Monitoring system, monitoring device, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To provide a monitoring system, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program for easily and surely issuing an alarm in a situation where the alarm is necessary while avoiding issuing the alarm in a situation where the alarm is unnecessary.SOLUTION: In a case where the predetermined state is detected by the detection unit and it is determined by the determination unit that the predetermined attribute person E is present in the area B, the alarm control unit does not activate the alarm device 2, and in a case where the predetermined state is detected by the detection unit and it is determined by the determination unit that the predetermined attribute person E is not present in the area B, the alarm control unit activates the alarm device 2, in a case where the predetermined state is detected by the detection unit and the predetermined attribute person E is determined to be present in the area B by the determination unit, when the abnormal state is detected by the detection unit, the alarm control unit activates the alarm device 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a monitoring system for monitoring a monitored person. In this monitoring system (referred to as a "monitored person monitoring system" in Patent Document 1), when a monitored person in a predetermined area performs a predetermined action, an alarm device (referred to as a "portable terminal unit" in Patent Document 1) is activated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6123971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the monitoring system described in Patent Document 1, if two or more people are present in the area where the monitored person is present, the activation of the alarm emitting device is prevented. Therefore, it is conceivable that the activation of the alarm emitting device may be prevented even though it should be activated.

[0005] For example, if the monitored person is a resident of a welfare facility for the elderly, and the resident takes a certain action (such as getting up or falling) and as a result becomes in need of assistance, and there is no attendant in the area where the resident is present, the alarm should be activated. However, in this case, if another resident is present in the area where the resident is present, the activation of the alarm will be prevented.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring system, a monitoring device, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program that can avoid issuing an alert in situations where an alert is unnecessary, while reliably issuing an alert in situations where an alert is necessary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The monitoring system of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises an alarm device, a status detection unit that detects the status of the monitored person, an alarm control unit that is capable of activating the alarm device in response to the status detection unit detecting a predetermined status, and a judgment unit that judges whether a person with a predetermined attribute, who is a person different from the monitored person and has a predetermined attribute, is present in the area where the monitored person is present; when the status detection unit detects the predetermined status and the judgment unit judges that the person with the predetermined attribute is present in the area, the alarm control unit does not activate the alarm device; and when the status detection unit detects the predetermined status and the judgment unit judges that the person with the predetermined attribute is not present in the area, the alarm control unit activates the alarm device.

[0008] A feature of the monitoring method of the present invention is that it is a monitoring method in a monitoring system, and comprises a status detection step of detecting the status of a monitored person, a judgment step of judging whether a person with a specified attribute, who is a person different from the monitored person and has a specified attribute, is present in the area where the monitored person is present, and an alarm step of not activating an alarm device when the status detection step detects the specified status and the judgment step determines that the person with the specified attribute is present in the area, and activating the alarm device when the status detection step detects the specified status and the judgment step determines that the person with the specified attribute is not present in the area.

[0009] The monitoring program of the present invention is characterized in that it has a computer realize a status acquisition function that acquires information indicating the status of a monitored person, a judgment function that determines whether a person with a specified attribute, who is a person different from the monitored person and has a specified attribute, is present in the area where the monitored person is present, and an alarm function that does not activate an alarm device when information indicating the specified status is acquired by the status acquisition function and the judgment function determines that the person with the specified attribute is present in the area, and that activates the alarm device when the status acquisition function detects the specified status and the judgment function determines that the person with the specified attribute is not present in the area.

[0010] According to the present invention, when a monitored person reaches a predetermined state, if a person with a predetermined attribute is present in the area where the monitored person is present, the alarm device will not be activated, and if a person with a predetermined attribute is not present, the alarm device will be activated.

[0011] As a result, for example, if the monitored person is a resident of a welfare facility for the elderly and the predetermined attribute is "being an attendant who assists the resident," when the monitored resident falls into a predetermined state (for example, a fall), if an attendant is present in the area where the resident is present, the alarm device will not be activated. Also, if the monitored resident falls into a predetermined state (for example, a fall), and no attendant is present in the area where the resident is present, the alarm device will be activated even if another resident is present. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation where the presence of another resident prevents the alarm from being activated.

[0012] In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to avoid issuing an alert in a situation where it is not necessary, while making it easier to reliably issue an alert in a situation where it is necessary.

[0013] The monitoring device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a status detection unit that detects the status of the monitored person, a transmission unit that is capable of transmitting status information to the outside, which is information indicating the detection result by the status detection unit, in response to the detection of a predetermined status by the status detection unit, and a judgment unit that judges whether a person with a predetermined attribute, who is a person different from the monitored person and has a predetermined attribute, is present in the area where the monitored person is present; when the status detection unit detects the predetermined status and the judgment unit judges that the person with the predetermined attribute is present in the area, the transmission unit does not transmit the status information to the outside, and when the status detection unit detects the predetermined status and the judgment unit judges that the person with the predetermined attribute is not present in the area, the transmission unit transmits the status information to the outside.

