Monitoring system

Abstract

This technology provides a way to reduce power consumption in monitoring systems using millimeter-wave sensors. [Solution] The monitoring system 1 for watching over a person in a living room 90 includes a bed sensor 21 that detects whether or not a person is present on a bed 92 placed in the living room 90, a millimeter-wave sensor 20 that sets the space inside the living room 90 as the detection target space and detects the posture of a person in the said detection target space, and a control unit that controls the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 based on the detection result from the bed sensor 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring a person in a room and technologies related thereto.

Background Art

[0002] There is a monitoring system for monitoring a person in a room. In the monitoring system, for example, various sensors such as a bed sensor and a TOF (Time Of Flight) camera are used to detect a person in the room and monitor the behavior of the person.

[0003] In the monitoring system, in order to detect the body posture (body position (lying position, sitting position, standing position, etc.)) of a person in the room, a TOF camera may be used as a sensor capable of obtaining three-dimensional information of the person in the space. For example, considering the availability at night and the like, a TOF camera having an infrared image sensor is used.

[0004] According to the TOF camera, depth information (depth information) of each point in the captured image can be obtained. Then, based on the image information of the captured image and the depth information, human skeleton information is acquired as three-dimensional information, and based on the human skeleton information, it is possible to estimate the body posture of the person.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, considering that the TOF camera (TOF sensor) is relatively expensive, etc., technologies using a relatively inexpensive millimeter-wave sensor in the monitoring system have also been studied (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0007] However, when millimeter-wave sensors are installed in a living space (such as near the ceiling), it is generally necessary to perform power supply work to provide power to the sensors. This power supply work may involve drilling holes in the ceiling to run power lines from above the ceiling to the millimeter-wave sensors installed near the ceiling of the living space. Installation costs involving such power supply work (including drilling holes) are high. Similar problems can arise with monitoring systems using TOF cameras.

[0008] If the power consumption of millimeter-wave sensors can be reduced, they can be battery-powered, making it possible to introduce monitoring systems without the need for the power supply work mentioned above. In turn, it becomes possible to reduce the total system introduction cost, including sensor costs and installation costs.

[0009] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables power saving in a monitoring system using a millimeter-wave sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a monitoring system for monitoring a person in a living room, comprising: a bed sensor that detects whether or not a person is present on a bed placed in the living room; a millimeter-wave sensor that sets the space in the living room as a detection target space and detects the posture of a person in the detection target space; and a control unit that controls the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor based on the detection result from the bed sensor.

[0011] When the bed sensor detects the presence of a person on the bed, the control unit may transition the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from a first state for detecting the posture of the person to a second state that consumes less power than the first state.

[0012] When the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed, and the millimeter-wave sensor, which is operating in a first state for detecting the posture of a person, does not detect the presence of a person in the room, the control unit may transition the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from the first state to a second state which consumes less power than the first state.

[0013] The monitoring system further includes a door sensor that detects the opening and closing of a door provided at the entrance to the living room, and the control unit may maintain the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor in the first state if the absence of a person on the bed is detected by the bed sensor, and the presence of a person in the living room is not detected by the millimeter-wave sensor operating in the first state, as long as the opening and closing of the door is not detected by the door sensor.

[0014] When the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed, and the millimeter-wave sensor operating in the first state detects the presence of a person in the room and detects that the person is lying down, the control unit may operate the millimeter-wave sensor in vital signs detection mode.

[0015] The monitoring system further includes a motion sensor that detects whether or not a person is present in a first space within the living space, including the space above the bed. The control unit may, when the presence of a person on the bed is detected by the bed sensor and the presence of a person in the first space is detected by the motion sensor, transition the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from a first state for detecting the posture of a person to a second state with lower power consumption than the first state.

[0016] Even if the bed sensor detects the presence of a person on the bed, the control unit may continue the operation state of the millimeter-wave sensor in the first state if the motion sensor detects the absence of a person in the first space.

[0017] The monitoring system further includes a motion sensor that detects whether or not a person is present in a first space within the living room, which includes the space around the bed. The millimeter-wave sensor sets a second space within the living room, which includes the space around the bed that is part of the first space and is equal to or larger than the first space, as the detection target space, and detects the posture of a person in the detection target space. When the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed, and the motion sensor detects the absence of a person in the first space, and the millimeter-wave sensor, which is operating in a first state for detecting the posture of a person, does not detect the presence of a person in the second space, the control unit may transition the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from the first state to a second state which consumes less power than the first state.

[0018] The monitoring system further includes a door sensor that detects the opening and closing of a door provided at the entrance to the living room, and the control unit may maintain the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor in the first state even if the absence of a person on the bed is detected by the bed sensor and the absence of a person in the first space is detected by the motion sensor, and the presence of a person in the second space is not detected by the millimeter-wave sensor operating in the first state, as long as the opening and closing of the door is not detected by the door sensor.

[0019] When the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed and the motion sensor detects the presence of a person in the first space, and the millimeter-wave sensor operating in the first state detects that the person in the room is lying down, the control unit may operate the millimeter-wave sensor in vital signs detection mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of millimeter-wave sensors.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a monitoring system. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a detection device. [Figure 3] It is a view of a living room seen from above. [Figure 4] It shows the detection target space of a human sensor, etc. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a situation where a person exists on a bed. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a situation where a person exists in the detection target space (first space (especially the space around the bed)) of a human sensor. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a situation where a person exists in the second space (especially the second space other than the first space). [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a situation where no person exists in the living room (person absent situation). [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a controller (control unit). [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a detection example of a point cloud related to a person by a millimeter-wave sensor. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a controller according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a controller according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart according to a modification example of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the processing of a controller according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart according to a modification example of the fourth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0023] <1. First Embodiment> <1-1. System Overview> Figure 1 shows a monitoring system 1 that monitors a person (specifically, the person's behavior, etc.) in a living room 90. As shown in Figure 1, the monitoring system 1 comprises multiple detection devices 10 and multiple terminal devices 70, 80. Terminal device 70 is also called a management device 70, and terminal device 80 is also called a portable terminal device 80. The monitoring system 1 is a system that detects the posture, etc. ("falling state," etc.) of the person being monitored (a person receiving care, etc.).

