Support surface relocation device, respiratory abnormality detection device, support equipment, support surface relocation method, and respiratory abnormality detection method

Abstract

To provide a support surface moving device that can give the user a good breathing condition. [Solution] A support surface moving device that moves a support surface that supports the user's body comprises a respiratory abnormality detection unit that detects respiratory abnormalities of the user on the support surface, and a movement control unit that controls the movement of the support surface. The support surface has an upper body support section that supports the upper body of the user on the support surface, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support section based on a respiratory abnormality index that indicates the number of times the respiratory abnormality of the user has been detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a support surface moving device, a respiratory abnormality detection device, a support device, a support surface moving method, and a respiratory abnormality detection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices such as beds, sofas, chairs, and wheelchairs are used as support devices for the human body. Furthermore, one type of support device known is one in which the support surface for the human body is movable. For example, in reclining beds, reclining sofas, and reclining chairs, the portion of the support surface that supports the human upper body is pivotable relative to the horizontal plane.

[0003] Regarding support devices in which the support surface is configured to be movable, it has been proposed that the movement of the support surface be controlled by a control device such as a computer. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric furniture that includes an acquisition unit that acquires signals corresponding to biological signals including the body movements of the user of the electric furniture, which includes a movable bottom, a control unit that controls the bottom according to fluctuations in the signals, and a control device. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6976388 specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventional devices such as electric furniture disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot assist the user's breathing by moving the support surface. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not teach anything about detecting abnormal breathing in the user.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a support surface moving device, support equipment, and support surface moving method that can provide the user with a good breathing condition.

[0007] This disclosure also aims to provide a respiratory abnormality detection device and a respiratory abnormality detection method that can effectively detect respiratory abnormalities in users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In accordance with the first aspect of this disclosure, A support surface moving device that moves a support surface that supports the user's body, A respiratory abnormality detection unit that detects the user's respiratory abnormality on the support surface, The system includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the support surface, The support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the user's upper body on the support surface, The movement control unit is provided with a support surface movement device that moves the upper body support unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the user's respiratory abnormality has been detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

[0009] In accordance with the second aspect of this disclosure, Support surface and, A support device is provided which includes a support surface moving device of a first type that moves the support surface.

[0010] In accordance with the third aspect of this disclosure, A method for moving a support surface, which is a support surface for supporting the body of a user, and which has an upper body support portion for supporting the upper body of the user on the support surface, The respiratory abnormality detection unit detects respiratory abnormalities of the user on the support surface, A method is provided which includes moving the upper body support unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the respiratory abnormality detection unit has detected the user's respiratory abnormality within a predetermined period, using a movement control unit.

[0011] In accordance with the fourth aspect of this disclosure, A support surface moving device that moves a support surface that supports the user's body, A sleeping posture determination unit that determines the user's sleeping posture on the support surface, The system includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the support surface, The support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the user's upper body on the support surface, The movement control unit is provided with a support surface movement device that moves the upper body support based on the user's sleeping posture.

[0012] In accordance with the fifth aspect of this disclosure, A respiratory abnormality detection device that detects respiratory abnormalities in the user, A respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires a respiratory waveform based on the fluctuation of the user's load in accordance with the user's breathing. A respiratory abnormality detection device is provided, which includes a detection unit that detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform.

[0013] In accordance with the sixth aspect of this disclosure, A support surface moving device that moves a support surface that supports the user's body, A respiratory abnormality detection device according to a fifth embodiment, The system includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the support surface, The support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the user's upper body on the support surface, The movement control unit is provided with a support surface movement device that moves the upper body support based on the detection result of the respiratory abnormality detection device.

[0014] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, A respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting respiratory abnormalities in a user, The respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires the respiratory waveform based on the fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's breathing, A respiratory abnormality detection method is provided, which includes detecting the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the change in the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform using a detection unit.

[0015] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, A respiratory abnormality detection device that detects respiratory abnormalities in the user, A respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires a respiratory waveform based on the fluctuation of the user's load in accordance with the user's breathing. A respiratory abnormality detection device is provided, which includes a detection unit that detects a central respiratory abnormality in the user based on the fact that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased.

[0016] In accordance with the ninth aspect of this disclosure, A respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting respiratory abnormalities in a user, The respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires the respiratory waveform based on the fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's breathing, A respiratory abnormality detection method is provided, which includes detecting a central respiratory abnormality in the user based on the detection unit finding that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] This disclosure provides a support surface moving device, a support device, and a support surface moving method that can provide a user on the support surface with a good breathing condition.

[0018] This disclosure provides a respiratory abnormality detection device and a respiratory abnormality detection method that can effectively detect respiratory abnormalities in users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are side views of a bed in which the bed base movement device is used. In Figure 1(a), the head bed base and foot bed base are in the horizontal position. In Figure 1(b), the head bed base is in the back-raised position and the foot bed base is in the horizontal position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of load detectors on the bed. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a floor plate moving device, which is one embodiment of the device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the process for acquiring physical information. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the vibration of the center of gravity in response to the user's breathing. Figure 5(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to draw the respiratory waveform. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are graphs showing how the load signal changes according to the user's sleeping position. Figure 6(a) shows how the load signal changes when the user is in a supine position, Figure 6(b) shows how the load signal changes when the user is in a lateral position (lying on their side), and Figure 6(c) shows how the load signal changes when the user is in a prone position (lying on their stomach). [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the method for calculating the respiratory abnormality index (ABI). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a table showing an example of target angle values ​​to consider when moving the head-side floorboard, for each state pattern. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the movement control of the head-side floorboard performed by the floorboard movement control unit. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the movement control of the head-side floorboard performed by the floorboard movement control unit. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the movement control of the head-side floorboard performed by the floorboard movement control unit. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of the movement control of the head-side floorboard performed by the floorboard movement control unit. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a graph illustrating the changes in respiratory waveforms in response to the occurrence of obstructive respiratory disorders. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a graph illustrating the changes in respiratory waveforms in response to the occurrence of central respiratory disorders. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a graph illustrating the process of detecting obstructive respiratory abnormalities based on changes in respiratory waveforms. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a modified respiratory abnormality detection device. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a graph illustrating the process of detecting central respiratory abnormalities based on changes in respiratory waveforms. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] <First Embodiment> The floor plate moving device 100 (Figure 3) of the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12, using the case in which the floor plate moving device 100 is used with respect to a bed 500 (Figure 1, an example of a "support device").

[0021] [Bed 500] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bed 500 to which the floor plate moving device 100 is applied has a base portion 510, a floor plate 520 (an example of a "support surface") supported by the base portion 510, and a moving mechanism 530 for moving the floor plate 520. In the following description, the long side direction (direction of the Y axis in Figure 2) and the short side direction (direction of the X axis in Figure 2) of the bed 500 and floor plate 520 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction and width direction of the bed 500 and floor plate 520, respectively.

[0022] The base portion 510 has a rectangular frame 511 in plan view and four legs 512 provided at the four corners of the frame 511.

[0023] The bed base 520 has a head-side bed base 521 (an example of an "upper body support section") on the head side of the bed 500 (the positive side in the Y-axis direction in Figure 2) and a foot-side bed base 522 on the foot side of the bed 500 (the negative side in the Y-axis direction in Figure 2).

[0024] The head bed plate 521 is located near the foot bed plate 522 and is pivotable around an axis AX1 that extends in the width direction of the bed 500. The foot bed plate 522 is fixed to the base portion 510.

[0025] The moving mechanism 530 is a mechanism for moving the head-side floor plate 521, and in this embodiment it is an electric cylinder. However, the moving mechanism 530 may be any actuator.

[0026] When the movement mechanism 530 is activated, the head floor plate 521 pivots around axis AX1 and is displaced between a horizontal position where the top surface of the head floor plate 521 coincides with the horizontal plane (Figure 1(a)) and a raised position where the top surface of the head floor plate 521 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (Figure 1(b)). In the horizontal position, the top surface of the head floor plate 521 and the top surface of the foot floor plate 522 are flush. The angle of inclination of the top surface of the head floor plate 521 with respect to the top surface of the foot floor plate 522 (i.e., the horizontal plane) is defined as angle θ (Figure 1(b)).

[0027] [Configuration of floorboard moving device 100] As shown in Figure 3, the floor plate moving device 100 of this embodiment mainly comprises a load detection unit 10, a control unit (an example of a "support surface moving device") 30, and a storage unit 40. The load detection unit 10 and the control unit 30 are connected via an A / D conversion unit 20. A display unit 50, a notification unit 60, and an input unit 70 are further connected to the control unit 30. The bed moving mechanism 530 is connected to the control unit 30.

[0028] The load detection unit 10 comprises four load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14. Each of the load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 is a load detector that detects load using, for example, a beam-type load cell. Each of the load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 is connected to the A / D conversion unit 20 by wiring or wirelessly.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the four load detectors 11 to 14 of the load detection unit 10 are positioned under the casters C1, C2, C3, and C4 attached to the lower ends of the four legs 512 of the bed 500, respectively.