[0014] According to the present invention, when a monitored person enters a predetermined state, if a person with a predetermined attribute is present in the area where the monitored person is present, the status information is not transmitted to the outside, but if a person with the predetermined attribute is not present, the status information is transmitted to the outside. In other words, if the status information is transmitted to an external alarm device, when the monitored person enters a predetermined state, if a person with the predetermined attribute is present in the area where the monitored person is present, the alarm device will not operate, but will operate if a person with the predetermined attribute is not present.

[0015] As a result, for example, if the monitored person is a resident of a welfare facility for the elderly and the predetermined attribute is "being an attendant who assists the resident," when the monitored resident falls into a predetermined state (for example, a fall), if an attendant is present in the area where the resident is present, the alarm device will not be activated. Also, if the monitored resident falls into a predetermined state (for example, a fall), and no attendant is present in the area where the resident is present, the alarm device will be activated even if another resident is present. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation where the presence of another resident prevents the alarm from being activated.

[0016] In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to avoid issuing an alert in a situation where it is not necessary, while making it easier to reliably issue an alert in a situation where it is necessary.

[0017] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the predetermined state is a dangerous state for the monitored person.

[0018] According to this configuration, if the monitored person is in danger (for example, if the monitored person falls), and there is no person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present, the alarm device will be activated. As a result, for example, if the monitored person is a resident of a welfare facility for the elderly and the predetermined attribute is "being an attendant who assists the resident," an attendant can respond to the alarm and go to assist the resident in danger.

[0019] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the predetermined attribute be that of an attendant who provides assistance to the person being monitored.

[0020] According to this configuration, when a monitored person falls into a predetermined state (for example, a fall), if there is an attendant in the area where the monitored person is present, the alarm device will not be activated. Also, if there is no attendant in the area where the monitored person is present when the monitored person falls into a predetermined state (for example, a fall), the alarm device will be activated even if there is someone other than the monitored person present. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation where the presence of someone other than the monitored person prevents the alarm from being activated.

[0021] In this way, with this configuration, an alarm is avoided from being issued in situations where it is not necessary, while an alarm is issued in situations where it is necessary, allowing an attendant to go to assist the monitored person in response to the alarm.

[0022] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that a detection unit is provided that detects a specific object worn by the staff member, and the judgment unit determines whether or not the person with the specified attributes is present in the area based on the detection result by the detection unit.

[0023] According to this configuration, it is determined whether a person with a predetermined attribute is present in an area where a monitored person is present based on the detection of a specific object (for example, an IC card or a staff member's uniform, etc.). This makes it easier to simplify the determination algorithm compared to a configuration that determines the presence or absence of a person with a predetermined attribute by, for example, facial recognition.

[0024] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that a biometric information acquisition unit is provided that acquires at least one of biometric information of a person entering the area and biometric information of a person present in the area, and that the determination unit determines whether or not the person with the specified attributes is present in the area based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a person with a specific attribute without relying on an item (such as an IC card or a staff uniform) worn by the person with a specific attribute. In other words, it is not necessary for all people with a specific attribute to wear a specific item in common in order to determine the presence or absence of a person with a specific attribute. Therefore, when operating the surveillance system, it is not necessary to require people with a specific attribute to wear a specific item. This makes it easier to operate the surveillance system.

[0026] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the specified state is detected by the state detection unit and the judgment unit determines that a person with the specified attributes is present in the area, if a specified first condition is satisfied, it is preferable that the alarm control unit activates the alarm device.

[0027] When a monitored person falls into a predetermined state (for example, falls), there may be cases in which an alert should be issued depending on the situation, even if there is a person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present. For example, when there is one person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present, if the monitored person falls into an abnormal state (for example, bleeding profusely) that cannot be handled by one person with a predetermined attribute, an alert should be issued.

[0028] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the first condition, it is possible to activate the alarm device in a situation where a person with a predetermined attribute is present in the area where the monitored person is present but an alarm should be issued, thereby allowing the user of the monitoring system (for example, a staff member assisting the monitored person) to take appropriate action upon receiving the alarm.

[0029] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the first condition is that the state detection unit detects an abnormal state that is different from the predetermined state.

[0030] According to this configuration, when the monitored person falls into a predetermined state (for example, falls down), even if there is a person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present, if the monitored person falls into an abnormal state (for example, bleeding profusely), an alert is issued. This allows the user of the monitoring system (for example, a staff member assisting the monitored person) to receive the alert and take appropriate action.

[0031] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the device further comprises a person state detection unit that detects the state of the person with the predetermined attribute, and the first condition is that an abnormal state has been detected by the person state detection unit.

[0032] According to this configuration, when a monitored person falls into a predetermined state (for example, falls down), even if a person with a predetermined attribute is present in the area where the monitored person is present, if the person with the predetermined attribute falls into an abnormal state (for example, assaulting the monitored person), an alert is issued. This allows the user of the monitoring system (for example, a staff member assisting the monitored person) to receive the alert and take appropriate action.

[0033] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the first condition is that the predetermined state continues for a predetermined period of time.

