Matching solution for transfer care robots customized to characteristics of care recipients

Abstract

Disclosed is technology related to a matching solution for transfer care robots customized to the characteristics of care recipients. A transfer care robot matching method performed by a transfer care robot matching system, according to an embodiment, may comprise the steps of: storing, in a database, characteristics information about each of transfer care robots, the information including functions and capabilities thereof; and recommending a transfer care robot that accords with the characteristics information about a care recipient on the basis of the characteristics information about each of the transfer care robots, stored in the database, through an assessment of the physical function of the care recipient.

Description

Transit Care Robot Matching Solution Tailored to the Characteristics of the Care Recipient

[0001] The following description concerns technology for matching transfer care robots based on the characteristics of the care recipient.

[0002] Due to the aging population and a shortage of care personnel, the demand for transfer care that supports independent daily living is increasing. While transfer care robots are being utilized to address this, their functions and services vary widely. To select the optimal robot, it is necessary to consider not only the robot's performance but also the physical and emotional needs of the care recipient. However, because there is no systematically organized system defining which transfer care robots are suitable for a recipient's characteristics and outlining their functions, care recipients are facing difficulties in selecting the appropriate robot.

[0003] It is possible to provide a method and system that automatically recommends customized transfer care robots by analyzing the physical characteristics and needs of the care recipient.

[0004] By database-izing the functions and performance of various care robots, a method and system can be provided to match the optimal robot according to the characteristics of the care recipient.

[0005] A method for matching a transfer care robot performed by a transfer care robot matching system may include: a step of storing characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including the functions and performance of the transfer care robot, in a database; and a step of recommending a transfer care robot according to the characteristic information of the care recipient from the characteristic information of each transfer care robot stored in the database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical functions.

[0006] The above-mentioned recommending step may include a step of recommending a transfer care robot based on characteristic information of the care recipient, including the care recipient's physical characteristics, living environment, and level of care need.

[0007] The above-mentioned recommended step may include confirming whether the care recipient requires a transfer care robot through an assessment of the care recipient's physical function, and if the care recipient is determined to require transfer care through the confirmation, performing a physical function assessment; if the care recipient obtains a score equal to or higher than a preset score through the physical function assessment, performing a lower limb muscle strength assessment; and if the recipient obtains a score lower than the preset score, using a transfer assistance device.

[0008] The recommended step may include, if the result of the lower limb muscle strength evaluation performed above is below a preset grade, determining that the subject cannot support body weight and selecting a full-body sling lift, selecting one of a ceiling-mounted lift, a wall-mounted lift, a mobile lift, or a gantry lift considering the subject's environmental factors, and if the mobile lift is selected, selecting one of a sling application method among no sling, automatic sling insertion, or manual sling fastening.

[0009] The recommended step may include, if the result of the lower limb muscle strength evaluation performed above exceeds a preset grade, determining that the subject can support their body weight and selecting a standing assist lift / standing lift, determining whether the subject cannot raise their upper body on their own, selecting an electric standing assist lift if the subject cannot raise their upper body on their own based on the determination, and selecting a non-electric standing assist device if the subject can raise their upper body on their own.

[0010] The step of storing characteristic information of each of the above-mentioned transfer care robots in a database may include the step of classifying transfer assistance equipment into standard transfer assistance equipment, air-assisted transfer devices, bed and chair equipment, standing and turning equipment, hygiene assistance equipment, and emergency equipment, and storing them in the database for the selection of transfer assistance equipment.

[0011] The above standard transfer assistance equipment includes a slide seat, a transfer belt, a transfer board, and a wheelchair; the above air-assisted transfer device includes an air-inflating matrix, an air jack, an air-assisted side transfer and position change device, and a friction reduction device; the above bed and chair equipment includes a leg lifter, a thigh lifter, a pillow lifter, a bed and chair riser, a manual seat riser cushion and chair, an electric riser chair, a standing frame, a side-tilting bed, and an electric profiling bed; the above standing and swivel equipment includes a non-electric standing assistance device, a standing transfer trolley, a framed tunnel platform, and a pivot disc; the above hygiene assistance equipment includes a bath board, a swivel seat ergonomic shower chair, a bath lift, a mobile shower trolley, an ergonomic shower trolley, and an auxiliary toilet seat; and the above emergency equipment may include a slide pad and seat, a backboard or spine board, a scoop mobile bed, a foldable emergency mobile bed, and an evacuation chair.

[0012] The step of storing characteristic information of each of the above-mentioned transfer care robots in a database may include the step of classifying sling information into standard slings, sanitary slings, walking slings, and special slings and storing them in the database for sling selection.

