Support system, management device, and support method

Abstract

To provide a support system, a terminal, a management device and a support method which support grasping of the progress of a process of remote heart rehabilitation.SOLUTION: A support system 1 of remote heart rehabilitation comprises: a terminal 20 which displays the residual time of a period of the remote heart rehabilitation executed by an executer who uses the terminal 20; and a management device 40 which displays the elapsed time of the period of the remote heart rehabilitation executed by the executer who uses the terminal 20 in association with the executer for each of the plurality of terminals 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote cardiac rehabilitation support system, a terminal, a management device, and a support method. [Background technology]

[0002] Reducing the readmission rate of discharged patients through appropriate rehabilitation is one way to reduce medical costs. Continuing rehabilitation is an effective way to reduce this readmission rate. However, the current situation is that the continuation rate of outpatient rehabilitation is not high.

[0003] Cardiac rehabilitation exercise therapy is required to be carried out under the guidance of a doctor or other medical professional, who is also required to monitor the condition of the patient undergoing rehabilitation.

[0004] A remote rehabilitation system has been proposed that allows patients to receive rehabilitation at home (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-191718 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Remote cardiac rehabilitation is typically performed by multiple participants (e.g., patients or elderly people) under the supervision of a supervisor (e.g., medical personnel). The participants may perform the remote cardiac rehabilitation simultaneously or at different times.

[0007] In this case, there is a problem that the administrator and each of the multiple practitioners cannot properly grasp the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a support system that supports understanding of the progress of remote cardiac rehabilitation procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a support system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a support system for remote cardiac rehabilitation, comprising a plurality of terminals, each used by a practitioner performing the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and a management device used by an administrator who manages the remote cardiac rehabilitation, the management device being communicatively connected to each of the plurality of terminals, wherein each of the plurality of terminals displays the remaining time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the practitioner using that terminal, and the management device displays, for each of the plurality of terminals, the elapsed time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the practitioner using that terminal, linked to the practitioner.

[0010] According to this configuration, the support system allows each of the multiple participants performing remote cardiac rehabilitation to visually check the remaining time of the process they are performing, and allows the manager to visually check the elapsed time of the process each of the multiple participants is performing. This allows the participants themselves to be aware of the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and allows the manager to be aware of the progress of all of the multiple participants. When multiple participants perform remote cardiac rehabilitation at their own convenient times, the implementation times vary, making it particularly useful for the manager to easily check the progress of all of the multiple participants. Furthermore, by allowing the participants to visually check the remaining time, the participants can understand how much time is left until the process they are performing is completed. Meanwhile, by allowing the manager to visually check the elapsed time of each of the multiple participants, the manager can easily understand the time each of the multiple participants has completed the process. In this way, the support system can support the participants and the manager in understanding the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0011] The management device may also display an image including the elapsed time for each of the plurality of participants.

[0012] With this configuration, the support system allows the administrator to simultaneously visually check the elapsed time of the process for multiple participants. This allows the administrator to easily grasp the elapsed time of the process for multiple participants at a glance. In this way, the support system can further support the participants and the administrator in grasping the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the plurality of terminals may display a graphic indicating the remaining time, and the area of ​​the displayed graphic may become smaller as time passes.

[0014] With this configuration, the support system can allow the practitioner to intuitively understand that the remaining time is decreasing as time passes by using the decreasing area of ​​the graphic. Therefore, the support system can help the practitioner and the manager to more intuitively understand the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0015] The management device may also display a graphic indicating the elapsed time for the participant on each of the plurality of terminals, and the area of ​​the displayed graphic may increase as time passes.

[0016] With this configuration, the support system can allow the manager to intuitively understand the increase in elapsed time as time passes by using the increase in the area of ​​the graphic. Therefore, the support system can help the implementer and the manager to more intuitively understand the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the multiple terminals may further display multiple figures corresponding to multiple steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and the display mode of the figures corresponding to the implementation step being performed by the implementer using the terminal may be different from the display mode of figures corresponding to steps other than the implementation step, and the management device may further link the multiple figures to each of the multiple implementers and display the multiple figures, and the display mode of the figures corresponding to the implementation step being performed by the implementer may be different from the display mode of figures corresponding to steps other than the implementation step.

[0018] With this configuration, the support system allows the implementer and the manager to visually recognize the process being carried out by the implementer by using the display of graphics corresponding to the process of remote cardiac rehabilitation and differences in the display mode, so that the implementer and the manager can more intuitively recognize the process. Thus, the support system can help the implementer and the manager to more intuitively grasp the progress of the process of remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0019] Furthermore, a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is a terminal provided in a remote cardiac rehabilitation support system, the terminal being used by a practitioner who performs the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and the terminal displaying the remaining time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation period being performed by the practitioner using the terminal.

