JP7835575B2 - Communication system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a communication system usable when transporting users requiring assistance by vehicle.

For example, when elderly individuals or others using services utilize long-term care insurance or welfare facilities, it is common practice to use transportation services involving vehicles to travel between their homes and the facilities, or between multiple facilities.

Furthermore, in such transportation services, service users are often elderly individuals requiring care and assistance, and many also have challenges such as neurological illnesses. Therefore, it is often necessary to have staff members with expertise in mental health care accompany the users in addition to the driver.

On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication device for passengers that automatically contacts passengers inside a vehicle during transport from an external location. Specifically, the communication device for passengers includes a dispatch plan acquisition means for acquiring a dispatch plan, a passenger identification means for identifying passengers who have boarded the vehicle by referring to the dispatch plan, and a communication line management means for managing communication lines so that an in-vehicle terminal used by the passenger identified by the passenger identification means can communicate with a facility-side terminal installed at an external facility.

Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a monitoring and transportation system for broadly monitoring the situation inside and outside a vehicle of a person being monitored. Specifically, the vehicle management server of the monitoring and transportation system includes: vehicle video receiving means for receiving video of the surroundings when the person being monitored gets in and out of the vehicle, video of the person being monitored, and video of the person being monitored inside the vehicle; recording means for recording the received video; notification information extraction means for extracting information to be notified to the monitor from the recording means according to set conditions; and monitor terminal transmission means for transmitting the extracted notification information to the monitor's terminal. The vehicle management server also includes face image authentication means for receiving face images captured by an in-vehicle camera from the vehicle and performing face image authentication. The vehicle management server also includes monitor message receiving means for receiving messages from the monitor, and in-vehicle terminal transmission means for transmitting messages to the in-vehicle terminal of the vehicle in which the person being monitored is currently riding or is scheduled to ride.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-26072 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-169942

For example, the communication device for transporters described in Patent Document 1 identifies the vehicle seat of the transporter, identifies the in-vehicle terminal used by the transporter in that seat, and connects the communication line between that in-vehicle terminal and the facility's terminal. Therefore, communication such as medical interviews can be conducted without mistaking the identified transporter.

Furthermore, the monitoring and transportation system described in Patent Document 2 can transmit messages from the caregiver to the in-vehicle terminal via a server. Additionally, the in-vehicle communication device allows for communication between the vehicle and passengers primarily via voice.

However, in the case of service users suffering from dementia, for example, it can be difficult to communicate appropriately through dialogue or written communication alone in various situations. For instance, when transporting multiple users simultaneously in the same vehicle, the users' mental challenges may lead to a higher-than-usual frequency of conflicts between users or accidents occurring inside the vehicle.

Therefore, to ensure the safety of users during transport and to prevent conflicts between users, staff members with expertise in mental health care are assigned to ride along with the users, and these staff members interact directly with the users to ensure appropriate communication.

However, having staff specializing in mental health care constantly accompanying clients in their transport vehicles would be a significant burden for transportation service providers. Furthermore, care service providers, in particular, often face staff shortages, making it especially difficult to secure sufficient staff with expertise in mental health care.

This invention was made in view of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a communication system that facilitates communication in vehicles transporting elderly people and other users with mental health challenges, even when staff with expertise in mental health care are not present in the same vehicle, thereby helping to avoid accidents and troubles inside the vehicle during transport.

The above-mentioned objective according to the present invention is achieved by the following configuration.

An in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle used to transport users who require assistance,
A communication tool that can be placed near the user riding in the vehicle,
A facility-side device, which is installed in a facility for providing support to the aforementioned users , and which provides support information to the aforementioned users who are riding in the vehicle via the in-vehicle device to the communication tool,
Equipped with,
The communication tool has a function of providing non-verbal information stimuli to the user in response to support information from the facility-side device,
Communication system.

According to the communication system of the present invention, even when a staff member with expertise in mental health care is not present in the vehicle transporting elderly individuals or other users with mental health challenges, effective communication becomes easier to avoid accidents and problems during transport. In other words, by providing users with non-verbal informational stimuli through support information, effective communication becomes possible.

