JP2021068979A - Nurse call system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a nurse call system that enables call connection in which call disconnection and deterioration of call quality are suppressed while guaranteeing security.SOLUTION: A nurse call system 10 includes a nurse call slave unit 20, a nurse call master unit 30, a mobile terminal 80, a nurse call controller 40, and a closed network connection device 60. The mobile terminal 80 is connected to a closed network by wirelessly communicating with a base station 70 of a telecommunication carrier that provides a closed network connection service, and a call screen is displayed using patient information added to a call signal when the call signal is received from the nurse call controller 40. The nurse call controller 40 makes call connection between the mobile terminal 80 that has answered the call and the nurse call slave unit 20 that is a caller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a nurse call system, and more particularly to a nurse call system that communicates via a closed network of a telecommunications carrier that provides a closed network connection service for a call from a patient.

In recent years, in response to a call from a nurse call slave unit provided for each bed in a hospital room, the call is notified to the mobile terminal carried by the nurse, and the mobile terminal can be used even if the called nurse is not at the nurse station. Nurse call systems that can be used and answered are widespread.

In such a nurse call system, in order to handle personal information of patients, an access point is installed in a hospital to call a mobile terminal carried by a nurse (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent). See Reference 2). More specifically, the call signal transmitted from the nurse call slave unit is transmitted to the nurse call controller, the mobile terminal information of the nurse in charge of the nurse call controller is acquired, transmitted to the private branch exchange, and the private branch exchange is used. The call is sent to the nurse's mobile terminal via the access point installed in the hospital. By using the access point installed in the hospital, the personal information of the patient is prevented from being leaked to the line outside the hospital, and the security is guaranteed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-61226 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-61228

However, in the conventional nurse call system using the access point installed in the hospital as described above, when the nurse crosses the communication range of the access point while talking on the mobile terminal, the call is disconnected. , There was a problem that the call quality deteriorated.

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a nurse call system that enables a call connection in which the occurrence of call disconnection and deterioration of call quality are suppressed while guaranteeing security.

The nurse call system according to the present invention includes a nurse call slave unit installed in each bed for a patient to call a nurse, a nurse call master unit installed in a nurse station to answer a call from a patient, and a nurse call master unit. Closed the mobile terminal carried by the nurse to answer the patient's call, the nurse call controller that controls the communication between the nurse call slave unit, the nurse call master unit, and the mobile terminal, and the nurse call controller. It is equipped with a closed network connection device that connects to a communication line that provides a network connection service, and the mobile terminal is connected to the closed network by wireless communication with the base station of the communication company that provides the closed network connection service, and is connected to the nurse. The call controller has a connection information table in which patient information associated with the nurse call slave unit, nurse information associated with the patient, and mobile terminal information carried by the nurse are stored, and the call controller has a nurse call slave unit. When the call signal from is received, the nurse call master unit is called, and the connection information table is referred to to the mobile terminal carried by the nurse corresponding to the patient operating the nurse call slave unit. , Has a function to transmit a call signal to which the patient information corresponding to the nurse call slave unit is added, and when the mobile terminal receives the call signal from the nurse call controller, the mobile terminal transmits the patient information added to the call signal. When the nurse call master unit does not answer, the nurse call controller displays the call screen using the mobile terminal that selects to answer the call screen first, and the caller's nurse call slave unit. It is characterized in that it is configured to make a call connection between them.

By having such a configuration, it is possible to communicate in the hospital using a closed network. Here, the closed network is a wide area communication network that is not directly connected to the Internet or the like and connects only a limited number of users and bases, and is provided by a telecommunications carrier. By using a closed network, it is possible to communicate without connecting to the Internet, so it is possible to communicate with guaranteed security for personal information such as patient information. In addition, since the base station of the telecommunications carrier that provides the closed network connection service can communicate in a range wider than the communication range of the access point, the number of times of switching the connection destination of the access point (handover) is small. You can make a call without disconnecting the call or degrading the call quality.

