State estimation device

Abstract

To provide a state estimation apparatus capable of easily estimating a state of a human body.SOLUTION: A state estimation apparatus 10 includes: a first output device 15 for outputting a signal when part of a body of a seated person passes through a first position D1 when the seated person is seated; a second output device 16 for outputting a signal when the part of the body reaches a second position D2 below the first position D1; and an estimation part 22 for calculating a seating speed when the part of the body moves from the first position D1 to the second position D2 on the basis of each signal from the first output device 15 and the second output device 16, and estimating a state of the body of the seated person on the basis of the seating speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a state estimation device using a sitting motion, and particularly to a state estimation device that estimates the state of a seated person's body based on the sitting speed at the time of sitting.

Background Art

[0002] Evaluating Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is important in situations such as determining the quality of a person's behavior. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) are the minimum necessary daily actions for living daily life, including actions such as getting up and lying down, transferring, moving, eating, changing clothes, excreting, taking a bath, and grooming. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an evaluation device that continuously evaluates the motor function in daily life.

[0003] The evaluation device of Patent Document 1 includes a load information acquisition unit that acquires load information indicating a load from a load sensor that measures the load acting on the toilet seat, and based on the change over time of the load information, when the user sits on the toilet seat, during sitting, and including when getting off the seat, acquires load fluctuations indicating the load and the fluctuations of the load during the operation, and a determination unit that determines the motor function of the user using the acquired load and load fluctuations. In Patent Document 1, the determination unit calculates a muscle strength index of the user based on the load fluctuations at the time of sitting or getting off the seat. Further, the load sensors are respectively provided at a plurality of different locations on the toilet seat, and the determination unit determines the change over time of the center of gravity position of the load during sitting based on the load information acquired from each of the load sensors, and calculates a posture maintenance index of the user from the change over time of the center of gravity position.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 assesses the user's motor function using the load acting on the toilet seat. However, Patent Document 1 does not use parameters other than load for evaluation. Furthermore, there is a need to evaluate activities of daily living (ADL) using simpler measurements than those that involve measuring load.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its objective is to provide a state estimation device that can easily estimate the physical state of a person. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problems are solved by releasing the state estimation device according to the present invention, which comprises: a first output device that outputs a signal when a part of the seated person's body passes a first position when the seated person sits down; a second output device that outputs a signal when a part of the body reaches a second position below the first position; and an estimation unit that calculates the seating speed at which a part of the body moves from the first position to the second position based on the signals from the first and second output devices, and estimates the state of the seated person's body based on the seating speed. The state estimation device of the present invention, configured as described above, can easily estimate the physical state of a person.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above-described state estimation device, the part of the body is preferably the lumbar region. According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to measure the seating speed of a person to their preferred position. Furthermore, in the state estimation device described above, it is more preferable that the first output and the second output are reflective sensors that detect a part of the body using light or sound waves. The above configuration allows for a simplification of the device configuration. Furthermore, in the above-described state estimation device, it is even preferable that the second output is a load sensor that detects the seating load, and the estimation unit estimates the state of the body based on the calculated seating speed and the detected seating load. With the above configuration, it becomes possible to estimate the physical state of the sitter based on the seating load in addition to the seating speed.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above-described state estimation device, it is even more preferable if the estimation unit calculates the seating speed for each sitting motion of the seated person, identifies the seating load, and estimates the physical state based on the changes in seating speed and the changes in seating load. The above configuration makes it possible to estimate a person's physical condition with higher accuracy.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-described state estimation device, it is even more preferable if multiple load sensors are installed at different positions on the seating surface, and the estimation unit estimates the state of the body based on the total load obtained by summing the seating loads detected by each load sensor. The above configuration makes it possible to estimate a person's physical condition with higher accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-described state estimation device, it is even more preferable if the estimation unit combines the seating loads detected by each load sensor to identify the fluctuation in the total load during the seating period of the person sitting, and estimates the physical state based on the maximum value of the total load during the seating period. The above configuration makes it possible to estimate a person's physical condition with higher accuracy.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described state estimation device, it is even more preferable to estimate the state of the body based on the maximum load during the sitting period and the average value of the total load during the sitting period. With the above configuration, it becomes possible to estimate a person's physical condition with even greater accuracy.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-described state estimation device, it is even more preferable that the seating surface is the seat of a toilet or a chair. According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to simply estimate the state of a person's body with a simple configuration.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the state estimation device of the present invention, it becomes possible to simply estimate the state of a person's body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first example of the state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing an example of a state estimation method using a first example of the state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second example of the state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of load sensors used in a second example of the state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing the time change of the seating load of a seated person obtained in a second example of the state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of a state estimation method using a second example of the state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] <<Regarding the state estimation device according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for the sake of easy understanding of the explanation, each member is illustrated in a somewhat simplified and schematic manner. Also, the sizes (dimensions) of each member shown in the drawings and the intervals between members are different from the actual ones.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following explanation of the state estimation device, a toilet will be used as an example of what a person sits on. However, the state estimation device is not limited to a toilet; a chair may also be used. In the state estimation device, what a person sits on is not particularly limited to a toilet or a chair. The state estimation device can be applied to any seat that a person can sit on, such as a car seat. Regarding chairs, a folding chair, an office chair, or a dining chair may be used. This makes it possible to easily estimate a person's physical state using everyday objects. Furthermore, in the state estimation device, the seated person is not particularly limited in terms of gender, age, etc. Also, the seated person's health condition is not particularly limited; they may be ill, injured, undergoing rehabilitation, or under observation. The condition estimation device can be used not only to determine whether assistance is needed, but also as an aid in diagnosing injuries or illnesses, and as an indicator for determining whether recovery from an injury or illness has occurred.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first example of a state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The state estimation device 10 shown in Figure 1 is applied to a toilet. The seated object (not shown) is a toilet bowl 30, which is a Western-style toilet with a typical configuration consisting of a toilet bowl body 31, a toilet seat 32, and a lid 33. The lid 33 can be opened and closed relative to the toilet seat 32. The toilet seat 32 can also be opened and closed relative to the toilet bowl body 31. The seated object sits on the seat surface 32a of the toilet seat 32. For example, by making the seated surface of the toilet seat 32a the seating surface of the seated object, the state of a person's body can be easily estimated with a simple configuration. The state estimation device 10 includes a detection unit 12 for measuring the seating speed and a processing unit 14 for estimating the physical state of the seated person.

