Oxygen supply system and communication device

Abstract

To provide an oxygen supply system having a function of detecting that a user of an oxygen concentrator forgets to turn off a power source and automatically stopping the power source, and a function of remotely stopping the power source.SOLUTION: An oxygen supply system comprising: a detection unit that detects a state in which an oxygen concentrator is in operation and a user is not inhaling oxygen; and a power-off unit that automatically turns off the power of the oxygen concentrator after a lapse of a certain period of time based on the detection result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] To provide an oxygen supply system having a function of preventing a patient undergoing oxygen inhalation therapy from forgetting to turn off an oxygen concentrator and leaving it in a state where oxygen-concentrated gas is continuously being emitted. [Background technology]

[0002] Oxygen inhalation therapy is one of the most effective treatments for respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Oxygen concentrators that directly separate oxygen from the air have been developed and are widely used as therapeutic devices for oxygen inhalation therapy due to their convenience in use and ease of maintenance.

[0003] Such oxygen concentrators are used as devices for home oxygen inhalation therapy. They continuously generate oxygen by repeating an adsorption process in which an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing nitrogen is filled into an adsorption tube and pressurized air is supplied by a compressor to adsorb and remove nitrogen from the air and extract unadsorbed oxygen, and a desorption regeneration process in which the adsorption tube is depressurized and the nitrogen adsorbed by the adsorbent is desorbed and discarded. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When respiratory disease patients receiving home oxygen therapy evacuate their homes in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, fire, or storm or flood, they leave the house with their oxygen tanks or portable oxygen concentrators, but in an emergency, they may forget to turn off the stationary oxygen concentrator they were using at home. Because oxygen concentrators can continuously supply more than 90% oxygen, forgetting to turn them off during a disaster is extremely dangerous as it could cause a fire.

