Interface device and bed system

Abstract

To provide an interface device and a bed system that are capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an interface device includes: an operation unit including a first button; and a communication unit. When the first button receives input at first time, the communication unit transmits first information for making a bed have a first shape. When the first button receives input at second time differing from the first time, the communication unit transmits second information for making the bed have a second shape differing from the first shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to an interface device and a bed system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known an electric bed that supports a body and is operated via an interface device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-41842 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present embodiment provides an interface device and a bed system that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, an interface device includes an operation unit including a first button and a communication unit. The communication unit transmits first information for setting a bed in a first shape when the first button receives an input at a first time. The communication unit transmits second information for setting the bed in a second shape different from the first shape when the first button receives an input at a second time different from the first time. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an interface device and a bed system that can improve convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an interface device and a bed system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interface device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the interface device and the bed system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic views illustrating the interface device and the bed system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interface device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a bed system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the bed system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios of each part may be different depending on the drawing. In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those already explained are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1. Overview of the bed system according to the present embodiment The bed system of this embodiment stores the history of the shape of the bed that has been used, and when a user presses, for example, an automatic button on an interface device that operates the bed, the shape of the bed changes to the desired shape based on the history while the automatic button is pressed.

[0010] If the history stored in the bed system changes, this desired shape also changes; for example, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), when a user presses the automatic button at a certain time t1, the shape of the bed changes to a first shape 70fa based on the history of the bed shape up to time t1, and when the user presses the automatic button at another time t2, the shape of the bed changes to a second shape 70fb based on the history of the bed shape up to time t2.

[0011] In other words, when a user presses the automatic button, the bed system calculates the bed shape that is best suited for the user at the time the automatic button is pressed, and changes the bed to the calculated shape. As a result, the bed can be changed to the desired shape by simply operating one button, improving operability and convenience for the user.

[0012] The bed system of this embodiment will be described in detail below with respect to its configuration and control operation.

[0013] 2. Configuration of the bed system according to this embodiment 2.1 Overall structure 1, a bed system 310 according to an embodiment includes a bed 70 and an interface device 110. The bed 70 operates based on an operation instruction from the interface device 110. The bed 70 is, for example, an electric bed.

[0014] The interface device 110 includes, for example, at least one of a bed operation unit 40 and a terminal device 50. The bed operation unit 40 is, for example, a hand switch (for example, a remote controller) of the bed 70. The terminal device 50 is, for example, a smartphone-type electronic device.

[0015] For example, a control circuit 30 is provided in a bed 70. An interface device 110 is capable of communicating with the control circuit 30. For example, a bed operating unit 40 is capable of communicating with the control circuit 30 via a wire. A terminal device 50 is capable of communicating with the control circuit 30 wirelessly, for example. The control circuit 30 is, for example, a "control box" of the bed 70.

[0016] The bed system 310 may include a server 48. The server 48 is capable of communicating with at least one of the control circuit 30, the bed operating unit 40, and the terminal device 50 by at least one of wired and wireless communication. The server 48 may store and provide at least a part of the information described below.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the bed 70 includes, for example, a frame 70F, a back bottom 70a, a knee bottom 70b, a leg bottom 70c, and a drive unit 75. In this example, the bed 70 includes a waist bottom 70d. The back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c, and the waist bottom 70d are provided on the frame 70F. By operating the drive unit 75, for example, the mutual angle of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, and the leg bottom 70c can be changed. As described later, by operating the drive unit 75, it is possible to change at least one of the inclination and the height of the frame 70F. The drive unit 75 includes, for example, an actuator.

[0018] For example, a mattress 76 is placed on the back bottom 70a, the waist bottom 70d, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c, and the waist bottom 70d. A user 81 of the bed 70 can lie on the mattress 76.

[0019] For example, an operation instruction received via the interface device 110 (e.g., at least one of the bed operation unit 40 and the terminal device 50) is supplied to the control circuit 30. A control signal corresponding to the operation instruction is output from the control circuit 30 to the drive unit 75. By the operation of the drive unit 75 corresponding to the control signal, at least one of the following is performed in the bed 70: raising the back, raising the knees, raising the legs, changing the inclination, and changing the height.

[0020] In this way, the "shape" of the bed 70 can be changed according to an operation command. The shape is determined by a combination of states (values) related to at least one of the angle of the back bottom 70a, the angle of the knee bottom 70b, the angle of the leg bottom 70c, the angle of the frame 70F, and the height of the frame 70F, for example. The angle of the back bottom 70a, the angle of the knee bottom 70b, and the angle of the leg bottom 70c may be angles based on the frame 70F, for example. The angle of the frame 70F and the height of the frame 70F may be angles and heights based on the floor on which the bed 70 is placed.

[0021] 2.2 Configuration of the control circuit and interface device Next, the configuration of the control circuit 30 and the interface device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit 30 is connected by wire or wirelessly to at least one of the bed operation unit 40 and the terminal device 50. The control circuit 30 can communicate with the interface device 110, and transmits and receives signals to and from the interface device 110.

[0022] 2.2.1 Control circuit configuration As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 30 includes, for example, a bed control unit 31, a bed storage unit 32, a bed communication unit 33, a bed detection unit 34, and a bed timer 35.

[0023] The bed communication unit 33 transmits and receives signals between the interface device 110 (the bed operation unit 40 or the terminal device 50, etc.) and the drive unit 75.

[0024] The bed communication unit 33 notifies the bed control unit 31 of the operation instruction received by the interface device 110. The bed control unit 31 controls the drive unit 75 based on the operation instruction received by the interface device 110. As a result, the drive unit 75 can change the shape of the bed 70.

[0025] The bed detection unit 34 can detect a changed shape of the bed 70. In one example, when there is no further change in shape for a predetermined period of time after the driving unit 75 changes the shape of the bed 70, the bed detection unit 34 detects the shape of the bed 70. For example, the bed timer 35 allows the bed control unit 31 to determine that a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0026] The bed detection unit 34 is, for example, a sensor. The bed detection unit 34 acquires (for example, detects) at least one of the following: the inclination of the frame 70F after the change, the height of the frame 70F after the change, the position of the back bottom 70a after the change, the position of the knee bottom 70b after the change, the position of the leg bottom 70c after the change, the angle of the back bottom 70a after the change, the angle of the knee bottom 70b after the change, and the angle of the leg bottom 70c after the change.

[0027] For example, the bed control unit 31 associates information (e.g., data) about the shape of the bed 70 acquired by the bed detection unit 34 with the number of times of use and stores (e.g., saves) the information in the bed storage unit 32. For example, when the shape of the bed 70 is such that the angle of the back bottom 70a is 30°, the angle of the knee bottom 70b is 0°, the angle of the leg bottom 70c is 10°, the angle of the frame 70F is 10°, and the height of the frame 70F is 24 cm, the bed storage unit 32 associates these data with the number of times the shape of the bed 70 has been used and stores the data.

[0028] For example, every time the interface device 110 receives an operation instruction and the shape of the bed 70 changes, the bed control unit 31 updates the history of the shape of the bed 70 and stores it in the bed storage unit 32.

[0029] The bed memory unit 32 may store, in addition to the history of operational instructions and the history of the shape of the bed 70, programs required for controlling the bed 70 and various types of information required for processing.

