Action time management system, action time management method, and program

Abstract

To enable appropriate management of a daily action of a patient with mild dementia in a specific area using a general-purpose sensor and the like, and alert a patient or a caregiver thereof when there is an abnormality.SOLUTION: A caregiver-purpose device 10 acquires detection information of a patient from an action detection device 30, and sets a time when the time is first acquired as an action starting time for the action of the patient in a specific area when the detection information of the patient is acquired in a continuation manner. The caregiver-purpose device 10 sets an action finish time for the action of the patient in the specific area after the action starting time is set, and the continuation of the acquisition of the detection information is interrupted. The caregiver-purpose device 10 determines whether the action of the patient is abnormal by using at least one of the action starting time and the action finish time, and alerts the patient via a patient-purpose device 20 when the action of the patient is determined to be abnormal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an activity time management system, an activity time management method, and a program for managing the activity time of patients with mild dementia. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been systems that install various cameras and sensors in the bathrooms and toilets of patients with mild dementia at home to monitor the patient's behavior and issue warnings when abnormalities are detected.

[0003] For example, in a system that uses infrared detection elements to detect a human body in a bathroom and issue an alarm, there is an abnormality detection system that has multiple sensors to prevent false detections, and determines whether there is an abnormality in the person being detected based on the detection time and issues an alarm (see Patent Document 1). There is also a home protection management system for dementia patients that is equipped with a triple monitoring mechanism that monitors the location of the dementia patient using a transmitter attached to the patient and sensors in each room in the home, and monitors the opening, closing, and locking of doors in each room (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-256943 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-110579 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 requires the installation of a special waterproof sensor in the bathroom to monitor abnormalities in the patient's bathing behavior, and although it is cheaper than using a camera, it cannot be said to be easily used in an ordinary household using general-purpose commercially available sensors, etc.

[0006] In addition, the system described in Patent Document 2 above monitors the behavior of dementia patients at home to reduce the burden on the family members who are caregivers, but it is not suitable for managing the behavior cycle to detect abnormalities in the daily behavior of patients.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and can suitably manage the daily behavior of a patient in a specific area such as a patient with mild dementia using a general-purpose sensor or the like, and can warn the patient or the caregiver if there is an abnormality. An object of the present invention is to provide a behavior time management system, a behavior time management method, and a program.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention The above mentioned access points are designated areas with only one entrance and exit. is a behavior time management system that detects the behavior of a patient in a predetermined area with a sensor and gives a warning via an output device when the behavior of the patient is abnormal, The sensor is installed outside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient entering or leaving the predetermined area, and includes a first input unit for inputting a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient at a time when the action starts from an action other than that of the patient, and a second input unit for inputting a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined action of the patient at a time when the action ends from an action other than that of the patient. an acquisition unit that acquires detection information of the patient from the sensor, and when the detection information of the patient is the first time or more continuously acquired, a first setting unit that sets the time when the detection information was first acquired as the The aforementioned behavior start time of the patient in the predetermined area, and when the behavior start time is set by the first setting unit 、 and the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit is interrupted After and detection information is the second time or more continuously acquired from the sensor, a second setting unit that sets the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as the The aforementioned behavior end time of the patient in the predetermined area, If the continuous acquisition of the detection information continues to be interrupted a determination unit that determines the abnormality of the behavior of the patient using Action time from the behavior start time The action interval from the time when the patient's next action starts or the behavior end time, and a warning unit that warns the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when the determination unit determines that the behavior of the patient is abnormal.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention The above mentioned access points are designated areas with only one entrance and exit. An action time management system that detects a patient's actions in a predetermined area with a sensor and issues a warning via an output device when the patient's actions are abnormal, comprising: The sensor is installed inside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient in the predetermined area, and a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient around the action start time from an action other than that of the patient is set. a first input unit for inputting a first time; A threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient from behavior other than that of the patient, which corresponds to the behavior end time, is set as a second input unit for inputting a second time, an acquisition unit for acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor, and when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or more, the time when the detection information was first acquired is set as the The aforementioned action start time of the patient's action in the predetermined area by a first setting unit, and when the acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit is interrupted for the second time or more after the action start time is set by the first setting unit, the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted After is set as the of action end time of the patient's action in the predetermined area by a second setting unit, and a determination unit for determining an abnormality of the patient's action by using the action start time The aforementioned or the action end time, and a warning unit for warning the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when the determination unit determines that the patient's action is abnormal. Action time from or the action end time The action interval from the time of the start of the next action of the patient is characterized by comprising a warning unit for warning the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when the determination unit determines that the patient's action is abnormal.

[0010] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides The above mentioned access points are designated areas with only one entrance and exit. an action time management method for detecting a patient's actions in a predetermined area with a sensor and issuing a warning via an output device when the patient's actions are abnormal, comprising: a first input step of inputting a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined behavior of the patient related to a behavior start time from behavior of others other than the patient; a second input step of inputting a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient related to a behavior end time from behavior of others other than the patient; and installing the sensor outside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient entering and leaving the predetermined area; acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor Acquisition steps and , and when the detection information of the patient is the first time or more continuously acquired, setting the time when the detection information was first acquired as the The aforementioned action start time of the patient's action in the predetermined area The first configuration step is , By the first setting step when the action start time is set , by the obtaining step and the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted After , and when detection information is obtained from the sensor the second time or moreWhen continuously acquired, the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again is set as the The aforementioned action end time of the patient's action in the predetermined area The second configuration step is , If the continuous acquisition of the detection information continues to be interrupted the action start time Action time from or the action end time The action interval from the time when the patient's next action starts is used to determine the abnormality of the patient's action Steps and , By the determination step When it is determined that the patient's action is abnormal, a warning is given to the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device Warning steps and , which is characterized by this

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention The above mentioned access points are designated areas with only one entrance and exit. is an action time management method for detecting the action of a patient in a predetermined area with a sensor and giving a warning via an output device when the action of the patient is abnormal, comprising As a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient relating to the action start time from an action other than that of the patient, a first time of input a first input step of inputting a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient from behavior of other than the patient, the first input step of inputting a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient from behavior of other than the patient, the second input step of inputting a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient from behavior of other than the patient, the third ... a second time of input a second input step of: installing the sensor inside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient within the predetermined area; acquiring the detection information of the patient from the sensor Acquisition steps and , when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or more, the time when the detection information is first acquired is set as the The aforementioned action start time of the patient's action in the predetermined area The first configuration step is , By the first setting step when the action start time is set After that, the acquisition step and the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted for the second time or more, the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted of is set as the The aforementioned action end time of the patient's action in the predetermined area The second configuration step is , the action start time Action time from or the action end time The action interval from the time of the start of the next action of the patient is used to determine the abnormality of the patient's action The decision step , By the determination step when it is determined that the patient's action is abnormal, a warning is given to the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device Warning steps and , which is characterized by this

