Ability evaluation system, bed, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To grasp variation in ability of an object person in a daily motion without a particular device or a particular inspection.SOLUTION: An ability evaluation system comprises: a control unit; and a sensor which is fitted to a portion of a predetermined piece of furniture, the portion receiving a force from a user, and detects a physical amount relating to the force applied on the portion. The control unit evaluates the ability of the user based on the physical amount detected by the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a performance evaluation system, a bed, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Health management systems are known that can detect a person's health condition while they are performing daily activities in their home. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-037851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned prior art requires the installation of a special device in the home to detect the user's health condition, which requires time and effort and costs, leaving room for improvement.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to grasp changes in the ability of a subject during daily activities without providing any special equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ability evaluation system according to the embodiment is a system comprising a control unit and a sensor attached to a part of a specified piece of furniture to which force is applied by a user and which detects a physical quantity related to the force applied to the part, and the control unit evaluates the ability of the user based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a capability evaluation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an electric bed provided in the capacity evaluation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing by the ability evaluation system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the magnitude of the force applied to the detection site. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the posture of the user in the preparation period. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the posture of the user during the movement period. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the posture of the user in the correction period. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the pattern of change in the magnitude of the force applied to the detection site. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the pattern of change in the magnitude of the force applied to the detection site. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the pattern of change in the magnitude of the force applied to the detection site. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a table showing the evaluation results based on the change pattern of the magnitude of the force. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen displaying the evaluation results. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <1. Embodiment> Each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present specification and each drawing, elements similar to those already described will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will not be repeated. Note that the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, and the like are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing. Furthermore, in the present specification and each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previously mentioned drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (1.1. Functional configuration of ability evaluation system 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a capability evaluation system according to an embodiment. The functions of a capacity evaluation system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the capacity evaluation system 1 includes a terminal device 50, an electric bed 210, an air mattress device 110, an assistance bar 260, and a detection sensor 270. These elements are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0010] The terminal device 50 is an information processing device that includes input means and output means and can be operated by a user of the ability evaluation system 1. The terminal device 50 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable device such as a smart watch (watch-type) or a smart ring (finger ring-type), or may be a general-purpose or dedicated personal computer. The hardware configuration of the terminal device 50 will be described later. The terminal device 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a display 53.

[0011] The control unit 51 evaluates the ability of the user based on the physical quantity detected by the detection sensor 270 attached to the part of the electric bed 210 where the force is applied by the user. The ability of the user means the physical ability and cognitive ability of the user. The details of the processing by the control unit 51 will be described later.

[0012] The storage unit 52 stores programs and data necessary for the processing of the control unit 51, data obtained by the processing of the control unit 51, etc. As an example, the storage unit 52 stores data related to physical quantities detected by the detection sensor 270. The display 53 functions as an output means, and presents predetermined information to the user by displaying it. The information displayed on the display 53 will be described in detail later.

[0013] The electric bed 210 is bedding used by a user when sleeping, and includes a drive mechanism for adjusting at least one of the height and angle. As an example, the control unit 51 may be configured to control the drive mechanism so as to adjust at least one of the height and angle of the electric bed 210. Details of the electric bed 210 will be described later.

[0014] The air mattress device 110 is placed on the electric bed 210. Details of the air mattress device 110 will be described later. The assistance bar 260 is arranged on the side of the electric bed 210 and is grasped by the user to assist the user in getting into and out of the electric bed 210. Details of the assistance bar 260 will be described later.

[0015] The detection sensor 270 is attached to the assistance bar 260 and detects a physical quantity related to the force applied by the user. Details of the detection sensor 270 will be described later.

[0016] (1.2. Configuration of the electric bed 210) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of an electric bed 210 provided in the ability evaluation system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric bed 210 includes a movable part 70. The air mattress device 110 is placed on the movable part 70.

[0017] The air mattress device 110 includes an air mattress 10 and an operation panel 30. The air mattress 10 may include a plurality of air cells, a pump unit as a drive mechanism, a cover, and the like.