[0034] According to this configuration, when a monitored person falls into a predetermined state (for example, falls down), even if there is a person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present, if the monitored person remains in the predetermined state for a relatively long time, an alert is issued. This allows the user of the monitoring system (for example, a staff member assisting the monitored person) to receive the alert and take appropriate action.

[0035] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the specified state is detected by the state detection unit and the judgment unit determines that a person with the specified attributes is not present in the area, if a specified second condition is satisfied, it is preferable that the alarm control unit does not activate the alarm device.

[0036] When a monitored person falls into a certain state (for example, falls), there may be cases in which an alert should not be issued depending on the situation, even if there are no people with certain attributes in the area where the monitored person is present. For example, if the monitored person or the user of the monitoring system wishes that an alert not be issued during a specific time period, an alert should not be issued during that time period.

[0037] According to this configuration, by appropriately setting the second condition, it is possible to avoid activation of the alarm device in a situation where an alarm should not be issued even though there is no person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where an alarm is issued in a situation where it should not be issued.

[0038] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the second condition is that the current time is included in a preset time period.

[0039] According to this configuration, if the monitored person or the user of the monitoring system desires that no alerts be issued during a specific time period, a configuration can be realized in which no alerts are issued during that time period.

[0040] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the area is a room in which the monitored person is present.

[0041] When a monitored person falls into a predetermined state (for example, falls), if a person with a predetermined attribute is present in the room where the monitored person is, no alarm needs to be issued because the person with the predetermined attribute can deal with the monitored person's predetermined state.

[0042] Furthermore, when a monitored person enters a predetermined state, if there is no person with a predetermined attribute in the room where the monitored person is present, an alert must be issued.

[0043] According to this configuration, when a monitored person enters a predetermined state, if a person with a predetermined attribute is present in the room where the monitored person is present, the alarm device will not activate, and if a person with a predetermined attribute is not present, the alarm device will activate.

[0044] Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to avoid issuing an alarm in a situation where it is not necessary, while making it easier to reliably issue an alarm in a situation where it is necessary.

[0045] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the alarm issuing device is a display device capable of issuing an alarm by displaying an image.

[0046] According to this configuration, when an alarm is issued, the alarm issuing device displays, for example, an image of the monitored person, allowing the user of the monitoring system to grasp the monitored person's condition in detail. This makes it easier for the user of the monitoring system to take appropriate action.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the alarm issuing device is a calling device capable of calling a person with the predetermined attribute.

[0048] According to this configuration, when a monitored person falls into a predetermined state, if there is no person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present, the person with the predetermined attribute is called. This allows the person with the predetermined attribute to receive the call and take appropriate action. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which there is no person with a predetermined attribute in the area where the monitored person is present. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a person with a predetermined attribute is present in an area where a monitored person is present. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a monitoring system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a notification determination flow. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a monitoring method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0051] [Overall configuration of the monitoring system] 1, a monitoring system A in this embodiment includes a monitoring device 1 and an alarm issuing device 2. The monitoring device 1 and the alarm issuing device 2 are connected to each other via a predetermined network.

[0052] Monitoring device 1 is installed in area B where monitored person D is present. Monitoring device 1 monitors monitored person D. Monitoring device 1 is capable of activating alarm device 2 depending on the state of monitored person D. Person E with a predetermined attribute who is carrying alarm device 2 can grasp the state of monitored person D even while outside area B by the alarm being issued by alarm device 2.

[0053] 1, the monitored person D has fallen. In response to this, the monitoring device 1 can activate the alarm device 2.

[0054] In this embodiment, the monitored person D is a resident of a welfare facility for the elderly, and area B is the room in which the monitored person D lives in the welfare facility for the elderly. That is, area B in this embodiment is the room in which the monitored person D is present. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and area B does not have to be a room. For example, if the monitored person D is present in a hallway, area B is the hallway. Furthermore, if the monitored person D is present in a relatively large space (for example, an outdoor plaza), area B may be the entire space, or only the area of ​​the space near the monitored person D. It is preferable that area B be within a range in which the condition of the monitored person D can be visually confirmed by another person (person E with a specified attribute).

[0055] Furthermore, the predetermined attribute person E is a person who is different from the monitored person D and has a predetermined attribute. In this embodiment, the predetermined attribute is being a staff member who provides care to the monitored person D. In other words, the predetermined attribute person E is a staff member (employee) at a welfare facility for the elderly.

[0056] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The "predetermined attribute" may be an attribute other than "being a staff member who assists the monitored person D." For example, the "predetermined attribute" may be "being a relative of the monitored person D or a staff member who assists the monitored person D," or may be a specific person (for example, "being a specific person X or Y").

[0057] In this embodiment, the person E with the predetermined attribute is also a user of the monitoring system A.

[0058] The alarm device 2 in this embodiment is an information terminal (such as a smartphone or tablet) carried by an attendant. In the example shown in Fig. 1, a person E with a predetermined attribute who is an attendant is located in a room other than a living room (for example, a waiting room).

[0059] The monitoring system A may include one or more monitoring devices 1. That is, the monitoring system A may monitor one monitored person D, or may monitor multiple monitored people D.