[0020] This provides the same effect as the above-mentioned support system.

[0021] In addition, a management device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a management device provided in a support system for remote cardiac rehabilitation, the support system comprising a plurality of terminals each used by a practitioner performing the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and a management device used by an administrator managing the remote cardiac rehabilitation, the management device being communicatively connected to each of the plurality of terminals, and the management device being a management device that displays, for each of the plurality of terminals, the elapsed time of the period of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the practitioner using the terminal, linked to the practitioner.

[0022] This provides the same effect as the above-mentioned support system.

[0023] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention provides a support method executed by a support system for remote cardiac rehabilitation, the support system including a plurality of terminals each used by a practitioner performing the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and a management device used by an administrator managing the remote cardiac rehabilitation, the management device being communicatively connected to each of the plurality of terminals, wherein each of the plurality of terminals displays the remaining time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the practitioner using that terminal, and the management device displays, for each of the plurality of terminals, the elapsed time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the practitioner using that terminal, linked to the practitioner.

[0024] This provides the same effect as the above-mentioned support system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The support system according to an aspect of the present invention can support understanding of the progress of remote cardiac rehabilitation procedures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of an image displayed by the terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an image indicating the remaining time displayed by the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of images showing sub-processes displayed on a terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first example of an image displayed by the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an image displayed by the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an image showing elapsed time displayed by the management device according to the embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing of a server according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, a support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] The embodiments described below are illustrative of specific examples of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement positions, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components.

[0029] (Embodiment) In this embodiment, a support system for supporting understanding of the progress of a remote cardiac rehabilitation process will be described.

[0030] Hereinafter, "practitioner" refers to a person who implements remote cardiac rehabilitation, and specifically includes, but is not limited to, patients with cardiac disorders or elderly people. Furthermore, "manager" refers to a person who manages remote cardiac rehabilitation, and specifically includes, but is not limited to, doctors or nurses. Management of remote cardiac rehabilitation specifically includes interviews conducted during remote cardiac rehabilitation, instructing and supervising the exercises included in remote cardiac rehabilitation, and dealing with events that may occur to the practitioner during remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a support system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0032] The support system 1 shown in FIG. 1 supports multiple practitioners U to perform remote cardiac rehabilitation under the supervision of an administrator V.

[0033] 1, the support system 1 includes a server 10, a terminal 20, a load device 31, and a management device 40. The server 10, the terminal 20, and the management device 40 are communicably connected via a network N. The terminal 20 and the load device 31 are provided for each implementer U, that is, the support system 1 includes a plurality of terminals 20 and a plurality of load devices 31.

[0034] The server 10 is a server device having a function of supporting remote cardiac rehabilitation. The server 10 receives information about the participant U from the terminal 20 used by the participant U, and transmits the received information to the management device 40. The information that the server 10 receives from the terminal 20 and the information that the server 10 transmits to the management device 40 will be described in detail later. The server 10 also controls the load on the load device 31 by transmitting control information to the terminal 20. The server 10 also relays video call communication between the participant U and the manager V.

[0035] The management device 40 is a device used by the manager V for remote cardiac rehabilitation, and is assumed to be located at a location where the manager V manages the remote cardiac rehabilitation (e.g., a hospital or other medical facility). The management device 40 is a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

[0036] The management device 40 displays on the display screen information about multiple participants U. The management device 40 also functions as a call terminal for video calls, and realizes a video call between the participants U and the administrator V using a relay by the server 10.

[0037] The terminal 20 is a device used by a remote cardiac rehabilitation practitioner U, and is assumed to be placed in the residence 30 of the practitioner U. The terminal 20 is connected to a load device 31 of the practitioner U who uses the terminal 20. The connection between the terminal 20 and the load device 31 may be wired communication such as USB, or wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal 20 may be a computer, tablet, smartphone, or the like.

[0038] The terminal 20 displays information about the implementer U who uses the terminal 20 on a display screen. The terminal 20 also receives control information for controlling the load of the load device 31 connected to the terminal 20, and controls the load of the load device 31. The terminal 20 also functions as a call terminal for video calls, and realizes a video call between the implementer U and the administrator V by using relaying by the server 10.

[0039] The load device 31 is a device that provides a load to the remote cardiac rehabilitation participant U, and is assumed to be placed in the residence 30 of the participant U. The load device 31 is, for example, an ergometer, and the case where the load is provided by having the participant U exercise on a bike will be described as an example. Note that a treadmill, stepper, or the like can also be used as the load device 31.

[0040] The network N may include various networks such as the Internet, a communication network of an Internet service provider, a mobile phone network, or a local area network. The networks included in the network N may be wired networks or wireless networks.

[0041] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the support system 1 according to this embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, the functions of the server 10, the terminal 20, and the management device 40 will be described.

