Monitoring system

Abstract

We provide a monitoring system that supports individuals by quietly observing and supporting them in their daily lives, without direct surveillance. [Solution] The monitoring system 100 comprises a master unit 30 installed in the refrigerator 20 of the person being monitored 10, a server 40, and a notification terminal 60 held by the monitor 50. The master unit comprises a control unit 32, an acceleration sensor 34, and a server communication unit 36. The server comprises a communication unit 42, a storage unit 44, an anomaly detection unit 46, and a notification unit 48. The master unit detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator by vibrations from the acceleration sensor and transmits the signal detection time and the master unit's identification information to the server. The server records the vibration time for each person being monitored's identification information. If no vibration is detected for a predetermined time (e.g., 6 hours), it notifies the notification terminal 60 of an anomaly. The notification terminal can check the last vibration time and last communication time as a message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring system that accompanies the daily life of a person to be monitored, such as a solitary elderly person, and quietly monitors and supports the person to be monitored by quietly monitoring them.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the number of solitary elderly people has been increasing. Therefore, the need to remotely monitor the elderly has been increasing, but due to the fear of being monitored, the introduction of monitoring systems that utilize camera monitoring, GPS monitoring, etc. has not been progressing.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1 below, in a system for remotely monitoring the elderly, in order to solve the problems of ensuring daily physical condition changes and safety during going out, a means for grasping the response and behavior of the elderly in real time by a stuffed animal installed at the entrance, a means for notifying a contact when the person has not returned home from going out for a certain period of time, and a means for notifying an alert for daily physical condition abnormalities are included. A system for monitoring the elderly is disclosed.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a monitoring device for remotely monitoring a person being monitored, using a monitoring terminal, based on the water usage status within the property where the person being monitored resides. The device includes a flow sensor installed in a water meter box of a detached house where a water meter for the water pipes is installed, which is secondary to the water meter and located close to the water meter, and a device electrically connected to the flow sensor that generates an abnormality notification when predetermined abnormality determination conditions are met based on the flow data related to the water usage status of the tap water detected by the flow sensor. A monitoring device is disclosed, comprising a capable monitoring calculation unit, a monitoring storage unit electrically connected to the monitoring calculation unit for storing the flow rate data, and a monitoring communication unit electrically connected to the monitoring calculation unit for transmitting the abnormality notification to the monitoring terminal, wherein the predetermined abnormality determination condition is that the amount of tap water used is zero within a preset time, and the monitoring calculation unit generates a flow rate history screen that displays historical information based on the flow rate data stored in the monitoring storage unit in accordance with a request from the monitoring terminal, and is configured to be displayable on the monitoring terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2025-45715 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7553162 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 detects an abnormality when a certain amount of time spent away from home is exceeded, but in reality, abnormalities in the monitored person (for example, an elderly person living alone or a person with a disability) often occur while they are at home. In addition, there is the inconvenience of unnecessary movement paths being created, such as going to a stuffed animal by the front door.

[0007] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 can only be applied to detached houses, and the only object to observe for abnormalities is the water volume, which presents the challenge of reliably detecting abnormalities.

[0008] This invention focuses on the points mentioned above and aims to provide a monitoring system that supports elderly people living alone and other individuals being monitored by quietly watching over them and accompanying them in their daily lives, without actually monitoring them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first monitoring system comprises a master unit installed on an object where the monitoring subject performs life-related actions, a server, and a notification terminal held by the monitor and linked to the monitoring subject, wherein the master unit comprises a detection unit that detects a predetermined action, a control unit that generates a detection signal based on the detection result by the detection unit, and a server communication unit that transmits the detection signal along with the identification information of the master unit to the server, and the server comprises a communication unit that receives the detection signal transmitted from the master unit and the confirmation request from the notification terminal, and for each monitoring subject, the identification information of the master unit, the last time the detection signal was received, the last time communication with the master unit, and A monitoring system comprising: a storage unit that stores a predetermined time set for each type of detection signal and notification destination information of the monitor; an abnormality determination unit that identifies the object to be determined according to the identification information of the master unit, refers to the last reception time stored in the storage unit, calculates the elapsed time between the current time and the last reception time, compares the calculated elapsed time with the predetermined time stored in the storage unit, and determines that an abnormality has occurred if detection has not occurred within the predetermined time; and a notification unit that, based on the result of the abnormality determination unit's determination of an abnormality, notifies the notification destination terminal of the monitor, and, in response to a confirmation request from the notification destination terminal, notifies the last detection time of the detection signal and / or the last communication time with the master unit.

