Monitoring device, monitoring system, monitoring method, and monitoring program

Abstract

To enable an observer to easily understand the cause of a movement of a monitored person.SOLUTION: A monitoring device receives sender device identification information and receiver device identification information that were output from a receiver device that receives a signal containing the sender device identification information that identifies the sender device output from the sender device of a monitored person, generates monitoring information related to the sender device identification information and the receiver device identification information, identifies the cause of a movement of the monitored person based on the monitoring information and the receiver device information including receiver device location information indicating a location where the receiver device was installed, and allows the output device to output information indicating the cause of the movement of the monitored person for whom the monitoring information was generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a monitoring device, a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a monitoring program. [Background technology]

[0002] In facilities used by many users, such as hospitals and nursing homes, users may wander around the facility due to illness or escape from the facility. Therefore, facility staff must constantly monitor the facility visually to prevent users from wandering around the facility due to illness or escaping from the facility. Here, a user being monitored by facility staff is called a monitored person. Also, a facility staff member monitoring a monitored person is called a monitor.

[0003] In response to this, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of having the person to be monitored carry a portable wireless communication device and monitor the person to be monitored. In this method, the person to be monitored carries a portable wireless communication device that transmits beacon ID information. In addition, a wireless receiver installed in a wireless LAN base station in a predetermined area that covers the safe area of ​​the person to be monitored and the other dangerous areas transmits the beacon ID information received from the portable wireless communication device and a detection signal including its own gate ID information to a server. Furthermore, if the installation location of the wireless receiver that transmitted the detection signal is within the dangerous area of ​​the person to be monitored, the server immediately notifies the contact information of the guardian of the person to be monitored of the installation location of the nearest wireless receiver and the time of reception of the wireless signal. This makes it possible for the monitor to detect the wandering or escape of the person to be monitored without visually monitoring the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-126967 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 only notifies the monitoring subject of the location of the wireless receiver nearest to the monitoring subject. Therefore, unless the monitoring subject checks the change in the location of the wireless receiver nearest to the monitoring subject, which is notified sequentially, the monitoring subject cannot grasp the cause of the monitoring subject's movement. Specifically, the monitoring subject cannot easily grasp whether the monitoring subject has wandered due to illness and entered someone else's room or gone outside the facility, or whether the monitoring subject has moved within the facility with the purpose of escaping from the facility and escaped outside the facility.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device, system, method, and program that enable a monitoring person to easily understand the reason why a monitored person has moved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a monitoring device includes a monitoring unit that receives the transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information identifying the receiving device output from a receiving device that receives a signal including transmitting device identification information identifying the transmitting device output from the transmitting device of the monitored person, and generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information, an identification unit that identifies the cause of the movement of the monitored person based on the receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed and the above-mentioned monitoring information, and an output unit that causes an output device to output information indicating the cause of the movement of the monitored person for which monitoring information was generated.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a monitoring method receives transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information identifying the receiving device output from a receiving device that receives a signal including transmitting device identification information identifying the transmitting device output from the transmitting device of the monitored person, generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information, identifies the cause of the movement of the monitored person based on the receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed and the above-mentioned monitoring information, and outputs information indicating the cause of the movement of the monitored person for whom monitoring information was generated to an output device.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, the monitoring program causes a computer to realize a monitoring function of receiving transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information identifying the receiving device output from a receiving device that receives a signal including transmitting device identification information identifying the transmitting device output from the transmitting device of the monitored person, and generating monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; an identification function of identifying the cause of the movement of the monitored person based on the receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed and the above-mentioned monitoring information; and an output function of outputting information indicating the cause of the movement of the monitored person for whom monitoring information was generated to an output device. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The monitoring device, system, method, and program of the present invention enable a monitoring person to easily understand the reason why a monitored person has moved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring information management table of a monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a receiving device management table of the monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an alarm information management table of the monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis result of an escape alarm of the monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a patient list according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an escapee list according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the monitoring system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the monitoring system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a monitoring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration according to each embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a monitoring device 1 of this embodiment. The monitoring device 1 of this embodiment includes a monitoring unit 11, an identifying unit 12, and an output unit 13. In Fig. 1, a storage unit 2 is connected to the monitoring device 1. The storage unit 2 may be a database connected to the monitoring device 1 via a network, a storage device of a computer device, a storage medium removable from the monitoring device 1, or a storage medium connected to an internal interface of the monitoring device 1.

[0014] The monitoring device 1 is connected to, for example, a receiving device (not shown, hereinafter simply referred to as the receiving device). The receiving device receives a signal output from a transmitting device (not shown, hereinafter simply referred to as the transmitting device) of the person being monitored, the transmitting device including transmitting device identification information for identifying the transmitting device. The transmitting device is, for example, possessed by the person being monitored. For example, the receiving device is installed in the room of the person being monitored or at the entrance / exit of the facility. The receiving device may be built into the monitoring device 1.

[0015] The monitoring unit 11 of the monitoring device 1 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information output from the receiving device and the receiving device identification information that identifies the receiving device. For example, the monitoring unit 11 receives the transmitting device identification information output from the receiving device and the receiving device identification information that identifies the receiving device. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 11 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information. The monitoring information includes, for example, information on the time when the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information are received. The monitoring information may include communication information indicating connection and disconnection of communication between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0016] The identification unit 12 identifies the reason why the monitored person moved based on the receiving device information and the above-mentioned monitoring information. The receiving device information may be stored in the storage unit 2 in association with the receiving device identification information. The receiving device information includes receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed.

[0017] The output unit 13 outputs information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for which monitoring information has been generated to an output device (not shown). For example, the output device is a speaker that outputs sound or a display device that displays images.

[0018] In this way, the monitoring device 1 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information output from the receiving device that receives a signal including the transmitting device identification information output from the transmitting device of the monitored person. The monitoring device 1 also identifies the cause of the movement of the monitored person based on the receiving device information including the receiving device position information and the monitoring information. Furthermore, the monitoring device 1 causes the output device to output information indicating the cause of the movement of the monitored person for which monitoring information has been generated. This makes it possible for the monitoring person to easily understand the cause of the movement of the monitored person.

[0019] Next, an example of the operation of the monitoring device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the monitoring device 1.

[0020] The receiving device receives a signal output from the transmitting device of the monitored person, the signal including transmitting device identification information for identifying the transmitting device.

[0021] The monitoring unit 11 receives the transmitting device identification information output from the receiving device and the receiving device identification information for identifying the receiving device. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 11 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information (step S101).

