Bathroom monitoring system

Abstract

To provide a bathroom monitoring system which is less susceptible to malfunctioning and is capable of detecting movement of a bather in and out of a bathtub and sensing whether a bather is drowning in the bathtub or not using a simple configuration.SOLUTION: Propagation failure of a projected detection wave L1 is detected by bathtub-side detection means 10 installed on bathroom walls 4a, 4b above a bathtub 3. Propagation failure of a projected detection wave L2 is detected by washing area-side detection means installed on the bathroom walls on the washing area 2 side of the bathtub-side detection means 10. A determination unit 31 determines movement of a bather A in and out of the bathtub and drowning of the bather in the bathtub on the basis of detection information from these detection means 10, 20. Preferably, the detection means 10, 20 are infrared-blocking sensors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring bathers in a bathroom, and particularly to a bathroom monitoring system for monitoring the entry and exit of a bathtub and the presence or absence of drowning.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the proportion of accidental deaths in the bathtub among accidental deaths in the house is high. In the caregiving field, the person being cared for during bathing is often monitored by a person, but human monitoring has limitations in terms of time and labor. Therefore, systems for monitoring the person being cared for during bathing using sensors and the like have been intensively studied. In this type of system, first, it is important to detect the entry and exit of the bather into the bathtub.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a system has been proposed that detects the presence or absence of a person in the bathroom using a human sensor composed of a pyroelectric infrared sensor and uses it for makeup water control. In Patent Document 2, by combining two-dimensional temperature distribution data in the bathroom obtained by an array-type infrared sensor including a plurality of pyroelectric infrared elements and two-dimensional image data obtained by a visible light camera, the position, movement, body contour, etc. of the bather are detected, and a system for determining the presence or absence of abnormalities in the bather has been proposed. In Patent Document 3, a system has been proposed that monitors the bather using a heart rate sensor, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, a water level sensor, etc., and when it is determined that the bather is drowning, issues a calling voice and further opens the drain plug to drain the bathtub water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A human presence sensor consisting of a pyroelectric infrared sensor senses infrared rays emitted from a human body or other warm objects. Therefore, the detection accuracy decreases when the bathroom temperature is high, and there is a risk of false detection due to the influence of steam or shower. In addition, combining two-dimensional temperature distribution data and image data not only complicates data processing but may also cause psychological stress to the bather. Furthermore, using a plurality of types of sensors such as a heart rate sensor, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and a water level sensor together complicates the system and increases the cost. In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a bathroom monitoring system that has a low risk of malfunction and can detect whether a bather enters or exits the bathtub and whether the bather is drowning in the bathtub with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention is a system for monitoring a bather in a bathroom, bathtub side detection means arranged on the bathroom wall part above the bathtub for detecting a propagation obstacle of a projected detection wave, washbasin side detection means arranged on the bathroom wall part on the washbasin side from the bathtub side detection means for detecting a propagation obstacle of a projected detection wave, a determination unit that determines the entry and exit of the bather into and out of the bathtub and drowning at the time of entering the bathtub based on the detection information by these detection means, and is characterized by comprising the same.

[0007] When a bather or the like exists on the propagation axis of the detection wave of each detection means, a propagation obstacle of the detection wave is detected. When there is no shielding body such as a bather on the propagation axis, a propagation obstacle of the detection wave is not detected. Since it detects the presence or absence of a propagation obstacle of the detection wave, compared with the case of using a pyroelectric infrared sensor as the detection means, the influence of steam, temperature, etc. is small, and the risk of malfunction is small. By combining the detection information of the washroom side detection means and the detection information of the bathtub side detection means, it is possible to detect the entry and exit movements of the bather into and out of the bathtub. For entry into the bathtub, regardless of the detection information of the washroom side detection means, when the bathtub side detection means continuously detects a propagation failure for a predetermined time of several seconds or more (preferably 10 seconds or more), it can be determined that the bather has entered the bathtub. When the bathtub side detection means continuously detects a propagation failure for a predetermined time of several seconds or less (preferably about 0.5 seconds to 2 seconds) following the detection of a propagation failure by the washroom side detection means, it may also be determined that the bather has entered the bathtub. After the determination of entry into the bathtub, when the washroom side detection means detects a propagation failure and then neither the bathtub side detection means nor the washroom side detection means detects a propagation failure, it can be determined that the bather has exited the bathtub. During normal bathing of the bather in the bathtub, the detection wave of the bathtub side detection means is obstructed by the bather. On the other hand, when the bather drowns, the propagation failures of the detection waves of the bathtub side detection means and the washroom side detection means disappear. Therefore, according to the bathroom monitoring system, it is possible to detect the entry and exit of the bather into and out of the bathtub and whether the bather is drowning in the bathtub with a simple configuration using the propagation failure detection means of the detection wave. The detection wave is preferably an optical wave (detection light), more preferably infrared light. The bathtub side detection means preferably includes an infrared blocking type sensor that projects infrared light and detects whether it is blocked. The washroom side detection means preferably includes an infrared blocking type sensor that projects infrared light and detects whether it is blocked. The detection of the presence or absence of a propagation failure may include, in addition to detecting the presence or absence of blocking of the detection wave such as detection light, detecting the degree of attenuation of the detection wave and determining whether the degree of attenuation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Attenuation includes a decrease in light quantity, shielding, absorption, scattering, reflection, etc.

