terminal 2 is referred to as the "first RSSI." Furthermore, the frequency of communication errors measured by the measurement unit 26 of the watching terminal 2 is referred to as the "first error frequency."

[0053] The signal modulation unit 27 modulates the LPWA signal transmitted from the monitoring terminal 2 during communication with the second gateway 4. Examples of the signal modulation unit 27 include a bandpass filter that adjusts the frequency bandwidth of the LPWA signal depending on the communication state with the second gateway 4, and a power supply circuit that adjusts the amount of power supplied when the monitoring terminal 2 transmits the LPWA signal.

[0054] For example, when the watching terminal 2 moves away from the second gateway 4 and the first RSSI weakens, the signal modulation unit 27 narrows the frequency bandwidth of the LPWA signal that the watching terminal 2 transmits to the second gateway 4 and increases the transmission strength of the LPWA signal. In this case, the watching terminal 2 may compare the first RSSI with a threshold value Th7, and modulate the LPWA signal that is transmitted to the second gateway 4 when the first RSSI is less than the threshold value Th7.

[0055] By modulating the LPWA signal transmitted to other communication devices such as the second gateway 4, it is possible to greatly expand the communication range without significantly increasing the power consumption during communication. As a result, the monitoring terminal 2 can continue communication with the second gateway 4 even if it moves away from the second gateway 4.

[0056] Furthermore, when the watching terminal 2 and the second gateway 4 are close to each other, the signal modulation unit 27 widens the frequency bandwidth of the LPWA signal transmitted by the watching terminal 2 to the second gateway 4 and weakens the transmission strength of the LPWA signal. At this time, the first RSSI may be compared with a threshold value Th8, and when the first RSSI is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th8, the LPWA signal transmitted to the second gateway 4 may be modulated. This makes it possible to increase the communication speed between the watching terminal 2 and the second gateway 4 and reduce power consumption during communication.

[0057] Next, various functions of the control unit 21 of the watching terminal 2 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 21 functions as each of means such as an acquisition means 211, a transmission processing means 212, and a sound generation processing means 213. The control unit 21 executes a program stored in the storage unit 22 to cause the watching terminal 2 to function as each of these means. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0058] The acquisition means 211 acquires communication start information for starting mutual communication with other communication devices such as the first gateway 3 and the second gateway 4. Accordingly, the transmission processing means 212 transmits response information responding to the communication start information to the other communication device that transmitted the communication start information. Here, the response information includes the identification information of the watching terminal 2 stored in the storage unit 22.

[0059] Specifically, the transmission processing means 212 transmits response information to the first gateway 3 in response to a communication start signal from the first gateway 3. This starts communication between the watching terminal 2 and the first gateway 3. Also, the transmission processing means 212 transmits response information to the second gateway 4 in response to communication start information from the second gateway 4. This starts communication between the watching terminal 2 and the second gateway 4.

[0060] Furthermore, when the watching terminal 2, for example, enters a forbidden area of ​​the facility etc. 100 and starts mutual communication with the wireless base station 6, the acquisition means 211 acquires the identification information of the wireless base station 6. Accordingly, the transmission processing means 212 transmits the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 to the first gateway 3. The identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 are each transmitted to the watching server 5. Furthermore, the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 are each referenced by the watching server 5 to identify the elderly person who has entered the forbidden area and the elderly person's position.

[0061] Moreover, when the watching terminal 2 moves outside the facility or the like 100, the transmission processing means 212 transmits the outside area position information of the watching terminal 2 to the second gateway 4.

[0062] Furthermore, when the elderly person operates the operation unit 24 to request transmission of location information indicating the current location of the watching terminal 2, the transmission processing means 212 acquires the location information of the watching terminal 2 from the positioning satellite 110 via the acquisition means 211. Furthermore, the transmission processing means 212 transmits the location information of the watching terminal 2 to the second gateway 4. The location information of the watching terminal 2 is transmitted to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 via the second gateway 4, the closed communication network NW2, and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0063] The sound generation processing means 213 controls the sound generation unit 25 to emit an alarm sound when the elderly person moves outside the facility 100 or moves away from the facility 100 and the danger increases.

[0064] Specifically, the sound generation processing means 213 outputs a control signal including instruction information for generating an alarm sound to the sound generation unit 25 in response to the acquisition means 211 acquiring communication start information from the second gateway 4 outside the facility etc. 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the sound generation processing means 213 may output a control signal to the sound generation unit 25 to instruct the sound generation unit 25 to generate an alarm sound in response to the first RSSI decreasing below a predetermined threshold value. This allows the sound generation unit 25 to generate an alarm sound, and to immediately inform an elderly person who has moved outside the facility 100 that he or she is moving away from the facility 100.

[0066] The sound generation processing means 213 may output a control signal including sound generation instruction information for an alarm sound to the sound generation unit 25 in response to an operation signal from the operation unit 24. This causes the sound generation unit 25 to generate an alarm sound, thereby making it possible to notify those around that the elderly person is in a dangerous state.

[0067] <<Configuration of the first gateway 3>> Next, a configuration example of the first gateway 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the first gateway 3.

[0068] The first gateway 3 is installed in a facility 100 and relays communication between the wireless communication network NW1 and the closed communication network NW2, which have different communication methods. The first gateway 3 also functions as an access point that transmits wireless signals including identification information such as an SSID at any time and communicates with terminals and devices within the communication range.

[0069] Specifically, the first gateway 3 converts the LPWA signal transmitted from the watching terminal 2 into a WiFi signal and transmits it to the closed area communication network NW2. Various information corresponding to the WiFi signal transmitted from the first gateway 3 is transmitted to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through the closed area communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0070] 3, the first gateway 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and a measurement unit 34. The control unit 31, the storage unit 32, the communication unit 33, and the measurement unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0071] The control unit 31 is a processor that controls and processes various operations in the first gateway 3. An example of the control unit 31 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 31 may also be composed of other electronic circuits that perform the same functions as a processor such as a CPU.