[0019] The detection unit 12 includes a first output device 15 and a second output device 16. The first output device 15 is located at the first position D1 and outputs a signal when a part of the seated person's body passes through the first position D1 when the seated person sits down. The second output device 16 is located at a second position D2 below the first position D1, and outputs a signal when a part of the body reaches the second position D2. The first output 15 and the second output 16 are used to detect parts of the body as described above, and various sensors using light or sound waves can be used. Examples of sensors include infrared sensors, photoelectric sensors, fiber sensors, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and millimeter-wave sensors. Among sensors, reflective sensors that detect a part of the body using light or sound waves are preferable because they do not require a receiver such as a light receiving unit, are easy to install, and have a simplified device configuration.

[0020] Here, the first position D1 is set above the seat surface 32a of the toilet seat 32. The second position D2 is set below the first position D1, closer to the seat surface 32a. A part of the seated person's body is, for example, the seated person's waist. In this case, for example, the first position D1 and the second position D2 are set within the area through which the seated person's waist passes, after the area has been determined in advance. The second position D2 is, for example, at the same level as the seat surface 32a of the toilet seat 32. Furthermore, if the body part is defined as the lumbar region, it is preferable because it allows for the measurement of the seating speed at the preferred position of the seated person, thereby obtaining the appropriate seating speed for the seated person. Furthermore, the distance L between the first position D1 and the second position D2 is used to calculate the seating speed. Let t (s (seconds)) be the time it takes to reach the second position D2 from the first position D1, and let V (m / s) be the seating speed. Then V (m / s) = L (m) / t (seconds).