[0008] Preferably, the bathtub side detection means includes a plurality of wave transmitting and receiving means arranged at intervals in the short side direction of the bathtub, and each wave transmitting and receiving means has a wave transmitting portion that projects the detection wave and a wave receiving portion that receives the detection wave facing the wave transmitting portion in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub. As a result, the detection range of the bathtub-side detection means extends in the short side direction of the bathtub, and it is possible to detect a normal bather in the bathtub regardless of the physique of the bather, the posture and movement in the bathtub. Moreover, false determination of drowning can be prevented. The number of transmitting and receiving wave means of the bathtub-side detection means is preferably several to a dozen or so, and more preferably about 8. The interval between adjacent transmitting and receiving wave means of the bathtub-side detection means is set so that detection omission of the bather during bathing does not occur, and is preferably several cm to a dozen or so cm, and more preferably about 5 cm.

[0009] Preferably, the washbasin-side detection means is arranged on the bathroom wall near the washbasin-side frame of the bathtub. As a result, the bather during the getting-in and getting-out operations crosses the propagation axis of the washbasin-side detection means. Therefore, the getting-in and getting-out operations of the bather can be detected.

[0010] Preferably, the washbasin-side detection means is arranged at a higher position than the bathtub-side detection means. As a result, for example, when a bather is bathing in a posture biased toward the washbasin side in the bathtub, it is possible to prevent the head or the like from being detected by the washbasin-side detection means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misjudgment as getting out of the bathtub even though the bather is actually drowning from the bathing posture. In addition, when the physique of the bather in the bathtub is large or when an operation such as raising the arm is performed during bathing, the possibility that the washbasin-side detection means detects a propagation obstacle can be reduced. Also, even when an auxiliary device for getting in and out of the bathtub such as a handrail or a transfer platform is installed on the washbasin-side frame of the bathtub, it is possible to avoid the detection wave of the washbasin-side detection means being affected by the auxiliary device for getting in and out of the bathtub.

[0011] Preferably, the washbasin-side detection means includes a plurality of transmitting and receiving wave means arranged at intervals in the short side direction of the bathtub, and each transmitting and receiving wave means has a transmitting wave portion that projects the detection wave and a receiving wave portion that receives the detection wave facing the transmitting wave portion in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub. This enables the detection of the actions of the bather getting in and out of the bathtub. Even if a part of the wave transmitting / receiving means of the detection means on the washroom side malfunctions, the actions of the bather getting in and out of the bathtub can still be detected. It is also possible to distinguish between the action of the bather getting into the bathtub and the action of getting out of the bathtub based on the order in which the propagation axes of the plurality of wave transmitting / receiving means are sequentially blocked. The number of wave transmitting / receiving means (the number of propagation axes) of the detection means on the washroom side may be smaller than the number of wave transmitting / receiving means of the detection means on the bathtub side. The number of wave transmitting / receiving means of the detection means on the washroom side is, for example, 2 or 3.

[0012] Preferably, the projection surface of the detection means on the washroom side is smaller than the projection surface of the detection means on the bathtub side. This can increase the degree of freedom in the placement location of the detection means on the washroom side. Also, unnecessary detection in the washroom can be reduced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, there is little risk of malfunction, and with a simple configuration, it is possible to detect whether a bather enters or exits the bathtub and whether the bather is drowning in the bathtub.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 6)> FIGS. 1 and 2 show a bathroom 1 in a house, a nursing facility, or the like. A bathroom monitoring system 9 for monitoring a bather A is provided in the bathroom 1. The bathroom monitoring system 9 includes two systems of detection means 10 and 20 and a processing device 30.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), two systems of detection means 10 and 20 are provided on the bathroom wall 4. As shown in FIG. 4, these detection means 10 and 20 are each constituted by a module of a detection light interruption type photoelectric sensor that detects the interruption (propagation obstacle) of the detected light L1 and L2 (detection waves) projected (projected). The detected lights L1 and L2 are preferably infrared rays. Each detection means 10 and 20 is preferably constituted by a module of an infrared ray interruption type sensor.

[0017] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, bathtub-side detection means 10 is provided on the bathroom wall portions 4a and 4b above the bathtub 3 in the bathroom 4. The bathtub-side detection means 10 includes a plurality (here, eight) of light transmitting and receiving means 11 (light transmitting and receiving wave means), a main unit 14 and a sub-unit 15 that house these light transmitting and receiving means 11. Each light transmitting and receiving means 11 has a light transmitting portion 12 (light transmitting wave portion) and a light receiving portion 13 (light receiving wave portion). As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the light transmitting portion 12 and the light receiving portion 13 are separately housed in the main unit 14 and the sub-unit 15. For each light transmitting and receiving means 11, the light transmitting portion 12 is housed in either the main unit 14 or the sub-unit 15, and the light receiving portion 13 is housed in the other of the main unit 14 and the sub-unit 15.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the main unit 14 and the sub-unit 15 are each formed in an elongated box shape extending along the short side direction (left and right direction in FIG. 3) of the bathtub 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the main unit 14 and the sub-unit 15 are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction in FIG. 1) of the bathtub 3. As a result, the light transmitting portion 12 and the light receiving portion 13 of each light transmitting and receiving means 11 are directly horizontally opposed to each other in the longitudinal direction (up and down in FIG. 1) of the bathtub 3 with the bathtub 3 sandwiched therebetween in a plan projection view. In addition, in FIGS. 3 and 4, for the convenience of drawing, in order to distinguish the light transmitting portion 12 and the light receiving portion 13, the light receiving portion 13 is illustrated with a shaded pattern.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3(a), in the main unit 14, the light transmitting portion 12 and the light receiving portion 13 are alternately arranged in the extending direction of the main unit 14 (left and right direction in FIG. 3(a)). As shown in FIG. 3(b), in the sub-unit 15, the light receiving portion 13 and the light transmitting portion 12 are alternately arranged in the extending direction of the sub-unit 15 (left and right direction in FIG. 3(b)). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a plurality (here, eight) of light transmitting and receiving means 11 are arranged at intervals in the short side direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2) of the bathtub 3.