[0060] A welfare facility for the elderly may have multiple monitoring devices 1 installed therein. For example, one monitoring device 1 may be installed in each room of the welfare facility for the elderly, or may be installed in an area other than the rooms (for example, a hallway).

[0061] There may be one or more predetermined attribute persons E present in the elderly welfare facility. The monitoring system A may include one or more alarm emitting devices 2. The multiple predetermined attribute persons E may each carry one alarm emitting device 2. The alarm emitting device 2 may be a personal computer, display, lamp, speaker, etc. installed in a room (e.g., a waiting room) for the predetermined attribute person E. Furthermore, the alarm emitting device 2 may be carried by a person who is not a predetermined attribute person E (e.g., a relative of the monitored person D), or may be a personal computer, display, lamp, speaker, etc. installed in the home of a person who is not a predetermined attribute person E (e.g., a relative of the monitored person D).

[0062] 2 shows a first person E1 and a second person E2. Both the first person E1 and the second person E2 are persons E with a predetermined attribute.

[0063] The first person E1 is located in a room (e.g., a waiting room) different from area B, which is the room where the monitored person D is present. The second person E2 is located in area B, which is the room where the monitored person D is present. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the monitored person D has fallen, as in the example shown in FIG. 1. In this case, in the monitoring system A of this embodiment, the monitoring device 1 does not activate the alarm device 2 in principle.

[0064] The monitoring system A will be described in detail below.

[0065] [Status detection unit] As shown in Fig. 3, the monitoring device 1 has an imaging unit 3 and a control unit 4. The imaging unit 3 captures images within area B (see Fig. 1). The imaging range of the imaging unit 3 may be the entire area B or only a part of area B. The imaging range of the imaging unit 3 may also include the outside of area B.

[0066] In this embodiment, the imaging unit 3 is configured with an infrared camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging unit 3 may be any device other than an infrared camera as long as it is capable of capturing images within area B. The imaging unit 3 is preferably a ToF (Time of flight) camera. The captured image acquired by the imaging unit 3 is preferably a depth image, which is an image including depth information. The captured image acquired by the imaging unit 3 may be a video or a still image.

[0067] 3, the control unit 4 has a state detection unit 41. The imaging unit 3 sends the captured image to the state detection unit 41.

[0068] 3, the monitoring system A is also provided with a sound detection device 5 that detects sound. The sound detection device 5 may be installed, for example, within the area B. The sound detection device 5 may be a known microphone. The sound detection device 5 sends information indicating the detected sound to the status detection unit 41.

[0069] The status detection unit 41 detects the status of the monitored person D based on the captured image received from the imaging unit 3 and the information indicating the sound received from the sound detection device 5. In other words, the monitoring system A is equipped with a status detection unit 41 that detects the status of the monitored person D.

[0070] In this embodiment, the state detection unit 41 generates a skeletal model, which is information indicating the skeleton of the monitored person D, based on the received captured image. The skeletal model is generated by analyzing the captured image to recognize the positions of the joints of the monitored person D in three dimensions and connecting the joints with straight lines.

[0071] Furthermore, the state detection unit 41 is configured to detect the body position (e.g., standing, lying down, sitting) of the monitored person D based on the captured image and the generated skeletal model, and to detect whether the monitored person D is in a predetermined state and whether he / she is in an abnormal state different from the predetermined state based on information indicating the captured image, skeletal model, and sound.

[0072] Although not particularly limited, the predetermined state may be a dangerous state of the monitored person D (for example, a state of having fallen). Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the abnormal state may be a state in which the monitored person D is bleeding profusely or a state in which the monitored person D is being assaulted by a person E with a predetermined attribute. Note that the technology for detecting a dangerous state or an abnormal state such as a fall based on a captured image or a skeletal model is publicly known, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] In addition, the status detection unit 41 may be configured to determine whether the monitored person D is screaming based on information indicating sound, and to detect a dangerous or abnormal state of the monitored person D based on the result of the determination.

[0074] It should be noted that there may be people other than the monitored person D in the imaging range captured by the imaging unit 3. Therefore, it is preferable that the status detection unit 41 be able to identify people captured in the captured image. Identifying people captured in the captured image makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the status detection unit 41 mistakenly detects the status of a person other than the monitored person D. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which, for example, when a person other than the monitored person D (e.g., person E with a predetermined attribute) falls into a predetermined state (e.g., a fallen state), the monitored person D is mistakenly detected as having fallen into the predetermined state.

[0075] The method by which the state detection unit 41 identifies people appearing in captured images is not particularly limited, but people may be identified by analyzing the captured images using a machine-learned neural network.

[0076] [Human state detection unit] 3, the control unit 4 has a person state detection unit 42. The imaging unit 3 sends the acquired captured image to the person state detection unit 42. In addition, the sound detection device 5 sends information indicating the detected sound to the person state detection unit 42.

[0077] The person state detection unit 42 detects the state of a person E (see FIG. 2) with a predetermined attribute present in the area B, based on the captured image received from the imaging unit 3 and the information indicating the sound received from the sound detection device 5. That is, the surveillance system A further includes a person state detection unit 42 that detects the state of the person E with a predetermined attribute.

