Nurse call system

Abstract

To address an issue that an image displayed on a nurse call parent device is changed according to a type of a call signal.SOLUTION: The present invention includes: a chile device 2 for a patient to call a nurse; a parent device 5 for receiving the call and talking; a camera 6 for imaging a bed and a region around the bed; a recorder 7 for storing the image taken by the camera 6; a controller 4; and a history server 11 for storing past history information including a treatment history of the patient. The child device 2 sends different types of call signals, and the parent device 5 has a display unit 5b for displaying the image taken by the camera 6. The controller 4 has a control unit CPU42 for selecting an image to display in the display unit 5b from a current image taken by the camera 6, an image recorded by the recorder 7, and a storage information image of the history server 11 related to a sending source of a call signal, according to the type of a call. The parent device 5 receives a call signal and displays the selected image on the display unit 5b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nurse call system, and more particularly to a nurse call system that, when receiving a call from a patient, displays an imaging image of the patient together with notification of the call on a nurse call master unit.

Background Art

[0002] A nurse call system has become widespread in which a camera for imaging a patient is installed in a hospital room, and when a call from a patient occurs, the nurse call master unit notifies the call and displays a camera imaging image of the calling patient, allowing the responding nurse to communicate while confirming the patient in the image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above conventional nurse call subsystem was effective for smooth handling as it was easy to grasp the situation because the calling patient could be confirmed in the image during the call. However, call signals include not only calls from patients (nurse call calls), but also staff call calls from nurses during treatment, and further, notifications such as abnormal notification signals from separately connected devices, and there are multiple types. In the case of a nurse call, it was beneficial to be able to confirm the current state of the patient in the image, but depending on the call type, there were cases where an image showing past treatments or information on the treatment history that the nurse desired was more relevant than the current image of the patient.

[0005] Therefore, in view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a nurse call system in which an image displayed on a nurse call master unit is changed according to the type of a call signal transmitted from a nurse call slave unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a nurse call system including a nurse call slave unit for a patient to call a nurse, a nurse call master unit for receiving a call and making a call, a camera for imaging a bed and its surroundings, a recording device for storing the imaged image of the camera in association with the bed, and a control device for controlling lines of calls and images, and having a history server in which history information including a treatment history of the patient is stored. On the other hand, there are a plurality of types of call signals having different call types transmitted from the nurse call slave unit, the nurse call master unit has an image display unit for displaying the imaged image of the camera, and the control device has a display image selection unit for selecting an image to be displayed on the image display unit from among the current imaged image of the camera associated with the call signal transmission source, the recorded image of the recording device, and the image of the history information stored in the history server according to the call type. In the nurse call master unit that has received the call signal, the image selected by the display image selection unit is displayed on the image display unit. According to this configuration, even in the case of a call from the nurse call slave unit, the image displayed on the nurse call master unit can be made different according to the call type. Therefore, it is possible to display an image desired by the nurse on the nurse call master unit according to the type of the call signal.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the configuration according to claim 1, wherein the call signals include a nurse call signal for a patient to call a nurse and a staff call signal for a nurse to call another nurse, and the display image selection unit selects the current imaged image of the camera in the case of the nurse call signal and selects the latest image from among the recorded images in the case of the staff call signal. According to this configuration, when the call signal is a staff call signal, instead of the current patient image, the latest patient image among the recorded images is displayed. Therefore, the nurse who has received the staff call can grasp the details of the treatment of the most recent patient and is more likely to respond.

[0008] The invention according to claim 3 is the configuration according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the call signal includes, in addition to the signal from the nurse call sub-unit, a notification signal transmitted from an external device for obtaining the patient's vital information, and the display image selection unit selects, as the display image, the patient's history information stored in the history server when the call signal is a notification signal. According to this configuration, when the call signal is a notification signal from an external device, instead of the captured image of the camera, the information on the patient's treatment history is displayed on the nurse call master unit. Therefore, when the notification signal is a signal that particularly notifies an abnormality, it is easy to grasp the situation and the cause.

[0009] The invention according to claim 4 is the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the display image selection unit selects the recorded image of the recording device to be displayed on the image display unit and the corresponding image does not exist, the current captured image of the camera is displayed on the image display unit. According to this configuration, even in the setting of displaying the recorded image, if there is no recorded image, the current captured image of the camera is displayed, so that the image of the patient who is the source of the call signal is surely displayed. Therefore, the responding nurse will not be confused.

[0010] The invention according to claim 5 is the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recording device has a person detection unit for grasping the number of people in the captured image of the camera, and the images detected by the person detection unit as having only one person and those detected as having two or more people are stored separately, and when the display image selection unit selects the recorded image of the recording device to be displayed on the image display unit, the latest image among the recorded images of the patient associated with the call signal in which two or more people are detected is displayed on the image display unit. According to this configuration, when displaying the recorded image, the latest image in which two or more persons are detected, that is, the latest image in which the nurse is treating the patient, is displayed on the nurse call master unit. Therefore, it is easy for the nurse to grasp and respond to the last treatment performed.

