Support surface movement device, respiratory abnormality detection device, support apparatus, support surface movement method, and respiratory abnormality detection method

Abstract

A support surface movement device (30) that moves a support surface (520) for supporting the body of a user (U) comprises: a respiratory abnormality detection unit (36, 362) that detects a respiratory abnormality of the user on the support surface; and a movement control unit (37) that controls the movement of the support surface. The support surface has an upper body support part (521) for supporting the upper body of the user on the support surface. The movement control unit moves the upper body support part on the basis of a respiratory abnormality index (ABI) indicating the count of respiratory abnormalities of the user detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a prescribed period.

Description

Support surface relocation device, respiratory abnormality detection device, support equipment, support surface relocation method, and respiratory abnormality detection method

[0001] This disclosure relates to a support surface moving device, a respiratory abnormality detection device, a support device, a support surface moving method, and a respiratory abnormality detection method.

[0002] Various devices such as beds, sofas, chairs, and wheelchairs are used as support devices for the human body. Furthermore, one type of support device known is one in which the support surface for the human body is movable. For example, in reclining beds, reclining sofas, and reclining chairs, the portion of the support surface that supports the human upper body is pivotable relative to the horizontal plane.

[0003] Regarding support devices in which the support surface is configured to be movable, it has been proposed to control the movement of the support surface using a control device such as a computer. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric furniture that includes an acquisition unit that acquires signals corresponding to biological signals including the body movements of the user of the electric furniture, which includes a movable bottom, a control unit that controls the bottom according to fluctuations in the signals, and a control device.

[0004] Patent No. 6976388 specification

[0005] Conventional devices such as electric furniture disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot assist the user's breathing by moving the support surface. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not teach anything about detecting abnormal breathing in the user.

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a support surface moving device, support equipment, and support surface moving method that can provide the user with a good breathing condition.

[0007] This disclosure also aims to provide a respiratory abnormality detection device and a respiratory abnormality detection method that can effectively detect respiratory abnormalities in users.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a support surface moving device is provided for moving a support surface that supports the body of a user, comprising: a respiratory abnormality detection unit for detecting respiratory abnormalities of the user on the support surface; and a movement control unit for controlling the movement of the support surface, wherein the support surface has an upper body support portion for supporting the upper body of the user on the support surface, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support portion based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the respiratory abnormality of the user has been detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

[0009] A support device is provided that comprises a support surface and a support surface moving device of the first embodiment for moving the support surface.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for moving a support surface, which is a support surface for supporting a user's body and has an upper body support portion for supporting the user's upper body on the support surface, the method comprising: detecting a respiratory abnormality of the user on the support surface using a respiratory abnormality detection unit; and moving the upper body support portion using a movement control unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the respiratory abnormality of the user has been detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a support surface moving device for moving a support surface that supports the body of a user, comprising: a sleeping posture determination unit for determining the sleeping posture of the user on the support surface; and a movement control unit for controlling the movement of the support surface, wherein the support surface has an upper body support portion for supporting the upper body of the user on the support surface, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support portion based on the sleeping posture of the user.

[0012] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is provided, a respiratory abnormality detection device for detecting a user's respiratory abnormality, comprising: a respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires a respiratory waveform based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's breathing; and a detection unit that detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is provided, a support surface moving device for moving a support surface that supports the body of a user, comprising: a respiratory abnormality detection device according to the fifth aspect; and a movement control unit for controlling the movement of the support surface, wherein the support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the upper body of the user on the support surface, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support portion based on the detection result of the respiratory abnormality detection device.

[0014] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting a user's respiratory abnormality, comprising: acquiring a respiratory waveform using a respiratory waveform acquisition unit based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's respiration; and detecting an obstructive respiratory abnormality of the user using a detection unit based on changes in the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform.

[0015] A respiratory abnormality detection device is provided for detecting a user's respiratory abnormality, comprising: a respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires a respiratory waveform based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's respiration; and a detection unit that detects a central respiratory abnormality of the user based on the fact that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure provides a respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting a user's respiratory abnormality, comprising: acquiring a respiratory waveform using a respiratory waveform acquisition unit based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's respiration; and detecting a central respiratory abnormality of the user using a detection unit based on the fact that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased.

[0017] This disclosure provides a support surface moving device, a support device, and a support surface moving method that can provide a user on the support surface with a good breathing condition.

[0018] This disclosure provides a respiratory abnormality detection device and a respiratory abnormality detection method that can effectively detect respiratory abnormalities in users.

[0019] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are side views of a bed to which the bed base movement device is used. In Figure 1(a), the head bed base and the foot bed base are in a horizontal position. In Figure 1(b), the head bed base is in the back-raised position and the foot bed base is in a horizontal position. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement of load detectors on the bed. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a bed base movement device in one embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the process for acquiring body information. Figure 5(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the vibration of the center of gravity in accordance with the user's breathing. Figure 5(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the method of drawing the breathing waveform. Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are graphs showing how the load signal changes according to the user's sleeping posture. Figure 6(a) shows the changes in the load signal when the user is in a supine position, Figure 6(b) shows the changes in the load signal when the user is in a lateral (lateral recumbent) position, and Figure 6(c) shows the changes in the load signal when the user is in a prone (prone) position. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the method of calculating the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). Figure 8 is a table showing an example of target angle values ​​to be considered when moving the head bed for each state pattern. Figure 9 is part of a flowchart showing an example of head bed movement control performed by the bed bed movement control unit. Figure 10 is part of a flowchart showing an example of head bed movement control performed by the bed bed movement control unit. Figure 11 is part of a flowchart showing an example of head bed movement control performed by the bed bed movement control unit. Figure 12 is part of a flowchart showing an example of head bed movement control performed by the bed bed movement control unit. Figure 13 is a graph explaining the changes in the respiratory waveform in response to the occurrence of obstructive respiratory abnormalities. Figure 14 is a graph illustrating the changes in respiratory waveforms in response to the occurrence of central respiratory abnormalities. Figure 15 is a graph illustrating the process of detecting obstructive respiratory abnormalities based on changes in respiratory waveforms. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a modified respiratory abnormality detection device. Figure 17 is a graph illustrating the process of detecting central respiratory abnormalities based on changes in respiratory waveforms.

[0020] <First Embodiment> The floor plate moving device 100 (Figure 3) of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12, using the case in which the floor plate moving device 100 is used with respect to a bed 500 (Figure 1, an example of a "support device").

[0021] [Bed 500] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bed 500 to which the floor plate moving device 100 is applied has a base portion 510, a floor plate 520 (an example of a "support surface") supported by the base portion 510, and a moving mechanism 530 for moving the floor plate 520. In the following description, the long side direction (direction of the Y axis in Figure 2) and the short side direction (direction of the X axis in Figure 2) of the bed 500 and floor plate 520 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction and width direction of the bed 500 and floor plate 520, respectively.

[0022] The base portion 510 has a rectangular frame 511 in plan view and four legs 512 provided at the four corners of the frame 511.

[0023] The bed base 520 has a head-side bed base 521 (an example of an "upper body support section") on the head side of the bed 500 (the positive side in the Y-axis direction in Figure 2) and a foot-side bed base 522 on the foot side of the bed 500 (the negative side in the Y-axis direction in Figure 2).

[0024] The head-side bed plate 521 is located near the foot-side bed plate 522 and is pivotable around an axis AX1 that extends in the width direction of the bed 500. The foot-side bed plate 522 is fixed to the base portion 510.

[0025] The moving mechanism 530 is a mechanism for moving the head-side floor plate 521, and in this embodiment it is an electric cylinder. However, the moving mechanism 530 may be any actuator.

[0026] When the moving mechanism 530 is activated, the headrest floor plate 521 pivots around axis AX1 and is displaced between a horizontal position where the top surface of the headrest floor plate 521 coincides with the horizontal plane (Figure 1(a)) and a raised position where the top surface of the headrest floor plate 521 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (Figure 1(b)). In the horizontal position, the top surface of the headrest floor plate 521 and the top surface of the footrest floor plate 522 are flush. The angle of inclination of the top surface of the headrest floor plate 521 with respect to the top surface of the footrest floor plate 522 (i.e., the horizontal plane) is defined as angle θ (Figure 1(b)).

[0027] [Configuration of the floorboard moving device 100] As shown in Figure 3, the floorboard moving device 100 of this embodiment mainly comprises a load detection unit 10, a control unit (an example of a "support surface moving device") 30, and a storage unit 40. The load detection unit 10 and the control unit 30 are connected via an A / D conversion unit 20. A display unit 50, a notification unit 60, and an input unit 70 are further connected to the control unit 30. The bed 500 moving mechanism 530 is connected to the control unit 30.

[0028] The load detection unit 10 includes four load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14. Each of the load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 is a load detector that detects load using, for example, a beam-type load cell. Each of the load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 is connected to the A / D conversion unit 20 by wiring or wirelessly.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the four load detectors 11 to 14 of the load detection unit 10 are positioned below the casters C1, C2, C3, and C4 attached to the lower ends of the four legs 512 of the bed 500, respectively.

[0030] The A / D conversion unit 20 is equipped with an A / D converter that converts analog signals from the load detection unit 10 into digital signals, and is connected to the load detection unit 10 and the control unit 30 by wiring or wirelessly, respectively.

[0031] The control unit 30 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer and includes a center of gravity position calculation unit 31, a bed occupancy determination unit 32, a respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33, a sleep determination unit 34, a sleeping posture determination unit 35, a respiratory abnormality detection unit 36, and a bed plate movement control unit 37.

