JP7504607B2 - Nursing care support device and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a care support device and a control program.

Technologies have been proposed to support caregivers. For example, Patent Document 1 describes providing information related to a sanitary product on the caregiver's mobile device based on the excretory behavior of the wearer of the product. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes providing a sensor and incontinence detection means in a diaper, and checking for incontinence based on a signal from the sensor 1. When incontinence is confirmed, the device described in Patent Document 2 notifies the caregiver and prompts them to change the diaper.

Patent Document 3 also describes a health management system that is equipped with a temperature sensor and an acceleration sensor in the diaper to detect the diaper falling off, detect abnormalities in the wearer, and prevent bedsores. The system described in Patent Document 3 uses a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature, thereby monitoring the putting on and taking off of the diaper and monitoring illnesses of the wearer, and uses an acceleration sensor to detect the wearer's body movements, thereby detecting periods of immobility of the wearer and informing the person providing care of the optimal time period for performing diaper treatment.

JP2015-534153A (Published on November 26, 2015) JP-A-10-234761 (Published on September 8, 1998) JP 2012-105839 A (published June 7, 2012)

In nursing care, it would be ideal if excretion care could be provided without disturbing the sleep of the person being cared for. The technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can support the caregiver, but it is difficult to provide excretion care that takes into account the sleep state of the person being cared for. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 3 detects body movements using an acceleration sensor, but it is difficult to determine the sleep state (depth of sleep) of the person being cared for from the detection results of the acceleration sensor. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 3, it is difficult to provide excretion care at a time that takes into account the sleep state of the person being cared for.

One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technology that supports excretion care at a time that takes into account the sleep state of the person being cared for.

In order to solve the above problem, the care support device according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a first sensor that detects information related to the excrement of the care recipient, a second sensor that detects information related to the sleep state of the care recipient, and a controller, the second sensor including an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor, and the controller executes a detection process that detects excretion by the care recipient using the detection value of the first sensor, a determination process that determines the sleep state of the care recipient using the detection value of the second sensor, and an output process that detects excretion by the care recipient and, if it is determined that the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state, outputs output information indicating that excretion has occurred.

According to the above configuration, the care support device identifies the sleep state of the care recipient using the detection value of the second sensor including the acceleration sensor and the temperature sensor, and when the care recipient excretes and is not in a deep sleep state, outputs output information indicating that excretion has occurred. This makes it possible to support excretion care at a timing that takes into account the sleep state of the care recipient.

The care support device according to aspect 2 of the present invention comprises a first sensor that detects information related to the excrement of the care recipient, a second sensor that detects information related to the sleep state of the care recipient, and a controller, the second sensor including an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor, and the controller executes a detection process that detects excretion by the care recipient using the detection value of the first sensor, a determination process that determines the sleep state of the care recipient using the detection value of the second sensor, and an output process that, when excretion by the care recipient is detected, outputs information indicating that excretion has occurred together with information related to the sleep state of the care recipient.

According to the above configuration, the care support device identifies the sleep state of the care recipient using the detection value of the second sensor including the acceleration sensor and the temperature sensor, and when it detects excretion of the care recipient, outputs output information indicating that excretion has occurred together with information regarding the sleep state of the care recipient. This makes it possible to support excretion care at a timing that takes into account the sleep state of the care recipient.

In the care support device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above aspect 2, the controller may further execute a second output process in which, when it detects excretion by the care recipient, the controller outputs the output information at a time when the care recipient is no longer in a deep sleep state.

According to the above configuration, the care support device outputs output information when the care recipient is no longer in a deep sleep state. This makes it possible to support excretion care when the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state.

In the care support device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in aspects 1 to 3, the controller may output the output information in the output process after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since excretion of the care recipient is detected.

According to the above configuration, the output information output by the care support device does not take into account the movement of the care recipient immediately after excretion. This prevents the care recipient from being identified as not sleeping, even if bodily movement associated with excretion is detected while the care recipient is sleeping.

The nursing care support device according to aspect 5 of the present invention is the same as in aspects 1 to 4, and further includes a housing having an opening and housing the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller, and the distance between the first sensor and the opening may be smaller than the distance between the second sensor and the opening.

