ADL ability estimation system

Abstract

To provide an ADL ability estimation system capable of estimating ADL ability.SOLUTION: An ADL ability estimation system includes a data processing unit 40 for detecting opening / closing information related to the risk of falling during door opening / closing operations, and an ability estimation unit 60 for estimating a subject's ADL ability using the opening / closing information. The opening / closing information includes dependent load, door opening / closing speed and the maximum opening degree of the door during the door opening / closing operations, respectively. The ability estimation unit 60 accumulates the opening / closing information detected by the data processing unit 40, calculates the tendency of the dependent load, the tendency of the maximum opening degree, and the tendency of the opening / closing speed on the basis of the accumulated opening / closing information, and estimates the subject's ADL ability on the basis of the calculation results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of an ADL ability estimation system that estimates a subject's ADL ability by utilizing the opening and closing operation of a door.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology of a system that estimates a subject's physical ability by utilizing the opening and closing operation of a door has been known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The physical strength measurement system described in Patent Document 1 includes a pressure sensor installed on a doorknob. In the physical strength measurement system, when a subject operates the doorknob, the load applied to the doorknob is detected by the pressure sensor, and the grip strength of the subject is estimated based on the detection result. However, it has been difficult to estimate the ability of the minimum necessary actions (ADL: Activities of Daily Living) for living a daily life only from the grip strength of the subject.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide an ADL ability estimation system capable of estimating ADL ability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving this problem will be described.

[0007] In other words, claim 1 includes a detection unit that detects opening and closing information related to the risk of falling during the opening and closing operation of a door, and using the opening and closing information te vs It comprises an estimation unit for estimating the ADL ability of an elephant. The opening and closing information includes the degree to which the subject's weight is applied to the door, the maximum opening degree of the door during the opening and closing operation, and the opening and closing speed of the door, respectively. The estimation unit stores the opening and closing information detected by the detection unit, calculates the trend of the degree of weight applied, the trend of the maximum opening degree, and the trend of the opening and closing speed based on the stored opening and closing information, and estimates the subject's ADL ability based on the calculation results. The door includes hinged doors and sliding doors, and the estimation unit stores the opening and closing information divided into a first pattern in which the subject pushes the hinged door to open and close, a second pattern in which the subject pulls the hinged door to open and close, and a third pattern in which the subject opens and closes the sliding door. If the degree of weight applied shows an increasing trend in at least one of the first to third patterns, the estimation unit estimates that the ADL ability has decreased. It is.

[0012] Claim 2 In this system, the estimation unit estimates the degree of decline in ADL ability in stages.

[0013] Claim 3 The system further includes a foot load sensor that detects the load acting on the floor, and the estimation unit determines whether or not to store the opening / closing information based on the detection result of the foot load sensor.

[0014] Claim 4 The system further comprises a calculation unit that calculates the weight of the subject based on the detection result of the foot load sensor, and the estimation unit does not store the open / closed information if the calculated weight is above a predetermined threshold.

[0015] Claim 5 The device further includes a door load sensor that detects the load acting on the door, the detection unit detects the degree of weight applied based on the detection result of the door load sensor, and the door load sensor is installed in a high-load portion of the door where the load is easily applied when the subject puts their weight on the door. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0017] Claim 1 allows for the estimation of ADL ability. Furthermore, a decline in ADL ability can be estimated using the dependent load during the opening and closing of hinged and sliding doors.

[0022] Claim 2 In this case, the degree of decline in ADL ability can be assessed in stages.

[0023] Claim 3 can store appropriate opening / closing information.

[0024] Claim 4 can prevent the ADL ability from being estimated lower than necessary.

[0025] Claim 5 can accurately detect the load acting on the door.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] A diagram showing a living room in which an ADL ability estimation system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the ADL ability estimation system. [Figure 3] (a) A plan view showing various sensors installed on a hinged door. (b) A rear view of the same. [Figure 4] (a) A plan view showing various sensors installed on a sliding door. (b) A rear view of the same. [Figure 5] (a) A plan view showing the state of detecting the opening angle of a hinged door. (b) A plan view showing the state of detecting the opening width of a sliding door. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the first detection process. [Figure 7] (a) A plan view showing the state where a subject starts to open a hinged door. (b) A plan view showing the state where the subject passes through an opening. (c) A plan view showing the state where the subject changes direction. (d) A plan view showing the subject after changing direction. [Figure 8] (a) A plan view showing the state where a subject starts to close a hinged door. (b) A plan view showing the state where the subject is closing the hinged door. (c) A plan view showing the state where the subject has finished closing the hinged door. [Figure 9] (a) A plan view showing the state where a subject passes in front of a hinged door. (b) A plan view showing the state where the subject passes through without closing the hinged door. [Figure 10]A flowchart illustrating the second detection process. [Figure 11] (a) A plan view showing the subject beginning to open a hinged door. (b) A plan view showing the subject in the process of opening the hinged door. (c) A plan view showing the subject having finished opening the hinged door. (d) A plan view showing the subject passing through the opening. [Figure 12] (a) A plan view showing the subject turning around. (b) A plan view showing the subject beginning to close the hinged door. (c) A plan view showing the subject in the process of closing the hinged door. (d) A plan view showing the subject having finished closing the hinged door. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the third detection process. [Figure 14] (a) A plan view showing the subject beginning to open the sliding door. (b) A plan view showing the subject in the process of opening the sliding door. (c) A plan view showing the subject having finished opening the sliding door. [Figure 15] (a) A plan view showing the subject beginning to close the sliding door. (b) A plan view showing the subject in the process of closing the sliding door. (c) A plan view showing the subject having finished closing the sliding door. [Figure 16] A flowchart illustrating the storage process. [Figure 17] (a) A side view showing the subject before passing the subject distance sensor. (b) A side view showing the subject while passing the subject distance sensor. (c) A side view showing the subject after passing the subject distance sensor. [Figure 18] (a) A diagram showing an example of the detection result of foot load. (b) A diagram showing an example of the detection result of door load. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of the trend in maximum opening. [Figure 20] A flowchart showing steps S610 to S630 of the estimation process. [Figure 21] A diagram illustrating an example of the trend of dependent loads. [Figure 22] A flowchart showing steps S640 to S690 of the estimation process. [Figure 23] Similarly, a flowchart showing steps S740 to S790. [Figure 24] Similarly, a flowchart showing steps S840 to S890. [Figure 25] A flowchart showing a modified version of the estimation process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] In the following explanation, the up-and-down, left-and-right, and front-and-back directions are defined based on the direction of movement of subject T.

[0028] The following describes an ADL ability estimation system 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The ADL ability estimation system 20 is designed to estimate the ADL ability (the ability to perform the minimum necessary actions for daily living) of subject T. The ADL ability estimation system 20 is installed, for example, in the place where subject T lives. In this embodiment, it is installed in a room 1 of a nursing care facility. The ADL ability estimation system 20 assumes that multiple subject T move around in room 1 and estimates the ADL ability for each subject T. Below, we will first briefly describe room 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the living room 1 comprises a bedroom 2 and a toilet room 3. The bedroom 2 is furnished with a bed 2a, etc. The toilet room 3 is furnished with a toilet 3a. The bedroom 2 and the toilet room 3 are separated by a side wall, and the subject T can move between the bedroom 2 and the toilet room 3 through an opening 4 formed in the side wall. The subject T can also enter and exit the living room 1 through an entrance 5. Doors 10 (see Figures 3 and 4) are provided at both the opening 4 and the entrance 5.

