Method for providing healthcare service, server, and healthcare device

Abstract

This method for providing a healthcare service may comprise the steps of: collecting, by a healthcare device, physiological information related to a user corresponding to the healthcare device through at least one sensor; identify the user on the basis of the physiological information and a user database stored in a server; and performing, by the healthcare device, a personalized care operation corresponding to the identified user.

Description

Healthcare service provision method, server, and healthcare device

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a healthcare service providing method, a server, and a healthcare device, and more specifically, to a healthcare service providing method, a server, and a healthcare device that provide healthcare services for managing the health of users.

[0002] Healthcare devices are being developed to manage health and disease in a home healthcare environment.

[0003] For example, these healthcare devices could include smart beds that improve sleep quality, massage chairs and bed-type massagers that help relieve fatigue by relaxing stiff muscles through massage, and treadmills and stationary bikes for indoor exercise.

[0004] However, these healthcare devices may not be able to provide healthcare services optimized for actual conditions.

[0005] For example, these healthcare devices can operate by selecting from a few predefined modes. However, users may have diverse needs based on their preferences and conditions. A broad range of modes makes it difficult to provide healthcare services optimized for the actual user's condition. Users may want to tailor healthcare devices to their individual needs, but a limited mode selection approach fails to meet this need. This can prevent users from fully achieving the desired effects from healthcare devices.

[0006] Furthermore, each user may desire a healthcare service tailored to their needs. However, selecting and adjusting modes and settings individually is not only difficult, but also requires time and effort to find a combination that suits the user's preferences. Furthermore, selecting the desired combination each time requires repeated manipulation, which is inconvenient.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a healthcare service providing method, server, and healthcare device that can automatically provide personalized healthcare services to each user.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0010] A method for providing a healthcare service according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include collecting biometric information related to a user corresponding to the healthcare device through at least one sensor; identifying the user based on a user database stored in a server and the biometric information; and performing, by the healthcare device, a personalized care operation corresponding to the identified user.

[0011] A server according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include a communication unit; and a control unit that receives biometric information related to a user corresponding to a healthcare device through the communication unit, identifies the user based on the biometric information, and transmits a control command to the healthcare device, the control command instructing the healthcare device to perform a personalized care operation corresponding to the identified user.

[0012] These and / or other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a network system including a healthcare device and a server according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a control block of a server according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a process for explaining a method for providing healthcare services according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a preferred mode of an identified user in a healthcare service providing method according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing a customized mode corresponding to a change in the status of an identified user in a healthcare service providing method according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a user database stored in a server according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates the sleep status of each user in the user database stored in the server according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates outputting information on a recommended mode, hospital treatment, or health management method corresponding to a change in a user's status in a healthcare service providing method according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a control block of a healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the healthcare device according to one embodiment is a smart bed.

[0023] Figure 11 illustrates a case where the healthcare device according to one embodiment is a smart massager.

[0024] Figure 12 illustrates a case where the healthcare device according to one embodiment is a smart exercise device.

[0025] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a control block of a healthcare device according to another embodiment.

[0026] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0028] For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. For example, "at least one of A or B" can include 'A', 'B', 'A and B'. "At least one of A and B" can include 'A', 'B', 'A and B'. As another example, "at least one of A, B, or C" can include 'A', 'B', 'C', 'A and B', 'B and C', 'A and C', 'A, B, and C'. "At least one of A, B, and C" can include 'A', 'B', 'C', 'A and B', 'B and C', 'A and C', 'A, B, and C'.

[0030] In this document, the term "and / or" may include a combination of multiple related described elements or any element among multiple related described elements. For example, A, B, and / or C may include 'A', 'B', 'C', 'A and B', 'B and C', 'A and C', 'A, B, and C'.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0033] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0034] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0036] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in a memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0037] The symbols attached to each step are used to identify each step and do not indicate the order of the steps, and the steps may be performed in a different order than stated unless the context clearly indicates a specific order.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a network system including a healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a network system according to one embodiment may include a healthcare device (1), a user device (2), and / or a server (3).

[0041] A healthcare device (1) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a user device (2), a server (3) and / or other healthcare devices, a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the healthcare device (1), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the healthcare device (1).

[0042] The healthcare device (1) may be a device for managing the user's health, illness, etc. For example, the healthcare device (1) may include a smart bed (1a), a smart massager (1b), and a smart exercise device (1c). The smart bed (1a) may include a smart mattress. The smart massager (1b) may include a massage chair, a bed-type massager, etc. The smart exercise device (1c) may include a treadmill, an indoor bicycle, etc.