[0030] 2.2.2 Interface device configuration (1) Bed Operation Unit 40 3, the bed operation unit 40 includes a first processing unit 41, a first storage unit 42, a first communication unit 43, a first operation unit 44, and a first display unit 45. The first communication unit 43 can communicate with and be connected to at least one of the control circuit 30 and the terminal device 50.

[0031] The first display unit 45 receives an operational instruction from the user 81. The first display unit 45 is capable of displaying, for example, the first icon 11 (for example, the first input receiving unit 11R). The first display unit 45 is, for example, a touch panel.

[0032] The first operation unit 44 receives an operational instruction from the user 81. In one example, the first operation unit 44 is, for example, a physical button corresponding to the operational instruction. In another example, the first operation unit 44 is a first icon 11 displayed on the first display unit 45. For convenience of explanation, the physical button and the icon displayed on the display unit are collectively called a "button." The first icon 11 or the first input receiving unit 11R is, for example, an example of a "first button." The first display unit 45 or the bed operation unit 40 is an example of an "operation unit."

[0033] The first operation unit 44 (e.g., an operation button) may include, for example, a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons correspond to operation instructions for changing the position and angle of the frame 70F and the position and angle of the bottom. For example, the plurality of buttons include, for example, a button for changing the angle of the back bottom 70a, a button for changing the angle of the knee bottom 70b, a button for changing the angle of the leg bottom 70c, and a button for changing the height of the frame 70F. The first operation unit 44 (e.g., an operation button) is another example of the "first button." In this case, the bed operation unit 40 corresponds to the "operation unit."

[0034] The first operation unit 44 may include, for example, an automatic button. In one example, when the bed system 310 is in a mode (first mode) for storing the shape of the bed 70, the first processing unit 41 (for example, the first control unit) acquires the current shape of the bed 70 from the control circuit 30 (for example, the control box) every time the shape of the bed 70 is changed, and stores the history of the shape of the bed 70 in the first storage unit 42.

[0035] When the bed system 310 is in a mode (second mode) for operating the bed 70, and the automatic button receives an input, the first processing unit 41 (e.g., the first control unit) reads out the history of the shape of the bed 70 stored in a memory unit (e.g., at least one of the bed memory unit 32, the first memory unit 42, the terminal memory unit 52 described later, and a memory unit provided in the server 48, etc.). The first processing unit 41 supplies information (control signal) to the control circuit 30 so that the shape of the bed 70 becomes a desired shape based on the history. The control circuit 30 controls the drive unit 75 so that the bed 70 becomes the desired shape. The history of the shape of the bed 70 stored in and read out from the memory unit may be calculated after the automatic button receives an input, or may be the result of calculation each time the history is updated.

[0036] (2) Regarding the terminal device 50 As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 50 includes a terminal processing unit 51, a terminal storage unit 52, a terminal communication unit 53, a terminal operation unit 54, and a terminal display unit 55.

[0037] The terminal communication unit 53 can communicate with and be connected to at least one of the control circuit 30 and the first operation unit 44.

[0038] The terminal display unit 55 receives an operational instruction from the user 81. The terminal display unit 55 is capable of displaying, for example, the first icon 11 (for example, the first input receiving unit 11R). The terminal display unit 55 is, for example, a touch panel.

[0039] The terminal display unit 55 may include, for example, a first icon 11 (display input area) which is an automatic button, and a second icon 12 (display input area). In one example, when the bed system 310 is in a mode (for example, a first mode) for storing the shape of the bed 70 and the second icon 12 receives an input, the terminal processing unit 51 (for example, a terminal control unit) acquires the current shape of the bed 70 from the control circuit 30 (for example, a control box) and stores it in the terminal storage unit 52 every time the shape of the bed 70 is changed.

[0040] When the bed system 310 is in a mode (e.g., the second mode) for operating the bed 70, when the first icon 11 receives an input, the device processing unit 51 (e.g., the terminal control unit) reads out the history of the shape of the bed 70 stored in the memory unit (e.g., at least one of the bed memory unit 32, the first memory unit 42, the terminal memory unit 52, and a memory unit provided in the server 48, etc.). The device processing unit 51 supplies information (control signal) to the control circuit 30 so that the shape of the bed 70 becomes a desired shape based on the history. The control circuit 30 controls the drive unit 75 so that the bed 70 becomes the desired shape. By providing the first icon 11, the bed 70 can be made into a desired shape simply by touching one icon. The operability of the user 81 is improved. In this case, the history of the shape of the bed 70 stored in the memory unit and read out may be calculated after the first icon 11 receives an input, or may be a result calculated each time the history is updated.

[0041] The terminal device 50 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, a general-purpose computer, or the like.

[0042] The terminal display unit 55 has, for example, a display function and an input reception function. The terminal display unit 55 can detect, for example, a touch by a finger or a stylus pen. For example, the terminal display unit 55 can display icons (such as a first icon 11 and a second icon 12). When an icon in the operation screen displayed on the terminal display unit 55 receives input (e.g., a touch) from the user 81, the terminal operation unit 54 receives the input of an operation instruction. When the input of the operation instruction is received, the bed 70 performs the operation associated with that icon.

[0043] Operation instructions based on the above-mentioned icons displayed on the terminal display unit 55 are notified to the control circuit 30 or the bed operation unit 40 (for example, a hand switch) via the terminal communication unit 53.

[0044] The terminal storage unit 52 may store various information necessary for displaying icons on the terminal display unit 55, information relating to the association between icons and operation instructions, etc. The terminal storage unit 52 may store various programs processed by the terminal device 50, and various information necessary for the processing.

[0045] (3) Example of the operation and display units of an interface device Next, examples of displays on the operation section (first operation section 44 or terminal operation section 54) and the display section (first display section 45 or terminal display section 55) of the interface device 110 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] For ease of explanation, the following description will be given using icons displayed on the terminal display unit 55 of the terminal device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to icons, and the same description can be applied to buttons on the bed operation unit 40, for example.

[0047] 2, the terminal display unit 55 can display a first icon 11 (a first input receiving unit 11R). The display unit 10 may be capable of displaying other icons (e.g., a second icon 12, etc.). The icon is, for example, a display input area provided in the display area of ​​the display unit 10 (input receiving unit).

[0048] The first icon 11 receives an input (e.g., a touch) from an operator (e.g., the user 81, etc.; the same applies below). A signal corresponding to the input of the first icon 11 is supplied from the terminal device 50 to the control circuit 30. The bed 70 changes into a shape corresponding to the first icon 11 by the operation of the drive unit 75 based on the signal. In one example, the first icon 11 corresponds to, for example, an automatic shape button (an "automatic" button).

[0049] In the embodiment, when the first icon 11 receives an input, the bed 70 assumes a shape according to, for example, a history of the shape of the bed 70. For example, the shape according to the history may correspond to a shape of the bed 70 that is frequently used by the user 81. In one example, the value of the shape according to the history is a value related to the shape of the bed 70 registered in the first icon 11. In one example, the value of the shape according to the history includes an angle of the back bottom 70a of 45°, a height H1 of the bed 70 of 20 cm, and an angle of the leg bottom 70c of 10°.