[0010] The second monitoring system is characterized in that, in the monitoring system of the first system, the object is a refrigerator, and the detection unit is an acceleration sensor that detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator door.

[0011] The third monitoring system is characterized in that, in the monitoring system of the first system, the master unit is equipped with a slave unit communication unit for communicating with the slave unit, and when it receives a detection signal from the slave unit it transmits the detection signal and identification information of the slave unit to the server, the slave unit is equipped with a detection unit for detecting a predetermined state of the person being monitored, a control unit for generating a detection signal based on the detection result by the detection unit, and a master unit communication unit for transmitting the detection signal together with the identification information of the slave unit to the master unit, and the server is characterized in that the storage unit stores a predetermined time set according to the type of detection signal originating from the slave unit together with the identification information of the slave unit, and the abnormality determination unit applies the predetermined time based on the type of detection signal originating from the slave unit to make an abnormality determination.

[0012] The fourth monitoring system is characterized in that, in the third monitoring system, the detection unit of the sub-unit is a human motion sensor.

[0013] The fifth monitoring system of the invention is characterized in that, in the first monitoring system, the notification destination information includes account information in a communication application.

[0014] The aforementioned and other purposes, features, and advantages of this invention will become clear from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention relates to a monitoring system comprising: a master unit installed on an object where the monitoring subject performs life-related actions; a server; and a notification terminal held by the monitor and linked to the monitoring subject, wherein the master unit comprises: a detection unit that detects predetermined actions; a control unit that generates a detection signal based on the detection result by the detection unit; and a server communication unit that transmits the detection signal along with the identification information of the master unit to the server, wherein the server comprises: a communication unit that receives the detection signal transmitted from the master unit and the confirmation request from the notification terminal; and for each monitoring subject, the identification information of the master unit, the last time the detection signal was received, the last time communication with the master unit, and the detection signal The monitoring system is characterized by comprising: a storage unit that stores a predetermined time set for each type of number and the notification destination information of the monitor; an abnormality determination unit that identifies the target of determination according to the identification information of the master unit, refers to the last reception time stored in the storage unit, calculates the elapsed time between the current time and the last reception time, compares the calculated elapsed time with the predetermined time stored in the storage unit, and determines that an abnormality has occurred if detection has not occurred within the predetermined time; and a notification unit that, based on the result of the abnormality determination unit's determination of an abnormality, notifies the notification destination terminal of the monitor linked to the person being monitored, and notifies the last detection time and the last communication time in response to a confirmation request from the monitor's notification terminal.

[0016] Therefore, it is possible to support elderly people living alone and other individuals being monitored by quietly watching over them and accompanying them in their daily lives, without actually monitoring them. In particular, by adding sub-units, it becomes possible to monitor them in multiple locations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This shows the overall configuration and block diagram of the monitoring system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the abnormality detection operation in the above-described embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an example of a screen displayed on the notification device of the caregiver. [Figure 4] It is an overall configuration and a block diagram of the monitoring system according to Example 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for identifying whether the signal is from the master unit or the slave unit in the server according to Example 2.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail based on examples.

Example

[0019] This example is a monitoring system for supporting a person to be monitored by staying close to them in daily life without monitoring the person to be monitored (the elderly living alone or the disabled). Hereinafter, Example 1 will be described in detail based on FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration and a block diagram of the monitoring system of this example. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an abnormality determination operation in the monitoring system of this example. FIG. 3 is an example of a screen displayed on the notification terminal of the monitor.

