Operating status monitoring system and operating status monitoring method

Abstract

To provide a motion state monitoring system, a motion state monitoring method, and a program capable of reducing a sensor attaching time and suppressing falling of a sensor.SOLUTION: A motion state monitoring system 1 for monitoring a motion state in an object region of the body of a subject P includes: measuring equipment 2 for measuring a motion state and a motion state monitoring device 3 for monitoring the motion state. The measuring equipment 2 includes a sensor 200 for detecting the motion state and a holding part 210 for holding the sensor 200. The holding part 210 includes a bag 211 formed of a flexible member. The bag 211 includes an insertion port 212 extending in one direction, and holds the sensor 200 inserted from the insertion port 212 inside. When attaching the holding part 210 that holds the sensor 200 in the bag, to the object region, the holding part 210 is attached to the object region so that the bag 211 extends in one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an operating status monitoring system, an operating status monitoring method, and an operating status monitoring program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motion state monitoring system for monitoring the movement state of a target body part of a subject. The motion state monitoring system of Patent Document 1 comprises a sensor attached to the target body part and a mounting mechanism for the sensor, consisting of a mounting pad and a band-shaped strap. The sensor is connected to the strap attached to the target body part via the mounting pad. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-034450 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] If the subject is a patient with paralysis, a therapist needs to move the subject's arm to attach the sensor. This process, involving adjusting the orientation while wrapping the band, is difficult and time-consuming. Furthermore, the sensor may fall off the attachment pad.

[0005] This disclosure is made to solve these problems and aims to provide an operating state monitoring system, an operating state monitoring method, and an operating state monitoring program that can reduce the installation time of sensors and suppress the dropping of sensors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An action state monitoring system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an action state monitoring system for monitoring the action state of a target part of a subject's body, comprising: a measuring instrument for measuring the action state; and an action state monitoring device for monitoring the action state, wherein the measuring instrument has a sensor for detecting the action state and a holding part for holding the sensor, the holding part includes a bag formed of an expandable material, the bag has an insertion opening extending in one direction, and holds the sensor inserted through the insertion opening inside, and the holding part is attached to the target part such that the bag extends in the one direction when the holding part holding the sensor in the bag is attached to the target part.

[0007] In the above operating status monitoring system, the bag may include cloth as a material and may also include a lid that covers the insertion opening.

[0008] In the above operating state monitoring system, the measuring instrument further has a mounting portion that is attached to the target part, and the holding portion may be attached to the target part via the mounting portion that extends in one direction.

[0009] In the above operating state monitoring system, the holding part and the mounting part have holes formed in the portion corresponding to a predetermined position on the target part, and the body-facing portion of the mounting part may be black.

[0010] In the above operating state monitoring system, the holding portion may be attached to the mounting portion by a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0011] In the above operating state monitoring system, the holding portion may include a transparent portion that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting portion provided on the sensor.

[0012] In the above operation state monitoring system, the operation state monitoring device may include an acquisition unit that acquires sensing information of the sensor attached to the target part, an attachment direction detection unit that detects the attachment direction of the sensor, and a control processing unit that outputs sensing related information related to the sensing information in association with the attachment direction of the sensor.

[0013] In the above operation state monitoring system, the attachment direction of the sensor may be the attachment direction of the sensor with respect to a direction predetermined according to the target part.

[0014] In the above operation state monitoring system, the attachment direction of the sensor may be the attachment direction of the sensor with respect to the axial direction of the attachment part attached to the target part.

[0015] In the above operation state monitoring system, the control processing unit may output the sensing related information after the event in association with the attachment direction after the event in response to detecting an event that the attachment direction changes during measurement of the sensor.

[0016] In the above operation state monitoring system, the control processing unit may execute arithmetic processing according to the attachment direction on the sensing information or the sensing related information, and output an arithmetic processing result in association with the attachment direction of the sensor. The control processing unit may output the sensing related information by using an algorithm obtained by machine learning with the attachment direction and the sensing related information as learning data.

[0017] An operation state monitoring method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an operation state monitoring method for monitoring an operation state of a target part of a subject's body using an operation state monitoring system. The operation state monitoring system includes a measuring instrument for measuring the operation state and an operation state monitoring device for monitoring the operation state. The measuring instrument has a sensor for detecting the operation state and a holding part for holding the sensor. The holding part includes a bag formed of an elastic member. The bag has an insertion port extending in one direction, holds the sensor inserted through the insertion port inside, and when attaching the holding part holding the sensor to the target part, the holding part is attached to the target part so that the bag extends in the one direction. The method includes steps of: acquiring sensing information of the sensor attached to the target part; detecting the attachment direction of the sensor; and outputting sensing related information related to the sensing information in association with the attachment direction of the sensor.

[0018] An operation state monitoring program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an operation state monitoring program for causing a computer included in an operation state monitoring system to monitor an operation state of a target part of a subject's body. The operation state monitoring system includes a measuring instrument for measuring the operation state and an operation state monitoring device for monitoring the operation state. The measuring instrument has a sensor for detecting the operation state and a holding part for holding the sensor. The holding part includes a bag formed of an elastic member. The bag has an insertion port extending in one direction, holds the sensor inserted through the insertion port inside, and when attaching the holding part holding the sensor to the target part, the holding part is attached to the target part so that the bag extends in the one direction. The program causes the computer to perform steps of: acquiring sensing information of the sensor attached to the target part; detecting the attachment direction of the sensor; and outputting sensing related information related to the sensing information in association with the attachment direction of the sensor.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] This disclosure provides an operating state monitoring system, an operating state monitoring method, and an operating state monitoring program that can reduce the installation time of sensors and suppress the dropping of sensors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an operating status monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor mounting mechanism of a measuring instrument in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor mounting mechanism of a measuring instrument in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor mounting mechanism of a measuring instrument in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor mounting mechanism of a measuring instrument in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor mounting mechanism of a measuring instrument in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sensor mounting mechanism of a measuring instrument in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the mounting direction of the sensor in the measuring instrument in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the initial reference direction in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram illustrating the measuring instrument and operating state monitoring device in the operating state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This flowchart illustrates an example of an operating status monitoring method using the operating status monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12]This figure illustrates the display screen of the display unit before measurement starts in the operating status monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates the display screen of the display unit at the end of measurement in the operating status monitoring system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates the data structure of the arithmetic processing table used by the control processing unit in the operational status monitoring system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 15] This flowchart illustrates an example of an operating status monitoring method using the operating status monitoring system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an operational status monitoring device including a computer according to the above embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The specific configuration of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description illustrates preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily essential as means to solve the problem. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations have been omitted as necessary.

