Nonenal detection sensor and watching system

Abstract

To provide a watching system which can precisely grasp abnormalities of elderly people and reduces the discomfort of a watching target person.SOLUTION: A detection sensor 10 used in a monitoring system 1 includes: a mounting unit 12 attached to the body of a detection target M; a gas inlet 13 leading to the outside; a gas sensor 23 for detecting nonenal contained in gas; and filters 21 and 22 disposed on a path from the gas inlet 13 toward the gas sensor 23, for selectively causing the nonenal to pass through. The detection sensor 10 can accordingly detect the nonenal emitted from the detection target M.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection sensor that detects nonenal emitted from the human body, and a monitoring system that uses this detection sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the proportion of elderly people in the total population has been increasing in Japan. As the aging society progresses, the number of elderly households and elderly people living alone is also increasing. As a result, there is a growing demand for monitoring services for elderly households and elderly people living alone. These monitoring services use technology to monitor the health status of the elderly.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a monitoring system that analyzes the life rhythm of a resident based on the amount of electricity used in the dwelling of the resident to be monitored and notifies the resident if any abnormalities are detected. Patent Document 2 also discloses a monitoring system that uses a camera with a face recognition function to search for a monitored resident who goes out and goes missing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-61465 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-111506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the amount of electricity used in a home does not necessarily directly correlate to abnormalities in the residents, it is difficult to determine whether there are abnormalities or whether the residents are safe from the amount of electricity used in a home. Also, there is a problem that using cameras to check the safety of the people being monitored may cause resistance.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a monitoring system that can more accurately detect abnormalities in elderly people and reduce the resistance of the person being monitored, as well as a detection sensor used in this monitoring system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A detection sensor according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an attachment part that is attached to the body of a person to be detected, a gas inlet that communicates with the outside, a gas sensor that detects nonenal contained in the gas, and a filter that is positioned on a path from the gas inlet to the gas sensor and selectively allows the nonenal to pass through, and detects the nonenal emitted from the person to be detected.

[0008] According to the above configuration, a detection sensor capable of detecting nonenal, which is primarily emitted by elderly people, can be obtained. This detection sensor can be suitably used as a sensor for determining the survival status and health status of a detection subject, such as an elderly person.

[0009] [2] In the detection sensor according to the aspect of the present invention described above in [1], the filter may contain a molecular imprinted material using nonenal as a template.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the filter allows only nonenal and components smaller in size (molecular weight) than nonenal contained in the gas flowing in from the gas inlet to pass through.

[0011] [3] In the detection sensor according to one aspect of the present invention described above in [1] or [2], the gas inlet may have an opening / closing mechanism that opens and closes automatically, and the filter may have a first filter containing the molecular imprinted material and a second filter arranged downstream of the first filter that allows the nonenal and other gases to pass through in different times.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the gas flowing in from the gas inlet passes through the filter having the first filter and the second filter, allowing the gas sensor to more accurately detect nonenal contained in the gas.

[0013] [4] A monitoring system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a detection sensor according to any one of [1] to [3] above, a control unit that determines the state of the person to be detected based on the detection results of the detection sensor, and an alarm unit that notifies the control unit when it determines that the person to be detected is in an abnormal state.

[0014] According to the above configuration, by determining the condition of the person being monitored based on the detection results of nonenal, which is mainly emitted by the elderly, a monitoring system can be obtained that can more accurately grasp abnormalities in the elderly and reduce the resistance of the person being monitored.

[0015] [5] A monitoring system according to another aspect of the present invention further includes a detection sensor according to any one of [1] to [3] above and a communication terminal capable of communicating with the detection sensor. In this monitoring system, the detection sensor includes a control unit that determines the state of the person to be detected based on the detection result of the gas sensor, and a communication unit that transmits a signal to that effect when the control unit determines that the person to be detected is in an abnormal state, and the communication terminal includes an alarm unit that notifies the person to that effect when the signal is transmitted from the communication unit.