[0031] In this embodiment, different types of doors 10 are provided at the opening 4 and the entrance / exit 5. More specifically, a hinged door 11 as shown in Figure 3 and a sliding door 12 as shown in Figure 4 are provided. In the following description, it will be assumed that a sliding door 12 is provided at the opening 4 and a hinged door 11 is provided at the entrance / exit 5, but the types of doors 10 installed at the opening 4 and the entrance / exit 5 are not particularly limited. For example, the types of doors 10 may be reversed from those in this embodiment, or the same type of door 10 may be provided at both the opening 4 and the entrance / exit 5. The configurations of the hinged door 11 and the sliding door 12 will be briefly described below.

[0032] The hinged door 11 shown in Figure 3 comprises a plate-shaped main body 11a, a hinge 11b connecting the main body 11a to the entrance 5, and a rotatable handle 11c, with the main body 11a being rotatable relative to the axis of the hinge 11b. The sliding door 12 shown in Figure 4 comprises a plate-shaped main body 12a, a roller 12b provided at the lower end of the main body 12a, and a handle 12c fixed to the main body 12a. The sliding door 12 is configured to slide left and right as the roller 12b rolls on a rail (not shown).

[0033] Here, subject T opens door 10, passes through opening 4 and doorway 5, then turns in the opposite direction to close door 10 (see Figures 7 and 8). Due to this change of direction, subject T's center of gravity shifts relatively significantly, so if subject T's physical abilities decline due to old age or other reasons, the risk of falling during the opening and closing of door 10 increases. This decline in physical abilities is thought to manifest as a change in the opening and closing of door 10. For example, with a decline in balance ability, subject T will likely open and close door 10 more carefully to avoid falling, resulting in a slower opening and closing speed. Also, with a decline in muscle strength, door 10 will become heavier for subject T, making it difficult to open it wide.

[0034] Therefore, the ADL ability estimation system 20 of this embodiment estimates the ADL ability of subject T by utilizing the relationship between the opening and closing operation of the door 10 and physical ability (risk of falling). This allows caregivers who are caring for subject T to understand, for example, that subject T has a relatively low ADL ability, and to take measures to prevent falls, such as taking care to prevent falls while caring for subject T. The configuration of the ADL ability estimation system 20 will be described below. Hereinafter, the ADL ability estimation system 20 will be referred to as the "estimation system 20".

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the estimation system 20 comprises a sensor unit 30, a data processing unit 40, a personal identification unit 50, a capability estimation unit 60, and a notification unit 70.

[0036] The sensor unit 30 is for detecting various information generated by the opening and closing operation of the door 10. The sensor unit 30 is composed of various sensors provided on the door 10 and around the door 10. Specifically, the sensor unit 30 is composed of a door load sensor 31, an opening / closing sensor 32, an angle sensor 33, a sliding door distance sensor 34, a foot load sensor 35, and a person distance sensor 36.

[0037] The door load sensor 31 is used to detect the load acting on the door 10 when a person T puts their weight on the door 10. The door load sensor 31 is installed on the part of the door 10 that is relatively prone to load when a person T puts their weight on the door 10. This allows for accurate detection of the load acting on the door 10. Below, examples of the installation locations of the door load sensor 31 will be described separately for hinged doors 11 and sliding doors 12.

[0038] First, let's explain the installation location of the hinged door 11. It is assumed that subject T applies their weight to the hinged door 11 shown in Figure 3(b) while grasping the handle 11c. In this case, a load F11 is assumed to act on the handle 11c approximately downwards. The hinge 11b, which is installed at the top of the hinged door 11 (for example, a part higher than the handle 11c), will be pulled diagonally downwards by this load.

[0039] Thus, the upper hinge 11b is considered to be relatively susceptible to load when the subject T puts their weight on the hinged door 11. For this reason, the door load sensor 31 in this embodiment is installed on the upper hinge 11b of the hinged door 11. More specifically, the door load sensor 31 is installed on the part of the hinge 11b that is fixed to the entrance 5 (see reference numeral P in Figure 3(b)).

[0040] Next, the installation location of the door load sensor 31 in the sliding door 12 will be explained. Similar to the hinged door 11, it is assumed that the subject T will apply their weight to the sliding door 12 while grasping the handle 12c shown in Figure 4(b). The roller 12b located below this handle 12c will bear the weight of the subject T (see load F12 shown in Figure 4(b)). Therefore, the door load sensor 31 is installed between the roller 12b and the main body 12a (the part indicated by reference numeral 12d in Figure 4(b)).

[0041] The installation location of the door load sensor 31 is not limited to this embodiment, as it can detect the load acting on the door 10 when the subject T puts their weight on the door 10. Hereinafter, the load detected by the door load sensor 31 will be referred to as the "door load".

[0042] The opening / closing sensor 32 shown in Figure 2 is for detecting whether the door 10 is open or not, and the direction in which the door 10 is opened or closed. The opening / closing sensor 32 can detect whether the door 10 is open or closed by detecting the magnetic force from magnets provided on the main body parts 11a and 12a of the door 10, for example. The opening / closing sensor 32 can also detect the direction of opening and closing of the door 10 by detecting the direction of acceleration of the main body parts 11a and 12a. Note that the opening / closing sensor 32 is omitted from the drawings from Figure 3 onward.

[0043] The angle sensor 33 shown in Figures 2 and 5(a) is for detecting the angle (opening angle θ11) of the hinged door 11. The angle sensor 33 is installed, for example, on the hinge 11b. The angle sensor 33 is configured to detect the opening angle θ11 by detecting the amount of rotation of the hinge 11b. Note that in the drawings from Figure 5 onward, the door 10 (hinged door 11 and sliding door 12) is shown in a simplified form. Also, in the drawings from Figure 5 onward, the depiction of sensors is omitted where necessary.

[0044] The sliding door distance sensor 34 shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5(b) is for detecting the opening width D12 of the sliding door 12. The sliding door distance sensor 34 can detect the opening width D12 by measuring the distance between, for example, a first fixing part 34a fixed to the opening 4 and a second fixing part 34b fixed to the main body part 12a of the sliding door 12.

[0045] The foot load sensor 35 shown in Figures 2 to 4 is for detecting the load acting on the floor 6 near the door 10. In a plan view, the foot load sensor 35 is installed so as to extend from the front to the back of the opening 4 and doorway 5. This allows the foot load sensor 35 to detect the load acting on the floor 6 from the feet of a person T passing through the opening 4 and doorway 5. Hereinafter, the load detected by the foot load sensor 35 (the load from person T) will be referred to as "foot load".

