Nurse call system
The nurse call system adjusts light-emitting members based on time, light intensity, and monitoring needs to reduce patient discomfort and maintain image clarity, addressing the issue of excessive lighting in patient monitoring.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AIPHONE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing nurse call systems with imaging devices for patient monitoring risk causing patients to feel monitored due to excessive lighting, which can decrease image visibility.
A nurse call system with a control unit that adjusts the lighting state of multiple light-emitting members based on predetermined information, such as time, light intensity, schedule, and monitoring operations, to reduce the number of illuminated elements, especially at night or in low-light conditions, using near-infrared LEDs that are less conspicuous.
The system reduces the feeling of being monitored while maintaining image visibility by adjusting lighting according to specific conditions, ensuring patients feel less conspicuous and images remain clear.
Smart Images
Figure 2026114481000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nurse call system.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a nurse call system that detects a patient's getting-up motion from the captured image of a camera, and then determines that the patient has left the bed or fallen if the patient is no longer in the bed, and performs a notification operation.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, medical workers such as nurses may sometimes want to watch over whether a patient in a hospital room has left the bed or fallen, or observe the condition of the patient remotely (so-called monitoring). Watching over and monitoring a patient are performed using an imaging device such as a camera, for example. In order to improve the visibility of the captured image captured by the imaging device, such an imaging device often has a plurality of light emitting members (for example, LEDs, etc.). However, when watching over or monitoring the condition of a patient using a nurse call system equipped with such an imaging device, if a large number of light emitting members are emitting light, there is a risk that the patient may feel being monitored.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a nurse call system capable of reducing the feeling of being monitored given to a patient while suppressing a decrease in the visibility of a captured image captured by an imaging device.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] A nurse call system relating to one aspect for achieving the above objective is: An imaging device configured to image a patient, A nurse call system comprising a control unit configured to communicate with the imaging device, or a control unit built into the imaging device, The imaging device has a plurality of light-emitting members, The control unit changes the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting members based on predetermined information.
[0007] According to the nurse call system with the above configuration, the control unit changes the illumination state of multiple light-emitting elements of the imaging device based on predetermined information. Therefore, with such a nurse call system, for example, the number of light-emitting elements to be illuminated when it is nighttime or when monitoring a patient can be reduced compared to the number of light-emitting elements to be illuminated when it is daytime or when monitoring a patient. As a result, for example, it is possible to suppress the illumination of more light-emitting elements than necessary when it is nighttime or when monitoring a patient. Thus, with the nurse call system with the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the feeling of being monitored given to the patient while suppressing a decrease in the visibility of the images captured by the imaging device. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a nurse call system that can reduce the feeling of being monitored on patients while suppressing a decrease in the visibility of images captured by the imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a nurse call system related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the corridor lighting system included in the nurse call system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a block diagram of the imaging device included in the nurse call system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the surrounding environment of a patient in a hospital room. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the imaging device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the information processing method performed in the first example of operation. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the information processing method performed in the second example of operation. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the information processing method performed in the third example of operation. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the information processing method performed in the fourth example of operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a nurse call system 100 according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a corridor light provided in the nurse call system 100. As illustrated in Figure 1, the nurse call system 100 includes a nurse call sub-unit 1 installed at each bedside for patients to call a nurse, a corridor light 2 installed in front of the patient's room to notify the occurrence of a call and display patient information in the room, a nurse call master unit 3 for notifying and responding to patient calls at the nurse's station, a terminal device 4 such as a smartphone carried by a nurse to respond to patient calls, a base station 5 such as an access point that communicates with the terminal device 4, a switch 6 that manages communication via the base station 5, an imaging device 8 such as a camera installed on the wall or ceiling of the patient's room to image the patient, and a control unit 9 (an example of a control unit) that controls calls / talks.
[0011] The corridor lights 2, the nurse call master unit 3, and the exchange 6 are connected to the control unit 9 via LAN line L1. The nurse call slave units 1 are connected to the corridor lights 2 in each patient room via transmission line L2. The imaging device 8 is connected to the corridor lights 2 in the patient rooms via transmission line L3.