[0005] With the expansion of the internet society in recent years, we are now in an age where we can freely turn on and off household electrical appliances remotely using a smartphone. However, there are safety issues when a third party controls the power on and off of an oxygen concentrator, which is a medical device, as it is possible that a patient may be undergoing treatment using the oxygen concentrator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As described below, the present invention provides an oxygen supply system that has a function to detect and automatically shut down the power supply to an oxygen concentrator when the user temporarily stops oxygen inhalation and leaves the area, or when the user leaves their home while going out, even if the user forgets to turn off the power.The present invention also provides an oxygen supply system that has a function to remotely shut off the power supply to an oxygen concentrator when the user evacuates their home in the event of a disaster, even if the user forgets to turn off the power. 1) An oxygen supply system having a detection unit that detects when the oxygen concentrator is in operation and the user is not inhaling oxygen, and a power-off unit that automatically turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator after a certain period of time has elapsed based on the detection result. 2) The oxygen supply system described in 1) above, characterized in that the detection unit is a human presence sensor that detects the presence or absence of people at the location where the oxygen concentrator is installed or at the oxygen inhalation location, and if no detection is made for a predetermined period of time, automatically turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator. 3) The oxygen supply system described in 1) above, characterized in that the detection unit is equipped with a near-field wireless communication unit, and if communication between the terminal carried by the user and the oxygen concentrator is interrupted for a predetermined period of time, the oxygen concentrator is automatically turned off. 4) An oxygen supply system as described in 1), further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits the detection result to a pre-registered terminal when the detecting unit detects that the oxygen concentrator is in operation and the user is not inhaling oxygen. 5) A communication device that is communicatively connected to an oxygen concentrator, and that has a transmitting unit that, when receiving the detection result described in 4), transmits a stop signal to the oxygen concentrator that sent the signal, instructing it to turn off its power supply. 6) The communication device described in 5) above, wherein the transmitting unit transmits a pre-notification signal to the oxygen concentrator to notify the patient in advance that the power will be turned off before transmitting the stop signal to the oxygen concentrator that is the source of the transmission. 7) An oxygen supply system comprising: an oxygen concentrator having a detection unit that detects when the oxygen concentrator is in operation and the user is not inhaling oxygen; a power-off unit that automatically turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator after a certain period of time based on the detection result; and a communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the oxygen concentrator and has a transmission unit that transmits a stop signal to instruct the oxygen concentrator to turn off the power. 8) An oxygen supply system comprising: an oxygen concentrator having a power-off unit that turns off the power to an operating oxygen concentrator; and a communication device that is communicatively connected to the oxygen concentrator and has a transmitting unit that transmits a stop signal to instruct the oxygen concentrator to turn off the power. 9) The oxygen supply system described in 8) above, characterized in that the communication device has multiple communication terminals, and when a stop signal is sent from a terminal other than the communication terminal of the user of the oxygen concentrator, a message to turn off the power of the oxygen concentrator is sent to the user's communication terminal. 10) The oxygen supply system described in 8) is characterized in that the communication device has multiple communication terminals, and when a stop signal is sent from a terminal other than the communication terminal of the user of the oxygen concentrator, a message to turn off the power of the oxygen concentrator is sent to the user's communication terminal, and when a reply from the terminal permitting the power to be turned off is received, a stop signal can be sent to the oxygen concentrator. 11) An oxygen supply system as described in 9) or 10), characterized in that the oxygen concentrator and the communication device are communicatively connected via a server, and the server has a memory unit that stores device information of the oxygen concentrator used by the user and association information between each oxygen concentrator and a communication device that can communicate with it. 12) The oxygen supply system described in 11) above, characterized in that the server is capable of receiving disaster information and is capable of sending a power shutdown signal for the oxygen concentrator from all communication devices that can communicate with the oxygen concentrator within the area corresponding to the disaster information. 13) An oxygen supply system comprising a portable oxygen cylinder and an oxygen concentrator as oxygen supply sources, the oxygen concentrator having a detection unit that detects a switching signal when the oxygen supply source is switched from the oxygen concentrator to the portable oxygen cylinder, and a power-off unit that turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator when the detection unit detects the switching signal. 14) A communication device having a transmitting unit that is communicatively connected to an oxygen concentrator having a power-off unit that turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator and that transmits a stop signal instructing the device to stop powering on. 15) The communication device described in 14) above, characterized in that when the transmitting unit transmits a stop signal to shut off the power supply of the oxygen concentrator, it transmits a message to a pre-registered terminal indicating that the stop signal is being transmitted. 16) The communication device described in 15) is characterized in that the transmitting unit transmits a stop signal for the oxygen concentrator when a message permitting the device to be stopped is returned from the terminal that transmitted the message indicating that the stop signal is to be transmitted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The oxygen supply system of the present invention prevents the oxygen concentrator from being left unplugged and prevents it from being left in a state of high concentration oxygen of 90% or more, thereby preventing the occurrence of fires. Even if the oxygen concentrator is forgotten to be plugged in during an emergency evacuation, such as a disaster, the system automatically shuts off the oxygen concentrator by detecting the absence of a user near the oxygen concentrator and the absence of oxygen inhalation, which helps prevent fires.

[0008] Furthermore, as our society ages, people often forget to turn off the power, so by providing an oxygen concentrator with a remote power shutdown function, people can live a more secure social life. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] First embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention [Figure 2] First embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention [Figure 3] Second embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention [Figure 4] Third embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention [Figure 5] Fourth embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention [Figure 6] Fourth embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention [Figure 7] Fifth embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention will be described. [Automatic shutdown function for oxygen concentrators] The present invention is an oxygen supply system that has the function of detecting when an oxygen concentrator is in operation, separating oxygen from the air to generate and supply oxygen-enriched gas, but the user is not inhaling oxygen and is left alone, and automatically turning off the power to the oxygen concentrator.

[0011] Such oxygen concentrators use a pressure swing adsorption method to continuously generate oxygen by repeatedly supplying pressurized air using a compressor to an adsorption tube filled with an adsorbent that selectively adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen, and then removing unadsorbed oxygen, followed by a desorption / regeneration process in which the adsorption tube is depressurized, the adsorbed nitrogen is desorbed and discarded, and the adsorbent is regenerated. Devices that generate medium- and high-dose oxygen at rates of 3 L / min, 5 L / min, or 10 L / min are heavy and difficult to move, so patients receiving home oxygen inhalation therapy install the device near a frequently used bedroom, and when oxygen is needed away from the device, connect an extension tube to allow oxygen inhalation at home.

[0012] In the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake or heavy rain, or a fire, or in the event of an emergency evacuation, patients receiving home oxygen inhalation therapy will have to leave their homes with their portable oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks. Normally, when doing so, the stationary oxygen concentrator is turned off before leaving the home, but unlike electricity or gas, there is no consideration given to the power of individual home appliances and medical equipment, and people often forget to turn them off.

