JP7679420B2 - Information provision device - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information providing device.

For example, various types of nursing care are provided in facilities. Support for nursing care is desired.

JP 2000-245779 A

An embodiment of the present invention provides an information providing device that can provide more appropriate support for caregiving.

According to an embodiment, the information providing device includes an acquisition unit capable of acquiring first detection results of a plurality of first sensors, and a processing unit capable of performing a first operation based on the first detection result. One of the plurality of first sensors is capable of detecting excretion of one of a plurality of care recipients. The processing unit presents first information when a first condition is satisfied in the first operation, and does not present the first information when the first condition is not satisfied. The first condition satisfies at least one of a first detection state, a second detection state, and a third detection state. In the first detection state, a time passes a first time. When the first condition includes the first detection state, the first information includes information identifying at least one of the plurality of first sensors that detected excretion before the time passed the first time. In the second detection state, the number of the first sensors that detected the excretion among the plurality of first sensors is equal to or greater than a first value. When the first condition includes the second detection state, the first information includes information identifying the first sensors corresponding to the number of the first sensors that detected the excretion. In the third detection state, at a first period time within a first period, a first one of the first sensors detects the excretion. When the first condition includes the third detection state, the first information includes information identifying the first sensors that detected the excretion by a second period time, the second period time being within the first period and later than the first period time, and a time between the first period time and the second period time is determined.

An embodiment of the present invention can provide an information providing device that can provide more appropriate support for caregiving.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information providing device according to the first embodiment.
The information providing device 70 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 72 and a processing unit 71. The acquisition unit 72 is capable of acquiring first detection results S1 of a plurality of first sensors 10. The processing unit 71 is capable of performing a first operation based on the first detection results S1. The information providing device 70 may be included in a support system 110 (care support system).

The support system 110 may include, for example, an information providing device 70, a plurality of first sensors 10, and an information terminal 78. The support system 110 may include, for example, a server 75 and a memory 76.

One of the multiple first sensors 10 can detect excretion of one of the multiple care recipients 81. For example, the multiple first sensors 10 detect the excretion of each of the multiple care recipients 81. The multiple first sensors 10 detect the excretion, for example, by at least one of the color and odor associated with the excretion. Each of the multiple first sensors 10 has a unique recognition name. The recognition name may include the name of the care recipient 81, the room 55, or the bed number, etc.

Each of the multiple care recipients 81 uses, for example, electric furniture 51. The electric furniture 51 may be, for example, an electric bed. The first sensor 10 may be provided, for example, in the electric furniture 51. The electric furniture 51 may include a mattress. The first sensor 10 may be placed, for example, under the mattress.

The acquisition unit 72 is, for example, an interface. Communication between the multiple first sensors 10 and the acquisition unit 72 may be performed by any method, such as wireless or wired. Information acquired by the acquisition unit 72 (for example, the first detection result S1) is supplied to the processing unit 71.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.
3 to 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.
The following describes some example operations that may be performed in the embodiments: As shown in FIG.

(First action)
In the first operation, the processing unit 71 presents the first information IF1 when the following first condition is satisfied: The processing unit 71 does not present the first information IF1 when the first condition is not satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the caregiver 82 cares for the care recipient 81. The caregiver 82, for example, provides excretory care to the care recipient 81. The caregiver 82 has an information terminal 78. The information terminal 78 may be, for example, a mobile terminal. The first information IF1 may be displayed on a display unit 78D of the information terminal 78. The first information IF1 includes text information. The first information IF1 may include graphic information (for example, pictograms, etc.). FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the first information IF1 displayed on the display unit 78D in the first action.

The first information IF1 includes information related to excretion care. The first information IF1 includes information related to at least one of the time, order, and necessary items 41 for excretion care of multiple care recipients 81. By presenting the first information IF1 to the caregiver 82, the care of the caregiver 82 is supported. Efficient care is possible. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided. An information providing device that can more appropriately support care can be provided.

In the embodiment, the first condition satisfies at least one of the first detection state, the second detection state, and the third detection state.

In the first detection state, the current time passes a predetermined first time. At least one of the multiple first sensors 10 detects excretion before the current time passes the first time. When such a first condition includes the first detection state, the first information IF1 includes information identifying at least one first sensor 10 among the multiple first sensors 10 that has detected excretion before the current time passes the first time.

In this way, in the first detection state, when the current time passes the set first time, the recognition name of the first sensor 10 that detected excretion is presented as the first information IF1. In this case, even if at least one of the multiple first sensors 10 detects excretion, the first information IF1 is not provided before the current time passes the first time. For example, excretion care corresponding to one or more first sensors 10 that detected excretion by the first time is carried out collectively. Efficient care becomes possible. An information provision device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

The first time may be determined, for example, by a care plan. The first time and the care plan may be stored in memory 76.

On the other hand, in the second detection state, the number of first sensors 10 that have detected excretion among the multiple first sensors 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first value. When the first condition includes such a second detection state, the first information IF1 includes information that identifies the first sensor 10 that corresponds to the above-mentioned number of first sensors 10 that have detected excretion. For example, as the first information IF1, this information includes a recognition name that corresponds to the first sensor 10.

When the first condition includes the second detection state, even if any of the multiple first sensors 10 detects excretion, if the number of first sensors 10 that detected excretion is less than a first value, the first information IF1 is not presented. When the number of first sensors 10 that detected excretion becomes equal to or greater than the first value, the first information IF1 is presented, and excretion care is performed collectively for the multiple care recipients 81 whose excretion was detected. Efficient care becomes possible. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

The first value may be determined, for example, based on a care plan. The first value may be stored in memory 76.