[0050] As the second icons 12, icons 12a to 12h and the like are provided. When icons 12a, 12c, and 12e receive input (e.g., touch), the angle of the "head" (e.g., back angle), the angle of the "feet" (e.g., knee angle), and the "height" increase, respectively. When icons 12b, 12d, and 12f receive input, the angle of the "head", the angle of the "feet", and the "height" decrease, respectively. When icon 12g receives input, the above angles increase accordingly. When icon 12h receives input, the above angles decrease accordingly. The second icon 12 corresponds to, for example, a manual shape button ("manual" button).

[0051] In addition, the inclination of the frame 70F with respect to the floor may be changeable. The change in inclination may include, for example, a change in the angle with respect to the floor in the direction connecting the head and feet. The change in inclination may also include, for example, a change in the angle with respect to the floor in the direction connecting the left and right.

[0052] In this example, information regarding the shape of the bed 70 is displayed in the display area 15 of the display unit 10. In this example, "45°" is displayed as the back angle, "10°" is displayed as the knee angle, and "0 cm" is displayed as the height. For example, by operating the second icon 12 or the like, the shape of the bed 70 changes, and the display of these items regarding the shape of the bed 70 changes. As will be described later, information regarding the shape of the bed 70 may be stored, and the stored information may be displayed in the display area 15. Examples of the storage unit and the like will be described later.

[0053] 3. Control operation of the bed system according to this embodiment 3.1 Overview of control operations The control operation of the bed system of this embodiment will be outlined with reference to Figs. 4(a) and 4(b).

[0054] As shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b), the interface device 110 includes a communication unit 13 (a collective term for the first communication unit 43 and the terminal communication unit 53) in addition to the display unit 10. Information (first information S1 and second information S2, etc.) is output from the communication unit 13. A signal is supplied to the bed 70. In this example, the signal is supplied to the control circuit 30 of the bed 70.

[0055] In the embodiment, as described below, when the first input receiving unit 11R (first icon 11) receives an input at different times (e.g., different timings), the bed 70 takes on different shapes. In other words, even if the user 81 touches the same first icon 11 at different times, the shape of the bed 70 at each time is different. The first input receiving unit 11R may be the first operation unit 44 (e.g., an input button) of the bed operation unit 40.

[0056] 4(a), for example, at a first time t1, a first input receiving unit 11R (e.g., a first icon 11 of the first operation unit 44 or the terminal operation unit 54) of the interface device 110 receives an input IN1 (e.g., an input by a user 81). In this case, the communication unit 13 transmits first information S1 (e.g., a first signal) that indicates the bed 70 as a first shape 70fa. For example, the control circuit 30 receives the transmitted first information S1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4(b), at the second time t2, the first input receiving unit 11R (e.g., the first icon 11) of the interface device 110 receives the input IN2 (e.g., input by the user 81). In this case, the communication unit 13 transmits the second information S2 (e.g., a second signal) that sets the bed 70 to the second shape 70fb. For example, the control circuit 30 receives the transmitted second information S2. The second time t2 is different from the first time t1. In the following, the second time t2 is assumed to be after the first time t1. The second shape 70fb is different from the first shape 70fa.

[0058] For example, since the second time t2 is after the first time t1, the history of the shape of the bed 70 up to the second time t2 is different from the history of the shape of the bed 70 up to the first time t1. This is because the user 81 usually operates the bed 70 and updates the history of the shape of the bed 70 between the first time t1 and the second time t2. In one example of the embodiment, when an input is received at the first time t1, the bed 70 assumes a shape according to the first history at the first time t1. For example, when an input is received at the second time t2, the bed 70 assumes a shape according to the second history at the second time t2.

[0059] For example, the user 81 or the like operates the second icon 12 or the like, so that the bed 70 assumes a shape desired by the user 81. Operations using the second icon 12 or the like are repeated, and a history of the shape of the bed 70 is generated. The history is stored in a storage unit or the like.

[0060] For example, the history stored in the storage unit is read out at each of the different times when the first input receiving unit 11R (e.g., the first icon 11) receives an input, and the bed 70 is controlled to a shape corresponding to the different histories. Reading out the history from the storage unit and generating (e.g., calculating) information for control based thereon (such as the first information S1 and the second information S2) are performed, for example, by a processing unit provided in the interface device 110. An example of the processing unit will be described later.

[0061] The history of the shape of the bed 70 corresponds to, for example, the state of the user 81 of the bed 70 (e.g., preference, recovery or decline of physical motor function, etc.). In the embodiment, the user 81 or the like can change the shape of the bed 70 to a shape corresponding to the history simply by operating the first input receiving unit 11R. For example, the user 81 can easily obtain an appropriate shape of the bed 70 according to a change in preference, recovery or decline of physical motor function, etc., at each of the first time t1 and the second time t2. According to the embodiment, an interface device and a bed system capable of improving convenience are obtained.

[0062] For example, the second shape 70fb has at least any of a second back angle different from the first back angle in the first shape 70fa, a second knee angle different from the first knee angle in the first shape 70fa, a second inclination different from the first inclination of the frame 70F in the first shape 70fa, and a second height different from the first height of the frame 70F in the first shape 70fa.

[0063] In the embodiment, the first shape 70fa corresponds to a first history of the shape of the bed 70 up to a first time t1. The second shape 70fb corresponds to a first history of the shape of the bed 70 up to a second time t 2 The shape of the bed up to 70 is according to the second history.

[0064] The first history includes multiple shapes of the bed 70 formed in a first period up to the first time t1. The second history includes multiple shapes of the bed 70 formed in a second period up to the second time t2. For example, when an input is received at the first time t1, the bed 70 does not necessarily assume a shape of the bed 70 formed and stored immediately before the first time t1, but assumes a shape calculated based on multiple shapes of the bed 70 formed in the first period up to the first time t1. Similarly, for example, when an input is received at the second time t2, the bed 70 does not necessarily assume a shape of the bed 70 formed and stored immediately before the second time t2, but assumes a shape calculated based on multiple shapes of the bed 70 formed in the second period up to the second time t2.

[0065] In one example, the first shape 70fa is a shape that appears frequently (e.g., has a high frequency of use) in the first history. The second shape 70fb is a shape that appears frequently (e.g., has a high frequency of use) in the second history. When the state of the user 81 changes, the shape that is most frequently used can be easily obtained from the past history.

[0066] In comparison with reproducing the shape of the bed 70 stored in the past closest to the first time t1, in this embodiment, it is possible to easily provide a shape that is estimated to be more suitable for the user 81.

[0067] 3.2 Details of control operation Next, detailed control operations of the bed system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. As described above, the bed system of this embodiment includes a first mode in which the shape of the bed 70 is stored, and a second mode in which the shape of the bed 70 is changed to the desired shape of the bed 70 stored in the first mode.

[0068] When the user 81 operates the second icon, the bed system is in the first mode, and when the user 81 operates the first icon, the bed system goes into the second mode. In the second mode, when the shape of the bed 70 becomes the desired shape, the bed system returns to the first mode.

[0069] [First mode] 5 is an example related to the first mode. For convenience of explanation, the following describes an example in which the terminal device 50 directly communicates with the control circuit 30 and notifies the bed 70 of an operation instruction.

[0070] 5, the terminal processing unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives an operation instruction from the user 81, and the bed control unit 31 of the control circuit 30 receives the operation instruction (step S21). Specifically, the user 81 touches (inputs) the second icon 12 displayed on the terminal display unit 55. The device processing unit 51 notifies the control circuit 30 of the operation instruction corresponding to the touched (input) second icon 12 via the terminal communication unit 53. As a result, the bed control unit 31 receives the above-mentioned operation instruction.