[0032] The storage unit 40 is a storage device that stores data used in the floor plate moving device 100, and can use, for example, a hard disk (magnetic disk). The display unit 50 is a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor that displays information output from the control unit 30. The notification unit 60 is a device that provides predetermined notifications audibly based on information from the control unit 30, such as a speaker. The input unit 70 is an interface for providing predetermined input to the control unit 30, and can be a keyboard and a mouse.

[0033] [Operation of the bed base moving device 100] The bed base moving device 100 constantly performs an information acquisition process to acquire sleep / wake information, bed in / out information, sleeping posture information, and breathing information of the user U on the bed 500. Then, it moves the bed base 520 based on the control based on the information acquired in the information acquisition process.

[0034] [Information Acquisition Process] The information acquisition process performed by the floor plate moving device 100 includes, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 4, a load detection process S101, a center of gravity position calculation process S102, a bed occupancy determination process S103, a respiratory waveform acquisition process S104, a sleep determination process S105, a sleeping posture determination process S106, and a respiratory abnormality detection process S107.

[0035] [Load Detection Process S101] In the load detection process S101, load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 are used to detect the load of the user U on the floorboard 520 (bed 500). The load of the user U on the floorboard 520 is distributed and applied to the load detectors 11 to 14 located under the four legs 512 of the bed 500, and is detected in a distributed manner by these detectors.

[0036] Each of the load detectors 11 to 14 detects the load (load change) and outputs it as an analog signal to the A / D conversion unit 20. The A / D conversion unit 20 converts the analog signal into a digital signal with a sampling period of, for example, 5 milliseconds, and outputs it as a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as "load signal") to the control unit 30. In the following, the load signals obtained by digitally converting the analog signals output from load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 in the A / D conversion unit 20 are referred to as load signals s １ s ２ s ３ s ４ It is called that.

[0037] [Center of Gravity Position Calculation Process S102] In the center of gravity position calculation process S102, the center of gravity position calculation unit 31 receives the load signal s １ s ２ s ３ s ４ Based on this, the position of the user U's center of gravity G is calculated.

[0038] The position of the center of gravity G is given by (x, y) as the position of the center of gravity G in the XY coordinate system shown in Figure 2, and the coordinates of the load detectors 11, 12, 13, and 14 are given by (X１ , Y １ ), (X ２ , Y ２ ), (X ３ , Y ３ ), (X ４ , Y ４ ), and the partial loads of the user U indicated by the load signals s １ , s ２ , s ３ , s ４ are respectively set as W １ , W ２ , W ３ , W ４ . Then, they are calculated by the following (Equation 1) and (Equation 2).

[0039]

[0040] [In-bed determination step S103] In the in-bed determination step S103, the in-bed determination unit 32 determines whether the user U is in bed on the bed board 520 based on the load applied by the user U to the bed board 520. Specifically, for example, the in-bed determination unit 32 calculates the total value of the partial loads W １ , W ２ , W ３ , W ４ . When the calculated value (hereinafter referred to as "user load W") is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH Ｗ , it is determined that the user U is in bed on the bed 500. When the user load W is less than the threshold value TH Ｗ , it is determined that the user U has left the bed 500.

[0041] Instead of or in addition to the in-bed determination based on the user load W, the in-bed determination unit 32 may perform an in-bed determination based on the center of gravity G of the user U calculated in the center of gravity position calculation step S102. Specifically, for example, when the center of gravity G has not been calculated, it may be determined that the user U has left the bed 500.

[0042] [Respiratory waveform acquisition step S104] In the respiratory waveform acquisition step S104, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 draws the respiratory waveform of the user U based on the load signals s １ to s ４ .

[0043] Human respiration occurs by moving the rib cage and diaphragm to expand and contract the lungs. During inhalation, when the lungs expand, the diaphragm moves downward, and the internal organs also move downward. Conversely, during exhalation, when the lungs contract, the diaphragm moves upward, and the internal organs also move upward. Along with this movement of the internal organs, the center of gravity G shifts slightly, and the direction of this movement is roughly in line with the direction of spinal extension (axis direction).

[0044] A "respiratory waveform" is a waveform that shows, for example, the vibration of a user's center of gravity in the direction of the user's body axis in response to their breathing, unfolded over time. One cycle of the respiratory waveform corresponds to one breath (exhalation and inhalation) by the user. The amplitude of the respiratory waveform is affected by the user's physique and breathing depth. Specifically, for example, the amplitude will be larger if the user is large or takes deep breaths, and smaller if the user is small or takes shallow breaths.

[0045] Specifically, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 draws the respiratory waveform as follows.

[0046] The respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 first receives the load signal s from the load detection unit 10. １ ~s ４ Based on this, the position of the user U's center of gravity G is calculated for each sampling time. As shown in Figure 5(a), the user U's center of gravity G vibrates in the direction of the user U's body axis UA in accordance with the user U's breathing.

[0047] The respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 then plots the respiratory waveform BW (Figure 5(b)) on the vertical axis, with the direction of the body axis UA as the vertical axis and the time axis as the horizontal axis, by plotting the distance between the position of the center of gravity G projected onto the body axis UA at each time point and the center of vibration of the vibration of the center of gravity G corresponding to respiration on the vertical axis.

[0048] Furthermore, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 does not necessarily need to actually draw the respiratory waveform; it may simply acquire data that represents the respiratory waveform. Also, instead of the respiratory waveform BW based on the movement of the center of gravity G, the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33 uses the load signal s as the waveform representing the user U's breathing. １ ~s ４Alternatively, a signal in a frequency band corresponding to the user U's breathing frequency (for example, approximately 0.2 Hz to 0.33 Hz) may be separated from any one of the signals by filtering. In addition, the breathing waveform acquisition unit 33 may acquire any signal that shows vibrations corresponding to the user U's breathing as a waveform representing the user U's breathing.

[0049] [Sleep determination process S105] In sleep determination process S105, the sleep determination unit 34 determines whether the user U is in a sleep state or a wakeful state. Specifically, the determination is made as follows.

[0050] The sleep determination unit 34 receives the load signal s according to the following (Equation 3). １ ~s ４ Standard deviation σ １ ~σ ４ The Activity Index (ACI), which is the time integral of the simple average, is calculated.

[0051] The integration time is 20 seconds here, but it is not limited to this. Standard deviation σ １ ~σ ４ Since it increases in response to the user U's body movements, the activity index ACI will be larger if the user U exhibits body movements that cause larger load changes over a longer period of time. In other words, the activity index ACI is a parameter that reflects both the magnitude of the body movement and the duration of the body movement.

[0052] The sleep determination unit 34 calculates the standard deviation σ at each sampling time in the past 20 seconds every 20 seconds. １ ~σ ４ Using the value, a new activity index ACI is calculated. Then, the calculated activity index ACI and the threshold TH ＡＣＩ Based on a comparison with the above, it is determined whether user U is in a sleep state or a wakeful state. Specifically, for example, if the activity index ACI is at threshold TH ＡＣＩ If the value is smaller than this, it is determined that user U is in a sleep state.

[0053] Note that the integration time in (Equation 3) is not limited to 20 seconds but can be any value. Also, in (Equation 3), the standard deviation σ １ ~σ ４ Instead, the standard deviation σ １ ~σ ４ Alternatively, the values ​​obtained by dividing each by the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW (Figure 5(b)) may be used. This allows the size of the user U to be determined by the standard deviation σ １ ~σ ４ The impact on size is mitigated, allowing for a more accurate calculation of ACI regardless of the user's body size.

[0054] [Sleeping posture determination process S106] In the sleeping posture determination process S106, the sleeping posture determination unit 35 determines the sleeping posture of the user U on the floorboard 520.

[0055] In this embodiment, the sleeping posture determination unit 35 determines the sleeping posture of the user U based on the following principle.

[0056] Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) all show the load signal s from the load detector 11 located at the head end of the floor plate 520. １ The waveforms shown here represent the fluctuations in response to user U's breathing. Figure 6(a) shows the waveform when user U is lying supine ("supine waveform WAs"), Figure 6(b) shows the waveform when user U is lying on their side ("lateral waveform War"), and Figure 6(c) shows the waveform when user U is lying prone ("prone waveform WAp").

[0057] In all of the supine waveforms WAs, lateral waveforms Warr, and prone waveforms WAp, the time t when user U is inhaling is... ０ From time t １ During (Inspiratory period P) １ ) in the load signal s １ The value gradually decreases, and the time t when user U is exhaling ２ From time t ３ During (exhalation period P) ３ ) in the load signal s １ It gradually increases. This is because the center of gravity G moves away from the load detector 11 during inhalation and approaches the load detector 11 during exhalation. Also, when user U is at time t １After the intake is finished, time t ２ During the period before exhalation begins (post-inhalation hold period P) ２ ), and user U at time t ３ After exhaling ends, time t ４ During the period until inhalation is disclosed (post-expiratory hold period P) ４ ) in the load signal s １ It remains approximately constant.

