Chairs and management systems

Abstract

We provide a chair and management system that, after installation, allows for the immediate commencement of safety checks on users without requiring any conscious action from the users themselves. [Solution] According to one embodiment, the chair comprises a seat on which the user sits, a detection unit for detecting whether or not the user is seated on the seat, a communication unit for communicating with an external device, and a control unit for transmitting user information indicating the user's status to a predetermined destination via the communication unit. The control unit determines, based on the detection value of the detection unit, that the user is not seated, and if a first period has elapsed, it transmits user information to the destination based on whether or not the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. The detection unit comprises a first detection unit provided on the seat surface of the seat, a second detection unit provided on the backrest on which the user leans, and a third detection unit provided on the handrail on which the user places their hands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a chair and a management system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the number of cases of elderly people living alone dying alone has been increasing. For this reason, there is a technology for confirming the safety of elderly people by utilizing the usage history of smartphones or electric kettles, or by analyzing the usage status of facilities that form the basis of life such as gas and electricity, and using communication robots.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of a mechanism for confirming safety using a device that requires some operation from an elderly person, due to reasons such as the complexity of operating the device, difficulty in operating due to the influence of dementia, or not operating on a certain day according to the person's mood, there is a risk that a safety report will not be made at the necessary timing and safety confirmation cannot be properly performed.

[0005] Also, in the case of a mechanism for confirming safety by analyzing the usage status of facilities that form the basis of life, although it is easy to introduce because it is an action closely related to life, a learning period is required to grasp the behavior patterns of elderly people using the facilities. Therefore, there is a risk that safety confirmation cannot be properly performed unless a certain period of time has passed after introduction.

[0006] Furthermore, when an alert was issued to a family member or other relevant party of an elderly person as a result of a welfare check, it was difficult for them to determine the urgency of the alert. Therefore, ultimately, those involved had to physically go and check on the elderly person.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a chair and a management system that, after installation, allow for the immediate commencement of safety checks for the user without requiring any conscious action from the user themselves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the embodiment, the chair comprises a seat on which a user sits, a detection unit for detecting whether or not the user is seated on the seat, a communication unit for communicating with an external device, and a control unit for transmitting user information indicating the user's status to a pre-specified destination via the communication unit. The control unit determines, based on the detection value of the detection unit, that the user is not seated, and if a first period has elapsed, transmits the user information to the designated destination based on whether or not the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. The detection unit comprises a first detection unit provided on the seat surface of the seat, a second detection unit provided on the backrest on which the user leans, and a third detection unit provided on the handrail on which the user places their hands. Seating means the state in which the user is in the chair.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the management system includes a chair and a management server that is connected to the chair via a network for communication, wherein the chair comprises a seat on which a user sits, a detection unit that detects whether or not the user is seated on the seat, and a communication unit that transmits the detection value detected by the detection unit to the management server, and the management server determines, based on the detection value of the detection unit, that the user is not seated, and if a first period has elapsed, transmits the user information to a pre-set designated destination based on whether or not the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a chair and a management system that, after installation, can promptly begin checking on the user's safety without requiring any conscious action from the user themselves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the chair according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a chair control configuration. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of user information settings configured in the user information settings section. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process for transmitting user information. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the side view of a chair according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a chair control configuration. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process for operating the footrest. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the network configuration of the management system in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of a chair control configuration. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the management server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratios of the sizes of different parts, are not necessarily identical to those of reality. Even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may differ between drawings. In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals with respect to previously shown figures, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0013] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the chair 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the chair 1 includes a seat portion 2, a backrest portion 3, a pair of armrest portions 4, and four legs 5 that support the seat portion 2. A load sensor 13 is incorporated in the seat portion 2, and a heart rate / respiration rate detection device 14 is incorporated in the backrest portion 3.