[0072] The storage unit 32 stores identification information, such as an SSID, that is assigned to each first gateway 3, as well as programs executed by the control unit 31 and various data required for executing the programs. Examples of the storage unit 32 include non-volatile storage media such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash ROM.

[0073] The communication unit 33 is a communication interface equipped with components such as a communication circuit and an antenna for communicating with the watching terminal 2, the watching server 5, and the external terminal 7. More specifically, the communication unit 33 receives, for example, an LPWA signal transmitted from the watching terminal 2, converts the received LPWA signal into a WiFi signal, and transmits it to the closed communication network NW2.

[0074] The measurement unit 34 measures, for example, RSSI, which is the reception strength of the LPWA signal from the watching terminal 2 received by the communication unit 33. Specifically, the measurement unit 34 includes a signal processing circuit for measuring RSSI. The measurement unit 34 may further include a signal processing circuit for measuring the frequency of communication errors (packet errors or bit errors) in communication with the watching terminal 2. Hereinafter, the RSSI measured by the measurement unit 34 of the first gateway 3 is referred to as the "second RSSI." The "second RSSI" is an example of the "reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the watching terminal 2." The frequency of communication errors measured by the measurement unit 34 of the first gateway 3 is referred to as the "second error frequency." The "second error frequency" is an example of the "frequency of communication errors in communication with the watching terminal 2."

[0075] The second RSSI and the second error frequency are examples of "communication state information." Furthermore, the second RSSI and the second error frequency are used by the monitoring server 5 as information for estimating the presence or absence of an elderly person in the facility, etc. 100. That is, the second RSSI and the second error frequency are also examples of "presence information." In other words, the second RSSI and the second error frequency are "presence information" based on the communication state between the first gateway 3 and the monitoring terminal 2.

[0076] Next, various functions of the control unit 31 of the first gateway 3 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 31 functions as each means such as an acquisition means 311 and a call processing means 312. The control unit 31 executes a program stored in the storage unit 32 to cause the first gateway 3 to function as each of these means. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0077] The acquisition means 311 acquires information on the second RSSI and the second error frequency measured by the measurement unit 34 in communication with the watching terminal 2. Accordingly, the transmission processing means 312 transmits the information on the second RSSI and the second error frequency to the closed communication network NW2. The information on the second RSSI and the second error frequency is transmitted to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0078] Furthermore, the acquisition means 311 acquires the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 acquired from the wireless base station 6 in response to the watching terminal 2 entering a prohibited entry area of ​​the facility or the like 100. Accordingly, the transmission processing means 312 transmits the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 to the closed communication network NW2. The identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 are transmitted to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0079] <<Configuration of the second gateway 4>> Next, a configuration example of the second gateway 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the second gateway 4.

[0080] The second gateway 4 is installed outside the facility 100 and relays communication between the wireless communication network NW1 and the closed communication network NW2, which have different communication methods. The second gateway 4 also functions as an access point that transmits wireless signals including identification information such as SSID at any time and communicates with terminals and devices within the communication range.

[0081] The second gateway 4, like the first gateway 3, converts the LPWA signal transmitted from the watching terminal 2 into a WiFi signal and transmits the converted WiFi signal to the closed area communication network NW2. Various information corresponding to the signal transmitted by the second gateway 4 is transmitted to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through the closed area communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0082] The second gateway 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, a measurement unit 44, and a signal modulation unit 45. The control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the communication unit 43, the measurement unit 44, and the signal modulation unit 45 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0083] The control unit 41 is a processor that controls and processes various operations in the second gateway 4. An example of the control unit 41 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 41 may also be composed of other electronic circuits that perform the same functions as a processor such as a CPU.

[0084] The storage unit 42 stores identification information, such as an SSID, that is assigned to each second gateway 4, as well as programs executed by the control unit 41 and various data required for executing the programs. Examples of the storage unit 42 include non-volatile storage media such as EEPROM and flash ROM.

[0085] The communication unit 43 receives an LPWA signal including the out-of-area location information of the elderly person outside the facility or the like 100, which is transmitted from the monitoring terminal 2. The communication unit 43 also converts the LPWA signal including the out-of-area location information of the elderly person into a WiFi signal, and transmits the converted WiFi signal to the closed communication network NW2. Other configurations and functions of the communication unit 43 may be similar to those of the communication unit 33 of the first gateway 3.

[0086] The measurement unit 44 measures, for example, RSSI, which is the reception strength of the LPWA signal received from the monitoring terminal 2 by the communication unit 43. The measurement unit 44 also measures the frequency of communication errors (packet errors or bit errors) in communication with the monitoring terminal 2. The measurement unit 44 includes a signal processing circuit that executes measurement of RSSI and the frequency of communication errors. Hereinafter, the RSSI measured by the measurement unit 44 of the second gateway 4 is referred to as the "third RSSI". The "third RSSI" is an example of the "reception strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the monitoring terminal 2". The frequency of communication errors measured by the measurement unit 44 of the second gateway 4 is referred to as the "third error frequency". The "third error frequency" is an example of the "frequency of communication errors in communication with the monitoring terminal 2". The third RSSI and the third error frequency are examples of "communication state information".

[0087] The signal modulation unit 45 modulates the LPWA signal transmitted from the second gateway 4 during communication with the monitoring terminal 2. Examples of the signal modulation unit 45 include a bandpass filter that adjusts the frequency bandwidth of the LPWA signal depending on the communication state with the monitoring terminal 2, and a power supply circuit that adjusts the amount of power supplied when the second gateway 4 transmits the LPWA signal.