[0046] Figures 2, 3(b), and 4(b) show that the subject distance sensor 36 is for detecting the vertical distance to the subject T. The subject distance sensor 36 is provided near the upper end of the opening 4 and the entrance / exit 5, respectively. The subject distance sensor 36 is configured to emit infrared light, for example, downwards. The subject distance sensor 36 can detect the distance D36 to the subject T (see Figure 17(b)) by receiving the infrared light reflected from the subject T. Note that the subject distance sensor 36 is not limited to emitting infrared light, and may be composed of a sensor other than an infrared sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor).

[0047] The data processing unit 40 shown in Figure 2 is the part that performs calculations on various data detected by the sensor unit 30. The data processing unit 40 is configured to acquire detection results from the sensor unit 30. By performing calculations on the detection results, the data processing unit 40 can calculate various information. For example, the data processing unit 40 can calculate the amount of weight of the subject T on the door 10 (hereinafter referred to as "dependent load"), the maximum opening degree of the door 10 during opening and closing operations, the opening and closing speed of the door 10, the height of the subject T, and the weight of the subject T. The process for calculating the dependent load, etc., will be described later.

[0048] The personal identification unit 50 is used to identify an individual (subject T) based on the information calculated by the data processing unit 40. The processing performed by the personal identification unit 50 will be described later.

[0049] The ability estimation unit 60 is for estimating the ADL ability of the subject T identified by the personal identification unit 50. The ability estimation unit 60 is configured to store dependent loads and the like calculated by the data processing unit 40. More specifically, the ability estimation unit 60 is configured to store dependent loads and the like for each subject T. The ability estimation unit 60 is also configured to estimate ADL ability based on the stored dependent loads and the like. The processes for storing open / closed information and estimating ADL ability will be described later.

[0050] The notification unit 70 is for notifying the ADL ability estimated by the ability estimation unit 60. The notification unit 70 is configured to notify the ADL ability, for example, by communicating with an external device. For example, the notification unit 70 can notify the ADL ability by displaying a message about the ADL ability on a mobile device (smartphone, etc.) owned by the caregiver. The means of notification by the notification unit 70 are not particularly limited.

[0051] The following describes the process for detecting various types of information (such as door load) using the sensor unit 30.

[0052] Here, the opening and closing operation of door 10 will differ depending on the type of door 10 and how it is opened. For example, the opening and closing directions of a hinged door 11 and a sliding door 12 are different. Also, when a hinged door 11 is pushed open, it is thought that the subject T operates the handle 11c at a closer position than when it is pulled open.

[0053] In this embodiment, the sensor unit 30 is controlled according to the type and opening method of the door 10, and various information is detected. Specifically, various information is detected by a first detection process when the subject T pushes the hinged door 11 to open or close it, a second detection process when the subject T pulls the hinged door 11 to open or close it, and a third detection process when the subject T opens or closes the sliding door 12. The first to third detection processes are executed by a predetermined device capable of controlling the sensor unit 30. In the following, the contents of the first to third detection processes will be described assuming that the data processing unit 40 controls the sensor unit 30.

[0054] First, the first detection process will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9. The data processing unit 40 starts the first detection process when it is considered that the subject T is pushing the hinged door 11 to open or close it. For example, when the motion sensor located behind the entrance 5 shown in Figure 7(a) detects a person, the data processing unit 40 starts the first detection process.

[0055] It is assumed that when subject T pushes the hinged door 11 to open or close it, they move close to the hinged door 11 and operate the handle 11c (see Figure 7(a)). For this reason, as shown in Figure 6, when the data processing unit 40 starts the first detection process, it moves to step S110, and when the foot load sensor 35 detects a foot load, it moves to step S120.

[0056] In step S120, the data processing unit 40 determines whether or not the opening / closing sensor 32 has detected that the hinged door 11 has opened. If the data processing unit 40 detects that the hinged door 11 has opened (step S120: Yes), it proceeds to step S140. On the other hand, if the data processing unit 40 does not detect that the hinged door 11 has opened (step S120: No), it proceeds to step S130.

[0057] In step S130, the data processing unit 40 checks whether it has been detected that the door 10 has been open for a certain period of time or longer. For example, if the time elapsed since moving from step S110 to step S120 (elapsed time) is less than a certain period of time (step S130: No), the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S120. On the other hand, if the elapsed time is a certain period of time or longer (step S130: Yes), the data processing unit 40 terminates the first detection process. This prevents the angle sensor 33 and the door load sensor 31 from being activated incorrectly when a person T passes by the hinged door 11 along the side wall, as shown in Figure 9(a).

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, in step S140, the data processing unit 40 controls the angle sensor 33 and the door load sensor 31 to start detecting the opening angle θ11 and door load of the hinged door 11. In this way, the data processing unit 40 starts storing the detection results of the opening angle θ11 and door load when the subject T pushes open the hinged door 11. When the processing of step S140 is completed, the data processing unit 40 moves on to step S150.

[0059] In step S150, the data processing unit 40 determines whether or not an operation in the closing direction has been detected by the opening / closing sensor 32. If an operation in the closing direction is detected (step S150: Yes), the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S180. On the other hand, if an operation in the closing direction is not detected (step S150: No), the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S160.

[0060] In step S160, the data processing unit 40 determines whether an operation in the closing direction has not been detected for a certain period of time or longer. For example, if the time elapsed since transitioning from step S140 to step S150 (elapsed time) is less than a certain period of time (step S160: No), the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S150. On the other hand, if the elapsed time is greater than or equal to a certain period of time (step S160: Yes), the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S170.

[0061] In step S170, the data processing unit 40 determines, in the same manner as in step S160, whether a foot load has not been detected for a certain period of time since step S120. If the data processing unit 40 determines that no foot load has been detected for a certain period of time (step S170: Yes), it controls the angle sensor 33 and the door load sensor 31 to terminate the detection of the opening angle θ11 and the door load. In this way, the data processing unit 40 terminates the storage of the detection results, such as the opening angle θ11, when the subject T pushes open the hinged door 11, and terminates the first detection process. Otherwise (step S170: No), the data processing unit 40 proceeds back to step S170.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9(b), the data processing unit 40 can properly complete the detection of the opening angle θ11, etc., even if the subject T passes through the entrance / exit 5 with the hinged door 11 open.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, in step S180, which is initiated when an operation to close the hinged door 11 is detected, the data processing unit 40 completes storing the detection results, such as the opening angle θ11, when the subject T pushes the hinged door 11 to open it. Subsequently, the data processing unit 40 begins storing the detection results, such as the opening angle θ11, when the subject T pushes the hinged door 11 to close it. Once the processing in step S180 is complete, the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S190.

[0064] In step S190, the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S200 when it has finished detecting the closing operation by the opening / closing sensor 32.

[0065] In step S200, the data processing unit 40 controls the angle sensor 33, etc., to terminate detection of the opening angle θ11, etc., when the foot load sensor 35 no longer detects a foot load. In this way, the data processing unit 40 completes the storage of the detection results of the opening angle θ11, etc., when the subject T pushes the hinged door 11 to close it, and terminates the first detection process.

