Nursing care product proposal support system, nursing care product proposal support method and program

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of assisting in the provision of nursing care equipment installed in a target space. A nursing care equipment provision assistance system (10) is provided with a selection unit (11), a control unit (12), and an adjustment unit (13). The selection unit (11) selects, as provided equipment and from among a plurality of pieces of nursing care equipment, nursing care equipment to be installed in the target space. The control unit (12) displays an object (Im2), corresponding to the provided equipment, on a display unit (22) so as to be superimposed on an image of the target space as captured by an image capturing unit (21). The adjustment unit (13) adjusts the size, orientation, and / or location of the object (Im2) displayed on the display unit (22).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a care product proposal support system, a care product proposal support method, and a program, and more specifically, to a care product proposal support system, a care product proposal support method, and a program that propose care products to be installed in a target space. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a temporary handrail that is installed in a target space with a small step, such as an entrance approach. In this temporary handrail, a first support post is installed on a first base plate installed on the lower side of the step, and a second support post is installed on a second base plate installed on the upper side of the step. A first handrail mounting part is attached to the upper end of the first support post via a first hinge, and a second handrail mounting part is attached to the upper end of the second support post via a second hinge. The first handrail is spanned between the first handrail mounting part and the second handrail mounting part.

[0003] For users who use nursing care products that are installed in a target space, such as the temporary handrails described above, it is difficult to imagine how the nursing care product will feel when used until the nursing care product is actually installed in the target space. Therefore, it is difficult to propose this type of nursing care product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-118016 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide a care product proposal support system, a care product proposal support method, and a program capable of supporting the proposal of care products to be installed in a target space.

[0006] A nursing care product suggestion support system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a selection unit, a control unit, and an adjustment unit. The selection unit selects nursing care products to be installed in a target space as suggested products from among a plurality of nursing care products. The control unit adds the following to an image of the target space captured by the imaging unit: An object corresponding to the suggested product is displayed on the display unit in an overlapping manner. The adjustment unit adjusts at least one of a size, a direction, and a position of the object to be displayed on the display unit. When a predetermined operation is performed on the object, related information of the suggested product corresponding to the object is displayed on the display unit. The related information is an assembly video or a maintenance video.

[0007] A method for supporting proposal of nursing care products according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a selection process, a control process, and an adjustment process. In the selection process, a nursing care product to be installed in a target space is selected as a suggested product from among a plurality of nursing care products. In the control process, an object corresponding to the suggested product is superimposed on an image of the target space captured by an imaging unit and displayed on a display unit. In the adjustment process, at least one of a size, an orientation, and a position of the object to be displayed on the display unit is adjusted. By performing a predetermined operation on the object, related information of the suggested product corresponding to the object is displayed on the display unit. The related information is an assembly video or a maintenance video.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the nursing care product suggestion support method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a care product suggestion support system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2A is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of the relationship between a user of a care product, a care product, and a target space, using the above-mentioned care product suggestion support system. Fig. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic diagram of the fact that the above-mentioned care product suggestion support system can be used to consistently support everything from suggesting care products to maintaining them. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a situation in which nursing care products proposed using the nursing care product proposal support system are installed in a target space. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of the nursing care product suggestion support system of the embodiment, and Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation of a client terminal in the nursing care product suggestion support system of the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5A to 5D are schematic diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit of the client terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the nursing care product suggestion support system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of a selection process in the nursing care product suggestion support system. [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of the care product suggestion support system according to embodiment 2. Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram showing an example of operation of a client terminal in the care product suggestion support system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Embodiment 1) (1) Overview An overview of a care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] The nursing care product proposal support system 10 is used to propose nursing care products B1 (see FIG. 3) to be installed in a target space A1 (see FIG. 3). An example of this type of nursing care product B1 is a temporary handrail installed in the target space A1 that has a step such as an entrance approach. For this type of nursing care product B1, it is difficult for a user C1 (see FIG. 2A) who uses the nursing care product B1 to imagine the feeling of using the nursing care product B1 until the nursing care product B1 is actually installed in the target space A1. For example, when the nursing care product B1 is actually installed in the target space A1, the user C1 may feel dissatisfied because the size of the nursing care product B1 is larger or smaller than expected, the color of the nursing care product B1 does not match the target space A1, or there is a feeling of oppression.

[0012] Therefore, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 of this embodiment supports the proposal of nursing care product B1 by making it easier for users C1, etc. to imagine the feel of using the nursing care product B1, even if the nursing care product B1 is not actually installed in the target space A1.

[0013] That is, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment includes a selection unit 11, a control unit 12, and an adjustment unit 13. The selection unit 11 selects a nursing care product B1 installed in the target space A1 as a suggested product from among a plurality of nursing care products B1. The control unit 12 causes the display unit 22 to display an object Im2 (see FIG. 4B) corresponding to the suggested product superimposed on an image Im1 (see FIG. 4B) of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21. The adjustment unit 13 adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22.

[0014] According to this configuration, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 can simulate a situation where the nursing care product B1 is installed in the target space A1 on the screen displayed on the display unit 22. That is, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 realizes a so-called augmented reality (AR) display by displaying an object Im2 corresponding to the nursing care product B1 superimposed on the image Im1 of the target space A1. This makes it easier for the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 to imagine a situation where the nursing care product B1 is actually installed in the target space A1 from the image. Moreover, the impression and usability of the nursing care product B1 installed in the target space A1 change significantly depending on its size, orientation, position, etc., and at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 displayed on the display unit 22 is adjusted by the adjustment unit 13. Therefore, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 corresponding to the nursing care product B1 (suggested product) is adjusted to match the image Im1 of the target space A1, so that a screen close to a situation where the nursing care product B1 is actually installed in the target space A1 can be reproduced. Therefore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 can make it easier for the user C1 to imagine the usage of the nursing care product B1 without actually installing the nursing care product B1 in the target space A1. As a result, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has the advantage of being able to support the suggestion of the nursing care product B1 to be installed in the target space A1.

[0015] (2) Definition The nursing care product proposal support system 10 can be used, for example, for selling or renting nursing care product B1, remodeling or designing a facility (including a building), or evaluating or marketing the nursing care product B1. For example, by using the nursing care product proposal support system 10 when selling or renting the nursing care product B1, a user C1 of the nursing care product B1 can easily imagine the feeling of use when the nursing care product B1 is installed. As an example, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the nursing care product proposal support system 10 is used in the sales or rental of the nursing care product B1.

[0016] The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 is used by, for example, a company that sells or rents the nursing care product B1, a user C1 that uses the nursing care product B1, a construction company that installs the nursing care product B1, or a caregiver who cares for the user C1. That is, the user U1 (see FIG. 4A) of the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 includes a company that sells or rents the nursing care product B1, a user C1 that uses the nursing care product B1, a construction company that installs the nursing care product B1, a welfare equipment specialist consultant, and a caregiver who cares for the user C1. For example, for a person engaged in sales of a company that sells or rents the nursing care product B1 (a so-called "sales staff"), using the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 makes it easier to explain the feeling of use when the nursing care product B1 is installed to the user C1 of the nursing care product B1. As an example, in this embodiment, it is assumed that a person engaged in sales of a company that sells or rents the nursing care product B1 (sales staff) is the user U1 of the nursing care product suggestion support system 10.

[0017] The "user" of the nursing care product B1 in this disclosure may be a "person requiring support" or a "person requiring care" in the field of nursing care, or may be someone other than a "person requiring support" or a "person requiring care". Similarly, the "caregiver" in this disclosure means a person who cares for the user C1 of the nursing care product B1, and includes, for example, the family of the user C1, a care manager, a staff member of a community comprehensive support center, a nurse, a pharmacist, a life counselor, a helper, a welfare officer, and a neighborhood association volunteer. The user C1 and the caregiver may each refer to one person in a group of two or more people, or two or more people (including all people) in a group. In this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the user C1 is an elderly person whose motor function has decreased due to aging.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the "target space" refers to a space in the real space where the nursing care product B1 is installed, and may include both outdoor and indoor spaces. For example, if the nursing care product B1 is a "handrail", the target space A1 is an outdoor space such as a porch at the entrance of a facility, or an indoor space such as a corridor in the facility. Also, if the nursing care product B1 is a bathtub stand or a shower chair, the target space A1 is the bathroom of the facility. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the nursing care product B1 is installed in a housing facility consisting of a detached house, and therefore the target space A1 is a part of the housing facility.

[0019] In the present disclosure, the term "care product" refers to an item used for providing some kind of care to the user C1, and is a concept that includes welfare equipment. Examples of the care product B1 include handrails, care beds, portable toilets, bathtub stands, and shower chairs. In addition, the care product B1 also includes tools that are intended for mobility, such as wheelchairs and walkers. These care products B1 are basically installed for the purpose of use by the user C1 who requires care, but even items that are used by able-bodied people who do not require care, such as handrails, can be included in the care product B1. In this embodiment, as an example, the care product B1 proposed using the care product proposal support system 10 is a "temporary handrail" as shown in FIG. 3.

[0020] In the present disclosure, "installation" means placing an object at a certain location, and may include both installation involving construction to fix an object at a fixed location and installation simply arranging an object without construction to fix the object. That is, the nursing care product B1 is installed in the target space A1 by being placed in the target space A1. Here, the nursing care product B1 may be fixed at a specific position in the target space A1, for example, by embedding or construction using fasteners such as bolts, or may be placed in a movable manner. Furthermore, nursing care products B1 that are intended to be moved, such as wheelchairs and walkers, are installed in a movable manner rather than at a specific position. In this embodiment, the nursing care product B1 is a "temporary handrail", so the nursing care product B1 is installed in the target space A1 by being placed at a specific position in the target space A1 without construction to fix the object.