Further, the nurse call system according to the present invention is provided with a private branch exchange that manages the communication connection between the nurse call slave unit, the nurse call master unit, and the mobile terminal, and has a function of holding, transferring, and making a group call of the communication connection. It is preferably configured to provide.

With such a configuration, even if a nurse receives a nurse call, if it cannot be dealt with immediately, it can be handed over to another nurse. By handing over to another nurse, the nurse can respond quickly to the patient.

Further, the nurse call controller of the nurse call system according to the present invention has a function of receiving a SIP format call signal from the nurse call slave unit and transmitting a BRI format call command, and a BRI format call control command. A function to send a SIP format call signal, a function to receive a BRI format call signal and transmit an RTP format call signal, and a function to receive an RTP format call signal and transmit a BRI format call signal. It has a function to convert a SIP format call signal into a BRI format call command and a function to convert a BRI format call command to a SIP format call signal between the nurse call controller and the closed network connection device. A function to convert a SIP format call control signal into a BRI format call control command, a function to convert a BRI format call signal into an RTP format call signal, and a function to convert an RTP format call signal into a BRI format call. Even if it is equipped with a signal format converter that has a function to convert signals, the LAN system to which the nurse call controller is connected and the LAN system to which the closed network connection device is connected are completely separated by BRI connection. Good.

By having such a configuration, the communication between the nurse call controller and the signal format converter becomes analog format, and the LAN system to which the nurse call controller is connected and the LAN system to which the closed network connection device is connected are connected. And are completely separated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the premises LAN from being invaded from the outside and realize stronger security.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a nurse call system that enables a call connection in which the occurrence of call disconnection and deterioration of call quality are suppressed while guaranteeing security.

The above-mentioned object, other object, feature and advantage of the present invention will be further clarified from the description of the embodiment for carrying out the following invention with reference to the drawings.

It is a block diagram of the nurse call system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the nurse call controller which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a data flow diagram which shows the call and answer operation of the nurse call system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a data flow diagram which shows the state which the nurse call slave unit and the mobile terminal are talking in the nurse call system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a data flow diagram showing an operation when disconnecting a call from a mobile terminal when the nurse call slave unit and the mobile terminal are talking in the nurse call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the nurse call system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples that embody the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(First Embodiment)
1. 1. Configuration of Nurse Call System The nurse call system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a nurse call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The nurse call system 10 according to the first embodiment includes a nurse call slave unit 20, a corridor light 22, a nurse call master unit 30, a nurse call controller 40, a private branch exchange 50, and a closed network connection device 60. , The mobile terminal 80 is provided.

The nurse call slave unit 20 is installed in each bed for the patient to call a nurse. The nurse call handset 20 includes, for example, a hand-held handset, a grip button, a call button, and the like. For example, when the nurse call slave unit 20 includes a grip button, the nurse call slave unit 20 includes a call grip button 20a and a plate slave unit 20b provided with a microphone and a speaker for talking.

The corridor light 22 is installed in each hospital room, and a plurality of nurse call slave units 20 are connected to each other. The corridor light 22 includes a notification light 22a that lights up when a call signal is transmitted from the connected nurse call slave unit 20, and a patient information display unit 22b that displays patient information in the hospital room. The corridor light 22 receives the call signal from the nurse call slave unit 20 and transmits the call signal to the nurse call controller 40 via the premises LAN.

The nurse call master unit 30 is installed at the nurse station to answer the call from the patient. The nurse call master unit 30 includes a hand set 32 for answering the call and a display unit 34 for displaying patient information and the like.

The nurse call controller 40 controls communication between the nurse call slave unit 20, the nurse call master unit 30, and the mobile terminal 80. The nurse call controller 40 receives the call signal transmitted from the nurse call slave unit 20 via the corridor light 22, and transmits the call signal to the nurse call master unit 30 and the mobile terminal 80.