[0024] Each detection device 10 and each terminal device 70, 80 are connected to each other via a network 108. The network 108 consists of a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet, etc. The connection to the network 108 may be wired or wireless. For example, the management device 70 may be wired to the network 108, and each detection device 10 and each mobile terminal device 80 may be wirelessly connected to the network 108. Alternatively, all devices 10, 70, and 80 may be wirelessly connected to the network 108.

[0025] In the monitoring system 1, various input / output processes (such as operation input processing and display processing) related to each detection device 10 are performed using the management device 70 and the portable terminal device 80. In other words, the management device 70 and the portable terminal device 80 each function as terminal devices for multiple detection devices 10.

[0026] The following primarily provides examples of how the monitoring system 1 may be used in nursing care facilities. However, it is not limited to these examples, and the monitoring system 1 may also be used in nursing facilities (hospitals, etc.) or in private homes.

[0027] <1-2. Detection device 10> Each detection device 10 is placed in the room 90 of each person being monitored (in this case, the person receiving care (resident)) (for example, in each person's individual room). Each detection device 10 is a device that detects the posture of the person being monitored ("fallen state," etc.) based on measurement data related to the person being monitored (measurement data from the millimeter-wave sensor 20), as described later.

[0028] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the detection device 10.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the detection device 10 comprises a millimeter-wave sensor 20 and a processing unit 30.

[0030] The millimeter-wave sensor 20 transmits radio waves in the millimeter-wave band (transmitted waves) and receives radio waves (received waves) reflected from an object. The millimeter-wave sensor 20 is a radar sensor that measures the distance (r) from the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to an object, and the orientation of the object (two orientation angles (θ,φ) in mutually different directions (orthogonal directions)). It is preferable that the coordinate values ​​indicating the position (3D position) of the object acquired by the millimeter-wave sensor 20 are converted from a spherical coordinate system (r,θ,φ) based on the position of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to a Cartesian coordinate system (X,Y,Z) fixed in the living room 90 (based on a predetermined position within the living room 90) before use.

[0031] The millimeter-wave sensor 20 is installed on the ceiling or a side wall near the ceiling of the living room 90 (see Figures 1 and 3). The millimeter-wave sensor 20 sets the space within the living room 90 (preferably the entire space, but not limited to the entire space, and may also be a part of the space) as the detection target space and detects the presence and posture of a person within the detection target space. Specifically, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 is capable of acquiring time-series data indicating the three-dimensional position of each minute part of the surface of an object (person, etc.) within the living room 90. By using the measurement data from the millimeter-wave sensor 20, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a person and their behavior (posture, etc.) within the living room 90. Figure 3 is a view of the living room 90 from above (plan view).

[0032] The millimeter-wave sensor 20 incorporates an antenna unit 20a that transmits a transmission wave and receives a reception wave, and an internal controller 20b that performs transmission and reception processing of the transmission and reception waves, as well as analysis processing of both waves, etc. (within the housing of the millimeter-wave sensor 20). The millimeter-wave sensor 20 may, but is not limited to, detect the presence and posture of a person in the detection target space by calculation processing using only the internal controller 20b. For example, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 may work in cooperation with an external controller (for example, the controller 31 of the processing unit 30) to detect the presence and posture of a person in the detection target space. In this case, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 works in cooperation with the processing unit 30 (controller 31) to detect the presence and posture of a person in the detection target space based on data acquired by the millimeter-wave sensor 20 (measurement data by the millimeter-wave sensor 20), etc. Specifically, the measurement data from the millimeter-wave sensor 20 is input to the controller 31 of the processing unit 30, and the presence or absence of a person and the person's posture, etc. are ultimately detected by calculation processing by the controller 31. The millimeter-wave sensor 20 is connected to the processing unit 30 via a wired (or wireless) connection, and the measurement data from the millimeter-wave sensor 20 is input to the controller 31 of the processing unit 30.

[0033] Each detection device 10 is further equipped with a bed sensor 21, a human presence sensor 22, and a door sensor 23 (see Figures 1 to 3, etc.). These sensors 21, 22, and 23 are connected to the processing unit 30 by wire or wireless connection, and the signals output from these sensors 21, 22, and 23 (signals indicating detection results) are input to the controller 31 of the processing unit 30.

[0034] The bed sensor 21 is a sensor that detects whether or not a person is present on the bed 92 located in the living room 90. The bed sensor 21 is configured to include, for example, a load-sensing sensor. The bed sensor 21 is placed on the surface of the bed 92 (or directly below the surface of the bed 92, etc.). The bed sensor 21 outputs one of two signals (two-stage signals): a signal G11 indicating that a person is present on the bed 92, and a signal G10 indicating that a person is not present on the bed 92. When the bed sensor 21 detects a load above a certain level, it is detected that a person is present on the bed 92, and signal G11 is output. Conversely, if it is not detected that a person is present on the bed 92 (if it is detected that a person is not present on the bed 92), signal G10 is output. The controller 31 can recognize (distinguish between) the presence or absence of a person on the bed 92 depending on which of signals G11 or G10 it receives.

[0035] The motion sensor 22 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person in the detection target space (the first space P1 described later (see Figure 4)). The motion sensor 22 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the living room 90. Figure 4, like Figure 3, is a view of the living room 90 from above. In Figure 4, the first space P1 (the detection target space for the motion sensor 22) is indicated (by a thick dashed circle).

[0036] The human presence sensor 22 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor (such as a far-infrared sensor), and reacts to the heat and movement of a person. The human presence sensor 22 outputs one of two signals (a two-stage signal): a signal G21 indicating that a person is present in the detection target space, and a signal G20 indicating that a person is not present in the detection target space. The human presence sensor 22 outputs signal G21 when it detects both the heat and movement of a person, and outputs signal G20 when it does not detect at least one of the two. The controller 31 can recognize (distinguishably) the presence or absence of a person in the first space P1 depending on which of signals G21 or G20 it receives. It is preferable that the human presence sensor 22 detects both the heat and movement of a person, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may detect only one of the two, the heat or the movement of a person.