The above configuration makes it easier to detect the excretion of the care recipient compared to when the first sensor is positioned farther from the opening.

In the care support device according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 5, the controller may include at least one processor that executes each of the processes according to a predetermined program, and at least one memory that stores the program.

According to the above configuration, the care support device identifies the sleep state of the care recipient using the detection value of the second sensor including the acceleration sensor and the temperature sensor, and controls the output of output information related to the care recipient based on the identified sleep state. This makes it possible to support excretion care at a timing that takes into account the sleep state of the care recipient.

The control program according to aspect 7 of the present invention is a control program for controlling the nursing care support device according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, and is characterized in that it causes the controller to execute each of the processes.

The scope of the present invention also includes a control program according to aspect 7 and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to support excretion care at a time that takes into account the sleep state of the person being cared for.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of a care support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a care support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a care support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a care support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by the care support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram illustrating detection values of the sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on a caregiver terminal. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by a care support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by a care support device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating detection values of a sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating detection values of a sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing performed by a care support device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(composition)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a care support system 1 according to the present embodiment. The care support system 1 is a system for supporting care. In particular, the care support system 1 provides a service for supporting excretion care of a care recipient. The care support system 1 includes a care support device 10, a management device 20, a caregiver terminal 30, and a relay device 40. The care support device 10, the management device 20, the caregiver terminal 30, and the relay device 40 are connected via a network N1. The network N1 may be, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, the Internet, or a combination thereof.

In order to avoid cluttering the drawing, FIG. 1 illustrates one each of the care support device 10, caregiver terminal 30, and relay device 40, but the care support system 1 may include multiple care support devices 10, multiple caregiver terminals 30, and multiple relay devices 40.

The care support device 10 has a function to detect the excretion of the care recipient and a function to identify the sleep state. The care support device 10 is used, for example, by being worn by the care recipient. The management device 20 is, for example, a device such as a server or a PC (Personal Computer). The management device 20 collects information about the care recipient from the care support device 10 and provides information for supporting care to the caregiver terminal 30. The caregiver terminal 30 is a terminal used by the caregiver. The caregiver terminal 30 is, for example, a PC, a tablet PC, a mobile phone such as a smartphone or a feature phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The relay device 40 is a device that relays data exchange between the care support device 10 and the management device 20.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of how the care support device 10 is used. In this embodiment, the care support device 10 is a small, wearable sensor module. The care support device 10 is worn by the care recipient by being sandwiched between the body B1 of the care recipient and an article of wear C1, such as a diaper or underwear, worn on the body B1.

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the care support device 10. The care support device 10 includes a first sensor 110, a second sensor 120, and a controller 130. The first sensor 110 detects information related to the excrement of the care recipient. Excrement refers to substances released by living organisms. The excrement is, for example, feces, urine, or gas (fart). In this embodiment, the information related to the excrement refers to information that represents the characteristics of the excrement. The information related to the excrement is, for example, information that represents humidity, gas concentration, or gas components.

The second sensor 120 detects information related to the sleep state of the care recipient. The sleep state is, for example, a state of not sleeping (awake state), a state of deep sleep, or a state of light sleep. In this embodiment, the information related to the sleep state refers to information used to identify the sleep state. The information related to the sleep state is, for example, temperature (body temperature of the care recipient) or acceleration. The second sensor 120 includes an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor. Note that the second sensor 120 may also include other sensors such as an infrared sensor.

The controller 130 includes a detection unit 131, a determination unit 132, and an output unit 133. The detection unit 131 executes a detection process to detect excretion by the care recipient using the detection value of the first sensor 110.

The identification unit 132 executes an identification process to identify the sleep state of the care recipient using the detection value of the second sensor 120. In this embodiment, if the body movement of the care recipient (hereinafter referred to as "body movement") is detected by an acceleration sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like, the identification unit 132 identifies that the care recipient is not asleep. In addition, the body temperature of the care recipient in a deep sleep state is lower than when the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state. Therefore, for example, when the care recipient is identified as sleeping, if the body temperature of the care recipient detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the identification unit 132 identifies that the care recipient is in a deep sleep state.