[0012] The nurse call sub-unit 1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "sub-unit") comprises a call button 1a and a plate sub-unit 1b, which is mounted on the wall near the bed and is equipped with a microphone 11 and a speaker 12 for communicating with a nurse. The call button 1a is connected to the plate sub-unit 1b.
[0013] The corridor light 2 has an indicator light 21 and a patient information display unit 22. The indicator light 21 notifies by flashing light that a patient in the room has made a call by operating the sub-unit 1. The patient information display unit 22 is a display area for displaying the name of the patient in the room. As illustrated in Figure 2, the corridor light 2 further has a corridor light CPU 26 and a corridor light communication interface (IF) 27. The corridor light CPU 26 controls each part of the corridor light 2. The corridor light communication IF 27 is configured to communicate with the controller 9, the imaging device 8, and the sub-unit 1. Note that the corridor light 2 in Figure 1 shows a corridor light 2 in a four-bed room and is capable of displaying patient information for four people. The imaging device 8 is set to image one specific patient among them. In the case of a four-bed room, an imaging device 8 may be provided to image each patient.
[0014] The corridor light CPU 26 is constituted by, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit includes a microcontroller containing a processor and a memory, and other electronic circuits (such as transistors, etc.). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various control programs (such as artificial intelligence (AI) programs, etc.) are stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) in which various control data are temporarily stored. The processor is configured to expand a program specified from various control programs stored in the ROM onto the RAM and execute various processes in cooperation with the RAM.
[0015] Returning to FIG. 1, the nurse call master unit 3 (hereinafter, may also be simply referred to as the "master unit") will be described. The master unit 3 includes a handset 31 as a communication unit for responding to calls using the slave unit 1, a first display 32 for displaying a list of patient information and a floor plan of the ward, a second display 33 for displaying call source information, etc., a schedule storage unit 34, an operation unit 35, etc.
[0016] The schedule storage unit 34 stores schedule information indicating the work schedules of a plurality of nurses. The master unit 3 can transmit the schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 34 to, for example, the corridor light 2, the imaging device 8, and the control machine 9.
[0017] The operation unit 35 is configured to receive a predetermined operation for a nurse to monitor a patient. Note that the nursing of a patient is basically carried out during normal times (for example, when the patient is performing an action that he / she does not usually do), while the monitoring of a patient is carried out during abnormal times (for example, when the patient is performing an action that he / she does not usually do). That is, the monitoring of a patient is carried out when it is desired to observe the state of the patient more carefully than during normal times. When the operation unit 35 receives the predetermined operation, the nurse generates monitoring operation information indicating that a predetermined operation for monitoring the patient has been performed using the master unit 3. The master unit 3 transmits the generated monitoring operation information to, for example, the corridor light 2, the imaging device 8, and the control unit 9.
[0018] Next, the imaging device 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the imaging device 8. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the surrounding environment of a patient in a hospital room. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the imaging device 8. The imaging device 8 is, for example, a camera configured to image a patient on a bed in a hospital room. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the imaging device 8 is installed on the upper wall surface of the bed. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the imaging device 8 includes an imaging device CPU 81 that controls each part of the imaging device 8, an imaging device communication interface (IF) 82 for LAN connection with other nurse call devices via a HUB, a storage unit 83 that stores various information, an imaging unit 84, four light emitting members 87 (87A, 87B, 87C, 87D), and a sensor 88. Note that the number of light emitting members 87 included in the imaging device 8 may be plural and is not limited to four.
[0019] The imaging device CPU 81 is, for example, built into the imaging device 8. The imaging device CPU 81 is composed of an ECU, similar to the corridor light CPU 26. The imaging unit 84 is composed of, for example, an imaging module equipped with a filter that also transmits near-infrared light. The imaging unit 84 acquires an image by imaging the area around the imaging device 8. When the imaging unit 84 acquires an image, it also acquires time information indicating the current time (for example, the time when the imaging unit 84 acquired the image). The imaging unit 84, for example, associates the acquired image with the time information and then transmits the image and time information to the imaging device CPU 81.
