Nurse call system

Abstract

To provide a nurse call system that can suppress the reduction in visibility of images captured by the imaging device installed in the nurse call system. [Solution] The nurse call system 100 comprises an imaging device 8 configured to capture images of a patient, and a control unit configured to communicate with the imaging device 8, or built into the imaging device 8. The imaging device 8 has a plurality of light-emitting members. The control unit controls the illumination state of the plurality of light-emitting members based on the image captured by the imaging device 8.

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 rising 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 staff such as nurses may sometimes want to monitor whether a patient in a hospital room has left the bed or fallen, or observe the condition of the patient remotely (so-called monitoring). The monitoring of the patient is 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 monitoring the condition of a patient using a nurse call system equipped with such an imaging device, the light emitted from the light emitting member may be reflected by an object installed in the hospital room (for example, a bedside table, a sofa bed, etc.), which may affect the visibility of the captured image captured by the imaging device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a nurse call system capable of suppressing a decrease in the visibility of a captured image captured by an imaging device provided in the nurse call system.

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 controls the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members based on the captured image captured by the imaging device.

[0007] According to the nurse call system with the above configuration, the control unit controls the illumination state of multiple light-emitting elements of the imaging device based on the image captured by the imaging device. For example, if there is a difference in brightness within the imaging range of the image, the illumination state of the multiple light-emitting elements can be controlled to correct the difference in brightness. Therefore, according to the nurse call system with the above configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the image captured by the imaging device provided in the nurse call system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a nurse call system that can suppress the reduction in visibility of images captured by an imaging device provided in the nurse call system. [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. [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 and emitting light, that a patient in the hospital room has made a call by operating the slave unit 1. The patient information display unit 22 is a display area for displaying the name etc. of the patient in the hospital room. As illustrated in FIG. 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 be able to communicate with the control device 9, the imaging device 8, and the slave unit 1. Note that the corridor light 2 in FIG. 1 shows the corridor light 2 in a four-person room, and can display the information of four patients. The imaging device 8 is set to image a specific one of the patients therein. In the case of a four-person room, the imaging device 8 may be provided for each patient so as to image each patient.

[0014] The corridor light CPU 26 is constituted by, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit). The electronic control unit includes a microcontroller including a processor and a memory, and other electronic circuits (for example, transistors etc.). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which various control programs (for example, 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 the 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 a call 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 origin information etc., and the like.

[0016] Next, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the imaging device 8 will be described. 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 to other nurse call devices via a HUB, a storage unit 83 that stores various information, an imaging unit 84, and four light emitting members 87 (87A, 87B, 87C, 87D). Note that the number of the light emitting members 87 included in the imaging device 8 may be plural and is not limited to four.

[0017] The imaging device CPU 81 is, for example, built in the imaging device 8. The imaging device CPU 81 is, for example, composed of an ECU, similar to the corridor light CPU 26. The imaging unit 84 is, for example, composed of an imaging module provided with a filter that also transmits infrared rays. The imaging unit 84 acquires an imaging image by imaging the surroundings of the imaging device 8. The imaging unit 84, for example, transmits the acquired imaging image to the imaging device CPU 81. Note that the imaging device CPU 81 may transmit the imaging image received from the imaging unit 84 to the corridor light 2 or the controller 9.

[0018] The imaging device CPU 81 can determine the distance between an object within the imaging range of the image and the imaging device 8 based on the captured image. In this case, the imaging device 8 may be composed of a TOF (Time of Flight) camera. Specifically, the imaging device CPU 81 obtains time difference information of light from the light emitted by each light-emitting member 87 based on the reflected light (near-infrared light) emitted from each light-emitting member 87. Then, the imaging device CPU 81 calculates the distance between the imaging device 8 and an object within the imaging range of the image from this time difference information and the irradiation timing information of the light-emitting members 87. An object within the imaging range of the image is, for example, a bedside table 200 (see Figure 4) or a sofa bed installed in a patient's room. Based on this determination, the imaging device CPU 81 generates distance information indicating the distance between the object within the imaging range of the image and the imaging device 8. The imaging device CPU 81 transmits the generated distance information to, for example, a corridor light 2 or a controller 9.