[0014] The user can sit on the seat portion 2, lean against the backrest portion 3, place hands on the pair of armrest portions 4, and sit on the chair 1. The chair 1 is arranged, for example, in front of a video device in a room (not shown). The user of the chair 1 is, for example, an elderly person living alone, a single commuter living far away from family, etc. When the user lives in the room and watches the video device, eats, etc., the user sits on the chair 1 and spends time.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the chair 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the chair 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a load sensor 13, a heart rate / respiration rate detection device 14, and a storage unit 15. The storage unit 15 includes a weight setting unit 151, a first period setting unit 152, a second period setting unit 153, a heart rate / respiration rate setting unit 154, a user information setting unit 155, a transmission destination setting unit 156, and a program storage unit 157. The chair 1 is provided with a power supply unit (not shown) connected to a power outlet, for example, and power is supplied from the power supply unit to the control unit 11 and the like.

[0016] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, a memory, etc., and executes transmission processing of user information, etc. The communication unit 12 is communicably connected to a network (not shown), such as the Internet, and controls communication between an external device connected to the network and the control unit 11. The external device is, for example, a smartphone.

[0017] The load sensor 13 is a detection device that detects the magnitude of the load when a load is applied to the seat 2. The heart rate / respiratory rate detection device 14 is a sheet-shaped sensor that detects the heart rate and respiratory rate of a user seated in the chair 1 over a predetermined period of time. The heart rate / respiratory rate detection device 14 may be arranged to be built into the seat 2.

[0018] The memory unit 15 is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores information about the user of chair 1, as well as the user's settings for chair 1. The information stored in the memory unit 15 will be described below.

[0019] The weight setting unit 151 sets the weight. The weight is set to a level that allows the system to detect when a user is seated on the seat 2 of the chair 1. For example, the weight can be set to 90% of the user's body weight.

[0020] The first period setting unit 152 stores the setting of the first period. The first period is set to a period such as one day (24 hours) during which the user has several opportunities to use chair 1 in their daily life. In the case of one day, it is thought that there will be several opportunities to use chair 1, such as when eating or watching a video.

[0021] The second period setting unit 153 stores the setting for the second period. The second period is a shorter time than the first period, and is set to the amount of time that elapses while the user is using chair 1, for example, 10 minutes. If it is 10 minutes, it is thought that the second period will pass about once or twice during a meal.

[0022] The heart rate / respiratory rate setting unit 154 stores the set number of heart rate and respiratory rate per predetermined time. For example, the heart rate / respiratory rate setting unit 154 sets the heart rate and respiratory rate per minute. The set heart rate and respiratory rate are, for example, the rate used to determine whether or not an emergency situation such as a deterioration in the user's physical condition has occurred.

[0023] The weight and heart rate / respiratory rate set in the weight setting unit 151, the first period setting unit 152, the second period setting unit 153, and the heart rate / respiratory rate setting unit 154 should be set based on the user's weight and heart rate / respiratory rate, and the first period and second period should be set based on the user's daily rhythm. Note that default values ​​may be set for the weight, first period, second period, and heart rate / respiratory rate.

[0024] The user information setting unit 155 stores user information. User information is information that indicates the settings for the user of chair 1. Details of the user information will be described later with reference to Figure 3. The destination setting unit 156 stores the settings for the destination to which user information is sent. The destinations are, for example, email addresses of external devices owned by family members, relatives, care staff, or other people related to the user of chair 1, or SNS (Social Networking Service) accounts. The program storage unit 157 stores a program that causes the control unit 11 to execute the process of sending user information. Details of the process of sending user information will be described later with reference to Figure 4.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of user information settings configured in the user information setting unit 155. As shown in Figure 3, user information is configured by associating level, type, and content. Level indicates the degree of normality and abnormality, respectively. Type indicates the type of information. Content indicates the content transmitted as a message, etc. User information includes normal information 155A and abnormal information 155B. Normal information 155A is information indicating that the user is living a normal life. Abnormal information 155B is information indicating that the user may be experiencing an emergency, such as a deterioration in health. In this embodiment, normal information 155A and abnormal information 155B are provided with levels L11 and L12 indicating the degree of normality and levels L21, L22, and L23 indicating the degree of abnormality, respectively. In this embodiment, normal information is described as being divided into two levels and abnormal information into three levels, but the level division is not limited to this and should be set according to the user's living environment and the number of types of detection devices installed on the chair 1.