[0030] The A / D conversion unit 20 includes an A / D converter that converts analog signals from the load detection unit 10 into digital signals, and is connected to the load detection unit 10 and the control unit 30 by wiring or wirelessly, respectively.

[0031] The control unit 30 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer and includes a center of gravity position calculation unit 31, a bed occupancy determination unit 32, a respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33, a sleep determination unit 34, a sleeping posture determination unit 35, a respiratory abnormality detection unit 36, and a bed base movement control unit 37.

[0032] The storage unit 40 is a storage device that stores data used in the floor plate moving device 100, and can use a hard disk (magnetic disk), for example. The display unit 50 is a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor that displays information output from the control unit 30. The notification unit 60 is a device that provides predetermined notifications audibly based on information from the control unit 30, for example, a speaker. The input unit 70 is an interface for providing predetermined input to the control unit 30, and can be a keyboard and a mouse.

[0033] [Operation of the floorboard moving device 100] The bed base moving device 100 continuously performs an information acquisition process to acquire sleep / wake information, bed in / out information, sleeping posture information, and respiration information of the user U on the bed 500. Based on the information acquired in the information acquisition process, the bed base 520 is moved by control.

[0034] [Information acquisition process] The information acquisition process performed by the floor plate moving device 100 includes a load detection process S101, a center of gravity position calculation process S102, a bed occupancy determination process S103, a respiratory waveform acquisition process S104, a sleep determination process S105, a sleeping posture determination process S106, and a respiratory abnormality detection process S107, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 4.

[0035] [Load detection process S101] In the load detection process S101, load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 are used to detect the load of the user U on the floorboard 520 (bed 500). The load of the user U on the floorboard 520 is distributed and applied to the load detectors 11 to 14 located under the four legs 512 of the bed 500, and is detected in a distributed manner by these detectors.

[0036] Each of the load detectors 11 to 14 detects a load (load change) and outputs it as an analog signal to the A / D conversion unit 20. The A / D conversion unit 20 converts the analog signal into a digital signal with a sampling period of, for example, 5 milliseconds, and outputs it as a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as "load signal") to the control unit 30. Hereinafter, the load signals obtained by digitally converting the analog signals output from load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 in the A / D conversion unit 20 will be referred to as load signals s1, s2, s3, and s4, respectively.

[0037] [Gravity center position calculation step S102] In the center of gravity position calculation process S102, the center of gravity position calculation unit 31 calculates the position of the user U's center of gravity G based on the load signals s1, s2, s3, and s4.

[0038] The position of the center of gravity G is calculated using the following equations (Equation 1) and (Equation 2), where (x, y) is the position of the center of gravity G in the XY coordinate system shown in Figure 2, (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), (X3, Y3), and (X4, Y4) are the coordinates of the load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14, respectively, and W1, W2, W3, and W4 are the partial loads of user U indicated by the load signals s1, s2, s3, and s4, respectively.

[0039]

number

number

[0040] [Bed presence determination step S103] In the occupancy determination process S103, the occupancy determination unit 32 determines whether or not user U is in bed 500 based on the load that user U applies to the floorboard 520. Specifically, for example, the occupancy determination unit 32 calculates the sum of partial loads W1, W2, W3, and W4, and the calculated value (hereinafter referred to as "user load W") exceeds the threshold TH. W If the above conditions are met, it is determined that user U is in bed 500, and the user load W is below threshold TH. WIf the value is smaller than this, it is determined that user U has left bed 500.

[0041] The bed occupancy determination unit 32 may, instead of, or in addition to, determining the bed occupancy based on the user load W, perform a bed occupancy determination based on the center of gravity G of the user U calculated in the center of gravity position calculation step S102. Specifically, for example, if the center of gravity G has not been calculated, it may be determined that the user U is out of bed 500.

[0042] [Respiration waveform acquisition step S104] In the respiratory waveform acquisition process S104, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 draws the user U's respiratory waveform based on the load signals s1 to s4.

[0043] Human respiration occurs by moving the rib cage and diaphragm to expand and contract the lungs. During inhalation, when the lungs expand, the diaphragm moves downward, and the internal organs also move downward. Conversely, during exhalation, when the lungs contract, the diaphragm moves upward, and the internal organs also move upward. Along with this movement of the internal organs, the center of gravity G shifts slightly, and the direction of this movement is roughly in line with the direction of spinal extension (axis direction).

[0044] A "respiratory waveform" is a waveform that shows, for example, the vibration of a user's center of gravity in the direction of the user's body axis in response to their breathing, unfolded over time. One cycle of the respiratory waveform corresponds to one breath (exhalation and inhalation) by the user. The amplitude of the respiratory waveform is affected by the user's physique and breathing depth. Specifically, for example, the amplitude will be larger if the user is large or takes deep breaths, and smaller if the user is small or takes shallow breaths.

[0045] Specifically, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 draws the respiratory waveform as follows.

[0046] The respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 first calculates the position of the user U's center of gravity G at each sampling time based on the load signals s1 to s4 from the load detection unit 10. As shown in Figure 5(a), the user U's center of gravity G vibrates in the direction of the user U's body axis UA in accordance with the user U's breathing.

[0047] The respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 then plots the respiratory waveform BW (Figure 5(b)) on the vertical axis, with the direction of the body axis UA as the vertical axis and the time axis as the horizontal axis, by plotting the distance between the position of the center of gravity G projected onto the body axis UA at each time point and the center of oscillation of the vibration of the center of gravity G corresponding to respiration on the vertical axis.

[0048] The respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 does not necessarily need to actually draw the respiratory waveform; it may simply acquire data that represents the respiratory waveform. Furthermore, instead of the respiratory waveform BW based on the movement of the center of gravity G, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 may acquire a signal separated from one of the load signals s1 to s4 by filtering a signal corresponding to the frequency band of the user U's breathing (for example, approximately 0.2 Hz to 0.33 Hz). In addition, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 may acquire any signal that represents vibrations corresponding to the user U's breathing as a waveform representing the user U's breathing.

[0049] [Sleep determination step S105] In the sleep determination process S105, the sleep determination unit 34 determines whether user U is in a sleep state or a wakeful state. Specifically, the determination is made as follows.

[0050] The sleep determination unit 34 calculates the activity index (ACI), which is the time integral of the simple average of the standard deviations σ1 to σ4 of the load signals s1 to s4, using the following equation (3).

number

[0051] The integration time is 20 seconds here, but it is not limited to this. Since the standard deviations σ1 to σ4 increase in accordance with the user U's body movements, the activity index ACI will be larger if the user U exhibits body movements that cause larger load changes over a longer period of time. In other words, the activity index ACI is a parameter that reflects both the magnitude of the body movement and the duration of the body movement.

[0052] The sleep determination unit 34 calculates a new activity index ACI every 20 seconds using the standard deviations σ1 to σ4 at each sampling time in the past 20 seconds. Then, it compares the calculated activity index ACI with the threshold TH. ACI Based on a comparison with the above, it is determined whether user U is in a sleep state or a wakeful state. Specifically, for example, if the activity index ACI is at threshold TH ACI If the value is smaller than this, it is determined that user U is in a sleep state.

[0053] Note that the integration time in (Equation 3) is not limited to 20 seconds but can be any value. Also, in (Equation 3), instead of the standard deviations σ1 to σ4, the values ​​obtained by dividing the standard deviations σ1 to σ4 by the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW (Figure 5(b)) may be used. This mitigates the influence of the user U's body size on the magnitude of the standard deviations σ1 to σ4, allowing for a more accurate calculation of ACI regardless of the user U's body size.

[0054] [Sleeping posture determination process S106] In the sleeping posture determination process S106, the sleeping posture determination unit 35 determines the sleeping posture of the user U on the floorboard 520.

[0055] In this embodiment, the sleeping posture determination unit 35 determines the sleeping posture of the user U based on the following principle.

[0056] Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) all show the waveforms of the load signal s1 from the load detector 11 located on the head side of the floorboard 520, which fluctuate in accordance with the breathing of the user U. Figure 6(a) shows the waveform when the user U is lying supine ("supine waveform WAs"), Figure 6(b) shows the waveform when the user U is lying on their side ("lateral waveform WAr"), and Figure 6(c) shows the waveform when the user U is lying prone ("prone waveform WAp").

[0057] In all three waveforms—supine, lateral, and prone—the load signal s1 gradually decreases during the period from time t0 to time t1 when user U is inhaling (inspiratory period P1), and gradually increases during the period from time t2 to time t3 when user U is exhaling (expiratory period P3). This is because the center of gravity G moves away from the load detector 11 during inhalation and approaches the load detector 11 during exhalation. Furthermore, the load signal s1 remains approximately constant during the period from time t1 when user U finishes inhalation until time t2 when exhalation begins (post-inspiratory hold period P2), and from time t3 when user U finishes exhaling until time t4 when inhalation begins (post-expiratory hold period P4).