[0043] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a healthcare device (1), another server, and / or a user device (2). The server (3) may include at least one processor capable of processing data received from the healthcare device (1), another server, and / or the user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, a data station, etc. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0044] The server (3) can manage user accounts, register healthcare devices (1) by linking them to user accounts, and perform functions of managing or controlling the registered healthcare devices (1). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register healthcare devices (1) to the user account according to a set procedure. The healthcare devices (1) may be devices owned by the user, or may be shared devices installed in a fitness center or other healthcare service provider and used by multiple people. For example, the server (3) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) of the healthcare device (1) to a user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the healthcare device (1).

[0045] The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the healthcare device (1) and / or the server (3). The user device (2) may include a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user. The user device (2) may include at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2) and at least one memory for storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2).

[0046] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, a display device, etc.

[0047] A program for controlling the healthcare device (1), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold installed on the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0048] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and communicate with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a healthcare device (1) on the server (3).

[0049] For example, when the healthcare device (1) is operated so that the healthcare device (1) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the healthcare device (1) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the healthcare device (1) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0050] A user can control a healthcare device (1) using an application installed on a user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), a healthcare device (1) registered to the user account can be output through a user interface of the user device (2). For example, it can be displayed on a display of the user device (2). When a control command for the healthcare device (1) is input from the user device (2), the user device (2) can transmit the control command to the healthcare device (1) via the server (3).

[0051] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0052] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). A short-range wireless network is a Bluetooth TM , IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0053] An access point (AP) can connect a healthcare device (1) and / or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The healthcare device (1) and the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0054] Access Point (AP) is a Wi-Fi TM , IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth TM , IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), etc., to communicate with a healthcare device (1) and / or a user device (2), and to connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but the wireless communication method of the access point (AP) is not limited to this.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the healthcare device (1) may be directly connected to the user device (2) and / or the server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0056] The healthcare device (1) can be connected to a user device (2) and / or a server (3) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0057] For example, the healthcare device (1) may be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth). As another example, the healthcare device (1) may be connected to the user device (2) and / or the server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0058] The healthcare device (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to the user device (2) and / or the server (3) via a network. For example, the healthcare device (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to the user device (2) and / or the server (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the healthcare device (1), or periodically or in real time.

[0059] When information on operation or status is received from the healthcare device (1), the server (3) can update the stored information on the operation or status of the healthcare device (1) and transmit the updated information on the operation and / or status of the healthcare device (1) to the user device (2) via the network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information or an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0060] A healthcare device (1) can obtain various information from a user device (2) and / or a server (3) and provide the obtained information to a user. For example, the healthcare device (1) can obtain information related to the function of the healthcare device (1) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3) and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0061] The healthcare device (1) can operate according to a control command received from the user device (2) and / or the server (3). For example, if the healthcare device (1) has obtained prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to the control command of the server (3) even without user input, the healthcare device (1) can operate according to the control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the healthcare device (1) may operate according to a control command received from the user device (2) even without a user input. Here, the control command received from the healthcare device (1) and / or the user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the healthcare device (1) and / or the user device (2) or a control command based on a preset condition.

[0063] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the healthcare device (1) and / or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0064] The healthcare device (1), the user device (2), and / or the server (3) may determine control commands using artificial intelligence technology. For example, the server (3) may process information regarding the operation or status of the healthcare device (1) and information regarding the user of the user device (2) using artificial intelligence technology, and transmit the processing result or control command to the healthcare device (1) and / or the user device (2) based on the processing result.

[0065] In embodiments, the healthcare device (1) and / or the user device (2) may collect biometric information related to the user via a communication module and transmit it to the server (3). In embodiments, the biometric information related to the user may be biometric information obtained from the user or biometric information that otherwise represents the user. For example, the biometric information may be information about the user's body or may include information about the user's body.

[0066] The server (3) can receive biometric information related to each user provided from the healthcare device (1) and / or the user device (2) and build a user database in the database section. The user database may have biometric information registered for each user.

[0067] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a control block of a server according to one embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, a server (3) according to one embodiment may include a control unit (10), a communication unit (20), and a database unit (30).

[0069] The control unit (10) can be electrically connected to a communication unit (20) and a database unit (30).

[0070] The communication unit (20) can perform a connection with at least one of the healthcare device (1), the user device (2), and the server (3) through a network. The control unit (10) can obtain various information, various signals, and / or various data from the healthcare device (1), the user device (2), and the server (3) through the communication unit (20). The control unit (10) can transmit various information, various signals, and / or various data to the healthcare device (1), the user device (2), and the server (3) through the communication unit (20).

[0071] The communication unit (20) may include various communication circuits. The communication unit (20) may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. The wireless communication circuits may support various wireless communications, such as wireless local area network (LAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and / or long-distance wireless networks (e.g., cellular communication).