When the output unit 133 detects excretion by the care recipient and determines that the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state, it executes an output process to output output information indicating that excretion has occurred. The output information includes, for example, identification information for identifying the care support device 10, information indicating the care recipient (the care recipient's name, room number, etc.), and information indicating that excretion has occurred.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the care support device 10. The care support device 10 includes a gas sensor 111, a temperature and humidity sensor 112, an acceleration sensor 121, a controller 130, a communication module 140, a power source 150, a substrate 160, and a housing 170.

The gas sensor 111 is a sensor that detects the concentration of gas. The detection value of the gas sensor 111 is, for example, a two-byte numerical value, and the higher the gas concentration, the higher the numerical value. The temperature and humidity sensor 112 is a sensor that detects temperature and humidity. The gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112 are examples of the first sensor 110. That is, in this embodiment, the first sensor 110 includes the gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112.

The acceleration sensor 121 detects acceleration. The acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 121 is, for example, angular acceleration with respect to an axis (body axis) from the toes to the head of the care recipient, or linear acceleration in the body axis direction. The temperature and humidity sensor 112 and the acceleration sensor 121 are examples of the second sensor 120. That is, in this embodiment, the second sensor 120 includes the acceleration sensor 121 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112. Also, in this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 112 is used as both the first sensor and the second sensor according to the present invention.

The controller 130 includes at least one processor that executes each process according to a predetermined program, and at least one memory that stores the program. The processor controls the care support device 10, and is, for example, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, or a combination of these. The memory is, for example, a semiconductor random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination of these. The memory stores a control program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the care support device 10. The processor expands the control program stored in the memory onto the memory, and executes each command included in the expanded control program.

The communication module 140 communicates with other devices according to a predetermined wireless or wired communication standard. For example, the communication module 140 performs short-range wireless communication (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.) with the relay device 40. The relay device 40 transmits data received from the care support device 10 to the management device 20.

The power supply 150 supplies power to each component of the care support device 10. The gas sensor 111, temperature and humidity sensor 112, acceleration sensor 121, controller 130, communication module 140, and power supply 150 are attached to a board 160. The housing 170 houses the board 160 and each component attached to the board 160. That is, the housing 170 houses the first sensor 110, the second sensor 120, and the controller 130.

The housing 170 has openings 170a to 170d. Inside the housing 170, the gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112 are positioned closer to the openings 170c and 170d than the acceleration sensor 121. That is, in this embodiment, the distance between the first sensor 110 and the opening 170c is smaller than the distance between the second sensor 120 and the opening 170c. Also, the distance between the first sensor 110 and the opening 170d is smaller than the distance between the second sensor 120 and the opening 170d.

The care support device 10 is attached between the body B1 of the care recipient and the wearable item C1, with the side on which the power source 150 is provided facing the upper body of the care recipient. When attached in this manner, the gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112 are positioned on the lower body of the care recipient. Gas generated from excrement is taken into the care support device 10 through the openings 170a to 170d of the housing 170 and detected by the gas sensor 111.

(motion)
5 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the controller 130. Note that some steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order. In step S101, the controller 130 determines whether the power is ON. If the power is ON (step S101; YES), the controller 130 proceeds to processing in step S102. On the other hand, if the power is not ON (step S101; NO), the controller 130 ends the processing in FIG. 5.

In step S102, the controller 130 determines whether the care recipient is wearing the care support device 10. This determination is made, for example, by determining whether the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112 is equal to or higher than a threshold value. For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the controller 130 determines that the care recipient is wearing the care support device 10. On the other hand, if the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112 is lower than the threshold value, the controller 130 determines that the care recipient is not wearing the care support device 10. Note that the determination method in step S102 is not limited to this, and various other methods may be adopted.