[0013] The above standard sling includes a U-shaped sling, a position change sling, and a stretcher sling; the above sanitary sling includes a toilet sling and a hammock sling; the above walking sling includes a walking harness sling; and the above special sling may include a cutting sling and a band sling.

[0014] The above-described method for matching a care robot further includes the step of storing characteristic information of the care recipient in a database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function, and the evaluation of physical function may include an evaluation of lower limb muscle strength and an evaluation of mobility function.

[0015] The above-mentioned recommendation step may include a step of re-evaluating the suitability of the recommended transfer care robot in real time according to changes in the condition of the care recipient, and changing the transfer care robot through the re-evaluation.

[0016] The above-described transfer care robot matching method may further include a step of providing the recommended transfer care robot and detailed information about the recommended transfer care robot.

[0017] The above-mentioned guidance step may include a list of the recommended transfer care robots and a step of providing detailed functions and usage methods of the recommended transfer care robots to select a transfer care robot for the care recipient from the list of recommended transfer care robots.

[0018] In a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium to execute a transfer care robot matching method performed by a transfer care robot matching system, the transfer care robot matching method may execute the step of storing characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including the functions and performance of the transfer care robot, in a database; and the step of recommending a transfer care robot according to the characteristic information of the care recipient from the characteristic information of each transfer care robot stored in the database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical functions.

[0019] A transfer care robot matching system comprises: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute at least one command stored in the memory, wherein the processor stores characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including the functions and performance of the transfer care robot, in a database, and can recommend a transfer care robot according to the characteristic information of the care recipient based on the characteristic information of each transfer care robot stored in the database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical functions.

[0020] Provision of customized care services: By automatically matching a transfer care robot suited to the characteristics of the subject, it is possible to provide transfer care centered on the care recipient.

[0021] Efficient resource allocation: The matching system can save time and resources and improve the efficiency of afterlife care services.

[0022] Improvement in quality of care: The quality of care can be improved by selecting a robot that meets the needs of the recipient.

[0023] Provision of safe care: Safe care is possible by providing customized care for the recipient.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment in one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of evaluating a risk factor in one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a customized matching algorithm in one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of storing a transfer assistance device in one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of storing sling information in one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a moving care robot matching system in one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for matching a care robot in one embodiment.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032]

[0033] In the embodiment, we will describe the operation of automatically recommending a customized transfer care robot by analyzing the physical characteristics and needs of the care recipient using a transfer care robot matching solution tailored to the care recipient's characteristics. Through a matching algorithm between the characteristics of the care recipient and the characteristics of the transfer care robot, we aim to match the optimal transfer care robot based on the care recipient's characteristic information.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment in one embodiment.

[0035] The network environment of FIG. 1 illustrates an example including a server (100), an electronic device (110), and a network (130). FIG. 1 is merely an example for explaining the invention, and the number of electronic devices or servers is not limited. Furthermore, the network environment of FIG. 1 illustrates only one example of environments applicable to the embodiments, and the environments applicable to the embodiments are not limited to the network environment of FIG. 1.

[0036] The electronic device (110) may be a fixed terminal or a mobile terminal implemented as a computer device. Examples of the electronic device (110) include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a navigation system, a computer, a laptop, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a tablet PC, etc. For example, in FIG. 1, the electronic device (110) is described as a smartphone, but in the embodiments, the electronic device (110) may refer to one of various physical computer devices capable of communicating with other electronic devices and / or a server (100) via a network (130) using a wireless or wired communication method.

[0037] The communication method is not limited and may include not only communication methods utilizing communication networks (e.g., mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks) that the network (130) may include, but also short-range wireless communication between devices. For example, the network (130) may include any one or more networks such as a PAN (personal area network), LAN (local area network), CAN (campus area network), MAN (metropolitan area network), WAN (wide area network), BBN (broadband network), and the Internet. Additionally, the network (130) may include any one or more network topologies such as a bus network, a star network, a ring network, a mesh network, a star-bus network, a tree or hierarchical network, but is not limited thereto.

[0038] The server (100) may be implemented as a computer device or a plurality of computer devices that communicate with an electronic device (110) and a network (130) to provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc. For example, the server (100) may be a system that provides services (e.g., a transfer care robot matching service) to a plurality of electronic devices connected through the network (130). In an embodiment, the server (100) may be a transfer care robot matching system.

[0039] The database (120) can store characteristic information of the care recipient and characteristic information of the transfer care robot. The database (120) can update the characteristic information of the care recipient and the characteristic information of the transfer care robot periodically or non-periodically.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of evaluating a risk factor in one embodiment.

