Conveying system

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to deliver a measuring device to a subject at an appropriate time when the subject is able to have their biological information measured. [Solution] The transport system 1 comprises a measuring device 20 for measuring the subject's biological information, a transport mechanism 14 for transporting the measuring device, a storage device 13 for storing the subject's biological information measured using the measuring device 20 transported by the transport mechanism 14, a camera interface 17 and a communication interface 18 for acquiring the subject's status, and a computing device 11 for controlling the transport mechanism 14. The computing device 11 determines, based on the subject's status, whether or not it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device 20, and if it is possible to measure the subject's biological information, it controls the transport mechanism 14 to transport the measuring device 20 to the subject.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a conveyance system.

Background Art

[0002] In organizations such as companies, measurement devices for measuring employees' biometric information may be introduced in order to improve employees' living habits and maintain health and reduce disease risks. "Health management" has become a keyword in business operations, and the introduction of measurement devices as described above within the company is being actively considered. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a robot that controls an arm equipped with a measuring instrument for measuring a subject's vital signs and brings the measuring instrument closer to the subject. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a robot that prompts a subject to measure vital signs when a subject who has had their vital signs measured a certain amount of time ago is discovered.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technologies disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is possible for a robot to prompt a subject to measure biometric information. However, even if a robot finds a subject to prompt to measure biometric information, for example, during work or a meeting, the subject may not be in a state where they can measure biometric information.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the aforementioned problem, and its purpose is to provide a technology that enables the delivery of a measuring device to a subject at an appropriate time when the subject is able to have their biological information measured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transport system according to a certain aspect of this disclosure comprises a measuring device for measuring a subject's biological information, a transport unit for transporting the measuring device, a storage unit for storing the subject's biological information measured using the measuring device transported by the transport unit, a status acquisition unit for acquiring the subject's status, and a control unit for controlling the transport unit. The control unit determines, based on the subject's status acquired by the status acquisition unit, whether or not it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device, and if it is possible to measure the subject's biological information, it controls the transport unit to transport the measuring device to the subject.

[0007] A transport system according to another aspect of this disclosure comprises a transport unit for transporting objects used by a user, a status acquisition unit for acquiring the user's status, and a control unit for controlling the transport unit. The control unit determines whether or not it is possible to transport the objects to the user based on the user's status acquired by the status acquisition unit, and if it is possible to transport the objects, it controls the transport unit to transport the objects to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the measuring device can be delivered to the subject at an appropriate time, based on the subject's condition, when the subject is able to have their biological information measured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the application of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a history information table that stores the subject's history information. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the main processes performed by the conveying device. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated in principle.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> The transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0012] [Examples of applications for transport systems] Figure 1 shows an example of the application of the transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the transport system 1 comprises a transport device 10, a measuring device 20, and cameras 30A and 30B.

[0013] The transport device 10 is a device (e.g., a robot) that transports the measuring device 20 to a subject (e.g., a user of the transport system 1). The measuring device 20 includes devices capable of measuring the subject's biological information, such as an AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) sensor, blood pressure monitor, blood glucose meter, weighing scale, or body composition analyzer. Camera 30A is installed in a room such as an office or facility and photographs subjects present in the room. Camera 30B is attached to the transport device 10 and photographs subjects present in the line of sight of the transport device 10. Such a transport system 1 is introduced into an office or facility to measure the biological information of subjects such as employees or residents. In the example in Figure 1, the transport system 1 is introduced into an office where there are multiple employee subjects U1, U2, and U3.

[0014] AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) are a collective term for several compounds produced when sugars and proteins combine and react through oxidation, dehydration, and condensation. AGEs are thought to accumulate in the body due to unhealthy lifestyles and cause age-related diseases and lifestyle-related illnesses (e.g., diabetes, dementia). Therefore, by regularly measuring AGEs, subjects can understand their health status before developing dementia or hypertension, allowing them to take preventative measures. Even if they do develop a disease, subjects can monitor the progression of the disease by regularly measuring AGEs. Although there are individual differences, AGEs generally change within one to several weeks, so it is desirable for subjects to measure their AGEs weekly.

[0015] However, even if a measuring device 20, such as an AGEs sensor, is introduced into the office, not all subjects will necessarily show interest and actively use the measuring device 20. The presence of the measuring device 20 may be forgotten, or subjects may move to the location where the measuring device 20 is installed, which can hinder its continued use.

[0016] Therefore, in the transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the transport device 10 is configured to determine whether or not it is necessary to measure biological information for each of the multiple subjects, and if it is determined that it is necessary to measure the subject's biological information, it identifies the subject's location where the subject whose biological information is to be measured is located, and transports the measuring device 20 to the subject's location. Furthermore, even when the measuring device 20 is transported to the subject, the subject may not be in a state where their biological information can be measured, for example, if they are working or in a meeting. Therefore, the transport device 10 is configured to transport the measuring device 20 to the subject at an appropriate time when the subject is able to have their biological information measured.