[0022] The identifying unit 12 identifies the reason why the monitored person has moved, based on the receiving device information including the receiving device position information and the monitoring information described above (step S102).

[0023] The output unit 13 causes the output device to output information indicating the cause of movement identified in step S102 for the monitoring target person for whom the monitoring information has been generated (step S103).

[0024] In this way, by using the receiving device information including the receiving device position information and the monitoring information, the monitoring person can easily grasp the reason why the monitored person has moved.

[0025] [Second embodiment] Next, a monitoring device 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described. The second embodiment differs from the monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment in that the monitoring device 5 notifies the monitor that the monitored person has moved when the monitoring device 5 receives the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information output from the receiving device 4, and in that the monitoring device 5 includes a storage unit 54.

[0026] First, a configuration example of a monitoring system of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 3. The system of this embodiment includes a transmitting device 3, a receiving device 4, a monitoring device 5, and an output device 6. The number of transmitting devices 3, receiving devices 4, and output devices 6 can each be one or two or more.

[0027] The transmitting device 3 is a device that periodically outputs a signal including transmitting device identification information that identifies the transmitting device 3. For example, the transmitting device 3 is possessed by the person being monitored. Here, a user of the facility who is being monitored by the facility staff is called the person being monitored. Also, the staff of the facility monitoring the person being monitored is called the monitor. The transmitting device 3 of this embodiment is a wireless terminal that is capable of adjusting the strength of the signal it transmits and that connects to the receiving device 4 by wireless communication. Also, in this embodiment, the strength of the signal output by the transmitting device 3 is set by the monitor to a strength that prevents the receiving device 4 from connecting to the transmitting device 3 when the person being monitored leaves the room of the person being monitored.

[0028] The receiving device 4 receives a signal output from the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, the signal including transmitting device identification information for identifying the transmitting device 3. For example, the receiving device 4 is installed in the room of the person being monitored or at the entrance / exit of a facility. The monitor can install the receiving device 4 in any location. The receiving device 4 may be built into the monitoring device 1.

[0029] Based on the signal received from the transmitting device 3, the receiving device 4 outputs transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3, receiving device identification information that identifies the receiving device 4, and communication information to the monitoring device 5. The communication information includes information indicating the status of communication between the transmitting device 3 and the receiving device 4. The communication information in this embodiment includes information indicating that the receiving device 4 has received a signal from the transmitting device 3, for example, information indicating a connection of communication, and information indicating that the receiving device 4 has not received a signal output from the transmitting device 3, for example, information indicating a disconnection of communication.

[0030] The receiving device 4 may output the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information to the monitoring device 5 based on the strength of the signal received from the transmitting device 3. Specifically, the receiving device 4 may output the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information to the monitoring device 5 when the strength of the signal received from the transmitting device 3 is equal to or greater than a first value, or when the strength of the signal received from the transmitting device 3 is equal to or less than a second value. The first and second values, which are the strength values ​​of the signal when the receiving device 4 outputs the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information to the monitoring device 5, may be adjustable by the monitor. The first and second values ​​may be the same or different. For example, the reception strength of the signal received by the receiving device 4 installed in a room from the transmitting device 3 carried by the monitored person who has left the room may be the strength value of the signal when the receiving device 4 outputs the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information to the monitoring device 5. The signal is not limited to a wired signal, and may be a wireless signal.

[0031] The monitoring device 5 generates monitoring information of the person to be monitored. The monitoring information in this embodiment includes transmitting device identification information, receiving device identification information, information on the time when the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information were received from the receiving device 4, and communication information. The monitoring device 5 identifies the cause of the movement of the person to be monitored based on the monitoring information and the receiving device information including the receiving device position information. The receiving device position information indicates the location where the receiving device 4 is installed.

[0032] The output device 6 outputs information indicating the cause of movement of the monitored person for which monitoring information has been generated. A terminal including a display, a speaker, and a small terminal that can be carried by the monitor corresponds to the output device 6. The output device 6 of this embodiment outputs images and sounds based on control information output by the output unit 53 of the monitoring device 5. For example, when the output device 6 is a display, the output device 6 displays an image including information indicating the cause of movement of the monitored person based on control information for outputting the information indicating the cause of movement received from the monitoring device 5.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the monitoring device 5 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. The monitoring device 5 is connected to a receiving device 4 installed in a room of a person to be monitored or at an entrance / exit of a facility. The monitoring device 5 includes a monitoring unit 51, an identifying unit 52, an output unit 53, and a storage unit 54.

[0034] The storage unit 54 stores a monitoring information management table, a receiving device management table, an alarm information management table, and a monitored person information management table (not shown) (hereinafter simply referred to as a monitored person information management table) as multiple data sets. The information stored in the storage unit 54 is read by the monitoring unit 51 and the identification unit 52. The monitoring information management table is information included in the monitoring information. The monitoring information also includes part of the information in the receiving device management table.

[0035] The storage unit 54 in this embodiment is a storage medium connected to the internal interface of the monitoring device 5. The storage unit 54 may be a database connected to the monitoring device 5 via a network, a storage device of a computer device, or a storage medium removable from the monitoring device 5.

[0036] The monitoring information management table is stored in the storage unit 54 for each receiving device 4. The monitoring information management table also includes transmitting device identification information, communication information, and information on the time when the monitoring unit 51 received the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information from the receiving device 4. The transmitting device identification information, communication information, and time information are associated with the receiving device identification information of the receiving device 4.

[0037] An example of the monitoring information management table of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. In this example, when the monitoring device 5 receives a signal from the receiving device 4 that has communicated with two transmitting devices 3 with transmitting device identification information CT1 and CT2, the monitoring unit 51 of the monitoring device 5 stores the information contained in the monitoring information in the monitoring information management table. In addition, the communication information "connected" in Fig. 4 indicates that the receiving device 4 has received a signal from the transmitting device 3. In addition, the communication information "disconnected" in Fig. 4 indicates that the receiving device 4 has not received the signal output from the transmitting device 3.

[0038] The receiving device management table includes receiving device information. The receiving device information includes receiving device location information. The receiving device management table of this embodiment includes receiving device identification information and receiving device location information. The receiving device location information is information indicating the location where the receiving device 4 is installed. Specifically, it is information indicating the entrance / exit of the room or facility where the receiving device 4 is installed, or the stairs.

[0039] An example of the receiving device management table of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. In this example, the receiving device location information of the receiving device 4 with receiving device identification information RT1 installed in room 101 and the receiving device 4 with receiving device identification information RT2 installed in the entrance on the first floor is stored in the receiving device management table.