[0078] In this embodiment, the person state detection unit 42 generates a skeletal model, which is information indicating the skeleton of the predetermined attribute person E, based on the received captured image. The skeletal model is generated by analyzing the captured image to recognize the positions of the joints of the predetermined attribute person E in three dimensions and connecting the joints with straight lines.

[0079] Furthermore, the person state detection unit 42 is configured to detect the posture (e.g., standing, lying down, sitting) of the person E with a specified attribute based on the captured image and the generated skeletal model, and to detect whether the person E with a specified attribute is in an abnormal state based on information indicating the captured image, skeletal model, and sound.

[0080] Although not particularly limited, the abnormal state may be a state in which the person E with a predetermined attribute is assaulting the person being monitored D. For example, if the person E with a predetermined attribute continues to move vigorously for a predetermined period of time, or if the person E with a predetermined attribute performs a motion of waving his / her hand down a predetermined number of times, the person E with a predetermined attribute may be detected as being in an abnormal state (a state in which the person E is assaulting the person being monitored D).

[0081] In addition, the person state detection unit 42 may be configured to determine whether or not the person E with a specified attribute is shouting angrily based on information indicating sound, and to detect an abnormal state of the person E with a specified attribute based on the result of the determination.

[0082] It is preferable that the person state detection unit 42 be able to identify people appearing in the captured image. Identifying people appearing in the captured image can prevent the person state detection unit 42 from erroneously detecting the state of a person other than the predetermined attribute person E. This can prevent a situation in which, for example, when a person other than the predetermined attribute person E (for example, monitored person D) enters an abnormal state, the predetermined attribute person E is mistakenly detected as being in an abnormal state.

[0083] The method by which the person state detection unit 42 identifies people appearing in captured images is not particularly limited, but people may be identified by analyzing the captured images using a machine-learned neural network.

[0084] [Judgment section] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 4 has a specific object detection unit 43 (corresponding to the "detection unit" according to the present invention). The imaging unit 3 sends the captured image it has acquired to the specific object detection unit 43. The specific object detection unit 43 detects a specific object by performing image analysis based on the captured image received from the imaging unit 3. A specific object is an object worn by a person E with a predetermined attribute who is an attendant at a welfare facility for the elderly. In other words, the monitoring system A is equipped with the specific object detection unit 43 that detects a specific object worn by an attendant.

[0085] Although not particularly limited, the specific item may be, for example, a staff member's uniform or badge.

[0086] If a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B, a specific object will appear in the captured image and will be detected by the specific object detection unit 43. If a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in area B, the specific object will not appear in the captured image and will not be detected by the specific object detection unit 43.

[0087] 1 to 3, the monitoring system A includes an entry detection device 6 (corresponding to the "biometric information acquisition unit" according to the present invention) and an exit detection device 7. The entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 are both installed near a door 8 provided at the entrance to area B.

[0088] The entry detection device 6 is configured to acquire biometric information of a person entering area B. That is, the surveillance system A is equipped with the entry detection device 6 that acquires biometric information of a person entering area B. For example, the door 8 may be normally closed, and may be configured to temporarily open when the entry detection device 6 acquires biometric information. Note that, although not particularly limited, the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 may be, for example, facial information or fingerprint information.

[0089] Exit detection device 7 is configured to acquire biometric information of a person leaving area B. For example, door 8 may be normally closed, and may be configured to temporarily open when exit detection device 7 acquires biometric information. Note that, although not particularly limited, the biometric information acquired by exit detection device 7 may be, for example, facial information or fingerprint information.

[0090] 3, the control unit 4 has a determination unit 44. The detection result by the specific object detection unit 43 is sent to the determination unit 44. In addition, the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 is sent to the determination unit 44.

[0091] The determination unit 44 determines whether or not a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in the area B based on the detection result by the specific object detection unit 43 and the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7.

[0092] That is, the monitoring system A includes a determination unit 44 that determines whether or not a person with a predetermined attribute E, who is a person different from the monitored person D and has a predetermined attribute, is present in the area B where the monitored person D is present. The determination unit 44 also determines whether or not the person with a predetermined attribute E is present in the area B based on the detection result by the specific object detection unit 43. The determination unit 44 also determines whether or not the person with a predetermined attribute E is present in the area B based on the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6.

[0093] Here, the determination based on the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 will be described in detail. The determination unit 44 stores biometric information (e.g., facial information and fingerprint information) of all staff members of this elderly welfare facility. The determination unit 44 compares the biometric information stored in the determination unit 44 with the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 to determine whether or not a person who has entered area B is a person E with a predetermined attribute. The determination unit 44 also compares the biometric information stored in the determination unit 44 with the biometric information acquired by the exit detection device 7 to determine whether or not a person who has left area B is a person E with a predetermined attribute.