[0088] For example, when the watching terminal 2 moves away from the second gateway 4 and the third RSSI weakens, the signal modulation unit 45 narrows the frequency bandwidth of the LPWA signal transmitted by the second gateway 4 to the watching terminal 2, and increases the transmission strength of the LPWA signal. This makes it possible to greatly expand the communication range between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2. As a result, even if the watching terminal 2 moves away from the second gateway 4, the second gateway 4 can continue communication with the watching terminal 2.

[0089] Furthermore, when the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 are close to each other, the signal modulation unit 45 widens the frequency bandwidth of the LPWA signal transmitted by the second gateway 4 to the watching terminal 2, and weakens the transmission strength of the LPWA signal. This makes it possible to increase the communication speed between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2, and to reduce power consumption during communication.

[0090] Next, various functions of the control unit 41 of the second gateway 4 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 41 functions as each means such as an acquisition means 411 and a call processing means 412. The control unit 41 executes a program stored in the storage unit 42 to cause the second gateway 4 to function as each of these means. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0091] The acquisition means 411 acquires information on the third RSSI and the third error frequency measured by the measurement unit 44 in communication with the watching terminal 2. Accordingly, the transmission processing means 412 transmits the information on the third RSSI and the third error frequency to the closed communication network NW2. The information on the third RSSI and the third error frequency is transmitted to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0092] Furthermore, the acquisition means 411 acquires the outside area position information of the elderly person. Accordingly, the transmission processing means 412 transmits the outside area position information of the elderly person to the closed area communication network NW2. The outside area position information is transmitted to the watching server 5 through the closed area communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. The outside area position information may be transmitted to the external terminal 7 through the closed area communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0093] <<Monitoring Server 5>> Next, a configuration example of the watching server 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the watching server 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the watching server 5 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The control unit 51, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 are connected to each other via a bus.

[0094] The control unit 51 is a processor that controls and processes various operations in the watching server 5. An example of the control unit 51 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 51 may also be composed of other electronic circuits that perform the same functions as a processor such as a CPU.

[0095] The storage unit 52 stores programs executed by the control unit 51 and various data required for executing the programs. The storage unit 52 also stores correspondence relationship information between the identification information and location information of the wireless base station 6, and correspondence relationship information between the identification information of the monitoring terminal 2 and attribute information such as the name of the elderly person. Examples of the storage unit 52 include non-volatile storage media such as EEPROM, flash ROM, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0096] The communication unit 53 is a communication interface equipped with a communication circuit for communicating with the first gateway 3, the second gateway 4, and the external terminal 7 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. The communication unit 53 receives various information transmitted from the first gateway 3 and the second gateway 4 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. In addition, the communication unit 53 transmits a signal including various information to the external terminal 7 under the control of the control unit 21.

[0097] Next, various functions of the control unit 51 of the watching server 5 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 51 functions as each of means such as an acquisition means 511, a detection means 512, an estimation means 513, and a transmission processing means 514. The control unit 51 executes a program stored in the storage unit 52 to cause the watching server 5 to function as each of these means. The program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be provided via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0098] The acquisition means 511 acquires information on the second RSSI and the second error frequency transmitted from the first gateway 3 through the communication unit 53. In response to this, when the second RSSI is less than a predetermined threshold Th1, the detection means 512 detects that the distance between the watching terminal 2 and the first gateway 3 has increased and the elderly person carrying the watching terminal 2 has moved outside the facility or the like 100. Note that the threshold Th1 can be set appropriately depending on the surrounding environment of the first gateway 3 and the receiving sensitivity of the first gateway 3, etc.

[0099] Furthermore, when the second error frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Th2, the detection means 512 may detect that the distance between the watching terminal 2 and the first gateway 3 has increased and the elderly person has moved outside the facility or the like 100. Note that the threshold value Th2 can be set appropriately depending on the surrounding environment of the first gateway 3, the receiving sensitivity of the first gateway 3, and the like.

[0100] Moreover, the acquisition means 511 acquires information such as the identification information of the watching terminal 2, the third RSSI, and the third error frequency transmitted from the second gateway 4 through the communication unit 53. Accordingly, the estimation means 513 estimates the risk level of the elderly person outside the facility or the like 100.

[0101] For example, when the estimation means 513 extracts the identification information of the watching terminal 2 from the information transmitted from the second gateway 4, it estimates that the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 have started communication. In other words, the estimation means 513 estimates that the elderly person carrying the watching terminal 2 has moved outside the facility, etc. 100. The "identification information of the watching terminal 2" transmitted from the second gateway 4 is an example of a "wireless signal transmitted from the watching terminal 2."

[0102] The estimation means 513 may also assign a level to the corresponding risk. For example, the estimation means 513 assigns a level to the risk of the elderly person at this time, for example, level DH1 or level DH2. However, the level of risk assigned by the estimation means 513 can be changed as appropriate.

[0103] When the third RSSI is less than a predetermined threshold value Th3, the estimation means 513 estimates that the watching terminal 2 is moving away from the second gateway 4. In other words, the estimation means 513 estimates that the risk level of the elderly person is increasing. The estimation means 513 assigns a level of risk to the elderly person at this time to "level DL4" which is higher than level DL3. The threshold value Th3 can be set appropriately depending on the surrounding environment of the second gateway 4 and the receiving sensitivity of the second gateway 4, etc.

[0104] Furthermore, when the third error frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value Th4, the estimation means 513 estimates that the elderly person is moving farther away from the facility etc. 100 and that the elderly person's risk level is increasing. The estimation means 513 assigns a level to the elderly person's risk level at this time as "Level DL5" which is higher than Level DL4. Note that the threshold value Th4 can be set appropriately depending on the surrounding environment of the second gateway 4 and the receiving sensitivity of the second gateway 4, etc.