[0018] The operation panel 30 accepts operations to control the pump unit. For example, a user can adjust the pressure inside the air cells and the air pillow 14 by operating the operation panel 30 to adjust the amount of gas inhaled and exhaled from the pump unit. This allows the air mattress 10 and the air pillow 14 to be made firmer or softer. The operation panel 30 is electrically connected to the pump unit by a cable 35. Furthermore, the control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 is connected to the pump unit by wireless communication means. That is, the control unit 51 can control the firmness of the air mattress 10 and the air pillow 14 via the wireless communication means.

[0019] The electric bed 210 includes a movable unit 70 as a drive mechanism, and an operation unit 230. The operation unit 230 accepts operations for controlling the movable unit 70. For example, the user can operate the operation unit 230 to change the angle of at least one of the back bottom 70a, knee bottom 70b, and leg bottom 70c of the movable unit 70. The user can also operate the operation unit 230 to change the height of the movable unit 70.

[0020] The electric bed 210 includes a control unit. The operation unit 230 is electrically connected to the control unit. The operation unit 230 is connected to the control unit, for example, by a cable 235 shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 is connected to the control unit of the electric bed 210 by wireless communication means. In other words, the control unit 51 of the terminal device 50 can control the height and angle of the movable unit 70 via the wireless communication means.

[0021] The assistance bar 260 is arranged along the side of the electric bed 210 and has a swing arm 260a that can open and close at an angle of 120° in the horizontal direction of arrow D1. The swing arm 260a functions as a grip that is held by the user. By gripping the swing arm 260a, the user can receive assistance in getting into and out of the electric bed 210. The assistance bar 260 is provided with a detection sensor 270.

[0022] Detection sensor 270 detects a physical quantity related to the force applied by the user to swing arm 260a. As an example, detection sensor 270 may be an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration occurring in swing arm 260a. Alternatively, detection sensor 270 may be a vibration sensor that detects vibration occurring in swing arm 260a. Note that the physical quantity detected by detection sensor 270 is not limited to these examples, and may be any physical quantity related to the force applied by the user to swing arm 260a.

[0023] (1.3. Processing flow) The processing flow of the ability evaluation system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing by the ability evaluation system. As shown in Fig. 3, the ability evaluation system 1 executes the processes of S110 to S150. In the following explanation, the user's movement to get out of the electric bed 210 will be explained as an example.

[0024] In step S110, the control unit 51 acquires data related to the physical quantity detected by the detection sensor 270. As an example, the control unit 51 acquires data related to the acceleration detected by the detection sensor 270. The control unit 51 may store the data related to the acceleration detected by the detection sensor 270 in a database stored in the storage unit 52. The database may be configured to store historical data related to the acceleration detected by the detection sensor 270 over a predetermined period in the past. The predetermined period can be set as appropriate and may be, for example, one year.

[0025] In step S120, the control unit 51 calculates the magnitude of the load as a force acting on the swing arm 260a of the assistance bar 260 based on the acquired data on the physical quantity. The control unit 51 calculates the change over time in the magnitude of the load acting on the swing arm 260a. Note that the calculated magnitude of the load may be an instantaneous value of the load or a time integral value of the load.

[0026] 4 is a graph showing an example of a change over time in the magnitude of the force (load) applied to swing arm 260a. Control unit 51 divides the time during which the user grips swing arm 260a into a plurality of periods based on the calculated rate of change per unit time of the force applied to swing arm 260a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the time during which the user grips swing arm 260a is divided into a preparation period, an operation period, and a correction period.

[0027] 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the posture of the user in the preparation period. As shown in FIG. 5, the preparation period is a period in which the user grasps the swing arm 260a and prepares to stand up in order to get out of bed.

[0028] 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the posture of the user in the action period. As shown in FIG. 6, the action period is a period in which the user grips the swing arm 260a and performs an action of standing up to get out of bed.