[0022] <Embodiment 1> First, the motion state monitoring system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating the motion state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The motion state monitoring system 1 monitors the motion state of body parts of subject P. The motion state monitoring system 1 also provides support to bring subject P's movements closer to desired movements based on the monitoring results of subject P's movements. Specifically, the motion state monitoring system 1 measures the motor function of subject P, including rehabilitation trainees and elderly people. The motion state monitoring system 1 then supports subject P's training by analyzing, evaluating, and managing the measurement results. Subject P performs an exercise test by attaching sensors 200 to predetermined parts of their body. For example, the exercise test is an exercise function test that measures motor function by measuring the motion state of body parts when subject P performs a specified movement. The motion state monitoring system 1 includes, for example, a training support system.

[0023] In the following, the specified movements are referred to as monitored movements. Monitored movements are defined in relation to body parts. For example, monitored movements include shoulder flexion and extension, shoulder abduction and adduction, shoulder internal and external rotation, neck flexion and extension, neck rotation, elbow flexion and extension, hip internal and external rotation, forearm pronation and supination, or thoracolumbar lateral flexion. If a body part is on either the left or right side, the monitored movements may be defined separately for the left and right sides. The body part being monitored is called the target body part. One or more target body parts may be associated with a single monitored movement, and the same target body part may be associated with different monitored movements.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the operating state monitoring system 1 comprises measuring instrument 2 and operating state monitoring device 3. The operating state monitoring device 3 may also be referred to as the operating state monitoring system 1. The operating state monitoring device 3 is a device that monitors the operating state of a target part of the subject P's body. The measuring instruments 2-1, 2-2, ... etc shown in the figure are collectively referred to as measuring instrument 2.

[0025] The measuring instrument 2 measures the movement state of a target part of the subject P's body. Specifically, the measuring instrument 2 is a measuring device that measures the direction and amount of movement of the target part. The measuring instrument 2 has a sensor 200 that detects the movement state. In this embodiment, the measuring instrument 2 may also have an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The measuring instrument 2 measures its own acceleration and angular velocity. Specifically, the measuring instrument 2 may include a 3-axis acceleration sensor and a 3-axis angular velocity sensor. In this case, the measuring instrument 2 measures the amount of movement in the three axes of the XYZ axis and the rotation angle around the three axes. The number of measurement axes is not limited to three axes, but may be two or fewer. The measuring instrument 2 may also have a geomagnetic sensor that detects the Earth's magnetic field and measures the direction it is facing. The sensors 200-1, 200-2, ... etc shown in the figure are collectively referred to as sensor 200.

[0026] Each measuring instrument 2 is connected to the operating status monitoring device 3 in a communication-enabled state. In this embodiment, communication between each measuring instrument 2 and the operating status monitoring device 3 is via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, NFC (Near Field Communication), and ZigBee. However, this communication is not limited to these and may also be wireless communication via a network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Alternatively, this communication may also be wired communication via a network including the Internet, LAN, WAN (Wide Area Network), or a combination thereof.

[0027] The measuring instrument 2 has a sensor 200, as well as a mounting mechanism for the sensor 200 (e.g., a holding part and a mounting part). The sensor 200 is attached to mounting positions 20 corresponding to target parts of the subject P's body via the mounting mechanism. In order to measure various monitored target movements, each of the multiple sensors 200 is linked to each target part of the subject P's body and can be attached to the linked target part. In the figure, the target parts to which the sensors can be attached are shown as mounting positions 20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-11. Each mounting position 20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-11 is linked to each sensor 200-1, 200-2, ..., 200-11. For example, mounting positions 20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-11 are called the right upper arm, right forearm, head, chest (trunk), waist (pelvis), left upper arm, left forearm, right thigh, right lower leg, left thigh, and left lower leg, respectively. The linking of mounting positions 20 to sensors 200 is done by pairing sensors 200 with the operating status monitoring device 3 in advance, and then associating the identification information (ID) of mounting position 20 with the ID of sensor 200 on the application of the operating status monitoring device 3. Note that mounting positions 20-1, 20-2, ..., etc. are collectively referred to as mounting positions 20.

[0028] In this embodiment, the mounting positions 20 used in the exercise test are selected from mounting positions 20-1 to 20-11 according to the monitored movement selected by the user. The user is the user of the motion state monitoring device 3, for example, the subject P themselves or the staff member conducting the exercise test. The subject P or staff member then attaches the sensors 200 (sensors 200-1, 200-2, 200-6, 200-7 in this figure) linked to the selected mounting positions 20 (mounting positions 20-1, 20-2, 20-6, 20-7 in this figure) to the subject P's body and starts the exercise test.

[0029] Although it is stated that each system will have multiple sensors 200 associated with each of the multiple mounting positions 20, the number of mounting positions 20 may be as few as one. Similarly, the number of sensors 200 may be as few as one.

[0030] Sensor 200 starts measuring when the motion test begins and transmits sensing information to the motion state monitoring device 3. The sensing information may include acceleration information, angular velocity information, or quaternion information. The sensing information may also include components in each of these measurement axis directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction). Sensor 200 then stops measuring when the motion test is completed.

[0031] The motion state monitoring device 3 monitors the motion state of a target body part of subject P during the exercise test. The motion state monitoring device 3 also analyzes, evaluates, and manages information related to the motion state. The motion state monitoring device 3 includes, for example, a computer device. Specifically, the motion state monitoring device 3 may include a personal computer, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or other data input / output capable communication terminal device. The motion state monitoring device 3 may also include a server computer. In this embodiment, the motion state monitoring device 3 will be described as a tablet terminal.

[0032] The motion status monitoring device 3 is used by the user during and before / after the exercise test. The motion status monitoring device 3 receives the user's selection of the movement to be monitored and notifies the user of the mounting position 20 corresponding to the target body part. Then, depending on whether the exercise test has started or ended, the motion status monitoring device 3 sends a request to the sensor 200 to start or stop measurement.

[0033] Furthermore, the operating state monitoring device 3 outputs sensing-related information as a measurement result in response to receiving sensing information from the sensor 200. Here, sensing-related information refers to information related to the sensing information and may include the sensing information itself. Sensing-related information may also be information obtained by applying various conversion processes to the sensing information. Moreover, sensing-related information may also be information obtained by performing calculations based on the sensing information. Sensing-related information may also include the information regarding the operating state described above. Note that the information regarding the operating state described above may also include sensing-related information. In other words, the information regarding the operating state is information based on sensing-related information and may include the sensing-related information itself.

[0034] The operating status monitoring device 3 may be connected to an external server (not shown) via a network so as to be able to communicate with it. The external server may be a computer device or a cloud server on the internet. In this case, the operating status monitoring device 3 may transmit sensing-related information or information regarding the operating status of subject P that it holds to the external server.

