WO2013132892A1

WO2013132892A1 - Communication device, display device, and medicine administration assisting system

Info

Publication number: WO2013132892A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/050705
Authority: WO
Inventors: 新倉　英生; 崇之平林; 秀年椛澤; 浩平清水; 矢島　正一; 真一本多
Original assignee: ソニー株式会社; 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2012-03-07
Filing date: 2013-01-09
Publication date: 2013-09-12

Abstract

A communication device comprises: an output unit including a power generation unit for generating power by a user motion; and an acquiring unit for acquiring power generation information output from the power generation unit.

Description

Information transmission device, display device, and medication support system

This disclosure relates to an information transmission device, a display device, and a medication support system. In particular, the present disclosure provides an information transmission device, a display device, and a medication support that obtains energy by the motion of an object, detects the motion of the object, and presents information related to the detection result to provide medication support. About the system.

For those who need to take prescription drugs, it is required to take prescription drugs in a timely manner in order to demonstrate the effects of prescription drugs. Therefore, it is necessary for those who need to take prescription drugs not to forget to take prescription drugs or take them twice.

Patent Document 1 below includes an open / close sensor that detects the opening and closing of the lid and the drawer, and by detecting the opening and closing of the lid, the medication time can be stored to prevent inappropriate medication, There is disclosed a medication management support device that makes a person aware of the fact of medication. The medication management support device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below records the fact that a patient has taken medication based on the time when the patient took out the medication from the medication management support device.

JP 2003-225284 A

However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 is premised on the opening and closing of the lid and the drawer by the patient. In other words, taking timely prescription drugs is left to the patient's voluntary management, and it is desirable to provide a simple means for taking prescription drugs timely.

The first preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is:
Information transmission device
An output unit including a power generation unit that generates power by a user's operation;
An acquisition unit that acquires power generation information output from the power generation unit.

A second preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is:
Display device
At least a communication unit that acquires information related to power generation information that is output from a power generation unit that generates power according to a user's action
A display unit that notifies the user of information related to the power generation information.

A third preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is:
The medication support system
One or more information transmission devices;
Display device.
At least one information transmission device among the one or more information transmission devices generates power according to a user's action, uses the power obtained by power generation as part of the driving power, and transmits information related to the power generation information.
The display device notifies the user of information related to the power generation information.

In the present disclosure, when “β information related to α information” is referred to, the β information includes not only information obtained by adding computation and processing to α information, but also α information itself. In this disclosure, when referring to “medical institutions”, medical institutions include university hospitals, clinics, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, dispensing pharmacies, nursing care facilities, nursing care providers, etc. in addition to so-called hospitals. .

According to at least one embodiment, prescription drugs can be taken in a timely manner.

FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining an outline of an example of a medication support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is an image diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the screen of the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information transmission device. FIG. 2B is a top view illustrating an example of the configuration of the information transmission device. FIG. 2C is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration of the information transmission device.
FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the power generation element in the power generation unit. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a part to which the information transmission device is attached. FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a voltage generation method by the power generation unit.
FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a display device. FIG. 4B is an image diagram illustrating an example of an information input image displayed on the screen of the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5A is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the display device in the medication support system. FIG. 5B is a flowchart for explaining an example of updating a dosing time database in the dosing support system.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a recording method of a user's meal time in the dosing support system.
FIG. 7A is a graph schematically showing a signal pattern obtained when a user chews. FIG. 7B is a graph schematically showing a signal pattern obtained during a user conversation.
FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating a first modification of the information transmission device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a second modification of the information transmission device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medication support system connected to a network.
FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a food and beverage aid to which the information transmission device according to the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the food and beverage aid to which the information transmission device according to the second embodiment is applied.
FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a medication support system including a food and beverage aid to which the information transmission device is applied. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the chopsticks configured as the information transmission device.
FIG. 12A is a diagram for describing an outline of an example of a medication support system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the toothbrush configured as an information transmission device in the medication support system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a determination as to whether or not the user is brushing properly.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the information transmission device, the display device, and the medication support system will be described. The description will be made in the following order.
<1. First Embodiment>
[1-1. Outline of medication support system]
[1-2. Information transmission device]
(1-2-1. Output unit)
(1-2-2. Acquisition unit)
(1-2-3. Example of power generation mechanism)
[1-3. Display device]
(1-3-1. Communication Department)
(1-3-2. Display unit)
(1-3-3. Other configurations)
[1-4. Example of operation of medication support system]
(1-4-1. Registration of information related to drugs to be taken)
(1-4-2. An example of processing in the dosing support system)
[1-5. Other configuration examples of the medication support system]
(1-5-1. First Modification of Information Transmission Device)
(1-5-2. Second Modification of Information Transmission Device)
(1-5-3. Modified example of medication support system)
<2. Second Embodiment>
[2-1. Information transmission device]
(2-1-1. Modification of Information Transmission Device)
[2-2. Configuration example of medication support system]
(2-2-1. Modification of Information Transmission Device)
<3. Third Embodiment>
[3-1. Outline of medication support system]
[3-2. Information transmission device]
(3-2-1. Modification of Information Transmission Device)
[3-3. Application example of medication support system]
<4. Modification>

The embodiment described below is a preferable specific example of the information transmission device, the display device, and the medication support system. In the following description, various technically preferable limitations are given. Examples of the information transmission device, the display device, and the medication support system are shown below unless otherwise specified to limit the present disclosure. It is not limited to the embodiment.

