Bathroom sensor system and control method for bathroom sensor system.

Abstract

To realize a bathroom sensor system capable of managing a user's risk.SOLUTION: A bathroom sensor system (1) for managing a user's risk, comprises a vital detection unit (100) that detects vital information of a user in a bathtub, and a presentation unit (120) that presents risk information caused by change in physical condition of the user based on the detected vital information of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bathroom sensor system and a method for controlling the bathroom sensor system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been required to detect the state of a bather and prevent accidents during bathing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a bathroom system in which a heartbeat electrode for measuring the bather's heartbeat is installed in a bathtub, and when an abnormality is determined in the heartbeat, an abnormality is notified in a kitchen remote control and a bathroom remote control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional bathroom system has been configured to notify an abnormality after an abnormality occurs in the bather's heartbeat.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to realize a bathroom sensor system that manages the risk of a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A bathroom sensor system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a bathroom sensor system that manages the risk of a user, and includes a vital detection unit that detects vital information of a user in a bathtub, and a presentation unit that presents risk information resulting from a change in the physical condition of the user based on the detected vital information of the user.

[0007] A control method for a bathroom sensor system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a bathroom sensor system that manages user risks, and includes a detection step of detecting user vital information in a bathtub, and a presentation step of presenting risk information resulting from a change in the user's physical condition based on the detected user vital information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a bathroom sensor system that manages user risks can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0011] <Overview of Bathroom Sensor System> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a bathroom sensor system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] The bathroom sensor system 1 is a system that detects the vital information of a user taking a bath and presents risk information caused by changes in physical condition. The user taking a bath refers to a user immersed in the hot water of a bathtub. In this specification, "taking a bath" refers to being in a state of being immersed in the hot water of a bathtub. The vital information may be information related to the user's vital signs, and includes, for example, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse, body temperature, blood pressure, and the like.

[0013] By presenting the risk information to the user, the bathroom sensor system 1 can make the user aware of the state of their own body and give the user an opportunity to be able to get out of the bath by themselves. In addition, the bathroom sensor system 1 may be communicably connected to an external device 50, transmit the risk information to the external device 50, and, for example, notify the family of the user living separately of the state of the user's body.

[0014] <Details of the Configuration of the Bathroom Sensor System> Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 1, the details of the main configuration of the bathroom sensor system 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom sensor system 1 includes a bathroom sensor device 10 and a monitor 40. Further, the bathroom sensor device 10 may include a server 30.

[0015] The server 30 may store reference vital information and the user's past vital information for each user, which will be described later.

[0016] The bathroom sensor device 10 is a device that integrally manages and controls the entire bathroom sensor system 1. The bathroom sensor device 10 includes a thermal detection unit 200, a vital detection unit 100, a control unit 110, a presentation unit 120, a communication unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

[0017] The thermal detection unit 200 detects the temperature of the bathtub and its surroundings. As an example, the thermal detection unit 200 may be an infrared thermographic camera that captures a thermal distribution image. The position where the thermal detection unit 200 is installed is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the temperature of the bathtub and its surroundings. For example, it may be installed at a position facing the user. The number of pixels of the thermal distribution image captured by the thermal detection unit 200 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be 32×32, 16×16, or 8×8.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the thermal distribution image acquired by the thermal detection unit 200. Image P1 shows the actual state of the bathtub in which the user is immersed in hot water, and image P2 is the thermal distribution image of the state of the bathtub in image P1 acquired by the thermal detection unit 200. Also, image P3 shows the state of the bathtub filled with hot water when the user is absent, and image P4 is the thermal distribution image of the state of the bathtub in P3 acquired by the thermal detection unit 200. As an example, in images P2 and P4, black pixels may indicate a thermal distribution at or above a predetermined temperature, and white pixels may indicate a thermal distribution below the predetermined temperature.