[0071] The bed control unit 31 operates the bed 70 by supplying a control signal corresponding to the operation instruction to the drive unit 75 (step S23). For example, in response to the control signal, the drive unit 75 changes the position or angle of at least one of the frame 70F and the multiple bottoms. As a result, the bed 70 takes a shape corresponding to the operation instruction.

[0072] For example, the bed control unit 31 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving an operation instruction from the terminal device 50 (step S24). That is, the bed control unit 31 waits. If the bed control unit 31 receives the next operation instruction during this waiting period (if "No" in step S24), the bed control unit 31 returns to step S21 and performs the processes of steps S22 and S23. Specifically, the bed control unit 31 receives the next operation instruction (another step S21), stores the operation instruction (another step S22), and performs the operation of the bed 70 corresponding to the operation instruction (another step S23).

[0073] After receiving the operation instruction, if a predetermined time has elapsed without any additional input and the standby period has elapsed (if "Yes" in step S24), the process proceeds to step S25. The length of the standby period is, for example, one minute.

[0074] The bed control section 31 controls the bed detection section 34 of the control circuit 30 to detect the shape of the bed 70 after a series of operations of the bed 70 (step S25).

[0075] The bed control section 31 determines whether or not the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 matches the history of the shape of the bed 70 (step S26).

[0076] For example, the bed control unit 31 classifies the shape of the bed 70 into a plurality of categories, and determines which category the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 belongs to. As already described, the shape of the bed 70 is expressed, for example, by a combination of an angle value and a height value. A "range that can be considered the same" (criterion) may be set for these values, and the "shapes that can be considered the same" may be determined based on the "range that can be considered the same". For example, two shapes with a difference of 1° in the angle of the back bottom 70a may be considered to be substantially the same shape. For example, the bed control unit 31 may classify shapes that can be considered to be substantially the same shape into the same category based on a criterion. For example, a difference of 1° or less in the angle may be considered to be the same shape. For example, a difference of 2° or less in the angle may be considered to be the same shape. For example, a difference of 0.5 cm in the height H1 may be considered to be the same shape. For example, a difference of 1 cm in the height H1 may be considered to be the same shape.

[0077] If the detected shape of the bed 70 does not match the history ("No" in step S26), the bed control unit 31 stores the shape of the bed 70 acquired in step S25 as a new category in the bed storage unit 32 (step S27). At this time, for example, the bed control unit 31 may also associate the shape with the frequency of use and store it in the bed storage unit 32. For example, if the shape is formed for the first time, the number of times the shape category is used is 1.

[0078] If the bed storage unit 32 stores a history of a shape of the same category as the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 (if "Yes" in step S26), the bed control unit 31 increases the number of times that category has been used (step S28). For example, the bed control unit 31 increments the number of times that the bed has been used by one time. In this way, the bed control unit 31 stores the shape of the bed 70 and its frequency of use (number of times that the bed has been used) for each category in the bed storage unit 32.

[0079] Through the above series of processes, the history of changes in the shape of the bed 70 and the history of the frequency of use (number of times used) are stored in the bed storage unit 32 and updated for each category.

[0080] In the above example, the history of operation instructions for the bed 70 and the history of the shape of the bed 70 are stored in the bed memory unit 32 of the control circuit 30. In an embodiment, these histories may be stored in at least one of the first memory unit 42 of the bed operation unit 40 and the terminal memory unit 52 of the terminal device 50.

[0081] [Second mode] 6 is an example related to the second mode. For convenience of explanation, an example will be described below in which the shape according to the history is the shape with the highest frequency of use. The shape with the highest frequency of use corresponds to the shape with the "first place" frequency of use.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6, the device processing unit 51 of the terminal device 50 receives an operation instruction from the user 81, and the bed control unit 31 of the control circuit 30 receives the operation instruction (step S31). This operation instruction is an instruction to change the shape of the bed 70 to a shape with a "first place" frequency of use. For example, the user 81 touches (inputs) a first icon 11 (e.g., an "automatic" button) displayed on the terminal display unit 55. The device processing unit 51 detects this touch and receives the operation instruction from the user 81. The device processing unit 51 notifies the control circuit 30 of the operation instruction to change the shape of the bed 70 to a shape with a "first place" frequency of use via the device communication unit 53. As a result, the bed control unit 31 of the control circuit 30 receives the operation instruction received from the terminal device 50 to change the shape of the bed 70 to a shape with a "first place" frequency of use.

[0083] The bed control unit 31 determines whether the history of the shape of the bed 70 has been updated (step S32). For example, the bed control unit 31 refers to the data in the bed storage unit 32 and determines whether the history of the shape of the bed 70 has been updated between the time (timing) when the first icon 11 (e.g., the "Auto" button) received an input the previous time and the time (timing) when the first icon 11 received an input this time. If the history has been updated (if "Yes" in step S32), proceed to step S33. If the history has not been updated (if "No" in step S32), proceed to step S34.

[0084] If the history of the shape of the bed 70 has been updated, in step S33, the bed control unit 31 obtains the frequency of use of each category included in the history of the shape of the bed 70, and rearranges the categories in order of frequency of use. After step S33, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0085] In step S34, the bed control section 31 calculates and determines the shape that is most frequently used in each category.

[0086] In step S35 after step S34, the bed control unit 31 operates the bed 70 so that the bed 70 assumes a shape corresponding to the "most frequently used" position. For example, the bed control unit 31 supplies a control signal to the drive unit 75 to cause the bed 70 to assume that shape. Based on the control signal, the drive unit 75 causes the bed 70 to assume the shape corresponding to the "most frequently used" position.

[0087] In the above example, the bed control unit 31 determines (calculates) the shape that is most frequently used, based on the history of the shape of the bed 70. In an embodiment, at least one of the first processing unit 41 of the bed operating unit 40 and the terminal processing unit 51 of the terminal device 50 may determine (calculate) the shape that is most frequently used. In an embodiment, the shapes that are most frequently used, from "first" to "third", may be displayed so that candidates can be selected.

[0088] The above control (operation) may be performed by the control circuit 30. In this case, the bed system 310 includes an interface device 110 and a bed 70 that operates based on an operation instruction from the interface device 110. The interface device 110 includes a first input receiving unit 11R (e.g., a first icon 11 or a first operation unit 44) and a communication unit 13 (a terminal communication unit 53 or a first communication unit 43). The communication unit 13 can supply (transmit) a signal corresponding to the reception of an input by the first input receiving unit 11R to the bed 70. The bed 70 includes a control circuit 30 and a drive unit 75. Based on the signal, the control circuit 30 (e.g., the bed control unit 31) calculates first information S1 that sets the bed 70 to a first shape 70fa when the first input receiving unit 11R receives an input at a first time t1, and calculates second information S2 that sets the bed 70 to a second shape 70fb when the first input receiving unit 11R receives an input at a second time t2. The control circuit 30 (e.g., the bed control unit 31) provides this information to the drive unit 75. The drive unit 75 operates the bed 70 based on the first information S1 and the second information S2.