[0042] The server 10 includes, as functional units, a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a relay unit 13. The functional units of the server 10 can be realized by a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) (not shown) included in the server 10 executing a predetermined program using a memory (not shown).

[0043] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface connected to the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 11 includes a wireless communication interface connectable to a mobile phone carrier network, a wireless communication interface connectable to an access point of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a wired communication interface connectable to a wired LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0044] The control unit 12 is a functional unit that controls the management of the implementation of remote cardiac rehabilitation. The control unit 12 mainly manages status information indicating the status of the participant U, manages the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and controls the load provided by the load device 31.

[0045] To manage the status information, the control unit 12 receives frame-by-frame images and status information from multiple terminals 20 via the communication unit 11, and transmits the received frame-by-frame images and status information to the management device 40. When transmitting the frame-by-frame images and status information, the control unit 12 processes the received frame-by-frame images and status information and transmits them to the management device 40. The processing includes converting the frame-by-frame images and status information into a list format.

[0046] The control unit 12 can receive the frame-by-frame images and status information transmitted by the terminal 20 multiple times at any timing. For example, the control unit 12 may request the frame-by-frame images and status information from the terminal 20, and receive the frame-by-frame images and status information transmitted by the terminal 20 in response to the request. Alternatively, the control unit 12 may receive the frame-by-frame images and status information transmitted voluntarily by the terminal 20.

[0047] The control unit 12 can transmit the frame-by-frame images and status information to the management device 40 at any timing. For example, the control unit 12 may receive a request for the frame-by-frame images and status information from the management device 40, and transmit the frame-by-frame images and status information in response to the request. Alternatively, the management device 40 may transmit the images and status information voluntarily at predetermined time intervals (for example, about 1 to 5 seconds).

[0048] The control unit 12 manages the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation by managing the progress of each of the steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by each of the multiple participants U. Specifically, the control unit 12 manages, for each participant U, which of the multiple steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation the participant U is performing, and also manages the time (specifically, the elapsed time or the remaining time) within a period set for the step. The period is, for example, a warm-up period, a main exercise period, or a cool-down period included in the exercise step of the remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 12 controls the load provided by the load device 31 so that the load device 31 provides a load having an appropriate load amount for remote cardiac rehabilitation to the participant U. The appropriate load amount is determined by the administrator V and provided by the management device 40.

[0050] The relay unit 13 is a functional unit that relays communication related to a video call between the implementer U and the administrator V. The relay unit 13 relays communication frames related to the video call transmitted and received between the terminal 20 and the management device 40.

[0051] The terminal 20 includes, as functional units, a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, a camera 25, a sensor 26, and a speaker 27.

[0052] The communication unit 21 is a communication interface connected to the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 21 includes a wireless communication interface connectable to a mobile phone carrier network, a wireless communication interface connectable to an access point of a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, or a wired communication interface connectable to a wired LAN such as Ethernet.

[0053] The control unit 22 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the terminal 20. The control unit 22 can be realized by a processor (e.g., a CPU) (not shown) included in the terminal 20 executing a predetermined program using a memory (not shown).

[0054] The control unit 22 is connected to a load device 31 that provides a load to a user U who uses the terminal 20, and has a function of controlling the load. The control unit 22 controls the load in accordance with control information received from the management device 40.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 22 acquires information indicating the amount of load (also referred to as the load amount) provided by the load device 31 from the load device 31. When the load device 31 is an ergometer, the load amount can be calculated from the weight of the pedal rotation and the pedal rotation speed.

[0056] The control unit 22 also transmits to the server 10 frame-by-frame images of the participant U acquired by the camera 25 and status information of the participant U acquired by the sensor 26. The frame-by-frame images and status information may be transmitted in response to a request from the server 10 or may be transmitted spontaneously. The control unit 22 also displays the frame-by-frame images and status information on the display unit 23.

[0057] Furthermore, under the control of the server 10, the control unit 22 controls the display of the time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation for the participant U using the terminal 20. Specifically, the control unit 22 displays the remaining time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation period being performed by the participant U using the terminal 20 on the display unit 23. The remaining time is the time from the current time until the end time of the relevant step. Note that the remaining time may also be the time from the current time until the end times of all steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0058] The display unit 23 is a functional unit that displays images. The display unit 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, in other words, the display portion of a touch panel display.

[0059] The operation unit 24 is a functional unit that receives operations from the implementer U. The operation unit 24 is, for example, a touch panel that is superimposed on the display screen of the display unit 23, in other words, the touch panel portion of the touch panel display.