[0072] The control unit (10) can control components of the server (3). The control unit (10) can include a processor (11) and a memory (12). The processor (11) is hardware and can include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (11) can control components of the server (3) that are electrically connected using programs, instructions, and / or data stored in the memory (12) for the operation of the server (3). The control unit (10) can be implemented as a control circuit including circuit elements such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors. The processor (11) and the memory (12) can be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, the control unit (10) can include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories.

[0073] The memory (12) can store programs, applications, and / or data for the operation of the server (3), and can store data generated by the processor (11). The memory (12) can include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory for storing data for a long period of time. The memory (12) can include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for storing data for a short period of time or temporarily.

[0074] The control unit (10) can receive biometric information related to a user using the healthcare device (1) via the communication unit (20). The control unit (10) can identify the user based on the received biometric information. The control unit (10) can transmit a control command to the healthcare device (1) so that the healthcare device (1) performs personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user.

[0075] The control unit (10) can manage the user account of a user using the healthcare device (1). The control unit (10) can register the healthcare device (1) by linking it to the user account, and can perform a function of managing or controlling the registered healthcare device (1). The control unit (10) can register the healthcare device (1) and / or the user device (2) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the control unit (10) can link the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) of the healthcare device (1) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the healthcare device (1).

[0076] The database unit (30) may store a user database. The user database may register biometric information related to each user account of users using the healthcare device (1). The user database may include a user account DB and a biometric information DB. The user account DB and the biometric information DB may store information in a mutually related manner.

[0077] The control unit (10) can transmit a control command to the healthcare device (1) that instructs the healthcare device (1) to perform a mode preferred by an identified user among the control modes of the healthcare device (1).

[0078] The control unit (10) can determine a change in the status of the identified user by comparing the current value of biometric information related to the identified user with the previous value. The control unit (10) can transmit a control command to the healthcare device (1) that instructs the healthcare device (1) to perform a personalized care action corresponding to the change in status of the identified user.

[0079] The control unit (10) can transmit a control command to the healthcare device (1) that instructs the healthcare device (1) to output or display information regarding at least one of a recommended mode, hospital treatment, and health management method corresponding to a change in the status of the identified user.

[0080] The control unit (10) can determine a customized mode for the healthcare device (1) based on a change in the status of the identified user. The control unit (10) can transmit a control command to the healthcare device (1) so that the healthcare device (1) operates according to the customized mode. At this time, the customized mode can be at least one mode among the control modes of the healthcare device (1), or at least one mode in which one or more mode variables among the control modes are changed.

[0081] The healthcare device (1) may include a smart bed (1a), a smart massager (1b), and a smart exercise device (1c).

[0082] When the healthcare device (1) is a smart bed (1a), the control unit (10) may determine a customized mode as at least one of the control modes of the smart bed (1a) based on a change in the status of the identified user, or may determine at least one mode in which at least one of bed posture, mattress hardness, heat, humidity, and illumination is changed in the control mode.

[0083] When the healthcare device (1) is a smart massager (1b), the control unit (10) may determine a customized mode as at least one mode among the control modes of the smart massager (1b) based on a change in the status of the identified user, or may determine at least one mode in which at least one of the massage type, massage area and intensity, heating area and heating intensity, etc. is changed in the control mode.

[0084] When the healthcare device (1) is a smart exercise device (1c), the control unit (10) may determine a customized mode as at least one mode among the control modes of the smart exercise device (1c) based on a change in the status of the identified user, or may determine at least one mode changed from among the exercise type, exercise intensity, etc. in the control mode.

[0085] Therefore, the server (3) can automatically provide personalized healthcare services to each user.

[0086] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process (100) for explaining a method for providing healthcare services according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, a healthcare device (1) can collect biometric information related to a user using the healthcare device (1) through at least one sensor (102).

[0087] A healthcare device (1) can collect biometric information related to a user using the healthcare device (1) by using at least one sensor designed to collect biometric information related to the user. The at least one sensor can collect biometric information including information on at least one of height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature, fingerprints, irises, faces, veins, voice, etc.

[0088] A user can be identified (104) based on the user database stored in the server (3) and biometric information. For example, the server (3) can identify a user by comparing the biometric information with the user database stored in the database section (30) of the server (3). The server (3) can identify a user by comparing the biometric information with the biometric information registered in the user database.

[0089] The server (3) can identify a user using one or both of the following biometric information: physical characteristics such as height and weight; and biometric characteristics such as blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature, fingerprints, irises, face, veins, and voice. The server (3) can identify the user and determine whether the user is a registered user or a new user.

[0090] The healthcare device (1) can perform personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user (106). The healthcare device (1) can perform personalized care actions to provide optimized healthcare services to the identified user.