[0019] The imaging device CPU 81 can determine the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image based on the captured image. The difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image is determined by the difference between the illuminance of a specific area included in the imaging range and the illuminance of other areas included in the imaging range, that is, the difference in the luminance values ​​within the captured image. Specifically, the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image is the difference between the luminance of the first area of ​​the captured image and the luminance of the second area of ​​the captured image. The captured image captured by the imaging unit 84 may contain luminance information indicating the luminance of each area included in the imaging range of the captured image. The first area is, for example, the area with the highest illuminance among the areas included in the imaging range of the captured image, and the second area is, for example, the area with the lowest illuminance among the areas included in the imaging range of the captured image. For example, the luminance of the first area of ​​the captured image is 7000 cd / m². 2 Therefore, the brightness in the second region of the captured image is 5000 cd / m². 2 In this case, the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image is 2000 cd / m². 2The imaging device CPU 81 determines the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image based on the captured image, and then generates brightness difference information indicating the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image based on that determination. The imaging device CPU 81 transmits the generated brightness difference information to, for example, the corridor light 2 or the control unit 9.

[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] The imaging device CPU 81 may control the illumination state of multiple light-emitting members 87 based on distance information. In this case, for example, if the distance indicated by the distance information is less than a predetermined value, the imaging device CPU 81 reduces the number of light-emitting members 87 that are illuminated compared to when the distance indicated by the distance information is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. In this embodiment, the predetermined value for the distance between an object in the imaging range of the captured image and the imaging device 8 is 2m. However, this predetermined value is not limited to this example.

[0023] The imaging device CPU 81 may control the illumination state of multiple light-emitting members 87 based on brightness difference information. In this case, for example, if the brightness difference indicated by the brightness difference information is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the imaging device CPU 81 changes the illumination state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 so that the brightness difference in the imaging range of the captured image becomes less than the predetermined value. The predetermined value for brightness difference is 1000 cd / m². 2 However, the specified value is not limited to this example.

[0024] 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. When the controller 9 receives an image from the imaging device CPU 81 of the imaging device 8, it may determine the distance between an object within the imaging range of the image and the imaging device 8 based on the image, and generate distance information based on that determination. Alternatively, when the controller 9 receives an image from the imaging device CPU 81 of the imaging device 8, it may determine the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the image, and generate brightness difference information based on that determination.

[0025] The controller 9 can change the illumination state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 based on distance information and brightness difference information. However, the controller 9 may also, for example, analyze the captured image received from the imaging device 8 and change the illumination state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 based on the analysis results. In this way, the controller 9 can change the illumination state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 based on the captured image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0026] (Example of first action) The first operational example of the nurse call system 100 configured as described above will be explained below with reference to Figures 4 and 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the information processing method performed in the first operational example. In the first operational example, the imaging device CPU 81 determines the distance between an object in the imaging range of the image and the imaging device 8 based on the captured image. Based on this determination, the imaging device CPU 81 generates distance information and transmits this distance information to the controller 9. Therefore, in the first operational example, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 based on the distance indicated by the distance information received from the imaging device CPU 81.

[0027] As illustrated in Figure 4, in this example, a bedside table 200 (an example of an object within the imaging range of the captured image) is assumed to be located around the patient. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the patient's surrounding environment will be assumed to be the environment illustrated in Figure 4. In this example, the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8 is assumed to be 1.5 m.

[0028] As illustrated in Figure 6, the imaging unit 84 of the imaging device 8 acquires an image by imaging the area around the imaging device 8 (STEP 01). The image acquired in this example shows that the patient's surrounding environment is the environment illustrated in Figure 4. Therefore, the image acquired in STEP 01 includes information indicating that there is a bedside table 200 around the patient. The imaging unit 84 transmits the acquired image to the imaging device CPU 81 (STEP 02).

[0029] The imaging device CPU 81 determines the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8, which are within the imaging range of the image, based on the image received from the imaging unit 84, and generates distance information based on this determination (STEP 03). The distance information generated in STEP 03 indicates that the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8 is 1.5m. The imaging device CPU 81 transmits the generated distance information to the controller 9 (STEP 04).

[0030] The controller 9 determines whether the distance indicated by the distance information is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 2m) (STEP05). If the controller 9 determines that the distance indicated by the distance information is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (YES in STEP05), it controls the imaging device 8 so that all light-emitting members 87 (four light-emitting members 87 in this example) are lit (STEP06). On the other hand, if the controller 9 determines that the distance indicated by the distance information is less than the predetermined value (NO in STEP05), 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 (STEP07).