[0021] The "object" in the present disclosure is a virtual model that is made up of data that can be processed by one or more processors and that imitates a nursing care product B1. In other words, the object Im2 is a virtual model defined in such a virtual space, and does not actually exist in a real space (actual space), and does not have a substance. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of objects Im2 are associated with a plurality of nursing care products B1. Of these plurality of objects Im2, the object Im2 corresponding to the nursing care product B1 selected as the suggested product, that is, the object Im2 corresponding to the suggested product, is displayed on the display unit 22 by the control unit 12. As an example in this embodiment, the object Im2 is made up of a three-dimensional (3D) model having dimensions in three directions, vertical, horizontal, and depth. In the case of the object Im2 made up of such a stereoscopic three-dimensional model, the orientation of the object Im2 can be changed when it is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0022] (3) Composition Hereinafter, the configuration of the care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0023] 1, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment is realized, for example, by a client-server type computer system including a host system 1 and a client terminal 2. This computer system constitutes the nursing care product suggestion support system 10.

[0024] That is, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment includes a host system 1 and a client terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 1. As described above, this nursing care product suggestion support system 10 includes a selection unit 11, a control unit 12, and an adjustment unit 13. In this embodiment, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 also includes an imaging unit 21 and a display unit 22 as components. In this embodiment, the selection unit 11, the control unit 12, and the adjustment unit 13 are provided in the host system 1. The imaging unit 21 and the display unit 22 are provided in the client terminal 2.

[0025] The host system 1 and the client terminal 2 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. In this disclosure, "able to communicate" means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via the network NT1 or a repeater, etc., by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication. In other words, the host system 1 can exchange information with the client terminal 2.

[0026] In the example of Fig. 1, the care product suggestion support system 10 includes one client terminal 2. The client terminal 2 is connected to a higher-level system 1 via a network NT1 such as the Internet. The number of client terminals 2 is not limited to one, and may be, for example, two or more (multiple). In other words, in the client-server type care product suggestion support system 10, multiple client terminals 2 can be connected to one higher-level system 1.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to a selection unit 11, a control unit 12, and an adjustment unit 13, the upper system 1 further includes an input unit 14, an extraction unit 15, an environmental information acquisition unit 16, a user information acquisition unit 17, a communication unit 18, and a data storage unit 19.

[0028] In this embodiment, as an example, the upper system 1 mainly comprises a computer system (including a server or cloud computing) having one or more processors and one or more memories. The one or more processors execute a program recorded in one or more memories to realize functions such as the selection unit 11, the control unit 12, the adjustment unit 13, the input unit 14, the extraction unit 15, the environmental information acquisition unit 16, and the user information acquisition unit 17. The program may be recorded in the memory in advance, or may be recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or may be provided through an electric communication line. In other words, the program is a program for causing the one or more processors to function as the selection unit 11, the control unit 12, the adjustment unit 13, the input unit 14, the extraction unit 15, the environmental information acquisition unit 16, and the user information acquisition unit 17.

[0029] As described above, the selection unit 11 selects the nursing care product B1 to be installed in the target space A1 as a suggested product from among the multiple nursing care products B1. That is, the nursing care product B1 selected by the selection unit 11 from among the multiple nursing care products B1 becomes the "suggested product."

[0030] In this embodiment, the selection unit 11 selects, as a suggested product, a nursing care product suitable for installation in the target space A1 from among a plurality of nursing care products B1 based on the environmental information related to the target space A1. In other words, the suggested product can be automatically selected by the selection unit 11 based on the environmental information related to the target space A1.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the selection unit 11 selects, as a suggested product, a nursing care product B1 suitable for use by the user C1 from among a plurality of nursing care products B1, based on user information on the user C1 who uses the suggested product. In other words, the suggested product can be automatically selected by the selection unit 11 based on user information on the user C1 who uses the nursing care product B1 selected as the suggested product.

[0032] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the selection unit 11 automatically selects, as a suggested product, from among a plurality of nursing care products B1, a nursing care product B1 that is suitable for installation in the target space A1 and suitable for use by the user C1, based on both the environmental information and the user information. In other words, the selection unit 11 proposes, as a suggested product, a nursing care product B1 that is suitable for installation in the target space A1 and suitable for use by the user C1.

[0033] In particular, in the present embodiment, as an example, the selection unit 11 uses machine learning to select (suggest) the nursing care product B1 as the suggested product. That is, the selection unit 11 selects (suggests) the nursing care product B1 as the suggested product using a trained model generated by a machine learning algorithm using artificial intelligence (AI). The trained model here is a model that a computer system generates from learning data based on a learning program. The trained model is used for analyzing environmental information and user information, selecting suggested products, and the like.

[0034] As described above, the control unit 12 causes the display unit 22 to display the object Im2 corresponding to the suggested product superimposed on the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21. In this embodiment, since the imaging unit 21 and the display unit 22 are provided in the client terminal 2, the control unit 12 causes the display unit 22 of the client terminal 2 to display the object Im2 superimposed on the image Im1 captured by the imaging unit 21 of the client terminal 2.

[0035] As described above, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22. In this embodiment, since the display unit 22 is provided in the client terminal 2, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the client terminal 2. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 13 is configured to be able to adjust all of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22. That is, the adjustment unit 13 can adjust the size of the object Im2, adjust the orientation of the object Im2, and adjust the position of the object Im2.

[0036] The adjustment unit 13 also has a manual adjustment function. The manual adjustment function is a function for adjusting at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 based on an operation signal corresponding to an operation by a person (user U1 of the care product suggestion support system 10). In other words, according to the manual adjustment function of the adjustment unit 13, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 (all of them in this embodiment) can be manually adjusted according to the operation by a person.

[0037] Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 has an automatic adjustment function. The automatic adjustment function is a function for adjusting at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 based on environmental information related to the target space A1. In other words, according to the automatic adjustment function of the adjustment unit 13, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 (all of them in this embodiment) can be automatically adjusted based on environmental information related to the target space A1.

[0038] In particular, the automatic adjustment function adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 so as to imitate the appearance of the care product B1 corresponding to the object Im2 when it is placed in the target space A1. As a result, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 (all of them in this embodiment) can be automatically adjusted so as to imitate the appearance of the care product B1 corresponding to the object Im2 when it is placed in the target space A1.

[0039] The input unit 14 accepts input of various information and signals from outside the upper system 1. The input unit 14 accepts input of at least an operation signal from the client terminal 2. This allows the upper system 1 to indirectly accept operations (including voice operations, etc.) of a person (a user of the care product suggestion support system 10) at the client terminal 2.

[0040] The extraction unit 15 automatically extracts various information from the image captured by the imaging unit 21. As an example, the extraction unit 15 extracts automatically extracted information included in the environmental information from the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21.

[0041] The environmental information acquisition unit 16 acquires environmental information. Here, the environmental information acquisition unit 16 acquires the environmental information from the input unit 14 and the extraction unit 15. The environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 16 is used by the selection unit 11 and the adjustment unit 13. That is, the selection unit 11 selects, as a suggested product, a nursing care product suitable for installation in the target space A1 from among a plurality of nursing care products B1, based on the environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 16. The adjustment unit 13 adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 by an automatic adjustment function, based on the environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 16.

[0042] The user information acquisition unit 17 acquires user information. Here, the user information acquisition unit 17 acquires the user information from the input unit 14 and the extraction unit 15. The user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 17 is used by the selection unit 11. That is, based on the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 17, the selection unit 11 selects, from among a plurality of care products B1, a care product B1 suitable for use by the user C1 as a suggested product.

[0043] The communication unit 18 has a function of communicating with the client terminal 2. In this embodiment, the communication unit 18 is connected to the network NT1 and communicates with the client terminal 2 via the network NT1. Here, the communication unit 18 communicates with the client terminal 2 in both directions.

[0044] The data storage unit 19 stores (stores) a plurality of objects Im2, environmental information, user information, etc. The data storage unit 19 further stores information necessary for calculations in the input unit 14, extraction unit 15, environmental information acquisition unit 16, user information acquisition unit 17, etc., in addition to the selection unit 11, control unit 12, and adjustment unit 13. The data storage unit 19 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0045] The multiple objects Im2 stored in the data storage unit 19 include multiple objects Im2 that correspond one-to-one to multiple nursing care products B1 that are a population when the selection unit 11 selects a suggested product. In other words, all objects Im2 corresponding to at least the nursing care products B1 that can be selected as suggested products by the selection unit 11 are stored in the data storage unit 19. As described above, in this embodiment, as an example, the nursing care product B1 is a "temporary handrail." Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, objects Im2 corresponding to various types of "temporary handrails," such as a "single handrail" with a handrail on only one side, a "double handrail" with handrails on both sides, a standard type, a long type, etc., are stored in the data storage unit 19.

[0046] Furthermore, the data storage unit 19 stores back data including product information on the nursing care product B1, photo data of examples of introduction of the nursing care product B1, etc. The product information includes installation conditions indicating the size and shape of the space required to install the nursing care product B1, etc. The product information also includes physical information of the user C1 suitable for use of the nursing care product B1 (such as the level of nursing care required). The product information also includes information such as the product number, price, name, type, use, dimensions, weight, material, and attributes of the nursing care product B1, links to sites introducing or explaining the nursing care product B1, and image data (including photos and videos). The image data includes, for example, data indicating the operation of the nursing care product B1.