[0021] The signals output from the first output unit 15 and the signals output from the second output unit 16 are output to the processing unit 14 via wired or wireless connection. When the signals are output to the processing unit 14 wirelessly, a transmitting unit (not shown) is provided in the detection unit 12, and the transmitting unit outputs the signals output from the first output unit 15 and the signals output from the second output unit 16 to the processing unit 14. Alternatively, the signals output from the first output unit 15 and the signals output from the second output unit 16 may be output to the processing unit 14 via the internet or communication.

[0022] The processing unit 14 includes a receiving unit 20, an estimation unit 22, a memory 24 (storage unit), and a control unit 26, and further includes a display unit 27 and an input unit 28. The receiving unit 20, estimation unit 22, and memory 24 are controlled by the control unit 26. The processing unit 14 does not need to be adjacent to the toilet 30, and may be located in a different building from the one where the toilet 30 is located, or in a distant location, as long as the receiving unit 20 can receive the signal output from the first output unit 15 and the signal output from the second output unit 16. For example, the processing unit 14 may be located in a different city or town from the toilet 30.

[0023] The receiving unit 20 receives signals output from the first output unit 15 and signals output from the second output unit 16. The receiving unit 20 also records the time at which it receives the signal output from the first output unit 15 and the time at which it receives the signal output from the second output unit 16. This allows the receiving unit 20 to obtain the time difference between the signal output from the first output unit 15 and the signal output from the second output unit 16. The receiving unit 20 is configured according to the output method, whether wired, wireless, communication, or via the Internet, of the signal output from the first output unit 15 and the signal output from the second output unit 16. If it is wired, it receives the signal. If it is wireless or communication, the receiving unit 20 has a conversion unit that receives radio waves containing information of the transmitted signal and converts them into a signal. If it is via the Internet, the receiving unit 20 is connected to the Internet, and as a result, the receiving unit 20 receives the signal output from the first output unit 15 and the signal output from the second output unit 16. Alternatively, as described above, if it is via the Internet, the signal output from the first output unit 15 and the signal output from the second output unit 16 may be output to a server on the cloud, and then the receiving unit 20 may access the server on the cloud and receive the signal output from the first output unit 15 and the signal output from the second output unit 16. The receiving unit 20 may store in memory 24 the signal output from the first output 15 and the time it was received, as well as the signal output from the second output 16 and the time it was received.

[0024] The estimation unit 22 calculates the seating speed V at which a part of the body moves from the first position D1 to the second position D2 based on the signals from the first output 15 and the second output 16, and estimates the state of the seated person's body based on the seating speed V. The estimation unit 22 calculates the seating speed V at which a part of the body moves from the first position D1 to the second position D2 based on the time it receives signals from the first output 15 and the second output 16, and estimates the state of the seated person's body based on the seating speed V. The estimation unit 22 also calculates the seating speed for each seated movement of the seated person.

[0025] The estimation results of the seating speed and physical condition of the seated person, calculated by the estimation unit 22, are stored in memory 24, for example, along with the measurement date and time for each seated person. This allows for the creation of a database of seating speeds for each seated person, which is then stored in memory 24 as a library. The estimation unit 22 can also estimate the physical state of a seated person by comparing the seating speed of seated persons stored as a library in the memory 24. The estimation of the seated person's physical condition by the estimation unit 22 will be explained later.