[0026] Level L11 is associated with the first normal information. The first normal information is set to indicate that no abnormalities were detected in the user at chair 1 during the first period. Level L12 is associated with the second normal information. The second normal information is set to indicate that the user is seated normally during the second period. Level L12 is set to indicate a higher probability that the user is living a normal life than Level L11.

[0027] Level L21 is associated with the first anomaly information. The first anomaly information is set to indicate that there is a possibility that an anomaly is occurring outside of chair 1. Level L22 is associated with the second anomaly information. The second anomaly information is set to indicate that there is a possibility that an anomaly is occurring while seated. Level L23 is associated with the third anomaly information. The third anomaly information is set to indicate that there is a possibility that an anomaly is occurring in the user's body while seated. Levels L21, L22, and L23 are set to indicate a higher probability that the user is in an abnormal state.

[0028] Next, the process of transmitting user information will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of transmitting user information. This process is achieved by the control unit 11 reading and executing a program stored in the program storage unit 157. Furthermore, when power is supplied to the chair 1, the control unit 11 starts this process.

[0029] The control unit 11 determines whether or not a user is seated in the chair 1 (ST101). In this embodiment, the control unit 11 makes this determination based on whether or not the load detected by the load sensor 13 is equal to or greater than the load set in the weight setting unit 151.

[0030] If it is determined that the person is not seated (ST101:NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the first period has elapsed (ST102). If it is determined that the first period has not elapsed (ST102:NO), the process returns to step ST101.

[0031] If it is determined that the first period has elapsed (ST102: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the sensor value is within a certain range (ST103). In this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines whether the detected value detected by the load sensor 13 within a certain period is within a certain range. The upper and lower limits of the certain range may be the first detected value, which indicates that the fluctuation range of the detected sensor value is small.

[0032] If the control unit 11 determines that the sensor value is outside a certain range (ST103: NO), it sends the first normal information set in the user information setting unit 155 to the destination set in the destination setting unit 156 (ST104). For example, during the first period, the user does not sit on the seat 2, but places items such as a bag on the seat 2, and these items are moved from the seat 2. In this case, the sensor value exceeds a certain range during the first period. In other words, it can be considered that the user is living normally. For this reason, the first normal information (that no abnormality of the user was detected in the chair during each of the first periods) is sent to the relevant parties. Then, the process returns to step ST101.

[0033] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines that the sensor value is within a certain range (ST103: YES), it sends the first abnormality information set in the user information setting unit 155 to the destination set in the destination setting unit 156 (ST105). For example, during the first period, no user sits on the seat 2 of chair 1, and no items such as bags are placed on it. In this case, the sensor value falls within a certain range during the period. In other words, during the first period, chair 1 is not being used by a user. For this reason, the first abnormality information (that there may be an abnormality outside of chair 1) is sent to the relevant parties. Once the first abnormality information is sent, this process returns. In other words, the process returns to step ST101. As a result, chair 1 is automatically returned to its original position to confirm the safety of the user.

[0034] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is seated (ST101: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the second period has elapsed (ST106). If it is determined that the second period has not elapsed (ST106: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the user has left the chair (ST107). In this case, leaving the chair means that the user is not in the chair 1. The control unit 11 makes this determination based on whether the detected value detected by the load sensor 13 has fallen below the weight set in the weight setting unit 151. If it is determined that the user has not left the chair (ST107: NO), the process returns to step ST106. If it is determined that the user has left the chair (ST107: YES), the process returns to step ST101.

[0035] If it is determined that the second period has elapsed (ST106: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the sensor value is within a certain range (ST108). The control unit 11 determines whether the detected value detected by the load sensor 13 within a certain period is within a certain range, in the same way as in step ST103 described above. On the other hand, the upper and lower limits of the certain range may be, for example, the first detected value described above, but may also be a second detected value which is a value greater than the first detected value. By using the second detected value, it becomes possible to determine whether or not the user has made a large movement such as changing the orientation of their body.