[0011] The invention according to claim 6 has a mobile terminal carried by a nurse for responding to a call from a patient, and the control device also performs control to transmit a call signal to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a terminal display unit for displaying an image, and a display control unit for displaying on the terminal display unit any one of an imaging image of a camera, a recorded image of a recording device, and further history information of a history server according to the call type. When receiving a call signal, it notifies the call and displays any one of the images. According to this configuration, the call signal transmitted from the nurse call slave unit is also transmitted to the mobile terminal, and an image corresponding to the call type is also displayed at that time. Therefore, it is possible to respond in the same way as in the case of responding at the nurse call master unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, even in the case of a call from a nurse call slave unit, the image displayed on the nurse call master unit can be made different depending on the call type. Therefore, it is possible to display an image desired by the nurse on the nurse call master unit according to the type of the call signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a nurse call system according to the present invention. The nurse call system 1 includes a nurse call sub-unit 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "sub-unit") installed for each bed for a patient to call a nurse, a corridor light 3 for notifying the occurrence of a call in front of the patient's room, a control device 4 for controlling the call and image lines, a nurse call master unit 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as "master unit") installed at the nurse station for responding to calls from patients, a camera 6 for imaging the bed and its surroundings, a recording device 7 for recording the imaging image of the camera 6, a bedside monitor 8 as an external device installed near the bed as needed for obtaining the patient's vital information or displaying patient-related information, a portable terminal 9 carried by a nurse for responding to calls from patients, a history server 11 for storing history information such as the patient's treatment history, and the like. Also, 13 is a base station for communicating with the portable terminal 9, 14 is a private branch exchange (PBX) for managing the communication of the portable terminal 9, 16 indicates a LAN trunk line disposed in the hospital, and each device is connected to the LAN via a HUB 15. Note that "image" includes "video", and the image captured by the camera 6 also includes moving images.

[0015] The sub-unit 2 is composed of a call grip button 2a operated by the patient and a plate sub-unit 2b provided with a staff call button 2c operated by the nurse in addition to the call function, and the call grip button 2a is connected to the plate sub-unit 2b. The master unit 5 has a call unit composed of a handset 5a and a display unit 5b provided with an operation unit for performing various operations. The display unit 5b can display the imaging image of the camera 6. The sub-unit 2 is connected to the corridor light 3 via a transmission line L1, and the bedside monitor 8 is connected to the corridor light 3 via a transmission line L2. Also, the corridor light 3, the master unit 5, the recording device 7, and the history server 11 are each connected to the control device 4 via the LAN.

[0016] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the control device 4. The control device 4 includes a patient-related information storage unit 41 in which patient-related information is associated with a patient, a bed number, and a camera 6, a control device CPU 42 that controls communication between devices, a control device communication IF 43 for LAN connection, and the like. In addition to call path control, the control device CPU 42 discriminates the type of a call signal and performs control to transmit a preset image to the master unit 5 according to the type.

[0017] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the recording device 7. The recording device 7 includes a face authentication unit 71 as a person detection unit, a first image storage unit 72a, a second image storage unit 72b, a recording device CPU 73 that controls the recording device 7, a recording device communication IF 74 for LAN connection, and the like. The face authentication unit 71 has a function of identifying a person's face from an image and grasps the number of people from the number of discriminated faces of the people reflected in the image. The recording device CPU 73 designates a storage destination of a captured image according to the grasped number of people and performs storage control. At this time, an image in which the face authentication unit 71 discriminates only one face is stored in the first image storage unit 72a, and an image in which a plurality of faces are discriminated is stored in the second image storage unit 72b.

[0018] Specifically, the face authentication unit 71 has a primary storage unit for an image, temporarily stores the image transmitted from the camera 6, and if a person's face is not authenticated or only one face is authenticated, the image is transferred from the primary storage unit to the first image storage unit 72a and stored. On the other hand, if two or more faces are confirmed in the image transmitted from the camera 6, the image is stored in the second image storage unit 72b. However, if the number of people changes from one to two or more in consecutive images, the image is stored in the second image storage unit 72b from the stage where two or more are confirmed. Note that the images are stored with patient information associated therewith and are stored in time series.

[0019] In the history server 11, the treatment contents performed on the patients input by the nurse each time are recorded and stored in time series. The treatment contents are input by the nurse.

[0020] The mobile terminal 9 uses a so-called smartphone in which an operation unit and a display unit 9a are integrally configured. An application that displays an image in response to the reception of a call signal is installed, and when a call signal is received, a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit 9a.