[0020] <Overall Configuration>... As shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring system 100 of this example includes a master unit 30 installed on an object (in this example, the refrigerator 20) where life-related operations of the person to be monitored 10 occur, a server 40, and a notification terminal 60 held by a monitor 50 linked to the person to be monitored 10. The notification terminal 60 is equipped with an existing communication application (messaging application) 62.

[0021] <Master Unit>...In this embodiment, the master unit 30 is installed on the door 22 of the refrigerator 20 used by the person being monitored 10. As shown in Figure 1, the master unit 30 includes an acceleration sensor 34 that detects a predetermined operation (opening and closing of the door 22 of the refrigerator 20 in this embodiment), a control unit 32 that generates a detection signal based on the detection result from the acceleration sensor 34, and a server communication unit 36 ​​(SIM: Subscriber Identity Module, etc.) that transmits the detection signal along with the identification information of the master unit 30 to the server 40.

[0022] <Server>...The server 40 comprises a communication unit 42, a storage unit 44, an anomaly detection unit 46, and a notification unit 48. The communication unit 42 receives detection signals and identification information transmitted from the master unit 30, and confirmation requests from the notification destination terminal 60.

[0023] The storage unit 44 stores, for each person being monitored 10, the identification information of the master unit 30, the last time the detection signal was received, the last time the master unit 30 was communicated, a predetermined time set for each type of detection signal, and notification destination information of the monitor 50 associated with the person being monitored 10.

[0024] In this embodiment, the predetermined time refers to the time the refrigerator is opened and closed, for example, 6 hours. Of course, the predetermined time can be arbitrarily set for each monitored person 10. Furthermore, if other sensors are introduced in the slave unit of Embodiment 2 described later, the predetermined time corresponding to the detection signal can be arbitrarily set. The notification destination information refers to account information in the communication application 62 of the notification destination terminal 60, etc.

[0025] Next, the abnormality determination unit 46 identifies the target for determination according to the identification information of the master unit 30, refers to the last reception time stored in the storage unit 44, calculates the elapsed time between the current time and the last reception time, compares the calculated elapsed time with the predetermined time stored in the storage unit 44, and determines that an abnormality exists if detection has not occurred within the predetermined time.

[0026] Based on the result of the abnormality determination unit 46's determination of an abnormality, the notification unit 48 sends a message to the notification terminal 60 of the monitor 50 associated with the person being monitored 10, and also notifies the last detection time and last communication time in response to a confirmation request from the notification terminal 60 of the monitor 50.

[0027] <Anomaly Detection Operation>...Next, the anomaly detection operation of the monitoring system 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. First, in the master unit 30, when the person being monitored 10 opens or closes the door 22 of the refrigerator 20, the acceleration sensor 34 detects the vibration (step S10). Next, the control unit 32 generates a detection signal based on the detection result from the acceleration sensor 34 (step S12). Then, the server communication unit 36 ​​transmits the detection signal, along with the identification information of the master unit 30, to the server 40 (step S14).

[0028] Next, the server 40's communication unit 42 receives the detection signal transmitted from the master unit 30 and the identification information of the master unit 30 (step S16). The server 40's storage unit 44 updates the last time the detection signal was received and the last time communication with the master unit 30 for each of the monitored persons 10 corresponding to the identification information of the master unit 30 (step S18).

[0029] Next, the server 40 obtains a predetermined time corresponding to the monitored person 10 from the storage unit 44, according to the identification information of the master unit 30 obtained by the abnormality determination unit 46 (step S20). Then, the abnormality determination unit 46 identifies the target of determination according to the identification information of the master unit 30, refers to the last reception time stored in the storage unit 44, and calculates the elapsed time between the current time and the last reception time (step S22).