[0041] The transfer care robot matching system can store information related to transfer risk factors in a database. The assessment of transfer risk factors can be divided into risk factors related to transfer and procedures for risk factor assessment and management.

[0042] Risk factors related to transfers can be classified into risk factors based on the LITEN-UP approach or risk filters for safe transfers. The LITEN-UP approach is a client risk assessment system introduced in the 2003 New Zealand Patient Handling Guidelines, used by healthcare providers to ensure the safety of both the patient and the caregiver. The primary objective of LITEN-UP is to assess whether the transfer process is safe for both parties. To this end, the LITE principles are applied to evaluate risks and the patient's dependency, and a safe transfer strategy is established based on the patient's profile information. Risk factors based on the LITEN-UP approach include Load, Individual, Task, and Environment. Load refers to characteristics that can influence transfer risk, such as the patient's age, gender, diagnosis, dependency, neurological status, height, weight, ability to cooperate, and risk of falls. Individual refers to factors affecting the caregiver's ability to perform tasks, such as language, education, training, physical limitations, stress, and fatigue. The work includes the nature of the transfer work, the tasks to be performed, the methods, and the timing. At this point, requirements vary for each task, and each task must be evaluated and approached individually. The environment includes factors that influence the method of work performance, such as facilities, staffing levels, culture, and resources.

[0043] Risk criteria for safe lifting may include threshold values ​​for lifting and lowering, risk criteria for moving up to 10m, and risk criteria for pushing and pulling up to 20m. Using risk criteria allows for the identification of tasks with low risk during lifting. We will now explain the risk threshold values ​​for lifting and lowering. Each box indicates the maximum allowable weight that can be handled for each designated zone. The maximum allowable weight decreases when extending the arms or working at high or low heights, as this increases the risk of injury. Observe the task and compare it with the chart to determine the zone through which the hands pass when moving the load, and then evaluate the maximum weight being moved. If this weight is less than the maximum allowable weight for that zone, the task is within acceptable limits. If the hands span two or more zones, the smallest allowable weight is applied; if the starting or ending position of the hands is close to the boundary of two zones, the average of the allowable weights of the two zones is used. In this case, to apply the threshold values, it is assumed that the task is performed under appropriate working conditions and a stable posture is maintained. In addition, for movement up to 10m, the risk criteria assume that the loaded load is in close contact with the body, is not carried for more than approximately 10m without rest, does not interfere with normal walking, does not obstruct the carrier's field of vision, and is not held below the knuckles or lifted much higher than elbow height. The risk criteria for pushing and pulling up to 20m will now be described. Pushing or pulling operations may involve sliding, rolling, or moving using wheels. Observe the general posture used while performing the work. The risk of such operations may be low if force is applied by the hands, the torso is generally upright and not twisted, the hands are between hip and shoulder height, and the travel distance does not exceed approximately 20m.

[0044] The risk factor assessment and management procedures may include risk identification and assessment, plan management, management implementation, monitoring, and review. Risk identification and assessment in the care setting involves developing a LITE (Load, Individual, Task, Environment) assessment of the care site, identifying risk factors, and determining priorities for measures. Risk identification and assessment for care recipients involves developing a LITE assessment framework for the recipient upon admission to the facility and determining the level of risk through clinical judgment. Plan management in the care setting involves 1) determining whether risks can be eliminated, isolated, or minimized, 2) establishing a management plan to develop an action plan to address identified risks, 3) adding new issues to the plan as they arise, 4) determining measures, timelines, and responsibilities, and allocating budgets and resources, and 5) determining methods for measuring outcomes. Plan management for the care recipient involves 1) verifying whether the task can be eliminated, 2) determining whether risks can be eliminated, isolated, or minimized, 3) determining the skills, equipment, and other controls required for each task through clinical judgment, and 4) seeking expert advice where necessary and developing a safe transfer plan (part of the care recipient assessment). Implementation of management at the care site ensures that all caregivers are trained and comply with transfer policies and safety procedures, verifies that appropriate equipment is available, accessible, and in good condition, verifies that facilities and the management environment are suitable for the work, actively controls causative factors, and utilizes continuous improvement procedures. Prior to transfer work, the implementation of care recipient management encourages all caregivers to consider the characteristics of the care recipient, use safe skills and appropriate equipment, ensure that all accidents and problems are reported, recorded, and addressed, and to report health conditions that may affect their competence at an early stage.Monitoring and review in the care setting involve regularly reviewing risk management plans to verify progress in problem resolution, regularly reviewing accident and injury records, reviewing assessments annually or whenever the care setting situation changes or improves, requesting feedback through caregiver questionnaires, conducting annual patient transfer audits, and reporting the results to management. Monitoring and review of patients involves reviewing patient assessment frameworks periodically or as needed (upon changes in patient status or treatment, environmental changes (e.g., ward placement), transfers, or the occurrence of accidents or injuries), recording accidents and injuries using tracking tools, and conducting regular reviews of patient rooms and wards.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a customized matching algorithm in one embodiment.

