Estimation system, estimation device, and estimation program

Abstract

To provide an estimation system, an estimation device, and an estimation program capable of grasping a state of a user centering on bedding.SOLUTION: An estimation system includes a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure applied to a bed surface of bedding, an inclination detection unit that detects an inclination of the bed surface, and an estimation unit that estimates a state of a user of the bedding based on respective detection results of the pressure detection unit and the inclination detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an estimation system, an estimation device, and an estimation program. [Background technology]

[0002] Japan's postwar rapid economic growth has led to a remarkable increase in life expectancy due to improvements in living standards, sanitary conditions, and medical standards. This, combined with a declining birthrate, has led to an aging society with a high aging rate. In such an aging society, an increase in people who require care and nursing due to illness, injury, aging, etc. is expected. Caregivers, nurses, or family members provide care to those receiving care in hospitals, elderly welfare facilities, and at home.

[0003] Bedding such as beds for care recipients are installed in hospitals, elderly care facilities, homes, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses technology relating to sensors attached to beds. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-111375 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a care setting, it is desirable to grasp the state of the user of the bed, focusing on the bedding such as the bed, i.e., the state of the care recipient. The state of the user may be, for example, lying down, sitting on the edge of the bed, getting out of bed, etc. By grasping such a state of the user, the caregiver can provide appropriate care to the care recipient at an appropriate time.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an estimation system, an estimation device, and an estimation program that are capable of grasping the user's condition, focusing on bedding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above-mentioned problems of the present invention are solved by the following means.

[0008] (1) An estimation system comprising a pressure detection unit that detects the pressure applied to the sleeping surface of a bedding, an inclination detection unit that detects the inclination of the sleeping surface, and an estimation unit that estimates the state of a user of the bedding based on the detection results of the pressure detection unit and the inclination detection unit.

[0009] (2) The estimation system described in (1) above, wherein the user's state includes a lying state on the bedding, a waking state on the bedding, a sitting state on the edge of the bedding, and a getting out of the bedding.

[0010] (3) The estimation system described in (2) above, wherein the pressure detection unit includes an air pad provided at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the bed surface.

[0011] (4) The estimation system described in (3) above, wherein the air pads include a first air pad and a second air pad arranged in sequence along the long side direction from a position corresponding to one end of the long side direction of the bed surface.

[0012] (5) The estimation system described in (4) above, wherein a gap is provided between the position corresponding to the other end of the bed surface in the long side direction and the second air pad.

[0013] (6) The estimation system described in (5) above, wherein the estimation unit estimates the lying state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is equal to or greater than a first pressure value.

[0014] (7) An estimation system as described in (6) above, wherein the estimation unit estimates the wake-up state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value, the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is equal to or greater than the second pressure value, and the magnitude of the tilt detected by the tilt detection unit is less than a first tilt angle.

[0015] (8) An estimation system as described in (7) above, wherein the estimation unit estimates the bed exit state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value, the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is less than the second pressure value, and the magnitude of the inclination detected by the inclination detection unit is less than the first inclination.

[0016] (9) An estimation system as described in (7) above, wherein the estimation unit estimates the edge-sitting state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value and the magnitude of the inclination detected by the inclination detection unit is equal to or greater than the first inclination.

[0017] (10) The estimation system according to (5) above, wherein the tilt detection unit includes a gyro sensor disposed in the gap.

[0018] (11) The estimation system according to (7) above, wherein the second air pad further constitutes the tilt detection unit.

[0019] (12) When the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value and the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is less than a third pressure value, the estimation unit estimates the bed exit state, and the third pressure value is less than the second pressure value.An estimation system as described in (11) above.

[0020] (13) The estimation system described in (12) above, wherein the estimation unit estimates the edge sitting state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value and the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is equal to or greater than the third pressure value and less than the second pressure value.

[0021] (14) The estimation system described in (4) above, wherein the first air pad extends in the long side direction and the second air pad extends in the short side direction of the lying surface.

[0022] (15) The estimation system according to (1) above, further comprising a calculation unit that calculates the vital signs of the user based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit.

[0023] (16) An estimation system as described in (2) above, in which when the pressure detection unit detects a change in the inclination of the component in the short side direction of the bed surface, the estimation unit estimates that the user is sitting on the edge of the bedding.

[0024] (17) The estimation system according to (1) above, further comprising an output unit that outputs state information relating to the estimated state of the user.

[0025] (18) An estimation device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a pressure detection result that detects the pressure applied to the lying surface of the bedding and an inclination detection result that detects the inclination of the lying surface; and an estimation unit that estimates the state of a user of the bedding based on the pressure detection result and the inclination detection result.