[0089] 4. Effects of this embodiment Thus, in the bed system 310 according to the embodiment, for example, even if the user 81 does not manually memorize (register) the shape of the bed 70 in the first mode, the user 81 can simply press the first input receiving unit 11R (e.g., the first icon 11) to put the bed 70 into a frequently used shape. The shape of the bed 70 can be appropriately and easily controlled according to the preferences or physical condition of the user 81. According to the embodiment, an interface device and a bed system capable of improving convenience can be provided.

[0090] As a comparative example, in the first mode, in order to store the shape of the bed 70, the user 81 uses the second icon 12 to change the shape of the bed 70 to the shape of the bed 70 that the user wants to store, and registers the shape of the bed 70. In the comparative example, in order to register the shape of the bed 70, the user 81 presses the memory button. As a result, the current shape of the bed 70 is stored in the memory unit of the bed 70.

[0091] However, the operation of manually registering the shape of the bed 70 of the comparative example is troublesome for the user 81, and may not be easy.

[0092] In the bed system of this embodiment, each time the user 81 operates the second icon 12 and changes the shape of the bed 70, the history of the shape of the bed 70 is stored, eliminating the need for the user 81 to register the shape of the bed 70 each time, improving the operability of the bed 70.

[0093] Furthermore, when the user 81 operates the first icon 11, the shape of the bed 70 can be changed to a shape according to the history of the shape of the bed 70, and the shape of the bed can be appropriately and easily controlled according to the preference or physical condition of the user 81. According to the embodiment, an interface device and a bed system that can improve convenience can be provided.

[0094] In one example of the interface device 110 and the bed system 310 according to the embodiment, the first mode may be automatically switched to the second mode without the user 81 performing an intentional operation to switch between the first mode and the second mode. For example, as described later, in the first mode, the history of the shape of the bed 70 may be automatically stored. Then, when the user 81 performs an input to the first icon 11 (for example, the "Auto" button), the interface device 110 and the bed system 310 may be switched to the second mode, and the bed 70 may operate so that the shape of the bed 70 becomes the shape of the bed 70 calculated based on the history. Such control may be performed, for example, by at least a part of the bed control unit 31, the first processing unit 41, and the terminal processing unit 51. By such an operation (control), the operability of the bed 70 is improved without the need for an intentional operation to switch between the first mode and the second mode.

[0095] In the bed system 310 or the interface device 110 according to the embodiment, information on the history of the shape of the bed 70 may be output. In one example, the control circuit 30 (e.g., the bed control unit 31) may be able to output the history of the shape of the bed 70 as log data. This output may be performed, for example, via the bed communication unit 33. The output log data is provided, for example, to the interface device 110 (at least one of the terminal device 50 and the bed operation unit 40). In one example, at least one of the terminal device 50 and the bed operation unit 40 may be able to output information on the history of the shape of the bed 70. In one example, at least one of the terminal device 50 and the bed operation unit 40 may be able to output information on the history of the shape of the bed 70 to the server 48, etc.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the bed 70 operates only while the user 81 is pressing the automatic button, but without being limited to this, once the automatic button is pressed, the shape of the bed 70 may automatically change to the desired shape based on the history, even if the user 81 does not press the automatic button afterwards.

[0097] Second embodiment The bed system of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of first input receiving units are provided. The differences will be specifically described below. Fig. 7 shows an example of the display of the display unit 10 of the interface device 110 in the second embodiment. In this example, the display state of the display unit 10 (e.g., an input unit) of the terminal device 50 is illustrated. As shown in Fig. 8, the display unit 10 includes a plurality of first icons 11 (a plurality of first input receiving units 11R). In this example, the plurality of first icons 11 include an icon 11A corresponding to "meal", an icon 11B corresponding to "stand up", an icon 11C corresponding to "wake up", and an icon 11D corresponding to "sleep".

[0098] The icons 11A to 11D correspond to a plurality of situations (a plurality of user situations) related to the user 81. The plurality of user situations includes at least one of the posture and the behavior of the user 81, for example.

[0099] When the user 81 presses any one of the icons 11A to 11D, the bed system of the second embodiment changes the shape of the bed 70 to the shape that is most frequently used in the user situation corresponding to the pressed icon 11A to 11D.

[0100] The bed system of the first embodiment calculates the most frequently used shape from the shape history of the bed 70 without dividing it into user situations, but the bed system of this embodiment calculates the most frequently used shape for each user situation from the shape history of the bed 70.

[0101] For this reason, it is necessary to extract, from the history of the shape of the bed 70, the history of the shape of the bed 70 that matches the user situation corresponding to each of the icons 11A to 11D.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the shape of the bed 70 becomes the desired shape, the mode is returned to the first mode. However, when the interface device 110 receives an operation instruction of the second icon 12 to change the shape of the bed 70 within a predetermined period after returning to the first mode, the history of the changed shape of the bed 70 is stored in the memory unit in association with the user status in the second mode.

[0103] For example, when the user 81 presses the icon 11B corresponding to "standing up," the bed system enters the second mode, calculates the most frequently used shape corresponding to "standing up," changes the shape of the bed 70 to that shape, and then returns to the first mode.

[0104] When the interface device receives an operation instruction for the second icon 12 and changes the shape of the bed 70 within a specified period after returning to the first mode, the history of the changed shape of the bed 70 is stored in the memory unit in association with the user status "standing up."

[0105] In this way, the bed system of this embodiment can extract, from the history of the shape of the bed 70, the history of the shape of the bed 70 that matches the user situation corresponding to each of the icons 11A to 11D.

[0106] A specific control operation will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 shows an example of the first mode in the bed system of the second embodiment. Steps S21 to S25 shown in Fig. 8 are similar to steps S21 to S25 shown in Fig. 6, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] After step S25, the bed control section 31 determines whether the change in shape of the bed 70 in response to the operation instruction in step S23 was made within a predetermined period of time after returning to the first mode (step S25a).

[0108] When the bed control unit 31 determines that the change in shape of the bed 70 in response to the operation instruction in step S23 has not occurred within a predetermined period of time since returning to the first mode ("No" in step S25a), the process proceeds to steps S26a, S27a, and S28a. In step S26a, the bed control unit 31 determines whether the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 matches the history of the shape of the bed 70 (step S26a). For example, the bed control unit 31 determines whether the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 belongs to any category.

[0109] If the detected shape of the bed 70 does not match the history ("No" in step S26a), the bed control unit 31 stores the shape of the bed 70 acquired in step S25 as a new category in the bed storage unit 32 (step S27a). At this time, for example, the bed control unit 31 may also associate the shape with the frequency of use and store it in the bed storage unit 32. For example, in the case of a shape that has been formed for the first time, the number of times that shape category has been used is 1.

[0110] If the history of the shape of the same category as the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 is stored in the bed storage unit 32 (if "Yes" in step S26a), the bed control unit 31 increases the number of times of use of that category (step S28a). For example, the bed control unit 31 increments the number of times of use by one.

[0111] When the bed control unit 31 determines in step S23 that the change in shape of the bed 70 in response to the operation instruction was made within a predetermined period of time after returning to the first mode (if "Yes" in step S25a), the bed control unit 31 determines whether the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 matches the history of the shape of the bed 70 in response to the user's status (step S26). For example, assume that the user 81 presses the icon 11B "stand up" and the bed system changes the shape of the bed 70 to the most frequently used shape corresponding to the user's status "stand up". When the shape of the bed 70 is changed, the bed system returns from the second mode to the first mode, and when the change in shape of the bed 70 in response to the operation instruction in step S23 was made within a predetermined period of time after returning to the first mode, the bed control unit 31 stores the shape of the bed 70 changed by the operation instruction in step S23 in the memory unit in association with the user's status "stand up".