[0019] According to the thermal distribution image acquired by the thermal detection unit 200, it is possible to determine whether the bathtub is filled with hot water or whether a person is located inside the bathtub. For example, comparing image P2 and image P4 in FIG. 2, the arrangement of the black pixels is different from each other. Specifically, in image P2, characteristic pixels a to d shown in black, corresponding to the shoulders and head of the user, appear. Also, although not shown, when the bathtub is not filled with hot water, there are no black pixels in the thermal distribution image.

[0020] Further, the thermal detection unit 200 may detect the start and stop of hot water supply to the bathtub described later. The detection process of the vital detection unit 100 described later may be started using the detection of the start of hot water supply by the thermal detection unit 200 as a trigger.

[0021] By having the thermal detection unit 200 detect in advance the state of the bathtub filled with hot water after the hot water supply stops, it is possible to accurately detect the thermal distribution state when the user takes a bath. For example, by detecting the thermal distribution state of the image P4 in FIG. 2 where the bathtub is filled with hot water, based on the arrangement of the black pixels when the user enters the bathtub, it is possible to easily determine which part of the user's body is located above the water surface. For example, by detecting the distribution state of the black pixels, it is possible to determine whether only the head of the user's body is located above the water surface or the upper body is located above the water surface. That is, it is possible to determine the state of the user, such as whether the user is taking a full-body bath or a half-body bath.

[0022] Also, by having the thermal detection unit 200 detect in advance the thermal distribution state of the bathtub filled with hot water and storing the detected thermal distribution state, the risk of the user drowning can be determined, for example, by the first determination unit 111 described later. For example, the thermal distribution state may be stored in the storage unit 140 or the server 30. For example, if it is determined from the thermal distribution image that although the amount of hot water in the bathtub has increased compared to the amount of hot water after the hot water supply stops, a part of the user's body is not above the water surface, it may be determined that there is a high possibility that the user's body has sunk into the hot water and there is a risk of drowning. The amount of hot water in the bathtub may be detected, for example, by a water level gauge or by the thermal distribution image acquired by the thermal detection unit 200.

[0023] The vital detection unit 100 detects the vital information of the user in the bathtub. As an example, the vital detection unit 100 may be a non-contact heart rate detector and a non-contact respiration rate detector. Existing heart rate detectors and respiration rate detectors can be used as the non-contact heart rate detector and the non-contact respiration rate detector. Also, the vital detection unit 100 may detect pulse, body temperature, and blood pressure. The vital detection unit 100 may detect vital information at predetermined intervals, for example, every few seconds or every few minutes. Also, the vital detection unit 100 may detect the hot water temperature of the bathtub when detecting the vital information of the user together with the vital information of the user.

[0024] The vital detection unit 100 may start detecting vital information when the hot water supply to the bathtub starts. Whether the hot water supply has started may be detected, for example, by the above-described thermal detection unit 200. For example, the time when the thermal detection unit 200 detects a change in the temperature of the bathtub, that is, the time when it detects that the temperature of the bathtub has increased, may be regarded as the start time of the hot water supply.

[0025] According to the above configuration, the bathroom sensor system 1 starts detecting vital information when the hot water supply to the bathtub starts. Thereby, when the hot water supply is started, that is, when it is highly likely that the user will soak in the bathtub from now on, the bathroom sensor system 1 can start detecting vital signs in advance. In addition, by starting the detection of vital information triggered by the start of the hot water supply, it is not necessary for the vital detection unit 100 to constantly perform the detection process, and the energy efficiency can be improved by power saving. Thereby, it can contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

[0026] The control unit 110 integrally controls the operation of the bathroom sensor device 10 and includes a first determination unit 111 and a risk information generation unit 113.

[0027] The first determination unit 111 performs a first determination as to whether the vital information is the same as the reference vital information indicating a vital sign that allows the user to safely get out of the bathtub or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information. Further, when the first determination unit 111 determines that the vital information is the same as the reference vital information or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information, the first determination result is included in the risk information.