[0058] In the prone waveform WAp, the inspiratory period P1 is longer than that of the supine waveform WAs, the post-spiratory hold period P2 is shorter than that of the supine waveform WAs, and the expiratory period P3 is shorter than that of the supine waveform WAs. In other words, the prone waveform WAp has a shape in which the peak on the trough side is shifted in the positive direction of the time axis compared to the supine waveform WAs. Therefore, the slope of the fall during the inspiratory period P1 in the prone waveform WAp is smaller than the slope of the fall during the inspiratory period P1 in the supine waveform WAs, and the slope of the rise during the expiratory period P3 in the prone waveform WAp is larger than the slope of the rise during the expiratory period P3 in the supine waveform WAs. These waveform changes are due to the fact that when user U is lying prone, the rib cage is pressed against the bed surface by its own weight, which puts a load on the inhalation process and slows down the inhalation rate. The lateral position waveform WAr has an intermediate shape between the supine position waveform WAs and the prone position waveform WAp.

[0059] The sleeping posture determination unit 35 determines the sleeping posture of user U based on the fact that the pattern of fluctuations in the load signal s1 changes according to the sleeping posture of user U as described above. Specifically, for example, it extracts the fluctuation component corresponding to user U's breathing from the load signal s1 by filtering, and determines the sleeping posture of user U from the length of the inspiratory period P1, the length of the post-spiratory hold period P2, the length of the expiratory period P3, etc. in the fluctuation.

[0060] Furthermore, the sleeping posture can also be determined using other known methods. Specifically, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-15210 can be used.

[0061] [Respiratory abnormality detection process S107] In the respiratory abnormality detection process S107, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​detects a respiratory abnormality of user U on the bed 500 based on the respiratory waveform BW of user U acquired in the respiratory waveform acquisition process S104. Specifically, for example, it is as follows:

[0062] In this embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​acquires a respiratory abnormality index as information indicating the respiratory abnormality of user U. Hereinafter, the respiratory abnormality index will be referred to as ABI (Abnormal Breathing Index). ABI is an index that indicates the degree of respiratory abnormality of user U. In this specification and the present invention, "respiratory abnormality index" means an index that indicates the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period. The value of the "respiratory abnormality index" may be, for example, the same as the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period, or it may be a value corresponding to the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period (for example, a value obtained by multiplying the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period by a predetermined coefficient). In this specification and the present invention, "respiratory abnormality" includes apnea and hypopnea.

[0063] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​continuously calculates the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW (Figure 5(b)). The amplitude AM can be calculated, for example, by detecting positive peaks pp and negative peaks np through peak detection, and finding the difference between adjacent positive peaks pp and negative peaks np.

[0064] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​also continuously calculates the average value AV of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW during the period from D1 [minutes] before the present to the present (an example of the "amplitude acquisition period") (Figure 7). Then, it multiplies the calculated average value AV by a predetermined coefficient A to obtain a threshold TH for respiratory abnormality detection. AM This is calculated continuously. Coefficient A can be, for example, a value greater than 0 and less than 1. Coefficient A can be appropriately determined based on how small the amplitude of the respiratory waveform BW needs to be to be considered a respiratory abnormality. The length of D1 [minutes] can be set arbitrarily, but one example is 10 minutes. By increasing the length of D1 [minutes], a more accurate threshold that more strongly reflects the respiratory characteristics of user U can be set.

[0065] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​uses the latest value of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW and the threshold TH. AM It constantly compares with the latest value. Then, the amplitude AM is the threshold TH. AMIf a period shorter than D2 [seconds] continues, it is detected that user U has experienced a respiratory abnormality. The length of D2 [seconds] can be set arbitrarily, but one example is 10 seconds.

[0066] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​continuously performs the above-mentioned detection of respiratory abnormalities. Continuously or periodically, it acquires the number of respiratory abnormalities that occurred during the period from D3 [minutes] before the present time to the present time (an example of a "predetermined period") as the respiratory abnormality index (ABI). That is, if the number of respiratory abnormalities that occurred during the past D3 [minutes] at a given time is X [times], then the ABI at that time is X. The length of D3 [minutes] can be set arbitrarily, but one example is 10 minutes.

[0067] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​may also obtain the respiratory abnormality index (ABI) by multiplying the number of respiratory abnormalities that occurred during the period from D3 [minutes] before the present to the present by a predetermined coefficient. Alternatively, instead of the average value AV, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​may calculate the median value MV of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW during the period from the present to the past D1 [minutes]. Even when using the median value MV instead of the average value AV, the ABI can be obtained in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0068] [Floor plate moving process] In the floor plate movement process, the floor plate movement control unit 37 moves the head-side floor plate 521 of the bed 500 based on the information acquired in the information acquisition process, and changes the angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521.

[0069] The reason why the floorboard movement control unit 37 moves the headboard 521 of the bed 500 is as follows:

[0070] When user U experiences respiratory abnormalities during sleep, user U's airway is narrowed near the vocal cords due to compression by surrounding fat, etc. In this case, increasing the angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521 that supports user U's upper body increases the inclination angle of user U's upper body relative to the horizontal plane, dispersing the compression by fat, etc. and expanding the airway. This can promote improvement in user U's respiratory condition.

[0071] In view of this point, the floor board movement control unit 37 moves the head-side floor board 521 according to the ABI value indicating the degree of breathing abnormality of the user U, and changes the angle θ. Thereby, the angle θ can be increased according to the degree of breathing abnormality of the user U, and a good breathing state can be given to the user U. Increasing the angle θ of the head-side floor board 521 is an example of "raising the upper body support part".

[0072] In the present embodiment, the floor board movement control unit 37 sets the angle θ of the head-side floor board 521 to any one of 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° based on the in-bed / bed-off information obtained in the in-bed determination step S103, the sleep / wake information obtained in the sleep determination step S105, the sleeping posture information obtained in the sleeping posture determination step S106, and the ABI acquired in the breathing abnormality detection step S107. Specifically, for example, it is as follows.

[0073] The floor board movement control unit 37 of the present embodiment T (FIG. 8) changes the angle θ of the head-side floor board 521 based on.

[0074] Under the state (state pattern 1) where the in-bed / bed-off information is "bed-off", the target angle θ T becomes 0°. In this case, the floor board movement control unit 37 operates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head-side floor board 521 until the angle θ becomes 0°. That is, when the user U is not present on the bed 500, the floor board movement control unit 37 makes the head-side floor board 521 and the foot-side floor board 522 flush, and makes the floor board 520 a flat surface.

[0075] When the in-bed / bed-off information is "in-bed" and the sleep / wake information is "awake" and the state (state pattern 2) continues for 10 minutes or more, the target angle θ T becomes 0°. In this case, the floor board movement control unit 37 operates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head-side floor board 521 until the angle θ becomes 0°. That is, when the user U on the bed 500 is awake, the floor board movement control unit 37 also makes the floor board 520 a flat surface.

[0076] Under the condition where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 0 or 1 (condition pattern 3), the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 is T The angle becomes 0°. In this case, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 at 0° if the angle θ is 0°, and maintains the angle θ at the specified angle regardless of whether the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 10°, 20°, or 30°. That is, under state pattern 3, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the current angle θ of the head floorboard 521. This is because it is desirable for the user U to be sleeping with good breathing and for the state of the floorboard 520 to remain as it is.

[0077] If the condition (condition pattern 4) persists for 10 minutes or more, with the bed presence / absence information being "in bed," the sleep / wake information being "sleeping," the sleeping position information being "supine," and the ABI being 2 or 3, then the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 is set. T The angle becomes 10°. In this case, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 0°, the floorboard movement control unit 37 activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10°, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 10°, activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20°, and if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 20° or 30°, maintains the angle θ at that angle.

[0078] In other words, the floor plate movement control unit 37 controls the target angle θ T If the current angle θ is greater than the target angle θ, then the angle θ becomes the target angle θ T The head-side floorboard 521 is moved to achieve the following position. The floorboard movement control unit 37 also controls the target angle θ. T If the current angle θ is the same as the target angle θ, then the angle θ is the same as the target angle θ T Move the headboard 521 so that it becomes larger than the target angle θ. T If it is equal to angle θ, then the target angle θ T This is because it is not considered to be large enough to provide a good respiratory state. In addition, the floor plate movement control unit 37 targets the angle θ TIf the angle θ is smaller than the current angle θ of the head bed plate 521, the head bed plate 521 will not be moved. This is because reducing the angle θ may worsen the user U's respiratory condition (i.e., ABI).

[0079] If the condition (condition pattern 5) persists for 10 minutes or more, with the bed presence / absence information being "in bed," the sleep / wake information being "sleeping," the sleeping position information being "supine," and the ABI being 4 or 5, then the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 is set. T The angle becomes 20°. In this case, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 0° or 10°, the floorboard movement control unit 37 activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20°, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 20°, activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30°, and if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 30°, maintains the angle θ at 30°.

[0080] If the condition (condition pattern 6) persists for 10 minutes or more, with the bed presence / absence information being "bed," the sleep / wake information being "sleeping," the sleeping position information being "supine," and the ABI being 6 or higher, then the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 is set. T The angle becomes 30°. In this case, if the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is 0°, 10°, or 20°, the floorboard movement control unit 37 activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head-side floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30°. If the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is 30°, the angle θ is maintained at 30°.