[0017] Specifically, the conveyance device 10 stores the elapsed time since the last measurement of the biological information for each of a plurality of subjects. The conveyance device 10 selects an arbitrary subject from the plurality of subjects and determines whether the elapsed time since the selected subject last measured the biological information exceeds a predetermined determination time. When the conveyance device 10 determines that the elapsed time since the subject last measured the biological information exceeds the determination time, the conveyance device 10 determines that it is necessary to measure the biological information of the subject. Note that the "elapsed time" is not limited to time units and may be in units of days, months, or years. That is, the "elapsed time" is a concept that includes the number of elapsed days, months, and years. Similarly, the "determination time" is also a concept that includes the number of determination days, months, and years, etc., in accordance with the "elapsed time". The determination time is, for example, an interval at which it is desirable to measure the biological information. In the case of AGEs described above, it may be set to one week. Further, the conveyance device 10 can specify the elapsed time since the last measurement of the biological information based on the measurement history of the biological information of the subject. Note that the elapsed time since the last measurement of the biological information of the subject and the measurement history of the biological information are included in the history information 132 described later, which is stored by the conveyance device 10.

[0018] Based on the indoor captured image obtained by the camera 30A, the conveyance device 10 can specify the position of each of the plurality of subjects U1, U2, U3. Also, while moving, the conveyance device 10 captures the line-of-sight direction by the camera 30B, and based on the obtained captured image, can specify the position of each of the plurality of subjects U1, U2, U3. Therefore, when the conveyance device 10 determines that it is necessary to measure the biological information for an arbitrary subject, based on the captured images of the plurality of subjects U1, U2, U3 obtained by capturing with the camera 30A or the camera 30B, the conveyance device 10 can specify the subject position of the arbitrary subject.

[0019] Note that the transport device 10 may identify the subject's position based not only on the captured image of the subject but also on the position information using GPS (Global Positioning System). Alternatively, the transport device 10 may identify the subject's position based on the subject's seat information. For example, when a free-address seat system is introduced in an office, the transport device 10 may acquire seat information indicating the position of the seat selected by the subject and identify the subject's position. The transport device 10 may identify the subject's position based on at least one of the captured image of the subject, the subject's position information, and the seat information set for the subject.

[0020] Furthermore, the transport device 10 may identify the vicinity of the location where the subject is present (e.g., the entrance of a meeting room) or the location where the subject frequently appears (e.g., a rest area) based not only on the position where the subject is present but also on the captured image of the subject or the subject's action history, and transport the measuring device 20 to that location.

[0021] Furthermore, when the transport device 10 transports the measuring device 20 to the subject's position, it outputs a sound (e.g., a beep sound, a voice message) for prompting the subject to measure biometric information using the measuring device 20. For example, the transport device 10 outputs a sound that effectively prompts the subject to measure biometric information using the measuring device 20 according to the subject's personality or the subject's preference. The transport device 10 may acquire the above-described subject's personality or the subject's preference from the results of a questionnaire previously conducted on the subject, or may analyze the action history previously performed on the subject to acquire the above-described subject's personality or the subject's preference.

[0022] Furthermore, when the transport device 10 transports the measuring device 20 to the subject's position where the subject whose biological information is to be measured is located, it may take actions to encourage the subject to use the measuring device 20 to measure their biological information. Here, the method of verbal encouragement that is acceptable will differ depending on the subject. Some subjects may want to communicate actively with the transport device 10, such as being taught how to use the measuring device 20 or what items the measuring device 20 can measure, while some subjects may feel uncomfortable with active communication from the transport device 10. Changing the behavior according to the subject's situation or personality is effective in encouraging the measurement of biological information.

[0023] Therefore, the transport device 10 acts in a manner that effectively encourages the subject to measure their biometric information using the measuring device 20, according to the subject's personality or preferences. More specifically, for subjects who are encouraged to measure their biometric information through proactive actions such as being touched or spoken to (for example, subjects who are easily persuaded), the transport device 10 takes proactive actions. On the other hand, for subjects who are encouraged to measure their biometric information through passive actions such as subtly moving around their vicinity, the transport device 10 takes passive actions. In this way, the transport device 10 encourages the subject to measure their biometric information by operating in a manner that attracts the subject's interest, according to the subject's wishes, personality, or preferences. The transport device 10 may obtain the subject's wishes, personality, or preferences from the results of a questionnaire administered to the subject in advance, or it may identify the subject's wishes, personality, or preferences by analyzing the subject's past behavioral history.

[0024] Furthermore, if the transport device 10 determines that it is necessary to measure the biological information of any subject, it determines whether the subject's current condition is suitable for measuring their biological information. If the transport device 10 determines that the subject's current condition is suitable, it may transport the measuring device 20 to the subject's position.

[0025] The timing at which each subject is receptive to being prompted to use the measuring device 20 varies. Especially in an office setting, each subject has a different schedule for the day, and being prompted to use the measuring device 20 may interfere with their work. Therefore, it is effective for the transport device 10 to understand the current situation of each subject and transport the measuring device 20 at a time when it is easily accepted.

[0026] For example, if the subject is in a meeting, talking to someone else, working, on the phone, or sleeping, and it is highly unlikely that the subject will measure their biometric information even if the measuring device 20 is transported, the transport device 10 may not transport the measuring device 20 to the subject's position. Furthermore, if the subject is wearing headphones or earphones, it cannot be said that this is an appropriate situation for measuring the subject's biometric information. For this reason, the transport device 10 may identify the subject's condition based on the captured image of the subject, and if the subject is wearing headphones or earphones, it may determine that the subject's condition is not appropriate and not transport the measuring device 20 to the subject. On the other hand, in situations other than those described above, such as when the subject is resting, and it is highly likely that the subject will measure their biometric information if the measuring device 20 is transported, the transport device 10 may transport the measuring device 20 to the subject's position.