[0028] Here, the reference vital information may be information generated from, for example, the bathing time when the user took a bath in the past and the user's vital information corresponding to the bathing time. For example, taking the time when the user immerses in the hot water of the bathtub as the start time of bathing, the continuous immersion time in the bathtub from the start time of bathing may be used as the bathing time. The reference vital information may be, for example, the average value or median value of the vital information corresponding to the user's bathing time over a predetermined number of days. The predetermined number of days is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, from several days to several tens of days.

[0029] Also, the reference vital information may be the average value or median value of the vital information for each bathing time. For example, the heart rate for each predetermined bathing time is detected for 10 days, and the average value or median value of the heart rate for each predetermined bathing time over 10 days is used as the reference vital information, and the first determination may be made for each predetermined bathing time. The predetermined bathing time is not particularly limited. As an example, the first determination may be made every few seconds of the bathing time, or the first determination may be made every few minutes of the bathing time.

[0030] The determination that the vital information is the same as the reference vital information is, for example, when the predetermined time for making the first determination is 10 minutes, and the heart rate of the user during 10 minutes of bathing is the same as the average value or median value of the heart rate during 10 minutes of bathing in the predetermined period. Also, the determination that the vital information is of higher risk than the reference vital information is, for example, when the heart rate of the user during 10 minutes of bathing is higher than the average value or median value of the heart rate during 10 minutes of bathing in the predetermined period.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the correlation between the bath time and the vital information. As an example, in FIG. 3, the vital information is the heart rate. In the graph of FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents the bath time of the user, and the vertical axis represents the heart rate of the user. Usually, the heart rate of the user tends to increase with the bath time. As an example, when the reference vital information of a user with a bath time of 10 minutes is a heart rate of 110 bpm (the plot indicated by the triangular mark in FIG. 3), the measured vital information is higher than the reference vital information. In this case, the first determination unit 111 may determine that the vital information is at a higher risk than the reference vital information.

[0032] The reference vital information may be stored, for example, in the storage unit 140 or may be stored in the server 30 connected to the bathroom sensor device 10. Further, the reference vital information may be sequentially updated by adding the vital information at the latest bath time of the user.

[0033] Since there are individual differences in vital information among users taking a bath, reference vital information may be generated for each user taking a bath. When there is no reference vital information of the user, that is, when the user first enters the bathtub in the bathroom equipped with the bathroom sensor system 1, the vital information indicating the vital signs that are generally registered and that allow bathers to safely get out of the bathtub may be used as the reference vital information.

[0034] The first determination unit 111 may determine whether the user is located in the bathtub based on the temperature of the bathtub and the periphery of the bathtub detected by the thermal detection unit 200 described above.

[0035] Based on the result determined by the first determination unit 111, the risk information generation unit 113 generates risk information. The risk information generation unit 113 may generate risk information for presentation to the user. The risk information may include the vital information itself or information generated based on the vital information. The vital information itself may be, for example, a number indicating the value of the heart rate. Information generated based on the vital information may be, for example, an animation of a heart that moves in accordance with the heartbeat, a graph representing the heartbeat, a background color that changes according to the value of the heart rate, and the like. Also, the risk information may include the result of the first determination described above, or may be information for outputting text, voice, a notification sound, etc. indicating the result. The risk information generation unit 113 may generate text information or voice information such as "The heart rate seems to be higher than usual.", "There may be a burden on the body.", "Are you okay?".

[0036] In addition to the risk information for presentation to the presentation unit 120, the risk information generation unit 113 may generate risk information for transmission to the external device 50. The external device 50 may be a communication terminal such as a pre-registered smartphone, PC, tablet PC, etc. Specifically, a smartphone owned by the family of a separately living user is assumed. The risk information for transmission to the external device 50 may include, for example, information that the user has started taking a bath in addition to the risk information presented to the user. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the risk information displayed on the display screen 510 of the external device 50. The risk information generation unit 113 may generate text information for the owner of the external device 50. As the text information, for example, as shown in the display column 5101 of FIG. 4, text such as "Mr. / Ms. ○○ is currently taking a bath. The heart rate seems to be higher than usual. Shall I call?" may be used. Also, as shown in the display column 5102 of FIG. 4, options for selecting whether to call the user taking a bath may be displayed. When "Call" is selected in the options of the display column 5102, it may be presented that a signal has been received from the external device 50 at the presentation unit 120 in the bathroom via the communication unit 130.