[0058] Here, in the prone position waveform WAp, the inspiratory period P １ Inspiratory period P of the supine waveform WAs １ Longer than the post-intake hold period P ２ The post-inspiratory hold period P of the supine waveform WAs. ２ Shorter than, expiratory period P ３ The expiratory period P of the supine waveform WAs ３ It is shorter than [the other waveform]. In other words, the prone waveform WAp has a shape in which the peak of the trough is shifted in the positive direction of the time axis compared to the supine waveform WAs. Therefore, the inspiratory period P in the prone waveform WAp is [the other waveform]. １ The slope of the falling edge in the supine waveform WAs corresponds to the inspiratory period P. １ The slope of the fall is smaller than that of the prone waveform WAp, and the expiratory period P ３ The slope of the rise in this case is the expiratory period P in the supine waveform WAs. ３ The rise in slope is greater than in the previous case. This waveform change is due to the fact that when the user U is lying prone, the rib cage is pressed against the bed surface by its own weight, which puts a load on the inhalation process and slows down the inhalation rate. The lateral position waveform WAR has an intermediate shape between the supine position waveform WAs and the prone position waveform WAp.

[0059] The sleeping posture determination unit 35 receives a load signal s １ The sleeping posture of user U is determined based on the fact that the pattern of variation changes according to the sleeping posture of user U as described above. Specifically, for example, the load signal s １ The components of the fluctuations corresponding to the user U's breathing are extracted by filtering, etc., and the inspiratory period P in the said fluctuations is obtained. １ Length, post-intake hold period P ２ Length, exhalation period P３ The user U's sleeping position is determined from the length, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, the sleeping posture can also be determined using other known methods. Specifically, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-15210 can be used.

[0061] [Respiratory abnormality detection process S107] In the respiratory abnormality detection process S107, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​detects a respiratory abnormality of user U on the bed 500 based on the respiratory waveform BW of user U acquired in the respiratory waveform acquisition process S104. Specifically, for example, it is as follows.

[0062] In this embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​acquires a respiratory abnormality index as information indicating the respiratory abnormality of user U. Hereinafter, the respiratory abnormality index will be referred to as ABI (Abnormal Breathing Index). ABI is an index that indicates the degree of respiratory abnormality of user U. In this specification and the present invention, "respiratory abnormality index" means an index that indicates the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period. The value of the "respiratory abnormality index" may be, for example, the same as the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period, or it may be a value corresponding to the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period (for example, a value obtained by multiplying the number of times the user experiences respiratory abnormalities within a predetermined period by a predetermined coefficient). In this specification and the present invention, "respiratory abnormality" includes apnea and hypopnea.

[0063] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​continuously calculates the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW (Figure 5(b)). The amplitude AM can be calculated, for example, by detecting positive peaks pp and negative peaks np through peak detection, and finding the difference between adjacent positive peaks pp and negative peaks np.

[0064] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​is also D １ The average value AV of the respiratory waveform BW amplitude AM during the period from [minutes] ago to the present (an example of the "amplitude acquisition period") is continuously calculated (Figure 7). Then, the calculated average value AV is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient A to obtain the threshold TH for respiratory abnormality detection. ＡＭIt is constantly calculated. The coefficient A can be, for example, a value greater than 0 and less than 1. The coefficient A can be appropriately determined based on the amplitude of the respiration waveform BW being reduced to what extent to be regarded as abnormal respiration. Incidentally, D １ The length of [minutes] can be arbitrarily set, but can be, for example, 10 minutes. D １ By increasing the length of [minutes], a more accurate threshold value that more strongly reflects the characteristics of the user U's respiration can be set.

[0065] The abnormal respiration detection unit 36 constantly compares the latest value of the amplitude AM of the respiration waveform BW with the latest value of the threshold TH ＡＭ When the period during which the amplitude AM is smaller than the threshold TH ＡＭ continues for D ２ [seconds], it is detected that abnormal respiration has occurred in the user U. D ２ The length of [seconds] can be arbitrarily set, but can be, for example, 10 seconds.

[0066] The abnormal respiration detection unit 36 constantly performs the above detection of abnormal respiration. And constantly or periodically, the number of occurrences of abnormal respiration in the period from D ３ [minutes] before the current time to the current time (an example of the "predetermined period") is acquired as the abnormal respiration index (ABI). That is, at a certain timing, if the number of occurrences of abnormal respiration in the past D ３ [minutes] period is X [times], the ABI at that timing is X. D ３ The length of [minutes] can be arbitrarily set, but is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0067] Incidentally, the abnormal respiration detection unit 36 may acquire, as the abnormal respiration index (ABI), a value obtained by multiplying the number of occurrences of abnormal respiration in the period from D ３ [minutes] before the current time to the current time by a predetermined coefficient. Further, the abnormal respiration detection unit 36 may calculate the median value MV of the amplitude AM of the respiration waveform BW in the period from the current time to the past D １ [minutes] instead of the average value AV. Even when using the median value MV instead of the average value AV, ABI can be acquired in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0068] [Mattress Plate Movement Step] In the mattress plate movement step, the mattress plate movement control unit 37 moves the head-side mattress plate 521 of the bed 500 and changes the angle θ of the head-side mattress plate 521 based on each piece of information acquired in the information acquisition step.

[0069] The reason why the mattress plate movement control unit 37 moves the head-side mattress plate 521 of the bed 500 is as follows.

[0070] When a breathing abnormality occurs in the user U during sleep, the airway of the user U is narrowed by being compressed by surrounding fat or the like in the vicinity of the vocal cords. At this time, if the angle θ of the head-side mattress plate 521 that supports the upper body of the user U is increased, the inclination angle of the upper body of the user U with respect to the horizontal plane also increases, and the compression by fat or the like is dispersed, and the airway expands. Thereby, it is possible to promote the improvement of the breathing state of the user U.

[0071] In view of this point, the mattress plate movement control unit 37 moves the head-side mattress plate 521 and changes the angle θ according to the value of ABI indicating the degree of breathing abnormality of the user U. Thereby, the angle θ can be increased according to the degree of breathing abnormality of the user U, and a good breathing state can be given to the user U. Increasing the angle θ of the head-side mattress plate 521 is an example of "raising the upper body support part".

[0072] In the present embodiment, the mattress plate movement control unit 37 sets the angle θ of the head-side mattress plate 521 to any one of 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30° based on the in-bed / out-of-bed information obtained in the in-bed determination step S103, the sleep / awakening information obtained in the sleep determination step S105, the sleeping posture information obtained in the sleeping posture determination step S106, and the ABI acquired in the breathing abnormality detection step S107. Specifically, for example, it is as follows.

[0073] The mattress plate movement control unit 37 of the present embodiment sets the target angle θ of the head-side mattress plate 521 Ｔ (Fig. 8) and changes the angle θ of the head-side mattress plate 521.

[0074] In the state (state pattern 1) where the in-bed / out-of-bed information is "out of bed", the target angle θ ＴThe angle becomes 0°. In this case, the floorboard movement control unit 37 operates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head-side floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 0°. That is, if the user U is not on the bed 500, the floorboard movement control unit 37 makes the head-side floorboard 521 and the foot-side floorboard 522 flush and makes the floorboard 520 a flat surface.

[0075] If the condition where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence" and the sleep / wake information is "wakeful" (state pattern 2) continues for 10 minutes or more, then the target angle θ Ｔ The angle becomes 0°. In this case, the floorboard movement control unit 37 operates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head-side floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 0°. That is, the floorboard movement control unit 37 makes the floorboard 520 a flat surface even when the user U on the bed 500 is awake.

[0076] Under the condition where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 0 or 1 (condition pattern 3), the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 is Ｔ The angle becomes 0°. In this case, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 at 0° if the angle θ is 0°, and maintains the angle θ at the same angle regardless of whether the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is 10°, 20°, or 30°. That is, under state pattern 3, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the current angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521. This is because it is desirable for the user U to be sleeping with good breathing and for the state of the floorboard 520 to remain as it is.

[0077] If the condition (condition pattern 4) where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 2 or 3 continues for 10 minutes or more, the target angle θ of the head bed base 521 Ｔ The angle becomes 10°. In this case, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 0°, the floorboard movement control unit 37 activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10°, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 10°, activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20°, and if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 20° or 30°, maintains the angle θ at that angle.

[0078] In other words, the floor plate movement control unit 37 controls the target angle θ Ｔ If the current angle θ is greater than the target angle θ, then the angle θ becomes the target angle θ Ｔ The head-side floorboard 521 is moved to achieve the following position. The floorboard movement control unit 37 also controls the target angle θ. Ｔ If the current angle θ is the same as the target angle θ, then the angle θ is the same as the target angle θ Ｔ The headboard 521 is moved so that it becomes larger than the target angle θ. Ｔ If it is equal to angle θ, then the target angle θ Ｔ This is because it is not considered to be large enough to provide a good respiratory state. In addition, the floor plate movement control unit 37 targets the angle θ Ｔ If the angle θ is smaller than the current angle θ of the head bed plate 521, the head bed plate 521 will not be moved. This is because reducing the angle θ may worsen the user U's respiratory condition (i.e., ABI).

[0079] If the condition (condition pattern 5) where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 4 or 5 continues for 10 minutes or more, the target angle θ of the head bed base 521 Ｔ The angle becomes 20°. In this case, the floorboard movement control unit 37 operates the movement mechanism 530 to move the headboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20° if the angle θ of the headboard 521 is 0° or 10°, operates the movement mechanism 530 to move the headboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30° if the angle θ of the headboard 521 is 20°, and maintains the angle θ at 30° if the angle θ of the headboard 521 is 30°.

[0080] If the condition (condition pattern 6) where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 6 or higher continues for 10 minutes or more, then the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 Ｔ The angle becomes 30°. In this case, if the angle θ of the headboard floorboard 521 is 0°, 10°, or 20°, the floorboard movement control unit 37 activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the headboard floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30°. If the angle θ of the headboard floorboard 521 is 30°, the unit maintains the angle θ at 30°.