[0026] As described above, memory 24 stores the signal output from the first output 15 and the time it was received, as well as the signal output from the second output 16 and the time it was received. It also stores the sitting speed for each sitting motion of the person sitting down. This creates a database of sitting speeds for each person sitting down. In addition to these, for example, the average sitting speed for each age group and the average sitting speed for each gender are stored. Furthermore, memory 24 also stores various types of information used by the estimation unit 22. Memory 24, as long as the above-mentioned storage is possible, is not particularly limited in its configuration and may include various storage media such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0027] The display unit 27 displays, for example, the obtained results such as the seating speed and the seating load described later, and various known displays are used. The display unit 27 also includes devices such as a printer for displaying various information on an output medium. The input unit 28 consists of various input devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, for inputting various types of information according to the operator's instructions. A smartphone can also be used as the input unit 28. In this case, it can be achieved by integrating an application into the smartphone that performs the function of a keyboard, etc.

[0028] The processing unit 14 functionally forms the estimation unit 22 by executing a program (computer software) stored in a storage medium such as ROM using the control unit 26. As described above, the processing unit 14 may be composed of a computer in which each part functions when the program is executed, or it may be a dedicated device in which each part is composed of a dedicated circuit, or it may be composed of a server that runs on the cloud.

[0029] Next, a state estimation method using the state estimation device 10 shown in Figure 1 will be described. As mentioned above, the estimation of the seated person's physical state is performed by the estimation unit 22 of the processing unit 14. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a state estimation method using a first example of a state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, first, the seating speed of the person sitting down is measured (step S10). The seating speed of a person sitting on the toilet bowl 30 shown in Figure 1 is determined when the person (not shown) sits on the toilet bowl 30. When the person passes the first position D1, a signal is output from the first outputter 15 to the receiving unit 20 of the processing unit 14. When the person reaches the second position D2, a signal is output from the second outputter 16 to the receiving unit 20 of the processing unit 14. The receiving unit 20 records the time when it received the signal output from the first outputter 15 and the time when it received the signal output from the second outputter 16, and outputs these to the estimation unit 22. Furthermore, if a signal is not output from the second output device 16 within a predetermined time after a signal is output from the first output device 15, it may be determined, for example, that the person who was seated is not seated, and a notification may be issued. The estimation unit 22 uses the time difference between the time the signals from the first output 15 and the second output 16 are received, i.e., the time difference, to calculate the seating speed at which a part of the body moves from the first position D1 to the second position D2. The calculated seating speed is stored in the memory 24 along with the seated person's information and the measurement date and time for each seating motion.

[0030] Next, the estimation unit 22 determines whether the seating speed is increasing (step S12). In step S12, for example, the system can determine whether the seating speed of a seated person is increasing by comparing it with the seating speeds of seated people stored as a library in memory 24. If the seating speed is increasing in step S12, the seated person is notified (step S14). For example, in step S12, the estimation unit 22 compares the calculated seating speed with the average seating speed to determine an increase in seating speed. An increase in sitting speed is defined as an increase if it exceeds, for example, +5%. Furthermore, an increase in sitting speed can be used, for example, as an indicator of decreased lower limb muscle strength. The notification method in step S14 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be displayed on the display unit 27. Alternatively, the increase in sitting speed may be notified to the person sitting, or to their guardians and caregivers, etc., via email, or it may be indicated in a database for each person sitting on the cloud that the sitting speed has increased.

[0031] On the other hand, if the seating speed has not increased in step S12, it is determined whether the seating speed has decreased (step S15). In step S15, similar to step S12, it is possible to determine whether the seating speed of a seated person has decreased by comparing it with the seating speeds of seated persons stored as a library from memory 24. In step S15, if the sitting speed has decreased, the person sitting is notified (step S16). A decrease in sitting speed is defined as, for example, a difference exceeding -5%. A decrease in sitting speed can be used as an indicator, for example, that there may be physical pain or stiffness. The notification method in step S16 is the same as in step S14 described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. On the other hand, in step S15, if the seating speed has not decreased, that is, if the seating speed has neither increased nor decreased, no notification is given (step S17). In other words, if the seating speed is within a range of, for example, ±5%, the seating speed is considered unchanged, and no notification is given. Although it was stated in step S17 that no notification would be given, it is also permissible to notify that there is no change in the seating speed.