On the other hand, in the third detection state, the first of the multiple first sensors 10 detects excretion at the first period time within the first period. The second period time is within the above-mentioned first period and is after the first period time. The time between the first period time and the second period time is determined. When the first condition includes the above-mentioned third detection state, the first information IF1 includes information (e.g., a recognition name) that identifies the first sensor 10 that detected excretion by the second period time.

In the third detection state, if the first sensor 10 that detects excretion is the first one, the first information IF1 is not presented. If one or more other first sensors 10 detect excretion between the time in the first period and the time in the second period, the recognition names of the first one first sensor 10 that detected excretion and the one or more other first sensors 10 are presented as the first information IF1. In this example, the recognition names of the multiple first sensors 10 that detected excretion between the time in the first period when excretion was first detected and the time in the second period when a predetermined time has passed are presented together as the first information IF1. Efficient care is possible. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

The difference (elapsed time) between the time in the first period and the time in the second period may be determined, for example, based on a care plan. The elapsed time may be stored in memory 76.

In this way, the first information IF1 may be presented when the first condition satisfies at least one of the first detection state, the second detection state, and the third detection state. When the first condition does not satisfy the first detection state, the second detection state, and the third detection state, the first information IF1 is not presented. In this way, information related to excretion is presented collectively. By carrying out such a first operation, efficient care can be supported. As shown in FIG. 5, in this example, information related to excretion is displayed collectively for three people on the display unit 78D. For example, a recommended order may be calculated from the work efficiency of past excretion care. The order of excretion care may be displayed based on this order.

In an embodiment, the first operation may be performed when at least two of the first detection state, the second detection state, and the third detection state are satisfied. In an embodiment, the first operation may be performed when three of the first detection state, the second detection state, and the third detection state are satisfied. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

(Second action)
The processing unit 71 may be capable of performing the following second operation (see FIG. 2). In the second operation, the processing unit 71 provides first group care information about the first group and second group care information about the second group. These pieces of information may be included in the first information IF1. These pieces of information may be displayed on, for example, the display unit 78D of the information terminal 78 (see FIG. 1).

The first group is a portion of the multiple care recipients 81. The second group is another portion of the multiple care recipients 81. The first group and the second group are determined based on information regarding past excretion of the multiple care recipients 81. For example, the multiple groups may be determined based on whether the excretion times are similar. The multiple care recipients 81 are classified into multiple groups based on the similarities regarding excretion.

The first group care information includes an appropriate time for excretion care for the first group. The second group care information includes an appropriate time for excretion care for the second group. For example, an appropriate time for excretion care is determined based on the similarity of excretion times. By providing excretion care based on the appropriate time, highly efficient care support becomes possible. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

For example, the image shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 78D. As shown in the display screen on the left in FIG. 4, information regarding excretion for multiple care recipients 81 for one group is displayed. For example, for "people who are likely to require excretion care today," the "estimated time" and "average care time" are displayed as forecasts. For example, the "estimated time" is a value predicted by machine learning or the like using values previously detected by an excretion detection sensor as correct answer data. For example, the "average care time" is calculated from the recorded care time.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, an input image for displaying the information of the "handover" may be displayed. When this input image for the "handover" is touched, the display screen moves to the right side of FIG. 4. The contents of the "handover" are displayed, as exemplified in the screen on the right side of FIG. 4.

In the embodiment, the second operation may be performed as follows. In the second operation, the processing unit 71 provides first group care information for the first group and second group care information for the second group. In this example, the first group and the second group are determined based on information regarding past excretion of the multiple care recipients 81 and the positions of the multiple care recipients 81. The positions of the multiple care recipients 81 include the rooms 55 in which the multiple care recipients 81 are located or the floor numbers, etc. The first group care information includes information regarding a first caregiver for the first group. The second group care information includes information regarding a second caregiver for the second group. The first caregiver is one of the multiple caregivers 82. The second caregiver is another one of the multiple caregivers 82. There may be more than one first caregiver. There may be more than one second caregiver.

In this example, a caregiver 82 who will provide excretion care is specified and presented based on the past excretion state and the location of the care recipient 81. Efficient excretion care can be provided. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

Information regarding past excretion status and information regarding the multiple classified groups (e.g., first group and second group) may be stored in memory 76, etc.

(Third action)
The processing unit 71 may be capable of performing the following third operation (see FIG. 2). In the third operation, the processing unit 71 presents care provision information related to at least one of the multiple care recipients 81. The care provision information is determined based on at least one of the following information related to the at least one of the multiple care recipients 81: physical information, information related to past excretion, dietary information, medication information, amount of exercise information, position change information, biological information, sleep information, lifestyle information, and environmental information. The care provision information includes a predicted time of excretion related to at least one of the multiple care recipients 81. By presenting the predicted time, efficient care can be provided. An information providing device that can improve the efficiency of care can be provided. The biological information includes at least one of, for example, heart rate, respiratory rate, and activity level. The sleep information includes at least one of, for example, wake-up time, bedtime, sleep time, and awakening time. The lifestyle information includes at least one of, for example, bath time and time spent going out.

The care provision information may be included in the first information IF1. The care provision information may be displayed, for example, on the display unit 78D of the information terminal 78 (see FIG. 1).