[0081] Thus, the floorboard movement control unit 37 in this embodiment does not allow the angle θ to be greater than 30°. This is because if the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is greater than 30°, the user U's posture will become unsuitable for sleep, increasing the likelihood of the user U waking up.

[0082] Under the condition where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence," the sleep / wake information is "sleep," the sleeping position information is "lateral decubitus position," and the ABI is less than 4 (condition pattern 7), the target angle θ of the head bed base plate 521 is Ｔ The angle becomes 0°. In this case, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 at 0° if the angle θ is 0°, and maintains the angle θ at 10°, 20°, or 30° if the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is any of the angles specified. That is, under state pattern 7, the floorboard movement control unit 37 maintains the current angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521. This is because, when the user U is lying on their side, changes in the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 have a relatively large effect on the user U's posture, and therefore, maintaining the current position is prioritized.

[0083] In the bed base movement control unit 37, if the presence information is "Present," the sleep / wake information is "Sleeping," the sleeping position information is "Lateral position," and the ABI is 4 or higher (state pattern 8) continues for 10 minutes or more, the target angle θ of the head bed base 521 Ｔ The angle becomes 10°. In this case, if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 0°, the floorboard movement control unit 37 activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10°, and if the angle θ of the head floorboard 521 is 10°, 20°, or 30°, it maintains the angle θ at that angle. That is, under state pattern 8, the floorboard movement control unit 37 ensures that the current angle θ of the head floorboard is the target angle θ. Ｔ The angle θ is increased only if it is smaller than [a certain value]. In this way, the priority is to maintain the status quo, and the angle θ is increased only once when the ABI becomes large enough.

[0084] A specific example of the floorboard position control process will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 9 to 12. In this embodiment, the floorboard movement control unit 37 performs floorboard movement control based on the information acquired in the information acquisition process, which is performed by the control unit 30 in parallel with the floorboard movement process.

[0085] Note that in the flowcharts of Figures 9 to 12, the floor plate movement control unit 37 is shown with a target angle θ for simplification. Ｔ Explicit settings are not made. However, the target angle θ Ｔ The floorboard movement control unit 37 may be operated according to a flow for making explicit settings.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, the floor plate movement control unit 37 first sets the variable AN to 0 in step S201. The variable AN is a variable that indicates the angle θ of the head floor plate 521. In this specific example, the variable AN is set to 0, 1, 2, and 3 when the angle θ is 0°, 10°, 20°, and 30°, respectively.

[0087] In step S202, the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines whether the bed occupancy / exit information is "occupied". The floor plate movement control unit 37 refers to the latest determination result from the bed occupancy determination step S103.

[0088] If the bed occupancy / outing information determines that the patient is "out of bed" (S202: NO), the bed occupancy / outing control unit 37 determines whether the variable AN has a value other than 0 (step S205). If the bed occupancy / outing control unit S37 determines that the variable AN has a value other than 0 (S205: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head bed 510 until the angle θ becomes 0° (step S206). That is, if the bed occupancy / outing information is "out of bed" and the angle θ of the head bed 521 is not 0°, the bed occupancy / outing control unit 37 returns the angle θ of the head bed 521 to 0°. This process corresponds to the process under the above state pattern 1.

[0089] After step S206, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to "0" (step S207) and executes step S202 again. If the floorboard movement control unit S37 determines in step S205 that the variable AN is 0 (S205: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0090] If the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information is determined to be "occupancy" in step S202 (S202: YES), the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information is determined to be "sleep" or not (step S203). The "sleep" in step S202.

[0091] If the bed frame movement control unit 37 determines that the sleep / wake information is "awake" (S203: NO), it determines whether the state in which the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information is "occupancy" and the sleep / wake information is "awake" (state pattern 2) has continued for 10 minutes or more (step S204). If the bed frame movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 2 has continued for 10 minutes or more (step S204: YES), it determines whether the variable AN has a value other than "0" (step S205).

[0092] If the floorboard movement control unit S37 determines that the variable AN is a value other than "0" (S205: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 to move the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 0° (step S206), sets the variable AN to "0" (step S207), and repeats step S202. If the floorboard movement control unit S37 determines in step S206 that the variable AN is "0" (S205: NO), it repeats step S202.

[0093] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines in step S203 that the sleep / wake information is "sleep" (S203: YES), then in step S301 (Figure 10), it determines whether or not the sleeping posture information is "supine".

[0094] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the sleeping position information is "supine" (S301: YES), it determines in step S302 whether the ABI is 0 or 1. If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is 0 or 1 (S302: YES), it executes step S202 again. That is, under the condition (state pattern 3) where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 0 or 1, the bed base movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head bed base 521 at the current angle.

[0095] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S302 that the ABI is not 0 or 1 (S302: NO), it determines in step S303 whether the ABI is 2 or 3. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is 2 or 3 (S303: YES), it determines in step S304 whether the state in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 2 or 3 (state pattern 4) has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 4 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S304: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0096] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 4 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S304: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is 0 or not (step S305). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 0 (S305: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10° (step S306). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 1 (step S307) and executes step S202 again.

[0097] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S305 that the variable AN is not 0 (S305: NO), it determines whether the variable AN is 1 or not (step S308). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 1 (S308: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20° (step S309). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 2 (step S310) and executes step S202 again.

[0098] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S308 that the variable AN is not 1 (S308: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0099] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S303 that the ABI is not 2 or 3 (S303: NO), it determines in step S401 (Figure 11) whether the ABI is 4 or 5. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is 4 or 5 (S401: YES), it determines in step S402 whether the state (state pattern 5) in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine", and the ABI is 4 or 5 has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 5 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S402: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0100] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 5 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S402: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is 0 or 1 (step S403). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 0 or 1 (S403: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 20° (step S404). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 2 (step S405) and executes step S202 again.

[0101] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S403 that the variable AN is not 0 or 1 (S403: NO), it determines whether the variable AN is 2 (step S406). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 2 (S406: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30° (step S407). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 3 (step S408) and executes step S202 again.

[0102] If the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines in step S406 that the variable AN is not 2 (S406: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0103] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S401 that the ABI is not 4 or 5 (S401: NO), then in step S409, it determines whether the state in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "supine position", and the ABI is not any of 0 to 5 (i.e., 6 or higher) (state pattern 6) has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 6 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S409: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0104] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 6 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S409: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is other than 3 (step S410). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is other than 3 (S410: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 30° (step S411). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 3 (step S412) and executes step S202 again.

[0105] If the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines in step S410 that the variable AN is 3 (S410: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0106] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines in step S301 (Figure 10) that the sleeping position information is not "supine" (S301: NO), then in step S501 (Figure 12), it determines whether the sleeping position information is "lateral". If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the sleeping position information is not "lateral" (S501: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0107] If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines in step S501 that the sleeping position information is "lateral recumbent position" (S501: YES), it determines in step S502 whether the ABI is less than 4 (step S502). If the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the ABI is less than 4 (S502: YES), it repeats step S202. That is, under the condition (state pattern 7) where the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wakefulness information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "lateral recumbent position", and the ABI is less than 4, the bed base movement control unit 37 maintains the angle θ of the head bed base 521 at the current angle.

[0108] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S502 that the ABI is 4 or higher (S502: NO), then in step S503, it determines whether the state in which the bed presence / absence information is "bed presence", the sleep / wake information is "sleep", the sleeping position information is "lateral position", and the ABI is 4 or higher (state pattern 8) has continued for 10 minutes or more. If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 8 has not continued for 10 minutes or more (S503: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0109] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that state pattern 8 has continued for 10 minutes or more (S503: YES), it determines whether the variable AN is 0 or not (step S504). If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines that the variable AN is 0 (S504: YES), it activates the movement mechanism 530 and moves the head floorboard 521 until the angle θ becomes 10° (step S505). After that, the floorboard movement control unit 37 sets the variable AN to 1 (step S506) and executes step S202 again.

[0110] If the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in step S504 that the variable AN is not 0 (S504: NO), it executes step S202 again.

[0111] The advantageous effects of the floor plate moving device 100 of this embodiment are summarized below.

[0112] The floorboard moving device 100 of this embodiment moves the head-side floorboard 521 and changes the angle θ based on a state pattern including ABI. This makes it possible to provide the user U with a good breathing condition.

[0113] In this embodiment, the floor plate moving device 100 moves the head-side floor plate 521 to an angle θ corresponding to a certain state pattern when that state pattern continues for 10 minutes or more. Therefore, unnecessary movement of the head-side floor plate 521 due to temporary misjudgments, etc., is suppressed, and the head-side floor plate 521 can be moved stably.

[0114] In this embodiment, the floor plate moving device 100 moves the head-side floor plate 521 to an angle θ greater than the angle θ corresponding to the state pattern if a certain state pattern continues for 10 minutes or more, and then that state pattern continues again for 10 minutes or more. In this way, if no improvement in the breathing state is observed after the first change in angle θ, further changes in angle θ can be made to provide the user U with a better breathing state more accurately.

[0115] In this embodiment, the bed base moving device 100, after initially increasing the angle θ of the head bed base 521, does not move the head bed base 521 in the direction that decreases the angle θ until the user U gets out of bed 500 or the user U becomes awake. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a state in which the user U's respiratory condition is good.

[0116] The bed base moving device 100 of this embodiment moves the head bed base 521 based on a state pattern that includes sleeping posture information, and when the user U is lying on their side, the angle θ is reduced compared to when the user U is lying on their back. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the angle θ from becoming so large that it makes the user U's posture unsuitable for sleeping.