For example, users with mental health challenges such as BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia), which is included in dementia, tend to exhibit symptoms such as verbal abuse, violence, agitation, depression, insomnia, reversed sleep-wake cycle, hallucinations, delusional wandering, and delusions of theft in their interactions with others. Therefore, improving the environment through communication can help prevent trouble and ensure safety within the vehicle. In particular, even in situations where verbal communication is difficult, caregivers can improve the environment by providing specific stimuli to distract the user from others or by creating a calming atmosphere through communication.

The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by referring to the accompanying drawings and reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments").

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of equipment inside a vehicle used for transporting passengers. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an in-vehicle device. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a plush toy-shaped user communication device. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a sheet-integrated user communication device. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a smartphone-type user communication device. Figure 7 is a front view showing example 1 of the appearance of a plush toy-shaped user communication device. Figure 8 is a front view showing example 2 of the appearance of a plush toy-shaped user communication device. Figure 9 is a front view showing an example configuration of a sheet-integrated user communication device - 1. Figure 10 is a front view showing an example configuration of a sheet-integrated user communication device, specifically example 2. Figure 11 is a state transition diagram showing an example of a state transition in an armrest. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main functions in the facility-side management device. Figure 13 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of a caregiver stimulation input tool. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the inter-vehicle communication function. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a system for managing multiple businesses.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The communication system 100 has a function for facilitating communication between caregivers at facilities and users in the transport vehicle 10 when providing a service to transport users, such as the elderly, to care facilities or welfare facilities. In particular, it is characterized by its ability to enable communication using not only language but also non-verbal means. This eliminates the need for caregivers to ride in the transport vehicle 10 with the user, or reduces the number of caregivers riding in the transport vehicle 10.

Each transport vehicle 10 included in the communication system 100 transports users according to a pre-set dispatch plan, for example. Each transport vehicle 10 is equipped with an in-vehicle unit 11, a wide-area communication device 12, a narrow-area communication device 13, an in-vehicle monitoring device 14, and multiple user communication devices 20A, 20B, and 20C.

The in-vehicle unit 11 is a general in-vehicle unit installed in a vehicle, such as a digital tachograph, car navigation system, or drive recorder, with added functionality to implement this system.

The wide-area communication device 12 is composed of, for example, a wireless communication module compliant with the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard, enabling wireless communication between the in-vehicle unit 11 on the transport vehicle 10 and the LTE network 42.

The narrow-area communication device 13 is composed of a wireless communication module compliant with, for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, enabling wireless data communication in a relatively narrow area, such as inside the transport vehicle 10.

The in-vehicle monitoring system 14 includes one or more sets of cameras and microphones installed inside the passenger compartment of the transport vehicle 10, and can continuously capture video footage of each passenger riding in the transport vehicle 10 and collect information such as audio.

Each user communication device 20A, 20B, and 20C is used either by being held by each user (care recipient) riding in the transport vehicle 10 or by being placed near each user. Each user communication device 20A, 20B, and 20C has the function of transmitting support information from a caregiver outside the transport vehicle 10 to the user in the transport vehicle 10 as some kind of stimulus.

For example, each user on the shuttle vehicle 10 may use one or more of several different types of user communication devices 20A, 20B, and 20C, or multiple users on the same shuttle vehicle 10 may simultaneously use several of the same type of user communication devices 20A, 20B, and 20C.

On the other hand, the facility-side management device 30 is installed in, for example, a welfare facility or nursing care facility that manages each user transported by each transport vehicle 10. Alternatively, the facility-side management device 30 may be installed within the facility of a specialized transport service provider.

The facility-side management device 30 is connected to the caregiver terminal 31 and the internet 41. Therefore, the facility-side management device 30 can connect to the transport vehicle 10 via the internet 41 and the LTE network 42. Caregivers at the facility can use the facility-side management device 30 using the caregiver terminal 31, or communicate with the transport vehicle 10 via the facility-side management device 30.

Information such as video and audio of each user inside the transport vehicle 10 is collected by the in-vehicle monitoring device 14 and input to the caregiver terminal 31 via the in-vehicle unit 11, wide-area communication device 12, LTE network 42, internet 41, and facility-side management device 30. Therefore, caregivers at the facility can monitor the condition of the users being transported inside the transport vehicle 10 using the caregiver terminal 31.