[0026] (19) An estimation program for causing a computer to execute a process including obtaining a pressure detection result that detects the pressure applied to the lying surface of a bedding and an inclination detection result that detects the inclination of the lying surface, and estimating the state of a user of the bedding based on the pressure detection result and the inclination detection result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The estimation system, estimation device, and estimation program according to the present invention detect the pressure on the bed surface and the inclination of the bed surface, and estimate the state of the user of the bed based on these detection results. This allows caregivers and others to understand the state of the user, focusing on the bedding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] Advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an estimation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a room of a care recipient in which the detection unit shown in FIG. 1 is installed. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a detection unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a bed to which the bed sensor shown in FIG. 3 is attached. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a planar configuration of the air pads and gyro sensors shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the configuration of the bed shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management server shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information manager terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating the main functions of a control unit shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a control unit shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a bed sensor of the estimation system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of pressure values ​​detected by the bed sensor shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a management server in the estimation system shown in FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0030] First Embodiment [Configuration of Estimation System 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the overall configuration of an estimation system 1 according to a first embodiment. The estimation system 1 includes multiple detection units 10, a management server 20, an information manager terminal 30, and one or more mobile terminals 40. These are connected to each other via a network 50, such as a LAN, a telephone network, or a data communication network, either wired or wirelessly, to enable mutual communication. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. The network 50 may include relays such as repeaters, bridges, routers, or cross-connects that relay communication signals. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the detection units 10, the management server 20, the information manager terminal 30, and the mobile terminals 40 are connected to each other via a network 50, such as a wireless LAN that includes an access point 51. The wireless LAN is, for example, a LAN conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard. Here, the management server 20 corresponds to a specific example of an estimation device of the present invention.

[0031] The estimation system 1 is installed in an appropriate location depending on the care recipient 70. The care recipient 70 may be, for example, a patient who requires nursing due to illness or injury, a care recipient who requires nursing due to a decline in physical ability due to aging, or a person living alone. In particular, from the perspective of enabling early detection and early response, the care recipient 70 may be someone who needs to be notified when a predetermined inconvenient event, such as an abnormal condition, occurs to the care recipient 70. For this reason, the estimation system 1 is suitably installed in buildings such as hospitals, elderly care facilities, and residences depending on the type of care recipient 70. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the estimation system 1 is installed in a facility that has multiple rooms and care stations where multiple care recipients 70 reside.

[0032] The detection unit 10 is placed, for example, in the room of the care recipient 70. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a detection unit 10 is placed in each of the rooms of care recipients 70, namely, person A, person B, person C, and person D.

[0033] 2 shows an example of a room for a care recipient 70 in which the detection unit 10 is disposed. A bed 60 used by the care recipient 70 is disposed in the room.

[0034] Caregivers 80 who provide nursing care or other support to the care recipients 70 each carry a mobile terminal 40. The caregivers 80 are, for example, caregivers or nurses working in a facility. The locations and numbers of each component of the estimation system 1 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. For example, the management server 20 does not have to be located in the care station, and may be an external server unit connected to the network 50.

[0035] Care broadly includes care provided by the caregiver 80 to the care recipient 70, such as assistance with daily living such as meals, fluid intake, excretion, bathing, and cleaning, as well as vital signs checks. Vital signs checks include, for example, measuring body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse rate.

[0036] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the detection unit 10. As shown in the figure, the detection unit 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a bed sensor 13, a care call unit 14, and a voice input / output unit 15. The control unit 11, the communication unit 12, the bed sensor 13, the care call unit 14, and the voice input / output unit 15 are connected to each other by a bus.

[0037] The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, and controls each part of the detection unit 10 and performs arithmetic processing according to a program. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. The control unit 11 may further include an HDD or SSD as memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive.

[0038] The communication unit 12 is an interface circuit for communicating with other devices, such as the management server 20, the information manager terminal 30, or the mobile terminal 40, via the network 50. The interface circuit is, for example, a LAN card.

[0039] The bed sensor 13 is attached to the bed 60 and is used to estimate the state of the care recipient 70 with the bed 60 at the center.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of a bed 60 and a bed sensor 13. The bed 60 includes, for example, legs 61, a floorboard 62, and a mattress 63. The bed 60 has, for example, four legs 61. For example, each of the four legs 61 extends in a predetermined direction and contacts the floor of the room. The floorboard 62 is provided within the area surrounded by the legs 61 and supports the mattress 63. One main surface of the mattress 63 faces the floorboard 62. The other main surface of the mattress 63 forms a lying surface 60S. In other words, a care recipient 70 who uses the bed 60 lies on the lying surface 60S and sleeps. The lying surface 60S is, for example, rectangular. Hereinafter, the extending direction of the legs 61 may be referred to as the Z direction, the short side direction of the lying surface 60S as the X direction, and the long side direction of the lying surface 60S as the Y direction.