[0012] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention The above mentioned access points are designated areas with only one entrance and exit. detects the behavior of a patient in a predetermined area with a sensor, and issues a warning via an output device when the behavior of the patient is abnormal Action time management to a computer It is a program for executing 、 a first input step of inputting a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined behavior of the patient related to a behavior start time from behavior of others other than the patient; a second input step of inputting a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient related to a behavior end time from behavior of others other than the patient; and a device installed outside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient entering and leaving the predetermined area. acquisition for obtaining detection information of the patient from the sensor Steps and 、when the detection information of the patient is the first time or more continuously acquired, setting the time when the detection information was first acquired as the The aforementioned behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area Steps and by a first setting Steps When the behavior start time is set by the first setting 、 the acquisition Steps When the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition is interrupted After that, When detection information is the second time or more continuously acquired from the sensor, setting the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as the The aforementioned behavior end time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area Steps and 、 If the continuous acquisition of the detection information continues to be interrupted the behavior start time Action time from or the behavior end time The action interval from the time when the patient's next action starts to determine whether the behavior of the patient is abnormal Steps and When it is determined by the determination that the behavior of the patient is abnormal Steps warning the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device Steps to execute is a computer readable program for 。

[0013] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention The above mentioned access points are designated areas with only one entrance and exit. detects the behavior of a patient in a predetermined area with a sensor, and issues a warning via an output device when the behavior of the patient is abnormal Action time management to a computer It is a program for executing 、 As a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient relating to the action start time from an action other than that of the patient, a first input for inputting a first time Steps and A threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient from behavior other than that of the patient, which corresponds to the behavior end time, is set as a second input for inputting a second time Steps and The device is installed inside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient within the predetermined area. acquisition for obtaining detection information of the patient from the sensor Steps and when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or more, the time when the detection information is first acquired is used as a time of the patient's behavior in the predetermined area. The aforementioned The first setting is set to the start time of the action. Steps and the first setting Steps The start time of the action is set by After , said acquisition Steps When the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted for the second time or more, the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted of The behavior of the patient in the predetermined area The aforementioned The second setting is to set the end time of the event. Steps and the start time of the action Action time from Or the end time of the action The action interval from the time of the start of the next action of the patient Determination of abnormalities in the patient's behavior using Steps and , the above judgment Steps When the behavior of the patient is determined to be abnormal by the above, a warning is issued to the patient or a caregiver of the patient via the output device. Steps and execute is a computer readable program for . [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the daily activities of patients with mild dementia in a specific area can be appropriately managed using general-purpose sensors, etc., and if there is an abnormality, a warning can be issued to the patient or their caregiver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a time measurement pattern of a patient's activity using an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation image of a patient information input section of a caregiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4]10 is a diagram for explaining an operation image of a timing condition input section of the caregiver device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation image of a timing condition input section of the caregiver device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of input support parameters in a timing condition input section of the caregiver device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for managing a patient's behavior using an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for managing a patient's behavior using an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for managing a patient's behavior using an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of measurement conditions when using a sensor used in this embodiment that detects both human movement and the opening and closing of a door. [Figure 11] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining an example of a detection signal from a sensor used in the present embodiment and an example of a behavior inferred therefrom. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a state transition process in a caregiver device that has received a notification from a behavior management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for managing a patient's behavior using an activity time management system incorporating a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for managing a patient's behavior using an activity time management system incorporating a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]10 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for managing a patient's behavior using an activity time management system incorporating a sensor having a door opening / closing detection function and a notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measurement case regarding bathing and toilet use by a patient or the like in an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a measurement case relating to bathing and toilet use by a patient or the like in an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between people and devices in managing toilet usage intervals and bathing times in an activity time management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An activity time management system and its operation according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a patient is assumed to have mild dementia, and a healthy family member acts as a caregiver at the patient's home and manages the activity time of specific activities of the patient. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment is composed of a caregiver device 10, a patient device 20, and a behavior detection device 30, and each device is connected to each other via a network 40.

[0017] The caregiver device 10 includes a patient information input unit 11 for the caregiver to input patient information necessary for managing the patient's activity time, a timing condition input unit 12 for inputting time conditions necessary for managing the activity time, an activity detection device input unit 13 for receiving signals from the activity detection device 30, a timing and determination unit 14 for performing timing and notification determination or judgment according to the conditions set by the caregiver, a storage unit 15 for recording various input information and the history of timing and notification, a patient device communication unit 16 for issuing an instruction to present a notification such as a warning to the patient device 20, and a caregiver-oriented notification presentation unit 17 for notifying and warning the caregiver who handles the caregiver device 10 by means of sound, voice, image, text, etc.

[0018] As specific functions of each part, for example, the activity detection device input unit 13 acquires the patient's detection information from the activity detection device 30 that functions as a sensor. Also, the timing and determination unit 14 sets the start time and end time of the patient's activity based on the patient's detection information, and uses these times to judge or determine the abnormality of the patient's activity. Further, when it is judged or determined that the patient's activity is abnormal, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver-oriented notification presentation unit 17 cause the patient device 20 and the caregiver device 10 to notify and warn the patient and the caregiver by means of voice, text, image, etc., respectively. The caregiver device 10 can use, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or a device such as a notebook PC. Also, the operations using this device described later can, for example, install an API (Application Programming Interface) in this device and execute a program through the API screen.

[0019] The patient device 20 includes a caregiver-oriented device communication unit 21 for receiving a notification instruction from the caregiver device 10, and a patient-oriented notification presentation unit 22 for presenting a notification such as a warning to the patient. The patient device 20 can use, for example, a device such as a smart speaker, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) speaker, or a smartwatch that can warn the patient by means of voice, sound, vibration, screen display, etc. Here, when using a device with a timekeeping function such as a smartwatch for the patient device 20, instead of the caregiver device 10 being equipped with a timekeeping and determination unit 14 that makes timekeeping and notification determinations according to conditions set by the caregiver, the patient device 20 may be equipped with it. Similarly, the patient device 20 may be equipped with the action detection device input unit 13 and the storage unit 15 provided in the caregiver device 10.

[0020] The action detection device 30 includes an action detection unit 31 that detects the actions of the patient in a specific area, and a caregiver device output unit 32 that notifies the caregiver device 10 when an action is detected. The action detection unit 31 of the action detection device 30 can be realized by combining, for example, a general commercially available general-purpose sensor such as an infrared sensor that detects the patient's radiant heat or a pressure sensor that detects the patient's contact, and a device having a function of transmitting the detected signal to the caregiver device 10 via the network 40.

[0021] The network 40 is connected in a wired or wireless manner such as the Internet, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or LAN so that each device can communicate with each other.

[0022] Here, if the location targeted for patient behavior management and the location for issuing an alert are the same, the patient device 20 and the behavior detection device 30 may be combined into a single device, such as a smart speaker with a motion sensor. Furthermore, if the patient is able to carry a device such as the patient device 20, a beacon mechanism may be used in combination. The device may function as a beacon transmitter and transmit a BLE signal, which is a patient-specific identification signal, and the behavior detection device 30 may function as a receiver to receive the BLE signal. This makes it possible to identify patients detected in a specific shared area in facilities where multiple patients reside, based on the beacon identification information. An example of using a beacon in combination will be described later with reference to FIG. 12. Furthermore, if the patient device 20 includes a timing and determination unit 14, a behavior detection device input unit 13, and a memory unit 15, receiving detection information from the behavior detection device 30 via a BLE signal can achieve the same effect as using a beacon in combination.

[0023] 2 is a diagram for explaining examples of time measurement patterns of a patient's activity using the activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Three time measurement patterns from among the patterns that can be timed by the activity time management system 1 will be explained below.

[0024] In pattern A, the behavior detection device 30 is installed in a room where the patient is active (for example, a bathroom or toilet), and when the behavior detection device 30 detects the patient's activity, it starts timing. When the behavior start time set by the caregiver in the caregiver device 10 has passed, it is determined that the patient has started the activity, and the timing continues. After that, when the patient leaves the room and the behavior detection device 30 no longer detects the patient's activity, it is determined that the patient's activity has ended when the behavior end time set by the caregiver in the caregiver device 10 has passed, and the timing ends. In this pattern A, a warning is issued to the patient depending on the length of the patient's activity time in the activity location.