The caregiver can generate necessary support information for the user's care by operating the facility-side management device 30 from the caregiver terminal 31 while monitoring the video and audio inside the vehicle. This support information is transmitted from the facility-side management device 30 to the transport vehicle 10. Furthermore, the support information is transmitted within the transport vehicle 10 via the wide-area communication device 12, the in-vehicle unit 11, and the narrow-area communication device 13 to one of the user communication devices 20A, 20B, or 20C.

Each user communication device 20A, 20B, and 20C can provide the user with the necessary stimuli for communication, in accordance with the support information received from the narrow-range communication device 13.

Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of equipment arrangement inside the transport vehicle 10. Figure 2 represents the layout of the interior of the transport vehicle 10 as viewed from above. In Figure 2, the left and right sides represent the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively.

The shuttle vehicle 10 is, for example, a van-type vehicle as shown in Figure 2, and is equipped with a driver's seat 15A, a passenger seat 15B, a second-row seat 15C, and a third-row seat 15D. Therefore, in addition to the driver, there are seats for seven other people.

The in-vehicle unit 11, located on the front side of the shuttle vehicle 10, is a device that incorporates an in-vehicle application 11a into a general-purpose in-vehicle unit, such as a digital tachograph. By adding this in-vehicle application 11a, the in-vehicle unit 11 can realize a relay function for the communication system 100.

Furthermore, the in-vehicle unit 11 is connected to a wide-area communication device 12 for communicating with an external LTE network 42, etc., and a narrow-area communication device 13 for communicating within the vehicle using Wi-Fi, etc.

The shuttle vehicle 10 shown in Figure 2 is equipped with three types of user communication devices 20A, 20B, and 20C. User communication device 20A is a plush toy-type device that mimics the external shape of an animal, doll, or specific character, and is sized to be easily carried by passengers inside the vehicle. User communication device 20B is seat-integrated and is built into the passenger seat 15B, the second-row seat 15C, and the third-row seat 15D. User communication device 20C is a smartphone-type device that can be used like a regular smartphone. User communication device 20C is a device with a special application installed on a regular smartphone.

The three types of user communication devices 20A, 20B, and 20C each have the function of wirelessly communicating with the in-vehicle unit 11 inside the vehicle.
The user communication device 20A can display various images, play and output audio and sounds, and express itself through changes in the posture of a stuffed animal, in accordance with support information generated by instructions from caregivers outside the vehicle, for communication between the caregiver and the user.

The user communication device 20B, for communication between the user and caregivers outside the vehicle, can generate mechanical vibrations at the part of the seat in contact with the user, or provide tactile stimulation to the user through movement, etc., according to support information generated by the instructions of the caregivers.

The user communication device 20C can display various images, play and output audio and sounds, and generate mechanical vibrations in accordance with support information generated by instructions from caregivers or others outside the vehicle, for communication between the caregiver or other person and the user.
Although not shown in Figure 2, the shuttle vehicle 10 is equipped with cameras to photograph each user and microphones to collect information such as audio.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the in-vehicle device 11.
The in-vehicle unit 11 shown in Figure 3 comprises an in-vehicle unit body 16, a monitoring information relay unit 17a, a support information receiving unit 17b, and a communication device selection unit 17c.

The in-vehicle unit 16 is a device equivalent to a typical in-vehicle unit and is equipped with various hardware, including a control computer. The monitoring information relay unit 17a, the support information receiving unit 17b, and the communication device selection unit 17c are realized by the computer in the in-vehicle unit 16 executing the program for the in-vehicle application 11a.

The monitoring information relay unit 17a has the function of receiving and relaying information such as video captured by the camera and audio collected by the microphone of the in-vehicle monitoring device 14, and transmitting it to the caregiver terminal 31 via the wide-area communication device 12.

The support information receiving unit 17b has the function of receiving support information generated by the facility-side management device 30 via the wide-area communication device 12, based on the operation of the caregiver terminal 31, etc.

The communication device selection unit 17c has the function of selecting a user communication device (20A, 20B, 20C) that can be used by the user of the destination for each piece of support information received by the support information receiving unit 17b.

The support information received by the support information receiving unit 17b is transmitted to one of the selected user communication devices (20A, 20B, or 20C) via the communication device selection unit 17c and the narrow-range communication device 13.

<Example of user communication device configuration>
Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a plush toy-shaped user communication device 20A.
The user communication device 20A comprises a narrow-range communication unit 21, a stuffed animal control unit 22, a posture expression device 23, a display device 24, and an auditory stimulation device 25. These components are installed inside the stuffed animal.