[0081] Thus, the floorboard movement control unit 37 in this embodiment does not allow the angle θ to be greater than 30°. This is because if the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is greater than 30°, the user U's posture will become unsuitable for sleep, increasing the likelihood of the user U waking up.

[0082] Under the condition where the bed presence / mobility information is "bed presence," the sleep / wake information is "sleep," the sleeping position information is "lateral decubitus," and the ABI is less than 4 (condition pattern 7), the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 is TThe angle becomes 0°. In this case, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 at 0° if the angle θ is 0°, and maintains the angle θ at 10°, 20°, or 30° if the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is any of the angles specified. That is, under state pattern 7, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the current angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521. This is because, when the user U is lying on their side, changes in the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 have a relatively large effect on the user U's posture, and therefore, maintaining the current position is prioritized.

[0083] In the bed base movement control unit 37, if the presence information is "Present," the sleep / wake information is "Sleeping," the sleeping position information is "Lateral position," and the ABI is 4 or higher (state pattern 8) continues for 10 minutes or more, the target angle θ of the head bed base 521 is set. T The angle becomes 10°. In this case, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 0°, the floorboard movement control unit 37 activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10°, and if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 10°, 20°, or 30°, it maintains the angle θ at that angle. That is, under state pattern 8, the floorboard movement control unit 37 ensures that the current angle θ of the head floorboard is the target angle θ. T The angle θ is increased only if it is smaller than [a certain value]. In this way, the priority is to maintain the current state, and the angle θ is increased only once when the ABI becomes large enough.

[0084] A specific example of the floorboard position control process will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 9 to 12. In this embodiment, the floorboard movement control unit 37 performs floorboard movement control based on the information acquired in the information acquisition process, which is performed by the control unit 30 in parallel with the floorboard movement process.

[0085] Note that in the flowcharts of Figures 9 to 12, the floor plate movement control unit 37 is shown with a target angle θ for simplification. T Explicit settings are not made. However, the target angle θ T The floorboard movement control unit 37 may be operated according to a flow that explicitly sets the settings.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, the floor plate movement control unit 37 first sets the variable AN to 0 in step S201. The variable AN is a variable that indicates the angle θ of the head floor plate 521. In this specific example, the variable AN is set to 0, 1, 2, and 3 when the angle θ is 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°, respectively.

[0087] In step S202, the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines whether the occupancy / exit information is "occupied". The floor plate movement control unit 37 refers to the latest determination result from the occupancy determination step S103.

[0088] If the bed occupancy / outing information determines that the patient is "out of bed" (S202: NO), the bed slab movement control unit 37 determines whether the variable AN has a value other than 0 (step S205). If the bed slab movement control unit S37 determines that the variable AN has a value other than 0 (S205: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head bed slab 510 until the angle θ becomes 0° (step S206). That is, if the bed occupancy / outing information is "out of bed" and the angle θ of the head bed slab 521 is not 0°, the bed slab movement control unit 37 returns the angle θ of the head bed slab 521 to 0°. This process corresponds to the process under state pattern 1 described above.

[0089] After step S206, the floor plate movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to "0" (step S207) and executes step S202 again. If the floor plate movement control unit S37 determines in step S205 that the variable AN is 0 (S205: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0090] If the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information is determined to be "occupancy" in step S202 (S202: YES), the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information is determined to be "sleep" or not (step S203). The in step S202.

[0091] If the bed frame movement control unit 37 determines that the sleep / wake information is "awake" (S203: NO), it determines whether the state in which the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information is "occupancy" and the sleep / wake information is "awake" (state pattern 2) has continued for 10 minutes or more (step S204). If the bed frame movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 2 has continued for 10 minutes or more (step S204: YES), it determines whether the variable AN has a value other than "0" (step S205).

[0092] If the floorboard movement control unit S37 determines that the variable AN has a value other than "0" (S205: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 0° (step S206), sets the variable AN to "0" (step S207), and repeats step S202. If the floorboard movement control unit S37 determines in step S206 that the variable AN is "0" (S205: NO), it repeats step S202.

[0093] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines in step S203 that the sleep / wake information is "sleeping" (S203:YES), then in step S301 (Figure 10), it determines whether the sleeping position information is "supine".

[0094] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the sleeping position information is "supine" (S301:YES), it determines in step S302 whether the ABI is 0 or 1. If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is 0 or 1 (S302:YES), it repeats step S202. That is, under the condition (state pattern 3) where the bed presence / absence information is "in bed", the sleep / wake information is "sleeping", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 0 or 1, the bed base movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head bed base 521 at the current angle.

[0095] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S302 that the ABI is not 0 or 1 (S302: NO), it determines in step S303 whether the ABI is 2 or 3. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is 2 or 3 (S303: YES), it determines in step S304 whether the state in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 2 or 3 (state pattern 4) has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 4 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S304: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0096] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 4 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S304: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is 0 or not (step S305). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 0 (S305: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10° (step S306). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 1 (step S307) and executes step S202 again.

[0097] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S305 that the variable AN is not 0 (S305: NO), it determines whether the variable AN is 1 or not (step S308). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 1 (S308: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20° (step S309). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 2 (step S310) and executes step S202 again.

[0098] If the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines in step S308 that the variable AN is not 1 (S308: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0099] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S303 that the ABI is not 2 or 3 (S303: NO), it determines in step S401 (Figure 11) whether the ABI is 4 or 5. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is 4 or 5 (S401: YES), it determines in step S402 whether the state in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 4 or 5 (state pattern 5) has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 5 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S402: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0100] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 5 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S402: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is 0 or 1 (step S403). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 0 or 1 (S403: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20° (step S404). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 2 (step S405) and executes step S202 again.

[0101] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S403 that the variable AN is not 0 or 1 (S403: NO), it determines whether the variable AN is 2 (step S406). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 2 (S406: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30° (step S407). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 3 (step S408) and executes step S202 again.

[0102] If the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines in step S406 that the variable AN is not 2 (S406: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0103] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S401 that the ABI is not 4 or 5 (S401:NO), then in step S409, it determines whether the state in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is not any of 0 to 5 (i.e., 6 or higher) (state pattern 6) has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 6 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S409:NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0104] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 6 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S409: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is other than 3 (step S410). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is other than 3 (S410: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30° (step S411). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 3 (step S412) and executes step S202 again.

[0105] If the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines in step S410 that the variable AN is 3 (S410: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0106] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines in step S301 (Figure 10) that the sleeping position information is not "supine" (S301:NO), it determines in step S501 (Figure 12) whether the sleeping position information is "lateral". If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the sleeping position information is not "lateral" (S501:NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0107] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines in step S501 that the sleeping position information is "lateral position" (S501:YES), it determines in step S502 whether the ABI is less than 4 (step S502). If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is less than 4 (S502:YES), it repeats step S202. That is, under the condition (state pattern 7) where the bed in / out information is "in bed", the sleep / wake information is "sleeping", the sleeping position information is "lateral position", and the ABI is less than 4, the bed base movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head bed base 521 at the current angle.

[0108] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines in step S502 that the ABI is 4 or higher (S502:NO), then in step S503, it determines whether the state in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleeping", the sleeping position information is "lateral position", and the ABI is 4 or higher (state pattern 8) has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 8 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S503:NO), it repeats step S202.

[0109] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 8 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S503: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is 0 or not (step S504). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 0 (S504: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10° (step S505). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 1 (step S506) and executes step S202 again.

[0110] If the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines in step S504 that the variable AN is not 0 (S504: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0111] The advantageous effects of the floor plate moving device 100 of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0112] The floorboard moving device 100 of this embodiment moves the head-side floorboard 521 and changes the angle θ based on a state pattern including ABI. This provides the user U with a good breathing condition.

[0113] In this embodiment, the floor plate moving device 100 moves the head-side floor plate 521 to an angle θ corresponding to a certain state pattern when that state pattern continues for 10 minutes or more. Therefore, unnecessary movement of the head-side floor plate 521 due to temporary misjudgments, etc., is suppressed, and the head-side floor plate 521 can be moved stably.

[0114] In this embodiment, the floor plate moving device 100 moves the head-side floor plate 521 to an angle θ greater than the angle θ corresponding to the state pattern if a certain state pattern continues for 10 minutes or more, and then that state pattern continues again for 10 minutes or more. In this way, if no improvement in the respiratory state is observed after the first change in angle θ, further changes in angle θ can be made to provide the user U with a better respiratory state more accurately.

[0115] In this embodiment, the bed base moving device 100, after initially increasing the angle θ of the head bed base 521, does not move the head bed base 521 in the direction that decreases the angle θ until the user U gets out of bed 500 or the user U becomes awake. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a state in which the user U's respiratory condition is good.

[0116] The bed base moving device 100 of this embodiment moves the head bed base 521 based on a state pattern that includes sleeping posture information, and reduces the angle θ when the user U is lying on their side compared to when the user U is lying on their back. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the angle θ from becoming so large that it makes the user U's posture unsuitable for sleeping.