[0035] Here, the mounting mechanism of the measuring instrument 2 will be explained using Figures 2 to 7. Figures 2 to 7 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the mounting mechanism of the sensor 200 of the measuring instrument 2 in the operating state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of Figure 2.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the measuring instrument 2 has a holding part 210 as a mounting mechanism (mounting device). Therefore, the measuring instrument 2 has a sensor 200 and a holding part 210. Here, in order to explain the mounting mechanism of the measuring instrument 2, we introduce the αβγ Cartesian coordinate system. The extension direction of the holding part 210 is defined as the α-axis direction, and the two directions perpendicular to the α-axis are defined as the β-axis direction and the γ-axis direction. Note that the αβγ Cartesian coordinate system may or may not correspond to the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system which is the measurement axis.

[0037] The holding portion 210 holds the sensor 200. The holding portion 210 may also be called a mounting pad. The holding portion 210 may include a bag 211 formed of an elastic material. The bag 211 may include cloth as its material. Not only the bag 211, but also the holding portion 210 may include cloth as its material. Furthermore, the elastic material of the bag 211 is not limited to cloth, but may also include elastic resin materials such as rubber and vinyl.

[0038] The bag 211 has an insertion opening 212 extending in one direction. This direction is, for example, the α direction. The bag 211 holds the sensor 200 inserted through the insertion opening 212. The bag 211 is, for example, a rectangle with sides extending in the α-axis direction and sides extending in the β-axis direction. However, the bag 211 is not limited to a rectangle; it may also be elliptical or other shapes, as long as it can hold the sensor 200 inside. The bag 211 may also include notches such as holes in part, or may include a different material in part. The insertion opening 212 is formed, for example, on the side of the bag 211 that is on the +β-axis side. The sensor 200 is inserted through the insertion opening 212 in the -β-axis direction. The insertion opening 212 is not limited to the side of the bag 211 that is on the +β-axis side, as long as it extends in one direction; it may also be formed in the central part of the bag 211.

[0039] When attaching the holding unit 210, which holds the sensor 200 in the bag 211, to a target area of ​​the subject P's body, the bag 211 is extended in one direction, and the holding unit 210 is attached to the target area. As the bag 211 extends in one direction, for example in the α-axis direction, the insertion opening 212 also extends in the α-axis direction. This prevents the insertion opening 212 from opening in the β-axis and γ-axis directions, thereby preventing the sensor 200 from falling out of the bag 211.

[0040] For example, the -γ-axis oriented surface of the retaining portion 210 may have a joint containing adhesive or the like. The retaining portion 210 is attached to the target area by the joint. The joint may include a hook-and-loop fastener. The retaining portion 210 may be attached by a hook-and-loop fastener. The retaining portion 210 may also be attached to the target area by a fastener such as a hook or snap.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the bag 211 may include a lid 213 that covers the insertion opening 212. In other words, the bag 211 may include a storage section 214 and a lid 213. The storage section 214 is the part in which the sensor 200 is housed. The lid 213 is rectangular in shape and extends in the α-axis direction along the insertion opening 212. The portion of the lid 213 on the +β-axis side is connected to the portion of the bag 211 on the +β-axis side. The portion of the lid 213 on the -β-axis side is open. The lid 213 covers the insertion opening 212.

[0042] The storage section 214 and the lid 213 may be made of an expandable material. Therefore, when the bag 211 is stretched in one direction and the holding section 210 is attached to the target area, the lid 213 will be in close contact with the insertion opening 212. This prevents the insertion opening 212 from opening in the β-axis and γ-axis directions, thereby preventing the sensor 200 from falling out of the bag 211.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the measuring instrument 2 may further have a mounting portion 220. Thus, the measuring instrument 2 has a sensor 200, a holding portion 210, and a mounting portion 220. The mounting portion 220 is a member that is attached to the target area. The mounting portion 220 may be called, for example, a band. The mounting portion 220 is, for example, a strip extending in the α-axis direction. The mounting portion 220 may be formed of an elastic material. Thus, the mounting portion 220 may include a member that extends in one direction. The holding portion 210 is attached to a part of the mounting portion 220. For example, the holding portion 210 is attached to the surface of the mounting portion 220 on the γ-axis side. In this way, the holding portion 210 is attached to the target area via the mounting portion 220 that extends in one direction. The holding portion 210 may be attached to the mounting portion 220 by the aforementioned joint. The retaining portion 210 may be attached to the mounting portion 220, for example, by a hook-and-loop fastener. Alternatively, the retaining portion 210 may be attached to the mounting portion 220 by a fastener such as a hook or snap. The mounting portion 220 extends in one direction and is attached to the target area. This prevents the insertion opening 212 of the retaining portion 210 from opening.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the holding portion 210 and the mounting portion 220 may have holes 215 and 225 formed in the portion corresponding to a predetermined position on the target area. If the mounting portion 220 is not provided, the holding portion 210 may have holes 215 formed in the portion corresponding to a predetermined position on the target area. Holes 215 and 225 may be circular or rectangular. Hole 215 should be shaped so that the sensor 200 does not come off the holding portion 210. For example, the diameter of hole 215 should be smaller than the length of the sensor 200. Hole 225 should be shaped so that the sensor 200 and the holding portion 210 do not come off the mounting portion 220. For example, the diameter of hole 225 should be smaller than the length of the sensor 200 and the holding portion 210. Holes 215 and 225 may have the same shape or different shapes.

[0045] By forming holes 215 and 225, the sensor 200 can come into contact with the target area. This allows the sensor 200 to perform sensing by contact. Furthermore, when the sensor 200 performs sensing using inspection light such as infrared light, anything that would obstruct the light can be removed, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensing.

[0046] The parts of the holding portion 210 and the attachment portion 220 that are on the subject P's body side are preferably black. If the attachment portion 220 is provided, only the part of the attachment portion 220 that is on the subject P's body side may be black. When the sensor 200 performs sensing using inspection light such as infrared light, the sensor 200 detects the reflected light reflected from the target area of ​​the subject P. Therefore, it is preferable for the sensor 200 to detect reflected light only from the target area. Accordingly, if the parts of the attachment portion 220 and other parts on the subject P's body side are black except for the hole 225, it is possible to suppress the detection of reflected light from parts other than the target area by the sensor 200.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the sensor 200 may include a light-emitting unit 216. The light-emitting unit 216 includes, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting unit 216 may indicate, for example, whether the sensor 200 is powered on or off, or the remaining battery level. The light-emitting unit 216 may also indicate that sensing is in progress or that sensing has finished. The light-emitting unit 216 may also indicate predetermined states other than those described above.

