Care support system

Abstract

Without burdening the individuals taking the TUG test or their families, it is possible to automatically generate reports that allow doctors, caregivers, and the individuals and their families to intuitively understand the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the degree of assistance needed in daily life. [Solution] A care support method that generates information and is performed on a computer connected via a network to a camera that takes images of a TUG test, an administrator terminal, and a database on the cloud, and includes an image acquisition step, a comparison video creation step, and a report creation step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a care support method and a care support system suitable for supporting care such as rehabilitation.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for diagnosing the risk of falling, the TUG (Timed Up and Go) test is known. The TUG test is a test for measuring the time from when a subject stands up from a sitting position on a chair, walks to a target provided at a certain distance, passes outside the target, and returns to the chair and sits down again.

[0003] In the field of caregiving, the TUG test is incorporated as a method for measuring the exercise effect of rehabilitation or the motor function of the elderly. When the motor function is restored by rehabilitation, the time from standing up to sitting down gradually decreases. On the other hand, as aging progresses and assistance for walking becomes necessary, the time from standing up to sitting down gradually increases.

[0004] The results of the TUG are evaluated in four levels using a cut-off value. There are evaluation systems that combine the TUG test with other tests by attaching various measuring devices to the subjects who take the TUG test, for example, to grasp cognitive functions (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the evaluation system described in Patent Document 1, the results of other tests are taken into account, and the time taken for each movement in the TUG test is also included in the evaluation, making it specialized and difficult to understand. As a result, even when patients and their families hear the evaluation results, it is difficult for them to intuitively understand the extent of the rehabilitation effect or how much care is needed in daily life. There is also a problem that caregivers, doctors, and nurses who are in charge of the care of the subject have difficulty understanding the report from the same perspective as the subject and their family.

[0007] This invention was made in view of these circumstances, and aims to automatically generate reports that allow doctors, caregivers, and the subjects and their families to intuitively understand the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the degree of assistance needed in daily life, without burdening the subjects or their families when taking the TUG test. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a care support method that involves information generation performed on a computer connected via a network to a camera that captures images of a TUG test, an administrator terminal, and a database, Computers A step of transmitting a start signal to the camera when a sensor installed on the chair in which the subject sits, which is connected to the camera, detects that the subject stands up after sitting down, The camera performs the following steps: in standby mode, it continuously records in the background, overwrites the recording at regular intervals until it receives the start signal, and then records continuously after receiving the start signal; The steps include: stopping the time measurement and sending a stop signal to the camera when the sensor detects seating after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start signal was transmitted; The camera is instructed to terminate recording after receiving the stop signal, associate the measurement time information from the start signal to the stop signal with the shooting date information, and generate a measurement video file. The steps include acquiring the measurement video file from the camera, storing it in the database, and returning the camera to a standby state. The sensor is configured to transmit a start signal to the camera until a certain period of time has elapsed since the transmission of the stop signal, regardless of whether the person is seated or standing. The image acquisition process includes, Computers The administrator terminal receives the selection of a measurement video file and the input of the subject's name, and associates the selected measurement video file with the subject's name. The process involves receiving an instruction from the administrator terminal to create a comparison video identifying the target person, and extracting the two most recent measurement video files stored in the database during the image acquisition process for that target person, The steps include: calculating the difference in measurement time information associated with the two measurement video files; displaying the two measurement video files side-by-side in simultaneous playback, displaying the shooting date information and measurement time information for each measurement video file; creating a comparison video file that displays the difference when playback of both measurement video files ends; uploading it to a web server; and generating a two-dimensional code that allows access to the comparison video file. The process of creating a comparison video, Computers The process involves receiving a report creation instruction from the administrator terminal that identifies the subject, determining the category from the measurement time information and the difference between each measurement video file included in the comparison video file created by the comparison video creation process for the subject, and calculating the period between both shooting dates from the shooting date information. The steps include extracting evaluation statement data from the database, which is determined and combined based on the measurement time information, the difference, the category, and the period, and extracting the basic information of the subject, The steps include creating a diagram that allows all categories to be seen, creating report data that includes the basic information, the evaluation text data, the two-dimensional code, and the categories, and displaying it on the administrator terminal, The report preparation process includes, The present invention provides a care support method characterized by including [a specific component].

[0009] "Computer" can refer to a server on the cloud, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or any other device. It can also refer to a physical configuration consisting of multiple devices or servers, or a single device with multiple functions.

[0010] The "database" and "web server" are preferably located in the cloud, but may also be included in physical servers or terminals.

[0011] The "administrator terminal" may be one or more terminals.

[0012] In the present invention, the basic information of the subject is data stored in a database, which may be data expressed in a tabular format such as CSV, Excel®, or tab-delimited format, or it may be XML or JSON data; the type of data is not limited.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a report can be automatically generated that allows doctors, caregivers, and the subjects and their families to intuitively understand the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the degree of assistance needed in daily life, without burdening the subjects or their families when taking the TUG test.

[0014] Preferably, the computer in the report creation process further includes the step of receiving free-form comments from an administrator terminal, adding the free-form comments to the report data, and saving them in the database.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the computer, in the comparison video creation process, further includes a step of associating the difference with the video file that was filmed on a later date and storing it.

[0016] The computer, in the report creation process, further performs the step of classifying the measurement video file into six categories based on the measurement time information, Preferably, the method further includes the step of extracting comment sentence data associated with the classified category from the database, adding the comment sentence data to the report data, and storing the data in the database.

