Smart defecation detection device and healthcare system including same

Abstract

A healthcare system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of smart defecation detection devices that can be attached to and detached from an object to be worn by a patient and detect defecation of the patient; a relay device for receiving detection information from the plurality of smart defecation detection devices in real time; a control server for receiving detection information of the plurality of smart defecation detection devices from the relay device in real time and comprehensively managing, on the basis of the detection information, whether a defecation event has occurred and whether the defecation event has been handled for each patient; and a reception device for receiving notification information, when it is determined on the basis of the detection information of the smart defecation detection device that a defecation event has occurred, so that an assigned manager or ward / management station in charge of a patient for whom the defecation event has occurred can know about the defecation event.

Description

Smart defecation detection device and healthcare system including the same

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a smart bowel movement detection device and a healthcare system including the same.

[0002] Patients with mobility issues, the elderly, children with certain disabilities, and infants and toddlers generally require assistance with bowel movements. However, because it's difficult for a caregiver to constantly check for bowel movements and provide assistance 24 / 7, they are often encouraged to wear disposable diapers.

[0003] However, even when using diapers to manage bowel movements, if diapers are not changed in a timely manner, secondary illnesses can occur, such as skin rashes caused by wet diapers and urinary tract infections caused by bacteria in feces, such as E. coli, dysentery, and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, in nursing homes and hospitals where many elderly and sick people live together, neglected diapers can lead to unsanitary conditions for the elderly and patients in their wards.

[0004] At this time, elderly people or patients who are prevented from using diapers will not only continue to experience discomfort, but will also inevitably feel mental stress, such as feeling shame due to other elderly people or patients in the same hospital room.

[0005] To address this, guardians or managers must continuously monitor bowel movements. However, it's not only impractical to consistently visit the individual in care (patients, elderly, etc.) for confirmation, but it's also not easily accessible. Furthermore, the workload is prohibitive for a small number of managers to continuously monitor the bowel movements of a large number of individuals. Furthermore, systematic management is difficult because monitoring and follow-up must be left to individual capabilities.

[0006] To address the above issues, prior art has disclosed a technology that wirelessly transmits a defecation / urination detection signal by attaching a disposable defecation / urination detection tag with a unique ID to a diaper, contacting it with an RFID reader to register it with the RFID reader, and then receiving the defecation / urination detection signal. However, since the prior art requires registering the defecation / urination detection tag with the RFID reader every time a diaper is changed, the workload of managers who must manage a large number of wards increases.

[0007] Moreover, since the conventional technology attaches a tag for detecting bowel movements / urination to the inside of the diaper, there is also the problem of difficulty in reuse.

[0008] The embodiments aim to monitor in real time whether a defecation event occurs for each ward without a visit from the manager in an environment where a number of ward members are managed by each manager.

[0009] In addition, when a defecation event occurs for each protected person, the purpose is to send a notification to the manager in charge of managing the protected person so that the manager in charge can quickly check the fact of the defecation event and the information of the protected person in whom the defecation event occurred.

[0010] Additionally, the purpose is to prevent neglect of the ward by checking the status of defecation event processing in real time when a defecation event occurs for each ward.

[0011] In addition, the real-time detection information, defecation event occurrence information, and defecation event processing information of each smart defecation detection device can be comprehensively managed at the ward / management station, and the information can be used to analyze defecation status and defecation-related habit information for each ward and predict defecation patterns.

[0012] In addition, the purpose is to facilitate customized management for each protected person by analyzing the optimal bathing cycle or optimal bathing time zone for each protected person based on the analyzed defecation status and defecation-related habit information and predicted defecation pattern information for each protected person.

[0013] A healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of smart defecation detection devices that are attached to and detached from a wearable object of a protected person to detect defecation of the protected person; a relay device that receives detection information from the plurality of smart defecation detection devices in real time; a control server that receives detection information of the plurality of smart defecation detection devices in real time from the relay device and comprehensively manages the occurrence of defecation events and completion of defecation event processing for each protected person based on the detection information; And, when it is determined that a defecation event has occurred based on the detection information of the smart defecation detection device, a receiving device that receives notification information so that an assignment manager or a ward / management station in charge of a ward in which the defecation event has occurred can be notified of the defecation event; wherein, in the control server, information of the ward matching each smart defecation detection device and information of an assignment manager in charge of the ward are registered, and the notification information includes information of the ward in which the defecation event has occurred and information on the time when the defecation event has occurred, and when the assignment manager completes processing of the defecation event, a defecation event processing completion signal is received by the control server.

[0014] In addition, the smart defecation detection device includes a battery unit that is provided to be rechargeable; a wireless communication unit that is provided to wirelessly communicate with the relay device; and a detection unit that detects an electrical signal according to the defecation state of the wearable object, and the electrical signal of the detection unit is characterized in that it changes by detecting at least one of ammonia, humidity, and temperature.