[0060] The camera 25 is an imaging device that captures the participant U. The camera 25 has a function of acquiring frame-by-frame images of the participant U and providing the images to the control unit 22. The frame-by-frame images acquired by the camera 25 are obtained by integrating (i.e., connecting in the time direction) a plurality of still images captured of the participant U at a predetermined time interval, and are recognized as a frame-by-frame video when played back. The predetermined time interval is, for example, about 1 to 3 seconds; in other words, the frame rate of the frame-by-frame images is, for example, 1 / 3 fps to 1 fps (frames per second), but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The camera 25 also has a function of acquiring a video showing the participant U and providing it to the control unit 22. The video acquired by the camera 25 has a frame rate of, for example, about 10 to 30 fps (frames per second). The video acquired by the camera 25 is used for video calls; in other words, it is transmitted to the management device 40 via the server 10 and displayed by the management device 40 for the administrator V to view.

[0062] The sensor 26 is a sensor that acquires information indicating the state of the user U. The sensor 26 may include a microphone, a blood pressure monitor, an SPO2 (blood oxygen saturation) sensor, or an electrocardiograph. The sensor 26 is not limited to being provided inside the terminal 20, but may be located outside the terminal 20. In this case, the sensor located outside the terminal 20 transmits acquired information to the terminal 20 via wired communication or wireless communication.

[0063] The microphone is a sound collection device that collects sounds around the terminal 20, and in particular collects the voice uttered by the participant U. The voice uttered by the participant U is used for the video call, in other words, it is transmitted to the management device 40 via the server 10, output by the management device 40 and transmitted to the administrator V.

[0064] The blood pressure monitor is a sensor that measures the blood pressure of the subject U, and is worn by being wrapped around the subject U's arm, for example.

[0065] The SPO2 sensor is a sensor that measures the blood oxygen saturation of the subject U using infrared rays or the like, and is attached to the subject U's fingertip, for example.

[0066] The electrocardiograph is a sensor that acquires electrocardiogram data of the performer U. The electrocardiogram data acquired by the electrocardiograph can be used to analyze the performer U's heart rate or electrocardiogram waveform data.

[0067] The speaker 27 is a functional unit that outputs sound. The speaker 27 is used for video calls, in other words, outputs the voice of the administrator V that is collected by the management device 40.

[0068] The management device 40 includes, as functional units, a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, a display unit 43, an operation unit 44, a camera 45, and a microphone 46.

[0069] The communication unit 41 is a communication interface connected to the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 41 includes a wireless communication interface connectable to a mobile phone carrier network, a wireless communication interface connectable to an access point of a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, or a wired communication interface connectable to a wired LAN such as Ethernet.

[0070] The control unit 42 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the management device 40. The control unit 42 can be realized by a processor (e.g., a CPU) (not shown) included in the management device 40 executing a predetermined program using a memory (not shown).

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 42 receives the frame-by-frame images and status information from the server 10 via the communication unit 41, and displays the received frame-by-frame images and status information on the display unit 43.

[0072] The control unit 42 also controls the display of time information of the remote cardiac rehabilitation for each of the multiple participants U under the control of the server 10. Specifically, the control unit 42 also displays, for each of the multiple participants U, the elapsed time of the period of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by that participant U on the display unit 43. The elapsed time is the time from the start time of the relevant step to the current time. Note that the elapsed time may also be the time from the start times of all steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation to the current time.

[0073] When displaying the elapsed times for the multiple performers U on the display unit 43, the control unit 42 may display an image including the elapsed times for the multiple performers U, rather than sequentially displaying the elapsed times for the multiple performers U in a time-division manner. In other words, the control unit 42 may display the elapsed times for the multiple performers U at the same time. In this case, there is an advantage that the manager V can grasp the elapsed times for the multiple performers U at the same time.

[0074] The display unit 43 is a functional unit that displays images. The display unit 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 43 may be the display portion of a touch panel display.

[0075] The operation unit 44 is a functional unit that receives operations from the administrator V. The operation unit 44 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. Note that, when the display unit 43 is a touch panel display, the operation unit 44 is a touch panel that is superimposed on the display screen, in other words, it may be the touch panel portion of the touch panel display.

[0076] The camera 45 is an imaging device that captures an image of the administrator V. The camera 45 has a function of acquiring a video in which the administrator V is captured and providing the video to the control unit 42. The video acquired by the camera 45 has a frame rate of, for example, about 10 to 30 fps. The video acquired by the camera 45 is used for video calls; in other words, it is displayed on the terminal 20 via the server 10 and is visually recognized by the implementer U.

[0077] The microphone 46 is a sound collection device that collects sounds around the management device 40, and in particular collects the voice uttered by the administrator V. The voice uttered by the administrator V is used for the video call, in other words, is transmitted to the implementer U via the server 10.

[0078] The speaker 47 is a functional unit that outputs sound. The speaker 47 is used for video calls, in other words, outputs the voice of the participant U that is picked up by the terminal 20.