[0025] In Pattern B, the behavior detection device 30 is installed at the entrance / exit of the patient's behavior location (for example, on the dressing room side of the entrance / exit between the dressing room and the bathroom, or outside the entrance to the toilet). When the behavior detection device 30 detects the patient's first behavior (entering the toilet), the timing starts. Until it is determined that the patient has started the behavior when the behavior start time set by the caregiver using the caregiver device 10 has elapsed and the timing continues, it is the same as Pattern A described above. After that, even if the behavior detection device 30 stops detecting the patient's behavior, the timing continues. When the behavior of the patient is detected again and the behavior end time set by the caregiver using the caregiver device 10 has elapsed, it is determined that the patient's behavior has ended and the timing is terminated. In this Pattern B as well, a warning is given to the patient according to the length of the behavior time at the patient's behavior location.

[0026] The processes described above are realized by the functions of each part of the caregiver device 10, the patient device 20, and the behavior detection device 30 working respectively. For example, the timing and determination unit 14 has a function of setting the time when the detection information was first obtained as the behavior start time of the patient's behavior at a specific behavior location when the detection information of the patient is continuously obtained. Further, after the behavior start time is set, when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted and the detection information is continuously obtained again from the behavior detection device 30, the timing and determination unit 14 has a function of setting the time when the detection information starts to be obtained again as the behavior end time of the patient's behavior at the specific behavior location. Furthermore, the timing and determination unit 14 has a function of determining or judging the abnormality of the patient's behavior using either one or both of the set behavior start time and behavior end time.

[0027] In pattern C, the usage interval of the behavior location used by the patient (for example, the usage interval of the toilet) is measured. Therefore, the behavior detection device 30 is installed at a specific behavior location. After the behavior detection device 30 detects a behavior, when the behavior start time set by the caregiver using the caregiver device 10 has elapsed, it is determined that the patient has started the behavior (the first behavior). Then, after the behavior detection stops, the timing of the usage interval of the behavior location starts. When the behavior detection device 30 detects the patient's behavior again, if the behavior start time set by the caregiver using the caregiver device 10 has elapsed, it is determined that the patient has started the next behavior (the second behavior), and the timing of the usage interval ends. Furthermore, after that, when the behavior detection device 30 stops detecting the patient's behavior, it is determined that the patient has ended the second behavior, and the timing of the usage interval starts again in the caregiver device 10.

[0028] The above-described processing is realized, for example, by previously inputting and setting the threshold times for the behavior start time and the behavior end time in the caregiver device 10 respectively, and using them as the judgment criteria for setting the behavior start time and the behavior end time. For example, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for a time equal to or longer than the set threshold time, the timing and judgment unit 14 can set the time when the detection information was first acquired as the behavior start time of the patient's behavior. Also, after the behavior start time is set, when the continuous acquisition of the patient's detection information is interrupted for a time equal to or longer than the set threshold time, the timing and judgment unit 14 can set the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information was interrupted, or when the detection information is continuously acquired again from the sensor for a time equal to or longer than the threshold time, the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as the behavior end time of the patient's behavior. Then, the timing and judgment unit 14 determines or judges the abnormality of the patient's behavior using either one or both of the set behavior start time and the behavior end time.

[0029] Hereinafter, an overview of the operation of the patient information input unit 11 in the caregiver device 10 for the caregiver to manage the patient's behavior time using the behavior time management system 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation image of the patient information input unit 11 of the caregiver device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the patient information input unit 11, the name of the patient used for voice warnings such as calling the patient, and the waking time zone of the patient, the main staying place, etc., which are cited as initial parameters when inputting the time zone and place for calling the patient in the timing condition input unit 12, are input.

[0030] Next, an overview of the operation of the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10 for the caregiver to manage the patient's action time using the action time management system 1 will be described. FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the operation image of the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The measurement condition input support screen 100 of the timing condition input unit 12 is a screen for the caregiver to input the place where they want to measure the action time and the normal action time of the patient. Also, on the measurement condition confirmation / modification screen 200, initial values based on the patient's normal action time are set, and the caregiver can modify the conditions as appropriate. Further, on the message editing screen 300, the caregiver and others can edit the messages for the patient and the caregiver that are required and set on the measurement condition confirmation / modification screen 200.

[0031] Here, the method of giving the initial values displayed in the timing condition input unit 12 will be described with reference to the operation image diagrams of FIGS. 4 and 5 and FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the input support parameters in the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the room name 101 in FIGS. 4 and 5, the room name selected as the patient's location in the patient information input unit 11 is cited as an option from the room master in FIG. 6. Also, for the measurement start time 102 and the measurement end time 103, the waking time zone of the patient input in the patient information input unit 11 is cited as the initial value. For the installation location 104, installation location [1] and installation location [2] are cited as options from the room master in FIG. 6. Also, no initial values are given to the minimum start time 105, the minimum end time 106, the minimum usage time 107, the ideal usage time 108, the maximum usage time 109, and the measurement target time 110 in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0032] 4 and 5, the measurement start time 102 and measurement end time 103 are set as initial values. The measurement start time 102 is used as the initial value for the reset time 203. In the case of 24-hour measurement, the initial value is set to, for example, 4:00 AM. Furthermore, the initial value of measurement start time 204 is set to minimum start time 105 when measuring at an entrance / exit, and to minimum use time 107 when measuring at other times. Furthermore, the initial value of measurement end time 205 is set to, for example, 1 minute when measuring indoors, minimum end time 106 when measuring at an entrance / exit, or minimum use time 107 when measuring a behavior interval.

[0033] Furthermore, the alert time 206 in FIGS. 4 and 5 has an initial value equal to the ideal usage time 108. The initial value of the snooze interval 207 is the difference between the longest usage time 109 and the ideal usage time 108 divided by a predetermined parameter (3 in this embodiment). To eliminate the need for a prompt, the user checks the snooze checkbox 208. Furthermore, the initial value of the minimum usage time 209 is the ideal usage time 108 divided by a predetermined parameter (3 in this embodiment) when measuring an activity interval, or the minimum usage time 107 in other cases. To eliminate the need for a prompt, the user checks the action forget warning checkbox 210 in the same way. Similarly, when a notification to the caregiver in FIG. 4 is not required, the user checks the action start notification checkbox 211 in the same way. Furthermore, the initial value of the longest usage time 212 is equal to the longest usage time 109. The contents of the measurement condition confirmation / correction screen 200 thus input are stored in a measurement condition table recorded by the storage unit 15.

[0034] Furthermore, the action completion reminder location 301, action completion reminder message 302, action forgetting notification location 303, action resumption reminder message 304, and caregiver notification message 305 in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be set in the same way.

[0035] <Example of checking the sensor status from an application> 7, 8, and 9 are flowcharts for explaining the procedure for managing a patient's activity time by the activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the activity time management system 1 having the above configuration will be explained below with reference to FIGS.

[0036] First, the sensor detection process when the behavior detection unit 31 of the behavior detection device 30 detects the behavior of a patient will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7(1).