[0027] The transport device 10 may recognize the subject's current situation as described above based on the image of the subject obtained by camera 30A or camera 30B, and determine whether the subject's current situation is appropriate for measuring the subject's biological information. Alternatively, the transport device 10 may recognize the subject's current situation as described above based on the subject's schedule acquired in advance, and determine whether the subject's current situation is appropriate. For example, the transport device 10 may determine, based on the subject's schedule, whether the current time is the subject's free time, and if the current time is free time, it may transport the measuring device 20 to the subject. The subject's schedule is included in the schedule information 133, which will be described later, stored in the transport device 10.

[0028] Furthermore, the schedule information 133 may include, for example, the subject's PC (Personal Computer) usage history obtained from a schedule management tool such as OFFICE365®. Based on the schedule information 133, if the transport device 10 anticipates that the subject's PC use will continue for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) or longer, it may stop transporting the measuring device 20 for that predetermined time, or transport a measuring device 20 that can be used even while the subject is using the PC. For example, if it is difficult to measure AGEs while the subject is using the PC, the transport device 10 may transport a measuring device 20 to the subject for measuring blood pressure attached to the ankle. In this way, the transport device 10 may determine whether it is possible to measure the subject's biological information by considering a combination of the current time, the subject's work content, the subject's location, and the type of measuring device 20 (type according to the required measurement time and constraint conditions of the measurement site), and transport an appropriate measuring device 20 according to the subject.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 1, the transport device 10 determines that it is time for subject U1, selected from among multiple subjects U1, U2, and U3, to have their biological information measured, and transports the measuring device 20 to subject U1. As a result, even if subject U1 forgets that it is time for their biological information to be measured, the transport device 10 will transport the measuring device 20 to subject U1's location, making it clear that the measuring device 20 is nearby. This allows subject U1 to remember to have their biological information measured and avoid missing the timing for measurement. Furthermore, even if subject U1 was not interested in having their biological information measured, the transport device 10 transporting the measuring device 20 to their location may pique their interest in having their biological information measured. In addition, since subject U1 does not need to go to the location where the measuring device 20 is installed, it becomes easier for them to continue using the measuring device 20.

[0030] Furthermore, among the multiple subjects U1, U2, and U3, the transport device 10 will not transport the measuring device 20 to subjects U2 and U3 because they are in conversation, even if it is time for them to have their biological information measured. This allows the transport device 10 to increase the probability that the subject to whom the measuring device 20 is transported will use the measuring device 20 to measure their biological information, thus avoiding unnecessary transport.

[0031] [Conveyor System Configuration] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the transport device 10 includes a computing device 11, a memory 12, a storage device 13, a transport mechanism 14, a speaker 15, a microphone 16, a camera interface 17, a communication interface 18, and a measuring device interface 19.

[0032] The arithmetic unit 11 is an example of a "control unit" and is an arithmetic entity (computer) that performs predetermined processing. The arithmetic unit 11 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). A processor, which is an example of the arithmetic unit 11, has the function of performing predetermined processing by executing a predetermined program, but some or all of these functions may be implemented using dedicated hardware circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The term "processor" is not limited to processors in the narrow sense that perform processing using a stored-program method, such as a CPU, MPU, TPU, or GPU, but may also include hardwired circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. The arithmetic unit 11 described above can also be read as a processing circuitry that performs predetermined processing. The arithmetic unit 11 may be composed of one chip or multiple chips. Furthermore, the processor and associated processing circuits may comprise multiple computers interconnected by wire or wireless means, such as via a local area network or wireless network. The processor and associated processing circuits may also comprise a cloud computer that remotely performs calculations based on input data and outputs the calculation results to other devices located at a distance.

[0033] Memory 12 includes a volatile storage area (e.g., a working area) for temporarily storing program code or work memory when the arithmetic unit 11 executes various programs. Examples of memory 12 include volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory.

[0034] The storage device 13 is an example of a "storage unit" and stores various programs or data executed by the arithmetic unit 11. For example, the storage device 13 stores a control program 131 executed by the arithmetic unit 11, and history information 132 and schedule information 133 used in processing according to the control program 131. Furthermore, the storage device 13 stores the subject's biological information measured using the measuring device 20. The subject's biological information acquired by the transport device 10 may be output from the transport device 10 to an external device 50 and stored by the external device 50. The storage device 13 may be one or more non-transitory computer-readable media or one or more computer-readable storage media. Examples of the storage device 13 include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives).

[0035] The control program 131 includes a program that defines a processing procedure for the arithmetic unit 11 to perform a transport process for transporting the measuring device 20 to a subject. Details of the transport process will be described later with reference to Figure 4. By performing the transport process according to the control program 131, the arithmetic unit 11 can transport the measuring device 20 to a subject who needs to have biological information measured using the measuring device 20. The control program 131 may be stored in the storage device 13 in advance, or it may be obtained from the external device 50 by communicating with the external device 50.

[0036] History information 132 includes information about the subject's biological information measurement history. Schedule information 133 includes information about the subject's schedule. History information 132 and schedule information 133 may be stored in the storage device 13 in advance, or they may be obtained from the external device 50 by communicating with the external device 50.