[0037] The door sensor 23 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door 95 (see Figure 3) located at the entrance to the living room 90. The door sensor 23 is installed, for example, near the top of the door 95.

[0038] The door sensor 23 can distinguish and detect whether the door 95 is open or closed. If the door sensor 23 detects that the door 95 is open and then detects that the door 95 is closed, the door sensor 23 will detect that the door 95 has been opened or closed.

[0039] The door sensor 23 may detect the opening and closing of the door 95 on its own, but is not limited to this, and may also detect the opening and closing of the door 95 in cooperation with the controller 31. Similarly, the bed sensor 21 and the human presence sensor 22 may detect the presence or absence of a person on the bed 92 and the presence or absence of a person in the first space P1, respectively, either on their own or in cooperation with the controller 31.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, in this case, the motion sensor 22 defines the space within the living room 90 that includes both the space above the bed 92 and the space surrounding the bed 92 94 as the detection target space (first space P1). However, it is not limited to this, and the motion sensor 22 may define the detection target space (first space P1) as the space that includes only one of these two spaces.

[0041] Furthermore, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 detects the second space P2 (see Figure 4) within the living space 90. In Figure 4, the second space P2 is shown as the area enclosed by a thick solid line (an area representing almost the entire space within the living space 90). As shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the second space P2 (the space detected by the millimeter-wave sensor 20) includes the bed surrounding space 94 (see Figure 4), which is part of the first space P1. It is also preferable that the second space P2 has a size (area) equal to or greater than the first space P1 (in Figure 4, it is shown as greater than equal, but it may be equal). The second space P2 may encompass the first space P1, partially overlap with the first space P1, or be the same space as the first space P1. The second space P2 may also include the space above the bed 92.

[0042] Furthermore, the processing unit 30 includes a controller (also called a control unit) 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 34, and an operation unit 35 (Figure 2).

[0043] The controller 31 is a control device built into the processing unit 30 that controls the detection device 10.

[0044] The controller 31 is configured as a computer system equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (also referred to as a microprocessor or hardware processor, etc.). The controller 31 performs various processes by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program) stored in a storage unit (ROM and / or a non-volatile storage unit such as a hard disk) 32 using the CPU. The program (more specifically, a group of program modules) may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB memory stick and read from the recording medium to be installed on the detection device 10. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a communication network or the like and installed on the detection device 10.

[0045] The controller 31 controls the operating state (also referred to as the operating mode) of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 based on detection results from various sensors (20, 21, 22, 23). Specifically, the controller 31 accepts measurement data from various sensors (signals from various sensors (signals indicating detection results), etc.) and outputs commands to the millimeter-wave sensor 20 regarding the switching of the operating state.

[0046] Specifically, the controller 31 transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 between normal operating state B1, low power consumption state B2, and vital sign detection state B3.

[0047] Normal operating state B1 (also called abnormality detection mode) is a state for detecting a person's posture (especially abnormalities). In normal operating state B1, the 3D positions (X, Y, Z) of multiple minute regions (multiple points (point cloud)) on the person's surface are detected. In addition, the person's posture (standing / sitting / lying down) is detected based on the spread of the point cloud.

[0048] Low power consumption state B2 is a state in which power consumption is lower than that of normal operating state B1 (a state having lower power consumption than normal operating state B1). Here, the power-off state (power supply stopped state) (also called stop mode) is given as an example of low power consumption state B2.

[0049] Furthermore, Vitals detection state B3 (also referred to as Vitals detection mode) is a state in which a person's vital information (respiratory rate and / or heart rate, etc.) can be detected (acquired). The operating state in which heart rate can be detected is also called heart rate detection mode, and the operating state in which respiratory rate can be detected is also called respiratory detection mode. In Vitals detection state B3, it is possible to measure minute vibrations on the surface of a person's skin by observing the temporal variation (specifically, phase variation) of the received wave (data acquired as complex number data (IQ data)) from a specific location where the person is located. In addition, by separating the vibration components into several frequency bands using a high-pass filter, etc., it is possible to measure body sway, heart rate, and respiration separately.

[0050] As described above, the low power consumption state B2 is exemplified here as a power supply stop state (power supply stopped state), and more specifically, a state in which power is stopped from being supplied to the entire millimeter-wave sensor 20 (complete power supply stop state). However, it is not limited to this, and the low power consumption state B2 may also be a state in which power is stopped from being supplied to a part of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 (partial power supply stop state), etc. The low power consumption state B2 may also be a standby mode of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 (a standby state in which the internal controller 20b waits for commands from the control unit (controller 31) without performing transmission and reception (detection processing) using the antenna unit 20a (a state in which the internal controller 20b consumes a small amount of power)).

[0051] Furthermore, the controller 31 recognizes the posture and other characteristics of the person being monitored based on the data measured (acquired) by the millimeter-wave sensor 20. If the controller 31 determines that the person is in a dangerous state, it issues a warning signal (or caution signal). The warning signal, etc., regarding the person being monitored is transmitted from the controller 31 to the terminal devices 70 and 80, and received by the terminal devices 70 and 80. The terminal devices 70 and 80 then output audio and / or display based on the warning signal, etc.

[0052] The memory unit (also called the storage unit) 32 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The memory unit 32 stores (remembers) time-series data of the three-dimensional position of the person being monitored.

[0053] The communication unit 34 is capable of performing network communication via the network 108. Various protocols, such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), are used in this network communication. By using this network communication, the detection device 10 can exchange various types of data with a desired partner (for example, terminal devices 70, 80).