The narrow-area communication unit 21 communicates wirelessly with the narrow-area communication device 13 and can receive support information sent from the facility-side management device 30 to the plush toy-shaped user communication device 20A.

The plush toy control unit 22 performs appropriate control according to the type of support information received by the narrow-range communication unit 21, and can simultaneously control one or more of the posture expression device 23, display device 24, and auditory stimulation device 25.

The posture expression device 23 can change the shape and posture of the plush toy by physically moving easily visible parts of its exterior, such as the front legs, hind legs, neck, and eyes, using an electric motor (not shown) or the like.

The display device 24 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and has a screen capable of displaying various types of visible information. For example, graphics, videos, animations, images of other people's faces, etc., can be displayed on the screen of the display device 24.

The auditory stimulation device 25 can generate various sounds and voices using a speaker (not shown). For example, it can output animal sounds, sound effects, music, and the voice of a specific person so that the user can hear them.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a sheet-integrated user communication device 20B.
The user communication device 20B shown in Figure 5 comprises a narrow-range communication unit 21B, a seat control unit 22B, a vibrator 23B, and a tactile stimulation device 24B. These components are located at or near each seat where the user is seated.

The narrow-area communication unit 21B communicates wirelessly with the narrow-area communication device 13 and can receive support information sent from the facility-side management device 30 to the user communication device 20B.

The seat control unit 22B performs appropriate control according to the type of support information received by the narrow-range communication unit 21B, and can simultaneously control one or more of the vibrator 23B and the tactile stimulation device 24B.

The vibrator 23B can physically vibrate the cushion and seatback of the seat where the user is sitting. This allows vibrational stimulation to be delivered to the user's body from the seat.

The tactile stimulation device 24B can provide tactile stimulation to the user by moving the position of a protruding part that is in contact with the user's arm, such as the armrest of the seat. For example, tactile stimulation can be provided by moving the position of a protruding part that is in contact with the user's arm.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a smartphone-type user communication device 20C.
The user communication device 20C shown in Figure 6 consists of a smartphone body 26 and a communication application 27.

The smartphone unit 26, like a typical smartphone, is equipped with various devices such as a display device, speaker, vibrator, and communication module, as well as hardware such as a computer that controls them.

The communication application 27 includes a program that can be executed by the computer in the smartphone body 26. When this program is executed by the computer, the functions of the data receiving unit 27a, the visual stimulus control unit 27b, the tactile stimulus control unit 27c, and the auditory stimulus control unit 27d are realized.

The data receiving unit 27a can receive support information sent from the facility-side management device 30 to the user communication device 20C via the narrow-range communication device 13 and the smartphone main unit 26. The data receiving unit 27a identifies the type of support information received and provides it to either the visual stimulus control unit 27b, the tactile stimulus control unit 27c, or the auditory stimulus control unit 27d.

The visual stimulus control unit 27b displays images on the smartphone's display screen 26 to provide appropriate visual stimuli to the user, based on the support information input from the data receiving unit 27a. For example, images such as shapes, landscapes, videos, animals, specific characters, or other people's faces are displayed on the smartphone's display screen 26.

The tactile stimulation control unit 27c performs control to provide appropriate tactile stimulation to the user using devices within the smartphone body 26, in accordance with the support information input from the data receiving unit 27a. For example, tactile stimulation is provided to the user by vibrating the vibrator within the smartphone body 26.

The auditory stimulus control unit 27d, based on the support information input from the data receiving unit 27a, performs control to provide appropriate auditory stimuli to the user using devices within the smartphone body 26. For example, it outputs sounds such as animal noises, sound effects, music, or the voice of a specific person using the speaker within the smartphone body 26 so that the user can hear them.

<Examples of the appearance of user communication devices>
Figure 7 is a front view showing example 1 of the appearance of a stuffed animal-shaped user communication device 20A. Figure 8 is a front view showing example 2 of the appearance of a stuffed animal-shaped user communication device 20A.

The plush toy 28 of the user communication device 20A has forelegs 28a, hind legs 28b, and a neck 28c, and has eyes and a mouth on its head. A display device 24 is also located on the body of the plush toy 28.

