Nursing service support device

Abstract

To provide situation information objectively and minutely indicating the situation of a person or an object in a facility for nursing care.SOLUTION: A nursing service support device includes an acquisition device and a processing device. The acquiring device acquires position information indicating a position of at least one of a staff member, a care receiver, and a welfare products in a facility and indicating a position measured using radio waves in the facility or information for calculating the position. The processing device determines a situation of at least one of the staff member, the care receiver, and the welfare products based on the position information acquired by the acquiring device, and generates situation information indicating a result of the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a care work support device that supports care work. [Background technology]

[0002] In the nursing care support method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a camera is installed in a facility and images of the inside of the facility are generated. The nursing care support method analyzes the images of the inside of the facility and records the type of care provided by the facility staff to the care recipient and the time required for care. This makes it possible to create information that objectively shows the situation inside the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7354634 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The nursing care support method of Patent Document 1 requires a large number of cameras to broaden the scope of analysis. Furthermore, there are some locations where cameras cannot be installed due to consideration of the privacy of care recipients or staff. Therefore, detailed information about the situation within the facility cannot be easily obtained through analysis using cameras.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide situation information that objectively and in detail indicates the situation of people or things in a care facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present application is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be explained.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a nursing care service support device having the following configuration. That is, the nursing care service support device includes an acquisition device and a processing device. The acquisition device acquires location information indicating the location of at least one of a staff member, a care recipient, and welfare equipment in a facility, and indicating a location measured using radio waves within the facility, or information for calculating a location. The processing device determines the status of at least one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment based on the location information acquired by the acquisition device, and creates status information indicating the determination result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present application, it is possible to provide situation information that objectively and in detail indicates the situation of people or objects in a care facility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a nursing care business support system. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the care service support system. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing position measurement. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating representative points and areas. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing location measurement using presence probability. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a state analysis. [Figure 7] 10 is a table showing an example of information obtained by position measurement and state analysis. [Figure 8] 1 is a table showing an overview of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a table showing an example of information obtained by position measurement and state analysis according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example created by the statistical processing of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a table showing an outline of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a table showing an example of information obtained by position measurement and state analysis according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example created by statistical processing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a table showing an outline of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 11 is a table showing an example of information obtained by position measurement and state analysis according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example created by the statistical processing of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a table showing an outline of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a table showing an example of information obtained by position measurement and state analysis according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a simplified time chart created by statistical processing according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a detailed time chart created by statistical processing according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Next, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First, the terms used in this specification are defined. "Nursing care" refers to assisting a care recipient with any activity throughout their daily life. Nursing care can also be referred to as "care." Nursing-related tasks are sometimes simply referred to as "tasks." A "care recipient" is a person receiving care, or in other words, a "care recipient." A "facility" is a facility where nursing care is provided as part of the work. Facilities are not limited to facilities dedicated to nursing care, but also include, for example, hospitals or facilities for the disabled. "Staff" refers to people working at the facility. Staff include caregivers, nurses, physical therapists, and doctors who provide nursing care as part of their work. Staff include people who clean, prepare meals, or groom at nursing care facilities. "Assistive technology" refers to tools or equipment used in nursing care. Assistive technology is a broad term that includes non-powered tools such as walkers and shower chairs, portable powered equipment such as intercoms, and stationary powered equipment such as transfer lifts and specialized bathing devices. Assistive devices also include nursing recreational equipment, nursing carts, or transfer lifts.

[0012] Next, the configuration of the care service support system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] The facility is provided with a router 10, a plurality of wireless access points 11, a plurality of positioning target devices 12, and a plurality of assistive devices 13.

[0014] The router 10 establishes a local area network within the facility. The local area network within the facility may be connected to the Internet 3 via the router 10, or may be connected to the Internet 3 via a mobile phone line 4. The wireless access point 11 is placed within the facility and establishes a wireless communication environment within the facility. The positioning target device 12 detects its own position within the facility. The welfare equipment 13 shown in Figure 1 is a transfer lift. However, the subject of this system is not limited to transfer lifts, and can be applied to the various welfare equipment mentioned above.

[0015] Since it may be difficult to use GNSS for positioning within a facility, the positioning target device 12 performs positioning using radio waves within the facility. The radio waves within the facility are, for example, radio waves transmitted by the wireless access point 11. Instead of the radio waves from the wireless access point 11, radio waves for short-range wireless communication or radio waves from a beacon transmitter may be used.

[0016] The staff member and the care recipient carry the positioning target device 12. For example, if the positioning target device 12 is a wearable device, the staff member and the care recipient wear the positioning target device 12. If the positioning target device 12 is a small device that is not wearable, the staff member and the care recipient carry the positioning target device 12 in a pocket, bag, or the like. In addition, the positioning target device 12 is attached to the welfare equipment 13.

[0017] The positioning target device 12 includes a communication module, a processor, and a storage. The communication module receives radio waves from multiple wireless access points 11. The processor processes the received radio waves to determine radio wave intensity. The storage stores radio wave intensity information indicating the intensity of the radio waves from the wireless access points 11. The positioning target device 12 also transmits the radio wave intensity information to the care service support device 20 via the Internet 3.