In step S103, the controller 130 analyzes the detection value of the first sensor 110 and determines whether the care recipient has excreted. The controller 130 may determine whether the care recipient has excreted by, for example, analyzing the shape of the waveform of the detection value of the first sensor 110.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the waveforms of the detection value of the gas sensor 111 and the humidity detection value of the temperature and humidity sensor 112 when defecation has occurred. In the diagram, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the detection value of the sensor. In the example of Figure 6, the detection value of the gas sensor 111 increases from time t11, when defecation has occurred, and thereafter the detection value becomes an almost constant value. In addition, the humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112 gradually increases. The controller 130 determines whether or not defecation has occurred, for example, by determining whether the waveform of the detection value of the first sensor 110 has a similar shape to the waveform in Figure 6.

The controller 130 may also determine the presence or absence of excretion by machine learning using a trained model. In this case, the controller 130 or another device (e.g., the management device 20) generates a trained model by machine learning the correlation between the detection data and the judgment result using a set of detection data representing the signal value of the first sensor 110 and the judgment result corresponding to the detection data. The controller 130 (or another device) then estimates the judgment result using the trained model. The trained model can be realized, for example, by a model having a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) structure. The detection data includes, for example, image data representing the waveform of the signal value of the first sensor 110 and time series data of the signal value.

The trained model is stored, for example, in the management device 20. In this case, the controller 130 transmits input data to the management device 20 and receives output data transmitted from the management device 20 in response to the input data. The controller 130 determines whether or not excretion has occurred based on the received output data.

In this case, data representing the signal value of the first sensor 110 is input to the trained model as input data. The trained model may be composed of, for example, a convolutional layer, a pooling layer, and a combination layer. In the convolutional layer, the input data is convoluted by filtering. The data that has undergone convolution is pooled in the pooling layer. This improves the model's ability to recognize changes in the position of features in the data. The data that has undergone pooling is processed in the combination layer and converted into the output data of the trained model, i.e., the format of the determination result of the presence or absence of excrement, and is output.

That is, the input data input to the trained model is passed through each of the above layers in the order mentioned above, and a determination result as to whether or not excretion has occurred is output. Note that the trained model is not limited to a model having a CNN structure. For example, a recurrent neural network (RNN) such as a multi-timescale RNN (MTRNN) or a long short-term memory (LSTM), an autoregressive, integrated and moving average (ARIMA) model, etc. may be used as the trained model.

The machine learning algorithm used in the determination process is not limited to a supervised learning algorithm, but may be other machine learning algorithms such as unsupervised learning or reinforcement learning. The determination process is not limited to using a machine learning algorithm, but may be performed using a rule-based algorithm.

A method for determining whether or not the care recipient has excreted may be performed using the detection value of the first sensor 110, and various methods may be applied. For example, the method may be performed by determining whether the detection value of the first sensor 110 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. For example, if the detection value of the first sensor 110 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the controller 130 may determine that defecation has occurred, whereas if the detection value of the first sensor 110 is less than the threshold value, the controller 130 may determine that defecation has not occurred. Another example of a method for determining the presence or absence of defecation may be performed by determining whether or not the period during which the detection value of the first sensor 110 is equal to or greater than the threshold value continues for a predetermined period or longer. In this case, the controller 130 may determine that defecation has occurred if the period during which the detection value of the first sensor 110 is equal to or greater than the threshold value continues for a predetermined period or longer.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 5, if it is determined in step S103 that excretion has occurred (step S103; YES), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that no excretion has occurred (step S103; NO), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S107.

In steps S104 and S105, the controller 130 identifies the sleep state of the care recipient. The sleep state of the care recipient is identified using the detection value of the second sensor 120. First, in step S104, the controller 130 determines whether the care recipient is sleeping using the detection value of the acceleration sensor 121. For example, if the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 121 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, if an acceleration equal to or greater than a threshold value is detected), the controller 130 determines that the care recipient is not sleeping (i.e., awake). If it is determined that the care recipient is not sleeping (step S104; NO), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the care recipient is sleeping (step S104; YES), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S105.

In step S105, the controller 130 determines whether the care recipient is in a deep sleep state using the temperature detection value by the temperature and humidity sensor 112. For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112 satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., is equal to or lower than a threshold), the controller 130 determines that the care recipient is in a deep sleep state. The threshold used in the determination is, for example, set in advance for each care recipient.

If it is determined in step S105 that the care recipient is in a deep sleep state (step S105; YES), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S107. On the other hand, if it is determined that the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state (step S105; NO), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S106.