[0091] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for operating according to a user's preferred mode identified in a healthcare service provision method according to one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, the process (200) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be performed after the aforementioned operation (104), but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 4, according to process (200), the healthcare device (1) can determine a user preference mode preferred by an identified user among the control modes of the healthcare device (1) (202). The user preference mode may be the most frequently used mode among the control modes of the healthcare device (1), the most recently used mode, or the most frequently used mode during a preset period of time. Additionally, the user preference mode may be the mode last used by the user during the previous use.

[0093] The healthcare device (1) can operate according to the determined user preference mode (204).

[0094] In this way, the healthcare device (1) can perform personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user by operating according to the mode preferred by the identified user.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating according to a customized mode corresponding to a change in the status of an identified user in a healthcare service providing method according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, the current value of biometric information associated with an identified user can be compared with a previous value (302). The healthcare device (1) or server (3) can compare the current value of biometric information associated with an identified user with a previous value.

[0097] A change in the user's status can be determined based on the comparison of the current and previous values ​​of biometric information associated with the identified user (304). The healthcare device (1) or server (3) can determine the change in the user's status based on the comparison of the current and previous values ​​of biometric information associated with the identified user. Accordingly, personalized care actions corresponding to the change in the user's status can be performed based on the change in the user's status.

[0098] A customized mode for the healthcare device (1) can be determined based on the status change of the identified user (306). The healthcare device (1) or server (3) can determine the customized mode as a control mode of the healthcare device (1) corresponding to the status change of the identified user. In this case, a customized mode according to the status change may be preset for each identified user.

[0099] The customized mode may be at least one of the control modes of the healthcare device (1). The customized mode may be any one of the control modes of the healthcare device (1). The customized mode may be two or more of the control modes of the healthcare device (1). For example, if there are five control modes, the customized modes may be two modes including the first mode and the fourth mode, and three modes including the third mode, the fourth mode, and the first mode. If there are two or more customized modes, each mode may be a mode in which the modes are arranged in time series.

[0100] Additionally, the customized mode may be at least one mode in which one or more mode variables among the control modes of the healthcare device (1) have been changed. When the customized mode is the first mode, it may be a mode in which one or more of the plurality of mode variables of the first mode have been changed. When the customized mode is the first mode and the fourth mode, it may be a mode in which one or more of the plurality of mode variables of the first mode and / or the fourth mode have been changed.

[0101] For example, if the healthcare device (1) is a smart bed (1a), the customized mode may be at least one mode corresponding to a change in the status of an identified user among the control modes of the smart bed (1a). In addition, the customized mode may be at least one mode in which at least one of bed posture, mattress hardness, heat, humidity, and illumination is changed in the control mode of the smart bed (1a).

[0102] When the healthcare device (1) is a smart massager (1b), the customized mode may be at least one mode that corresponds to a change in the status of the identified user among the control modes of the smart massager (1b). In addition, the customized mode may be at least one mode in which at least one of the massage type, massage area and intensity, heating area and heating intensity is changed in the control mode of the smart massager (1b).

[0103] When the healthcare device (1) is a smart exercise device (1c), the customized mode may be at least one mode that corresponds to a change in the status of the identified user among the control modes of the smart exercise device (1c). In addition, the customized mode may be at least one mode in which at least one of the exercise type and exercise intensity is changed in the control mode of the smart exercise device (1c).

[0104] The healthcare device (1) can operate according to the determined customized mode (308).

[0105] Figure 6 illustrates a user database stored in a server according to one embodiment.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 6, the user database can store information such as height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, stress, oxygen saturation, and respiration rate by user and date.

[0107] Users are classified into user (601), user (602), and user (603) based on their user accounts.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the user (601) can be known to have a height of 168 cm, a weight of 71 kg to 72 kg, a heart rate of 60 to 70, a heart rate variability of 90 to 100, an oxygen saturation of 95% to 97%, a respiratory rate of 4 to 11, and a body temperature of 36°C.

[0109] If the identified user is a user (601), the current value of biometric information related to the user (601) is compared with a previous value registered in the user database, and a change in the user's status can be determined based on the result of the comparison. The previous value may be an average value of biometric information collected over a preset period. If the difference between the current value and the previous value of biometric information related to the user (601) is outside a preset range, the current status and change in status of the user (601) can be determined based on a combination of biometric information outside the preset range. Accordingly, the healthcare device (1) can perform personalized care actions corresponding to the change in status of the user (601), and thus can automatically provide personalized healthcare services optimized for the change in status of each user.

[0110] FIG. 7 illustrates a sleep state per user in a user database stored in a server according to one embodiment.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that for the user (601), the deep sleep time decreases and the wake-up time during sleep increases from the first day to the third day.

[0112] In this way, changes in the user's sleep state can be determined by comparing the sleep state values ​​of the biometric information related to the user (601) with previous sleep state values ​​registered in the user database. Accordingly, the healthcare device (1) can perform personalized care actions corresponding to changes in the user's (601) sleep state, thereby automatically providing personalized healthcare services optimized for each user's sleep state changes.