[0018] The care work support device 20 includes a server device. The care work support device 20 is capable of communicating with each device in the local area network of the facility via the Internet 3. The care work support device 20 may be capable of communicating with devices in one facility, or may be capable of communicating with each device in multiple facilities. The care work support device 20 includes a communication module 21, a processor 22, a main memory 23, and a storage 24. The communication module 21 corresponds to an "acquisition device," and the processor 22 corresponds to a "processing device." The processor 22 reads a program stored in the storage 24 into the main memory 23 and executes the program, thereby enabling the care work support device 20 to perform various functions.

[0019] The communication module 21 receives radio wave intensity information from the device 12 to be positioned. The radio wave intensity information corresponds to information for calculating the position of the device 12 to be positioned. The processor 22 determines the distance from each wireless access point 11 to the device 12 to be positioned based on the radio wave intensity information. The position of each wireless access point 11 within the facility is known. Therefore, the processor 22 calculates the position of the device 12 to be positioned by determining the distance from the multiple wireless access points 11 to the device 12 to be positioned. The position information indicating the position calculated by the processor 22 is stored in the storage 24. The processor 22 calculates the position of the device 12 to be positioned at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, time series data in which the position information of the device 12 to be positioned is arranged in chronological order is stored in the storage 24.

[0020] Instead of the care service support device 20 calculating the position of the positioning target device 12, for example, an information processing device in the facility or the positioning target device 12 may calculate the position of the positioning target device 12. Thereafter, the information processing device or the positioning target device 12 transmits the calculated position information of the positioning target device 12 to the care service support device 20.

[0021] Creating time-series data of the position information of the positioning target device 12 corresponds to creating time-series data of the position information of the staff member, the care recipient, or the welfare equipment 13. In addition, the processor 22 re-detects the position as time passes, thereby detecting the position of the staff member, the care recipient, or the welfare equipment 13 according to the time.

[0022] The care service support device 20 may be a single server device or a system in which multiple server devices cooperate with each other. The multiple server devices may be aggregated and located in one data center, or may be separately located in multiple data centers.

[0023] The display device 30 includes a device owned by a facility manager or a support company that supports business improvement at the facility. The display device 30 is, for example, a notebook PC, but may also be a desktop PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone. The display device 30 displays an image (described below) created by the care service support device 20.

[0024] The above-described configuration of the care service support system 1 is an example. For example, the care service support device 20 or the display device 30 may be installed inside a facility. In addition, one or two of the staff, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13 may be excluded from the devices to which the positioning target devices 12 are attached.

[0025] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an overview of the processing performed by the care service support system 1 will be described.

[0026] The care work support system 1 performs position measurement (S100), status analysis (S200), and statistical processing (S300). In the position measurement, time-series data of the position information of at least one of the staff, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13 is created using the method described above. In the status analysis, the time-series data of the position information is analyzed to infer the work of the staff in the facility or the behavior of the care recipient. In the statistical processing, the results obtained in the status analysis are compiled to create information useful to the administrator and present it to the administrator.

[0027] The position measurement, the state analysis, and the statistical processing will be described in detail below. The position measurement will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] The communication module 21 acquires the above-mentioned radio wave intensity information, i.e., time-series data of the radio wave intensity of each wireless access point 11 measured by the device to be positioned 12 (S101). Next, the processor 22 calculates time-series data of the location information of the device to be positioned 12 based on the time-series data of the radio wave intensity of each wireless access point 11 (S102).

[0029] Next, processor 22 determines whether there is any location information in which the hierarchical level has temporarily changed (S103). This determination is intended to detect a hierarchical level determination error. For example, if the hierarchical level indicated by the location information changes and then returns to the original hierarchical level in a time shorter than a threshold, processor 22 determines that the hierarchical level change is a hierarchical level determination error. If processor 22 determines that there has been a hierarchical level determination error, it corrects the hierarchical level determination error (S104).

[0030] Next, the processor 22 replaces the location information with an area or a representative point (S105). An area is a location range obtained by dividing a facility into sections based on its intended use. For example, an area may be a room, a hall, a dining room, or a bathroom. A representative point is a representative position of a specific location range. In this embodiment, a representative point is a representative position of a location range obtained by further dividing an area into multiple areas. The processor 22 determines which area or which representative point the location information belongs to based on the location range that includes the location information, and replaces the location information with an area or a representative point based on the determination result.

[0031] Figure 4 shows examples of areas and representative points. In Figure 4, "hall" and "room" correspond to areas. The points indicated by alphabets are representative points.

[0032] Furthermore, the positioning target device 12 includes unique identification information. By using the identification information of the positioning target device 12, the processor 22 can store the position information by distinguishing each staff member or care recipient, or each welfare tool 13.

[0033] In this embodiment, the processor 22 performs a proximity determination to determine whether two or more of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13 are in close proximity. If the proximity determination is performed using position information, the processor 22 may determine that two items that are in close proximity across a wall are in close proximity. However, since two items that are in close proximity across a wall do not have a relationship in which they influence each other, it is preferable to exclude them. By having the processor 22 perform the proximity determination using an area or a representative point, the two items that are in close proximity across a wall can be excluded from the proximity targets. However, the area or representative point is not required, and the processor 22 may perform the proximity determination based on position information.