[0048] The holding portion 210 may include a transparent portion 217. The transparent portion 217 may include, for example, a portion that is thinner than other parts of the holding portion 210. The transparent portion 217 may also include a transparent material. The transparent portion 217 may be provided in holes and notches in the bag 211. Furthermore, the transparent portion 217 may be provided not only in a part of the bag 211, but throughout the entire bag 211. Thus, the holding portion 210 may include a transparent portion 217 that transmits light emitted from the light-emitting portion 216 provided on the sensor 200.

[0049] Since the holding portion 210 includes the transparent portion 217, the information indicated by the sensor 200 can be communicated to users such as the subject P and staff.

[0050] The sensor 200 is attached to the target area via the holding portion 210, or via the holding portion 210 and the mounting portion 220. This allows the sensor 200 to be attached to the mounting position 20 on the target area.

[0051] Here, the mounting direction of the sensor 200 will be explained. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the mounting direction of the sensor 200 in the measuring instrument 2 in the operating state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 8, the mounting direction of the sensor 200 is the mounting direction of the sensor 200 with respect to the reference direction D. In Figure 8, the reference direction D is defined as the axial direction of the mounting part 220 (e.g., a band) attached to the target part (e.g., the upper right arm). The mounting direction indicates the relative direction of the sensor 200 with respect to the reference direction D, which is the axial direction. Specifically, the mounting direction is determined based on the angle (called the mounting angle) θ1 between the reference direction D and the measurement axis A of the sensor 200. The measurement axis A may be predetermined and may be, for example, one of the α axis, β axis, and γ axis of the sensor coordinate system. For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the mounting angle θ1 is 0°, the sensor 200 is mounted so that the measurement axis A is parallel to the reference direction D. When the mounting angle θ1 is 90°, the sensor 200 is mounted so that the measurement axis A is perpendicular to the reference direction D. Note that the mounting angle θ1 is not limited to 0° and 90°. Thus, the mounting direction of the sensor 200 may be a direction predetermined for the target part of the sensor 200.

[0052] The reference direction D is the direction in which the mounting direction to the sensor 200 does not change relative to the target part even if the target part is moved during the monitored operation. In other words, even if the target part is moved during the monitored operation, the angle between the reference direction D and the measurement axis A of the sensor 200 (for example, 0° or 90° as shown in Figure 8) does not change. That is, the reference direction D is the direction that changes in conjunction with the absolute direction of the sensor 200 during the monitored operation. Here, "absolute direction" refers to the direction relative to the direction of gravity or the horizontal direction, for example, the coordinate system (X) relative to the subject P. S ,Y S ,Z S The direction may be defined by X. S The axis is the horizontal axis in the anterior-posterior direction relative to subject P, and Y S The axis is the horizontal axis in the left-right direction relative to subject P, and Z S The axis is the vertical axis in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the reference direction D is the direction that changes in conjunction with the sensor 200, relative to the absolute direction, during the operation of the monitored object.

[0053] In this embodiment, the reference direction D can be defined according to the target area. For example, when attaching the attachment part 220 (e.g., a band) to the target area, there is a certain preferred attachment direction for each target area. For example, if the target area is the arm, it is preferable that the attachment part 220 be attached so that its reference direction D is substantially parallel to the axial direction of the arm (i.e., the direction in which the arm extends) from the viewpoint of ease of attachment and ease of movement. Conversely, it is difficult to attach it so that the reference direction D is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the arm. Therefore, the axial direction of the attachment part 220 as the reference direction D can be defined in advance according to the target area. Thus, the mounting direction of the sensor 200 may also be the mounting direction of the sensor 200 with respect to the axial direction of the attachment part 220 attached to the target area.

[0054] In FIG. 8, the sensor 200 is attached to the target site using the attachment part 220 such as a band, etc. However, the attachment part 220 may be omitted. In this case, the sensor 200 may be attached to the clothing or the skin via the holding part 210. Even in this case, the reference direction D is a direction defined in advance according to the target site, such as the axial direction of the target site.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the attachment mechanism (such as the holding part 210 and the attachment part 220, etc.) of the measuring instrument 2 may include a changing mechanism for changing the attachment direction of the sensor 200. The changing mechanism may be any mechanism as long as it can change the attachment direction of the sensor 200. For example, when the holding part 210 has a repeatedly usable joint part, the attachment direction may be freely changed. Also, when the sensor 200 is attached to the target site using a connector between a belt or clothing, after the sensor 200 is attached so as to be substantially coincident with the reference direction D, the attachment direction may be changed using a knob or the like interlocked with the connector. Also, when the sensor 200 is attached using a connector having a shape capable of sandwiching the sensor 200 in a plurality of attachment directions, the sensor 200 may be attached in one attachment direction selected therefrom.

[0056] Note that in the present embodiment, the reference direction D can be specifically defined in advance according to the target site in the initial, that is, the stationary state. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the initial reference direction D in the operation state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 9, for each target site, the absolute direction of the initial reference direction D is defined. In the figure, the absolute direction of the initial reference direction D is expressed using the angle θ0 formed with the Z S axis. The angle θ0 may be determined based on the average human skeleton. In the present embodiment, the initial reference direction D of the upper arm faces outward with respect to the Z S axis. For example, the angle θ0 of the right upper arm may be determined to be 5°.

[0057] Also, the initial reference direction D of the forearm is more Z than the upper arm SThe angles are directed further outward with respect to the axis; for example, the angle θ0 of the right forearm may be set to 10°. Furthermore, the angle θ0 for each body part may be determined for each subject P based on their attribute information, such as age, sex, height, or weight.

[0058] Thus, even if the initial reference direction D changes depending on the target area, the initial reference direction D may be specifically defined. Therefore, at least the initial mounting direction can be converted into an absolute direction, which is a unique indicator for the subject P.

[0059] The sensor 200 according to this embodiment is configured so that its mounting direction can be changed. Therefore, the user can freely set the mounting direction of the sensor 200, thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, depending on the sensor 200, setting it to a suitable direction can improve the accuracy of the measurement results.

[0060] In the following, the mounting direction relative to the reference direction D will simply be referred to as the "mounting direction".

[0061] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating the measuring instrument 2 and the operating state monitoring device 3 in the operating state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As described above, the operating state monitoring system 1 includes the measuring instrument 2 and the operating state monitoring device 3. The measuring instrument 2 has a sensor 200. In the figure, the sensor 200 is the sensor 200 that is linked to the mounting position 20 selected from the available sensors 200-1 to 200-11 based on the operation to be monitored. It is assumed that the sensor 200 has been paired with the operating state monitoring device 3 and calibrated in advance. Note that the number of sensors 200 is not limited to one, but may be two or more.

[0062] The operating state monitoring device 3 comprises an installation direction detection unit 30, an acquisition unit 31, a control processing unit 32, a display unit 33, and a storage unit 34. The installation direction detection unit 30, the acquisition unit 31, the control processing unit 32, the display unit 33, and the storage unit 34 have the functions of an installation direction detection means, an acquisition means, a control processing means, a display means, and a storage means.