[0105] Furthermore, the estimation means 513 may estimate that communication between the watching terminal 2 and the second gateway 4 has been interrupted when the third RSSI is less than a threshold Th5 lower than the threshold Th3 and the third error frequency is equal to or greater than a threshold Th6 higher than the threshold Th4. In this case, the estimation means 513 estimates that the elderly person has moved further away from the facility etc. 100 and that the risk level of the elderly person has further increased. The estimation means 513 assigns a level of risk to the elderly person at this time as "level DL6" higher than level DL5.

[0106] Meanwhile, the estimation means 513 may estimate the risk level of the elderly person by referring to information on the second RSSI and the second error frequency transmitted from the first gateway 3 through the acquisition means 511. For example, when the second RSSI is less than a threshold value Th1, the estimation means 513 may determine the risk level of the elderly person to be level DL1, which is lower than level DL3. Also, when the second RSSI is less than the threshold value Th1 and the second error frequency is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th2, the estimation means 513 may determine the risk level of the elderly person to be "level DL2", which is higher than level DL1 and lower than level DL3.

[0107] In this way, by appropriately classifying the risk level of the elderly person based on the communication state between the first gateway 3 and the monitoring terminal 2, and the communication state between the second gateway 4 and the monitoring terminal 2, the amount of communication data required for the estimation means 513 to estimate the risk level can be reduced, and the level of risk of the elderly person moving away from the facility, etc. 100 can be appropriately estimated. Note that, in this embodiment, the risk level estimated by the estimation means 513 is six levels, but is not limited to this.

[0108] The transmission processing means 514 transmits risk level information, the content of which corresponds to the risk level estimated by the estimation means 513, to the external terminal 7 through the communication unit 53. The content of the risk level information corresponding to the risk level can be set as appropriate. For example, when the risk level is level DL1 and level DL2, an example of the risk level information is content that the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100. When the risk level is level DL3, an example of the risk level information is content that the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100. When the risk level is level DL4 and level DL5, an example of the risk level information is content that the elderly person has moved away from the facility 100 and the risk level is increasing. When the risk level is level DL6, an example of the risk level information is content that the communication with the monitoring terminal 2 carried by the elderly person has been cut off and the elderly person has moved further away from the facility 100. However, the content of the risk level information transmitted to the external terminal 7 is not limited to these. The external terminal 7 that has acquired the risk level information through the transmission processing means 514 of the watching server 5 displays the corresponding risk level information on the display unit of the external terminal 7. In addition, the transmission processing means 514 may control the transmission of outside area location information to the external terminal 7 based on the risk level of the elderly person.

[0109] <Operation> <<Detection of elderly person moving outside facility 100>> Next, a detection operation of the watching server 5 to detect a watching terminal 2 (elderly person) who has moved outside the facility 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the detection operation to detect an elderly person who has moved outside the facility 100.

[0110] In step S11, the acquisition means 511 of the watching server 5 acquires the second RSSI information from the first gateway 3.

[0111] Next, in step S12, the detection means 512 of the watching server 5 compares the second RSSI with the threshold value Th1. If the second RSSI is less than the threshold value Th1 (YES), the detection means 512 of the watching server 5 detects in step S13 that the elderly person has moved outside the facility or the like 100.

[0112] On the other hand, if the second RSSI is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th1 (if NO), the detection means 512 of the watching server 5 detects in step S14 that the elderly person remains within the facility 100. In this case, the watching server 5 acquires second RSSI information from the first gateway 3 again, and sequentially determines whether or not the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100.

[0113] The watching server 5 may detect an elderly person who has moved outside the facility 100 based on information on the second error frequency acquired from the first gateway 3. In this case, the detection means 512 of the watching server 5 may detect that the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100 when the second error frequency is equal to or greater than the threshold Th2. On the other hand, the detection means 512 of the watching server 5 may detect that the elderly person remains within the facility 100 when the second error frequency is less than the threshold Th2.

[0114] By the monitoring server 5 executing each of these steps, it is possible to appropriately detect that an elderly person has moved outside the facility etc. 100 based on information with a relatively small amount of communication data, such as the second RSSI and the second error frequency.

[0115] <<Danger level estimation operation>> Next, the operation of the watching server 5 to estimate the risk level of the elderly will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the watching server 5 to estimate the risk level of the elderly.

[0116] In step S21, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 acquires the identification information of the watching terminal 2 from the second gateway 4 and detects that communication has started between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2. In other words, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 detects that the elderly person has moved outside the facility or the like 100.

[0117] Next, in step S22, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 acquires information on the third RSSI from the second gateway 4, and compares the third RSSI with a threshold value Th3. If the third RSSI is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th3 (if YES), the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 determines that the elderly person is near the second gateway 4. Specifically, in step S23, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 assigns a risk level of the elderly person to level DL3.

[0118] On the other hand, if the third RSSI is less than the threshold value Th3 (if NO), in step S24, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 acquires information on the third error frequency from the second gateway 4 and compares the third error frequency with the threshold value Th4. If the third error frequency is less than the threshold value Th4 (if YES), in step S25, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 assigns a level of risk to the elderly person to level DL4, which is one level higher than level DL3.

[0119] On the other hand, if the third error frequency is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th4 (if NO), in step S26, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 estimates whether or not the communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 has been interrupted.

[0120] For example, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 compares the third RSSI with a threshold Th5 (a threshold lower than threshold Th3) and also compares the third error frequency with a threshold Th6 (a threshold higher than threshold Th4). As a result, if the third RSSI is equal to or higher than threshold Th5 or the third error frequency is lower than threshold Th6 (if NO), the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 estimates that communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 is continuing. In this case, in step S27, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 assigns a level of risk to the elderly person to level DL5, which is one level higher than level DL4.

[0121] On the other hand, if the third RSSI is less than the threshold Th5 and the third error frequency is equal to or greater than the threshold Th6 (YES), the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 estimates that communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 has been interrupted. In this case, in step S28, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 estimates that the elderly person has moved to a position extremely far away from the facility, etc. 100, and assigns a risk level to the elderly person to level DL6, which is one level higher than level DL5.