[0112] The bed control section 31 determines whether or not the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 matches the history of the shape of the bed 70 associated with the user status "standing up" (step S26).

[0113] If the detected shape of the bed 70 does not match the history corresponding to the user situation ("No" in step S26), the bed control unit 31 associates the shape of the bed 70 acquired in step S25 with the user situation (user situation in the second mode) and stores it in the bed storage unit 32 as a new category (step S27). At this time, for example, the bed control unit 31 may also associate the shape with the frequency of use and store it in the bed storage unit 32. For example, in the case of a shape that has been formed for the first time, the number of times the category of that shape has been used is 1.

[0114] If the shape of the bed 70 detected in step S25 matches the history corresponding to the user situation (if a history of the shape of the same category among the history corresponding to the user situation is stored in the bed storage unit 32, and if "Yes" in step S26), the bed control unit 31 increases the number of times that the category corresponding to the user situation is used (step S28). For example, the bed control unit 31 increments the number of times that the matching category corresponding to the user situation "standing up" is used by one time. In this way, the bed control unit 31 stores the shape of the bed 70 and its frequency of use (number of times of use) for each user situation and for each category in the bed storage unit 32.

[0115] As described above, in the second embodiment, the history of the bed 70 is stored in association with a plurality of first icons 11 (icons 11A to 11D). As a result, the shape of the bed 70 can be set more simply and appropriately according to the user's situation than in the bed system of the first embodiment.

[0116] In the second embodiment, for example, the shape of the bed 70 may be preset in correspondence with each of the multiple first icons 11. In the second embodiment, the second mode (determination of the shape of "1st place") may be performed based on the preset shape of the bed 70 and the shape of the bed 70 formed in steps S27 and S28.

[0117] In step S25, the bed control unit 31 stores the shape of the bed 70 and its frequency of use (number of uses) for each category in the bed storage unit 32. At this time, the time at which the bed 70 has reached the desired shape may also be stored in association with the data on that shape. By storing the shape of the bed 70 in association with the time, it is possible to estimate which of a plurality of user situations the shape of the bed 70 corresponds to, based on the time at which the shape of the bed 70 was changed. For example, if the time for "standing up" is set, the detected shape of the bed 70 can be processed and stored in association with "standing up" based on the time.

[0118] The time when the bed 70 reaches the desired shape may be, for example, the time associated with the first of multiple operation instructions leading to that shape. Alternatively, the time when the bed 70 reaches the desired shape may be the time associated with the last operation instruction. Alternatively, the time when the bed 70 reaches the desired shape may be the time when the shape of the bed 70 is detected.

[0119] In the bed system 310 of the second embodiment, for example, the shape of the bed 70 corresponding to each of the multiple first icons 11 (corresponding to multiple states) may be set in advance at the time of product shipment. Without being limited to this case, in the bed system of this embodiment, the shape of the bed 70 may not be set in advance for each of the multiple first icons 11 at the time of product shipment, and the user 81 may be able to set the shape of the bed 70 for each of the multiple first icons 11.

[0120] The bed system 310 may include the shape of the bed 70 that was preset at the time of product shipment or the shape of the bed 70 that was set by the user 81 as the shape of the bed 70 that is the basis for calculating the frequency of use.

[0121] In the bed system 310 of this embodiment, in the first mode, after the user 81 inputs into any one of the multiple first icons 11 (corresponding to multiple states) to obtain the desired shape of the bed 70, the bed returns from that state to the first mode, and the shape of the bed 70 for which an input is made into the second icon 12 within a predetermined period of time is saved as history. In the second mode, a frequently used shape is calculated for each of the multiple states, and the bed 70 is controlled to assume that shape.

[0122] Third embodiment In the third embodiment, a plurality of user situations are classified by a biological information detection device that detects biological information of a user 81 of a bed 70. The shape of the bed 70 is controlled according to the plurality of classified user situations.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a bed system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the bed system 311 according to the third embodiment includes a biological information detection device 60. The biological information detection device 60 detects biological information of a user 81 of a bed 70. The biological information detection device 60 includes a biological information detection unit 60S that acquires biological information and a biological information processing unit 61 that processes the acquired biological information. In this example, the biological information detection unit 60S of the biological information detection device 60 is placed between the back bottom 70a and the mattress 76. For example, the biological information detection device 60 can detect vibrations corresponding to the body movement of the user 81. The biological information detection device 60 can detect the heart rate and respiratory rate of the user 81. The biological information detection device 60 may be capable of detecting the posture of the user 81 (for example, posture when sleeping, sitting on the edge, or posture when sitting up). The detected result is supplied to the control circuit 30 (for example, bed control unit 31) via the biological information processing unit 61 of the biological information detection device 60. The detected results may be provided to the interface device 110 .

[0124] The bed control unit 31 calculates (determines) the frequency of use of the shape of the bed 70 for each user situation including, for example, at least one of the posture and behavior of the user 81 from the history of the shape of the bed 70 based on the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 60S. The bed control unit 31 calculates (determines) information on the shape of the bed 70 that is most frequently used for each user situation from the history of the shape of the bed 70 (the history of the shape of the bed 70 includes, for each category, the shape of each bed 70 included in the category, the time when the shape was changed to that shape, and the frequency of use of each category) based on, for example, the biometric information.

[0125] For example, the state of the user 81 (user state) can be estimated based on the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection unit 60S. The user state includes, for example, "eating," "standing up," "getting up," and "sleeping." For example, the state of the user 81 (user state) may be determined (estimated) by combining the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection device 60 with time information.

[0126] The bed control unit 31 may classify the history of the shape of the bed 70 in accordance with each of a plurality of user states and store the classified history in the bed storage unit 32. For example, when the current state of the user 81 is estimated to be "standing up" based on the biometric information detected by the biometric information detection device 60, the shape of the bed 70 at that time is saved as the history of user information for "standing up". When the user 81 touches and inputs the icon 11B corresponding to "standing up", the bed 70 takes the shape that is most frequently used in the "standing up" state, for example. Such control (operation) is performed by the bed control unit 31 and the drive unit 75.

[0127] A specific example of the operation of the interface device 110 and the bed system 311 according to the third embodiment will be described below.

[0128] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the third embodiment. In the following description, as an example, a case where the user 81 inputs to the icon 11C ("wake up") will be described.

[0129] When the user 81 makes an input to the icon 11C, the terminal device 50 notifies the biological information detection device 60 that an input has been made to the icon 11C (step S511). The biological information detection device 60 accepts the input to the icon 11C (step S611).

[0130] The biometric information processing unit 61 refers to the history of biometric information stored in the storage unit (such as the memory included in the biometric information processing unit 61 or the bed storage unit 32) and extracts, from the history of biometric information, the "time" associated with the biometric information indicating that the user 81 has sat up (step S612). The processing unit (for example, the control circuit 30) transmits time information related to the extracted "time" to the terminal device 50 (step S613).