[0015] In addition, the smart defecation detection device is characterized in that the assignment manager replaces the wearable object in which the defecation event occurred with a new wearable object and then reattaches it.

[0016] In addition, the information of the assigned manager includes manager code information, and the control server matches the assigned manager in charge of the smart defecation detection device with a real-time working manager based on the manager's work arrival / departure information and the manager code information matched to the manager when arriving at work, and based on the manager code information matched to the smart defecation detection device where the defecation event occurred, the notification information can be transmitted to the receiving device of the matched real-time working manager.

[0017] In addition, the control server receives detection information from each of the smart defecation detection devices in real time and processes it to monitor defecation events and defecation processing status occurring in the smart defecation detection devices, and collects and analyzes the monitored information. The control server predicts defecation patterns for each protected person based on the collected and analyzed information, and recommends an optimal bathing cycle or optimal bathing time zone for each protected person based on the predicted defecation patterns for each protected person.

[0018] In addition, the control server receives detection information from each of the smart defecation detection devices in real time and processes it to monitor defecation events and defecation processing status occurring in the smart defecation detection devices, and analyzes the defecation status and defecation-related habit information of each protected person based on the monitored information, and the defecation-related habit information includes information on the history of bedsores, skin sensitivity information, and the degree of psychological sensitivity of the protected person, and the defecation event occurrence time information includes information on the remaining time from the occurrence time of the defecation event to the processing request time, and the control server can recommend and set a customized processing request time when a defecation event occurs for each protected person based on the defecation-related habit information of each protected person.

[0019] In addition, the assignment manager includes a main manager and a sub-manager, and is characterized in that if the defecation event processing completion signal is not received by the control server within a set time from the time when the notification information is transmitted to the receiving device, the notification information is transmitted to the receiving device of the sub-manager.

[0020] In an environment where multiple wards are managed by a single manager, the defecation events of each ward can be monitored in real time, and by systematically managing the handling of the defecation events, the occurrence of secondary diseases in the ward due to neglect of the defecation events can be prevented, and the self-esteem of the ward can be increased.

[0021] In an environment where multiple ward members are managed by a single manager, the unnecessary work of continuously visiting each ward to check whether a ward member has a ward member defecation event is eliminated by receiving notifications of the occurrence of a ward member defecation event through the smart ward defecation detection device in the diaper worn by each ward member.

[0022] In addition, the defecation characteristics of each protected person can be analyzed and the defecation cycle can be predicted, and the optimal bathing cycle or optimal bathing time zone can be analyzed for each protected person based on the defecation pattern of the protected person.

[0023] Additionally, in facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals that manage a large number of patients, it is possible to efficiently manage administrative staff and reduce the number of indiscriminate diaper changes, thereby reducing diaper usage.

[0024] In addition, the smart fecal detection device matched with each protected person can be continuously reused through detachment and reuse, and can also be reused through new matching with new protected persons, which has the effect of reducing the cost of fecal detection.

[0025] Moreover, based on the analysis of stool for each protected person through the smart stool detection device, consultation with the protected person and the guardian of the protected person can be facilitated and trust can be secured.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a smart bowel movement detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention attached to a diaper.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the smart defecation detection device.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a healthcare system configuration including the smart defecation detection device.

[0029] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the smart defecation detection device.

[0030] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control server illustrated in Figure 3.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an administrator terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an administrator terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing sequence of a healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device according to the present invention.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives to the embodiments are included within the scope of the patent application.

[0036] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosed form, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the technical concept.

[0037] Although terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these terms should be interpreted solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0038] When it is said that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0039] The terms used in the examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood to not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0041] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing embodiments, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiment, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0043] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are exemplary, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the matters illustrated. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the terms “includes,” “has,” and “consists of” are used in this specification, other parts may be added unless “only” is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes a case where the plural is included unless there is a specifically explicit description.

[0045] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

[0046] When describing a positional relationship, for example, when the positional relationship between two parts is described as 'on top of', 'upper part of', 'lower part of', 'next to', etc., one or more other parts may be located between the two parts, unless 'right away' or 'directly' is used.

[0047] When elements or layers are referred to as being "on" another element or layer, this includes both directly on the other element or layer, or intervening layers or elements. Like reference numerals throughout the specification refer to like elements.

[0048] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawing are shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the size and thickness of the component shown.

[0049] The individual features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and as can be fully understood by those skilled in the art, various technical connections and operations are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in a related relationship.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating a smart bowel movement detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention attached to a diaper. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the smart bowel movement detection device.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a smart defecation detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be attached to a wearable object (10) to detect defecation of a person under protection.

[0052] The above-mentioned wearable object (10) may refer to a diaper or underwear worn by the person under protection to resolve defecation issues. Specifically, the above-mentioned wearable object (10) may be a disposable diaper.

[0053] In the present invention, the person under protection refers to a person who needs protection to resolve defecation issues, such as an elderly person with difficulty moving, a seriously ill patient, a disabled child, or an infant.

