JP7808069B2 - System and installation method - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to mounting members, etc.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for attaching a device to a bed device to acquire information on the user's status.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-131582

The present disclosure aims to provide technology related to mounting members, etc., that enable appropriate installation of a sensor device on a bed device, for example.

For example, the mounting member disclosed herein is for mounting a sensor device to the bottom of a bed apparatus, and includes an expandable section having hooks on both ends that catch on the bottom, and a mounting section for mounting the sensor device on one surface of the expandable section.

The system disclosed herein also includes a bed apparatus and a sensor device attached to the bed apparatus via an attachment member. The attachment member has an extendable section with hooks at both ends that catch on the knee pads of the bed apparatus, and an attachment section for attaching the sensor device to one side of the extendable section. The sensor device is attached to the bed apparatus by attaching an auxiliary member provided on the back side of the sensor device to the attachment section.

The disclosed method for attaching a sensor device to a bed device having a bottom includes an attachment member having an expandable section with hooks on both ends and a hook-and-loop fastener on one surface of the expandable section, and includes the steps of hooking the hooks on both ends of the attachment member so as to sandwich the bottom, and adhering the hook-and-loop fastener on the underside of the sensor device to the hook-and-loop fastener.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide, for example, technology related to mounting members that enable acquisition devices to be properly installed on bed devices.

1 is a diagram illustrating an entire bed apparatus and an acquisition apparatus according to the present embodiment. 1A shows the appearance of a state acquisition device, and FIG. 1B shows the appearance of a motion acquisition device in this embodiment. 1A is a diagram illustrating the state of installation of a status acquisition device in this embodiment; FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the state of installation of a status acquisition device in this embodiment; 1A is a front view of a mounting member in this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the mounting member. 1A is a diagram illustrating how a motion acquisition device is attached, FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating how a motion acquisition device is attached, and FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating how a motion acquisition device is attached in this embodiment. 1A is a diagram illustrating a connection state of an acquisition device in this embodiment, FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a connection member, and FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a connection member. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a status acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sensor unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the inside of a sensor unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation in this embodiment.

The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the contents of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description.

Generally, sheet-type devices that are placed under a user to acquire the user's status are known. For example, a sheet-type sensor device that is placed on a bed apparatus to acquire the user's status is known. Various methods are known for fixing sheet-type sensor devices to bed apparatuses that have movable bottoms to perform back-raising and other operations.

For example, one known method is to use a hook to secure the sensor device by hanging it from one end of the back bottom of the bed apparatus or from the back frame. However, this method requires the sensor device to be installed on the back bottom, making it impossible to install the sensor device anywhere other than the back bottom. Furthermore, when using multiple seat-type sensor devices, the sensor devices need to be properly installed on the bed apparatus in places other than the back bottom, but this has not been possible.

In addition, the shape and dimensions of bed devices vary, making it difficult to properly attach the sensor device to each bed device.

In addition, the bed device can perform back-raising and back-lowering operations by rotating the back bottom, and knee-raising (leg-raising) and knee-lowering (leg-lowering) operations by rotating the waist bottom and foot bottom.

When a sheet-type sensor device is placed on the bottom, it needs to follow the movement of the bottom, but if the sheet-type sensor device is not installed properly, accurate measurements may not be possible. Furthermore, if the sensor device is not installed properly, such as if it is installed in a misaligned position, the movement of the mattress or futon (mattress, etc.) placed on top of the sensor device can cause discomfort to the user.

Furthermore, in multi-bed rooms in hospitals and other facilities, sensor devices need to be attached and detached as users change and depending on the user's symptoms. In this case, if a simple method could be used to attach and detach the sensor device to the bed device, it would have the advantage of improving usability. However, typically a sensor device needs to be installed for each bed device, which makes it difficult to use the sensor device appropriately or efficiently.

The technology disclosed herein has been proposed to solve one or more of these problems, and below we will explain an embodiment in which the mounting member disclosed herein is applied.

Note that a user is someone who lies on a bed device that includes a sensor device, or someone who uses the bed device. Users are not limited to sick people or people requiring care, but also include healthy people. Users also include not only adults and elderly people, but also children, etc.

Furthermore, "staff" includes medical professionals at the hospital where the user is hospitalized and staff at the facility where the user resides. Furthermore, in the case of a user's home, "staff" also includes family members who provide nursing care for the user.

[1. Overall structure]
1 is a diagram showing the entire bed system 1. An acquisition device 5 is provided on a bed device 3.

The bed apparatus 3 has, for example, a bottom 20 provided on a frame 31. The bottom 20 has, for example, a back bottom 21, a waist bottom (cuernaline bottom) 23, a knee bottom 25, and a foot bottom 27, from the head side (H side) to the foot side (F side) when viewed from the user lying supine on the bed apparatus 3 in Figure 1. Note that when viewed from the user (in a supine position) on the bed apparatus, the right side is the R side and the left side is the L side.

The bed apparatus 3 can perform, for example, back-raising (back-lowering) and leg-raising (leg-lowering) operations by operating the back bottom 21, waist bottom 23, etc. The bed apparatus 3 also has a general configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it may be provided with a headboard and footboard, or holes for installing side rails. It may also have a drive device (actuator) that changes the shape of the bed apparatus 3 by operating each bottom as described above, or that changes the height of the bed apparatus 3 by raising and lowering the frame 31.