[0030] Next, the abnormality determination unit 46 compares the calculated elapsed time with a predetermined time obtained from the storage unit 44 and determines whether detection occurred within the predetermined time (step S24). If the predetermined time (for example, 6 hours) has elapsed (Yes in step S24), the abnormality determination unit 46 determines that there is an abnormality (step S26).

[0031] When an abnormality is detected, the notification unit 48 of the server 40 notifies the notification destination terminal 60 of the monitor 50, which is associated with the person being monitored 10, via a network (not shown) (step S28). Figure 3 shows the display screen 70 of the communication application 62 of the notification destination terminal 60. The display screen 70 shows a message 72 from the server 40 stating, "No detection has occurred for 6 hours since the last opening / closing."

[0032] If the observer 50 who has seen the message 72 requests confirmation (Yes in step S30), the notification unit 48 terminates by notifying the server 40 of the time it last detected and / or the time of the last communication (step S32).

[0033] For example, when the caregiver 50 presses the menu button 74 on the display screen 70 to request the "time when vibration was last detected," the display screen 70 displays a message 78 saying "Last vibration" as a message from the caregiver 50. When the communication unit 42 of the server 40 receives the request, the notification unit 48 refers to the storage unit 44 and notifies the recipient terminal 60 of the information corresponding to the request as a message on the display screen 70 of the communication application 62. In the illustrated example, the message 80 saying "Last vibration detection time: 2026 / 03 / 08 20:26" is displayed.

[0034] Furthermore, when the monitor 50 presses the menu button 76 labeled "Device Communication Check" on the display screen 70, the display screen 70 displays a message 82 labeled "Status Confirmation" as a message from the monitor 50. When the server 40 receives a confirmation request, the notification unit 48 refers to the storage unit 44 and notifies the information corresponding to the request content as a message on the screen 70 of the communication application 62 on the notification destination terminal 60. In the illustrated example, the message 84 labeled "Last Communication Time: 2026 / 03 / 09 03:50" is displayed.

[0035] <Effects>...As described above, the monitoring system 100 of this embodiment comprises a master unit 30 installed in the refrigerator 20 where the monitoring subject 10 performs life-related activities, a server 40, and a notification terminal 60 held by a monitor 50 associated with the monitoring subject 10.

[0036] The master unit 30 includes an acceleration sensor 34 that detects the opening and closing operation of the door 22 of the refrigerator 20, a control unit 32 that generates a detection signal based on the detection result from the acceleration sensor 34, and a server communication unit 36 ​​that transmits the detection signal along with the identification information of the master unit 30 to the server 40.

[0037] Furthermore, the server 40 includes a communication unit 42 that receives detection signals transmitted from the master unit 30 and confirmation requests from the notification destination terminal 60, a storage unit 44 that stores, for each monitored person 10, the identification information of the master unit 30, the last time the detection signal was received, the last time the communication took place with the master unit 30, a predetermined time set for each type of detection signal, and notification destination information of the monitor 50, and identifies the target for determination according to the identification information of the master unit 30, and refers to the last reception time stored in the storage unit 44, and The system is characterized by comprising: an abnormality determination unit 46 that calculates the elapsed time between the time spent in the system and the last time of reception, compares the calculated elapsed time with the predetermined time stored in the storage unit 44, and determines that an abnormality exists if detection has not occurred within the predetermined time; and a notification unit that, based on the result of the abnormality determination unit 46's determination of an abnormality, notifies the notification destination terminal 60 of the monitor 50, and, in response to a confirmation request from the notification destination terminal 60 of the monitor 50, notifies the time of the last detection of the detection signal and / or the time of the last communication with the master unit 30.

[0038] Therefore, it is possible to provide support to the elderly and other individuals being monitored, such as those living alone, by quietly observing and assisting them in their daily lives without having to directly monitor them. [Examples]

[0039] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an overall configuration and system block diagram of the monitoring system 100A of Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the server side of this embodiment for identifying whether a signal originates from the master unit or the slave unit.