[0016] According to the above configuration, by determining the condition (e.g., survival status and health status) of the person being monitored based on the detection results of nonenal mainly emitted from the elderly, a monitoring system can be obtained that can more accurately grasp abnormalities in the elderly and reduce the resistance of the person being monitored. In addition, a monitor who carries a communication terminal that can communicate with the detection sensor can be notified that an abnormality has occurred in the person being monitored in a remote location.

[0017] In the monitoring system according to another aspect of the present invention described above in [4] or [5], the control unit may determine that the subject is in an abnormal state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection value of the nonenal by the detection sensor became less than a predetermined value.

[0018] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the control unit will mistakenly determine that the person being detected is abnormal, for example, when the detection value of the gas sensor temporarily becomes abnormal and then returns to a normal value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] A detection sensor according to one aspect of the present invention can be suitably used as a sensor in a monitoring system that can more accurately detect abnormalities in elderly people and reduce resistance from those being monitored.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a monitoring system that can more accurately grasp abnormalities in elderly people and can reduce resistance from those being monitored. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a monitoring system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a detection sensor that constitutes the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a detection sensor that constitutes the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a server that constitutes the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a smartphone that constitutes the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing an example of the change over time in the concentration of nonenal detected by a gas sensor in a detection sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] In this embodiment, an example of a monitoring system will be described, taking as an example a monitoring system 1. The monitoring system 1 is a system that can be used when a person to be monitored (a person to be detected), such as an elderly person living alone, is monitored by a family member living apart from the elderly person to check the health condition, survival status, etc. of the person to be monitored.

[0024] (Overall configuration and operation of the monitoring system) First, the overall configuration of a monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment. The monitoring system 1 includes, as its main components, a detection sensor 10 that detects nonenal, a server 70, and a smartphone (communication terminal) 80.

[0025] The detection sensor 10 is attached to the body of a target person M (e.g., an elderly person) who is the target of monitoring by the monitoring system 1. For example, the detection sensor 10 is attached to the wrist of the target person M. The detection sensor 10 detects nonenal emitted from the target person M. The detection sensor 10 is wirelessly connected to a server 70 via the Internet, a router, or the like, and is configured to be able to communicate information with the server 70.

[0026] Nonenal is also known as 2-nonenal. Nonenal is a substance that contributes to the body odor associated with aging, primarily emitted by elderly people. Nonenal is a gas component contained in metabolic gases released from human skin (such as sebaceous glands), and it is known that the amount released increases with age. Because metabolic gases such as nonenal are released in conjunction with human vital activities, detecting metabolic gases released by a subject M can serve as an indicator for determining the survival and health status of the subject M.

[0027] The smartphone 80 is carried by, for example, a watcher G. The watcher G is, for example, a family member who lives apart from the person to be monitored, the person to be detected M. The smartphone 80 is an example of a communication terminal that constitutes the monitoring system 1. Other examples of the communication terminal may be a telephone or facsimile machine that is placed in the residence that the watcher G lives in. A communication terminal such as the smartphone 80 is wirelessly connected to the server 70 via the Internet, a router, or the like, and is configured to be able to communicate information with the server 70.

[0028] The monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment can transmit information (detection information by the detection sensor 10) relating to the health condition or survival state of the detection target M to an external device such as a server 70. Furthermore, a memory 72 in the server 70 can store the detection information transmitted from the detection sensor 10. Furthermore, the detection information stored in the memory 72 in the server 70 can be viewed on a communication terminal such as a smartphone 80.

[0029] (Configuration of detection sensor) Next, the configuration of the detection sensor 10 that constitutes the monitoring system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the detection sensor 10. Fig. 3 shows the internal configuration of the main body 11 of the detection sensor 10.

[0030] The detection sensor 10 has a main body 11 and a wearing part 12. The wearing part 12 is attached to the body of the detection target person M. In this embodiment, the detection sensor 10 is a type that is worn on the wrist. Therefore, the wearing part 12 is, for example, a wristband. However, the wearing part 12 is not limited to a wristband.