[0037] The transport mechanism 14 is an example of a "transport unit" and includes mechanisms such as a motor necessary for the transport device 10 to operate. The transport device 10 can transport the measuring device 20 to the subject by driving the transport mechanism 14 according to the control of the computing unit 11. The term "transport unit" may also refer to the entire transport device 10.

[0038] Speaker 15 outputs sounds (for example, beeps, dialogue sounds) to prompt the subject to measure biological information using the measuring device 20.

[0039] Microphone 16 acquires sounds such as the subject's voice. The transport device 10 can operate according to the subject's instructions by recognizing the subject's voice acquired by microphone 16. For example, if the subject being transported by the measuring device 20 makes a sound indicating that they refuse to have their biological information measured, the transport device 10 may recognize this sound and act to move away from the subject.

[0040] The camera interface 17 is an interface for communicating with the camera 30. The camera 30 includes camera 30A, which is installed indoors such as in an office or facility, and camera 30B, which is attached to the transport device 10, as shown in Figure 1. The transport device 10 can acquire image data obtained by the camera 30 via the camera interface 17. The camera interface 17 can be an example of a "situation acquisition unit" for the computing unit 11 to acquire images to identify the subject's situation.

[0041] The communication interface 18 is an interface for communicating with an external device 50 via a network 40, either by wired or wireless connection. For example, the transport device 10 can obtain data such as a control program 131, history information 132, and schedule information 133 from the external device 50 by communicating with the external device 50 via the communication interface 18 and the network 40. The communication interface 18 can be an example of a "status acquisition unit" for the computing unit 11 to acquire schedule information 133 to identify the subject's status.

[0042] The measurement device interface 19 is an interface for communicating with the measurement device 20. For example, the transport device 10 can obtain the measurement results of the subject's biological information measured by the measurement device 20 by communicating with the measurement device 20 via the measurement device interface 19. The transport device 10 is not limited to communicating directly with the measurement device 20; it may also obtain the measurement results of biological information from an external device 50 via the communication interface 18.

[0043] [History Information Table] Figure 3 shows a history information table that stores the subject's history information 132. As shown in Figure 3, the history information table stores subject ID information, date and time information, measurement status information, location information, situation information, behavioral pattern information, and dialogue information.

[0044] The subject ID information includes a subject ID pre-assigned to each subject to identify them. In the history information table, historical information such as date and time is stored linked to the subject ID.

[0045] The date and time information indicates the date (year, month, day) and time when the transport device 10 transported the measuring device 20 to the subject. The date and time information includes not only the date and time when the subject measured biological information using the measuring device 20 transported by the transport device 10, but also the date and time when the transport device 10 transported the measuring device 20 to the subject, but the subject did not measure biological information using the measuring device 20. Based on the date and time information, the transport device 10 can identify the date and time when it transported the measuring device 20 to the subject in the past. Thus, the history information 132 includes the elapsed time since the subject last measured biological information.

[0046] The measurement status information indicates whether or not the subject measured biological information using the measuring device 20 transported by the transport device 10. Based on the measurement status information, the transport device 10 can identify whether or not the subject measured biological information using the measuring device 20 when it was transported to the subject in the past.

[0047] Location information indicates the location where the transport device 10 transported the measuring device 20 to the subject. Based on the location information, the transport device 10 can identify locations where it has previously transported the measuring device 20 to the subject. In the example in Figure 3, the location information includes information such as the cafeteria, conference room, corridor, and office, which are locations where the transport device 10 transported the measuring device 20 among the possible locations where the subject may have been.

[0048] The situation information indicates the subject's situation when the transport device 10 transports the measuring device 20 to the subject. Based on the situation information, the transport device 10 can identify the subject's situation when the measuring device 20 was transported to the subject in the past. In the example in Figure 3, the situation information includes details such as the subject eating, attending a meeting, going home, having a conversation, and taking a break.

[0049] The behavioral pattern information indicates the behavioral patterns taken by the transport device 10 when it transports the measuring device 20 to the subject. Based on the behavioral pattern information, the transport device 10 can identify the behavioral patterns it has taken in the past when transporting the measuring device 20 to a subject. In the example in Figure 3, the behavioral pattern information includes both proactive and passive behavioral patterns for the transport device 10. For example, if the transport device 10 takes proactive action, it will touch or speak to the subject to whom it transports the measuring device 20. If the transport device 10 takes passive action, it will move discreetly near the subject to whom it transports the measuring device 20.

[0050] The dialogue information indicates the content of the dialogue sounds emitted by the transport device 10 when it transports the measuring device 20 to the subject. Based on the dialogue information, the transport device 10 can identify the content of the dialogue sounds it emitted when it transported the measuring device 20 to the subject in the past. In the example in Figure 3, the dialogue information includes patterns A1 and A2, which are dialogues corresponding to positive behaviors, and patterns B1 and B2, which are dialogues corresponding to negative behaviors.

[0051] The transport device 10 can identify each subject's wishes, personality, or preferences by analyzing the subject's past behavioral history based on the historical information stored in the historical information table described above. This allows the transport device 10 to determine the optimal location, situation, behavioral patterns, and dialogue to increase the probability that the subject will have their biometric information measured using the measuring device 20.