The acquisition device 5 is a sheet-like sensor that can acquire the user's state, movements, etc., and is positioned below the user. For example, the acquisition device 5 can be placed on the bed apparatus 3. The acquisition device 5 being placed (or placed) on the bed apparatus 3 means that the acquisition device 5 is positioned closer to the user than the bottom 20 of the bed apparatus 3. A specific method for placing the acquisition device 5 is, for example, placing the acquisition device 5 so that it is sandwiched between the bottom 20 of the bed apparatus 3 and a mattress or futon (hereinafter referred to as a mattress, etc.). The acquisition device 5 may also be placed on a mattress, etc. In other words, the acquisition device 5 is positioned so that it is below the user. Therefore, when the user is lying down on a futon placed on tatami or flooring (floor), the acquisition device 5 should be located below the user. In this case, the acquisition device 5 may be placed on or under the futon (on the tatami or floor).

Furthermore, the acquisition device 5 can be connected to, for example, a status acquisition device 10 and an optional motion acquisition device 15 that can be connected to the status acquisition device 10. Here, the status acquisition device 10 is an example of a status acquisition device that can acquire the user's status based on, for example, load values and vibrations acquired from multiple types of sensors, and serves as a main sensor device. Furthermore, the motion acquisition device 15 is, for example, a sensor device that acquires load values from a pressure sensor, and serves as an optional sensor device. The motion acquisition device 15 may be provided as needed. In other words, the status acquisition device 10 may be a sensor device that acquires the user's status, or the motion acquisition device 15 may simply be a sensor device that acquires load. The motion acquisition device 15 is a device that can detect the user's motion, and may be referred to as a motion detection device or simply a detection device.

Here, the user status in this embodiment indicates a status related to the user, and includes, for example, the following statuses.
- The user's state of being in bed or out of bed - The user's sleep state (for example, sleep, wakefulness, depth of sleep (REM sleep, non-REM sleep, etc.))
- The user's posture (for example, standing, sitting on the edge, lying down, etc.) - The user's sleeping posture (supine, lateral, prone, etc.), sleeping position - Status based on the user's biological information (heart rate, breathing, SpO2, blood pressure, body temperature, etc.)

Here, a state other than that based on the user's biometric information may be referred to as a first state, and the state based on the biometric information may be distinguished from a second state. The state acquisition device 10 may be capable of acquiring the user's first state and the user's second state using different types of sensors.

In FIG. 1, the status acquisition device 10 is provided on the back bottom 21 as a first position. The status acquisition device 10 can detect the movements of the user standing on the status acquisition device 10 (for example, movements based on the user's movements, minute movements such as the user's heart rate and breathing, and body movements). Based on the detected user movements, the status acquisition device 10 can acquire biometric information such as the user's state (in/out of bed), the user's posture, the user's sleeping posture, and the user's heart rate and breathing rate. Here, the first position is preferably near the head of the bed device 3, and more preferably near the back when the user is in a supine position.

The status acquisition device 10 can be connected to an optional motion acquisition device 15 via cable 13. The motion acquisition device 15 is basically configured to acquire the user's motions (movements) based on the status acquisition device 10, with some components omitted. For example, some of the functions provided by the status acquisition device 10 (e.g., sensors capable of acquiring biometric information such as the user's heart rate and breathing, wireless communication functions, etc.) may be omitted. Furthermore, if a device identical to the status acquisition device 10 is used, it may be used in place of the motion acquisition device 15, for example, by switching between master and slave settings.

The motion acquisition device 15 is provided at the second position, for example, above the knee bottom 25. The second position is preferably provided closer to the foot side of the bed device 3 than the first position. In this embodiment, the motion acquisition device 15 is provided at the knee bottom 25 so that its position can be easily fixed.

Here, it is preferable that the status acquisition device 10 provided on the back bottom 21 has some play when installed. By allowing some play in the installed position of the status acquisition device 10, even when the back bottom 21 is raised or lowered, the status acquisition device 10 will be in the appropriate position regardless of the positional shift of the mattress placed on the back bottom 21, for example.

It is also preferable that the motion acquisition device 15 is fixed in a position above the knee bottom 25. For example, even if the knee bottom 25 rises or falls, it is preferable that the motion acquisition device 15 does not move from its initial position.

In this way, the status acquisition device 10 is installed so that it is at a position corresponding to the user's back when lying supine on the bed device 3 (mattress, etc.). Furthermore, the motion acquisition device 15 is installed so that it is at a position ranging from near the user's waist to near the user's thighs when lying supine on the bed device 3 (mattress, etc.).

2. Configuration of Acquisition Device
The following describes the configurations of the state acquisition device 10 and the action acquisition device 15. For example, the configuration will be described in which the state acquisition device 10 functions as a main body sensor and the action acquisition device 15 functions as an optional sensor.

(Entire acquisition device)
2A and 2B are diagrams showing the appearance of the acquisition device 5. Fig. 2A shows the appearance of the status acquisition device 10, and Fig. 2B shows the appearance of the action acquisition device 15. In this case, the status acquisition device 10 in Fig. 2A functions as a main body sensor device, and the action acquisition device 15 in Fig. 2B functions as an optional sensor device.

The status acquisition device 10 has a thin and simple structure. It may also have a control device at one end, as well as a notification unit that indicates the status of the status acquisition device 10. For example, in FIG. 2, it may have a display unit that indicates the power supply status and a display unit that indicates the communication status of the status acquisition device 10.

The status acquisition device 10 may also display necessary information on its side. For example, while a side view is shown in Figure 2(a), the serial number may also be written on the side view. The status acquisition device 10 may also have an LED on its side to indicate necessary information by the LED's lighting state. For example, the status acquisition device 10 may use an LED to display the communication status with other devices. The status acquisition device 10 may also flash an LED in conjunction with the user's biometric information (e.g., breathing, heart rate). The status acquisition device 10 may also have a display unit on its side that is composed of an LCD display or an organic EL display. The status acquisition device 10 may display information based on the user's biometric information on the display unit.