[0041] The bed sensor 13 is disposed, for example, between the mattress 63 and the floor board 62. The bed sensor 13 includes, for example, an air pad 131, a housing member 132, and a gyro sensor 133. The bed sensor 13 may further include a detection unit that detects changes in air pressure of the air pad 131. The air pad 131 is connected to the detection unit, for example, via a tube.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of the air pad 131 and the gyro sensor 133 in the XY plane together with the bed surface 60S.

[0043] The air pad 131 is provided at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the lying surface 60S and detects pressure applied to the lying surface 60S. Here, the air pad 131 corresponds to a specific example of a pressure detection unit of the present invention. The air pad 131 includes, for example, a plurality of first air pads 131A extending in the Y direction and one second air pad 131B extending in the X direction. The plurality of first air pads 131A are arranged side by side in the X direction. For example, the first air pad 131A and the second air pad 131B are arranged in this order from one end 60EA of the lying surface 60S in the Y direction. A gap 60G is provided between the second air pad 131B and the end 60EB. In other words, the first air pad 131A and the second air pad 131B are not arranged near the other end 60EB of the lying surface 60S in the Y direction. The end 60EB faces the end 60EA in the Y direction. The care recipient 70 lies down on the lying surface 60S, for example, with his / her head facing the end 60EA. At this time, the chest to abdomen of the care recipient 70 are positioned in a position overlapping the first air pad 131A. The waist to buttocks of the care recipient 70 are positioned in a position overlapping the second air pad 131B.

[0044] The housing member 132 has, for example, a bag shape. Inside the housing member 132, a first air pad 131A and a second air pad 131B are housed.

[0045] The gyro sensor 133 detects the inclination of the lying surface 60S. Here, the gyro sensor 133 corresponds to a specific example of a tilt detection unit of the present invention. The gyro sensor 133 is disposed, for example, at a position corresponding to the gap 60G. The gyro sensor 133 is disposed, for example, near the end 60EB. The gyro sensor 133 is provided, for example, extending in the X direction.

[0046] Fig. 6 shows another example of the arrangement of the bed sensor 13 shown in Fig. 4. The gyro sensor 133 may be arranged at a position away from the end 60EB. For example, the gyro sensor 133 may be arranged at a position corresponding to the center of the lying surface 60S in the Y direction. The position of the gyro sensor 133 may be determined by the caregiver 80 or the like depending on the shape of the bed 60, the ease of movement of the care recipient 70, and the like.

[0047] The tilt of the lying surface 60S detected by the gyro sensor 133 may include components in the Y direction and the Z direction, or may include components in the X direction and the Z direction. The tilt of the lying surface 60S detected by the gyro sensor 133 may include components in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction.

[0048] The control unit 11 transmits the detection results of the air pad 131 and the gyro sensor 133 to the management server 20 .

[0049] The care call unit 14 includes a push-button switch and detects a care call when the care recipient 70 presses the switch. Instead of a push-button switch, a care call may be detected by an audio microphone. When the switch of the care call unit 14 is pressed, i.e., when a care call is detected, the control unit 11 transmits a notification that a care call has been made to the management server 20, etc., via the communication unit 12 and the network 50.

[0050] The audio input / output unit 15 is, for example, a speaker and a microphone, and enables audio communication by transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from the information manager terminal 30 via the communication unit 12. The audio input / output unit 15 may be connected to the detection unit 10 via the communication unit 12 as an external device of the detection unit 10.

[0051] 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management server 20. The management server 20 includes, for example, a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a database 23. The management server 20 may be installed in the facility where the detection unit 10 is installed, or may be installed in a remote location and connectable to the detection unit 10 and the like via a network. For example, the management server 20 may be a cloud server virtually constructed by multiple servers located on a network such as the Internet. Each component is connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0052] The control unit 21 has a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., similar to the control unit 11 of the detection unit 10. The control unit 21 estimates the state of the care recipient 70 with the bed 60 at the center based on the detection results of the bed sensor 13. This state includes, for example, a lying state in the bed 60, a waking state in the bed 60, a sitting state on the edge of the bed 60, and a state of getting out of the bed 60. The waking state is, for example, a state in which the care recipient 70 sits up on the bed 60.

[0053] The communication unit 22 transmits the estimated result of the state of the care recipient 70 to the information manager terminal 30 or the mobile terminal 40. The communication unit 22 acquires the detection result of the bed sensor 13 from the detection unit 10. This communication unit 22 is an interface for various local connections such as a network interface for wired communication or wireless communication, and communicates with each terminal connected to the network 50. The network interface for wired communication is, for example, a network interface conforming to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The interface for wireless communication is a network interface conforming to standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and IEEE802.11.

[0054] The database 23 functions as a storage unit, and stores an event list, information about the care recipient 70, information about the caregiver 80, care records, and the like.