The care provision information may include at least one of a meal suggestion regarding meals, a medication suggestion regarding medication, an exercise suggestion regarding exercise, a body position change suggestion regarding body position change, a wake-up suggestion regarding waking up, a bed suggestion regarding going to bed, and a bathing suggestion regarding bathing, for at least one of the multiple care recipients 81. At least one of the meal suggestion, medication suggestion, exercise suggestion, body position change suggestion, wake-up suggestion, bed suggestion, and bathing suggestion may be determined so that the predicted excretion time for at least one of the multiple care recipients 81 is close to the predicted excretion time for at least another of the multiple care recipients 81. For example, by bringing the excretion times closer, efficient excretion care can be provided for the multiple care recipients 81. An information provision device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

For example, the time of excretion may depend on the time of a meal, the time of taking medicine, the time of exercise, the time of changing posture, the time of waking up, the time of going to bed, or the time of taking a bath. The time of excretion can be controlled by controlling at least one of the time of a meal, the time of taking medicine, the time of changing posture, the time of waking up and going to bed, and the time of bathing. For example, the meal suggestion includes a suggestion of a meal time. The medicine suggestion includes a suggestion of a medicine time. The exercise suggestion includes a suggestion of a time for exercising. The position change suggestion includes a suggestion of a time for changing posture. The wake-up suggestion includes a suggestion of a wake-up time. The bed suggestion includes a suggestion of a time for going to bed. The bathing suggestion includes a suggestion of a time for taking a bath.

The physical information may include at least one of the gender, height, weight, and level of care required for at least one of the multiple care recipients 81. The information regarding past excretion results may include at least one of urine volume, urine color, stool consistency, stool volume, and stool color. The dietary information may include at least one of meal content, meal time, water intake, and water intake time. The medication information may include at least one of medication content and medication intake time. The environmental information may include at least one of temperature, humidity, and air pressure. This information makes it possible to more accurately predict the time of excretion.

(4th action)
The processing unit 71 may be capable of performing the following fourth operation (see FIG. 2). In the fourth operation, the processing unit 71 is capable of presenting item information on a plurality of items 41 used for excretion care (see FIG. 1). The plurality of items 41 are used for excretion care of at least one of the plurality of care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified in the first operation.

The multiple items 41 include, for example, at least one of diapers, baby wipes, cleaning liquid (which may be water, etc.), garbage bags, and gloves. For example, the type and size of diapers may be selected and presented to suit the care recipient 81 corresponding to the identified first sensor 10. A list of the multiple items 41 is presented so that excretion care for multiple care recipients 81 can be performed simultaneously.

The processing unit 71 can display such item information on at least one of an information terminal 78 for a caregiver 82 who provides excretion care, or a display device 45D provided in a storage location 45 where multiple items 41 are stored. For example, the item information may be included in the first information IF1.

For example, multiple items 41 required for multiple care recipients 81 are displayed together. This allows the caregiver 82 to efficiently collect the multiple necessary items 41. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

The caregiver 82 can carry the collected items 41 in a carrier 83 (see FIG. 1 ). The carrier 83 can be, for example, a bag.

For example, the image shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 78D. As shown in FIG. 6, items necessary for excretion care are displayed together. As shown in FIG. 6, "Excretion care items forgotten to be prepared" may be displayed. For example, if bottom wipes, cleaning liquid, a garbage bag, gloves, or the like are not placed in the carrier 83, the information "Not present" may be displayed. For example, if a diaper is not placed in the carrier 83, the information "Not removed" may be displayed.

(5th action)
The processing unit 71 may be capable of performing the following fifth operation (see FIG. 2). In the fifth operation, the processing unit 71 transitions the device 50 to a care start state based on a start detection result C1 (see FIG. 1) regarding the start of excretion care. The device 50 is provided in a room 55 for one of the multiple care recipients 81 who are targets of excretion care. The excretion care is excretion care for one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified in the first operation.

The start of excretion care can be detected, for example, by a plurality of electronic devices. For example, a start detection result C1 regarding the start of excretion care may be obtained, for example, from at least one of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 (see FIG. 1). One of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 may be held by the caregiver 82. One of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 may be provided on a carrier 83 held by the caregiver 82. The other of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 may be held by one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified by the first action. Or, the other of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 may be provided in a room 55 of one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified by the first action.

In one example, the first electronic device 31 is an electronic tag. The second electronic device 32 is a receiver or the like. For example, short-range communication is performed.

For example, communication between the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 can detect that one of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 has approached one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the identified first sensor 10.

The caregiver 82 provides excretion care to one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the identified first sensor 10.

By communication between the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32, it is detected that the distance between the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 has become shorter than a threshold value. This detection result is regarded as a start detection result C1 regarding the start of excretion care.

The device 50 includes, for example, at least one of electric furniture 51 (e.g., an electric bed), a lighting device 52, and a hygiene management device 53. The transition to the care start state includes, for example, at least one of control of the electric furniture 51, control of the lighting device 52, and control of the hygiene management device 53. The hygiene management device 53 includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a ventilation device, an air purifying device, a sterilizing device, a deodorizing device, and an aroma diffuser.

The control of the electric furniture 51 may include at least one of the following: control of the height of the electric furniture 51, control of the angle of the electric furniture 51 (angle of the bottom), and control of the hardness of the mattress included in the electric furniture 51.

In the transition to the care start state, for example, the control of the height of the electric furniture 51 includes setting the height to a state (high state) suitable for excretion care. In the transition to the care start state, for example, b, the control of the angle of the electric furniture 51 includes at least one of decreasing the back angle of the electric furniture 51 and decreasing the knee angle of the electric furniture 51. For example, in the care start state, the back angle and knee angle are substantially 0 degrees (horizontal). In the transition to the care start state, for example, the control of the hardness of the mattress includes increasing the hardness of the mattress.

When transitioning to the care start state, the control of the lighting device 52 includes increasing the brightness of the lighting device 52. When transitioning to the care start state, the control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, increasing the operating capacity (e.g., operating output) of the hygiene management device 53. The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, increasing the ventilation volume of the ventilation device. The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, controlling the air purifier (e.g., on). The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, controlling the sterilization device (on). The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, controlling the deodorization device (on). The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, controlling the aroma diffuser (on).