[0054] The above smart defecation detection device (100) may include a detection unit (130) that detects defecation of the person under protection, a processing unit (110) that processes an electrical signal detected by the detection unit (130), and an attachment unit (150) for attaching and detaching to the wearable object (10).

[0055] For example, the sensing unit (130) may be in the form of a band. Specifically, the sensing unit (130) may be formed in the form of a band extending in the front-back direction to correspond to the defecation area of ​​the wearable object (10).

[0056] The above detection unit (130) is configured to detect the defecation status of the wearable object (10), and specifically, it can detect an electrical signal according to the defecation status.

[0057] The above detection unit (130) may be composed of an electrode layer for detecting the electrical signal, a shield layer for blocking a signal detected by an external environment other than the defecation state of the wearable object (10), and a protection layer for protecting the electrode layer and the shield layer.

[0058] In addition, the detection unit (130) can detect a defecation event by utilizing the change in electrical characteristic value when a defecation event occurs in the wearable object (10). In this case, the electrical characteristic value may refer to electrostatic capacitance.

[0059] For example, the above detection unit (130) may be a type in which the electrical characteristic value changes due to ammonia when ammonia is generated.

[0060] As another example, the sensing unit (130) may be configured such that the electrical characteristic value changes depending on the humidity when the humidity changes.

[0061] As another example, the sensing unit (130) may be of a type in which the electrical characteristic value changes according to temperature when the temperature changes.

[0062] Depending on the defecation state of the above-mentioned wearable object (10), the electrical characteristic value detected by the detection unit (130) changes, and an electrical signal according to the change in the electrical characteristic value can be transmitted to the processing unit (110).

[0063] The processing unit (110) may be configured to process a signal detected by the detection unit (130). Specifically, the processing unit (110) may receive and analyze the signal detected by the detection unit (130), determine information on whether or not there has been a bowel movement, whether or not there has been a stool, and the amount of the stool, and transmit the detection information to the relay device (200).

[0064] The above detection information may include, for example, at least one of the following information: a detected signal value, whether or not there is defecation, whether or not there is feces, the amount of feces, and the remaining battery level.

[0065] In addition, the attachment part (150) is located on one side of the detection part (130) and the processing part (110), and may be configured as a means for attaching or detaching from the wearable object (10).

[0066] The above attachment part (150) may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the detection part (130) provided in a band shape.

[0067] The above attachment portion (150) may be configured in such a way that the adhesive strength does not decrease even when the number of attachments and detachments increases. For example, the attachment portion (150) may be a Velcro means.

[0068] The smart defecation detection device (100) may be attached to the outer surface of the wearable object (10). That is, since the smart defecation detection device (100) does not directly touch the skin of the person being protected, even if it is reused, secondary infection or discomfort of the person being protected can be prevented.

[0069] In addition, since the smart defecation detection device (100) can be prevented from coming into contact with defecation when the wearable object (10) is replaced due to the occurrence of a defecation event of the protected person, the cleanliness of the smart defecation detection device (100) can be maintained. Furthermore, the manager in charge of the protected person does not need to clean the defecation detection device (100), so the workload can be reduced.

[0070] In another embodiment, the smart bowel movement detection device (100) may further include a waterproof cap (not shown) covering the exterior. Even if the smart bowel movement detection device is contaminated by feces leaking from the diaper due to the diaper's back, or by contamination of the diaper's exterior, the smart bowel movement detection device can be washed with water using the waterproof cap.

[0071] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a healthcare system configuration including the smart defecation detection device.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, a healthcare system (1) including a smart defecation detection device (100) of the present invention detects defecation in each of a plurality of smart defecation detection devices (100) attached to wearable objects of different protected persons, transmits the detected information to a relay device (200) through a communication network, and transmits the detected information and notification from the relay device (200) to a control server (300) and / or an administrator terminal (400) through a communication network, thereby collecting, analyzing, and monitoring information on the defecation status and defecation processing status of multiple protected persons in real time.

[0073] Through this, not only can the occurrence of defecation events of the protected person occurring in each smart defecation detection device (100) be quickly confirmed, allowing the manager to respond quickly, but also the defecation status of each protected person can be analyzed to analyze health and predict defecation patterns.

[0074] In addition, the healthcare system (1) above facilitates the management of multiple protected persons by one administrator, and systematically manages confirmation of protected persons' bowel movements events and real-time event processing.

[0075] The healthcare system (1) of the present invention may include a smart defecation detection device (100), a relay device (200), a control server (300), and an administrator terminal (400).

[0076] The above smart defecation detection device (100) can be communicatively connected to the relay device (200) via a first communication network, and the control server (300) can be communicatively connected to the relay device (200) via a second communication network. The administrator terminal (400) can be communicatively connected to the relay device (200) via a third communication network. In addition, the control server (300) can be communicatively connected to the administrator terminal (400) via a fourth communication network.