In step S106, the controller 130 outputs output information indicating that excretion has been performed by transmitting it to the management device 20. The management device 20 receives output information from the care support device 10 and transmits information regarding the care recipient to the caregiver terminal 30 corresponding to the received output information. That is, in the first embodiment, when the output unit 133 detects excretion of the care recipient (step S103; YES) and determines that the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state (step S105; NO), it outputs output information indicating that excretion has been performed.

When the caregiver terminal 30 receives information about the care recipient from the management device 20, it outputs information indicating that the care recipient has excreted, for example by displaying a message or icon indicating that excretion has occurred on the display of the caregiver terminal 30 based on the received information. The caregiver can determine that the care recipient has excreted by visually checking the display of the caregiver terminal 30.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display of the caregiver terminal 30. In the figure, a list of the names of care recipients is displayed on screen SC1. On screen SC1, icons I1 to I9 are displayed near the names of the care recipients, indicating whether or not excretion care is required. In Figure 7, icons I1 to I4 indicate that excretion care is not required. Icons I5 to I9 indicate that excretion care is required. Additionally, for icons I1 to I9, the bar surrounding the icon indicates the time that has elapsed since output information was obtained from the care support device 10. In this case, the longer the bar (length of the arc), the longer the elapsed time.

Returning to the description of FIG. 5, in step S107, the controller 130 records the detection values (hereinafter referred to as "sensor data") of the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 in the memory of the care support device 10. For example, the controller 130 transmits the sensor data recorded in the memory to the management device 20 at a predetermined timing (for example, every hour, every day, etc.). At this time, data indicating the presence or absence of excretion and the sleep state of the care recipient identified by the controller 130 (hereinafter referred to as "cycle data") may be transmitted to the management device 20 together with the sensor data. The management device 20 collects and records the sensor data and cycle data received from one or more care support devices 10. The management device 20 executes various processes such as analysis using the collected sensor data and cycle data. For example, the management device 20 transmits the cycle data to the caregiver terminal 30, and the caregiver terminal 30 displays the sleep state of the care recipient represented by the cycle data on the display.

However, care recipients, especially elderly people suffering from dementia, are prone to developing sleep disorders, so care for their sleep is as important as care for excretion. In this embodiment, when the excretion of the care recipient is detected and the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state, output information is sent to the caregiver terminal 30 and a notice is given to the caregiver. On the other hand, when the care recipient is in a deep sleep state, no notice is given to the caregiver. As a result, according to this embodiment, excretion care can be supported at a timing that takes into account the sleep state of the care recipient. For example, when the care recipient is not asleep (awake) or in a light sleep, the caregiver can provide excretion care at a timing that does not disturb the sleep of the care recipient, which can contribute to improving the health and quality of life (QOL) of the care recipient. In addition, according to this embodiment, unnecessary diaper changes are eliminated, improving the work efficiency of the caregiver.

In addition, in this embodiment, information regarding the sleep and excretion of the care recipient is provided to the caregiver. Based on this information, the caregiver can plan daytime activities that take into account the sleep and excretion cycle of the care recipient.

In addition, in this embodiment, the care support device 10 is small and wearable, and can be easily attached to the care recipient. In addition, in the care support system 1, the care recipient only needs to wear the care support device 10, which reduces the workload of the caregiver and makes maintenance easy. In addition, because sensor data and the like are accumulated in the management device 20, detailed records of sleep and excretion can be managed and utilized in a paperless manner.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sleep state of the care recipient is identified using the acceleration sensor 121 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112. In other words, it is only necessary to provide the acceleration sensor 121 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112 in the care support device 10, and the sleep state can be identified with a simple configuration.

In addition, in this embodiment, the gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112 are positioned closer to the openings 170c and 170d than the acceleration sensor 121. This makes it easier to detect gas that is generated from excrement and enters the housing 170 through the openings 170c and 170d.