[0021] The bedside monitor 8 has a vital measurement function for measuring pulse and blood pressure. If these numerical values indicate abnormal values, a notification signal for notifying the abnormality is transmitted as a call signal to the master unit 5. Note that the vital measurement may be performed not by the bedside monitor 8 but by another dedicated measuring instrument, and in any case, the notification signal is transmitted as a call signal.

[0022] The operation of the nurse call system configured as described above is as follows. However, the control in which a call from a patient (nurse call) is made by operating the slave unit 2 and the call signal is transmitted to the master unit 5 and the mobile terminal 9, and the control in which a communication path is formed between the responding nurse and the patient are the same as those in the prior art, so the description thereof is omitted. Here, the description will be centered on the image displayed on the master unit 5 or the mobile terminal 9 according to the type of the call signal. The call signal includes, in addition to the nurse call signal by operating the call push button 2a and the staff call signal by operating the staff call button 2c, a notification signal from an external device such as the bedside monitor 8.

[0023] The images initially displayed on the master unit 5 and the mobile terminal 9 can be set for each type of call signal by a predetermined setting operation (not described in detail) of the master unit 5, and the set images can be displayed. However, the basic form of the display on the display unit 5b of the master unit 5 is as follows. When a nurse call signal is generated and transmitted, the control device 4 that relays this signal selects an image. Under the control of the control device CPU 42, if it is determined that it is a nurse call signal, the image associated with the nurse call signal is transmitted to the master unit 5. Specifically, the associated camera 6 is selected from the slave unit ID attached to the nurse call signal, and the selected camera 6 starts imaging. That is, the camera 6 that images the calling patient starts imaging, and the captured image is transmitted to the master unit 5. The image transmitted to the master unit 5 is displayed on the display unit 5b together with the calling source information such as the patient's name. As a result, the nurse who receives the call and responds can conduct the call while confirming the patient with the image. At this time, the captured image of the camera 6 is stored in the recording device 7.

[0024] When a staff call signal is transmitted, the control device 4 that relays this signal selects an image. When it is determined by the control of the control device CPU 42 that it is a staff call signal, the image set in association with the staff call signal is transmitted to the master unit 5. Specifically, based on the slave unit ID attached to the staff call signal, the patient related information storage unit 41 identifies the calling patient, and the latest image among the recorded images of that patient is retrieved from the recording device 7 and transmitted to the master unit 5. The image transmitted to the master unit 5 is displayed on the display unit 5b together with the calling source information such as the patient's name.

[0025] However, in the case of a staff call signal, among the images in the first image storage unit 72a where only the above-mentioned one recognized image is stored and the images in the second image storage unit 72b where images of multiple persons are recognized, the image in the second image storage unit 72b is preferentially displayed. In this way, since the staff call is a call from the nurse treating the patient, by displaying an image in which multiple persons are shown, the image of the nurse treating the patient recorded by the previous call signal is displayed on the master unit 5. Therefore, compared with the image showing only the patient, the most recent treatment can be grasped, and it becomes easier for the responding nurse to respond.

[0026] If there is no image in the second image storage unit 72b in which multiple persons are shown, the stored image in the first image storage unit 72a is displayed. If there is no stored image itself, the current captured image of the camera 6 is displayed.

[0027] When a notification signal is sent from the bedside monitor 8, the control device 4 that relays this signal selects an image. Under the control of the control device CPU 42, if it is determined that it is a notification signal, the image set in association with the notification signal is sent to the master unit 5. Specifically, based on the slave unit ID attached to the notification signal, the patient related information storage unit 41 identifies the calling patient, reads the most recent treatment record of that patient from the history server 11, and sends it to the master unit 5 as an image. The image sent to the master unit 5 is displayed on the display unit 5b together with call source information such as the patient's name.

[0028] Figs. 4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams of the images displayed on the master unit 5. Fig. 4 shows the display of the master unit 5 when a nurse call signal is sent, and Fig. 5 shows the display of the master unit when a notification signal is sent. As shown in Fig. 4, the nurse call signal is a call from the patient, and the current captured image G1 of the patient is displayed together with the patient information G2.

[0029] In addition, in Fig. 4, G3 is an image switching button. By operating this button, the displayed image can be switched in order to the stored images in the first image storage unit 72a of the recording device 7, the stored images in the second image storage unit 72b, and further the images of the history information.

[0030] And, as shown in Fig. 5, when there is a notification from an external device such as the bedside monitor 8, the image G4 of the history information is displayed. Also in this case, the image switching button G3 is displayed, and the image can be switched.