[0113] Figure 8 illustrates a process for outputting information regarding recommended modes, hospital treatment, or health management methods in response to changes in a user's status in a healthcare service provision method according to one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, process (400) illustrated in Figure 8 may be performed after the aforementioned operation (304), but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 8, according to process (400), at least one of a recommended mode, hospital treatment, and health management method corresponding to the identified user can be determined based on a change in the status of the identified user (402). The healthcare device (1) or server (3) can determine at least one of a recommended mode, hospital treatment, and health management method corresponding to the identified user based on a change in the status of the identified user.

[0115] The healthcare device (1) can output information on at least one of a recommended mode, hospital treatment, and health management method corresponding to the identified user (404).

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in the case of the user (601), the user experienced an increase in the number of awakenings during sleep on the third day compared to the first and second days, and the respiratory rate dropped from 11 on the first day and 14 on the second day to 4 on the third day, resulting in apnea. Accordingly, the healthcare device (1) can provide a simple stimulus to the user (601) according to the change in the user's condition, analyze the previous sleep pattern in which the user had the most stable sleep, and suggest the number of minutes before sleep and an appropriate sleep time.

[0117] In the case of the user (602), the user's condition is abnormal in that the oxygen saturation decreases from 97% to 85% in the third week compared to the second week, the respiratory rate decreases from 25 to 10, and the body temperature increases from 35°C to 38°C. Accordingly, the healthcare device (1) may suggest hospital treatment to the user (602) rather than operating according to the mode of the healthcare device (1) by considering such changes in the user's condition.

[0118] In the case of the user (603), it is assumed that the healthcare device (1) performed the stretching mode on the second day, for example. The user (603) did not experience any abnormalities in his / her condition until the second day, but on the third day, the user's (603) blood pressure increased relatively significantly from the previous day's blood pressure of 120 / 80 to 140 / 90, and the heart rate also increased relatively significantly from 62 to 70, indicating that the user's condition was abnormal. Therefore, the healthcare device (1) may consider such changes in the user's condition and suggest a meditation mode, which is a recommended mode, instead of the stretching mode performed on the second day, and then operate according to the meditation mode.

[0119] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a control block of a healthcare device according to one embodiment.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 9, a healthcare device (1) according to one embodiment

[0121] It may include at least one sensor (500), a device control unit (510), a communication unit (520), and an output unit (530).

[0122] At least one sensor (500), a communication unit (520), and an output unit (530) can be electrically connected to the device control unit (510).

[0123] At least one sensor (500) can collect biometric information related to a user using the healthcare device (1).

[0124] At least one sensor (500) may include at least one of a camera, a fingerprint sensor, an eye sensor, a face sensor, a voice sensor, a weight sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a heart rate sensor, a respiration sensor, a body temperature sensor, and a blood volume sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may further include various sensors capable of collecting biometric information related to the user. At least one sensor (500) may collect information on height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature, fingerprints, iris, face, veins, voice, and snoring sound using one sensor or a combination of sensors.

[0125] The type of sensor provided for at least one sensor (500) may vary depending on the type of healthcare device (1).

[0126] The device control unit (510) can control components of the healthcare device (1). The device control unit (510) can include a processor (511) and a memory (512). The processor (511) is hardware and can include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (511) can control components of the healthcare device (1) using programs, instructions, and / or data stored in the memory (512) for the operation of the healthcare device (1). The control unit (510) can be implemented using a control circuit including circuit elements such as capacitors, inductors, and resistors. The processor (511) and the memory (512) can be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, the device control unit (510) can include multiple processors and multiple memories.

[0127] The memory (512) can store programs, applications, and / or data for the operation of the healthcare device (1), and can store data generated by the processor (511). The memory (512) can include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory for long-term storage of data. The memory (512) can include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for short-term or temporary storage of data.

[0128] The communication unit (520) can perform a connection with at least one of another healthcare device (1), a user device (2), and a server (3) through a network. The device control unit (510) can obtain various information, various signals, and / or various data from another healthcare device (1), a user device (2), and a server (3) through the communication unit (520). The control unit (510) can transmit various information, various signals, and / or various data to another healthcare device (1), a user device (2), and a server (3) through the communication unit (520).

[0129] The communication unit (520) may include various communication circuits. The communication unit (520) may include wireless communication circuits and / or wired communication circuits. The wireless communication circuits may support various wireless communications, such as wireless local area network (LAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and / or long-distance wireless networks (e.g., cellular communication).

[0130] The output unit (530) may include components related to the output of the healthcare device (1).

[0131] The output unit (530) may include a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) module) and / or a speaker.