[0046] The transfer care robot matching system can recommend a transfer care robot based on the characteristics of the care recipient, including their physical characteristics, living environment, and level of care need. More specifically, the transfer care robot matching system can determine whether the care recipient is a subject requiring a transfer care robot through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function (301). If the transfer care robot matching system determines through verification that the care recipient is a subject requiring transfer care, it can perform a physical function evaluation (302). Here, the physical function evaluation refers to evaluating the mobility function of the subject requiring the transfer care robot, and includes seated mobility, which involves moving to a seat of the same or different height while sitting, such as moving from a chair to a bed, and lying mobility, which involves moving to a seat of the same or different height while lying down, such as moving from one bed to another. The evaluation of the mobility function can be classified as follows: 0 points (no problem), 1 point (mild difficulty / bearable), 2 points (moderate difficulty / disruption to daily life), 3 points (severe difficulty / partial disruption to daily life), and 4 points (extreme difficulty / complete disruption to daily life). In this case, the mobility function evaluation can be performed by the user (e.g., a caregiver).

[0047] If the transfer care robot matching system obtains a score greater than or equal to a preset score (e.g., 2 to 4 points) through a physical function evaluation performed, it may perform a lower limb muscle strength evaluation (303). At this time, the lower limb muscle strength evaluation is evaluated based on whether the lower limb muscle strength can support body weight. Grade 0 means complete paralysis, which means a state where there is no muscle function at all; Grade 1 means a state where there is slight muscle contraction but no joint movement; Grade 2 means a state where the leg cannot be lifted and falls due to inability to withstand gravity; Grade 3 means a state where the leg can be lifted but falls due to inability to overcome resistance; Grade 4 means a state where the user feels slight weakness but can walk independently; and Grade 5 means a state where the muscle strength is complete. If the transfer care robot matching system obtains a score less than the preset score (e.g., Grade 4), it may use a transfer assistance device (304).

[0048] If the result of the lower limb strength evaluation performed is below a preset grade, the transfer care robot matching system determines that the subject cannot support their body weight and can select a full-body sling lift (306, 308). The full-body sling lift provides partial support to subjects who can support their body weight, and full support and assistance to subjects who are highly dependent. The transfer care robot matching system selects one of the full-body sling lifts—a ceiling-mounted lift, a wall-mounted lift, a mobile lift, or a gantry lift—by considering the subject's environmental factors (310). If a mobile lift is selected, the system can select one of the sling application methods (311)—no sling, automatic sling insertion, or manual sling attachment.

[0049] If the result of the lower limb strength assessment performed exceeds a preset grade, the transfer care robot matching system determines that the subject can support their body weight and can select a standing assist lift / standing lift (306, 307). The transfer care robot matching system can determine whether the subject is unable to raise their upper body on their own (309). Through this determination, the transfer care robot matching system can select an electric standing assist lift if the subject is unable to raise their upper body on their own, and a non-electric standing assist device if the subject is able to raise their upper body on their own.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of storing a transfer assistance device in one embodiment.

[0051] The transfer care robot matching system can classify and store transfer assistance equipment in a database, including standard transfer assistance equipment, air-assisted transfer devices, bed and chair equipment, standing and turning equipment, hygiene assistance equipment, and emergency equipment, for the selection of transfer assistance equipment.

[0052] Standard transfer aids may include slide seats, transfer belts, transfer boards, and wheelchairs. Slide seats are one of the most commonly used transfer devices in medical services, used to move a care recipient horizontally from a bed, trolley, or chair. Transfer belts are fastened to the waist or torso of a care recipient during transfers or for ambulation assistance, and are used to assist care recipients who are able to move nearly independently. Transfer boards are rigid or semi-flexible boards used to transfer a care recipient between two surfaces of similar height.