[0029] 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the user's posture in the correction period. As shown in Fig. 7, the correction period is a period in which the user stands up while gripping the swing arm 260a and then finely adjusts their posture.

[0030] 4, during the preparation period, the magnitude of the force applied to the swing arm 260a gripped by the user gradually increases. Then, during the operation period, the magnitude of the force applied to the swing arm 260a increases sharply and then decreases. Then, during the correction period, the force applied to the swing arm 260a becomes approximately constant, and then decreases sharply as the user releases their hand from the swing arm 260a.

[0031] The control unit 51 divides the time during which the user grips the swing arm 260a into a preparation period, an action period, and a correction period based on the calculated rate of change per unit time of the force applied to the swing arm 260a (i.e., the slope of the graph in FIG. 4; hereinafter, simply referred to as the force slope). As an example, the control unit 51 may determine that the user has shifted from the preparation period to the action period when the force slope in the preparation period exceeds a predetermined magnitude. The control unit 51 may also determine that the user has shifted from the action period to the correction period when the force slope in the action period satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when the force slope changes from a negative value to a positive value and approaches zero more closely than a predetermined negative value).

[0032] In step S130, the control unit 51 stores the calculation result of the force acting on the swing arm 260a in the storage unit 52. As an example, the control unit 51 may store the calculation result of the force acting on the swing arm 260a in a database stored in the storage unit 52. The database may be configured to store history data of the calculation results of the force acting on the swing arm 260a over a predetermined period in the past.

[0033] In step S140, the control unit 51 evaluates the calculation result of the load acting on the swing arm 260a. As an example, the control unit 51 evaluates the user's ability by comparing the calculation result of the load calculated from the acceleration detected by the detection sensor 270 with the historical data of the calculation result of the load stored in the storage unit 52. More specifically, for example, if the load data has been stored as historical data for one year, the average data for each week may be calculated and compared with the calculation result of the detected load.

[0034] More specifically, the control unit 51 performs evaluation based on the characteristics of the calculated time change of the load for each of a plurality of periods. For example, in the change pattern of the force magnitude shown in FIG. 8, the force applied to the swing arm 260a during the movement period is larger and the time of the movement period is longer than the change pattern in FIG. 4. This means that the load on the swing arm 260a when the user stands up is larger and the time required for the standing up movement is longer, and it is considered that the user's degree of dependence on the swing arm 260a when standing up is increasing. In this case, the control unit 51 determines that the user's muscle strength (instantaneous power) required to perform the standing up movement has decreased.

[0035] Furthermore, in the change pattern of the force magnitude shown in Fig. 9, the load applied to the gripping portion fluctuates between the preparation period and the correction period, compared to the change pattern in Fig. 4. This is thought to be because the user is maintaining balance while grasping swing arm 260a before and after standing up. In this case, control unit 51 determines that the force required to maintain balance when standing up (balancing force) has decreased.

[0036] Furthermore, in the change pattern of the force magnitude shown in Fig. 10, the duration of the preparation period and the correction period is longer than that in the change pattern of Fig. 4. This is thought to be because the time it takes for the user to move on to the next action while still holding the swing arm 260a is longer before and after the user performs the action of standing up. In this case, the control unit 51 determines that the user's cognitive ability has declined.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of evaluation content based on a change pattern of the magnitude of force (load). For example, when the user is walking independently (able to walk alone) or walking with a cane, if the load and time during the movement period increase, the control unit 51 evaluates the user as "needs attention" as a sign of decreased muscle strength. Also, if the load during the movement period increases and the time decreases, the control unit 51 evaluates the user as "needs attention" as a sign of decreased muscle strength. In this case, it is assumed that the user is using momentum to stand up due to decreased muscle strength. In this way, the control unit 51 evaluates the user's ability based on the change pattern of the magnitude of force (load) during each of the preparation period, movement period, and correction period.

