Pressure sore prevention cushion for monitoring health and psychological states by using ballistocardiogram measurements, and operating method therefor

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a pressure sore prevention cushion for distributing physical pressure applied to a user's seated area and monitoring the psychological and health states of the user comprises: a plurality of air cells disposed on the upper surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion corresponding to the surface on which a user sits, and including first air cells and second air cells, each air cell having a hollow portion into which air can be injected; a film-type pressure sensor attached to the lower surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion to measure data of physical pressure applied to the user's seated area; and a driving unit, connected to the plurality of air cells via at least one tube, for controlling air pressure inside the plurality of air cells and collecting sensing data to monitor psychological and health states of the user on the basis of changes in the air pressure.

Description

Pressure ulcer prevention cushion for monitoring health and psychological status by measuring ballistocardiography and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pressure sore prevention cushion and a method of operation thereof, and more specifically, to a pressure sore prevention cushion and a method of operation thereof that can prevent pressure sores in advance by adaptively adjusting the air pressure injected into the cushion to suit the user's characteristics to reduce the occurrence of pressure sores on the buttocks of a user who must sit in the same position for a long time, for example, a person with a spinal cord injury, and by continuously monitoring the user's health and psychological state based on ballistocardiogram information collected through a ballistocardiogram sensor.

[0002] Generally, cushions can provide comfort by preventing the buttocks from being pressed against the floor or a chair when the user sits.

[0003] In particular, pressure sore prevention cushions are cushion products designed specifically for people or patients who sit for long periods of time, and can minimize the occurrence of pressure sores on the skin of the buttocks and provide a comfortable sitting environment.

[0004] Generally, a pressure sore prevention cushion may incorporate multiple air cells with a grid structure inside the cushion to prevent pressure from concentrating on specific areas of the buttocks and causing pressure sores when a user sits on the cushion. Through these multiple air cells, the pressure applied to the user's buttocks is evenly distributed when the user sits on the pressure sore prevention cushion, thereby allowing the user to experience a comfortable sitting environment.

[0005] Conventional pressure sore prevention cushions primarily focus on improving the function of dispersing pressure to prevent pressure concentration, thereby minimizing the occurrence of pressure sores. However, these conventional pressure sore prevention cushions only perform the function of dispersing pressure applied to the user's buttocks and have a problem in that they do not perform the function of detecting the possibility of pressure sores in advance and preventing them by monitoring the user's health and psychological state in real time.

[0006] In addition, existing pressure sore prevention cushions only provide pressure distribution functions by adjusting the air pressure injected into the cushion, but they have the problem of not being able to provide effective health management services to the user by collecting and utilizing the user's biometric information to provide customized services considering the user's individual health condition.

[0007] In addition, existing pressure ulcer prevention cushions focus on managing pressure ulcers after they have already occurred, rather than preventing them before they develop. Therefore, existing pressure ulcer prevention cushions have a problem in that they cannot provide preventive health management for pressure ulcers by collecting and utilizing the user's biometric information to monitor their health status.

[0008] In addition, psychological factors such as stress and anxiety also play a significant role in the occurrence of pressure ulcers. However, existing pressure ulcer prevention cushions focus only on solving the physical problem of preventing pressure ulcers and fail to consider psychological aspects. In other words, there is a problem in that they cannot provide psychological comfort or stress management by monitoring the user's biometric information.

[0009] In addition, existing pressure ulcer prevention cushions primarily provide pressure distribution functions but have the problem of not providing monitoring functions, such as collecting and analyzing users' biometric data collected through the cushion via central control. In other words, there is a problem where data collected from existing pressure ulcer prevention cushions is lost and cannot be utilized for monitoring functions collected through central control. Therefore, there is a need for a method to effectively prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers by managing the health and psychological states of multiple users in real time through integrated monitoring of their biometric data via central control.

[0010] According to one embodiment, a pressure sore prevention cushion that disperses physical pressure applied to a user's seating area and monitors the user's psychological and health conditions may include a plurality of air cells disposed on the upper surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion corresponding to the surface on which the user sits, a film-type pressure sensor attached to the lower surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion to measure physical pressure data applied to the user's seating area, and a driving unit connected to the plurality of air cells through at least one conduit, which controls the air pressure inside the plurality of air cells and collects sensing data to monitor the user's psychological and health conditions based on changes in the air pressure. Each of the plurality of air cells may be provided with a hollow portion into which air can be injected and may include first air cells and second air cells.The above driving unit includes a piezoelectric element, and a ballistocardiogram sensor that acquires sensing data based on air pressure data inside the plurality of air cells through the piezoelectric element, an air pump that injects air into the plurality of air cells or extracts air from the plurality of air cells, a communication module, a ballistocardiogram sensor, the air pump, and a control unit operatively connected to the communication module; the control unit controls the air pump so that air is injected into the hollow portion inside the plurality of air cells through the air pump at a first air pressure, acquires physical pressure data applied to the user's seating area through the film-type pressure sensor, determines whether the physical pressure data value is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, and if the physical pressure data value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, determines whether the physical pressure data value greater than or equal to the first threshold value persists for a first threshold time or longer, and if the physical pressure data value greater than or equal to the first threshold value persists for a first threshold time or longer, lowers the air pressure inside the plurality of air cells from the first air pressure to a second air pressure lower than the first air pressure. You can control the air pump.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the control unit identifies a first number of first air cells and a second number of second air cells in contact with a seating area where a physical pressure data value greater than or equal to the first threshold value persists for longer than the first threshold time, and if the first number and the second number are different, the control unit can control the air pump to lower the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger number between the first number and the second number from the first air pressure to the second air pressure.

[0012] According to one embodiment, when the first number and the second number are the same, the control unit can control the air pump to lower the air pressure of the first air cells and the second air cells from the first air pressure to the second air pressure.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the control unit determines whether a specified time has elapsed since the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger of the first number and the second number was lowered from the first air pressure to the second air pressure, and if the specified time has elapsed, the control unit can control the air pump to raise the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger of the first number and the second number from the second air pressure to the first air pressure.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the driving unit includes a main conduit communicating with at least one conduit and a sub-conduit communicating with the main conduit, wherein one end of the sub-conduit is closed and the other end of the sub-conduit may be communicating with the main conduit. The piezoelectric element is located inside the sub-conduit and may be positioned at a location spaced apart by a specified distance from one end of the sub-conduit.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the driving unit may further include an artificial intelligence model unit for determining the psychological state and health state of the user and a preprocessing unit for preprocessing the sensing data to be input to the artificial intelligence model unit. The control unit may acquire the sensing data based on air pressure data inside the plurality of air cells through the piezoelectric element of the ballistocardiogram sensor, generate biometric data by performing a Fourier transform and a wavelet transform on the sensing data through the preprocessing unit, and input the biometric data to the artificial intelligence model unit to determine the psychological state and health state of the user.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the control unit performs a first Fourier transform on the sensing data through the preprocessing unit, the first Fourier transform is a transform that separates a first frequency corresponding to a heart rhythm from the sensing data, and performs a second Fourier transform on the sensing data through the preprocessing unit, the second Fourier transform is a transform that separates a second frequency corresponding to a breathing rhythm from the sensing data, and based on the first Fourier transform and the second Fourier transform, generates the bio-data from the sensing data, and the bio-data may include ballistocardiogram data and breathing data.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the control unit performs a first wavelet transform on the sensing data to which the first Fourier transform is applied through the preprocessing unit using a first wavelet function modeled according to the heart rhythm, performs a second wavelet transform on the sensing data to which the second Fourier transform is applied through the preprocessing unit using a second wavelet function modeled according to the breathing rhythm, and can generate the bio-data from the sensing data based on the first wavelet and the second wavelet transform.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the device further includes a flexible sensor designed to measure the body temperature of the user's seating area, and the flexible sensor may be placed across the upper surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion. The control unit acquires the user's body temperature data through the flexible sensor and inputs the body temperature data and the biometric data into the artificial intelligence model unit to determine the user's psychological state and health state.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first air cells are connected to each other by a conduit and the second air cells are connected to each other by a conduit so that the internal air pressure of the first air cells and the internal air pressure of the second air cells are controlled independently of each other, and the first conduit connected to one of the first air cells and the second conduit connected to one of the second air cells can be connected to the driving unit through the at least one conduit.