[0040] In this embodiment, the master unit 30A installed in the refrigerator 20 is equipped with a slave unit communication unit 38 for communicating with the slave unit 90. When it receives a detection signal from the slave unit 90, it transmits the detection signal and the identification information of the slave unit 90 to the server 40.

[0041] The sub-unit 90 is installed, for example, in the changing room 80. The sub-unit 90 includes a human presence sensor 94 that detects the person to be monitored 10, a control unit 92 that generates a detection signal based on the detection result from the human presence sensor 94, and a master unit communication unit 96 that transmits the detection signal, along with the identification information of the sub-unit 90, to the master unit 30A.

[0042] The slave unit communication unit 38 of the master unit 30A and the master unit communication unit 96 of the slave unit 90 may be short-range communication means or long-range communication means depending on the installation location.

[0043] Meanwhile, the server 40 receives a detection signal originating from the slave unit 90 and identification information of the slave unit 90 from the master unit 30A and stores it in the storage unit 44. The storage unit 44 also stores a predetermined time set according to the type of detection signal originating from the slave unit 90, along with the identification information of the slave unit 90.

[0044] The abnormality determination unit 46 then obtains a predetermined time from the storage unit 44 based on the type of detection signal originating from the slave unit 90, and performs an abnormality determination by applying the predetermined time. For example, in this embodiment, if the motion sensor 94 in the changing room 80 does not detect any human presence for one hour, it is determined that there may be some kind of accident in the bathroom, and an abnormality is detected.

[0045] <Signal Identification Operation>...Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain the operation of identifying whether the signal received from the master unit 30A originates from the master unit 30A or from the slave unit 90.

[0046] First, the communication unit 42 of the server 40 receives a detection signal from the master unit 30A (step S50). Then, the server 40 identifies whether the received detection signal originates from the master unit 30A or the slave unit 90 based on the type of signal received and stores it in the storage unit 44 (step S52).

[0047] If the detection signal originates from the master unit 30A (step S54), the subsequent operation proceeds to step S18 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 2).

[0048] On the other hand, if the detection signal originates from the slave unit 90, the abnormality determination unit 46 of the server 40 identifies the person being monitored 10 corresponding to the slave unit 90 (step S56), and then obtains a predetermined time corresponding to the type of detection signal from the storage unit 44 (step S58). The subsequent operation proceeds to step S18 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 2).

[0049] Thus, according to the monitoring system 100A of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of Embodiment 1 described above, a sub-unit 90 equipped with a human presence sensor 94 that can communicate with the master unit 30A of the refrigerator 10 is installed in the dressing room 80. If no detection occurs for a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the bathroom and a notification is sent to the notification terminal 60 of the monitor 50. This makes it possible to monitor the monitored person 10 in multiple locations in their home, significantly improving the possibility of preventing accidents.

[0050] Furthermore, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention. For example, the following are also included. (1) The installation location of the master unit 30 shown in the above embodiment 1 is just an example, and it can be applied to any openable and closable object along the daily movement of the person being monitored 10. For example, the bedroom door can be set to 8 to 10 hours, and the toilet door can be set to 1 hour. (2) The installation location of the sub-unit 90 shown in the above embodiment 2 is just one example; it may be installed in the bathroom itself, or it may be installed on the stairs or in the entrance. (3) The acceleration sensor 34 and human presence sensor 94 shown in the above embodiment are just examples, and any known sensors may be used as appropriate, depending on the lifestyle and activity range of the person being monitored 10, as long as they can provide detection signals that allow for abnormality determination at different time thresholds for each detection signal. [Industrial applicability]

