Furniture and analysis system

Abstract

To acquire vital information of a user without using a contact sensor.SOLUTION: An analysis system (10) includes: a chair (2); a Doppler sensor (4) that is provided on the chair (2) and acquires vital information of a user of the chair (2); an analysis unit (631) that analyzes the vital information acquired by the Doppler sensor (4); and a display control unit (632) that causes a display unit (64) to display an analysis result of the vital information by the analysis unit (631).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a furniture and analysis system that acquires vital information of a user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a user monitoring system is known that uses sensors provided on a chair to output the mental state of the person sitting on the chair (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the user monitoring system described in Patent Document 1 requires a plurality of contact sensors (pressure sensors) to estimate the mental state of the person sitting.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a furniture and analysis system that can acquire vital information of a user without using a contact sensor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a furniture according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a furniture body and a Doppler sensor provided on the furniture body for acquiring vital information of a user of the furniture body.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an analysis system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a furniture main body, a Doppler sensor provided on the furniture main body for acquiring vital information of a user of the furniture main body, an analysis unit for analyzing the vital information acquired by the Doppler sensor, and a display control unit for causing a display unit to display an analysis result of the vital information by the analysis unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the furniture and the analysis system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire vital information of a user without using a contact sensor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 and the like.

[0011] (Analysis System) FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an analysis system 10 according to the present disclosure. The analysis system 10 is composed of a furniture main body (chair main body 2 in FIG. 1), a Doppler sensor 4 provided on the chair main body 2, and a management device 6.

[0012] Furniture is a general term for tools used by humans to live in indoor and outdoor spaces, and representative examples include chairs, beds, desks, tables, chests of drawers, cupboards, and partitions. These refer to tools that are not fixed to a building and can be moved. In this disclosure, a chair body 2 is used as an example of furniture, but the analysis system according to this disclosure can also be applied to other furniture such as desks and tables. The chair body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0013] The Doppler sensor 4 is provided in the chair body 2 and acquires vital information of a user of the chair body 2. The management device 6 includes an analysis unit 631 that analyzes the vital information acquired by the Doppler sensor 4, and a display control unit 632 that causes the display unit 64 to display the analysis result of the vital information by the analysis unit 631.

[0014] In the analysis system 10, the Doppler sensor 4, which is a non-contact sensor, is provided on the chair body 2. The Doppler sensor 4 can measure vital information with high accuracy. This is because the Doppler sensor 4 can detect even very minute changes in wave frequency. Therefore, even if the Doppler sensor 4 is not in contact with the user, the vital information of the user can be obtained with high accuracy. The user can then check the analysis results of the vital information on the display unit 64, and can quickly take the next required action. In addition, because the Doppler sensor 4 can measure vital information with high accuracy, the analysis system 10 does not require multiple sensors to measure the vital information of the user.

[0015] Hereinafter, each part of the chair body 2, the Doppler sensor 4, and the management device 6 will be described.

[0016] (Sensor-equipped chair) A configuration example of the chair 1 with a sensor according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the chair 1 with a sensor. Reference numeral 201 in FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the chair 1 with a sensor. Reference numeral 202 in FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the chair 1 with a sensor. The chair 1 with a sensor includes a chair body 2 and a Doppler sensor 4 provided on the chair body 2.

[0017] (Chair) The chair body 2 is a swivel chair used, for example, in an office or a conference room. The chair body 2 is not limited to a swivel chair and may be other types of chairs such as an office chair, a pipe chair, or a sofa. Hereinafter, the chair body 2 will be described as a swivel chair. The reasons why a chair is considered suitable in the present disclosure are as follows.

[0018] For example, consider the case where a Doppler sensor 4 is attached to the wall of an office where multiple people are present. The Doppler sensor 4 is likely to acquire the vital information of the person closest to it. Therefore, when a person crosses in front of the wall, the Doppler sensor 4 may change the measurement target from the person who was the measurement target until then to another person who crosses in front of the wall. On the other hand, when the Doppler sensor 4 is attached to the chair body 2, the Doppler sensor 4 can easily focus on a specific person sitting on the chair body 2, and the possibility of changing the measurement target is low. For such reasons, it can be said that a chair is suitable in the present disclosure.

[0019] The chair body 2 includes, as main members, a seat 21, a backrest 22, a back frame 23 to which the backrest 22 is attached, and legs 24. Further, the chair body 2 may include, for example, as optional components, armrests 25 and a headrest 26.