For example, in a hospital or facility, the status acquisition device 10 is used with multiple bed devices 3. In this case, as described above, if various information is displayed on the side of the status acquisition device 10, when staff or the like checks the correspondence between the bed device 3 (i.e., the user using the bed device 3) and the status acquisition device 10, they can identify the status acquisition device 10 simply by looking at the side of the status acquisition device 10.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the design of the action acquisition device 15 may be different from that of the status acquisition device 10. For example, the status acquisition device 10 has a white front and a dark gray back. The action acquisition device 15 may be differentiated from the status acquisition device 10 by, for example, unifying the entire surface in dark gray.

Furthermore, unlike the status acquisition device 10, the motion acquisition device 15 has a simple design with no patterns or tape around the edges. This means that even if the status acquisition device 10 is replaced with a new device, the motion acquisition device 15 may still be used as is. In such cases, the simple design of the motion acquisition device 15 makes it possible to use it without any sense of discomfort.

[3. Installation method]
Next, a method and members for attaching the acquisition device 5 to the bed device 3 will be described.

[3.1 Installation of status acquisition device]
A method for attaching the status acquisition device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The status acquisition device 10 has a handle 82. The attachment member 50 also has a hook 51 on one end of the belt 53. The hook 51 is provided so that it can be hooked onto the end of the back bottom 21, as shown in Figure 3(b), for example.

The belt 53 also has hook-and-loop fasteners 55 (hook-and-loop fasteners 55a and 55b) on one side (for example, the top side as viewed in Figure 3(a)). Here, hook-and-loop fasteners 55a are provided on the opposite side of the belt 53 from the hooks 51.

For example, the user passes the belt 53 through the handle 82 on the side of the status acquisition device 10. Then, the user folds the opposite side of the hook 51 of the belt 53 so that the hook-and-loop fasteners 55a and 55b overlap. By attaching the hook-and-loop fasteners 55a and 55b together, the status acquisition device 10 is positioned at a predetermined position on the back bottom 21. It is also recommended that the status acquisition device 10 be positioned so that its center is at the center of the back bottom 21. More preferably, the status acquisition device 10 should be positioned so that the center of the sensor unit 108 (shown in Figure 8, described below) is at the center of the back bottom 21.

3.2 Installation of motion acquisition device
The following description will be made with reference to a method for attaching the motion acquisition device 15. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an attachment member 60. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for attaching the motion acquisition device 15 using the attachment member 60.

The mounting member 60 has two hooks 61 connected by an expandable stretchable section 63. Here, the hooks 61 are, for example, made of resin, and the stretchable section 63 is, for example, made of plain woven rubber. The stretchable section 63 also has a hook-and-loop fastener 65 on one side as an example of an attachment section.

Here, the hook-and-loop fastener 65 may be any member for attaching the motion acquisition device 15 to the attachment member 60. In this embodiment, a hook-and-loop fastener is described as an example of an attachment portion, but any member that can attach the motion acquisition device 15 to the attachment member 60 may be used, such as a magnetic member (a magnet) or a button. The attachment portion may also be a mounting member to which the motion acquisition device 15 can be attached. In other words, the motion acquisition device 15 is mounted to the mounting portion (mounting member).

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the mounting member 60 is attached to the bottom of the bed apparatus 3 (e.g., the knee bottom 25). For example, the mounting member 60 is attached by clamping it to the knee bottom 25 using hooks 61 provided on both ends. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the hook 61 protrudes downward (toward the bottom of the bed apparatus 3) as viewed in the drawing. The lower side of the hook 61 is inclined toward the upper center and is narrower than the end of the mounting member 60. The hook 61 is made of an elastic material such as synthetic resin (e.g., plastic) or rubber. Therefore, the mounting member 60 is attached to the knee bottom 25 so that the side walls of the knee bottom 25 fit into the openings of the hook 61. In other words, the mounting member 60 is attached to the knee bottom 25 by clamping the hooks 61 on both ends so that they are caught on the side walls of the knee bottom 25.

That is, the user stretches the elastic portion 63 of the attachment member 60 and hooks the hook 61 onto the end of the knee bottom (or the side wall at the end). The hooks 61 on both ends then hook onto the knee bottom 25, securing the attachment member 60 as a whole by sandwiching it between the knee bottom 25. Furthermore, the stress of the elastic portion 63 as it shrinks causes the attachment member 60 to be clamped between the knee bottom 25.

Furthermore, a hook-and-loop fastener 65, which is an example of an attachment part, is positioned on the opposite side from where the hook 61 protrudes. Therefore, the hook-and-loop fastener 65 is positioned facing the upper side of the bed apparatus 3.

Figure 5(b) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the motion acquisition device 15 is attached to the attachment member 60. The motion acquisition device 15 has a hook-and-loop fastener 84 on its back surface as an auxiliary member for attaching it to the attachment part. By adhering the hook-and-loop fastener 65 of the attachment member 60 of the motion acquisition device 15 to the hook-and-loop fastener 84, the motion acquisition device 15 is detachably attached to the knee bottom 25 via the attachment member 60.

Here, the hook-and-loop fastener 84 of the motion acquisition device 15 may be provided, for example, on one surface of the motion acquisition device 15 (for example, the underside, or bed device side, as viewed in the drawing). The hook-and-loop fastener 84 may also be provided on the cover of the motion acquisition device 15.