[0020] Note that the arrangement order of the light projecting unit 12 and the light receiving unit 13 in each unit 14, 15 does not necessarily have to be alternating, and may be irregular. Only one of the light projecting unit 12 and the light receiving unit 13 may be accommodated in the master unit 14, and only the other of the light projecting unit 12 and the light receiving unit 13 may be accommodated in the slave unit 15.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the master unit 14 of the bathtub side detection means 10 is disposed on the upper bathroom wall portion 4a of the bathtub 3 on the side (the upper side in FIG. 1) of the bathroom wall 4 facing, for example, the bathroom door 5. The slave unit 15 is disposed on the upper bathroom wall portion 4b of the bathtub 3 on the side (the lower side in FIG. 1) of the bathroom wall 4 facing, for example, the bathroom door 5.

[0022] Note that the master unit 14 may be provided on the bathroom wall portion 4b on the bathroom door 5 side, and the slave unit 15 may be provided on the bathroom wall portion 4a on the side facing the bathroom door 5. Further, the bathroom door 5 may be provided on the washing place side wall portion 4c intersecting the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b. Each unit 14, 15 protrudes from the inner wall surfaces of the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b, but may be embedded in the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b, and the front side surfaces of the units 14, 15 and the inner wall surfaces of the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b may be flush.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, an optical axis L11 (propagation axis) is formed so as to connect the light projecting part 12 and the light receiving part 13 of each light projecting and receiving means 11. The optical axis L11 extends in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 3. The light projecting part 12 projects the detection light L1 along the optical axis L11, and this is received by the light receiving part 13. The projection frequency of the detection light L1 is, for example, several times to several hundreds of times (preferably about 10 times per 100 ms) per several tens of ms to several hundreds of ms. When preferably 80 to 90% of the detection light L1 is blocked and not received, the bathtub side detection means 10 acquires detection information of light blocking (propagation failure). The effective detection distance of each light projecting and receiving means 11 (the maximum separation distance between the light projecting part 12 and the light receiving part 13 capable of effectively detecting the transmission and blocking of the detection light L1) is preferably larger than the longitudinal size of the bathroom 1 (for example, about 1.6 meters to 2 meters). Thereby, it is possible to reduce the sensitivity degradation due to the water droplets, showers, steam, temperature, and other bathroom environments adhering to the light projecting and receiving means 21.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the height H from the upper end of the bathtub 3 to the bathtub side detection means 10 and thus to the optical axis L11 10 is set to a height at which the bather A during normal bathing in the bathtub 3 can be detected regardless of the physique and posture, and preferably H 10 = several cm to several tens of cm, and more preferably H 10 = about 150 mm.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality (here, eight) of optical axes L11 by a plurality of light projecting and receiving means 11 are formed in parallel at intervals in the short side direction of the bathtub 3. The arrangement interval of the light projecting and receiving means 11, that is, the pitch P of the optical axis L11 11 is set to an interval at which at least one (preferably two) light projecting and receiving means 11 can detect the bather A during normal bathing in the bathtub 3 regardless of the physique, posture, and position, and preferably P 11 = several cm to a dozen or so cm, and more preferably P 11 = about 50 mm. Thereby, by setting the pitch of the optical axis L11 to be less than the head width of the small-sized bather A2 (the smallest adult human body), for example, the head of the bather A during bathing can be monitored at two or more points.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3(a), furthermore, the master unit 14 is provided with a response switch 16 and a stop switch 17. The response switch 16 is a switch for the bather A to respond to the safety confirmation call from the bathroom monitoring system 9.