In step S105 of FIG. 5, the controller 130 judges whether the care recipient is in a deep sleep state by judging the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112. In step S105, the controller 130 may judge whether the care recipient is in a deep sleep state based on the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112. When the care recipient's sleep state is becoming deeper, the body temperature of the care recipient gradually decreases. Therefore, for example, when the change over time in the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112 satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., the temperature is gradually decreasing), the controller 130 judges that the care recipient's sleep state is becoming deeper.

In this case, if the care recipient is in a deep sleep state or if the controller 130 determines that the care recipient's sleep state is becoming deeper, it does not notify the caregiver so as not to disturb the care recipient's sleep. On the other hand, in other cases (if the care recipient is not in a deep sleep state and is not in the process of becoming deeper), the controller 130 notifies the caregiver.

[Embodiment 2]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the content of the output process performed by the output unit 133. In the second embodiment, when the output unit 133 detects excretion of the care recipient, it outputs output information indicating that excretion has occurred together with information regarding the sleep state of the care recipient.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the controller 130. The processing shown in Figure 8 includes the processing of steps S111 and S112 instead of the processing of steps S104 to S106 in Figure 5 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment. Note that some steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order.

In step S111, the controller 130 identifies the sleep state of the care recipient using the detection value of the second sensor 120. The method of identifying the sleep state of the care recipient is the same as in the above-described embodiment. That is, the controller 130 identifies whether the care recipient is sleeping based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 121, and identifies whether the care recipient is in a deep sleep state based on the temperature detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 112. For example, if the detection value of the acceleration sensor 121 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the controller 130 identifies that the care recipient is not sleeping. Also, for example, if the detection value of the temperature and humidity sensor 112 is equal to or less than a threshold value, the controller 130 determines that the care recipient is in a deep sleep state.

In step S112, the output unit 133 outputs output information indicating that excretion has occurred together with information regarding the sleep state of the care recipient. The output information includes, for example, identification information for identifying the care support device 10, information indicating the care recipient (the name of the care recipient, room number, etc.), or information indicating that excretion has occurred. In addition, the information regarding the sleep state is information indicating the sleep state of the care recipient (awake, deep sleep, or light sleep).

The output unit 133 outputs the output information by transmitting the output information to the management device 20. The management device 20 receives output information from the care support device 10 and transmits information about the care recipient to the caregiver terminal 30 corresponding to the received output information. The caregiver terminal 30 receives information about the care recipient from the management device 20 and outputs information indicating that excretion has occurred, for example by displaying a message indicating that excretion has occurred on the display of its own device based on the received information. The caregiver visually checks the display of the caregiver terminal 30 to know that the care recipient has excreted and the sleeping state of the care recipient.

In this embodiment, when excretion of the care recipient is detected, information regarding the sleep state of the care recipient is transmitted to the caregiver terminal 30. The caregiver identifies the sleep state of the care recipient and uses the provided information to determine the timing of excretion care, such as not providing excretion care if the care recipient is in a deep sleep state. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support excretion care at a timing that takes into account the sleep state of the care recipient.

In the above-described second embodiment, when the controller 130 detects excretion of the care recipient, the controller 130 may execute a second output process to output output information at a timing when the care recipient is no longer in a deep sleep state. In this case, when the controller 130 detects excretion of the care recipient and the care recipient is in a deep sleep state, the controller 130 outputs output information at the timing when the excretion is detected, and outputs output information again at a timing when the care recipient is no longer in a deep sleep state.

In this case, if the care recipient excretes and is in a deep sleep state, the care support device 10 outputs output information at the time when the care recipient is no longer in a deep sleep state. This makes it possible to support excretion care at a timing that takes into account the sleep state of the care recipient.

[Embodiment 3]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the controller 130. The processing shown in Figure 9 differs from the processing in Figure 5 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment in that it includes processing in step S121 after processing in step S103. Note that some steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order.

In step S121, the controller 130 determines whether emergency treatment is required based on the detection values of the gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112. Emergency treatment is required, for example, when urine has overflowed from the diaper or when watery stool has been excreted. On the other hand, emergency treatment is not required, for example, when the excrement is of normal consistency or when the excrement is a fart. This determination is made, for example, by analyzing the change over time in the detection values of the gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112.