[0037] The notification unit 120 notifies the risk information generated by the risk information generation unit 113 due to the change in the user's physical condition based on the user's vital information. The notification unit 120 may be a display device.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the bathroom sensor device 10. The bathroom sensor device 10 includes a notification unit 120, and the notification unit 120 may include at least one of a display unit 121 and a sound output unit 122. The display unit 121 displays the risk information as visual information visible to the user, such as an image or text. As an example, the display unit 121 may be a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. Also, the sound output unit 122 outputs the risk information by voice or a notification sound. The sound output unit 122 may be, for example, a speaker. According to this, the user can know the risk information by at least one of vision and hearing.

[0039] In FIG. 5, as an example, numbers indicating the value of the heart rate, a heart animation that moves in accordance with the heartbeat, and a wavy line that images the heartbeat are displayed on the display unit 121. The display unit 121 may indicate the result of the first determination with a background color. As an example, the display unit 121 may have a blue background color when the vital information is lower than the reference vital information, a yellow background color when the vital information is the same as the reference vital information, and a red background color when the vital information is higher than the reference vital information.

[0040] As an example, the sound output unit 122 may output music when the vital information is lower than the reference vital information, a notification sound when the vital information is the same as the reference vital information, and a voice prompting the user to finish taking a bath when the vital information is higher than the reference vital information.

[0041] In addition to the display unit 121 and the sound output unit 122, the bathroom sensor device 10 may also include a push button 1201 and a push button 1202 for the user to press. These push buttons may be connected to the communication unit 130 described later. When the push button is pressed, a signal based on the press may be transmitted to the monitor 40 outside the bathroom or the external device 50 via the communication unit 130. Further, the push buttons may include, for example, two types: a push button 1201 that can be pressed in case of an abnormality, and a push button 1202 that can be pressed to notify the outside that there is no abnormality. Also, when the push button 1201 is pressed, a signal indicating that it is an abnormal time may be transmitted from the bathroom sensor system 1 to the external device 50 by the communication unit 130 described later.

[0042] The communication unit 130 is communicably connected to an external device 50 outside the bathroom, may transmit risk information to the external device 50, and receive signals from the external device 50. As described above, the external device 50 may be a communication terminal such as a pre-registered smartphone, PC, tablet PC, etc., and specifically, may be a smartphone owned by a family member of the user living separately.

[0043] When a signal from the external device 50 is received, text information indicating the reception may be presented on the presentation unit 120. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the bathroom sensor device 10. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the communication unit 130 receives a signal from the external device 50 calling the user, text information such as "Mr. / Ms. △△ is calling." may be displayed on the display unit 121. Also, together with the display on the display unit 121, voice information such as "Mr. / Ms. △△ is calling." may be output from the sound output unit 122.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the bathroom sensor system 1 transmits the user's risk information to an external device and receives signals from the external device. Thereby, for example, a family member of the user living separately can know the risk information of the bather via a communication terminal. Also, the bathroom sensor system 1 can receive signals such as a call from a family member.

[0045] The storage unit 140 may store the reference vital information for each user described above. Further, the storage unit 140 may store the vital information for each user detected in the past, and may also store the past results determined by the first determination unit 111.

[0046] The monitor 40 is a presentation unit installed outside the bathroom. The monitor 40 may present the same presentation as the presentation unit 120 described above, and may present the risk information presented to the presentation unit 120. Since the monitor 40 can be used for the cohabiting family members of the user to know the state of the user in the bathroom, similar to the presentation unit 120, it may include a display unit that displays the risk information as visual information that can be visually recognized, and a sound output unit that outputs the risk information by voice or a notification sound.