[0020] A pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure measures pressure applied to the user's buttocks area through a film-type pressure sensor provided on the underside of the cushion, and based on the measured pressure, individually controls the air pressure inside several air cells of a grid pattern provided in the cushion, thereby effectively dispersing the pressure applied to the user's buttocks area and providing a comfortable sitting environment for the user.

[0021] A pressure ulcer prevention cushion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can monitor the user's health and psychological state in real time through the user's biometric information measured by a ballistics sensor connected to the cushion, and thereby detect the possibility of pressure ulcers occurring in the user in advance and prevent them.

[0022] A pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure transmits the user's biometric information measured through a ballistocardiogram sensor connected to the cushion to a central control server, and the central control server monitors the user's health and psychological state in real time based on the user's biometric information, and can provide customized services that take into account the user's health and psychological state.

[0023] A pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can measure the user's body temperature in real time through a flexible sensor provided in the cushion, and thereby monitor the user's health condition in real time.

[0024] A pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the user's posture through an acceleration sensor and, if the user assumes an incorrect posture, can provide a function to induce the correct posture by sending a notification to the user's terminal or the guardian's terminal.

[0025] In addition, various effects identified directly or indirectly through the present disclosure may be provided.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the exterior of a pressure sore prevention cushion and a driving unit according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a top-down perspective view of a pressure ulcer prevention cushion and a driving unit according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of a pressure ulcer prevention cushion according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a pressure sore prevention cushion and a film-type pressure sensor according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a visualization of pressure measured through a film-type pressure sensor according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment controls the air pressure inside the cushion based on physical pressure.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment individually controls the air pressure inside a first air cell and a second air cell.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of the operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment returns to its original state after air pressure control.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment periodically controls the air pressure inside a first air cell and a second air cell individually, regardless of physical pressure.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment periodically controls the air pressure inside the cushion regardless of physical pressure.

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates a system for monitoring the health and psychological state of users using a pressure sore prevention cushion through a control center according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a control center, according to one embodiment, determines the user's health and psychological state and shares information.

[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion according to one embodiment determines the user's health and psychological state and shares information.

[0039] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0040] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0042] Additionally, terms such as “…part,” “…unit,” and “module” described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0043] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other components in between.

[0044] Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but rather may include additional components, and it should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0045]

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the exterior of a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) and a driving unit (120) according to one embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) (hereinafter, cushion (101)) including a plurality of air cells (e.g., first air cell (111), second air cell (112)) can be connected through a first conduit (121), a second conduit (122), a third conduit (123), and a connecting member (130).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (120) can adjust the air pressure of the cushion (101) by injecting air into the cushion (101) or extracting air from the cushion (101) through an air pump (e.g., the air pump (202) of FIG. 2) provided inside the driving unit (120). By doing so, when a user sits on the cushion (101), the pressure concentrated on a specific part of the user's seating area (e.g., buttocks) can be dispersed, thereby reducing or preventing the occurrence of bedsores.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the cushion (101) may include a plurality of air cells. The plurality of air cells may include a first air cell (111) and a second air cell (112). The plurality of air cells may be positioned on the upper surface of the cushion (101) at regular intervals to form a grid pattern.

[0050] According to one embodiment, based on the view looking down at the top surface of the cushion (101), the first row from the left may have the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) arranged alternately from the top to the bottom, and a total of 7 air cells may be arranged in the first row. Additionally, the second row from the left may have the second air cell (112) and the first air cell (111) arranged alternately from the top to the bottom, and a total of 7 air cells may be arranged in the second row. In this manner, all air cells forming a grid pattern may have the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) arranged alternately. Furthermore, the top surface of the cushion (101) has 7 rows in the horizontal and 7 rows in the vertical, and may include a total of 49 air cells by having 7 air cells arranged in each row. However, it is not limited to this, and the number of air cells included in the cushion (101) can be varied as needed.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first air cells (111) may be connected to each other, and the second air cells (112) may be connected to each other. That is, the first air cells (111) and the second air cells (112) are not connected to each other. Therefore, when air is injected into the first air cells (111) through the driving unit (120), only the first air cells (111) expand, and the second air cells (112) do not expand. Also, when air is injected into the second air cells (112), only the second air cells (112) expand, and the first air cells (111) do not expand. Conversely, when air is withdrawn from the first air cells (111) through the driving unit (120), only the first air cells (111) contract, and the second air cells (112) do not contract. Additionally, when air is drawn from the second air cell (112), only the second air cell (112) contracts, and the first air cell (111) does not contract. That is, the air pressure inside the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) can be controlled independently of each other.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) may be arranged alternately on the upper surface of the cushion (101). Accordingly, sub-pipes may be located between the first air cells (111) to communicate with each other. The sub-pipes may communicate with each other.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first air cell (111) may be connected to the first conduit (121). The first conduit (121) includes a hollow portion through which air passes and may be connected to one of the first air cells (111) arranged along the corner line of the cushion (101). The corner line may refer to the outermost right column based on the view looking down at the top surface of the cushion (101). However, it is not limited thereto and may refer to the upper outermost row, the left outermost column, or the lower outermost row.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the second air cell (112) may be connected to the second conduit (122). The second conduit (122) includes a hollow portion through which air passes and may be connected to one of the second air cells (112) positioned along the corner line of the cushion (101). Here, the first air cell (111) connected to the first conduit (121) and the second air cell (112) connected to the second conduit (122) may be positioned adjacent to each other. For example, the first air cell (111) connected to the first conduit (111) may be located in the top row of the outermost right column based on the view looking down at the top surface of the cushion (101), and the second air cell (112) connected to the second conduit (112) may be located one row below the top row of the outermost right column based on the view looking down at the top surface of the cushion (101).

[0055] According to one embodiment, one end of the first conduit (121) may be connected to the first air cell (111), and the other end of the first conduit (101) may be connected to one end of the connecting member (130). One end of the second conduit (122) may be connected to the second air cell (112), and the other end of the second conduit (112) may be connected to one end of the connecting member (130).