[0037] When the behavior detection unit 31 (e.g., an infrared sensor) of the behavior detection device 30 installed in a specific area where the patient's behavior is to be detected detects the patient's behavior, a signal is sent from the caregiver device output unit 32 to the behavior detection device input unit 13 of the caregiver device 10 via the network 40, and the timing and determination unit 14 of the caregiver device 10 sets the most recent detection time (most recent sensor detection time) detected by the behavior detection unit 31, such as an infrared sensor, as the current time (step S55). Here, if the sensor detection start time has not been set in the caregiver device 10 (No in step S56), the sensor detection start time is set to the current time (step S57), and the sensor non-detection start time is initialized (reset) (step S58).

[0038] Next, the sensor non-detection process when the behavior detection device stops detecting the behavior of the patient will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7(2).

[0039] When the behavior detection unit 31 of the behavior detection device 30 no longer detects the patient's behavior, the caregiver device output unit 32 sends a signal to the behavior detection device input unit 13 of the caregiver device 10 via the network 40, and the timing and determination unit 14 of the caregiver device 10 determines whether a value for the behavior start time has already been set (step S59). If a value has been set, it is determined that the behavior has started, and the process proceeds to step S59. If the value remains the initial value and has not been set (No), it is determined that the behavior has not yet started, and no special processing is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S59 that the behavior has started (Yes), it is further determined whether a sensor non-detection start time has been set (step S60). As a result, if the sensor non-detection start time has not been set (No), the sensor non-detection start time is set to the current time (step S61).

[0040] Next, using Figures 8 and 9, we will explain the processing within the timer valid time (a time period during which the patient is likely to be active, which can be set by the caregiver on the caregiver device 10) in the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0041] When the timer is activated in the caregiver device 10, the preset timer measurement conditions are read from the memory unit 15 (step S1). Then, in the caregiver device 10, the timing and determination unit 14 checks whether the current time is within the timer valid time, and if it is within the valid time, it repeats checking the patient's activity time at regular time intervals (steps S2 to S54).

[0042] Here, as a fixed time interval (X - second interval), it is possible to repeat the confirmation of the daily activity time by making the time interval approach 0 seconds. However, considering the design of the patient device 20 and the program of the activity detection device 30, etc., for example, it is also possible to design it to repeat the confirmation of the activity time at intervals of 10 seconds (X = 10 seconds). Specifically, when using a general - purpose sensor system, if the maximum number of calls per day is limited to 10,000 times according to the conditions of the system API, even when performing 24 - hour measurement, it can be designed to confirm the activity time at 10 - second intervals so that the number of calls does not exceed 10,000 times. In addition, when the current time is outside the valid time, the timing and determination unit 14 performs the confirmation of the activity time after step S3 when the next valid time arrives (step S2).

[0043] If it is determined in step S2 that it is within the timer valid time, the process proceeds to the process of step S3, and a determination of the start of the activity is made. In the process of step S3, if the value of the activity start time remains at the initial value (reset state), it is determined that the activity has not started (No), and if a value is entered, it is determined that the activity has started (Yes), and the process transitions to step S10. Then, when it is determined that the activity has not started (No), it is determined whether the elapsed time from the sensor detection start time satisfies the activity start condition read from the storage unit 15 (step S4). As a result, if the activity start condition is satisfied (Yes), the sensor detection start time is set as the activity start time (step S5). On the other hand, if the elapsed time from the sensor detection start time does not satisfy the activity start condition in step S4 (No), it is determined whether a certain time (Y1) has elapsed from the most recent detection signal in the activity detection device input unit 13 (step S8). As a result, if a certain time has elapsed (Yes), the sensor detection start time is initialized (reset) (step S9). On the other hand, if a certain time has not elapsed yet in step S8 (No), the process proceeds to step S54 and returns to the process of step S2.

[0044] Here, for a certain period of time Y1, for example, it can be set to 30 seconds or more. This is the time when, when the action time is checked every X = 10 seconds as the usage interval, the check is performed three or more times. By providing a grace period of a certain length of time in this way, it is possible to handle restrictions due to malfunction of the sensor system (for example, in a certain commercially available system, once detected, it is designed to send a "detection" signal for 30 seconds even after detection stops. Even if a detection omission occurs, if it is detected again within 30 seconds, it is regarded as continuous detection).

[0045] Next, the determination of the end of the action in the specific area of the patient will be described. When it is determined in step S3 that the action of the patient has started (Yes), it is determined whether the action end condition read from the storage unit 15 of the caregiver device 10 is sensor detection (step S10). As a result, when the action end condition is sensor detection (Yes), it is checked whether the elapsed time from the start time of non-sensor detection is equal to or greater than the buffer time (step S11). If it is equal to or greater than the buffer time (Yes), it is determined that the first action has ended and the process proceeds to step S12. Also, when the action end condition is not sensor detection in the process of step S10, that is, when the action end condition is non-sensor detection (No), it is determined whether the elapsed time from the start time of non-sensor detection satisfies the action end condition (step S37).

[0046] If it is determined in step S11 that the first action is continuing, that is, if it is less than the buffer time (No), confirmation is repeated after a certain period of time (steps S2 to S54). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first action has ended, that is, if it is equal to or more than the buffer time (Yes), it is confirmed whether the action start time and the sensor detection start time match (step S12). As a result, if they match (Yes), the sensor detection start time is initialized for the second action measurement (step S13). Next, it is determined whether it is a measurement at the entrance / exit to the specific area rather than a direct measurement within the specific area (step S14). As a result, if it is not a measurement at the entrance / exit (No), the sensor non-detection start time is set to the action start time (step S15), and the process proceeds to the process of step S16. Also, in step S12, if it is determined that they do not match (No), and if it is determined in step S14 that it is a measurement at the entrance / exit (Yes), the process also proceeds to the process of step S16.

[0047] In the process of step S16, if the sensor detection time does not satisfy the action end condition (No), it is determined whether a certain period of time (for example, Y2 = 30 seconds or more) has elapsed from the most recent detection signal at the action detection device input unit 13 (step S27). As a result, if a certain period of time or more has elapsed (Yes), the sensor detection start time is initialized (step S28), and the process proceeds to the process of step S29. On the other hand, if a certain period of time has not elapsed in step S27 (No), the process proceeds to the process of step S29 without performing the process of step S28.

[0048] In step S37, when the elapsed time from the sensor non-detection start time is short and the action end condition is not satisfied (No), it is determined whether the signal of the action detection device input unit 13 is a sensor detection (step S44). As a result, if it is determined that it is a sensor detection (Yes), the sensor non-detection start time is initialized (step S45), and the process proceeds to the process of step S46. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a sensor detection (No), the process proceeds to the process of step S46 without initializing the sensor non-detection start time.

[0049] Next, various notifications during normal processing will be described. As described above, when it is determined that the action starts (Yes in step S4), after the sensor detection start time is set to the action start time (step S5), it is determined whether notification of the action start time read from the storage unit 15 is required (step S6). If there is a notification setting for the start (Yes), the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 presents an action start notification to notify the caregiver of the start time (step S7). After that, the process proceeds to step S54 and returns to the process of step S2. On the other hand, if there is no notification setting for the start in step S6 (No), the process directly proceeds to step S54 and returns to the process of step S2.

[0050] In the process of step S16, when the sensor detection time satisfies the action end condition (Yes), it is determined whether the action time exceeds the minimum usage time read from the storage unit 15 (step S17). As a result, if it is longer than the minimum usage time (Yes), the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 notifies the caregiver of the patient's action time (step S18).