[0117] In this embodiment, the floor plate moving device 100 calculates a threshold value TH for respiratory abnormality detection by multiplying the average value AV of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW over a period of D1 [minutes] from the present moment by a predetermined coefficient. AMTherefore, by using an appropriate threshold according to the characteristics of user U, accurate detection of respiratory abnormalities can be performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the floor plate moving device 100 sets the amplitude AM of the user U's respiratory waveform BW to the threshold TH. AM If a period shorter than D2 [seconds] continues, it is detected that a respiratory abnormality has occurred in user U. Therefore, it is possible to suppress false detections based on temporary measurement errors, etc., and accurately detect respiratory abnormalities.

[0118] <Variation> In the above embodiment, the following modified form can also be used.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the movement control of the head-side floorboard 521 by the floorboard movement control unit 37 can be any manner in which the angle θ is changed based on the user U's ABI.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the floor plate movement control unit 37 has eight state patterns and a target angle θ corresponding to each state pattern. T The angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521 is changed based on this. However, this is not limited to this. The number of state patterns is not limited to eight, but can be any number. In addition, the content of each piece of information in each state pattern, especially the ABI value, can be appropriately set to a value that corresponds to the desired control content.

[0121] Target angle θ corresponding to each state pattern T The value of can also be set arbitrarily. In the above embodiment, four values ​​between 0° and 30° in 10° increments are used, but it is not limited to these. Also, in the above embodiment, the maximum value of the angle θ achieved by floor plate movement control is set to 30°, but it is not limited to this.

[0122] The sleep determination unit 34 in the above embodiment may determine whether or not user U is in a sleep state based on the ABI value. As described above, ABI indicates the number of respiratory abnormalities that occurred in user U within a predetermined period, but respiratory abnormalities in user U usually occur when user U is in a sleep state, not when user U is awake. Therefore, for example, the sleep determination unit 34 can compare ABI with a predetermined threshold and determine that user U is in a sleep state if ABI is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold can be "2" as an example.

[0123] Body movements can occur during sleep, such as turning over or body movements during recovery from sleep apnea. Therefore, sleep assessments based on ABI may be more accurate than those based on ACI, which reflects the duration and magnitude of body movements.

[0124] In step S203, the bed base movement control unit 37 may, instead of using the ACI-based sleep determination result, refer to the ABI-based sleep determination result to determine whether the sleep / wake information is "sleep." Alternatively, if the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the sleep / wake information is "wakeful" based on the ACI, it may perform a sleep / wake information determination based on the ABI. The bed base movement control unit 37 may also perform an ABI-based sleep determination using the ABI received from the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36. In this case, the bed base movement control unit 37 can be considered as part of the "sleep determination unit."

[0125] In the above embodiment, the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503 whether a predetermined state pattern has continued for 10 minutes or more. However, it is not limited to this. The floor plate movement control unit 37 may determine in each of these steps whether a predetermined state pattern has continued for a duration having a predetermined length. The length of the duration having a predetermined length is arbitrary.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines that the predetermined state pattern did not continue for 10 minutes or more if, in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503, the state pattern changes from a predetermined state pattern to another state pattern before 10 minutes have elapsed. However, it is not limited to this. The floor plate movement control unit 37 also determines that if the state pattern changes from a predetermined state pattern to another state pattern during the measurement of the 10-minute duration of the predetermined state pattern, the target angle θ corresponding to the other state pattern T The target angle θ corresponds to a predetermined state pattern. T If the above conditions are met, or if the ABI included in the other state pattern is greater than the ABI included in the predetermined state pattern, the predetermined state pattern may be considered to be continuing, and the measurement of the duration may be continued. In this case, if the predetermined state pattern and the other state pattern continue for a total of 10 minutes or more, the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines that the predetermined state pattern has continued for 10 minutes or more. In this specification and the present invention, "when the floor plate movement control unit determines that the predetermined state pattern (predetermined ABI) has continued for a predetermined duration (maintained a predetermined value)" may include cases where the determination is made in this manner. Alternatively, a plurality of state patterns (and their corresponding ABIs) including one state pattern and other state patterns may be considered as the "predetermined state pattern (predetermined value of ABI)".

[0127] In the above embodiment, the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines whether a predetermined state pattern continues for 10 minutes or more in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503 based on the measurement of the duration of the state pattern, but is not limited to this. The floorboard movement control unit 37 may, in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503, determine each state information again 10 minutes after the start of measurement, and determine that the predetermined state pattern has continued for 10 minutes or more if the predetermined state pattern is maintained. That is, the floorboard movement control unit 37 may determine that a state pattern has persisted for a predetermined duration if the state pattern at the beginning of a period of predetermined length matches the state pattern at the end of that period. Such a determination may be made by performing the process of determining the state pattern in 10-minute cycles, and based on whether the determination result at one timing matches the determination result at the next timing. In this specification and the present invention, "when the floor plate movement control unit determines that a predetermined state pattern (a predetermined ABI) has continued for a predetermined duration (maintained a predetermined value)" may include cases where the determination is made in such a manner.

[0128] The floor plate movement control unit 37 in the above embodiment does not have to perform at least one of steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503. That is, it may perform the processing that occurs when it is determined that a predetermined state pattern has continued for a predetermined period of time, without determining whether or not a predetermined state pattern has continued for a predetermined period of time.

[0129] The floor plate movement control unit 37 in the above embodiment determines the target angle θ based on the fact that the sleeping posture information is "supine position" and the continuation of the state pattern. T If the current angle θ is equal to the determined target angle θ, then the angle θ is equal to the target angle θ. T The headboard 521 is moved so that it becomes larger than the target angle θ. However, it is not limited to this. The floorboard movement control unit 37 of the above embodiment determines the target angle θ based on the continuation of the state pattern. TIf the value is equal to the current angle θ, the angle θ may be kept at its current value. Note that the target angle θ is determined based on the sleeping position information being "supine" and the continuation of the state pattern. T If the angle is equal to the current angle θ, this is an example of a case where the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines that a certain state pattern has continued for a predetermined duration and changes the angle θ, and then determines that the pattern has continued (maintained) again for a predetermined duration.

[0130] The floor plate movement control unit 37 in the above embodiment determines the target angle θ based on the fact that the sleeping posture information is "lateral position" and the continuation of the state pattern. T If the angle is equal to the current angle θ, the angle θ is maintained at its current value. However, it is not limited to this. The floor plate movement control unit 37 determines the target angle θ based on the fact that the sleeping position information is "lateral position" and the continuation of the state pattern. T When the current angle θ is equal to the target angle θ, the angle θ is determined to be the target angle θ. T The headboard 521 may be moved to make it larger than the above.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the floor plate movement control unit 37 initially increases the angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521, and then changes the state pattern to target angle θ. T Even if the angle θ becomes smaller, the head-side floor plate 521 will not move to reduce the angle θ. However, this is not limited to this. The floor plate movement control unit 37 will move the floor plate when the state pattern changes and the target angle θ T If the angle becomes smaller, the headboard 521 may be moved so that the angle θ becomes smaller.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the floorboard movement control unit 37 starts floorboard movement control from a state where the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is 0°, and increases the angle θ in accordance with the change in the state pattern, specifically, the increase in ABI. However, it is not limited to this. The floorboard movement control unit 37 may also start floorboard movement control from a state where the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is a predetermined angle other than 0° (for example, 30°), and decrease the angle θ in accordance with the change in the state pattern, specifically, the decrease in ABI. In this case, the tilted head-side floorboard 521 when the control is released can provide the user U with a good breathing state. Furthermore, by decreasing the angle θ in accordance with the breathing state, the user U can be placed in a posture more suitable for sleep.

[0133] In the above embodiment, at least one of the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information, sleep / wake information, and sleeping posture information may be excluded from the state pattern. That is, the bed base movement control unit 37 may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based only on the ABI, or it may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based on the ABI and at least one determination result from the bed occupancy determination unit 32, the sleep determination unit 34, and the sleeping posture determination unit 35. With regard to the movement control of the head bed base 521 based on the ABI, embodiments can be realized by replacing "state pattern" with "ABI" in each of the above descriptions. For example, the determination of duration in step S204 of the above embodiment is a determination of whether or not the ABI has maintained a predetermined value for a predetermined duration. In this case, the "predetermined value" may be a single value or a value within a predetermined range. Configurations related to information not used for bed base movement control may be omitted as appropriate.

[0134] In the above embodiment, at least one of the bed presence / absence information, sleep / wake information, and ABI may be excluded from the state pattern. That is, the bed base movement control unit 37 may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based only on the sleeping posture information, or it may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based on the sleeping posture information and at least one determination / detection result from the bed presence determination unit 32, the sleep determination unit 34, and the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36.