[0034] The processor 22 may also perform location measurement using presence probability, as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5. Location measurement using presence probability is a well-known probabilistic estimation method called a sequential Bayes filter.

[0035] The processor 22 first acquires the presence probability (S111). The processor 22 reads from storage or calculates the probability that the positioning target exists at each of the multiple representative points at the current time, for example. In the initial state, an equal probability is assigned to all representative points.

[0036] Next, the processor 22 performs a one-period-ahead prediction using a sequential Bayes filter (S112). The processor 22 estimates the next position of the target, taking into account physical constraints or movement trends. Specifically, the processor 22 calculates the predicted presence probability at each representative point based on the previous presence probability and a preset transition probability.

[0037] Next, the processor 22 acquires the next position information (S113). The processor 22 performs a filtering process using the position information (S114). The filtering process is a process using a sequential Bayes filter, which allows a more accurate existence probability to be calculated. The processor 22 stores the calculated existence probability (S115).

[0038] Next, the processor 22 estimates a representative point (S116). Specifically, the processor 22 estimates the representative point with the highest probability of the calculated existence probabilities as the current position of the target. The processor 22 stores the estimated position information (S117). By estimating the representative point using the existence probability, the position can be estimated taking into account the position history, thereby increasing the estimation accuracy. Note that position estimation using the existence probability is not essential and can be omitted.

[0039] Next, the condition analysis will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the following description, the staff, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13 will be collectively referred to as "subjects."

[0040] The processor 22 acquires time-series data of a target area or representative point (S201). Next, the processor 22 selects a target to be processed (S202). The processor 22 selects a target according to the purpose of the analysis. For example, if the purpose is to analyze the behavior of staff, the processor 22 selects one of the staff.

[0041] Next, the processor 22 registers the proximity state between the target and other targets based on the proximity condition (S203). The processor 22 registers the proximity state in the storage 24. The proximity condition is a condition for determining proximity between targets. For example, when an area is used, the processor 22 determines that targets located in the same area are in proximity to each other. When a representative point is used, the processor 22 determines that targets located at the same representative point or at pre-associated representative points are in proximity to each other. For example, adjacent representative points in the same area are pre-associated and stored in the storage 24. The "other target" for determining the proximity state is changed appropriately depending on the purpose of the analysis. For example, if the purpose is to analyze the care provided to a care recipient by staff, the other target is the care recipient. The other target may be one or more. Hereinafter, a state that does not correspond to a proximity state is referred to as a "separate state." Furthermore, instead of or in addition to proximity determination using an area or representative point, proximity determination based on the distance between targets may be performed.

[0042] An example of the proximity state to be registered is shown in Fig. 7. The table in Fig. 7 includes columns for "time," "position of target 1," and "position of target 2." The table in Fig. 7 shows an example in which a representative point is used as the position. The proximity state to be registered in step S203 is described in the column for "pre-correction proximity determination."

[0043] Next, the processor 22 determines whether or not there is a temporary loss of proximity (S204). A temporary loss of proximity refers to a transition from a close state to a separated state for a short period of time, followed by a return to a close state. In this step, a loss of proximity caused by a measurement error in the position information is detected. Therefore, a threshold is set taking into consideration the movement speed of the staff member, the care recipient, or the welfare equipment 13, the distance between areas, and the like. The processor 22 determines that a temporary loss of proximity has occurred if the time during which the staff member, the care recipient, or the welfare equipment 13 remains separated is shorter than the threshold. The threshold set here corresponds to a "second time." The threshold set here can be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose of the analysis, etc. If the processor 22 determines that there is a temporary loss of proximity, it corrects the short-term separated state to a close state.

[0044] The "corrected proximity determination" column in Figure 7 shows the proximity state after correcting the temporary proximity state. The distant states at 08:00:50 and 08:01:00 correspond to the proximity state being out of range, and the corrected proximity determination has corrected them to be in proximity.

[0045] Next, the processor 22 calculates the continuous proximity time during which the objects were in close proximity to each other (S206). The processor 22 calculates the continuous proximity time based on the time from when the proximity state started to when it ended. The processor 22 determines whether the continuous proximity time is equal to or greater than a threshold (S207). The threshold set here corresponds to the "first time." The threshold set here is changed as appropriate depending on the purpose of the analysis. For example, if the purpose is to analyze staff's assistance with bathing of a care recipient, the minimum time required for bathing assistance is set as the threshold. Next, the processor 22 determines whether an additional condition is met (S208). The additional condition is set as appropriate depending on the purpose of the analysis, etc. Specific examples of the additional condition will be described in each embodiment below.

[0046] In the care work support system 1, a series of states in which proximity states are continuous is treated as a record of one task or action. This allows the number of tasks or actions to be analyzed. The processor 22 determines that a state that satisfies the continuous proximity time condition and the additional condition satisfies the registration condition and registers it (S209). The processor 22 registers the state that satisfies the continuous proximity time condition and the additional condition in the storage 24. This registers one task or action.

[0047] In FIG. 7, the part corresponding to the series of states where the proximity state was continuous is indicated by a bold frame. The recorded information items indicate the information to be registered. The recorded information includes the start time, end time, continuous proximity time, and at least one or more targets. Continuous proximity time may be interpreted as work time or activity time. If the work or activity can be identified, the work content or activity content may also be registered. In the example shown in FIG. 7, one state is registered, but if there are multiple states that satisfy the conditions, multiple states are registered.