<1. First Embodiment>
[1-1. Outline of medication support system]
FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining an outline of an example of a medication support system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is an image diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the screen of the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A shows an example of a medication support system 1 including an information transmission device 11 and a display device 21. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the information transmission device 11 is attached directly or indirectly to the body of the user U, for example. In FIG. 1A, the information transmission apparatus 11 has shown the example with which the user's U cheek is mounted | worn with an adhesive. On the other hand, for example, electronic devices such as a smart phone owned by the user U are used by the user U as the display device 21.

As will be described later, the information transmission device 11 includes a power generation unit that generates power by the operation of the user U. The information transmission device 11 uses electric power obtained from the power generation unit as at least part of electric power for operating itself. Further, the information transmission device 11 generates electricity by power generation, collects information from the operation of the user U through the power generation status, and transmits information to other devices and the user U. For example, the information transmission device 11 transmits the state of the user U to the display device 21 in a manner such as power generation information. The power generation information is information indicating a power generation status of the power generation unit, such as a time change of a voltage generated from the power generation unit, for example.

For example, the display device 21 that has received information from the information transmission device 11 specifies or estimates, for example, whether or not the user U is eating based on the received information. Furthermore, the display device 21 displays an image as shown in FIG. 1B on the display unit 217, for example, when the time for the user U to take the medicine is approached based on the meal time of the user U. Prompts the patient to take medicine. Whether or not the user U is eating can be specified or estimated by the information transmission device 11 or an external device other than the display device 21.

Thus, the medication support system of the present disclosure is a system that includes an information transmission device that obtains energy from the movement of a living body, and that can monitor the state of the target living body and perform appropriate feedback. Hereinafter, the information transmission device 11 and the display device 21 will be described in order.

[1-2. Information transmission device]
FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information transmission device. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the information transmission device 11 includes an output unit 31 including a power generation unit 311 and an acquisition unit 51. The power generation unit 311 includes one or more power generation elements or power generation mechanisms that generate power according to the operation of the user U, and the acquisition unit 51 acquires power generation information output from the power generation unit 311.

According to the present disclosure, the information transmission device 11 generates energy by the operation of the user U to obtain energy and collects information for prompting the user U to take medicine. It is possible to appropriately give instructions for taking medicines in a living situation. Hereinafter, the output unit 31 and the acquisition unit 51 will be described in order.

(1-2-1. Output unit)
As shown in FIG. 2A, the output unit 31 includes a power generation unit 311 and a power supply unit P1 including, for example, a rectifier circuit 313, a capacitor 315, and a constant voltage circuit 317.

As described above, the power generation unit 311 includes one or more power generation elements or power generation mechanisms that generate power by the operation of the user U. One or more power generation elements or power generation mechanisms convert kinetic energy, heat energy, and the like accompanying the operation of the user U into electrical energy.

Examples of the power generation element that generates power by the operation of the user U include, for example, piezoelectric elements (monomorph type, bimorph type, laminated type, etc.), magnetostrictive elements, thermoelectric conversion elements (such as those using the Seebeck effect or the spin Seebeck effect), pyroelectric An element etc. are mentioned. The power generation element may be a hybrid type power generation element in which one or more of these are combined. Examples of the power generation mechanism that generates power by the operation of the user U include a generator that uses an electromagnetic induction phenomenon or an electret. The power generation unit 311 may be configured as a power generation module by a combination of a power generation element and a mechanical mechanism.

The rectifier circuit 313 in the power supply unit P1 is a circuit for rectifying the voltage generated in the power generation unit 311. The rectifier circuit 313 is composed of, for example, a diode or a diode bridge.

The constant voltage circuit 317 in the power supply unit P1 is a circuit for stabilizing the output voltage from the output unit 31 and stabilizing the circuit operation of the acquisition unit 51 described later. The constant voltage circuit 317 is composed of, for example, a Zener diode or a transistor.

FIG. 2A shows a configuration example in which a capacitor 315 as a smoothing circuit is arranged between the rectifier circuit 313 and the constant voltage circuit 317. Examples of the capacitor 315 include an electric double layer capacitor, a lithium ion capacitor, a polyacenic organic semiconductor (PAS) capacitor, a nanogate capacitor (“Nanogate” is a registered trademark of Nanogate Aktiengesellschaft), a ceramic capacitor , Film capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, tantalum capacitors, and the like.

(1-2-2. Acquisition unit)
As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the acquisition unit 51 includes, for example, an information processing unit 511 and a communication unit 513. As described above, the acquisition unit 51 acquires the power generation information output from the power generation unit 311. The acquisition unit 51 operates by receiving at least power supplied from the output unit 31.

The information processing unit 511 is a central processing unit for controlling the information transmission device 11 as a whole and performing various calculations.

For example, when the acquisition unit 51 includes a communication unit 513 for performing communication between the information transmission device 11 and an external device, the information processing unit 511 outputs a signal indicating a change in voltage generated by the power generation unit 311. Perform conversion. The voltage generated in the power generation unit 311 is considered to be an aperiodic AC voltage. For example, the information processing unit 511 outputs only a voltage change corresponding to mastication from the voltage generated by the power generation unit 311 or outputs a pulse voltage corresponding to the number of mastications.