[0031] In another embodiment, the detection sensor 10 may be a neck-hanging type or a belt-type that is worn around the waist. The detection sensor 10 may also be mounted inside a wearable terminal, a wristwatch, or the like. It is desirable that the detection sensor 10 be worn by the person to be detected M as often as possible. Therefore, it is preferable that the wearing unit 12 has a form that can be worn by the person to be detected M without feeling uncomfortable.

[0032] The main components provided within the main body 11 include a gas inlet 13, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30, an operation unit 51, a speaker 52, and a communication interface 53.

[0033] The gas inlet 13 takes in gas A around the detection target person M (more specifically, gas emitted from the body of the detection target person M due to the life activities of the detection target person M) into the main body 11. Nonenal emitted from a person is mainly emitted from sebaceous glands present in the skin. Therefore, it is preferable that the gas inlet 13 be located close to the skin of the detection target person M when the detection target person M is wearing the detection sensor 10.

[0034] The gas inlet 13 is provided with an open / close valve (open / close mechanism) 14 that is automatically opened and closed. The open / close valve 14 opens and closes at predetermined time intervals based on commands from the control unit 30 (specifically, the valve control unit 32). When the open / close valve 14 is in an open state, the external gas A flows from the gas inlet 13 into the sensor unit 20 in the main body 11. When the open / close valve 14 is in a closed state, the flow of the gas A into the main body 11 is stopped. In another embodiment, the open / close mechanism provided at the gas inlet may be an automatic open / close shutter.

[0035] The sensor unit 20 is disposed downstream of the gas inlet 13 and detects the concentration of nonenal contained in the gas A that flows in through the gas inlet 13. The sensor unit 20 includes a first filter (filter) 21, a second filter (filter) 22, and a gas sensor 23. The first filter 21 and the second filter 22 selectively pass nonenal (specifically, 2-nonenal) contained in the gas that flows in through the gas inlet 13. The gas sensor 23 detects the presence or absence of nonenal in the gas that has passed through the first filter 21 and the second filter 22. More specifically, the gas sensor 23 detects the concentration of nonenal contained in the gas A that flows in through the gas inlet 13.

[0036] The first filter 21 is disposed on the upstream side of the sensor unit 20 (i.e., closer to the gas inlet 13). The first filter 21 contains a molecular imprint material that uses nonenal as a template. Therefore, only nonenal and components smaller in size (molecular weight) than nonenal contained in the gas A can pass through the first filter 21. When the gas A flowing in from the gas inlet 13 passes through the first filter 21, components larger in size (molecular weight) than nonenal contained in the gas A are removed. As a result, only nonenal and components smaller in size (molecular weight) than nonenal flow into the second filter 22 downstream of the first filter 21.

[0037] Second filter 22 is disposed downstream of first filter 21 and upstream of gas sensor 23. Second filter 22 allows nonenal and other gases to pass through at different times. Second filter 22 contains, for example, a material (e.g., polyethylene glycol) used as a packing material for gas chromatography. Because second filter 22 contains such a material, each gas component is separated while gas A passes through second filter 22. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, nonenal is released from second filter 22. Gas sensor 23 measures the gas concentration at this time, thereby making it possible to detect the concentration of nonenal contained in gas A.

[0038] The gas sensor 23 is disposed downstream of the second filter 22 and measures the concentration of the gas that has passed through the second filter 22. The gas sensor 23 detects nonenal that has passed through the second filter 22. For example, an oxide semiconductor sensor or a QCM (Quartz crystal microbalance) sensor with a polymer film as a gas-sensitive film can be used as the gas sensor 23. The use of these sensors makes it possible to detect the concentration of a specific gas.

[0039] The control unit 30 is connected to and controls each component in the main body 11. The control unit 30 includes, for example, a control board. The control unit 30 includes a state determination unit 31, a valve control unit 32, a memory 33, a timer 34, and the like.