[0048] After completing the registration of the state that satisfies the registration condition, or after confirming that there is no state that satisfies the registration condition, processor 22 determines whether there is an unprocessed target (S210). If there is an unprocessed target, processor 22 selects the unprocessed target (S202) and executes the processing of steps S203 to S210 again. Depending on the purpose of the analysis, after executing the processing of steps S203 to S210 for the care recipient, the processing of steps S203 to S210 may be executed for the staff or welfare equipment 13.

[0049] 6 is completed, information including the number of times that targets selected from the staff, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13 have been in close proximity to each other over a continuous proximity time is registered. This makes it possible to estimate work or behavior within the facility without using a camera. Specific details of the estimation will be described in detail in each embodiment below.

[0050] Statistical processing is a process of aggregating the work or actions within the facility obtained by the status analysis. For example, the processor 22 can create situation information that shows the work or actions within the facility from various perspectives by aggregating the data by staff member, by care recipient, by welfare equipment 13, by work content, or by activity content. The situation information is useful information for facility managers to understand the status of the facility. Note that the situation information regarding welfare equipment 13 is highly valuable information for welfare equipment manufacturers. Specific situation information will be described in detail in each embodiment described below.

[0051] The nursing care support system 1 creates situation information without using cameras, so it has little impact on the privacy of staff or care recipients and has low barriers to adoption. Furthermore, it can analyze the situation within a facility without installing cameras throughout the facility. Therefore, the nursing care support system 1 is also superior in terms of cost compared to systems that use cameras.

[0052] The first to fourth embodiments will be described below. Each embodiment is based on the configuration, position measurement, and status analysis of the nursing care service support system 1 described so far. In each embodiment, the purpose and target of the analysis are specified. As the common points in each embodiment have already been explained regarding the status analysis, the explanation will focus on the parts specific to each embodiment.

[0053] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. Fig. 8 shows a table outlining the first embodiment. The purpose of the first embodiment is to analyze the usage status of the welfare equipment 13 by the care recipient. The care work support system 1 infers that the care recipient has used the welfare equipment 13 by satisfying the above-mentioned continuous proximity condition and additional condition. The detailed purpose is the number of times, duration of use, or frequency of use of the welfare equipment 13 by the care recipient. Therefore, the targets of the first embodiment are the care recipient and the welfare equipment 13.

[0054] The first embodiment is directed to a welfare equipment 13 that can be used by a care recipient without the assistance of staff. The welfare equipment 13 envisioned in the first embodiment is, for example, equipment that assists daily life, and specifically, a care recreational device or a care cart.

[0055] The proximity condition in the first embodiment is that the two points are predetermined representative points. However, instead of the representative points, location information or an area may be used. The proximity condition may be different depending on the type of welfare equipment 13. For example, if the welfare equipment 13 is a care cart, the care recipient and the welfare equipment 13 move together, so the proximity condition may be stricter.

[0056] An additional condition in the first embodiment is, for example, selecting a target when one-to-one registration of a care recipient and welfare equipment 13 is required. Depending on the type of welfare equipment 13, there are cases where only one care recipient can use one welfare equipment 13 at a time. For example, a care cart cannot be used by multiple care recipients at the same time. Therefore, when registering the usage status of welfare equipment 13 that cannot be used simultaneously, it is necessary to limit the target care recipient to one. For example, the processor 22 registers the care recipient who has satisfied the proximity condition to the welfare equipment 13 for the longest period of time or the care recipient who has been closest to the welfare equipment 13. On the other hand, nursing recreation equipment can be used simultaneously by multiple care recipients. Therefore, when registering the usage status of welfare equipment 13 that can be used simultaneously, the processor 22 also registers multiple care recipients.

[0057] Another condition in the first embodiment is that the threshold for the continuous proximity time is varied depending on the type of welfare equipment 13. Each welfare equipment 13 has an estimated usage time. If the continuous proximity time between the care recipient and the welfare equipment 13 is shorter than the estimated usage time, there is a high possibility that the care recipient is not using the welfare equipment 13. Therefore, by setting the threshold for the continuous proximity time to a threshold based on the estimated usage time of the welfare equipment 13, the usage status of the welfare equipment 13 can be accurately estimated.

[0058] 9 shows an example of the position measurement result, the status analysis result, and the registration information in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the positions of the care recipient and the welfare equipment 13 are treated as representative points. Furthermore, if the continuous proximity time after the corrected proximity determination exceeds a threshold and other additional conditions are met, the status is registered. The registered information includes information about the start time, the end time, the usage time, the care recipient as the user, and the welfare equipment 13 as the object of use.

[0059] 9 shows only one care recipient and one welfare equipment 13, but in reality, position measurement and status analysis are performed for all of the care recipients and all of the welfare equipment 13 to be analyzed. In the first embodiment, the use of the welfare equipment 13 by the care recipient can be inferred based on the position information of the care recipient and the welfare equipment 13.

[0060] The processor 22 can create information indicating the usage status of a specific welfare equipment 13 by extracting information about the specific welfare equipment 13 from all the information obtained by the condition analysis of the first embodiment. For example, the processor 22 can calculate the usage rate by dividing the time the specific welfare equipment 13 was used by the usable time of the specific welfare equipment 13. The reference period can be, for example, per day, per week, per month, or per year.