[0079] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The image shown in Fig. 3 is an example of an image displayed by the terminal 20 when the participant U is performing remote cardiac rehabilitation. It is assumed that the image shown in Fig. 3 is viewed by the participant U performing the remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 3, the image displayed by the terminal 20 (i.e., the display unit 23) includes a progress bar 51, a frame-by-frame image 52, a heart rate 53, time information 54, a blood pressure value 55, a rotation speed 56, and a video call button 57.

[0081] The progress bar 51 is a graphic that indicates the progress of remote cardiac rehabilitation. The progress bar 51 includes a plurality of graphics corresponding to a plurality of steps included in remote cardiac rehabilitation (interview 1, video call 1, resistance exercise, interview 2, video call 2, bike exercise, interview 3, and video call 3). The plurality of graphics are arranged in accordance with the order in which the corresponding plurality of steps are performed. In FIG. 3, the plurality of graphics are arranged from left to right in accordance with the order in which the corresponding plurality of steps are performed. Note that the direction in which the plurality of graphics are arranged may be any direction.

[0082] The progress bar 51 is an image showing the step (implemented step) being implemented by the implementer U using the terminal 20 among the multiple steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation. In the progress bar 51, the display mode of the figure corresponding to the implemented step is different from the display mode of the figure corresponding to a step different from the implemented step among the multiple figures.

[0083] Specifically, the progress bar 51 shown in Fig. 3 indicates that the step being performed by the participant U using the terminal 20 is the "biking" step, which is a step of biking. In Fig. 3, the color of the interior of the figure corresponding to the "biking" step, as a display mode of the figure, is controlled to be different from the color of the interior of the other figures. Note that the display mode may be the color of the interior of the figure, the pattern inside the figure, the size or color of the figure, or the size, color, or font of the characters, etc.

[0084] The shapes of the multiple figures included in the progress bar 51 are not limited to the arrow feather shapes shown in FIG. 3, but may be any shape, such as a polygon such as a rectangle, or a circle.

[0085] The frame-by-frame images 52 are frame-by-frame images of the participant U, and are frame-by-frame images acquired by photographing with the camera 25.

[0086] The heart rate 53 is a numerical value indicating the current heart rate of the exerciser U [bpm (beats per minute)].

[0087] The time information 54 indicates time information (specifically, the remaining time) of the period of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the participant U using the terminal 20. The time information indicates time information (specifically, the remaining time) within a period defined for the step being performed by the participant U using the terminal 20, among multiple steps included in the remote cardiac rehabilitation. The time information may also indicate time information (specifically, the remaining time) for the entire period of the remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0088] The blood pressure value 55 is a numerical value indicating the current blood pressure (that is, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure) [mmHg] of the person U.

[0089] The rotation speed 56 is a numerical value indicating the rotation speed [rpm (rotations per minute)] of the pedals of the ergometer, which is the load device 31 that provides the load to the exerciser U.

[0090] The video call button 57 is a button that is operated when starting a video call between a practitioner U who is performing remote cardiac rehabilitation and a manager V.

[0091] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an image showing the remaining time displayed by the terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The image shown in Fig. 4 graphically shows the remaining time of the period, and can be used as the time information 54 shown in Fig. 3.

[0092] The graphic shown in Figure 4 includes a rectangular frame corresponding to the entire period and a rectangular area corresponding to the remaining time of the period placed inside the rectangular frame. It may also include the characters "100%" corresponding to the entire period and characters corresponding to the percentage of the remaining time in the entire period ("70" in Figure 4(a) meaning 70%).

[0093] As the remaining time decreases with the passage of time, the area of ​​the rectangular region corresponding to the remaining time becomes smaller.

[0094] For example, an image when the remaining time is 70% of the entire period is shown in (a) of Figure 4. Also, a state at a later point in time when the remaining time is 20% of the entire period is shown in (b) of Figure 4.

[0095] Note that a step in remote cardiac rehabilitation may have multiple steps (referred to as sub-steps). For example, a bike exercise step has three sub-steps: warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down. Here, the main exercise is a sub-step in which the exerciser U rotates the pedals of an ergometer, which is a load device 31, and the exerciser U is provided with an appropriate load from the load device 31. Warm-up is an exercise sub-step performed prior to the main exercise, and is a sub-step for transitioning the exerciser U's physical condition (heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, etc.) to a state in which the exerciser U can appropriately perform the main exercise. Cool-down is an exercise sub-step performed after the main exercise, and is a sub-step for transitioning the exerciser U's physical condition to a normal state.

[0096] In this case, the image shown in FIG. 3 may further include an image showing the sub-step that the implementer U is implementing among the multiple sub-steps.

[0097] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a sub-progress bar 51A, which is an image showing a sub-step, displayed by the terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The sub-progress bar 51A is displayed, for example, immediately below the progress bar 51 in the image shown in FIG. 3, but the display position is not limited to this.