The information processing unit 511 is configured as, for example, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor (DSP)) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The communication unit 513 is an interface for performing communication between the information transmission device 11 and an external device. Communication in the communication unit 513 is performed by wireless communication or human body communication. Of course, the communication in the communication unit 513 may be performed by communication using a wired system.

Examples of wireless communication include, for example, communication using infrared rays, communication based on the short-range low power consumption type ANT standard, communication based on the “Z-Wave (Zensys A / S CORPORATION US registered trademark)” standard, Communication based on the Zigbee (registered trademark of the Zigbee Alliance) standard, communication based on the Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Incorporated) standard, and Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Alliance) for easy network formation For example, but is not limited to this. For example, when communication using electromagnetic waves is performed, an antenna 515 is disposed in the acquisition unit 51 as illustrated in FIG. 2A.

Note that communication in the communication unit 513 is not limited to transmission to an external device. By making it possible to receive information sent from an external device, for example, various settings in the information transmission device 11 can be made from the external device. Therefore, the information transmission device 11 can be made small.

(1-2-3. Example of power generation mechanism)
FIG. 2B is a top view illustrating an example of the configuration of the information transmission device. FIG. 2C is a side view illustrating an example of the configuration of the information transmission device. FIG. 2C corresponds to a diagram when the information transmission device 11 is viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG. 2B.

2B, for example, the output unit 31 and the acquisition unit 51 described above are arranged on a sheet-like base material 403. The base material 403 is made of, for example, a resin material and can be bent.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the information transmission device 11 is entirely covered with an exterior 405 made of, for example, silicone or a resin material. For example,

adhesive layers

401 a and 401 b for mounting the information transmission device 11 on the cheek of the user U are disposed outside the exterior 405. As an aspect of use of the information transmission device 11, for example, when the information transmission device 11 is in direct contact with the body of the user U via the

adhesive layers

401a and 401b, the material constituting the exterior 405 is insulated. It is preferable that the material is selected from materials having excellent properties and waterproofness. In addition, illustration of the exterior 405 was abbreviate | omitted in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the power generation element in the power generation unit. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a part to which the information transmission device is attached. FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a voltage generation method by the power generation unit. FIG. 3C is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2C, and illustration of the exterior 405 is omitted.

FIG. 3A shows a configuration example of a power generation unit 311 in which a piezoelectric film 3111 interposed between two

electrodes

3115a and 3115b is arranged on a base film 3113 made of a resin material or the like. As shown in FIG. 3A, by providing electrodes on both main surfaces of the piezoelectric film 3111, a voltage generated by the piezoelectric film 3111 can be extracted to the outside.

The piezoelectric film 3111 is a power generation element that generates a voltage when pressure is applied. The piezoelectric film 3111 includes, for example, a layer made of a piezoelectric material, a layer made of a material that causes electrostatic polarization, such as an artificial muscle (Electroactive Polymer Muscle (EPAM)) or a polymer actuator, a magnetostrictive material, and a thin film coil (such as a metal thin film). And the like. Artificial muscle is an element in which electrodes that can expand and contract are formed on both sides of a sheet-like elastomer, for example.

The information transmission device 11 is attached to the cheek of the user U, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B. At this time, the skin of the cheek of the user U moves following the movement of the chin of the user U, and thus the

adhesive layers

401a and 401b attached to the cheek of the user U are indicated by arrows G1 and G2 in FIG. 3C. Move toward and away from each other. Therefore, the information transmission device 11 mounted on the cheek of the user U via the

adhesive layers

401a and 401b bends following the movement of the user U's chin.

Then, a force is applied to the piezoelectric film 3111, and a voltage corresponding to the movement of the user U's chin is generated in the piezoelectric film 3111. Thus, by generating a voltage in the piezoelectric film 3111, the movement of the user U's chin can be detected, and power can be taken out from the power generation unit 311.

Here, the time change of the voltage generated from the power generation unit 311 includes information related to the operation of the user U. For example, when the information transmission device 11 is worn on the cheek of the user U, it can be said that the time change of the voltage generated from the power generation unit 311 includes information related to the movement of the user U's chin. Therefore, for example, it is possible to specify or estimate whether or not the user U is eating by analyzing the time change of the voltage generated from the power generation unit 311. That is, the information transmission device 11 attached to the cheek of the user U has a function as a mastication sensor.

The time change of the voltage generated from the power generation unit 311 is acquired by the acquisition unit 51, for example, by the information transmission line Sg shown in FIG. 2A.

Further, the electric power extracted from the power generation unit 311 is supplied to the acquisition unit 51 through, for example, the power supply lines Pw1 and Pw2 illustrated in FIG. 2A. Therefore, the acquisition unit 51 can operate the power obtained by the power generation unit 311 as part or all of the drive power.

[1-3. Display device]
FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a display device.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the display device 21 includes a communication unit 213 and a display unit 217. The communication unit 213 acquires at least information related to power generation information. The display unit 217 notifies the user of information related to the power generation information. The display device 21 is driven using, for example, a secondary battery stored in a housing of the display device 21 as a power source, but the power source of the display device 21 is not illustrated in FIG. 4A.

1A and 4A show an example in which the display device 21 is configured as a smartphone, but the example of the display device 21 is not limited to this example. For example, an electronic device such as a mobile phone, an electronic book, an audio player, a tablet or laptop personal computer, or a personal digital assistant (PDA) is configured as the display device 21 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Of course it is also possible to do. Not only a portable device but also a device that does not require portability for normal use, such as a television receiver or a desktop personal computer, may be configured as the display device 21.