[0040] The state determination unit 31 determines the state of the target person M based on the detection result of the sensor unit 20. Specifically, the state determination unit 31 determines that the target person M is in an abnormal state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection value of nonenal by the sensor unit 20 became less than a predetermined value.

[0041] The valve control unit 32 controls the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing valve 14 based on the time counted by the timer 34 .

[0042] The memory 33 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 33 stores operation programs and setting data for each device in the main body 11, and also temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the control unit 30. The timer 34 measures the time for processing performed in the control unit 30, the operation time of each device in the main body 11, etc., as necessary.

[0043] The operation unit 51 is used when a user of the detection sensor 10 (for example, the detection target person M) operates the detection sensor 10. The operation unit 51 includes, for example, an operation panel, operation buttons, and the like.

[0044] The speaker 52 outputs an alarm sound or a voice message based on commands or voice data transmitted from the control unit 30. For example, when the state determination unit 31 determines that the detection target M is in an abnormal state, the speaker 52 outputs an alarm sound or a voice message.

[0045] If the determination by the state determination unit 31 is incorrect (for example, if the state determination unit 31 determines that the target person M is in an abnormal state despite the target person M being in a normal state), the target person M can stop the alert sound or voice message by operating the operation unit 51. Furthermore, in this case, the target person M may operate the operation unit 51 to notify the outside that the determination by the state determination unit 31 was incorrect. That is, information to that effect may be transmitted from the detection sensor 10 to a communication terminal such as the smartphone 80 via the server 70.

[0046] The communication interface 53 is realized by an antenna and a connector. The communication interface 53 exchanges data with other devices via wireless communication or the like. For example, the communication interface 53 transmits information on the detection sensor 10 side to the server 70. Specifically, the communication interface 53 can transmit information on the state of the detection target person M determined by the state determination unit 31 to the server 70. The communication interface 53 can also receive various signals, various data, various commands, and the like transmitted from the server 70.

[0047] (Server configuration) Next, we will explain the configuration of the server 70 that constitutes the monitoring system 1. Fig. 4 shows the configuration of the server 70. The server 70 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a memory 72, a display 73, an operation unit 74, and a communication interface 75. For example, a cloud server is used as the server 70. Note that other servers such as a VPS, a shared server, or a dedicated server can also be used as appropriate.

[0048] The CPU 71 controls each part of the server 70 by executing a program stored in the memory 72. For example, the CPU 71 executes a program stored in the memory 72 and performs various processes by referring to various data.

[0049] The memory 72 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), various types of ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The memory 72 stores programs executed by the CPU 71, data generated by the execution of the programs by the CPU 71, input data, various types of data transmitted from the detection sensor 10, etc. For example, the memory 72 stores information related to the state of the detection target person M transmitted from the detection sensor 10.

[0050] The display 73 displays text and images based on signals from the CPU 71. The operation unit 74 receives commands from the service administrator and inputs the commands to the CPU 71.

[0051] The communication interface 75 receives data (for example, detection information by the detection sensor 10) from other devices such as the detection sensor 10 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc., and passes the data to the CPU 71. The communication interface 75 also transmits data from the CPU 71 to other devices such as the smartphone 80 via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc.

[0052] (Smartphone configuration) Next, we will explain the configuration of the smartphone 80 that constitutes the monitoring system 1. Fig. 5 shows the configuration of the smartphone 80. As shown in Fig. 5, the smartphone 80 includes a display unit 81, an operation unit 82, a speaker 83, a communication interface 84, a control unit 85, and the like.

[0053] The display unit 81 includes a liquid crystal display panel, an LED light, etc. The display unit 81 outputs a screen of characters, images, etc. based on a signal from the control unit 85. The operation unit 82 receives commands from a user of the smartphone 80 (for example, the watcher G) and inputs the commands to the control unit 85.