Note that methods other than hook-and-loop fasteners may be used as the attachment portion for attaching the motion acquisition device 15. For example, the attachment portion may utilize magnetic force (e.g., a magnet, etc.). For example, a magnet may be provided on the attachment member 60, and a metal part or magnet may be provided as an auxiliary member on the motion acquisition device 15. The motion acquisition device 15 and attachment member 60 may then be attached using magnetic force.

The motion acquisition device 15 may also be attached in other ways. For example, a handle 86 may be provided on the motion acquisition device 15. In this case, when attaching the attachment member 60 to the knee bottom 25, the attachment member 60 may be attached so that it passes through the handle 86. In this case, the attachment member 60 can be installed so that it clamps the motion acquisition device 15.

In addition, while the attachment member 60 has been described as being attached to the knee bottom 25, it may also be attached to other bottoms. For example, it may be attached by sandwiching the components that make up the bottom of the back bottom 21, utilizing the gap in the back bottom 21. The attachment member 60 may also be similarly attached to the waist bottom 23 or the leg bottom 27.

[3.3 Connection between status acquisition device and operation acquisition device]
As shown in FIG. 1, the state acquisition device 10 and the action acquisition device 15 are communicably connected by a connection member 70 .

Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of the connecting member 70. The connecting member is preferably made of a stretchable material (e.g., highly stretchable fabric) so that it does not become misaligned even if the positions of the state acquisition device 10 and the motion acquisition device 15 change. Furthermore, if the cover 71 contains another stretchable material (e.g., rubber) inside, the cover 71 does not need to be made of highly stretchable fabric. In other words, it is sufficient that the entire connecting member 70 is stretchable. Because the connecting member 70 is stretchable, it can absorb changes in the distance between the state acquisition device 10 and the motion acquisition device 15.

It also has an expandable cover 71 and attachment portions 73 at both ends of the cover 71. For example, the attachment portion 73 is composed of a belt 73a and a snap button 73b. The belt 73a is passed through the handle 82 of the status acquisition device 10 or the handle 86 of the motion acquisition device 15, and the snap button 73b is fastened.

The connection member 70 also has a cable 75 used for communication between the status acquisition device 10 and the action acquisition device 15. The cable 75 is detachably attached to the communication interfaces (not shown) of the status acquisition device 10 and the action acquisition device 15.

It is also preferable that the excess length of the cable 75 be stored within the cover 71. The cable 75 is made of fabric sewn into a tubular shape, and the excess length of the cable 75 can be stored within the cover 71. This allows the cable 75 to be stored with slack within the cover 71. The connecting member 70 may also include rubber (e.g., plain woven rubber) within the cover 71. By providing an elastic material such as rubber within the cover 71, the excess length of the cover 71 can be shortened by the stress of the rubber. The cable 75 may also be secured with a cable tie to reinforcing members (e.g., tarpaulin) sewn inside both ends of the cover 71. This allows the cover 71 to expand and contract without changing the exposed length of the cable 75. Furthermore, since the excess length of the cable 75 is not exposed from the cover 71, it is possible to prevent the cable 75 from being pinched between bottoms, etc.

By configuring the connecting member 70 in this manner, for example, the excess cable 75 is stored within the cover 71. This prevents the cable 75 from becoming pinched between the bottom, frame, etc. that make up the bed apparatus 3.

Figures 6(b) and (c) show the cover 71 of the connecting member 70 in an expanded or contracted state. For example, Figure 6(b) shows the cover 71 in a contracted state, and Figure 6(c) shows the cover 71 in an expanded state. By expanding and contracting the cover 71, even if the distance between the status acquisition device 10 and the motion acquisition device 15 fluctuates during the back-raising operation of the bed apparatus 3, the connecting member 70 can absorb the fluctuation.

The connecting member 70 also has attachment portions 73 on both ends. The attachment portions 73 can be easily attached to and detached from the status acquisition device 10 and the motion acquisition device 15 using snap buttons 73b. A label indicating the type of cable may also be attached near the attachment portion 73. By referring to the label, the user can easily attach and detach the correct cable according to the type of connector.

[4. Details of Acquisition Device]
The following describes in detail the configurations of the status acquisition device 10 and the action acquisition device 15. For example, the configuration will be described in which the status acquisition device 10 functions as a main body sensor and the action acquisition device 15 functions as an optional sensor.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the acquisition device 5. For example, the status acquisition device 10 has a control unit 102 and a sensor unit 108. The sensor unit 108 is separated into two housings (members), for example, sensor unit 108A and sensor unit 108B, and the two sensor units are connected by a bendable member. Because the sensor unit 108 is separated into two, the status acquisition device 10 as a whole can be bent around the center.

Furthermore, for example, by using a bendable, flexible material for the sensor unit 108, even if the sensor unit 108 is composed of a single material, the entire acquisition device 5 can be configured to be bendable.

The sensor unit 108 has a first sensor 40 and a second sensor 42. Here, the first sensor 40 is, for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor. The first sensor 40 can detect the load applied to the first sensor 40. The first sensor 40 can acquire a first state of the user.

For example, the status acquisition device 10 can acquire the following as the user's first status based on the load (load value) detected by the first sensor 40:

Whether the user is in bed or out of bed in the bed system 1 (out-of-bed state)
The user's sleeping position and posture (for example, whether the user is in a sitting position, edge sitting position, supine position, prone position, lateral position, etc. on the bed system 1)
The position of the user on the bed system 1 (for example, the position of the center of gravity of the user, the sleeping position of the user)
Other movements of the user (for example, the user turns over in bed, moves to the end of the bed system 1, the user sleeps with the head side reversed, etc.)
Furthermore, the state acquisition device 10 can acquire a change in the state of the user from a change in the load detected by the first sensor 40 .