[0038] In step S150, the control unit 51 displays the evaluation results on the display 53. FIG. 12 is an example of a screen displaying the evaluation results. In the example shown in FIG. 12, evaluation results for each of the three items, i.e., explosive power, balance, and cognitive ability, are displayed for each user to be evaluated. For example, for subject A, explosive power is "× (needs attention)", balance is "〇 (no abnormality)", and cognitive ability is "× (needs attention)", and the risk level is 4. Also, for subject B, explosive power is "▲ (needs check)", balance is "〇 (no abnormality)", and cognitive ability is "× (needs attention)", and the risk level is 3. The risk level is calculated as the total value of the three items, with 2 assigned to "× (needs attention)", 1 assigned to "▲ (needs check)", and 0 assigned to "〇 (no abnormality)" for each item.

[0039] (1.4. Hardware Configuration) FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device. The hardware configuration of an information processing device used in the terminal device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The terminal device 50 as an information processing device is realized, for example, by a computer 90 shown in Fig. 13. The computer 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, a storage 94, an input interface 95, an output interface 96, and a communication interface 97.

[0040] The CPU 91 functions as a processor that executes processing. Specifically, the CPU 91 uses the RAM 93 as a work memory and executes a program stored in at least one of the ROM 92 and the storage 94. During program execution, the CPU 91 controls each component via a system bus 98 and executes various processes.

[0041] The ROM 92 stores a program that controls the operation of the computer 90. The ROM 92 stores a program necessary for causing the computer 90 to perform each of the above-described processes. The RAM 93 functions as a storage area in which the programs stored in the ROM 92 are expanded.

[0042] The storage 94 stores data necessary for executing the programs and data obtained by executing the programs. The storage 94 includes one or more selected from a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0043] The input interface (I / F) 95 can connect the computer 90 to an input device 95a. The input interface 95 is, for example, a serial bus interface such as USB. The CPU 91 can read various data from the input device 95a via the input interface 95.

[0044] The output interface (I / F) 96 can connect the computer 90 and an output device 96a. The output interface 96 is, for example, a video output interface such as a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)). The CPU 91 can transmit data to the output device 96a via the output interface 96 and cause the output device 96a to output the data. An example of the output device 96a is the display 53 provided in the terminal device 50.

[0045] The input device 95a includes one or more selected from a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone (voice input), and a touchpad. The output device 96a includes one or more selected from a display, a projector, a printer, and a speaker. A device having the functions of both the input device 95a and the output device 96a, such as a touch panel, may also be used.

[0046] The communication interface (I / F) 97 can connect the computer 90 to an external server 97a located outside the computer 90. The communication interface 97 is, for example, a network card such as a LAN card. The CPU 91 can read various data from the external server 97a via the communication interface 97.

[0047] Each process executed by the terminal device 50 may be realized by one computer 90 or may be realized by cooperation of multiple computers 90. For example, each process may be executed by another cloud server that can communicate via a network, and the terminal device 50 may receive and display the execution result.

[0048] The various data processing operations described above may be recorded as a computer-executable program on a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk or hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, or DVD±RW), a semiconductor memory, or other non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0049] For example, information recorded on a recording medium can be read by a computer (or an embedded system). The recording medium may have any recording format (storage format). For example, the computer reads a program from the recording medium and causes a processor to execute instructions written in the program based on the program. The computer may acquire (or read) the program via a network.

[0050] (1.5.Summary) As described above, the ability evaluation system 1 according to this embodiment includes the control unit 51 and the detection sensor 270, which is attached to the assistance bar 260, which is a portion of the electric bed 210 serving as a predetermined piece of furniture to which a force is applied by the user, and which detects a physical quantity related to the force applied to that portion. The control unit 51 calculates the magnitude of the force (load) applied to that portion based on the acceleration, which is a physical quantity detected by the detection sensor, and evaluates the user's ability. This configuration makes it easy to understand changes in the ability of the subject during daily activities without using special devices or tests.