[0054] Based on instructions from the control unit 85, the speaker 83 emits various sounds such as notification sounds or voice messages to the user.

[0055] The communication interface 84 is realized by an antenna and a connector. The communication interface 84 exchanges data with other devices via wireless communication, etc. Specifically, the communication interface 84 receives detection information transmitted from the detection sensor 10 via the server 70.

[0056] The control unit 85 is connected to and controls each component part in the smartphone 80. The control unit 85 is provided with a memory 86, a timer 87, etc. If the transmitted information based on the detection information transmitted from the detection sensor 10 includes information that the detection target person M is in an abnormal state, the control unit 85 causes the display unit 81 to display such information and causes the speaker 83 to emit an alarm sound or voice message to that effect.

[0057] This allows the watcher G carrying the smartphone 80 to know that an abnormality has occurred in the person being watched over M who is in a remote location. In the watching system 1 according to this embodiment, the display unit 81 and the speaker 83 function as an alarm unit that notifies the watcher G of an abnormality in the person being watched over M.

[0058] (Method for detecting nonenal) Next, an example of a method for detecting nonenal emitted from the detection target M in the sensor unit 20 of the detection sensor 10 will be described.

[0059] In one example, the second filter 22 has a column (product name: IneCap Pure-Wax, manufactured by GL Sciences Inc.).

[0060] When gas A containing multiple components flows into second filter 22, each component in gas A passes through second filter 22 in a different amount of time. Each component that passes through second filter 22 reaches gas sensor 23 downstream. Gas sensor 23 can measure the timing (i.e., the amount of time required to pass through second filter 22) and the amount (concentration) of a specific gas component released. Therefore, the concentration of nonenal contained in gas A can be measured.

[0061] As described above, in sensor unit 20, components contained in gas A that have a size (molecular weight) larger than that of nonenal are first removed by passing through first filter 21. Then, gas A containing nonenal and components with a size (molecular weight) smaller than that of nonenal flows into second filter 22. As gas A passes through second filter 22 as described above, the components contained in gas A reach gas sensor 23 in different amounts of time. Therefore, the concentration of nonenal contained in gas A can be measured by measuring the elapsed time since gas A flowed into second filter 22 and measuring the gas concentration at the timing when nonenal reaches gas sensor 23.

[0062] (Method of determining the state of a person to be detected using a detection sensor) Next, a method for the detection sensor 10 to determine the state of the detection target person M based on the detection result of the sensor unit 20 will be described.

[0063] 6 shows an example of the change over time in the concentration of nonenal detected by gas sensor 23 in sensor unit 20. As described above, gas inlet 13 is provided with on-off valve 14, which opens and closes at predetermined time intervals based on commands from valve control unit 32. When on-off valve 14 is open, external gas A flows into sensor unit 20 from gas inlet 13. Thereafter, for example, after 30 to 300 seconds have elapsed, valve control unit 32 closes on-off valve 14.

[0064] While the on-off valve 14 is in an open state, gas A flows into the sensor unit 20. The gas sensor 23 measures the elapsed time after the on-off valve 14 is opened, and measures the gas concentration at the time when nonenal reaches the gas sensor 23, thereby measuring the concentration of nonenal contained in gas A.

[0065] When the measurement of the concentration of nonenal at this first timing is completed, the valve control unit 32 opens the on-off valve 14 again. Then, the on-off valve 14 and the sensor unit 20 perform the same operations as described above to measure the concentration of nonenal at a second timing.

[0066] By repeatedly performing the above operation, the detection sensor 10 can obtain information regarding the change over time in the concentration of nonenal detected by the gas sensor 23, as shown in Fig. 6. This information is stored in memory 33 in the control unit 30. The state determination unit 31 in the control unit 30 determines the state of the detection subject M based on this information stored in memory 33.

[0067] For example, when the concentration of nonenal detected by the detection sensor 10 is less than a predetermined value (threshold value), the state determination unit 31 determines that the detection target person M is in an abnormal state.