The second sensor 42 is a highly sensitive sensor capable of detecting minute body movements of the user. Here, the second sensor 42 is a sensor that can acquire vibrations with higher sensitivity than the first sensor 40. For example, the second sensor 42 can detect minute movements such as the user's heartbeat and body movements due to breathing. The second sensor 42 can acquire biometric information as the user's second state.

As an example of the second sensor 42, an air pad may be provided in the sensor unit 108 via an air tube from the sensor processing device 106 provided in the control unit 102. The air pad may be placed at the position of the second sensor 42 described in FIG. 3. Alternatively, a highly sensitive (high-resolution) vibration sensor (such as a high-resolution three-axis acceleration sensor, a sensor further combining a gyro sensor, or a high-resolution piezoelectric sensor) may be placed at the position of the second sensor 42 described in FIG. 3 and connected to the control device 104.

The sensor processing device 106 may also change the types of values it acquires from the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42. For example, the first sensor 40 may measure and output the absolute amount of load at a predetermined timing. The second sensor 42 may measure and output the amount of change in load at a predetermined timing. For example, when the first sensor 40 detects a user, it outputs a value based on the load acting on the first sensor 40. For example, when the first sensor 40 detects a load of 10 kg, it continues to output a sensor value corresponding to 10 kg. In contrast, after the second sensor 42 detects a load of 10 kg and the load stabilizes, it stops outputting sensor values.

As a result, for example, the status acquisition device 10 can determine the user's center of gravity and position based on the absolute amount of load output by the first sensor 40. This is because the load fluctuates greatly due to the user's movement, and therefore the sensor value fluctuates greatly based on the load movement. Therefore, it is preferable for the status acquisition device 10 to use the sensor value of the first sensor 40.

In contrast, for example, the status acquisition device 10 can determine the user's vital signs (heart rate, breathing) based on the amount of change in load output by the second sensor 42. This is because the movements (body movements) based on the user's vital signs fluctuate little. Therefore, since the second sensor 42 is a more sensitive sensor than the first sensor 40 and the change in the sensor value of the load based on body movements is small, it is preferable for the status acquisition device 10 to use the sensor value of the second sensor 42.

In this way, by using the second sensor 42, which can detect vibrations with greater sensitivity than the first sensor 40, the status acquisition device 10 can further acquire the user's biometric information from the user's minute body movements, such as body movements due to breathing and heartbeat.

Here, it is preferable that the first sensors 40 are provided at equal intervals. In the status acquisition device 10 of this embodiment, four first sensors 40, namely, first sensors 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D, are provided at equal intervals. In addition, in the status acquisition device 10 of this embodiment, two second sensors 42, namely, second sensors 42A and second sensors 42B, are provided at equal intervals. Here, the number of first sensors 40 and second sensors 42 is one example, and more than two sensors may be provided.

The first sensors 40 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the status acquisition device 10. Furthermore, when the status acquisition device 10 is installed on the bed apparatus 3, the first sensors 40 are arranged at equal intervals in a straight line along the shorter direction of the bed apparatus 3. In other words, the first sensors 40 and second sensors 42 are arranged along the left-right direction of the user.

The number of first sensors 40 (40A-40D) provided on the status acquisition device 10 may be the same as the number of third sensors 45 (45A-45D) provided on the motion acquisition device 15 (described below). The first sensors 40 provided on the status acquisition device 10 and the third sensors 45 provided on the motion acquisition device 15 may be arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the bed apparatus 3. In other words, the first sensors 40 and the third sensors 45 are arranged in the vertical direction of the user.

The status acquisition device 10 and the motion acquisition device 15 do not have to be positioned so that the first sensor 40 is strictly aligned in a straight line. For example, if the installation positions of the status acquisition device 10 and the motion acquisition device 15 result in the first sensor 40 and the third sensor 45 being offset from a straight line by a few centimeters, this is considered an error and there is no problem in assuming that they are aligned in a straight line.

The control device 104 receives signals from the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42. Based on the acquired signals (e.g., load value, vibration level, etc.), the control device 104 can acquire the user's condition (first condition) and the user's biometric information (e.g., heart rate, breathing, etc.) (second condition).

The status acquisition device 10 may also be connected to an optional motion acquisition device 15 via cable 13. Similar to the status acquisition device 10, the motion acquisition device 15 has a control unit 152 and a sensor unit 158.

The status acquisition device 10 and the action acquisition device 15 may also be connected wirelessly. The wireless connection method may be any communication method, such as wireless LAN, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wireless USB.

In the motion acquisition device 15, similar to the state acquisition device 10, the sensor unit 158 may be composed of two units, sensor unit 158A and sensor unit 158B. Furthermore, the sensor unit 158 has third sensors 45A, 45B, 45C, and 45D as the third sensor 45. The third sensor 45 is a sensor capable of detecting load, and is the same as or has the same performance as the first sensor 40. The control device 154 of the motion acquisition device 15 calculates a load value based on the signal acquired from the third sensor 45 and transmits it to the control device 104 of the state acquisition device 10.

As a result, when the motion acquisition device 15 is connected, the status acquisition device 10 can acquire load values from eight load sensors, including the first sensor 40 and the third sensor 45 provided in the motion acquisition device 15.

Furthermore, since the motion acquisition device 15 is an optional acquisition device, it need only be configured with what is necessary compared to the status acquisition device 10. For example, the motion acquisition device 15 does not need to be equipped with a highly sensitive sensor capable of acquiring the user's biometric information, equivalent to the second sensor 42. Furthermore, the control device 154 of the motion acquisition device 15 only needs to have the necessary configuration to transmit the load value acquired from the third sensor 45 to the status acquisition device 10.