[0017] Preferably, in the report creation process, the computer further includes the step of reading the two-dimensional code with a user terminal accessible to the Web server via a network and displaying the comparison video file on the user terminal.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention is a care support system connected via a network to a camera that captures an image of a TUG test, an administrator terminal, and a database on the cloud, a sensor provided on a chair for a subject to sit on, the sensor being connected to the camera, and means for transmitting a start signal to the camera when a standing position after sitting is detected; means for causing the camera to perform recording in the background at all times in a standby state, overwriting the recording at regular intervals until the start signal is received, and continuously recording after the start signal is received; means for causing the sensor to stop time measurement and transmit a stop signal to the camera when the sensor detects sitting after a certain time has elapsed since the start signal was transmitted; means for causing the camera to end recording after receiving the stop signal, associating measurement time information from the start signal to the stop signal and shooting date information, and generating a measurement video file; means for acquiring the measurement video file from the camera, storing it in the database, and returning the camera to the standby state; means for preventing the sensor from transmitting a start signal to the camera regardless of whether sitting or standing is detected until a certain time has elapsed since the stop signal was transmitted; an image acquisition unit comprising: means for receiving selection of a measurement video file and input of a subject name from the administrator terminal, and associating the subject name with the selected measurement video file; A means for receiving an instruction to create a comparative video identifying a target person from the administrator terminal, and for extracting the two most recent measurement video files stored in the database by the image acquisition unit for that target person, A means for calculating the difference in measurement time information associated with the two measurement video files, displaying the two measurement video files side by side in simultaneous playback, displaying the shooting date information and measurement time information for each measurement video file, creating a comparison video file that displays the difference when playback of both measurement video files ends, uploading it to the cloud, and generating a two-dimensional code that allows access to the comparison video file, A comparison video creation unit equipped with, A means for receiving a report creation instruction that identifies the subject from the administrator terminal, determining the category from the measurement time information and the difference in each measurement video file included in the comparison video file created by the comparison video creation unit for the subject, and calculating the period of both shooting dates from the shooting date information, A means for extracting evaluation statement data from the database, determined and combined from the measurement time information, the difference, the category, and the period, and for extracting the basic information of the subject, A means for creating a report data that includes a diagram in which all categories can be seen, the basic information, the evaluation text data, the two-dimensional code, and the categories, and displaying it on an administrator terminal, A report preparation unit equipped with, The present invention provides a care support system characterized by having the following features.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a report can be automatically generated that makes it easy for subjects taking the TUG test, their families, doctors, and caregivers to intuitively understand the rehabilitation effect and the degree of assistance needed in daily life. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically generate a report that allows doctors, caregivers, and the subjects and their families to intuitively understand the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the degree of assistance needed in daily life, without burdening the subjects or their families when taking the TUG test. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This figure shows the network configuration of Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic flowchart of Embodiment 1 of the care support method of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an illustrative diagram showing the configuration of Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an image diagram of the database for Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an illustrative diagram of the basic information of the subject in Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the playback screen for a comparison video file in Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a report file in Example 1 of the care support method of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the flow of the image acquisition process in Example 1 of the care support method of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the flow of the first half of the comparative video creation process in Example 1 of the care support method of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the latter half of the comparison video creation process and the report creation process in Example 1 of the care support method of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The care support system of the present invention is processed by an information processing device, which is a computer terminal (including a server) or a cloud server, having a processing unit such as a CPU and a storage device such as RAM or a hard disk. The program that implements the care support system of this embodiment, described later, is stored on a cloud server connected to an administrator terminal or camera via the internet, but it may also be stored on the administrator terminal or on another computer. Such a program is loaded into RAM or the like by performing a predetermined operation, and its functions (means) are executed by the processing unit, thereby performing the predetermined processing. The information stored as a storage means used for such processing is stored in storage devices such as RAM or a hard disk in various file storage formats such as databases or data files, and is read as appropriate during processing to perform the predetermined processing. The results of the processing are also written to storage devices such as RAM or a hard disk and stored as appropriate. Each means in the present invention is only logically distinguished by its function, and may physically or in practice constitute the same area.

[0023] The following describes preferred embodiments of the care support method and care support system of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings and examples, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. [Examples]

[0024] This embodiment includes an evaluation that automatically analyzes information obtained from the results of two TUG tests, and a QR code for a video that simultaneously plays both TUG tests. This method supports caregiving by creating a report that allows both the care recipient and the caregiver to understand the necessary information at a glance, even without specialized knowledge.

[0025] {composition} In this embodiment, we describe, as an example, a case where free comments are accepted when creating a report, but we are not limited to this, and reports may be created without free comments.

[0026] Figure 1 shows the network configuration of Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an administrator terminal A (located within headquarters) 21, operated by the headquarters administrator and possessing an administrator ID, an administrator terminal B (located within the business office) 22 connected to a camera 7 connected to a sensor 8 attached to the seat of a chair 9, a user terminal 3 operated by the target person, their family, medical personnel, or caregivers and capable of reading two-dimensional codes, and a database 5 on the cloud 6 are all connected via the internet. There may be multiple terminals, cameras, and sensors. Sensor 8, camera 7, and administrator terminal B (located within the business office) 22 may be directly connected, or they may be connected via the internet, LAN, Wi-Fi, etc. The administrator logs in with an administrator ID. A known method using a password can be used for login. In the care support system of this embodiment, various inputs such as report creation instructions can be received from either administrator terminal A (located within headquarters) 21 or administrator terminal B (located within the business office) 22. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, administrator terminal A (within headquarters) 21 and administrator terminal B (within the business office) 22 will be collectively referred to as administrator terminal 21.