[0061] The processor 22 creates an image based on the created information. The processor 22 creates, for example, a graph showing the created information. FIG. 10 shows a graph showing the usage rates of two types of welfare equipment 13. The graph created by the processor 22 is displayed, for example, on the display device 30 or a display of a PC or the like in the facility. For example, a facility manager can understand the usage rates of the welfare equipment 13 by looking at the graph in FIG. 10. In particular, by displaying the usage rates of multiple welfare equipment 13 together, the manager can understand the differences in the usage rates of the multiple welfare equipment 13.

[0062] The processor 22 may create information focusing on a specific care recipient. For example, the processor 22 may create information extracting the usage time of the welfare equipment 13 by a specific care recipient. This allows the administrator to understand the usage status of the welfare equipment 13 by a specific care recipient.

[0063] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. The matters described in the first embodiment are also applicable to the second embodiment unless a contradiction arises.

[0064] FIG. 11 shows a table outlining the second embodiment. The purpose of the second embodiment is to analyze the care situation of a care recipient by staff using welfare equipment. The care work support system 1 infers that a staff member has cared for a care recipient using welfare equipment 13 when the above-mentioned continuous proximity condition and additional condition are satisfied. The detailed purpose is to analyze the number of times, duration, or frequency of care provided by a staff member to a care recipient using welfare equipment 13. Therefore, the targets of the second embodiment are the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13.

[0065] The second embodiment is directed to a welfare equipment 13 used by staff. The welfare equipment 13 assumed in the second embodiment is, for example, a transfer lift or a bathing stretcher.

[0066] The proximity condition in the second embodiment is that the locations are in the same area. However, instead of an area, location information or a representative point may be used. Furthermore, the room may be determined as either the care recipient's own room or another room. This is because there is care that is only provided in the care recipient's own room. The care recipient's own room can be easily identified based on the results of position measurement of the care recipient.

[0067] Furthermore, the threshold for the continuous proximity time may be different for inside and outside the room. For example, the threshold for inside the room may be shorter than the threshold for outside the room. This is because when the staff member and the care recipient are in the room, it is highly likely that the staff member is performing some kind of work on the care recipient.

[0068] Additional conditions in the second embodiment include, for example, conformance to the circumstances under which the welfare equipment 13 is used. One example is that the welfare equipment 13 is used in the care recipient's own room. For example, a lift for transferring a person from a bed to a wheelchair is expected to be used in the care recipient's own room. Therefore, an additional condition that the welfare equipment 13 is used in the care recipient's own room may be set. Another example is a meal assistance device for a care recipient who eats meals in their room.

[0069] The second example is the movement history of a care recipient or staff member. For example, a lift used to transfer a care recipient from a bed to a wheelchair is used when the care recipient moves from a room to outside the room or returns from outside the room to the room. Therefore, an additional condition may be that the area in which the care recipient is located is outside the room before or after the continuous proximity condition is satisfied.

[0070] 12 shows an example of the position measurement result, the status analysis result, and the registration information in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the positions of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13 are treated as areas. Furthermore, if the continuous proximity time after the corrected proximity determination exceeds a threshold and other additional conditions are met, the status is registered. The registered information includes information about the start time, the end time, the usage time, the staff member as the user, the care recipient as the target, and the welfare equipment 13 as the target.

[0071] 12 shows only one staff member, one care recipient, and one welfare equipment 13, but in reality, position measurement and status analysis are performed for all of the staff members, all of the care recipients, and all of the welfare equipment 13 that are the subject of analysis. In the second embodiment, the status of care provided by the staff member to the care recipient using the welfare equipment 13 can be estimated based on the position information of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment 13.

[0072] Based on the registered information obtained by the state analysis of the second embodiment, the processor 22 can create information indicating the usage status of the assistive device 13. For example, the processor 22 plots the registered information in the form of a time chart.

[0073] 13 shows a time chart that indicates the positions of multiple staff members, multiple care recipients, and multiple welfare equipment 13 for specific purposes, as well as whether or not the specific purpose is being used, according to the time. By looking at the time chart, the manager can understand the time periods and number of times that transfers using the lift were performed.

[0074] The processor 22 may generate information focused on a specific staff member, a specific care recipient, or a specific assistive device 13. For example, the processor 22 may generate information indicating the number and duration of transfers performed by a specific staff member.

[0075] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16. The matters described in the first or second embodiment can also be applied to the third embodiment unless a contradiction occurs.

[0076] FIG. 14 shows a table outlining the third embodiment. The purpose of the third embodiment is to classify the working hours of staff members. That is, the working hours of staff members working at a facility can be classified into direct care time and indirect working time. Direct care time is the time that staff members spend with the care recipient while providing care to the care recipient. Indirect working time is the time that does not fall under direct care time, such as preparing for care, cleaning, recording, or educating other staff members. In the third embodiment, no distinction is made as to whether or not care is provided using welfare equipment 13.

[0077] The third embodiment targets a staff member and a care recipient. The care service support system 1 infers that the staff member is caring for the care recipient when the staff member and the care recipient satisfy the above-described continuous proximity condition and additional condition. In other words, the care service support system 1 determines that the staff member's task time is direct care time.