[0055] An event is an occurrence that should be reported to the caregiver 80, such as the care recipient 70 getting up, getting out of bed, falling, dropping, leaving the room, or abnormal slight body movement. Events include a care call made by the care call unit 14. The management server 20 determines an event based on, for example, information transmitted from the detection unit 10. The management server 20 then transmits information about this event to the mobile terminal 40. The caregiver 80 provides care to the care recipient 70 in accordance with the event information.

[0056] For example, in response to the event of the care recipient 70 "waking up" during a specified time period, the caregiver 80 provides morning care to the care recipient 70. This morning care includes assistance with washing the face, brushing teeth, putting on dentures, changing clothes, etc. The specified time period is, for example, 7 to 8 a.m. For example, in response to the event of the care recipient 70 "getting out of bed," the caregiver 80 provides assistance with transferring the care recipient 70 to a wheelchair and walking, etc.

[0057] The event list includes information about various events of the care recipient 70. The management server 20, either alone or in cooperation with the detection unit 10, identifies which care recipient 70 an event that has occurred relates to. For example, the management server 20 identifies the care recipient 70 associated with the bed 60 on which the bed sensor 13 is installed. Then, the management server 20 associates the type of the event that has occurred with the care recipient 70 and adds them to the event list in the database 23.

[0058] The information about the care recipient 70 includes, for example, the name, date of birth, ID number, room number, usual meal amount, amount of fluid intake other than meals, medical history, level of care required, current hospital visit status, etc. The information about the caregiver 80 includes, for example, the name, staff ID, date of birth, years of service, skill level related to care, etc. of the caregiver 80.

[0059] The care record is a document that records information about care for the care recipient 70 at the facility. For example, the caregiver 80 provides various types of assistance with daily living, such as meals, water intake, excretion, bathing, and cleaning, as well as checks on vital signs, to the care recipient 70 based on a care plan prepared for each care recipient 70. The care provided by the caregiver 80 to the care recipient 70, such as assistance with care and vital sign checks, as well as the behavior and state of the care recipient 70, are recorded in the care record. The care record is updated, for example, by the caregiver 80 inputting information about care for the care recipient 70. The care record is input, for example, via the input unit 44 of the mobile terminal 40.

[0060] 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information manager terminal 30. The information manager terminal 30 is a so-called PC, and includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a display unit 33, an input unit 34, and an audio input / output unit 35. PC is an abbreviation for Personal Computer. The control unit 31, the communication unit 32, the display unit 33, the input unit 34, and the audio input / output unit 35 are interconnected by a bus. The control unit 31 has a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., similar to the control unit 11 of the detection unit 10.

[0061] The communication unit 32 is an interface for various local connections such as a network interface for wired or wireless communication, and communicates with each terminal connected to the network 50 .

[0062] The display unit 33 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information.

[0063] The input unit 34 includes a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, etc., and is used to input various types of information.

[0064] The audio input / output unit 35 is, for example, a headset equipped with a speaker and a microphone.

[0065] The information manager terminal 30 is used, for example, as a terminal for the information manager 90, and displays various information within the facility to the information manager 90 and accepts instructions. In addition, voice calls with caregivers 80 and the like are possible by transmitting and receiving voice signals between the information manager 90 and the detection unit 10 or the mobile terminal 40 via the communication unit 32. Here, the information manager 90 is a manager who oversees multiple caregivers 80. The information manager 90 may oversee not only caregivers 80 working in one facility, but also caregivers 80 working in multiple facilities.

[0066] 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 is, for example, a device that functions as a user interface for the estimation system 1, and can be configured by a portable communication terminal device such as a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. The mobile terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, a wireless communication unit 42, a display unit 43, an input unit 44, and an audio input / output unit 45, which are interconnected by a bus.

[0067] The control unit 41 has the same configuration as the control unit 11 of the detection unit 10, and includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like.

[0068] In the mobile terminal 40, wireless communication using standards such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is possible using the wireless communication unit 42. The mobile terminal 40 communicates wirelessly with each device via an access point 51 or directly.

[0069] The display unit 43 and the input unit 44 are touch panels, and a touch sensor serving as the input unit 44 is superimposed on the display surface of the display unit 43, which is made up of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 43 and the input unit 44 display various operation screens that display a list of multiple events included in the event list. The display unit 43 and the input unit 44 may accept various operations through these operation screens. The display unit 43 also displays the activity details of the care recipient 70 and the notification details notified by the communication unit 22 of the management server 20.

[0070] When an event occurs, the management server 20 notifies the mobile terminal 40 of event information related to the event. The event information may be notified to the mobile terminals 40 of all caregivers 80, or may be notified to the mobile terminals 40 of caregivers 80 belonging to a predetermined group.