[0098] The sub-progress bar 51A includes a plurality of figures corresponding to a plurality of sub-steps (warm-up, main exercise, and cool-down) included in the bike exercise step. The figures are arranged in a manner corresponding to the order in which the corresponding sub-steps are performed. In FIG. 5, the figures are arranged from left to right in a manner corresponding to the order in which the corresponding sub-steps are performed. The figures may be arranged in any direction, but as long as the direction matches the direction in which the figures in the progress bar 51 are arranged, it is advantageous for the figure to be intuitively easy to understand for the viewer.

[0099] The sub-progress bar 51A indicates the progress of the exerciser U in the biking exercise step. Specifically, among the multiple figures included in the sub-progress bar 51A, the display mode of the figure corresponding to the sub-step being performed by the exerciser U is controlled to be different from the display mode of the other figures. In FIG. 5, the display mode of the figure corresponding to the sub-step of "main exercise," which is an example of a period, is controlled so that the color of the interior of the figure is different from the color of the interior of the other figures. Note that the display mode may be the color of the interior of the figure, the pattern inside the figure, the size or color of the figure, or the size, color, or font of the characters, etc.

[0100] Like the progress bar 51, the shapes of the multiple figures included in the sub-progress bar 51A are not limited to the arrow feather shape shown in FIG. 5, but may be any shape, such as a polygon such as a rectangle, or a circle.

[0101] The background color of the image displayed by the terminal 20 may be changed for each sub-step. For example, the background color may be pink for the warm-up sub-step, white for the main exercise sub-step, and purple for the cool-down sub-step.

[0102] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of an image displayed by the management device 40 (i.e., the display unit 43) according to this embodiment. The image shown in Fig. 6 is an image in which the status information for each of multiple participants U is displayed in a list format, and the status information for each participant U is displayed at the same time. Here, an image in which four participants U are performing remote cardiac rehabilitation will be described as an example.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 6, the images displayed by the management device 40 include images 61, 62, 63, and 64 that show status information.

[0104] Images 61, 62, 63, and 64 are each an image showing the status information of one implementer U. The contents of the images showing the status information will be explained in detail below.

[0105] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an image displayed by the management device 40 according to the present embodiment. The image shown in Fig. 7 is an image 61 displayed by the management device 40 for one of the multiple participants U shown in the image shown in Fig. 6.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 7, the image 61 includes a progress bar 71, a frame-by-frame image 72, a heart rate 73, an electrocardiogram waveform 74, time information 75, a rotation speed 76, a load amount 77, and a video call button 78.

[0107] The progress bar 71, like the progress bar 51, is a graphic that indicates the progress of remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0108] The progress bar 71 indicates the progress of one session of remote cardiac rehabilitation performed by the performer U. Specifically, among the multiple figures included in the progress bar 71, the display mode of the figure corresponding to the step being performed by the performer U is controlled to be different from the display mode of the other figures.

[0109] The progress bar 71 is an image showing the step (implemented step) being implemented by the implementer U among multiple steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation. In the progress bar 71, the display mode of the figure corresponding to the implemented step is different from the display mode of the figure corresponding to a step different from the implemented step among the multiple figures.

[0110] Specifically, the progress bar 71 shown in Fig. 7 indicates that the step being performed by the participant U is the "biking" step, which means biking. In Fig. 7, the color of the interior of the figure corresponding to the "biking" step, which is the display mode of the figure, is controlled to be different from the color of the interior of the other figures. Note that the display mode may be the color of the interior of the figure, the pattern inside the figure, the size or color of the figure, or the size, color, or font of the characters, etc.

[0111] The shapes of the multiple figures included in the progress bar 71 are not limited to the arrow feather shapes shown in FIG. 7, but may be any shape, such as a polygon such as a rectangle, or a circle.

[0112] The frame-by-frame images 72 are frame-by-frame images showing the appearance of the participant U who is performing remote cardiac rehabilitation, and are taken by the camera 25 of the terminal 20.

[0113] The heart rate 73 is information indicating the heart rate of the participant U undergoing remote cardiac rehabilitation, and is captured by an electrocardiograph included in the sensor 26 of the terminal 20.

[0114] The electrocardiogram waveform 74 is information indicating the electrocardiogram waveform of the participant U undergoing remote cardiac rehabilitation, and is captured by an electrocardiograph included in the sensor 26 of the terminal 20.

[0115] The time information 75 indicates time information (specifically, elapsed time) within a period determined for the step being performed by the participant U among multiple steps included in the remote cardiac rehabilitation. The time information is information indicating the elapsed time of the period in the form of hours, minutes, and seconds, for example.

[0116] The rotation speed 76 is information indicating the rotation speed of the pedals of the ergometer, which is the load device 31 in the “bike” step included in the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and is acquired by the control unit 22 of the terminal 20 .