[0077] The above-mentioned first to fourth communication networks include wired and wireless communication networks, mobile communication networks, etc., and may be provided as a single communication network of each of these or as a composite communication network combining these.

[0078] Specifically, the first to fourth communication networks may be any one of RF communication, Bluetooth, Zigbee communication, WiFi, and LoRa communication methods.

[0079] Preferably, the first communication network may be either RF communication or Bluetooth, the second communication network may be either WiFi or data communication, and the third to fourth communication networks may be either RF communication, WiFi, or data communication.

[0080] The smart defecation detection device (100) can be connected to the relay device (200) via the first communication network. The smart defecation detection device (100) can transmit detection information detected by the detection unit (130) to the relay device (200) in real time via the first communication network.

[0081] The above relay device (200) is connected to each of a plurality of smart defecation detection devices (100) through the first communication network, and can receive detection information from each of the smart defecation detection devices (100).

[0082] The above relay device (200) is connected to the control server (300) via the second communication network, and can be equipped with identification information (protected person information, administrator information, IP, etc.) of the smart defecation detection device (100) and the relay device (200) so that the control server (300) can identify them. The relay device (200) can transmit detection information of each of the smart defecation detection devices (100) to the control server (300) in real time.

[0083] The above control server (300) is installed in, for example, a control center, a central ward station, etc., to manage a plurality of smart defecation detection devices (100) in an integrated manner, and can register and manage information about each of the plurality of smart defecation detection devices (100) and relay device (200) information.

[0084] For example, the ID information of each of the above smart defecation detection devices (100) and the information of the person under protection and the administrator corresponding to each of the above smart defecation detection devices (100) can be registered.

[0085] The above-mentioned information about the ward may include, for example, the ward's location information and the ward's name. The ward's location information may include, for example, the ward's hospital room number and bed number.

[0086] As another example, the location information of the ward may be a classroom, seat number, or GPS location.

[0087] The above administrator information may, for example, be information (name, ID, etc.) of the administrator in charge of each protected person. In this case, the administrator in charge may include information about the primary administrator in charge and the secondary administrator in charge.

[0088] As another example, the administrator information may be administrator code information. Specifically, nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities often have multiple administrators working in shifts, so the administrator in charge of each ward may change depending on the time zone. Considering this, the administrator information associated with each smart fecal detection device (100) is registered as administrator code information. Each administrator, upon arrival, matches the corresponding administrator code information during their working hours. This prevents the absence of the administrator in charge of each ward at any time zone.

[0089] Additionally, when a defecation event occurs for each ward, a notification can be sent only to the manager who is on duty.

[0090] In addition, the above-mentioned manager can be divided into a primary manager and a secondary manager, and each manager can match both the primary manager code and the secondary manager code when going to work. For example, the daily manager can be matched to the primary manager code (03) and the secondary manager code (04). That is, the daily manager can manage the defecation event of the protected person wearing the wearable object (10) to which the smart defecation detection device (100) corresponding to the primary manager code (03) is attached as the main manager, and can additionally manage the defecation event of the protected person wearing the wearable object (10) to which the smart defecation detection device (100) corresponding to the secondary manager code (04) is attached.

[0091] Therefore, even if the primary manager cannot respond immediately when a defecation event occurs for a specific protected person, the secondary manager can respond in a complementary manner, ensuring that the defecation event is always handled quickly.

[0092] The above control server (300) can recognize the identification information of each of the smart defecation detection devices (100) through the detection information transmitted from the relay device (200) and monitor the status of the smart defecation detection devices (100) in real time (whether a defecation event has occurred, remaining battery level, whether defecation event processing has been completed, etc.).

[0093] The above control server (300) can register and manage a plurality of smart defecation detection devices (100) and information on administrators in charge of managing the corresponding protected persons. The control server (300) can transmit detection information on the smart defecation detection devices (100) in real time to the administrator terminal (400) of the administrator in charge so that the administrator in charge of each smart defecation detection device (100) can monitor the status of the smart defecation detection device (100) in real time.

[0094] As another example, the relay device (200) can transmit detection information for each smart defecation detection device (100) in real time to the administrator terminal (400) of the administrator in charge through the fourth communication network.

[0095] The above control server (200) can collect, store, and manage detection information from each of a plurality of smart defecation detection devices (100) via the relay device (200). For example, the control server (200) can analyze the collected detection information through a pre-stored program or artificial intelligence-based machine learning technology to analyze defecation status and defecation-related habit information for each protected person.

[0096] For example, the above bowel movement status may refer to the number of bowel movements, bowel movement cycle, bowel movement status, etc. The above bowel movement habit information may refer to the history of bedsores, skin sensitivity information, and psychological sensitivity level of each ward.

[0097] For example, the control server (200) can analyze the health status of each protected person and predict the defecation pattern based on the analyzed information.