[0056] According to one embodiment, one end of the third conduit (123) may be connected to the other end of the connecting member (130), and the other end of the third conduit (123) may be connected to the driving unit (120). For example, the other end of the third conduit (123) may be connected to communicate with a silicone tube connected to a ballistics sensor provided inside the driving unit (120).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the shape of the third conduit (123) may not be limited to the shape shown in FIG. 1 and may be manufactured as two conduits. For example, two conduits may be connected to the other end of the connecting member (130), such as the first conduit (121) and the second conduit (122) connected to one end of the connecting member (130). The two conduits may be connected to a silicone tube placed in the driving unit (120).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the connecting member (130) may be configured to prevent changes in air pressure inside the cushion (101) from occurring when connecting or disconnecting the cushion (101) and the driving unit (120), thereby preventing air injected into the cushion (101) from leaking out. For example, when the other end of the connecting member (130) is separated from the third conduit (123), the valve plug provided in the connecting member (130) closes the hollow portion inside the connecting member (130), thereby preventing air inside the cushion (101) from leaking out. Through this, the air pressure inside the cushion (101) can be maintained at a constant level even when the cushion (101) and the driving unit (120) are separated.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the connecting member (130) may be manufactured to independently inject or extract air into the first conduit (121) and the second conduit (122), respectively. For example, the connecting member (130) may be structurally designed to close the hollow portion connected to the second conduit (122) when injecting or extracting air into the first conduit (121), and to close the hollow portion connected to the first conduit (121) when injecting or extracting air into the second conduit (121).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first conduit (121), the second conduit (122), and the third conduit (123) may be in the form of tubes made of silicone material. However, the material may not be limited to the above example. The tube shape may mean a shape in which the cross-section of the hollow portion is circular.

[0061] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of air cells is provided with a space capable of containing air inside, and the shape of the outer surface of each cell in contact with the cushion (101) may be rectangular. However, the shape of the outer surface may not be limited to a rectangular shape and may be manufactured in various shapes including polygonal or curved shapes. The center of each of the plurality of air cells may be manufactured in the most convex shape.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the plurality of air cells are parts that come into direct contact with the user's seating area (e.g., buttocks) and may be made of a material that is highly breathable and easy to wash. Additionally, since air must be injected into the plurality of air cells to expand or air must be expelled to contract, they may be made of a material with excellent elasticity. For example, the cushion (101) and the plurality of air cells may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Additionally, the cushion (101) and the plurality of air cells may be made of a material including one of fabric, spandex, nylon, polyester, PE, PP, PVC, TPR, PVC synthetic resin, silicone, rubber, etc.

[0063] According to one embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 1, the first air cell (111) and the first conduit (121) may be directly connected, or a separate member may be positioned between the first air cell (111) and the first conduit (121). For example, a conduit may protrude by a predetermined length from one side of the first air cell (111) to be connected to the first conduit (121), a stainless steel conduit may be connected to the protruding conduit, and the first conduit (121) may be connected to the stainless steel conduit. As another example, a conduit may protrude by a predetermined length from one side of the second air cell (112) to be connected to the second conduit, a stainless steel conduit may be connected to the protruding conduit, and the second conduit (122) may be connected to the stainless steel conduit.

[0064]

[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view from above of a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) and a driving unit (120) according to one embodiment.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, the cushion (101) may include a plurality of air cells (e.g., a first air cell (111) and a second air cell (112)), and the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) may be connected to communicate with the first conduit (121) and the second conduit (122), respectively. The first conduit (121) and the second conduit (122) are connected to a connecting member (130), the third connecting member (130) is connected to a third conduit (123), and the third conduit (123) may be connected to communicate with the main conduit (210) of the driving unit (120). The driving unit (120) may include various parts, and by driving the various parts, it can not only control the air pressure inside the cushion (101) but also monitor the psychological and health conditions of the user by collecting and analyzing the user's biosignals in real time while the user is seated on the cushion (101). Through this, the cushion (101) not only provides the function of dispersing pressure on the user's seated area but also continuously monitors the user's health and psychological conditions to determine the possibility of bedsores occurring, thereby providing customized health and psychological care services to the user.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first length (221) and the second length (222) of the cushion (101) may be the same. For example, the first length (221) and the second length (222) may be 43 cm. However, the size of the cushion (101) is not limited to the example described above and may be manufactured in various sizes. Additionally, the first length (221) and the second length (222) may be manufactured differently.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the sizes of the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) may be the same. For example, the third length (231) and the fourth length (232) may be the same, and the third length (231) and the fourth length (232) may be 6 cm. However, the sizes of the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) are not limited to the examples described above, and the size of the first air cell (111) and the size of the second air cell (112) may not be the same.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the connecting member (130) may include a first coupling member (130-1), a second coupling member (130-2), and a valve plug member (130-3). The first coupling member (130-1) and the second coupling member (130-2) may be manufactured in a structure that engages and connects. One end of the first coupling member (130-1) may be connected to the other end of the first conduit (121) and the other end of the second conduit (122). The other end of the first coupling member (130-1) may be engaged and connected to one end of the second coupling member (130-2). The other end of the second coupling member (130-2) may be connected to one end of the third conduit (123). The valve plug member (130-3) may be a member that closes the hollow portion inside the connecting member (130). For example, when the other end of the second coupling member (130-2) and the third conduit (123) are separated, the valve plug member (130-3) moves to close the hollow portion inside the connecting member (130). Through this, air inside the cushion (101) can be prevented from leaking out through the first conduit (121) and the second conduit (122).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (120) may include an air pressure sensor (201), an air pump (202), a ballistocardiogram sensor (203), a solenoid valve (204), a memory (205), a communication module (206), a battery (207), a main conduit (210), a first sub-conduit (210-1), a second sub-conduit (210-2), a third sub-conduit (210-3), and a fourth sub-conduit (210-4). Although not shown in FIG. 2, the driving unit (120) may further include a control unit (not shown) capable of controlling various components and an IMU sensor (not shown) capable of detecting the movement of a user. The control unit may be electrically and / or operationally connected to an air pressure sensor (201), an air pump (202), a ballistocardiogram sensor (203), a solenoid valve (204), a memory (205), a communication module (206), a battery (207), and the IMU sensor. Additionally, the driving unit (120) may further include a data processing unit and an artificial intelligence model unit capable of processing and analyzing data sensed through the ballistocardiogram sensor (203).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the air pressure sensor (201) may be connected to a first sub-pipeline (210-1), and the first sub-pipeline (210-1) may be connected to a straight main pipeline (210). The main pipeline (210) may be connected to a third pipeline (123). The air pressure sensor (201) may include a displacement sensor or a pizorac sensor. The air pressure sensor (201) may measure the air pressure inside a plurality of air cells.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the air pump (202) can inject air into the plurality of air cells or extract air from the air cells. The air pump (202) can be connected to a second sub-pipeline (210-2), and the second sub-pipeline (210-2) can be connected to a main pipeline (210).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (120) measures the air pressure inside a plurality of air cells through an air pressure sensor (201) and can inject air into the plurality of air cells.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the ballistocardiogram sensor (203) may refer to a sensor equipped with a piezoelectric element. The ballistocardiogram sensor (203) may collect ballistocardiogram information of a user using data (signals) measured using the piezoelectric element. The ballistocardiogram information may include information such as heart rate, respiration, and heartbeat. The ballistocardiogram sensor (203) may be connected to a third sub-pipeline (210-3), and the third sub-pipeline (210-3) may be connected to a main pipeline (210).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the ballistics sensor (203) may be located inside the third sub-channel (210-3). For example, one end of the third sub-channel (210-3) may be closed and manufactured in a sealed form, and the other end of the third sub-channel (210-3) may be connected to the main channel (210). At this time, the ballistics sensor (203) may be located inside the third sub-channel (210-3) and positioned at a location spaced apart from one end of the third sub-channel (210-3) by a specified distance. In particular, the piezoelectric element of the ballistics sensor (203) may be located inside the third sub-channel (210-3) and positioned at a location spaced apart from one end of the third sub-channel (210-3) by a specified distance. In this case, the third sub-pipe (210-3), the main pipe (210), the third pipe (123), the connecting member (130), the first pipe (121), the second pipe (122), the first air cell (111), and the second air cell (112) can be connected in communication, and the connected components can form a single sealed internal space. Accordingly, when a user sits on the cushion (101), the multiple air cells are compressed, and through this, the air pressure inside the multiple air cells changes, and the degree of change in the air pressure inside the multiple air cells can match the degree of change in the air pressure inside the third sub-pipe (210-3). That is, as the air pressure inside the plurality of air cells changes, pressure or vibration is applied to the piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element) of the ballistics sensor (203), and through this, the piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element) can obtain air pressure inside the plurality of air cells, changes in air pressure, and vibration data of the plurality of air cells.