Hereinafter, the communication unit 213 and the display unit 217 will be described in order. Further, the information processing unit 211, the time measuring unit 221, the storage unit 223, and the audio interface 225 included in the display device 21 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the communication unit 213, the display unit 217, the time measuring unit 221, the storage unit 223, and the audio interface 225 are connected to the information processing unit 211 via a bus line (Bus Line) 229.

(1-3-1. Communication Department)
The communication unit 213 is an interface for performing communication between the display device 21 and various lines. The communication unit 213 is mainly used for telephone calls, data transmission / reception, and communication with a base station. Therefore, the display device 21 configured as a smartphone includes an antenna 215 as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

The communication unit 213 can receive at least information related to power generation information. For example, if communication with the information transmission device 11 is performed by a wired system, the communication unit 213 includes a connector for connection with the information transmission device 11.

(1-3-2. Display unit)
The display unit 217 is, for example, a display for displaying a calculation processing result of the information processing unit 211 described later. Therefore, the display unit 217 includes display elements such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. When the display device 21 is configured as a smartphone, the display unit 217 is generally configured as a touch panel having a function as an interface that receives input of information from the user U.

(1-3-3. Other configurations)
The information processing unit 211 is a central processing unit for controlling the entire display device 21 and performing various calculations. For example, the information processing unit 211 reads various programs recorded in the storage unit 223, which will be described later, and executes a process according to the read program.

The information processing unit 211 is configured as a DSP or a CPU, for example, similarly to the information processing unit 511. The information processing unit 211 may be configured as a one-chip microcomputer including the functions of the time measuring unit 221 described later or the storage unit 223 described later.

The timekeeping unit 221 is a so-called real time clock (Real Time Clock (RTC)) and acquires the current date and time. In addition, when the time information is included in the data received by the communication unit 213, or when the communication unit 213 receives a standard radio wave (time calibration signal), the current date and time can be acquired by these. Since it is possible, the time measurement part 221 is not essential for the structure of the display apparatus 21 of this indication.

The storage unit 223 is a storage device that stores a control program for the display device 21, application software (also referred to as an application program), and information input by the user. The storage unit 223 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Further, the storage unit 223 may further be able to record information generated by the information processing unit 211 or the information processing unit 511.

The voice interface 225 is an interface for demonstrating a smartphone call function, and has a connection with a transducer such as a microphone or a speaker. For example, when the display device 21 prompts the user U to take medicine by sounding an alarm sound, an alarm sound is emitted from the speaker 227.

[1-4. Example of operation of medication support system]
Next, an example of the operation of the medication support system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

As described above, the medication support system 1 is a system that can monitor the state of a target living body and perform appropriate feedback. Specifically, the medication support system 1 detects the meal behavior of the drug user with a sensor, and records the start time or end time of the meal from the result. The medication support system 1 estimates the time at which the medicine should be taken from the record, and instructs the medicine user to take the medicine, thereby preventing forgetting to take the medicine.

(1-4-1. Registration of information related to drugs to be taken)
Prior to the use of the medication support system 1, the user of the medication registers, for example, in the display device 21 what kind of medicine should be taken and at what timing. Information about what kind of medicine should be taken and at what timing is recorded in the storage unit 223 of the display device 21, for example. Information on what kind of medicine should be taken and at what timing may be recorded in an external device other than the display device 21.

FIG. 4B is an image diagram illustrating an example of an information input image displayed on the screen of the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The setting screen of the medication support system is displayed on the display unit 217 of the display device 21, for example. As shown in FIG. 4B, on the setting screen, for example, a plurality of check boxes CB are displayed separately for each meal time zone and each timing at which medicine should be taken. In FIG. 4B, three sections of morning, noon, and evening (indicated by “M”, “N”, and “E”, respectively) are displayed side by side as meal time zones, and As the timing, an image is displayed in which three sections are arranged vertically after meal, before meal and between meals (indicated by “pc”, “ac”, and “ic” in the figure, respectively). An example is shown. Further, as shown as a plurality of buttons NB at the top of the setting screen, the meal time zone and the timing for taking the medicine can be set for each kind of medicine to be taken.

For example, when a second medicine among a plurality of prescribed medicines is to be cited after each meal in the morning, noon and evening, the user of the medicine can select from a plurality of buttons NB as shown in FIG. 4B. Select the “2” button to display the screen for the second medicine, and check the three check boxes displayed in the “After Meal” column. When the meal time zone and the timing for taking the medicine are checked, the person taking the medicine may press the “Set” button displayed on the screen.

(1-4-2. An example of processing in the dosing support system)
FIG. 5A is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the display device in the medication support system. FIG. 5B is a flowchart for explaining an example of updating a dosing time database in the dosing support system. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a recording method of a user's meal time in the dosing support system. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6 are described as a series of processes executed by the information processing unit 211 of the display device 21, but as described later, a part of the series of processes described below or All may be executed by the information processing unit 511 of the information transmission device 11, for example. Alternatively, for example, it may be executed by an external device other than the display device 21 and the information transmission device 11.

The flowchart of FIG. 5A shows an outline of processing for prompting the user U to take medicine. First, in step St1, a preset time (hereinafter referred to as a taking time as appropriate) Td is compared with a current time Ts as a time to take the medicine.