[0131] The terminal device 50 receives the time information from the biological information detection device 60 (step S512), and transmits the time information to the bed 70 (eg, the control circuit 30) (step S513).

[0132] In the bed 70 (e.g., the control circuit 30), the bed control section 31 receives time information (step S711). Since the time information extracted by the biological information detection device 60 is the time when the user 81 gets up, it can be determined that the shape of the bed 70 at this time is the shape of the bed 70 used when the user 81 got up. Therefore, the bed control section 31 extracts the shape of the bed 70 at the time of getting up from the shape history of the bed 70 based on the time information (step S712). That is, the bed control section 31 extracts the shape of the bed 70 stored in association with the same time (same time zone) as the time indicated in the time information from the shape history as the shape of the bed 70 at the time of getting up (step S712).

[0133] Next, the bed control unit 31 rearranges the extracted shapes of the bed 70 in order of frequency of use (step S713). The bed control unit 31 calculates the shape of the bed 70 that is "first" in frequency of use from among the shapes of the bed 70 rearranged in order of frequency of use (step S714). The bed control unit 31 controls the drive unit 75 to operate the bed 70 so that the bed 70 assumes this shape (step S715).

[0134] Thus, according to this embodiment, when an icon related to a specific action of user 81, such as "getting up," is operated, the shapes of bed 70 used to support the action of user 81 are extracted, and the shape with the "highest frequency of use" is calculated from among these to operate bed 70. Therefore, with simple operations, a shape of bed 70 can be realized that suits the preferences and physical condition of user 81 and the action of user 81, improving convenience.

[0135] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating another operation of the interface device and the bed system according to the third embodiment. In the example of Fig. 10, the bed control unit 31 calculates the shape according to the shape history of the bed 70, but in the example of Fig. 11, the terminal device 50 calculates the shape according to the shape history of the bed 70. Below, only the differences will be described, and a detailed description of the commonalities will be omitted.

[0136] The terminal device 50 notifies the biological information detecting device 60 and the bed 70 that an input has been made to the icon 11C (step S511). The bed 70 (e.g., the bed control unit 31) receives the notification (step S711) and transmits the shape history of the bed 70 to the terminal device 50 (step S712). The biological information detecting device 60 performs the above steps S611 and S612, and transmits time information related to "time" to the terminal device 50 (step S613). The terminal device 50 receives the shape history and the time information (step S512).

[0137] Terminal device 50 extracts the shape of bed 70 when getting up from the shape history of bed 70 by "time" (step S522), sorts them by frequency of use (step S523), and calculates the shape of bed 70 that is used "most frequently" (step S524). Terminal device 50 transmits this shape to bed 70 (step S525). Bed 70 (e.g., bed control unit 31) accepts the shape that is used "most frequently" (step S724) and controls drive unit 75 to operate bed 70 so that the bed is in this shape (step S715).

[0138] In the third embodiment, the history of the shape of the bed 70 in each of a plurality of user situations is recorded based on the biological information detected by the biological information detection device 60. Higher convenience is achieved.

[0139] In the above example, the biological information detection unit 60S of the biological information detection device 60 is provided between the back bottom 70a and the mattress 76. In the embodiment, the biological information detection device 60 may have any configuration. For example, the drive unit 75 (actuator) provided in the bed 70 may include a sensor (e.g., a load sensor). Such a sensor may also detect the biological information (posture, etc.) of the user 81. In the embodiment, the biological information detection device 60 may include a camera that captures an image of the user 81.

[0140] (Fourth embodiment) The configuration of the bed system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12, a bed system 312 according to the fourth embodiment includes a detection unit 77 in addition to a bed 70. The detection unit 77 detects physical information indicating a physical condition of a user 81.

[0141] In this example, the detection unit 77 is provided on the care bar 78. The care bar 78 is fixed to the frame 70F, for example. A sensor provided on the upper part of the swing arm 78a of the care bar 78 corresponds to the detection unit 77.

[0142] The user 81 uses the support bar 78 as an assisting tool when standing up or the like. The user 81 puts his / her weight on the support bar 78 to stand up. For example, the force applied by the user 81 to the support bar 78 is related to the physical condition of the user 81. For example, if the user 81 is showing signs of recovery, the force applied by the user 81 to the support bar 78 decreases. For example, if the user 81 is showing signs of deterioration, the force applied by the user 81 to the support bar 78 increases. By detecting such forces, the detection unit 77 can detect physical information indicating the physical condition of the user 81.

[0143] The bed control unit 31 included in the control circuit 30 of the bed 70 adjusts (e.g., modifies or corrects) information about the shape of the bed 70 (e.g., at least one of the first information S1 and the second information S2) in response to a change in the physical condition detected by the detection unit 77. Changes in the physical condition include, for example, recovery or deterioration of the user 81. For example, when the user 81 is recovering, the shape of the bed 70 is adjusted (e.g., modifies or corrects) so as to further promote independence. For example, the shape is changed from the most frequently used shape to a shape that further promotes independence. For example, when the user 81 is deteriorating, the shape of the bed 70 is adjusted so as to support the movements of the user 81. For example, the shape is changed from the most frequently used shape to a shape that suppresses deterioration.

[0144] A specific example of the operation of the bed system 312 in the fourth embodiment will be described below. 13 shows an example of the second mode. In the following description, a case where the user 81 inputs to the icon 11C ("wake up") will be described as an example.

[0145] The detection unit 77 (provided on the assistance bar 78 in this example) detects, for example, the pressure applied to the assistance bar at all times (step S931) and stores (stores) the detected pressure (pressure value) in association with the time (step S932).

[0146] These steps S931 and S932 are performed before the user 81 makes any input into the icon 11C, and assuming that the detection unit 77 has already stored the detected pressure in association with the time, the control operation of the bed system for the second mode will be specifically described.

[0147] When the user 81 inputs information into the icon 11C, the terminal device 50 notifies the biometric information detection device 60 and the detection unit 77 that an input has been made into the icon 11C (step S531). The biometric information detection device 60 accepts that an input has been made into the icon 11C (step S631).

[0148] The biometric information processing unit 61 of the biometric information detection device 60 refers to the history of the biometric information stored in the storage unit, and extracts, from the history of the biometric information, the "time" associated with the biometric information indicating that the user 81 has gotten up (step S632). The biometric information processing unit 61 transmits time information related to the extracted "time" to the terminal device 50 (step S633).

[0149] The detection unit 77 accepts that an input has been made to the icon 11C (step S933), and transmits to the terminal device 50 a history of pressure values, in which the pressure values ​​are associated with times and stored (step S934).

[0150] The terminal device 50 receives the time information from the biological information detection device 60 and receives the history of pressure values ​​from the detection unit 77 (step S532). The device processing unit 51 of the terminal device 50 creates adjustment information using the time information and the history of pressure values ​​(step S534) and transmits the time information and the adjustment information to the bed 70 (step S535). An example of creating the adjustment information in the device processing unit 51 will be described later.

[0151] In the bed 70, the bed control section 31 receives the time information (step S731). The bed control section 31 extracts the shape of the bed 70 when getting up from the shape history of the bed 70 based on the time information (step S732). That is, the bed control section 31 extracts the shape of the bed 70 stored in association with the same time (same time zone) as the time indicated in the time information from the shape history as the shape of the bed 70 when getting up (step S732).