[0047] The operation of each part of the upper system 1 will be explained in detail in the section “(5) Operation.”

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the client terminal 2 includes an image capturing unit 21, a display unit 22, and an operation unit 23.

[0049] The client terminal 2 mainly comprises a computer system including one or more processors and one or more memories. The client terminal 2 is realized by, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or a wearable terminal. This type of client terminal 2 functions as the client terminal 2 in the care product suggestion support system 10 by, for example, installing a dedicated application program and starting the application program. In this embodiment, as an example, the client terminal 2 is a smartphone.

[0050] The client terminal 2 is connected to the network NT1 to perform two-way communication with the higher-level system 1 via the network NT1. If the client terminal 2 is a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone, it is connected to the network NT1 via a router or the like by wireless communication using radio waves as a medium. Furthermore, this type of client terminal 2 can be connected to the network NT1 even outdoors via, for example, a mobile phone network (carrier network) provided by a telecommunications carrier or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The connection method between the client terminal 2 and the network NT1 is not limited to a specific method, and may be, for example, any of a wired method, a wireless method, and a combination of a wired method and a wireless method.

[0051] The imaging unit 21 has an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging unit 21 converts an image formed on a light receiving surface into an electrical signal and outputs the signal. The imaging unit 21 is provided with a light projecting unit (light) so that imaging can be performed even in a dark place.

[0052] The display unit 22 is realized by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0053] The operation unit 23 accepts operations by the user U1. When the user U1 operates the operation unit 23, an electrical signal (operation signal) corresponding to this operation is generated, and the operation signal is transmitted to the higher-level system 1. By operating the operation unit 23, the user U1 can perform, for example, a "selection input" for selecting one option from a plurality of options, and a "character input" for inputting character string data (text data), etc.

[0054] That is, the client terminal 2 has a function as a display unit 22 that presents (outputs) information to the user U1, and a function as an operation unit 23 that accepts operations of the user U1. As a result, the client terminal 2 functions as a user interface.

[0055] In this embodiment, the display unit 22 is disposed on the front side of the client terminal 2 which is a smartphone, and the imaging unit 21 is disposed on the rear side of the client terminal 2. In short, in the client terminal 2, the display unit 22 and the imaging unit 21 are disposed so as to face in opposite directions from each other in the front and rear.

[0056] In this embodiment, the client terminal 2 has a touch panel display that serves as both the display unit 22 and the operation unit 23. Therefore, the operation unit 23 is integrated with the display unit 22.

[0057] However, the client terminal 2 is not limited to a touch panel display, and may have an operation unit 23 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, or a mechanical switch. The operation unit 23 may also accept operations by the user U1, for example, by voice input. In this disclosure, "voice input" refers to converting the voice uttered by the user U1 into an electrical signal by a microphone, and extracting character string data (text data) from the voice by performing voice recognition on the electrical signal (voice signal). The client terminal 2 may also present information to the user U1 by voice output or the like, instead of or in addition to displaying.

[0058] In this embodiment, the client terminal 2 is equipped with a function of a web browser, and displays, for example, a screen such as the presentation screen D1 (see FIG. 4B) delivered from the higher-level system 1 on the display unit 22. That is, in this embodiment, the presentation screen D1 and the like displayed on the display unit 22 are screens generated by the higher-level system 1.

[0059] (4) Function Next, the functions of the care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0060] 2A is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a relationship between a user C1 of a nursing care product B1, the nursing care product B1, and a target space A1, using the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment. That is, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment basically has a function related to the relationship between a user C1 of the nursing care product B1, the nursing care product B1, and the target space A1.

[0061] As functions related to the relationship between the user C1 and the care product B1, the care product suggestion support system 10 has the following functions.

[0062] First, product information on the nursing care product B1 is associated with user information on the user C1. Specifically, when user information is input to the selection unit 11, the nursing care product B1 corresponding to this user information is selected as a suggested product. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to allow the user C1 to view back data (photo data of introduction examples of the nursing care product B1, links or image data to sites introducing or explaining the nursing care product B1, etc.) stored in the data storage unit 19 through the client terminal 2.

[0063] Here, the user information includes physical information related to the physical condition of the user C1. In this embodiment, the user information includes not only physical information but also information such as the age, sex, ability to walk, use of a wheelchair or a cane, family composition, hobbies and preferences of the user C1. Furthermore, the user information also includes mental information related to the mental state of the user C1, such as the motivation and intention of the user C1 for exercise such as walking. According to such user information, it is possible to identify the nursing care product B1 suitable for use by the user C1 by comparing it with the product information.

[0064] In particular, the physical information includes information regarding at least one of the factors, the degree, and the body parts for which user C1 needs nursing care. The "factors for which user C1 needs nursing care" referred to here include, for example, the presence or absence of illness (i.e., the illness from which user C1 suffers) or disability, the type of illness or disability (name of illness), and physical weakness other than illness, such as old age. In other words, the user information includes, for example, the presence or absence of illness or disability, and, if there is an illness or disability, the type of illness or disability. In addition, the "degree to which user C1 needs nursing care" includes, for example, an indicator indicating the degree of nursing care user C1 needs in his / her daily life, such as "level of nursing care required."

[0065] Here, the "factors and degree of the user C1 needing care" include, for example, the presence or absence of cognitive decline (including dementia), and if cognitive decline, the degree of the decline. Furthermore, the "factors and degree of the user C1 needing care" include actions that the user C1 can or cannot perform alone, and actions that the user C1 can or cannot perform with the assistance of a caregiver. The "actions" here include, for example, actions that the user C1 can perform in daily life, such as going up and down stairs, getting up, and taking a bath. Furthermore, the "body part for which the user C1 needs care" includes, for example, the right half of the body, the right leg, the right arm, or the lower body, or other parts of the body where the user C1 has a disease (affected part). Therefore, according to the user information including such physical information, it is possible to specify the care product B1 suitable for use by the user C1 according to the disease, disability, degree of care required, and affected part of the user C1.

[0066] In this embodiment, the physical information includes not only information regarding the cause, degree, and body part of the user C1 needing care, but also, for example, information such as the user C1's body type, height, weight, leg length, arm length, and range of joint motion. Furthermore, the user information may include information regarding the residence of the user C1. In this case, it is possible to take statistics on the user C1 by region, for example, based on the information regarding the residence. Furthermore, the user information may include information such as the user C1's living arrangement (owner / rental, whether or not he / she lives with cohabitants, etc.), occupation (whether or not he / she is employed, etc.), daily rhythm, problems (concerns), and desired lifestyle (things he / she wants to improve).

[0067] As functions related to the relationship between the nursing care product B1 and the target space A1, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has the following functions.

[0068] First, product information on the nursing care product B1 is associated with environmental information on the target space A1. Specifically, when environmental information is input to the selection unit 11, the nursing care product B1 corresponding to this environmental information is selected as a suggested product. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to allow the user C1 to view the back data (image data showing the operation of the nursing care product B1 when installed in the target space A1, etc.) stored in the data storage unit 19 through the client terminal 2.

[0069] Here, the environmental information includes dimensional information on the dimensions of the target space A1. The selection unit 11 evaluates whether the proposed product can be installed in the target space A1 based on the dimensional information. That is, the nursing care product B1 proposed by the selection unit 11 as a proposed product has installation conditions including the size and shape of the space required for installation. According to the dimensional information included in the environmental information, for example, the height, width, area, and volume of the step (including stairs) in the structure existing in the target space A1 can be specified. Therefore, by comparing the dimensional information with the installation conditions included in the product information, the possibility of installation for each nursing care product B1 can be evaluated. The evaluation of the possibility of installation includes detailed analysis such as whether it can be installed or not, and whether it can be installed but processing is required, or whether it can be installed but the movement line of the user C1 will be narrowed.

[0070] For example, a care product B1 that is intended to be moved, such as a wheelchair or a walker, is not installed in a specific location but is installed in a movable manner. Therefore, for this type of care product B1, the size and shape of the space required for installation in the installation conditions also include the size and shape of the path (i.e., the traffic line) required for the movement of the care product B1. In other words, for a care product B1 that is intended to be moved, the selection unit 11, when evaluating whether or not it can be installed in the target space A1, also evaluates whether or not a path required for the movement of the care product B1 can be secured based on the dimensional information.

[0071] More specifically, in the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment, the extractor 15 extracts automatically extracted information included in the environmental information from the data of the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imager 21. The automatically extracted information extracted by the extractor 15 includes dimensional information and the like. That is, from the data of the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imager 21, it is possible to extract dimensional information such as the height, width, area, and volume of a step (including stairs) in a structure existing in the target space A1. In other words, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment has a function of "automatic dimension measurement" that automatically measures the dimensions of each part of the target space A1 from the data of the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imager 21.

[0072] Furthermore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment has a function of suggesting an alternative product when the nursing care product B1 as the suggested product is evaluated as being unable to be installed by comparing the above-mentioned dimension information with the installation conditions in the product information. That is, when the selection unit 11 evaluates that the suggested product cannot be installed in the target space A1, it selects an alternative product as the suggested product. The "alternative product" here is a nursing care product B1 that has some correlation with the nursing care product B1 evaluated as being unable to be installed, such as the same function, the same use, or the same price range as the nursing care product B1 evaluated as being unable to be installed. As an example, in the nursing care product B1 consisting of a "temporary handrail", a long type "temporary handrail" can be a substitute for a standard type "temporary handrail".