[0028] Camera 7 is a camera that captures images from the TUG test and has an instant replay function. Camera 7 starts and stops recording in response to a signal from sensor 8, but while the switch is on, it continuously records in the background and overwrites the recording at regular intervals. In this embodiment, the instant replay function is set to 3 seconds, and the recording that is initiated in response to the signal from sensor 8 includes footage from 3 seconds before the start signal, so the moment of standing up is not missed in the recording.

[0029] In this embodiment, the care support system 1 has one or more cloud servers on the cloud 6, and such servers have one or more web servers and one or more database servers that have a database 5 and are interconnected with the web servers. Each server may consist of one or more physical servers and function as one type of server, or multiple types of server functions may be physically comprised of one server. For example, some functions may be located within the administrator terminal 21, and the database server may be located within the web server. The database may be located within a single database server, or it may be distributed across multiple database servers. In this embodiment, the web server and the database server are located on the same server, but they may be physically interconnected, or they may be connected via a network and be able to access each other.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of Embodiment 1 of the care support method of the present invention. The care support method of this embodiment is realized by the care support system 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram showing the configuration of Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. The care support system 1 of this embodiment is a care support system 1 connected via a network to a camera that takes images of the TUG test, an administrator terminal, and a database on the cloud, and includes an image acquisition unit 11, a comparison video creation unit 12, a report creation unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15.

[0032] The image acquisition unit 11 includes (A) means for starting time measurement and sending a start signal to the camera 7 when a sensor 8, which is a time-measuring sensor installed on the chair 9 for the subject to sit on and connected to the camera 7, detects the subject standing up after sitting down; (B) means for the camera 7 to continuously record in the background in a standby state, overwrite the recording at regular intervals until a start signal is received, and record continuously after a start signal is received; (C) means for the sensor 8 to stop time measurement and send a stop signal and measurement time information to the camera 7 when it detects the subject sitting down after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start signal was sent; (D) means for the camera 7 to end recording after receiving the stop signal, associate the measurement time information and shooting date information, and generate a measurement video file; (E) means for acquiring the measurement video file from the camera 7, storing it in the database 5, and returning the camera 7 to a standby state; and (F) means for the sensor 8 not to send a start signal to the camera 7 even if it detects sitting down or standing up until a certain period of time has elapsed since the stop signal was sent.

[0033] The comparison video creation unit 12 includes (G) means for receiving the selection of measurement video files and input of the subject's name from the administrator terminal 21 and associating the subject's name with the selected measurement video file; (H) means for receiving a comparison video creation instruction specifying the subject from the administrator terminal 21 and extracting the two most recent measurement video files stored in the database 5 by the image acquisition unit 11 for the subject; and (I) means for calculating the difference in measurement time information associated with the two measurement video files, displaying the two measurement video files side by side in simultaneous playback and showing the shooting date information and the measurement time information for each measurement video file, creating a comparison video file that displays the difference when playback of both measurement video files ends, uploading it to the cloud, and generating a two-dimensional code that allows access to the comparison video file.

[0034] In this embodiment, the comparison video creation unit 11 further includes means for (J) storing the difference in association with the video file with the later shooting date.

[0035] The output unit 15 transmits and displays screen information to the administrator terminal 21, such as an input reception screen or a print reception screen. It is desirable that the output unit 15 also include a printing function. Input from the administrator terminal 21 is received by the input unit 14. For example, if text or other input is received while the input reception screen is displayed, the input unit 14 receives this input, triggered by a click of the send button, and processes it in the comparison video creation unit 12, report creation unit 13, etc. The input unit 14, the output unit 15, various programs, and part of the database may reside on the administrator terminal.

[0036] The report creation unit 13 includes (K) means for receiving a report creation instruction from the administrator terminal 21 that identifies the subject, determining the category from the measurement time information and difference of each measurement video file included in the comparison video file created by the comparison video creation unit 12 for the subject, and calculating the period of both shooting dates from the shooting date information, (L) means for extracting evaluation statement data from the database 5 that is determined and combined from the measurement time information, difference, category and period, and extracting the subject's basic information, and (M) means for creating report data that includes a diagram in which all categories can be seen, basic information, evaluation statement data, a two-dimensional code 4 and categories, and displaying it on the administrator terminal 21.

[0037] In this embodiment, the report creation unit 13 further includes (M) means for classifying the measurement video file into six categories based on measurement time information, (N) means for extracting comment text data associated with the classified categories from the database 5 and adding it to the report data and saving it in the database 5, and (P) means for receiving free comments from the administrator terminal 21 and adding the free comments to the report data and saving them in the database 5. Furthermore, it includes (Q) means for displaying the comparison video file on the user terminal 3 by reading the two-dimensional code 4 with the user terminal 3 which can access the Web server via the network.

[0038] Each of the means (A) to (Q) may be provided by the cloud server, or some of the means may be provided by other servers. Both the web server and the database server may be routed through their respective front-end units so as not to need to be aware of which server the control unit resides on. Each front-end unit has a program that runs within each server and coordinates processing. In both the web server and the database server, each means may be controlled by their respective front-end units. Furthermore, some or all of the functions may be performed by application programs on one or more administrator terminals. For example, the functions of the image acquisition unit may be made executable by an application program downloaded to administrator terminal B (within the business office) 22, or some or all of the functions of the comparison video creation unit and the report creation unit may be made executable by an application program downloaded to administrator terminal A (within headquarters) 21.