[0071] When the caregiver 80 provides care to the care recipient 70, the caregiver 80 inputs information about the care for the care recipient 70 into the care record via the input unit 44. For example, the caregiver 80 inputs information into the care record when responding to a care call from the care call unit 14. For example, the caregiver 80 inputs information into the care record when providing assistance to the care recipient 70 with eating and drinking, toileting, transferring to a wheelchair, walking, changing position, etc.

[0072] The voice input / output unit 45 is, for example, a speaker and a microphone, and enables the caregiver 80 to make voice calls to other mobile terminals 40 via the wireless communication unit 42 .

[0073] At the start of work, the caregiver 80 performs login authentication processing via the assigned mobile terminal 40. The caregiver 80 inputs a staff ID and password via the display unit 43 and input unit 44 of the mobile terminal 40 and sends them to the management server 20. The management server 20 compares the authentication information stored in the database 23 and sends an authentication result according to the authority of the caregiver 80 to the mobile terminal 40, thereby completing the login authentication.

[0074] The mobile terminal 40 has a function of identifying the location of the mobile terminal 40 using GPS, Bluetooth, or the like. GPS is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. This allows the management server 20 to identify the location of the caregiver 80 carrying the mobile terminal 40.

[0075] The detection unit 10, management server 20, information manager terminal 30, and mobile terminal 40 may include components other than those described above, or may not include some of the components described above.

[0076] [Functions of the control unit 21] 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the control unit 21. The control unit 21 functions as an acquisition unit 211, an estimation unit 212, a calculation unit 213, and an output unit 214, for example, when the CPU executes an estimation program.

[0077] The acquisition unit 211 acquires a pressure detection result that detects the pressure applied to the lying surface 60S of the bed 60, and an inclination detection result that detects the inclination of the lying surface 60S. For example, the management server 20 receives the detection results of the air pad 131 and the gyro sensor 133 via the communication unit 22. As a result, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the pressure detection result and the inclination detection result.

[0078] The estimation unit 212 estimates the state of the user of the bed 60, i.e., the state of the care recipient 70 centered around the bed 60, based on the pressure detection result and the tilt detection result. The state of the care recipient 70 centered around the bed 60 includes, for example, a lying state in the bed 60, a sitting state in the bed 60, a sitting state on the edge of the bed 60, and a state of getting out of the bed 60.

[0079] For example, when the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is equal to or greater than the first pressure value P1, the estimation unit 212 estimates the lying state. At this time, the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2, for example. The estimation unit 212 may estimate the lying state when the pressure value of the first air pad 131A is equal to or greater than the first pressure value P1 and the pressure value of the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2. The first pressure value P1>0 and the second pressure value P2>0.

[0080] For example, when the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2, and the tilt degree detected by the gyro sensor 133 is less than the first tilt degree D1, where D1>0, the estimation unit 212 estimates the wake-up state.

[0081] For example, when the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is less than the second pressure value P2, and the inclination detected by the gyro sensor 133 is less than the first inclination D1, the estimation unit 212 estimates the bed exit state.

[0082] For example, when the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1 and the inclination detected by the gyro sensor 133 is equal to or greater than the first inclination D1, the estimation unit 212 estimates the edge-sitting state. At this time, the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B changes depending on the position of the care recipient 70. For example, when the care recipient 70 is in an edge-sitting state in the center of the bed 60 in the Y direction, the pressure value of the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2. For example, when the care recipient 70 is in an edge-sitting state near the end 60EB, the pressure value of the second air pad 131B is less than the second pressure value P2.

[0083] The estimation unit 212 may estimate the condition of the care recipient 70 by taking into consideration the pressure value of the air pad 131 and the inclination degree of the gyro sensor 133, as well as the duration of these pressure values ​​and the inclination degree. The database 23 or the like stores, for example, past detection results of the air pad 131 and the gyro sensor 133, and estimation results of the condition of the care recipient 70 based on these detection results. Specifically, the database 23 stores the pressure value of the air pad 131 and the inclination degree of the gyro sensor 133, the duration of each of the pressure value and the inclination degree, and the estimated condition of the care recipient 70, all of which are associated with one another. The estimation unit 212 may estimate the condition of the care recipient 70 by referring to the duration of each of the pressure value and the inclination degree stored in the database 23 or the like.

[0084] The calculation unit 213 calculates the vital signs of the care recipient 70 based on the detection result of the air pad 131. The vital signs include, for example, the number of breaths and the number of heartbeats of the care recipient 70.

[0085] The output unit 214 outputs status information related to the status of the care recipient 70 estimated by the estimation unit 212 and vital information related to the vital signs of the care recipient 70 calculated by the calculation unit 213. The output unit 214 outputs the status information and vital information, for example, by transmitting the status information and vital information to the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 that has received the status information and vital information displays the status information and vital information on, for example, the display unit 43. The output unit 214 may transmit the status information and vital information to the information manager terminal 30.