If the current time Ts is equal to the taking time Td, it means that it is time for the user U to take the medicine, so the process proceeds to step St2. On the other hand, if the current time Ts is different from the dose time Td, the process returns to step St1.

Here, the dose time Td is, for example, data forming a part of a database in which the types and times of medicines to be taken by the user U are registered (hereinafter appropriately referred to as a dose time database). As will be described later, in the medication time database, for example, registered information is updated for each meal of the user U.

The taking time database is stored in the storage unit 223 of the display device 21, for example. Of course, the dose time database may be recorded in an external device other than the display device 21. By referring to the medication time database, the information processing unit 211 can acquire the medication time Td set for each type of medicine that the user U should take.

As will be described later, the dosing time Td is determined based on the meal time of the user U, for example. That is, in the taking time database, for example, data is updated for each meal of the user U.

When the process proceeds to step St2, the display device 21 notifies the user U of the taking time Td by displaying an alarm screen or sounding an alarm sound. Encourage people to take medicine.

For example, when the display device 21 prompts the user U to take medicine by displaying an alarm screen, an image as shown in FIG. 1B is displayed on the display unit 217. After the notification of the taking time Td to the user U by display of an alarm screen or alarm sound, the process proceeds to step St3, and the display device 21 waits for input from the user U.

The notification of the taking time Td to the user U is continued until the user presses the “OK” button illustrated in FIG. 1B after the user U has taken the medicine specified on the display screen, for example. By pressing the “OK” button of the user U, it is also possible to record a history of taking medicine by the user U.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, in addition to the “OK” button, a “NO” button is also displayed. This is to allow the process to be skipped if the user U presses the “NO” button when the user U accidentally takes the medicine before the taking time Td.

In step St3, if it is determined that there is some input from the user U, such as pressing the “OK” button or pressing the “NO” button, the process ends. If there is no input from the user U, the process returns to step St3 and the notification of the dosing time Td is continued.

Next, an example of a method for updating information registered in the dose time database will be described.

The flowchart in FIG. 5B shows an outline of the process for updating the taking time database based on the meal time of the user U. The process for updating the dosing time database is executed for each meal of the user U, for example. That is, the process described below is input with information related to the meal time of the user U.

For example, when information related to the meal time of the user U is acquired by the information processing unit 211, first, in step St11, data associated with the medicine to be taken is extracted from the taking time database.

Next, in step St12, the dosing time Td corresponding to the meal time zone performed by the user U is registered in the dosing time database.

As described with reference to FIG. 4B, for example, it is assumed that after the meal of morning, noon and evening is designated as the timing when the user U should take the medicine. In this case, in step St13, for example, a time 5 minutes after the most recent meal of the user U is registered as the dosing time Td. Therefore, about 5 minutes after step St12, the user U is notified of the dosing time Td by display of an alarm screen or alarm sound.

Also, for example, it is assumed that information related to the time of lunch by the user U is acquired by the information processing unit 211 in a state where the time before the meal is specified by the user U as the timing at which the user U should take the medicine. In this case, in step St14, for example, a time five minutes before the last dinner time of the user U is registered as the dosing time Td. Similarly, for example, a time 5 minutes before the last breakfast time by the user U and a time 5 minutes before the most recent lunch time by the user U are registered as the dosing time Td.

Further, for example, it is assumed that information related to the time of lunch by the user U is acquired by the information processing unit 211 in a state in which a time between meals is specified as the timing when the user U should take the medicine. In this case, in step St15, for example, the time between the breakfast time of the user U and the lunch time of the user U, and the time of the lunch of the user U and the time of the last dinner of the user U are intermediate. The time is registered as the taking time Td.

In the above example, when “before meal” or “between meals” is designated as the timing when the user U should take the medicine, the dosing time Td is the meal time that the user U will do at a later time. It is set based on. In this case, the meal time that the user U will do at a later time is predicted or estimated based on the history of the meal time so far by the user U.

Next, the process proceeds to step St16, and it is determined whether or not the setting of the taking time Td for all the medicines to be taken by the user U has been completed. If there are a plurality of medicines to be taken by the user U and there are other medicines that need to be set for the taking time Td, the process returns to St11. On the other hand, when the setting of the taking time Td for all the medicines to be taken by the user U is completed, the fact that the updating process of the taking time database is completed is returned.

Next, an example of a method for recording the meal time of the user U in the dosing support system will be described.

The flowchart of FIG. 6 shows an outline of processing for specifying the meal time of the user U from the meal behavior of the user U. First, in step St21, information related to power generation information is received by the communication unit 213 of the display device 21.

Next, in step St <b> 22, it is determined whether or not the information related to the power generation information has been received within a period during which the user U needs to take medicine (hereinafter referred to as a taking period as appropriate). If the reception of information related to the power generation information is outside the taking period, the process is terminated. When the reception of the information related to the power generation information is outside the taking period, taking the medicine whose expiration date has passed is prevented. On the other hand, when the information related to the power generation information is received within the dosing period, the process proceeds to Step St23.

Next, in step St23, it is determined whether or not the user U is currently chewing.

When the information transmission device 11 is worn on the cheek of the user U, as described above, the power generation unit 311 generates a voltage according to the movement of the user U's chin. Therefore, the information received by the communication unit 213 of the display device 21 includes information related to the movement of the user U's chin.