[0152] The bed control unit 31 rearranges the extracted bed shapes in order of frequency of use (step S733). The bed control unit 31 calculates the shape of the bed 70 that is "first" in frequency of use from the history of the shapes of the bed 70 rearranged in order of frequency of use (step S734). The bed control unit 31 adjusts the calculated "first" shape of the bed 70 based on the adjustment information created by the terminal device 50 (step S735). The bed control unit 31 controls the drive unit 75 to operate the bed 70 in the adjusted shape (step S736).

[0153] An example of how the device processing unit 51 creates adjustment information will be described below. As shown in FIG. 14, the device processing unit 51 checks the time based on the time information transmitted from the biometric information detection device 60 (step S41), extracts the two most recent pressure values ​​when the user 81 used the assistance bar 78 when getting up from the pressure value history transmitted from the detection unit 77, compares the two pressure values ​​(step S42), and determines whether there has been any fluctuation in the pressure value (step S43).

[0154] If there is no change in the pressure value, the device processor 51 creates adjustment information to the effect that the back angle will not be changed (step S44). If there is a change in pressure, the device processor 51 determines whether the previous pressure value has decreased compared to the pressure value before last (step S45). If the previous pressure value has decreased from the pressure value before last, the process proceeds to step S46. If the previous pressure value has not decreased from the pressure value before last, the process proceeds to step S47.

[0155] If the pressure value is decreasing, adjustment information is created to, for example, lower the back angle (for example, 2°) (step S46). If the pressure value is decreasing, it is considered that the degree to which the user 81 depends on the care bar 78 is decreasing, so it can be determined that the degree of independence of the user 81 is increasing, and the shape of the bed 70 can be adjusted to promote independence and reduce the dependence on the bed 70 or the care bar 78.

[0156] If the pressure value has not decreased, adjustment information is created to raise the back angle (e.g., 2°) (step S47). If the pressure value has not decreased and has increased, for example, it is considered that the degree of dependency of the user 81 on the assistance bar 78 has increased, so it can be determined that the degree of independence of the user 81 has decreased, and by making such an adjustment, the movement of the user 81 can be supported.

[0157] The terminal processing unit 51 transmits the adjustment information created in this manner to the bed 70. The bed control unit 31 of the bed 70 adjusts the shape of the bed 70 based on the adjustment information, and controls the driving unit 75 to operate the bed 70 so that the bed 70 has the adjusted shape.

[0158] In the above example, the shape of the bed 70 is adjusted by changing the back angle. In this embodiment, the adjustment of the shape of the bed 70 may be performed by adjusting other values ​​related to the shape of the bed 70. For example, the shape of the bed 70 may be adjusted so that the knee lift is not used when the degree of independence is increasing, and the shape of the bed 70 may be adjusted so that the knee lift is used when the degree of independence is decreasing.

[0159] In this embodiment, the detector 77 for detecting the physical condition may be provided, for example, on the mattress 76. In this case, for example, when the user 81 rests his / her arms on the mattress 76, the detector 77 detects the pressure locally applied to the mattress 76 by measuring the pressure at that point. Then, based on the fluctuation in this pressure value, the physical condition of the user 81 (degree of independence, Additionally, the detection unit 77 may include an acceleration sensor worn by the user 81. In this case, the detection unit 77 can, for example, measure the balance of the body when the user 81 stands up, and judge the physical condition (degree of independence) of the user 81 according to the degree of change in the axis of the body when standing up. If the change in the axis is small compared to the previous time the user 81 stood up, it can be determined that the degree of independence has increased. If the change in the axis is large, it can be determined that the degree of independence has decreased.

[0160] When the degree of independence is decreasing, the device processing unit 51 of the terminal device 50 creates adjustment information to lower the back angle, use the knee lift, etc. When the degree of independence is increasing, the device processing unit 51 creates adjustment information to increase the back angle, not use the knee lift, etc.

[0161] According to the fourth embodiment, the shape of the bed 70 to be formed is adjusted in accordance with the physical condition of the user 81. This provides higher convenience.

[0162] According to the embodiment, an interface device and a bed system that can improve convenience can be provided.

[0163] The above describes the embodiment of the present invention with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of each element, such as a communication unit, a display unit, a storage unit, a bed, and a control circuit, included in an interface device or a bed system are included in the scope of the present invention as long as a person skilled in the art can implement the present invention in a similar manner and obtain similar effects by appropriately selecting them from the known range.

[0164] Furthermore, any combination of two or more elements of each of the specific examples, within the scope of technical feasibility, is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0165] In addition, all interface devices and bed systems that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by making appropriate design modifications based on the interface device and bed system described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0166] In addition, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it will be understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10...display unit, 11...first icon, 11A-11D...icons, 11R...first input receiving unit, 12...second icon, 12a-12h...icons, 13...communication unit, 15...display area, 30...control circuit, 31...bed control unit, 32...bed memory unit, 33...bed communication unit, 34...bed detection unit, 35...bed timer, 40...bed operation unit, 41...first processing unit, 42...first memory unit, 43...first communication unit, 44...first operation unit, 45...first display unit, 48...server, 50...terminal device, 51...terminal processing unit, 52...terminal memory unit, 53...terminal communication unit, 54...terminal operation unit, 55...terminal display unit, 60...biometric information detection device, 60S...biometric information detection unit, 61...biometric information processing unit, 70...bed, 70F...frame, 70a...back bottom, 70b...knee bottom, 70c...leg bottom, 70d...waist bottom, 70fa...first shape, 70fb...second shape, 75...driving unit, 76...mattress, 77...detecting unit, 78...assistance bar, 78a...swing arm, 81...user, 110...interface device, 310-312...bed system, IN1, IN2...input, H1...height, S1...first information, S2...second information, t1...first time, t2...second time

Claims

1. an operation unit including a first button; The Communications Department and Equipped with the communication unit acquires a user status including at least one of a posture and a behavior of the user from a biometric information detection device capable of acquiring biometric information of the user; the communication unit transmits first information to the electric furniture when a first icon is selected if the user status is the first status at a first time, and transmits second information different from the first information to the electric furniture when the first icon is selected if the user status is the first status at a second time different from the first time, the first information is information for changing a shape of the electric furniture into one shape corresponding to the first icon, An interface device, wherein the second information is information for changing the shape of the electric furniture to another shape corresponding to the first icon.

2. Further comprising a processing unit, The interface device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit acquires a history of a shape of the electric furniture, and calculates the first information and the second information based on the history.

3. The history may include: A first history of the shape of the electric furniture during a first period of time; A second history of the shape of the electric furniture in a second period different from the first period; and Including, The processing unit includes: Based on the first history, a shape of the electric furniture that is most frequently used at a time corresponding to the first time when the user situation is the first situation during the first period is calculated as the first information; The interface device according to claim 2, wherein, based on the second history, the shape of the electric furniture that is most frequently used during the second period when the user situation is the first situation and at a time corresponding to the second time is calculated as the second information.

4. The interface device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processing unit calculates information regarding the shape of the electric furniture that is most frequently used for each user situation including at least one of the user's posture and behavior from the history of the shape of the electric furniture based on the biometric information.

5. The communication unit acquires physical information indicating a physical condition of the user, The interface device according to claim 4 , wherein the processing unit modifies the first information or the second information based on a change in the physical condition of the user.

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