[0013] Because oxygen concentrators separate oxygen from the air, the overall average oxygen concentration remains at 21%, but oxygen at a concentration of over 90% continues to be released from the tip of the cannula, which can cause a fire if there is an open flame nearby.

[0014] The oxygen supply system of the present invention is equipped with a detection unit that detects when the user is not inhaling oxygen, and a power-off unit that automatically turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator if the user is not inhaling oxygen for a certain period of time or longer.

[0015] A human presence sensor can be used as the detection unit that detects when the user is not inhaling oxygen, and by installing a sensor at the location where the oxygen concentrator is installed or at the location where oxygen is inhaled, it can detect the presence or absence of people, including the user, in the surrounding area. If it detects that no one is around the oxygen concentrator, after a predetermined time has passed, it can send user absence information to the power-off unit of the oxygen concentrator and turn off the power to the oxygen concentrator.

[0016] Such motion sensors can be made of various sensors such as heat sensors (infrared sensors), ultrasonic sensors, microwave sensors, photoelectric sensors, and pressure sensors, and can be installed individually or can utilize information from heat sensors installed in homes for residential lighting purposes for energy conservation. 360-degree cameras and location information from communication terminals can also be used as a means of detecting the presence or absence of a user, and combining multiple detection systems can accurately detect the presence or absence of a user.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an oxygen supply system, as a first embodiment example, in which a human presence sensor 2 using a thermal sensor detects the presence or absence of a person 3 in the room of a patient receiving oxygen inhalation using an oxygen concentrator 1, and a power-off unit 4 turns off the commercial power supply that drives the oxygen concentrator 1 if the presence of a person 3 is detected for a predetermined period of time. In this system, the power-off unit 4 is provided in the outlet and communicates with the human presence sensor 2 via a wired connection, but wireless communication may also be used. The power-off unit 4 may also be built into the oxygen concentrator 1, and if the absence information from the human presence sensor 2 is received wirelessly, the control unit of the oxygen concentrator may control the shutdown of the oxygen concentrator and the power-off.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, by installing the motion sensor 2 in multiple rooms, hallways, etc., it is possible for the patient to move around the home while inhaling oxygen using a cannula 5 connected to an extension tube, not just in the room where the oxygen concentrator 1 is installed.

[0019] As shown in the second embodiment example in Figure 3, the human presence sensor 2 can also be built into the oxygen concentrator 1. If oxygen is inhaled only in the room where the oxygen concentrator is installed, an oxygen supply system can be provided that has an automatic power-off function for the oxygen concentrator when the user is not present, without any installation work such as installing a sensor in the room.

[0020] Figure 4 shows an oxygen supply system using close-proximity wireless communication technology as another embodiment of a detection unit that detects when the user is not inhaling oxygen. Close-proximity wireless communication technology uses ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., and if communication between the close-proximity wireless communication terminal 13 carried by the user and the oxygen concentrator 1 is interrupted for a predetermined period of time, the power can be automatically turned off by a power-off unit built into the oxygen concentrator 1.

[0021] In addition, it is possible to use the oxygen concentrator's breath detection function to turn off the power to the oxygen concentrator if the user's breathing is not detected for a specified period of time. In this case, while it is possible to confirm the identity of the patient receiving oxygen inhalation, there is a disadvantage that if the cannula supplying oxygen from the oxygen concentrator is removed for a short period of time to work, the oxygen concentrator may turn off during use, requiring the hassle of restarting it.

[0022] The oxygen supply system of the present invention includes a transmitter that transmits the detection results of the detector to a pre-registered terminal of the user, their family, etc. If the detector detects that the user is not inhaling oxygen, it will turn off the power to the oxygen concentrator after a predetermined time. However, by sending a power-off notice to the user's terminal in advance, it is possible to prevent the power from being turned off even if the user intends to continue using the oxygen concentrator.

[0023] Furthermore, by having such a terminal belong to the user himself / herself, and by having a communication function for connecting to the oxygen concentrator, when a state in which the user is not inhaling oxygen is detected and a pre-notification signal for power shutdown is sent, a stop signal is sent from the user's registered terminal to the oxygen concentrator instructing it to shut off the power, thereby enabling reliable identity verification.