[0020] The light-emitting member 87 includes, for example, a near-infrared LED configured to emit near-infrared light. When lit, the light-emitting member 87 including the near-infrared LED lights up in, for example, red. Therefore, the patient can perceive the lit state of the light-emitting member 87. Furthermore, since the light-emitting member 87 in this embodiment can emit near-infrared light, the imaging device 8 can be, for example, a camera with a night vision effect. The night vision effect refers to improving the brightness and visibility of captured images when imaging in a dark environment. The imaging device 8 according to this embodiment has a light-emitting member 87 that can emit near-infrared light that is difficult for humans to see, so it can emit near-infrared light relatively inconspicuously even in a dark environment. Therefore, even in a dark environment, the visibility of the captured images taken by the imaging device 8 is high due to the night vision effect.
[0021] As illustrated in Figure 5, the four light-emitting members 87 are provided in the lower portion 80 of the imaging device 8. The four light-emitting members 87 are arranged to surround the imaging unit 84. However, the arrangement of the four light-emitting members 87 is not limited to this example. The illumination ranges of the multiple light-emitting members 87 are all different. Therefore, for example, the illumination range of light-emitting member 87A is different from the illumination ranges of the other light-emitting members 87B, 87C, and 87D. The luminous intensity of the near-infrared light emitted from the light-emitting members 87 may be equal or different.
[0022] Sensor 88 acquires light intensity information indicating the amount of light within the imaging range of the imaging device 8. The light intensity information acquired by sensor 88 can be transmitted, for example, to the corridor light 2, the imaging device CPU 81, and the control unit 9.
[0023] Returning to Figure 1, the controller 9 will be described. The controller 9 is configured to communicate with the corridor light 2, the nurse call master unit 3, the exchange 6, and the imaging device 8. The controller 9 changes the lighting state of a plurality of light-emitting members 87 based on predetermined information. The predetermined information includes, for example, time information, light intensity information, schedule information, monitoring operation information, etc. A change in the lighting state is, for example, a change in the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit out of the plurality of light-emitting members 87.
[0024] The control performed by the controller 9 when the specified information includes time information will be described below. Based on the time information, the controller 9 determines whether the time information indicates a daytime time. In other words, based on the time information, the controller 9 determines whether the time information indicates a daytime time or a nighttime time. Daytime refers to, for example, the time period from 8:00 to 17:00 on a given day, and nighttime refers to, for example, the time period from 17:01 on a given day to 7:59 the following day. When the time information indicates a nighttime time, the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 to reduce the number of illuminated light-emitting members 87 among the multiple light-emitting members 87 compared to when the time information indicates a daytime time.
[0025] The control performed by the controller 9 when the specified information includes light intensity information will be described below. The controller 9 determines whether the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value for light intensity is, for example, 1000 lux. If the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, for example, the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 so that all light-emitting members 87 are lit. On the other hand, if the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is less than the predetermined value, the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 to reduce the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit among the multiple light-emitting members 87, for example, compared to when the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. For example, if the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is less than the predetermined value, it is when the current time indicates a time during the nighttime. For example, if the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information indicates a time during the daytime.
[0026] The control performed by the controller 9 when the specified information includes schedule information will be described below. Based on the current schedule information, the controller 9 determines whether the current schedule information indicates a day shift. In other words, based on the current schedule information, the controller 9 determines whether the current schedule information indicates a day shift or a night shift. The day shift is, for example, the time period from 8:00 to 17:00 on a given day, and the night shift is, for example, the time period from 17:01 on a given day to 7:59 the following day. If the current schedule information indicates a night shift, the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 to reduce the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit among the multiple light-emitting members 87, for example, compared to when the current schedule information indicates a day shift.
[0027] The control performed by the controller 9 when the predetermined information includes monitoring operation information will be described. For example, based on the monitoring operation information, the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 so that it changes from a state in which only some of the light-emitting members 87 are lit to a state in which all of the light-emitting members 87 are lit.
