JP2009018158A - Posture monitoring system and body monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means by which a specialist such as a doctor can monitor a body condition such as a personal posture, behavior, etc. in real time "anytime" and "anywhere" and provide suitable advise or quickly take appropriate action. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of sensors such as a temperature sensor and radio devices are mounted on clothing to analyze a pattern relating to the posture from signals acquired by the plurality of sensors corresponding to relative position variation or distance variation between the devices and the skin of the wearer. The specialist such as a doctor being at a separate place can estimate or analyze the body condition such as the posture, behavior, or body motion of the wearer in real time "anytime" and "anywhere". <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a posture monitoring system that detects the safety of a wearer of clothes, a dangerous posture, and the like in real time by a third person monitoring the postures of all individuals including elderly people living alone at home, disabled people, patients, and the like from a distance.

A posture monitor system and body monitor that can support health management for the purpose of functional recovery and prevention of illness by posture correction and rehabilitation by doctors and other specialists by constantly monitoring the posture and physical state of the wearer About the system.

As a method of confirming the safety of elderly people living alone, the daily life of electricity, gas, water, etc. used by a single person is predicted, and if it is extremely less than the expected amount, you will be alone A method has been devised that the person considers abnormal.

The posture monitor device installed in the bed used by hospitalized patients and the like detects postures such as sitting on the bed and sleeping.

Beds equipped with devices that detect, display, record, and notify signals such as weight, heart rate, respiratory rate, and weight in a non-invasive and non-constrained manner for bedridden elderly people and hospitalized patients who cannot move by themselves. There was a system that was configured to report the occurrence of abnormality by comparing and recognizing

The method of confirming the safety by monitoring the use of water, electricity, and gas in the building and the method of confirming the presence of an inpatient sleeping on a bed are based on an individual sudden illness or accident that occurred outside the building or outside the bed. There were issues such as being unable to confirm the safety of emergency situations such as disasters. Furthermore, in a bed equipped with detection means such as a pressure sensor, it is limited to monitoring or monitoring near a specific place, such as when the patient is sleeping on the bed, or the state of the limbs, face-up or lying down, etc. It was difficult to estimate or judge a fine posture. In addition, it was difficult to determine abnormal body movements such as patients suffering from myocardial infarction or abdominal pain on the bed.

Although methods have been devised to monitor the movement of the body by attaching or pasting an acceleration sensor or tilt sensor directly to the body, it is always accompanied by a feeling of pressure, discomfort and discomfort due to pasting directly on the body. There was a problem that it could not be used. In addition, there may be a case in which a sequelae may remain depending on the case where the skin of the pasted portion is inflamed. In addition, it is effective only in a special posture such as a stationary state, and in a dynamic state accompanied by movement or the like, there is a problem that the sensor is peeled off or moved due to an external factor such as an impact (for example, Patent Document 1).

There have been proposed methods in which an acceleration sensor is directly attached to a button of clothing, or an acceleration sensor is attached and fixed to a belt buckle, brooch, brassiere or the like using a tape (for example, Patent Document 2). Because it is not integrated with it, there was a problem that it could not be used "always" or "wherever" because it was disengaged or because of a sense of incongruity due to unevenness.

A system has been reported that can make emergency calls to the outside when a biological sensor such as a temperature sensor or a pulse sensor is attached to the human body directly by attaching it to the skin, and when abnormal values are detected by constantly monitoring biological information. There is a problem that the three cannot monitor the user's behavior from daily postures and perform health management and prevention.

As described above, the conventional monitoring system mainly uses biological information. For example, it is impossible to know movement information such as what kind of posture an infant is doing from a remote place, and the posture and movement of the infant. Even if it was found that a change occurred, there was a problem that proper response was delayed because the infant did not know what happened.