[0122] However, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 may estimate a disruption of communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 only by comparing the third RSSI with a threshold value Th5. Also, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 may estimate a disruption of communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 only by comparing the third error frequency with a threshold value Th6. Furthermore, the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 may estimate a disruption of communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2 by a process different from these.

[0123] In step S29, the transmission processing means 514 of the watching server 5 notifies (transmits) the external terminal 7 of risk information according to the level of risk.

[0124] The monitoring server 5 executes each step related to the danger level estimation operation, thereby estimating the danger level of the elderly person depending on the timing when the elderly person moves outside the facility, etc. 100 and communication between the second gateway 4 and the monitoring terminal 2 is started. This allows the danger level of the elderly person to be estimated earlier. In addition, the state of the elderly person who has moved outside the facility, etc. 100 is appropriately classified depending on the level of danger. This allows, for example, the operator of the monitoring system 1 to appropriately determine the content and scale of rescue operations for the elderly person depending on the level of danger.

[0125] <<Detection of elderly people entering restricted areas>> Next, a detection operation of the monitoring system 1 for detecting an elderly person who has entered a prohibited area of ​​the facility 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence chart for explaining the detection operation of the elderly person who has entered a prohibited area of ​​the facility 100.

[0126] First, in step S31, the wireless base station 6 transmits the identification information of the wireless base station 6 to the watching terminal 2 that has moved into an entry-prohibited area within the communication range of the wireless base station 6.

[0127] Next, in step S32, the watching terminal 2 transmits the identification information of the watching terminal 2 together with the identification information of the wireless base station 6 to the first gateway 3.

[0128] Next, in step S33, the first gateway 3 transmits to the closed communication network NW2 each of the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2. Each of the identification information of the wireless base station 6 and the identification information of the watching terminal 2 is transmitted to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0129] Next, in step S34, the watching server 5 refers to the correspondence relationship information stored in the storage unit 52, and identifies attribute information such as the name of the elderly person who has entered the entry-prohibited area, and location information. This detects that the elderly person has entered the entry-prohibited area of ​​the facility 100.

[0130] Next, in step S35, the watching server 5 transmits the attribute information and position information of the elderly person to the external terminal 7. Next, in step S36, the external terminal 7 displays the attribute information and position information of the elderly person on the display unit of the external terminal 7.

[0131] By executing these steps, the monitoring terminal 2, the wireless base station 6, and the monitoring server 5 communicate with each other, and it is possible to detect early on that an elderly person has entered a prohibited area. This makes it possible to prevent accidents involving elderly people in the facility 100.

[0132] <<Out-of-area location information transmission operation>> Next, the operation of the watching terminal 2 to transmit information on the location outside the area of ​​the elderly person will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the watching terminal 2 to transmit information on the location outside the area of ​​the elderly person.

[0133] In step S41, the watching terminal 2 moves outside the facility 100 and acquires communication start information transmitted from the second gateway 4. This starts communication between the second gateway 4 and the watching terminal 2. In addition, the watching terminal 2 recognizes that it has moved outside the facility 100.

[0134] Next, in step S42, the watching terminal 2 transmits the out-of-area position information of the elderly person acquired from the positioning satellite 110 to the second gateway 4. Here, the watching terminal 2 may acquire the position information of the elderly person from the positioning satellite 110 regardless of the movement outside the facility or the like 100. In this case, the watching terminal 2 may transmit the most recently acquired position information of the elderly person as out-of-area position information to the second gateway 4. In addition, the watching terminal 2 may request the out-of-area position information from the positioning satellite 110 in response to the start of communication with the second gateway 4. In this case, the watching terminal 2 acquires the out-of-area position information transmitted from the positioning satellite 110 and transmits it to the second gateway 4.

[0135] The out-of-area location information of the elderly person transmitted to the second gateway 4 is transmitted to the monitoring server 5 through the closed area communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. Furthermore, in response to acquiring the out-of-area location information of the elderly person, the monitoring server 5 notifies the external terminal 7 that the elderly person has moved outside the facility, etc. 100. This allows staff of the facility, etc. 100 who owns the external terminal 7, security guards who guard the facility, etc. 100, and the family, relatives, etc. of the elderly person who resides in the facility, etc. 100 to know that the elderly person has moved outside the facility, etc. 100.

[0136] The transmission processing means 514 of the watching server 5 may control the timing of notification (transmission) to the external terminal 7 based on the risk level of the elderly. For example, the transmission processing means 514 of the watching server 5 may notify (transmit) the outside area location information of the elderly to the external terminal 7 when the risk level estimated by the estimation means 513 of the watching server 5 is equal to or higher than level DL4.

[0137] The configuration and operation of the monitoring system 1 have been described above. Note that threshold Th1 is an example of a "first threshold". Threshold Th2 is an example of a "second threshold". Threshold Th3 is an example of a "third threshold". Threshold Th4 is an example of a "fourth threshold". Threshold Th5 is an example of a "fifth threshold". Threshold Th6 is an example of a "sixth threshold". Threshold Th7 is an example of a "seventh threshold". Threshold Th8 is an example of an "eighth threshold".

[0138] Furthermore, the risk level for elderly people increases in the following order: level DL1, level DL2, level DL3, level DL4, level DL5, and level DL6. Level DL1 is an example of "level 1." Level DL2 is an example of "level 2." Level DL3 is an example of "level 3." Level DL4 is an example of "level 4." Level DL5 is an example of "level 5." Level DL6 is an example of "level 6."