[0047] The monitor 40 and the bathroom sensor device 10 may be communicably connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0048] <Processing of the Bathroom Sensor System> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the bathroom sensor system 1a. Hereinafter, each step will be described in order.

[0049] In step S1, the vital detection unit 100 detects vital information (detection step).

[0050] In step S2, the first determination unit 111 performs a first determination to determine whether the vital information of the user is the same as the reference vital information or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information. If it is determined that the vital information of the user is the same as the reference vital information, or if it is determined that the vital information of the user is at a higher risk than the reference vital information (YES case), the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that the vital information of the user is not the same as the reference vital information and it is determined that the vital information of the user is at a lower risk than the reference vital information (NO case), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0051] In step S3, based on the detection result of the thermal detection unit 200, the first determination unit 111 determines whether the user is located in the bathtub. If it is determined that the user is located in the bathtub (in the case of YES), the process returns to step S2, and the processes of step S2 and step S3 are repeated until it becomes NO in step S3. If it is determined that the user is not located in the bathtub (in the case of NO), the process ends.

[0052] In step S4, the risk information generation unit 113 generates risk information and proceeds to step S5.

[0053] In step S5, the presentation unit 120 presents the risk information generated by the risk information generation unit 113 (presentation step), and proceeds to step S6.

[0054] In step S6, the communication unit 130 notifies the monitor 40 and the external device 50 of the risk information and proceeds to step S7.

[0055] In step S7, the first determination unit 111 determines whether there is a response by the presentation unit 120, that is, whether it has detected the pressing of the push button. If it is determined that there is a response, that is, if it has detected the pressing of the push button (in the case of YES), it proceeds to step S11. If it is determined that there is no response, that is, if the pressing of the push button is not detected, it proceeds to step S8.

[0056] In step S8, based on the detection result of the thermal detection unit 200, the first determination unit 111 determines whether the user is located in the bathtub. If it is determined that the user is not located in the bathtub, that is, if it is assumed that the user has exited the bathtub (in the case of NO), the process ends. If it is determined that the user is located in the bathtub, that is, if it is assumed that the user is continuously immersed in the hot water of the bathtub, it proceeds to step S9.

[0057] In step S9, the first determination unit 111 determines whether there is a risk that the user is drowning. If it is determined that there is a risk that the user is drowning (YES), the process proceeds to step S10. If it is determined that there is no risk that the user is drowning (NO), the process returns to step S2.

[0058] In step S10, the control unit 110 controls the drainage mechanism (not shown) of the bathtub to drain the bathtub, and the process ends.

[0059] In step S11, it is determined whether the detection signal pressed by the user is a signal indicating an abnormal situation (SOS). If it is determined that the detection signal is a signal indicating an abnormal situation (YES), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the detection signal is not a signal indicating an abnormal situation (NO), the process returns to step S2.

[0060] In step S12, it is notified to the monitor 40 and the external device 50 that a signal indicating an abnormal situation has been detected, and the process ends.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the bathroom sensor system 1 detects the user's vital information and presents risk information based on the vital information. Thereby, the bathroom sensor system 1 can manage the user's risks. Therefore, for example, the user can recognize the risks that may occur to themselves and safely leave the bath before becoming aware of physical abnormalities.

[0062] Further, the bathroom sensor system 1 determines whether the vital information is the same as the reference vital information indicating a vital state in which the user can safely get out of the bathtub, or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information (first determination). Also, when the bathroom sensor system 1 determines that the vital information is the same as the reference vital information or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information, the bathroom sensor system 1 presents the result of the first determination. Thereby, the bathroom sensor system 1 can determine whether the user's current vital information is the reference vital information indicating a vital state in which the user can safely get out of the bathtub, and present the result. Thus, for example, the user can recognize the risks that may occur to himself / herself based on the criteria suitable for getting out of the bathtub for himself / herself.