[0052] [Processing by conveying equipment] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the main processes performed by the transport device 10. The processing steps of the transport device 10 shown in Figure 4 are realized by the arithmetic unit 11 executing the control program 131.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the transport device 10 selects one subject from among multiple subjects receiving the transport service of the measuring device 20 provided by the transport system 1 (S1). The transport device 10 obtains the history information of the selected subject from the history information table shown in Figure 3 (S2). As described above, the history information includes the elapsed time since the subject's biological information was last measured.

[0054] Based on the date and time information and measurement status information included in the history information, the transport device 10 identifies the past date and time when the subject measured biological information using the measurement device 20, and determines whether or not the subject needs to have their biological information measured (S3). For example, the transport device 10 determines whether the period during which the subject has not had their biological information measured (the elapsed time mentioned above) has exceeded a predetermined determination time.

[0055] If the transport device 10 determines that there is no need to measure the subject's biological information because the period during which the subject has not had their biological information measured has not exceeded a predetermined determination time (NO in S3), it terminates this process.

[0056] On the other hand, if the transport device 10 determines that the subject needs to have their biological information measured because the period during which the subject has not had their biological information measured exceeds a predetermined determination time (YES in S3), it identifies the subject's current status (S4). For example, the transport device 10 identifies the subject's current status based on at least one of the following: the image of the subject obtained by the camera 30, and the schedule information 133 which includes the subject's schedule acquired in advance.

[0057] The transport device 10 determines, based on the subject's current situation, whether or not it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device 20 (S5). Specifically, the transport device 10 determines whether the subject's current situation is appropriate for measuring the subject's biological information. For example, the transport device 10 determines, based on the subject's schedule information 133, whether or not the current time is the subject's free time. Alternatively, the transport device 10 analyzes the subject's past behavioral history based on measurement status information, location information, and situation information included in the history information, to determine whether or not the subject's current situation is one in which there is a high probability that the subject will measure biological information using the measuring device 20.

[0058] The transport device 10 may determine whether the subject is in a suitable situation for measuring biometric information by performing image recognition of the subject's behavior and state based on the captured images of the subject. For example, the transport device 10 may determine that it is not possible to measure the subject's biometric information using the measuring device 20 if the subject is in a meeting, talking to someone else, working, on the phone, or sleeping. Furthermore, the transport device 10 may determine that it is not possible to measure the subject's biometric information using the measuring device 20 if the subject is wearing headphones or earphones.

[0059] If the transport device 10 determines that it is not possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device 20 (NO in S5), it terminates this process.

[0060] On the other hand, if the transport device 10 determines that it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device 20 (YES in S5), it identifies the subject's location (S6). For example, the transport device 10 identifies the subject's location based on the image of the subject obtained by the camera 30.

[0061] The transport device 10 determines the behavioral patterns and spoken words to encourage the subject to measure biological information using the measuring device 20 (S7). For example, the transport device 10 analyzes the subject's past behavioral history based on behavioral pattern information and spoken word information included in the history information, and determines the behavioral patterns and spoken words that increase the probability that the subject will measure biological information using the measuring device 20.

[0062] The transport device 10 transports the measuring device 20 to the subject (S8), and the process ends. Once the transport device 10 has transported the measuring device 20 to the subject, it acts according to the behavioral pattern determined in S7 and also outputs the dialogue sound determined in S7. This prompts the subject to measure their biological information using the measuring device 20 transported by the transport device 10.

[0063] As described above, the transport device 10 transports the measuring device 20 to the subject's location when it is necessary to measure the subject's biological information, so the subject does not need to move to the location where the measuring device 20 is installed. In addition, the measuring device 20 transported by the transport device 10 periodically appears in the subject's field of vision, and the transport device 10 draws attention to the presence of the measuring device 20, so even subjects who do not show interest in using the measuring device 20, or who have forgotten about its existence, can be encouraged to use the measuring device 20. This makes it possible to ensure that subjects continue to use the measuring device 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the transport device 10 can transport the measuring device 20 to the subject at an appropriate time, based on the subject's condition, when the subject is able to measure biological information. This improves the probability that the subject will be able to measure biological information using the measuring device 20.

[0065] This allows subjects to continuously use the measuring device 20 to measure their own biological information, enabling them to understand their health status before they become ill and take preventative measures against disease. Furthermore, even if they do become ill, subjects can use the measuring device 20 to regularly measure their biological information and understand the progression of the disease.

[0066] [Differentiation] The transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1 has been described above, but the transport device 10 is not limited to transporting the measuring device 20, and may transport items other than the measuring device 20 used by the user. For example, items used by the user may include items such as confectionery, health foods, or supplements that can be purchased within the office. Furthermore, items used by the user may also include questionnaires for the user to answer, or a PC that displays the questionnaire screen.

[0067] The modified transport device 10 may determine whether or not it is possible to transport the transported object to the user based on the user's situation, and if it is determined that it is possible to transport the transported object to the user, it may identify the user's location and transport the transported object to the user's location.

[0068] As a result, when the transport device 10 determines that it is possible to transport the item to the user, it will transport the item to the user's location. This eliminates the need for the user to move to the location where the item is installed, and encourages the use of the item even for users who do not show interest in using it. Furthermore, the user can receive the item at an appropriate time, such as during their free time. This makes it possible to encourage users to continuously use the item.