[0139] [Second embodiment] <Configuration> Next, the overall configuration of the monitoring system 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a system block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the monitoring system 1A. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the first human detection unit 80 provided in the monitoring system 1A. Note that, with regard to the monitoring system 1A of this embodiment, the description of the same components as those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0140] 10, similarly to the first embodiment, the watching system 1A includes a watching terminal 2, a second gateway 4, a watching server 5, a wireless base station 6, and an external terminal 7. In addition, the watching system 1A further includes a plurality of first human detection units 80 (80a, 80b, ...).

[0141] Each of the multiple first human detection units 80 is provided in the facility 100. Each of the multiple first human detection units 80 is connected to the closed communication network NW2. Some of the multiple first human detection units 80 may be provided outside the facility 100.

[0142] Each of the first human detection units 80 detects an elderly person present within its respective detection range. Accordingly, each of the first human detection units 80 transmits detection information of the elderly person to the closed communication network NW2. The detection information of the elderly person transmitted to the closed communication network NW2 is transmitted to the monitoring server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. Each of the first human detection units 80 is an example of a "first communication device." Furthermore, the detection information of the elderly person transmitted from each of the first human detection units 80 is an example of "presence information."

[0143] There are no limitations on the type of each of the multiple first human detection units 80 as long as they can detect the presence of an elderly person. Examples of the first human detection units 80 include a pyroelectric sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a distance measurement sensor, and a radar sensor.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 11 , each of the multiple first human detection units 80 is disposed at a different position on a path from the elderly person's room to the front door 101 in the facility 100. For example, the first first human detection unit 80a is disposed near the elderly person's room. Moreover, the second first human detection unit 80b is disposed near the front door 101. Furthermore, another first human detection unit 80 different from the first human detection units 80a and 80b may be disposed separately on the path from the elderly person's room to the front door 101.

[0145] The other first human detection units 80 different from the first human detection units 80a and 80b may be arranged outside the front door 101. By arranging each of the multiple first human detection units 80 inside and outside the front door 101, it is possible to reliably detect that an elderly person has passed through the front door 101 and moved outside the facility or the like 100.

[0146] It is preferable that each of the multiple first human detection units 80 communicates with the watching terminal 2 and acquires identification information of the watching terminal 2. In particular, it is preferable that the first human detection unit 80b arranged near the entrance door 101 acquires identification information of the watching terminal 2. Since the first human detection unit 80b detects the presence of an elderly person and acquires the identification information of the watching terminal 2 carried by the elderly person, it is possible to identify an elderly person who has come near the entrance door 101 and is about to move out of the facility, etc. 100, based only on the information transmitted from the first human detection unit 80b.

[0147] The monitoring system 1A may further include a switch 85 that the elderly person presses when going out. The switch 85 is, for example, a push button switch. The switch 85 is connected to the closed communication network NW2.

[0148] The switch 85 is disposed, for example, near the front door 101. When the elderly person passes through the front door 101 and moves out of the facility, etc. 100, the elderly person presses the switch 85. In response to the elderly person pressing the switch 85, the switch 85 transmits information about the elderly person moving out of the facility, etc. 100 to the closed communication network NW2. The information about the elderly person moving out is transmitted to the watching server 5 and the external terminal 7 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0149] <Operation> Next, a detection operation of the monitoring system 1A to detect movement of an elderly person outside the facility 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a sequence chart for describing the detection operation of the monitoring system 1A to detect movement of an elderly person outside the facility 100.

[0150] In step S51, when the elderly person leaves the room, the first human detection unit 80a located near the room detects the elderly person. Accordingly, the first human detection unit 80a transmits the detection information of the elderly person to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0151] Next, in step S52, the first human detection unit 80b detects the elderly person as the elderly person moves close to the entrance door 101 of the facility 100. Accordingly, the first human detection unit 80b transmits detection information of the elderly person to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0152] Also, in step S53, the first human detection unit 80b acquires the identification information of the watching terminal 2. Accordingly, the first human detection unit 80b transmits the identification information of the watching terminal 2 to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0153] Next, in step S54, the acquisition means 511 of the watching server 5 acquires the elderly person detection information transmitted from the first human detection unit 80a and the elderly person detection information transmitted from the first human detection unit 80b in this order. In addition, the detection means 512 of the watching server 5 detects the elderly person's movement outside the facility 100 based on the acquisition order of the detection information transmitted from the first human detection unit 80a and the detection information transmitted from the first human detection unit 80b. Specifically, when the acquisition means 511 of the watching server 5 acquires detection information from the first human detection unit 80a far from the entrance and then acquires detection information from the first human detection unit 80b close to the entrance, the detection means 512 of the watching server 5 detects the elderly person's movement outside the facility 100. In addition, the watching server 5 identifies attribute information such as the name of the elderly person who has moved outside the facility 100 based on the identification information of the watching terminal 2.

[0154] Next, in step S55, the monitoring server 5 notifies the external terminal 7 that the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100. This allows the staff of the facility 100 who owns the external terminal 7, the security guard who is guarding the facility 100, and the family, relatives, etc. of the elderly person residing in the facility 100 to know that the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100.

[0155] The identification information of the watching terminal 2 may be acquired through the second gateway 4. In this case, the second gateway 4 transmits the identification information of the watching terminal 2 to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0156] [Third embodiment] <Configuration> Next, the overall configuration of a monitoring system 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a system block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the monitoring system 1B. Note that, regarding the monitoring system 1B of this embodiment, the description of components similar to those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0157] 13, the watching system 1B includes a watching terminal 2, a second gateway 4, a watching server 5, a wireless base station 6, and an external terminal 7, similar to the first and second embodiments. The watching system 1B further includes a door opening / closing detector 91 and a second human presence detector 95.

[0158] The door opening / closing detection unit 91 detects the opening / closing of a door installed in the facility, etc. 100. The door opening / closing detection unit 91 preferably detects the opening / closing of a front door 101, which is the boundary between the inside and outside of the facility, etc. 100. However, the door opening / closing detection unit 91 may be provided on the door of the elderly person's room in the facility, etc. 100, or on any other door.