The forelegs 28a, hind legs 28b, and neck 28c of the plush toy 28 are each configured as movable parts and constitute a portion of the posture expression device 23 shown in Figure 4. By driving the posture expression device 23, the forelegs 28a, hind legs 28b, and neck 28c can be moved, allowing the external shape of the plush toy 28 to be changed, as shown in the differences in shape in Figures 7 and 8.

In other words, in addition to the distinctive shape of the stuffed animal 28 itself, the changes in its posture, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, can stimulate the user's vision. Specifically, the gestures of the stuffed animal 28 can provide comfort to the user. Alternatively, it becomes possible to divert a particular user's attention from other users in the same transport vehicle 10 to the stuffed animal 28, thereby diverting their attention from the other users.

Furthermore, by considering the preferences of specific users, it becomes possible to display images, photographs, character shapes, or faces of specific individuals on the display device 24 on the stuffed animal 28, or to output sounds or voices using the auditory stimulation device 25, thereby drawing the user's attention to the stuffed animal 28 and diverting their attention away from the specific user.

Such instructions can be given through support information sent by caregivers at the remote facility. In other words, caregivers can communicate with users using non-verbal means by utilizing the user communication device 20A. Using non-verbal means facilitates communication that helps improve the environment inside the vehicle during transport, even for users with mental health challenges such as BPSD. Furthermore, since direct contact between the caregiver and the user is unnecessary, the caregiver does not need to ride in the transport vehicle 10 with the user.

Figure 9 is a front view showing an example configuration of the seat-integrated user communication device 20B (Example 1). Figure 10 is a front view showing an example configuration of the seat-integrated user communication device 20B (Example 2). Figure 11 is a state transition diagram showing an example of state transitions in the armrest 15c.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the vibrator 23B of the user communication device 20B is incorporated inside the seat cushion 15a and seat back 15b of each seat where the user sits. Therefore, the seat control unit 22B of the user communication device 20B drives the vibrator 23B, providing tactile stimulation to the user through vibration from the seat cushion 15a and seat back 15b.

In the example shown in Figure 10, armrests 15c are installed on the sides of each seat where the user sits. The tactile stimulation device 24B of the user communication device 20B is incorporated inside the armrests 15c.

As shown in Figure 11, the armrest 15c has a movable projection 19 positioned at the part that comes into contact with the user. This movable projection 19 can be moved as shown in Figure 11 by driving the tactile stimulation device 24B.

By moving the position of the movable projection 19, it becomes possible to provide the user with tactile stimulation similar to that received when a caregiver strokes their arm. This makes it possible to soothe the user's emotions through instructions from a remote caregiver, or to divert the user's attention to their own arm, thereby diverting their attention from others.

Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the main functions in the facility-side management device 30.
As shown in Figure 12, the facility-side management device 30 includes a support information generation unit 32 and a monitoring information relay unit 37. The support information generation unit 32 and the monitoring information relay unit 37 are implemented by the hardware of the computer constituting the facility-side management device 30 and the software executed by the computer.

The support information generation unit 32 can generate appropriate support information for communication with each user on the transport vehicle 10, based on input operations from caregivers operating the caregiver terminal 31. The support information generated by the support information generation unit 32 is transmitted from the facility-side management device 30 to the transport vehicle 10 via the internet 41 and LTE network 42.

Furthermore, information such as video footage captured by the camera on the in-vehicle monitoring device 14 on the transport vehicle 10, and audio recorded by the microphone, is input to the facility-side management device 30 via the in-vehicle unit 11, wide-area communication device 12, LTE network 42, and internet 41. This signal SG8 is then relayed by the monitoring information relay unit 37 and sent to the caregiver terminal 31.

Therefore, caregivers within the facility can use the caregiver terminal 31 to view the video and audio of the user on the designated transport vehicle 10, and perform the necessary operations for communication with the user.

The support information generation unit 32 shown in Figure 12 comprises an auditory stimulus control unit 33, a visual stimulus control unit 34, a tactile stimulus control unit 35, a sound source DB (database) 51, a pattern DB 52, and a video DB 53.

The sound source database (DB51) holds various pre-registered sound source data necessary for communication between caregivers and users. For example, various human voice data, text data for speech generation, animal sound data, music data, and environmental sound data are registered in the sound source database (DB51).

The Video Database 53 holds various pre-registered video data necessary for communication between caregivers and users. For example, video data of various human faces, photographs and videos of landscapes and animals, and animation data are registered in the Video Database 53.