[0086] When the estimation unit 212 estimates a specific state of the care recipient 70, the output unit 214 may transmit state information to the mobile terminal 40. The specific state of the care recipient 70 is, for example, a state that requires care from the caregiver 80, such as waking up and getting out of bed, that is, a state that corresponds to an event.

[0087] [Management Server 20 Processing Procedure] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a method for estimating the state of the care recipient 70 by the management server 20. The processing of the flowchart in this figure is realized, for example, by the CPU of the control unit 21 executing an estimation program.

[0088] (Step S101) The control unit 21 first acquires the detection result of the first air pad 131A. The control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the first air pad 131A, for example, from the detection unit 10. The detection result of the first air pad 131A includes, for example, the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A and the duration of this pressure value.

[0089] (Step S102) Next, the control unit 21 compares the detection result of the first air pad 131A acquired in step S101 with the first pressure value P1. If the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is equal to or greater than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S103. If the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S104.

[0090] (Step S103) When the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is equal to or greater than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 estimates the lying state, and proceeds to the processing of step S111.

[0091] (Step S104) When the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the gyro sensor 133. The control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the gyro sensor 133, for example, from the detection unit 10. The detection result of the gyro sensor 133 includes, for example, the tilt detected by the gyro sensor 133 and the duration of this tilt.

[0092] (Step S105) Next, the control unit 21 compares the detection result of the gyro sensor 133 acquired in step S104 with the first tilt degree D1. If the tilt degree detected by the gyro sensor 133 is equal to or greater than the first tilt degree D1, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S106. If the tilt degree detected by the gyro sensor 133 is less than the first tilt degree D1, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S107.

[0093] (Step S106) When the inclination detected by the gyro sensor 133 is equal to or greater than the first inclination D1, the control unit 21 estimates the edge-sitting state, and proceeds to the processing of step S111.

[0094] (Step S107) When the tilt degree detected by the gyro sensor 133 is less than the first tilt degree D1, the control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the second air pad 131B. The control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the second air pad 131B, for example, from the detection unit 10. The detection result of the second air pad 131B includes, for example, the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B and the duration of this pressure value.

[0095] (Step S108) Next, the control unit 21 compares the detection result of the second air pad 131B acquired in step S107 with the second pressure value P2. If the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S109. If the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is less than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S110.

[0096] (Step S109) When the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 estimates the wake-up state, and proceeds to the processing of step S111.

[0097] (Step S110) When the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is less than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 estimates the bed exit state, and proceeds to the processing of step S111.

[0098] (Step S111) The care recipient 70 outputs the condition information relating to the condition of the care recipient 70 estimated in each of steps S103, S106, S109, and S110, and the process ends.

[0099] [Effects of the management server 20 and the estimation system 1] The management server 20 and estimation system 1 of this embodiment detect the pressure acting on the lying surface 60S of the bed 60 and the inclination of the lying surface 60S, and estimate the condition of the care recipient 70 based on these detection results. This allows the caregiver 80 or the like to grasp the condition of the care recipient 70 with the bed 60 at the center. The effect of this will be described below.

[0100] For example, a system may be configured to estimate the condition of a care recipient by detecting only the pressure on the bed surface, but such a system may not be able to accurately estimate the condition of the care recipient.

[0101] For example, if the care recipient sits on the edge of the bed in a position where no air pad is installed, the system cannot detect the pressure on the bed surface. As a result, the system may erroneously estimate that the care recipient has left the bed. When the caregiver is notified that the care recipient has left the bed, the caregiver heads to the care recipient's room to provide care. If this notification is false, the burden on the caregiver increases.

[0102] Furthermore, when the care recipient transitions from an upright position to a sitting position at the edge of the bed in the center of the long side, the system may not be able to detect this change in position. The caregiver may consider the care recipient's sitting position at the edge of the bed as a preparation for getting out of bed, and may prepare to go to the care recipient's room while the care recipient is sitting at the edge. Therefore, if the system cannot distinguish between the care recipient's upright position and the sitting position at the edge of the bed, the caregiver may not be able to prepare in time, which could lead to the caregiver falling or other injuries.

[0103] In contrast, the estimation system 1 includes a gyro sensor 133 in addition to the air pad 131. Therefore, the estimation system 1 can detect the inclination of the lying surface 60S of the bed 60 in addition to the pressure acting on the lying surface 60S of the bed 60, and estimate the state of the care recipient 70. Therefore, it is possible to estimate with high accuracy the state of sitting on the edge of the bed near the end 60EB. It is also possible to distinguish between a waking state and a state of sitting on the edge of the bed in the center of the Y direction of the bed 60 and estimate it. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately estimate the state of the care recipient 70.