[0117] The floor plate moving device 100 of this embodiment moves from the present to the past D １ The threshold value TH for detecting respiratory abnormalities is obtained by multiplying the average value AV of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW during the period of [minutes] by a predetermined coefficient. ＡＭ Therefore, by using an appropriate threshold according to the characteristics of user U, accurate detection of respiratory abnormalities can be performed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the floor plate moving device 100 sets the amplitude AM of the user U's respiratory waveform BW to the threshold TH. ＡＭ A period shorter than D ２If the condition persists for [seconds], it is detected that a respiratory abnormality has occurred in user U. Therefore, it is possible to suppress false detections based on temporary measurement errors, etc., and to accurately detect respiratory abnormalities.

[0118] <Modification> In the above embodiment, the following modified form can also be used.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the movement control of the head-side floorboard 521 by the floorboard movement control unit 37 can be any manner in which the angle θ is changed based on the user U's ABI.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the floor plate movement control unit 37 has eight state patterns and a target angle θ corresponding to each state pattern. Ｔ The angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521 is changed based on this. However, it is not limited to this. The number of state patterns is not limited to eight, but can be any number. Also, the content of each piece of information in each state pattern, especially the ABI value, can be appropriately set to a value that corresponds to the desired control content.

[0121] Target angle θ corresponding to each state pattern Ｔ The value of can also be set arbitrarily. In the above embodiment, four values ​​between 0° and 30° in 10° increments are used, but it is not limited to these. Also, in the above embodiment, the maximum value of the angle θ achieved by floor plate movement control is set to 30°, but it is not limited to this.

[0122] The sleep determination unit 34 in the above embodiment may determine whether or not user U is in a sleep state based on the ABI value. As described above, ABI indicates the number of respiratory abnormalities that occurred in user U within a predetermined period, but respiratory abnormalities in user U usually occur when user U is in a sleep state, not when user U is awake. Therefore, for example, the sleep determination unit 34 can compare ABI with a predetermined threshold and determine that user U is in a sleep state if ABI is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be "2" as an example.

[0123] Body movements can occur during sleep, such as turning over or body movements during recovery from sleep apnea. Therefore, sleep assessments based on ABI may be more accurate than those based on ACI, which reflects the duration and magnitude of body movements.

[0124] In step S203, the bed base movement control unit 37 may, instead of using the ACI-based sleep determination result, refer to the ABI-based sleep determination result to determine whether the sleep / wake information is "sleep." Alternatively, if the bed base movement control unit 37 determines that the sleep / wake information is "wakeful" based on the ACI, it may perform a sleep / wake information determination based on the ABI. The bed base movement control unit 37 may also perform an ABI-based sleep determination using the ABI received from the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36. In this case, the bed base movement control unit 37 can be considered as part of the "sleep determination unit."

[0125] In the above embodiment, the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503 whether a predetermined state pattern has continued for 10 minutes or more. However, it is not limited to this. The floorboard movement control unit 37 may determine in each of these steps whether a predetermined state pattern has continued for a duration having a predetermined length. The length of the duration having a predetermined length is arbitrary.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines that the predetermined state pattern did not continue for 10 minutes or more if, in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503, the state pattern changes from a predetermined state pattern to another state pattern before 10 minutes have elapsed. However, it is not limited to this. The floor plate movement control unit 37 also determines that if the state pattern changes from a predetermined state pattern to another state pattern during the measurement of the 10-minute duration of the predetermined state pattern, and the target angle θ corresponding to the other state pattern is changed. Ｔ The target angle θ corresponds to a predetermined state pattern. ＴIf the above conditions are met, or if the ABI included in the other state pattern is greater than the ABI included in the predetermined state pattern, the predetermined state pattern may be considered to be continuing, and the measurement of the duration may be continued. In this case, if the predetermined state pattern and the other state pattern continue for a total of 10 minutes or more, the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines that the predetermined state pattern has continued for 10 minutes or more. In this specification and the present invention, "when the floor plate movement control unit determines that the predetermined state pattern (predetermined ABI) has continued for a predetermined duration (maintained a predetermined value)" may include cases where the determination is made in this manner. Alternatively, a plurality of state patterns (and their corresponding ABIs) including one state pattern and other state patterns may be considered as the "predetermined state pattern (predetermined value of ABI)".

[0127] In the above embodiment, the floorboard movement control unit 37 determines in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503 whether a predetermined state pattern continues for 10 minutes or more based on the measurement of the duration of the state pattern, but is not limited to this. The floorboard movement control unit 37 may, in steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503, determine each state information again 10 minutes after the start of measurement and determine that the predetermined state pattern has continued for 10 minutes or more if the predetermined state pattern is maintained. That is, the floorboard movement control unit 37 may determine that a state pattern has persisted for a predetermined duration if the state pattern at the start of a period of predetermined length matches the state pattern at the end of that period. Such a determination may be made by performing the process of determining the state pattern in 10-minute cycles and determining whether the determination result at one timing matches the determination result at the next timing. In this specification and the present invention, "when the floor plate movement control unit determines that a predetermined state pattern (a predetermined ABI) has continued for a predetermined duration (maintained a predetermined value)" may include cases where the determination is made in such a manner.

[0128] The floor plate movement control unit 37 in the above embodiment does not have to perform at least one of steps S204, S304, S402, S409, and S503. That is, it may perform the processing when it is determined that a predetermined state pattern has continued for a predetermined period of time, without determining whether a predetermined state pattern has continued for a predetermined period of time.

[0129] The floor plate movement control unit 37 in the above embodiment determines the target angle θ based on the fact that the sleeping posture information is "supine position" and the continuation of the state pattern. Ｔ If the current angle θ is equal to the determined target angle θ, then the angle θ is equal to the target angle θ. Ｔ The headboard 521 is moved so that it becomes larger than the specified value. However, it is not limited to this. The floorboard movement control unit 37 in the above embodiment determines the target angle θ based on the continuation of the state pattern. Ｔ If the value is equal to the current angle θ, the angle θ may be kept at its current value. Note that the target angle θ is determined based on the sleeping position information being "supine" and the continuation of the state pattern. Ｔ If the angle is equal to the current angle θ, this is an example of a case where the floor plate movement control unit 37 determines that a certain state pattern has continued for a predetermined duration and changes the angle θ, and then determines that the pattern has continued (maintained) again for a predetermined duration.

[0130] The floor plate movement control unit 37 in the above embodiment determines the target angle θ based on the fact that the sleeping posture information is "lateral position" and the continuation of the state pattern. Ｔ If the angle is equal to the current angle θ, the angle θ is maintained at its current value. However, it is not limited to this. The floor plate movement control unit 37 determines the target angle θ based on the fact that the sleeping position information is "lateral position" and the continuation of the state pattern. Ｔ When the current angle θ is equal to the target angle θ, the angle θ is determined to be the target angle θ. Ｔ The headboard 521 may be moved to make it larger than the above.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the floor plate movement control unit 37, after initially increasing the angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521, changes the state pattern and targets the angle θ ＴEven if the angle θ becomes smaller, the head-side floor plate 521 will not move to reduce the angle θ. However, this is not limited to this. The floor plate movement control unit 37 will move the floor plate when the state pattern changes and the target angle θ Ｔ If the angle becomes smaller, the headboard 521 may be moved so that the angle θ becomes smaller.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the floorboard movement control unit 37 starts floorboard movement control from a state where the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is 0°, and increases the angle θ in accordance with the change in the state pattern, specifically, the increase in ABI. However, it is not limited to this. The floorboard movement control unit 37 may also start floorboard movement control from a state where the angle θ of the head-side floorboard 521 is a predetermined angle other than 0° (for example, 30°), and decrease the angle θ in accordance with the change in the state pattern, specifically, the decrease in ABI. In this case, the tilted head-side floorboard 521 when the control is released can provide the user U with a good breathing state. Furthermore, by decreasing the angle θ in accordance with the breathing state, the user U can be placed in a posture more suitable for sleep.

[0133] In the above embodiment, at least one of the bed occupancy / out-of-bed information, sleep / wake information, and sleeping posture information may be excluded from the state pattern. That is, the bed base movement control unit 37 may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based only on ABI, or it may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based on ABI and at least one determination result from the bed occupancy determination unit 32, sleep determination unit 34, and sleeping posture determination unit 35. With regard to the movement control of the head bed base 521 based on ABI, embodiments in which "state pattern" is replaced with "ABI" in each of the above descriptions can be realized. For example, the determination of duration in step S204 of the above embodiment is a determination of whether or not the ABI has maintained a predetermined value for a predetermined duration. In this case, the "predetermined value" may be a single value or a value within a predetermined range. Configurations related to information not used for bed base movement control may be omitted as appropriate.

[0134] In the above embodiment, at least one of the bed presence / absence information, sleep / wakefulness information, and ABI may be excluded from the state pattern. That is, the bed base movement control unit 37 may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based only on the sleeping posture information, or it may control the movement of the head bed base 521 based on the sleeping posture information and at least one determination / detection result from the bed presence determination unit 32, the sleep determination unit 34, and the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36.