[0073] In this embodiment, the environmental information includes not only dimensional information but also, for example, attributes of the target space A1, the inclination (gradient) of the installation surface relative to the horizontal plane, brightness (illuminance), humidity, and temperature (air temperature). According to such environmental information, by checking against the product information, it is possible to identify the nursing care product B1 suitable for installation in the target space A1. The "attributes of the target space A1" here refers to information that mainly indicates what kind of place the target space A1 is, and its purpose, for example, an entrance approach, a corridor, stairs, a toilet, a washroom, or a bathroom.

[0074] Incidentally, the environmental information includes manually input information that is set by an operation signal corresponding to a person's operation. That is, in this embodiment, the environmental information acquisition unit 16 that acquires the environmental information acquires the environmental information from the input unit 14. The input unit 14 accepts input of various information and signals from outside the upper system 1, and accepts input of at least an operation signal from the client terminal 2. Therefore, at least a part of the environmental information (manually input information) is set by an operation signal corresponding to the operation of a person (user U1) on the client terminal 2.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the environmental information includes automatically extracted information extracted from the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21. That is, in this embodiment, the environmental information acquisition unit 16 that acquires the environmental information also acquires the environmental information from the extraction unit 15. The extraction unit 15 automatically extracts various information from the image captured by the imaging unit 21, and as an example, extracts automatically extracted information from the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21. Therefore, at least a part of the environmental information (automatically extracted information) is automatically extracted from the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21.

[0076] As functions related to the relationship between the user C1 and the target space A1, the care product suggestion support system 10 has the following functions.

[0077] First, photo data of an introduction example of the nursing care product B1 is associated with a combination of user information on the user C1 and environmental information on the target space A1. Specifically, by identifying the user information and environmental information, photo data of an introduction example under similar conditions is read from the data storage unit 19 and becomes viewable by the user C1 through the client terminal 2.

[0078] In addition, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 can virtually set the flow line of the user C1 in the target space A1, thereby making it possible to confirm whether or not the flow line of the user C1 can be secured in the target space A1. Here, when the user C1 uses a wheelchair, it is preferable to be able to confirm whether or not the flow line of the wheelchair can be secured in the target space A1.

[0079] In addition, examples of environmental improvement tailored to the illness of user C1 or characteristics of the illness are also stored in the data storage unit 19 in association with the user information on user C1, for example, as links to sites or image data. Therefore, when user information on user C1 is input, it is possible to have user C1 view data such as examples of environmental improvement or characteristics of the illness stored in the data storage unit 19 through the client terminal 2.

[0080] The relationship between the user C1, the nursing care product B1, and the target space A1 as described above has conventionally been adjusted through the intervention of a salesperson (sales staff) of a company that sells or rents the nursing care product B1. In contrast, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 according to this embodiment makes it easy to adjust the relationship between these three parties.

[0081] 2B is an explanatory diagram that shows that the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment can be used to consistently support the nursing care product B1 from suggestion to maintenance. In other words, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment can support not only the proposal phase of the nursing care product B1, but also each phase up to the subsequent maintenance phase of the nursing care product B1.

[0082] First, in the "proposal" phase, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 realizes the following support. The "proposal" phase here is a stage where a user U1, who is a sales staff of the nursing care product B1, proposes the nursing care product B1 to a user C1 or a caregiver who is considering introducing the nursing care product B1 (installing it in the target space A1).

[0083] That is, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 has a function of "selection support" that supports the selection of nursing care product B1 to be proposed as a proposal target from among a plurality of nursing care products B1. In the selection support, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 selects and proposes nursing care product B1 suitable for installation in the target space A1 as a proposed product, for example, based on environmental information on the target space A1. Furthermore, in the selection support, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 selects and proposes nursing care product B1 suitable for use by the user C1 as a proposed product, for example, based on user information on the user C1. When selecting the proposed product as described above, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 according to this embodiment uses a trained model to select (propose) the nursing care product B1 as the proposed product.

[0084] Furthermore, as a part of the "selection support" function, there is a function of "installation image" that presents an installation image of the nursing care product B1 installed on the client terminal 2 or the like. According to the function of "installation image", the nursing care product proposal support system 10 realizes so-called augmented reality (AR) display by displaying an object Im2 corresponding to the nursing care product B1 superimposed on an image Im1 (background image) of the target space A1. The augmented reality (AR) display here means a display mode in which an image or text is superimposed on the target space A1, which is a real space seen by the user U1, or the image Im1 of the target space A1. As a result, for example, in the client terminal 2 equipped with the display unit 22, it is possible to display the nursing care product B1 as if it were installed in the target space A1 by the augmented reality (AR) display. As a result, it becomes easier for the user U1 to allow the user C1 or the caregiver to imagine the actual usage of the nursing care product B1.

[0085] As a function used in the "proposal" phase, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 further has a "product introduction" function for introducing nursing care product B1. With the product introduction function, for example, in a client terminal 2 equipped with a display unit 22, after accessing the upper system 1, an introduction of nursing care product B1 can be implemented from a link to a site for introducing or explaining nursing care product B1. Furthermore, by playing image data (including photos and videos) stored in the data storage unit 19, for example, an introduction video of nursing care product B1 can be displayed on the client terminal 2.

[0086] In the next "sales" phase, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 realizes the following support. The "sales" phase here is the stage where a purchase and sale (transfer) contract for the nursing care product B1 is concluded between a vendor selling or renting the nursing care product B1 and the user C1 or a caregiver, etc.

[0087] That is, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 has a function of "selection reason output" that outputs the selection reason for the nursing care product B1 proposed as the proposed product in the "proposal" phase. In the selection reason output function, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 outputs, for example, the reason that led to the selection (selection) of the nursing care product B1 as the proposed product as the selection reason. The output form includes display on a display (display unit 22, etc.), audio output, printing, transmission to a communication terminal, etc. As an example, according to the selection reason output function, the selection reason is printed out as a selection reason document, thereby reducing the effort of filling out the selection reason document.

[0088] As a function used in the "sales" phase, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 further has a "nursing care insurance application" function that supports applications for nursing care insurance. The nursing care insurance application function allows an application for nursing care insurance to be made when purchasing nursing care product B1 proposed as a proposed product in the "proposal" phase. For example, the client terminal 2 can access the upper system 1 and obtain from the upper system 1 the information necessary for applying for nursing care insurance. Furthermore, as an example, the nursing care insurance application function supports the creation of nursing care insurance application documents necessary for applying for nursing care insurance, thereby reducing the effort required for creating the nursing care insurance application documents.

[0089] In the next "construction" phase, the care product proposal support system 10 realizes the following support: The "construction" phase here is a stage in which construction is performed to install the care product B1 in the target space A1.

[0090] That is, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 has an "instruction manual" function that outputs an instruction manual (including an installation manual) for the nursing care product B1 proposed as a proposed product in the "sales" phase. In the instruction manual function, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 outputs, for example, materials (data) relating to points to note when handling the nursing care product B1 as a proposed product as an instruction manual. The output form includes display on a display (display unit 22, etc.), audio output, printing, transmission to a communication terminal, etc. As an example, according to the instruction manual function, the instruction manual is displayed on the display unit 22 of the client terminal 2, thereby reducing the effort required for installation of the nursing care product B1.

[0091] Furthermore, as a function used in the "construction" phase, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 further has an "assembly video" function that guides the construction procedure. The assembly video function makes it possible to play a video showing the procedure for assembling the nursing care product B1 proposed as a proposed product in the "proposal" phase. For example, the client terminal 2 can access the upper system 1, obtain the assembly video from the upper system 1, and play it. This reduces the effort required for construction to install the nursing care product B1.

[0092] In the next phase of "maintenance", the care product suggestion support system 10 realizes the following support. The "maintenance" phase here is a stage in which the care product B1 after introduction is maintained.

[0093] That is, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 has a "service guide" function that outputs service information useful for the maintenance of the nursing care product B1 proposed as a proposed product in the "sales" phase. In the service guide function, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 outputs, for example, methods for caring for, cleaning, and adjusting the position (height, etc.) of the nursing care product B1 as a proposed product as service information. Output modes include display on a display (display unit 22, etc.), audio output, printing, and transmission to a communication terminal. As an example, according to the service guide function, the effort required for maintenance of the nursing care product B1 is reduced by displaying the service information on the display unit 22 of the client terminal 2.

[0094] Furthermore, as a function used in the "maintenance" phase, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 further has a "maintenance video" function that provides guidance on the maintenance procedures for the nursing care product B1. The maintenance video function makes it possible to play a video of the maintenance procedures for the nursing care product B1 proposed as a proposed product in the "proposal" phase. For example, the client terminal 2 can access the upper system 1, obtain the maintenance video from the upper system 1, and play it. This reduces the effort required for maintenance of the nursing care product B1.

[0095] Furthermore, as a function used in the "maintenance" phase, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 further has a "contact information presentation" function that presents contact information related to the maintenance of the nursing care product B1. The contact information presentation function makes it possible to present to the user C1 or a caregiver, etc., the contact information (including telephone number) of a customer service or the like that will perform maintenance on the nursing care product B1 proposed as a proposed product in the "proposal" phase. For example, the client terminal 2 can access the higher-level system 1, and then obtain and display the contact information of the customer service or the like from the higher-level system 1. This reduces the effort required for maintenance of the nursing care product B1.

[0096] In this way, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 according to this embodiment can provide consistent support not only in the proposal phase of the nursing care product B1, but also in the subsequent sales, installation, and maintenance phases. In other words, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 can provide support for sales, installation, and maintenance by using information (product information) about the nursing care product B1 proposed by the nursing care product proposal support system 10 as a proposed product in the "proposal" phase.