The private branch exchange 50 manages the communication connection between the nurse call slave unit 20, the nurse call master unit 30, and the mobile terminal 80. The private branch exchange 50 is configured to provide functions for holding, transferring, and making group calls for communication connections. As the private branch exchange 50, for example, an IP exchange that operates based on the Internet protocol can be used. The private branch exchange 50 is used, for example, when notifying the mobile terminal 80 of a call signal from the nurse call slave unit 20 and responding to it. Further, the private branch exchange 50 is used to make an interconnection when making an extension call with a nurse via, for example, the nurse call master unit 30 or another mobile terminal 80.

The closed network connection device 60 connects the nurse call controller 40 to the closed network. The closed network connection device 60 is a connection device used when connecting from a network in a hospital to a closed network. A closed network is a wide area communication network that is not directly connected to the Internet and connects only a limited number of users and bases. The closed network is communicated using, for example, MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching).

The base station 70 is installed by a telecommunications carrier that provides a closed network communication service. By performing wireless communication between the mobile terminal 80 and the base station 70, the mobile terminal 80 is connected to the closed network. It is preferred that a single base station 70 covers the entire area of the hospital. Further, a plurality of base stations 70 may cover the entire range of the hospital.

The mobile terminal 80 is carried and used by a nurse to answer a patient's call. The mobile terminal 80 can use, for example, a smartphone, and has a display unit 82 having a touch panel as an operation unit and a communication unit (not shown). The mobile terminal 80 can make a call with a patient via the nurse call slave unit 20, and can make an extension call with a nurse via the nurse call master unit 30 or another mobile terminal 80. The mobile terminal 80 includes, for example, a SIM that connects only to the closed network in order to wirelessly communicate with the base station 70 and connect to the closed network.

Further, when the mobile terminal 80 receives the call signal from the nurse call controller 40, the mobile terminal 80 displays the call screen on the display unit 82 of the mobile terminal 80 using the patient information added to the call signal. Then, when the nurse call master unit does not answer the call from the nurse call controller 40, the mobile phone selected to answer the call screen displayed on the display unit 82 of the mobile terminal 80 first. The terminal 80 and the caller's nurse call slave unit 20 are configured to make a call connection via the closed network connection device 60. The information displayed on the display unit 82 of the mobile terminal 80 is, for example, a patient name, a room number, and a bed number, and URL information for referring to a server in the hospital to obtain more detailed information is displayed. You may do so.

Next, the nurse call controller 40 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the nurse call controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The nurse call controller 40 stores a nurse call controller interface (hereinafter referred to as a nurse call controller I / F) 42 for transmitting and receiving a call signal and the like from the nurse call slave unit 20, a nurse call controller CPU 44, and a memory. A unit 46 is provided.

The nurse call controller I / F 42 is, for example, a communication unit that transmits and receives a call signal from the nurse call slave unit 20. Further, the nurse call controller CPU 44 manages, for example, transmission / reception of information stored in the storage unit 46, connection processing to the nurse call master unit 30 and the predetermined mobile terminal 80 for the call of the nurse call slave unit 20, and the like. Do.

The storage unit 46 includes a connection information table 46a in which patient information associated with the nurse call slave unit 20, nurse information associated with the patient, and mobile terminal information carried by the nurse are stored. When the nurse call controller 40 receives the call signal from the nurse call slave unit 20, the nurse call controller 40 calls the nurse call master unit 30 and refers to the connection information table 46a of the storage unit 46 to call the nurse call slave unit 20. A call signal to which the patient information corresponding to the nurse call slave unit 20 is added is transmitted to the mobile terminal 80 carried by the nurse corresponding to the operating patient via the closed network connection device 60.