[0051] Next, it is determined whether the patient's detection is measurement at the entrance and exit of a specific area (step S22). If it is determined that the measurement is at the entrance and exit (Yes), the timer is initialized (reset) (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the measurement is not at the entrance and exit (No), the sensor non-detection start time is set to the action start time (step S24), the sensor detection start time is initialized (step S25), and further the snooze count is initialized (step S26), and the process proceeds to step S54. Note that the contents of the processes in steps S38, S39, and S43 respectively conform to the processes in steps S17, S18, and S23 described above.

[0052] Next, a warning will be described when the patient's action time exceeds a predetermined time set by the caregiver. In the process of step S29, it is determined whether the activity time exceeds the alert time or the snooze time. If it is determined that the activity time exceeds the alert time or the snooze time (Yes), it is determined whether the activity end condition and the signal from the activity detection device input unit 13 match, i.e., whether it is sensor detection (Step S30). If they match, i.e., it is sensor detection (Yes), it is determined that the activity is ending, and the process proceeds to step S34 without issuing an alert. On the other hand, if they do not match, i.e., it is not sensor detection (No), it is determined whether it is the first alert or whether a snooze setting has been read from the storage unit 15 (Step S31). If it is the first alert or if a snooze setting has been set (Yes), a notification such as a warning is sent to the patient device via the patient-device communication unit 16 to prompt the patient to end the activity (Step S32), the number of snoozes is counted up (incremented) (Step S33), and the process proceeds to step S34.

[0053] In step S34, it is determined whether the activity time exceeds the caregiver notification time read from the memory unit 15. As a result, if the activity time exceeds the caregiver notification time (Yes), a warning is sent via the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 to warn the caregiver that the patient's activity time has exceeded (step S35), the timer is initialized (step S36), and the process proceeds to step S54. The processes in steps S46 to S53 are the same as those in steps S29 to S36 described above.

[0054] Next, a warning will be given when the patient's activity time is less than the predetermined time set by the caregiver. When the sensor detection time satisfies the action end condition in step S16 (Yes), it is determined in the process of step S17 whether the action time is equal to or greater than the minimum usage time read from the storage unit 15. As a result, when the action time is less than the minimum usage time (No), it is determined whether there is a minimum time notification setting, that is, the necessity of warning for the minimum usage time is further read from the storage unit 15 (step S19). When there is a minimum time notification setting and a warning is necessary (Yes), a notification is sent to the patient device 20 through the patient device communication unit 16 to warn the patient of forgetting an action (step S20), and a notification is further sent to the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 to warn the caregiver that the time is less than the minimum time (step S21), and the process proceeds to the process of step S22. Note that the contents of each process from step S38 and from steps S40 to S42 conform to the respective processes from step S17 and from steps S19 to S21 described above.

[0055] <Example of grasping state transition in the application by receiving a notification from the sensor> Subsequently, an embodiment in which a commercially available general-purpose sensor that can detect both human movement and door opening / closing and can send a notification to the caregiver device 10 at the time of detection is used in the action detection device 30 will be described.

[0056] For example, a sensor that detects both human movement and door opening / closing is composed of two parts: a sensor body attached to the door and a magnet attached to the door frame. Usually, both parts are basically installed on the indoor side, such as inside the toilet door or inside the dressing room door.

[0057] The sensor body is equipped with a human sensor function and a magnetic sensor function for detecting the distance from the magnet. By combining these two functions, four operations described below are detected.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of measurement conditions when using a sensor that detects both human movement and door opening / closing used in the present embodiment. The measurement conditions shown in FIG. 10 are defined according to "B: Measured values at entrances and exits" in the (2) measurement condition table definition in FIG. 6 in the above-described embodiment. While "B: Measured values at entrances and exits" in FIG. 6(2) refers to FIGS. 4 and 5, in "D: Measured values at entrances and exits (using an opening / closing sensor in combination)" in FIG. 10, the reference destination is limited to FIG. 5. Also, in "D: Measured values at entrances and exits (using an opening / closing sensor in combination)" in FIG. 10, the measurement end condition and the buffer time reference destination are different from those of "B: Measured values at entrances and exits" in FIG. 6(2). Further, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a detection signal by the sensor used in the present embodiment and the behavior estimated therefrom.

[0059] <<When installing a human presence sensor on the indoor side>> Hereinafter, a human presence sensor is used as the behavior detection device 30 of the behavior time management system 1, and the estimated behavior of a patient or the like when the human presence sensor is installed on the indoor side (the case of FIG. 11(1)) will be described.

[0060] (Event I1: Door opening at the time of entry) At the time of entry, since the door is opened from the outside, the human presence sensor installed facing the indoor side does not detect, and the opening / closing sensor detects that the door is opened. Therefore, in such a case, an event of door opening at the time of entry occurs. (Event I2: Door closing at the time of entry) After entry, the human presence sensor detects human movement, and then the opening / closing sensor detects that the door has been closed. Therefore, in such a case, an event of door closing at the time of entry occurs. (Event I3: Door opening at the time of exit) At the time of exit, after the human presence sensor detects human movement, the opening / closing sensor detects that the door has been opened. Therefore, in such a case, an event of door opening at the time of exit occurs. (Event I4) After leaving the room, the human presence sensor installed facing the inside of the room does not detect the door, but the door open / close sensor detects that the door has been closed. Therefore, in this case, a door closed upon leaving the room event occurs.

[0061] <<When installing a motion sensor on the outside of the room>> In addition, a human presence sensor is used as the behavior detection device 30 of the behavior time management system 1, and the behavior of a patient or the like is estimated when the human presence sensor is installed on the outside of a room (as shown in FIG. 11(2)).

[0062] (Event I1: Door opens upon entry) When entering the room, the door is opened from outside, so the motion sensor installed on the outside detects human movement, and the open / close sensor detects the door opening. Therefore, in such a case, an event of door opening on entry occurs. (Event I2: Doors closed upon entry) After entering the room, the human presence sensor does not detect any human movement, and then the door closing sensor detects that the door has been closed. Therefore, in this case, a door closing event occurs. (Event I3: Door opens when leaving the room) When someone leaves the room, the motion sensor installed on the outside of the room does not detect human movement, but the door open / close sensor detects that the door has been opened. Therefore, in this case, a door open event occurs. (Event I4) After the person leaves the room, the motion sensor installed on the outside of the room detects the person and the door is closed by the open / close sensor. Therefore, in this case, a door closing event occurs.

[0063] Next, a description will be given of a state transition process performed by the caregiver device 10 when a notification is received from the behavior detection device 30 in the behavior time management system 1. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state transition process in the caregiver device 10 that has received a notification from the behavior detection device 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the caregiver device 10, when the timer is activated, the initial state is non-staying (state J10). After that, when a notification of door opening at entry (event I1) or door closing at entry (event I2) is received, it transitions to non-staying <during chattering countermeasure> (state J20). Here, chattering refers to unstable operations or vibrations that occur in specific situations in machines and electronic systems, including mechanical chattering that causes noise and the like due to vibrations of mechanical parts, and electronic chattering where switches and relays repeatedly turn on / off at high speed.

[0064] Next, after transitioning to non-staying <during chattering countermeasure>, after a time (X seconds) during which chattering may occur has elapsed, it transitions to staying (state J30). That is, the time X during which chattering may occur corresponds to the chattering countermeasure time, and notifications from the sensor within this time are not used to cause a state transition as being due to chattering.