[0027] The stop switch 17 is a switch for stopping the monitoring function such as safety confirmation of the bathroom monitoring system 9. For example, when cleaning the bathroom 1 or when a person who does not need to be monitored takes a bath, by pressing the stop switch 17, the reporting by the system 9 can be stopped. Preferably, by providing the response switch 16 and the stop switch 17 separately, the misoperation of the switches can be prevented.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, more preferably, the response switch 16 is arranged at the end on the side opposite to the washroom 2 side (the left side in Fig. 2) in the master unit 14. Thus, the response switch 16 can be arranged in front of the bather A during bathing. The stop switch 17 is arranged at the end on the washroom 2 side (the right side in Fig. 2) in the master unit 14. Thus, it is easy for a person during cleaning or a person who does not need to be monitored to press. As shown in Fig. 3(b), these switches 16 and 17 are not provided in the slave unit 15.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, on the bathroom wall portions 4a and 4b on the washroom 2 side (the right side in Fig. 1) from the bathtub side detection means 10, washroom side detection means 20 are arranged. The washroom side detection means 20 is a sensor unit that detects whether the projected detection light is blocked, and includes a plurality of light transmitting and receiving means 21 (light transmitting and receiving wave means), and the master unit 24 and the slave unit 25 that house these light transmitting and receiving means 21. Preferably, the number of the light transmitting and receiving means 21 is less than the number of the light transmitting and receiving means 11 of the bathtub side detection means 10, for example, two.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 4, each light transmitting and receiving means 21 has a light transmitting section 22 (wave transmitting section) and a light receiving section 23 (wave receiving section). As shown in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b), the light transmitting section 22 and the light receiving section 23 are separately housed in the master unit 24 and the slave unit 25. For each light transmitting and receiving means 21, the light transmitting section 22 is housed in either the master unit 24 or the slave unit 25, and the light receiving section 12 is housed in the other of the master unit 24 and the slave unit 25.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b), the master unit 24 and the slave unit 25 are each formed in a rectangular box shape. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the master unit 24 is arranged on the bathroom wall portion 4a on the same side as the master unit 14 of the bathtub side detection means 10, on the side of the washing area 2 (right side in Fig. 3(a)) from the master unit 14. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the slave unit 25 is arranged on the bathroom wall portion 4b on the same side as the slave unit 15 of the bathtub side detection means 10, on the side of the washing area 2 (left side in Fig. 3(b)) from the slave unit 15. In each unit 24, 25, the light transmitting sections 22 and the light receiving sections 23 of two light transmitting and receiving means 21 are housed side by side. Note that only one of the light transmitting section 22 and the light receiving section 23 may be housed in the master unit 24, and only the other of the light transmitting section 22 and the light receiving section 23 may be housed in the slave unit 25.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, the master unit 24 and the slave unit 25 are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 3 (vertical direction in Fig. 1). As a result, as shown in Fig. 4, the light transmitting section 22 and the light receiving section 23 of each light transmitting and receiving means 21 face straight horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 3 (vertical in Fig. 4). Note that in Figs. 3 and 4, for the convenience of drawing, in order to distinguish the light transmitting section 22 and the light receiving section 23, the light receiving section 23 is shown with a shaded pattern.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, an optical axis L21 (propagation axis) is formed so as to connect the light projecting part 22 and the light receiving part 23 of each light projecting and receiving means 21. The optical axis L21 extends in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 3. The light projecting part 22 projects the detection light L2 along the optical axis L21, and this is received by the light receiving part 23. The projection frequency of the detection light L2 is, for example, several times to several hundred times (preferably about 10 times per 100 ms) per several tens of ms to several hundred ms. When preferably 80% to 90% of the detection light L2 is blocked and not received, the washing area side detection means 20 acquires detection information of blocked detection light (propagation obstacle). The effective detection distance of each light projecting and receiving means 21 (the maximum separation distance between the light projecting part 22 and the light receiving part 23 capable of effectively detecting the transmission and blocking of the detection light L2) is preferably larger than the longitudinal size of the bathroom 1 (for example, about 1.6 meters to 2 meters). Thereby, it is possible to reduce the sensitivity reduction due to water droplets, showers, steam, temperature, and other bathroom environments adhering to the light projecting and receiving means 21.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, two (or a plurality of) light projecting and receiving means 21 are arranged at intervals in the lateral direction of the bathtub 3 (the left - right direction in Fig. 1). Thereby, as shown in Fig. 4, two (or a plurality of) optical axes L21 are formed parallel to each other at intervals in the lateral direction of the bathtub 3. The arrangement interval of the light projecting and receiving means 21, that is, the interval P between the optical axes L21 21 is set to an interval capable of detecting the entry and exit operation of the bather A, and preferably P 21 = several cm to a dozen or so cm, and more preferably P 21 = about 50 mm.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, preferably, the light projection surface (projection surface) 22a of the light projecting part 22 of the washing area side detection means 20 is smaller than the light projection surface (projection surface) 12a of the light projecting part 12 of the bathtub side detection means 10. Thereby, the degree of freedom of the arrangement location of the washing area side detection means 10 can be increased. Also, unnecessary detection in the washing area 2 can be reduced.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably, the units 24, 25 and thus the washing area side detection means 20 are arranged near the washing area side frame 3a of the bathtub 3 on the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b. Thereby, interference with the bathroom door 5 can be avoided. As shown in FIG. 2, more preferably, the washing area side detection means 20 is arranged at a slightly higher position (about several cm to several tens of cm) than the bathtub side detection means 10. Note that the arrangement height of the washing area side detection means 20 is preferably set to a height at which the detection light L2 is not easily blocked even when the bather A in the bathtub 3 tilts the body toward the washing area 2 side or raises the arm, and more preferably, it is set to a height at which the detection light L2 is not blocked by the auxiliary equipment 6 for getting in and out of the bathtub such as the grab bar or the transfer platform installed on the washing area side frame 3a. As shown in FIG. 1, the units 24, 25 of the washing area side detection means 20 overlap with the washing area side ends of the units 14, 15 of the bathtub side detection means 10 in a plan projection view.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the units 24, 25 protrude from the inner wall surfaces of the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b, but may be embedded in the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b, and the front surfaces of the units 24, 25 and the inner wall surfaces of the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b may be flush.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the processing device 30 is constituted by a controller including a microcomputer (not shown), a communication circuit, a drive circuit, a power supply circuit, etc., and functions as a determination unit 31, a safety confirmation means 32, and a drowning countermeasure means 33. The determination unit 31 performs a bathtub entry determination, a bathtub exit determination, a long-term safety determination, a low activity safety determination, and a drowning safety determination based on the detection information by the detection means 10, 20. Note that the determination unit 31 may be built in the detection means 10, 20. The detection means 10, 20 may have a determination function. The safety confirmation means 32 performs a safety confirmation process including issuing an inquiry for safety confirmation according to the safety determination of the determination unit 31. When the determination unit 31 determines that the bather A in the bathtub 3 is in a drowning state, the drowning countermeasure means 33 performs a drowning countermeasure process such as issuing an alarm or draining water from the bathtub 3.