[0066] The following describes a specific example of the first detection process.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7(a), when subject T pushes to open or close the hinged door 11, he first moves to the very edge of the hinged door 11. The foot load sensor 35 detects the foot load from subject T (step S110: Yes, shown in Figure 6).

[0068] As shown in Figure 7(a), when subject T begins to open the hinged door 11 (step S120 shown in Figure 6: Yes), detection of the opening angle θ11 and the door load is initiated (step S140). As shown in Figure 7(b), subject T, having opened the hinged door 11, passes through the entrance 5. Then, as shown in Figures 7(c), 7(d), and 8(a), subject T changes direction to close the hinged door 11.

[0069] When subject T, as shown in Figure 8(a), begins to close the hinged door 11 (step S150: Yes, as shown in Figure 6), the storage of the detection results for the opening angle θ11, etc. when opening the hinged door 11 is completed, and the storage of the detection results for the opening angle θ11, etc. when closing the hinged door 11 is started (step S180).

[0070] As shown in Figures 8(b) and 8(c), once the subject T has finished closing the hinged door 11 (step S190: Yes shown in Figure 6) and moved away from the hinged door 11 (step S200: Yes), the storage of the detection results such as the opening angle θ11 when closing the hinged door 11 is completed.

[0071] In this way, the data processing unit 40 performs the first detection process, which allows the opening angle θ11 and door load to be detected separately for cases where the subject T pushes the hinged door 11 to open it and when it closes it. Furthermore, based on the detection results of the opening / closing sensor 32 (steps S120, S150, S190), the opening angle θ11 and other parameters can be detected in a timely manner for both opening and closing the hinged door 11.

[0072] Furthermore, it is possible to detect the information necessary for estimating ADL ability without attaching sensors to the subject T. This prevents an increase in the burden on the subject T.

[0073] The following describes the second detection process, which detects the opening angle θ11 and door load when the subject T pulls and opens the hinged door 11, with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Similar to the first detection process, the data processing unit 40 starts the second detection process when it is considered that the subject T is pulling and opening the hinged door 11.

[0074] In the first detection process shown in Figure 6, the determination process (steps S110-S120) is performed in the order of the open / close sensor 32 and the foot load sensor 35. However, in the second detection process shown in Figure 10, the order of this determination process is reversed. That is, in the second detection process, the determination process (steps S210-S230) is performed in the order of the foot load sensor 35 and the open / close sensor 32. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first detection process, so in the following, processes (steps) common to the first detection process will be given the same reference numerals as in the first detection process and will not be explained.

[0075] It is assumed that when subject T opens and closes the hinged door 11 by pulling it, they operate the handle 11c while maintaining a relatively long distance from the hinged door 11 (see Figure 11(a)). Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, when the second detection process is started, the data processing unit 40 moves to step S210, and when the opening / closing sensor 32 detects that the hinged door 11 has opened, it moves to step S220.

[0076] In step S220, the data processing unit 40 controls the angle sensor 33 and the door load sensor 31 to start detecting the opening angle θ11 of the hinged door 11 and the door load. Once the processing in step S220 is complete, the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S230.

[0077] In step S230, the data processing unit 40 determines whether or not a foot load has been detected by the foot load sensor 35. If a foot load is detected (step S230: Yes), the data processing unit 40 proceeds to step S240.

[0078] On the other hand, if no foot load is detected (step S230: No), the data processing unit 40 controls the angle sensor 33, etc., to terminate the detection of the opening angle θ11, etc., and ends the second detection process. The data processing unit 40 also discards the detection result. This prevents the data processing unit 40 from mistakenly accumulating detection results of the opening angle θ11, etc., if the hinged door 11 opens on its own due to wind or the like.

[0079] In step S240, the data processing unit 40 continues to detect the opening angle θ11 and the door load, and then proceeds to step S150.

[0080] The following describes a specific example of the second detection process.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11(a), subject T starts opening the hinged door 11 while maintaining a relatively long distance from it (step S210: Yes, shown in Figure 10). This initiates the detection of the opening angle θ11 and the door load (step S220).

[0082] As shown in Figures 11(b) to 11(d), the subject T, who has opened the hinged door 11, moves towards the vicinity of the entrance 5. The foot load sensor 35 detects the foot load from the subject T (step S230 shown in Figure 10).

[0083] As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), subject T, having moved to the vicinity of the entrance 5, changes direction to close the hinged door 11. When subject T, as shown in Figure 12(b), begins to close the hinged door 11 (step S150 shown in Figure 10: Yes), the storage of the detection results for the opening angle θ11 when the hinged door 11 is opened is completed, and the storage of the detection results for the opening angle θ11 when the hinged door 11 is closed is started (step S180).

[0084] As shown in Figures 12(c) and 12(d), when subject T finishes closing the hinged door 11 (step S190 in Figure 10: Yes) and moves away from the hinged door 11 (step S200: No), the detection of the opening angle θ11 when closing the hinged door 11 is completed.

[0085] In this way, by executing the second detection process, the data processing unit 40 can detect the opening angle θ11 and the door load in a timely manner, depending on whether the subject T pulls the hinged door 11 open or closes it.

[0086] The following describes the third detection process, which detects the opening angle θ11 and door load when the subject T opens and closes the sliding door 12, with reference to Figures 13 to 15. Similar to the first detection process, the data processing unit 40 starts the third detection process when it is considered that the subject T will open and close the sliding door 12.

[0087] The third detection process shown in Figure 13 has a flow that is generally similar to the first detection process shown in Figure 6. More specifically, the third detection process replaces the detection of the opening angle θ11 of the hinged door 11 with the detection of the opening width D12 of the sliding door 12. In Figure 13, only the process with a different detection target is given a different code (steps S340 and S380) than the first detection target. The other processes are the same as the first detection process, so the explanation of the third detection process is omitted.

[0088] The following describes a specific example of the third detection process.

[0089] As shown in Figure 14(a), when subject T opens or closes the sliding door 12, first moves to the very edge of the sliding door 12. The foot load sensor 35 detects the foot load from subject T (step S110: Yes, shown in Figure 13).

[0090] As shown in Figure 14(a), when subject T begins to open the sliding door 12 (step S120 shown in Figure 13: Yes), detection of the opening width D12 and the door load is initiated in step S340 (step S340). As shown in Figures 14(b) and 14(c), subject T, having opened the sliding door 12, passes through the opening 4. Then, as shown in Figures 14(c) and 15(a), subject T changes direction to close the hinged door 11.

[0091] When the subject T shown in Figure 15(a) begins to close the sliding door 12 (step S150 shown in Figure 13: Yes), the storage of the detection results for the opening width D12 when the sliding door 12 is opened is completed, and the storage of the detection results for the opening width D12 when the sliding door 12 is closed is started (step S380).

[0092] As shown in Figures 15(b) and 15(c), when subject T finishes closing the sliding door 12 (step S190 shown in Figure 13: Yes) and moves away from the sliding door 12 (step S200: Yes), the detection of the opening width D12 when closing the sliding door 12 is completed.