(sensor unit)
8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the sensor unit 108. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit 108 of the acquisition device 5, for example, the status acquisition device 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the sensor unit 108B of the sensor unit 108. As shown in FIG. 8, the diagram illustrates the arrangement of the first sensor 40 (first sensors 40C and 40D arranged in the sensor unit 108B in FIG. 7) and the second sensor 42 (second sensor 42B arranged in the sensor unit 108B in FIG. 7) in a housing 110 of the sensor unit 108B. The housing 110 is the lower housing of the sensor unit 108.

The following describes the features of the sensor unit 108. The sensor unit 108 has the second sensor 42 located approximately in the center of the sensor unit 108. For example, the sensor unit 108A has the second sensor 42A located approximately in the center. The sensor unit 108B has the second sensor 42B located approximately in the center.

Furthermore, the first sensor 40 is arranged in the sensor unit 108 on a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the status acquisition device 10 so as to sandwich the second sensor 42. In this way, it is preferable that the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42 are arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the status acquisition device 10. Furthermore, the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42 do not necessarily have to be arranged in a straight line. For example, the second sensor 42 may be arranged in a position shifted upward as shown in FIG. 7.

Here, the sensor unit 108 may have a buffer member between the upper and lower housings. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the housing 110 has buffer sections 112 at multiple locations. The buffer sections 112 are configured to include a buffer member such as resin, rubber, urethane, or sponge, and may be provided at a position where the lower housing 110 and the upper housing (not shown) come into contact.

Figure 8(b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the buffer section 112. For example, the buffer section 112 can be injection molded with the housing 110, integrally molding the buffer material. By molding the buffer section 112 integrally with the housing 110, it is possible to omit the manufacturing step of bonding the buffer material to the housing 110 separately.

The buffer material used in the buffer section 112 may be, for example, a non-slip material such as polyurethane rubber. The buffer material may be, for example, a buffer material such as rubber or polyurethane, a vibration-isolating material, or a non-slip material.

The housing 110 may have a guide portion that bundles and guides the cables connected to the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the housing 110 has a guide portion 116 that guides the cable connected to the first sensor 40. The housing 110 also has a guide portion 114 that guides the cable (air tube) connected to the second sensor 42.

The guide portion 114 may be configured with claw members for gripping the cable from both sides to fix the movement of the cable. By providing one or more guide portions 114 at the position where the cable connected to the second sensor 42 passes, the cable (e.g., an air tube) can be arranged along the guide portion 114. For example, Figure 8(c) is an enlarged view of the guide portion 114.

In addition, by providing the guide portion 116 at a position where the cable connected to the first sensor 40 passes, the cable (e.g., air tube) can be bundled using the guide portion 116. For example, Figure 5(d) is an enlarged view of the guide portion 116.

The guide section 116 is wide enough to accommodate two cables connected to the first sensor 40. A partition is provided in the center of the guide section 116, and is covered with a claw member, allowing each of the two cables to be held. Furthermore, the upper side of the claw of the guide section 116 is flat, allowing the height of the guide section 116 to be kept low.

Figure 8(e) also shows the arrangement of the first sensor 40 and second sensor 42. Figure 8(e) is an enlarged perspective view of the first sensors 40C, 40D and second sensor 42B.

Here, the housing 110 may have a rib 46 formed in a position corresponding to the first sensor 40. Also, the housing 110 may have a rib 48 formed in a position corresponding to the second sensor 42. By providing the ribs 46 and 48 on the housing 110, it becomes possible to easily and accurately position the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42, for example, during design and manufacturing. Also, by providing the ribs 46 and 48 on the housing 110, it becomes possible to ensure strength.

Figure 8(f) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42. As shown in Figure 8(f), the first sensor 40C and the first sensor 40D are provided on the lower housing 110. Here, in consideration of the effect on the second sensor 42 placed between the first sensors 40, a pusher 47 may be provided on the first sensor 40. The pusher 47 is made of, for example, polyurethane rubber.

When the upper housing 111 of the status acquisition device 10 comes into contact with the first sensor 40 and the second sensor 42B, each sensor can detect load and acquire the user's body movements. Here, if the first sensor 40 is a pressure-sensitive sensor, a pusher 47 is provided between the housings 111 so that the load is applied to the pressure-sensitive portion. In other words, when a load is applied from the upper housing 111, the pusher 47 presses the first sensor 40 (pressure-sensitive sensor), allowing the first sensor 40 to detect the load.

Here, if the height of the pusher 47 is higher than that of the second sensor 42 when it is installed on the first sensor 40, the second sensor 42 will not be able to correctly detect the user's body movements, and the status acquisition device 10 will not be able to correctly acquire biometric information. Furthermore, if a mattress is placed on the status acquisition device 10, the weight of the mattress may cause the first sensor 40 to make a false detection. Therefore, it is preferable that the height of the pusher 47 when installed on the first sensor 40 be lower than that of the second sensor 42. Furthermore, it is preferable that the height of the pusher 47 when installed on the first sensor 40 be higher than that of the buffer section 112. This is because if the height of the pusher 47 when installed is lower than that of the buffer section 112, a load will be applied to the buffer section 112, and the first sensor 40 will not be able to correctly acquire the load.

In this way, by appropriately adjusting the height of the pusher 47 in relation to the second sensor 42, it is possible to prevent false detection by the first sensor 40 without affecting the acquisition of the user's biometric information. For example, if the height of the pusher 47 is too low, it will not be possible to detect the load, and information about the user will not be acquired even if the user stands on the status acquisition device 10. Furthermore, if the height of the pusher 47 is too high, it will react to a mattress, futon, blanket, etc., resulting in false detection. By adjusting the height in this way, the pusher 47 will not move when an object used on the bed device 3, such as a comforter or blanket, stands on the status acquisition device 10, but will move when a user of the expected weight stands on the status acquisition device 10.