[0076] According to one embodiment, when the air pump (202) injects air into the cushion (101), the solenoid valve (204) can be locked by applying an electric signal. When the air pump (202) extracts air from the cushion (101), the solenoid valve (204) can be opened by cutting off the electric signal.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the memory (205) can store data collected through an air pressure sensor (201), a ballistocardiogram sensor (203), and a film-type pressure sensor (e.g., the film-type pressure sensor (310) of FIG. 3). The memory (205) can store various data (e.g., an artificial intelligence driving model, artificial intelligence model training data, etc.) for driving an artificial intelligence model unit. The artificial intelligence model unit may refer to an artificial intelligence model for determining the user's psychological state and health state by processing data collected through the ballistocardiogram sensor (203). The psychological state may include a stress index.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the communication module (206) can support wireless data communication with an external device or an external server. For example, the communication module (206) can transmit the collected data to an external device or an external server via wireless communication.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the battery (207) can provide power to the drive unit (120). The battery (207) may support wired charging or wireless charging.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the main conduit (210) may be connected so that the first sub-conduit (210-1), the second sub-conduit (210-2), the third sub-conduit (210-3), and the fourth sub-conduit (210-4) are connected in sequence on one side. One end of the main conduit (210) is closed, and the other end of the main conduit (210) may be connected to the other end of the third conduit (123).

[0081] According to one embodiment, although not shown in FIG. 2, the driving unit (120) may further include a GPS sensor. The GPS sensor can collect location information of the driving unit (120) and the cushion (101) in real time. When a user moves while carrying the cushion (101), the location information of the user can be collected through the GPS sensor.

[0082]

[0083] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) according to one embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, the cushion (101) may include a plurality of air cells (e.g., a first air cell (111) and a second air cell (112)), and a hollow portion capable of accommodating air may be provided inside each air cell. The plurality of air cells may be placed on the upper surface of the cushion (101), and a film-type pressure sensor (310) may be attached to the lower surface of the cushion (101).

[0085] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of air cells may be composed of a top surface (301) of the cell, a side surface (302) of the cell, and a bottom surface (303) of the cell. The bottom surface (303) of the cell may substantially serve as the bottom surface of the cushion (101).

[0086] According to one embodiment, each air cell may have its upper surface (301) of the cell made in a shape where the central portion is the most convex.

[0087] According to one embodiment, a film-type pressure sensor (310) may be attached to the underside of a cushion (101). The film-type pressure sensor (310) can measure the pressure value applied to the user's seating area (e.g., buttocks) when the user sits on the cushion (101).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the height (320) of the air cell may be 4 cm. However, the height (320) of the air cell is not limited to the example described above and may be manufactured at a height suitable for improving the user's seating comfort.

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 4 illustrates a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) and a film-type pressure sensor (310) according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, a film-type pressure sensor (310) may be attached to the lower surface (303) of the cushion (101), and the film-type pressure sensor (310) may include sensing pads divided into several sections. Thus, when a user sits on the cushion (101), the pressure distribution applied to each seating area can be precisely measured through the sensing pads.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 5 illustrates a visualization of pressure measured through a film-type pressure sensor (310) according to one embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 5(a) is a three-dimensional drawing showing the visualization of the pressure distribution by seating area measured by the film-type pressure sensor (310) when a user sits on the cushion (101), and FIG. 5(b) is a two-dimensional drawing showing the visualization of the pressure distribution.

[0095] According to FIG. 5 (a) and (b), the first point (501a) and the second point (502a) may be locations corresponding to the user's left buttocks and right buttocks, respectively. The third point (503a) and the fourth point (504a) may be locations corresponding to the user's left thigh and right thigh, respectively.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first point (501a) and the second point (502a) are relatively more convex than other points, and the greater the degree of convexity, the greater the intensity of the pressure applied to the corresponding point. Additionally, the darker the visualization color, the greater the intensity of the pressure applied to the corresponding point. That is, the first point (501a) and the second point (502a) may have greater pressure applied to them than the third point (503a) and the fourth point (504a).

[0097]

[0098] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) according to one embodiment controls the air pressure inside the cushion based on physical pressure.

[0099] The actions described below may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0100] In operation 601, the driving unit (120) (or control unit) may drive the air pump (202) to inject air into the cushion (101) at a first air pressure. The driving unit (120) may inject air at the first air pressure into a plurality of air cells (e.g., a first air cell (111) and a second air cell (112)) of the cushion (101). The first air pressure may be understood as a basic air pressure value injected into the cushion (101). The basic air pressure value may be set to a value reduced by a specified ratio based on the maximum value of the air pressure injected into the cushion (101). The specified ratio may be set to a value between 50% and 90%. For example, the specified ratio may be one of 65%, 70%, 75%, or 80%. However, the specified ratio is not limited to the range of examples described above.

[0101] According to one embodiment, a flexible sensor (not shown) may be placed on the upper surface of the cushion (101). When a user sits on the cushion (101), the flexible sensor can measure the user's body temperature in real time.

[0102] In operation 603, the user's seating on the cushion (101) can be detected. Detecting the user's seating on the cushion (101) may mean that sensing data begins to be measured from a ballistics sensor (203) included in a driving unit (120) connected to the cushion (101), pressure data of the seating area begins to be measured from a film-type pressure sensor (310), or body temperature data of the user begins to be measured through the flexible sensor.