[0069] <Embodiment 2> The transport system 1A according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Note that only the parts of the transport system 1 according to Embodiment 2 that differ from the transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described, and the other parts will be omitted from the explanation.

[0070] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport system 1A according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 5, the transport system 1A comprises a transport device 10A, a measuring device 20, a camera 30, and a control device 100.

[0071] The control device 100 is a server device installed in an office or facility, or a cloud-based server device. The control device 100 comprises a computing unit 111, memory 112, storage device 113, camera interface 117, and communication interface 118.

[0072] The arithmetic unit 111 is an example of a "control unit" and is an arithmetic entity (computer) that performs predetermined processing. The arithmetic unit 111 is composed of a processor such as a CPU, MPU, TPU, or GPU. The processor, which is an example of the arithmetic unit 111, has the function of performing predetermined processing by executing a predetermined program, but some or all of these functions may be implemented using dedicated hardware circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. The term "processor" is not limited to processors in the narrow sense that perform processing in a stored-program manner, such as CPUs, MPUs, TPUs, or GPUs, but may also include hardwired circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. The arithmetic unit 111 described above can also be read as a processing circuitry that performs predetermined processing. The arithmetic unit 111 may be composed of one chip or multiple chips.

[0073] Memory 112 includes a volatile storage area (e.g., a working area) for temporarily storing program code or work memory when the arithmetic unit 111 executes various programs. Examples of memory 112 include volatile memory such as DRAM and SRAM, or non-volatile memory such as ROM and flash memory.

[0074] The storage device 113 is an example of a "storage unit" and stores various programs or data executed by the arithmetic unit 111. For example, the storage device 113 stores the control program 1131 executed by the arithmetic unit 111, and history information 1132 and schedule information 1133 used in processing according to the control program 1131. Furthermore, the storage device 113 stores the subject's biological information measured using the measuring device 20. Specifically, the control device 100 acquires biological information from the transport device 10A and stores the acquired subject's biological information. The subject's biological information acquired by the transport device 10A may be output from the transport device 10A to an external device 50 and stored by the external device 50. The storage device 113 may be one or more non-transitory computer-readable media or one or more computer-readable storage media. Examples of the storage device 113 include HDDs and SSDs.

[0075] The control program 1131 includes a program that defines a processing procedure for the arithmetic unit 111 to execute processing for controlling the transport device 10A. By executing processing according to the control program 1131, the arithmetic unit 111 can control the transport device 10A to transport the measuring device 20 to a subject who needs to have biological information measured using the measuring device 20. The control program 1131 may be stored in the storage device 113 in advance, or it may be obtained from the external device 50 by communicating with the external device 50.

[0076] History information 1132, like history information 132 shown in Figure 2, includes information about the subject's biological information measurement history. History information 1132 is stored in the history information table shown in Figure 3. Schedule information 1133, like history information 132 shown in Figure 2, includes information about the subject's schedule. History information 1132 and schedule information 1133 may be stored in the storage device 113 in advance, or they may be obtained from the external device 50 by communicating with the external device 50.

[0077] The camera interface 117 is an interface for communicating with the camera 30. The camera 30 includes camera 30A, which is installed indoors such as in an office or facility, and camera 30B, which is attached to the transport device 10, as shown in Figure 1. The control device 100 can acquire data of images captured by the camera 30 via the camera interface 117. The camera interface 117 can be an example of a "situation acquisition unit" for the computing unit 111 to acquire captured images to identify the subject's situation.

[0078] The communication interface 118 is an interface for communicating with other devices via the network 40, either by wired or wireless connection. For example, the control device 100 can control the transport device 10A by communicating with the transport device 10A via the communication interface 118 and the network 40. The control device 100 can also acquire data such as a control program 1131, history information 1132, and schedule information 1133 by communicating with an external device 50 via the communication interface 118 and the network 40. The communication interface 118 can be an example of a "status acquisition unit" for the computing unit 111 to acquire schedule information 1133 to identify the subject's status.

[0079] In the transport system 1A configured as described above, the control device 100 performs the same processing as shown in Figure 4 based on the history information 1132. Specifically, the control device 100 determines whether or not it is necessary to measure the subject's biological information, and if it determines that it is necessary to measure the subject's biological information, it identifies the subject's current status based on the subject's captured image or schedule information 1133, which includes the subject's schedule acquired in advance. Based on the subject's current status, the control device 100 determines whether or not it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device 20. If the control device 100 determines that it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device 20, it identifies the subject's location. The control device 100 also determines the behavioral pattern and dialogue sound of the transport device 10A that increase the probability that the subject will measure their biological information using the measuring device 20. The control device 100 transmits control information to the transport device 10A to move the transport device 10A to the subject's location, along with the identified subject's location, behavioral pattern, and dialogue sound information. The transport device 10A transports the measuring device 20 to the subject according to the control information from the control device 100.

[0080] The control device 100 is also configured to execute other detailed processes included in the process shown in Figure 4, which is performed by the transport device 10 of the transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0081] As described above, when it is necessary to measure the subject's biological information, the control device 100 controls the transport device 10 to transport the measuring device 20 to the subject's location. Therefore, the subject does not need to move to the location where the measuring device 20 is installed, and it is possible to encourage the use of the measuring device 20 even for subjects who do not show interest in using it. This makes it possible to get subjects to use the measuring device 20 on a continuous basis.