[0068] In this embodiment, the subject M is determined to be in an abnormal state after a predetermined time X has elapsed since the detection value of nonenal by the detection sensor 10 became less than a predetermined value Th (i.e., when the detection value remains less than Th for the predetermined time X). That is, at timing A shown in FIG. 6, the state determination unit 31 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the subject M. This reduces the possibility that the state determination unit 31 will erroneously determine that the subject M is in an abnormal state, for example, when the detection value of the gas sensor 23 temporarily becomes an abnormal value (less than the predetermined value Th) and then returns to a normal value (greater than the predetermined value Th).

[0069] When the state determination unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality in the detection target person M, the control unit 30 transmits a signal to that effect to the outside from the communication interface 53. Then, the server 70 processes the signal transmitted from the detection sensor 10 and transmits it from its own communication interface 75 to an external communication terminal such as a smartphone 80.

[0070] The smartphone 80 receives a signal to that effect (a signal including information that the detection target M is in an abnormal state) from its own communication interface 84, and stores the information in the memory 86 of the control unit 85. Then, the control unit 85 uses a notification unit such as the display unit 81 and the speaker 83 to notify the watcher G or the like.

[0071] In this way, the monitoring system 1 allows the remote monitor G to check the health and survival status of the person being monitored M (for example, an elderly person living alone). If something abnormal occurs with the person being monitored M, the monitor G can know about it early on.

[0072] In addition, when the state determination unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality in the person to be detected M, the detection sensor 10 may be configured to notify this fact from an alarm unit such as the speaker 52. In this way, if the state determination unit 31 makes an incorrect determination (for example, if the state determination unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality even though the person to be detected M is in a normal state), the person to be detected M can operate the operation unit 51 to stop the alarm sound or voice message.

[0073] Furthermore, in this case, the detection target person M may operate the operation unit 51 to notify the outside that the determination by the state determination unit 31 was incorrect. That is, information to that effect may be transmitted from the detection sensor 10 to a communication terminal such as the smartphone 80 via the server 70.

[0074] As another method, when the status determination unit 31 determines that there is an abnormality in the person to be detected M, the timing at which the notification is made from the notification unit (such as the speaker 52) within the detection sensor 10 and the timing at which the notification is made from the notification unit (such as the display unit 81 and speaker 83) within the external smartphone 80 can be shifted.

[0075] For example, first, after a predetermined time X has elapsed since the detection value of nonenal by the detection sensor 10 became less than the predetermined value Th (i.e., at timing A shown in FIG. 6), the state determination unit 31 determines that something abnormal has occurred in the detection target M, and the speaker 52 in the detection sensor 10 immediately notifies the same. Then, after a further predetermined time Y has elapsed (i.e., at timing B shown in FIG. 6), the communication interface 53 transmits a signal to the outside to notify the same. By notifying the detection target M of an abnormality in this manner, the possibility of a false alarm can be further reduced. There are no particular limitations on the predetermined time X and the predetermined time Y, but it is preferable that the predetermined time X be, for example, 30 minutes and the predetermined time Y be, for example, 10 minutes.

[0076] (Summary of the embodiment) The monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment includes a detection sensor 10 and a communication terminal (e.g., a smartphone 80) capable of communicating with the detection sensor 10. The detection sensor 10 includes an attachment unit 12 attached to the body of the detection target M, a gas inlet 13 that communicates with the outside and takes in gas around the detection target M, a gas sensor 23 that detects nonenal contained in the gas, and filters 21 and 22 that are disposed on a path from the gas inlet 13 to the gas sensor 23 and selectively allow nonenal to pass through. This enables the detection sensor 10 to detect nonenal emitted from the detection target M.