[0031] In this example, the distance information indicates that the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8 is 1.5m. Therefore, the controller 9 determines that the distance indicated by the distance information is less than a predetermined value (NO in STEP 05) and controls the imaging device 8 so that only two of the four light-emitting members 87 are lit (STEP 07). 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.

[0032] Incidentally, patient monitoring is performed using imaging devices such as cameras, but in order for nurses monitoring patients to quickly notice changes in the patient's condition, it is crucial to prevent a decrease in the visibility of the images acquired by the imaging device. However, objects such as bedside tables and sofa beds are installed in the patient's room, and when the distance between these objects and the imaging device is short (i.e., the imaging device and the objects are close together), near-infrared light emitted from light-emitting elements and reflected by the objects directly enters the imaging device. Therefore, when the distance between objects and the imaging device is short and many light-emitting elements are lit, the visibility of the images acquired by the imaging device decreases.

[0033] In contrast, in the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 controls the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 of the imaging device 8 based on the image captured by the imaging device 8. For example, when the distance between the bedside table 200 (an example of an object) and the imaging device 8 is short, the number of light-emitting members 87 that are illuminated can be reduced. Therefore, the nurse call system 100 can suppress a decrease in the visibility of the image captured by the imaging device 8 provided in the nurse call system 100.

[0034] Furthermore, in the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 controls the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 based on the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8, which are within the imaging range of the captured image. Depending on the distance to an object, the reflection of near-infrared light emitted from the light-emitting members 87 by that object may affect the visibility of the captured image. However, since the controller 9 performs this control, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the captured image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0035] Furthermore, in the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 reduces the number of lit light-emitting members among the four light-emitting members 87 when the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8 is less than a predetermined value, compared to when the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8 is greater than a predetermined value. The shorter the distance between the bedside table 200 and the imaging device 8, the greater the impact on the visibility of the imaging device 8 when light emitted from the imaging device 8 is reflected by the bedside table 200. By performing this control, the controller 9 can suppress a decrease in the visibility of the imaging device 8.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 controls the lighting state of the four light-emitting members 87, each with a different illumination range, based on the image captured by the imaging device 8. This makes it possible to more accurately suppress the degradation of the image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0037] (Second operation example) Next, the second operation example of the nurse call system 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 7. In the second operation example, if the brightness difference indicated by the brightness difference information is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting members 87 so that the brightness difference in the imaging range of the captured image becomes less than the predetermined value. The second operation example differs from the first operation example in this respect. In this operation example, the brightness difference in the imaging range of the captured image is 1600 cd / m². 2 It is assumed that this is the case. In this example, the information processing method illustrated in Figure 7 is executed. In this example, it is assumed that all light-emitting members 87 (four light-emitting members 87 in this example) are lit before STEP 11 is executed.

[0038] Steps 11 and 12 are the same as steps 01 and 02 in the first operation example. In this operation example, the image captured by the imaging unit 84 includes brightness information indicating the brightness of each region included in the imaging range of the image.

[0039] The imaging device CPU 81 determines the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the image based on the image received from the imaging unit 84, and generates brightness difference information indicating the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the image based on this determination (STEP 13). The imaging device CPU 81 transmits the generated brightness difference information to the controller 9 (STEP 14).

[0040] The controller 9 determines when the brightness difference indicated by the brightness difference information reaches a predetermined value (for example, 1000 cd / m²). 2 ) determines whether it is above a predetermined value (STEP 15). If the controller 9 determines that the brightness difference indicated by the brightness difference information is above a predetermined value (YES in STEP 15), it controls the four light-emitting members 87 of the imaging device 8 so that the brightness difference becomes below the predetermined value (STEP 16). In this example, the controller 9 makes the brightness difference below the predetermined value by controlling the imaging device 8 so that only some of the four light-emitting members 87 (for example, two light-emitting members 87) are lit. On the other hand, if the controller 9 determines that the brightness difference indicated by the brightness difference information is below a predetermined value (NO in STEP 15), it controls the imaging device 8 so that all of the light-emitting members 87 (four light-emitting members 87 in this example) are lit (STEP 17).

[0041] In this example, the brightness difference information is that the brightness difference within the imaging range of the captured image is 1600 cd / m². 2 This indicates that the brightness difference information indicates that the brightness difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (YES in STEP 15), and controls the imaging device 8 so that only two of the four light-emitting members 87 are lit (STEP 16).