[0159] An example of the door opening / closing detection unit 91 is a magnetic opening / closing sensor that includes a magnet attached to the door side and a magnetic sensor attached to the door frame side. However, the door opening / closing detection unit 91 is not limited to a magnetic opening / closing sensor as long as it can detect the opening and closing of the door.

[0160] Moreover, it is preferable that the door opening / closing detection unit 91 has a communication function with the watching terminal 2 located in the vicinity of the door opening / closing detection unit 91 and acquires the identification information of the watching terminal 2.

[0161] When the door opening / closing detection unit 91 detects whether the door is open or closed, it transmits the door opening / closing detection information and the identification information of the monitoring terminal 2 to the closed communication network NW2. The door opening / closing detection information and the identification information of the monitoring terminal 2 are transmitted to the monitoring server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. The door opening / closing detection unit 91 is an example of a "first communication device." The door opening / closing detection information and the identification information of the monitoring terminal 2 transmitted from the door opening / closing detection unit 91 are an example of "presence information."

[0162] The second human detection unit 95 is provided on a door equipped with the door opening / closing detection unit 91. The second human detection unit 95 detects that an elderly person approaches the door. The second human detection unit 95 is preferably disposed on the front door 101 itself or in the vicinity of the front door 101.

[0163] Examples of the second human detection unit 95 include a pyroelectric sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a distance measurement sensor, and a radar sensor. However, the second human detection unit 95 is not limited to these as long as it can detect an elderly person near the door.

[0164] The second human detection unit 95 transmits the detection information of the elderly person to the closed communication network NW2. The detection information of the elderly person is transmitted to the monitoring server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3. The second human detection unit 95 is an example of a "first communication device." The detection information of the elderly person transmitted from the second human detection unit 95 is an example of "presence information."

[0165] By providing the door opening / closing detection unit 91 and the second human presence detection unit 95, it is possible to reliably detect, for example, when an elderly person opens the front door 101 from inside the facility 100 and moves outside the facility 100.

[0166] <Operation> Next, a detection operation of the monitoring system 1B detecting movement of an elderly person outside the facility 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a sequence chart for describing a detection operation of the monitoring system 1B detecting movement of an elderly person outside the facility 100.

[0167] In step S61, the second human detection unit 95 detects the elderly person when the elderly person moves, for example, near the front door 101. Accordingly, the second human detection unit 95 transmits the detection information of the elderly person to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0168] Next, in step S62, the door opening / closing detection unit 91 detects whether the door is opened or closed in response to the elderly person opening the front door 101 of the facility or the like 100. Also in step S62, the door opening / closing detection unit 91 acquires identification information of the monitoring terminal 2 through communication with the monitoring terminal 2. The door opening / closing detection unit 91 transmits the door opening / closing detection information and the identification information of the monitoring terminal 2 to the monitoring server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0169] The monitoring server 5 acquires the elderly person detection information transmitted from the second human presence detection unit 95, as well as the door opening / closing information and the identification information of the monitoring terminal 2 transmitted from the door opening / closing detection unit 91. In step S64, the monitoring server 5 identifies the elderly person who has moved outside the facility etc. 100 based on the elderly person detection information, the door opening / closing information, and the identification information of the monitoring terminal 2.

[0170] Next, in step S65, the watching server 5 notifies the external terminal 7 that the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100. This allows the staff of the facility 100 who owns the external terminal 7, the security guard who is guarding the facility 100, and the family, relatives, etc. of the elderly person who lives in the facility 100 to know that the elderly person has moved outside the facility 100.

[0171] The identification information of the watching terminal 2 that has moved outside the facility 100 may be acquired through the second gateway 4. In this case, the second gateway 4 transmits the identification information of the watching terminal 2 to the watching server 5 through the closed communication network NW2 and the wide area communication network NW3.

[0172] The above describes preferred embodiments and the like. However, the monitoring system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1, 1A, 1B monitoring system, 2 monitoring terminal, 3 first gateway, 4 second gateway, 5 monitoring server, 6 wireless base station, 7 external terminal, 80 first human presence detection unit, 91 door opening / closing detection unit, 95 second human presence detection unit, 100 facility, etc., NW1 wireless communication network, NW2 closed communication network, NW3 wide area communication network

Claims

1. A monitoring device carried by the subject; A first communication device is installed in a residential area inside the residential area in which the target person resides and transmits presence / absence information of the target person in the residential area; A second communication device that is installed outside the residential area and transmits communication status information with the monitoring terminal; A watching server connected to each of the first communication device and the second communication device; Equipped with The monitoring server includes: an acquisition means for acquiring the presence information transmitted from the first communication device and the communication status information transmitted from the second communication device; A detection means for detecting that the target person has moved outside the residential area based on the acquired presence / absence information; an estimation means for estimating a degree of danger to the subject outside the residential area based on the acquired communication state information in response to detection of movement of the subject outside the residential area; A monitoring system equipped with

2. The presence information transmitted from the first communication device is information indicating the presence or absence of the target person in the residential area based on a communication state between the first communication device and the monitoring terminal. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

3. A plurality of the first communication devices are provided, Each of the first communication devices includes a first human presence detection unit that detects the target person in the residential area, and transmits the presence information detected by the first human presence detection unit to the watching server; The detection means of the monitoring server detects that the target person has moved outside the residential area based on an acquisition order of the presence / absence information transmitted from each of the first communication devices. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

4. The first communication device is a switch that transmits the presence information in response to an operation of the target person, The detection means of the monitoring server detects that the target person has moved outside the residential area based on the presence / absence information transmitted from the first communication device. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

5. The communication state information transmitted from the second communication device includes at least one of a reception strength of a wireless signal transmitted from the monitoring terminal and a frequency of communication errors in communication with the monitoring terminal. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

6. The first communication device is a door opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of a door installed in the living area; A second human detection unit that detects that the target person approaches the door; Further equipped with Transmitting the presence information, which includes the door opening / closing detection information transmitted from the door opening / closing detection unit and the target person detection information transmitted from the second human presence detection unit, to the monitoring server; The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection means of the monitoring server detects that the target person has moved outside the residential area based on the presence / absence information transmitted from the first communication device.