Based on the start detection result C1 regarding the start of excretion care, the device 50 transitions to the above-mentioned care start state. This allows excretion care to be carried out efficiently. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

In relation to the fifth operation, the processing unit 71 can store the care start time regarding the start of excretion care in the memory 76 based on the start detection result C1. The care start time is efficiently recorded.

(6th action)
The processing unit 71 may be capable of performing a sixth operation (see FIG. 2). The sixth operation may be performed in combination with the fifth operation. In the sixth operation, the processing unit 71 transitions the device 50 to a care end state based on the end detection result C2 (see FIG. 1) regarding the end of excretion care.

The end detection result C2 may be obtained, for example, from at least one of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32. One of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 is held by the caregiver 82 (for example, the carrier 83). The other of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 is held by one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified in the first action. Or, the other of the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32 is provided in the room 55 of one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified in the first action. The end of excretion care can be detected by communication between the first electronic device 31 and the second electronic device 32. For example, it is detected that the carrier 83 on which the first electronic device 31 is provided is moving away from the second electronic device 32 provided on the desk in the room 55. This detection result becomes the end detection result C2.

For example, the first electronic device 31 is held by a caregiver 82 who provides excretion care to one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified in the first action. If the distance between these electronic devices increases, it is estimated that the position of the caregiver 82 has changed. This estimation result is used as the end detection result C2.

The transition to the care end state may include, for example, at least one of the control of the electric furniture 51, the control of the lighting device 52, and the control of the hygiene management device 53.

When transitioning to the care end state, the control of the motorized furniture 51 includes at least one of controlling the height of the motorized furniture 51, controlling the angle of the motorized furniture 51, and controlling the hardness of the mattress included in the motorized furniture 51. When transitioning to the care end state, the control of the height of the motorized furniture 51 includes returning the height to the state before the start of excretion care. The control of the angle of the motorized furniture 51 includes at least one of returning the back angle of the motorized furniture 51 to the state before the start of excretion care, and returning the knee angle of the motorized furniture 51 to the state before the start of excretion care. When transitioning to the care end state, the control of the hardness of the mattress includes returning the hardness of the mattress to the state before the start of excretion care.

When transitioning to the care end state, the control of the lighting device 52 includes returning the brightness of the lighting device 52 to the state before the start of excretion care. When transitioning to the care end state, the control of the hygiene management device 53 includes returning the operating capability of the hygiene management device 53 to the state before the start of excretion care. The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes returning the ventilation volume of the ventilation device to the state before the start of excretion care. The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes returning the air volume of the air purifier to the state before the start of excretion care. The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, control of the sterilization device (off, etc.). The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, control of the deodorization device (off, etc.). The control of the hygiene management device 53 includes, for example, control of the aroma diffuser (off, etc.).

In the sixth operation, the state of the device 50 is returned to the state before excretion care based on the end detection result C2 corresponding to the end of excretion care. Efficient excretion care can be performed. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

In relation to the implementation of the sixth operation, the processing unit 71 may store in the memory 76 a care end time regarding the end of excretion care based on the end detection result C2. The care end time is efficiently recorded.

As described above, a recording operation may be performed in relation to the fifth and sixth operations. As described above, the processing unit 71 may be capable of performing the fifth and sixth operations. In the fifth operation, the processing unit 71 may store in the memory 76 a care start time relating to the start of excretion care based on a start detection result C1 relating to the start of excretion care for one of the multiple care recipients 81 corresponding to the first sensor 10 identified by the first operation. In the sixth operation, the processing unit 71 may store in the memory 76 a care end time relating to the end of excretion care based on an end detection result C2 relating to the end of excretion care. The recording performed by the processing unit 71 supports the work of the caregiver 82.

Below, examples of the fifth and sixth operations will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a part of the operation of the information providing device according to the first embodiment.
3 illustrates an operation sequence of the device 50. In this example, the device 50 includes electric furniture 51 (e.g., an electric bed and a mattress), a lighting device 52, and a hygiene control device 53. In this example, the hygiene control device 53 includes a ventilation device and an air cleaning device.

In the fifth operation, the processing unit 71 transitions the device 50 to a care start state based on the start detection result C1 regarding the start of excretion care.

For example, the caregiver 82 enters and leaves the room of the person being cared for 81. The caregiver 82 performs preparations for excretion care, performs excretion care, and cleans up, and then leaves the room. The device 50 transitions to a care start state so that the caregiver 82 can perform such tasks.

For example, when entering the room, the processing unit 71 increases the illuminance of the lighting device 52 from the illuminance when sleeping to the illuminance when working. The increase in illuminance may be gradual. For example, before entering the room and at the time of entering the room, the processing unit 71 increases the air volume of the ventilation device from the air volume when sleeping to the air volume when working. For example, before entering the room and at the time of entering the room, the processing unit 71 increases the air volume of the air purifier from the air volume when sleeping to the air volume when working.

For example, when preparing for excretion care, the processing unit 71 increases the angle of the electric bed from the angle for sleeping to the angle for working. For example, the processing unit 71 increases the hardness of the mattress (air mattress) from the hardness for sleeping to the hardness for working.

In the sixth operation, the processing unit 71 transitions the device 50 to a care end state based on the end detection result C2 regarding the end of excretion care.

For example, when the excretion care is finished, the processing unit 71 returns the angle of the electric bed to the angle at which the caregiver sleeps. Before leaving, the angle of the electric bed returns to the angle at which the caregiver sleeps. For example, the processing unit 71 returns the hardness of the mattress (air mattress) to the hardness at which the caregiver sleeps. As shown in FIG. 3, the hardness of the mattress may be controlled to change so as to support the excretion care of the caregiver 82.