[0054] The operation unit 35 includes an operation input unit 35a that receives operation inputs for the detection device 10, and a display unit 35b that displays and outputs various information. In this system 1, the terminal devices 70 and 80 mainly perform the input / output functions (operation input reception function and output function (display function, etc.)) related to the detection device 10. Therefore, the operation unit 35 may be of a type that is attached to the processing unit 30 only during maintenance, etc.

[0055] In this case, power to the processing unit 30 is supplied, for example, from an AC outlet installed on the wall of the living room 90, via an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit installed inside (or outside) the processing unit 30.

[0056] On the other hand, it is preferable that the millimeter-wave sensor 20 be battery-powered. For example, power to the millimeter-wave sensor 20 can be supplied (by direct current) from a battery built into the housing of the millimeter-wave sensor 20. By battery-powering the millimeter-wave sensor 20, it is possible to introduce a monitoring system without the need for the power supply work described above. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the total system introduction cost, including sensor costs and installation costs.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that other sensors installed at high places in the living space (such as the ceiling or above the door) (such as the motion sensor 22 and the door sensor 23) are also battery-powered. On the other hand, sensors used at low positions in the living space (such as the bed sensor 21) may be battery-powered, but it is sufficient if they are powered by a power outlet (located at a low position on the wall of the living space).

[0058] <1-3. Terminal devices 70, 80> Of the terminal devices 70 and 80, the management device 70 is a device that manages the entire monitoring system 1 and is mainly operated by the administrator. On the other hand, the portable terminal device 80 functions as a display device that shows various information in the monitoring system 1. The portable terminal device 80 is carried by the person who provides care to the person receiving care (caregiver) and displays various information about the person receiving care. The management device 70 also functions as a display device that shows various information in the monitoring system 1.

[0059] Terminal devices 70 and 80 are information input / output terminal devices (information processing devices) capable of network communication with other devices (such as 10). Terminal devices 70 and 80 are configured as smartphones, tablet terminals, or personal computers (which can be fixed (stationary) or portable). For example, terminal device 70 is a fixed personal computer, and terminal device 80 is a portable device (mobile terminal device), more specifically, a smartphone.

[0060] Terminal devices 70 and 80 each have the same hardware configuration as processing unit 30. Management device 70 includes a controller, storage unit, communication unit, operation unit, etc., and mobile terminal device 80 also includes a controller, storage unit, communication unit, operation unit, etc.

[0061] <1-4. Operation> Figures 5 to 8 show the location of a person within the living room 90. Figure 5 shows a situation where a person is on the bed 92, Figure 6 shows a situation where a person is in the first space P1 (more specifically, the space around the bed 94), and Figure 7 shows a situation where a person is in the second space P2 (more specifically, the second space P2 other than the first space P1). Figure 8 shows a situation where no person is present in the living room 90 (a situation where no person is present) (the person has moved out of the living room).

[0062] The monitoring system 1 (controller 31) estimates the location (presence) of a person based on the detection results of the various sensors described above, and controls the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20.

[0063] The operation of the monitoring system 1 (controller 31) will be explained below with reference to Figure 9. Here, we will mainly explain the control operation of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 by the controller 31. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the processing of the controller 31 according to the first embodiment.

[0064] First, in step S11, the controller 31 determines whether or not there is a response from the bed sensor 21, or more specifically, whether the signal from the bed sensor 21 is signal G11 or G10. In other words, it determines whether the bed sensor 21 has detected that a person is present on the bed 92 or that no person is present on the bed 92.

[0065] If the bed sensor 21 detects the presence of a person on the bed 92 (i.e., the detection result indicates that a person is present on the bed 92) (i.e., if signal G11 is input to the controller 31), in step S12, it is determined whether or not the human presence sensor 22 has responded. If the human presence sensor 22 has responded, the process proceeds to step S13; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S14. However, in this embodiment, if the bed sensor 21 has responded, regardless of whether or not the human presence sensor 22 has responded, the controller 31 determines that a person is actually present on the bed 92 (see Figure 5) and transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 from the normal operating state B1 to the low power consumption state B2 (in this case, the power-off state) (steps S13, S14). In other words, the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to the low power consumption state B2 not only when the bed sensor 21 has responded and the human presence sensor 22 has responded, but also when the bed sensor 21 has responded and the human presence sensor 22 has not responded. After that, the process returns to step S11.

[0066] Thus, when the bed sensor 21 detects the presence of a person on the bed 92, the controller 31 transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 from the normal operating state B1 to the low-power consumption state B2 (steps S13, S14). As a result, the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 is controlled based on the detection result from the bed sensor 21, making it possible to suppress the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20. More specifically, when the bed sensor 21 detects the presence of a person on the bed 92, it is presumed that there is no person to be monitored anywhere other than on the bed 92 within the living room 90, and the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to the low-power consumption state B2. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20.

[0067] On the other hand, if the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92 (i.e., the detection result indicates that no person is present on the bed 92) (i.e., if signal G10 is input to the controller 31), the process proceeds from step S11 to step S21. In this case, it is presumed that the person is located somewhere other than on the bed 92 (see Figures 6 to 8).

[0068] In step S21, the controller 31 determines whether or not there is a response from the motion sensor 22 (i.e., whether the input signal from the motion sensor 22 is signal G21 or G20). In other words, it determines whether the motion sensor 22 has detected the presence of a person in the first space P1 (i.e., the presence of a person in the first space P1 has been detected), or whether the absence of a person in the first space P1 has been detected (i.e., the absence of a person in the first space P1 has been detected).

[0069] If there is no reaction from the bed sensor 21 but there is a reaction from the human presence sensor 22, it is presumed that a person is present in the first space P1 (other than on the bed 92 (for example, the surrounding space 94)) (see Figure 6). In this case, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22.

[0070] In step S22, the controller 31 maintains the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in normal operating state B1 (anomaly detection mode). If the millimeter-wave sensor 20 has transitioned to low-power state B2 (due to the previous judgment process, etc.), the controller 31 transitions (returns) the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to normal operating state B1. The millimeter-wave sensor 20 operating in normal operating state B1 (the millimeter-wave sensor 20 that is still operating or has just started up) detects the location and posture of the person. Then, the process proceeds from step S22 to step S25.