Security cameras, etc. installed in and around the building can easily observe individual posture patterns from the acquired images. However, although such a security camera can be used in a specific place such as a public place, it cannot be installed in a place that violates the privacy of an individual such as a room or a toilet. For this reason, it is difficult to monitor postures and actions in personal private life, and there is a problem that posture monitoring systems using images such as cameras cannot be used “anywhere” or “anytime”.
JP 2002-291723 A JP 2006-68300 A

In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, a wearer's posture monitor sensor is attached to a garment that is always worn, (1) the garment, and (2) a plurality of sensors provided in the garment. (3) estimating or determining the posture of the garment wearer by (4) an acquisition pattern acquired by the sensor; and (4) a determination unit that determines by a comparison unit between the acquired pattern and a storage pattern stored in advance in a memory. The feature is to solve it. The storage pattern includes detailed patterns such as walking and body movement in addition to patterns relating to various postures such as supine, sitting and standing. As a result, it is possible to remove the anxiety that the system malfunctions due to peeling or movement of the monitor sensor, so that the wearer himself as well as a third person such as a doctor, nurse or family can "at any time" posture monitor according to the present invention. The system can be used with confidence.

A plurality of sensors of the same type and / or different types are worn at predetermined locations on clothing worn by individuals every day, and using the monitoring function of each sensor, not only the wearer's biological information but also posture, limbs, and torso It is an object of the present invention to provide a posture monitor system that determines a detailed movement of the whole body in real time. As a result, in addition to safety confirmation and monitoring, it is possible to solve problems that were difficult with conventional technology, such as being able to grasp the daily behavior and posture of the wearer and enable health management and disease prevention . In addition, since clothes for obtaining posture acquisition patterns are integrated with the wearer, posture monitoring can be performed in real time “anytime” and “wherever”, including cases involving movement of the wearer, which was difficult with conventional technology. It has the feature of being possible.

The posture monitor system is characterized in that a wearer's safety can be confirmed from the outside by being worn by embedding a sensor capable of posture monitoring in an underwear or underwear that an individual always wears as clothing, and being integrated with the wearer. As a result, since it is not necessary to stick the sensor directly to clothes or the body, it can be worn "anytime" or "wherever" as a garment (underwear or underwear) without feeling uncomfortable. Moreover, since a monitor such as a camera is not required, the wearer's privacy is not infringed even in a room or toilet, so that daily life can be carried out with peace of mind.

The sensor signal changes according to a minute distance change or position change between the sensor provided at a plurality of locations of the underwear or the underwear and the skin (body) of the wearer. An attitude monitor system characterized by determining or estimating an attitude. In other words, the sensor signal shows the maximum value when the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, etc. are in close contact with the skin (that is, the distance between the skin and the sensor surface is the minimum value), and there is a gap between the skin and the sensor. As the value increases, the signal decreases. However, the skin and the sensor may not be in contact. When the wearer's posture changes, a gap corresponding to the posture is generated between the underwear and the skin, so the signals (acquisition patterns) and storage patterns acquired by multiple sensors built in specific locations of the clothing By comparing or analyzing, the posture of the wearer can be determined or estimated.

For example, if the temperature sensor signal built in a place near the left armpit of the underwear is moved by moving the left hand up and down, etc., the gap between the underwear widens and the temperature sensor signal (temperature value) is applied to the skin. Since it is lower than when it is in close contact, the state of the left hand can be estimated. Furthermore, by wearing sensors that detect dynamic changes such as acceleration sensors, tilt sensors, and rotation sensors at the same time and analyzing them in combination with the signals acquired by each sensor, the posture and behavior that accompanies the dynamic changes of the wearer in more detail. And a change in body motion can be estimated or judged.

At least one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, light sensor, radio wave sensor, thermal sensor, sound sensor, magnetic sensor, distance sensor, acceleration sensor, rotation sensor, and tilt sensor, are set as predetermined posture monitoring methods. The posture monitor system is characterized by estimating or determining the posture and behavior of the wearer by incorporating a plurality of signals and analyzing a signal acquired by the sensor. Micro sensor chips such as temperature and pressure sensors are not larger than a millimeter size, so they can be integrated into clothes and integrated, and the presence of the sensor cannot be identified in appearance, and there is no sense of incongruity when worn.