[0094] The determination unit 44 then determines whether the history of the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 is a first pattern, a second pattern, or a third pattern. The first pattern is a pattern in which a person E with a predetermined attribute enters area B, and then the person E with the predetermined attribute does not exit area B. The second pattern is a pattern in which a person E with a predetermined attribute enters area B, and then the person E exits area B. The third pattern is a pattern in which a person E with a predetermined attribute does not enter area B.

[0095] When a specific object is detected by the specific object detection unit 43, the determination unit 44 determines that a person E with a specified attribute is present in area B, regardless of the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7.

[0096] Furthermore, if the history of biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 is the first pattern described above, the judgment unit 44 determines that a person E with a specified attribute is present in area B, regardless of the detection result by the specific object detection unit 43.

[0097] In addition, if no specific object is detected by the specific object detection unit 43 and the history of biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 is the second or third pattern described above, the judgment unit 44 determines that person E with a specified attribute is not present in area B.

[0098] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The determination unit 44 may be configured to determine that the person E with a predetermined attribute is present in the area B only when the specific object is detected by the specific object detection unit 43 and the history of the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 is a first pattern.

[0099] [Signal transmission unit] 3, the control unit 4 has a signal transmission unit 45 (corresponding to the "alert control unit" and "transmission unit" according to the present invention). The detection results by the state detection unit 41 and the person state detection unit 42 are sent to the signal transmission unit 45. In addition, the determination result by the determination unit 44 is sent to the signal transmission unit 45.

[0100] The signal transmitting unit 45 is configured to be able to transmit a predetermined alarm signal (corresponding to the "status information" according to the present invention) to the alarm issuing device 2 when a predetermined status is detected by the status detecting unit 41. The alarm signal is information indicating the detection result by the status detecting unit 41.

[0101] The alarm issuing device 2 is activated when it receives the alarm signal. More specifically, the alarm issuing device 2 issues an alert by displaying an image and by issuing a voice call to the person E with the specified attribute. In other words, the alarm issuing device 2 is a display device capable of issuing an alert by displaying an image, and is also a call device capable of calling the person E with the specified attribute.

[0102] The image display may display an image captured by the imaging unit 3. The content of the image display and the call voice may include, for example, the name of the monitored person D, the location of the room (room number, etc.), the current status, etc. The alarm device 2 may also be capable of issuing an alarm by vibration.

[0103] That is, the monitoring system A includes a signal transmitting unit 45 that can activate the alarm device 2 in response to the detection of a predetermined state by the state detecting unit 41. The monitoring device 1 also includes a signal transmitting unit 45 that can transmit an alarm signal, which is information indicating the detection result by the state detecting unit 41, to the outside in response to the detection of a predetermined state by the state detecting unit 41.

[0104] The signal transmission unit 45 is configured to determine whether or not to transmit the above-mentioned alarm signal to the alarm device 2 based on the detection results by the status detection unit 41 and the person status detection unit 42, and the judgment result by the judgment unit 44, in accordance with the alarm decision flow shown in Figure 4.

[0105] [Alert decision flow] When the alarm generation decision flow shown in Fig. 4 is started, first, the processing of step S01 is executed. In step S01, it is determined whether or not a predetermined state has been detected by the state detection unit 41. If the predetermined state has not been detected by the state detection unit 41 ("No" in step S01 in Fig. 4), this alarm generation decision flow is temporarily terminated. If the predetermined state has been detected by the state detection unit 41 ("Yes" in step S01 in Fig. 4), the processing proceeds to step S02.

[0106] In step S02, the determination unit 44 determines whether or not it has been determined that the predetermined attribute person E exists in area B. If it has been determined that the predetermined attribute person E exists in area B ("Yes" in step S02 of FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step S03. If it has been determined that the predetermined attribute person E does not exist in area B ("No" in step S02 of FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step S04.

[0107] In step S03, it is determined whether a predetermined first condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the first condition is that an abnormal state is detected by the person state detection unit 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first condition may be, for example, that an abnormal state different from the predetermined state is detected by the state detection unit 41, or that the predetermined state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes).

[0108] If the first condition is satisfied ("Yes" in step S03 of FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step S05.

[0109] In step S05, the signal transmitting unit 45 transmits the above-mentioned alarm signal to the alarm issuing device 2. That is, in this case, the signal transmitting unit 45 activates the alarm issuing device 2. Thereafter, this alarm issuing decision flow is temporarily ended.

[0110] In this way, when a predetermined state is detected by the state detection unit 41 and the judgment unit 44 judges that a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B, if a predetermined first condition is satisfied, the signal transmission unit 45 activates the alarm device 2.

[0111] If the first condition is not satisfied ("No" in step S03 of FIG. 4), this alarm decision flow is temporarily terminated. Therefore, in this case, the signal transmitting unit 45 does not transmit the above-mentioned alarm signal to the alarm issuing device 2. That is, in this case, the signal transmitting unit 45 does not operate the alarm issuing device 2.

[0112] In step S04, it is determined whether a predetermined second condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the second condition is that the current time is included in a predetermined time period. The time period may be set by, for example, the will of the monitored person D or by inputting it in advance in accordance with a contract regarding the monitoring of the monitored person D (for example, an agreement regarding the monitoring time period), or it may be a time period during which the person E with a predetermined attribute cares for the monitored person D, such as a time period during which the monitored person D wipes his / her body or during excretion.