[0071] Regarding a person's posture, for example, their body position (whether they are standing, sitting, or lying down) is determined.

[0072] Specifically, a point 97 (see FIG. 10) representing a minute area on the surface of a person is detected by the millimeter-wave sensor 20, and the person is detected as an aggregate of the points 97. Note that FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detection example of a point group regarding a person by the millimeter-wave sensor 20. Then, the smallest rectangular parallelepiped (a rectangular parallelepiped having a plane parallel to the horizontal plane as the bottom surface) 98 that includes the aggregate of the points 97 is determined to be the existence space of the person. Further, based on the value (ratio) R (= Z / L) of the ratio of the height (vertical length) Z of the rectangular parallelepiped 98 to the length L of the diagonal line on the bottom surface of the rectangular parallelepiped 98, the body posture of the person is determined. Whether this value R is large, medium, or small is discriminated by two threshold values V1 and V2 (V1 > V2). When the value R is large (R > V1), it is determined that the person has a standing posture, and when the value R is small (R < V2), it is determined that the person has a lying posture. Also, when the value R is medium (V2 < R < V1), it is determined that the person has a sitting posture. Note that instead of the value R (= Z / L), another value R2 = Z / E or the like using the area E of the bottom surface of the rectangular parallelepiped 98 may be used.

[0073] In step S25, branch processing is performed according to whether or not it is detected by the millimeter-wave sensor 20 that the body posture of the person in the living room 90 is a lying posture. When it is detected that the body posture of the person is other than the lying posture, the controller 31 continues to operate the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in the normal operation state B1. Then, the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, when it is detected that the body posture of the person is a lying posture (such as a fallen state), the controller 31 causes the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to transition to the vital detection state B3 and operate (step S26). The operation in step S26 (vital detection state B3) is preferably continued until it is determined (confirmed) that no abnormality has occurred in the person. Whether an abnormality has occurred may be automatically determined by the controller 31, or may be determined by the controller 31 according to an input operation (such as an input operation to the portable terminal device 80) involving the judgment of the caregiver after notification to the caregiver. When it is determined that no abnormality has occurred, the process returns to step S11.

[0074] Thus, when the absence of a person on the bed 92 is detected by the bed sensor 21 and the presence of a person in the first space P1 is detected by the human presence sensor 22, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 detects that the person in the living room 90 is lying down (e.g., fallen), the millimeter-wave sensor 20 operates in vital detection state B3 (heart rate detection mode, etc.) (steps S11, S21, S22, S25, S26). Therefore, it is possible to acquire further detailed information (vital information such as heart rate) of a person lying down outside of the bed 92 (a person who is highly likely to be in a dangerous state such as a fallen state). Note that when the presence of a person in the first space P1 is detected by the human presence sensor 22, it is determined that a person is present somewhere in the living room 90. Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to detect the presence or absence of a person in the living room 90 again using the millimeter-wave sensor 20.

[0075] On the other hand, if there is no reaction from the bed sensor 21 and no reaction from the human presence sensor 22, it is presumed that the person is either in a room other than the first space P1 (see Figure 7) or outside the room (not inside room 90) (see Figure 8). In this case, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S23.

[0076] In step S23, similar to step S22, the controller 31 maintains or returns the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to normal operating state B1 (anomaly detection mode). In step S23, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 operating in normal operating state B1 (the millimeter-wave sensor 20 that is still operating or has just started up) detects the presence or absence of a person, the location of the person, and the posture of the person. In the next step S24, branching processing is performed according to the detection result of the presence or absence of a person.

[0077] If the millimeter-wave sensor 20 does not detect the presence of a person (no reaction in step S24), the controller 31 estimates that there is no person in the room 90 (see Figure 8) and switches the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to low power consumption state B2 (in this case, power off state) (step S29).

[0078] Furthermore, in step S29 of Figure 9, after the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to low-power state B2 (after it is determined that a person has left the room 90), the controller 31 temporarily suspends the processing in Figure 9 while maintaining the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in low-power state B2. Subsequently, the controller 31 resumes the processing in Figure 9 in response to the fulfillment of a predetermined condition. Specifically, the predetermined condition is exemplified by the passage of a certain period of time (for example, 3 minutes). However, it is not limited to this, and the predetermined condition is also exemplified by the detection of (new) opening and closing of the door 95. Specifically, (the suspension of the processing in Figure 9 continues until the opening and closing of the door 95 is newly detected by the door sensor 23), and when the opening and closing of the door 95 is newly detected by the door sensor 23, the processing in Figure 9 may be resumed. Alternatively, the predetermined condition is also exemplified by the detection of the presence of a person in the room by various sensors. Specifically, if one or more of the various sensors (bed sensor 21, motion sensor 22, door sensor 23, etc.) newly detect a person in the living room 90, the process shown in Figure 9 may be restarted.

[0079] Thus, when the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 does not detect the presence of a person in the living room 90, it is presumed that there is no person in the living room 90, and the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to a low-power consumption state B2 (off state, etc.) (steps S11, S23, S24, S29). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 by taking into account the absence of a person in the living room.

[0080] In particular, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to low-power consumption state B2 based on the detection of the absence of a person by the motion sensor 22 (the detection of the absence of a person in the first space P1 by the motion sensor 22). Specifically, when the absence of a person on the bed 92 is detected by the bed sensor 21 and the absence of a person in the first space P1 is detected by the motion sensor 22, and the presence of a person in the second space P2 is not detected by the millimeter-wave sensor 20 which is operating in normal operating state B1, the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to low-power consumption state B2 (steps S11, S21, S23, S24, S29). Therefore, the absence of a person in the room (especially the absence of a person on the bed 92 and in the space 94 (a very dangerous space)) can be appropriately determined by the three sensors: the bed sensor 21, the motion sensor 22, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20, and the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 can be appropriately suppressed when there is no person in the room.