[0032] The comparison target for seating speed may be the average seating speed of the person sitting, or the previous seating speed. Furthermore, the acceptable range for an increase or decrease in seating speed is not limited to 5%, but can be set as appropriate. Furthermore, in steps S14 and S16, the person sitting is notified, but if the sitting speed increases, as in step S14, the notification may include information suggesting a decrease in lower limb muscle strength. If the sitting speed decreases, as in step S16, the notification may include information suggesting the possibility of physical pain or stiffness. Furthermore, the change in seating speed is identified by steps S12 and S15 described above.

[0033] <<Regarding other embodiments>> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second example of a state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of load sensors used in the second example of a state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 3 and 4, components identical to those shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The state estimation device 10a shown in Figure 3 differs from the state estimation device 10 shown in Figure 1 in the configuration of the detection unit 12 and the estimation unit 22, but the other configurations are the same as those of the state estimation device 10 shown in Figure 1. The detection unit 12 of the state estimation device 10a is a load sensor in which the second output device 17 detects the seating load. The detection unit 12 is for measuring the seating speed and the seating load. The estimation unit 22 calculates the seating speed and identifies the seating load. The estimation unit 22 also estimates the body's state based on the calculated seating speed and the detected seating load. It is preferable to configure the second output device 17 to include a load sensor, as this allows for the estimation of the seated person's physical state based on the seating load in addition to the seating speed. Furthermore, the estimation unit 22 can calculate the sitting speed for each sitting motion of the person, identify the sitting load, and estimate the physical state based on the changes in sitting speed and the changes in sitting load. In this case, the estimation unit 22 can estimate the physical state of the person with higher accuracy.

[0034] Multiple second output units 17 are installed at different positions on the seating surface. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, there are four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d, which are arranged, for example, on the underside 32b of the seat surface 32a (seating surface) of the toilet seat 32, in symmetrical positions as shown in Figure 4. If there are multiple feet (not shown) on the underside 32b of the toilet seat 32 that come into contact with the toilet bowl body 31, load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d may be provided on each of these feet. The load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are not particularly limited as long as they can detect load, and strain gauge type, magnetostrictive type, capacitive type, and gyro type load sensors can be used. The load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are each connected to the receiving unit 20. Signals generated by the load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are output to the receiving unit 20 and recorded by the receiving unit 20 along with the time of reception. Of the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d, the earliest time is taken as the time the signal from the second output unit 17 was received. This time is used to calculate the seating speed.

[0035] The estimation unit 22 obtains load values ​​from the signals generated by load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d. Load detection by the load sensors is performed from the time a signal is output from each of the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d until all signals cease. During the load measurement period, the signals output from each load sensor 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are recorded and converted into loads. This allows the load waveforms for each load sensor 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d to be obtained. The load measurement period is the seating period, which will be described later. The seating loads detected by each load sensor 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d are combined to identify the load fluctuations during the seating period of the multiple load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d. For example, the seating load of the person sitting can be obtained as a result of load fluctuations as shown in Figure 5. Based on the seating load of the person sitting, the estimation unit 22 can obtain the total load of the person sitting during the seating period, the maximum load F during the seating period, and also the average load m.