For example, when the caregiver 82 leaves the room, the processing unit 71 returns the illuminance of the lighting device 52 to the illuminance at bedtime. The lighting device 52 may be immediately turned off. For example, after leaving the room, the processing unit 71 returns the air volume of the ventilation device to the air volume at bedtime. After leaving the room, the processing unit 71 returns the air volume of the air purifier to the air volume at bedtime. The ventilation device and the air purifier may continue to operate for a specified time after leaving the room.

(7th action)
The processing unit 71 may be capable of the following seventh operation (see FIG. 2). In the seventh operation, the processing unit 71 acquires an item detection result regarding whether or not at least any of the multiple items 41 has been returned to the storage location 45 (see FIG. 1). Whether or not at least any of the multiple items 41 has been returned to the storage location 45 is detected, for example, by an item sensor 45S provided in the storage location 45. The item sensor 45S may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of a weighing scale and an image sensor.

The processing unit 71 may be capable of storing information including the item detection results in the memory 76. The information including the item detection results includes, for example, the time when the item 41 was taken out of the storage location 45 and the time when it was returned. The difference between the time when it was taken out and the time when it was returned corresponds, for example, to the time required for care. The information including the item detection results stored in the memory 76 can be used, for example, to improve the method of excretion care. For example, a care record is created by the processing unit 71.

For example, information regarding excretion care, such as that shown in FIG. 7, may be displayed on the display unit 78D. For example, when an input image for "recording" displayed on the display screen is touched, the displayed information is recorded (saved) in the memory 76 or the like as at least a part of the care record.

For example, an input image for displaying "handover" information may be displayed, as in the display screen on the left of Figure 7. When this "handover" input image is touched, the display screen transitions to the display screen on the right of Figure 7. As shown in the example of the display screen on the right, the contents of the "handover" are displayed. When the "record" input image shown in the example of the display screen on the right is touched, the "handover" information is recorded (saved).

In the example of FIG. 7, "watery stool" is displayed as information related to excretion care. The information on "watery stool" may be input manually. The information on "watery stool" may be detected by a sensor and input.

Care records may be incorporated into the overall care plan, which includes a plan for excretion care.

For example, if the processing unit 71 detects based on the item detection result that the item 41 has not been returned to the storage location 45 for a specified period of time or longer, the processing unit 71 may display an alert on the information terminal 78, etc.

(8th action)
The processing unit 71 may be capable of performing the following eighth operation (see FIG. 2). In the eighth operation, the processing unit 71 presents information regarding the expected occurrence of excretion care for a plurality of care recipients 81. The information regarding the occurrence of excretion care is displayed, for example, on an information terminal 78 (see FIG. 1). This allows the caregiver 82 to efficiently perform excretion care. The information regarding the expected occurrence of excretion care may be included in the excretion care plan.

For example, multiple caregivers 82 may provide excretion care for multiple care recipients 81. The multiple caregivers 82 provide care in shifts. When changing shifts, the processing unit 71 may present at least a portion of the "handover items" as information regarding the expected occurrence of excretion care. The caregivers 82 can input "handover items" as necessary. The input "handover items" are presented to the next caregiver 82.

For example, information such as that shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed on the display unit 78D. For example, information regarding the expected occurrence of excretion care is displayed. For example, when an input image for "record" displayed on the display screen is touched, the displayed information is recorded (saved) in the memory 76 or the like as at least part of the care record. The time required for excretion care is displayed.

For example, as shown in the display screen on the right of Figure 8, information on "handover" may be displayed. In this example, information on meals is displayed as "handover." When the "record" input image is touched, the "handover" information is recorded (saved). For example, candidates for other people who can provide care support may be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 2, in one example of an embodiment, first, the eighth operation described above may be performed, and an excretion care plan (including information regarding the expected occurrence of excretion care, etc.) may be presented to the caregiver 82. Then, the first operation (and/or the second operation) described above may be performed. In the first operation, the excretion of multiple care recipients 81 is presented together as first information IF1. In association with the first operation, the third operation (presentation of care provision information) may be performed as appropriate.

For example, a fourth action (presenting item information regarding a plurality of items 41 used in excretion care) may be performed based on the first action (and/or the second action). After the fourth action, a fifth action (transition of the device 50 to a care start state) and a sixth action (transition of the device 50 to a care end state) may be performed. After the sixth action, a seventh action (saving and recording information including the item detection results, including the time required for care) may be performed.

In the embodiment, the first action may not be performed, and the fourth action may be performed. In the embodiment, the first action may not be performed, and the fourth and seventh actions may be performed. In the embodiment, the first action may not be performed, and the fifth and sixth actions may be performed. Such actions also enable efficient care. An information providing device that can make care more efficient can be provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, multiple second sensors 20 may be provided. The multiple second sensors 20 may be included in the assistance system 110.

In the embodiment, the acquisition unit 72 may further acquire second detection results S2 of the multiple second sensors 20. One of the multiple second sensors 20 is capable of detecting sleep or wakefulness of one of the multiple care recipients 81. The multiple second sensors 20 are capable of detecting sleep or wakefulness of each of the multiple care recipients 81. For example, one of the multiple second sensors 20 acquires biometric information 21 of one of the multiple care recipients 81, and detects sleep or wakefulness based on the biometric information 21. The biometric information 21 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and body movement.

One of the multiple second sensors 20 is associated with one of the multiple first sensors 10. The association may be made by, for example, a recognition name.