Pattern DB52 holds data representing appropriate communication patterns that take into account differences in situations and the individual characteristics of the target user. Pattern DB52 also registers patterns that consider each user's past control history and preferences.

The auditory stimulus control unit 33 generates an acoustic signal SG5, which constitutes a portion of the support information, according to the auditory stimulus operation signal SG1 and the pattern selection operation signal SG2 generated from the caregiver terminal 31 based on input operations by the caregiver.

The auditory stimulus control unit 33 includes a sound source type selection unit 33a, an intonation pattern selection unit 33b, and an acoustic signal generation unit 33c.

The sound source type selection unit 33a extracts an appropriate type of sound source data file, etc., from the sound source DB 51 according to the auditory stimulus operation signal SG1. The intonation pattern selection unit 33b extracts a file, etc., representing an appropriate pattern, etc., from the pattern DB 52 according to the pattern selection operation signal SG2. The acoustic signal generation unit 33c combines the contents of the sound source data file extracted by the sound source type selection unit 33a and the intonation pattern extracted by the intonation pattern selection unit 33b to generate an appropriate acoustic signal SG5.

The visual stimulus control unit 34 includes a facial expression pattern selection unit 34a, a video type selection unit 34b, and a video signal generation unit 34c.

The facial expression pattern selection unit 34a extracts a file or other data representing an appropriate pattern from the pattern database 52 according to the pattern selection operation signal SG2. The video type selection unit 34b extracts a video data file or other data of the appropriate type from the video database 53 according to the visual stimulus operation signal SG3. The video signal generation unit 34c combines the contents of the video data file extracted by the video type selection unit 34b with the appropriate facial expression pattern extracted by the facial expression pattern selection unit 34a to generate an appropriate video signal SG6 that constitutes a part of the support information.

In this embodiment, the caregiver can use a dedicated caregiver stimulus input tool 36 (described later) to perform input operations to provide tactile stimulation to the user. The tactile stimulation control unit 35 of the support information generation unit 32 detects the caregiver's input operations to the caregiver stimulus input tool 36 as a stimulus signal SG4 using the caregiver stimulus detection unit 35a, and the tactile stimulation generation unit 35b can generate an appropriate tactile stimulus signal SG7 from the stimulus signal SG4, which constitutes a part of the support information.

Figure 13 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the caregiver stimulation input tool 36.
The caregiver stimulation input tool 36 is a human body model that simulates the shape of a single arm and hand. The parts of this human body model closest to the surface are made of a relatively soft material, such as resin. Therefore, it can deform in response to external forces. Furthermore, the caregiver stimulation input tool 36 incorporates sensors to detect external forces applied to this human body model.

The sensor within the caregiver stimulation input tool 36 can detect changes in force caused by the caregiver rubbing the surface of the anatomical model, or changes in force caused by the caregiver tapping the surface, as caregiver stimuli.

When a caregiver directly cares for a person being cared for, they may use actions such as stroking or tapping the person's arm for communication purposes. When a caregiver uses the caregiver stimulation input tool 36, the tool can reproduce actions similar to those performed when directly caring for a person being cared for. When a caregiver performs stroking or tapping actions on the caregiver stimulation input tool 36, the sensor within the tool detects this, allowing the tactile stimulation control unit 35 shown in Figure 12 to generate an appropriate tactile stimulation signal SG7.

For example, the tactile stimulation signal SG7 transmitted from the facility management device 30 to the transport vehicle 10 drives actuators such as the vibrator 23B and tactile stimulation device 24B built into the user communication device 20B. This allows the caregiver's operation of the caregiver stimulation input tool 36 to be reproduced as a similar caregiving action for the user on the transport vehicle 10.

Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the operation of the inter-vehicle communication function.
The facility-side management device 30A manages multiple shuttle vehicles 10A and 10B simultaneously. Figure 14 shows an example where the facility-side management device 30A manages two shuttle vehicles 10A and 10B, but it may manage three or more shuttle vehicles. The facility-side management device 30A is equipped with a vehicle-to-vehicle communication relay unit 38 that enables communication between users in multiple shuttle vehicles 10A and 10B.