Here, as a case where the movement of the chin of the user U is detected, in addition to eating behavior, conversational behavior or the like can be considered. Therefore, in order to determine whether the user U is currently chewing from the information received by the communication unit 213 of the display device 21, the user's eating behavior is determined from the information received by the communication unit 213 of the display device 21. It is necessary to extract the information obtained along with.

For example, it is assumed that the information received by the communication unit 213 of the display device 21 is a signal obtained from the time change of the voltage generated from the power generation unit 311. In this case, the eating behavior of the user U and the conversation behavior can be distinguished by signal pattern analysis.

FIG. 7A is a graph schematically showing a signal pattern obtained when a user chews. FIG. 7B is a graph schematically showing a signal pattern obtained during a user conversation. The horizontal axis in FIGS. 7A and 7B represents the time t that has elapsed since the user U started mastication, and the vertical axis represents the strength of the signal, such as the voltage V generated from the power generation unit 311.

As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the signal pattern obtained when the user U chews is almost a repetitive pattern, but the sound is generated by a combination of various movements. The signal pattern obtained is a pattern with weak regularity. Thus, by analyzing the signal pattern, it is possible to distinguish between mastication and conversation. Although an example in which mastication and conversation are directly distinguished from the signal waveform has been described here, it is of course possible to analyze the signal waveform by decomposing it into frequency components.

If it is determined in step St23 that the user U is not currently chewing, the process returns to step St21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user U is currently chewing, the process proceeds to step St24.

Next, in step St24, whether continued beyond a certain time t _s of chewing by the user U has been set in advance is determined. When the chewing by the user U has finished before exceeding the predetermined time t _s which is set in advance, the process returns to step St21. On the other hand, if the chewing by the user U is continued beyond a predetermined time t _s which is set in advance, the user U is determined to have taken meals action now, the process advances to step St25.

Next, in step St25, for example, a meal time zone is specified using data acquired from the time measuring unit 221. That is, it is determined whether the user U is currently having breakfast, lunch or dinner from the time when the user U is currently eating.

For example, if it is determined that the user U is currently having breakfast, the breakfast time of the user U is recorded, for example, in the storage unit 223 in step St26. Similarly, if it is determined that the user U is currently having lunch, in step St27, the user U's lunch time is recorded, and if it is determined that the user U is currently having dinner, in step St28. The dinner time of the user U is recorded. If it is determined from the time when the user U is currently eating that the meal time zone by the user U is not breakfast, lunch or dinner, for example, the process directly proceeds to step St29. It is advanced.

After the meal time zone is specified in step St25, the process proceeds to step St29, and the above-described process for updating the dosing time database is executed based on the meal time of the user U.

In the recording of the meal time of the user U in step St26, St27 or St28, the start time of the meal or the end time of the meal is recorded according to the timing when the user U should take the medicine. For example, when the timing at which the user U should take medicine is set after every meal, at least the end time of the user's U meal is recorded. In this way, in the process for updating the dosing time database, for example, a time 5 minutes after the end time of the meal of the user U can be registered as the dosing time Td.

Here, for example, when the timing at which the user U should take medicine is set before every meal, when the time of meal by the user U is extremely late, it is significantly different from the normal time There is a possibility that registration of an appropriate dosing time Td cannot be performed. In such a case, for example, immediately after it is determined that the user U is eating, the user U may be notified and the user U may be prompted to take medicine. Or, for example, when the timing at which the user U should take the medicine is set to before dinner, etc., after the end of lunch by the user U, until it is determined that the user U is having dinner During this period, the user may be notified periodically.

In addition, for example, the meal time zone by the user U may be different on weekdays and holidays. For this reason, the time to be used as a reference for determining the meal time zone may be changed according to whether reception of information by the communication unit 213 of the display device 21 is a weekday or a holiday.

As described above, in the present disclosure, since the taking time is determined based on the meal time of the user U, it is appropriate for the user U even if the meal time zone of the user U is irregular. You can give instructions on taking medicine. For this reason, for example, even if the meal time is late, there is no case where an instruction to take a medicine that should be taken after a meal is given before the meal.

Further, according to the first embodiment, since the information transmission device 11 generates energy by the operation of the user U, it is not necessary to manage the battery in the information transmission device 11, and the information transmission device 11 is reduced in size and size. It can be a lightweight device. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately instruct the user U to take medicines in a natural living situation without giving the user U the size and weight of the information transmission device 11.

[1-5. Other configuration examples of the medication support system]
(1-5-1. First Modification of Information Transmission Device)
FIG. 8A is a block diagram illustrating a first modification of the information transmission device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The information transmission device 13 illustrated in FIG. 8A is common to the information transmission device 11 described above in that it includes an output unit 33 including a power generation unit 311 and an acquisition unit 53. The information transmission device 13 illustrated in FIG. 8A is different from the information transmission device 11 described above in that it further includes one or more power storage units B that supply power to the acquisition unit 53.

FIG. 8A shows an example in which a power supply unit P3 includes a rectifier circuit 313, a capacitor 315, a constant voltage circuit 317, a power storage unit B, and a switching circuit 319.

The power storage unit B includes, for example, a power storage device such as a secondary battery or a capacitor. Examples of the secondary battery include a lithium ion battery, a nickel hydride battery, a nickel zinc battery, a nickel iron battery, a silver zinc battery, and a nickel cadmium battery. Of course, the secondary battery is not limited to these, and one or more of these may be used in combination. The power storage unit B may include a primary battery.