[0135] When the bed base movement control unit 37 controls the movement of the head bed base 521 based on sleeping posture information, for example, if the sleeping posture information is "supine," the angle θ is set to a first angle (20° as an example), and if the sleeping posture information is "lateral," the angle θ is set to a second angle smaller than the first angle (10° as an example). This allows the angle θ to be set relatively large when the user U is in a supine position, making it less likely for the user U's airway to be compressed and providing the user U with a good breathing state. Also, when the user U is in a lateral position, the angle θ can be set relatively small to make the user U's posture suitable for sleeping. When the user is in a lateral position, the airway is less likely to be compressed compared to when the user is in a supine position, so even if the angle θ is the second angle, the user U can be provided with a good breathing state.

[0136] In the floorboard moving device 100 of the above embodiment, the method for detecting respiratory abnormalities of user U is arbitrary. For example, respiratory abnormalities of user U may be detected by a respiratory sensor attached to user U. Alternatively, information indicating the position of user U, whether or not there is body movement, posture, and / or sleeping posture may be acquired based on images captured by an imaging device.

[0137] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment of the floorboard moving device 200 (Figure 3) of this disclosure includes a respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 instead of a respiratory abnormality detection unit 36. Other than that, there are no differences between the floorboard moving device 100 of the first embodiment and the floorboard moving device 200 of the second embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences between the floorboard moving device 200 of the second embodiment and the floorboard moving device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0138] In the respiratory abnormality detection step S107, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects a respiratory abnormality of user U on the bed 500 based on the user U's respiratory waveform BW, and then determines whether the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the slope of the respiratory waveform BW. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 then obtains the ABI (Airway Boundary Index) based on the number of obstructive respiratory abnormalities that occurred within a predetermined period. In other words, in the second embodiment, the ABI is an index that indicates the degree of the obstructive respiratory abnormality of user U.

[0139] Here, obstructive respiratory disorder refers to a respiratory disorder caused by obstruction of the user's airway. When user U experiences obstructive respiratory disorder, the respiratory center in user U's brain sends normal respiratory commands, and user U's diaphragm moves in accordance with the respiratory commands. However, because user U's airway is obstructed, user U's lungs are unable to take in a sufficient amount of oxygen. In this specification and the present invention, "obstructive respiratory disorder" includes obstructive apnea and obstructive hypopnea.

[0140] Furthermore, there is a type of respiratory abnormality that differs from obstructive respiratory abnormalities: central respiratory abnormalities. Central respiratory abnormalities are respiratory abnormalities caused by the respiratory center in the user's brain ceasing to issue normal respiratory commands. When user U has a central respiratory abnormality, the respiratory center in user U's brain does not issue normal respiratory commands, and user U's diaphragm does not exhibit normal movement. Specifically, for example, the respiratory center in user U's brain does not issue respiratory commands, and user U's diaphragm is stopped. Therefore, user U's lungs are unable to take in a sufficient amount of oxygen. In this specification and the present invention, "central respiratory abnormalities" include central apnea and central hypopnea.

[0141] Furthermore, obstructive respiratory abnormalities and central respiratory abnormalities can occur simultaneously. That is, they can occur when user U's airway is obstructed and user U's brain's respiratory center is not issuing normal respiratory commands.

[0142] The operation of the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 in the respiratory abnormality detection process S107 is specifically as follows:

[0143] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 first sets a threshold TH for respiratory abnormality detection, similar to the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​in the first embodiment. AM It constantly calculates the latest value of the respiratory waveform BW amplitude AM and the threshold TH. AM It constantly compares with the latest value. Then, the amplitude AM is the threshold TH. AMIf a period shorter than D2 [seconds] continues, it is detected that user U has experienced a respiratory abnormality. The length of D2 [seconds] can be set arbitrarily, but one example is 10 seconds.

[0144] If the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects that a respiratory abnormality has occurred in user U, it determines whether or not the respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 makes this determination based on the following principle.

[0145] According to the inventors' findings, when user U experiences obstructive respiratory abnormalities, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW decreases, and the distance between peaks in the respiratory waveform BW increases. That is, the time required for inspiration and expiration increases, and the respiratory rate decreases. Figure 13 shows how the respiratory waveform BW changes when user U experiences obstructive apnea. Note that, unlike the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 5(b), the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13 rises during inspiration and falls during expiration. That is, the positive and negative signs of the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13 and the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 5(b) are reversed relative to each other. However, the information that can be read from both waveforms is substantially the same.

[0146] As shown in Figure 13, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW during the period when user U's respiratory status is normal is called the slope angle α. N The interval between two adjacent positive peaks pp or two adjacent negative peaks np is called the peak interval PI. N The interval between the end of exhalation and the start of the next inhalation is called the interval (INT). N Furthermore, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW during the period when user U's respiratory state is obstructive apnea is defined as the slope angle α. OA The interval between two adjacent positive peaks pp or two adjacent negative peaks np is called the peak interval PI. OA The interval between the end of exhalation and the start of the next inhalation is called the interval (INT). OA Let's assume that the inclination angle α is correct. N The inclination angle is α OA Larger. Peak interval PI N The peak interval is PI OA Smaller than. Interval INT NInterval INT OA It is smaller than that.

[0147] In this disclosure and the present invention, "waveform slope" means the angle (acute angle) between the rising or falling portion of the waveform and the time axis. Specifically, the waveform slope may be, for example, the angle between the line segment connecting the negative peak np and the positive peak pp and the time axis. Alternatively, it may be the angle between the time axis and the approximation line of the rising or falling portion of the waveform (for example, an approximation line by the least squares method). Alternatively, it may be the angle between the time axis and the tangent line near the center in the amplitude direction of the rising or falling portion of the waveform.

[0148] Furthermore, the slope angle α is the magnitude of the slope of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period when the user U's respiratory state changes between normal and obstructive apnea. T The interval between two adjacent positive peaks pp or two adjacent negative peaks np is called the peak interval PI. T The interval between the end of exhalation and the start of the next inhalation is called the interval (INT). T Let's assume that the inclination angle α is correct. T The inclination angle is α N Smaller tilt angle α OA Larger than. Peak interval PI T The peak interval is PI N Larger peak interval PI OA Smaller than. Interval INT T Interval INT N Larger interval INT OA It is smaller than that.

[0149] Inclination angle α T During the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from normal to obstructive apnea, the peak interval PI gradually decreases over time, and during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from obstructive apnea to normal, the peak interval PI gradually increases over time. TDuring the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from normal to obstructive apnea, the interval gradually increases over time, and during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from obstructive apnea to normal, the interval gradually decreases over time. T During the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from normal to obstructive apnea, the value gradually increases over time, and during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from obstructive apnea to normal, the value gradually decreases over time.

[0150] According to the inventors' findings, when user U experiences central respiratory abnormalities, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW remains constant, the peak interval of the respiratory waveform BW remains constant, and the peak (amplitude) of the respiratory waveform BW decreases. That is, the time required for inspiration and expiration remains constant, while the depth of breathing decreases. Figure 14 shows how the respiratory waveform BW changes when user U experiences central apnea.

[0151] As shown in Figure 14, during periods when user U's respiratory state is central apnea, the respiratory waveform BW shows almost no oscillation. This is because no signals are being sent from the brain's respiratory center, and the diaphragm (and consequently the internal organs) does not move.

[0152] Furthermore, the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period in which user U's respiratory state changes between normal and central apnea. T This is approximately constant throughout the transition period, and the slope angle α N This is approximately equivalent to the peak interval PI of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes between normal and central apnea. T This remains approximately constant throughout the transition period, and the peak interval PI N This is approximately equivalent to the interval INT of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period in which user U's respiratory state changes between normal and central apnea. T It is approximately constant throughout the transition period, and interval INT N It is equal to.

[0153] According to the inventors' findings of the present invention, as described above, if the respiratory abnormality experienced by user U is an obstructive respiratory abnormality, the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW decreases, the peak interval lengthens, and the interval lengthens. On the other hand, if the respiratory abnormality experienced by user U is a central respiratory abnormality, the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW does not decrease, and the peak interval and interval remain unchanged. Furthermore, among the changes in the respiratory waveform BW when an obstructive respiratory abnormality occurs, the decrease in the slope angle is more pronounced than the lengthening of the peak interval and the lengthening of the interval. Therefore, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 of this embodiment determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the change in the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW.

[0154] In the above explanation, the change in the respiratory waveform BW when an obstructive respiratory disorder occurs was described using the slope angle of the rising portion of the respiratory waveform BW as an example. However, a similar change occurs in the slope angle of the falling portion of the respiratory waveform BW. Although not shown in the schematic diagram Figure 13, the increase in the time required for inspiration and the increase in the time required for expiration that occurs with the occurrence of an obstructive respiratory disorder are more pronounced in the case of the increase in the time required for inspiration than in the increase in the time required for expiration. Therefore, the respiratory disorder detection unit 362 can make a more favorable determination by using the slope angle of the portion of the respiratory waveform BW that shows the change in response to inspiration. The change in the respiratory waveform BW in response to inspiration is the rising portion in the case of the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13, and the falling portion in the case of the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 5(b).

[0155] An example of the specific procedure for the assessment will be explained using the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 15. Similar to the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13, the waveform in Figure 15 rises when the user U inhales and the center of gravity G moves toward the legs, and falls when the user U exhales and the center of gravity G moves toward the head.