[0078] The proximity condition in the third embodiment is that the representative points are predetermined representative points. However, location information or an area may be used instead of the representative points. Also, one staff member may be associated with multiple care recipients, or multiple staff members may be associated with one care recipient.

[0079] An additional condition in the third embodiment is, for example, that the situation matches that of a staff member providing care to a care recipient. In order to exclude cases where the staff member and the care recipient pass each other, the threshold of the continuous proximity condition may be the time required for care. This threshold may also be varied depending on the representative point. For example, if the staff member and the care recipient are close to each other at a representative point belonging to a bathroom, the threshold of the continuous proximity condition may be the minimum time required for bathing assistance.

[0080] Fig. 15 shows an example of the position measurement results, the status analysis results, and the registration information in the third embodiment. Fig. 15 shows information including a plurality of staff members. Fig. 15 shows information including care of care recipient A by staff member C and care of care recipient A by staff member D. Therefore, the registration information is registered twice. Each piece of registration information includes the start time, the end time, the care duration, and information about the staff member and the care recipient as the subject.

[0081] The processor 22 can create information indicating the analysis results of the task hours of the staff members based on the registered information obtained by the condition analysis of the third embodiment. For example, the processor 22 determines that the time periods registered in the condition analysis correspond to direct care time during which the staff members cared for the care recipient, and determines that the other time corresponds to indirect task time. The total task hours of the staff members are known.

[0082] Figure 16 shows a pie chart that shows the analysis results of task hours for specific staff members. The pie chart shows task hours for specific staff members, with direct care time and indirect task time shown separately. By looking at the pie chart, managers can understand the work status of specific staff members.

[0083] Processor 22 may generate information comparing the percentage of direct care time for each staff member. The percentage of direct care time can be calculated by dividing the direct care time by the staff member's task time. Processor 22 may generate information showing the total percentage of direct care time for all staff members. Processor 22 may generate information showing the time a particular care recipient is receiving care and the time they are not receiving care.

[0084] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. The matters described in the first to third embodiments are also applicable to the fourth embodiment unless a contradiction arises.

[0085] FIG. 17 shows a table outlining the fourth embodiment. The purpose of the fourth embodiment is to analyze the status of various tasks or activities occurring within a facility. In other words, it is to identify and record as specifically as possible who is doing what and where in the facility. Therefore, the target of the fourth embodiment is one or more of staff, care recipients, and welfare equipment. Below, an example will be described in which all of staff, care recipients, and welfare equipment are targeted, but it may also be possible to target only staff, for example. When focusing only on staff, where and what the staff is doing is recorded to the extent that it can be estimated based on the position of the staff alone.

[0086] The proximity condition in the fourth embodiment is that the areas are the same. However, instead of the area, location information or a representative point may be used. Also, the number of people or the number of items to be associated can be changed as appropriate.

[0087] In the fourth embodiment, in order to identify various tasks or actions, individual additional conditions exist depending on the task or action. Hereinafter, the task or action to be judged will be referred to as a "judgment item." A first example of an additional condition is matching the area of ​​the judgment item. In other words, matching the area in which the task or action to be judged is expected to be performed. A second example of an additional condition is matching the time period of the judgment item. In other words, matching the time period in which the task or action to be judged is expected to be performed. A third example of an additional condition is that the objects of the judgment item are in close proximity to each other. In other words, that the objects related to the task or action to be judged are in close proximity to each other. A fourth example of an additional condition is that the movement pattern matches the judgment item. In other words, that the movement expected for the task or action to be judged has been performed.

[0088] Figure 18 is a table summarizing the tasks or activities within the facility. The tasks shown in Figure 18 are categorized into direct care, indirect tasks, breaks, and slack time. Direct care includes "moving, transferring, and changing positions," "toileting assistance and support," "bathing, grooming, and dressing," "communicating with the user," "support for independent daily living," "addressing behavioral problems," "meal assistance," and "functional training, rehabilitation, and oral care." Indirect tasks include "patrolling and moving," "recording, document preparation, and communication," "gathering user information," "creating and reviewing care plans," "using and checking monitoring devices," "preparing and adjusting care robots," "instructing other staff," "serving and clearing meals," "preparing for bathing," "changing linens and making beds," "cleaning and tidying up rooms," and "infectious disease prevention measures such as disinfection." Breaks include "resting, waiting, and napping." Slack time includes "slack time."

[0089] Of the above items, the items circled in Figure 18 correspond to the judgment items. Items circled in the staff column are the work or actions of the staff, items circled in the care recipient column are the work or actions of the care recipient, and items circled in the welfare equipment 13 column are the work or actions using the welfare equipment 13.

[0090] The processor 22 determines which of the determination items corresponds based on the state analysis. The determination method uses at least one of the above-mentioned area, time period, proximity between objects, and movement pattern. For example, since "movement, transfer, and position change" is performed in a room, the area must be a room. The time period is not limited for "movement, transfer, and position change." Since transfers are performed by staff for the care recipient, the proximity between the staff and the care recipient is a condition. Furthermore, when determining a transfer that also includes the presence or absence of a transfer lift, the proximity of the welfare equipment 13 is also included in the conditions. In other words, the processor 22 determines a transfer in a situation where the welfare equipment 13, which is a transfer lift, is nearby as a transfer with a transfer lift, and determines a transfer in a situation where the welfare equipment 13 is not nearby as a transfer without a transfer lift. Furthermore, since a transfer from a bed to a wheelchair involves movement inside and outside the room as described above, the movement pattern is also included in the conditions.