[0039] Furthermore, the system may also include a means for receiving input of measurement results such as weight for each subject from administrator terminal B (within the business premises) 22, and adding and storing the weight data in the subject's basic information.

[0040] In this embodiment, communication means, input means, and display means are located within each terminal. A server other than the cloud server may be an information processing device, which is a computer that performs the above-mentioned information processing. Such an information processing device has memory, a CPU, storage (hardware) such as a magnetic disk as secondary storage, control means which is a control device consisting of an operating system, device drivers, etc., and communication means which is a communication control device such as a LAN board. It stores care support programs and various web page contents on the magnetic disk, and the control unit executes various program processing. It has local connection means to a database server, and can temporarily store information in non-volatile memory for repeated exchanges with each terminal. Furthermore, it may have input means, display and other output means. The database server has memory, a CPU, storage (hardware), and local connection means to the Web server 6, but may also have communication means, input means, display and other output means. The Web server and the database server cooperate with each other to perform the care support information processing of the present invention based on operation commands from the Web server. The Web server and the database server are equipped with clock functions and the like that of a normal server.

[0041] The cloud server can send and receive information from each terminal via a communication network such as the internet, LAN, or WAN. Each terminal can be a personal computer (PC), including, for example, a laptop or tablet PC.

[0042] Figure 4 is an image diagram of the database in Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. Database 5 stores an image acquisition program, a comparison video creation program, and a report creation program for performing the above information processing. These may also be stored in the database on the administrator terminal 21. Database 5 also stores measurement video files acquired from the camera 7, basic information of the subject, a list of disease names, an evaluation list, and the created comparison video files and report files. Furthermore, database 5 stores data for various screens 68 displayed on each terminal, and administrator IDs (login IDs), associated with passwords and administrator identifiers.

[0043] In this embodiment, a folder is created in database 5 for each subject, and each folder stores the subject's measurement video file, the subject's basic information, a comparison video file, and a report file.

[0044] Figure 5 is an illustrative diagram of the basic information of a subject in Example 1 of the care support system of the present invention. The basic information of the subject shown in Figure 5 includes name, date of birth, medical history, health status, risks, remarks, disease name, classification of two-dimensional evaluation, and information on medical institutions, etc. The classification of the two-dimensional evaluation is based on the disease name list in database 5. In this example, there are seven types of disease names listed in the disease name list, which prevents the report from becoming difficult to read due to inconsistencies in notation by the inputter. Preferably, the basic information also includes information on the attending physician and the date of onset. Furthermore, it may also include age, classification according to the care certification standards, number of times rehabilitation has been used, a list of dates on which the TUG test was taken, weight information on each day of the test, and the name of the rehabilitation facility.

[0045] Database 5, as shown in Figure 4, stores a list of diseases, classifying the main diseases that require gait rehabilitation and associating them with symbols.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, Database 5 stores the following as evaluation lists: the period (T) is linked to evaluation 1, the difference (S) is linked to evaluation 2, the category and evaluation 3 are linked from the combination of the difference (S) and the measurement time (p1), and the measurement time (p1) is linked to the classification symbol and comment text.

[0047] The period (T) is the duration (in months) of the shooting days calculated by the care support system of this embodiment from the shooting date information of the first measurement video and the shooting date information of the second measurement video used to create the comparison video. If it is one month, T=1, and evaluation 1 "Short term" associated with "T=1" is extracted.

[0048] The difference (S) is the difference (S=p2-p1) (in seconds) calculated by the care support system of this embodiment from the measurement time information (p1) of the first measurement video used to create the comparison video and the measurement time information (p2) of the second measurement video. If p1 is 12 seconds and p2 is 10 seconds, then S<0, and evaluation 2 "Improved" which is associated with "S<0" is extracted.

[0049] If the difference (S) is -2 and p1 is 12 seconds, then as shown in Figure 4, the category is "1" (increase) and the rating is "Exc." (excellent). Note that for the difference (S), the time information from standing is the time from the start of recording, but even if the instant replay time is long, it is the same amount of time for both files, so it does not affect the difference (S).

[0050] If the measurement time information (p1) of the first measurement video is less than 11 seconds, the category "A" and the comment "Good balance" associated with "p1<11" are extracted. In this embodiment, there are 6 categories.

[0051] When the period (T) = 1, the difference (S) < 0, and p1 = 12, the evaluation will extract "Short-term," "Improving," and "Exc.", and the comment will extract "Good balance." The generated report will automatically include these evaluations, comments, and the extracted category (1).

[0052] Therefore, according to this embodiment, a report file containing evaluations and comments can be automatically generated from the results of the TUG test.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an example of the playback screen for a comparison video file in Embodiment 1 of the care support system of the present invention. Figure 6(a) is an example of the screen at the start of playback of the comparison video. The upper left image is the part in which a measurement video file with a later shooting date (January 17, 2024 in the figure) is embedded, and the lower left image is the part in which a measurement video file with an earlier shooting date (December 10, 2023 in the figure) is embedded. In both images, a person is sitting in a chair and a target object, a cone, is visible on the far left. These images schematically represent video footage of a TUG test captured by camera 7. On the screen displayed with the comparison video file, the computer displays the respective dates along with "Time" on the right side, updating the time from the start time. In Figure 6(a), the time displayed between both "Time" values ​​is continuously updated with the time from the start time.