[0098] For example, the control server (200) can analyze and recommend optimal bathing cycles and / or optimal bathing times for each ward based on the ward's bowel movements, bowel habits, and bowel movement patterns. This allows the administrator to systematically manage each ward's bathing schedule, thereby dispersing workload and reducing workload.

[0099] In addition, the control server (200) can recommend and set a customized processing request time when a defecation event occurs for each protected person based on defecation habit information for each protected person.

[0100] The above control server (200) can process and list detection information and analysis information, etc. by protected person, by day / month / year, by event occurrence situation, by notification occurrence situation, by administrator processing situation, etc., and store and manage the same. In addition, the control server (200) can use the above data to build big data, and process the same with machine learning to manage information on protected persons and notification history where events frequently occur, thereby predicting whether an event will occur and the possibility of an event occurring by time zone, and further predicting the minimum number of administrators required by specific time zone.

[0101] Through this, nursing homes, hospitals, etc. can manage their administrative staff efficiently, prevent unnecessary waste of costs, and provide high-quality services to their wards and guardians.

[0102] The above control server (300) can output notification information to the monitoring device (380) or administrator terminal (400) of the control server (300) described below when a defecation event occurs or a defecation event is predicted during real-time monitoring. At this time, when the defecation event occurs or the defecation event is predicted, notification information notifying the occurrence of the defecation event can be transmitted to the administrator terminal (400) of the administrator in charge of the smart defecation detection device (100). At this time, the notification information can include information on the smart defecation detection device (100) that has the possibility of the defecation event occurring or defecation event occurring, information on the protected person, detection information, defecation event occurrence history, etc.

[0103] As another example, the administrator terminal (400) may directly receive detection information and notification information of the smart defecation detection device (100) from the relay device (200).

[0104] Additionally, the control server (300) can select whether to output the notification information through the monitoring device (380) or to the administrator terminal (400).

[0105] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the smart defecation detection device.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 4, the smart defecation detection device (100) may include a detection unit (130), a processing unit (110), and an attachment unit (150).

[0107] The above processing unit (110) may include a wireless communication unit (1110) that transmits a detection signal detected by the detection unit (130) to a relay device (200) to be described later, and a battery unit (1120) for supplying power. The battery unit (1120) may be of a rechargeable type.

[0108] For example, the wireless communication unit (1110) may utilize RF communication or Bluetooth communication. Preferably, the wireless communication unit (1110) utilizes RF (Radio Frequency) communication, thereby transmitting a detection signal according to the defecation status of the wearable object (10) not only at a short distance but also at a long distance. In other words, the defecation status of multiple wards can be comprehensively monitored in real time within a building consisting of multiple floors, such as a nursing home or hospital.

[0109] The above processing unit (110) may further include an output unit (1130) that displays the defecation status according to the detection signal detected by the detection unit (130). The output unit (1130) may be in the form of an LED configured to provide visual display.

[0110] The above processing unit (110) may further include a button unit (not shown) for communication for new or modified registration of the smart defecation detection device (10). When registering the smart defecation detection device (10) with the control server (300) described below, the registration process can be activated by pressing the button unit.

[0111] As another example, the output unit (1130) may be configured as an audio output unit that provides auditory display.

[0112] In addition, the smart defecation detection device (100) may be equipped to adjust the sensitivity for detecting an electrical signal according to the amount of defecation. Specifically, the smart defecation detection device (100) may be configured to determine that an electrical characteristic has changed if the electrical signal value detected in real time is greater than a set value, and the sensitivity can be adjusted by adjusting the set value.

[0113] Through this, if the amount of defecation is small, it can be determined that a defecation event has not occurred, or if necessary, it can be determined that a defecation event has occurred even if the amount of defecation is small.

[0114] As another example, the smart defecation detection device (100) may be configured to obtain information on the amount of defecation by setting a plurality of set values ​​and comparing the electrical signal value detected in real time with the plurality of set values.

[0115] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control server illustrated in Figure 3.

[0116] Referring to Fig. 5, the control server (300) may include a server unit (310) and a database unit (350). The control server (300) may be connected to a monitoring device (380) via a communication network.

[0117] The above server unit (310) may be configured as, for example, a web server, an app server, an application server integrated with a hardware or software platform for data analysis implemented based on artificial intelligence, etc.

[0118] The above database unit (350) can store and manage various information according to the processing process of the control server (300) processed by the server unit (310). At this time, the database unit (350) is included in the control server (300), but as another example, it may be provided as an independent database server.

[0119] The above monitoring device (380) may be provided as a display device, for example. The monitoring device (380) may display detection information and processing status in order to monitor the detection information and processing status of each of the smart defecation detection devices (100) in real time in conjunction with the server unit (310).

[0120] For example, the monitoring device (380) may be a personal computer (PC). As another example, the monitoring device (380) may be an integrated control display.