[0040] The alarm information management table includes the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table, the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table, the time period when the alarm information was generated, the number of times the alarm information was generated, and the alarm information. The alarm information is information indicating that the transmitting device 3 of the person to be monitored is connected to a receiving device 4 other than the receiving device 4 installed in the room of the person to be monitored. The alarm information will be described later.

[0041] An example of an alarm information management table of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 6. In this example, for each combination of transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information (CT1 and RT1, CT1 and RT2, CT2 and RT1), the time period when the alarm information was generated, the number of times the alarm information was generated, and the alarm information are stored. Note that in Fig. 6, "-" for alarm information indicates that no alarm information is stored.

[0042] The monitoring target information management table includes the transmission device identification information, the monitoring target identification information for identifying the monitoring target associated with the transmission device identification information, and information indicating the room to which the monitoring target is assigned. The monitoring target identification information in this embodiment is information indicating the name of the monitoring target.

[0043] The monitoring unit 51 receives the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information output from the receiving device 4. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 51 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information. The monitoring information in this embodiment includes the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, information on the time when the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information were received from the receiving device 4, and the communication information. The monitoring unit 51 stores the transmitting device identification information, the time information, and the communication information included in the monitoring information in a monitoring information management table (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 54 for each receiving device 4 based on the receiving device identification information. That is, the monitoring information management table is stored for each receiving device 4. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 51 outputs the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information to the output unit 53. Note that the monitoring unit 51 may output the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information to the output unit 53.

[0044] The identifying unit 52 reads out from the monitoring information management table a record in which the time when the monitoring unit 51 received the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information from the receiving device 4 is included in a predetermined time period. The identifying unit 52 also generates alarm information for each combination of the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table and the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table. The alarm information is information indicating that the transmitting device 3 of the monitored person is connected to a receiving device 4 other than the receiving device 4 installed in the monitoring person's room. The alarm information also includes a disease progression alarm indicating that the monitored person has wandered around the facility and an escape alarm indicating that the monitored person has approached the entrance / exit of the facility. The identifying unit 52 also stores information on the time period when the alarm information was generated, the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table, the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table, information on the number of times the alarm information was generated, and the alarm information in the alarm information management table (FIG. 6).

[0045] Specifically, the identifying unit 52 identifies the location where the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed based on the receiving device information. Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 refers to the monitoring information management table and the receiving device management table in the storage unit 54, and when the receiving device location information of the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is location information indicating the room of the person being monitored, the identifying unit 52 operates as follows. The identifying unit 52 identifies the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room where the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed, based on the monitoring subject information management table. Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 compares the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room where the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed, with the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table (the transmitting device identification information of the person being monitored for whom the monitoring information is generated).

[0046] Furthermore, when the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the monitored person assigned to the room in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed does not match the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table, the identifying unit 52 generates a disease progression alarm. In this case, it means that the monitored person for whom the monitoring information was generated has entered the room of another monitored person, or the monitored person for whom the monitoring information was generated has moved out of the room of another monitored person.

[0047] Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 may generate a disease progression alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device 4 in the receiving device identification information associated with the monitoring information management table is location information indicating a predetermined location. For example, the predetermined location is a location set by the monitor as a dangerous location where the monitored person should not enter.

[0048] Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 may generate a disease progression alarm for a transmitting device 3 that is not connected to any receiving device 4 included in the monitoring system for a predetermined period of time based on the monitoring information management table. Note that, when the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the monitored person assigned to the room in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed matches the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table, the identifying unit 52 does not generate alarm information.

[0049] Furthermore, when the receiving device location information of the receiving device 4 in the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is location information indicating an entrance / exit of the facility, the identifying unit 52 generates an escape alarm. In this case, it means that the monitored person for whom the monitoring information was generated has approached an entrance / exit through which the person can escape from the facility. The disease progression alarm and escape alarm generated as described above are stored in the alarm information management table shown in FIG. 6.

[0050] Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 identifies the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject. Specifically, the identifying unit 52 reads out, from the alarm information management table, a record including alarm information of the transmission device identification information related to the monitoring subject for which the cause of the movement is identified for each time period in which the alarm information was generated. When a record including an escape alarm is read out, the identifying unit 52 identifies the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject for which the monitoring information was generated as being for the purpose of escape. When a record including a disease progression alarm or a record including an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm is read out, the identifying unit 52 identifies the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject for which the monitoring information was generated as wandering due to illness. Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 outputs to the output unit 53 information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject was identified, the transmission device identification information, and information indicating the cause (information corresponding to the escape alarm or disease progression alarm).

[0051] The identifying unit 52 also reads out records for a predetermined period from the alarm information management table. The identifying unit 52 may read out records for a longer period than the period for identifying the cause of the movement of the monitored person. Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 analyzes the change in the number of times at least one of an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm was generated for the monitored person for whom monitoring information was generated. The identifying unit 52 generates information indicating an increase or decrease based on the change in the number of times at least one of an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm was generated. The identifying unit 52 outputs the transmitting device identification information and the information indicating the increase or decrease to the output unit 53.

[0052] Specifically, the identification unit 52 performs a regression analysis, and analyzes the change in the number of times at least one of an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm is generated based on the slope of the linear regression equation obtained by the regression analysis. When the slope of the linear regression equation obtained by the regression analysis is a positive value, the identification unit 52 analyzes that the number of times alarm information is generated shows a tendency to increase. When the slope of the linear regression equation obtained by the regression analysis is a negative value, the identification unit 52 analyzes that the number of times alarm information is generated shows a tendency to decrease. In this embodiment, the identification unit 52 analyzes the change in the number of times an escape alarm is generated and the change in the number of times a disease progression alarm is generated.

[0053] FIG. 7 is an example of a case where the identification unit 52 performs regression analysis on an escape alarm. The solid line indicates the number of times an escape alarm was generated per day from April 1st to April 7th. The dashed line is the analysis result obtained by analyzing the number of times an escape alarm was generated from April 1st to April 7th using a linear regression equation. In the example of FIG. 7, the slope of the linear regression equation obtained by the regression analysis is a positive value. In this case, the number of times an escape alarm was generated shows a tendency to increase. The identification unit 52 also performs analysis on a disease progression alarm in the same manner as the escape alarm.

[0054] The specification unit 52 may analyze the escape alarm and the disease progression alarm using any method. For example, the specification unit 52 may perform a regression analysis using a curve regression equation.