[0081] On the other hand, if the presence of a person is detected by the millimeter-wave sensor 20, the controller 31 estimates that the person is in a second space P2 (other than the first space P1) (Figure 7, etc.), and the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25.

[0082] In step S25, the process described above is performed.

[0083] Thus, when the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 detects the presence of a person in the living room 90 and detects that the person is lying down (e.g., fallen), the millimeter-wave sensor 20 operates in vital detection state B3 (steps S11, S23, S24, S25, S26). Therefore, it is possible to acquire further detailed information (vital information such as heart rate) of a person lying down outside of the bed 92 (a person who is highly likely to be in a dangerous condition such as having fallen).

[0084] <2. Second Embodiment> The second embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0085] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the controller 31 according to the second embodiment. As can be seen by comparing it with Figure 9, it differs from the first embodiment in that steps S27 and S28 have been added.

[0086] In short, the controller 31, on the condition that the opening and closing of the door 95 (see Figure 3, etc.) is detected, transitions the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to a low-power state B2 (in this case, the power-off state) (step S29).

[0087] More specifically, if none of the three sensors—the bed sensor 21, the motion sensor 22, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20—detect the presence of a person in the room 90 (i.e., no reaction in step S24), the process proceeds from step S24 to step S27 (Figure 11). In step S27, the controller 31 performs branching processing based on whether or not the door sensor 23 detects the opening or closing of the door 95.

[0088] If the door sensor 23 further detects the opening or closing of the door 95 (if opening or closing is detected), the controller 31 determines that the person who was in the room 90 has left the room 90 due to the opening or closing of the door 95 (meaning the person is no longer inside the room 90). The controller 31 then transitions the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to a low-power state B2 (such as a power-off state) (step S29).

[0089] On the other hand, if the door sensor 23 does not detect the opening or closing of the door 95 (no opening or closing detection), the controller 31 determines that the person has not yet left the room 90 (that the person is still inside the room 90), and the controller 31 maintains the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in the normal operating state B1 (step S28). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0090] In other words, if the door sensor 23 does not (newly) detect the opening or closing of the door 95, the controller 31 maintains the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in the normal operating state B1 (without transitioning to the low-power state B2).

[0091] Thus, even when the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92 and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 does not detect the presence of a person in the room, the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 is maintained in the normal operating state B1 as long as the door sensor 23 does not detect the opening or closing of the door 95 (step S28). In other words, the absence of a person in the room 90 is also confirmed by the door sensor 23. To put it another way, the controller 31 confirms the absence of a person in the room using the three sensors: the bed sensor 21, the millimeter-wave sensor 20, and the door sensor 23, and then transitions the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to the low power consumption state B2. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably confirm the absence of a person in the room using the detection result of the door sensor 23 as well, while suppressing the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20.

[0092] Furthermore, the absence of a person in the room 90 is also confirmed by the motion sensor 22. In other words, the absence of a person in the room 90 is confirmed by four sensors: the motion sensor 22, the bed sensor 21, the millimeter-wave sensor 20, and the door sensor 23. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately determine the absence of a person in the room. In particular, even if the presence of a person in the room 90 is not detected by the three sensors 21, 22, and 20, if the opening or closing of the door 95 is not detected by the door sensor 23, there is still a possibility that a person is still in the room 90 (for example, that a person may have crawled under the bed 92). In such a situation, by continuing the normal operation state B1 of the millimeter-wave sensor 20, it is possible to continue monitoring the person (a person who has come out from under the bed to the side of the bed (either the whole body or just a part such as the feet)).

[0093] Furthermore, it is preferable to more reliably determine that a person was present in the living room 90 immediately before the opening or closing of the door 95 (the current opening or closing of the door). For example, the controller 31 stores history information of the door sensor 23's detection results for the opening and closing of the door 95 in the storage unit 32. The controller 31 may then perform the determination process in step S27 on the premise that the presence of a person in the living room 90 has been detected by at least one sensor after the previous opening or closing of the door 95 by the door sensor 23. More specifically, the determination process in step S27 may be performed on the premise that the presence of a person in the living room 90 has been detected by at least one of the various sensors (for example, at least one of the bed sensor 21, motion sensor 22, and millimeter-wave sensor 20) after the previous opening or closing of the door (that it has been determined that a person was present in the living room 90). Specifically, the transition to the low-power consumption state B2 may occur if, after the presence of a person in the room is initially detected (and the absence of a person in the room is then detected by sensors 20, 21, and 22, and) the opening and closing of the door 95 is newly detected by the door sensor 23 (steps S27, S29).

[0094] In other words, if, after the door sensor 23 has detected the previous opening and closing of the door 95, none of the sensors 20, 21, or 22 have yet detected the presence of a person in the room 90, the controller 31 may determine that a person has left the room 90 and has not yet returned (i.e., there is no person in the room 90). In that case, the process may proceed from step S24 to step S29 without performing the process in step S27.

[0095] Thus, assuming that a person was present in the living room 90, if the above situation occurs (bed sensor unresponsive, (motion sensor unresponsive), millimeter-wave sensor unresponsive, door opening / closing, etc.), the millimeter-wave sensor 20 may transition to low power consumption state B2.

[0096] <3. Third Embodiment> The third embodiment is another modification of the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment will be explained below.

[0097] In the third embodiment, the space to be detected by the motion sensor 22 (first space P1) includes at least the space on the bed 92 (all or part of it). The first space P1 may include the space on the bed 92 and the surrounding space 94 of the bed 92, similar to the first embodiment.

[0098] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing of the controller 31 according to the third embodiment. As can be seen by comparing it with Figure 9, it differs from the first embodiment in that step S15 is executed instead of step S14. In step S15, the same processing as in step S23 is executed.

[0099] In the first embodiment described above, regardless of whether the motion sensor 22 reacts or not, the controller 31 determines that a person is actually present on the bed 92 (see Figure 5) and transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 from normal operating state B1 to low power consumption state B2 (steps S13, S14).