[0028] (Example of first action) A first operational example of the nurse call system 100 configured as described above will be explained below with reference to Figure 6. In this first operational example, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of multiple light-emitting members 87 based on time information. In this operational example, the information processing method illustrated in Figure 6 is executed. In this operational example, the current time is 21:00, and the imaging unit 84 of the imaging device 8 acquires an image at 21:00.
[0029] As illustrated in Figure 6, the imaging unit 84 of the imaging device 8 acquires time information when it acquires an image (STEP 01). In this example, the imaging unit 84 acquires the image at 21:00, so the time information acquired by the imaging unit 84 is 21:00. The imaging unit 84 transmits the acquired time information to the imaging device CPU 81.
[0030] The imaging device CPU 81 of the imaging device 8 transmits the time information received from the imaging unit 84 to the controller 9 (STEP 02).
[0031] The controller 9 determines, based on the time information, whether the time information indicates a daytime time (STEP 03). If the controller 9 determines that the time information indicates a daytime time (YES in STEP 03), it controls the imaging device 8 so that all light-emitting members 87 (four light-emitting members 87 in this example) are lit (STEP 04). On the other hand, if the controller 9 determines that the time information indicates a nighttime time (NO in STEP 03), it controls the imaging device 8 so that only some of the four light-emitting members 87 (for example, two light-emitting members 87) are lit (STEP 05). In this example, it is assumed that there are two light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the time information indicates a nighttime time. Thus, the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the time information indicates a nighttime time is less than the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the time information indicates a daytime time.
[0032] In this example, the current time is 21:00, so the time information indicates a nighttime time. Therefore, the controller 9 determines that the time information indicates a nighttime time (NO in STEP 03) and controls the imaging device 8 so that only two of the four light-emitting members 87 are lit (STEP 05). In this example, the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 so that only light-emitting members 87A and 87B are lit. Conversely, the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 so that the state of light-emitting members 87C and 87D changes from lit to off. In the following explanation as well, when the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 so that only two of the four light-emitting members 87 are lit, the controller 9 will control the imaging device 8 so that only light-emitting members 87A and 87B are lit.
[0033] The more light-emitting elements 87 that are lit, the greater the amount of near-infrared light emitted from the imaging device 8. While this improves the visibility of the captured images, it may also increase the patient's feeling of being monitored. Especially at night, when the environment surrounding the patient and the imaging device 8 is dark, a large number of lit light-emitting elements 87 make the lights stand out, making the patient more likely to feel that they are being monitored.
[0034] In contrast, according to the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 changes the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 of the imaging device 8 based on predetermined information including time information. Therefore, according to the nurse call system 100, for example, the number of illuminated light-emitting members 87 can be reduced during times when the illumination of the light-emitting members 87 is particularly noticeable (for example, at night) compared to other times (for example, during the day). As a result, the nurse call system 100 can suppress the illumination of more light-emitting members 87 than necessary during nighttime hours when the illumination of the light-emitting members 87 is particularly noticeable. Furthermore, the imaging device 8, which has light-emitting members 87 capable of emitting near-infrared light that is difficult for humans to see, can irradiate near-infrared light relatively inconspicuously even in dark environments, so that it can capture images with high visibility due to the night vision effect. Therefore, according to the nurse call system 100, it is possible to reduce the feeling of being monitored given to patients while suppressing a decrease in the visibility of the images captured by the imaging device 8.
[0035] Furthermore, in the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, a change in the lighting state refers to a change in the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit out of the four light-emitting members 87. Therefore, with the nurse call system 100, it is possible to reduce the feeling of being monitored given to the patient while suppressing a decrease in the visibility of the captured images taken by the imaging device 8 through relatively simple control.
[0036] (Second operation example) Next, a second example of operation of the nurse call system 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 7. In the second example of operation, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of multiple light-emitting members 87 based on light intensity information. In this respect, the second example of operation differs from the first example of operation. In this example of operation, the information processing method illustrated in Figure 7 is executed.
[0037] As illustrated in Figure 7, the sensor 88 of the imaging device 8 acquires light intensity information (STEP 11). The light intensity indicated by the light intensity information acquired by the sensor 88 in STEP 11 is assumed to be 100 lux. The imaging device 8 transmits the light intensity information acquired by the sensor 88 to the controller 9 (STEP 12).