[0020] The chair body 2 has a rocking function in which the backrest 22 can recline. Thereby, the seated person can relax the body and sit on the chair 1 with a sensor, and can continue to use it for a long time.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the legs 24 are of a five-leg type branched into five, for example, and casters 27 are attached to the lower ends of each of the five legs. The caster 27 is, for example, a swivel type caster that can turn horizontally. Thereby, the chair 1 with a sensor can be easily moved.

[0022] A Doppler sensor 4 is provided on the back surface of the backrest 22 of the chair body 2. The Doppler sensor 4 may be provided on the back surface of the seat surface, the back surface of the armrest, or the legs 24, etc., instead of the seat 21 of the chair body 2. The Doppler sensor 4 may be built into the chair body 2 so as not to be visible from the outside, such as inside the backrest 22 or inside the armrest, in order to maintain the designability of the chair body 2.

[0023] (Doppler sensor) The Doppler sensor 4 includes a transmission unit that transmits radio waves (transmission waves) to the user, a reception unit that receives reflected waves from the user, and an output unit that outputs vital information received by the reception unit to the management device 6 via a predetermined network.

[0024] More specifically, the Doppler sensor 4 uses microwaves and the Doppler effect to acquire vital information such as a person's brain waves, respiration, and body movement without contact. As an example, the Doppler sensor 4 receives reflected waves from the user according to the movement of blood vessels, and detects the user's pulse wave based on the frequency difference between the reflected waves and the transmission waves oscillated from the Doppler sensor 4. The pulse wave is a waveform indicating the change in the movement of the human body surface due to the pulsation of the heart, and includes the waveform of the change in the movement of blood vessels and the waveform of the change in the body surface of the heart part. The Doppler sensor 4 can detect the movement of blood vessels targeting a part of the user's body, such as a part of the head or a part of the arm, even if it is not the heart.

[0025] The Doppler sensor 4 can measure vital information with high accuracy. This is because it can detect very minute changes in the frequency change of waves. In addition, the Doppler sensor 4 can process data in real time and obtain results. Thereby, quick judgment and response are possible.

[0026] The Doppler sensor 4 may be a known Doppler sensor. By analyzing the vital information acquired by the Doppler sensor 4, the mental state (stress, concentration, mood) of the user and / or the physical state (drowsiness or fatigue level) of the user can be grasped. This is because the Doppler sensor 4 adopts a non-contact and unrestrained sensing technology that realizes the sensing of low-speed and weak pulses and respiration, and a technology for accurately extracting pulse and respiration information from sensor information including noise by means of a noise removal technology.

[0027] The Doppler sensor 4 outputs the acquired vital information to the management device 6. As the output method, any means such as wired communication, wireless communication, or USB communication may be adopted. Next, the management device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the management device 6 according to the present disclosure.

[0028] (Management device) The management device 6 analyzes the vital information acquired from the Doppler sensor 4 and displays the analysis result of the vital information on the display unit. As an example, the management device 6 may be a personal computer. The management device 6 includes a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, a control unit 63, and a display unit 64.

[0029] The communication unit 61 acquires vital information from the Doppler sensor 4 via a network. The vital information may be stored in the storage unit 62. In the case of wireless communication, those using radio waves, those using infrared rays, etc. may be applicable. As those using radio waves, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark) etc. may be applicable.

[0030] The storage unit 62 stores the vital information acquired from the Doppler sensor 4. The storage unit 62 is a storage device that stores various computer programs read by the control unit 63 and data used in various processes executed by the control unit 63. The storage unit 62 is composed of, for example, a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) provided in the management device 6, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and / or a portable storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 62 can store the current and past analysis results. The storage unit 62 can store the current and past analysis results in association with the user. The storage unit 62 may be substituted by a server or the like outside the management device 6.

[0031] The control unit 63 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 63 controls the communication unit 61, the storage unit 62, and the display unit 64, and performs all controls related to the overall operation of the management device 6.

[0032] The control unit 63 includes an analysis unit 631 and a display control unit 632.

[0033] The analysis unit 631 analyzes the vital information acquired from the Doppler sensor 4. As an example, the analysis unit 631 analyzes the vital information acquired from the Doppler sensor 4 to quantify changes in the user's mental state (stress, concentration, mood) and / or the user's physical state (drowsiness or fatigue level) (to be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0034] The display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display the analysis result of the vital information by the analysis unit 631. The display control unit 632 can display the waveform and numerical value of the detection item in real time, for example, every second, on the application. In this way, the display control unit 632 can realize the visualization of the user's mental state and / or physical state by the cooperation of the Doppler sensor 4 and its application.

[0035] The display unit 64 may be a display unit provided in the management device 6, or may be a display unit external to the management device 6.