The sensor provided in the garment is connected to wireless transmission means for transmitting each acquired signal to the outside, and the posture pattern (stored pattern) stored in the memory of the computer in advance and the determination means by the computer are By connecting to a wireless receiving means for receiving a signal transmitted from the wireless transmitting means, posture monitoring can be performed even away from the clothing. As a result, a third person who is away can monitor the wearer's safety or perform health management such as prevention of illness by early detection when monitoring an abnormal posture or posture "wherever". .

Further, by using the posture determination means, it is possible to constantly monitor the body state such as the wearer's behavior and body movement.

By integrating clothing for obtaining posture acquisition patterns with the wearer, it becomes possible to monitor the posture of the wearer in real time “anytime” and “wherever”, including cases involving movement that was difficult with conventional technology. In the event of an emergency, a quick response can be made.
In addition, it is possible to maintain a healthy life because it is possible to check the safety of individuals and prevent illness through health management by grasping individual daily behavior and posture. As a result, it can contribute to the reduction of costs related to medical care and nursing care.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an underwear for posture monitoring in which a plurality of temperature sensors are embedded in a cloth constituting the underwear as clothing.

FIG. 2 shows a photograph of the posture monitor underwear actually produced. In the undergarment in FIG. 2, temperature sensors are embedded in a total of eight locations including the left chest 11, left armpit 12, left shoulder 13, left back 14, right back 15, right shoulder 16, right armpit 17, and right chest 18. Yes.

A conductive yarn 19 is woven into the cloth constituting the underwear, and the conductive yarn 19 and the electrode of the temperature sensor chip are electrically connected directly. Although the sensor chips 11 to 18 in FIG. 1 are shown large for the sake of clarity, the sensor chips 11 to 18 are actually as small as 1 mm or less and are difficult to recognize with the naked eye in the underwear shown in FIG. A signal acquired by the sensor at each location is transmitted to a wireless transmitter (wireless module) 22 mounted at the center of the undergarment through the conductive yarn 19 and the conductive yarn bundle 20 in which the conductive yarns are bundled.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of an attitude monitoring system according to the present invention. The sensor signal is transmitted wirelessly through the wireless transmitter 22. In addition to temperature information, the wearer's ID information can be added to the transmission of each sensor signal to distinguish it from other wearers. A signal transmitted from the wireless transmitter 22 is taken into a posture determination device (computer) 30 installed in the facility via a wireless repeater 31 installed in the vicinity. Or you may transmit to the building in a remote place via the internet 33 from the said radio repeater 31. FIG. Various posture patterns are stored in the posture pattern storage unit (memory) 36 in advance, and data taken in the posture pattern acquisition unit 35 is analyzed to determine the wearer's posture in real time (determination unit 37). The posture pattern is displayed on the display unit 38.

FIG. 4 shows a flow until the wearer's posture is determined. When it is determined that the posture is normal, the result is stored in the computer. However, when it is determined that the posture is abnormal, an emergency call can be made to the family or hospital to keep the wearer safe.

FIG. 8 shows a part extracted from many posture patterns (stored patterns) stored in the pattern storage unit 36.

The experiment was performed while wearing the posture monitor underwear shown in FIG. 2, and the posture pattern of the wearer was estimated from the obtained measurement result (acquired pattern) as follows.

When a healthy person wears underwear, signals (temperature values) acquired by the temperature sensor 12 (left armpit), temperature sensor 13 (left shoulder), and temperature sensor 14 (left back) change with time. The state is shown in the graph of FIG. The armpit temperature shows a body temperature of around 36 ° C. when in close contact with the skin (FIG. 5a). When the wearer's body moves, the distance between the sensor and the skin also changes with time, so the sensor value becomes 36 ° C. or less (FIG. 5b), and the distance between the skin and the sensor is expected to increase as the difference increases. For example, when the temperature value of the sensor embedded in the armpit is significantly lower than 36 ° C., for example, reaches 34 ° C., the sensor is separated from the skin, and the wearer is expected to move his arm and hand greatly.