[0038] The controller 9 determines whether the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (1000 lux) (STEP 13). If the controller 9 determines that the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (YES in STEP 13), it controls the imaging device 8 so that all light-emitting members 87 (four light-emitting members 87 in this example) are lit (STEP 14). On the other hand, if the controller 9 determines that the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is less than the predetermined value (NO in STEP 13), it controls the imaging device 8 so that only two of the four light-emitting members 87 are lit (STEP 15). Therefore, in this example, the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is less than the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.
[0039] In this example of operation, the light intensity information indicates that the light intensity is 100 lux, so the controller 9 determines that the light intensity information indicates that the light intensity is less than a predetermined value (NO in STEP 13), and controls the imaging device 8 so that only two of the four light-emitting members 87 are lit (STEP 15).
[0040] Because the amount of light is relatively low at night compared to daytime, the light emitted by the light-emitting members 87 stands out. In other words, patients are more likely to feel that they are being monitored at night than at daytime. However, in this example of operation, the nurse call system 100 can use fewer light-emitting members 87 to light up when the amount of light is below a predetermined value than when the amount of light is above a predetermined value. Furthermore, for example, even in a dark environment with low light levels where only some of the light-emitting members 87 are lit, the imaging device 8 can capture images with high visibility due to its night vision effect.
[0041] In the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the imaging device 8 has a sensor 88 that acquires light intensity information indicating the amount of light in the imaging range of the imaging device 8, and the controller 9 changes the lighting state of the four light-emitting members 87 based on predetermined information including the light intensity information. As a result, for example, when the amount of light in the imaging range is low, the light emission of the light-emitting members 87 is more noticeable than when the amount of light is high, so when the amount of light is low, the number of lit light-emitting members 87 can be reduced compared to when the amount of light is high, thereby reducing the feeling of being monitored given to the patient.
[0042] Furthermore, in the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 reduces the number of lit light-emitting members 87 out of the four lit light-emitting members 87 when the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is less than a predetermined value, compared to when the light intensity indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, in the nurse call system 100, for example, the number of lit light-emitting members 87 in the nighttime period when the light intensity is relatively low can be reduced to the number of lit light-emitting members 87 in the daytime period when the light intensity is relatively high. As a result, it is possible to suppress the emission of more lit light-emitting members 87 than necessary under conditions where the emission of light from the lit light-emitting members 87 is noticeable.
[0043] (Third operation example) Next, the third operation example of the nurse call system 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 8. In the third operation example, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of multiple light-emitting members 87 based on schedule information. In this respect, the third operation example differs from the first and second operation examples. In this operation example, the information processing method illustrated in Figure 8 is executed. In this operation example, the current time is assumed to be 21:00.
[0044] As illustrated in Figure 8, the master unit 3 transmits the current schedule information stored in the schedule storage unit 34 to the controller 9 (STEP 21). In this example, the current time is 21:00, so the master unit 3 transmits the schedule information for 21:00 to the controller 9.
[0045] The controller 9 determines, based on the current schedule information, whether the current schedule information indicates a day shift (STEP 22). If the controller 9 determines that the current schedule information indicates a day shift (YES in STEP 22), it controls the imaging device 8 so that all light-emitting members 87 (four light-emitting members 87 in this example) are lit (STEP 23). On the other hand, if the controller 9 determines that the current schedule information indicates a night shift (NO in STEP 22), it controls the imaging device 8 so that only some of the four light-emitting members 87 (for example, two light-emitting members 87) are lit (STEP 24). Therefore, the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the current schedule information indicates a night shift is less than the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the current schedule information indicates a day shift.
[0046] In this example, the schedule information received by the controller 9 from the master unit 3 is the schedule information for 21:00. Therefore, the controller 9 determines that the current schedule information indicates the night shift (NO in STEP 22) and controls the imaging device 8 so that only two of the four light-emitting members 87 are lit (STEP 24).