[0113] However, the present invention is not limited to this. The second condition may be, for example, that the time when the predetermined state is detected by the state detection unit 41 is included in a preset time period.

[0114] If the second condition is satisfied ("Yes" in step S04 of FIG. 4), the alarm decision flow is temporarily terminated. Therefore, in this case, the signal transmitting unit 45 does not transmit the above-mentioned alarm signal to the alarm issuing device 2. That is, in this case, the signal transmitting unit 45 does not activate the alarm issuing device 2.

[0115] In this way, when a predetermined state is detected by the state detection unit 41 and the judgment unit 44 determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in area B, if a predetermined second condition is satisfied, the signal transmission unit 45 will not activate the alarm device 2.

[0116] If the second condition is not satisfied ("No" in step S04 of FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step S05. In this case, the signal transmitting unit 45 transmits the above-mentioned alarm signal to the alarm issuing device 2. That is, in this case, the signal transmitting unit 45 activates the alarm issuing device 2. Thereafter, this alarm issuing decision flow is temporarily terminated.

[0117] As is clear from the above description, when the state detection unit 41 detects a predetermined state ("Yes" in step S01 of FIG. 4) and the determination unit 44 determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in area B ("No" in step S02 of FIG. 4), the signal transmission unit 45 transmits an alert signal unless the second condition is satisfied. That is, when the state detection unit 41 detects a predetermined state and the determination unit 44 determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in area B, the signal transmission unit 45 activates the alert device 2. Furthermore, when the state detection unit 41 detects a predetermined state and the determination unit 44 determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in area B, the signal transmission unit 45 transmits an alert signal to the outside.

[0118] 1, when the monitored person D falls into a predetermined state (for example, falls down), if a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in the area B where the monitored person D is present, an alarm signal is transmitted from the monitoring device 1 to the alarm issuing device 2. As a result, the monitoring device 1 activates the alarm issuing device 2.

[0119] Furthermore, as is clear from the above description, when the state detection unit 41 detects a predetermined state ("Yes" in step S01 of FIG. 4) and the determination unit 44 determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B ("Yes" in step S02 of FIG. 4), the signal transmission unit 45 does not transmit an alarm signal unless the first condition is satisfied. That is, when the state detection unit 41 detects a predetermined state and the determination unit 44 determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B, the signal transmission unit 45 does not activate the alarm device 2. Furthermore, when the state detection unit 41 detects a predetermined state and the determination unit 44 determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B, the signal transmission unit 45 does not transmit an alarm signal to the outside.

[0120] 2, when the monitored person D falls into a predetermined state (for example, falls down), if a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in the area B where the monitored person D is present, the monitoring device 1 does not transmit an alarm signal to the alarm issuing device 2. In other words, the monitoring device 1 does not activate the alarm issuing device 2.

[0121] The control unit 4 and each functional unit such as the state detection unit 41 included in the control unit 4 may be a physical device such as a microcomputer, or may be a functional unit in software. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a program corresponding to each functional unit included in the control unit 4 is stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and the program is loaded into and executed by a CPU, thereby executing a process corresponding to each functional unit.

[0122] According to the configuration described above, when the monitored person D enters a predetermined state, if a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in the area B where the monitored person D is present, the alarm device 2 will not operate, and if a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present, the alarm device 2 will operate.

[0123] As a result, for example, if monitored person D is a resident of a welfare facility for the elderly and the predetermined attribute is "being an attendant who assists the resident," when the monitored resident D falls into a predetermined state (for example, has fallen), if there is an attendant in area B where the resident is present, alarm device 2 will not be activated. Also, when monitored person D falls into a predetermined state (for example, has fallen), if there is no attendant in area B where the resident is present, alarm device 2 will be activated even if another resident is present. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation where an alarm is prevented from being activated due to the presence of another resident.

[0124] In this way, the configuration described above makes it possible to avoid issuing an alarm in situations where it is not necessary, while making it easier to reliably issue an alarm in situations where it is necessary.

[0125] Other Embodiments (1) The monitoring method may be configured to perform the operations performed by each component in the above-described embodiment in one or more steps. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the monitoring method may be configured to include a status detection step S11 corresponding to the status detection unit 41, a determination step S12 corresponding to the determination unit 44, and an alarm step S13 corresponding to the signal transmission unit 45.

[0126] In this case, the alarm issuing step S13 is a step in which the alarm issuing device 2 is not activated if a predetermined state is detected by the state detection step S11 and it is determined by the judgment step S12 that a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B, and the alarm issuing device 2 is activated if a predetermined state is detected by the state detection step S11 and it is determined by the judgment step S12 that a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in area B.

[0127] (2) The functions of the components in the above embodiment may be configured as a monitoring program that causes a computer to realize them. For example, the monitoring program may cause a computer to realize a status acquisition function corresponding to the status detection unit 41, a determination function corresponding to the determination unit 44, and an alarm function corresponding to the signal transmission unit 45.