[0024] [Remote Shutdown System] As another embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention, an example equipped with a remote shutdown function for the oxygen concentrator will be described. As shown in Figure 5, this oxygen supply system includes an oxygen concentrator 1 equipped with a power-off unit that turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator when it is in operation, and a communication device 7 that is connected to the oxygen concentrator and equipped with a transmitter that transmits a shutdown signal to the oxygen concentrator to shut off the power. This allows the user to remotely shut down the power to the oxygen concentrator from their own communication terminal or the communication terminal of a family member or manager, even if they evacuate in an emergency, such as in the event of a disaster.

[0025] In addition to the user's own terminal 7, multiple communication terminals 8 can be registered in such a communication device, such as those of family members, doctors, equipment managers, etc., and when a stop signal is sent from a terminal 8 other than the user's own communication terminal, a message to turn off the power to the oxygen concentrator can be sent to the user's own communication terminal 7.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, even if the person in question is not present, another administrator terminal 8 can remotely shut down the oxygen concentrator 1 via the server 9 (6a), and in case the oxygen concentrator 1 is in use, a message to turn off the power to the oxygen concentrator is sent to the user's communication terminal 7 (6b). If a reply from the terminal 7 granting permission to turn off the power is received (6c), a stop signal can be sent to the oxygen concentrator 1 (6d), thereby enabling prior confirmation of the person's identity.

[0027] The oxygen concentrator 1 and communication devices 7 and 8 are connected for communication via a server 9, and the server has a memory unit that stores device information of the oxygen concentrator used by the user and information relating to each oxygen concentrator and a communication device that can communicate with it, thereby realizing a remote shutdown function from multiple communication terminals.

[0028] Furthermore, such server 9 can receive disaster information sent by the government and private sector, and can send a power shutdown signal for the oxygen concentrator 1 from all communication devices 7 and 8 that can communicate with the oxygen concentrator 1 within the area covered by the disaster information, thereby contributing to the emergency shutdown of the oxygen concentrator in an emergency and the prevention of fires.

[0029] [Automatic shutdown function of oxygen concentrator when switching oxygen source] In the homes of patients undergoing home oxygen therapy, in addition to a stationary oxygen concentrator, a portable oxygen cylinder 10 is installed so that oxygen can be inhaled when the patient is out or in an emergency. As shown in Figure 7, as another embodiment of the oxygen supply system of the present invention, when the oxygen source of the oxygen supply system is switched from the oxygen concentrator 1 to the portable oxygen cylinder 10, the oxygen concentrator can be equipped with a function to automatically cut off the power by detecting a switching signal.

[0030] A portable oxygen cylinder is installed in installation section 11 as an oxygen supply source and is provided with cylinder detection section 12 that detects the installation status of the cylinder, and when the user removes the portable oxygen cylinder from the installation section and takes it out, cylinder detection section 12 sends a detection signal to oxygen concentrator 1. On the other hand, when the oxygen concentrator receives the cylinder detection signal, it determines that the oxygen source has switched to cylinder 10, and if oxygen concentrator 1 is in operation, it turns off the power after a predetermined time has passed using a built-in power-off section. This makes it possible to prevent forgetting to turn off the oxygen concentrator when using a portable oxygen cylinder.

[0031] The cylinder detection unit 12 can use various detection means, such as a limit switch or a proximity sensor at the cylinder attachment portion, to directly detect the cylinder. Alternatively, methods for indirectly detecting cylinder switching, such as installing a switch button when the cylinder is removed, or transmitting cylinder switching information or a power-off signal from a communication device, may be used. Even in this embodiment, when the transmission unit sends a stop signal to shut down the power supply to the oxygen concentrator, it is desirable to send a message indicating that the stop signal is being sent to a pre-registered terminal, such as the user's terminal 7. Furthermore, by transmitting a stop signal for the oxygen concentrator when a message permitting device shutdown is returned from the terminal to which the transmission unit sent the message indicating that the stop signal is being sent, the transmission unit can further improve personal identification regarding the shutdown of the oxygen concentrator and safety. [Industrial Applicability]

[0032] The oxygen supply system of the present invention is utilized in the field of home medical care as a system for improving the safety of oxygen concentrators used by patients with chronic respiratory diseases who undergo home oxygen inhalation therapy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1. Oxygen concentrator 2. Human presence sensor 3 patients 4 Power off section 5 Cannula 7. Communication device (user's personal device) 8. Communication device (administrator terminal) 9 Server 10 Portable oxygen cylinder 11 Portable oxygen cylinder installation area 12 Cylinder detection unit 13. Near Field Communication Terminal

Claims

1. An oxygen supply system comprising a detection unit that detects when an oxygen concentrator is operating and the user is not inhaling oxygen, and a power-off unit that automatically turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator after a certain period of time has elapsed based on the detection result.