[0055] The output unit 53 receives the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information included in the monitoring information from the monitoring unit 51. Here, the monitoring unit 51 stores the transmitting device identification information, time information, and communication information included in the monitoring information in a monitoring information management table based on the receiving device identification information. Furthermore, the output unit 53 detects that the monitored person has moved from the transmitting device identification information and the receiving information identification information received from the monitoring unit 51, generates control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved, and outputs it to the output device 6. For example, the control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved is control information for causing the output device 6 to output an image or sound. The output unit 53 may cause the output device 6 to output an alert sound. Furthermore, the output unit 53 may cause the output device 6 to output the name of the monitored person of the transmitting device 3 associated with the transmitting device identification information and the location of the receiving device 4 associated with the receiving device identification information based on the monitored person information management table and the receiving device management table stored in the storage unit 54. Furthermore, the output unit 53 may receive the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information from the monitoring unit 51. The output unit 53 may cause the output device 6 to output communication information of the receiving device 4 related to the receiving device identification information and the transmitting device 3 related to the transmitting device identification information, based on the communication information.

[0056] Furthermore, the output unit 53 causes the output device 6 to output information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for whom the monitoring information has been generated.

[0057] Specifically, the output unit 53 receives information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified, the transmitting device identification information, and information indicating the cause from the identification unit 52. The output unit 53 also receives the transmitting device identification information and information indicating the increase or decrease from the identification unit 52. Furthermore, the output unit 53 associates the information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified, the information indicating the cause, and the information indicating the increase or decrease based on the transmitting device identification information. Furthermore, the output unit 53 identifies the name of the monitored person associated with the transmitting device identification information based on the monitored person information management table stored in the storage unit 54.

[0058] Furthermore, the output unit 53 determines whether to assign the monitoring target associated with the transmission device identification information to the sick person list or the escapee list based on the information indicating the cause. Furthermore, the output unit 53 outputs control information for outputting information indicating the cause of the movement to the output device 6. The output unit 53 of this embodiment outputs control information for displaying an image including information on the sick person list and the escapee list to the output device 6. Furthermore, the output unit 53 may output control information according to the format of information output by the output device 6 to the output device 6. For example, the output unit 53 may output control information for displaying an image including information on the sick person list and the escapee list to the output device 6 equipped with a display unit.

[0059] The sick person list is a list of monitoring subjects whose movement has been identified as caused by wandering due to illness. The sick person list also includes the names of the monitoring subjects assigned to the sick person list, disease condition trends which are information showing an increase or decrease, and wandering time information which indicates the time period during which the cause of the monitoring subject's movement was identified. The disease condition trends in this embodiment are information showing an increase or decrease in disease progression alarms.

[0060] FIG. 8 is an example of a sick person list. Persons A through C are assigned to the sick person list, and their respective illness trends and wandering times are shown. A condition trend of "increase" indicates that the number of times a disease progression alarm is generated for a monitored person about whom monitoring information has been generated is showing an increase. A condition trend of "decrease" indicates that the number of times a disease progression alarm is generated for a monitored person about whom monitoring information has been generated is showing a decrease.

[0061] The escaper list is a list of monitored persons whose movement has been identified as being due to the purpose of escape. The escaper list includes the names of monitored persons assigned to the escaper list, escape tendencies which are information showing an increase or decrease, and escape time information which indicates the time period during which the movement of the monitored persons was identified. In this embodiment, the escape tendencies are information showing an increase or decrease in escape alarms.

[0062] Figure 9 is an example of an escaper list. Persons A through C are assigned to the escaper list, and their escape tendencies and escape times are shown. An "increase" escape tendency indicates that there is a tendency for the number of escape alarms to be generated to increase for a monitored person about whom monitoring information has been generated. A "decrease" escape tendency indicates that there is a tendency for the number of escape alarms to be generated to decrease for a monitored person about whom monitoring information has been generated.

[0063] The output unit 53 may include all time periods in which wandering occurred in the wandering time information in the patient list. The output unit 53 may also include all time periods in which escapes occurred in the escape time information in the escaper list. The medical condition trend may be information indicating an increase or decrease in alarm information which has been generated more frequently, either escape alarms or medical condition progression alarms. The escape trend may be information indicating an increase or decrease in alarm information which has been generated more frequently, either escape alarms or medical condition progression alarms.

[0064] In addition, the monitoring device 5 may be provided with a function for registering the working hours of the monitor, and at the end of the monitor's working hours, the output unit 53 may output to the output device 6 information indicating the reason for movement of the monitored person for whom monitoring information was generated during the working hours.

[0065] In this way, the monitoring device 5 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information output from the receiving device 4 which receives a signal including the transmitting device identification information output from the transmitting device 3 of the monitored person. The monitoring device 5 also identifies the cause of the movement of the monitored person based on the receiving device information including the receiving device position information and the monitoring information. Furthermore, the monitoring device 5 causes the output device 6 to output information indicating the cause of the movement of the monitored person for which monitoring information has been generated. This makes it possible for the monitoring person to easily understand the cause of the movement of the monitored person.

[0066] Next, an example of the operation of the monitoring system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] Fig. 10 shows an example of operation in which the receiving device 4 receives a signal from the transmitting device 3, and the monitoring device 5 outputs to the output device 6 control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved. Fig. 11 shows an example of operation in which the monitoring device 5 creates alarm information and causes the output device 6 to output information indicating the cause of the monitored person for whom the monitoring information was created. Figs. 12 and 13 show examples of operation of the monitoring device 5.

[0068] First, using Figure 10, we will explain the operation of the receiving device 4 receiving a signal from the transmitting device 3 and the monitoring device 5 outputting control information to the output device 6 to notify the monitoring person that the monitored person has moved.

[0069] The originating device 3 periodically outputs a signal including originating device identification information for identifying the originating device 3 .

[0070] The receiving device 4 receives a signal including the transmitting device identification information output from the transmitting device 3 of the person to be monitored (step S201).

[0071] Furthermore, the receiving device 4 outputs the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information to the monitoring device 5 based on the signal received from the transmitting device 3 (step S202). The communication information in this embodiment includes information indicating that the receiving device 4 has received a signal from the transmitting device 3, or information indicating that the receiving device 4 has not received the signal output from the transmitting device 3.

[0072] The monitoring unit 51 of the monitoring device 5 receives the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information output from the receiving device 4. The monitoring unit 51 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information (step S203). The monitoring information in this embodiment includes the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, information on the time when the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information were received from the receiving device 4, and the communication information. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 51 stores the transmitting device identification information, the time information, and the communication information included in the monitoring information in a monitoring information management table (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 54 for each receiving device 4 based on the receiving device identification information. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 51 outputs the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information to the output unit 53. Note that the monitoring unit 51 may output the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information to the output unit 53.