[0036] (Display example) Next, an example of the analysis result by the analysis unit 631 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the state of numerical changes in vital information (pulse, respiration), concentration (%), fatigue level (%), stress level (%), and sleepiness level (%) displayed on the display unit 64. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the state of numerical changes in "joy", "anger", "sorrow", and "happiness" displayed on the display unit 64.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the management device 6 quantifies the temporal changes in vital information (pulse, respiration), concentration (%), fatigue level (%), stress level (%), and sleepiness level (%) and displays them on the display unit 64. The concentration (%), fatigue level (%), stress level (%), and sleepiness level (%) are obtained by analyzing the vital information (pulse, respiration) acquired by the Doppler sensor 4. As the method for analyzing the vital information, an algorithm applied by the used Doppler sensor 4 may be adopted.

[0038] In the example of FIG. 4, the concentration is displayed as "53%", the fatigue level is displayed as "50%", the stress level is displayed as "40%", and the sleepiness level is displayed as "59%", respectively. These numbers may be the average value or the current value during the measurement period, or both may be displayed. Alternatively, these numbers may be the average value over an appropriate time range such as the most recent 1 hour, and the user may be configured to be able to select a desired numerical value.

[0039] The display control unit 632 may cause the display unit 64 to display screens such as "elapsed time" and "end button". The "elapsed time" indicates the elapsed time since the measurement by the Doppler sensor 4 started. The "end button" is a button display to be clicked when ending the measurement by the Doppler sensor 4.

[0040] In this way, the display control unit 632 can cause the display unit 64 to display various items. FIGS. 4 and 5 described below are merely examples thereof.

[0041] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the management device 6 quantifies the time-dependent changes in "joy", "anger", "sorrow", and "happiness" and displays them on the display unit 64. "Joy", "anger", "sorrow", and "happiness" are obtained by analyzing the vital information (pulse rate, respiratory rate) acquired by the Doppler sensor 4. As the method for analyzing the vital information, an algorithm applied by the Doppler sensor 4 to be used may be adopted.

[0042] As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, since the Doppler sensor 4 can detect vital information in real time, it can be used in a dynamic situation. Therefore, the user can confirm his / her mental state and / or physical state in real time, and can also recognize changes in the mental state and / or physical state even before he / she becomes aware of them. Not limited to stress, concentration, joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, drowsiness, or fatigue level, the analysis unit 631 may analyze other changes in the mental state and / or physical state that can be obtained from the user's vital information.

[0043] The analysis result by the analysis unit 631 may include alarm information regarding a rest proposal, a medical examination proposal, or a counseling proposal for alerting the user. The display control unit 632 may cause the display unit 64 to display the alarm information. For example, when the fatigue level is higher than a predetermined threshold, a rest proposal is displayed on the display unit 64; when the stress is constantly higher than a predetermined threshold, a medical examination proposal is displayed; and when "anger" and / or "sorrow" is constantly higher than a predetermined threshold, a counseling proposal is displayed. By checking the alarm information, the user can objectively grasp that his / her mental state and / or physical state is not normal, which can serve as an opportunity to take a rest, visit a doctor, or have a counseling session with a supervisor or the like.

[0044] In recent years, with the spread of telecommuting, the number of people suffering from stress due to insufficient face-to-face communication has been increasing. When the present disclosure is implemented, reducing stress in the office environment (including home) can improve the mental health of employees and provide opportunities for rest and refreshment. As a result, the productivity of employees is improved and a balance between work and private life is achieved. Such effects contribute to the improvement of health and well-being set forth in the SDGs.

[0045] The management device 6 may output alarm information by voice. The management device 6 may transmit the alarm information to a smartphone of the user, their family member, supervisor, etc. Thus, the presentation of the alarm information is not limited to the display on the display unit 64.

[0046] (Identification unit) In the present disclosure, the analysis system 10 may include an identification unit for identifying a user. As an example, the identification unit may be a camera, a smartphone, or the like.

[0047] In an office or the like, it is conceivable to use the analysis system 10 over time for a plurality of users. At this time, by identifying each user by the identification unit, the analysis system 10 causes the display unit 64 to display the past analysis results of the user (for example, the analysis results one year ago, six months ago, one week ago), so that the user can confirm the changes over time and the convenience of the user can be improved. For this reason, the analysis system 10 may be configured to store the past analysis results for each user in the storage unit 62 and, when a user is identified by the identification unit, display the past analysis results of the user associated with that user on the display unit 64.