[0054] Figure 6(b) shows an example of the screen during playback of the comparison video. In Figure 6(b), the video in the upper left image ends when the subject circles around the target object and returns to sit down, and the still image at the end of the playback is displayed. The time when the subject sat down, i.e., the measured time p1 (14.10 seconds in Figure 6(b)), continues to be displayed as "Time". In the lower left image of Figure 6(b), the video of the subject circling the target object and returning continues to play, and the "Time" displayed to the right of it updates as the playback time is shown. In Figure 6(b), the time displayed between both "Time" displays is continuously updated as time from the start time.

[0055] Figure 6(c) shows an example of the screen at the end of playback of the comparison video. In Figure 6(c), the video in the lower left image also ends when the subject circles around the target object, returns, and sits down, and the still image at the end is displayed, showing the time when the subject sat down, i.e., the measured time p2 (18.20 seconds in Figure 6(c)), as "Time". The time display in the upper left image of Figure 6(c) and the "Time" section to its right remain the same as in Figure 6(b). In Figure 6(c), the time displayed between both "Time" displays is the difference (S=p2-p1) calculated by the computer.

[0056] When user terminal 3 accesses and plays the comparison video via the QR code in the report, the comparison video displays simultaneous playback of tests at different timings, as described above. This allows for a clear visual and numerical understanding of the subject's changes. In particular, even at the same time, actions such as standing up and walking can be compared visually without technical jargon, making it convenient and requiring no specialized knowledge. It also makes it easier to understand points to be mindful of in daily life, such as when sitting on the toilet.

[0057] Figure 7 shows an example of a report file in Embodiment 1 of the care support method of the present invention. The report file is a file that is displayed on screen and for printing, and the display includes, as basic information of the subject, the subject's name, date of birth, attending physician, disease name, onset date, classification according to the care certification standards, number of rehabilitation sessions, list of TUG test shooting dates, weight information on each shooting date, and name of the rehabilitation facility, extracted from database 5. These are just examples, and any item from the subject's basic information can be displayed in the basic information column. The report file also includes an image of a two-dimensional code that can link to the created comparison video. Furthermore, it includes the category determined by the report creation unit 13 using the difference calculated by the comparison video creation unit 12, the calculated period for both shooting dates, evaluation text data extracted in combination, and a diagram that allows all categories to be viewed, which is displayed in common in the report.

[0058] The care support program stored in Cloud 6 includes the following functions for the computer: (a) a function to start time measurement and send a start signal to camera 7 when a time-measuring sensor 8, installed on the chair 9 for the person to sit on and connected to camera 7, detects that the person has stood up after sitting down; (b) a function to camera 7 to continuously record in the background in standby mode, overwriting the recording at regular intervals until a start signal is received, and then recording continuously after the start signal is received; (c) a function to stop time measurement and send a stop signal and measurement time information to camera 7 when seating is detected after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start signal was sent to sensor 8; (d) a function to end recording after receiving the stop signal to camera 7, link the measurement time information and shooting date information, and generate a measurement video file; (e) a function to acquire the measurement video file from camera 7, store it in database 5, and return camera 7 to standby mode; (f) a function to prevent camera 7 from sending a start signal even if seating or standing up is detected, until a certain period of time has elapsed since the stop signal was sent to sensor 8; and (g) measurement from administrator terminal 21. (k) A function to accept the selection of a video file and input of the subject's name, and associate the subject's name with the selected measurement video file; (k) A function to accept a request from the administrator terminal 21 to create a comparison video that identifies the subject, and extract the two most recent measurement video files stored in the database 5 by the image acquisition unit 11 for the subject; (k) A function to calculate the difference in measurement time information associated with the two measurement video files, display the two measurement video files side by side in simultaneous playback, display the shooting date information and the measurement time information for each measurement video file, create a comparison video file that displays the difference when both measurement video files have finished playing, upload it to the cloud, and generate a two-dimensional code that allows access to the comparison video file; (j) A function to store the difference associated with the video file with the later shooting date; (s) A function to accept a request from the administrator terminal 21 to create a report that identifies the subject, determine the category from the measurement time information and the difference in each measurement video file included in the comparison video file created by the comparison video creation unit 12 for the subject, and calculate the period of both shooting dates from the shooting date information; (s) From the database 5,This program implements the following functions: (S) extracting evaluation text data based on measurement time information, differences, categories, and duration, and extracting basic information of the subject; (S) creating report data including a diagram that visually displays all categories, basic information, evaluation text data, a two-dimensional code 4, and categories, and displaying it on the administrator terminal 21; (S) classifying measurement video files into six categories based on measurement time information; (S) extracting comment text data linked to the classified categories from database 5, adding it to the report data, and saving it in database 5; (T) receiving free-form comments from the administrator terminal 21, adding the free-form comments to the report data, and saving them in database 5; and (C) displaying comparison video files on user terminal 3 by reading the two-dimensional code 4 on a user terminal 3 that can access a web server via the network.

[0059] The cloud server realizes the computer functions capable of information processing for care support according to the present invention by having its CPU load each program into the server's memory and execute it. Both the web server and the database server reside on the cloud, and the server's CPU is a processing unit installed in a regular cloud computer, capable of executing various programs and performing various controls.

[0060] In this embodiment, the cloud server functions as the means described above (A) to (Q) through the aforementioned hardware configuration, image acquisition program for care support, comparison video program, and reporting program.