[0073] The output unit 53 receives the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information included in the monitoring information from the monitoring unit 51. Furthermore, the output unit 53 detects that the monitored person has moved from the transmitting device identification information and the receiving information identification information received from the monitoring unit 51, and generates control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved. The output unit 53 outputs the control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved to the output device 6 (step S204).

[0074] The output device 6 outputs images and sounds based on the control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved (step S205).

[0075] Next, an operation in which the monitoring device 5 creates alarm information and outputs information indicating the cause of movement of the monitored person for whom the monitoring information was created to the output device 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, it is assumed that the identifying unit 52 analyzes changes in the number of times at least one of an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm is generated.

[0076] The identifying unit 52 of the monitoring device 5 reads from the monitoring information management table a record in which the time when the monitoring unit 51 received the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information from the receiving device 4 is included in a predetermined time period. In addition, the identifying unit 52 generates alarm information for each combination of the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table and the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table (step S301).

[0077] The identifying unit 52 of this embodiment generates alarm information based on settings made by the person to be monitored. Note that the identifying unit 52 may generate alarm information for monitoring information for which alarm information has not been generated if a predetermined time has passed since the previous alarm information was generated.

[0078] In addition, the identification unit 52 stores information on the time period when the alarm information was generated, the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table, the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table, information on the number of times the alarm information was generated, and the alarm information in the alarm information management table (Figure 6).

[0079] The identifying unit 52 identifies the cause of the movement of the monitored person (step S302). Specifically, the identifying unit 52 reads out, from the alarm information management table, a record including alarm information of the transmission device identification information related to the monitored person for which the cause of the movement is identified for each time period in which the alarm information was generated. The identifying unit 52 also identifies the cause of the movement of the monitored person based on the alarm information. The identifying unit 52 also outputs to the output unit 53 the information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified, the transmission device identification information, and information indicating the cause (information corresponding to an escape alarm or a disease progression alarm).

[0080] Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 reads out records for a predetermined period from the alarm information management table. The identifying unit 52 also analyzes changes in the number of times at least one of an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm is generated. The identifying unit 52 generates information indicating an increase or decrease based on the change in the number of times at least one of an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm is generated (step S303). The identifying unit 52 outputs the transmission device identification information and the information indicating the increase or decrease to the output unit 53.

[0081] The output unit 53 receives information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified, the transmission device identification information, and information indicating the cause from the identification unit 52. The output unit 53 also receives the transmission device identification information and information indicating the increase or decrease from the identification unit 52. Furthermore, the output unit 53 associates the information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified, the information indicating the cause, and the information indicating the increase or decrease based on the transmission device identification information. Furthermore, the output unit 53 identifies the name of the monitored person associated with the transmission device identification information based on the monitored person information management table stored in the storage unit 54.

[0082] Furthermore, the output unit 53 outputs to the output device 6 control information for outputting information indicating the cause of movement identified in step S302 for the monitoring target person for whom monitoring information has been generated (step S304). The output unit 53 of this embodiment outputs to the output device 6 control information for displaying an image including information on the sick person list and escapee list.

[0083] The output device 6 displays an image including information on the sick person list and the escapee person list (step S305). For example, the output device 6 in this embodiment displays an image of the sick person list shown in FIG. 8 and the escapee person list shown in FIG. 9.

[0084] Next, an example of the operation of the monitoring device 5 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG.

[0085] Fig. 12 shows an example of an operation in which the monitoring device 5 outputs control information for notifying the monitoring person that the monitored person has moved to the output device 6. Fig. 13 shows an example of an operation in which the monitoring device 5 creates alarm information and causes the output device 6 to output information indicating the cause of the monitored person for which the monitoring information has been generated.

[0086] First, the operation of the monitoring device 5 outputting control information to the output device 6 for notifying the monitoring person that the monitored person has moved will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The operation in Fig. 12 details the operations in steps S203 and S204 in Fig. 10.

[0087] The monitoring unit 51 of the monitoring device 5 receives the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information output from the receiving device 4. The monitoring unit 51 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information (step S401). The monitoring information in this embodiment includes the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, information on the time when the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information are received from the receiving device 4, and the communication information. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 51 stores the transmitting device identification information, the time information, and the communication information included in the monitoring information in a monitoring information management table (FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 54 for each receiving device 4 based on the receiving device identification information (step S402). Furthermore, the monitoring unit 51 outputs the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information to the output unit 53.

[0088] An example will be described in which a transmitting device 3 with transmitting device identification information CT2 is connected to a receiving device 4 with receiving device identification information RT1. When the monitoring unit 51 of the monitoring device 5 receives the transmitting device identification information (CT2), receiving device identification information (RT1), and communication information (connection) from the receiving device 4 at 23:30, the record in the fifth row of Fig. 4 is stored in the monitoring information management table related to the receiving device identification information RT1.

[0089] The output unit 53 receives the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information included in the monitoring information from the monitoring unit 51. Furthermore, the output unit 53 detects that the monitored person has moved from the transmitting device identification information and the receiving information identification information received from the monitoring unit 51, and generates control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved. The output unit 53 outputs the control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved to the output device 6 (step S403).

[0090] Next, an example of an operation in which the monitoring device 5 creates alarm information and outputs information indicating the cause of the monitoring target for which the monitoring information has been created to the output device 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The operation in Fig. 13 details the operations from step S301 to step S304 in Fig. 11.

[0091] Here, an example will be described in which alarm information for the time period from 18:00 to 24:00 (night) is generated from the monitoring information management table of Fig. 4 related to the receiving device 4 with the receiving device identification information RT1. Also, assume that the transmitting device identification information is CT1 for the transmitting device 3 of the person to be monitored, which is assigned to the room (room 101) in which the receiving device 4 with the receiving device identification information RT1 is installed.

[0092] The identification unit 52 reads out from the monitoring information management table records (lines 3 to 5 in Figure 4) in which the time when the monitoring unit 51 received the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information from the receiving device 4 is included in a specified time period (from 18:00 to 24:00) (step S501).

[0093] The identifying unit 52 generates alarm information for each combination of the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table and the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table (step S502).

[0094] The identifying unit 52 operates in the following three ways when generating alarm information. (1) The identifying unit 52 does not generate alarm information. (2) The identification unit 52 generates an escape alarm. (3) The identification unit 52 generates a disease progression alarm.

[0095] Here, the operations common to (1) to (3) will be explained, and then the operations specific to each case will be explained.