[0063] The mounting direction detection unit 30 detects the mounting direction of the sensor 200. As described above, the mounting direction of the sensor 200 may be the mounting direction of the sensor 200 in a predetermined direction according to the target part, or it may be the mounting direction of the sensor 200 in relation to the axial direction of the mounting part 220 that is attached to the target part.

[0064] Specifically, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may detect the mounting direction of the sensor 200 based on the output of the sensor 200 when the sensor 200 is mounted. In this case, the mounting direction detection unit 30 uses the Z obtained from the sensor 200 during calibration. S Based on the axis information and the angle information of the sensor 200 from the stationary state during calibration until mounting, Z S The mounting angle relative to the axis is calculated. In this way, the mounting direction detection unit 30 can detect the mounting direction of the sensor 200.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may have a mounting direction detection sensor and a mounting direction detection mechanism separately disposed near each sensor 200. The mounting direction detection mechanism may be configured to allow current to flow according to the angle between the measurement axis A of the sensor 200 and the reference direction D. The mounting direction detection sensor detects this current. As a result, the mounting direction is detected according to the magnitude of the detected current. When a mounting part 220 such as a band is used to mount the sensor 200, the mounting direction detection sensor and mounting direction detection mechanism may be disposed on the mounting part 220. The mounting direction detection sensor and mounting direction detection mechanism may also be included in the measuring instrument 2. The mounting direction detection unit 30 may acquire information on the mounting direction based on the output from the mounting direction detection sensor.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may detect the mounting direction of the sensor 200 based on the image captured by the mounted sensor 200. For example, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may have a camera for detecting the mounting direction that is positioned in front of, behind, or above the subject P. The mounting direction detection unit 30 may then capture an image of the sensor 200 and perform image processing such as pattern matching on the captured image to detect the mounting direction of the sensor 200. The camera for detecting the mounting direction may be included in the measuring instrument 2, and the mounting direction detection unit 30 may acquire an image from the camera for detecting the mounting direction and acquire information about the mounting direction based on the image.

[0067] Furthermore, if the mounting direction of the sensor 200 can be adjusted using a knob or the like linked to the connector, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may detect the mounting direction based on the amount of movement of the knob.

[0068] In this embodiment, the mounting direction detection unit 30 detects the mounting direction of the sensor 200 in its initial, i.e., stationary state immediately before measurement. The mounting direction detection unit 30 then supplies the detected mounting direction information to the control processing unit 32.

[0069] The acquisition unit 31 acquires sensing information from the sensor 200 attached to the target area. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 31 receives and acquires sensing information from the sensor 200. However, it is not limited to this, and the acquisition unit 31 may indirectly acquire sensing information from an external computer (not shown) that holds sensing information. The acquisition unit 31 supplies the acquired sensing information to the control processing unit 32.

[0070] The control processing unit 32 controls the sensor 200 and the components of the operating state monitoring device 3. The control processing unit 32 also performs a tagging process that associates the mounting direction of the sensor 200 with sensing-related information for that mounting direction. The control processing unit 32 then outputs the sensing-related information after the tagging process to an output unit such as the display unit 33, corresponding to the mounting direction of the sensor 200. Alternatively, the control processing unit 32 may store the sensing-related information after the tagging process in the storage unit 34.

[0071] Furthermore, the control processing unit 32 may output sensing-related information by using an algorithm that has been trained using the mounting direction and sensing-related information as training data. Specifically, for example, the control processing unit 32 may train an algorithm in advance using the mounting direction and sensing-related information associated with the mounting direction as training data. Then, using this algorithm, the control processing unit 32 may output sensing-related information different from the input sensing-related information based on the input mounting direction or input input sensing-related information.

[0072] The display unit 33 is an example of an output unit and is a display that displays sensing-related information supplied from the control processing unit 32. In this embodiment, the display unit 33 may also be a touch panel configured together with an input unit (not shown). The output unit may also include, in place of the display unit 33 or in addition to the display unit 33, an audio output unit that outputs sensing-related information as audio, a data output unit that outputs in a predetermined data format, a transmission unit that transmits sensing-related information to an external server or the like, etc.

[0073] The storage unit 34 includes a storage medium for storing information necessary for various processes of the operating status monitoring device 3. The storage unit 34 may also store sensing-related information after tagging, but this is not required if the output unit includes a transmission unit.

[0074] Next, the operating status monitoring method according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operating status monitoring method using the operating status monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the display screen of the display unit 33 before measurement starts in the operating status monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the display screen of the display unit 33 at the end of measurement in the operating status monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0075] Each step shown in Figure 11 begins with the user selecting the operation to be monitored, determining the mounting position 20 based on the operation to be monitored, and then mounting the sensor 200 to the mounting position 20 corresponding to the operation to be monitored. In the following example, the control processing unit 32 will treat the sensing information as sensing-related information.

[0076] First, as shown in step S11, the mounting direction detection unit 30 in the operating state monitoring device 3 detects the mounting direction of the sensor 200 in response to the subject P and the sensor 200 being in a stationary state.

[0077] Next, as shown in step S12, the control processing unit 32 initializes the output value of the sensor 200. Specifically, the control processing unit 32 corrects the output value of the sensor 200 to 0, which is the value in the stationary state immediately before measurement. Even after calibration, the sensor 200 cannot eliminate output errors such as drift errors, and the errors may increase over time. Therefore, this step minimizes the output errors from the start to the end of measurement. However, if the output errors are minor, this step may be omitted.

[0078] Next, as shown in step S13, the control processing unit 32 determines whether or not to start measurement using the sensor 200. If the control processing unit 32 decides to start measurement using the sensor 200 in step S13 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the control processing unit 32 decides not to start measurement using the sensor 200 in step S13 (No), the process shown in step S13 is repeated.

[0079] Here, as shown in Figure 12, the display image 300(1) displayed by the display unit 33 before the start of measurement is shown. The display image 300(1) includes multiple display areas 302, 304, 305, 306, 309, and 310.

[0080] The display area 302 displays icon images representing multiple mounting positions 20 that are candidates for mounting the sensor 200. In the display area 302, the mounting position 20 corresponding to the selected measurement operation (the positions indicated as "1", "2", "6", and "7" in the figure) may be highlighted. This allows the user to easily see the mounting position 20, thereby enabling smooth execution of the motion test.

[0081] When the user clicks on an icon image representing a mounting position 20 in the display area 302, an image (not shown) indicating the mounting direction of the sensor 200 associated with that mounting position 20 is displayed. Therefore, the user can easily understand the mounting direction of each sensor 200 through this image.