[0039] As illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the bathroom monitoring system 9 operates as follows. Each of the detection means 10 and 20 constantly projects detection lights L1 and L2 and detects the presence or absence of interruption (step 100). When there is no person such as bather A or a bathing assistant (not shown) in the bathroom 1, or even when there is a person but they are washing their body in the wash area 2, not only the bathtub-side detection means 10 but also the wash area-side detection means 20 allows the detection light L2 projected from the light projecting unit 22 to pass through without being interrupted and be received by the light receiving unit 23. Therefore, detection of light transmission is detected in any of the detection means 10 and 20, and detection of light interruption is not detected.

[0040] In the detection means 10 and 20 of the light interruption type, when a shielding body such as a bather exists on the optical axes L11 and L21, detection of light interruption is detected. When there is no shielding body such as a bather on the optical axes L11 and L21, detection of light interruption is not detected. Therefore, the detection means 10 and 20 of the light interruption type have a low risk of malfunction due to steam, temperature, shower, etc.

[0041] Depending on the movement of bather A or the bathing assistant when washing their body in the wash area 2, the detection light L2 of the wash area-side detection means 20 may be interrupted. However, subsequent interruption of the detection light L1 of the bathtub-side detection means 10 cannot occur unless the bathing-into-tub operation described later is performed, so the determination of bathing into the tub is not made.

[0042] <Bathing-into-tub determination> When bather A performs the operation of entering the bathtub 3, it is inevitable that the bather A straddles above the bathtub-side frame 3a of the washing area of the bathtub 3 from the washing area 2 side to the bathtub 3 side. At this time, the bather A crosses the optical axis L21. As a result, the detection information of the interruption of the detection light is acquired by the washing area side detection means 20 (step 101). By arranging the washing area side detection means 20 on the bathroom wall portions 4a and 4b near the bathtub-side frame 3a of the bathtub 3, it is possible to cross the optical axis L21 during the operation of the bather A entering the bathtub, and it is possible to block the detection light L2. Furthermore, if the bather A crosses any one of the two (or more) optical axes L21 of the washing area side detection means 20, the detection information of the interruption of the detection light can be acquired by the washing area side detection means 20. As a result, the operation of entering the bathtub can be sensed.

[0043] After the determination unit 31 acquires the detection information of the interruption of the detection light by the washing area side detection means 20, it checks whether the interruption of the detection light by the bathtub side detection means 10 is detected (step 102). Taking into account the time required to enter the bathtub from the washing area 2 to the bathtub 3, the determination unit 31 may check whether the interruption of the detection light by the bathtub side detection means 10 is detected, for example, 10 seconds to 1 minute after the detection of the interruption of the detection light by the washing area side detection means 20. As a result, it is possible to avoid determining that it is an entry into the bathtub due to a movement that is not an entry operation.

[0044] When the bather A enters the bathtub 3, the detection light L1 of the bathtub side detection means 10 is blocked by the bather A, and the detection information of the interruption of the detection light is continuously obtained by the bathtub side detection means 10. In response to this, the determination unit 31 determines that the bather has entered the bathtub (step 103). That is, when the bathtub side detection means 10 starts to detect the interruption of the detection light following the detection of the interruption of the detection light by the washing area side detection means 20, the determination unit 31 determines that the bather has entered the bathtub. Preferably, when the interruption of the detection light continues for a predetermined time of several seconds or less (preferably 0.5 seconds to 2 seconds, more preferably about 1 second) in the bathtub side detection means 10, the determination unit 31 determines that the bather has entered the bathtub (is bathing). As a result, it is possible to prevent confusion with the operation of getting out of the bathtub. More preferably, if at least one of the eight (or more) detection lights L1 of the bathtub side detection means 10 is blocked by the bather A, it is determined that the bather has entered the bathtub. Note that, regardless of whether or not the detection light of the washing area side detection means 20 is blocked, when the detection light of the bathtub side detection means 10 is blocked continuously for a predetermined time of several seconds or more (for example, 10 seconds or more), the determination unit 31 may determine that a person has entered the bathtub (is taking a bath).