[0093] In this way, the data processing unit 40 can perform a third detection process to detect the opening width D12 and the door load in a timely manner, separately for when the subject T opens the sliding door 12 and when it closes it.

[0094] The following section describes the storage process for accumulating the opening angle θ11 and other data detected in the first to third detection processes, referring to Figures 16 to 19.

[0095] The storage process shown in Figure 16 is executed in parallel with the first to third detection processes. When the storage process starts, the data processing unit 40 moves to step S410, and if a foot load is detected by the foot load, it moves to step S420.

[0096] In step S420, the data processing unit 40 acquires (stores) the foot load for a certain period of time in order to detect the weight of the subject T. This allows the data processing unit 40 to obtain the relationship between time and foot load, for example, as shown in Figure 18(a). As shown in Figure 16, once the processing in step S420 is completed, the data processing unit 40 moves on to step S430.

[0097] In step S430, the data processing unit 40 determines whether or not the subject T has passed below the subject distance sensor 36. An example of this determination is described below. As mentioned above, the subject distance sensor 36 detects distance based on infrared light emitted downwards. Therefore, the detection result of the subject distance sensor 36 temporarily decreases when the subject T, as shown in Figure 17, passes below the subject distance sensor 36. By determining whether or not such a change in the detection result has occurred, the data processing unit 40 can determine whether or not the subject T has passed below the subject distance sensor 36.

[0098] As shown in Figure 16, in step S430, if the data processing unit 40 determines that the subject T has passed below the subject distance sensor 36 (step S430: Yes), it proceeds to step S440. On the other hand, if the data processing unit 40 does not determine that the subject T has passed below the subject distance sensor 36 (step S430: No), it proceeds back to step S430.

[0099] In step S440, the data processing unit 40 determines the height of subject T based on the detection result of the subject distance sensor 36. For example, the data processing unit 40 determines the height of subject T by subtracting the distance D36 from the subject distance sensor 36 to the head of subject T from the height H10 of the door 10 shown in Figure 17(b). The distance D36 can be calculated, for example, based on the detection result of the subject distance sensor 36 when subject T passes below the subject distance sensor 36. As shown in Figure 16, when the processing in step S440 is completed, the data processing unit 40 moves on to step S450.

[0100] In step S450, the data processing unit 40 determines whether the opening and closing operation of the door 10 has finished. For example, the data processing unit 40 determines that the opening and closing operation of the door 10 has finished when the first to third detection processes, which are executed in parallel with the storage process, have finished (step S450: Yes), and proceeds to step S460. On the other hand, if the data processing unit 40 determines that the opening and closing operation of the door 10 has not finished (step S450: No), it proceeds back to step S450.

[0101] As shown in Figures 16 and 18(a), in step S460, the data processing unit 40 identifies the weight of the subject T. More specifically, it is assumed that the foot load decreases when the subject T puts their weight on the door 10. Therefore, the data processing unit 40 identifies the weight of the subject T by calculating the maximum value M of the foot load obtained in step S420. This allows the data processing unit 40 to obtain the weight of the subject T based on the foot load from the subject T when they are not putting their weight on the door 10. The data processing unit 40 can also obtain the weight of the subject T including their luggage. Once the processing in step S460 is complete, the data processing unit 40 moves on to step S470.

[0102] In step S470, the data processing unit 40 calculates the maximum opening degree of the door 10 based on the opening angle θ11 and opening width D12 detected in the first detection process to the third detection process.

[0103] More specifically, in the first detection process, the opening angle θ11 is stored separately for the case where the hinged door 11 is pushed to open and the case where it is closed. In step S470, the data processing unit 40 extracts the maximum value of the opening angle θ11 when the hinged door 11 is opened from these two cases. Similarly, in the case where the hinged door 11 is pulled to open or close (second detection process), the data processing unit 40 extracts the maximum value of the opening angle θ11 when the hinged door 11 is pulled to open. Similarly, in the case where the sliding door 12 is opened or closed (third detection process), the data detection unit extracts the maximum value of the opening width D12 when the sliding door 12 is opened.

[0104] Since subject T does not necessarily completely close the open door 10, in step S470 the data processing unit 40 also calculates the closing width of the door 10. For example, the data processing unit 40 calculates the closing width by subtracting the minimum value of the opening angle θ11 from the maximum value when the hinged door 11 is pushed to close. The data processing unit 40 similarly calculates the closing width in other cases (when the hinged door 11 is pulled to close, and when the sliding door 12 is closed).

[0105] In step S470, the data processing unit 40 also calculates the opening and closing speed and the dependent load of the door 10. In this case, the data processing unit 40 calculates the opening and closing speed and the dependent load separately according to the type of door 10 and how it is opened (divided into cases where the hinged door 11 is pushed open and cases where it is closed, etc.), similar to when calculating the maximum opening degree. An example of the procedure for calculating the opening and closing speed and the dependent load is described below.

[0106] The data processing unit 40 calculates the opening and closing speed when opening and closing the hinged door 11 using the following equation 1, which uses the maximum value of the opening angle θ11. (Door width W11 x 2 x π x maximum opening angle θ11 / 360°) / Time required... Quantity 1

[0107] In Equation 1 above, the door width W11 is the width of the hinged door 11 from left to right (see Figure 3(b)). Also, the time required in Equation 1 above is the time taken to open the hinged door 11 or the time taken to close it. The data processing unit 40 uses Equation 1 above to calculate the opening and closing speed (average speed) when opening the hinged door 11 and the opening and closing speed when closing the hinged door 11, respectively.

[0108] The data processing unit 40 also calculates the opening and closing speed of the sliding door 12 by dividing the maximum opening width D12 of the sliding door 12 by the time it takes to open the sliding door 12. The data processing unit 40 also calculates the opening and closing speed of the sliding door 12 when closing it using the same process as when opening it.

[0109] The data processing unit 40 also calculates the dependent load based on the detection result (door load) of the door load sensor 31. The following explanation uses an example of the door load detection result shown in Figure 18(b). The door load sensor 31 detects a load K10 corresponding to the weight of the door 10 even if the subject T is not putting their weight on the door 10 (see range R1 shown in Figure 18(b)). Furthermore, if the subject T puts their weight on the door 10, the door load sensor 31 also detects the weight (load) of the subject T in addition to the load K10 (see range R2 shown in Figure 18(b)). The data processing unit 40 then calculates the dependent load by finding the area (integral value) of range R in which the door load exceeds the load K10. As shown in Figure 16, when the processing of step S470 is completed, the personal identification unit 50 performs the processing of step S480.

[0110] In step S480, the personal identification unit 50 identifies the individual based on the height, weight, and maximum opening of the subject T obtained in steps S440, S460, and S470. An example of this is described below.

[0111] The personal identification unit 50 has pre-stored the characteristics of the subject T. For example, the personal identification unit 50 has pre-stored the subject T's height, weight, and the tendency of the maximum opening angle. The tendency of the maximum opening angle allows the unit to determine how far the subject T opens the door 10 each time they open or close it. Figure 19 shows an example of the tendency of the maximum opening angle. The trend of the maximum opening angle shown in Figure 19 is a graph in which the past calculation results of the maximum opening angle for a given subject T are arranged in chronological order.