The processing unit 71 can change the first information IF1 (first information during sleep) when the first sensor 10 that detected excretion corresponds to the second sensor 20 that detected sleep to the first information IF1 (first information during wakefulness) when the first sensor 10 that detected excretion corresponds to the second sensor 20 that detected wakefulness (see Figure 2).

For example, if the target care recipient 81 is awake, excretion care may be provided in response to excretion. On the other hand, if the target care recipient 81 is asleep, excretion care may not be provided even if excretion is detected. By not providing excretion care, sleep is not disturbed.

Depending on whether the patient is awake or asleep, the processor 71 may control the suggestion to perform excretion assistance. Depending on whether the patient is awake or asleep, the content of the first information IF1 may be changed. This can prevent sleep from being disturbed.

For example, when the first sensor 10 that detected excretion corresponds to the second sensor 20 that detected sleep, the first information IF1 does not include information about the first sensor 10 that detected excretion that corresponds to the second sensor 20 that detected sleep. Alternatively, the first information IF1 in this case includes information that the first sensor 10 that detected excretion corresponds to the second sensor 20 that detected sleep.

As a result, for example, the caregiver 82 can omit assisting the care recipient 81 in excretion while the care recipient 81 is asleep. In this case, when the care recipient 81 transitions to an awake state, the processing unit 71 may cause information about the transition to an awake state to be displayed on the information terminal 78 or the like. For example, when the time that has elapsed since the detection of excretion exceeds a threshold value, the processing unit 71 may cause information about the transition to an awake state to be displayed on the information terminal 78 or the like.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment relates to an assistance system 110 (see FIG. 1 ). The assistance system 110 includes, for example, an information providing device 70, a plurality of first sensors 10, and an information terminal 78. The assistance system 110 may include, for example, a server 75 and a memory 76.

The embodiment may include the following features.
(Configuration 1)
an acquisition unit capable of acquiring first detection results of a plurality of first sensors;
a processing unit capable of performing a first operation based on the first detection result;
Equipped with
one of the plurality of first sensors is capable of detecting excretion of one of the plurality of care recipients;
The processing unit, in the first operation, presents first information when a first condition is satisfied, and does not present the first information when the first condition is not satisfied;
the first condition satisfies at least one of a first detection state, a second detection state, and a third detection state;
In the first detection state, the time passes a first time.
When the first condition includes the first detection state, the first information includes information for identifying at least one of the first sensors that detects excretion before the time passes the first time, among the plurality of first sensors;
In the second detection state, the number of the first sensors that detect the excretion among the plurality of first sensors is equal to or greater than a first value;
When the first condition includes the second detection state, the first information includes information for identifying the first sensors corresponding to the number of the first sensors that detect the excretion,
In the third detection state, a first one of the plurality of first sensors detects the excretion at a time within a first period within a first period;
an information providing device in which, when the first condition includes the third detection state, the first information includes information identifying the first sensor that detected the excretion by a time within a second period, the time within the second period being within the first period and being after the time within the first period, and a time between the time within the first period and the time within the second period is determined.

(Configuration 2)
The processor is capable of performing a second operation;
The processing unit, in the second operation, provides first group care information about a first group and second group care information about a second group;
the first group is a portion of the plurality of care recipients;
the second group is another portion of the plurality of care recipients;
The first group and the second group are determined based on information regarding past excretion of the plurality of care recipients;
The first group care information includes an appropriate time for excretion care for the first group,
2. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the second group care information includes an appropriate time for excretion care for the second group.

(Configuration 3)
The processor is capable of performing a second operation;
The processing unit, in the second operation, provides first group care information about a first group and second group care information about a second group;
the first group is a portion of the plurality of care recipients,
the second group is another portion of the plurality of care recipients;
the first group and the second group are determined based on information regarding past excretion of the plurality of care recipients and positions of the plurality of care recipients;
the first group care information includes information regarding a first caregiver for the first group;
2. The information providing device of claim 1, wherein the second group care information includes information about a second caregiver for the second group.

(Configuration 4)
The processing unit is capable of performing a third operation;
In the third operation, the processing unit presents care provision information related to at least one of the plurality of care recipients;
the care provision information is determined based on at least one of physical information, information on past excretion, dietary information, medication information, amount of exercise information, postural change information, biological information, sleep information, lifestyle information, and environmental information relating to the at least one of the plurality of care recipients;
4. The information providing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the care provision information includes a predicted excretion time for at least one of the plurality of care recipients.

(Configuration 5)
The care provision information includes, for at least one of the plurality of care recipients, at least one of a meal suggestion regarding a meal, a medication suggestion regarding a medication, an exercise suggestion regarding an exercise, a body position change suggestion regarding a body position change, a wake-up suggestion regarding a wake-up, a bed suggestion regarding a bed, and a bathing suggestion regarding a bath;
An information providing device as described in configuration 4, wherein at least one of the meal suggestions, medication suggestions, exercise suggestions, position change suggestions, waking up suggestions, bed suggestions, and bathing suggestions is determined so that the predicted excretion time for at least one of the multiple care recipients is close to the predicted excretion time for at least one other of the multiple care recipients.

(Configuration 6)
the meal suggestions include meal time suggestions;
The medication suggestion includes a suggestion of a medication time,
The exercise suggestions include suggestions for exercise times;
The postural change suggestion includes a suggestion of a postural change time,
The wake-up suggestion includes a wake-up time suggestion;
The bed suggestions include a bed time suggestion;
6. The information providing device according to configuration 5, wherein the bathing suggestion includes a suggestion of a bathing time.