[0132] For example, if the healthcare device (1) is a smart bed (1a), the output unit (530) may include a bed posture control device, a mattress hardness control device, a heating device, a humidity device, a lighting device, etc., in addition to a display and / or a speaker.

[0133] In addition, if the healthcare device (1) is a smart massager (1b), the output unit (530) may include a massage device, a heating device, etc. in addition to a display and / or a speaker.

[0134] In addition, if the healthcare device (1) is a smart exercise device (1c), the output unit (530) may include an exercise intensity control device, etc. in addition to a display and / or speaker.

[0135] The device control unit (510) can transmit information collected through at least one sensor (500) to the server (3) through the communication unit (520).

[0136] The device control unit (510) can receive user identification information from the server (3) through the communication unit (520).

[0137] The device control unit (510) can control the output unit (530) to perform personalized care actions corresponding to a user identified by the user's identification information.

[0138] The device control unit (510) can receive status change information of the identified user from the server (3) through the communication unit (920).

[0139] The device control unit (510) can control the output unit (530) to perform personalized care actions corresponding to changes in the status of the identified user.

[0140] FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the healthcare device according to one embodiment is a smart bed.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 10, a smart bed (1a) may include a bed frame (600) and a smart mattress (610).

[0142] The user can lie down on a smart mattress (610) provided on a bed frame (600).

[0143] The smart bed (1a) may include, as an output unit, a bed posture control device (620) that controls the bed posture by changing the shape of the smart mattress (610) and adjusts the hardness of the smart mattress (610), a heating device (630) that provides heat to the smart mattress (610), a humidity device (640) that controls the humidity of the smart mattress (610), and an illumination device (650) that adjusts the ambient illumination of the smart bed (1a), in addition to a display and / or a speaker. However, the smart bed (1a) is not limited thereto, and may further include various devices that may bring about changes in the operation of the smart bed (1a).

[0144] The smart bed (1a) can collect biometric information related to the user, such as height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, body temperature, fingerprint, iris, face, vein, voice, snoring sound, and sleep status of the user lying on the smart mattress (610), using at least one sensor (500).

[0145] The smart bed (1a) can operate according to a user preference mode corresponding to an identified user among the control modes of the smart bed (1a). By performing the user preference mode, the smart bed (1a) can perform personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user.

[0146] The smart bed (1a) can operate in a customized mode corresponding to a change in the status of an identified user.

[0147] The smart bed (1a) can operate in a customized mode according to at least one mode corresponding to a change in the status of an identified user among the control modes of the smart bed (1a).

[0148] The smart bed (1a) can operate in a customized mode according to at least one mode in which at least one of bed posture, mattress hardness, heat, humidity, and illumination is changed in the control mode.

[0149] Accordingly, the smart bed (1a) can perform personalized care operations to provide optimized sleep care services to the identified user.

[0150] Figure 11 illustrates a case where the healthcare device according to one embodiment is a smart massager.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 11, the smart massager (1b) may include a frame (700) and a mat (710).

[0152] The user can lie down on a mat (710) provided on the frame (700).

[0153] The smart massager (1b) may include, as an output unit, a massage device (720) that can move within the mat (710) and massage a body part of the user, a heating device (730) that provides heat to the body part of the user, in addition to a display and / or a speaker. However, the output unit is not limited thereto, and may further include various devices that can bring about changes in the operation of the smart massager (1b).

[0154] The smart massager (1b) can collect biometric information such as height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, body temperature, fingerprint, iris, face, vein, and voice of a user using the smart massager (1b) by using at least one sensor (500).

[0155] The smart massager (1b) can operate according to a user preference mode corresponding to an identified user among the control modes of the smart massager (1b). By operating according to the user preference mode, the smart massager (1b) can perform personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user.

[0156] The smart massager (1b) can perform a customized mode in response to changes in the status of an identified user.

[0157] The smart massager (1b) can operate in a customized mode according to at least one mode corresponding to a change in the status of the user identified among the control modes of the smart massager (1b).

[0158] The smart massager (1b) can operate in a customized mode according to at least one mode in which one or more of the massage type, massage area and intensity, heating area and heating intensity are changed in the control mode.

[0159] Accordingly, the smart massager (1b) can perform personalized care actions to provide an optimized massage care service to the identified user.

[0160] Figure 12 illustrates a case where the healthcare device according to one embodiment is a smart exercise device.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 12, the smart exercise device (1c) may include a lower frame (800), a support frame (810), and a running belt (820) provided on the lower frame (800).

[0162] The user can run on a running belt (820) provided on the lower frame (800).

[0163] The smart exercise device (1c) may include, as an output unit, an exercise intensity control device (830) that controls a running belt (820) to control exercise intensity in addition to a display and / or speaker. However, the output unit is not limited thereto, and may further include various devices that can bring about changes in the operation of the smart exercise device (1c).