For example, a smartphone-type user communication device 20C installed in one of the transport vehicles 10A captures video and audio of the first user riding in the transport vehicle 10A and transmits it to the facility-side management device 30A via the on-board unit 11 on the transport vehicle 10A. The inter-vehicle communication relay unit 38 of the facility-side management device 30A can relay the video and audio received from the transport vehicle 10A and transmit it to the transport vehicle 10B.

On the transport vehicle 10B, for example, a plush toy-shaped user communication device 20A receives video and audio transmitted from the facility-side management device 30A via the in-vehicle unit 11. A second user, holding the plush toy of the user communication device 20A on the transport vehicle 10B, can recognize the received video and audio through the display device 24 and the auditory stimulation device 25. Of course, the facility-side management device 30A enables not only one-way but also two-way communication.

Thus, the facility-side management device 30A enables communication between users in multiple transport vehicles 10A and 10B. Therefore, even if, for example, several users who are good friends are riding in different transport vehicles 10A and 10B, they can see and hear each other during the ride. This makes it easier to provide users with a sense of security during transport, and reduces the occurrence of troubles and accidents between users during transport.

Furthermore, by utilizing the on-board devices 11 on each transport vehicle 10A and 10B and relaying communication via the facility-side management device 30A, it becomes easier to appropriately select combinations of users communicating between vehicles.

Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a system for managing multiple businesses.
For example, multiple care providers may each outsource their transportation services to a common transportation provider that handles only transportation services, thereby providing transportation services to their users. In such cases, there is a possibility that multiple users who use care services from different care providers may be simultaneously riding in the same common transportation vehicle 10A or 10B operated by the same transportation provider while the transportation service is being provided.

In such cases, a problem can arise where the scope of work assigned to each business operator becomes unclear. Therefore, the communication system shown in Figure 15 includes a master center device 30M and multiple sub-center devices 30S1 to 30Sn, instead of the facility-side management device 30 shown in Figure 1.

Multiple sub-center devices 30S1 to 30Sn are installed in sub-centers within different caregiving or welfare facilities, while the master center device 30M is installed in the master center that manages the entire network of these multiple providers.

Multiple sub-center devices 30S1 to 30Sn are connected to the master center device 30M via a communication line. When users on each shuttle vehicle 10A and 10B communicate with each operator's sub-center, or when multiple vehicles communicate with each other, communication is conducted via the master center device 30M. Using the master center device 30M makes it easy to distinguish and manage users who are served by each operator among the multiple users simultaneously transported by each shuttle vehicle 10A and 10B.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications, improvements, etc., are possible as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc., of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they achieve the present invention.

Here, the features of the communication system according to the embodiments of the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [5].
[1] An in-vehicle device (11) installed in a vehicle (transportation vehicle 10) used to transport users who require assistance,
A communication tool (user communication device 20A, 20B, 20C) that can be placed near a passenger riding in the vehicle,
A facility-side device (facility-side management device 30) is installed at a designated facility and provides support information to users riding in the vehicle via the in-vehicle device to the communication tool,
Equipped with,
The communication tool has a function of providing non-verbal information stimuli to the user in response to support information from the facility-side device,
Communication system (100).

According to the communication system configured in [1] above, when transporting elderly or other users by vehicle, it becomes easier to provide non-verbal information stimuli to users in the vehicle using in-vehicle devices and communication tools, based on support information provided by caregivers and other staff from the facility. Therefore, even when transporting users with mental disabilities, it becomes unnecessary to have caregivers and other facility staff ride along with the user in the transport vehicle to prevent troubles and accidents during transport, significantly reducing the burden on the facility.

[2] The facility-side device (support information generation unit 32) provides support information (acoustic signal SG5, video signal SG6, tactile stimulation signal SG7) to the communication tool in response to input from caregivers within the facility (see Figure 12).
The communication system described in [1] above.

According to the communication system configured in [2] above, since it accepts input from caregivers, it becomes easier to generate appropriate support information necessary for communication with users.

[3] The communication tool comprises at least one of a sensory stimulation device (user communication device 20A) that uses a robot (stuffed animal 28) that mimics a living organism, and a tactile stimulation device (user communication device 20B) that is placed on the part that the user touches.
The communication system described in [1] or [2] above.

According to the communication system described in [3] above, even users with language comprehension or response difficulties can be soothed by utilizing their visual and tactile responses, or by using remote control to distract them from other users. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary for caregivers to accompany users in the transport vehicle.