2. Operation of the nurse call system (1) Call / response FIG. 3 shows a response operation by the mobile terminal 80 in which the mobile terminal 80 receives the call signal transmitted by the nurse call slave unit 20 and selects to answer first. It will be explained with reference to. FIG. 3 is a data flow diagram showing a call and answer operation of the nurse call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the patient operates the nurse call slave unit 20 to call the nurse. When the nurse call slave unit 20 is operated, a call signal is transmitted to the nurse call controller 40 via the corridor light 22. As the calling signal, for example, a digital signal in SIP format (Session Initiation Protocol) is used.
When the corridor light 22 receives the call signal from the nurse call slave unit 20, the corridor light 22 turns on the notification light 22a. Further, the nurse call controller 40 acquires patient information corresponding to the nurse call slave unit 20 from the storage unit 46 based on the received call signal. Further, the nurse call controller 40 acquires the nurse information associated with the patient information from the storage unit 46, and acquires the nurse's mobile terminal information. Then, the nurse call controller 40 transmits the acquired patient information to the nurse call master unit 30 (call command), and also transmits the acquired patient information and the nurse's mobile terminal information to the private branch exchange 50 (call control command). (Start calling)).
Next, the nurse call master unit 30 causes the received patient information to be displayed on the display unit 34 of the nurse call master unit 30. Further, the private branch exchange 50 transmits the received patient information and the nurse's mobile terminal information to the closed network connection device 60.
Next, the closed network connection device 60 transmits the encrypted patient information to the nurse's mobile terminal 80 via the closed network.
Next, the nurse's mobile terminal 80 receives the patient information transmitted from the closed network connection device 60 by wirelessly communicating with the base station 70 of the telecommunications carrier that provides the closed network communication service. Then, the mobile terminal 80 displays the received patient information on the display unit 82 of the mobile terminal 80 to notify the nurse that the nurse call slave unit 20 has been operated by the patient.

As a response method, a case where the mobile terminal 80 carried by the nurse who has selected to respond first will respond will be described.
First, the nurse operates the display unit 82 of the mobile terminal 80. The mobile terminal 80 transmits a response signal to the closed network connection device 60 via the base station 70.
Next, the closed network connection device 60 transmits a response signal to the private branch exchange 50.
Next, the private branch exchange 50 transmits a response signal to the nurse call controller 40 (call control command (call cancel)).
Next, the nurse call controller 40 transmits the response signal received to the nurse call slave unit 20 via the corridor light 22. When the corridor light 22 receives the response signal, the indicator light 22a is turned off. Then, when the nurse call slave unit 20 receives the response signal, a communication path between the nurse call slave unit 20 and the mobile terminal 80 is established, and a call can be made between the nurse call slave unit 20 and the mobile terminal 80. Become.
Further, when the nurse call controller 40 transmits the response signal to the nurse call slave unit 20, the nurse call controller 40 transmits a call stop signal to the nurse call master unit 30 (call control command (call cancel)). When the nurse call master unit 30 receives the call stop signal, the nurse call master unit 30 stops calling the nurse call master unit 30.

When the nurse call master unit 30 responds, a response signal is transmitted from the nurse call master unit 30 to the nurse call controller 40, and the nurse call controller 40 sends the response signal to the nurse call slave unit 20 via the corridor light 22. Send a response signal. Further, the nurse call controller 40 simultaneously transmits a call stop signal to the mobile terminal 80, and when the mobile terminal 80 receives the call stop signal, the mobile terminal 80 stops the call.

(2) Call The operation of making a call between the nurse call slave unit 20 and the mobile terminal 80 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a data flow diagram showing a state in which the nurse call slave unit and the mobile terminal are talking in the nurse call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The operation of transmitting voice from the nurse call slave unit 20 to the mobile terminal 80 will be described.
First, the patient speaks to the plate handset 20b equipped with the microphone and speaker of the nurse call handset 20 to talk to the nurse. The nurse call slave unit 20 transmits the patient's voice information to the nurse call controller 40 via the corridor light 22 using a real-time transfer protocol (hereinafter referred to as RTP).
Next, the nurse call controller 40 transmits the received voice information to the private branch exchange 50.
Next, the private branch exchange 50 transmits the received voice information to the closed network connection device 60.
Next, the closed network connection device 60 transmits the received voice information to the mobile terminal 80 via the closed network.
Finally, the mobile terminal 80 outputs voice information from the speaker (not shown) of the mobile terminal 80.