[0156] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 first detects a respiratory abnormality in the user U, as shown in Figure 15, and then determines the respiratory abnormality period P AB Identify the duration of respiratory abnormality P AB , abnormal breathing period P AB The period immediately preceding P DB, and the abnormal breathing period P AB The immediately subsequent period P immediately after DA is set as the determination target period P OB .

[0157] The abnormal breathing period P AB is, for example, a period during which the amplitude AM is smaller than the threshold value TH AM . The immediately preceding period P DB and the immediately subsequent period P DA can be set to include, for example, the transition period in FIG. 13. In the second embodiment, the abnormal breathing period P AB and the immediately preceding period P DB are continuous without an interval, and the abnormal breathing period P AB and the immediately subsequent period P DA are continuous without an interval, but this is not limited thereto.

[0158] Next, the abnormal breathing detection unit 362 calculates the inclination angle α of the breathing waveform BW in the determination target period P OB for each peak of the breathing waveform BW. At this time, the inclination angle α may be calculated using the rising part of the breathing waveform BW, or the inclination angle α may be calculated using the falling part of the breathing waveform BW (however, more suitable determination can be performed by using the inclination angle α of the part showing the rising, that is, the variation corresponding to inhalation). Then, each of the calculated plurality of inclination angles α is compared with the threshold value THα, and when at least one of the plurality of inclination angles α is smaller than the threshold value THα, it is determined that the detected abnormal breathing is an obstructive abnormal breathing.

[0159] The abnormal breathing detection unit 362 always executes the detection of the above abnormal breathing and the determination as to whether it is an obstructive abnormal breathing. Then, always or periodically, the number of occurrences of obstructive abnormal breathing in the period from D3 [minutes] before the current time to the current time (an example of the "predetermined period") is acquired as the abnormal breathing index (ABI). The floor board movement control unit 37 refers to the ABI in the floor board movement process.

[0160] As described above, in the floor board moving device 200 of the second embodiment, the apnea detection unit 362 obtains the ABI based on the number of occurrences of the obstructive apnea of the user U, and the floor board movement control unit 37 performs the floor board movement process using the ABI. Here, the movement of the head side floor board 521 is performed to improve the state of the airway of the user U, and when the breathing abnormality of the user U is obstructive apnea, it has the effect of promoting the improvement of the breathing state of the user U. The floor board moving device 200 of the second embodiment performs the floor board movement process using the ABI based on the number of occurrences of the obstructive apnea, thereby suppressing the unnecessary movement of the head side floor board better and moving the head side floor board 521 more suitably.

[0161] Further, in the floor board moving device 200 of the second embodiment, when both obstructive apnea and central apnea occur in the user U, the apnea detection unit 362 determines that the user U has obstructive apnea. This is because when obstructive apnea occurs in the user U, changes such as the inclination angle of the breathing waveform BW occur regardless of whether central apnea is concurrent. Therefore, the floor board movement control device 200 of the second embodiment can obtain the ABI in accordance with the occurrence situation of the obstructive apnea regardless of the presence or absence of the concurrent central apnea, and can move the head side floor board 521 more suitably.

[0162] <Modification Example> In the second embodiment, the following modification modes can also be used. In addition to the following modification modes, each of the modification modes described above regarding the first embodiment can also be used in the second embodiment.

[0163] In the second embodiment, the apnea detection unit 362 can detect the obstructive apnea of the user U by an arbitrary method based on the change in the inclination angle α of the breathing waveform BW. Specifically, for example, it is as follows.

[0164] In the second embodiment, the apnea detection unit 362 is the immediately preceding period P DB , the apnea period P AB , and the immediately following period P DA All periods including are the determination target period P OBThe setting is as follows, but is not limited to this. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects the immediately preceding period P DB , abnormal breathing period P AB , and the immediately following period P DA At least one of the following is determined during the period P OB You can set it as such.

[0165] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines the period P OB If at least one of the multiple slope angles α obtained based on the respiratory waveform BW contained in is smaller than the threshold THα, the detected respiratory abnormality is determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality. However, it is not limited to this. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines during the determination period P OB If at least several, or all, of the multiple slope angles α obtained based on the respiratory waveform BW contained in the data are smaller than the threshold THα, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality.

[0166] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects the immediately preceding period P DB The slope of the respiratory waveform BW decreases over time, and / or the immediate period P DA A respiratory abnormality detected based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform BW increases over time may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality. Specifically, for example, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines that the respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the preceding period P DB If the slope angle α of two or more adjacent peaks in the respiratory waveform BW increases over time, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality.

[0167] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 may detect obstructive respiratory abnormalities in the user U based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform BW, as well as changes in the peak interval PI (Figure 15) of the respiratory waveform BW and / or changes in the interval INT (Figure 15) of the respiratory waveform BW. Specifically, for example, during the judgment period P OB Based on the respiratory waveform BW included, at least one of the multiple slope angles α obtained is smaller than the threshold THα, and the judgment period P OBBased on the respiratory waveform BW contained in, at least one of the multiple peak intervals PI obtained is threshold TH PI If it is greater than and / or during the period P of the determination OB Based on the respiratory waveform BW contained in, at least one of the multiple intervals INT obtained is threshold TH INT If the value is greater than this, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality. Specifically, the length of the interval INT can be calculated, for example, as the period from when the displacement of the respiratory waveform BW becomes a predetermined percentage (e.g., 95%) or more of the displacement at the negative peak until it becomes less than that predetermined percentage.

[0168] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines the period P OB In this case, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be a central respiratory abnormality based on the fact that the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW is approximately constant. The range within which the slope angle α must be considered approximately constant can be appropriately set based on considerations such as the desired level of accuracy.

[0169] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 uses the latest value of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW and the threshold TH. AM Obstructive respiratory abnormalities may be detected solely based on a comparison of the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW with the threshold, without performing respiratory abnormality detection based on comparison with the latest value.

[0170] According to the inventors' findings, the cause of changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW is highly likely to be obstructive respiratory abnormalities. Therefore, for example, by appropriately setting a threshold based on data showing the relationship between changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW and the occurrence of obstructive respiratory abnormalities, the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW can be determined in real time, and obstructive respiratory abnormalities in user U can be detected based on the fact that the determined slope angle α has become smaller than the set threshold.

[0171] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 acquires the ABI based on the number of times the user U has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities, and the bed base movement control unit 37 performs the bed base movement process using the ABI. However, it is not limited to this. The bed base movement control unit 37 may perform the bed base movement process in any manner based on the detection results of the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362. Specifically, for example, the bed base movement control unit 37 may increase the angle θ of the head bed base 521 based on the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detecting that the user U has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities.

[0172] A respiratory abnormality detection device can also be constructed by removing components from the floor plate moving device 200 of the second embodiment that are not necessarily required for the operation of the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362. Such a respiratory abnormality detection device can be configured by removing the occupancy determination unit 32, the sleeping posture determination unit 35, and the floor plate moving control unit 37 from the floor plate moving device 200, for example, as shown in Figure 16. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects the user U's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the inclination angle α of the respiratory waveform BW acquired by the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33. Such a respiratory abnormality detection device can effectively detect the user's respiratory abnormality. Furthermore, with such a respiratory abnormality detection device, the determination of obstructive respiratory abnormalities, which conventionally required the output of multiple types of sensors, can be performed based on the output of a load sensor (i.e., one type of sensor).

[0173] The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may detect obstructive respiratory abnormalities of user U based on changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW during the period in which the sleep determination unit 34 determines that user U is in a sleep state. This allows for more accurate detection of obstructive apnea in user U. On the other hand, the respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may detect obstructive respiratory abnormalities of user U based on changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW, regardless of whether the sleep determination unit 34 determines that user U is in a sleep state. The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 does not necessarily have a sleep determination unit 34.

[0174] The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may detect snoring by user U based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform BW. According to the inventors of the present invention, the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW is smaller when user U is snoring compared to when user U is not snoring. Therefore, based on a comparison of the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW with an appropriately set threshold, it is possible to detect that user U is experiencing at least one of snoring, obstructive hypopnea, and obstructive apnea. The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may also be configured to detect only snoring. In the present invention and this disclosure, "obstructive respiratory abnormality" may include "snoring."

[0175] The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may be configured to detect central apnea. In this case, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects central respiratory abnormality in user U based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform BW is approximately constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform BW (positive peak pp or negative peak np) has decreased.

[0176] Specifically, for example, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362, when the positive peak pp of the respiratory waveform BW falls below a threshold, sets a target period P with the positive peak pp as the center point in the time axis direction. OB (Figure 17) is set. Then, the target period P OB The system determines multiple slope angles α corresponding to each peak in the respiratory waveform BW contained within the waveform. If these multiple slope angles α are approximately the same, it is detected that a central respiratory abnormality has occurred in user U.