[0053] The air-assisted transfer device may include an inflatable matrix, an air jack, an air-assisted lateral transfer and repositioning device, and a friction reduction device. The inflatable matrix is ​​used for lateral transfers, where the caregiver lies on the mattress and is transferred between two adjacent surfaces using the air-assisted transfer device. The air jack consists of multiple layers of air mattresses that expand vertically as air is injected, and is used to lift the caregiver from the floor to the height of a bed or stretcher. The air-assisted lateral transfer and repositioning device is used to move the caregiver from one surface to another by floating them on an air layer. The friction reduction device is a device designed to reduce frictional resistance when manually sliding the caregiver; it consists of sheets or membranes made of materials that slide easily against each other and is used for lateral transfers and for moving the caregiver left and right or up and down on the bed.

[0054] Bed and chair equipment may include leg lifters, thigh lifters, pillow lifters, bed and chair risers, manual seat riser cushions and chairs, electric riser chairs, standing frames, side-tilting beds, and electric profiling beds. Leg lifters are used to assist the caregiver in raising their legs over the edge of a bed or bathtub. Thigh lifters are useful for adjusting leg position when sitting and can be helpful for caregivers who are unable to move their legs independently. Pillow lifters raise the head and backrest sections of the mattress to allow a caregiver sitting in bed to lie down independently. Bed and chair risers raise the height of a chair or bed to help the caregiver stand up easily. Manual seat riser cushions and chairs can tilt and raise the caregiver's seat using gas-operated spring mechanisms or hydraulic mechanisms. Electric riser chairs assist caregivers who have difficulty getting up from a chair. Standing frames provide supports that the caregiver can grasp and pull their body when attempting to stand or sit. Side-tilting beds are large beds primarily used in hospitals that are electrically operated to tilt the caregiver to the left or right.

[0055] Standing and turning equipment may include non-electric standing aids, standing transfer trolleys, framed turning platforms, and pivot discs. Non-electric standing aids can be used for care recipients who can stand but have difficulty walking without assistance. Standing transfer trolleys enable care recipients who can stand but have difficulty walking to be transferred from a chair or wheelchair to a toilet. Framed turning platforms allow care recipients to stand when transferring between seats. Using pivot discs allows the caregiver to rotate the care recipient from one direction to another.

[0056] Hygiene assistive devices may include bath boards, swivel seat ergonomic shower chairs, bath lifts, portable shower trolleys, ergonomic shower trolleys, and assistive toilet seats. A bath board is used as a step across the bathtub to allow the caregiver to sit while showering. A swivel seat may be preferred over a bath board as it sits across the rim of the bathtub to provide back support and rotates left and right, allowing the caregiver easy access to the caregiver's body without squatting or bending over excessively. A bath lift is fixed to the floor outside the bathtub and is used to lift the caregiver into the tub. Some models are equipped with wheels and can be used with a detachable chair. A portable shower trolley allows the caregiver to shower while lying down. An ergonomic shower trolley can provide the caregiver with a flat surface to shower. An assistive toilet seat can help the caregiver get in and out of the toilet.

[0057] Emergency equipment within the facility is used to rapidly evacuate care recipients who are unable to move outside during emergencies such as fires or earthquakes, and may include slide pads and seats, backboards or spine boards, scoop mobile beds, foldable emergency mobile beds, and evacuation chairs. Slide pads and seats are used for care recipients with limited mobility. Backboards or spine boards are used to secure and transport care recipients suspected of spinal injuries in emergency situations. The scoop mobile bed is a lightweight, recessed mobile bed that separates into two sections along its length, allowing for the safe transport of care recipients to a location for further treatment. The foldable emergency mobile bed is constructed with a lightweight aluminum frame featuring a vinyl-coated nylon cover and has a central hinge that allows it to be folded in half for easy storage. The evacuation chair enables the safe transport of care recipients down stairs.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of storing sling information in one embodiment.

[0059] The Lee Seung Care Robot Matching System can classify sling information, including standard slings, hygiene slings, walking slings, and special slings, and store it in a database. In this case, the sling serves to support the care recipient when moving them via a lift.

[0060] Standard slings may include U-shaped slings, repositioning slings, and stretcher slings. U-shaped slings may or may not have upper body and head supports. Repositioning slings are full-body slings used to turn or adjust the position of a bedridden caregiver several times a day. Stretcher slings enable movement of the caregiver in a supine position.

[0061] Sanitary slings can include toilet slings and hammock slings. Toilet slings have separate leg and back supports. Hammock slings are rectangular in shape, and some models have a defecation opening.

[0062] Walking slings may include walking harness slings. Walking harness slings can support a caregiver who is able to walk.

[0063] Special slings may include amputation slings and band slings. Amputation slings can provide additional support to people who have had their lower limbs amputated. Band slings may consist of two narrow fabric bands.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a moving care robot matching system in one embodiment.