[0036] The total load during the seating period is the sum of the seating loads. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, it is the sum of the loads from the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d during the seating period. The total load is obtained by combining the load waveforms from the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d during the seating period. The seating period is defined as the time t0 when the load is detected and the time t when the load becomes zero, as shown in Figure 5. r This is the period up to that point. Load fluctuation refers to the change in the total load on a seated person during their seating period. The maximum load F is, for example, the maximum value of the load during the seating period obtained by summing the loads from the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d at each time point. In other words, the maximum load F is the maximum value of the total load. The average load m is the average of the total loads during the sitting period obtained by the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d described above. The average of the total loads during the sitting period may be an arithmetic mean or a weighted mean. Furthermore, the load value, maximum load F, and average load m are stored in memory 24 for each seated person, along with the date and time of seating measurement, allowing for the creation of a database of seating loads for each seated person. Here, Figure 5 is a graph showing the time change of the seating load of a seated person obtained in a second example of the state estimation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Next, a state estimation method using the state estimation device 10a shown in Figure 3 will be described. As mentioned above, the estimation of the seated person's physical state is performed by the estimation unit 22 of the processing unit 14 shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a state estimation method using a second example of a state estimation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, first, the seating speed and seating load of the seated person are measured (step S20). The seating speed of a person sitting on the toilet bowl 30 shown in Figure 3 is determined when the person (not shown) sits on the toilet bowl 30. When the person passes the first position D1, a signal is output from the first outputter 15 to the receiving unit 20 of the processing unit 14. When the person reaches the second position D2, signals are output from the second outputter 17 (four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) to the receiving unit 20 of the processing unit 14. The receiving unit 20 records the time when the signal output from the first outputter 15 was received and the time when the signal output from the second outputter 17 was received, and outputs these to the estimation unit 22. Furthermore, as described above, the second output unit 17 uses the earliest time recorded by the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d as the time when it receives a signal from the second output unit 17, and this time is used to calculate the seating speed. As described above, the second output unit 17 defines the load measurement period as until all signals from the four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d cease.

[0038] The estimation unit 22 calculates the seating speed at which a part of the body moves from the first position D1 to the second position D2, based on the time at which it receives signals from the first output 15 and the second output 17, respectively. The calculated seating speed is stored in the memory 24 along with the seated person's information and the measurement date and time. The seating load is obtained, for example, from four load sensors 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d. Based on the seating load of the person seated, the maximum load F and average load m shown in Figure 5 are obtained. The seating load of the person seated, the maximum load F and average load m shown in Figure 5 are stored in memory 24 along with the person's information and the measurement date and time.

[0039] Next, it is determined whether the seating speed has increased (step S22). Step S22 is the same process as step S12 shown in Figure 2 above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In step S22, if the sitting speed is increasing, it is determined whether the maximum load has increased (step S23). In step S23, it is determined whether the seated person's maximum load has increased by comparing it with the maximum load of the seated person stored as a library in memory 24. An increase in the maximum load is defined as, for example, more than +5%. Note that an increase in the maximum load can be used, for example, as an indicator of a decrease in lower limb muscle strength. In step S23, if the maximum load has increased, it is determined whether the average load has increased (step S24). In step S24, it is determined whether the average load of the seated person has increased by comparing it with the average load of the seated person stored as a library in memory 24. An increase in the average load is considered to be an increase if, for example, it exceeds +5%. Note that an increase in the average load can be used, for example, as an indicator of weight gain. In step S24, if the average load has not increased, the seated person is notified (step S25). The notification method in step S25 is the same as in step S14 shown in Figure 2 above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In step S25, the seated person is notified, but the notification may also include information suggesting a decrease in lower limb muscle strength.

[0040] In step S23, if the maximum load has not increased, no notification is given (step S26). In other words, even if the seating speed increases, no notification is given if the maximum load has not increased. In step S24, if the average load is increasing, no notification is given (step S26). In other words, if the seating speed and maximum load are increasing, and the average load is also increasing, no notification is given. Although notified in step S26, it is also possible to notify that the maximum load or average load is increasing, even though the seating speed is increasing.