[0103] In operation 605, a film-type pressure sensor (310) attached to the lower part of the cushion (101) can measure the physical pressure applied to the user's seating area (e.g., buttocks). For example, the user's seating area can be divided into several points to measure the pressure in detail, corresponding to the number of sensing pads of the film-type pressure sensor (310). The physical pressure data measured by the film-type pressure sensor (310) can be provided to the control unit of the driving unit (120).

[0104] In operation 607, the control unit of the driving unit (120) can determine whether the physical pressure applied to the seating area is greater than or equal to a first threshold value based on physical pressure data received from the film-type pressure sensor (310). The first threshold value may mean a minimum pressure value at which a bedsore may occur.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first threshold value may be set differently depending on the individual health condition of the user. For example, it may be set differently depending on the skin condition of the user's buttocks or the degree of blood circulation in the buttocks area. For example, the first threshold value may be set higher when the skin condition of the buttocks is of a strong type and blood circulation in the buttocks area is good, and the first threshold value may be set lower when the skin condition of the buttocks is of a weak type and blood circulation in the buttocks area is poor.

[0106] According to one embodiment, if the physical pressure is not greater than or equal to the first threshold value, operation 605 can be performed, and if the physical pressure is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, operation 609 can be performed.

[0107] In operation 609, the control unit of the driving unit (120) can determine whether physical pressure greater than a first threshold value applied to the user's seating area persists for longer than a first threshold time. The first threshold time may mean a minimum time value during which a bedsore may occur.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first threshold time may be set differently depending on the user's individual health condition, similar to the first threshold value. For example, it may be set differently depending on the skin condition of the user's buttocks or the degree of blood circulation in the buttocks area. For example, the first threshold time may be set larger when the skin condition of the buttocks is of a strong type and blood circulation in the buttocks area is good, and the first threshold time may be set smaller when the skin condition of the buttocks is of a weak type and blood circulation in the buttocks area is poor.

[0109] According to one embodiment, if physical pressure greater than a first threshold value applied to the user's seating area does not persist for a first threshold time or longer, operation 605 is performed, and if physical pressure greater than a first threshold value applied to the user's seating area persists for a first threshold time or longer, operation 611 can be performed.

[0110] In operation 611, the driving unit (120) can be controlled to lower the first air pressure of the air injected into the cushion to a second air pressure lower than the first air pressure. If physical pressure greater than a first threshold value applied to the user's buttocks persists for more than a first threshold time, it is determined that there is a high probability of bedsores occurring, and the air pressure injected into the cushion (101) can be lowered. By doing so, the possibility of bedsores occurring can be reduced or prevented by dispersing the pressure applied to the user's buttocks.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the operation of lowering the pressure of air injected into the cushion (101) may include the operation of lowering the pressure of at least one air cell among the first air cell (111) or the second air cell (112). For example, the operation of lowering the pressure of air injected into the cushion (101) may include the operation of lowering the pressure of both the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112), the operation of lowering the pressure of only the first air cell (111), or the operation of lowering the pressure of only the second air cell (112).

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) according to one embodiment individually controls the air pressure inside the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112).

[0114] The actions described below may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0115] In operation 701, the control unit of the driving unit (120) can identify a first number of first air cells (111) and a second number of second air cells (112) in contact with the user's seating area where physical pressure exceeding a first threshold value persists for a first threshold time or longer. For example, when a user sits on the cushion (101), some of the multiple air cells provided in the cushion (101) may be pressed, while others may not be pressed. At this time, the control unit of the driving unit (120) can identify whether the air cell pressed by the user's seating area is the first air cell (111) or the second air cell (112). The method of identifying which air cell is pressed can be based on pressure data detected by the film-type pressure sensor (310). That is, individual pads of a film-type pressure sensor (310) are mapped to each of the multiple air cells of the cushion (101), and based on the pressure data detected by the individual pads, it is possible to detect how much pressure intensity the air cells at a certain location are being pressed. That is, among the air cells pressed by the user's seating area, the air cells in contact with the seating area that are subjected to a physical pressure greater than a first threshold value and last for a first threshold time or longer can be identified, the types of the air cells can be identified, and the number of air cells of each type can be identified.

[0116] In operation 703, the control unit of the driving unit (120) can determine whether the first number and the second number are the same. If the first number and the second number are different, operation 705 is performed, and if the first number and the second number are the same, operation 707 is performed.

[0117] In operation 705, the control unit may control the drive unit (120) (or air pump (202)) to lower the first air pressure of the larger of the first number and the second number of air cells to a second air pressure lower than the first air pressure. For example, if the first number is greater than the second number, the control unit may lower the first air pressure of the first air cell (111) to the second air pressure. As another example, if the second number is greater than the first number, the control unit may lower the first air pressure of the second air cell (112) to the second air pressure.

[0118] In operation 707, the control unit can lower the first air pressure of the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) to the second air pressure.

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of the operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) according to one embodiment returns to its original state after air pressure control.

[0121] In operation 801, the control unit can control the drive unit (120) to restore the air pressure to the state before the air pressure was lowered after a specified time has elapsed since the first air pressure of the air cells was lowered to the second air pressure.

[0122] According to one embodiment, after the driving unit (120) controls the pressure change of the cushion (101), the air pressure of the cushion (101) can be restored to its original state after a specified time has elapsed. That is, the cushion (101) can disperse the pressure applied to the seating area by changing the air pressure of a plurality of air cells based on the data of the pressure applied to the user's seating area. In addition, after changing the air pressure of the plurality of air cells and after a specified time has elapsed, the air pressure injected into the cushion (101) is periodically changed to a basic set air pressure value, and then the pressure applied to the seating area is analyzed again, thereby maintaining the air pressure within the cushion (101).

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) according to one embodiment periodically controls the air pressure inside the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) individually, regardless of physical pressure.

[0125] The actions described below may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 9, when a user sits on the cushion (101), regardless of the degree of physical pressure applied to the seating area, the operation of increasing or decreasing the air pressure of the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) of the cushion (101) at preset intervals can be performed. By periodically changing the air pressure inside the air cells of the cushion (101), the occurrence of bedsores can be effectively prevented. The preset intervals may be set differently depending on the user's health condition, and the preset interval value may be larger as the skin condition of the seating area is good or the degree of blood circulation in the seating area is good.

[0127] In operation 901, after the user sits on the cushion (101), the control unit can determine whether a specified time has elapsed since the user sat on the cushion (101). If the specified time has not elapsed, operation 603 can be performed, and if the specified time has elapsed, operation 903 can be performed.

[0128] In operation 903, the control unit can control the drive unit (120) (or air pump (202)) to lower the first air pressure of one of the first air cells (111) or second air cells (112) of the cushion (101) to the second air pressure.

[0129] In operation 905, the control unit may determine whether a specified time has elapsed since the air pressure of the air cell was controlled. If the specified time has not elapsed, operation 903 may be performed, and if the specified time has elapsed, operation 907 may be performed.

[0130] In operation 907, the control unit can control the drive unit (120) (or air pump (202)) to raise the air pressure of the air cell, which has been lowered from the first air pressure to the second air pressure, back to the first air pressure, and to lower the air pressure of the air cell, which has been maintained at the first air pressure, back to the second air pressure. That is, the air pressure inside the air cell can be periodically lowered or raised and repeated.