[0051] Specifically, for example, in a care facility or the like, by using the ability assessment system 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to measure data on the ability of a subject, which has been difficult to grasp in a private room, and to grasp the subject's true ability. Furthermore, it is possible to quickly notice changes in the subject's ability, and to take measures early, such as preventing falls.

[0052] The ability evaluation system 1 further includes a storage unit 52. The storage unit 52 stores physical quantities for a predetermined period of time in the past as history data. The control unit 51 compares the physical quantities detected by the detection sensor 270 with the history data to evaluate the user's ability. With this specification, the user's ability can be evaluated by comparing with the history data for the past period, making it easy to understand changes in the user's ability over time.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 51 calculates the force applied to the part by the user based on the physical quantity detected by the detection sensor 270, and divides the time that the user is holding the grip part into multiple periods based on the rate of change of the calculated force per unit time, and performs the evaluation. With this specification, it is possible to evaluate the required ability of the user in accordance with the procedure of the action that the user performs by holding the grip part, and a precise evaluation can be performed.

[0054] Furthermore, control unit 51 performs evaluation for each of a plurality of periods based on the characteristics of the change in force over time. With this configuration, it is possible to perform evaluation based on the characteristics of the force applied by the user to the gripping unit for each period of the user's action, thereby enabling a precise evaluation.

[0055] <2. Other embodiments> Although the ability evaluation system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above, application of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the detection sensor 270 is attached to the assistance bar 260 of the electric bed 210, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the detection sensor 270 may be attached to a specific piece of furniture or home equipment used in a home. Specifically, examples of furniture include chairs, desks, and tables. Examples of home equipment include handrails attached to hallways, stairs, or bathrooms, bathtubs, and kitchen countertops.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, based on the evaluation performed in the above embodiment, at least one of the electric bed 210 and the air mattress device 110 may be driven, or a walker or wheelchair used by the subject may be controlled. In this way, it is possible to support the subject so that he or she can live safely based on the evaluation by the ability evaluation system 1.

[0057] In the above embodiment, an acceleration sensor or a vibration sensor is exemplified as the detection sensor 270, but the detection sensor 270 is not limited to these examples. For example, a load cell or strain gauge that can directly measure load or stress, or a gyro (angular velocity) sensor that measures angle may also be used as the detection sensor 270. In addition, when a gyro sensor is used, it may be designed to detect the amount of change in angle as a physical quantity related to the force applied by the user.

[0058] The detection sensor 270 may be combined with other sensors. Specifically, for example, the control unit 51 may evaluate the ability of the user by combining the physical quantity detected by the detection sensor 270 with the detection results of a load sensor pre-installed in the electric bed 210 or a pressure sensor pre-installed in the air mattress device 110.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user's ability is evaluated based on the user's movement to get out of the electric bed 210, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and the user's ability may be evaluated based on the movement to get into the electric bed 210. In this case, the control unit 51 may be configured to determine that muscle strength and balance have declined and to determine that caution is required when the vibration of the swing arm 260a (i.e., the amplitude detected by the acceleration sensor) increases at the timing of sitting down when getting into the electric bed 210.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the ability evaluation system 1 evaluates the user's muscle strength (explosive power), balance, and cognitive ability, but it may evaluate only some of these, or may evaluate other abilities. That is, the user's physical abilities may be evaluated in terms of muscle endurance, agility (whether the user can quickly change the position, direction, and posture of the body), cooperation (whether the user can effectively move both hands and both feet simultaneously), etc.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which the processes of steps S110 to S150 are performed is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, some of the processes of steps S110 to S150 may not be performed, and other processes may be added.