10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating examples of waveforms of the detection value of the gas sensor 111 and the detection value of the humidity of the temperature and humidity sensor 112 when there is an excretion that requires emergency treatment. In the diagrams, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the detection value of the sensor. FIG. 10 shows the waveforms of the detection values of each sensor when urination occurs at time t21 and urine overflows from the diaper. FIG. 11 shows the waveforms of the detection values of each sensor when watery stool is excreted at time t31. The controller 130 may determine whether emergency treatment is required by determining whether the waveform of the detection value of the first sensor 110 has a shape similar to the waveform of FIG. 10 or FIG. 11.

The controller 130 may also determine whether urgent processing is required by machine learning using a trained model. In this case, the controller 130 or another device (e.g., the management device 20) generates a trained model by machine learning the correlation between the detection data and the judgment result using a set of detection data representing the signal value of the first sensor 110 and the judgment result corresponding to the detection data. The controller 130 (or another device) then estimates the judgment result using the trained model. The trained model can be realized, for example, by a model having a CNN structure. The detection data is, for example, image data representing the waveform of the signal value of the first sensor 110, or time series data of the signal value.

In this case, data representing the signal value of the first sensor 110 is input to the trained model as input data. The input data is converted into the form of output data of the trained model, i.e., the determination result of the presence or absence of excrement, and is output.

The method of determining whether emergency treatment is required may be any method that uses the detection value of the first sensor 110, and various methods may be applied. For example, the method may be performed by determining whether the period during which the detection value of the first sensor 110 is equal to or greater than the threshold has continued for a predetermined period or longer. In this case, if the period during which the detection value of the first sensor 110 is equal to or greater than the threshold has continued for a predetermined period or longer, the controller 130 may determine that emergency treatment is required.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 9, if it is determined in step S121 that emergency treatment is required (step S121; YES), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that emergency treatment is not required (step S121; NO), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S104.

In step S106, the controller 130 outputs output information. The output information includes, for example, identification information for identifying the care support device 10, information indicating the care recipient (the care recipient's name, room number, etc.), information indicating that excretion has occurred, information indicating whether emergency treatment is required, and information indicating the characteristics of the excreted stool or urine (for example, watery stool).

The controller 130 outputs the output information by transmitting it to the management device 20. The management device 20 receives the output information from the care support device 10 and transmits information about the care recipient to the caregiver terminal 30 corresponding to the received output information. The caregiver terminal 30 receives information about the care recipient from the management device 20 and outputs information about the care recipient based on the received information, such as by displaying a message indicating that excretion has occurred on the display of the caregiver terminal 30.

In this embodiment, when emergency treatment is required for the excretion of the care recipient, the caregiver is notified regardless of whether the care recipient is in a deep sleep state or not. Therefore, it is possible to support excretion care when emergency treatment is required.

[Embodiment 4]
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In the fourth embodiment, the content of the output process performed by the output unit 133 differs from that in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the output unit 133 outputs the output information in the output process after a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as "period T1") has elapsed since the excretion of the care recipient is detected. That is, the output unit 113 does not output the output information until the period T1 has elapsed. For example, the output unit 133 controls the identification unit 132 to wait until the period T1 has elapsed since the excretion of the care recipient is detected, and to perform the sleep state determination process after the period T1 has elapsed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing performed by the controller 130. The processing shown in FIG. 12 includes processing of step S131 between steps S103 and S104 in FIG. 5 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment. Note that some steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order.

In step S131, the controller 130 determines whether the period T1 has elapsed since the excretion of the care recipient was detected. If the period T1 has elapsed (step S131; YES), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S104. On the other hand, if the period T1 has not elapsed (step S131; NO), the controller 130 proceeds to the process of step S107.

In the fourth embodiment, the care support device 10 does not output any output information even if the care recipient makes a body movement immediately after excretion. For example, even if the care recipient excretes while sleeping and a body movement occurs associated with this excretion, in the fourth embodiment, no notification is sent to the caregiver terminal 30. In other words, in the fourth embodiment, even if the care recipient makes a body movement associated with excretion, it is possible to prevent the care recipient from being erroneously determined not to be in a deep sleep state.