[0135] When the bed base movement control unit 37 controls the movement of the head bed base 521 based on sleeping posture information, for example, if the sleeping posture information is "supine," the angle θ is set to a first angle (20° as an example), and if the sleeping posture information is "lateral," the angle θ is set to a second angle smaller than the first angle (10° as an example). This allows the angle θ to be set relatively large when the user U is in a supine position, making it less likely for the user U's airway to be compressed and providing the user U with a good breathing state. Also, when the user U is in a lateral position, the angle θ can be set relatively small to make the user U's posture suitable for sleeping. When the user is in a lateral position, the airway is less likely to be compressed compared to when the user is in a supine position, so even if the angle θ is the second angle, the user U can be provided with a good breathing state.

[0136] In the floorboard moving device 100 of the above embodiment, the method for detecting the user U's respiratory abnormality is arbitrary. For example, the user U's respiratory abnormality may be detected by a respiratory sensor attached to the user U. Alternatively, information indicating the user U's position, whether or not there is body movement, posture, and / or sleeping posture may be acquired based on images captured by an imaging device.

[0137] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment of the floorboard moving device 200 (Figure 3) of this disclosure includes a respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 instead of a respiratory abnormality detection unit 36. In other respects, there are no differences between the floorboard moving device 100 of the first embodiment and the floorboard moving device 200 of the second embodiment. The following description will focus on the differences between the floorboard moving device 200 of the second embodiment and the floorboard moving device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0138] In the respiratory abnormality detection step S107, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects a respiratory abnormality of user U on the bed 500 based on the user U's respiratory waveform BW, and then determines whether the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the slope of the respiratory waveform BW. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 then obtains the ABI (Abdominal Biology Index) based on the number of obstructive respiratory abnormalities that occurred within a predetermined period. In other words, in the second embodiment, the ABI is an index that indicates the degree of the obstructive respiratory abnormality of user U.

[0139] Here, obstructive respiratory disorder refers to a respiratory disorder caused by obstruction of the user's airway. When user U experiences obstructive respiratory disorder, the respiratory center in user U's brain sends normal respiratory commands, and user U's diaphragm moves in accordance with the respiratory commands. However, because user U's airway is obstructed, user U's lungs are unable to take in a sufficient amount of oxygen. In this specification and the present invention, "obstructive respiratory disorder" includes obstructive apnea and obstructive hypopnea.

[0140] Furthermore, there is a type of respiratory abnormality that differs from obstructive respiratory abnormalities: central respiratory abnormalities. Central respiratory abnormalities are respiratory abnormalities caused by the respiratory center in the user's brain ceasing to issue normal respiratory commands. When user U has a central respiratory abnormality, the respiratory center in user U's brain does not issue normal respiratory commands, and user U's diaphragm does not exhibit normal movement. Specifically, for example, the respiratory center in user U's brain does not issue respiratory commands, and user U's diaphragm is stopped. Therefore, user U's lungs are unable to take in a sufficient amount of oxygen. In this specification and the present invention, "central respiratory abnormalities" include central apnea and central hypopnea.

[0141] Furthermore, obstructive respiratory abnormalities and central respiratory abnormalities can occur simultaneously. That is, they can occur when user U's airway is obstructed and user U's brain's respiratory center is not issuing normal respiratory commands.

[0142] The operation of the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 in the respiratory abnormality detection process S107 is specifically as follows:

[0143] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 first sets a threshold TH for respiratory abnormality detection, similar to the respiratory abnormality detection unit 36 ​​in the first embodiment. ＡＭ It constantly calculates the latest value of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW and the threshold TH. ＡＭ It constantly compares with the latest value. Then, the amplitude AM is the threshold TH ＡＭ A period shorter than D ２ [seconds] If this continues, it is detected that a respiratory abnormality has occurred in user U. ２ The length of [seconds] can be set arbitrarily, but one example is 10 seconds.

[0144] If the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects that a respiratory abnormality has occurred in the user U, it determines whether or not the respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 makes this determination based on the following principle.

[0145] According to the inventors' findings, when user U experiences obstructive respiratory abnormalities, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW decreases, and the distance between peaks in the respiratory waveform BW increases. That is, the time required for inspiration and expiration increases, and the respiratory rate decreases. Figure 13 shows how the respiratory waveform BW changes when user U experiences obstructive apnea. Note that, unlike the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 5(b), the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13 rises during inspiration and falls during expiration. That is, the positive and negative signs of the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13 and the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 5(b) are reversed relative to each other. However, the information that can be read from both waveforms is substantially the same.

[0146] As shown in Figure 13, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW during the period when user U's respiratory status is normal is called the slope angle α. Ｎ The interval between two adjacent positive peaks pp or two adjacent negative peaks np is defined as the peak interval PI. Ｎ The interval between the end of exhalation and the start of the next inhalation is called the interval INT. Ｎ Furthermore, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW during the period when user U's respiratory state is obstructive apnea is defined as the slope angle α. ＯＡ The interval between two adjacent positive peaks pp or two adjacent negative peaks np is defined as the peak interval PI. ＯＡ The interval between the end of exhalation and the start of the next inhalation is called the interval INT.ＯＡ Let's assume that the inclination angle α is correct. Ｎ The inclination angle is α ＯＡ Larger. Peak interval PI Ｎ The peak interval PI ＯＡ Smaller than. Interval INT Ｎ is interval INT ＯＡ It is smaller than that.

[0147] In this disclosure and the present invention, "waveform slope" means the angle (acute angle) between the rising or falling portion of the waveform and the time axis. Specifically, the waveform slope may be, for example, the angle between the line segment connecting the negative peak np and the positive peak pp and the time axis. Alternatively, it may be the angle between the time axis and the approximation line of the rising or falling portion of the waveform (for example, an approximation line by the least squares method). Alternatively, it may be the angle between the time axis and the tangent line near the center in the amplitude direction of the rising or falling portion of the waveform.

[0148] Furthermore, the slope angle α is the magnitude of the slope of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period when the user U's respiratory state changes between normal and obstructive apnea. Ｔ The interval between two adjacent positive peaks pp or two adjacent negative peaks np is defined as the peak interval PI. Ｔ The interval between the end of exhalation and the start of the next inhalation is called the interval INT. Ｔ Let's assume that the inclination angle α is correct. Ｔ The inclination angle is α Ｎ Smaller tilt angle α ＯＡ Larger than. Peak interval PI Ｔ The peak interval PI Ｎ Larger peak interval PI ＯＡ Smaller than. Interval INT Ｔ Interval INT Ｎ Larger interval INT ＯＡ It is smaller than that.

[0149] Inclination angle α ＴDuring the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from normal to obstructive apnea, the peak interval PI gradually decreases over time, and during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from obstructive apnea to normal, the peak interval PI gradually increases over time. Ｔ During the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from normal to obstructive apnea, the interval gradually increases over time, and during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from obstructive apnea to normal, the interval gradually decreases over time. Ｔ During the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from normal to obstructive apnea, the value gradually increases over time, and during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes from obstructive apnea to normal, the value gradually decreases over time.

[0150] According to the inventors' findings, when a user U experiences a central respiratory disorder, the slope of the respiratory waveform BW remains constant, the peak interval of the respiratory waveform BW remains constant, and the peak (amplitude) of the respiratory waveform BW decreases. That is, the time required for inspiration and expiration remains constant, while the depth of breathing decreases. Figure 14 shows how the respiratory waveform BW changes when a user U experiences central apnea.

[0151] As shown in Figure 14, during periods when user U's respiratory state is central apnea, the respiratory waveform BW shows almost no oscillation. This is because no signals are being sent from the brain's respiratory center, and the diaphragm (and consequently the internal organs) does not move.

[0152] Furthermore, the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period in which user U's respiratory state changes between normal and central apnea. Ｔ This is approximately constant throughout the transition period, and the slope angle α Ｎ This is approximately equivalent to the peak interval PI of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes between normal and central apnea. Ｔ It remains approximately constant throughout the transition period, and the peak interval PI Ｎ This is approximately equivalent to the interval INT of the respiratory waveform BW during the transition period when user U's respiratory state changes between normal and central apnea. ＴIt is approximately constant throughout the transition period, and interval INT Ｎ It is equal to.

[0153] According to the inventors' findings of the present invention, as described above, if the respiratory abnormality experienced by user U is an obstructive respiratory abnormality, the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW decreases, the peak interval lengthens, and the interval lengthens. On the other hand, if the respiratory abnormality experienced by user U is a central respiratory abnormality, the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW does not decrease, and the peak interval and interval remain unchanged. Furthermore, among the changes in the respiratory waveform BW when an obstructive respiratory abnormality occurs, the decrease in the slope angle is more pronounced than the lengthening of the peak interval and the lengthening of the interval. Therefore, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 of this embodiment determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the change in the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW.

[0154] In the above explanation, the change in the respiratory waveform BW when an obstructive respiratory disorder occurs was described using the slope angle of the rising portion of the respiratory waveform BW as an example. However, a similar change occurs in the slope angle of the falling portion of the respiratory waveform BW. Although not shown in the schematic diagram Figure 13, the increase in the time required for inspiration and the increase in the time required for expiration that occurs with the occurrence of an obstructive respiratory disorder are more pronounced in the case of the increase in the time required for inspiration than in the increase in the time required for expiration. Therefore, the respiratory disorder detection unit 362 can make a more favorable determination by using the slope angle of the portion of the respiratory waveform BW that shows the change in response to inspiration. The change in the respiratory waveform BW in response to inspiration is the rising portion in the case of the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13, and the falling portion in the case of the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 5(b).

[0155] An example of the specific procedure for making a determination will be explained using the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 15. Similar to the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 13, the respiratory waveform BW in Figure 15 rises when the user U inhales and the center of gravity G moves toward the legs, and falls when the user U exhales and the center of gravity G moves toward the head.