[0096] First, the operations common to (1) to (3) will be described.

[0097] The identifying unit 52 identifies the location where the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed, based on the receiving device information including the receiving device location information.

[0098] Next, a description will be given of an operation specific to the case where (1) the identifying unit 52 does not generate alarm information. Here, a description will be given of an example where the identifying unit 52 reads out the record in the third row of FIG. 4 from the monitoring information management table.

[0099] The identifying unit 52 refers to the monitoring information management table and the receiving device management table in the storage unit 54, and when the receiving device location information of the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is location information indicating the room of the person being monitored, the identifying unit 52 operates as follows. The identifying unit 52 identifies the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed, based on the monitoring subject information management table. Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 compares the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed, with the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table (the transmitting device identification information of the person being monitored for whom the monitoring information was generated). In the case of (1), the transmitting device identification information CT1 of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room (Room 101) in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information RT1 related to the monitoring information management table is installed, matches the transmitting device identification information CT1 stored in the monitoring information management table. In this case, the identifying unit 52 does not generate alarm information.

[0100] Next, (2) an operation specific to the case where the identification unit 52 generates an escape alarm will be described.

[0101] In the case of (2), the receiving device location information of the receiving device 4 in the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is location information indicating the entrance / exit of the facility. In the case of (2), the identifying unit 52 generates an escape alarm.

[0102] Finally, (3) a specific operation when the identifying unit 52 generates a disease progression alarm will be described. Here, a case where the identifying unit 52 reads out the record in the fifth row of Fig. 4 from the monitoring information management table will be described as an example.

[0103] The identifying unit 52 refers to the monitoring information management table and the receiving device management table in the storage unit 54, and when the receiving device location information of the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is location information indicating the room of the person being monitored, the identifying unit 52 operates as follows. The identifying unit 52 identifies the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed, based on the monitoring subject information management table. Furthermore, the identifying unit 52 compares the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table is installed, with the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table. In the case of (3), the transmitting device identification information CT1 of the transmitting device 3 of the person being monitored, which is assigned to the room (room 101) in which the receiving device 4 of the receiving device identification information RT1 related to the monitoring information management table is installed, does not match the transmitting device identification information CT2 stored in the monitoring information management table. In this case, the identifying unit 52 generates a disease progression alarm.

[0104] Furthermore, the identification unit 52 stores information on the time period when the alarm information was generated, the transmitting device identification information stored in the monitoring information management table, the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information management table, information on the number of times the alarm information was generated, and the alarm information in the alarm information management table (Figure 6).

[0105] The identifying unit 52 identifies the reason why the monitored person moved (step S503).

[0106] Specifically, the identifying unit 52 reads out from the alarm information management table, for each time period during which the alarm information was generated, a record including alarm information of the transmitter identification information related to the monitored person for which the cause of movement is to be identified. When a record including an escape alarm is read out, the identifying unit 52 identifies the cause of movement of the monitored person for which the monitoring information was generated as being for the purpose of escape. When a record including a disease progression alarm or a record including an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm is read out, the identifying unit 52 identifies the cause of movement of the monitored person for which the monitoring information was generated as being wandering due to illness.

[0107] Furthermore, the identification unit 52 outputs to the output unit 53 information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified, the transmitting device identification information, and information indicating the cause (information corresponding to an escape alarm or a disease progression alarm).

[0108] The identifying unit 52 also reads out records for a predetermined period from the alarm information management table. The identifying unit 52 generates information indicating an increase or decrease in the number of times at least one of an escape alarm and a disease progression alarm has been generated for the monitored person for whom monitoring information has been generated (step S504). The identifying unit 52 of this embodiment analyzes the change in the number of times an escape alarm has been generated and the change in the number of times a disease progression alarm has been generated. The identifying unit 52 outputs the transmitting device identification information and information indicating the increase or decrease to the output unit 53.

[0109] The output unit 53 receives information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified, the transmission device identification information, and information indicating the cause from the identification unit 52. The output unit 53 also receives the transmission device identification information and information indicating the increase or decrease from the identification unit 52.

[0110] Furthermore, the output unit 53 associates information on the time period in which the cause of the movement of the monitored person was identified with information indicating the cause and information indicating the increase or decrease based on the transmission device identification information. Also, the output unit 53 identifies the name of the monitored person associated with the transmission device identification information based on the monitoring person information management table stored in the storage unit 54.

[0111] Furthermore, the output unit 53 outputs to the output device 6 control information for outputting information indicating the cause of movement identified in step S503 for the monitoring target person for which monitoring information has been generated (step S505). The output unit 53 of this embodiment outputs to the output device 6 control information for displaying an image including information on the sick person list and escapee list.

[0112] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device 5 generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information output from the receiving device 4 that receives a signal including the transmitting device identification information output from the transmitting device 3 of the monitored person. The monitoring device 5 also identifies the cause of the movement of the monitored person based on the receiving device information including the receiving device position information and the monitoring information. Furthermore, the monitoring device 5 causes the output device 6 to output information indicating the cause of the movement of the monitored person for which the monitoring information has been generated. This makes it possible for the monitoring person to easily understand the cause of the movement of the monitored person.

[0113] Furthermore, when the monitoring device 5 receives the transmitting device identification information, receiving device identification information, and communication information output from the receiving device 4, it outputs to the output device 6 control information for notifying the monitor that the monitored person has moved. This allows the monitor to know the movement of the monitored person without having to visually monitor the facility. In this way, the burden on the monitor is reduced, making it possible to monitor the monitored person even when the number of monitors is small.

[0114] Furthermore, when the monitoring device 5 receives the transmitting device identification information, the receiving device identification information, and the communication information output from the receiving device 4, it outputs to the output device 6 control information for notifying the monitoring person that the monitoring subject has moved. In this case, for the monitoring subject for whom the monitoring information has been generated, the monitoring device 5 causes the output device 6 to output the position of the receiving device 4 related to the receiving device identification information based on the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information output from the receiving device 4. Based on the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information output from the receiving device 4, the monitoring device 5 can identify the position of the monitoring subject with higher accuracy than a global positioning system (GPS) which has a large error in position information.