[0065] The transfer care robot matching system (600) may include at least one of an interface module (610), a memory (620), or a processor (630). In some embodiments, at least one of the components of the transfer care robot matching system (600) may be omitted, and at least one other component may be added. In some embodiments, at least two of the components of the transfer care robot matching system (600) may be implemented as a single integrated circuit.

[0066] The interface module (610) can provide an interface for the transfer care robot matching system (600). According to one embodiment, the interface module (610) includes a communication module, and the communication module can perform communication with an external device. The communication module can establish a communication channel between the transfer care robot matching system (600) and the external device and perform communication with the external device through the communication channel. The communication module may include at least one of a wired communication module or a wireless communication module. The wired communication module is connected to the external device via a wire and can communicate via a wire. The wireless communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The short-range communication module can communicate with the external device in a short-range communication manner. The long-range communication module can communicate with the external device in a long-range communication manner. Here, the long-range communication module can communicate with the external device through a wireless network. According to another embodiment, the interface module (610) may include at least one of an input module or an output module. The input module can input a signal to be used in at least one component of the transfer care robot matching system (600). The input module may include at least one of an input device configured to allow a user to directly input a signal to the transfer care robot matching system (600), a sensor device configured to detect the surrounding environment and generate a signal, or a camera module configured to capture an image and generate image data. The output module may include at least one of a display module for visually displaying information or an audio module for outputting information as an audio signal.

[0067] The memory (620) can store various data used by at least one component of the Lee Seung-do Care Robot Matching System (600). For example, the memory (620) may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The data may include at least one program and related input data or output data. The program may be stored in the memory (620) as software containing at least one instruction.

[0068] The processor (630) can control at least one component of the Lee Seung-dol Care Robot Matching System (600) by executing a program in memory (620). Through this, the processor (630) can perform data processing or calculations. At this time, the processor (630) can execute commands stored in memory (620).

[0069] The processor (630) can store characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including the functions and performance of the transfer care robot, in a database. The processor (630) can recommend a transfer care robot by comparing the characteristic information of each robot stored in the database with the characteristic information of the care recipient through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function. The processor (630) can provide information on the recommended transfer care robot and detailed information about the recommended transfer care robot.

[0070] For example, we will explain this by providing a specific case of a caregiving robot matching solution tailored to the characteristics of the care recipient.

[0071] Case 1: Severely disabled male in a bedridden state due to his disability

[0072] Subject: 68-year-old male

[0073] Health Status: Bedridden due to general muscle weakness caused by a disability. Unable to stand independently and requires full-body support.

[0074] Level of daily activity: Inability to move independently

[0075] Evaluation results

[0076] Mobility Assessment: 4 (Extreme difficulty), requires assistance with almost all movement during daily activities

[0077] Lower extremity strength assessment: Grade I, slight muscle contraction, but unable to support body weight independently

[0078] Recommended Robot: Full-body Sling Lift. A full-body sling lift is required to support the entire body and transfer from bed to wheelchair. Depending on the environment, ceiling-mounted lifts, wall-mounted lifts, mobile lifts, or gantry lifts may be used. Depending on the sling application method, slingless, automatic sling insertion, or manual sling attachment methods may be applied. Information on sling selection and descriptions of each transfer care robot are provided.

[0079] Case 2. Elderly women requiring partial mobility assistance

[0080] Subject: 85-year-old woman

[0081] Health condition: Has arthritis and high blood pressure, and frequently complains of fatigue.

[0082] Level of Daily Living: Most daily activities can be performed, but standing or walking for long periods is difficult, and assistance is required to get out of bed, sit, or move to a chair.

[0083] Assessment Result: Movement Function Assessment: 1 (Slight difficulty), Able to sit and stand independently but requires assistance occasionally.

[0084] Lower extremity muscle strength assessment: Grade IV; able to walk independently but with slight discomfort.

[0085] Recommendation: Recommends transfer assistance equipment. Provides diagrams and information regarding systematic transfer assistance equipment so that the care recipient can make a situation-appropriate selection when transfer assistance equipment is selected in the transfer care robot matching algorithm of Fig. 3.

[0086] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for matching a care robot in one embodiment.