[0156] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 first detects a respiratory abnormality in the user U, as shown in Figure 15, and then determines the respiratory abnormality period P ＡＢ Identify the duration of respiratory abnormality P ＡＢ , abnormal breathing period PＡＢ The period immediately preceding P ＤＢ , and the period of respiratory abnormality P ＡＢ The period immediately following P ＤＡ The period P for evaluation ＯＢ Set it as follows.

[0157] Abnormal breathing period P ＡＢ For example, if the amplitude AM is the threshold TH ＡＭ This is the period during which it is smaller than the preceding period P. ＤＢ and the immediately following period P ＤＡ For example, this can be set to include the transition period shown in Figure 13. In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality period P ＡＢ and the immediately preceding period P ＤＢ These are continuous without any intervals, and the respiratory abnormality period P ＡＢ and immediately following period P ＤＡ These are continuous without any gaps, but are not limited to this.

[0158] Next, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines the judgment target period P ＯＢ The slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW is calculated for each peak of the respiratory waveform BW. At this time, the slope angle α may be calculated using the rising portion of the respiratory waveform BW, or it may be calculated using the falling portion of the respiratory waveform BW (however, a more favorable determination can be made by using the slope angle α of the rising portion, i.e., the portion that shows fluctuations corresponding to inspiration). Then, each of the calculated slope angles α is compared with the threshold THα, and if at least one of the slope angles α is smaller than the threshold THα, it is determined that the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality.

[0159] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 continuously performs the detection of the above-mentioned respiratory abnormality and determines whether or not it is an obstructive respiratory abnormality. Then, continuously or periodically, from the present time D ３ The number of occurrences of obstructive respiratory abnormalities during the period from [minutes] ago to the present (an example of a "predetermined period") is obtained as the respiratory abnormality index (ABI). The bed base movement control unit 37 refers to this ABI during the bed base movement process.

[0160] Thus, in the second embodiment of the bed base moving device 200, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 acquires the ABI based on the number of times the user U has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities, and the bed base moving control unit 37 uses the ABI to perform the bed base moving process. Here, the movement of the head bed base 521 is performed to improve the condition of the user U's airway, and has the effect of promoting improvement in the user U's respiratory condition when the user U's respiratory abnormality is obstructive respiratory abnormality. By performing the bed base moving process using the ABI based on the number of times obstructive respiratory abnormalities have occurred, the second embodiment of the bed base moving device 200 can more effectively suppress unnecessary movement of the head bed base and move the head bed base 521 more favorably.

[0161] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the bed base movement device 200, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines that the user U has an obstructive respiratory abnormality if both obstructive and central respiratory abnormalities are present in the user U. This is because, when the user U has an obstructive respiratory abnormality, changes occur in the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW, etc., regardless of whether or not central respiratory abnormalities are also present. Therefore, the bed base movement control device 200 of the second embodiment can acquire an ABI that is in line with the occurrence of obstructive respiratory abnormalities, regardless of whether or not central respiratory abnormalities are also present, and move the head bed base 521 more favorably.

[0162] <Modification> In the second embodiment, the following modifications may also be used. In addition to the modifications described below, the modifications described above with respect to the first embodiment may also be used in the second embodiment.

[0163] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 can detect the user U's obstructive respiratory abnormality by any method based on the change in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW. Specifically, for example, it can be as follows:

[0164] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines the immediately preceding period P ＤＢ , abnormal breathing period P ＡＢ , and the immediately following period P ＤＡ The period that includes all of the above is the period to be judged P. ＯＢ The setting is as follows, but is not limited to this. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects the immediately preceding period P ＤＢ , abnormal breathing period PＡＢ , and the immediately following period P ＤＡ At least one of the following is determined during the period P ＯＢ You can set it as such.

[0165] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines the period P ＯＢ If at least one of the multiple slope angles α obtained based on the respiratory waveform BW contained in is smaller than the threshold THα, the detected respiratory abnormality is determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality. However, it is not limited to this. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines during the determination period P ＯＢ If at least several, or all, of the multiple slope angles α obtained based on the respiratory waveform BW contained in the data are smaller than the threshold THα, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality.

[0166] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects the immediately preceding period P ＤＢ The slope of the respiratory waveform BW decreases over time, and / or during the immediate period P ＤＡ A respiratory abnormality detected based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform BW increases over time may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality. Specifically, for example, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines that the respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the preceding period P ＤＢ If the slope angle α of two or more adjacent peaks in the respiratory waveform BW increases over time, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality.

[0167] The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 may detect obstructive respiratory abnormalities of the user U based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform BW, as well as changes in the peak interval PI (Figure 15) of the respiratory waveform BW and / or changes in the interval INT (Figure 15) of the respiratory waveform BW. Specifically, for example, during the judgment period P ＯＢ Based on the respiratory waveform BW included, at least one of the multiple slope angles α obtained is smaller than the threshold THα, and the judgment period P ＯＢ At least one of the multiple peak intervals PI obtained based on the respiratory waveform BW contained in is the threshold TH ＰＩ If it is greater than and / or during the period P of the determination ＯＢAt least one of the multiple intervals INT obtained based on the respiratory waveform BW contained in is threshold TH ＩＮＴ If the value is greater than this, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be an obstructive respiratory abnormality. Specifically, the length of the interval INT can be calculated, for example, as the period from when the displacement of the respiratory waveform BW becomes a predetermined percentage (e.g., 95%) or more of the displacement at the negative peak until it becomes less than that predetermined percentage.

[0168] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines the period P ＯＢ In this case, the detected respiratory abnormality may be determined to be a central respiratory abnormality based on the fact that the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW is approximately constant. The range within which the slope angle α must be considered approximately constant can be appropriately set based on the desired level of accuracy, etc.

[0169] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines the latest value of the amplitude AM of the respiratory waveform BW and the threshold TH ＡＭ Obstructive respiratory abnormalities may be detected solely based on a comparison between the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW and the threshold, without performing respiratory abnormality detection based on comparison with the latest value.

[0170] According to the inventors' findings, the cause of changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW is highly likely to be obstructive respiratory abnormalities. Therefore, for example, by appropriately setting a threshold based on data showing the relationship between changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW and the occurrence of obstructive respiratory abnormalities, the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW can be determined in real time, and obstructive respiratory abnormalities in user U can be detected based on the fact that the determined slope angle α has become smaller than the set threshold.

[0171] In the second embodiment, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 acquires the ABI based on the number of times the user U has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities, and the bed base movement control unit 37 performs the bed base movement process using the ABI. However, it is not limited to this. The bed base movement control unit 37 can perform the bed base movement process in any manner based on the detection results of the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362. Specifically, for example, the bed base movement control unit 37 may increase the angle θ of the head bed base 521 based on the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detecting that the user U has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities.

[0172] A respiratory abnormality detection device can also be constructed by removing components from the floor plate moving device 200 of the second embodiment that are not necessarily required for the operation of the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362. Such a respiratory abnormality detection device can be configured by removing the bed occupancy determination unit 32, the sleeping posture determination unit 35, and the floor plate movement control unit 37 from the floor plate moving device 200, for example, as shown in Figure 16, the respiratory abnormality detection device 700. The respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects the user U's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the inclination angle α of the respiratory waveform BW acquired by the respiratory waveform acquisition unit 33. Such a respiratory abnormality detection device can accurately detect the user's respiratory abnormality. Furthermore, with such a respiratory abnormality detection device, the determination of obstructive respiratory abnormalities, which conventionally required the output of multiple types of sensors, can be performed based on the output of a load sensor (i.e., one type of sensor).

[0173] The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may detect obstructive respiratory abnormalities of user U based on changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW during the period in which the sleep determination unit 34 determines that user U is in a sleep state. This allows for more accurate detection of obstructive apnea in user U. On the other hand, the respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may detect obstructive respiratory abnormalities of user U based on changes in the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW, regardless of whether the sleep determination unit 34 determines that user U is in a sleep state. The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 does not necessarily have a sleep determination unit 34.

[0174] The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may detect snoring by user U based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform BW. According to the inventors of the present invention, the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW is smaller when user U is snoring compared to when user U is not snoring. Therefore, based on a comparison of the slope angle α of the respiratory waveform BW with an appropriately set threshold, it is possible to detect that user U is experiencing at least one of snoring, obstructive hypopnea, and obstructive apnea. The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may also be configured to detect only snoring. In the present invention and this disclosure, "obstructive respiratory abnormality" may include "snoring."

[0175] The respiratory abnormality detection device 700 may be configured to detect central apnea. In this case, the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 detects central respiratory abnormality in the user U based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform BW is approximately constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform BW (positive peak pp or negative peak np) has decreased.

[0176] Specifically, for example, when the respiratory abnormality detection unit 362 determines a target period P with the positive peak pp of the respiratory waveform BW as the center point in the time axis direction, if the positive peak pp falls below a threshold, ＯＢ Set (Figure 17). Then, set the target period P. ＯＢ The system determines multiple slope angles α corresponding to each peak in the respiratory waveform BW contained within the waveform. If these multiple slope angles α are approximately the same, it is detected that a central respiratory abnormality has occurred in the user U.