[0082] The display area 304 shows the rotation angles of each sensor 200-1, 200-2, ..., 200-11 associated with each mounting position 20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-11 in two dimensions. The rotation angles displayed here change dynamically in accordance with the movement of the sensors 200, which is linked to the movement of the subject P. Therefore, the user can identify sensors 200 that are powered off or not functioning properly via the display area 304 before starting the measurement.

[0083] Alternatively, the display area 304 may visually display the mounting direction of each sensor 200-1, 200-2, ... 200-11 associated with each mounting position 20-1, 20-2, ... 20-11. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the mounting direction of each sensor 200 via the display area 304.

[0084] The display area 305 shows input buttons for calibrating multiple sensors 200 simultaneously when multiple sensors 200 are used in a motion test. This allows the user to easily request calibration for each of the multiple sensors 200 via the display area 305.

[0085] The display area 306 shows an input button to start the exercise test, that is, to start measurement by the sensor 200. This allows the user to easily request that measurement by the sensor 200 be started via the display area 306.

[0086] Display area 309 displays sensing-related information for each sensor 200 used. Before measurement starts, sensing-related information is not yet displayed. Display area 310 displays operational status indicators for each monitored operation performed on the target part. Before measurement starts, operational status indicators for the target part are not yet displayed.

[0087] Then, as shown in step S14 in Figure 11, the control processing unit 32 acquires sensing information from the sensor 200 via the acquisition unit 31.

[0088] Next, as shown in step S15, the control processing unit 32 uses the sensing information as sensing-related information and adds information about the mounting direction of the sensor 200 as a tag to the sensing-related information. This makes it possible to associate the mounting direction with the sensing-related information.

[0089] Next, as shown in step S16, the control processing unit 32 supplies the sensing-related information after the tagging process to the display unit 33 for display.

[0090] Next, as shown in step S17, the control processing unit 32 determines whether or not to terminate the measurement by the sensor 200. If the control processing unit 32 terminates the measurement in step S17 (Yes), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the control processing unit 32 does not terminate the measurement in step S17 (No), the process returns to step S14.

[0091] In the example described above, the operating status monitoring device 3 waited for the processing in step S12 and then determined in step S13 whether or not to start measurement by the sensor 200. However, instead, the operating status monitoring device 3 may, after processing in step S11, determine to start measurement by the sensor 200 (Yes in step S13) and then execute the processing in step S12. In this case, the control processing unit 32 may proceed to step S14 after executing the processing in step S12 or in parallel with the execution of that processing. Also, if the operating status monitoring device 3 does not start measurement by the sensor 200 (No in step S13), it may repeat the processing shown in step S13.

[0092] Furthermore, in the example described above, the operating status monitoring device 3 used sensing information as sensing-related information, but instead of this, or in addition to this, it may use sensing information that has undergone various conversion processes. This conversion process may include conversion from quaternion information to rotation angles around the X, Y, and Z axes. S The rotation angle around the axis indicates the roll angle, Y S The rotation angle around the axis indicates the pitch angle, Z SThe rotation angle around an axis represents the yaw angle. The control processing unit 32 uses quaternion information to calculate the rotation angles around the X, Y, and Z axes of the sensor coordinate system and converts them into yaw angle, roll angle, and pitch angle. This conversion process may also include graph normalization, standardization, or synthesis. In this case, the control processing unit 32 may, instead of or in addition to step S15, attach information about the mounting direction of the sensor 200 as a tag to the sensing information after the conversion process, thereby associating the mounting direction with the sensing information after the conversion process.

[0093] Figure 13 shows the display image 300(2) at the end of measurement, which is displayed by the display unit 33. Like display image (1), display image 300(2) includes multiple display areas 302, 304, 305, 306, 309, and 310. Display areas 302 and 304 of display image 300(2) are the same as display areas 302 and 304 of display image 300(1) shown in Figure 12.

[0094] The mounting direction of each sensor 200 used may be displayed near the icon image representing the mounting position 20 in the display area 302, or it may be displayed in response to the user clicking the icon image. This allows the user to intuitively understand the mounting direction of the sensor 200 used.

[0095] The display area 308 shows an input button to end the exercise test, that is, to stop the measurement by the sensor 200. This allows the user to easily request that the measurement by the sensor 200 be stopped via the display area 308.

[0096] The display area 309 shows sensing-related information for each sensor 200 used. Of the sensors 200-1, 200-2, 200-6, and 200-7 used, X based on the output of some sensors 200-1 and 200-6. S ,Y S and Z SThe rotation angle around the axis is displayed in chronological order. Therefore, the display area 309, together with the display area 304, outputs sensing-related information associated with the mounting direction of the sensor 200 used, allowing the user to understand the relationship between the mounting conditions and the measurement results. This allows the user to distinguish and analyze, evaluate, or utilize the measurement results for each mounting condition.

[0097] The display area 310 displays the operational status index of the target part for each monitored operation that has been performed. The operational status index is an index that indicates the operational status of the target part when the monitored operation is performed. The control processing unit 32 calculates the operational status index of the target part based on the sensing-related information of the sensor 200. For example, if the monitored operation is "right elbow flexion and extension", the sensing-related information of sensors 200-1 and 200-2 at mounting positions 20-1 and 20-2 is used. In this case, the control processing unit 32 may calculate the operational status index based on the difference in the sensing-related information of sensors 200-1 and 200-2. Specifically, the control processing unit 32 calculates the 3D rotation angle as the operational status index based on the difference in the quaternion information of sensors 200-1 and 200-2. In this case, the rotation angle is calculated in the order of Z-axis → Y-axis → X-axis, and X S ,Y S and Z S This is converted to an angle of rotation around an axis. The order in which the rotation angles are calculated may be predetermined according to the monitored operation. The display area 310 shows time-series operational status indicators for some of the monitored operations that were performed.

[0098] According to this embodiment, in the measuring instrument 2, the holding part 210 includes a bag 211 made of an expandable material. The bag 211 has an opening that extends in one direction. When attaching the holding part 210, which holds the sensor 200 in the bag 211, to the target area, the holding part 210 should be attached to the target area in such a way that the bag 211 extends in one direction. This reduces the time required to attach the sensor 200 and prevents the sensor 200 from falling.

[0099] The bag 211 may include a lid 213 that covers the insertion opening 212. This further prevents the sensor 200 from falling out. The holding portion 210 may be attached to the target area via a mounting portion 220 that extends in one direction. This allows the mounting direction of the sensor 200 to be fixed.

[0100] The operating status monitoring system 1 outputs the measurement results in association with the mounting direction of the sensor 200. Therefore, the operating status monitoring system 1 can suitably manage the measurement results according to the mounting direction of the sensor 200, improving convenience.

[0101] Furthermore, the operating state monitoring system 1 automatically detects the initial mounting direction of the sensor 200. This makes it possible to suit the mounting direction at the time of installation according to the preference of the subject P or staff, and to easily correlate it with the measurement results.