[0104] Modifications of the above embodiment and other embodiments will be described below, but the same components as those in the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0105] <Modification> The control unit 21 may estimate the state of the care recipient 70 using a method different from the method described in the first embodiment. For example, the control unit 21 may estimate the edge-sitting state of the care recipient 70 when the gyro sensor 133 detects a change in the tilt of the X-direction component, regardless of the detection result of the air pad 131. This allows the control unit 21 to estimate the edge-sitting state of the care recipient 70, regardless of the position of the care recipient 70 in the Y direction.

[0106] Second Embodiment 12 shows an example of the configuration of the bed sensor 13 in the estimation system 1 according to the second embodiment. This bed sensor 13 includes an air pad 131 and a housing member 132. In other words, this bed sensor 13 does not include a gyro sensor. Except for this point, the estimation system 1 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the estimation system 1 according to the first embodiment, and provides the same effects.

[0107] The air pad 131 includes, for example, a plurality of first air pads 131A extending in the Y direction and one second air pad 131B extending in the X direction. When the care recipient 70 sits on the edge of the bed 60, for example, near the end 60EB of the bed 60, a slight amount of pressure is detected by the second air pad 131B arranged on the end 60EB side. In this embodiment, this slight amount of pressure is used to detect the inclination of the lying surface 60S. Here, the second air pad 131B corresponds to a specific example of an inclination detection unit of the present invention.

[0108] FIG. 13 shows an example of the detection results of the first air pad 131A and the second air pad 131B.

[0109] For example, from time 0 to time t1, the pressure value of the first air pad 131A is equal to or greater than the first pressure value P1. At this time, the control unit 21 estimates the lying state. From time 0 to time t1, the pressure value of the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2.

[0110] For example, from time t1 to time t2, the pressure value of the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, and the pressure value of the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2. At this time, the control unit 21 estimates the wake-up state.

[0111] For example, from time t2 to time t3, the pressure value of the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, and the detection result of the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the third pressure value P3 and less than the second pressure value P2. At this time, the control unit 21 estimates the edge-sitting state. <P3<P2である。

[0112] For example, after time t3, the detection result of the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, and the detection result of the second air pad 131B is less than the third pressure value P3. At this time, the control unit 21 estimates the bed exit state.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for estimating the state of the care recipient 70 by the control unit 21. In FIG.

[0114] (Step S201) First, the control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the first air pad 131A in the same manner as in step S101 described in the first embodiment.

[0115] (Step S202) Next, the control unit 21 compares the detection result of the first air pad 131A acquired in step S201 with the first pressure value P1. If the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is equal to or greater than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S203. If the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S204.

[0116] (Step S203) When the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is equal to or greater than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 estimates the lying state, and proceeds to the processing of step S210.

[0117] (Step S204) When the pressure value detected by the first air pad 131A is less than the first pressure value P1, the control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the second air pad 131B.

[0118] (Step S205) Next, the control unit 21 compares the detection result of the second air pad 131B acquired in step S204 with the second pressure value P2. If the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S206. If the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is less than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S207.

[0119] (Step S206) When the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 estimates the wake-up state, and proceeds to the processing of step S210.

[0120] (Step S207) If the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is less than the second pressure value P2, the control unit 21 compares the detection result of the second air pad 131B acquired in step S204 with the third pressure value P3. If the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the third pressure value P3, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S208. If the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is less than the third pressure value P3, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S209.

[0121] (Step S208) When the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is equal to or greater than the third pressure value P3, the control unit 21 estimates the edge-sitting state, and proceeds to the process of step S210.

[0122] (Step S209) When the pressure value detected by the second air pad 131B is less than the third pressure value P3, the control unit 21 estimates the bed exit state, and proceeds to the processing of step S210.

[0123] (Step S210) The care recipient 70 outputs the condition information relating to the condition of the care recipient 70 estimated in each of steps S203, S206, S208, and S209, and the process ends.

[0124] In the management server 20 and the estimation system 1 of this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the pressure acting on the lying surface 60S of the bed 60 and the inclination of the lying surface 60S are detected, and the condition of the care recipient 70 is estimated based on these detection results. Therefore, the caregiver 80 or the like can grasp the condition of the care recipient 70 with the bed 60 at the center.

[0125] Furthermore, this estimation system 1 can detect the inclination of the lying surface 60S without using a gyro sensor, which reduces the number of parts and cuts down costs.

[0126] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims.

[0127] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the management server 20 functions as the estimation device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a case, and the information manager terminal 30 may be configured to function as the estimation device. Also, the detection unit 10 may be configured to function as the estimation device by the CPU of the control unit 11 of the detection unit 10 executing an estimation program. A part of the detection unit 10, for example, the bed sensor 13, may function as the estimation device.