[0121] In addition, the monitoring device (380) and the administrator terminal (400) may be defined as “receiving devices.” That is, the receiving devices refer to all devices that receive detection information detected by the smart defecation detection devices (100) and / or defecation event information based on the detection information.

[0122] At this time, the receiving device may further include another device that receives the detection information and / or the defecation event information in addition to the monitoring device (380) and the administrator terminal (400). For example, it may be a guardian terminal registered as the guardian of the ward.

[0123] The above server unit (310) can control the overall operation of the control server (300). That is, the server unit (310) can include a control unit (312), a communication unit (314), a monitoring unit (316), an analysis processing unit (318), a data management unit (320), a smart defecation detection device management unit (322), and an event generation processing unit (324).

[0124] The above control unit (312) can control the overall operation of the control server (300) to be processed in conjunction with the relay device (200) and the administrator terminal (400). The communication unit (314) can be connected to each of the relay device (200) and the administrator terminal (400) to enable mutual communication, and can be connected to at least one monitoring device (380) to enable mutual communication.

[0125] The above smart defecation detection device management unit (322) can register and manage information of each of the smart defecation detection devices (100), for example, identification information of each smart defecation detection device (100), information on the person under protection corresponding to each smart defecation detection device (100), and information on the administrator.

[0126] The monitoring unit (316) can process the detection information of each smart defecation detection device (100) transmitted through the relay device (200) in real time to monitor. The analysis processing unit (318) can collect the detection information of each smart defecation detection device (100) to build big data, analyze the defecation status and defecation-related habit information of each protected person, and analyze and repeatedly learn the detection information to predict the defecation pattern of each protected person.

[0127] The data management unit (320) can classify, store, and manage data from each smart defecation detection device (100) using detection information, analysis information, and prediction information. For example, the data management unit (320) can store and manage the detection information, analysis information, and prediction information by statistical analysis processing by protected person, smart defecation detection device, day / month / year, defecation event occurrence status, notification occurrence status, defecation event processing completion status, etc.

[0128] The above event generation processing unit (324) can process to transmit notification information to a monitoring device (380) or an administrator terminal (400) when a defecation event occurs. In addition, when defecation event processing completion information is received from the administrator terminal (400), the above event generation processing unit (324) can process to manage the corresponding information.

[0129] The above database unit (350) can store and manage at least smart defecation detection device information (352), relay device information (354), administrator information (356), detection information (358), analysis information (360), prediction information (362), and recommendation information (364) under the control of the control unit (312).

[0130] The above recommended information (364) may be recommended information on the optimal number of baths or / and optimal bathing time for each protected person, extracted based on the detection information (358) and the prediction information (362).

[0131] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 6, the monitoring device (380) can display detection information of a pre-registered smart defecation detection device (100) in real time and can pop up notification information when an event occurs.

[0133] The above monitoring device (380) can display monitoring information (A) corresponding to each smart defecation detection device (100). The monitoring information (A) can include status identification information (381), protected person information (382, 383, 386), battery information (384), defecation event occurrence time information (385), and administrator information (387).

[0134] The above status identification information (381) may be format information that indicates the current status of the smart defecation detection device (100) at a glance. For example, the above status identification information (381) may be color information.

[0135] Specifically, the color information may include a first color indicating a state in which communication is not smooth within a set period of time, a second color indicating the occurrence of a defecation event (defecation sensing event), and a third color indicating a state in which defecation event processing is not completed even though a set period of time has elapsed since the occurrence of the defecation event. The status identification information (381) may be displayed in a color corresponding to the current state of the smart defecation detection device (100) among the first color, the second color, and the third color.

[0136] The above-mentioned protected person information (382, 383, 386) may be the protected person's hospital room number (382), bed number (383), and the protected person's name (386). Additionally, the above-mentioned protected person information (382, 383, 386) may further include the protected person's disease name, age, gender, etc.

[0137] The above battery information (384) may be information about the battery of the smart defecation detection device (100). For example, it may be information about the remaining battery percentage.

[0138] The above defecation event occurrence time information (385) may be, for example, the defecation event occurrence time or information on the elapsed time from the defecation event occurrence time. As another example, the defecation event occurrence time information (385) may be information on the remaining time until the defecation event occurrence processing request time.

[0139] The processing time required for the above defecation event may be different for each protected person based on the defecation habit information of each protected person.

[0140] In addition, the monitoring information (A) can delete the notification information when a defecation event processing completion signal is received from the administrator or smart defecation detection device (100).

[0141] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an administrator terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] The above-mentioned administrator terminal (400) may refer to a communication-capable electronic device provided by a manager in charge of multiple smart fecal detection devices (100). For example, it may be a smartphone, tablet phone, smart watch, dedicated terminal for managing smart fecal detection devices (100), smart ring, etc.