7. a wireless communication network to which the monitoring terminal, the first communication device, and the second communication device are connected and which communicate with each other using a LPWA communication method; a closed communication network to which the first communication device and the second communication device are connected and which is provided in the residential area and which performs mutual communication using a WiFi or Ethernet communication method; a wide area communication network to which the closed communication network is connected and to which the monitoring server is connected, and which communicates with each other using an Ethernet communication method; At least one of the first communication device and the second communication device converts the LPWA signal from the monitoring terminal into a WiFi signal or an Ethernet signal, and transmits the converted WiFi signal or the Ethernet signal to the closed communication network. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

8. The monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the second communication device, in communicating with the monitoring terminal, transmits a wireless signal having a transmission strength stronger than the transmission strength of a wireless signal transmitted by the first communication device to communicate with the monitoring terminal.

9. The estimation means of the monitoring server When the reception strength of the wireless signal received by the first communication device from the monitoring terminal is less than a first threshold, the risk level is estimated to be level 1; When the reception strength of the wireless signal received by the first communication device from the monitoring terminal is less than the first threshold value and the frequency of communication errors in the communication between the first communication device and the monitoring terminal is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the risk is estimated to be Level 2, which is higher than Level 1; In response to the start of communication between the monitoring terminal and the second communication device, the second communication device receives a wireless signal transmitted from the monitoring terminal, and when the reception strength of the wireless signal from the monitoring terminal is equal to or greater than a third threshold, estimates the risk level to be Level 3, which is higher than Level 2; When the reception strength of the wireless signal received by the second communication device from the monitoring terminal is less than the third threshold, the risk level is estimated to be level 4, which is higher than level 3; When the reception strength of the wireless signal received by the second communication device from the monitoring terminal is less than the third threshold value and the frequency of communication errors in the communication between the second communication device and the monitoring terminal is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value, the risk level is estimated to be Level 5, which is higher than Level 4; When the reception strength of the wireless signal received by the second communication device from the monitoring terminal is less than a fifth threshold lower than the third threshold, and the frequency of the communication errors in the communication between the second communication device and the monitoring terminal is equal to or greater than a sixth threshold higher than the fourth threshold, the risk level is estimated to be Level 6 higher than Level 5. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

10. Further, an external terminal connected to the monitoring server is provided, The monitoring server further includes a transmission processing means for transmitting risk level information corresponding to the risk level estimated by the estimation means to the external terminal. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

11. A wireless base station is further provided in the residential area, The wireless base station detects the target person who has entered a prohibited area of ​​the residential area. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

12. The monitoring terminal transmits outside-area position information outside the residential area acquired from a positioning satellite to the second communication device; The second communication device transmits the outside area position information acquired from the monitoring terminal to at least one of the monitoring server and the external terminal. The monitoring system according to claim 10.

13. The transmission processing means of the monitoring server controls transmission of the outside area position information based on the risk level of the target person. The monitoring system according to claim 12.

14. The monitoring terminal further includes an operation unit, Transmitting the outside area location information in response to an operation of the operation unit by the subject. The monitoring system according to claim 12.

15. The monitoring terminal includes: Further comprising a sound generating section; controlling the sound generator to emit an alarm sound in response to detection of movement of the target person outside the residential area; The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

16. The monitoring terminal includes: When the transmission strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the second communication device is less than a seventh threshold, increasing the transmission strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the monitoring terminal and narrowing the bandwidth of the transmission frequency of the wireless signal; When the transmission strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the second communication device is equal to or greater than an eighth threshold, the transmission strength of the wireless signal transmitted from the monitoring terminal is weakened and a bandwidth of the transmission frequency of the wireless signal is widened. The monitoring system according to claim 1 .

17. A monitoring server connected to each of a first communication device installed in a residential area inside a residential area of ​​a subject and a second communication device installed outside the residential area outside the residential area, The monitoring server includes: An acquisition means for acquiring information on the presence or absence of the subject in the residential area from the first communication device, and acquiring communication status information between a monitoring terminal carried by the subject and the second communication device from the second communication device; A detection means for detecting that the target person has moved outside the residential area based on the acquired presence / absence information; an estimation means for estimating a degree of danger to the subject outside the residential area based on the acquired communication state information in response to detection of movement of the subject outside the residential area; A monitoring server equipped with the above.

18. A monitoring server connected to each of a first communication device installed in a residential area inside a residential area of ​​a subject and a second communication device installed outside the residential area outside the residential area, an acquisition means for acquiring information on the presence or absence of the subject in the residential area from the first communication device, and acquiring communication status information between a monitoring terminal carried by the subject and the second communication device from the second communication device; A detection means for detecting that the target person has moved outside the residential area based on the acquired presence / absence information; an estimation means for estimating a degree of danger to the subject outside the residential area based on the acquired communication state information in response to detection of movement of the subject outside the residential area; A program that functions as a

19. A monitoring terminal carried by a subject, A first communication device is installed in a residential area inside the residential area in which the target person resides and transmits presence / absence information of the target person in the residential area; A second communication device that is installed outside the residential area and transmits communication status information with the monitoring terminal; A watching server connected to each of the first communication device and the second communication device; The system includes a monitoring system that A communication unit that transmits and receives an LPWA signal between at least the first communication device and the second communication device, The communication unit is When the monitoring terminal is within the residential area, the monitoring terminal communicates with the first communication device; When the monitoring terminal is outside the residential area, the monitoring terminal communicates with the second communication device. Monitoring device.

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