[0091] An example of a determination item that is determined using a time period is "meal assistance." Since mealtimes are set in advance, the condition is that the meal is performed during the set time period. In addition, for special tasks such as functional training, rehabilitation, or oral care, the condition is that the task is performed in an area corresponding to the task, such as a rehabilitation room. In addition, for example, for toileting, inputting, or grooming, the condition is that the task is performed in an area corresponding to the task.

[0092] Regarding determination items other than those mentioned above, determination can be made by setting conditions related to area, time period, proximity of objects to each other, or movement pattern, taking into consideration the characteristics of the determination item.

[0093] 19 and 20 show an example of information obtained by aggregating the results of the analysis of work or behavior in the fourth embodiment. FIGS. 19 and 20 are time charts showing the positions of staff, care recipients, and welfare equipment 13 according to time. Furthermore, the work content according to time for a specified target, such as a staff member, is shown. FIG. 19 is a simple time chart showing whether the work of a specific staff member falls into direct care, indirect work, or rest. FIG. 20 is a detailed time chart showing specific work content.

[0094] 19 and 20 show the work content according to the time of only one staff member, but the work content according to the time of multiple staff members may be displayed side by side. By targeting staff members, the care work support device 20 can be used for time studies. In addition, the activity content according to the time of a specific care recipient may be displayed. In addition, whether or not a specific welfare equipment 13 is being used according to the time may be displayed.

[0095] By checking the time charts of FIG. 19 or FIG. 20, the facility manager can understand whether various tasks or actions have occurred within the facility, the time periods in which they have occurred, or the frequency with which they have occurred.

[0096] The preferred embodiment of the present application has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. Each modification may be made alone, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0097] The state analysis and statistical processing shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the position information of the staff, the care recipient, or the welfare equipment 13 may be analyzed or tallied from a perspective different from that of the above embodiment.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the status is analyzed based only on the position information, but the status may be analyzed using additional information other than the position information and the image. For example, the status may be analyzed using an acceleration sensor provided in the positioning target device 12 or a signal indicating whether the assistive device 13 is in operation.

[0099] The flowcharts shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and some processes may be omitted, the contents of some processes may be changed, or new processes may be added.

[0100] The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using one or more circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and / or conventional circuitry. The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using one or more circuits or processing circuits, including combinations of general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs, FPGAs, and conventional circuitry. The one or more circuits or processing circuits may be programmed using one or more programs stored together or separately in one or more memories or otherwise configured to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuitry because it includes transistors and other circuits. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the recited functions alone or in combination with each other, or hardware that is programmed to perform the recited functions alone or in combination with each other. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. A computer program containing computer instructions is stored in memory. The computer instructions provide the logic and routines that enable the hardware to perform the methods disclosed herein. The hardware may include, for example, processing circuits or circuitry. The computer program may be implemented in a known format in a computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, and / or the memory of FPGAs or ASICs.