The operation of transmitting voice from the mobile terminal 80 to the nurse call slave unit 20 will be described.
First, the nurse speaks to the calling unit (not shown) of the mobile terminal 80 in order to talk to the patient. The mobile terminal 80 uses RTP to transmit the voice information of the nurse to the closed network connection device 60 via the closed network.
Next, the closed network connection device 60 transmits the received voice information to the private branch exchange 50.
Next, the private branch exchange 50 transmits the received voice information to the nurse call controller 40.
Finally, the nurse call controller 40 transmits to the nurse call slave unit 20 via the corridor light 22. Sound is output from the speaker (not shown) of the plate slave unit 20b of the nurse call slave unit 20.

(4) Call disconnection As a call disconnection method, a case where a call is being made between the nurse call slave unit 20 and the mobile terminal 80 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a data flow diagram showing an operation when disconnecting a call from the mobile terminal when the nurse call slave unit and the mobile terminal are talking in the nurse call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. ..

First, the nurse operates the display unit 82 of the mobile terminal 80. The mobile terminal 80 transmits a call disconnection signal to the closed network connection device 60 via the base station 70.
Next, the closed network connection device 60 transmits a call disconnection signal to the private branch exchange 50.
Next, the private branch exchange 50 transmits a call disconnection signal to the nurse call controller 40 (call control command (call cancel)).
Next, the nurse call controller 40 transmits the received call disconnection signal to the nurse call slave unit 20.
Finally, when the nurse call slave unit 20 receives the call disconnection signal, the communication path between the nurse call slave unit 20 and the mobile terminal 80 is disconnected, and the call is disconnected between the nurse call slave unit 20 and the mobile terminal 80. It becomes.

The present invention uses a closed network to connect a nurse call slave unit 20 and a mobile terminal 80 carried by a nurse. By using a closed network, it is possible to communicate without connecting to the Internet, so it is possible to communicate with guaranteed security for personal information such as patient information. Further, when a closed network is used, the base station 70 for the mobile terminal 80 to connect to the closed network can communicate in a range wider than the communication range of the access point conventionally used. Therefore, the number of times the access point connection destination is switched (handover) is small, and the call can be made without disconnecting the call or deteriorating the call quality.

In the present embodiment, the private branch exchange 50 is provided, but when the nurse call controller 40 has a function of transmitting a ringing signal to a plurality of mobile terminals 80, it is not essential to include the private branch exchange 50.

Further, in the present embodiment, a router, a gateway, or a firewall may be provided between the network in the hospital and the connection to the closed network via the closed network connecting device 60.

Further, the closed network connection device 60 is preferably configured to open a dynamic port to provide a pinhole firewall function. By having such a configuration, the security level can be further improved, and it is possible to more effectively prevent a computer virus or the like from invading the network in the hospital.

(Second Embodiment)
1. 1. Configuration of Nurse Call System The nurse call system 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a nurse call system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
In the first embodiment, the call signal or the like is a SIP format (Session Initiation Protocol) digital signal, and the call signal is an RTP format signal. However, the signal format converter 48 is used as the nurse call controller 40 and the premises exchange. The signal format converter 40 and the signal format converter 48 may be provided between the 50 and the BRI format (Basic Rate Interface) analog format.

In this embodiment, the nurse call controller 40 receives a function of receiving a SIP format call signal from the nurse call slave unit 20 and transmitting a BRI format call command, and a BRI format call control command. A function to transmit a SIP format call signal, a function to receive a BRI format call signal and transmit an RTP format call signal, and a function to receive an RTP format call signal and transmit a BRI format call signal. Have.

Further, between the nurse call controller 40 and the private branch exchange 50, there is a function of converting a SIP format call signal into a BRI format call command and a function of converting a BRI format call command into a SIP format call signal. , A function to convert a SIP format call control signal to a BRI format call control command, a function to convert a BRI format call signal to an RTP format call signal, and a function to convert an RTP format call signal to a BRI format call signal. It is provided with a signal format converter 48 having a function of performing.