[0102] <Embodiment 2> Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. This embodiment is characterized in that calculation processing is performed on the measurement results according to the mounting direction. The configuration and functions of the operating state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 2 are the same as those of the operating state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 1, so a description will be omitted.

[0103] The control processing unit 32 of the operating state monitoring system 1 performs calculation processing on sensing information or sensing-related information according to the mounting direction. The calculation processing here may be, for example, calculation processing that cancels out or suppresses the influence of the mounting direction when the sensing-related information changes depending on the mounting direction, even when the target part is moved in the same way for the same monitored operation. In particular, the control processing unit 32 uses quaternion information to calculate the rotation angles around the X, Y, and Z axes, and X S Axis, Y S Axis and Z SWhen converting to rotation angles around axes, it is necessary to convert 4D vector data to 3D data. In this calculation process, the order in which the rotation angles around each axis are calculated can result in different rotation angles, making it impossible to correctly compare the results. To suppress such effects, it is preferable to predetermine the order in which the rotation angles are calculated. Here, the preferred order for calculating the rotation angles depends on the mounting direction of the sensor 200, so it is effective to predetermine the calculation order according to the mounting direction of the sensor 200.

[0104] Therefore, in the operating state monitoring system 1, the control processing unit 32 performs calculation processing using a calculation processing table 320 that defines calculation processing modes according to the mounting direction. Then, the control processing unit 32 outputs the calculation processing result to the output unit, corresponding to the initial mounting direction of the sensor 200.

[0105] Figure 14 illustrates the data structure of the calculation processing table 320 used by the control processing unit 32 in the operating state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 14, the calculation processing table 320 is a table that associates the mounting angle θ1 with the order in which the rotation angles are calculated. For example, the calculation processing table 320 specifies that when the mounting angle θ1 is 0°, the rotation angles around each axis are calculated in the order of X-axis → Z-axis → Y-axis. Also, the calculation processing table 320 specifies that when the mounting angle θ1 is 90°, the rotation angles around each axis are calculated in the order of Y-axis → Z-axis → X-axis. By referring to the calculation processing table 320, the control processing unit 32 can easily perform preferred calculation processing according to the mounting direction.

[0106] In addition, the calculation table 320 determined the order of rotation angle calculation according to the mounting direction of the sensor 200, but instead, the order of rotation angle calculation may be determined according to the mounting direction and the target part or the operation of the object being monitored.

[0107] Furthermore, the calculation processing table 320 may include calculation parameters used in the calculation process, either in place of or in addition to the order of calculation of the rotation angle. In this case, the calculation parameters may be constants determined according to the mounting angle θ1, or they may include predetermined functions that use the mounting direction θ1 as a variable.

[0108] Thus, according to Embodiment 2, the control processing unit 32 can easily compare and utilize multiple measurement results regardless of the mounting direction of the sensor 200. Furthermore, Embodiment 2 achieves the same effects as Embodiment 1.

[0109] <Embodiment 3> Next, the operation status monitoring system according to Embodiment 3 will be described. This embodiment is characterized in that the mounting direction of the sensor 200 is detected not only initially but also during the operation of the monitored object. The configuration of the operation status monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 3 is the same as that of the operation status monitoring systems of Embodiments 1 and 2, so the description will be omitted. However, in the operation status monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 3, the mounting direction detection unit 30 detects the mounting direction not only initially but also during measurement of the sensor 200. Then, in the operation status monitoring system 1, the control processing unit 32 detects an event in which the mounting direction changes during measurement of the sensor 200, and outputs sensing-related information after the event, corresponding to the mounting direction after the event.

[0110] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operating state monitoring method using the operating state monitoring system 1 according to Embodiment 3. Each step shown in Figure 15 includes steps S20 to S21 in addition to the steps shown in Figure 11. Steps similar to those shown in Figure 11 are denoted by the same symbols and their explanations are omitted.

[0111] In step S16, in response to the display unit 33 displaying sensing-related information, the mounting direction detection unit 30 determines whether or not it has detected a change in mounting direction event, as shown in step S20. In step S20, for example, if subject P intentionally changes the mounting direction during the monitored operation, or if the mounting direction of sensor 200 changes unintentionally during the monitored operation, a change in mounting direction event is detected.

[0112] Specifically, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may determine that a change in mounting direction event has been detected if the difference in mounting direction before and after the event, i.e., the difference in mounting angle θ1, is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The same method as the initial mounting direction detection may be used to detect the mounting direction at this time.

[0113] Alternatively, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may detect a change in mounting direction event from the time-dependent changes in sensing-related information. For example, the mounting direction detection unit 30 may determine that a change in mounting direction event has been detected when a discontinuous change exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected in the time-series information of the sensing-related information. Whether or not the change is discontinuous may be determined by whether or not the difference between the sensing-related information before and after is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold than the predicted value.

[0114] In step S20, if the mounting direction detection unit 30 determines that it has detected a change in mounting direction event (Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, in step S20, if the mounting direction detection unit 30 does not determine that it has detected a change in mounting direction event (No), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0115] In step S21, the control processing unit 32 updates the mounting direction of the sensor 200, which is associated with the sensing-related information, to the mounting direction after the change event. Then, the control processing unit 32 proceeds to step S17.

[0116] Thus, according to Embodiment 3, the operation status monitoring system 1 detects changes in the mounting direction of the sensor 200 during measurement and outputs the changed mounting direction in association with sensing-related information. Therefore, even if the mounting direction changes intentionally or unintentionally during the operation of the monitored object, the operation status monitoring system 1 can manage subsequent measurement results in association with the changed mounting direction. Furthermore, Embodiment 3 also achieves the same effects as Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0117] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, other embodiments include the following.

[0118] <Another Embodiment 1> In Embodiment 1, the control processing unit 32 in the operating state monitoring system 1 outputs sensing-related information in association with the mounting direction of the sensor 200 relative to the reference direction D. However, the control processing unit 32 may convert the relative mounting direction detected by the user into an absolute direction and output sensing-related information in association with the absolute direction instead of the mounting direction, or in addition to the mounting direction.

[0119] For example, the control processing unit 32 sets the initial mounting direction θ1 of the detected sensor 200 to the initial reference direction D and Z shown in Figure 9. S By adding the angle θ0 between the axis and the initial measurement axis A and Z S The mounting angle θ1' between the sensor and the axis can be calculated. The control processing unit 32 then outputs the initial mounting angle θ1' as information indicating the absolute direction of the sensor 200 at the beginning, associated with sensing-related information. The absolute direction of the sensor 200 during measurement can be calculated based on the initial absolute direction of the sensor 200, the rotation angle of the sensor 200 which is the measurement result of the sensor 200, and the amount of change in the mounting angle during measurement. In this way, the user can analyze the measurement results considering more detailed measurement conditions, and the accuracy of the analysis is improved.