[0036] If the control unit 11 determines that the sensor value is within a certain range (ST108: YES), it sends the second abnormality information set in the user information setting unit 155 to the destination set in the destination setting unit 156 (ST109). For example, suppose the user is sitting on the seat 2 and is not moving much. In this case, the sensor value will be within a certain range within the second period. In other words, it is possible that an abnormal situation has occurred with the user. For this reason, the second abnormality information (that there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring while seated) is sent to the relevant parties. This process then returns. In other words, the process returns to step ST101. As a result, the chair 1 is automatically returned to its original position to confirm the user's safety.

[0037] If the sensor value is determined to be outside a certain range (ST108:NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the heart rate and respiratory rate are above a set value (ST110). In this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines whether the heart rate and respiratory rate per minute detected by the heart rate and respiratory rate detection device 14 are above the heart rate and respiratory rate set in the heart rate and respiratory rate setting unit 154. Note that the system may be configured to use either the heart rate or respiratory rate, rather than making the determination based on both values.

[0038] If the control unit 11 determines that the heart rate and respiratory rate are not above the set values ​​(ST110:NO), it sends the second normal information set in the user information setting unit 155 to the destination set in the destination setting unit 156 (ST111). For example, the user is sitting in the seat 2 and performing normal actions, and their heart rate and respiration are also normal. Therefore, the second normal information (that the user is sitting in the chair normally at the second interval) is sent to the relevant party. Then, the process returns to step ST106.

[0039] Furthermore, if the control unit 11 determines that the heart rate and respiratory rate are above the set values ​​(ST110: YES), it sends the third abnormality information set in the user information setting unit 155 to the destination set in the destination setting unit 156 (ST112). For example, suppose the user is sitting on the seat 2 and performing an action, but their heart rate and respiration are abnormal. Therefore, the third abnormality information (that there is a possibility of an abnormality in the user's body while seated) is sent to the relevant parties. Once the third abnormality information is sent, this process returns. In other words, the process returns to step ST101. In this way, the chair 1 is automatically returned to its original position to confirm the user's safety.

[0040] As explained above, with the chair 1 of this embodiment, the user's well-being can be quickly confirmed after the chair 1 is introduced, without the user having to take any conscious action. More specifically, the user's condition can be communicated to relevant parties without the user taking any conscious action, simply by being aware of their condition in their daily life. Furthermore, the user's condition can be confirmed using the user's normal action of sitting, without the need to introduce any new devices to check the user's condition in their daily life.

[0041] Furthermore, in the past, it was difficult to make frequent visits to elderly people who lived far from the residences of those involved, raising concerns that the discovery of the body would be delayed, leading to delays in emergency response. If the discovery was delayed, there were concerns that the body might not be transported to the hospital quickly enough to cause long-term complications, and if a long time had passed since death, the room would become soiled due to decomposition of the body, requiring significant repair costs. However, with chair 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to eliminate these concerns.

[0042] Furthermore, chair 1 has two levels for normal information 155A and three levels for abnormal information 155B. Therefore, stakeholders can check not only whether it is in a normal or abnormal state, but also the degree of normality and the degree of abnormality. As a result, stakeholders can more accurately understand the condition of the user of chair 1.

[0043] Furthermore, chair 1 immediately transmits a third-level abnormality information if the heart rate or respiratory rate exceeds the set values. This allows relevant personnel to immediately understand that the user is in a critical condition. Consequently, relevant personnel can assess the urgency of the abnormal situation and take immediate action to save the user.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the chair 1 was described as having a load sensor 13 and a heart rate / respiratory rate detection device 14 as detection devices for detecting the user's state, but it is not limited to this. For example, the chair 1 may be equipped with only a load sensor 13. Alternatively, instead of the heart rate / respiratory rate detection device 14, the chair 1 may be equipped with a load cell, an optical heart rate monitor, a temperature and humidity measuring device, and an odor detection device. Furthermore, the chair 1 may be configured to be equipped with detection devices in any combination of the load sensor 13, heart rate / respiratory rate detection device 14, load cell, optical heart rate monitor, temperature and humidity measuring device, and odor detection device. By equipping the chair 1 with multiple types of detection devices in this way, it becomes possible to divide the levels of normal information 155A and abnormal information 155B into even more stages.