[0087] In step (710), the transfer care robot matching system can store characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including the functions and performance of the transfer care robot, in a database. For the selection of transfer assistance equipment, the transfer care robot matching system can classify transfer assistance equipment into standard transfer assistance equipment, air-assisted transfer devices, bed and chair equipment, standing and turning equipment, hygiene assistance equipment, and emergency equipment and store them in a database. For the selection of slings, the transfer care robot matching system can classify sling information into standard slings, hygiene slings, walking slings, and special slings and store them in a database. Characteristic information of the care recipient can be stored in a database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function. The transfer care robot matching system can link the characteristic information of the care recipient with the characteristic information of each transfer care robot stored in the database.

[0088] In step (720), the transfer care robot matching system can recommend a transfer care robot based on the characteristics of the care recipient from the characteristic information of each robot stored in the database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function. The transfer care robot matching system can recommend a transfer care robot based on the characteristics of the care recipient, including the care recipient's physical characteristics, living environment, and level of need for care. The transfer care robot matching system can determine whether the care recipient is a subject requiring a transfer care robot through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function, and if the care recipient is determined to be a subject requiring transfer care through this verification, it can perform a physical function evaluation, and if the care recipient obtains a score higher than a preset score through the performed physical function evaluation, it can perform a lower limb muscle strength evaluation, and if the recipient obtains a score lower than a preset score, it can use a transfer assistance device. If the result of the lower limb muscle strength assessment performed is below a preset grade, the transfer care robot matching system determines that the subject cannot support their body weight and selects a full-body sling lift. Considering the subject's environmental factors, it selects one of the full-body sling lifts: a ceiling-mounted lift, a wall-mounted lift, a mobile lift, or a gantry lift. If a mobile lift is selected, it can choose one of the sling application methods: no sling, automatic sling insertion, or manual sling attachment. If the result of the lower limb muscle strength assessment performed exceeds a preset grade, the transfer care robot matching system determines that the subject can support their body weight and selects a standing assist lift / standing lift. It determines whether the subject cannot raise their upper body independently. If the subject cannot raise their upper body independently, it selects an electric standing assist lift; if the subject can raise their upper body independently, it selects a non-electric standing assist device.The transfer care robot matching system can re-evaluate the suitability of recommended transfer care robots in real time based on changes in the care recipient's condition, and present a customized transfer care solution by changing the settings or type of the robot through this re-evaluation.

[0089] In step (730), the transfer care robot matching system can provide a recommended transfer care robot and detailed information about the recommended transfer care robot. The transfer care robot matching system can provide a list of recommended transfer care robots and detailed functions and usage methods of the recommended transfer care robots to help the care recipient select a transfer care robot from the list of recommended transfer care robots. The transfer care robot matching system can provide the recommended transfer care robots and the roles, advantages, disadvantages, precautions, drawings, and operation methods performed by the recommended transfer care robots. Accordingly, a care environment centered on the care recipient can ultimately be established. The transfer care robot matching system can visually provide the selected transfer care robot and provide the main features of the recommended transfer care robot and the reason for matching.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the process of collecting data based on the subject's physical condition and living needs, matching, recommending, and applying a care robot is performed collectively; the detailed functions and usage methods of the recommended care robot are guided to the user to assist in the final selection, and ultimately, a care environment centered on the care recipient can be established.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the matching result between the subject's status information and the status information of the care robot is visually provided to the user, and the main features of the recommended care robot and the reason for the matching can be output so that they can be easily understood.