[0112] In step S480, the personal identification unit 50 can identify an individual, for example, primarily based on height and weight. More specifically, the personal identification unit 50 narrows down the individuals based on the height and weight calculated in steps S430 and S460, and then identifies the individual by extracting the individual with the closest tendency for maximum opening. By using the tendency for maximum opening in this way as a supplement, the individual can be identified with high accuracy. Note that the procedure for identifying an individual by the personal identification unit 50 is not limited to this embodiment. Once the processing in step S480 shown in Figure 16 is completed, the ability estimation unit 60 performs the processing in step S490.

[0113] In step S490, the capability estimation unit 60 determines whether the weight of the subject T identified in step S460 has increased by a predetermined amount compared to the weight of subject T stored in advance. In this embodiment, the capability estimation unit 60 determines whether the weight of subject T has increased by 1 kg or more. If the capability estimation unit 60 determines that the weight of subject T has increased, it proceeds to step S500 and erases various data (such as detection results such as the opening angle θ11 detected in the first to third detection processes).

[0114] Meanwhile, if the ability estimation unit 60 determines in step S490 that the weight of subject T has not increased, it proceeds to step S510 and stores data such as the maximum opening angle calculated in step S470. At this time, the ability estimation unit 60 stores data for each individual identified in step S480. The ability estimation unit 60 also stores data categorized by the type of door 10 (for example, separating cases where the hinged door 11 is pushed to open and cases where it is closed).

[0115] The ability estimation unit 60 can accurately estimate the ADL ability described later by checking the weight of the subject T in step S490. Specifically, when subject T opens and closes the door 10 while carrying heavy luggage, it is thought that the opening angle θ11 of the door 10 will be smaller than usual, or the opening and closing speed will decrease. Furthermore, even without carrying luggage, it is thought that if subject T's ADL ability decreases, the opening angle θ11 will be smaller or the opening and closing speed will decrease.

[0116] Thus, factors that cause changes in the opening angle θ11 and opening / closing speed include those due to changes in ADL ability and other factors. Therefore, the ability estimation unit 60 identifies the weight of the subject T including the luggage in step S460 and confirms that weight in step S490, thereby excluding detection results in which the opening angle θ11, etc., may have decreased due to the influence of the luggage (factors other than changes in ADL ability). This prevents the ADL ability from being estimated to be unnecessarily low, and thus enables accurate estimation of ADL ability.

[0117] In this embodiment, detection results that may have been affected by luggage are excluded. However, the exclusion conditions for excluding detection results are not limited to conditions related to luggage. Exclusion conditions can include various conditions that affect detection results such as the opening angle θ11 due to factors other than changes in ADL ability. For example, if the height of subject T changes by more than a predetermined amount (e.g., becomes shorter), the detection result may be deleted (excluded).

[0118] In this embodiment, the data storage process shown in Figure 16 is performed continuously. When a certain amount of data (for example, one month) has been stored through the data storage process, the ability estimation unit 60 uses that data to estimate the ADL ability.

[0119] The following describes an example of the estimation process for estimating ADL ability, referring to Figures 20 to 24. When the ability estimation unit 60 starts the estimation process, it proceeds to step S610 shown in Figure 20.

[0120] In step S610, the ability estimation unit 60 determines whether the dependent load is increasing. More specifically, it is considered that subject T is prone to falling when leaning on the door 10 (with weight on it). Furthermore, if subject T's physical ability declines, it is considered that subject T will be more likely to lean on the door 10 when opening or closing it, and the dependent load will increase.

[0121] Thus, among the maximum opening degree, opening / closing speed, and dependent load accumulated in the accumulation process shown in Figure 16, the dependent load is considered to be relatively highly correlated with a decline in physical ability (risk of falling). Therefore, in the ability estimation process, the ability estimation unit 60 prioritizes the determination of the dependent load over the maximum opening degree and opening / closing speed. An example of the determination process will be explained below using Figure 21.

[0122] Figure 21 shows an example of the trend in dependent load. The trend in dependent load shown in Figure 21 plots the dependent load (accumulated data) for a certain subject T on a coordinate system where the horizontal axis is the measurement period (time) and the vertical axis is the dependent load. The ability estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is increasing if, for example, the dependent load plotted in Figure 21 is trending upwards.

[0123] Furthermore, in step S610 shown in Figure 20, the capacity estimation unit 60 determines the dependent load as described above for each of the dependent loads accumulated according to the type and method of opening of the hinged door 11. Specifically, the capacity estimation unit 60 determines the dependent load for each of the following cases: when the hinged door 11 is pushed to open, when the hinged door 11 is pushed to close, when the hinged door 11 is pulled to open, when the hinged door 11 is pulled to close, when the sliding door 12 is opened, and when the sliding door 12 is closed.

[0124] If the capacity estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is increasing in at least one pattern (step S610: Yes, shown in Figure 20), it proceeds to step S630. On the other hand, if the capacity estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is not increasing in any pattern (step S610: No), it proceeds to step S620.

[0125] In step S620 shown in Figure 20, the ability estimation unit 60 estimates that the subject T's dependent load is not increasing, and therefore, at least, that their ADL ability has not decreased. In this embodiment, the ability estimation unit 60 estimates that the ADL ability is maintained and terminates the estimation process without issuing a notification by the notification unit 70.

[0126] In step S630, the capacity estimation unit 60 determines which pattern shows an increasing trend in the dependent load. If the capacity estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is increasing when pushing open or closing the hinged door 11, it proceeds to step S640 shown in Figure 22. If the capacity estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is increasing when pulling open or closing the hinged door 11, it proceeds to step S740 shown in Figure 23. If the capacity estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is increasing when opening or closing the sliding door 12, it proceeds to step S840 shown in Figure 24.

[0127] Furthermore, if the capacity estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is increasing in multiple patterns, it can appropriately execute processing according to the corresponding pattern. For example, if the capacity estimation unit 60 determines that the dependent load is increasing when the hinged door 11 is pushed open and when the hinged door 11 is pulled open, it may execute the processing shown in Figure 22 and the processing shown in Figure 23 in parallel. Alternatively, instead of performing parallel processing, the capacity estimation unit 60 may execute processing according to the single pattern in which the dependent load has increased most significantly among the multiple patterns in which the dependent load is increasing.

[0128] The ability estimation unit 60 estimates the level of muscle strength decline in steps S640 to S690 in Figure 22, which are performed when the load required to push the hinged door 11 to open and close it is increasing. More specifically, it is assumed that a certain amount of muscle strength is required to push the hinged door 11 to open and close it. Therefore, if muscle strength declines, the door 10 becomes heavier for the subject T, increasing the risk of losing balance and falling.