[0048] (Summary) The furniture according to Aspect 1 of the present disclosure includes a furniture main body and a Doppler sensor provided on the furniture main body for acquiring vital information of a user of the furniture main body.

[0049] According to the above configuration, since the Doppler sensor, which is a non-contact sensor, is provided on the furniture body, even if the sensor does not contact the user, the vital information of the user can be acquired with high accuracy.

[0050] The furniture according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, in the above Embodiment 1, the furniture body is a chair, and the Doppler sensor is disposed on the seat surface, backrest, armrest, or leg of the chair.

[0051] Since the radio wave (microwave) used for the Doppler sensor penetrates except for metal, cement, and water, the mounting position of the Doppler sensor can be flexibly changed. Therefore, in the furniture according to the present disclosure, the Doppler sensor can be mounted at a desired position of the user according to the shape of the furniture and the like.

[0052] The furniture according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, in the above Embodiment 1 or 2, the Doppler sensor is built in the furniture body.

[0053] According to the above configuration, since the Doppler sensor cannot be visually recognized from the outside of the furniture, the design property of the furniture can be maintained.

[0054] The analysis system according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure includes a furniture body, a Doppler sensor provided on the furniture body for acquiring vital information of a user of the furniture body, an analysis unit for analyzing the vital information acquired by the Doppler sensor, and a display control unit for causing a display unit to display an analysis result of the vital information by the analysis unit.

[0055] According to the above configuration, since the Doppler sensor, which is a non-contact sensor, is provided on the furniture body, even if the sensor does not contact the user, the vital information of the user can be acquired with high accuracy. And the user can check the analysis result of the vital information on the display unit and can quickly take the next necessary action.

[0056] In the analysis system according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in the above aspect 4, the analysis result includes information regarding the stress, concentration, or mood of the user.

[0057] Since the Doppler sensor can detect vital information in real time, it can be used in dynamic situations. Therefore, the user can confirm their mental state in real time and can also recognize changes in stress, concentration, or mood even before they are aware of it themselves.

[0058] In the analysis system according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure, in the above aspect 4 or 5, the analysis result includes information regarding the drowsiness or fatigue level of the user.

[0059] Since the Doppler sensor can detect vital information in real time, it can be used in dynamic situations. Therefore, the user can confirm their physical state in real time and can also recognize changes in drowsiness or fatigue level even before they are aware of it themselves.

[0060] In the analysis system according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure, in any one of the above aspects 4 to 6, the analysis result includes alarm information regarding a rest proposal, a medical examination proposal, or an interview proposal for alerting the user.

[0061] According to the above configuration, by checking the alarm information, the user can grasp that their mental state and / or physical state is not normal, which can be an opportunity to take a rest, visit a doctor, or have an interview with a supervisor, etc.

[0062] The analysis system according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure includes an identification unit for identifying the user in any one of the above aspects 4 to 7, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the analysis result related to the user identified by the identification unit.

[0063] It is conceivable to use the analysis system over time for a plurality of users. At this time, if the user can be identified, the past analysis results of the user (for example, the analysis results one year ago, six months ago, and one week ago) can also be displayed, so that the user can confirm the changes over time and improve the convenience for the user.

[0064] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the disclosed technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, by combining the disclosed technical means respectively, new technical features can be formed.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0065] 1 Chair with Sensor 2 Chair Body 4 Doppler Sensor 6 Management Device 10 Analysis System 23 Back Frame 26 Headrest 27 Caster 61 Communication Unit 62 Storage Unit 63 Control Unit 64 Display Unit 631 Analysis Unit 632 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. A piece of furniture comprising: a furniture body; and a Doppler sensor provided on the furniture body for acquiring vital information of a user of the furniture body.

2. The furniture body is a chair, and the Doppler sensor is provided on a seat surface, a backrest, armrests, or legs of the chair. The furniture according to claim 1.

3. The Doppler sensor is built in the furniture body. The furniture according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An analysis system comprising: a furniture body; a Doppler sensor provided on the furniture body for acquiring vital information of a user of the furniture body; an analysis unit for analyzing the vital information acquired by the Doppler sensor; and a display control unit for causing a display unit to display an analysis result of the vital information by the analysis unit.

5. The analysis result includes information regarding stress, concentration, or mood of the user. The analysis system according to claim 4.

6. The analysis result includes information regarding drowsiness or fatigue level of the user. The analysis system according to claim 4.

7. The analysis result includes alarm information regarding a rest proposal, a medical examination proposal, or a counseling proposal for alerting the user. The analysis system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The analysis system according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising an identification unit for identifying the user, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the analysis result related to the user identified by the identification unit.

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