[0045] The load cells detect whether a user is on the seat 2 of chair 1 and the user's weight. The load cells can be placed, for example, on each of the legs 5 of chair 1. By providing load cells, chair 1 can measure not only the load on the seat 2 but also the user's weight. For example, when transmitting normal information 155A and abnormal information 155B, weight information indicating the user's weight can also be transmitted, allowing relevant parties to understand changes in the user's weight and to perform malnutrition checks based on the weight changes.

[0046] The optical heart rate monitor optically detects the user's heart rate. The optical heart rate monitor can be placed, for example, on a part that comes into contact with the user's skin, such as the tip of the armrest 4 of chair 1. Chair 1 may be configured to measure the user's heart rate and respiratory rate by providing the optical heart rate monitor.

[0047] The temperature and humidity detection device detects temperature and humidity. The temperature and humidity detection device can be placed, for example, on the seat surface of the seat portion 2 or on the backrest portion 3. By providing the temperature and humidity detection device, the chair 1 can detect whether or not a user is sitting on it based on the temperature and humidity. Alternatively, two temperature and humidity detection devices may be placed, for example, on the back of the seat portion 2 and the backrest portion 3 of the chair 1, with one device detecting the user and the other detecting the room temperature and humidity. This makes it possible to obtain a reference value for accurately determining whether someone is sitting on the chair. For example, in high temperature and high humidity areas, there is a concern that one temperature and humidity detection device may malfunction by reacting only to the ambient temperature and humidity. However, by providing two temperature and humidity detection devices, it is possible to detect the temperature and humidity of the space as well as the temperature and humidity of the contact surface with the user, making it possible to set an appropriate threshold and enable highly accurate seating determination. It is also possible to detect the temperature and humidity of the room when a user is sitting on the chair 1. For example, when transmitting normal information 155A and abnormal information 155B when a user sits down, transmitting temperature and humidity information indicating the room's temperature and humidity at the time of seating allows relevant parties to understand the temperature and humidity.

[0048] The odor detection device can, for example, detect the user's odor. The odor detection device can be placed, for example, on the seat 2 of the chair. The odor detection device can detect, for example, the user's excretion, putrefaction odor, etc. By providing the odor detection device, the chair 1 can detect the user's odor. For example, when transmitting normal information 155A and abnormal information 155B, by also transmitting odor information indicating the user's odor, relevant parties can understand the user's condition in more detail. Alternatively, two odor detection devices can be provided. For example, one can be placed on the seat 2 of the chair 1, and the other on the underside of the backrest 3 of the chair 1. By providing two odor detection devices in this way, it is possible to detect both the odor of the space and the odor of the user, making it possible to set appropriate thresholds and enable highly accurate odor determination.

[0049] Furthermore, the comparative detection devices, such as the temperature and humidity detection device and odor detection device located on the backrest 3 as described above, may be placed anywhere on the chair 1, not just on the backrest 3. Alternatively, these detection devices may be installed outside the chair 1. By setting them outside the chair 1 in this way, a larger displacement can be created between them and the temperature and humidity detection device and odor detection device installed on the seat 2, making it possible to more accurately detect the user's temperature, humidity, and odor.

[0050] Alternatively, instead of the load sensor 13 provided on the seat 2, a sensor may be provided on the handrail 4. For example, the sensor could be a temperature sensor or a load sensor. With such a sensor, the control unit 11 can detect when a user places their elbow on the handrail 4, based on the detection state of the sensor provided on the handrail 4. In this way, the chair 1 may detect when a user is seated.

[0051] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the chair 1 is provided with a movable footrest. Therefore, the differences in this configuration and processing will be described in detail. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example of the side view of chair 1A. As shown in Figure 5, the chair 1A is provided with a seat 2A, a backrest 3A, and an armrest 4A. The seat 2A extends from the seat to the footrest. A footrest 17 is provided on the footrest side of the seat 2A. The footrest 17 is a component on which the user rests their feet. The footrest 17 is movable by a footrest mechanism 18. The footrest mechanism 18 moves the footrest 17 from the lower position shown by footrest 17A to the upper position shown by footrest 17B.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an example of the control configuration for chair 1A. As shown in Figure 6, compared to chair 1 shown in Figure 2, chair 1A has an additional footrest control unit 16. The footrest control unit 16 controls the operation of the footrest mechanism 18 based on the control of the control unit 11.