The power from the power storage unit B is supplied to the acquisition unit 53 via the switching circuit 319. In addition, the power storage unit B can temporarily store the electric power obtained by the power generation unit 311 as necessary. The switching circuit 319 is controlled by the information processing unit 511, for example, and switching between discharging from the power storage unit B and charging to the power storage unit B is performed, for example.

The information transmission device 13 further includes the power storage unit B, so that, for example, the information transmission device 13 can be driven using the power storage unit B as a power source. In this case, the electric power obtained from the power generation unit 311 is used as auxiliary power for driving the information transmission device 13. Therefore, the driving time of the information transmission device 13 by the power storage unit B can be made longer than when the information transmission device 13 is driven only by the power storage unit B.

8A is different from the above-described information transmission device 11 in that the information transmission device 13 illustrated in FIG. 8A includes an acquisition unit 53 that further includes a timekeeping unit 521 and a storage unit 523.

8A can be configured in the same manner as the timing unit 221 and the storage unit 223 of the display device 21 described above. Therefore, for example, the information transmission device 13 illustrated in FIG. 8A specifies the meal time zone of the user U, records the meal time of the user U in the storage unit 523, and stores the meal time database stored in the storage unit 523. Registration of the dose time Td is possible.

In the description of the medication support system 1 described above, information transmitted from the information transmission device 11 is analyzed by the information processing unit 211 of the display device 21, and the information processing unit 211 of the display device 21, for example, The configuration for specifying the time zone is shown. However, an example of processing in the medication support system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the information transmission device executes identification of the user U's meal time zone, recording of the user U's meal time in the storage unit, registration of the dose time Td in the dose time database stored in the storage unit, and the like. You may do it.

As described above, information related to power generation information is transmitted from the communication unit 513. Here, the information related to the power generation information is specifically related to the power generation information itself or the power generation information generated by the information processing unit 511, such as a signal indicating a change in voltage generated in the power generation unit 311. Information.

Information related to the power generation information generated by the information processing unit 511 includes, for example, information on the meal time zone of the user U obtained by signal pattern analysis, and a dose time Td to be registered in the dose time database. Etc. Alternatively, for example, information on the type and amount of medicine that the user U should take at the taking time Td may be transmitted from the communication unit 513. In this case, even if the function of the display device in the medication support system is only the function of displaying the information transmitted by the information transmission device such as the type and amount of medicine that the user U should take at the medication time Td, You can reach your goals.

In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 8A, the information transmission device 13 includes a storage unit 523. Therefore, for example, the information transmission device 13 can measure the number of chewing times per mouth and record it in the storage unit 523, or record the time period of each meal of the user U in the storage unit 523. Therefore, the user U can also use the medication support system for the purpose of health management and health promotion.

(1-5-2. Second Modification of Information Transmission Device)
FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating a second modification of the information transmission device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The information transmission device 15 illustrated in FIG. 8B is common to the information transmission device 11 described above in that it includes an output unit 35 including a power generation unit 311 and an acquisition unit 55. The information transmission device 15 illustrated in FIG. 8B is different from the information transmission device 11 described above in that an information presentation unit 517 is provided instead of the communication unit 513.

The information presentation unit 517 has a configuration for notifying the user U that the current time is equal to the taking time Td. Therefore, the configuration of the information presentation unit 517 is not particularly limited as long as the configuration can recognize the current time equal to the taking time Td by the action of the user's five senses.

Specifically, as the information presentation unit 517, for example, a light emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or an organic EL, a display element such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, a music or an alarm sound is generated. A speaker etc. are mentioned. For example, when the information presentation unit 517 includes a light emitting element, the information transmission device 15 notifies the user U that the current time is equal to the taking time Td by, for example, lighting or blinking of the light emitting element.

Alternatively, for example, when the information presentation unit 517 includes a member that contracts or vibrates due to energization, the information transmission device 15 informs the user U that the current time is equal to the taking time Td through the tactile sense of the user U. You can be notified.

Thus, the function of the medication support system may be completed only by the information transmission device.

(1-5-3. Modified example of medication support system)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a medication support system connected to a network. As shown by the arrow F in FIG. 9, in the medication support system 1 described above, information was exchanged between the information transmission device 11 and the display device 21, but as shown in FIG. 9, the information transmission device 11 Information may be exchanged between the display device 21 and the display device 21 via the network NW.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the medication support system 3, the information transmission device 11 and the display device 21 are connected to a network NW such as the Internet. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, in the medication support system, information transmitted from the communication unit 513 of the information transmission device 11 is transmitted to the communication unit 213 of the display device 21 via the network NW.

Examples of communication via the network NW include communication via the Internet line, communication via the optical line, and communication via the telephone line. Alternatively, for example, communication via the network NW may be communication via a power network called a so-called smart grid.

In the network NW, for example, a plurality of server devices R (in the figure, the subscript “i” is an index for distinguishing a plurality of server devices, i = 0, 1, 2,... Is connected).

The server device R includes, for example, a communication unit R13 that is an interface for communication via the network NW, a central processing unit R11 such as a CPU, and a storage unit R23 that records information by, for example, an electromagnetic method. Therefore, in the medication support system 3, one of the plurality of server devices R specifies the meal time zone of the user U, records the meal time of the user U in the storage unit R23, and the dose stored in the storage unit R23. Registration of the taking time Td in the time database can be executed. A plurality of server devices R are used to specify the meal time zone of the user U, record the meal time of the user U in the storage unit R23, and register the dose time Td in the dose time database stored in the storage unit R23. It may be executed in a distributed manner.