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) according to one embodiment periodically controls the air pressure inside the cushion regardless of physical pressure.

[0133] The actions described below may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 10, when a user sits on the cushion (101), regardless of the degree of physical pressure applied to the seating area, the air pressure of the cushion (101) can be increased or decreased at preset intervals. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 9, the embodiment of FIG. 10 can be controlled so that the air pressure of the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) decreases or increases together. By periodically changing the air pressure inside the air cell, the occurrence of bedsores can be effectively prevented.

[0135] In operation 1001, after the user sits on the cushion (101), the control unit can determine whether a specified time has elapsed since the user sat on the cushion (101). If the specified time has not elapsed, operation 603 can be performed, and if the specified time has elapsed, operation 1003 can be performed.

[0136] In operation 1003, the control unit can control the drive unit (120) (or air pump (202)) to lower the first air pressure of the air injected into the cushion (101) to a second air pressure lower than the first air pressure. In this case, the air pressure change of the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) of the cushion (101) can be controlled equally. That is, both the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) can be controlled to change from the first air pressure to the second air pressure.

[0137] In operation 1005, the control unit can determine whether a specified time has elapsed since the air pressure was controlled. If the specified time has not elapsed, operation 1003 can be performed, and if the specified time has elapsed, operation 1007 can be performed.

[0138] In operation 1007, the control unit can control the drive unit (120) (or air pump (202)) to increase the second air pressure of the air injected into the cushion (101) to the first air pressure. In this case, the air pressure change of the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) can be controlled to be the same. That is, both the first air cell (111) and the second air cell (112) can be controlled to change from the second air pressure to the first air pressure.

[0139]

[0140] FIG. 11 illustrates a system (1100) for monitoring the health and psychological state of users using a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) through a control center (1111) according to one embodiment.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 11, the system (1100) can provide personalized services tailored to the individual health and psychological conditions of users by monitoring and controlling the health and psychological conditions of multiple users using the pressure sore prevention cushion (101) in real time at a central server, which is a control center (1111).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the system (1100) may include a first cushion (1101), a second cushion (1102), a third cushion (1103), a control center (1111), a first external terminal (1121), a second external terminal (1122), a medical institution (1131), and a psychological management institution (1141). The components of the system (1100) are not limited to the components shown in FIG. 11, and some components may be omitted or added. For example, the number of cushions monitored by the control center (1111) may be greater than the three shown in FIG. 11. The first cushion (1101), the second cushion (1102), and the third cushion (1103) may refer to the pressure sore prevention cushion (101) described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 10.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the control center (1111) can perform wireless data communication with multiple cushions, can perform functions of storing, processing, and analyzing data received from multiple cushions, and may include a display device capable of monitoring in real time.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first external terminal (1121) may refer to a terminal of a user using the cushion (101). The second external terminal (1122) may refer to a terminal used by the guardian of the user. The medical institution (1131) may refer to a server of a medical institution that provides medical services such as emergency dispatch services, treatment services, and treatment counseling services. The psychological counseling institution (1141) may refer to a terminal (or server) of a psychotherapist or psychological counselor capable of providing customized psychotherapy services according to the user's psychological state, such as anxiety or stress.

[0145] According to one embodiment, several cushions (e.g., first cushion (1101), second cushion (1102), third cushion (1103)) can collect ballistocardiogram information of a user through a ballistocardiogram sensor provided in each cushion. The several cushions can transmit the collected ballistocardiogram information to a control center in real time. The several cushions can also collect the user's body temperature information collected through a flexible sensor, the user's movement data (posture data) measured through an IMU sensor, and the user's location information collected through a GPS sensor in real time and transmit them to the control center (1111).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the control center (1111) can perform storage, processing, and analysis operations on data collected from various cushions. For example, the control center (1111) can process and convert the collected ballistocardiogram information to determine the user's psychological state and health state. The control center (1111) can transmit information regarding the user's psychological state and health state to a first external terminal (1121), a second external terminal (1122), a medical institution (1131), and a psychological management institution (1141).

[0147] According to one embodiment, if the user's health condition is in an emergency or dangerous state, the control center (1111) can transmit a warning alarm to a second external terminal (1122) so that the user's guardian can recognize that it is an emergency situation. Additionally, the control center (1111) can request an emergency dispatch service by transmitting the warning alarm to a medical institution (1131). In this case, by transmitting the user's location information collected through a GPS sensor together, the medical institution (1131) can immediately recognize the user's location information and dispatch an emergency to the place where the user lives.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the control center (1111) can determine whether the user's posture is correct based on the user's movement data (posture data) collected through the IMU sensor, and if the posture is incorrect, it can induce the user to adopt the correct posture by sending a notification to the first external terminal (1121). Additionally, the control center (1111) can induce the guardian to take action so that the user adopts the correct posture by sending the notification to the second external terminal (1122).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the control center (1111) may transmit a request to connect a customized psychological counselor to the psychological management agency (1141) according to the psychological state of the user. For example, if the user's psychological state is a first psychological state, the control center (1111) may request the psychological management agency (1141) to connect wireless communication to the terminal of the first psychological counselor. As another example, if the user's psychological state is a second psychological state, the control center (1111) may request the psychological management agency (1141) to connect wireless communication to the terminal of the second psychological counselor.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the control center (1111) may recommend and provide multimedia content that can care for the user's psychological state according to the user's psychological state. For example, the multimedia content may be multimedia content that lowers anxiety when the user's psychological state is high anxiety, and multimedia content that lowers stress when the user's psychological state is high stress.

[0151]

[0152] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a control center, according to one embodiment, determines the user's health and psychological state and shares information.

[0153] The actions described below may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0154] In operation 1201, the cushion (101) can collect sensing data in real time through the ballistics sensor (203). The sensing data may refer to air pressure or air pressure change data within a plurality of air cells that can be detected by a user sitting on the cushion (101). That is, the sensing data may refer to the value measured when pressure is applied to a piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element) provided inside the ballistics sensor (203) through the air pressure change within the plurality of air cells. That is, the sensing data may refer to pressure data or pressure change data within the air cells via air.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the cushion (101) can collect the user's body temperature data in real time through a flexible sensor. The cushion (101) can collect the user's movement (posture) data in real time through an IMU sensor. The cushion (101) can collect the user's location data in real time through a GPS sensor.

[0156] In operation 1203, the cushion (101) can transmit the sensing data to the control center (1111) via the communication module (206). Additionally, the cushion (101) can transmit the body temperature data, movement (posture) data, and location data to the control center (1111) via the communication module (206).