[0065] Also, after transitioning to staying (state J30), if no notification of leaving the room is received even after the forgetting to close countermeasure time (Y seconds) has elapsed, forgetting to close the door or sensor detection failure is suspected. Therefore, to prevent inverse phase (where it is judged to be staying when it is actually non-staying, or vice versa), it transitions to staying <during forgetting to close countermeasure> (state J35). That is, the forgetting to close countermeasure time Y is such that if no notification is received from the sensor even after this time has passed, forgetting to close is suspected, and the transition destination for door closing at entry is changed to non-staying.

[0066] Here, if there is a notification of door opening at leaving the room (event I3) when in non-staying <during chattering countermeasure> (state J20), or if there is a notification of door opening at entry (event I1) when in staying (state J30), it transitions to staying <waiting for door closing> (state J45). In staying <waiting for door closing> (state J45), if no notification is received from the sensor even after the door closing waiting time (Z seconds) has elapsed, only door opening and closing and sensor detection failure are suspected. Therefore, it transitions to non-staying (state J10).

[0067] When there is a notification for door opening or closing at the time of check-out during any staying state (states J30 to J45), it transitions to <Chattering countermeasure in progress> (state J40) during the stay, and after the chattering countermeasure time (X seconds) has elapsed, it transitions to not staying (state J10).

[0068] Here, with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the processing of the action time management system 1 when incorporating a sensor having a door opening / closing detection and notification transmission function will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for patient action management by the action time management system 1 when incorporating a sensor having a door opening / closing detection and notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention. The two flowcharts shown in FIG. 13 (transition to not staying (state J20) and transition to not staying (state J10)) correspond to the two flowcharts shown in FIG. 7 (sensor detection process and sensor non-detection process), respectively, and the same process step numbers are assigned to the same process steps.

[0069] That is, the different parts in the patient action management procedure are as follows. First, in FIG. 7, "sensor detection" and "sensor non-detection" are the triggers for the processing, respectively, but in this processing, instead of "sensor detection", "transition to not staying <Chattering countermeasure in progress> (state J20)" is the trigger. Also, instead of "sensor non-detection", "transition to not staying (state J10)" is the trigger. As shown in FIG. 13, the procedure for patient action management by the action time management system 1 when incorporating a sensor having a door opening / closing detection and notification transmission function has the same individual processing as that shown in FIG. 7 except for the trigger, so the same step numbers are assigned.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for patient action management by the action time management system 1 when incorporating a sensor having a door opening / closing detection and notification transmission function according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, and the same process step numbers are assigned to the same process steps.

[0071] That is, the differences between the patient behavior management procedure shown in FIG. 14 and the procedure in FIG. 8 are as follows. First, change the "Execute every X seconds within the timer valid time" process (step S2) in FIG. 8 to the "Execute each time a state transition or trigger fires within the timer valid time" process (step S2-1). Next, make the "Sensor undetected time >= buffer time" process (step S11) in FIG. 8 irrelevant (always Yes). Also, change the "Is it Y2 seconds or more since the sensor was last detected?" process (step S27) in FIG. 8 to the "Is it 0 seconds or more since the sensor was last detected?" process (step S27-1). Further, change the "Is the sensor detected?" process (step S30) in FIG. 8 to the "During stay (states J30 to 45)?" process (step S30-1). Additionally, before the end of the loop process in FIG. 8 (step S54), add the "Is the action start time set?" process (step S62), and if it is set (Yes), perform the "Set the trigger after the shorter of the alert time or the snooze interval" process (step S63). As shown in FIG. 14, for the patient behavior management procedure by the behavior time management system 1 when incorporating a sensor with door opening / closing detection and notification transmission functions, since the individual processes other than the above steps are the same as the processes shown in FIG. 8, the same step numbers are assigned.

[0072] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the patient behavior management procedure by the behavior time management system 1 when incorporating a sensor with door opening / closing detection and notification transmission functions according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, and the same process step numbers are assigned to the same process steps.

[0073] That is, the differences in the patient behavior management procedure are as follows. First, the "Has it been Y1 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S8) in FIG. 9 is changed to a "Has it been 0 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S8-1). Next, the "Has it been Y3 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S47) in FIG. 9 is changed to a "Has it been 0 seconds or more since the most recent sensor detection?" process (step S47-1). Furthermore, the "Sensor detection?" process (step S44) in FIG. 9 is changed to a "Staying (states J30-45)?" process (step S44-1). Note that, as shown in FIG. 15, the procedure for patient behavior management by the behavior time management system 1 when a sensor with door opening / closing detection and notification transmission functions is incorporated is the same as the procedure shown in FIG. 9 in terms of individual processes other than the above steps, and therefore the same step numbers are used.

[0074] The processing flow of the patient behavior management procedure by the behavior time management system 1 when incorporating a sensor with door opening / closing detection and notification sending functions shown in Figures 13, 14, and 15 described above, other than the above-mentioned changes, is the same as the content described above in paragraphs 0041 to 0054, etc., and therefore will not be explained here.

[0075] <Example of measurement case regarding bathing and toilet use by patients, etc.> Next, an example of a measurement case in the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining an example of a measurement case related to bathing and toilet use by a patient or the like in the activity time management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Case 1 is an example of timing the bathing behavior of a patient. For example, the behavior detection device 30 is installed at the entrance of the bathroom from the dressing room, and the patient device 20 is installed in the dressing room. Since the patient entered the dressing room at 17:00 and entered the bathroom after the threshold time (5 minutes) had elapsed, 17:00 when the patient entered the dressing room is the start time of the behavior. In Case 1, since the predetermined time (45 minutes) has been exceeded since the start of the behavior, the behavior time management system 1 represents the state of the timer when the patient voluntarily ended the bath after being notified to the patient. Also, during that time, the caregiver entered the dressing room, but since it is a short time that does not reach the set threshold time, it can be distinguished from the end of the patient's behavior. Thus, according to the behavior time management system 1 according to the present embodiment, even if there is an assisting behavior of the caregiver or an excess of the patient's behavior time, it is not necessary for the caregiver to operate the caregiver device 10 or the like, and measurement can be performed normally.

[0077] In the case of this case, for example, the threshold time is input from the timing condition input unit 12 of the caregiver device 10. Then, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the threshold time or more by the timing and determination unit 14, the time when the detection information was first acquired can be set as the start time of the behavior. Further, after the start time of the behavior is set, when the continuous acquisition of the detection information from the behavior detection device input unit 13 is interrupted and then the detection information is continuously acquired again from the same sensor, the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again is set as the end time of the behavior of the patient in the specific area (for example, the bathroom). Furthermore, the maximum behavior time in the specific area of the patient is input from the timing condition input unit 12, and the timing and determination unit 14 may determine that the patient's behavior is abnormal on the condition that the input maximum behavior time has elapsed since the start time of the patient's behavior. In this case, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 instruct to warn the patient or the caregiver of the patient to end the behavior of the patient via the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10 that functions as an output device.

[0078] Case 2 shows the state of the timer when a family member living with the patient takes a bath. In this embodiment, the various parameters shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are set so that the measurement conditions are not met when a healthy person acts at a normal movement speed. Therefore, the activity time management system 1 does not measure the bathing behavior of a healthy family member living with the patient. In other words, this can be achieved by setting the threshold time input from the timing condition input unit 12 to be shorter than the activity time of the patient in the target activity (e.g., bathing) and longer than the activity time of a caregiver (healthy person) caring for the patient.

[0079] Furthermore, Case 3 shows the state of the timer when the interval between patient's toilet visits exceeds a predetermined time (set to 2 hours) and the patient does not take any voluntary action even after several notifications by the snooze function, and the caregiver is prompted to speak to the patient directly by sending a notification to the caregiver device 10. In this way, in the activity time management system 1 according to this embodiment, even if the patient does not take any voluntary action, if the patient takes action in response to a call from the caregiver, there is no need to operate the caregiver device 10, and measurement is completed normally.