[0047] During night shifts, the environment surrounding patients and the imaging device 8 is darker than during day shifts. Therefore, if there are many illuminated light-emitting elements 87, patients are more likely to feel they are being monitored. However, in this example, the nurse call system 100 can reduce the number of illuminated light-emitting elements 87 when the current schedule information indicates night shifts compared to when the current schedule information indicates day shifts. Furthermore, even in dark environments where only some of the light-emitting elements 87 are illuminated, the imaging device 8 can capture highly visible images due to its night vision effect.
[0048] In the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 changes the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 based on predetermined information, including schedule information, received by the controller 9 from the nurse call master unit 3. Therefore, in the nurse call system 100, for example, the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 can be made different depending on whether it is necessary to enhance patient monitoring or not, based on the schedule information. As a result, for example, it is possible to suppress the illumination of more light-emitting members 87 than necessary when monitoring a patient.
[0049] Furthermore, in the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 reduces the number of lit light-emitting members 87 out of the four lit light-emitting members 87 when the current schedule information indicates the night shift, compared to when the current schedule information indicates the day shift. Therefore, the nurse call system 100 can suppress the illumination of more lit light-emitting members 87 than necessary, for example, under conditions where the illumination of the lit light-emitting members 87 is conspicuous.
[0050] (Fourth operation example) Next, the fourth operation example of the nurse call system 100 will be explained below with reference to Figure 9. In the fourth operation example, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of multiple light-emitting members 87 based on monitoring operation information. In this respect, the fourth operation example differs from the first to third operation examples. In this operation example, the information processing method illustrated in Figure 9 is executed. In this operation example, the situation is that although the patient is currently being monitored, the nurse has decided that it is necessary to monitor the patient and is about to start monitoring the patient. Also, in this operation example, the number of light-emitting members 87 that are currently lit is assumed to be two.
[0051] As illustrated in Figure 9, the operation unit 35 of the master unit 3 determines whether it has received a predetermined operation from the nurse to monitor the patient (STEP 31). If the operation unit 35 determines that it has received a predetermined operation from the nurse to monitor the patient (YES in STEP 31), it generates monitoring operation information indicating that the predetermined operation has been performed (STEP 32). In this case, the master unit 3 transmits the generated monitoring operation information to the control unit 9 (STEP 33). The control unit 9 then controls the imaging device 8 based on the monitoring operation information so that all light-emitting members 87 (four light-emitting members 87 in this example) are lit (STEP 34).
[0052] On the other hand, if the operation unit 35 determines that it has not received a predetermined operation from the nurse to monitor the patient (NO in STEP 31), it does not generate monitoring operation information or transmit it to the control unit 9, so only the two light-emitting members 87 remain lit (i.e., the state in which only the two light-emitting members 87 remain lit is maintained) (STEP 35). Thus, in this example of operation, the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when a predetermined operation for monitoring the patient is performed on the operation unit 35 of the master unit 3 is greater than the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when the predetermined operation is not performed on the operation unit 35.
[0053] In this example, the nurse determines that it is necessary to monitor the patient and is about to start monitoring the patient, so the nurse performs a predetermined operation on the control unit 35 to monitor the patient. Therefore, the control unit 35 determines that it has received the predetermined operation from the nurse to monitor the patient (YES in STEP 31) and generates monitoring operation information indicating that the predetermined operation has been performed (STEP 32). The master unit 3 then transmits the generated monitoring operation information to the controller 9 (STEP 33), and the controller 9 controls the imaging device 8 based on the monitoring operation information so that all light-emitting members 87 are lit (STEP 34).
[0054] When a large number of light-emitting elements 87 are lit, patients are more likely to feel that they are being monitored. Therefore, during normal times such as when monitoring, it is undesirable to have more light-emitting elements 87 lit than necessary. On the other hand, during monitoring, nurses want to observe the patient's condition more carefully than during regular monitoring, so there is a need for improved visibility in the images captured during monitoring. In this example of operation, when the controller 9 receives monitoring operation information, it controls the imaging device 8 so that all light-emitting elements 87 are lit. As a result, the imaging device 8 can capture images with higher visibility during monitoring.