[0061] In addition to the programs mentioned above, the cloud server also contains related programs and other programs.

[0062] {processing process} The care support method of this embodiment is a care support method that generates information and is performed on a computer connected via a network to a camera that takes images of the TUG test, an administrator terminal, and a database, and includes the following steps: an image acquisition step (step 10), a comparison video creation step (step 20), and a report creation step (step 30).

[0063] The image acquisition process (step 10) includes the steps of: (step 110) The computer starts measuring time and sends a start signal to the camera 7 when it detects the subject standing up after sitting down, using a time-measuring sensor installed on the chair 9 for the subject to sit on and connected to the camera 7; (step 120) The computer instructs the camera 7 to continuously record in the background in standby mode, overwriting the recording at regular intervals until a start signal is received, and recording continuously after a start signal is received; and (step 130) The computer instructs the sensor to detect sitting down after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start signal was sent. The process includes the steps of: (step 140) stopping the time measurement when detected and sending a stop signal and measurement time information to camera 7; (step 150) the computer instructing camera 7 to stop recording after receiving the stop signal, link the measurement time information and shooting date information, and generate a measurement video file; (step 160) the computer acquiring the measurement video file from the camera, storing it in a database, and returning camera 7 to a standby state; and (step 160) the computer instructing sensor 8 not to send a start signal to camera 7, regardless of whether seated or standing is detected, until a certain period of time has elapsed since sending the stop signal. The image acquisition process is repeated multiple times with the same subject at intervals.

[0064] The comparison video creation process (step 20) includes the steps of: (step 210) the computer receiving the selection of measurement video files and input of the subject's name from the administrator terminal 21, and associating the subject's name with the selected measurement video file; (step 220) the computer receiving a comparison video creation instruction specifying the subject from the administrator terminal 21, and extracting the two most recent measurement video files stored in the database 5 in the image acquisition process (step 10) for that subject; and (step 230) the computer calculating the difference in measurement time information associated with the two measurement video files, displaying the two measurement video files side by side in simultaneous playback, displaying the shooting date information and measurement time information for each measurement video file, creating a comparison video file that displays the difference when both measurement video files have finished playing, uploading it to a web server, and generating a two-dimensional code that allows access to the comparison video file. In step 220, if there is only one measurement video file associated with the subject, the process is terminated.

[0065] The comparison video creation process (step 20) may further include, after step 230, (step 240) a step in which the computer associates the difference with the video file that was filmed on the later date and stores it.

[0066] The report creation process (step 30) includes the steps of: (step 310) the computer receiving a report creation instruction from the administrator terminal 21 that identifies the subject, determining the category from the measurement time information and difference of each measurement video file included in the comparison video file created by the comparison video creation process for the subject, and calculating the period of both shooting dates from the shooting date information; (step 320) the computer extracting evaluation statement data from the database 5 that is determined and combined from the measurement time information, difference, category and period, and extracting the subject's basic information; and (step 330) the computer creating report data that includes a diagram in which all categories can be seen, the subject's basic information, evaluation statement data, a two-dimensional code and category, and displaying it on the administrator terminal 21.

[0067] In this embodiment, the report creation process (step 30) includes, in step 330, (step 331) the computer classifying the measurement video file into six categories based on the measurement time information; (step 332) the computer extracting comment data associated with the classified categories from the database 5, adding it to the report data, and saving it in the database 5; (step 333) the computer displaying the comparison video file on the user terminal 3 by reading a two-dimensional code with the user terminal 3 which can access the web server via the network; and (step 334) the computer receiving free comments from the administrator terminal 21, adding the free comments to the report data, and saving them in the database 5.

[0068] In this embodiment, the care support program causes a computer to execute each of the above-described steps. Each step will be described in detail below.

[0069] <Image acquisition process> Figure 8 shows the flow of the image acquisition process in Embodiment 1 of the care support method of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sensor 8 and the camera 7 connected to the sensor 8 are installed in a location within the facility where the TUG test is performed and are controlled by a computer. In this embodiment, such control may be performed by an application program installed on a management terminal B (within the facility) 22 connected to a database 5 on the cloud via a network, or by a program installed on the camera, or by a program stored on a cloud or other information processing device that can be connected to the camera directly or via the management terminal B (within the facility) 22 via a network.

[0070] The sensor 8 attached to the seat of chair 9 is a pressure sensor, powered by the connected camera 7, and detects the subject sitting down and standing up by detecting changes in pressure. The TUG test takes place from the moment the subject stands up from the chair until they walk around the target object and return to sit down. The sensor 8 detects the subject sitting down once, then the subject stands up, at which point it starts measuring time and simultaneously sends a start signal to the connected camera.

[0071] Camera 7 is a video camera that, while powered on, records in the background until it receives a start signal, discarding the recording after 3 seconds. This continuously overwrites the previous 3 seconds of recording. After receiving the start signal, it continues recording without overwriting until it receives a stop signal, creating a measurement video file. Therefore, the measurement video file sent to the cloud will be a recording from 3 seconds prior to the start signal reception.

[0072] If sensor 8 detects that the subject has sat down within 8 seconds of sending the start signal, it determines that the subject failed to stand up and sat down again, and continues the measurement without sending a stop signal. By not recording from the point where the subject stands up again, the measurement video file can be used to accurately judge the smoothness of the standing-up motion.