[0129] This decline in muscle strength is thought to manifest as a decrease in the opening and closing speed when pushing the hinged door 11, and a decrease in the opening angle θ11. Therefore, if the load dependent when pushing the hinged door 11 is increasing, the capacity estimation unit 60 evaluates the opening and closing speed, etc., through the processing in steps S640 to S690, and estimates the level of muscle strength decline in stages. The processing details are explained below.

[0130] In step S640 shown in Figure 22, the capacity estimation unit 60 determines whether the maximum value of the opening angle θ11 when the hinged door 11 is pushed to open or close is on a downward trend. In steps S650 and S660, which follow from step S640, the capacity estimation unit 60 also determines whether the opening and closing speed when the hinged door 11 is pushed to open or close is on a downward trend.

[0131] If the ability estimation unit 60 determines in steps S640 to S660 that the maximum value of the opening angle θ11 and the opening / closing speed are not showing a decreasing trend, it proceeds to step S670. In step S670, the ability estimation unit 60 estimates that the muscle strength decrease level is 1. In this embodiment, a larger decrease level number indicates a greater degree of decrease in ALD ability (muscle strength in steps S670 to S690). In other words, in step S670, the ability estimation unit 60 estimates that although the dependent load is showing an increasing trend, there are no other points of concern regarding the other values ​​(such as the maximum value of the opening angle θ11), and therefore the decrease in muscle strength is minor. In step S670, the ability estimation unit 60 controls the notification unit 70 to notify the decrease level thus estimated, and terminates the estimation process.

[0132] If the ability estimation unit 60 determines in steps S640 to S660 that either the maximum value of the opening angle θ11 or the opening / closing speed is showing a decreasing trend, it proceeds to step S680. In step S680, the ability estimation unit 60 estimates that the muscle strength decrease level is 2. In step S680, the ability estimation unit 60 controls the notification unit 70 to notify the estimated decrease level and terminates the estimation process.

[0133] If the ability estimation unit 60 determines in steps S640 to S660 that the maximum value of the opening angle θ11 and the opening / closing speed are both showing a decreasing trend, it proceeds to step S690. In step S690, the ability estimation unit 60 estimates that the muscle strength decline level is 3. In step S690, the ability estimation unit 60 controls the notification unit 70 to notify the estimated decline level and terminates the estimation process.

[0134] The ability estimation unit 60, by performing the processes described in steps S640 to S690 above, can accurately estimate the decrease in muscle strength based on multiple pieces of information that are considered to be related to the decrease in muscle strength (the load that is dependent when the hinged door 11 is pushed to open or close, the maximum value of the opening angle θ11, and the opening and closing speed).

[0135] The ability estimation unit 60 estimates the level of decline in balance ability in steps S740 to S790 of Figure 23, which are performed when the load dependent on the hinged door 11 is increasing when it is pulled to open or close it. More specifically, when the hinged door 11 is pulled to open or close it, the center of gravity shifts relatively large, so if the subject T's trunk (balance ability) declines, the risk of losing balance and falling increases.

[0136] This decline in balance ability is thought to manifest as a decrease in opening and closing speed and a decrease in opening angle θ11. Therefore, if the dependent load when opening and closing the hinged door 11 by pulling is increasing, the ability estimation unit 60 evaluates the opening and closing speed and other factors through the processing in steps S740 to S790 and estimates the level of decline in balance ability in stages.

[0137] Note that the processing in steps S740 to S790 is a process in which the level of muscle weakness shown in Figure 22 is replaced with the level of balance ability weakness, so the explanation of the processing content will be omitted.

[0138] The ability estimation unit 60, by performing the processes described in steps S740 to S790 above, can accurately estimate the decline in balance ability based on multiple pieces of information that are considered to be related to the decline in balance ability (the dependent load when opening and closing the hinged door 11 by pulling, the maximum value of the opening angle θ11, and the opening and closing speed).

[0139] The capability estimation unit 60 estimates the level of balance degradation in steps S840 to S890 in Figure 24, which are performed when the dependent load when opening and closing the sliding door 12 is increasing. More specifically, when opening and closing the sliding door 12, the center of gravity is considered to move relatively significantly, similar to when pulling the hinged door 11. Therefore, the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 12 is considered to be highly related to the degradation of balance ability. Accordingly, when the dependent load when opening and closing the sliding door 12 is increasing, the capability estimation unit 60 estimates the level of balance degradation in stages through the processing in steps S840 to S890.

[0140] Note that the processing in steps S840 to S890 is generally the same as the processing when the hinged door 11 is opened and closed by pulling it (steps S740 to S790 in Figure 23). More specifically, the determination of the opening angle θ11 is replaced with the determination of the opening width D12. For this reason, the explanation of the processing in steps S840 to S890 is omitted.

[0141] The capability estimation unit 60 can accurately estimate the decline in balance ability by performing the processing in steps S840 to S890, based on multiple pieces of information that are considered to be related to the decline in balance ability (dependent load when opening and closing the sliding door 12, maximum value of opening width D12, and opening and closing speed).

[0142] Thus, it is believed that there is a relationship between the risk of falling during the opening and closing of the door 10 and physical ability (muscle strength and balance ability). In this embodiment, the storage process shown in Figure 16 stores information on the opening and closing operation (opening and closing information, specifically dependent load, maximum opening degree, and opening and closing speed) that is considered to be related to this risk of falling. By evaluating the information thus stored using the estimation process shown in Figures 20, 22 to 24, the ability estimation unit 60 can estimate ADL ability by utilizing the relationship between the risk of falling and physical ability.

[0143] Furthermore, since dependent loads are detected each time the door 10 is opened and closed, even if there is a minor abnormality in subject T (such as decreased muscle strength), that abnormality can be estimated as a decline in ADL ability. This makes it easier for caregivers to notice minor abnormalities in subject T. In addition, caregivers can detect the risk of falls at an early stage.

[0144] Furthermore, the ability estimation unit 60 can accurately estimate the decline in ADL ability by prioritizing the evaluation of the dependent load, which is relatively highly correlated with the decline in ADL ability, among the dependent load, maximum opening degree, and opening / closing speed (at the beginning of the estimation process shown in Figure 20).

[0145] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since no imaging means such as a camera are used, ADL ability can be estimated while respecting the privacy of the subject T.

[0146] The estimation process described above is just one example of a process for estimating ADL ability, and can be modified as appropriate depending on the relationship between the opening and closing operation of the door 10 and the tendency to fall. For example, as shown in the modified example in Figure 25, it is possible to estimate whether the decline level is 1 or not based on the decreasing trend of the maximum value of the opening angle θ11, and then estimate whether the decline level is 2 or 3 based on the decreasing trend of the opening and closing speed. Furthermore, it is possible to further determine whether the closing width calculated in step S460 shown in Figure 16 is showing a decreasing trend using the processes shown in Figures 22 to 24, and to estimate the decline level of muscle strength and balance ability in more detail based on the results.

[0147] As described above, the ADL ability estimation system 20 according to this embodiment comprises a data processing unit 40 (detection unit) that detects opening and closing information related to the risk of falling during the opening and closing operation of the door 10, and an ability estimation unit 60 (estimation unit) that estimates the ADL ability of the subject T using the opening and closing information.