[0100] In contrast, in the third embodiment, the process proceeds to step S13 only if there is a reaction from both the bed sensor 21 and the human presence sensor 22. Specifically, if the bed sensor 21 detects the presence of a person on the bed 92 and the human presence sensor 22 detects the presence of a person in the first space P1 (including the space on the bed) (the detection result indicates that a person is present in the first space P1), the controller 31 transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 from the normal operating state B1 to the low power consumption state B2 (step S13).

[0101] On the other hand, if the bed sensor 21 reacts but the human presence sensor 22 does not, the process proceeds to step S15. Specifically, even if the bed sensor 21 detects the presence of a person on the bed 92, if the human presence sensor 22 detects the absence of a person in the first space P1 (the detection result indicates that there is no person in the first space P1), the controller 31 continues the operation of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in the normal operation state B1 (without transitioning to the low power consumption state B2) (step S15). If there is no reaction from the human presence sensor 22, the controller 31 determines that there is no person in the first space P1 including the space on the bed 92 (and therefore there is no person on the bed 92), and continues the normal operation (abnormal detection operation) of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 (without stopping it). Then, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S24.

[0102] Thus, when the presence of a person on the bed 92 is detected by the bed sensor 21 and the presence of a person in the first space P1 is detected by the motion sensor 22, it is presumed that the person to be monitored is not present anywhere in the living space 90 other than on the bed 92, and the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to the low power consumption state B2 (step S13). This makes it possible to suppress the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 by considering that the person to be monitored is not present anywhere in the living space 90 other than on the bed 92. In particular, since the presence of a person on the bed is confirmed by two sensors, the bed sensor 21 and the motion sensor 22, it is possible to suppress false detections regarding the presence or absence of a person on the bed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably detect the actual presence of a person on the bed 92 and suppress the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20.

[0103] Furthermore, even if the bed sensor 21 detects the presence of a person on the bed 92, if the motion sensor 22 detects the absence of a person in the first space P1, which includes the space above the bed, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 continues to operate in the normal operating state B1. Therefore, by using the bed sensor 21 and the motion sensor 22 together, it is possible to suppress false detections of people on the bed. In particular, even in situations where a false detection (false detection of a person) occurs by the bed sensor 21 (such as when luggage is placed on the bed), if the motion sensor 22 detects the absence of a person in the first space P1, which includes the space above the bed 92, the millimeter-wave sensor 20, which operates in the normal operating state B1, can detect the posture of a person in the living room 90 (space other than the first space P1). For example, even if luggage is placed on the bed 92 and a person falls in a space other than the first space P1 within the living room 90, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 can detect the posture of the person.

[0104] Although the concept of the third embodiment is described here as a modification of the first embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, the concept of the third embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment (see Figure 11). Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the process related to such a modification. As can be seen by comparing Figure 13 with Figure 11, it differs from the second embodiment in that step S15 is executed instead of step S14.

[0105] <4. Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment is yet another modification of the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0106] In each of the above embodiments, the presence or absence of a person in the first space P1 is detected using the motion sensor 22, but this is not limited to this. For example, the motion sensor 22 may not be provided. The fourth embodiment illustrates such a modification.

[0107] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the controller 31 according to the fourth embodiment. As can be seen by comparing it with Figure 9, it differs from the first embodiment in that steps S12, S21 (S14, S22) are not present.

[0108] In the fourth embodiment, the presence or absence of a person on the bed 92 is detected solely by the bed sensor 21.

[0109] If the bed sensor 21 detects a response, the controller 31 determines that a person is present on the bed 92 (see Figure 5) and transitions the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to low-power state B2 (step S11 → step S13).

[0110] According to this, when the bed sensor 21 detects the presence of a person on the bed 92, it is presumed that there is no person to be monitored anywhere other than on the bed 92 within the living room 90, and the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to low power consumption state B2. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20.

[0111] On the other hand, if there is no response from the bed sensor 21, the controller 31 operates the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in normal operating state B1, causing the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to detect the presence or absence of a person in the living room 90 (step S11 → step S23).

[0112] If the millimeter-wave sensor 20 does not detect a person, the controller 31 determines that the person is not in the room 90 (has left the room 90) (see Figure 8) and transitions the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to low-power state B2 (step S24 → step S29). In other words, when the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20, which is operating in normal operation state B1, does not detect the presence of a person in the room 90, the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions from normal operation state B1 to low-power state B2.

[0113] Thus, when the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 does not detect the presence of a person in the living room 90, it is presumed that there is no person in the living room 90, and the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to a low-power consumption state B2 (off state, etc.) (steps S11, S23, S24, S29). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 by taking into account the absence of a person in the living room.

[0114] On the other hand, if the millimeter-wave sensor 20 detects a person, the controller 31 determines that a person is present in the room 90 (see Figure 6 or Figure 7) and continues to operate the millimeter-wave sensor 20 in the normal operating state B1 (step S24 → step S25). If the millimeter-wave sensor 20 does not detect a supine position, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 continues to operate in the low-power state B2, and if the millimeter-wave sensor 20 detects a supine position, the millimeter-wave sensor 20 transitions to the vital signs detection state B3.

[0115] Thus, when the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92, and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 detects the presence of a person in the living room 90 and detects that the person is lying down (e.g., fallen), the millimeter-wave sensor 20 operates in vital detection state B3 (steps S11, S23, S24, S25, S26). Therefore, it is possible to acquire further detailed information (vital information such as heart rate) of a person lying down outside of the bed 92 (a person who is highly likely to be in a dangerous condition such as having fallen).

[0116] Here, the concept of the fourth embodiment is described as a modification of the first embodiment, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the concept of the fourth embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment (see Figure 11). Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the process according to such a modified example. As can be seen by comparing Figure 15 with Figure 11, it differs from the first embodiment in that steps S12, S21 (S14, S22) are absent, etc. Also, comparing Figure 15 with Figure 14, Figure 15 differs from Figure 14 in that steps S27, S28 are added, etc.