[0073] If seating is detected after 8 seconds or more have elapsed, it can be determined that the subject has walked around the target object and sat down. In this case, a stop signal is sent to camera 7, and the time from the start signal to the stop signal is also sent to camera 7 as measured time information. In this embodiment, since sensor 8 is a time-measuring sensor, the measured time information is sent from sensor 8 to camera 7. However, if sensor 8 is not capable of measuring time, the camera may measure the time from the reception of the start signal to the reception of the stop signal and store this as measured time information linked to the video file.

[0074] After receiving a stop signal, camera 7 uploads a measurement video file, which links measurement time information and shooting date information, to a cloud-based database for storage.

[0075] Sensor 8 does not send a start signal even if it detects sitting or standing up immediately after sending a stop signal, because it does not consider the person to be the next subject. After sending a stop signal, it resets after 2 minutes, and then, when it detects sitting and standing up afterward, it determines that it is the next subject's TUG test and sends a start signal to camera 7.

[0076] <Comparison video creation process> Figure 9 shows the flow of the first half of the comparative video creation process in Example 1 of the care support method of the present invention.

[0077] In this embodiment, immediately after the TUG test is completed, the administrator terminal B (located within the business premises) 22, which is located at the business premises where the TUG test was conducted, inputs the subject's name for each measurement video file uploaded to the cloud and links them together. However, this can also be done from administrator terminal A (located within headquarters) 21. In this embodiment, the measurement video files linked to the subject's name are stored in a database on the cloud. If a folder for the subject does not exist, a folder is created and the measurement video files are saved in that folder. If a folder for the subject exists, the measurement video files are saved in that folder.

[0078] In this embodiment, the administrator terminal 21 also displays a screen for receiving input of the subject's basic information, and the input unit 14 receives the subject's basic information from the administrator terminal 21 as needed. The subject's basic information may be in the form of a medical record in an Excel file. The subject's basic information may also be the subject's basic information data stored in the database beforehand, with additional information such as the shooting date and weight data that can be entered for each TUG test.

[0079] Figure 10 shows the latter half of the comparison video creation process and the report creation process in Example 1 of the care support method of the present invention.

[0080] The administrator terminal 21 receives an instruction to create a comparison video specifying the name of the subject. Alternatively, the administrator terminal may display a screen for selecting the subject's name. In this embodiment, the two most recent measurement video files associated with the entered or selected subject's name are extracted.

[0081] The difference (S=p2-p1) is calculated from the measurement time (p1) of the measurement video file A, which was recorded earlier, and the measurement time (p2) of the measurement video file B, which was recorded later. If the difference is positive, it is expected that the ability to stand, sit, or walk has worsened, for example, due to the progression of aging. If the difference is negative, it is expected that the ability to stand, sit, or walk has improved, for example, due to the effects of rehabilitation.

[0082] In this embodiment, the comparison video file includes a memo field. When creating the comparison video, the administrator terminal 21 may input a memo, and the received content may be displayed in the memo field.

[0083] In this embodiment, the computer uploads the created comparison video file to the cloud, makes it accessible via the internet through a web server, generates data for displaying it by converting the URL into a two-dimensional code, and stores it in database 5.

[0084] <Report Preparation Process>

[0085] The computer displays a report creation instruction reception screen with the target person identified on the administrator terminal 21, and receives the report creation instruction at the input unit 14. For the received target person, the latest comparison video file is extracted from the database 5. Also, as shown in Figure 4, evaluation 1 linked to period T and evaluation 2 linked to difference S are combined and displayed as an evaluation statement in the evaluation column of the report. If there is also evaluation 3 linked to the combination of measurement time (p1) and difference (S), it is displayed as an addendum in the evaluation column or category column of the report. Furthermore, the notation of the category linked to the combination of measurement time (p1) and difference (S) is displayed in the report along with a diagram that allows all categories to be visually represented, which also serves as an explanation of the meaning of the category notation (number in this embodiment).

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the administrator terminal 21 displays a screen for receiving additional information for the report, accepts the input of additional information, displays the accepted content in the report, and stores it as a report file in the database 5. The output unit 15 also receives output instructions from the administrator terminal 21 or the user terminal 3 and performs output. Output may be displayed, printed, or downloaded.

[0087] {effect} According to this embodiment, it is possible to automatically generate reports that allow doctors, caregivers, and the subjects and their families to intuitively understand the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the degree of assistance needed in daily life, without burdening the subjects or their families when taking the TUG test.

[0088] Furthermore, this embodiment eliminates the need to attach measuring devices to the subject, thus reducing the burden on the subject. Since the TUG test video is saved from just before the subject stands up from the chair, there is no risk that the important initial part of standing up from the chair in daily life will not be included in the recording.

[0089] Furthermore, this embodiment makes the evaluation displayed in the report easy to understand, and comparison videos can be immediately viewed via a QR code link, allowing anyone to see the recovery status and the progression of aging at a glance. In addition, it displays a useful 6-level scale for determining whether daily life activities can be performed or if assistance is needed, making the need for assistance in daily life easily visible. The degree of change over time, based on the time elapsed since the previous test, is automatically calculated, allowing for the identification of subtle support timings that might be difficult to notice with a single TUG test. Consequently, communication between those receiving rehabilitation or care, their families, and the doctors, caregivers, and nurses providing rehabilitation or care becomes easier, leading to the provision of more appropriate rehabilitation and care support.