[0157] In operation 1205, the control center (1111) can generate user biometric data by converting and processing the sensing data received from the cushion (101). The operation of converting and processing the sensing data may mean pre-processing the data. Additionally, the operation of converting and processing the sensing data may mean removing noise from the sensing data. The pre-processing may include Fourier transform, Wavelet transform, and pseudo-signal matching (or template matching) processes. The pre-processing process may proceed in the order of the Fourier transform, the Wavelet transform, and the pseudo-signal matching.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the Fourier transform may refer to an operation of separating a frequency corresponding to a biological rhythm (e.g., heart rhythm or respiratory rhythm) from the sensing data. For example, a first frequency corresponding to the heart rhythm may be separated from the sensing data through the Fourier transform. As another example, a second frequency corresponding to the respiratory rhythm may be separated from the sensing data through the Fourier transform.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the wavelet transform may refer to a process of generating various bands from low frequency to high frequency by extending or shortening the length of the signal in the time axis direction, and a process of transforming by calculating the correlation coefficient with the sensing data while changing the time scale of the wavelet function modeled according to a specific rule.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the similar signal matching may refer to a process of generating biometric data by applying a template matching technique to transformed data that has undergone the Fourier transform and wavelet transform processes. That is, it may refer to a process of minimizing noise included in the data by correcting the signal so that the transformed data is matched as much as possible to an existing template signal.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the biometric data may refer to ballistocardiogram data extracted from the sensing data, and may include, for example, heart rate data, respiration data, and heart rate data.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the control center (1111) can extract heart rate variability data from the heart rate data.

[0163] In operation 1207, the control center (1111) can determine the user's psychological state and health state based on the biometric data. For example, the control center (1111) can determine the user's psychological state and health state based on heart rate data, respiration data, and body temperature data. Specifically, the control center (1111) can determine the user's psychological state and health state based on the output value by inputting the heart rate data, respiration data, and body temperature data into an artificial intelligence model unit that determines the psychological state and health state. The artificial intelligence model unit can be trained to determine the user's psychological state, health state, and stress index based on a learning data set in which the user's psychological state, health state, and stress index are mapped according to the user's heart rate data, respiration data, and body temperature data.

[0164] In operations 1209 and 1211, the control center (1111) can transmit information about the user's health and psychological state to the first external terminal (1121) and the second external terminal (1122).

[0165] In operations 1213 and 1215, the first external terminal (1121) can display information regarding the user's health and psychological state received from the control center (1111) through a display provided on the first external terminal (1121). Through this, the user can be aware of their own health and psychological state in real time. The second external terminal (1122) can display information regarding the user's health and psychological state received from the control center (1111) through a display provided on the second external terminal (1122). Through this, the user's guardian can monitor the user's psychological and health state in real time and take appropriate measures for the user.

[0166]

[0167] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an operation in which a pressure sore prevention cushion (101) according to one embodiment determines the user's health and psychological state and shares information.

[0168] The actions described below may be performed in a different order or simultaneously.

[0169] In operation 1301, the cushion (101) can collect sensing data in real time through the ballistics sensor (203). Operation 1301 may be substantially the same as operation 1201.

[0170] In operation 1303, the cushion (101) can generate the user's biometric data by converting and processing the sensing data. For example, the cushion (101) can generate the user's biometric data by converting and processing the sensing data through a data preprocessing unit (not shown). Operation 1303 and operation 1205 may be substantially the same operation, differing only in the subject of the operation. For example, the subject of operation 1303 may be the cushion (101), and the subject of operation 1205 may be the control center (1111). That is, the cushion (101) can perform operation 1205 of the control center (1111) in FIG. 12 substantially identically.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the cushion (101) can generate biometric data by performing a Fourier transform, a wavelet transform, and pseudo-signal matching (or template matching) on ​​the sensing data. The biometric data may refer to ballistocardiogram data extracted from the sensing data and may include, for example, heart rate data, respiration data, and heart rate data. The cushion (101) can extract heart rate variability data from the heart rate data.

[0172] In operation 1305, the cushion (101) can determine the user's psychological state and health state based on the above biometric data. For example, the cushion (101) can determine the user's psychological state and health state based on heart rate data, respiration data, and body temperature data. Specifically, the control center (1111) can determine the user's psychological state and health state based on the output value by inputting the heart rate data, respiration data, and body temperature data into an artificial intelligence model unit that determines the psychological state and health state. The artificial intelligence model unit can be trained to determine the user's psychological state, health state, and stress index based on a learning data set in which the user's psychological state, health state, and stress index are mapped according to the user's heart rate data, respiration data, and body temperature data.

[0173] In operations 1307 and 1309, the cushion (101) can transmit information about the user's health and psychological state to the first external terminal (1121) and the second external terminal (1122).

[0174] In operations 1311 and 1313, the first external terminal (1121) can display information regarding the user's health and psychological state received from the cushion (101) through a display provided on the first external terminal (1121). Through this, the user can be aware of their own health and psychological state in real time. The second external terminal (1122) can display information regarding the user's health and psychological state received from the cushion (101) through a display provided on the second external terminal (1122). Through this, the user's guardian can monitor the user's psychological and health state in real time and take appropriate measures for the user.

[0175] According to one embodiment, a pressure sore prevention cushion that disperses physical pressure applied to a user's seating area and monitors the user's psychological and health conditions may include a plurality of air cells disposed on the upper surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion corresponding to the surface on which the user sits, a film-type pressure sensor attached to the lower surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion to measure physical pressure data applied to the user's seating area, and a driving unit connected to the plurality of air cells through at least one conduit, which controls the air pressure inside the plurality of air cells and collects sensing data to monitor the user's psychological and health conditions based on changes in the air pressure. Each of the plurality of air cells may be provided with a hollow portion into which air can be injected and may include first air cells and second air cells.The above driving unit includes a piezoelectric element, and a ballistocardiogram sensor that acquires sensing data based on air pressure data inside the plurality of air cells through the piezoelectric element, an air pump that injects air into the plurality of air cells or extracts air from the plurality of air cells, a communication module, a ballistocardiogram sensor, the air pump, and a control unit operatively connected to the communication module; the control unit controls the air pump so that air is injected into the hollow portion inside the plurality of air cells through the air pump at a first air pressure, acquires physical pressure data applied to the user's seating area through the film-type pressure sensor, determines whether the physical pressure data value is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, and if the physical pressure data value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, determines whether the physical pressure data value greater than or equal to the first threshold value persists for a first threshold time or longer, and if the physical pressure data value greater than or equal to the first threshold value persists for a first threshold time or longer, lowers the air pressure inside the plurality of air cells from the first air pressure to a second air pressure lower than the first air pressure. You can control the air pump.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the control unit identifies a first number of first air cells and a second number of second air cells in contact with a seating area where a physical pressure data value greater than or equal to the first threshold value persists for longer than the first threshold time, and if the first number and the second number are different, the control unit can control the air pump to lower the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger number between the first number and the second number from the first air pressure to the second air pressure.