[0055] In the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the predetermined information includes monitoring operation information indicating that a nurse has performed a predetermined operation to monitor a patient using the nurse call master unit 3. The controller 9 then changes the lighting state of the four light-emitting members 87 based on the predetermined information, including the monitoring operation information. According to the nurse call system 100, for example, the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when monitoring a patient can be reduced to the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit when monitoring a patient. As a result, for example, it is possible to suppress the illumination of more light-emitting members 87 than necessary when monitoring a patient, thereby reducing the feeling of being monitored given to the patient while suppressing a decrease in the visibility of the captured image taken by the imaging device 8.
[0056] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and do not limit it. This disclosure may be modified or improved without departing from its intent.
[0057] In the above embodiment, the change in the lighting state refers to a change in the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit among the plurality of light-emitting members 87. However, it may also refer to a change in the illuminance of the area illuminated by the plurality of light-emitting members 87. In this case, the nurse call system 100 can change the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members 87 more precisely.
[0058] In the above embodiment, the nurse performs predetermined operations for monitoring the patient on the operation unit 35 of the master unit 3, but these operations may also be performed on the operation unit of the terminal device 4, for example. In other words, in the above embodiment, the operation unit 35 of the master unit 3 generates the monitoring operation information, but the operation unit of the terminal device 4 may generate the monitoring operation information. In this case, the monitoring operation information is transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the control unit 9.
[0059] In the above embodiment, the controller 9 controls the lighting state of the light-emitting member 87 of the imaging device 8 based on predetermined information. However, for example, the corridor light CPU 26 or the imaging device CPU 81 may control the lighting state of the light-emitting member 87 of the imaging device 8 based on predetermined information. In this case, the corridor light CPU 26 or the imaging device CPU 81 is an example of a control unit configured to change the lighting state of a plurality of light-emitting members 87 based on predetermined information.
[0060] In the above embodiment, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 based on one of the time information, light intensity information, schedule information, and monitoring operation information, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the controller 9 may change the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 based on at least two of the time information, light intensity information, schedule information, and monitoring operation information. In this case, the controller 9 can change the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 based on various information, so it can perform more situation-appropriate control.
[0061] In the above embodiment, the predetermined information includes, for example, time information, light intensity information, schedule information, and monitoring operation information, but may also include other information such as distance information indicating the distance between an object in the imaging range of the captured image and the imaging device 8. The distance information can be generated by the sensor 88. In this case, the sensor 88 transmits, for example, an electromagnetic wave such as a millimeter wave to an object in the imaging range of the image captured by the imaging device 8, and receives the electromagnetic wave reflected from the object. The sensor 88 generates time information indicating the time taken from transmitting the electromagnetic wave to the object to receiving the electromagnetic wave reflected by the object, and transmits this time information to the imaging device CPU 81. The imaging device CPU 81 may, for example, transmit the time information to the corridor light 2 or the controller 9.
[0062] In the above embodiment, the controller 9 controls the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit up among the plurality of light-emitting members 87 to two or four based on predetermined information, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the controller 9 may control the number of light-emitting members 87 that are lit up among the plurality of light-emitting members 87 to one or three based on predetermined information.
[0063] In the above embodiment, the light-emitting member 87 includes a near-infrared LED configured to emit near-infrared light, but it may also include, for example, an LED configured to emit visible light. In this case, the light-emitting member 87 may include both a near-infrared LED and an LED configured to emit visible light, or it may include only an LED configured to emit visible light.