[0164] The smart exercise device (1c) can collect biometric information related to the user, such as information about the height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature, fingerprint, iris, face, veins, and voice of the user using the smart exercise device (1c), by using at least one sensor (500).

[0165] The smart exercise device (1c) can operate according to a user preference mode corresponding to an identified user among the control modes of the smart exercise device (1c). By operating according to the user preference mode, the smart exercise device (1c) can perform personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user.

[0166] The smart exercise device (1c) can perform a customized mode in response to changes in the status of the identified user.

[0167] The smart exercise device (1c) can operate in a customized mode according to at least one mode corresponding to a change in the status of the identified user among the control modes of the smart exercise device (1c).

[0168] The smart exercise device (1c) can operate in a customized mode according to at least one mode in which at least one of the exercise type and exercise intensity is changed in the control mode.

[0169] Accordingly, the smart exercise device (1c) can perform personalized care actions to provide exercise care services optimized for the identified user.

[0170] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a control block of a healthcare device according to another embodiment.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 13, a healthcare device (1′) according to another embodiment may include at least one sensor (900), a device control unit (910), and an output unit (920).

[0172] At least one sensor (900) and an output unit (920) can be electrically connected to the device control unit (910).

[0173] At least one sensor (900) can collect biometric information related to a user using the healthcare device (1′).

[0174] The device control unit (910) can identify a user based on biometric information collected through at least one sensor (900) and a user database stored in the memory (912). For example, the device control unit (910) can identify a user by comparing the biometric information with biometric information registered in the user database.

[0175] The device control unit (910) can identify a user using one or both of the following biometric information: physical characteristics such as height and weight; and biometric characteristics such as blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature, fingerprints, irises, faces, veins, and voice. The device control unit (910) can identify whether the user is a registered user or a new user.

[0176] The device control unit (910) can control the output unit (920) to perform personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user.

[0177] The device control unit (910) can determine a change in the user's status based on the result of comparing the current value and previous value of biometric information related to the identified user.

[0178] Accordingly, the healthcare device (1′) can perform personalized care operations to provide optimized healthcare services to the identified user.

[0179] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to identify a user and provide an optimized and personalized healthcare service to the identified user.

[0180] A method for providing a healthcare service according to one embodiment may include: a healthcare device (1) collecting biometric information related to a user using the healthcare device through at least one sensor (500); identifying the user based on a user database stored in a server (3) and the biometric information; and performing a personalized care operation corresponding to the identified user by the healthcare device.

[0181] Identifying the user may include identifying the user by comparing the biometric information with biometric information registered in the user database.

[0182] Performing the above personalized care operation may include performing a mode preferred by the identified user among the control modes of the healthcare device.

[0183] The method may further include comparing a current value and a previous value of biometric information related to the identified user to determine a change in the status of the identified user, and performing the personalized care operation may include performing the personalized care operation based on the change in status of the identified user.

[0184] The biometric information may include at least one of information about height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, body temperature, fingerprints, iris, face, veins, voice, and snoring sound.

[0185] The above previous value may be an average value of biometric information acquired over a preset period of time.

[0186] Performing the above personalized care action may further include guiding the identified user to at least one of a recommended mode, hospital treatment, and health management method based on a change in the status of the identified user.

[0187] The method may further include determining a customized mode for the healthcare device based on a change in the status of the identified user, and performing the personalized care operation may include performing the customized mode.

[0188] The above-mentioned customized mode may be at least one mode among the control modes of the healthcare device, or at least one mode in which one or more mode variables among the control modes are changed.

[0189] The above-mentioned customized mode may be at least one mode corresponding to a change in the status of the identified user among the control modes of the smart bed, when the healthcare device is a smart bed (1a), or at least one mode in which at least one of bed posture, mattress hardness, heat, humidity, and illumination is changed in the control mode.

[0190] The above-mentioned customized mode may be at least one mode corresponding to a change in the status of the identified user among the control modes of the smart massager, when the healthcare device is a smart massager (1b), or at least one mode in which at least one of the massage type, massage area and intensity, heating area and heating intensity is changed in the control mode.

[0191] The above-mentioned customized mode may be at least one mode corresponding to a change in the status of the identified user among the control modes of the smart exercise device, when the healthcare device is a smart exercise device, or at least one mode in which at least one of the exercise type and exercise intensity is changed in the control mode.

[0192] According to one embodiment, a server may include a communication unit (20); and a control unit (10) that receives biometric information of a user using a healthcare device through the communication unit (20), identifies the user based on the biometric information, and transmits a control command to the healthcare device so that the healthcare device performs a personalized care operation corresponding to the identified user.