Sensor unit 158 has a configuration that is almost identical to sensor unit 108. Because sensor unit 158 does not have a second sensor 42, for example, cushioning material may be provided in the location where second sensor 42 is located. This makes it possible for sensor unit 108 and sensor unit 158 to use the same housing.

The housing 110 may also have a cable guide installed midway to prevent the cable from moving. It is also advisable to install a cable guide at the cable connection point to prevent the cable from being twisted and damaging connectors inside the product. For example, it is advisable to erect ribs on the housing 110 to limit the movement of the cable. Cables may also be arranged inside the housing 110 so that their movement is limited by using cable ties.

5. Functional Configuration
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the state acquisition device 10, the action acquisition device 15, and the attachment member 60 in the embodiment.

The status acquisition device 10 and the operation acquisition device 15 have control units 1000 and 1500 for controlling the respective devices. The control unit 1000 (control unit 1500) reads and executes information and programs stored in the memory unit 1010 (memory unit 1510) to perform various processes.

The storage unit 1010 (storage unit 1510) stores various information, data, and programs. The storage unit 1010 is, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM or RAM, but may also be a recording medium such as a USB memory or an SD card (registered trademark). Data may also be stored on the cloud via the communication unit 1030, and various operational functions may be realized by executing cloud-based programs.

The acquisition unit 1020 (acquisition unit 1520) acquires sensor information via the acquisition device described above. The sensor information may be the user's load value or biometric information values such as heart rate and respiratory rate. The acquired biometric information values may be stored, for example, in the memory unit 1010 (storage unit 1510). The acquisition unit 1020 may be, for example, the first sensor 40 (first sensors 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D) or the second sensor 42 in FIG. 7. The acquisition unit 1520 may also be the first sensor 40 (first sensors 40E, 40F, 40G, 40H).

The communication unit 1030 (communication unit 1530) communicates with other devices. The communication unit 1030 may be, for example, an interface such as USB, or an interface connectable to a network such as a wireless LAN. The communication unit 1030 may also be a communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). By connecting the communication unit 1030 and the communication unit 1050, for example, sensor values acquired by the action acquisition device 15 can be acquired by the status acquisition device 10.

The attachment member 60 may also include a communication module. As a communication module, the attachment member 60 has a control unit 6000, a memory unit 6010, a position information acquisition unit 6020, and a communication unit 6030.

Here, the control unit 6000 reads and executes a program from the memory unit 6010, connects to other devices via the communication unit 6030, and transmits location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 6020. For example, it can transmit identification information for the attachment member 60 stored in the memory unit 6010.

Furthermore, the communication module of the mounting member 60 may acquire location information when it is possible to acquire the location information using the location information acquisition unit 6020. The location information may be, for example, general location information such as latitude and longitude information, information from an acquisition device 5 fixed to the mounting member 60, or information from a bed apparatus 3 to which the mounting member 60 is attached. The mounting member 60 may also transmit information about the user.

In FIG. 10, a terminal device 90 is also configured to be connectable. The terminal device 90 is, for example, a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The control unit 9000 of the terminal device 90 reads and executes programs from the storage unit 9010, allowing it to perform various processes.

The terminal device 90, like a typical terminal device, has a display operation unit 9020. The display operation unit 9020 has, for example, a display device that displays various information and an operation device that accepts input from the user. The display operation unit 9020 is, for example, a device that uses a touch panel or the like.

The attachment member 60 may transmit location information, for example, when it receives a request to obtain location information from the acquisition device 5, or it may transmit location information periodically. The terminal device 90 may obtain the location of the attachment member 60 via the communication unit 9530. Alternatively, the status acquisition device 10 may obtain the location of the attachment member 60.

For example, Figure 11(a) shows an example of a table in which information transmitted by the attachment member 60 is acquired and managed by the terminal device 90. For example, the terminal device 90 may store an acquisition device ID and/or a user ID in association with the attachment member ID.

The terminal device 90 can determine the location of the attachment member 60 using the identification information of the acquisition device and the user's identification information.

Figure 11(b) shows a table for managing the position of the attachment member 60. For example, information about the bed device 3 to which the attachment member 60 is attached is also stored. This makes it possible to clarify the location of the attachment member 60 by using the terminal device 90.

Figure 12 is an example of a display screen displayed on the terminal device 90. Figure 12(a) shows the location where the attachment member 60 is being used. For example, the attachment member 60 acquires information about the bed apparatus 3 to which the attachment member 60 is attached using the location information acquisition unit 6020. The terminal device 90 then displays the attachment member ID and the location of the bed apparatus 3 to which the attachment member 60 is attached. The attachment member 60 also determines whether an acquisition device 5 is attached.

The terminal device 90 may then display whether the acquisition device 5 is attached to each attachment member 60. The attachment member 60 may also transmit information that the attachment member 60 is attached to the acquisition device 5. The acquisition device 5 may transmit the ID of the attachment member and information about the acquisition device 5 together to the terminal device 90.

Also, Figure 12(b) is a display screen for searching for an attachment member 60 from the terminal device 90. For example, the display screen of the terminal device 90 in Figure 12(b) displays a list of attachment members 60 to which an acquisition device 5 is not fixed. Here, the attachment member 60 to be called is selected from the terminal device 90 and processing is executed. The attachment member 60 can then notify the user using a notification unit (e.g., a buzzer or LED) possessed by the attachment member 60. The terminal device 90 may also display the position of the attachment member 60 (e.g., direction, distance, point on a map, etc.).