[0117] The load amount 77 is information indicating the amount of load being provided to the practitioner U who is performing the remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0118] The video call button 78 is a button that is operated when starting a video call between a practitioner U who is performing remote cardiac rehabilitation and a manager V.

[0119] In the image 61, time information 75 (specifically, elapsed time) can also be shown as a graphic.

[0120] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an image showing elapsed time displayed by terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. The image shown in Fig. 8 graphically shows the elapsed time of a period, and can be used as time information 75 shown in Fig. 8.

[0121] The graphic shown in Figure 8 includes a rectangular frame corresponding to the entire period and a rectangular area within the rectangular frame corresponding to the elapsed time of the period. It may also include the characters "100%" corresponding to the entire period and characters corresponding to the percentage of the elapsed time of the entire period ("30" in Figure 8(a) meaning 30%).

[0122] As time passes and the elapsed time increases, the area of ​​the rectangular region corresponding to the elapsed time increases.

[0123] For example, an image when 30% of the time has elapsed is shown in (a) of Figure 8. Also, a state after the above point, when 80% of the time has elapsed, is shown in (b) of Figure 8.

[0124] As in the case of FIG. 5, it is also possible to display a graphic showing the sub-process that the implementer U is implementing.

[0125] The processing of the support system 1 configured as above will be explained below.

[0126] As an example, assume that two participants A and B are performing remote cardiac rehabilitation as participants U. The terminal 20 used by participant A is referred to as terminal 20A, and the terminal 20 used by participant B is referred to as terminal 20B.

[0127] Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of the support system 1 according to this embodiment. The processing shown in Fig. 9 shows the processing of the support system 1 when the management device 40 displays frame-by-frame images of the participant U and status information while the participant U is undergoing remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0128] In step S101, terminal 20A acquires frame-by-frame images of participant A using camera 25 and transmits the acquired frame-by-frame images to server 10. The transmitted frame-by-frame images include at least one still image of participant A. Terminal 20A also acquires status information of participant A using sensor 26 and transmits the acquired status information to server 10. Server 10 receives the frame-by-frame images and status information of participant A transmitted by terminal 20A.

[0129] In step S102, similarly to step S101, terminal 20B acquires and transmits frame-by-frame images of participant B to server 10, and also acquires and transmits status information of participant B to server 10. Server 10 receives the frame-by-frame images and status information of participant B transmitted by terminal 20B.

[0130] In step S103, the frame-by-frame images and status information of participants A and B received by the server 10 in steps S101 and S102 are transmitted to the management device 40. At this time, the server 10 processes the frame-by-frame images and status information of participants A and B, for example, into a list format (see FIG. 6) and transmits them to the management device 40. The management device 40 receives the frame-by-frame images and status information of participants A and B transmitted by the server 10.

[0131] In step S104, the management device 40 displays the frame-by-frame images and status information of participants A and B received in step S103 (see FIG. 6). If the management device 40 is already displaying the frame-by-frame images and status information of participants A and B before step S104 is executed, the display is updated to display the frame-by-frame images and status information of participants A and B received in step S103.

[0132] The process shown in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed while the participant U is undergoing remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0133] In addition, either step S101 or step S102 may be performed first. In addition, one of step S101 and step S102 may not be performed. If one of step S101 and step S102 is not performed, in step S104, the frame-by-frame images and status information corresponding to the process that was not performed are not updated.

[0134] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the processing of the server 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0135] In step S201, the server 10 controls the terminal 20 to display the remaining time. Specifically, the server 10 controls the terminal 20 to display the image shown in Fig. 3, 4 or 5, and the terminal 20 displays the image in accordance with this control.

[0136] In step S202, the server 10 controls the management device 40 to display the remaining time. Specifically, the server 10 controls the management device 40 to display the image shown in Fig. 6, 7 or 8, and the management device 40 displays the image in accordance with this control.

[0137] The process shown in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed while the participant U is undergoing remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0138] 10 may be executed by the terminal 20 under its own control, without being controlled by the server 10. Also, the processing of step S202 shown in Fig. 10 may be executed by the management device 40 under its own control, without being controlled by the server 10. In this case, the server 10 does not need to perform the processing shown in Fig. 10.