For this reason, it is expected that the wearer sat in the upright state as shown in FIG. 8B (sitting position) in the time zone shown in FIG. 5A, and the armpit is close to the body temperature because it is in close contact with the sensor. Further, it is presumed that the person moved around in the time zone of FIG. 5b and was in the posture (standing position, walking) as shown in FIG. 8A. On the other hand, the temperature of the armpit, back, and shoulder shows the same value in the time zone of FIG. 5c. This is because the wearer was sitting on the chair (sitting position) with his back slightly rounded (FIG. 8C).

In the case of FIG. 6, each sensor signal is almost constant at a value close to the body temperature value, and it can be estimated that the wearer sleeps in a bed or the like and is in a static state in the posture (post position) as shown in FIG. 8E. . If a single healthy person lives on a bed for a long time in the daytime, etc., he / she tends to lack exercise. In such a case, advice on health care can be given from a third party doctor to help prevent illness. it can. In addition, when such a state continues for a long time, an abnormal situation due to some kind of illness is anticipated. Therefore, it is possible to take preventive measures such as confirming the safety of the wearer by a third party.

When reading, writing, or manually, the posture may be rounded. In FIG. 7, in the time zone indicated by d in the latter half of the measurement time, the temperature of the back is higher than the temperature of the shoulder, and is substantially the same as the temperature of the armpit or higher in some cases. It can be presumed that during this time period, the wearer of the posture monitoring underwear was working on the reading material or the like (sitting position) with the posture as shown in FIG. If such a posture lasts for a long time, it is not preferable for health. Therefore, it is possible to perform health management by receiving advice from an expert such as a doctor.

As described above, various posture patterns of the wearer are assumed in advance and programmed, and stored in the pattern storage unit 36 in advance as a storage pattern, so that the signals acquired by each sensor are comprehensively analyzed and worn in real time. Detailed information regarding the posture of the person (sitting, standing, lying, walking, etc.) can be determined. And if abnormal body movements such as dangerous postures and worries continue for a long time, or if there are no changes in posture or body movements over a long period of time, postures are pre-adjusted so that an emergency call can be made to the outside. It can be set in the determination unit 37.

In the examples so far, the case where the temperature sensor is provided in each part corresponding to the chest, the armpit, the shoulder, and the back of the underwear has been shown. The posture and behavior can be estimated in detail.

An example of underwear with conductive yarn or conductive fiber woven was shown, but for example, a long strip of tape, string, or belt with a sensor chip connected to the conductive yarn or lead wire was attached to each part by bonding or sewing. Underwear or underwear-shaped clothing may be used.

In addition to underwear for the upper body, the wearer's posture such as walking and sitting can be provided by equipping various sensors in the same way for clothing such as bras, bandages, supporters, pants, trousers, socks and abdomen. Can be estimated.

FIG. 9 shows a garment (tie) equipped with a temperature sensor at a predetermined location of an undergarment in which the upper body and the lower body are integrated. By wearing such clothing, it is possible to monitor the posture of the whole body. For example, by using it when a disabled person performs rehabilitation, nurses and doctors can be "at any time" even if they are away from each other. Monitor rehabilitation and give appropriate advice.

Described in the above examples, such as when a healthy person suddenly falls due to an internal factor such as heart attack or sudden seizure, or an external factor such as an accident, or when the patient's condition suddenly changes and shows abnormal body movement By attaching an acceleration sensor, tilt sensor, and rotation sensor to clothing in the same way in addition to the temperature sensor, it is possible to add and analyze signals from these sensors. The motion can be estimated in more detail and finely tuned.

Infants' parents can put on their underwear or diapers with posture monitoring functions so that they can estimate how they are sleeping even if they are working remotely. If you are in a dangerous position, you can raise your child with peace of mind by taking quick action.

It goes without saying that biological information such as body temperature can also be obtained simultaneously from the sensor signal acquired with the sensor in close contact with the skin.

In the above embodiment, the temperature sensor has been described as an example. However, a sensor such as a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a radio wave sensor, a magnetic sensor, a thermal sensor, a sound sensor, and a distance sensor may be used. A plurality of sensors can be mounted on clothing, and the posture can be estimated by analyzing signals acquired according to changes in the relative distance and relative position between these sensors and the skin in the same manner.