(Configuration 7)
The physical information includes at least one of a sex, a height, a weight, and a level of care required for the at least one of the plurality of care recipients;
The information on the past excretion results includes information on at least one of a urine volume, a urine color, a stool consistency, a stool volume, and a stool color,
The meal information includes at least one of a meal content, a meal time, a water intake amount, and a water intake time,
The medication information includes at least one of medication content and medication time,
The exercise amount information includes an activity amount,
The postural change information includes a postural change time,
The biological information includes at least one of a heart rate, a respiratory rate, and an activity level,
The sleep information includes at least one of a wake-up time, a bedtime, a sleep duration, and an awakening time,
The lifestyle information includes at least one of a bath time and an outside time,
6. The information providing device according to configuration 5, wherein the environmental information includes at least one of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.

(Configuration 8)
The processing unit is capable of performing a fourth operation;
An information providing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the processing unit is capable of presenting item information regarding a plurality of items used for excretion care of at least one of the plurality of care recipients corresponding to the identified first sensor in the fourth operation.

(Configuration 9)
The information providing device described in configuration 8, wherein the processing unit is capable of displaying the item information on at least one of an information terminal for a caregiver providing excretion care or a display device provided in a storage location where the multiple items are stored.

(Configuration 10)
The processing unit is capable of performing a fifth operation;
The processing unit, in the fifth operation, transitions an apparatus installed in the room of one of the multiple care recipients to a care start state based on a start detection result regarding the start of excretion care for one of the multiple care recipients corresponding to the identified first sensor.

(Configuration 11)
The transition to the care start state includes at least one of control of electric furniture, control of a lighting device, and control of a hygiene management device;
The control of the electric furniture includes at least one of control of a height of the electric furniture, control of an angle of the electric furniture, and control of a hardness of a mattress included in the electric furniture;
The control of the height of the electric furniture includes setting the height to a state suitable for the excretion care,
The control of the angle of the electric furniture includes at least one of decreasing a back angle of the electric furniture and decreasing a knee angle of the electric furniture,
said controlling said firmness comprises increasing the firmness of said mattress;
and said controlling said lighting device includes increasing a brightness of said lighting device.
11. The information providing device of configuration 10, wherein the controlling of the sanitation management device includes increasing an operational capability of the sanitation management device.

(Configuration 12)
the start detection result is obtained from at least one of a first electronic device and a second electronic device;
one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is held by a caregiver;
The other of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is carried by the one of the plurality of care recipients corresponding to the identified first sensor, or is provided in a room of the one of the plurality of care recipients;
An information providing device as described in configuration 10 or 11, wherein communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device is capable of detecting that one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device has approached one of the multiple care recipients corresponding to the identified first sensor.

(Configuration 13)
13. The information providing device according to any one of configurations 10 to 12, wherein the processing unit is capable of storing in a memory a care start time relating to the start of the excretion care based on the start detection result.

(Configuration 14)
The processing unit is capable of performing a sixth operation;
11. The information providing device according to configuration 10, wherein in the sixth operation, the processing unit transitions the device to a care end state based on an end detection result regarding an end of the excretion care.

(Configuration 15)
The transition to the care end state includes at least one of control of electric furniture, control of a lighting device, and control of a hygiene management device;
The control of the electric furniture includes at least one of control of a height of the electric furniture, control of an angle of the electric furniture, and control of a hardness of a mattress included in the electric furniture;
and controlling the height of the electric furniture includes returning the height to a state before the start of the toilet care.
The control of the angle of the electric furniture includes at least one of returning a back angle of the electric furniture to a state before the start of the excretion care and returning a knee angle of the electric furniture to a state before the start of the excretion care,
said controlling said firmness includes returning a firmness of said mattress to a state prior to said initiation of said toilet care;
and controlling the lighting device includes returning a brightness of the lighting device to a state before the start of the toilet care.
15. The information providing device of configuration 14, wherein the controlling of the hygiene management device includes restoring operational capabilities of the hygiene management device to a state prior to the initiation of the toilet care.

(Configuration 16)
the end detection result is obtained from at least one of a first electronic device and a second electronic device;
one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is held by a caregiver;
The other of the first electronic device and the second electronic device is carried by the one of the plurality of care recipients corresponding to the identified first sensor, or is provided in a room of the one of the plurality of care recipients;
The information providing device according to configuration 14 or 15, wherein the end of the excretion care can be detected by communication between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

(Configuration 17)
17. The information providing device according to any one of configurations 14 to 16, wherein the processing unit is capable of storing in a memory a care end time regarding the end of the excretion care based on the end detection result.

(Configuration 18)
The processing unit is capable of performing a seventh operation;
In the seventh operation, the processing unit obtains an item detection result regarding whether or not at least any of the plurality of items has been returned to the storage location;
10. The information providing device of configuration 9, wherein the processing unit is capable of storing information including the item detection result in a memory.

(Configuration 19)
The processing unit is capable of performing a fifth operation and a sixth operation;
In the fifth operation, the processing unit stores in a memory a care start time related to the start of the excretion care based on a start detection result related to the start of the excretion care of the one of the plurality of care recipients corresponding to the specified first sensor;
An information providing device described in any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein, in the sixth operation, the processing unit stores in memory a care end time regarding the end of the excretion care based on an end detection result regarding the end of the excretion care.

(Configuration 20)
The processing unit is capable of performing an eighth operation;
20. The information providing device according to any one of configurations 1 to 19, wherein in the eighth operation, the processing unit presents information regarding the predicted occurrence of excretion care for the plurality of care recipients.

(Configuration 21)
the acquisition unit is further capable of acquiring second detection results of a plurality of second sensors;
One of the plurality of second sensors is capable of detecting sleep or wakefulness of the one of the plurality of care recipients;
The information providing device of any one of configurations 1 to 20, wherein the processing unit is capable of changing the first information when the first sensor that detected the excretion corresponds to the second sensor that detected the sleep to the first information when the first sensor that detected the excretion corresponds to the second sensor that detected the wakefulness.