By using the notification from the mounting member 60, staff and others can easily check which bed device 3 the mounting member 60 is on.

[6. Other Configurations]
The status acquisition device 10 can use short-range wireless communication to perform various settings and check information.

For example, the terminal device 90 connects to the status acquisition device 10 via short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal device 90 may then set network information for the status acquisition device 10 via communication via Bluetooth. This makes it possible to set the IP address of the status acquisition device 10 on the terminal device 90 and then connect using an information processing device (e.g., a computer).

Furthermore, by connecting to the status acquisition device 10, the terminal device 90 can periodically acquire the user's status (biometric information, sleeping position, etc.). Furthermore, if the terminal device 90 is a computer installed in, for example, a nurse's station or staff station, it may acquire information from the status acquisition device 10 in real time.

[7. Other]
As described above, based on the above-described embodiment, the following unique effects not found in the prior art can be expected.

Even when the bed device 3 performs movements such as raising the back or knees, the acquisition device 5 does not shift and can acquire the user's status at a fixed position. Furthermore, the flexibility of the stretchable section (e.g., rubber) makes it possible to provide an attachment member that can attach the acquisition device 5 to a variety of bed devices 3. Furthermore, by using an easily detachable fastening member such as a hook-and-loop fastener for the attachment member, the acquisition device 5 can be positioned in an appropriate position regardless of the dimensions of the bed.

The connection member 70 is also configured to be fixed to the acquisition device 5 using easily detachable components, such as snap buttons, at both ends. This means that even someone with no knowledge of bed structure or wiring can easily install wiring between the acquisition devices 5.

In addition, the connecting member 70 uses a cover 71 to protect the cable 75, making it possible to prevent the cable 75 from being pinched in moving parts of the bed device 3 or in narrow spaces.

8. Modifications
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.
In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, while the above-mentioned embodiments are described separately for convenience of explanation, they may be combined to the extent possible. Furthermore, we intend to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications, etc.

In the above-described embodiment, the acquisition device 5 has been described as having the status acquisition device 10 as the first acquisition device and the motion acquisition device 15 as the second acquisition device. Here, the first acquisition device acquires the user's status (the first status is the user's center of gravity of load, sleeping position, sleeping posture, large movements such as the user turning over in sleep, etc., and the second status is the status related to the user's vital signs, such as heart rate and breathing) based on two sensor values (a load sensor and a load displacement sensor). The first acquisition device is only required to acquire the user's status based on the load of the user acquired by the second acquisition device as needed. In addition to the above-described motion acquisition device 15, the second acquisition device may also be, for example, a smartphone capable of detecting load or a load sensor provided in the bed apparatus.

The first acquisition device may also be realized by combining multiple devices. For example, it may be a combination of a device capable of detecting load (such as a load sensor provided in a bed device) and a wearable terminal device, smart watch, or the like worn by the user that can acquire the user's vital signs (biometric information).

The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed herein. While the configurations of this disclosure that are sought to be patented are set forth in the accompanying claims, it is not intended that they be excluded from the technical scope simply because they are not set forth in the claims.

In addition, in the above-mentioned specification, the phrases "in the case of..." and "when..." are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described content. Configurations that do not fall under these cases or situations are also disclosed to the extent that they would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and we intend to obtain rights to them.

Furthermore, the processes and data flow described in the specification that require a specific order are not limited to the order in which they are described. For example, the specification also discloses configurations in which certain parts of the processes are deleted or the order is changed, and the company intends to obtain rights to such configurations.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System 3 Bed device 5 Acquisition device 10 Status acquisition device 15 Action acquisition device 20 Bottom 21 Back bottom 23 Waist bottom 25 Knee bottom 27 Foot bottom 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F, 40G, 40H First sensor 42, 42A, 42B Second sensor 50 Fixing member 51 Hook 53 Belt 55, 55a, 55b Hook-and-loop fastener 60 Mounting member 61 Hook 63 Stretchable portion 65 Hook-and-loop fastener 70 Connection member 71 Cover 73 Mounting portion 73a Belt 73b Snap button 75 Cable

Claims (5)

A system including a bed apparatus, a sensor apparatus attached to the bed apparatus via an attachment member, and a status acquisition device connectable to the sensor apparatus via a connection member ,
The mounting member is
An extension part having hooks at both ends to be hooked onto the knee bottom of the bed device;
a mounting portion for mounting the sensor device on one surface of the extension/contraction portion;
and
an auxiliary member provided on a rear surface of the sensor device is attached to the attachment portion, whereby the sensor device is attached to the bed apparatus ;
The state acquisition device is attached to the back bottom of the bed apparatus,
The connecting member is an expandable member.
system. the connecting member is composed of a cable that connects the sensor device and the status acquisition device, and a tubular fabric covering the cable,
The system of claim 1 , wherein the tubular fabric accommodates the cable with slack. The hook protrudes downward from the bed apparatus ,
The system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the mounting portion is provided so as to face an upper side of the bed apparatus . 3. The system of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the attachment portion is a hook-and-loop fastener. A method for attaching a sensor device to a bed apparatus having a bottom and a status acquisition device connectable to the sensor device via a connecting member, comprising:
a step of attaching an attachment member having an extension portion with hooks at both ends that can be attached to the knee bottom of the bed device by hooking it onto the knee bottom;
attaching the sensor device to an attachment portion provided on an upper side of the attachment member;
Attaching the status acquisition device to a back bottom of the bed apparatus;
connecting the sensor device and the status acquisition device via the expandable connecting member;
Including mounting instructions.