[0045] By arranging the bathtub side detection means 10 at a predetermined height H above the bathtub 3 10 it is possible to block the detection light L1 by the bather A in the bathtub 3 during normal times (when not drowning), and the bather A can be detected. Since the bathtub side detection means 10 has eight (a plurality of) optical axes L11 and the detection range extends over a wide range of the bathtub 3, the bather A in the bathtub 3 during normal times (when not drowning) can be detected regardless of the build of the bather A, the posture and movement in the bathtub. This can avoid misjudging that the bather A is drowning while actually taking a normal bath.

[0046] After determining that a person has entered the bathtub, the determination unit 31 performs a determination of getting out of the bathtub and a determination of safety. <Determination of getting out of the bathtub> Specifically, after determining that a person has entered the bathtub, the determination unit 31 checks whether or not the detection light is blocked by the washing area side detection means 20 (step 110). When the bather A performs an operation of getting out of the bathtub 3, the bather A necessarily straddles from the bathtub 3 side over the upper part of the bathtub side frame 3a of the washing area 2 to the washing area 2. At this time, since the bather A crosses the optical axis L21 of the washing area side detection means 20, detection information indicating that the detection light is blocked is obtained by the washing area side detection means 20. By arranging the washing area side detection means 20 on the bathroom wall portions 4a, 4b near the bathtub side frame 3a of the bathtub 3, it is possible to cross the optical axis L21 during the operation of the bather A getting out of the bathtub, and it is possible to block the detection light L2. Further, if the bather A crosses any one of the two (a plurality of) optical axes L21 of the washing area side detection means 20, it is possible to obtain detection information indicating that the detection light is blocked by the washing area side detection means 20. Thus, the operation of getting out of the bathtub can be detected.

[0047] After detecting the blocking of the detection light by the washing area side detection means 20, the determination unit 31 checks whether or not the detection light is blocked by both detection means 10 and 20 (step 111). After bather A moves to the washing area 2, both the bathtub-side detection means 10 and the washing area-side detection means 20 no longer detect the interruption of the detection light. In response to this, the determination unit 31 determines that the bather has exited the bathtub (step 112). That is, after the determination of entry into the bathtub, when the washing area-side detection means 20 detects the interruption of the detection light and then both the bathtub-side detection means 10 and the washing area-side detection means 20 no longer detect the interruption of the detection light, the determination unit 31 determines that the bather has exited the bathtub. The bathtub-side detection means 10 and the washing area-side detection means 20 constitute the entry / exit detection means. Note that the pattern of the exit determination is not necessarily limited to the pattern in which immediately after the washing area-side detection means 20 detects the interruption of the detection light, both the detection means 10 and 20 no longer detect the interruption of the detection light. Even when after the washing area-side detection means 20 detects the interruption of the detection light, the bathtub-side detection means 10 detects the interruption of the detection light, and then both the detection means 10 and 20 no longer detect the interruption of the detection light, it is determined that the bather has exited the bathtub. Also, when both the detection means 10 and 20 no longer detect the interruption of the detection light between the determination of entry into the bathtub and the determination of exit from the bathtub, until, for example, about 3 seconds of drowning determination time has elapsed from that point, if the washing area-side detection means 20 detects the interruption of the detection light, and then both the detection means 10 and 20 no longer detect the interruption of the detection light, it is determined that the bather has exited the bathtub.

[0048] On the other hand, if the detection light L2 of the washing area-side detection means 20 is blocked by the actions of the bathing assistant or the bather himself / herself in the washing area 2 while bather A is still bathing in the bathtub 3, then the bathtub-side detection means 10 continues to obtain the detection information of the interruption of the detection light by the bather A in the bathtub 3. Therefore, the determination unit 31 does not determine that the bather has exited the bathtub. In short, the determination unit 31 preferably gives priority to the detection information by the bathtub-side detection means 10 among the detection means 10 and 20 for determination.

[0049] Since the detection means 20 on the washing area side is arranged at a higher position than the detection means 10 on the bathtub side, even when the bather A in the bathtub 3 is bathing in a posture biased toward the washing area 2 side in the bathtub 3, or raising the arm and putting it out to the washing area 2 side, or tilting the body toward the washing area 2 side, etc., other than the action of getting out of the bathtub, the detection light L2 can be prevented from being blocked as much as possible. Also, even if the physique of the bather A1 in the bathtub 3 is large, the detection light L2 can be prevented from being blocked. Further, even if an auxiliary device 6 for getting in and out of the bathtub such as a climbing handrail or a transfer platform is installed on the washing area side frame 3a of the bathtub 3, the optical axis L21 can be prevented from interfering with the auxiliary device for getting in and out of the bathtub. Thereby, false determination can be prevented. For example, it is possible to prevent misjudging that the bather A has gotten out of the bathtub when drowning from a bathing posture biased toward the washing area 2 side in the bathtub 3.

[0050] <Safety determination> After determining the entry into the bathtub, until the determination of getting out of the bathtub, the long bath safety determination 120, the little movement safety determination 130, and the drowning safety determination 140 are performed. The execution order of these safety determinations 120, 130, and 140 is not limited to the order shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 and can be arbitrarily set. A plurality of types of safety determinations 120, 130, and 140 may be performed simultaneously in parallel.