[0092] The device described above may be implemented as a hardware component, a software component, and / or a combination of a hardware component and a software component. For example, the device and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing unit may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications executed on said operating system. Additionally, the processing unit may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing unit may be described as being used as a single unit, but those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit may include a plurality of processing elements and / or a plurality of types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0093] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or instruct the processing unit independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium, or device so as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provide instructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0094] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiment, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0095] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, suitable results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0096] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. In a method for matching a care robot performed by a care robot matching system, A step of storing characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including the functions and performance of the transfer care robot, in a database; and A step of recommending a transfer care robot based on the care recipient's characteristic information from the characteristic information of each transfer care robot stored in the aforementioned database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function. A method for matching a care robot including 2. In Paragraph 1, The recommended steps above are, A step of recommending a transfer care robot based on characteristic information of the care recipient, including the physical characteristics, living environment, and level of care need of the care recipient. A method for matching a care robot including 3. In Paragraph 2, The recommended steps above are, A step of determining whether the care recipient requires a transfer care robot through an assessment of their physical function, and if the care recipient is determined to require transfer care through the assessment, performing a physical function assessment; if the recipient obtains a score equal to or higher than a preset score through the assessment, performing a lower limb muscle strength assessment; and if the recipient obtains a score lower than the preset score, using a transfer assistance device. A method for matching a care robot including 4. In Paragraph 3, The recommended steps above are, If the result of the lower limb muscle strength assessment performed above is below a preset grade, it is determined that the subject cannot support body weight, and a full-body sling lift is selected; considering the subject's environmental factors, one of a full-body sling lift is selected from a ceiling-mounted lift, a wall-mounted lift, a mobile lift, or a gantry lift; and if the mobile lift is selected, one of a sling application method is selected from no sling, automatic sling insertion, or manual sling attachment. A method for matching a care robot including 5. In Paragraph 3, The recommended steps above are, If the result of the lower limb muscle strength assessment performed above exceeds a preset grade, it is determined that the subject is capable of supporting their body weight and a standing assist lift / standing lift is selected; it is determined whether the subject is unable to raise their upper body independently; if the subject is unable to raise their upper body independently based on the determination, an electric standing assist lift is selected; and if the subject is able to raise their upper body independently, a non-electric standing assist device is selected. A method for matching a care robot including 6. In Paragraph 1, The step of storing characteristic information of each of the above-mentioned Lee Seung-dol Care robots in a database is: A step of classifying transfer aids into standard transfer aids, air-assisted transfer devices, bed and chair equipment, standing and turning equipment, hygiene aids, and emergency equipment, and storing them in a database for the selection of transfer aids. A method for matching a care robot including 7. In Paragraph 6, The above standard transfer assistance equipment includes a slide seat, a transfer belt, a transfer board, and a wheelchair, and The above air-assisted transfer device includes an air injection matrix, an air jack, an air-assisted side transfer and position change device, and a friction reduction device. The above bed and chair equipment includes a leg lifter, a thigh lifter, a pillow lifter, a bed and chair riser, a manual seat riser cushion and chair, an electric riser chair, a standing frame, a side-tilting bed, and an electric profiling bed. The above-mentioned standing and rotating equipment includes a non-electric standing assist device, an upright transfer trolley, a framed tunnel platform, and a pivot disc. Sanitary aids include bath boards, swivel seats, ergonomic shower chairs, bath lifts, portable shower trolleys, ergonomic shower trolleys, and auxiliary toilet seats. A method for matching a care robot for transfer, characterized in that the emergency equipment includes a slide pad and seat, a backboard or spine board, a scoop mobile bed, a foldable emergency mobile bed, and an evacuation chair.

8. In Paragraph 1, The step of storing characteristic information of each of the above-mentioned Lee Seung-dol Care robots in a database is: The step of classifying sling information into standard slings, sanitary slings, walking slings, and special slings and storing them in a database for sling selection. A method for matching a care robot including 9. In Paragraph 8, The above standard slings include U-shaped slings, position-changing slings, and stretcher slings, and The above sanitary slings include toilet slings and hammock slings, and The above walking sling includes a walking harness sling, and A method for matching a care robot, characterized in that the above-mentioned special sling includes a cutting sling and a band sling.

10. In Paragraph 1, Step of storing characteristic information of the care recipient in a database through the physical function evaluation of the care recipient mentioned above. Includes more, A method for matching a care robot, characterized in that the above-mentioned physical function evaluation includes lower limb muscle strength evaluation and mobility function evaluation.

11. In Paragraph 1, The recommended steps above are, A step of re-evaluating the suitability of the recommended transfer care robot in real time according to changes in the condition of the care recipient, and changing the transfer care robot through the re-evaluation. A method for matching a care robot including 12. In Paragraph 1, Steps for providing the above-recommended transfer care robot and detailed information regarding the above-recommended transfer care robot A method for matching a care robot that further includes 13. In Paragraph 12, The steps guided above are, A step of providing a list of the recommended transfer care robots and, together with the detailed functions and usage methods of the recommended transfer care robots, to select a transfer care robot for the care recipient from the list of recommended transfer care robots. A method for matching a care robot including 14. A computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium for executing a method of matching a care robot performed by a care robot matching system, The above-mentioned Lee Seung-dol Care Robot matching method is, A step of storing characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including the functions and performance of the transfer care robot, in a database; and A step of recommending a transfer care robot based on the care recipient's characteristic information from the characteristic information of each transfer care robot stored in the aforementioned database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function. A computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium that executes.

15. In the Lee Seung care robot matching system, Memory; and A processor connected to the memory and configured to execute at least one instruction stored in the memory, and The above processor is, Store characteristic information of each transfer care robot, including its functions and performance, in a database, and Recommending a transfer care robot based on the care recipient's characteristic information from the characteristic information of each transfer care robot stored in the aforementioned database through an evaluation of the care recipient's physical function. A matching system for care robots characterized by the following.

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