[0051] This invention comprises a master unit installed on an object where the monitoring person's daily activities occur, a server, and a notification terminal held by the monitor and linked to the monitoring person. The master unit comprises a detection unit that detects predetermined actions, a control unit that generates a detection signal based on the detection result by the detection unit, and a server communication unit that transmits the detection signal along with the master unit's identification information to the server. The server comprises a communication unit that receives the detection signal transmitted from the master unit and the confirmation request from the notification terminal, and sets for each monitoring person the master unit's identification information, the last time the detection signal was received, the last time communication with the master unit, and the type of detection signal. The monitoring system is characterized by comprising: a storage unit that stores a predetermined time and the notification destination information of the monitor; an abnormality determination unit that identifies the object to be determined according to the identification information of the master unit, refers to the last reception time stored in the storage unit, calculates the elapsed time between the current time and the last reception time, compares the calculated elapsed time with the predetermined time stored in the storage unit, and determines that an abnormality has occurred if detection has not occurred within the predetermined time; and a notification unit that, based on the result of the abnormality determination unit's determination of an abnormality, notifies the notification destination terminal of the monitor, and, in response to a confirmation request from the notification destination terminal of the monitor, notifies the last detection time of the detection signal and / or the last communication time with the master unit.

[0052] Therefore, it can be applied to monitoring systems that support elderly people living alone and other individuals being monitored by quietly watching over them and accompanying them in their daily lives, without actually monitoring them. In particular, by adding sub-units, monitoring can be implemented in multiple locations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 10: Persons under monitoring 20: Refrigerator 22: Door 30, 30A: Master Unit 32: Control Unit 34: Accelerometer 36: Server Communications Department 38: Sub-unit communication unit 40: Server 42: Communications Department 44: Storage part 46: Abnormality determination section 48: Notification Department 50: Watcher 60: Notification recipient device 62: Communication applications 70: Notification screen 72, 78~84: Message 74, 76: Menu button 80: Changing area 90: Sub-unit 92: Control Unit 94: Motion sensor 96: Master unit communication unit 100, 100A: Monitoring system

Claims

1. A monitoring system comprising a master unit installed on an object where the monitoring subject performs life-related actions, a server, and a notification terminal held by the monitor who is linked to the monitoring subject, The aforementioned master unit is A detection unit that detects a predetermined action, A control unit that generates a detection signal based on the detection result from the detection unit, A server communication unit transmits the detection signal along with the identification information of the master unit to the server. Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A communication unit that receives detection signals transmitted from the master unit and confirmation requests from the notification destination terminal, For each person being monitored, the storage unit stores the identification information of the master unit, the last time the detection signal was received, the last time the master unit was communicated with, a predetermined time set for each type of detection signal, and the notification destination information of the person being monitored. An abnormality determination unit identifies the target for determination according to the identification information of the master unit, refers to the last reception time stored in the storage unit, calculates the elapsed time between the current time and the last reception time, compares the calculated elapsed time with the predetermined time stored in the storage unit, and determines that an abnormality exists if detection has not occurred within the predetermined time. Based on the result of the abnormality determination unit's determination of an abnormality, a notification unit notifies the monitoring user's notification terminal and, in response to a confirmation request from the monitoring user's notification terminal, notifies the last detection time of the detection signal and / or the last communication time with the master unit. A monitoring system characterized by having the following features.

2. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the object is a refrigerator and the detection unit is an acceleration sensor that detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator door.

3. The master unit is equipped with a slave unit communication unit for communicating with the slave unit, and upon receiving a detection signal from the slave unit, it transmits the detection signal and the identification information of the slave unit to the server. The aforementioned slave unit is A detection unit that detects a predetermined state of the person being monitored, A control unit that generates a detection signal based on the detection result from the detection unit, A master unit communication unit transmits the detection signal along with the identification information of the slave unit to the master unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned server, The storage unit stores the identification information of the slave unit along with a predetermined time set according to the type of detection signal originating from the slave unit. The abnormality determination unit performs an abnormality determination by applying the predetermined time based on the type of detection signal originating from the slave unit. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

4. The monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection unit of the aforementioned sub-unit is a human presence sensor.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification recipient information includes account information in a communication application.

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