[0063] Further, the bathroom sensor system 1 determines, based on the temperature of the bathtub and the surroundings of the bathtub detected by the thermal detection unit 200, whether the user is immersed in the bathtub by the first determination unit 111. Thereby, the bathroom sensor system 1 can easily detect that the user is immersed in the bathtub. Also, the bathroom sensor system 1 determines, based on the temperature of the bathtub and the surroundings of the bathtub detected by the thermal detection unit 200, whether there is a risk that the user may drown by the first determination unit 111. Thereby, the bathroom sensor system 1 can detect the risk that the user may drown.

[0064] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a bathroom sensor system 1a according to the present embodiment. The bathroom sensor system 1a includes a bathroom sensor device 10a, a monitor 40, and a server 30, similar to the bathroom sensor system 1, but is different from the bathroom sensor system 1 in that the bathroom sensor device 10a includes a second determination unit 112.

[0066] The second determination unit 112 may perform a second determination to determine whether the change in vital information exceeds the change criterion of vital information in which no abnormality occurs in the user's body. Further, before the first determination unit 111 performs the above-described first determination, when the second determination unit 112 determines that the change in the user's vital information exceeds the change criterion of vital information, the second determination result may be included in the risk information. The change in vital information may be, for example, a change rate of vital information or an amount of change in vital information with respect to a predetermined bathing time.

[0067] In the first determination, even before it is determined that the vital information is the same as the reference vital information or has a higher risk than the reference vital information, for example, if there is a large change in the vital information in a short time, there may be a risk that the user's body is under stress. For example, a large increase and decrease in the user's heart rate and a large increase and decrease in the respiratory rate at a predetermined bathing time are assumed. Thus, in the second determination, the user's risk is determined based on the amount of change in the vital information with respect to the bathing time.

[0068] The change criterion may be an average value or a median value of the change rate of the user's vital information over a past predetermined period. The change rate may be, for example, an amount of change in vital information with respect to a predetermined bathing time. The change criterion may be, for example, an amount of change in the user's heart rate, pulse, etc. with respect to a predetermined bathing time. The predetermined time is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, from several seconds to several minutes. The past predetermined period is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, from several days to several tens of days. Further, regardless of the period, the change criterion may be an average value or a median value of the change rate of the user's vital information in the past number of bathing times of the user.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 3, a specific example of the second determination performed by the second determination unit 112 will be described. For example, assume that the change criterion for the user's heart rate is 10 bpm (beats per minute). In FIG. 3, for example, when the bathing time of 5 minutes is taken as the starting point of the predetermined period, the change rate D1 from 98 bpm (line N1) to 108 bpm indicated by line N2 is the change criterion. Also, assume that the reference vital N3 used in the first determination is 110 bpm. When the heart rate changes from 98 bpm to 109 bpm between 5 and 6 minutes of the user's bathing time, since it is lower than the reference vital N3 (110 bpm), it is not determined that the risk is high by the first determination. However, since the change rate exceeds the change criterion, the second determination unit 112 includes the result of the second determination in the risk information. In FIG. 3, the case where the heart rate suddenly increases has been described, but even when the heart rate suddenly decreases, if the change rate exceeds the change criterion, the second determination unit 112 may include the result of the second determination in the risk information.

[0070] Based on the result determined by the second determination unit 112, the risk information generation unit 113 generates risk information. When the second determination unit 112 determines that the change rate exceeds the change criterion, the risk information generation unit 113 may generate risk information different from the risk information generated based on the result of the first determination. This is because, for example, a large change in the heart rate in a short time is highly likely to indicate an abnormality in the user's body. Therefore, the risk information generation unit 113 may generate the risk information based on the result of the second determination as information that strongly recommends the user to get out of the bathtub more than the risk information based on the result of the first determination. Specifically, the risk information generation unit 113 may generate text information such as "Your heart rate has suddenly increased.", "Are you okay?", "Please get out of the bathtub slowly.", or voice information.

[0071] Also, the risk information generation unit 113 may generate risk information to be transmitted to the external device 50 separately from the risk information to be presented to the presentation unit 120.