[0051] <Long bath safety determination> As shown in FIG. 6(a), in the long bath safety determination, it is determined whether or not the detection means 10 on the bathtub side has continuously detected the interruption of the detection light for a first predetermined time or more (step 121). The first predetermined time is, for example, less than 10 minutes to several tens of minutes, preferably about 10 minutes. During the long bath safety determination, even if the interruption state of one detection light L1 among the detection means 10 on the bathtub side is interrupted, if another detection light L1 is interrupted at that time, it is considered that the detection light interruption state continues for the entire detection means 10 on the bathtub side. Thereby, even if the bather A moves in the bathtub 3 and another detection light L1 is interrupted, the long bath safety determination continues.

[0052] When the determination unit 31 determines that the detection light blocking state of the bathtub-side detection means 10 has continued for a first predetermined time or longer, the safety confirmation means 32 issues a safety confirmation query (step 122). Thereby, when the bather A has been taking a bath for a long time, safety confirmation can be performed.

[0053] Upon receiving the transmission, when the bather A presses the response switch 16, it can be confirmed that there is no abnormality in the bather A. Instead of pressing the response switch 16, safety confirmation may be obtained by the bather A's voice or the like. If no operation such as pressing the response switch 16 has occurred even after a certain time has elapsed since the start of transmission of the long bath safety confirmation by the safety confirmation means 32, an alarm may be transmitted or a message may be notified to the relevant person.

[0054] <Inactivity safety determination> As shown in FIG. 6(b), in the inactivity safety determination, when at least a part of the detection light L1 of the bathtub-side detection means 10 is blocked, it is determined whether or not the blocked state or non-blocked (transmitted) state of each of the eight (plural) detection lights L1 has continued for a second predetermined time or longer (step 131). The fact that the blocked or transmitted state of each detection light L1 is constant without change means that the bather A taking a bath in the bathtub 3 is in an inactive state (including a motionless state). The second predetermined time is, for example, several minutes to ten-odd minutes, preferably about 5 minutes.

[0055] When the determination unit 31 determines that the blocked or transmitted state of each detection light L1 has continued for a second predetermined time or longer, the safety confirmation means 32 issues a safety confirmation query (step 132). Thereby, when the bather A is in an inactive state, safety confirmation can be performed.

[0056] Upon receiving the transmission, when the bather A presses the response switch 16, it can be confirmed that there is no abnormality in the bather A. Pressing the response switch 16 located at a position away from the body position in the normal bathing posture becomes one index indicating that the health state of the bather A is safe. Instead of pressing the response switch 16, the safety check may be performed by the voice of bather A or by detecting the movement of bather A by the bathtub side detection means 10. If no operation such as pressing the response switch 16 is performed even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of reporting the safety check in the inactive state, the safety confirmation means 32 may issue an alarm or notify a related person of a message. Further, the automatic on-off drain plug of the bathtub 3 may be opened to drain water from the bathtub 3.

[0057] <Drowning safety determination> As shown in FIG. 6(c), further, when the entry into the tub is detected by the entry / exit tub detection means 10, 20, the determination unit 31 (drowning determination unit) determines the presence or absence of drowning based on the detection information by the bathtub side detection means 10 until the exit from the tub is detected. Preferably, after the detection of the entry into the tub by the entry / exit tub detection means 10, 20, when the interruption of the detection light by the bathtub side detection means 10 and the interruption of the detection light by the washroom side detection means 20 are no longer detected while the exit from the tub is not detected, it is determined that the person has drowned.

[0058] Specifically, after the determination of the entry into the tub by the determination unit 31, even though the exit from the tub is not detected, that is, even though the interruption of the detection light by the washroom side detection means 20 is not detected, when the interruption of the detection light by the bathtub side detection means 10 is no longer detected, there is a possibility that bather A has sunk into the hot water in the bathtub 2. Preferably, the state in which the interruption of the detection light by the bathtub side detection means 10 is no longer detected means that all eight (a plurality of) detection lights L1 are in the non-interrupted (transmitted) state.

[0059] More preferably, after the detection of the entry into the tub by the determination unit 31 (drowning determination unit), when the state in which the interruption of the detection light L1 by the bathtub side detection means 10, that is, the non-interrupted state of the detection light, continues for a certain drowning determination time while the exit from the tub is not detected, it is determined that the person has drowned (step 141). The drowning determination time is about several seconds (for example, 3 seconds).

[0060] The height H from the upper end of the bathtub 3 to the bathtub side detection means 10 10 is preferably H10 = on the order of several cm to several tens of cm, more preferably H 10 = By setting it to about 150 mm, even for a large-sized bather A1 or a small-sized bather A2, and even in a relaxed bathing posture, during normal bathing (when not drowning), at least the head can block the detection light L1, and during drowning, the head can be positioned below the detection light L1, enabling determination of whether the person is in a drowning state. Also, even when the amount of hot water is close to full and the nose and mouth are immersed in the hot water, false determination as not drowning due to the head blocking the detection light L1 can be prevented.

[0061] According to the determination of whether a person is drowning by the determination unit 31, the drowning response means 33 performs drowning response processes such as sounding an alarm and opening the automatic on-off drain plug of the bathtub 3 to drain water from the bathtub 3 (step 142). If the bather A presses the response switch 16 upon receiving the alarm, it can be confirmed that there is no abnormality with the bather A.