[0090] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified and implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the components of each of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. Care support system 11 Image acquisition unit 12. Comparison Video Creation Department 13. Report Preparation Department 14 Input section 15 Output section 21 Administrator terminal A (within headquarters) 22 Administrator terminal B (within the business premises) 3. User terminals 4. QR code 5 Databases 6 Cloud 7 Cameras 8 sensors 9 chairs

Claims

1. A care support method that involves generating information on a computer connected via a network to a camera that captures images of the TUG test, an administrator terminal, and a database, Computers A step of transmitting a start signal to the camera when a sensor installed on the chair in which the subject sits, which is connected to the camera, detects that the subject stands up after sitting down, The camera performs the following steps: in standby mode, it continuously records in the background, overwrites the recording at regular intervals until it receives the start signal, and then records continuously after receiving the start signal; The steps include: stopping the time measurement and sending a stop signal to the camera when the sensor detects seating after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start signal was transmitted; The camera is instructed to terminate recording after receiving the stop signal, associate the measurement time information from the start signal to the stop signal with the shooting date information, and generate a measurement video file. The steps include acquiring the measurement video file from the camera, storing it in the database, and returning the camera to a standby state. The sensor is configured to transmit a start signal to the camera until a certain period of time has elapsed since the transmission of the stop signal, regardless of whether the person is seated or standing. The image acquisition process includes, Computers The administrator terminal receives the selection of a measurement video file and the input of the subject's name, and associates the selected measurement video file with the subject's name. The process involves receiving an instruction from the administrator terminal to create a comparison video identifying the target person, and extracting the two most recent measurement video files stored in the database during the image acquisition process for that target person, The steps include: calculating the difference in measurement time information associated with the two measurement video files; displaying the two measurement video files side-by-side in simultaneous playback, showing the shooting date information and measurement time information for each measurement video file; creating a comparison video file that displays the difference when both measurement video files finish playing; uploading it to a web server; and generating a two-dimensional code that allows access to the comparison video file. The process of creating a comparison video, Computers The process involves receiving a report creation instruction from the administrator terminal that identifies the subject, determining the category from the measurement time information and the difference between each measurement video file included in the comparison video file created by the comparison video creation process for the subject, and calculating the period between both shooting dates from the shooting date information. The steps include extracting evaluation statement data from the database, which is determined and combined based on the measurement time information, the difference, the category, and the period, and extracting the basic information of the subject, The steps include creating a diagram that allows all categories to be seen, creating report data that includes the basic information, the evaluation text data, the two-dimensional code, and the categories, and displaying it on the administrator terminal, The report preparation process includes, A care support method characterized by including the following.

2. The care support method according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer, in the report creation process, further includes the step of receiving input of free comments from an administrator terminal, adding the free comments to the report data, and saving them in the database.

3. The care support method according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer further includes the step of associating the difference with the video file that was filmed on a later date and storing it in the comparison video creation process.

4. The computer, in the report creation process, further performs the step of classifying the measurement video file into six categories based on the measurement time information, The care support method according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the step of extracting comment data associated with the classified categories from the database, adding it to the report data, and saving it in the database.

5. The care support method according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer further includes the step of displaying the comparison video file on the user terminal by reading the two-dimensional code with a user terminal that can access the Web server via a network, in the report creation process.

6. A care support system that connects a camera for capturing images of the TUG test, an administrator terminal, and a cloud-based database via a network, A means for transmitting a start signal to the camera when a sensor installed on the chair in which the subject sits, which is connected to the camera, detects the subject standing up after sitting down, The camera is provided with means for continuously recording in the background while in standby mode, overwriting the recording at regular intervals until the start signal is received, and recording continuously after the start signal is received. The sensor is provided with means for stopping the time measurement and sending a stop signal to the camera when it detects a seating position after a certain period of time has elapsed since the transmission of the start signal. The camera is provided with means for terminating recording after receiving the stop signal, linking the measurement time information from the start signal to the stop signal and the shooting date information, and generating a measurement video file. Means for acquiring the measurement video file from the camera, storing it in the database, and returning the camera to a standby state, The sensor is provided with a means to prevent the camera from sending a start signal, regardless of whether it detects sitting or standing, until a certain period of time has elapsed after the stop signal has been transmitted. An image acquisition unit equipped with, A means for receiving the selection of a measurement video file and the input of the subject's name from the administrator terminal, and for associating the subject's name with the selected measurement video file, A means for receiving an instruction to create a comparative video identifying a target person from the administrator terminal, and for extracting the two most recent measurement video files stored in the database by the image acquisition unit for that target person, A means for calculating the difference in measurement time information associated with the two measurement video files, displaying the two measurement video files side by side in simultaneous playback, displaying the shooting date information and measurement time information for each measurement video file, creating a comparison video file that displays the difference when playback of both measurement video files ends, uploading it to the cloud, and generating a two-dimensional code that allows access to the comparison video file, A comparison video creation unit equipped with, A means for receiving a report creation instruction that identifies the subject from the administrator terminal, determining the category from the measurement time information and the difference in each measurement video file included in the comparison video file created by the comparison video creation unit for the subject, and calculating the period of both shooting dates from the shooting date information, A means for extracting evaluation statement data from the database, determined and combined from the measurement time information, the difference, the category, and the period, and for extracting the basic information of the subject, A means for creating a report data that includes a diagram in which all categories can be seen, the basic information, the evaluation text data, the two-dimensional code, and the categories, and displaying it on an administrator terminal, A report preparation unit equipped with, A care support system characterized by having the following features.

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