[0097] (5) Operation Next, the operation of the care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment, that is, the care product suggestion support method according to this embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0098] (5.1) Usage example Here, as shown in Fig. 3, the operation of the nursing care product proposal support system 10 in the "proposal" phase will be described using an example in which a "temporary handrail" is introduced as a nursing care product B1 into a target space A1. In the example of Fig. 3, the target space A1 includes an entrance porch A12 in front of an entrance door A11 in a facility A10 (residential facility), and the entrance porch A12 has three steps. That is, here, a situation is assumed in which a user U1, who is a sales staff member of the nursing care product B1, proposes a "temporary handrail" as a nursing care product B1 to a user C1 or a caregiver, etc., to be installed on an outdoor stepped entrance porch A12.

[0099] In this embodiment, a user U1 uses a client terminal 2 having a display unit 22 as a user interface to utilize the care product suggestion support system 10 and realize the care product suggestion support method. The client terminal 2 is used in a state connected to the upper system 1 by starting a dedicated application program. In other words, the care product suggestion support method according to this embodiment is used on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer system. That is, the care product suggestion support method is a method of displaying, for example, a presentation screen D1 as shown in FIG. 4B on a client terminal 2 mainly composed of a computer system. In this disclosure, a "screen" refers to an image (including images, text, graphs, icons, etc.) displayed on a display unit 22 of the client terminal 2 or the like.

[0100] In such a situation, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 supports the selection of the nursing care product B1 to be proposed as a proposal target from among the multiple nursing care products B1 by the above-mentioned "selection support" function as a basic operation. That is, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 selects the nursing care product B1 installed in the target space A1 as a suggested product from among the multiple nursing care products B1 by the selection unit 11. At this time, the selection unit 11 selects the nursing care product B1 as a suggested product based on the environmental information acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 16 and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 17. For example, the environmental information (manual input information) and the user information can be arbitrarily input according to the operation of the user U1 on the operation unit 23 of the client terminal 2. For example, the user information includes the physical information, age, sex, whether or not the user C1 can walk, whether or not the user uses a wheelchair or a cane, family structure, hobbies, preferences, and other information manually input by the user U1.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least the environmental information includes automatically extracted information that is automatically extracted by the extraction unit 15. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the user U1 holds the client terminal 2 in his / her hand and captures the target space A1 with the imaging unit 21 of the client terminal 2. As a result, in the nursing care product proposal support system 10, an image Im1 of the target space A1 is obtained, and the image Im1 is analyzed by the extraction unit 15, etc., so that environmental information (automatically extracted information) regarding the target space A1 can be acquired by the environmental information acquisition unit 16. As described above, the environmental information includes attributes of the target space A1 and dimensional information regarding the dimensions of the target space A1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the target space A1 is an outdoor entrance porch A12, the dimensions of the entrance porch A12 are also acquired as environmental information, and the selection unit 11 selects a nursing care product B1 (temporary handrail) suitable for installation in the target space A1.

[0102] Then, the care product proposal support system 10 uses the function of "installation image" included in "selection support" to present an installation image of the care product B1 installed to the user U1, etc. on the client terminal 2. That is, the care product proposal support system 10 causes the control unit 12 to display a presentation screen D1 as shown in Fig. 4B on the display unit 22. The presentation screen D1 is a screen configured such that an object Im2 corresponding to the care product B1 selected as the suggested product is superimposed on an image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21.

[0103] In particular, in this embodiment, as described above, both the display unit 22 and the imaging unit 21 are provided in the client terminal 2, and the display unit 22 and the imaging unit 21 are arranged to face in opposite directions from each other in the front and rear. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the user U1 holds the client terminal 2 in a position in which the imaging unit 21 on the back of the client terminal 2 faces the target space A1, the display unit 22 on the front of the client terminal 2 is directed toward the face of the user U1. In other words, when the user U1 holds the client terminal 2 in a position in which the display unit 22 on the front of the client terminal 2 faces the face of the user U1, the imaging unit 21 on the back of the client terminal 2 is naturally directed toward the target space A1 behind the client terminal 2. Therefore, the user U1 can see the image Im1 of the target space A1 spreading behind the client terminal 2 through the display unit 22 of the client terminal 2.

[0104] In short, the care product suggestion support system 10 realizes so-called augmented reality (AR) display by capturing an image of the target space A1 with the imaging unit 21 of the client terminal 2 and displaying a presentation screen D1 as shown in Fig. 4B on the display unit 22. As a result, the user C1 etc. can view the presentation screen D1 on the display unit 22 as if the care product B1 selected as the suggested product is installed in the target space A1, making it easier to imagine the actual usage of the care product B1 etc.

[0105] Incidentally, according to the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 displayed on the display unit 22 can be adjusted by the adjustment unit 13. In other words, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 in the presentation screen D1 displayed on the display unit 22 is not fixed, but can be adjusted by a manual adjustment function or an automatic adjustment function of the adjustment unit 13.

[0106] For example, in the manual adjustment function, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 (all of them in this embodiment) based on an operation signal generated by the user U1 operating the operation unit 23 of the client terminal 2. As an example, when the user U1 performs a pinch-in or pinch-out operation on the presentation screen D1 on the touch panel display of the client terminal 2, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the size of the object Im2 so that the object Im2 is enlarged or reduced. As another example, when the user U1 performs a swipe operation on the presentation screen D1 on the touch panel display of the client terminal 2, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the orientation or position of the object Im2. Here, the operation on the presentation screen D1 that embodies the augmented reality (AR) display is performed at a fixed position with respect to a general multi-angle field of view.

[0107] In addition, in the automatic adjustment function, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 (all of them in this embodiment) is adjusted by the adjustment unit 13 based on the environmental information on the target space A1. As an example, the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 are adjusted according to the image Im1 of the target space A1 so as to mimic the appearance when the nursing care product B1 corresponding to the object Im2 is installed in the target space A1. That is, for example, in the presentation screen D1, the size of the object Im2 is adjusted in light of the dimensional information and the like included in the environmental information so as to match the scale of the structure in the target space A1 and the nursing care product B1. As a result, in the presentation screen D1, a situation in which the actual-size nursing care product B1 is installed in the target space A1 is simulated. Here, the dimensional information used to adjust the size, etc. of the object Im2 is automatically extracted from the data of the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21 by the above-mentioned "automatic dimension measurement" function. As another example, when the user U1 moves the client terminal 2 to move the field of view of the imaging unit 21, the position of the object Im2 on the presentation screen D1 is adjusted to follow the movement of the field of view. In other words, if the object Im2 corresponds to the nursing care product B1 installed on the entrance porch A12, it moves within the presentation screen D1 so as to always be located on the entrance porch A12 in the image Im1 of the target space A1.

[0108] In addition, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 can also introduce the nursing care product B1 corresponding to the object Im2 by the above-mentioned "product introduction" function. As an example, when the user U1 performs a predetermined operation on the presentation screen D1 on the touch panel display of the client terminal 2, image data (including photos and videos) for introducing the nursing care product B1 can be played on the client terminal 2. At this time, the object Im2 on the presentation screen D1 may be deformed according to the range of motion of the actual nursing care product B1 (temporary handrail). For example, if the nursing care product B1 is a "temporary handrail", the object Im2 may be deformed so as to adjust the angle of the "handrail" of the object Im2 on the presentation screen D1 according to the range of motion of the actual nursing care product B1 (temporary handrail). Furthermore, it is preferable that the user U1 taps the object Im2 on the presentation screen D1 on the touch panel display to play an introduction video or the like of the nursing care product B1 (proposed product) corresponding to this object Im2.

[0109] In addition, the care product suggestion support system 10 can display a silhouette of at least one of the user C1 and the caregiver on the presentation screen D1 in the product introduction function. Here, it is preferable that the silhouette is played as a video so as to reproduce the movements of the user C1 or the caregiver when using the care product B1 (object Im2). This allows the user C1 and the caregiver to more easily imagine the use of the care product B1 by looking at the presentation screen D1.

[0110] In this way, it is preferable that the presentation screen D1 allows access to related information about the nursing care product B1 as a suggested product by accepting a predetermined operation by the user U1. The "related information" here is information related to the nursing care product B1, and includes, for example, information (text or images) introducing or explaining the nursing care product B1, instruction manuals, assembly videos, service information, maintenance videos, contact information for customer service, etc. In other words, the related information includes, for example, information about cases where the nursing care product B1 has actually been installed in a place other than the target space A1, and information about installation or construction.

[0111] Furthermore, by accepting a predetermined operation by the user U1 on the presentation screen D1, not only the related information but also, for example, a welfare equipment service plan, a selection reason statement, a long-term care insurance application form, etc. may be accessible. As an example, when the user U1 taps an object Im2 on the presentation screen D1, items such as related information about the long-term care product B1 (proposed product) corresponding to this object Im2, a welfare equipment service plan, a selection reason statement, a long-term care insurance application form, etc. are displayed. Then, when the user U1 selects an arbitrary item, the client terminal 2 accesses the selected item using a link to the selected item (related information, etc.).

[0112] In short, it is preferable that the presentation screen D1 has a function of calling up information related to the nursing care product B1 corresponding to the object Im2 in the presentation screen D1 (related information, welfare equipment service plan, selection reason document, nursing care insurance application form, etc.). This makes it easy for the user U1 to call up information related to the nursing care product B1 as a suggested product and view or edit it.