[0054] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for operating the footrest 17. This process is achieved, for example, by the control unit 11 reading and executing a program stored in the program storage unit 157.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, when the control unit 11 detects that a user is seated (ST201), it determines whether a set time has elapsed (ST202). The set time is stored, for example, in a predetermined area of ​​the memory unit 15. The set time is, for example, 10 minutes, but it can be set arbitrarily. If it is determined that the set time has not elapsed (ST202: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the user has left the seat (ST203). If it is determined that the user has not left the seat (ST203: NO), the process returns to step ST202. If it is determined that the user has left the seat (ST203: YES), this process ends.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that the set time has elapsed (ST202:YES), the control unit 11 instructs the footrest control unit 16 to operate the footrest mechanism 18. This causes the footrest mechanism 18 to move the footrest 17 from position 17A to position 17B. This lifts the tips of the user's feet upward. If the chair 1A is equipped with an operation / display unit, the display unit may indicate that the footrest 17 will be operated before operating the footrest mechanism 18, and the footrest mechanism 18 may be operated only after receiving an operation instruction from the user via the operation unit. This display unit may be a type that the user perceives visually, such as a monitor, or an auditory type, such as a speaker, or a tactile type, such as vibration, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the footrest 17, which is positioned in the second position 17B, may be returned to the first position 17A by, for example, by the user operating the operation unit.

[0057] According to chair 1A of this embodiment, if the user remains seated beyond a set time, such as when watching a video device, the footrest 17 is automatically raised upward, and the tips of the user's feet are also raised. As a result, chair 1A can prevent swelling of the user's feet. If a person falls asleep with swollen feet, fluid begins to circulate in the body at night, which can cause them to wake up in the middle of the night due to the urge to urinate, and there is a concern that this may lead to nocturnal enuresis. Chair 1A can prevent such concerns.

[0058] Furthermore, chair 1A can promote blood flow in the user. For this reason, the configuration of chair 1A can be applied to seats in airplanes, high-speed trains, and other vehicles where users often maintain a seated position for extended periods. For example, when applied to airplane seats, it can be expected to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (economy class syndrome).

[0059] Furthermore, if the backrest 3A of the chair 1A is of a type that can move between a position where the user's back is upright and a position where the user is reclined, the footrest mechanism 18 may be operated to raise the user's feet in order to prevent swelling, and the backrest 3A may also be operated to reclin the user.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the footrest 17 was described as being moved from position 17A to position 17B after a set time has elapsed in chair 1A, but it is not limited to this. For example, after moving to position 17B, the footrest may be moved from position 17B to position 17A, and then from position 17A to position 17B, and this movement may be repeated at predetermined intervals. By repeatedly raising and lowering the footrest 17 in this way, an exercise effect can be provided to the user.

[0061] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that the status of users using the chairs is managed by a management server. Therefore, the differences in this configuration and processing will be described in detail. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0062] Figure 8 shows an example of the network configuration of the management system 100. As shown in Figure 8, the management system 100 is configured with chair 1B and management server 50 connected to each other via network 100A. Network 100A may be a local area network or the internet. Although only one chair 1B is shown in the figure, multiple chairs 1B can be connected to network 100A.

[0063] Figure 9 shows an example of the control configuration for chair 1B. As shown in Figure 9, chair 1B differs from chair 1 shown in Figure 2 in that the storage unit 15 is equipped only with a chair ID storage unit 158. The chair ID storage unit 158 ​​stores an ID for identifying chair 1B.