[0031] Thus, even in the case of a call from the slave unit 2, the image displayed on the master unit 5 can be different depending on the call type, and the image desired by the nurse can be displayed on the master unit 5 according to the type of the call signal. Therefore, in the case of a call from a patient, the current image of the calling patient is displayed, making it easier for the responding nurse to grasp the patient's condition. In the case of a notification signal from the bedside monitor 8, instead of the captured image of the camera 6, an information image of the patient's treatment history is displayed on the master unit 5. Thus, in the case where the notification signal is a signal notifying a particular abnormality, it is easier to grasp the situation and the cause. Furthermore, even in the setting for displaying the recorded image, if there is no recorded image, the current captured image of the camera 6 is displayed, ensuring that the image of the patient who is the source of the call signal is displayed. Thus, the responding nurse will not be confused.

[0032] Next, the display of the mobile terminal 9 will be described. The call signal from the slave unit 2 is also transmitted to the mobile terminal 9, and at the same time, an image is also transmitted. At this time, the image displayed on the mobile terminal 9 is the same as that on the master unit 5, and different images preset according to the call type are displayed. However, it is equipped with a display control unit (application software) that identifies the call signal and selects the display image, enabling a display different from that of the master unit 5 by default. For example, even in the case of a nurse call, the patient's history information can be displayed first.

[0033] Therefore, here, the storage unit for the image displayed on the mobile terminal 9 is the recording device 7, which is common to the master unit 5. However, a dedicated image device for the mobile terminal 9 may be provided separately. Also, similar to the master unit 5, an image switching button G3 is displayed on the mobile terminal 9 according to the displayed image, and even while an image is being displayed, it can be switched to another screen.

[0034] Thus, the call signal transmitted from the slave unit 2 is also transmitted to the mobile terminal 9, and the related image is also displayed at that time. Therefore, similar to the master unit 5, it is possible to respond while obtaining the patient's information.

[0035] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the recording device 7 and the history server 11 are independent devices, but they may be integrated into one unit. Also, although the face authentication unit 71 detects a person, it may be possible to detect a moving object around the bed to identify the person.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0036] 1 ·· Nurse call system, 2 ·· Nurse call sub-unit, 3 ·· Corridor light, 4 ·· Control device, 5 ·· Nurse call master unit, 5b ·· Display unit (image display unit), 6 ·· Camera, 7 ·· Recording device, 8 ·· Bedside monitor (external device), 9 ·· Mobile terminal, 9a ·· Display unit (terminal display unit), 11 ·· History server, 42 ·· Control device CPU (display image selection unit), 71 ·· Face authentication unit (person detection unit), 72a ·· First image storage unit, 72b ·· Second image storage unit, G3 ·· Image switching button.

Claims

1. A nurse call system comprising a nurse call sub-unit for a patient to call a nurse, a nurse call main unit for receiving and making a call, a camera for imaging the bed and its surroundings, a recording device for associating and storing the captured image of the camera with the bed, and a control device for controlling the call and image lines, while having a history server in which history information including the treatment history of the patient is stored, wherein there are a plurality of types of call signals with different call types sent by the nurse call sub-unit, and the nurse call main unit has an image display unit for displaying the captured image of the camera, the control device has a display image selection unit for selecting, according to the call type, an image to be displayed on the image display unit from among the current captured image of the camera associated with the call signal sender, the recorded image of the recording device, and the image of the history information stored in the history server, In the nurse call main unit that has received the call signal, the image selected by the display image selection unit is displayed on the image display unit. A nurse call system characterized by this.

2. The call signal includes a nurse call signal for a patient to call a nurse and a staff call signal for a nurse to call another nurse, The display image selection unit selects the current captured image of the camera in the case of the nurse call signal, and selects the latest image from among the recorded images in the case of the staff call signal. The nurse call system according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The call signal includes, in addition to the signal from the nurse call sub-unit, a notification signal transmitted from an external device for obtaining the patient's vital information, The display image selection unit selects the history information of the patient stored in the history server as the display image when the call signal is the notification signal. The nurse call system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. When the display image selection unit selects the recorded image of the recording device to be displayed on the image display unit, if the corresponding image does not exist, the current captured image of the camera is displayed on the image display unit. The nurse call system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized by this feature.

5. The recording device has a person detection unit for grasping the number of people reflected in the captured image of the camera, and separately stores the images detected by the person detection unit as having only one person and having two or more people detected. When the display image selection unit selects a recorded image of the recording device to be displayed on the image display unit, among the recorded images of the patient associated with the call signal, the latest image of the image in which the two or more persons are detected is displayed on the image display unit. The nurse call system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A mobile terminal carried by a nurse for responding to a call from a patient, and the control device performs control to transmit the call signal to the mobile terminal as well. The mobile terminal includes a terminal display unit for displaying an image, and a display control unit for displaying any one of the captured image of the camera, the recorded image of the recording device, and the history information of the history server on the terminal display unit according to the call type. The nurse call system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when a call signal is received, the call is notified and any one of the images is displayed.

Images