[0113] The presentation screen D1 can be saved in the higher-level system 1 or the client terminal 2. For example, when the user U1 performs a predetermined operation on the touch panel display, the presentation screen D1 is uploaded to the higher-level system 1 and stored in the data storage unit 19. Here, the presentation screen that is saved (stored) may include environmental information, user information, and the like.

[0114] Conventionally, when a sales staff of the nursing care product B1 proposes the nursing care product B1 to the user C1 or a caregiver, the sales staff shows a selection sheet on which explanations of multiple types of "temporary handrails" are written. According to the nursing care product proposal support system 10, the user U1 can propose the nursing care product B1 to the user C1 or a caregiver by using the client terminal 2 as described above, so that smart proposals can be made without using such a selection sheet.

[0115] (5.2) Display screen example 5A to 5D show examples of screens displayed on the display unit 22 of the client terminal 2 in the "proposal" phase. In Fig. 5A to 5D, the dashed dotted lines, leading lines, and reference symbols indicating areas are added for the purpose of explanation, and are not actually displayed on the display unit 22.

[0116] The screen illustrated in FIG. 5A is an input screen D2 for inputting manual input information among environmental information. In the input screen D2, the client terminal 2 accepts an operation by the user U1 and sets the manual input information by an operation signal corresponding to the operation by the user U1. In the example of FIG. 5A, the input screen D2 is a screen for accepting an input (selection input) of the type of the target space A1. Specifically, the input screen D2 includes buttons D21 to D23 for allowing the user U1 to select one of "a house with two steps of stairs," "a house with three steps of stairs," and "a house with five steps of stairs" in response to the question "What is the entrance of the house you want to put it in?". In reality, a screen for inputting user information, etc. is set before the input screen D2. In the case of FIG. 3, since the entrance porch A12 has three steps, it is assumed here that "a house with three steps of stairs" is selected. When environmental information is input on the input screen D2, the display of the display unit 22 transitions to a recommendation screen D3 shown in FIG. 5B.

[0117] The screen illustrated in FIG. 5B is a recommendation screen D3 that displays a description of the nursing care product B1 selected as a suggested product by the selection unit 11. The recommendation screen D3 has a first display area D31 for identifying the nursing care product B1 selected as a suggested product. In the example of FIG. 5B, the recommendation screen D3 displays a temporary handrail of "standard type" as the nursing care product B1 that is a suggested product in the first display area D31. However, when multiple nursing care products B1 are selected as suggested products, the recommendation screen D3 displays these multiple nursing care products B1 as recommended nursing care products B1 in a list display, switching display, or scroll display. In other words, the recommendation screen D3 presents multiple nursing care products B1 to the user U1, so that the user U1 can select a desired nursing care product B1 from among these multiple nursing care products B1 according to the user U1's operation. Therefore, it is preferable that the recommendation screen D3 includes a second display area D32 that displays additional information necessary for considering the installation of the nursing care product B1, such as "approximate installation dimensions." When an operation is performed on the recommendation screen D3 to limit the suggested products to one nursing care product B1, the display on the display unit 22 transitions to a measurement screen D4 shown in FIG. 5C.

[0118] The screen illustrated in FIG. 5C is a measurement screen D4 for automatically measuring the dimensions of each part of the target space A1 by the function of "automatic dimension measurement". That is, in this embodiment, dimensional information such as the height, width, area, and volume of steps (including stairs) in a structure existing in the target space A1 is extracted from the data of the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21. In particular, in order to measure the three-dimensional shape of the target space A1, it is necessary to capture the target space A1 from various directions while moving the imaging unit 21, so in the measurement screen D4, the user U1 captures the target space A1 while moving the client terminal 2. Therefore, it is preferable to display guide information D41 on the measurement screen D4 that encourages the movement of the client terminal 2. When the data of the image Im1 required for automatic dimension measurement is obtained on the measurement screen D4, the display of the display unit 22 transitions to the presentation screen D1 shown in FIG. 5D.

[0119] As described above, the presentation screen D1 shown in Fig. 5D is a screen configured such that an object Im2 corresponding to the nursing care product B1 selected as the suggested product is superimposed on an image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21. It is preferable that the image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21 is reflected in real time on the presentation screen D1, but there may be a time lag between capturing the image by the imaging unit 21 and displaying the image Im1. Furthermore, the presentation screen D1 may display an image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21 in the past.

[0120] (5.3) Flowchart Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment in the "suggestion" phase. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the selection process ("S5" in Fig. 6) in the care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0121] That is, as an overall operation of the nursing care product suggestion support system 10, first, manual input of environmental information (manual input information) is accepted (S1), and manual input of user information is accepted (S2), as shown in Fig. 6. The environmental information and user information are input by the user U1 operating the operation unit 23 of the client terminal 2.

[0122] Next, the care product proposal support system 10 captures an image of the target space A1 using the imaging unit 21 of the client terminal 2 (S3), and acquires automatically extracted information such as dimensional information from the captured image Im1 of the target space A1 as environmental information (S4).

[0123] Then, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 executes a selection process in which the selection unit 11 selects the nursing care product B1 to be installed in the target space A1 as a suggested product from among the multiple nursing care products B1 (S5). The nursing care product proposal support system 10 judges (evaluates) whether the nursing care product B1 selected as the suggested product can be installed in the target space A1 based on the dimensional information of the target space A1 (S6). At this time, if it is determined that the suggested product cannot be installed in the target space A1 (S6: No), the nursing care product proposal support system 10 selects an alternative product as the suggested product (S7) and executes a control process to display the presentation screen D1 on the display unit 22 (S8). On the other hand, if it is determined that the suggested product can be installed in the target space A1 (S6: Yes), the nursing care product proposal support system 10 executes the control process without selecting an alternative product (S8).

[0124] In the control process (S8), the care product proposal support system 10 causes the control unit 12 to display on the display unit 22 a presentation screen D1 in which an object Im2 corresponding to the proposed product is superimposed on an image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21. Then, the care product proposal support system 10 causes the adjustment unit 13 to execute an adjustment process for adjusting at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 in the presentation screen D1 to be displayed on the display unit 22 (S9).

[0125] The flowchart in FIG. 6 is merely an example of the operation of the care product recommendation support system 10, and processing may be omitted or added as appropriate, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate.

[0126] Furthermore, the care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment selects the care product B1 as a suggested product based on the user information on the user C1 in the selection process ("S5" in FIG. 6).

[0127] In particular, the user information includes physical information on the physical condition of the user C1, and further, the physical information includes information on at least one of the factors, degree, and body parts of the user C1 who needs care. In short, in the selection process, for the user C1 who uses the care product B1, the care product B1 suitable for use by the user C1 can be selected as a suggested product, particularly based on at least one of the factors, degree (level of care required, etc.) of the user C1 who needs care, and body parts. Specifically, since the factors and degree of needing care are also related to the disease information (information on disease and / or symptoms) of the user C1, by using this user information, it is possible to suggest an appropriate care product B1 that matches the disease and / or symptoms of the user C1. As an example, for a user C1 who has a hemiplegic disease with mild paralysis in the right or left half of the body, a care product B1 (temporary handrail) with a "single handrail arrangement" having a handrail on one side in the width direction, or a "center handrail arrangement" having a handrail in the center of the width direction can be suggested. On the other hand, for user C1 who has difficulty walking, a care product B1 (temporary handrail) with "handrails on both sides" may be suggested.

[0128] Fig. 7 shows an example of a selection process in which a nursing care product B1 is selected as a suggested product based on such user information. That is, in this selection process, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 first judges whether or not the user C1 is covered by nursing care insurance based on the user information (S11). Here, if the user C1 is not covered by nursing care in the first place or is not covered by nursing care, it is judged that the user is not covered by nursing care insurance (S11: No), and a warning is presented (displayed) on the display unit 22 (S12). The warnings presented include, for example, the requirements for receiving nursing care, contact information for the inquiry desk, and the fact that nursing care insurance will not apply and that the user will have to pay the costs themselves.

[0129] If it is determined that the user C1 is covered by nursing care insurance (S11: Yes), the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 determines whether the user C1 has a disease based on the user information (S13). If the user C1 has a disease (S13: Yes), the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 inputs the symptoms of the disease of the user C1 into the selection unit 11 (S14), and then selects the nursing care product B1 as a suggested product using the trained model in the selection unit 11 (S15). On the other hand, if the user C1 does not have a disease (S13: No), the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 skips the process S14 and selects the nursing care product B1 as a suggested product using the trained model in the selection unit 11 (S15).

[0130] In addition, if a care plan or the like for the user C1 has already been created, the care plan or the like may be reflected in the selection of the nursing care product B1 as a suggested product. Alternatively, the creation of a care plan or the like may be simplified based on the proposal of the nursing care product B1 made by the nursing care product proposal support system 10.

[0131] The flowchart in FIG. 7 is merely an example of the operation of the care product recommendation support system 10, and processing may be omitted or added as appropriate, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate.

[0132] (6) System Specifications Below, examples of specifications that can be adopted in the care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment will be listed. Here, attention is mainly focused on the specifications of the client terminal 2 (application programs installed in the client terminal 2).

[0133] The client terminal 2 may have an application program installed thereon, may display data distributed from the higher-level system 1 using a Web browser, or may be a dedicated terminal.

[0134] The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has a means for measuring dimensional information of the target space A1 by simply holding the imaging unit 21 over the place (target space A1) where the nursing care product B1 is to be installed, or a means for inputting and recording the actual measurement results using a measuring instrument such as a tape measure as dimensional information. The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 also has a means for virtually reproducing (digitizing and projecting) the target space A1 in the upper system 1 or the client terminal 2 based on the dimensional information, etc. Furthermore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has a means for selecting (proposing) a nursing care product B1 (temporary handrail) that can be installed in the virtually reproduced target space A1.