[0117] In particular, even if the bed sensor 21 detects the absence of a person on the bed 92 and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 does not detect the presence of a person in the room, the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor 20 is maintained in the normal operating state B1 as long as the door sensor 23 does not detect the opening or closing of the door 95 (step S28). In other words, the controller 31 confirms the absence of a person in the room using the three sensors: the bed sensor 21, the millimeter-wave sensor 20, and the door sensor 23, and then transitions the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to the low-power consumption state B2. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably confirm the absence of a person in the room using the detection result of the door sensor 23 as well, while suppressing the power consumption of the millimeter-wave sensor 20.

[0118] <5. Others> The embodiments of this invention have been described above, but this invention is not limited to those described above.

[0119] For example, in the first embodiment described above (see Figure 9), if there is no reaction from the bed sensor 21 and no reaction from the human presence sensor 22, the controller 31 may always transition the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to the low-power consumption state B2. That is, if it is determined in step S21 that there is no reaction from the human presence sensor 22, the processing in step S29 may be performed without performing the processing in steps S23, S24 (S25, S26). In particular, when the detection target space for the human presence sensor 22 extends to the entire living room 90, the controller 31 may determine that a person has left the living room 90 without needing to detect a person with the millimeter-wave sensor 20, and transition the millimeter-wave sensor 20 to the low-power consumption state B2. However, in order to detect a person who has become stationary (a person who is not moving) within the living room 90 (such as the space around the bed 92 94), it is preferable to perform person detection (further) using the millimeter-wave sensor 20 (as in the first embodiment, etc.) rather than using the human presence sensor 22 (alone).

[0120] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, an example is shown in which, when proceeding to steps S13 and S14, the process immediately returns to step S11, but the process is not limited to this. For example, similar to immediately after step S29, the controller 31 may temporarily pause the process in Figure 9 while the millimeter-wave sensor 20 is in the low-power state B2 in step S13 (or S14), and then resume (continue) the process in Figure 9 (from step S11 onwards, etc.) in response to the satisfaction of predetermined conditions.

[0121] Furthermore, while each of the above embodiments provides a separate processing unit 30 for each millimeter-wave sensor 20, the invention is not limited to this. For example, a common processing unit 30 may be provided for multiple millimeter-wave sensors 20. Specifically, a management device 70 or the like may function as the common processing unit 30.

[0122] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the processing unit 30 is configured separately from the millimeter-wave sensor 20 (in separate housings), but this is not limited to this. For example, the processing unit 30 and the millimeter-wave sensor 20 may be housed in the same housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Monitoring System 10 Detection device 20 mm wave sensor 21 Bed Sensor 22 motion sensors 23 Door Sensor 30 processing units 31 Controllers 90 Room 92 beds 94 Bedside space 95 doors 97 points 98. Rectangular prism P1 First space (space to be detected by the motion sensor) P2 Second space (the space detected by the millimeter-wave sensor)

Claims

1. It is a monitoring system that keeps an eye on the person inside the room. A bed sensor that detects whether or not a person is present on the bed placed in the aforementioned living room, The space within the aforementioned room is set as the detection target space, and a millimeter-wave sensor is used to detect the posture of a person within the detection target space. A control unit controls the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor based on the detection results from the bed sensor, A monitoring system characterized by having the following features.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the bed sensor detects the presence of a person on the bed, the control unit transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from a first state for detecting the posture of a person to a second state which consumes less power than the first state.

3. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed, and the millimeter-wave sensor, which is operating in a first state for detecting the posture of a person, does not detect the presence of a person in the room, the control unit transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from the first state to a second state which consumes less power than the first state.

4. A door sensor installed at the entrance to the aforementioned living room detects the opening and closing of the door. Furthermore, The monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that when the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed, and the millimeter-wave sensor operating in the first state does not detect the presence of a person in the room, the control unit maintains the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor in the first state if the door sensor does not detect the opening or closing of the door.

5. The monitoring system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that when the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed, the control unit operates the millimeter-wave sensor in vital signs detection mode when the millimeter-wave sensor, which is operating in the first state, detects the presence of a person in the room and detects that the person is lying down.

6. A motion sensor that detects whether or not a person is present in the first space, which includes the space above the bed, within the space of the room. Furthermore, The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the bed sensor detects the presence of a person on the bed and the motion sensor detects the presence of a person in the first space, the control unit transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from a first state for detecting the posture of a person to a second state which consumes less power than the first state.

7. The monitoring system according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit continues the operation state of the millimeter-wave sensor in the first state when the presence of a person on the bed is detected by the bed sensor, but the absence of a person in the first space is detected by the human presence sensor.

8. A motion sensor that detects whether or not a person is present in the first space within the living room, including the space around the bed. Furthermore, The millimeter-wave sensor sets a second space within the living space, which includes the space around the bed that is part of the first space and has a size equal to or greater than the first space, as the detection target space, and detects the posture of a person within the detection target space. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed and the motion sensor detects the absence of a person in the first space, and the millimeter-wave sensor, which is operating in a first state for detecting the posture of a person, does not detect the presence of a person in the second space, the control unit transitions the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor from the first state to a second state which consumes less power than the first state.

9. A door sensor installed at the entrance to the aforementioned living room detects the opening and closing of the door. Furthermore, The monitoring system according to claim 8, characterized in that when the absence of a person on the bed is detected by the bed sensor and the absence of a person in the first space is detected by the motion sensor, and the presence of a person in the second space is not detected by the millimeter-wave sensor operating in the first state, the control unit maintains the operating state of the millimeter-wave sensor in the first state if the door sensor does not detect the opening or closing of the door.

10. The monitoring system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that when the bed sensor detects the absence of a person on the bed and the presence of a person in the first space is detected by the motion sensor, and the millimeter-wave sensor operating in the first state detects that the posture of a person in the room is reclining, the control unit operates the millimeter-wave sensor in vital signs detection mode.

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