[0101] The above-described embodiment is a specific example of the following aspects. [Aspect 1] an acquisition device that indicates the position of at least one of a staff member, a care recipient, and welfare equipment in the facility, and acquires position information indicating the position measured using radio waves within the facility or information for calculating the position; a processing device that determines a status of at least one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment based on the location information acquired by the acquisition device, and creates status information indicating the determination result; A care work support device comprising: Effect: This allows the nursing care service support device to create situation information that objectively shows the status of people or objects in the facility. In addition, by using the results of measuring location information using radio waves, detailed information within the facility can be obtained more easily than when using a camera. [Aspect 2] The care service support device according to aspect 1, The processing device defines one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment as a first object, defines one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment that is different from the first object as a second object, determines whether a proximity condition of whether the first object and the second object are in proximity is satisfied based on the position information of the first object and the second object, and creates the situation information based on the determination result of the proximity condition. Effect: This allows the nursing care support device to create situation information based on whether the first and second objects in the facility are close to each other, in other words, whether the first and second objects influence each other. [Aspect 3] The care service support device according to aspect 2, The processing device determines that the first object and the second object are in close proximity to each other if the time during which the first object and the second object satisfy the proximity condition is a first time or longer. Effect: With this, the care service support device can determine whether the first object and the second object are close to each other, excluding, for example, a brief contact due to passing each other. [Aspect 4] The care service support device according to aspect 3, The processing device is a nursing care business support device that, when the first object and the second object change from a close proximity state that satisfies the close proximity condition to a separated state that does not satisfy the close proximity condition, and then return to the close proximity state, considers the separated state to be the close proximity state if the time in the separated state is less than a second time. Effect: This allows the care service support device to determine whether the first object and the second object are close to each other, excluding a short period of time when the first object is separated from the second object due to, for example, erroneous detection. [Aspect 5] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, The processing device creates the situation information, including whether the care recipient is using the welfare equipment, based on the position information of the care recipient and the welfare equipment. Effect: This allows the care service support device to create situation information including the use of welfare equipment by the care recipient. [Aspect 6] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, The processing device creates the situation information including whether or not the staff member is caring for the care recipient based on the position information of the staff member and the care recipient. Effect: This allows the care service support device to create situation information including the care provided by staff to the care recipient. [Aspect 7] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, The processing device is a care work support device that creates the situation information, including whether the staff is caring for the care recipient using the welfare equipment, based on the position information of the staff, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment. Effect: This allows the care service support device to create situation information including the fact that the staff member has used welfare equipment to care for the care recipient. [Aspect 8] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, the processing device determines in which area, obtained by dividing the facility into a plurality of areas, the location indicated by the location information acquired by the acquisition device is included; The processing device creates the situation information based on the area that includes the position indicated by the position information. Effect: Thus, for example, by dividing the area into areas according to the use of the facility, the care service support device can create more detailed situation information. [Aspect 9] The care service support device according to aspect 8, The processing device creates the situation information based on the area that includes the location indicated by the location information acquired by the acquisition device and the time spent in the area. Effect: As a result, the care service support device can create more detailed situation information by taking into account the elapsed time of being located in the area. [Aspect 10] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, The processing device creates the situation information based on the location information acquired by the acquisition device and time information associated with the location information. Effect: As a result, the care service support device can create more detailed situation information by taking time information into consideration. [Aspect 11] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, A care service support device, wherein the status information created by the processing device includes time chart information showing the status according to time periods for at least one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment. Effect: This allows the care service support device to create information for analyzing various situations in the facility. [Aspect 12] The care service support device according to aspect 11, A care service support device, wherein the time chart information created by the processing device includes information indicating the work performed by the staff according to the time period. Effect: This allows the care service support device to create information for analyzing information such as the work efficiency of staff and what takes up their time. [Aspect 13] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, the processing device creates the status information regarding the assistive device, The welfare equipment for which the situation information is created includes nursing recreation equipment, nursing carts, or transfer lifts. Effect: This allows the care service support device to create status information indicating the usage status of the above-mentioned welfare equipment. [Aspect 14] The care service support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, The situation information includes information indicating that the situation corresponds to any of the following for the care recipient: transfer without using a lift, assistance with excretion, assistance with bathing, assistance with eating, assistance with grooming, functional training, or communication. Effect: This allows the care service support device to create information indicating the status of care provided by staff or welfare equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Nursing care support system 20. Nursing care support device 21 Communication Module 22 processors

Claims

1. an acquisition device that indicates the position of at least one of a staff member, a care recipient, and welfare equipment in the facility, and acquires position information indicating the position measured using radio waves within the facility or information for calculating the position; a processing device that determines a status of at least one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment based on the location information acquired by the acquisition device, and creates status information indicating the determination result; A care work support device comprising:

2. The care service support device according to claim 1, The processing device defines one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment as a first target, and defines one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment that is different from the first target as a second target, and determines whether a proximity condition is met between the first target and the second target based on the position information of the first target and the second target, and creates the situation information based on the determination result of the proximity condition.

3. The care service support device according to claim 2, The processing device is a nursing care support device that considers the first object and the second object to be in close proximity if the time during which the first object and the second object satisfy the proximity condition is a first time or longer.

4. The care service support device according to claim 3, The processing device is a nursing care support device that, when the first object and the second object change from a close state that satisfies the close condition to a separated state that does not satisfy the close condition, and then return to the close state, considers the separated state to be the close state if the time in the separated state is less than a second time.

5. The care service support device according to claim 1, The processing device creates the situation information, including whether the care recipient is using the welfare equipment, based on the position information of the care recipient and the welfare equipment.

6. The care service support device according to claim 1, The processing device creates the situation information including whether the staff member is caring for the care recipient based on the position information of the staff member and the care recipient.

7. The care service support device according to claim 1, The processing device is a care work support device that creates the situation information, including whether the staff is caring for the care recipient using the welfare equipment, based on the position information of the staff, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment.

8. The care service support device according to claim 1, the processing device determines in which area, obtained by dividing the facility into a plurality of areas, the location indicated by the location information acquired by the acquisition device is included; The processing device creates the situation information based on the area that includes the position indicated by the position information.

9. The care service support device according to claim 8, The processing device creates the situation information based on the area that includes the location indicated by the location information acquired by the acquisition device and the time spent in the area.

10. The care service support device according to claim 1, The processing device creates the situation information based on the location information acquired by the acquisition device and time information associated with the location information.

11. The care service support device according to claim 1, A care work support device, wherein the status information created by the processing device includes time chart information showing the status according to time periods for at least one of the staff member, the care recipient, and the welfare equipment.

12. The care service support device according to claim 11, A care service support device, wherein the time chart information created by the processing device includes information indicating the work performed by the staff according to the time period.

13. The care service support device according to claim 1, the processing device creates the status information regarding the assistive device, The welfare equipment for which the situation information is created includes nursing recreation equipment, nursing carts, or transfer lifts.

14. The care service support device according to claim 1, The situation information includes information indicating that the situation corresponds to any of the following for the care recipient: transfer without using a lift, assistance with excretion, assistance with bathing, assistance with eating, assistance with grooming, functional training, or communication.

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