[0115] Furthermore, when the monitoring device 5 receives the transmission device identification information, the reception device identification information, and the communication information output from the reception device 4, the monitoring device 5 outputs to the output device 6 control information for notifying the monitoring person that the monitoring target has moved. In this case, for the monitoring target about which the monitoring information is generated, the monitoring device 5 causes the output device 6 to output the name of the monitoring target of the transmission device 3 associated with the transmission device identification information and the location of the reception device 4 associated with the monitoring information. Furthermore, the monitoring device 5 causes the output device 6 to output communication information of the reception device 4 associated with the reception device identification information and the transmission device 3 associated with the transmission device identification information based on the communication information. In this way, when the communication information output by the output device 6 indicates a connection, the monitoring person can know that the monitoring target is in the vicinity of the location where the reception device 4 associated with the reception device identification information is installed. Furthermore, when the communication information output by the output device 6 indicates a disconnection, the monitoring person can know that the monitoring target has left the location where the reception device 4 associated with the reception device identification information is installed. In this way, the monitoring person can easily know the location of the monitoring target about which the monitoring information is generated.

[0116] The monitoring device 5 also displays on the output device 6 a list of sick people and a list of escapees, including the names of the monitored people, information showing an increase or decrease, and information on the time period when the cause of the monitored people's movement was identified. This allows the monitor to easily identify the monitored people and time periods that require attention. It also reduces the effort required by the monitor to record the wandering or escape of the monitored people. It also reduces the possibility that the monitor will make an incorrect record when recording the wandering or escape of the monitored people.

[0117] The monitoring device 5 also reads out records for a specified period from the alarm information management table, and analyzes changes in the number of times at least one of escape alarms and disease progression alarms for the monitored person is generated. Furthermore, the monitoring device 5 causes the output device 6 to display an image including information on the sick person list and escapee list, including information showing increases and decreases. This allows the monitor to easily grasp long-term changes in the behavior of the monitored person.

[0118] [Hardware configuration example] An example of the configuration of hardware resources for implementing the monitoring device (1, 5) in each of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention using one information processing device (computer) will be described. The monitoring device may be implemented physically or functionally using at least two information processing devices. The monitoring device may also be implemented as a dedicated device. Only some of the functions of the monitoring device may also be implemented using an information processing device.

[0119] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of implementing the monitoring device of each embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 7 includes a communication interface 71, an input / output interface 72, a computing device 73, a storage device 74, a non-volatile storage device 75, and a drive device 76.

[0120] 3 can be realized by a calculation device 73. Moreover, the monitoring unit 51 can be realized by using a communication interface 71. Moreover, the storage unit 54 can be realized by using a storage device 74 or a non-volatile storage device 75.

[0121] The communication interface 71 is a communication means for the monitoring device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device via wired and / or wireless communication. When the monitoring device is realized using at least two information processing devices, the devices may be connected to each other via the communication interface 71 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0122] The input / output interface 72 is a man-machine interface including a keyboard as an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

[0123] The arithmetic device 73 is realized by an arithmetic processing device such as a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, and a plurality of electric circuits. The arithmetic device 73 can, for example, read various programs stored in a non-volatile storage device 75 into the storage device 74 and execute processing according to the read programs.

[0124] The storage device 74 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be referenced by the arithmetic device 73, and stores programs, various data, etc. The storage device 74 may be a volatile memory device.

[0125] The non-volatile storage device 75 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and is capable of storing various programs, data, and the like.

[0126] The drive device 76 is, for example, a device that processes reading and writing of data from and to a recording medium 77, which will be described later.

[0127] Recording medium 77 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor flash memory.

[0128] Each embodiment of the present invention may be realized, for example, by configuring a monitoring device using an information processing device 7 as illustrated in FIG. 14 and supplying a program capable of realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments to this monitoring device.

[0129] In this case, the embodiment can be realized by executing the program supplied to the monitoring device by the arithmetic device 73. Also, it is possible to configure some, but not all, of the functions of the monitoring device in the information processing device 7.

[0130] Furthermore, the above program may be recorded in a recording medium 77, and may be appropriately stored in the non-volatile storage device 75 at the shipping stage or operation stage of the monitoring device. In this case, the method of supplying the above program may be a method of installing the program in the monitoring device using an appropriate tool at the manufacturing stage before shipping or at the operation stage. The method of supplying the above program may also be a general method such as downloading the program from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0131] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0132] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0133] (Appendix 1) a monitoring unit that receives a signal including transmitting device identification information output from a transmitting device of a person to be monitored and identifying the transmitting device, the transmitting device identification information being output from a receiving device, and receiving device identification information identifying the receiving device, and generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; An identification unit that identifies a cause of movement of the monitoring target person based on receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating a location where the receiving device is installed and the monitoring information described above; an output unit that outputs, to an output device, information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information has been generated; A monitoring device comprising:

[0134] (Appendix 2) The output unit further causes the output device to output, when the monitoring information is generated, information notifying that the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information is generated has moved. 2. A monitoring device as described in claim 1.

[0135] (Appendix 3) The identification unit generates a disease progression alarm when the transmitting device identification information related to the monitoring information does not match the transmitting device identification information of the monitoring subject assigned to the room in which the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is installed, and identifies the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject to be wandering due to illness based on the disease progression alarm. 3. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2,

[0136] (Appendix 4) The identification unit generates an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifies, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape. 3. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2,

[0137] (Appendix 5) The identification unit generates an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifies, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape. 4. The monitoring device according to claim 3.

[0138] (Appendix 6) The output unit further causes the output device to output information indicating an increase or decrease in the movement of the monitoring target person based on a change in the number of times at least one of the disease progression alarm and the escape alarm is generated during a predetermined period. 6. The monitoring device according to claim 5,

[0139] (Appendix 7) The output unit further causes the output device to output a time period during which the monitoring target person moved based on a time when the receiving device identification information was received. 7. A monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

[0140] (Appendix 8) A transmitter device of the person being monitored; the transmitting device outputs a signal including transmitting device identification information for identifying the transmitting device; A receiving device for receiving the signal; the receiving device outputs the transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information for identifying the receiving device; A monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A surveillance system comprising:

[0141] (Appendix 9) When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the receiving device outputs the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; The condition is at least one of a case where the intensity of the signal is equal to or greater than a first value or a case where the intensity of the signal is equal to or less than a second value. 9. The monitoring system of claim 8.

[0142] (Appendix 10) receiving a signal including a transmitting device identification information for identifying a transmitting device output from a transmitting device of a person to be monitored, and receiving device identification information for identifying the receiving device output from the transmitting device of the person to be monitored; and generating monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; Identifying the cause of the movement of the monitoring target person based on the receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed and the monitoring information described above; outputting, to an output device, information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information was generated; Monitoring method.