[0143] The above-mentioned administrator terminal (400) is connected to the relay device (200) or the control server (300) via a communication network, and can receive and monitor detection information from each smart defecation detection device (100) in real time. In addition, when a defecation event occurs or a defecation event is predicted, notification information is received from the relay device (200) or the control server (300), and defecation event processing of the corresponding smart defecation detection device (100) can be performed through this.

[0144] In addition, after processing the defecation event, the administrator terminal (400) can transmit defecation event processing completion information to the relay device (200) or the control server (300).

[0145] In addition, the administrator may transmit information on abnormal bowel movements of the ward to the control server (300) via the administrator terminal (400) when changing the diaper of the ward in which a bowel movement event has occurred. For example, the abnormal bowel movement information may include unusual bowel movements of the ward, such as diarrhea, bloody stool, or bedsores.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 7, it can be understood that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the administrator terminal (400) is equipped as a dedicated terminal (410) for managing a smart watch (410) or a smart bowel movement detection device (100).

[0147] When detection information and notification information of a smart defecation detection device (100) in which a defecation event has occurred are transmitted from the relay device (200) or the control server (300), the smart watch (410) or dedicated terminal (410) can output a notification on the display.

[0148] The notification output above may be at least one of an alarm notification, a text notification, and a voice notification.

[0149] The above text notification may include at least one piece of information from among whether a defecation event has occurred, information on the person under protection in whom the defecation event has occurred, the time the defecation event has occurred, and the time elapsed since the defecation event has occurred.

[0150] For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, a text notification such as “Event Notification”, Room 1011, Mr. Hong Gil-dong” may be output.

[0151] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an administrator terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 8, the administrator terminal (400) may be a smartphone (450).

[0153] When detection information and notification information of a smart defecation detection device (100) in which a defecation event has occurred are transmitted from the above relay device (200) or the above control server (300), the smartphone (450) can output a notification on the display.

[0154] The notification output above may be at least one of an alarm notification, a text notification, and a voice notification.

[0155] The above text notification may include at least one piece of information from among whether a defecation event has occurred, information on the person under protection in whom the defecation event has occurred, the time the defecation event has occurred, and the time elapsed since the defecation event has occurred.

[0156] For example, as illustrated in Figure 8, a text notification may be output that reads, ‘Room 1, Bed 1, Mr. A.’

[0157] In addition, the smartphone (450) can display a defecation event processing completion button (455) on the display. After completing defecation event processing, the administrator can press the defecation event processing completion button (455) to transmit a defecation event processing completion signal to the relay device (200) or the control server (300).

[0158] For example, the defecation event processing completion signal may be a notification deletion signal.

[0159] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing sequence of a healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device according to the present invention.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 9, the healthcare system (1) of the present invention registers information about a smart defecation detection device (100) in step S100. At this time, the information about the smart defecation detection device (100) may include ID information, protected person information, and administrator information of the smart defecation detection device (100).

[0161] The above-mentioned ward information may include the ward's hospital room and bed number, and the ward's name. The above-mentioned administrator information may include the administrator code information or administrator name information assigned to manage each ward.

[0162] In step S200, the administrator can attach the registered smart bowel movement detection device (100) to the wearable object (10) of the assigned ward, i.e., the diaper.

[0163] In step S300, the smart defecation detection device (100) can transmit detection information in real time to the relay device (200). The relay device (200) can transmit the transmitted detection information in real time to the control server (300) or the administrator terminal (400). Through the monitoring device (380) or the administrator terminal (400) of the control server (300), the administrator can monitor the detection information of each smart defecation detection device (100) in real time.

[0164] At step S400, it is possible to determine in real time whether the above detection information is greater than a set value. The set value may be a reference value for determining the occurrence of a defecation event based on the above detection information.

[0165] At this time, the sensitivity for detecting defecation can be adjusted by adjusting the above setting value by the administrator.

[0166] In addition, the above setting value can be set to multiple values, thereby determining information on the amount of feces.

[0167] In step S500, if the detection information is determined to be greater than the set value, it is determined that a defecation event has occurred, and notification information can be transmitted to the monitoring device (380) of the control server (300) or the administrator terminal (400). At this time, the administrator terminal (400) receiving the notification information may be the administrator terminal (400) of the administrator corresponding to the administrator information registered in the smart defecation detection device (100).

[0168] Additionally, if the relay device (200) or the control server (300) does not detect information on completion of defecation event processing within a set time after notification of occurrence of a defecation event, the relay device (200) or the control server (300) may additionally transmit notification information.

[0169] As another example, if the relay device (200) or the control server (300) does not detect information on completion of defecation event processing within a set time after notification of occurrence of a defecation event, the relay device (200) or the control server (300) may transmit a notification to the administrator terminal (400) of the sub-administrator registered in the smart defecation detection device (100).

[0170] At step S600, an administrator (assigned administrator) corresponding to the administrator information registered in the smart bowel movement detection device (100) can replace the wearable object (10) in which a bowel movement event occurred, i.e., the diaper, and reattach the smart bowel movement detection device (100) to the replaced diaper.