[0072] <Processing of the bathroom sensor system> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the bathroom sensor system 1. Hereinafter, each step will be described in order.

[0073] In step S101, the vital detection unit 100 detects vital information (detection step).

[0074] In step S102, the second determination unit 112 performs a second determination to determine whether or not the change in the user's vital information exceeds the vital information change criterion. If it is determined that the change in the user's vital information exceeds the vital information change criterion (YES), the process proceeds to step S105. If it is determined that the change in the user's vital information does not exceed the vital information change criterion (NO), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0075] In step S103, the first determination unit 111 performs a first determination to determine whether the user's vital information is the same as the reference vital information or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information. If it is determined that the user's vital information is the same as the reference vital information, or if it is determined that the user's vital information is at a higher risk than the reference vital information (YES), the process proceeds to step S112. If it is determined that the user's vital information is not the same as the reference vital information and that the user's vital information is at a lower risk than the reference vital information (NO), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0076] In step S104, based on the detection result of the thermal detection unit 200, the first determination unit 111 determines whether or not the user is located in the bathtub. If it is determined that the user is not located in the bathtub, that is, if it is assumed that the user has exited the bathtub (NO), the process ends. If it is determined that the user is located in the bathtub, that is, if it is assumed that the user continues to soak in the hot water of the bathtub, the process returns to step S102.

[0077] In step S105, the risk information generation unit 113 generates risk information and proceeds to step S106.

[0078] In step S106, the presentation unit 120 presents the risk information generated by the risk information generation unit 113 (presentation step) and proceeds to step S107.

[0079] In step S107, the communication unit 130 notifies the monitor 40 and the external device 50 of the risk information and proceeds to step S108.

[0080] In step S108, the first determination unit 111 determines whether there is a response by the presentation unit 120, that is, whether pressing of the push button is detected. If it is determined that there is a response, that is, if pressing of the push button is detected (YES), the process proceeds to step S115. If it is determined that there is no response, that is, if pressing of the push button is not detected, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0081] In step S109, based on the detection result of the thermal detection unit 200, the first determination unit 111 determines whether the user is located in the bathtub. If it is determined that the user is not located in the bathtub, that is, if it is assumed that the user has exited the bathtub (NO), the process ends. If it is determined that the user is located in the bathtub, that is, if it is assumed that the user is continuously immersed in the hot water of the bathtub, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0082] In step S110, the first determination unit 111 determines whether there is a risk of the user drowning. If it is determined that there is a risk of the user drowning (YES), the process proceeds to step S111. If it is determined that there is no risk of the user drowning (NO), the process returns to step S102.

[0083] In step S111, the control unit 110a controls the drainage mechanism (not shown) of the bathtub, the bathtub is drained, and the process ends.

[0084] In step S112, risk information is generated by the risk information generation unit 113, and the process proceeds to step S106. Here, the generated risk information may be different from the risk information generated in step S105.

[0085] In step S113, the risk information is presented to the presentation unit 120 (presentation step), and the process proceeds to step S114.

[0086] In step S114, the communication unit 130 notifies the monitor 40 and the external device 50 of the risk information, and the process proceeds to step S108.

[0087] In step S115, it is determined whether the detection signal pressed by the user is a signal indicating an abnormal situation (SOS). If it is determined that the detection signal is a signal indicating an abnormal situation (YES), the process proceeds to step S116. If it is determined that the detection signal is not a signal indicating an abnormal situation (NO), the process returns to step S2.

[0088] In step S116, the monitor 40 and the external device 50 are notified that a signal indicating an abnormal situation has been detected, and the process ends.

[0089] According to the above configuration, the bathroom sensor system 1a detects the user's vital information and presents risk information based on the vital information. Thereby, the bathroom sensor system 1 can manage the user's risks. Therefore, for example, the user can recognize the risks that may occur to themselves and safely finish taking a bath before becoming aware of physical abnormalities.