(Configuration 22)
The information providing device of configuration 21, wherein the first information when the first sensor that detected the excretion corresponds to the second sensor that detected the sleep does not include information about the first sensor that detected the excretion that corresponds to the second sensor that detected the sleep, or includes information that the first sensor that detected the excretion corresponds to the second sensor that detected the sleep.

According to the embodiment, an information providing device that can improve the efficiency of nursing care can be provided. An information providing device that can provide more appropriate support for nursing care can be provided.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of each element included in the information providing device or assistance system, such as the acquisition unit, processing unit, sensor, and memory unit, are included within the scope of the present invention as long as a person skilled in the art can implement the present invention in a similar manner and obtain similar effects by appropriately selecting from the known range.

Any combination of two or more elements of each specific example, to the extent technically possible, is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

In addition, all information providing devices that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art through appropriate design modifications based on the information providing device described above as an embodiment of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

In addition, within the scope of the concept of this invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations, and these modifications and alterations are also considered to fall within the scope of this invention.

10, 20: First and second sensors, 21: Biometric information, 31, 32: First and second electronic devices, 41: Item, 45: Storage location, 45D: Display device, 45S: Item sensor, 50: Device, 51: Electric furniture, 52: Lighting device, 53: Hygiene management device, 55: Room, 70: Information providing device, 71: Processing unit, 72: Acquisition unit, 75: Server, 76: Memory, 78: Information terminal, 78D: Display unit, 81: Care recipient, 82: Caregiver, 83: Carer, 110: Support system, C1: Start detection result, C2: End detection result, IF1: First information, S1, S2: First and second detection results

Claims (10)

an acquisition unit capable of acquiring first detection results of a plurality of first sensors;
a processing unit capable of performing a first operation based on the first detection result;
Equipped with
one of the plurality of first sensors is capable of detecting excretion of one of the plurality of care recipients;
The processing unit, in the first operation, presents first information when a first condition is satisfied, and does not present the first information when the first condition is not satisfied;
the first condition satisfies at least one of a first detection state, a second detection state, and a third detection state;
In the first detection state, the time passes a first time.
When the first condition includes the first detection state, the first information includes information for identifying at least one of the first sensors that detects excretion before the time passes the first time, among the plurality of first sensors;
In the second detection state, the number of the first sensors that detect the excretion among the plurality of first sensors is equal to or greater than a first value;
When the first condition includes the second detection state, the first information includes information for identifying the first sensors corresponding to the number of the first sensors that detect the excretion,
In the third detection state, a first one of the plurality of first sensors detects the excretion at a time within a first period within a first period;
an information providing device in which, when the first condition includes the third detection state, the first information includes information identifying the first sensor that detected the excretion by a time within a second period, the time within the second period being within the first period and being after the time within the first period, and a time between the time within the first period and the time within the second period is determined. The processor is capable of performing a second operation;
The processing unit, in the second operation, provides first group care information about a first group and second group care information about a second group;
the first group is a portion of the plurality of care recipients,
the second group is another portion of the plurality of care recipients;
The first group and the second group are determined based on information regarding past excretion of the plurality of care recipients;
The first group care information includes an appropriate time for excretion care for the first group,
The information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second group care information includes an appropriate time for excretion care for the second group. The processor is capable of performing a second operation;
The processing unit, in the second operation, provides first group care information about a first group and second group care information about a second group;
the first group is a portion of the plurality of care recipients,
the second group is another portion of the plurality of care recipients;
the first group and the second group are determined based on information regarding past excretion of the plurality of care recipients and positions of the plurality of care recipients;
the first group care information includes information regarding a first caregiver for the first group;
The information providing device of claim 1 , wherein the second group care information includes information about a second caregiver for the second group. The processing unit is capable of performing a third operation;
In the third operation, the processing unit presents care provision information related to at least one of the plurality of care recipients;
the care provision information is determined based on at least one of physical information, information on past excretion, dietary information, medication information, amount of exercise information, postural change information, biological information, sleep information, lifestyle information, and environmental information relating to the at least one of the plurality of care recipients;
The information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the care provision information includes a predicted excretion time for the at least one of the plurality of care recipients. The processing unit is capable of performing a fourth operation;
The information providing device of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is capable of presenting item information regarding a plurality of items used for excretion care of at least one of the plurality of care recipients corresponding to the identified first sensor in the fourth operation. The information providing device according to claim 5, wherein the processing unit is capable of displaying the item information on at least one of an information terminal for a caregiver providing excretion care or a display device provided in a storage location where the plurality of items are stored. The processing unit is capable of performing a fifth operation;
The information providing device of claim 1, wherein, in the fifth operation, the processing unit transitions an apparatus installed in a room of one of the multiple care recipients to a care start state based on a start detection result regarding the start of excretion care for the one of the multiple care recipients corresponding to the identified first sensor. The processing unit is capable of performing a sixth operation;
The information providing device according to claim 7 , wherein the processing unit, in the sixth action, transitions the device to a care end state based on an end detection result regarding an end of the excretion care. The processing unit is capable of performing a seventh operation;
In the seventh operation, the processing unit obtains an item detection result regarding whether or not at least any of the plurality of items has been returned to the storage location;
The information providing device according to claim 6 , wherein the processing unit is capable of storing information including the object detection result in a memory. The processing unit is capable of performing an eighth operation;
5. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit, in the eighth action, presents information regarding predicted occurrences of excretion care for the plurality of care recipients.

Images