[0193] The control unit can transmit a control command to the healthcare device so that the identified user can perform a preferred mode among the control modes of the healthcare device.

[0194] The control unit can compare the current value and previous value of the biometric information of the identified user to determine a change in the status of the identified user, and transmit a control command to the healthcare device to perform a personalized care action corresponding to the change in status of the identified user.

[0195] The control unit may transmit a control command to the healthcare device to guide at least one of a recommended mode, hospital treatment, and health management method corresponding to a change in the status of the identified user.

[0196] The control unit can determine a customized mode for the healthcare device based on a change in the status of the identified user, and transmit a control command to the healthcare device so that the healthcare device operates according to the customized mode.

[0197] The above-mentioned customized mode may be at least one mode among the control modes of the healthcare device, or at least one mode in which one or more mode variables among the control modes are changed.

[0198] A healthcare device according to one embodiment may include an output unit (530); a communication unit (520); at least one sensor (500) for collecting biometric information of a user; and a device control unit (510) for transmitting information collected through the at least one sensor to a server through the communication unit, receiving identification information related to the user from the server, and controlling the output unit to perform personalized care operations corresponding to the identified user.

[0199] The above device control unit may include receiving status change information of the identified user from the server and controlling the output unit to perform personalized care actions corresponding to the status change of the identified user.

[0200] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0201] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0203] As described above, some embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present disclosure can be practiced in forms other than those disclosed herein without altering the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A healthcare device collects biometric information related to a user corresponding to the healthcare device through at least one sensor; Identifying the user based on the user database stored in the server and the biometric information; A method for providing a healthcare service, comprising: the healthcare device performing personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user.

2. In paragraph 1, Identifying the above user, A method for providing a healthcare service, comprising identifying the user by comparing the biometric information with registered biometric information stored in the user database.

3. In paragraph 1, Performing the above personalized care actions includes: A method for providing a healthcare service, comprising operating according to a mode preferred by the identified user among the control modes of the healthcare device.

4. In paragraph 1, Further comprising determining a change in status of the identified user by comparing the current value and previous value of the biometric information; Performing the above personalized care actions includes: A method for providing a healthcare service, comprising performing the personalized care action based on a change in the status of the identified user.

5. In paragraph 4, A method for providing a healthcare service, wherein the biometric information includes information on at least one of height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, body temperature, fingerprints, iris, face, veins, voice, and snoring sound.

6. In paragraph 4, The above previous value is a method for providing healthcare services, which is an average value of biometric information acquired over a preset period of time.

7. In paragraph 4, Performing the above personalized care actions includes: A method for providing a healthcare service, comprising displaying information on at least one of a recommended mode, hospital treatment, and health management method to the identified user based on a change in status of the identified user.

8. In paragraph 4, Including determining a customized mode for the healthcare device based on a change in status of the identified user; Performing the above personalized care actions includes: A method for providing healthcare services, comprising operating according to the above-mentioned customized mode.

9. In paragraph 8, A method for providing a healthcare service, wherein the above-mentioned customized mode is at least one mode among a plurality of control modes of the healthcare device, or at least one mode in which one or more mode variables among the plurality of control modes are changed.

10. In paragraph 8, The above custom mode is, The above healthcare device is a smart bed, A method for providing a healthcare service, wherein at least one mode among the plurality of control modes of the smart bed corresponds to a change in the status of the identified user, or at least one mode in which at least one of the bed posture, mattress hardness, temperature, humidity, and illumination is changed among the plurality of control modes.

11. In paragraph 8, The above custom mode is, The above healthcare device is a smart massager, A method for providing a healthcare service, wherein at least one mode among the plurality of control modes of the smart massager corresponds to a change in the status of the identified user, or at least one mode in which at least one of the massage type, massage area and intensity, heating area and heating intensity is changed in the plurality of control modes.

12. In paragraph 8, The above custom mode is, The above healthcare device is a smart exercise device, A method for providing a healthcare service, wherein at least one mode among the plurality of control modes of the smart exercise device corresponds to a change in the status of the identified user, or at least one mode in which at least one of the exercise type and exercise intensity is changed among the plurality of control modes.

13. Department of Communications; and A server including a control unit that receives biometric information related to a user using a healthcare device through the communication unit, identifies the user based on the biometric information, and transmits a control command to the healthcare device that instructs the healthcare device to perform personalized care actions corresponding to the identified user.

14. In paragraph 13, The control unit is a server that transmits a control command to the healthcare device, which instructs the healthcare device to operate according to a mode preferred by the identified user among a plurality of control modes of the healthcare device.

15. In paragraph 13, The control unit is a server that compares the current value and previous value of the biometric information to determine a change in the status of the identified user, and transmits a control command to the healthcare device that instructs the healthcare device to perform a personalized care action corresponding to the change in status of the identified user.

Images