[0064] Figure 10 shows an example of the control configuration of the management server 50. As shown in Figure 10, the management server 50 includes a control unit 51, a communication unit 52, and a storage unit 55. The storage unit 55 includes a weight setting unit 151, a first period setting unit 152, a second period setting unit 153, a heart rate / respiratory rate setting unit 154, a destination setting unit 156, a chair ID storage unit 55A, a user information setting unit 155, and a program storage unit 157. Furthermore, the weight setting unit 151, the first period setting unit 152, the second period setting unit 153, the heart rate / respiratory rate setting unit 154, and the destination setting unit 156 are set for each chair ID stored in the chair ID storage unit 55A. By managing the weight setting unit 151, the first period setting unit 152, the second period setting unit 153, the heart rate / respiratory rate setting unit 154, and the destination setting unit 156 for each chair ID in this way, the management server 50 is able to manage multiple chairs 1B connected to the network 100A.

[0065] This management system 100 can achieve the same effects as chair 1 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, it reduces the number of settings required for chair 1B. Therefore, chair 1B can be made inexpensive and easier for users to implement.

[0066] Furthermore, by configuring the user information setting unit 155 to be set for each chair ID, the management server 50 can send customized user information to relevant parties for each user using chair 1B.

[0067] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configuration of each element of the detection device, setting unit, and control unit included in the chair is included within the scope of the present invention as long as the present invention can be implemented in the same manner and similar effects can be obtained by appropriately selecting from the range known to those skilled in the art.

[0068] Combinations of two or more elements from any of the specific examples, to the extent technically feasible, are also included within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the invention.

[0069] Furthermore, all chairs and management systems that a person skilled in the art can design and implement based on the chairs and management systems described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the present invention.

[0070] Furthermore, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art could conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0071] The embodiments include the following aspects:

[0072] (Note 1) The seat where the user sits, The first detection unit is provided on the seat surface of the aforementioned seat, A chair equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0073] (Note 2) Furthermore, the backrest portion on which the user leans, The second detection unit provided in the backrest, The chair described in Appendix 1, which is equipped with the following features.

[0074] (Note 3) Furthermore, the handrail portion on which the user places their hand, The third detection unit provided on the handrail portion, The chair described in Appendix 1, which is equipped with the following features.

[0075] (Note 4) The seat where the user sits, The aforementioned backrest portion on which the user leans, The aforementioned handrail portion on which the user places their hand, The first detection unit is provided on the seat surface of the aforementioned seat, The second detection unit provided in the backrest, The third detection unit provided on the handrail portion, A chair equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0076] (Note 5) The seat where the user sits, A detection unit for detecting whether or not the user is seated on the seat, A communication unit that communicates with external devices, A control unit that transmits user information indicating the user's status to a pre-specified destination via the communication unit, Equipped with, The control unit, If, based on the detection value of the detection unit, it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, the user information is transmitted to the designated destination based on whether the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. chair.

[0077] (Note 6) The user information includes normal information indicating that the user's status is normal, and abnormal information indicating that the user's status is abnormal. The control unit, If it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, and the detected value detected by the detection unit during the first period is not within a certain range, the normal information is transmitted. If it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, and the detected value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range, the abnormal information is transmitted. The chair described in Appendix 5.

[0078] (Note 7) The detection unit is Furthermore, if it is determined that the user is seated according to the detected value, and a second period shorter than the first period has elapsed, the user information is transmitted to the designated destination based on whether the detected value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. The chairs described in Appendix 5 or 6.

[0079] (Note 8) The control unit, If it is determined that the user is not seated and the second period has elapsed, and the detected value detected by the detection unit during the second period is not within a certain range, the normal information is transmitted. If it is determined that the user is not seated and the second period has elapsed, and the detected value detected by the detection unit during the second period is within a certain range, the abnormal information is transmitted. The chair described in any one of the notes 5-7.

[0080] (Note 9) The normal information includes a plurality of normal information items divided into levels based on the degree to which they are normal, and the abnormal information includes a plurality of abnormal information items divided into levels based on the degree to which they are abnormal. The control unit transmits the normal information or the abnormal information at a preset level. A chair that has one of the following descriptions (Appendix 5-8) written on it.

[0081] (Note 10) The detection unit is a load sensor, The load sensor is positioned on the seat portion. The chair described in any one of the appendices 5-9.