[0177] Furthermore, if user U experiences both obstructive and central respiratory abnormalities, the respiratory waveform BW typically exhibits periods of near-zero displacement, as shown in Figure 17. This is because central respiratory abnormalities prevent the movement of user U's diaphragm and, consequently, its internal organs. Thus, the changes in the respiratory waveform corresponding to the occurrence of central respiratory abnormalities are characteristic. For example, if a clinician observes the respiratory waveform BW to determine the cause of user U's respiratory abnormality, obstructive respiratory abnormalities accompanied by central respiratory abnormalities may be mistakenly judged as simply central respiratory abnormalities. This could lead to a missed opportunity to provide appropriate treatment for obstructive respiratory abnormalities. In contrast, the respiratory abnormality detection device 700 of this disclosure detects obstructive respiratory abnormalities based on changes in the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW, and can therefore suitably detect the occurrence of obstructive respiratory abnormalities regardless of whether or not central respiratory abnormalities are present.

[0178] The floor plate moving devices 100 and 200 in the above embodiments do not necessarily need to be equipped with all of the load detectors 11 to 14; they may be equipped with only one of them. For example, if there are three load detectors, the position of the user U's center of gravity on the top surface of the floor plate 520 can be detected as long as they are not arranged in a straight line. Also, the load detectors do not necessarily need to be placed at the four corners of the bed; they can be placed at any position so as to be able to detect the load of the user on the bed and its fluctuations. In addition, for example, the load detectors 11 to 14 may be provided between the frame 511 and the four legs 512 of the bed 500. Furthermore, the load detectors 11 to 14 are not limited to load sensors using beam-type load cells; for example, force sensors can also be used.

[0179] In the floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 of the above embodiment, any biosignal acquisition unit that acquires the user U's biosignals (signals that fluctuate in accordance with the user U's biological activity) can be used instead of the load detection unit 10. Specifically, for example, by using a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in a matrix under the sheet, fluctuations in the pressure applied by the user U to the floorboard 520 can be acquired as biosignals. In this embodiment, based on the output of the plurality of pressure sensors, it is possible to calculate the user U's center of gravity, determine if the user is in bed, acquire respiratory waveforms, determine sleep, determine sleeping posture, detect respiratory abnormalities, calculate ABI, and so on.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the breathing condition of user U (i.e., ABI) is improved by increasing the angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521 that supports the upper body of user U, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The upward movement of the upper body support that supports the upper body of user U may be any manner in which the upper body of user U, which is supported by the upper body support, is tilted.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the use of the floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 with respect to a bed 500 was described as an example, but the use of the floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 is not limited to a bed 500. The floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 can be used as support surface moving devices to control the movement of the support surface of any support device in which the support surface that supports the human body is configured to be movable, such as a bed, sofa, chair, or wheelchair. In this case, the support surface moving device moves the upper body support portion of the support surface that supports the upper body of the user on the support surface.

[0182] As long as the features of the present invention are maintained, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and other forms conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0183] 10: Load detection unit, 30: Control unit, 31: Center of gravity position calculation unit, 32: Bed occupancy determination unit, 33: Respiratory waveform acquisition unit, 34: Sleep determination unit, 35: Sleeping posture determination unit, 36, 362: Respiratory abnormality detection unit, 37: Bed base movement control unit, 40: Memory unit, 50: Display unit, 60: Notification unit, 70: Input unit, 100, 200: Bed base movement device, 500: Bed, 520: Bed base, 521: Head bed base, 530: Movement mechanism, 700: Respiratory abnormality detection device, BW: Respiratory waveform, U: User

Claims

1. A support surface moving device that moves a support surface that supports the user's body, A respiratory abnormality detection unit that detects the user's respiratory abnormality on the support surface, The system includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the support surface, The support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the user's upper body on the support surface, The movement control unit is a support surface movement device that moves the upper body support unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the user has experienced respiratory abnormalities detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

2. The support surface moving device according to claim 1, wherein the moving control unit determines that the respiratory abnormality index has maintained a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time, and moves the upper body support portion.

3. The support surface moving device according to claim 2, wherein the moving control unit determines that the respiratory abnormality index has maintained the predetermined value over the duration, and then, if it determines that the respiratory abnormality index has again maintained the predetermined value over the duration, it moves the upper body support to a second position above the first position.

4. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movement control unit raises the upper body support unit based on the respiratory abnormality index, and then maintains the position of the upper body support unit even if the respiratory abnormality index decreases.

5. The system further includes a sleep determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a sleep state. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support based on the respiratory abnormality index during the period in which the sleep determination unit determines that the user is in a sleep state.

6. The support surface moving device according to claim 5, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support unit to a position where the support surface is flat when the sleep determination unit determines that the user is not in a sleep state.

7. The support surface moving device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sleep determination unit determines that the user is in a sleep state when the respiratory abnormality index is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

8. The system further includes a sleeping posture determination unit that determines the user's sleeping posture on the support surface, The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support unit based on the respiratory abnormality index and the user's sleeping posture determined by the sleeping posture determination unit.

9. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the respiratory abnormality detection unit detects a respiratory abnormality of the user based on a comparison between the amplitude of a waveform indicating the user's breathing and a threshold corresponding to the average or median value of the amplitude during a predetermined past amplitude acquisition period.

10. The respiratory abnormality detection unit detects the user's respiratory abnormality based on a comparison between the amplitude of the waveform representing the user's respiration and a threshold corresponding to the average or median value of the amplitude during a predetermined past amplitude acquisition period. The support surface moving device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the length of the amplitude acquisition period and the length of the duration period are equal.

11. The system further includes a respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires a respiratory waveform based on the fluctuation of the user's load in accordance with the user's breathing. The respiratory abnormality detection unit detects, as a respiratory abnormality of the user on the support surface, an obstructive respiratory abnormality in the user based on the change in the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support unit based on the respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the user has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

12. Support surface and, A support device comprising a support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for moving the support surface.

13. A method for moving a support surface, which is a support surface for supporting the body of a user, and which has an upper body support portion for supporting the upper body of the user on the support surface, The respiratory abnormality detection unit detects respiratory abnormalities of the user on the support surface, A method comprising moving the upper body support unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the respiratory abnormality detection unit has detected the user's respiratory abnormality within a predetermined period, using a movement control unit.

14. A support surface moving device that moves a support surface that supports the user's body, A sleeping posture determination unit that determines the user's sleeping posture on the support surface, The system includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the support surface, The support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the user's upper body on the support surface, The movement control unit is a support surface movement device that moves the upper body support unit based on the user's sleeping posture.

15. A respiratory abnormality detection device that detects respiratory abnormalities in the user, A respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires a respiratory waveform based on the fluctuation of the user's load in accordance with the user's breathing. A respiratory abnormality detection device comprising a detection unit that detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform.

16. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to claim 15, wherein the detection unit detects the user's respiratory abnormality based on the amplitude of the respiratory waveform, and determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the change in the slope of the respiratory waveform during at least one of the respiratory abnormality period in which the detected respiratory abnormality occurs, the period immediately preceding the respiratory abnormality period, and the period immediately following the respiratory abnormality period.

17. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to claim 16, wherein the detection unit determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform in the immediately preceding period decreases with the passage of time, and / or the slope of the respiratory waveform in the immediately following period increases with the passage of time.

18. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the detection unit detects a respiratory abnormality of the user based on the amplitude of the respiratory waveform, and determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is a central respiratory abnormality based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform is substantially constant during at least one of the respiratory abnormality period in which the detected respiratory abnormality occurs, the period immediately preceding the respiratory abnormality period, and the period immediately following the respiratory abnormality period.

19. The system further includes a sleep determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a sleep state. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the detection unit detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the change in the slope of the respiratory waveform during the period in which the sleep determination unit determines that the user is in a sleep state.

20. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the detection unit detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on a change in the slope of the respiratory waveform, a change in the peak interval of the respiratory waveform, and / or a change in the interval of the respiratory waveform.

21. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the slope of the respiratory waveform is the slope of the portion that rises or falls in response to the user's inhalation.

22. A support surface moving device that moves a support surface that supports the user's body, A respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 21, The system includes a movement control unit that controls the movement of the support surface, The support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the user's upper body on the support surface, The movement control unit is a support surface movement device that moves the upper body support based on the detection result of the respiratory abnormality detection device.

23. The support surface moving device according to claim 22, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the user has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities detected by the respiratory abnormality detection device within a predetermined period.

24. A respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting respiratory abnormalities in a user, The respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires the respiratory waveform based on the fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's breathing, A respiratory abnormality detection method, comprising detecting an obstructive respiratory abnormality of the user based on a change in the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform using a detection unit.

25. A respiratory abnormality detection device that detects respiratory abnormalities in the user, A respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires a respiratory waveform based on the fluctuation of the user's load in accordance with the user's breathing. A respiratory abnormality detection device comprising: a detection unit that detects a central respiratory abnormality in the user based on the fact that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased.

26. A respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting respiratory abnormalities in a user, The respiratory waveform acquisition unit acquires the respiratory waveform based on the fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's breathing, A respiratory abnormality detection method, which includes detecting a central respiratory abnormality in the user based on the detection unit detecting that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and that the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased.

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