[0148] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to estimate ADL ability while taking into account the risk of falling when the door 10 is opened and closed.

[0149] Furthermore, the opening and closing information includes at least one of the dependent load (the degree to which the subject T's weight is applied to the door 10), the maximum opening degree of the door 10 during the opening and closing operation, and the opening and closing speed of the door 10.

[0150] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to estimate ADL ability by taking into account at least one of the dependent load, maximum opening degree, and opening / closing speed.

[0151] Furthermore, the opening and closing information includes the dependent load, the maximum opening degree, and the opening and closing speed, respectively.

[0152] By configuring it in this way, ADL ability can be accurately estimated by taking into account the dependent load, maximum opening degree, and opening / closing speed.

[0153] Furthermore, the ability estimation unit 60 stores the opening and closing information detected by the data processing unit 40 (step S510 shown in Figure 16), calculates the trend of the dependent load, the trend of the maximum opening degree, and the trend of the opening and closing speed based on the stored opening and closing information, and estimates the ADL ability of the subject T based on the calculation results (see estimation process shown in Figure 20).

[0154] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to estimate changes in ADL ability based on the trends in opening and closing information.

[0155] Furthermore, the door 10 includes a hinged door 11 and a sliding door 12, and the ability estimation unit 60 stores the opening and closing information in three patterns: a first pattern in which the subject T pushes the hinged door 11 to open and close, a second pattern in which the subject T pulls the hinged door 11 to open and close, and a third pattern in which the subject T opens and closes the sliding door 12 (step S510 shown in Figure 16). If the dependent load is increasing in at least one of the first to third patterns (step S610: Yes shown in Figure 20), the unit estimates that the ADL ability has decreased.

[0156] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to estimate the decline in ADL ability using the dependent loads during the opening and closing operations of the hinged door 11 and the sliding door 12.

[0157] Furthermore, the ability estimation unit 60 estimates the degree of decline in ADL ability in stages (steps S640 to S690 shown in Figure 22, steps S740 to S790 shown in Figure 23, and steps S840 to S890 shown in Figure 24).

[0158] By configuring it in this way, it becomes possible to grasp the degree of decline in ADL ability in stages.

[0159] Furthermore, the floor section 6 is further equipped with a foot load sensor 35 that detects the load acting on it, and the capacity estimation unit 60 determines whether or not to store the opening and closing information based on the detection result of the foot load sensor 35 (step S490 shown in Figure 16).

[0160] By configuring it in this way, appropriate opening and closing information can be accumulated. For example, it is possible to accumulate opening and closing information where the foot load (detection result of the foot load sensor 35) is within the expected range.

[0161] Furthermore, the system includes a calculation unit (data processing unit 40) that calculates the weight of the subject T based on the detection result of the foot load sensor 35, and the capacity estimation unit 60 does not store the open / close information if the calculated weight is above a predetermined threshold (step S490 shown in Figure 16).

[0162] By configuring it in this way, information regarding the opening and closing of the door 10 when the user is carrying heavy luggage can be excluded, preventing the ADL ability from being estimated to be unnecessarily low.

[0163] Furthermore, the system is further equipped with a door load sensor 31 that detects the load acting on the door 10. The data processing unit 40 detects the dependent load based on the detection result of the door load sensor 31, and the door load sensor 31 is installed in a high-load portion of the door 10 (indicated by the symbols P in Figure 3(b) and 12d in Figure 4(b)) where the load is easily applied when the subject T puts their weight on the door 10.

[0164] By configuring it in this way, the load acting on the door 10 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0165] The data processing unit 40 according to this embodiment is one form of implementation of the detection unit and calculation unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the capability estimation unit 60 according to this embodiment is one form of the estimation unit according to the present invention.

[0166] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0167] For example, although the estimation system 20 is assumed to be installed in living room 1, it is not limited to this and can be installed in any suitable location where estimation of ADL ability is desired. For example, the estimation system 20 may be installed in a residence rather than a nursing home. It is desirable that the estimation system 20 be installed in a place where the door 10 is opened and closed regardless of the season (bathroom, entrance, etc.). This allows for the acquisition of opening and closing information regardless of the season.

[0168] Furthermore, while the ability estimation unit 60 estimates ADL ability using multiple pieces of information related to ADL ability (dependent load, maximum opening degree, and opening / closing speed), the number of pieces of information used to estimate ADL ability does not necessarily have to be multiple. For example, the ability estimation unit 60 can also estimate ADL ability using only one piece of information among the dependent load, maximum opening degree, and opening / closing speed.

[0169] Furthermore, while the ability estimation unit 60 is designed to estimate the level of decline in ADL ability, it is also possible to estimate the level of increase in ADL ability. For example, the ability estimation unit 60 can estimate the level of increase by determining whether or not the dependent load is on an increasing trend.

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage process (step S480) shown in Figure 16 is used to identify individuals, but if individual identification is not necessary, the process of identifying individuals can be skipped in the storage process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0171] 10 doors 20 Estimation Systems 31 Door load sensor 33 Angle Sensor 34. Sliding door distance sensor 40 Data Processing Unit 60 Capacity Estimation Section T target audience

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects opening and closing information related to the risk of falling during door opening and closing operations, An estimation unit that estimates the subject's ADL ability using the aforementioned opening / closing information, It is equipped with, The aforementioned opening and closing information is This includes the degree to which the subject's weight is applied to the door, the maximum opening degree of the door during the opening and closing operation, and the opening and closing speed of the door, respectively. The estimation unit, The opening / closing information detected by the detection unit is stored, Based on the accumulated opening and closing information, the trend in weight distribution, the trend in maximum opening degree, and the trend in opening and closing speed are calculated, and the ADL ability of the subject is estimated based on the calculation results. The aforementioned door is Including hinged doors and sliding doors, The estimation unit, The opening and closing information is stored in three patterns: a first pattern in which the subject pushes the hinged door to open and close it, a second pattern in which the subject pulls the hinged door to open and close it, and a third pattern in which the subject opens and closes the sliding door. If the amount of weight applied is increasing in at least one of the first to third patterns, it is estimated that the ADL ability has decreased. ADL ability estimation system.

2. The estimation unit is The degree of decline in the aforementioned ADL ability is estimated in stages. ADL ability estimation system according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a foot load sensor that detects the load acting on the floor, The estimation unit, Based on the detection result of the foot load sensor, it is determined whether or not to store the opening / closing information. ADL ability estimation system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The invention further comprises a calculation unit that calculates the weight of the subject based on the detection result of the foot load sensor, The estimation unit, If the weight calculation result is above a predetermined threshold, the opening / closing information is not stored. ADL ability estimation system according to claim 3.

5. The door load sensor further comprises a door load sensor for detecting the load acting on the door, The detection unit, Based on the detection result of the door load sensor, the degree of weight applied is detected. The aforementioned door load sensor is When the subject puts their weight on the door, a high-load portion of the door that is prone to bearing weight is provided, ADL ability estimation system according to claim 1.

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