[0090] In addition, before performing the first determination, when it is determined that the change in the vital information during bathing exceeds the change criterion for vital information, the bathroom sensor system 1a presents the result of the second determination included in the risk information. Thereby, when the bathroom sensor system detects a sharp change in the user's vital information, it can present the result of the determination. Therefore, even before it is determined to be at high risk by the first determination unit 111, if there is a change in the user's body, the user can be made aware of the possible risks. Also, the possibility that the user can safely get out of the bathtub increases.

[0091] 〔Example of implementation by software〕 The functions of the bathroom sensor device (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the device and by programs for causing a computer to function as each control block of the device (especially each part included in the control unit 110).

[0092] In this case, the above device includes a computer having at least one control device (for example, a processor) and at least one storage device (for example, a memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program with this control device and storage device, each function described in each of the above embodiments is realized.

[0093] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporarily. This recording medium may or may not be provided in the above device. In the latter case, the above program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0094] Also, part or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to this, for example, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by a quantum computer.

[0095] The invention according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the drawings and embodiments. However, the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments. That is, the invention according to the present disclosure can be variously modified within the scope shown in the present disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the invention according to the present disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various deformations or modifications based on the present disclosure. Also, it should be noted that these deformations or modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1, 1a Bath sensor system 10, 10a Bathroom sensor device 100 Vital detection unit 111 First determination unit 112 Second determination unit 120 Presentation unit 121 Display unit 122 Sound output unit 130 Communication unit 200 Thermal detection unit

Claims

1. A bathroom sensor system for managing user risks, comprising: a vital detection unit for detecting the vital information of the user in the bathtub; a presentation unit for presenting risk information resulting from the physical condition change of the user based on the detected vital information of the user; a first determination unit for performing a first determination on whether the vital information is the same as the reference vital information indicating that the user can safely get out of the bathtub or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information; a second determination unit for performing a second determination on whether the change in the vital information exceeds the change criterion of the vital information in which no abnormality occurs in the user's body, and when the first determination unit determines that the vital information is the same as the reference vital information or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information, including the result of the first determination in the risk information; before the first determination unit performs the first determination, when the second determination unit determines that the change in the vital information of the user exceeds the change criterion of the vital information, including the result of the second determination in the risk information; A bathroom sensor system.

2. The bathroom sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the change criterion is an average value or a median value of the change rate of the vital information of the user in a predetermined past period.

3. Comprising a thermal detection unit for detecting the temperature of the bathtub and the periphery of the bathtub, wherein the first determination unit further determines whether the user is located in the bathtub based on the temperature of the bathtub and the periphery of the bathtub detected by the thermal detection unit. The bathroom sensor system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vital detection unit starts detecting the vital information when the hot water supply to the bathtub starts. The bathroom sensor system according to claim 3.

5. The bathroom sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the presentation unit includes at least one of a display unit for displaying the risk information and a sound output unit for outputting the risk information by voice or a notification sound.

6. Further comprising a communication unit capable of communicating with an external device outside the bathroom, wherein the communication unit transmits the risk information to the external device and receives a signal from the external device. The bathroom sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A control method for a bathroom sensor system for managing user risks, comprising: A detection step of detecting the user's vital information in the bathtub; A second determination step of performing a second determination to determine whether the change in the vital information exceeds the change criterion of the vital information when no abnormality occurs in the user's body; A first determination step of performing a first determination to determine whether the vital information is the same as the reference vital information indicating that the user can safely get out of the bathtub or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information; A presentation step of presenting risk information resulting from the change in the user's physical condition based on the detected vital information of the user, and includes: In the first determination step, when it is determined that the vital information is the same as the reference vital information or is at a higher risk than the reference vital information, including the result of the first determination in the risk information; Before performing the first determination in the first determination step, in the second determination step, when it is determined that the change in the vital information of the user exceeds the change criterion of the vital information, including the result of the second determination in the risk information; A control method for a bathroom sensor system.

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