[0042] As mentioned above, medical facilities have a need to suppress the decline in visibility of images used for patient monitoring and observation. In particular, when there is a large difference in brightness within the imaging range of the image, the visibility of the image captured by the imaging device 8 is reduced. Therefore, when there is a large difference in brightness within the imaging range of the image captured by the imaging device 8, there is a need to correct this difference in brightness.

[0043] In the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, the controller 9 controls the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 of the imaging device 8 based on the image captured by the imaging device 8. For example, if there is a difference in brightness within the imaging range of the image, the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 can be controlled to correct the difference in brightness. Therefore, the nurse call system 100 can suppress a decrease in the visibility of the image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0044] Furthermore, in the nurse call system 100 according to the above configuration, the controller 9 controls the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87 based on the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image. The difference in brightness in the captured image may affect the visibility of the captured image, but in the nurse call system 100 according to the above configuration, the controller 9 performs the above control, so it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the captured image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0045] Furthermore, in the nurse call system 100 with the above configuration, if the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the controller 9 changes the lighting state of the four light-emitting members 87 so that the difference in brightness becomes less than the predetermined value. However, if the difference in brightness between one area within the imaging range of the captured image and another area within the imaging range of the captured image is large, the visibility of the captured image taken by the imaging device 8 is reduced. In contrast, with the nurse call system 100, the controller 9 performs the above control, so it is possible to suppress the reduction in visibility of the captured image taken by the imaging device 8.

[0046] Furthermore, in this example of operation, the controller 9 controls the illumination state of the four light-emitting members 87, each with a different illumination range, based on the image captured by the imaging device 8. This makes it possible to more accurately suppress the decrease in visibility of the image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 controller 9 of the nurse call system 100, for example, when it determines that the distance indicated by the distance information is less than a predetermined value, controls the imaging device 8 so that the illuminance of the area illuminated by the plurality of light-emitting members 87 decreases. Specifically, the controller 9 changes the light intensity of at least one of 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.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the controller 9 controls the lighting state of the light-emitting member 87 of the imaging device 8 based on the image captured by the imaging device 8. However, for example, the corridor light CPU 26 or the imaging device CPU 81 may perform this control. 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 multiple light-emitting members 87 based on the image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0050] 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 the image captured by the imaging device 8, 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 the image captured by the imaging device 8.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the controller 9 controls the illumination state of the light-emitting member 87 of the imaging device 8 based on distance information or brightness difference information. However, for example, the illumination state of the light-emitting member 87 may be controlled based on both distance information and brightness difference information.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 controls the lighting state of a plurality of light-emitting members based on the captured image captured by the imaging device, in a nurse call system. <Clause 2> The imaging device is capable of determining the distance between an object within the imaging range of the image and the imaging device based on the captured image. The nurse call system according to Clause 1, wherein the control unit controls the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members based on the distance. <Clause 3> The nurse call system according to Clause 2, wherein the control unit reduces the number of the multiple light-emitting members that are lit when the distance between the object and the imaging device is less than a predetermined value, or reduces the illuminance of the range illuminated by the multiple light-emitting members, compared to when the distance between the object and the imaging device is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. <Clause 4> The imaging device is capable of determining the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image based on the captured image. The nurse call system according to any one of the three clauses, wherein the control unit controls the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members based on the difference in brightness. <Clause 5> The nurse call system according to Clause 4, wherein if the difference in brightness is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit changes the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members so that the difference in brightness is less than the predetermined value. <Clause 6> A nurse call system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the irradiation ranges of the multiple light-emitting members are each different. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 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, 100: Nurse call system, 200: Bedside table

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 controls the lighting state of a plurality of light-emitting members based on the captured image captured by the imaging device, in a nurse call system.

2. The imaging device is capable of determining the distance between an object within the imaging range of the image and the imaging device based on the captured image. The nurse call system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members based on the distance.

3. The nurse call system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit reduces the number of the multiple light-emitting members that are lit when the distance between the object and the imaging device is less than a predetermined value, or reduces the illuminance of the area illuminated by light from the multiple light-emitting members, compared to when the distance between the object and the imaging device is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

4. The imaging device is capable of determining the difference in brightness within the imaging range of the captured image based on the captured image. The nurse call system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members based on the difference in brightness.

5. The nurse call system according to claim 4, wherein, if the difference in brightness is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit changes the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting members so that the difference in brightness is less than the predetermined value.

6. The nurse call system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the irradiation ranges of the multiple light-emitting members are each different.

Images