[0128] The detection unit 10 may further include other sensors. For example, the detection unit 10 may include a camera that captures an image of the room of the care recipient 70. The management server 20 may further estimate the state of the care recipient 70 based on an image captured by the camera.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the air pad 131 is shown as a specific example of the pressure detection unit of the present invention, but the pressure acting on the lying surface 60S of the bed 60 may be detected using other sensors.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the bed 60 was shown as a specific example of the bedding of the present invention, but the bedding of the present invention may also be a futon or the like.

[0131] Furthermore, the processing units of the flowcharts in the above embodiments are divided according to the main processing content to make each process easier to understand. The classification of the processing steps does not limit the present invention. Each process can be divided into more processing steps. Furthermore, one processing step may execute more processes.

[0132] The information processing program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred and stored in a memory or storage device. The information processing program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of the server.

[0133] In addition, in the embodiments, part or all of the processing executed by the program may be replaced with hardware such as a circuit.

[0134] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposes of illustration and example only and are not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the present invention should be construed by the language of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 estimation system, 10 detection unit, 11 control section, 12 Communications Department, 13 Bed sensors, 14 Care Call Department, 15 audio input unit, 20 Management Server, 21 control section, 211 Acquisition Department; 212 Estimation Department, 213 calculation unit, 214 output section, 22 Communications Department, 23 databases, 30 Information manager terminal, 40 staff terminals, 41 control section, 42 Radio Communication Department, 43 Display section, 44 input section, 45 Audio input / output unit, 50 networks, 51 access points, 60 beds, 70 Care recipients, 80 caregivers.

Claims

1. a pressure detection unit that detects pressure applied to the bed surface of the bedding; a tilt detection unit that detects the tilt of the bed surface; an estimation unit that estimates the state of a user of the bedding based on the detection results of the pressure detection unit and the tilt detection unit; An estimation system comprising:

2. The estimation system according to claim 1 , wherein the user's state includes a lying state on the bedding, a waking state on the bedding, a sitting state on the edge of the bedding, and a getting out of the bedding.

3. The estimation system according to claim 2 , wherein the pressure detection unit includes an air pad provided at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the bed surface.

4. The estimation system according to claim 3 , wherein the air pads include a first air pad and a second air pad arranged in sequence along the long side direction from a position corresponding to one end of the long side direction of the lying surface.

5. The estimation system according to claim 4 , wherein a gap is provided between the second air pad and a position corresponding to the other end of the bed surface in the long side direction.

6. The estimation system according to claim 5 , wherein the estimation unit estimates the lying state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is equal to or greater than a first pressure value.

7. 7. The estimation system of claim 6, wherein the estimation unit estimates the wake-up state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value, the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is equal to or greater than a second pressure value, and the magnitude of the tilt detected by the tilt detection unit is less than a first tilt.

8. 8. The estimation system of claim 7, wherein the estimation unit estimates the bed exit state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value, the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is less than the second pressure value, and the magnitude of the inclination detected by the inclination detection unit is less than the first inclination.

9. The estimation system described in claim 7, wherein the estimation unit estimates the edge-sitting state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value and the magnitude of the inclination detected by the inclination detection unit is equal to or greater than the first inclination.

10. The estimation system according to claim 5 , wherein the tilt detection unit includes a gyro sensor disposed in the gap.

11. The estimation system according to claim 7 , wherein the second air pad further constitutes the tilt sensor.

12. when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value and the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is less than a third pressure value, the estimation unit estimates the bed exit state; The estimation system of claim 11 , wherein the third pressure value is less than the second pressure value.

13. The estimation system of claim 12, wherein the estimation unit estimates the edge sitting state when the magnitude of the pressure detected by the first air pad is less than the first pressure value and the magnitude of the pressure detected by the second air pad is equal to or greater than the third pressure value and less than the second pressure value.

14. The estimation system according to claim 4 , wherein the first air pad extends in the direction of the long side, and the second air pad extends in the direction of the short side of the lying surface.

15. The estimation system according to claim 1 , further comprising a calculation unit that calculates the vital signs of the user based on the detection result of the pressure detection unit.

16. The estimation system according to claim 2, wherein when the pressure detection unit detects a change in the inclination of the component in the short side direction of the bed surface, the estimation unit estimates that the user is sitting on the edge of the bedding.

17. The estimation system according to claim 1 , further comprising an output unit that outputs state information relating to the estimated state of the user.

18. an acquisition unit that acquires a pressure detection result that detects a pressure applied to a bed surface of the bedding and an inclination detection result that detects an inclination of the bed surface; an estimation unit that estimates a state of a user of the bedding based on the pressure detection result and the tilt detection result; An estimation device comprising:

19. Obtaining a pressure detection result that detects a pressure applied to a bed surface of the bedding and an inclination detection result that detects an inclination of the bed surface; estimating the state of a user of the bedding based on the pressure detection result and the tilt detection result; An estimation program for causing a computer to execute a process including the above.

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