[0171] At this time, the smart defecation detection device (100) transmits detection information detected from the replaced diaper in real time, and through this, the control server (300) can obtain defecation event processing completion information.

[0172] At step S700, the control server (300) can store, manage, and analyze real-time monitoring information (detection information, defecation event occurrence information), processing information, etc.

[0173] At step S800, the control server (300) can analyze the defecation status and defecation-related habit information of each protected person based on the detection information and processing information, and can predict the defecation pattern of each protected person.

[0174] In addition, the control server (300) can analyze and recommend an optimal bathing cycle or / and optimal bathing time zone for each protected person based on the detection information, analysis information, and prediction information.

[0175] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be implemented without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain it, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0176] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A smart defecation detection device that is attached to and detached from a wearable object of the protected person, detects defecation of the protected person, and is provided in multiple units; A relay device that is communicatively connected to the smart defecation detection device through the first communication network and receives detection information from the plurality of smart defecation detection devices in real time; A control server that is connected to the relay device through a second communication network so as to be able to communicate with the relay device, receives detection information of the plurality of smart defecation detection devices in real time from the relay device, and comprehensively manages the occurrence of defecation events and completion of defecation event processing for each protected person based on the detection information; and Including a receiving device that receives notification information so that the assigned manager or ward / management station in charge of the ward in which the defecation event occurred can be notified of the defecation event when it is determined that a defecation event has occurred based on detection information of the smart defecation detection device; In the above control server, the information of the protected person matching each smart defecation detection device and the information of the assigned manager in charge of the protected person are registered. The above notification information includes information on the protected person in whom the defecation event occurred and information on the time of occurrence of the defecation event. The above-mentioned receiving device is a monitoring device connected to the control server and equipped with a display device, which displays detection information and processing status of the plurality of smart defecation detection devices; and The above-mentioned allocation manager in charge of the above-mentioned multiple smart defecation detection devices includes a manager terminal that receives detection information of the above-mentioned smart defecation detection devices and notification information when the defecation event occurs. The above administrator terminal is connected to the relay device so that it can communicate with the above control server through the third communication network and is connected to the control server so that it can communicate with the above control server through the fourth communication network. The above assignment manager, after the defecation event processing is completed, transmits the defecation event processing completion information and the defecation abnormality information of the protected person in whom the defecation event occurred to the control server through the manager terminal. The above bowel abnormality information includes the unusual bowel condition of the ward, and the unusual bowel condition of the ward includes diarrhea, bedsores, and bloody stool. The above assignment manager's information includes the manager code information, The above control server matches the assigned manager in charge of the smart defecation detection device with the manager on duty in real time based on the manager's work arrival and departure information and the manager code information matched to each manager at the time of arrival. Based on the administrator code information matched to the smart defecation detection device where the defecation event occurred, the notification information when the defecation event occurred is transmitted to the administrator terminal of the manager on duty in real time who is matched as the assigned manager in charge of the smart defecation detection device where the defecation event occurred. A healthcare system comprising a smart defecation detection device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above smart defecation detection device comprises a battery section that is provided to be rechargeable; A wireless communication unit provided to communicate wirelessly with the above relay device; Includes a sensing unit that detects an electrical signal according to the defecation status of the above-mentioned wearable object, A healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device, characterized in that the electrical signal of the above detection unit changes by detecting at least one of ammonia, humidity, and temperature.

3. In paragraph 1, A healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device, wherein the smart defecation detection device is characterized in that the assignment manager replaces the wearable object in which the defecation event occurred with a new wearable object and then reattaches it.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control server receives detection information from each smart defecation detection device in real time, processes it to monitor defecation events and defecation processing status occurring in the smart defecation detection device, and collects and analyzes the monitored information. A healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device, characterized in that the control server predicts defecation patterns for each protected person based on the collected and analyzed information, and recommends an optimal bathing cycle or optimal bathing time zone for each protected person based on the predicted defecation patterns for each protected person.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control server receives detection information from each smart defecation detection device in real time, processes it to monitor defecation events and defecation processing status occurring in the smart defecation detection device, and analyzes defecation status and defecation-related habit information for each protected person based on the monitored information. The above bowel habit information includes the history of bedsores, skin sensitivity information, and the psychological sensitivity level of the protected person. The above defecation event occurrence time information includes the remaining time information from the occurrence time of the defecation event to the processing request time, The above control server is a healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device that recommends and sets a customized processing request time when a defecation event occurs for each protected person based on defecation habit information for each protected person.

6. In paragraph 1, The above assignment managers include a primary manager and a secondary manager, A healthcare system including a smart defecation detection device, characterized in that if a signal for completion of defecation event processing is not received by the control server within a set time from the time at which the notification information is transmitted to the assigned manager in charge of the protected person in whom the defecation event occurred, the notification information is additionally transmitted to the manager terminal of the deputy manager in charge.

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