For example, in the case of an optical sensor, a light source is built into the sensor, and the optical sensor detects a signal reflected from the skin surface among light emitted from the light source (including invisible light such as infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, and electromagnetic waves). The posture can be estimated or determined by analyzing the signal change. The same method can be applied to other radio wave sensors and sound sensors. Further, light or radio waves emitted from the human skin surface may be directly detected by each sensor.

It is possible to perform posture monitoring by wearing clothes equipped with the optical sensor, radio wave sensor, sound sensor, distance sensor, etc., for robots that are difficult to perform posture monitoring using temperature changes of the wearer. it can.

In addition, a plurality of sensors in which an inclination sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation sensor, and the like are combined with at least one sensor such as the temperature sensor, pressure sensor, optical sensor, radio wave sensor, magnetic sensor, thermal sensor, sound sensor, and distance sensor. Thus, a more detailed posture monitor system can be constructed.

1 and 2 show a radio module 22 that also functions as a button, but each sensor may incorporate a wireless function. As a result, the wireless transmitter 22 and the conductive yarns 19 and 20 for wiring the sensors and the wireless transmitter 22 are not necessary, and the garment is simple, light and highly practical.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a button battery 21 is shown as a power source for driving a sensor or transmitting a sensor signal. For example, a chip-shaped or thin-film micro solar cell is incorporated into clothing or printed on clothing. Alternatively, a non-contact power source (or wireless power source) generated by an induced electromotive force generated by a wired coil may be used.

The above is a description of the posture monitoring system, but it is also possible to constantly monitor the physical state of the wearer, such as behavior and body movement.

The above is an example of a posture monitor for humans, but the present invention can be applied to the posture monitor of all living creatures existing in nature including pets such as dogs and cats and artificial moving bodies such as robots. Not too long.

Conceptual diagram of underwear for posture monitor Actually made underwear for posture monitor Conceptual diagram of posture monitor system Flow chart until posture judgment Measurement result 1 using posture monitor system Measurement results using posture monitor system 2 Measurement result 3 using posture monitor system Examples of estimated posture diagrams (storage patterns) A) Walking normally, B) Sitting on a chair, C) Slightly leaning back, D) Slowly leaning back E) Sleeping in bed Top and bottom integrated posture monitor underwear (connector) shape and example of sensor placement

Explanation of symbols

10 Underwear for posture monitor (clothing)
11-18 Temperature sensor 19 Conductive yarn 20 Conductive yarn bundle 21 Battery 22 Wireless transmitter (wireless module)
23 Radio wave 30 Posture determination device (computer)
31 Radio repeater 32 Radio wave 33 Internet 34 Receiving part 35 Pattern acquisition part 36 Pattern storage part 37 Determination part 38 Display part 91 Clothes with which upper and lower sides are integrated (connection)
92 Sensor mounted on the front surface 93 Sensor mounted on the back surface

Claims (5)

By comparing the clothing to be worn by the wearer, a plurality of sensors, an acquisition pattern obtained from each signal acquired by the plurality of sensors, and a storage pattern stored in advance in the memory, the clothing wearer's A posture monitoring system for determining posture, wherein the plurality of sensors are integrated with the clothing, and the determination means is a relative between the plurality of sensors and the skin of the wearer. An acquisition pattern is formed from each signal acquired by the plurality of sensors in response to an actual position change or distance change, and the posture of the wearer can be determined by comparing the acquired pattern with a storage pattern. A posture monitor system characterized by that. The sensor is one or a combination of two or more of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a radio wave sensor, a thermal sensor, a sound sensor, a magnetic sensor, a distance sensor, a position sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation sensor, and a tilt sensor. The posture monitor system according to claim 1, wherein The sensor is connected to a wireless transmission unit having an ID function for transmitting each acquired signal to the outside, and the memory and the determination unit are wireless reception units for receiving a signal transmitted from the wireless transmission unit The posture monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the posture monitor system is configured to be able to monitor the posture away from a wearer of the clothing by being connected to the wearer. 4. The posture monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors described in claim 2 have a wireless function. A body monitoring system capable of monitoring a body state such as a wearer's behavior and body movement using the posture determination means according to claim 1.