[0177] According to one embodiment, when the first number and the second number are the same, the control unit can control the air pump to lower the air pressure of the first air cells and the second air cells from the first air pressure to the second air pressure.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the control unit determines whether a specified time has elapsed since the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger of the first number and the second number was lowered from the first air pressure to the second air pressure, and if the specified time has elapsed, the control unit can control the air pump to raise the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger of the first number and the second number from the second air pressure to the first air pressure.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the driving unit includes a main conduit communicating with at least one conduit and a sub-conduit communicating with the main conduit, wherein one end of the sub-conduit is closed and the other end of the sub-conduit may be communicating with the main conduit. The piezoelectric element is located inside the sub-conduit and may be positioned at a location spaced apart by a specified distance from one end of the sub-conduit.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the driving unit may further include an artificial intelligence model unit for determining the psychological state and health state of the user and a preprocessing unit for preprocessing the sensing data to be input to the artificial intelligence model unit. The control unit may acquire the sensing data based on air pressure data inside the plurality of air cells through the piezoelectric element of the ballistocardiogram sensor, generate biometric data by performing a Fourier transform and a wavelet transform on the sensing data through the preprocessing unit, and input the biometric data to the artificial intelligence model unit to determine the psychological state and health state of the user.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the control unit performs a first Fourier transform on the sensing data through the preprocessing unit, the first Fourier transform is a transform that separates a first frequency corresponding to a heart rhythm from the sensing data, and performs a second Fourier transform on the sensing data through the preprocessing unit, the second Fourier transform is a transform that separates a second frequency corresponding to a breathing rhythm from the sensing data, and based on the first Fourier transform and the second Fourier transform, generates the bio-data from the sensing data, and the bio-data may include ballistocardiogram data and breathing data.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the control unit performs a first wavelet transform on the sensing data to which the first Fourier transform is applied through the preprocessing unit using a first wavelet function modeled according to the heart rhythm, performs a second wavelet transform on the sensing data to which the second Fourier transform is applied through the preprocessing unit using a second wavelet function modeled according to the breathing rhythm, and can generate the bio-data from the sensing data based on the first wavelet and the second wavelet transform.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the device further includes a flexible sensor designed to measure the body temperature of the user's seating area, and the flexible sensor may be placed across the upper surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion. The control unit acquires the user's body temperature data through the flexible sensor and inputs the body temperature data and the biometric data into the artificial intelligence model unit to determine the user's psychological state and health state.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the first air cells are connected to each other by a conduit and the second air cells are connected to each other by a conduit so that the internal air pressure of the first air cells and the internal air pressure of the second air cells are controlled independently of each other, and the first conduit connected to one of the first air cells and the second conduit connected to one of the second air cells can be connected to the driving unit through the at least one conduit.

Claims

1. A pressure sore prevention cushion that disperses physical pressure applied to the user's seating area and monitors the user's psychological and health conditions, A plurality of air cells disposed on the upper surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion corresponding to the surface on which the user sits, each of the plurality of air cells having a hollow portion into which air can be injected, and including first air cells and second air cells; and A film-type pressure sensor attached to the lower surface of the above-mentioned pressure sore prevention cushion to measure physical pressure data applied to the user's seating area; A driving unit that controls the air pressure inside the plurality of air cells, collects sensing data for monitoring the psychological and health conditions of the user based on changes in the air pressure, and is connected to the plurality of air cells through at least one conduit; The above driving unit is: A ballistics sensor comprising a piezoelectric element, which acquires sensing data based on air pressure data inside a plurality of air cells through the piezoelectric element; An air pump for injecting air into the plurality of air cells or extracting air from the plurality of air cells; Communication module; A control unit operatively connected to the above ballistics sensor, the above air pump, and the above communication module; The above control unit is: The air pump is controlled so that air is injected into the hollow portion inside the plurality of air cells at a first air pressure through the air pump, and Physical pressure data applied to the user's seating area is obtained through the above film-type pressure sensor, and Determining whether the above physical pressure data value is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, If the physical pressure data value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, determine whether the physical pressure data value greater than or equal to the first threshold value persists for a first threshold time or longer, and A pressure sore prevention cushion that controls the air pump to lower the air pressure inside the plurality of air cells from the first air pressure to a second air pressure lower than the first air pressure when a physical pressure data value greater than the first threshold value persists for longer than the first threshold time.

2. In Claim 1, The above control unit is: Identifying the first number of the first air cells and the second number of the second air cells that are in contact with the seating area where the physical pressure data value greater than the first threshold value persists for longer than the first threshold time, and A pressure sore prevention cushion that, when the first number and the second number are different, controls the air pump to lower the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger number between the first number and the second number from the first air pressure to the second air pressure.

3. In Claim 2, The above control unit is: A pressure sore prevention cushion that controls the air pump to lower the air pressure of the first air cells and the second air cells from the first air pressure to the second air pressure when the first number and the second number are the same.

4. In Claim 2, The above control unit is: Determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger of the first number and the second number was lowered from the first air pressure to the second air pressure, and A pressure sore prevention cushion that controls the air pump to increase the air pressure of the air cells corresponding to the larger of the first number and the second number from the second air pressure to the first air pressure when the above-mentioned specified time has elapsed.

5. In Claim 1, The above driving unit includes a main conduit communicating with at least one conduit and a sub-conduit communicating with the main conduit, wherein one end of the sub-conduit is in a closed form and the other end of the sub-conduit is communicating with the main conduit. A pressure sore prevention cushion, wherein the piezoelectric element is located inside the sub-channel and is positioned at a location spaced apart from one end of the sub-channel by a specified distance.

6. In Claim 1, The above driving unit is: An artificial intelligence model unit for determining the psychological and health status of the above-mentioned user; and It further includes a preprocessing unit for preprocessing the sensing data to be input into the artificial intelligence model unit; The above control unit is: Through the piezoelectric element of the above-mentioned ballistics sensor, the sensing data is obtained based on the air pressure data inside the plurality of air cells, and Bio-data is generated by performing Fourier transform and wavelet transform on the sensing data through the above preprocessing unit, and A pressure sore prevention cushion that inputs the above biometric data into the above artificial intelligence model unit to determine the psychological state and health state of the user.

7. In Claim 6, The above control unit is: A first Fourier transform is performed on the sensing data through the above preprocessing unit, and the first Fourier transform is a transform that separates a first frequency corresponding to a heart rhythm from the sensing data, and A second Fourier transform is performed on the sensing data through the above preprocessing unit, and the second Fourier transform is a transform that separates a second frequency corresponding to a breathing rhythm from the sensing data, and A pressure ulcer prevention cushion that generates bio-data from the sensing data based on the first Fourier transform and the second Fourier transform, wherein the bio-data includes ballistocardiogram data and respiration data.

8. In Claim 7, The above control unit is: A first wavelet transform is performed on the sensing data to which the first Fourier transform has been applied through the preprocessing unit using a first wavelet function modeled according to the heart rhythm, and A second wavelet transform is performed on the sensing data to which the second Fourier transform has been applied through the preprocessing unit, using a second wavelet function modeled according to the breathing rhythm, and A pressure sore prevention cushion that generates bio-data from the sensing data based on the first wavelet and the second wavelet transformation.

9. In Claim 6, It further includes a flexible sensor designed to measure the body temperature of the user's seating area, wherein the flexible sensor is positioned across the upper surface of the pressure sore prevention cushion, and The above control unit is: Acquire the user's body temperature data through the flexible sensor, and A pressure sore prevention cushion that inputs the above body temperature data and the above biometric data into the above artificial intelligence model unit to determine the psychological state and health state of the user.

10. In Claim 1, The first air cells and the second air cells are connected to each other by a conduit so that the internal air pressure of the first air cells and the internal air pressure of the second air cells are controlled independently of each other, and the second air cells are connected to each other by a conduit. A pressure sore prevention cushion, wherein a first conduit connected to one of the first air cells and a second conduit connected to one of the second air cells are connected to the driving unit through the at least one conduit.

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