2. The oxygen supply system of claim 1, wherein the detection unit is a human presence sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person at the location where the oxygen concentrator is installed or at the oxygen inhalation location, and if no detection is made for a predetermined period of time, automatically turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator.

3. The oxygen supply system of claim 1, wherein the detection unit is equipped with a near-field wireless communication unit, and when communication between the terminal carried by the user and the oxygen concentrator is interrupted for a predetermined period of time, the oxygen concentrator is automatically turned off.

4. The oxygen supply system of claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits the detection result to a pre-registered terminal when the detecting unit detects that the oxygen concentrator is in operation and the user is not inhaling oxygen.

5. A communication device that is communicatively connected to an oxygen concentrator, and that has a transmitting unit that, when receiving the detection result described in claim 4, transmits a stop signal to the oxygen concentrator that sent the detection result, instructing it to turn off its power.

6. The communication device according to claim 5 , wherein the transmitting unit transmits a pre-notification signal to the oxygen concentrator to notify the patient in advance that the power will be turned off before transmitting the stop signal to the oxygen concentrator that is the source of the transmission.

7. An oxygen supply system comprising: an oxygen concentrator having a detection unit that detects when the oxygen concentrator is in operation and the user is not inhaling oxygen; a power-off unit that automatically turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator after a certain period of time based on the detection result; and a communication terminal that is connected to the oxygen concentrator and has a transmission unit that transmits a stop signal to instruct the oxygen concentrator to turn off the power.

8. An oxygen supply system comprising: an oxygen concentrator having a power-off unit that turns off the power of an operating oxygen concentrator; and a communication device that is communicatively connected to the oxygen concentrator and has a transmitter that transmits a stop signal to instruct the oxygen concentrator to turn off the power.

9. The oxygen supply system described in claim 8, characterized in that the communication device has multiple communication terminals, and when a stop signal is sent from a terminal other than the communication terminal of the user of the oxygen concentrator, a message to turn off the power of the oxygen concentrator is sent to the user's communication terminal.

10. The oxygen supply system of claim 8, wherein the communication device has a plurality of communication terminals, and when a stop signal is sent from a terminal other than the communication terminal of the user of the oxygen concentrator, a message to turn off the power of the oxygen concentrator is sent to the user's communication terminal, and when a reply from the terminal permitting the power to be turned off is received, the stop signal can be sent to the oxygen concentrator.

11. The oxygen concentrator and the communication device are communicatively connected via a server, and the server has a memory unit that stores device information of the oxygen concentrator used by the user and information relating to each oxygen concentrator and a communication device that can communicate with the oxygen concentrator. The oxygen supply system described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that

12. The oxygen supply system of claim 11, characterized in that the server is capable of receiving disaster information and is capable of transmitting a power shutdown signal for the oxygen concentrator from all communication devices capable of communication with the oxygen concentrator within the area corresponding to the disaster information.

13. An oxygen supply system comprising a portable oxygen cylinder and an oxygen concentrator as oxygen supply sources, the oxygen concentrator having a detection unit that detects a switching signal when the oxygen supply source is switched from the oxygen concentrator to the portable oxygen cylinder, and a power-off unit that turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator when the detection unit detects the switching signal.

14. A communication device that is communicatively connected to an oxygen concentrator that has a power-off unit that turns off the power to the oxygen concentrator, and that has a transmitter that transmits a stop signal that instructs the device to stop powering on.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that when the transmitting unit transmits a stop signal to shut off the power supply of the oxygen concentrator, the transmitting unit transmits a message to a pre-registered terminal indicating that the stop signal will be transmitted.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that the transmitting unit transmits a stop signal for the oxygen concentrator when a message permitting the device to be stopped is returned from the terminal that transmitted the message indicating that the stop signal is to be transmitted.

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