[0080] In this case, the patient's behavior is related to toilet use, which is one of the types of behaviors that are performed regularly every day, and a warning is issued to prevent the patient from using the toilet too frequently. Therefore, for example, the maximum allowable time interval for the patient to repeat the behavior (toilet use) is input from the timing condition input unit 12. The timing and judgment unit 14 then judges the patient's behavior as abnormal when the maximum allowable time has elapsed since the behavior ended. Next, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 warn the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10 to encourage the patient to resume the behavior.

[0081] Furthermore, Case 4 shows the state of the timer when a family member living in the same household uses the toilet. In this case, for the same reason as Case 2, if a healthy person uses the toilet at a normal speed, the measurement conditions are not met in a short time, so no measurement is performed.

[0082] Furthermore, in Case 5, it represents the state of the timer when the patient notices something left behind during the bath and the bath is interrupted. That is, if the patient notices something left behind and leaves the dressing room after the measurement has started (the action start time is 17:00), in this embodiment, since general-purpose sensors or the like are used, it is impossible to detect in which direction the patient is going, so it may be misjudged or misdetermined that the patient is still in the bath. Therefore, if the caregiver notices this, it is necessary to manually start the measurement.

[0083] Furthermore, in Case 6, it represents the state of the timer when the patient forgets to perform actions such as body washing or hair washing and finishes the bathing behavior in a short time, that is, when the patient's bathing time ends without reaching the minimum time. In this way, since the threshold time has passed when the patient exits the bathroom and enters the dressing room, it is determined that the bath has ended. However, since the action time is less than the minimum usage time (30 minutes in this embodiment), the system warns the patient and also notifies the caregiver. Therefore, the caregiver needs to manually start the measurement. In the case of this case, for example, the minimum action time of the patient's action is input from the timing condition input unit 12. Then, the timing and determination unit 14 determines that the patient's action is abnormal on the condition that the time from the action start time to the action end time of the patient is less than the input minimum action time. Next, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 warn the patient or the caregiver of the patient to continue the action via the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10.

[0084] Furthermore, in Case 7, it represents the state of the timer when the usage interval of the toilet exceeds during the patient's bath. In this case, since the exceeding of the toilet usage interval (2 hours in this embodiment) is notified at the patient's main staying place (the living room in this embodiment), it does not reach the patient in the bath. Therefore, it is necessary for the caregiver to prompt the patient to use the toilet after the bath, and this case is shown.

[0085] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a person and devices in the management of toilet use intervals and bathing times in the action time management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The action time management system 1 according to the present invention does not necessarily require the patient himself / herself to be equipped with a transmitter of an identification signal. However, when the patient himself / herself can carry a portable device such as a smartwatch, the device can be used as a transmitter for transmitting the patient's unique signal, and also as a patient device 20 that can give warnings to the patient by voice, screen, etc. As shown in FIG. 12, when the patient does not carry the patient device 20, the device installed in a specific area can use, for example, a smart speaker or the like. On the other hand, when the patient carries the patient device 20, the device can use, for example, a device that can notify the patient of warnings by voice or screen such as a smartwatch. Further, by transmitting an identification signal of the device (used for identifying the patient) from the smartwatch and notifying this identification signal to the caregiver device 10, the identification of the patient can be used for action time management, and this system can be applied in a scene where a plurality of patients in a facility or the like use the same area.

[0086] For example, when acquiring the detection information of a patient from the action detection device input unit 13 of the caregiver device 10, an identification signal from the patient device 20 carried by the patient is acquired. Then, the timekeeping and determination unit 14 determines an abnormality in the action of the patient specified by the identification signal by using at least one of the action start time or the action end time. Next, the patient device communication unit 16 and the caregiver notification presentation unit 17 give a warning to a specific patient or the caregiver of the specific patient via the patient device 20 or the caregiver device 10.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an application example of the action time management system 1 in the case where a patient with mild dementia receives care support from family members or other caregivers at home or the like and manages the bathing time in bathing and the use interval in toilet use has been described. In addition to these, according to the action time management system 1 according to the present invention, when an action detection device 30 is installed at a toilet entrance or the like, the use time of the toilet can also be managed. In addition, a pressure sensor can be installed on the bed where the patient sleeps as the behavior detection device 30, and it can also be applied to behavior management such as issuing an alert when the sleep time is too long or prompting the patient to go to bed when the wake-up time (interval between sleeps) is too long.

[0088] As described above, according to the behavior time management system 1 according to the present embodiment, even in an environment unsuitable for installing electronic devices such as in a bathroom with high temperature and high humidity, it is not always necessary to directly install a device in the bathroom to manage the time of the bathing behavior. The same effect can be obtained by installing at least one general-purpose sensor in a place with good environmental conditions such as outside the entrance of the bathroom. This can reduce the risk of device failures and false detections such as sensors, and also keep the introduction cost low.

[0089] Also, according to the behavior time management system 1 according to the present embodiment, while it is possible to measure the time of each behavior such as the bathing time and the toilet use time, it can also be used for applications that measure the usage interval of behaviors repeated during a day such as toilet use, and is also suitable for managing and optimizing the behavior cycle.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the behavior time management system 1 according to the present embodiment, since it is not essential for the patient to carry their own device, it can be applied without problems even when the patient cannot understand or remember the purpose of installing the system, and problems such as forgetting to carry or carry the device do not occur, and the behavior time can be stably and appropriately managed.

[0091] Moreover, according to the behavior time management system 1 according to the present embodiment, by reflecting the required time of the behavior of a patient with mild dementia as the threshold of the measurement condition, it is possible to prevent misjudgment or false determination of behaviors that can be performed by a healthy person within a predetermined time less than the required time. Also, by reflecting the difference in the behavior time between a patient with mild dementia and a healthy person as the threshold of the measurement condition, it is possible to appropriately measure the behavior time of the patient without being affected by the assistance behavior of a family member (caregiver) who is a healthy person or other behaviors of cohabiting family members within the home or the like.

[0092] Furthermore, by setting the minimum usage time or the like for the patient's activity time, even when the patient is temporarily absent from the detection area during the activity, the patient and the caregiver can be notified to encourage re-activity and prevent forgetting of the activity. Furthermore, by appropriately managing the patient's activity time and repeating appropriate warnings and calls, it can also help prevent the activity forgetting seen in patients with mild dementia and the repetition of the same activity within a short period of time. That is, it can be connected to avoiding the risks in the patient's daily life and correcting the disruption of living habits caused by the inability to retain the memory at the start of the activity due to memory impairment caused by dementia.

[0093] In addition, in the activity time management system 1 according to the present embodiment, all or part of the functions provided by the caregiver device 10 can be realized by a service that provides a program installed using a device such as a smartphone via an API. Each service can also be provided via SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), etc.