[0062] The disclosure may include the following features. (Appendix 1) A control unit; A system comprising: a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of furniture or a home facility, and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; The control unit evaluates the ability of the user based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor. (Appendix 2) Further comprising a storage unit, the storage unit stores the physical quantity for a predetermined period in the past as history data; The performance evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the evaluation by comparing the physical quantity detected by the sensor with the historical data. (Appendix 3) the furniture is a bed, The ability evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the part is a gripping part that is gripped by the user. (Appendix 4) 4. A performance evaluation system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor is an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration occurring in the part. (Appendix 5) 4. A performance evaluation system as described in Appendix 3, wherein the sensor is a vibration sensor that detects vibrations occurring in the area. (Appendix 6) The control unit calculating a force applied to the part based on the physical quantity; The ability evaluation system described in Appendix 4 or 5, wherein the evaluation is performed by dividing the time that the user is gripping the gripping portion into multiple periods based on the calculated rate of change of the force per unit time. (Appendix 7) The control unit 7. The performance evaluation system of claim 6, wherein the evaluation is performed for each of the plurality of periods based on characteristics of the force change over time. (Appendix 8) A control unit; a grip portion to be gripped by a user; A sensor for detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the gripping portion, The control unit evaluates the ability of the user based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor. (Appendix 9) receiving a detection result of a physical quantity from a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of the furniture or home equipment and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; An information processing device comprising: a control unit that evaluates the ability of the user based on the detected physical quantity. (Appendix 10) A method for causing an information processing device having a control unit to execute a process, The control unit receiving a detection result of a physical quantity from a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of the furniture or home equipment and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; An information processing method, further comprising: evaluating the ability of the user based on the detected physical quantity. (Appendix 11) A program for causing an information processing device having a control unit to execute a process, The control unit receiving a detection result of a physical quantity from a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of the furniture or home equipment and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; A program that evaluates the ability of the user based on the detected physical quantity.

[0063] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1: Ability evaluation system, 10: Air mattress, 14: Air pillow, 30: Operation panel, 35: Cable, 50: Terminal device, 51: Control unit, 52: Memory unit, 53: Display, 70: Movable part, 70a: Back bottom, 70b: Knee bottom, 70c: Leg bottom, 90: Computer, 91: CPU, 92: ROM, 93: RAM, 94: Storage, 95: Input interface, 95a: Input device, 96: Output interface, 96a: Output device, 97: Communication interface, 97a: External server, 98: System bus, 110: Air mattress device, 210: Electric bed, 230: Operation unit, 235: Cable, 260: Assist bar, 260a: Swing arm, 270: Detection sensor

Claims

1. A control unit; A system comprising: a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of furniture or a home facility, and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; The control unit evaluates the ability of the user based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor.

2. Further comprising a storage unit, the storage unit stores the physical quantity for a predetermined period in the past as history data; 2. The performance evaluation system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the evaluation by comparing the physical quantity detected by the sensor with the history data.

3. the furniture is a bed, The ability evaluation system according to claim 1 , wherein the part is a grip part that is gripped by the user.

4. 4. The ability evaluation system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor is an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration occurring in the part.

5. 4. The performance evaluation system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor is a vibration sensor that detects vibrations occurring in the part.

6. The control unit calculating a force applied to the part based on the physical quantity; The ability evaluation system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the evaluation is performed by dividing the time that the user is gripping the grip part into multiple periods based on the calculated rate of change of the force per unit time.

7. The control unit The ability evaluation system according to claim 6 , wherein the evaluation is performed for each of the plurality of periods based on characteristics of the change in force over time.

8. A control unit; a grip portion to be gripped by a user; A sensor for detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the gripping portion, The control unit evaluates the ability of the user based on the physical quantity detected by the sensor.

9. receiving a detection result of a physical quantity from a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of the furniture or home equipment and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; An information processing device comprising: a control unit that evaluates the ability of the user based on the detected physical quantity.

10. A method for causing an information processing device having a control unit to execute a process, The control unit receiving a detection result of a physical quantity from a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of the furniture or home equipment and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; An information processing method, further comprising: evaluating the ability of the user based on the detected physical quantity.

11. A program for causing an information processing device having a control unit to execute a process, The control unit receiving a detection result of a physical quantity from a sensor attached to a predetermined portion of the furniture or home equipment and detecting a physical quantity related to a force applied to the predetermined portion by a user; A program that evaluates the ability of the user based on the detected physical quantity.

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