[0082] Furthermore, the control device 100 can control the transport device 10A at an appropriate time, based on the subject's condition, so that the subject can transport the measuring device 20 to the subject at a time when the subject is able to measure biological information. This improves the probability that the subject will be able to measure biological information using the measuring device 20.

[0083] [Differentiation] The transport system 1A according to Embodiment 2 has been described above, but the transport device 10A is not limited to transporting the measuring device 20 to the subject's position, but may also transport items other than the measuring device 20 used by the user. The items transported by the user include, as with the modified example according to Embodiment 1, items such as confectionery, health foods, supplements, questionnaires for answering questionnaires, or a PC for displaying a questionnaire screen, which can be purchased within the office.

[0084] The modified control device 100 may determine, based on the user's situation, whether or not it is possible to transport the transported object to the user, and if it determines that it is possible to transport the transported object to the user, it may identify the user's location and control the transport device 10A to transport the transported object to the user's location.

[0085] As a result, when the control device 100 determines that it is possible to deliver the transported item to the user, it controls the transport device 10 to deliver the item to the user's location. Therefore, the user does not need to move to the location where the transported item is installed, and it is possible to encourage the use of the transported item even for users who do not show interest in using it. Furthermore, the user can receive the transported item at an appropriate time, such as during their free time. This makes it possible to encourage users to continuously use the transported item.

[0086] <Mode> Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0087] (1) A transport system according to one embodiment comprises a measuring device for measuring the biological information of a subject, a transport unit for transporting the measuring device, a storage unit for storing the biological information of the subject measured using the measuring device transported by the transport unit, a status acquisition unit for acquiring the status of the subject, and a control unit for controlling the transport unit. The control unit determines whether or not it is possible to measure the biological information of the subject using the measuring device based on the status of the subject acquired by the status acquisition unit, and if it is possible to measure the biological information of the subject, it controls the transport unit to transport the measuring device to the subject.

[0088] According to the transport system described in paragraph 1, the measuring device can be transported to the subject at an appropriate time, based on the subject's condition, when the subject is able to have their biological information measured.

[0089] (Section 2) In the transport system described in Section 1, the status acquisition unit acquires the subject's schedule information as the subject's status. Based on the schedule information, the control unit determines whether the current time is the subject's free time, and if the current time is free time, controls the transport unit to transport the measuring device to the subject.

[0090] According to the transport system described in paragraph 2, the measuring device can be transported to the subject at a time when the subject is available, based on the subject's schedule information.

[0091] (Clause 3) In the transport system described in paragraph 1 or 2, the memory unit stores the elapsed time since the subject's biological information was last measured. The control unit further determines, based on the elapsed time, whether or not it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device.

[0092] According to the transport system described in paragraph 3, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not it is necessary to measure the user's biometric information based on the time elapsed since the subject's biometric information was last measured.

[0093] (Clause 4) In the transport system described in paragraph 3, the control unit determines whether the elapsed time has exceeded the determination time, and if the elapsed time has exceeded the determination time, controls the transport unit to transport the measuring device to the subject.

[0094] According to the transport system described in paragraph 4, users can have their biometric information measured periodically.

[0095] (Clause 5) In the transport system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 4, the situation acquisition unit acquires a captured image of the subject as the subject's situation. Based on the captured image, the control unit determines whether the subject's situation is appropriate for measuring the subject's biological information, and if the subject's situation is appropriate, controls the transport unit to transport the measuring device to the subject.

[0096] According to the transport system described in paragraph 5, based on the captured images of the subject, the measuring device can be transported to the subject at a time when the subject's condition is appropriate for measuring the subject's biological information.

[0097] (Clause 6) In the transport system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 5, the control unit determines that the subject's condition is not appropriate if the subject is wearing headphones or earphones.

[0098] According to the transport system described in paragraph 6, if a subject is wearing headphones or earphones, it can be determined that the subject's situation is not appropriate and the measuring device may not be transported to the subject.

[0099] (Clause 7) In the transport system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 6, the transport unit outputs a sound to encourage the subject to measure biological information using a measuring device.

[0100] According to the transport system described in Section 7, it is possible to use sound to prompt the user to measure biometric information.

[0101] (Clause 8) In the transport system described in Clause 7, the transport unit outputs a subject-specific voice prompt to encourage the subject to measure biological information using a measuring device.

[0102] According to the transport system described in Section 8, it is possible to prompt the user to measure biometric information using spoken dialogue sounds.

[0103] (Clause 9) In the transport system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 8, the transport unit performs subject-specific actions to encourage the subject to measure biological information using a measuring device.

[0104] According to the transport system described in paragraph 9, it is possible to prompt users to measure their biometric information through their actions.

[0105] (Clause 10) In the transport system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 9, the transport unit identifies the subject's location based on at least one of the subject's captured image, the subject's location information, and the seat information assigned to the subject.

[0106] According to the transport system described in paragraph 10, the subject's position can be appropriately identified.

[0107] (Clause 11) The transport system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 10 includes a transport device for transporting a measuring device. The transport device includes a transport unit, a storage unit, a status acquisition unit, and a control unit.