[0082] (Note 11) Furthermore, a footrest that supports the tip of the user's foot, A footrest mechanism that moves the footrest between a first position and a second position above the first position, Equipped with, The control unit moves the footrest from the first position to the second position when a set time has elapsed since the user sat on the seat. The chair described in one of the notes 5-10.

[0083] (Note 12) A management system comprising a chair and a management server connected to the chair via a network, The aforementioned chair, The seat where the user sits, A detection unit for detecting whether or not the user is seated on the seat, A communication unit that transmits the detection value detected by the detection unit to the management server, Equipped with, The aforementioned management server If, based on the detection value of the detection unit, it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, the user information is transmitted to a pre-set designated destination based on whether the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. Management system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1,1A,1B...Chair, 2...Seat, 3...Backrest, 4...Handrail, 5...Footrest, 11...Control Unit, 13...Load Sensor, 14...Heart Rate / Respiratory Rate Detection Device, 15...Memory Unit, 16...Footrest Control Unit, 17...Footrest, 18...Footrest Mechanism, 50...Management Server, 55...Memory Unit, 51...Control Unit, 52...Communication Unit, 55A...Chair ID Memory Unit, 158...Chair ID Memory Unit, 100...Management System, 100A...Network, 151...Weight Setting Unit, 152...First Period Setting Unit, 153...Second Period Setting Unit, 154...Heart Rate / Respiratory Rate Setting Unit, 155...Usage Information Setting Unit, 155A...Normal Information, 155B...Abnormal Information, 156...Destination Setting Unit, 157...Program Memory Unit

Claims

1. The seat where the user sits, A detection unit for detecting whether or not the user is seated on the seat, A communication unit that communicates with external devices, A control unit that transmits user information indicating the user's status to a pre-specified destination via the communication unit, Equipped with, The control unit, If, based on the detection value of the detection unit, it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, the user information is transmitted to the designated destination based on whether the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. The detection unit is The first detection unit is provided on the seat surface of the aforementioned seat, The second detection unit is provided on the backrest portion against which the user leans, A third detection unit is provided on the handrail portion on which the user places their hand, A chair with a chair.

2. The user information includes normal information indicating that the user's status is normal, and abnormal information indicating that the user's status is abnormal. The control unit, If it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, and the detected value detected by the detection unit during the first period is not within a certain range, the normal information is transmitted. If it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, and the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range, the abnormal information is transmitted. The chair according to claim 1.

3. The detection unit is Furthermore, if it is determined that the user is seated according to the detected value, and a second period shorter than the first period has elapsed, the user information is transmitted to the designated destination based on whether the detected value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. The chair according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, If it is determined that the user is not seated and the second period has elapsed, and the detected value detected by the detection unit during the second period is not within a certain range, the normal information is transmitted. If it is determined that the user is not seated and the second period has elapsed, and the detected value detected by the detection unit during the second period is within a certain range, the abnormal information is transmitted. The chair according to claim 3.

5. The normal information includes a plurality of normal information items divided into levels based on the degree to which they are normal, and the abnormal information includes a plurality of abnormal information items divided into levels based on the degree to which they are abnormal. The control unit transmits the normal information or the abnormal information at a preset level. The chair according to claim 4.

6. The detection unit is a load sensor, The load sensor is positioned on the seat portion. The chair according to claim 1.

7. Furthermore, a footrest that supports the tip of the user's foot, A footrest mechanism that moves the footrest between a first position and a second position above the first position, Equipped with, The control unit moves the footrest from the first position to the second position when a set time has elapsed since the user sat on the seat. The chair according to claim 1.

8. A management system comprising a chair and a management server connected to the chair via a network, The aforementioned chair, The seat where the user sits, A detection unit for detecting whether or not the user is seated on the seat, A communication unit that transmits the detection value detected by the detection unit to the management server, Equipped with, The aforementioned management server Based on the detection value of the detection unit, if it is determined that the user is not seated and the first period has elapsed, the user information is transmitted to a pre-set designated destination based on whether the detection value detected by the detection unit during the first period is within a certain range. Management system.

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