[0062] Thus, according to the bathroom monitoring system 9, with a simple configuration using two systems of detection means 10 and 20 that block detection light such as infrared rays, it is possible to detect whether the bather A enters and exits the bathtub 3 and whether the bather is drowning in the bathtub 3, and perform safety confirmation and the like. Also, the possibility of false determination due to shower, steam, etc. can be reduced. By using a single type or the same type of sensor, even if a malfunction occurs, the cause can be easily grasped and repair can be facilitated. There is no need to monitor with a camera, so the privacy of the bather A is not invaded. The bather A can take a bath with peace of mind alone, and the bathing assistant does not need to monitor, which also improves work efficiency and reduces the burden in a nursing facility.

[0063] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Regarding configurations that overlap with those in the previously described embodiments in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals will be given in the drawings and the description will be omitted. <Second Embodiment (Fig. 7)> As shown in FIG. 7, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the washroom side detection means 20 is arranged offset toward the washroom 2 side from a position directly above the washroom side frame 3 a of the bathtub 3. Each unit 24, 25 of the washroom side detection means 20 does not overlap with each unit 14, 15 of the bathtub side detection means 10 in a plan projection view, and is arranged further away from the washroom 2 side than the units 14, 15.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the master unit 14 of the bathtub side detection means 10 and the master unit 24 of the washroom side detection means 20 may be integrally connected to form a single unit. The slave unit 15 of the bathtub side detection means 10 and the slave unit 25 of the washroom side detection means 20 may be integrally connected to form a single unit. The number of light transmitting and receiving means 11 of the bathtub side detection means 10 is not limited to eight, and may be nine or more, seven or less, or even just one. The number of light transmitting and receiving means 21 of the washroom side detection means 20 is not limited to two, and may be just one, or three or more. The washroom side detection means 20 may be arranged at the same height as the bathtub side detection means 10. The washroom side detection means 20 may be arranged on the bathroom wall portion in the middle of the washroom 2. It is also possible to determine the bath entry operation and the bath exit operation of the bather A based on the order in which the detection light L2 by a plurality (for example, two) of light transmitting and receiving means 21 arranged above the washroom side frame 3 a of the bathtub 3 is sequentially blocked. Those on the bathtub 3 side (left side in FIG. 1) of these light transmitting and receiving means 21 may constitute the "bathtub side detection means", and those on the washroom 2 side (right side in FIG. 1) may constitute the "washroom side detection means". The detection light (detection wave) is not limited to infrared rays, and may be light waves with wavelengths other than the infrared region such as visible light and ultraviolet rays. Further, the detection wave is not limited to light waves, and may be other electromagnetic waves or even ultrasonic waves.

Industrial Applicability

[0065] The present invention can be applied to a bathroom monitoring system for monitoring a care recipient, for example, in a bathroom of a house or a care facility.

Explanation of Signs

[0066] 1 Bathroom A Bather 2 Washbasin 3 Bathtub 3a Washbasin-side frame 4a, 4b Bathroom wall 9 Bathroom monitoring system 10 Bathtub-side detection means 11 Transmitting and receiving light means (transmitting and receiving wave means) L11 Optical axis (propagation axis) L1 Detection light (detection wave) 12 Light projecting section (wave projecting section) 12a Light projecting surface (projecting surface) 13 Light receiving section (wave receiving section) 16 Response switch 17 Stop switch 20 Washbasin-side detection means 21 Transmitting and receiving light means L21 Optical axis (propagation axis) L2 Detection light (detection wave) 22 Light projecting section (wave projecting section) 23 Light receiving section (wave receiving section) 22a Light projecting surface (projecting surface) 30 Processing device 31 Judgment section 32 Safety confirmation means 33 Drowning countermeasure means

Claims

1. A system for monitoring a bather in a bathroom, comprising: a bathtub-side detection means disposed on a bathroom wall portion above the bathtub for detecting an obstacle to the propagation of a projected detection wave; a washbasin-side detection means disposed on the bathroom wall portion on the washbasin side of the bathtub-side detection means for detecting an obstacle to the propagation of a projected detection wave; a determination unit configured to determine the entry and exit of the bather into and out of the bathtub and drowning during bathtub entry based on detection information from these detection means. The bathroom monitoring system, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The bathroom monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the bathtub-side detection means includes a plurality of wave transmitting and receiving means arranged at intervals in the short direction of the bathtub, and each wave transmitting and receiving means has a wave transmitting unit for projecting the detection wave and a wave receiving unit for receiving the detection wave facing the wave transmitting unit in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub.

3. The bathroom monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the washbasin-side detection means is disposed on the bathroom wall portion near the washbasin-side frame of the bathtub.

4. The bathroom monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein the washbasin-side detection means is disposed at a higher position than the bathtub-side detection means.

5. The bathroom monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the washbasin-side detection means includes a plurality of wave transmitting and receiving means arranged at intervals in the short direction of the bathtub, and each wave transmitting and receiving means has a wave transmitting unit for projecting the detection wave and a wave receiving unit for receiving the detection wave facing the wave transmitting unit in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub.

6. The bathroom monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the projection surface of the washbasin-side detection means is smaller than the projection surface of the bathtub-side detection means.

7. The bathroom monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bathtub-side detection means or the washbasin-side detection means includes an infrared interruption type sensor for detecting whether infrared rays are projected and interrupted.

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