[0135] The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 also has a means for selecting either a fixed type (rental) or an installation type (involving home renovation work), or a means for selecting the other as an alternative if either the fixed type or the installation type cannot be installed. Furthermore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has a means for determining whether or not the nursing care product B1 can be physically installed in the target space A1 (for example, if it is a temporary handrail, the dimensions of the base fit within the tread, or the number of steps is within the installation range), and for selecting (suggesting) the installable nursing care product B1.

[0136] The care product suggestion support system 10 may adjust the height of a temporary handrail as the care product B1 according to the height, weight, etc. of the user C1 in the user information and present it on the presentation screen D1. Similarly, it is preferable that the care product suggestion support system 10 presents appropriate care products B1, such as one-handrail arrangement, two-handrail arrangement, and center handrail arrangement, according to the level of care required and other physical conditions of the user C1.

[0137] In addition, in the "selection support" function, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 may have multiple plans registered in a database for the proposed plan (nursing care product B1) in advance, and may select an appropriate plan from among these multiple plans according to a calculation algorithm. Alternatively, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 may calculate multiple plans using a calculation algorithm based on basic data and select an appropriate plan. In other words, the nursing care product proposal support system 10 may propose an appropriate plan based on specified conditions from a database containing multiple plans that cover the entire range of all product numbers, plans, handrail heights, etc., or may generate a plan that meets the conditions based on a basic model.

[0138] In addition, the care product proposal support system 10 has a means for generating an object Im2 of the proposed care product B1 (proposed product) and overlaying it on the image Im1 of the target space A1 to reproduce and display the appearance of the care product B1 when it is actually installed.

[0139] Furthermore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has a means for displaying, as related information, information on cases where the product has actually been installed in places other than the target space A1, and information on installation or construction, etc., in text or images (including photos and videos). Furthermore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has a means for supporting the input of official documents (such as a selection reason document and nursing care insurance application form).

[0140] (7) Variations The first embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications of the first embodiment are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Each figure described in the present disclosure is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

[0141] The same function as the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the first embodiment may be embodied in a nursing care product suggestion support method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded. The nursing care product suggestion support method according to one embodiment includes a selection process (corresponding to "S5" in FIG. 6), a control process (corresponding to "S8" in FIG. 6), and an adjustment process (corresponding to "S9" in FIG. 6). In the selection process, the nursing care product B1 installed in the target space A1 is selected as a suggested product from among a plurality of nursing care products B1. In the control process, an object Im2 corresponding to the suggested product is superimposed on an image Im1 of the target space A1 captured by the imaging unit 21 and displayed on the display unit 22. In the adjustment process, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22 is adjusted. The (computer) program according to one embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the nursing care product suggestion support method.

[0142] Below, we will list some modified examples of the embodiment 1. The modified examples explained below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0143] The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of one or more processors and one or more memories as hardware. The one or more processors execute a program recorded in one or more memories of the computer system to realize the function of the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 in the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through an electric communication line, or may be recorded and provided in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits such as IC or LSI here are called by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or a logic device that can reconfigure the connection relationship inside the LSI or reconfigure the circuit partition inside the LSI, can also be adopted as a processor. The electronic circuits may be integrated in one chip or distributed among multiple chips. The chips may be integrated in one device or distributed among multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Thus, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0144] Furthermore, it is not essential for the care product proposal support system 10 that at least some of the functions of the care product proposal support system 10 are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the care product proposal support system 10 may be distributed across multiple housings. For example, multiple functions (selection unit 11, control unit 12, adjustment unit 13, etc.) provided in the upper system 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the care product proposal support system 10 may be realized by cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0145] Conversely, in the first embodiment, at least some of the functions distributed among a plurality of devices may be integrated into one housing. For example, at least some of the functions distributed between the upper system 1 and the client terminal 2 may be integrated into one housing.

[0146] Moreover, the client terminal 2 is not an essential component of the care product suggestion support system 10. In other words, the care product suggestion support system 10 only needs to include the upper system 1 having the selection unit 11, the control unit 12, the adjustment unit 13, etc. as an essential component, and the client terminal 2 having the imaging unit 21, the display unit 22, etc. is not an essential component of the care product suggestion support system 10. Even in this case, the upper system 1 communicates with the client terminal 2, thereby realizing the same function as the care product suggestion support system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0147] The facility in which the nursing care product B1 is installed is not limited to a detached house, but may be, for example, an apartment building or a non-residential facility. The non-residential facility referred to here includes, for example, a nursing home, a hospital, a hotel, an office building, a school, a station, an airport, a commercial facility, or a theme park.

[0148] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case has been illustrated in which a person (sales staff) engaged in sales work at a company that sells or rents the nursing care product B1 is the user U1 of the nursing care product proposal support system 10, but this is not limited to the example. The user U1 of the nursing care product proposal support system 10 may be, for example, a user C1 who uses the nursing care product B1, a construction company that installs the nursing care product B1, a welfare equipment specialist consultant, a caregiver who cares for the user C1, etc. In other words, the user U1 of the nursing care product proposal support system 10 and the user C1 who uses the nursing care product B1 may be the same person.

[0149] Furthermore, the user C1 who uses the nursing care product B1 is not limited to elderly people whose motor functions have declined due to aging, but may be, for example, a person with an illness.

[0150] In addition, the selection unit 11 is not limited to a configuration in which the nursing care product B1 is selected as a suggested product based on both the environmental information and the user information. For example, the selection unit 11 may select the nursing care product B1 suitable for installation in the target space A1 as a suggested product based only on the environmental information out of the environmental information and the user information. Conversely, the selection unit 11 may select the nursing care product B1 suitable for use by the user C1 as a suggested product based only on the user information out of the environmental information and the user information.

[0151] Moreover, the adjustment unit 13 only needs to adjust at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22, and adjusting all of the size, orientation, and position of the object Im2 is not an essential configuration for the care product suggestion support system 10. For example, the adjustment unit 13 may be capable of adjusting only the size, orientation, or position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22. Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 may be capable of adjusting only the size, orientation, or position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22. For example, the adjustment unit 13 may be capable of adjusting only the size, orientation, or position of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22.

[0152] The adjustment unit 13 may also be capable of adjusting the color and shading of the object Im2 to be displayed on the display unit 22. For example, the adjustment unit 13 can realize a natural-looking screen by matching the color of the object Im2 to the image Im1 of the target space A1. As an example, when the target space A1 is outdoors, the image Im1 captured in the evening has a stronger reddish tinge than that captured during the day, so the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the color of the object Im2 so that the object Im2 also has a stronger reddish tinge.

[0153] In addition, the client terminal 2 is not limited to a configuration in which a screen such as the presentation screen D1 delivered from the higher-level system 1 is displayed on the display unit 22. In other words, the client terminal 2 may display a screen such as the presentation screen D1 generated by the client terminal 2 on the display unit 22.

[0154] Furthermore, the object Im2 is not limited to a three-dimensional model having dimensions in three directions, namely, vertical, horizontal, and depth. For example, the object Im2 may be a plurality of photo data of the nursing care product B1 captured from a plurality of directions.

[0155] Furthermore, it is not essential for the care product suggestion support system 10 that the imaging unit 21 and the display unit 22 are provided in the same client terminal 2. In other words, the imaging unit 21 and the display unit 22 may be provided separately.

[0156] (Embodiment 2) The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment differs from the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the first embodiment in that the nursing care product B1 to be suggested is not limited to a temporary handrail but includes various types of nursing care products B1. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0157] In this embodiment, the nursing care product B1 proposed by using the nursing care product proposal support system 10 includes, in addition to a temporary handrail, examples of the nursing care product B1 include a nursing care bed, a portable toilet, a bathtub stand, and a shower chair.

[0158] The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment identifies a type of nursing care product B1 suitable for installation in the target space A1 based on the attributes of the target space A1 included in the environmental information. For example, if the attribute of the target space A1 identified by the environmental information is "bathroom", then based on this environmental information, among the nursing care products B1, nursing care products B1 that should be installed in the bathroom, such as a shower chair, a bathtub stand, or a bathing grip (bathroom handrail), are selected as suggested products. Similarly, if the attribute of the target space A1 identified by the environmental information is "toilet", then based on this environmental information, among the nursing care products B1, nursing care products B1 that should be installed in the toilet, such as a toilet handrail or a raised toilet seat, are selected as suggested products.

[0159] 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing an example of use of the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, it is assumed that the target space A1 is a "bathroom" and the nursing care product B1 is a "shower chair". That is, as shown in FIG. 8A, the user U1 holds the client terminal 2 in a position in which the imaging unit 21 on the back of the client terminal 2 faces the "bathroom" which is the target space A1. In this example, by capturing an image of the bathroom as the target space A1 with the imaging unit 21 of the client terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 8B, a presentation screen D1 is displayed in which an object Im2 corresponding to the shower chair as the nursing care product B1 is superimposed on the image Im1 of the target space A1. As a result, for example, in the client terminal 2 equipped with the display unit 22, it is possible to display the nursing care product B1 as if it were installed in the target space A1 by augmented reality (AR) display.

[0160] Below, examples of specifications that can be adopted in the care product suggestion support system 10 according to this embodiment will be listed. Here, attention is mainly focused on the specifications of the client terminal 2 (application programs installed in the client terminal 2).