[0041] If the seating speed has not increased in step S22 described above, it is determined whether the seating speed has decreased (step S27). Step S27 is the same process as step S15 shown in Figure 2 above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In step S27, if the seating speed is decreasing, it is determined whether the maximum load is increasing (step S28). Step S28 is the same process as step S23 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In step S28, if the maximum load has increased, the seated person is notified (step S29). Furthermore, if the maximum load has not increased in step S28, the seated person is notified (step S30). Step S28 is the same as step S23 described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Furthermore, in steps S29 and S30, the seated person is notified, but in step S29, if the seating speed decreases and the maximum load increases, the notification may include information suggesting a decrease in knee extension muscle strength. In step S30, if the seating speed decreases and the maximum load does not change, the notification may include information suggesting the possibility of body pain or stiffness.

[0042] In step S27 described above, if the seating speed has not decreased, that is, if the seating speed has neither increased nor decreased, it is determined whether the maximum load has increased (step S31). Step S31 is the same process as step S23 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In step S31, if the maximum load is increasing, it is determined whether the average load is increasing (step S32). Step S32 is the same process as step S24 described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. On the other hand, if the average load has not increased in step S32, the seated person is notified (step S33). The notification method in step S33 is the same as in step S14 shown in Figure 2 above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0043] Furthermore, if the maximum load has not increased in step S31, no notification is given (step S34). In other words, if the seating speed has neither increased nor decreased, and the maximum load has not increased, no notification is given. Although no notification is given in step S34, a notification may be given if there is no change in seating speed and the maximum load has not increased. In step S32, if the average load is increasing, no notification is given (step S34). That is, even if the seating speed is neither increasing nor decreasing, and the maximum load is increasing, no notification is given unless the average load is increasing. In step S34, no notification is given, but it is also possible to give a notification if the seating speed is unchanged, the maximum load is increasing, but the average load is increasing. Furthermore, steps S22 and S27 described above allow for the identification of changes in seating speed, similar to steps S12 and S15 described above. Furthermore, the changes in seating load are identified by the steps S24, S28, S31, and S32 described above.

[0044] As mentioned above, the seated person in this state estimation device is not particularly limited, but can be applied to, for example, individuals requiring rehabilitation or functional training. This allows for the easy estimation of lower limb muscle strength and other conditions using seating movements.

[0045] While embodiments of the state estimation device of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 10, 10a State estimation device 12 Detection unit 14 Processing Units 15. First Output Unit 16, 17 Second output unit 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d Load sensors 20 Receiver 22 Estimation part 24 memory 26 Control Unit 27 Display section 28 Input section 30 toilet bowls 31 Toilet bowl 32 toilet seats 32a Seat 32b back side D1 1st position D2 2nd position F Maximum load L distance m average load

Claims

1. A first output device that outputs a signal when a part of the seated person's body passes through a first position when the seated person sits down, A second output device that outputs a signal when the part of the body reaches a second position lower than the first position, The system includes an estimation unit that calculates the seating speed at which a part of the body moves from a first position to a second position based on signals from the first and second output units, and estimates the state of the seated person's body based on the seating speed, The second output device is a load sensor that detects seating load, and the estimation unit is a state estimation device that estimates the state of the body based on the calculated seating speed and the detected seating load.

2. The state estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the part of the body is the lumbar region.

3. The state estimation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first output device is a reflective sensor that detects a part of the body using light or sound waves.

4. The state estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit calculates the seating speed for each seating movement of the seated person, identifies the seating load, and estimates the state of the body based on the change in the seating speed and the change in the seating load.

5. Multiple load sensors are installed at different positions on the seating surface. The state estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the estimation unit estimates the state of the body based on the total load obtained by summing the seating loads detected by each of the load sensors.

6. The state estimation device according to claim 5, wherein the estimation unit combines the seating loads detected by each load sensor to identify fluctuations in the total load during the seating period of the seated person, and estimates the state of the body based on the maximum value of the total load during the seating period.

7. The state estimation device according to claim 6, which estimates the state of the body based on the maximum value of the load during the seating period and the average value of the total load during the seating period.

8. The state estimation device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the seating surface is the seat of a toilet or a chair.

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