[0064] As explained above, this specification discloses the matters described in the following clauses. <Clause 1> An imaging device configured to image a patient, A nurse call system comprising a control unit configured to communicate with the imaging device, or a control unit built into the imaging device, The imaging device has a plurality of light-emitting members, The control unit changes the lighting state of a plurality of light-emitting members based on predetermined information, and is a nurse call system. <Clause 2> The nurse call system according to Clause 1, wherein the change in the lighting state refers to a change in the number of light-emitting members that are in a lit state among a plurality of light-emitting members. <Clause 3> The aforementioned specified information includes time information, as described in the nurse call system described in Clause 1 or Clause 2. <Clause 4> The nurse call system according to Clause 3, wherein the control unit reduces the number of the multiple light-emitting members that are lit when the time information indicates a time during the nighttime period compared to when the time information indicates a time during the daytime period. <Clause 5> The imaging device has a sensor that acquires light intensity information indicating the amount of light in the imaging range of the imaging device, The nurse call system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined information includes the light intensity information received by the control unit from the imaging device. <Clause 6> The nurse call system according to Clause 5, wherein the control unit reduces the number of light-emitting members that are lit among the plurality of light-emitting members when the amount of light indicated by the light intensity information is less than a predetermined value, compared to when the amount of light indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. <Clause 7> The system further comprises a nurse call sub-unit for the patient to call a nurse, and a nurse call master unit for responding to the call, The aforementioned nurse call master unit stores schedule information indicating the work schedules of multiple nurses. The nurse call system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined information includes the schedule information received by the control unit from the nurse call master unit. <Clause 8> The nurse call system according to Clause 7, wherein the control unit reduces the number of light-emitting members that are lit among the plurality of light-emitting members when the current schedule information indicates a night shift, compared to when the current schedule information indicates a day shift. <Clause 9> The system further comprises a nurse call sub-unit for the patient to call a nurse, a nurse call master unit for responding to the call, and a terminal device carried by the nurse. The nurse call system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined information includes monitoring operation information indicating that the nurse performed a predetermined operation for monitoring the patient using the nurse call master unit or the terminal device. <Clause 10> The nurse call system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9, wherein the change in the lighting state refers to a change in the illuminance in the area where light is emitted from the multiple light-emitting members. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0065] 1: Nurse call sub-unit, 2: Corridor light, 3: Nurse call master unit, 4: Terminal device, 5: Base station, 6: Switching system, 8: Imaging device, 9: Control unit, 26: Corridor light CPU, 80: Lower part, 81: Imaging device CPU, 84: Imaging unit, 87 (87A, 87B, 87C, 87D): Light-emitting element, 88: Sensor, 100: Nurse call system
Claims
1. An imaging device configured to image a patient, A nurse call system comprising a control unit configured to communicate with the imaging device, or a control unit built into the imaging device, The imaging device has a plurality of light-emitting members, The control unit changes the lighting state of a plurality of light-emitting members based on predetermined information, and is a nurse call system.
2. The nurse call system according to claim 1, wherein the change in the lighting state is a change in the number of the light-emitting members that are in a lit state among the plurality of light-emitting members.
3. The nurse call system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the predetermined information includes time information.
4. The nurse call system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit reduces the number of the multiple light-emitting members that are lit when the time information indicates a time during the nighttime period compared to when the time information indicates a time during the daytime period.
5. The imaging device has a sensor that acquires light intensity information indicating the amount of light in the imaging range of the imaging device, The nurse call system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the predetermined information includes the light intensity information received by the control unit from the imaging device.
6. The nurse call system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit reduces the number of light-emitting members that are lit among the plurality of light-emitting members when the amount of light indicated by the light intensity information is less than a predetermined value, compared to when the amount of light indicated by the light intensity information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
7. The system further comprises a nurse call sub-unit for the patient to call a nurse, and a nurse call master unit for responding to the call, The aforementioned nurse call master unit stores schedule information indicating the work schedules of multiple nurses. The nurse call system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the predetermined information includes the schedule information received by the control unit from the nurse call master unit.
8. The nurse call system according to claim 7, wherein the control unit reduces the number of light-emitting members that are lit among the plurality of light-emitting members when the current schedule information indicates a night shift, compared to when the current schedule information indicates a day shift.
9. The system further comprises a nurse call sub-unit for the patient to call a nurse, a nurse call master unit for responding to the call, and a terminal device carried by the nurse. The nurse call system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined information includes monitoring operation information indicating that the nurse performed a predetermined operation for monitoring the patient using the nurse call master unit or the terminal device.
10. The nurse call system according to claim 1, wherein the change in the lighting state is a change in the illuminance in the area where light is irradiated from the plurality of light-emitting members.