[0108] According to the transport system described in paragraph 11, the transport device can determine whether or not the subject is capable of having their biological information measured, based on the subject's condition, and transport the measuring device to the subject at an appropriate time when the subject is capable of having their biological information measured.

[0109] (Clause 12) The transport system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 10 comprises a transport device for transporting a measuring device and a control device for controlling the transport device. The transport device includes a transport unit. The control device includes a storage unit, a status acquisition unit, and a control unit.

[0110] According to the transport system described in paragraph 12, the transport device can transport the measuring device to the subject at an appropriate time when the subject is able to measure biological information, in accordance with the control of the control device.

[0111] (Clause 13) A transport system according to one embodiment comprises an object to be transported by a user, a transport unit that transports the object to the user, a status acquisition unit that acquires the user's status, and a control unit that controls the transport unit. The control unit determines whether or not it is possible to transport the object to the user based on the user's status acquired by the status acquisition unit, and if it is possible to transport the object, it controls the transport unit to transport the object to the user.

[0112] According to the transport system described in paragraph 13, the transported goods can be delivered to the user at an appropriate time when transport is possible, based on the user's circumstances.

[0113] (Clause 14) The transport system described in paragraph 13 comprises a transport device for transporting objects. The transport device includes a transport unit, a status acquisition unit, and a control unit.

[0114] According to the transport system described in paragraph 14, the transport device can determine whether or not it is possible to transport the transported object based on the user's situation, and can transport the transported object to the user at an appropriate time when it is possible to transport it.

[0115] (Section 15) The transport system described in Section 13 comprises a transport device for transporting objects and a control device for controlling the transport device. The transport device includes a transport unit. The control device includes a status acquisition unit and a control unit.

[0116] According to the transport system described in paragraph 15, the transport device can transport the transported object to the user at an appropriate time when the transport of the transported object is possible, in accordance with the control of the control device.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1,1A Transport system, 10,10A Transport device, 11,111 Processing unit, 12,112 Memory, 13,113 Storage device, 14 Transport mechanism, 15 Speaker, 16 Microphone, 17,117 Camera interface, 18,118 Communication interface, 19 Measurement device interface, 20 Measurement device, 30,30A,30B Camera, 40 Network, 50 External device, 100 Control device, 131,1131 Control program, 132,1132 History information, 133,1133 Schedule information.

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring the subject's biological information, A transport unit for transporting the measuring device, A storage unit for storing the biological information of the subject measured using the measuring device transported by the transport unit, A status acquisition unit that acquires the status of the subject, The system includes a control unit that controls the transport unit, The control unit, Based on the subject's status acquired by the status acquisition unit, it is determined whether or not it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device. A transport system that, when it is possible to measure the subject's biological information, controls the transport unit to transport the measuring device to the subject.

2. The status acquisition unit acquires the subject's schedule information as the subject's status, The control unit, Based on the aforementioned schedule information, it is determined whether the current time is free time for the subject. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein when the current time is the available time, the transport unit is controlled to transport the measuring device to the subject.

3. The memory unit stores the time elapsed since the last measurement of the subject's biological information. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit further determines, based on the elapsed time, whether or not it is possible to measure the subject's biological information using the measuring device.

4. The control unit, Determine whether the elapsed time exceeds the determination time, The transport system according to claim 3, wherein if the elapsed time exceeds the determination time, the transport unit is controlled to transport the measuring device to the subject.

5. The aforementioned situation acquisition unit acquires the subject's captured image as the subject's situation, The control unit, Based on the captured images, it is determined whether the subject's condition is appropriate for measuring the subject's biological information. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is controlled to transport the measuring device to the subject when the subject's condition is such that the subject is in the appropriate condition.

6. The transport system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines that the subject's condition is not the appropriate condition if the subject is wearing headphones or earphones.

7. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit outputs a sound to encourage the subject to measure biological information using the measuring device.

8. The transport unit outputs a voice message corresponding to the subject to encourage the subject to measure biological information using the measuring device, as described in claim 7.

9. The transport unit performs actions in accordance with the subject to encourage the subject to measure biological information using the measuring device, as described in claim 1.

10. The transport unit identifies the location of the subject based on at least one of the following: an image of the subject taken, location information of the subject, and seat information set for the subject, according to claim 1.

11. The system includes a transport device for transporting the aforementioned measuring device, The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the transport device includes the transport unit, the storage unit, the status acquisition unit, and the control unit.

12. A transport device for transporting the aforementioned measuring device, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned transport device, The conveying device includes the conveying section, The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the control device includes the storage unit, the status acquisition unit, and the control unit.

13. A transport unit that transports items used by the user, A status acquisition unit that acquires the status of the aforementioned user, The system includes a control unit that controls the transport unit, The control unit, Based on the user's status acquired by the status acquisition unit, it is determined whether or not the transported item can be transported to the user. A transport system that, when the transport of the transported object is possible, controls the transport unit to transport the transported object to the user.

14. The system includes a conveying device for conveying the aforementioned conveyed objects, The transport system according to claim 13, wherein the transport device includes the transport unit, the status acquisition unit, and the control unit.

15. A conveying device for conveying the aforementioned conveyed object, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned transport device, The conveying device includes the conveying section, The transport system according to claim 13, wherein the control device includes the status acquisition unit and the control unit.

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