[0143] (Appendix 11) When the monitoring information is generated, information notifying that the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information is generated has moved is further output to the output device. 11. The monitoring method according to claim 10,

[0144] (Appendix 12) generating a disease progression alarm when the transmitting device identification information related to the monitoring information does not match the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device of the monitoring subject assigned to the room in which the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is installed, and identifying the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject as wandering due to illness based on the disease progression alarm; 12. The monitoring method according to claim 10 or 11,

[0145] (Appendix 13) generating an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifying, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape; 12. The monitoring method according to claim 10 or 11,

[0146] (Appendix 14) generating an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifying, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape; 13. The monitoring method according to claim 12,

[0147] (Appendix 15) and further outputting information indicating an increase or decrease in the movement of the monitored person to the output device based on a change in the number of times at least one of the disease progression alarm and the escape alarm is generated during a predetermined period. 15. The monitoring method according to claim 14,

[0148] (Appendix 16) Based on the time when the receiving device identification information was received, the output device is further caused to output the time period during which the monitoring target person moved. 16. The monitoring method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

[0149] (Appendix 17) On the computer, a monitoring function for receiving a signal including transmitting device identification information output from a transmitting device of a person to be monitored and identifying the transmitting device, the receiving device identification information being output from a receiving device, and receiving the transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information identifying the receiving device, and generating monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; A function of identifying the cause of the movement of the monitoring target person based on the receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed and the monitoring information described above; an output function for outputting, to an output device, information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information was generated; A monitoring program that achieves this.

[0150] (Appendix 18) The output function further causes the output device to output, when the monitoring information is generated, information informing the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information is generated that the monitoring target person has moved. 18. The monitoring program according to claim 17,

[0151] (Appendix 19) The identification function generates a disease progression alarm when the transmitting device identification information related to the monitoring information does not match the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device of the monitoring subject assigned to the room in which the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is installed, and identifies the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject as wandering due to illness based on the disease progression alarm. 19. The monitoring program according to claim 17 or 18,

[0152] (Appendix 20) The identification function generates an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifies, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape. 19. The monitoring program according to claim 17 or 18,

[0153] (Appendix 21) The identification function generates an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifies, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape. 20. The monitoring program according to claim 19,

[0154] (Appendix 22) The output function further causes the output device to output information indicating an increase or decrease in the movement of the monitored person based on a change in the number of times at least one of the disease progression alarm and the escape alarm is generated during a predetermined period. 22. The monitoring program according to claim 21 .

[0155] (Appendix 23) The output function further causes the output device to output a time period during which the monitoring target person moved based on a time when the receiving device identification information was received. 23. The monitoring program according to any one of claims 17 to 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1, 5 Monitoring device 11, 51 Monitoring Department 12, 52 Specific part 13, 53 Output section 2, 54 storage section 3. Transmitting device 4. Receiving device 6 Output Devices 7. Information processing equipment 71 Communication Interface 72 Input / Output Interface 73 Arithmetic unit 74 Storage device 75 Non-volatile storage devices 76 Drive device 77 Recording media

Claims

1. a monitoring unit that receives a signal including transmitting device identification information output from a transmitting device of a person to be monitored and identifying the transmitting device, the transmitting device identification information being output from a receiving device, and receiving device identification information identifying the receiving device, and generates monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; An identification unit that identifies a cause of movement of the monitoring target person based on receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating a location where the receiving device is installed and the monitoring information described above; an output unit that outputs, to an output device, information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information has been generated; Equipped with The identification unit is If the transmitting device identification information related to the monitoring information does not match the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device of the monitoring subject assigned to the room in which the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is installed, a disease progression alarm is generated, and based on the disease progression alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject is identified as wandering due to illness; generating an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifying, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape; The output unit is A monitoring device characterized in that the output device is further caused to output information indicating an increase or decrease in the movement of the monitored person based on a change in the number of times at least one of the disease progression alarms and the escape alarms is generated during a specified period.

2. The output unit further causes the output device to output, when the monitoring information is generated, information notifying that the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information is generated has moved.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1.

3. The output unit further causes the output device to output a time period during which the monitoring target person moved based on a time when the receiving device identification information was received.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A transmitter device of the person being monitored; the transmitting device outputs a signal including transmitting device identification information for identifying the transmitting device; A receiving device for receiving the signal; the receiving device outputs the transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information for identifying the receiving device; A monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A surveillance system comprising:

5. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the receiving device outputs the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; The condition is at least one of a case where the intensity of the signal is equal to or greater than a first value or a case where the intensity of the signal is equal to or less than a second value.

5. The monitoring system according to claim 4.

6. receiving a signal including a transmitting device identification information for identifying a transmitting device output from a transmitting device of a person to be monitored, and receiving device identification information for identifying the receiving device output from the transmitting device of the person to be monitored; and generating monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; Identifying the cause of the movement of the monitoring target person based on the receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed and the monitoring information described above; outputting, to an output device, information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information was generated; In the above specification, If the transmitting device identification information related to the monitoring information does not match the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device of the monitoring subject assigned to the room in which the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is installed, a disease progression alarm is generated, and based on the disease progression alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject is identified as wandering due to illness; generating an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifying, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape; In the output, A monitoring method characterized by further outputting information indicating an increase or decrease in the movement of the monitored person to the output device based on a change in the number of times at least one of the disease progression alarms and the escape alarms is generated during a specified period.

7. On the computer, a monitoring function for receiving a signal including transmitting device identification information output from a transmitting device of a person to be monitored and identifying the transmitting device, the receiving device identification information being output from a receiving device, and receiving the transmitting device identification information and receiving device identification information identifying the receiving device, and generating monitoring information related to the transmitting device identification information and the receiving device identification information; A function of identifying the cause of the movement of the monitoring target person based on the receiving device information including receiving device location information indicating the location where the receiving device is installed and the monitoring information described above; an output function of outputting information indicating the cause of movement of the monitoring target person for which the monitoring information was generated to an output device; The specific function is If the transmitting device identification information related to the monitoring information does not match the transmitting device identification information of the transmitting device of the monitoring subject assigned to the room in which the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is installed, a disease progression alarm is generated, and based on the disease progression alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitoring subject is identified as wandering due to illness; generating an escape alarm when the receiving device location information of the receiving device indicated by the receiving device identification information related to the monitoring information is location information indicating an entrance / exit of a facility, and identifying, based on the escape alarm, the cause of the movement of the monitored person as being for the purpose of escape; The output function is A monitoring program characterized by further outputting to the output device information indicating an increase or decrease in the movement of the monitored person based on a change in the number of times at least one of the disease progression alarms and the escape alarms is generated during a specified period.

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