[0077] The detection sensor 10 has a control unit 30 (specifically, a state determination unit 31) that determines the state of the target person M based on the detection result of the detection sensor 10, and a communication unit (specifically, a communication interface 53) that transmits a signal to that effect when the control unit 30 determines that the target person M is in an abnormal state. Furthermore, the communication terminal has a notification unit (specifically, a display unit 81 and a speaker 83) that notifies the target person M of the abnormal state when a signal including information that the target person M is in an abnormal state is transmitted from the detection sensor 10.

[0078] The monitoring system 1 according to this embodiment can determine the survival status and health condition of the person being monitored M based on the detection results of nonenal, which is mainly emitted by elderly people. Then, a watcher G who carries a communication terminal (e.g., smartphone 80) that can communicate with the detection sensor 10 can know that an abnormality has occurred in the person being monitored M. This allows the watcher G who carries the smartphone 80 to know that an abnormality has occurred in the person being monitored M who is in a remote location.

[0079] In the monitoring system 1 according to the present embodiment described above, a configuration has been described in which a control unit (specifically, the state determination unit 31) that determines the state of the detection target person M is provided within the detection sensor 10. However, in another embodiment, the CPU 71 of the server 70 may be provided with a control unit (for example, a configuration similar to the state determination unit 31) that determines the state of the detection target person M.

[0080] In the monitoring system 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the result of the detection sensor 10 determining the state of the detection target person M is transmitted to an external communication terminal, which then notifies the result. However, in another embodiment, the monitoring system may be realized by the detection sensor 10 alone.

[0081] Furthermore, in the monitoring system 1 according to the present embodiment described above, the result of the detection sensor 10 determining the state of the detection target person M is once transmitted to the server 70. The server 70 then transmits the information to a communication terminal such as a smartphone 80, which then notifies the communication terminal of the same. However, in another embodiment, a configuration not including the server 70 is also possible.

[0082] Such a monitoring system 1 without a server 70 can be used, for example, to monitor elderly people living in the same family. In this case, the detection sensor 10 and the communication terminal may transmit and receive information via, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of the various embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1: Monitoring system 10: Detection sensor 11: Main body 12: Mounting part 13: Gas inlet 14: Opening and closing valve (opening and closing mechanism) 20: Sensor unit 21: First filter (filter) 22: Second filter (filter) 23: Gas sensor 30: Control unit 31: Status determination unit 32: Valve control section 52: Speaker (notification unit) 53: Communication interface (communication section) 70: Server 80: Smartphone (communication device) 81: Display unit (notification unit) 83: Speaker (notification section) 84: Communication interface (communication section)

Claims

1. a mounting unit attached to the body of a person to be detected; a gas inlet communicating with the outside; a gas sensor that detects nonenal contained in the gas; a filter that is disposed on a path from the gas inlet to the gas sensor and that selectively passes the nonenal; Equipped with A detection sensor that detects the nonenal emitted from the subject.

2. The filter includes a molecularly imprinted material templated with nonenal. The detection sensor according to claim 1 .

3. The gas inlet has an opening and closing mechanism that is automatically opened and closed, The filter is a first filter including the molecularly imprinted material; a second filter disposed downstream of the first filter and allowing the nonenal and other gases to pass through in different times; It has The detection sensor according to claim 2 .

4. The detection sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a control unit that determines the state of the detection target person based on the detection result of the detection sensor; a notification unit that notifies the person to be detected when the control unit determines that the person to be detected is in an abnormal state; A monitoring system equipped with

5. The detection sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3; The device further includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the detection sensor, The detection sensor includes a control unit that determines the state of the detection target person based on the detection result of the gas sensor; a communication unit that transmits a signal to that effect when the control unit determines that the person to be detected is in an abnormal state, The communication terminal has a notification unit that notifies the user when the signal is transmitted from the communication unit.

6. The monitoring system of claim 4, wherein the control unit determines that the person to be detected is in an abnormal state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection value of the nonenal by the detection sensor became less than a predetermined value.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines that the person to be detected is in an abnormal state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection value of the nonenal by the gas sensor became less than a predetermined value.

Images