[0128] In this case, the status acquisition function is a function for acquiring information indicating the status of the monitored person D. Specifically, the "information indicating the status of the monitored person D" may be a captured image acquired by the imaging unit 3, or may be information indicating the status of the monitored person D detected based on the captured image.

[0129] In this case, the alarm function does not activate the alarm device 2 when information indicating a predetermined state is acquired by the status acquisition function and the judgment function determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B, and activates the alarm device 2 when the status acquisition function detects a predetermined state and the judgment function determines that a person E with a predetermined attribute is not present in area B.

[0130] The monitoring program may be configured to be stored in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone and executed on the mobile terminal. In this case, the mobile terminal may be configured to function as the "alarm device" according to the present invention.

[0131] (3) Some or all of the status detection unit 41, person status detection unit 42, specific object detection unit 43, judgment unit 44, and signal transmission unit 45 may be provided outside the monitoring device 1 (for example, on a personal computer used by person E with a specified attribute).

[0132] (4) In the alarm determination flow shown in FIG. 4, step S03 and step S04 may not be present.

[0133] (5) The sound detection device 5 may be included in the monitoring device 1.

[0134] (6) The entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 may be configured as devices that read an IC card worn by an attendant. In this case, the IC card corresponds to the "specific object" according to the present invention, and the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 both correspond to the "detection unit" according to the present invention.

[0135] (7) The monitoring device 1 or the monitoring system A may include a face information acquisition unit that acquires face information of a person. In this case, the face information corresponds to the "biometric information" of the present invention, and the face information acquisition unit corresponds to the "biometric information acquisition unit" of the present invention. The face information acquisition unit may be configured to acquire only one of the face information of a person entering area B and the face information of a person present in area B, or may be configured to acquire both. That is, the face information acquisition unit acquires at least one of the face information of a person entering area B and the face information of a person present in area B. The face information acquisition unit may acquire the face information of a person present in area B, for example, based on a captured image acquired by the imaging unit 3. Furthermore, the determination unit 44 may be configured to determine whether a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in area B based on the face information acquired by the face information acquisition unit.

[0136] (8) The imaging unit 3 does not have to be provided. In this case, the status detection unit 41 may detect the status of the monitored person D based only on the information indicating the sound received from the sound detection device 5, for example.

[0137] (9) The specific object detection unit 43 may not be provided. In this case, the determination unit 44 may determine whether or not a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in the area B based only on the biometric information acquired by the entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7, for example.

[0138] (10) The entry detection device 6 and the exit detection device 7 may not be provided. In this case, the determination unit 44 may determine whether or not a person E with a predetermined attribute is present in the area B based only on the detection result by the specific object detection unit 43, for example.

[0139] (11) An input unit may be provided that allows a user to input information indicating whether or not the situation actually required the alarm when the alarm is generated. Furthermore, if information indicating that the situation actually required the alarm is input to the input unit, an information storage unit may be provided that stores various information (e.g., information indicating the posture or location of the monitored person D, or the time) at the time the alarm is generated. Furthermore, the signal transmission unit 45 may be configured to determine, based on the information stored in the information storage unit, whether or not the current situation is similar to the situation at the time (when the alarm is generated despite the situation actually not requiring the alarm), and not to transmit the above-mentioned alarm signal to the alarm issuance device 2 if it is determined to be similar.

[0140] With this configuration, if the alarm issuing device 2 is activated even though an alarm is not actually required, it is easy to avoid a situation where an alarm is issued every time a similar situation occurs.

[0141] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0142] The present invention can be used not only in elderly care facilities but also in various other facilities such as medical facilities and public facilities, and can also be used outdoors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1: Monitoring device 2: Alarm device 6: Entry detection device (biometric information acquisition unit) 41: Status detection unit 42: Person state detection unit 43: Specific object detection unit (detection unit) 44: Judgment section 45: Signal transmission unit (alarm control unit, transmission unit) A: Surveillance system B: Area D :Monitored person E: Predetermined attribute person S11: Status detection step S12: Judgment step S13: Notification step

Claims

1. An alarm device; a detection unit that detects the state of a person; an alarm control unit that can activate the alarm device in response to the detection of a predetermined state of the monitored person by the detection unit; a determination unit that determines whether a person with a predetermined attribute, who is a person different from the person being monitored and has a predetermined attribute, is present in an area where the person being monitored is present; When the detection unit detects the predetermined state and the determination unit determines that the person with the predetermined attribute is present in the area, the alarm control unit does not activate the alarm device, a monitoring system, wherein when the detection unit detects the predetermined state and the determination unit determines that the person with the predetermined attribute is not present in the area, the alarm control unit activates the alarm device, A monitoring system in which, when the detection unit detects the specified state and the judgment unit determines that a person with the specified attributes is present in the area, if the detection unit detects an abnormal state, the alarm control unit activates the alarm device.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormal state is the state of the monitored person.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormal state is a state of a person having a predetermined attribute.

Images