[0161] The nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has means for supporting not only outdoor spaces (such as entrance porches) but also indoor spaces such as corridors, stairs, toilets, washrooms, or bathrooms in facilities as the target spaces A1 in which nursing care products B1 are to be installed. Similarly, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has means for supporting various nursing care products B1 such as temporary handrails, nursing care beds, portable toilets, bathtub stands, and shower chairs as the nursing care products B1 to be selected as suggested products.

[0162] Furthermore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 narrows down the nursing care products B1 suitable for the user C1 based on the user information about the user C1 so as to support the suggestion of various types of nursing care products B1, rather than a specific type of nursing care product B1 (for example, only nursing care beds). That is, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 suggests the type of nursing care product B1 most suitable for the user C1 based on not only the physical conditions (dimensional information, etc.) of the target space A1, but also information such as the physical condition, level of nursing care required, and life pattern of the user C1. Furthermore, the nursing care product suggestion support system 10 has a means for displaying related information (installation examples, or information regarding installation or construction, etc.) about the various types of nursing care products B1.

[0163] The various configurations described in the second embodiment can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modified examples) described in the first embodiment.

[0164] (summary) As described above, the care product suggestion support system (10) according to the first embodiment includes a selection unit (11), a control unit (12), and an adjustment unit (13). The selection unit (11) selects a care product (B1) to be installed in a target space (A1) from among a plurality of care products (B1) as a suggested product. The control unit (12) causes the display unit (22) to display an object (Im2) corresponding to the suggested product superimposed on an image (Im1) of the target space (A1) captured by the imaging unit (21). The adjustment unit (13) adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) to be displayed on the display unit (22).

[0165] According to this embodiment, a situation where the nursing care product (B1) is installed in the target space (A1) can be simulated and reproduced on the screen displayed on the display unit (22). Moreover, the impression and usability of the nursing care product (B1) change significantly depending on its size, orientation, position, etc., and at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) displayed on the display unit (22) is adjusted by the adjustment unit (13). Therefore, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) corresponding to the nursing care product (B1) is adjusted to match the image (Im1) of the target space (A1), thereby reproducing a screen close to a situation where the nursing care product (B1) is actually installed in the target space (A1). Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the user (C1) or the like to imagine the usage of the nursing care product (B1) without actually installing the nursing care product (B1) in the target space (A1). As a result, the nursing care product suggestion support system (10) has an advantage that it is possible to support the suggestion of nursing care products (B1) to be installed in the target space (A1).

[0166] In the nursing care product suggestion support system (10) according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the adjustment unit (13) has a manual adjustment function for adjusting at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) based on an operation signal corresponding to a human operation.

[0167] According to this embodiment, the user (U1) can manually adjust at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2).

[0168] In the nursing care product proposal support system (10) according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the adjustment unit (13) has an automatic adjustment function of adjusting at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) based on environmental information regarding the target space (A1).

[0169] According to this embodiment, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) is automatically adjusted, reducing the effort required for adjustment operations.

[0170] In the fourth aspect of the nursing care product suggestion support system (10), in the third aspect, the automatic adjustment function adjusts at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) to mimic the appearance. The appearance here refers to the appearance when the nursing care product (B1) corresponding to the object (Im2) is placed in the target space (A1).

[0171] According to this embodiment, for example, it is possible to reproduce a situation in which a full-scale nursing care product (B1) is installed in the target space (A1).

[0172] In the nursing care product suggestion support system (10) according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the selection unit (11) selects, as a suggested product, a nursing care product (B1) suitable for installation in a target space (A1) from among a plurality of nursing care products (B1) based on environmental information. The environmental information is information about the target space (A1).

[0173] According to this embodiment, it is possible to select a nursing care product (B1) suitable for installation in the target space (A1) as a suggested product.

[0174] In the nursing care product suggestion support system (10) according to the sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the environmental information includes dimensional information on the dimensions of the target space (A1). The selection unit (11) evaluates whether the suggested product can be installed in the target space (A1) based on the dimensional information.

[0175] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to evaluate whether or not the nursing care product (B1) can be physically installed in the target space (A1).

[0176] In the care product suggestion support system (10) according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, if the selection unit (11) evaluates that the suggested product cannot be installed in the target space (A1), it selects an alternative product as the suggested product.

[0177] According to this embodiment, when the nursing care product (B1) cannot be physically installed in the target space (A1), an alternative plan can be provided.

[0178] In the care product suggestion support system (10) according to an eighth aspect, in any one of the third to seventh aspects, the environmental information includes manual input information set by an operation signal according to a human operation.

[0179] According to this embodiment, the user (U1) can manually input the environmental information.

[0180] In the care product proposal support system (10) according to the ninth aspect, in any of the third to eighth aspects, the environmental information includes automatically extracted information extracted from an image (Im1) of the target space (A1) captured by the imaging unit (21).

[0181] According to this embodiment, the user (U1) can reduce the effort required for inputting environmental information.

[0182] In a care product suggestion support system (10) according to a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, a selection unit (11) selects a care product (B1) suitable for use by a user (C1) from among a plurality of care products (B1) as a suggested product based on user information. The user information is information about the user (C1) who uses the suggested product.

[0183] According to this embodiment, the nursing care product (B1) suitable for use by the user (C1) can be selected as the suggested product.

[0184] In the care product recommendation support system (10) according to the eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the user information includes physical information relating to the physical condition of the user (C1).

[0185] According to this embodiment, it is possible to select, as the suggested product, a nursing care product (B1) suitable for use by the user (C1) in consideration of the physical condition of the user (C1).

[0186] In the care product recommendation support system (10) according to the twelfth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the physical information includes information on at least one of the cause, degree, and body part of the user (C1) needing care.

[0187] According to this embodiment, it is possible to select a care product (B1) suitable for use by the user (C1) as a suggested product by taking into consideration at least one of the factors, degree, and body part for which the user (C1) requires care.

[0188] A nursing care product suggestion support method according to a thirteenth aspect includes a selection process, a control process, and an adjustment process. In the selection process, a nursing care product (B1) installed in a target space (A1) is selected as a suggested product from among a plurality of nursing care products (B1). In the control process, an object (Im2) corresponding to the suggested product is superimposed on an image (Im1) of the target space (A1) captured by an imaging unit (21) and displayed on a display unit (22). In the adjustment process, at least one of the size, orientation, and position of the object (Im2) displayed on the display unit (22) is adjusted.

[0189] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that it is possible to support the proposal of nursing care products (B1) to be installed in the target space (A1).

[0190] A program according to a fourteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the care product suggestion support method according to the thirteenth aspect.

[0191] According to this embodiment, there is an advantage that it is possible to support the proposal of nursing care products (B1) to be installed in the target space (A1).

[0192] Not limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the care product suggestion support system (10) according to the first and second embodiments can be embodied in a care product suggestion support method or program.

[0193] The configurations according to the second to twelfth aspects are not essential for the care product recommendation support system (10) and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 10 Nursing care product proposal support system 11 Selection section 12 Control section 13 Adjustment section 21 Imaging unit 22 Display section A1 Target space B1 Nursing care products C1 User Im1 Images Im2 object

Claims

1. A selection unit that selects a nursing care product to be installed in the target space as a suggested product from among a plurality of nursing care products; a control unit that causes a display unit to display an object corresponding to the suggested product on an image of the target space captured by an imaging unit in a superimposed manner; an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of a size, a direction, and a position of the object to be displayed on the display unit; When a predetermined operation is performed on the object, related information of the suggested product corresponding to the object is displayed on the display unit; The related information is an assembly video or a maintenance video. Nursing care product proposal support system.

2. the adjustment unit has a manual adjustment function of adjusting at least one of a size, a direction, and a position of the object based on an operation signal corresponding to a human operation; The nursing care product suggestion support system according to claim 1.

3. The adjustment unit has an automatic adjustment function of adjusting at least one of a size, a direction, and a position of the object based on environmental information regarding the target space. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the automatic adjustment function, at least one of a size, a direction, and a position of the object is adjusted to imitate an appearance of the nursing care product corresponding to the object when the nursing care product is installed in the target space. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to claim 3.

5. The selection unit selects, as the suggested product, a care product suitable for installation in the target space from among the plurality of care products based on environmental information regarding the target space. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the environmental information includes dimensional information relating to dimensions of the target space; The selection unit evaluates whether or not the suggested product can be installed in the target space based on the dimensional information. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to claim 5.

7. When the selection unit evaluates that the suggested item cannot be installed in the target space, the selection unit selects an alternative item as the suggested item. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to claim 6.

8. The environmental information includes manual input information set by an operation signal in response to a human operation. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. The environmental information includes automatically extracted information extracted from an image of the target space captured by the imaging unit. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. The selection unit selects, as the suggested product, a care product suitable for use by the user from among the plurality of care products based on user information related to the user who uses the suggested product. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The user information includes physical information regarding the physical condition of the user. The nursing care product suggestion support system according to claim 10.

12. The physical information includes information regarding at least one of the cause, degree, and body part of the user who needs care; The nursing care product suggestion support system according to claim 11.

13. A selection process of selecting nursing care products to be installed in the target space as suggested products from among a plurality of nursing care products; A control process for displaying an object corresponding to the suggested product on a display unit in an image of the target space captured by an imaging unit in a superimposed manner; an adjustment process for adjusting at least one of a size, a direction, and a position of the object to be displayed on the display unit; When a predetermined operation is performed on the object, related information of the suggested product corresponding to the object is displayed on the display unit; The related information is an assembly video or a maintenance video. How to support nursing care product proposals.

14. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the nursing care product suggestion support method according to claim 13.

Images