[0139] By the series of processes shown in FIG. 10, the support system 1 can support the understanding of the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0140] As described above, the support system of this embodiment allows each of multiple participants performing remote cardiac rehabilitation to visually check the remaining time of the process they are performing, and also allows the manager to visually check the elapsed time of the process each of the multiple participants is performing. This allows each participant to be aware of the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation, and also allows the manager to be aware of the progress of all of the multiple participants. When multiple participants perform remote cardiac rehabilitation at times that are individually convenient for them, the implementation times vary, making it particularly useful for the manager to easily check the progress of all of the multiple participants. Furthermore, by allowing each participant to visually check the remaining time, the participant can understand how much time is left until the process they are performing is completed. Meanwhile, by allowing the manager to visually check the elapsed time of each of the multiple participants, the manager can easily understand the time each of the multiple participants has completed the process. In this way, the support system can support participants and the manager in understanding the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0141] Furthermore, the support system allows the manager to visually check the remaining time of the first step or the elapsed time of the second step for multiple participants at once. This allows the manager to easily grasp the remaining time of the first step or the elapsed time of the second step for multiple participants at a glance. In this way, the support system can further support the participants and the manager in understanding the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation step.

[0142] Furthermore, the support system allows the practitioner to intuitively understand that the remaining time is decreasing as time passes by using the decreasing area of ​​the graphic. Therefore, the support system can help the practitioner and the manager to more intuitively understand the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0143] Furthermore, the support system allows the administrator to intuitively understand the increase in elapsed time as time passes by using the increase in the area of ​​the graphic. Thus, the support system can help the implementer and the administrator to more intuitively understand the progress of the remote cardiac rehabilitation process.

[0144] Furthermore, the support system allows the implementer and the manager to visually recognize the process being carried out by the implementer using the display of graphics corresponding to the process of remote cardiac rehabilitation and differences in the display mode, so that the implementer and the manager can more intuitively recognize the process. Thus, the support system can help the implementer and the manager to more intuitively grasp the progress of the process of remote cardiac rehabilitation.

[0145] While the assistance system according to one or more aspects of the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art to the present embodiments, or configurations constructed by combining components of different embodiments, may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0146] The present invention can be used as a support system for supporting the implementation of remote cardiac rehabilitation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Support System 10 Servers 11, 21, 41 Communications Department 12, 22, 42 Control section 13 Relay Section 20, 20A, 20B terminals 23, 43 Display section 24, 44 Operation section 25, 45 cameras 26 sensors 27, 47 speakers 30 Residence 31 Load device 40 Management device 46 Mike 51, 71 Progress bar 51A Sub-Progress Bar 52, 72 frame-by-frame images 53, 73 heart rate 54, 75 Time information 55 Blood Pressure 56, 76 rotation speed 57, 78 Video call button Images 61, 62, 63, and 64 74 Electrocardiogram Waveform 77 Load amount N Network U Implementer V Administrator

Claims

1. A remote cardiac rehabilitation support system, comprising: a plurality of terminals, each of which is a computer used by a practitioner who performs the remote cardiac rehabilitation; a management device that is a computer used by a manager who manages the remote cardiac rehabilitation, the management device being communicably connected to each of the plurality of terminals; Each of the plurality of terminals displaying the remaining time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation period being implemented by the implementer using the terminal; The management device For each of the plurality of terminals, the elapsed time of the period of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the participant using the terminal is displayed in association with the participant. Support system.

2. The management device displays an image including the elapsed time for each of the plurality of participants. The assistance system according to claim 1 .

3. each of the plurality of terminals displays a graphic indicating the remaining time; The area of ​​the displayed figure decreases over time. The assistance system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the management device displays a graphic indicating the elapsed time for the participant on each of the plurality of terminals; The area of ​​the displayed figure increases over time. The support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the plurality of terminals further displaying a plurality of graphics corresponding to a plurality of steps of the remote cardiac rehabilitation; Among the plurality of displayed figures, the display mode of a figure corresponding to an implementation step being implemented by the implementer using the terminal is different from the display mode of a figure corresponding to a step different from the implementation step; The management device further Displaying the plurality of figures in association with each of the plurality of implementers; Among the plurality of displayed figures, the display mode of a figure corresponding to an implementation step being implemented by the implementer is different from the display mode of a figure corresponding to a step different from the implementation step. The support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A management device included in a remote cardiac rehabilitation support system, The assistance system includes: a plurality of terminals, each of which is a computer used by a practitioner who performs the remote cardiac rehabilitation; the management device being a computer used by a manager who manages the remote cardiac rehabilitation, the management device being communicably connected to each of the plurality of terminals; The management device For each of the plurality of terminals, the elapsed time of the period of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the participant using the terminal is displayed in association with the participant. Management device.

7. A support method executed by a remote cardiac rehabilitation support system, comprising: The assistance system includes: a plurality of terminals, each of which is a computer used by a practitioner who performs the remote cardiac rehabilitation; a management device that is a computer used by a manager who manages the remote cardiac rehabilitation, the management device being communicably connected to each of the plurality of terminals; In the support method, each of the plurality of terminals displays a remaining time of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the participant using the terminal; The management device displays, for each of the plurality of terminals, the elapsed time of the period of the remote cardiac rehabilitation being performed by the participant using the terminal, in association with the participant. How to help.

Images