[0120] <Another Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 2, the control processing unit 32 in the operating state monitoring system 1 performs calculation processing on sensing information or sensing-related information according to the mounting direction. However, instead of this, or in addition to this, the control processing unit 32 may perform calculation processing on sensing information or sensing-related information according to the absolute direction of the sensor 200 described above. In this case, the calculation processing table 320 may associate the mounting angle θ1' described in the other Embodiment 2 with the calculation parameters of the calculation processing determined according to the mounting angle θ1'. This makes it easier for the control processing unit 32 to compare and utilize the measurement results regardless of the orientation of the sensor 200.

[0121] In the embodiments described above, the disclosure was explained as a hardware configuration, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The disclosure can also be implemented by having a processor execute a computer program, for example, an operating status monitoring program, for each process related to the operating status monitoring method.

[0122] In the embodiments described above, the computer is comprised of a computer system including a personal computer and a word processor. However, it is not limited to this; the computer can also be comprised of a LAN server, a computer (PC) communication host, a computer system connected to the Internet, and so on. Furthermore, it is possible to distribute functions among various devices on the network and constitute a computer across the entire network.

[0123] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operational status monitoring device 3 including a computer according to the above-described embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the operational status monitoring device 3 may further include a processor PRC, memory MMR, storage device STR, and a user interface UI. The storage device STR stores programs for the processes to be executed by each component of the operational status monitoring device 3. The processor PRC loads the programs from the storage device STR into the memory MMR and executes them. In this way, the processor PRC realizes the functions of each component in the operational status monitoring device 3. The user interface UI may include input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and imaging device, and output devices such as a display, printer, and speaker.

[0124] Each component of the operating status monitoring device 3 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of each component may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors (PRCs), etc., or combinations thereof. These may be implemented by a single chip or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of each component may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Additionally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., can be used as the processor (PRC).

[0125] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the operating status monitoring device 3 are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these devices may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing devices or circuits may be implemented in a form where each is connected via a communication network (NW) by a client-server system, cloud computing system, etc. Also, the functions of the operating status monitoring device 3 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0126] The execution order of each process in the apparatus and method described in the claims, specification, and drawings is not explicitly stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and the processes can be implemented in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operation flow in the claims, specification, and drawings is described using phrases such as "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the operations in that order. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. Operating Status Monitoring System 2, 2-1, 2-2, 2-6, 2-7 Measuring Instruments 3. Operating status monitoring device Mounting positions: 20, 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 20-4, 20-5, 20-6 Mounting positions 20-7, 20-8, 20-9, 20-10, 20-11 30 Mounting direction detection unit 31 Acquisition Department 32 Control Processing Unit 33 Display section 34 Storage section 200, 200-1, 200-2, 200-6, 200-7 sensors 210 Holding part 211 Bags 212 Insertion port 213 Lid 214 Storage compartment 215 holes 216 Light-emitting part 217 Transparent part 220 Mounting part 225 holes 300(1), 300(2) Display Images 302, 304, 305, 306, 308, 309, 310 display area 320 arithmetic processing tables MMR memory PRC Processor STR storage UI User Interface P Subject

Claims

1. A motion state monitoring system that monitors the motion state of a target body part of a subject, A measuring instrument for measuring the aforementioned operating state, An operating state monitoring device that monitors the aforementioned operating state, Equipped with, The aforementioned measuring instrument is A sensor for detecting the aforementioned operating state, A holding part for holding the sensor, It has, The holding portion includes a bag formed of an expandable material. The bag has an opening that extends in one direction, and holds the sensor inserted through the opening inside. When attaching the holding portion, which holds the sensor in the bag, to the target portion, the holding portion is attached to the target portion such that the bag extends in one direction. The measuring instrument further includes a mounting part that is attached to the target area, The retaining portion is attached to the target portion via the mounting portion that extends in one direction. The holding portion and the mounting portion have holes formed in the portion corresponding to a predetermined position on the target part. The body-facing portion of the attachment is black. The retaining portion is attached to the mounting portion by a hook-and-loop fastener. Operating status monitoring system.

2. The aforementioned bag is The materials include cloth, Including a lid that covers the insertion opening, The operating status monitoring system according to claim 1.

3. The holding portion includes a transparent portion that transmits the light emitted from the light-emitting portion provided on the sensor. The operating status monitoring system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned operating status monitoring device is An acquisition unit that acquires sensing information from the sensor attached to the target part, A mounting direction detection unit for detecting the mounting direction of the sensor, A control processing unit that outputs sensing-related information related to the sensing information in correspondence with the mounting direction of the sensor, Having, The operating status monitoring system according to claim 1.

5. The mounting direction of the sensor is the mounting direction of the sensor relative to a predetermined direction according to the target part. The operating status monitoring system according to claim 4.

6. The mounting direction of the sensor is the mounting direction of the sensor with respect to the axial direction of the mounting portion attached to the target part. The operating status monitoring system according to claim 4.

7. The control processing unit, upon detecting an event in which the mounting direction changes during measurement by the sensor, outputs the sensing-related information after the event, corresponding to the mounting direction after the event. The operating status monitoring system according to claim 4.

8. The control processing unit performs calculation processing on the sensing information or sensing-related information according to the mounting direction, and outputs the calculation processing result in correspondence with the mounting direction of the sensor. The operating status monitoring system according to claim 4.

9. A motion state monitoring method for monitoring the motion state of a target body part of a subject using a motion state monitoring system, The aforementioned operating status monitoring system is A measuring instrument for measuring the aforementioned operating state, An operating state monitoring device that monitors the aforementioned operating state, Equipped with, The aforementioned measuring instrument is A sensor for detecting the aforementioned operating state, A holding part for holding the sensor, It has, The holding portion includes a bag formed of an expandable material. The bag has an opening that extends in one direction, and holds the sensor inserted through the opening inside. When attaching the holding portion, which holds the sensor in the bag, to the target portion, the holding portion is attached to the target portion such that the bag extends in one direction. The measuring instrument further includes a mounting part that is attached to the target area, The retaining portion is attached to the target portion via the mounting portion that extends in one direction. The holding portion and the mounting portion have holes formed in the portion corresponding to a predetermined position on the target part. The body-facing portion of the attachment is black. The retaining portion is attached to the mounting portion by a hook-and-loop fastener. The steps include acquiring sensing information from a sensor attached to the target part, The steps include detecting the mounting direction of the sensor, The steps include outputting sensing-related information associated with the sensing information, corresponding to the mounting direction of the sensor, A method for monitoring the operating status, equipped with the following features.

Images