[Modifications]
In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, a configuration in which the gas sensor 111 and the temperature and humidity sensor 112 are used as the first sensor is exemplified, but the first sensor is not limited to those shown in the above-mentioned embodiment. The first sensor may be any sensor that detects information used to determine the presence or absence of excretion, and may be, for example, a sensor that detects gas components or a sensor that detects a weight change of the pad. In addition, the number of sensors used as the first sensor may be one or more. In addition, the care support device 10 may be equipped with multiple sensors of the same type. For example, the care support device 10 may be equipped with multiple gas sensors.

In the above-mentioned first embodiment, a configuration in which the temperature and humidity sensor 112 and the acceleration sensor 121 are used as the second sensor is exemplified, but the second sensor is not limited to those shown in the above-mentioned embodiment. The second sensor may be any sensor that detects information related to the sleep state of the care recipient, and may be, for example, an infrared sensor that detects the movement of the care recipient, or a sensor that detects the strength of the care recipient's breathing.

In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the housing 170 has openings 170a to 170d is exemplified, but the number of openings is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment. For example, the housing of the care support device 10 may have one opening.

In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the care support device 10 is a small sensor module attached to the care recipient. The configuration of the care support device 10 is not limited to that shown in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the care support device 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiment may be configured so that each function of the care support device 10 is realized by multiple devices working together. More specifically, for example, a gas sensor and a temperature and humidity sensor may be provided in separate devices. Also, for example, an infrared sensor and a gas sensor may be installed in a room in which the care recipient resides, and the care support device 10 may determine the sleep state and whether or not the care recipient has excreted based on the detection values of these sensors.

[Software implementation example]
The control blocks of the care support device 10 (particularly the detection unit 131, the identification unit 132, and the output unit 133) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

In the latter case, the care support device 10 includes a computer that executes the instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. The computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved by the processor reading the program from the recording medium and executing it in the computer. The processor can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium can be a "non-transient tangible medium", such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc. The device may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves) that can transmit the program. One aspect of the present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Nursing care support system 10 Nursing care support device 20 Management device 30 Caregiver terminal 40 Relay device 110 First sensor 111 Gas sensor 112 Temperature and humidity sensor 120 Second sensor 121 Acceleration sensor 130 Controller 131 Detection unit 132 Identification unit 133 Output unit 140 Communication module 150 Power supply 160 Board 170 Housing 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d Opening

Claims (6)

A first sensor that detects information regarding excrement of the care recipient;
A second sensor for detecting information regarding a sleep state of the care recipient;
A controller;
a housing having an opening and housing the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller;
the second sensor includes an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor;
The controller:
a detection process of detecting excretion by the care recipient using a detection value of the first sensor;
a determination process for determining a sleep state of the care recipient by using a detection value of the second sensor;
an output process for outputting output information indicating that excretion has been performed when the excretion of the care recipient is detected and the care recipient is determined to be in a light sleep state or an awake state ;
In the housing, a distance between the first sensor and the opening is smaller than a distance between the second sensor and the opening.
A care support device characterized by the above. A first sensor that detects information regarding excrement of the care recipient;
A second sensor for detecting information regarding a sleep state of the care recipient;
A controller;
a housing having an opening and housing the first sensor, the second sensor, and the controller;
the second sensor includes an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor;
The controller:
a detection process of detecting excretion by the care recipient using a detection value of the first sensor;
a determination process for determining a sleep state of the care recipient by using a detection value of the second sensor;
an output process for outputting, when detecting an excretion of the care recipient, output information indicating that the excretion has been performed together with information regarding the sleep state of the care recipient;
In the housing, a distance between the first sensor and the opening is smaller than a distance between the second sensor and the opening.
A care support device characterized by the above. The controller:
and after the execution of the output process, further executing a second output process of outputting the output information at a timing when the care recipient enters a light sleep state or an awake state.
The care support device according to claim 2. The controller:
In the output process, the output information is output after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since excretion of the care recipient is detected.
A care support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The controller:
At least one processor that executes each of the processes according to a predetermined program;
At least one memory storing the program.
The care support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A control program for controlling the nursing care support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the control program causing the controller to execute each of the processes.

Images