In this way, by having the signal format converter 48, the LAN system to which the nurse call controller 40 is connected and the LAN system to which the closed network connection device 60 is connected can be completely separated by the BRI connection. , Stronger security can be realized.

Further, in the second embodiment, the signal format converter 48 has been described as being provided separately between the nurse call controller 40 and the private branch exchange 50, but it is provided integrally with the private branch exchange 50. You may.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed by the above description, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
That is, various changes can be made to the above-described embodiments with respect to the mechanism, shape, material, quantity, position, arrangement, etc., without departing from the scope of the technical idea and purpose of the present invention. And they are included in the present invention.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the nurse call slave unit 20 is provided with a microphone and a speaker and a voice call is made between the nurse call master unit 30 and the mobile terminal 80 carried by the nurse has been described. A video camera for capturing a patient may be provided on the call slave unit 20 side, and the video information of the video camera may be transmitted to the nurse call master unit 30 or the mobile terminal 90 carried by the nurse together with the audio information.

10 Nurse call system of the first embodiment 10A Nurse call system of the second embodiment 20 Nurse call slave unit 22 Corridor light 22a Notification light 22b Patient information display unit 30 Nurse call master unit 32 Handset 34 Display unit 40 Nurse call control Machine 42 Nurse call controller I / F
44 Nurse call controller CPU
46 Storage unit 46a Connection information table 48 Signal format converter 50 Private branch exchange 60 Closed network connection device 70 Base station 80 Mobile terminal 82 Display unit N network

Claims (3)

A nurse call handset installed on each bed for the patient to call a nurse,
A nurse call master unit installed at the nurse station to answer calls from patients,
A mobile terminal carried by the nurse to answer the patient's call,
A nurse call controller that controls communication between the nurse call slave unit, the nurse call master unit, and the mobile terminal.
A closed network connection device that connects the nurse call controller to a communication line that provides a closed network connection service, and
With
The mobile terminal is connected to the closed network by wirelessly communicating with a base station of a telecommunications carrier that provides a closed network connection service.
The nurse call controller has a connection information table in which patient information associated with the nurse call slave unit, nurse information associated with the patient, and mobile terminal information carried by the nurse are stored. , When the call signal from the nurse call slave unit is received, the nurse call master unit is called, and the connection information table is referred to, and the nurse corresponding to the patient operating the nurse call slave unit is operated. Has a function of transmitting a call signal to which the patient information corresponding to the nurse call slave unit is added to the mobile terminal carried by the child.
When the mobile terminal receives a call signal from the nurse call controller, the mobile terminal displays a call screen using the patient information added to the call signal, and the nurse call controller is the nurse call master unit. A nurse call system configured to make a call connection between the mobile terminal selected to answer the call screen first and the nurse call slave unit of the caller when the call is not answered. A private branch exchange that manages a communication connection between the nurse call slave unit, the nurse call master unit, and the mobile terminal is provided, and is configured to provide functions for holding, transferring, and making a group call of the communication connection. The nurse call system according to claim 1. The nurse call controller has a function of receiving a SIP format call signal from the nurse call slave unit and transmitting a BRI format call command, and receiving a BRI format call control command to transmit a SIP format call signal. It has a function to transmit, a function to receive a BRI format call signal and transmit an RTP format call signal, and a function to receive an RTP format call signal and transmit a BRI format call signal.
A function of converting a SIP format call signal into a BRI format call command and a function of converting a BRI format call command into a SIP format call signal between the nurse call controller and the closed network connection device. A function to convert a SIP format call control signal into a BRI format call control command, a function to convert a BRI format call signal into an RTP format call signal, and a function to convert an RTP format call signal into a BRI format call signal. Equipped with a signal format converter with functions
The nurse call system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the LAN system to which the nurse call controller is connected and the LAN system to which the closed network connection device is connected are completely separated by a BRI connection.

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