[0094] Note that the configurations of the activity time management system 1, the caregiver device 10, and the patient device 20 described in the present embodiment are examples, and may be changed within a range not exceeding the scope of the present invention. Also, the processing flow of the caregiver device 10 and the like is also an example, and deletion of unnecessary processing steps, addition of new processing steps, and replacement of processing steps are possible within a range not exceeding the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0095] 1 Activity Time Management System 10 Caregiver Device 11 Patient Information Input Unit 12 Timing Condition Input Unit 13 Activity Detection Device Input Unit 14 Timing and Judgment Unit 15 Memory Unit 16 Patient Device Communication Unit 17 Caregiver Notification Presentation Unit 20 Patient Device 21 Caregiver Device Communication Unit 22 Patient Notification Presentation Unit 30 Activity Detection Device 31 Activity Detection Unit 32 Caregiver Device Output Unit 40 Network

Claims

A behavior time management system that detects, with a sensor, the behavior of a patient in a predetermined area that enters and exits a predetermined area having only one entrance and exit, and issues a warning via an output device when the behavior of the patient is abnormal, comprising: The sensor is installed outside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient entering and exiting the predetermined area; A first input unit that inputs a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined behavior of the patient that takes a behavior start time from other behaviors of the patient; A second input unit that inputs a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient that takes a behavior end time from other behaviors of the patient; An acquisition unit that acquires detection information of the patient from the sensor; A first setting unit that, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or more, sets the time when the detection information was first acquired as the behavior start time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area; A second setting unit that, when the behavior start time is set by the first setting unit and the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit is interrupted, and then the detection information is continuously acquired from the sensor for the second time or more, sets the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as the behavior end time of the behavior of the patient in the predetermined area; A determination unit that determines the abnormality of the behavior of the patient by using the behavior time from the behavior start time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted, or the behavior interval from the behavior end time to the behavior start time of the next behavior of the patient; A warning unit that warns the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when the determination unit determines that the behavior of the patient is abnormal; A behavior time management system, characterized by comprising the above. A behavior time management system that detects, with a sensor, the behavior of a patient in a predetermined area that enters and exits a predetermined area having only one entrance and exit, and issues a warning via an output device when the behavior of the patient is abnormal, comprising: The sensor is installed inside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient inside the predetermined area; A first input unit that inputs a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined behavior of the patient that takes a behavior start time from other behaviors of the patient; A second input unit that inputs a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined behavior of the patient that takes a behavior end time from other behaviors of the patient; An acquisition unit that acquires detection information of the patient from the sensor; A first setting unit that, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time period or longer, sets the time when the detection information was first acquired as the action start time of the patient's action in the predetermined area; A second setting unit that, after the action start time is set by the first setting unit, when the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition unit is interrupted for the second time period or longer, sets the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted as the action end time of the patient's action in the predetermined area; A determination unit that determines an abnormality in the patient's action using the action time from the action start time or the action interval from the action end time to the action start time of the patient's next action; A warning unit that warns the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when the determination unit determines that the patient's action is abnormal; An action time management system, characterized by comprising the above.

3. The action time management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the first time period and the second time period is shorter than the action time of the patient in the action and longer than the action time of a person other than the patient.

4. Further comprising a third input unit for inputting the maximum action time or maximum action interval of the action, The determination unit determines that the patient's action is abnormal on the condition that the action time exceeds the maximum action time or the action interval exceeds the maximum action interval, The warning unit warns the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device so that the patient ends the action or starts the next action. The action time management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. Further comprising a fourth input unit for inputting the minimum action time or minimum action interval of the action, The determination unit determines that the patient's action is abnormal on the condition that the action time is less than the minimum action time or the action interval is less than the minimum action interval, The warning unit warns the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device so that the patient continues the action or cancels the next action. The action time management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above. The method for managing action time according to claim 6, which is to detect, by a sensor, the actions of a patient in a predetermined area that enters and exits a predetermined area having only one entrance and exit, and to issue a warning via an output device when the actions of the patient are abnormal, comprising: a first input step of inputting a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient from actions of others at the start time of the action; a second input step of inputting a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined action of the patient from actions of others at the end time of the action; an acquisition step of installing the sensor outside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient entering and exiting the predetermined area, and acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; a first setting step of setting, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or longer, the time when the detection information was first acquired as the start time of the action of the patient in the predetermined area; a second setting step of setting, when the start time of the action is set by the first setting step and after the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition step is interrupted, the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as the end time of the action of the patient in the predetermined area when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the second time or longer from the sensor; a determination step of determining abnormality of the action of the patient by using the action time from the start time of the action when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted, or the action interval from the end time of the action to the start time of the next action of the patient; a warning step of warning the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when it is determined by the determination step that the action of the patient is abnormal characterized by comprising the above steps. The method for managing action time according to claim 7, which is to detect, by a sensor, the actions of a patient in a predetermined area that enters and exits a predetermined area having only one entrance and exit, and to issue a warning via an output device when the actions of the patient are abnormal, comprising: a first input step of inputting a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient from actions of others at the start time of the action; a second input step of inputting a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined action of the patient from actions of others at the end time of the action; An acquisition step of installing the sensor inside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient within the predetermined area, and acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor; A first setting step of, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or longer, setting the time when the detection information was first acquired as the action start time of the patient's action in the predetermined area; A second setting step of, after the action start time is set by the first setting step, when the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition step is interrupted for the second time or longer, setting the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted as the action end time of the patient's action in the predetermined area; A determination step of determining an abnormality in the patient's action by using the action time from the action start time or the action interval until the action start time of the patient's next action from the action end time; A warning step of warning the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when the determination step determines that the patient's action is abnormal characterized by comprising.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute action time management for detecting, with a sensor, the action of a patient in a predetermined area that enters and exits a predetermined area having only one entrance and exit, and giving a warning via an output device when the action of the patient is abnormal, A first input step of inputting a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient that takes time to start the action from actions of others; A second input step of inputting a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined action of the patient that takes time to end the action from actions of others; An acquisition step of acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor installed outside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient entering and exiting the predetermined area; A first setting step of, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for the first time or longer, setting the time when the detection information was first acquired as the action start time of the patient's action in the predetermined area; A second setting step of setting, when detection information is continuously acquired from the sensor for a time longer than the second time after the action start time is set by the first setting step and continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition step is interrupted, the time when the detection information starts to be acquired again as the action end time of the action of the patient in the predetermined area; A determination step of determining an abnormality in the action of the patient by using the action time from the action start time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information continues, or the action interval from the action end time to the action start time of the next action of the patient; A warning step of warning the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device when the action of the patient is determined to be abnormal by the determination step; A computer-readable program for causing the above to be executed.

9. A program for causing a computer to execute action time management for detecting, with a sensor, the action of a patient in a predetermined area that enters and exits a predetermined area having only one entrance and exit, and giving a warning via an output device when the action of the patient is abnormal, A first input step of inputting a first time as a threshold time for distinguishing a predetermined action of the patient from actions of others with respect to the action start time; A second input step of inputting a second time as a threshold time for distinguishing the predetermined action of the patient from actions of others with respect to the action end time; An acquisition step of acquiring detection information of the patient from the sensor installed inside the predetermined area so as to be able to detect the patient within the predetermined area; A first setting step of setting, when the detection information of the patient is continuously acquired for a time longer than the first time, the time when the detection information is first acquired as the action start time of the action of the patient in the predetermined area; A second setting step of setting, after the action start time is set by the first setting step, the time when the continuous acquisition of the detection information is interrupted as the action end time of the action of the patient in the predetermined area when the continuous acquisition of the detection information by the acquisition step is interrupted for a time longer than the second time; A determination step of determining an abnormality in the action of the patient by using the action time from the action start time or the action interval from the action end time to the action start time of the next action of the patient; When the behavior of the patient is determined to be abnormal by the determination step, a warning step of warning the patient or the caregiver of the patient via the output device A computer-readable program for causing execution.

Images