[4] The facility-side device is
A model having a shape that simulates at least a part of the human body (caregiver stimulation input tool 36),
The aforementioned model is equipped with a tactile sensor (caregiver stimulus detection unit 35a) that detects stimuli directed at the model from caregivers within the facility,
A control unit (tactile stimulus generation unit 35b) that converts the stimulus detected by the tactile sensor into the support information,
Having,
A communication system as described in any of the above [1] to [3].

According to the communication system configured in [4] above, even a caregiver who is not proficient in computer operation can easily generate the necessary support information for caring for a user in a transport vehicle simply by performing the same operations on the model as they would in normal caregiving.

[5] The facility-side device is
To generate the aforementioned support information, a database (sound source DB51, pattern DB52, video DB53) is used in which the types and patterns of stimuli are predetermined according to their intended use.
A control unit (auditory stimulation control unit 33, visual stimulation control unit 34, tactile stimulation control unit 35) that generates the support information based on input from caregivers within the facility and the contents of the database,
Having,
A communication system as described in any of the above [1] to [4].

According to the communication system configured in [5] above, by utilizing a database, it becomes possible to easily generate appropriate support information in response to input from caregivers, taking into account, for example, the individual characteristics of each user, past trends, and the current situation.

10, 10A, 10B Vehicle for transport 11 In-vehicle unit 11a In-vehicle unit application 12 Wide-area communication device 13 Narrow-area communication device 14 In-vehicle monitoring device 15a Seat cushion 15b Seat back 15c Armrest 15A Driver's seat 15B Passenger seat 15C Second-row seat 15D Third-row seat 16 In-vehicle unit main body 17a Monitoring information relay unit 17b Support information receiving unit 17c Communication device selection unit 19 Movable protrusion 20A, 20B, 20C User communication device 21, 21B Narrow-area communication unit 22 Plush toy control unit 22B Seat control unit 23 Posture expression device 23B Vibrator 24 Display device 24B Tactile stimulation device 25 Auditory stimulation device 26 Smartphone main body 27 Communication application 27a Data receiving unit 27b Visual stimulus control unit 27c Tactile stimulus control unit 27d Auditory stimulus control unit 28 Stuffed animal 28a Forefoot 28b Hindfoot 28c Neck 30, 30A Facility-side management device 30M Master center device 30S1, 30Sn Subcenter device 31 Caregiver terminal 32 Support information generation unit 33 Auditory stimulus control unit 33a Sound source type selection unit 33b Intonation pattern selection unit 33c Acoustic signal generation unit 34 Visual stimulus control unit 34a Facial expression pattern selection unit 34b Video type selection unit 34c Video signal generation unit 35 Tactile stimulus control unit 35a Caregiver stimulus detection unit 35b Tactile stimulus generation unit 36 Caregiver stimulus input tool 37 Monitoring information relay unit 38 Inter-vehicle communication relay unit 41 Internet 42 LTE network 51 Sound source DB
52 Pattern DB
53 Video Database
100 Communication System SG5 Acoustic signal SG6 Video signal SG7 Tactile stimulus signal

Claims (5)

An in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle used to transport users who require assistance,
A communication tool that can be placed near the user riding in the vehicle,
A facility-side device, which is installed in a facility for providing support to the aforementioned users , and which provides support information to the aforementioned users who are riding in the vehicle via the in-vehicle device to the communication tool,
Equipped with,
The communication tool has a function of providing non-verbal information stimuli to the user in response to support information from the facility-side device,
Communication system. The facility-side device provides support information to the communication tool in response to input from caregivers within the facility.
The communication system according to claim 1. The communication tool comprises at least one of a sensory stimulation device using a robot that mimics a living organism, and a tactile stimulation device placed on the part that the user touches.
The communication system according to claim 1 or claim 2. The aforementioned facility-side device is:
A model having a shape that simulates at least a part of the human body,
The aforementioned model is equipped with a tactile sensor that detects stimuli directed at the model from caregivers within the facility,
A control unit that converts the stimulus detected by the tactile sensor into the support information,
Having,
A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The aforementioned facility-side device is:
A database in which the types and patterns of stimuli are predetermined according to their intended use in order to generate the aforementioned support information,
A control unit that generates the support information based on input from caregivers within the facility and the contents of the database,
Having,
A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.