[0177] Furthermore, if user U experiences both obstructive and central respiratory abnormalities, the respiratory waveform BW typically exhibits periods of near-zero displacement, as shown in Figure 17. This is because central respiratory abnormalities prevent the movement of user U's diaphragm and, consequently, its internal organs. Thus, the changes in the respiratory waveform corresponding to the occurrence of central respiratory abnormalities are characteristic. For example, if a clinician observes the respiratory waveform BW to determine the cause of user U's respiratory abnormality, obstructive respiratory abnormalities accompanied by central respiratory abnormalities may be mistakenly judged as simply central respiratory abnormalities. This could lead to a missed opportunity to provide appropriate treatment for obstructive respiratory abnormalities. In contrast, the respiratory abnormality detection device 700 of this disclosure detects obstructive respiratory abnormalities based on changes in the slope angle of the respiratory waveform BW, and can therefore suitably detect the occurrence of obstructive respiratory abnormalities regardless of whether or not central respiratory abnormalities are present.

[0178] The floor plate moving devices 100 and 200 in the above embodiments do not necessarily need to be equipped with all of the load detectors 11 to 14, and may be equipped with only one of them. For example, if there are three load detectors, the position of the user U's center of gravity on the top surface of the floor plate 520 can be detected as long as they are not arranged in a straight line. Also, the load detectors do not necessarily need to be placed at the four corners of the bed, and can be placed at any position so as to be able to detect the load of the user on the bed and its fluctuations. In addition, for example, the load detectors 11 to 14 may be provided between the frame 511 and the four legs 512 of the bed 500. Furthermore, the load detectors 11 to 14 are not limited to load sensors using beam-type load cells, but can also be used, for example, force sensors.

[0179] In the floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 of the above embodiment, any biosignal acquisition unit that acquires the user U's biosignals (signals that fluctuate in accordance with the user U's biological activity) can be used instead of the load detection unit 10. Specifically, for example, a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in a matrix under the sheet can be used to acquire the fluctuations in the pressure applied by the user U to the floorboard 520 as biosignals. In this embodiment, based on the output of the plurality of pressure sensors, it is possible to calculate the center of gravity position of the user U, determine whether the user is in bed, acquire respiratory waveforms, determine sleep, determine sleeping posture, detect respiratory abnormalities, calculate ABI, and so on.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the breathing state of the user U (i.e., ABI) is improved by increasing the angle θ of the head-side floor plate 521 that supports the upper body of the user U, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The upward movement of the upper body support that supports the upper body of the user U may be any manner in which the upper body of the user U, whose upper body is supported by the upper body support, is tilted.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the use of the floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 with respect to a bed 500 was described as an example, but the use of the floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 is not limited to a bed 500. The floorboard moving devices 100 and 200 can be used as support surface moving devices to control the movement of the support surface of any support device in which the support surface that supports the human body is configured to be movable, such as a bed, sofa, chair, or wheelchair. In this case, the support surface moving device moves the upper body support portion of the support surface that supports the upper body of the user on the support surface.

[0182] As long as the features of the present invention are maintained, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and other forms conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0183] 10: Load detection unit, 30: Control unit, 31: Center of gravity position calculation unit, 32: Bed occupancy determination unit, 33: Respiratory waveform acquisition unit, 34: Sleep determination unit, 35: Sleeping posture determination unit, 36, 362: Respiratory abnormality detection unit, 37: Bed base movement control unit, 40: Memory unit, 50: Display unit, 60: Notification unit, 70: Input unit, 100, 200: Bed base movement device, 500: Bed, 520: Bed base, 521: Head side bed base, 530: Movement mechanism, 700: Respiratory abnormality detection device, BW: Respiratory waveform, U: User

Claims

1. A support surface moving device for moving a support surface that supports the body of a user, comprising: a respiratory abnormality detection unit for detecting respiratory abnormalities of the user on the support surface; and a movement control unit for controlling the movement of the support surface, wherein the support surface has an upper body support unit for supporting the upper body of the user on the support surface, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the respiratory abnormality of the user has been detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

2. The support surface moving device according to claim 1, wherein the moving control unit moves the upper body support when it determines that the respiratory abnormality index has maintained a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time.

3. The support surface moving device according to claim 2, wherein the moving control unit determines that the respiratory abnormality index has maintained the predetermined value over the duration, and then, if it determines that the respiratory abnormality index has again maintained the predetermined value over the duration, it moves the upper body support to a second position above the first position.

4. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movement control unit raises the upper body support unit based on the respiratory abnormality index, and then maintains the position of the upper body support unit even if the respiratory abnormality index decreases.

5. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a sleep determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a sleep state, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support based on the respiratory abnormality index during the period in which the sleep determination unit determines that the user is in a sleep state.

6. The support surface moving device according to claim 5, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support unit to a position where the support surface is flat when the sleep determination unit determines that the user is not in a sleep state.

7. The support surface moving device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sleep determination unit determines that the user is in a sleep state when the respiratory abnormality index is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

8. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a sleeping posture determination unit for determining the user's sleeping posture on the support surface, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support based on the respiratory abnormality index and the user's sleeping posture determined by the sleeping posture determination unit.

9. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the respiratory abnormality detection unit detects a respiratory abnormality of the user based on a comparison between the amplitude of a waveform indicating the user's respiration and a threshold corresponding to the average or median value of the amplitude during a predetermined past amplitude acquisition period.

10. The support surface moving device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the respiratory abnormality detection unit detects a respiratory abnormality of the user based on a comparison of the amplitude of a waveform indicating the user's respiration with a threshold corresponding to the average or median value of the amplitude during a predetermined past amplitude acquisition period, and the length of the amplitude acquisition period is equal to the length of the duration period.

11. The support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires a respiratory waveform based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's breathing, the respiratory abnormality detection unit detects an obstructive respiratory abnormality in the user as a respiratory abnormality of the user on the support surface based on a change in the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the obstructive respiratory abnormality of the user has been detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

12. A support device comprising a support surface and a support surface moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for moving the support surface.

13. A method for moving a support surface that supports the body of a user, the support surface having an upper body support portion that supports the upper body of the user on the support surface, the method comprising: detecting a respiratory abnormality of the user on the support surface using a respiratory abnormality detection unit; and moving the upper body support portion using a movement control unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the respiratory abnormality of the user has been detected by the respiratory abnormality detection unit within a predetermined period.

14. A support surface moving device for moving a support surface that supports the body of a user, comprising: a sleeping posture determination unit for determining the sleeping posture of the user on the support surface; and a movement control unit for controlling the movement of the support surface, wherein the support surface has an upper body support portion for supporting the upper body of the user on the support surface, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support portion based on the sleeping posture of the user.

15. A respiratory abnormality detection device for detecting a user's respiratory abnormality, comprising: a respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires a respiratory waveform based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's respiration; and a detection unit that detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on changes in the slope of the respiratory waveform.

16. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to claim 15, wherein the detection unit detects a respiratory abnormality of the user based on the amplitude of the respiratory waveform, and determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the change in the slope of the respiratory waveform during at least one of the respiratory abnormality period in which the detected respiratory abnormality occurs, the period immediately preceding the respiratory abnormality period, and the period immediately following the respiratory abnormality period.

17. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to claim 16, wherein the detection unit determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is an obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform in the immediately preceding period decreases with the passage of time, and / or the slope of the respiratory waveform in the immediately following period increases with the passage of time.

18. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the detection unit detects a respiratory abnormality of the user based on the amplitude of the respiratory waveform, and determines that the detected respiratory abnormality is a central respiratory abnormality based on the fact that the slope of the respiratory waveform is substantially constant during at least one of the respiratory abnormality period in which the detected respiratory abnormality occurs, the period immediately preceding the respiratory abnormality period, and the period immediately following the respiratory abnormality period.

19. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising a sleep determination unit that determines whether or not the user is in a sleep state, wherein the detection unit detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on the change in the slope of the respiratory waveform during the period in which the sleep determination unit determines that the user is in a sleep state.

20. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the detection unit detects the user's obstructive respiratory abnormality based on a change in the slope of the respiratory waveform, a change in the peak interval of the respiratory waveform, and / or a change in the interval of the respiratory waveform.

21. The respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the slope of the respiratory waveform is the slope of the portion that rises or falls in response to the user's inhalation.

22. A support surface moving device for moving a support surface that supports the body of a user, comprising: a respiratory abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 15 to 21; and a movement control unit for controlling the movement of the support surface, wherein the support surface has an upper body support portion that supports the upper body of the user on the support surface, and the movement control unit moves the upper body support portion based on the detection result of the respiratory abnormality detection device.

23. The support surface moving device according to claim 22, wherein the movement control unit moves the upper body support unit based on a respiratory abnormality index indicating the number of times the user has experienced obstructive respiratory abnormalities detected by the respiratory abnormality detection device within a predetermined period.

24. A respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting a user's respiratory abnormality, comprising: acquiring a respiratory waveform using a respiratory waveform acquisition unit based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's respiration; and detecting an obstructive respiratory abnormality of the user using a detection unit based on changes in the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform.

25. A respiratory abnormality detection device for detecting a user's respiratory abnormality, comprising: a respiratory waveform acquisition unit that acquires a respiratory waveform based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's respiration; and a detection unit that detects a central respiratory abnormality of the user based on the fact that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased.

26. A respiratory abnormality detection method for detecting a respiratory abnormality in a user, comprising: acquiring a respiratory waveform using a respiratory waveform acquisition unit based on fluctuations in the user's load corresponding to the user's respiration; and detecting a central respiratory abnormality in the user using a detection unit based on the fact that the slope of the acquired respiratory waveform is substantially constant and the peak of the respiratory waveform has decreased.

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