For example, the information transmission device 11 transmits information related to the power generation information, and the server device R acquires the information via the network NW. The server device R that has acquired the information from the information transmission device 11 performs analysis and calculation of the acquired information, and transmits the processing result to the display device 21 via the network NW. The display device 21 that has acquired the information from the server device R notifies the user U of the taking time Td by displaying an alarm screen or an alarm sound. In this case, even if the function of the display device 21 in the medication support system 3 is only the function of displaying information acquired from the server device R, such as the type and amount of medicine that the user U should take at the medication time Td, Achieving the intended purpose.

As described above, in the medication support system of the present disclosure, identification of the user U's meal time zone, recording of the user U's meal time in the storage unit, and the dose time Td to the dose time database stored in the storage unit. It does not matter which is the main subject of processing such as registration. That is, in the medication support system of the present disclosure, the above-described processing may be performed by any of the information transmission device, the server device, and the display device. Further, the processing described above may be performed in a distributed manner among the information transmission device, the one or more server devices, and the display device.

When information exchange in the medication support system is performed via the network NW, the information transmission device 11 or the display device 21 and the server device included in the medical institution H may exchange information. In this way, for example, a doctor who prescribes a medicine to the user U can monitor whether or not the prescription medicine is being taken appropriately. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, effects such as prevention of acquisition of drug resistance of pathogens and prevention of spread of viruses can be expected. In addition, since the information transmitted from the information transmission device 11 includes personal information of the user U, it is desirable that communication via the network NW is performed using encrypted information.

Thus, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to help manage medical data as part of cloud computing via wireless or wired communication.

<2. Second Embodiment>
[2-1. Information transmission device]
FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a food and beverage aid to which the information transmission device according to the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the food and beverage aid to which the information transmission device according to the second embodiment is applied.

The food and beverage aid 61a shown in FIG. 10A includes an information transmission device 17a. The information transmission device 17a provided in the eating aid 61a has substantially the same configuration as the information transmission device 11 in the first embodiment. 10A includes an output unit 31 including a power generation unit that generates power by the operation of the user U, and an acquisition unit 51 that acquires power generation information output from the power generation unit.

In the medication support system according to the second embodiment, at least the information transmission device that obtains energy from the movement of the living body and the display device, by monitoring the state of the target living body and performing appropriate feedback, Common to the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the information transmission device is arranged on an appliance that assists the user U in eating.

Here, the “eating and drinking aids” in this specification refers to devices and tools that assist the user U in eating behavior. Examples of the “food aids” include dentures such as dentures and dentures (implants), and tableware such as chopsticks and cutlery (knives, forks, spoons, etc.).

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which the

information transmission devices

17a and 17b are arranged in a so-called full denture gum, and FIG. 10B is a diagram in which

information transmission devices

17c and 17d are arranged in a so-called partial denture gum. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure.

The information transmission devices 17a to 17d shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, like the above-described information transmission device 11 and the like, generate electricity by power generation and collect information from the operation of the user U using the power generation status as a medium. Communicate information to other devices and user U.

10A and 10B, the information transmission devices 17a to 17d are embedded in the total denture or partial denture. Therefore, specifically, the power generation unit provided in the information transmission devices 17a to 17d generates a voltage due to the movement of the user U's chin accompanying the user's U mastication. Therefore, the power obtained by the power generation unit is the power obtained in association with the eating behavior of the user U, as in the case of the first embodiment.

That is, as in the case of the first embodiment, by analyzing the power generation information acquired by the acquisition unit, it is possible to specify the meal time zone of the user U, record the meal time of the user U, and take the medication time database. The registration time Td can be registered.

(2-1-1. Modification of Information Transmission Device)
10A and 10B show the configuration example in which the information transmission devices 17a to 17d are embedded in the eating

aid

61a or 61b, the arrangement of the information transmission device is not limited to these examples. For example, the output unit 31 and the acquisition unit 51 may be integrated and formed on a sheet made of polyimide or the like, and the information transmission device may be formed as a thin film and attached to, for example, the front surface or the back surface of the denture.

In the configuration example shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the information transmission device is arranged in the mouth of the user U. Therefore, it is preferable that the output impedance of the antenna used for the acquisition unit of the information transmission apparatus is determined in consideration of the material for forming the denture. When the information transmission device is configured as a thin film and is attached to, for example, the front surface or the back surface of the denture, the output impedance of the antenna used for the acquisition unit of the information transmission device is the saliva or food / drink of the user U It is preferable to determine the presence of

Also, as shown in FIG. 10A as the

information transmission devices

17a and 17b and as shown in FIG. 10B as the

information transmission devices

17c and 17d, there may be a plurality of information transmission devices arranged in the eating aid. In this case, not only the sensing of mastication by the user U but also the difference in the amount of power generation among the plurality of information transmission devices can be acquired from the voltage generated by the power generation unit in each information transmission device. For example, using the difference in the amount of power generation among a plurality of information transmission devices as a parameter, the balance of denture meshing and the comparison between the number of mastications by the left dentition and the number of mastications by the right dentition in the mouth of the user U It is also possible to monitor the equality of chewing.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when the information transmission device is arranged in the partial denture, the information acquired by the acquisition unit of the information transmission device is one of information for managing the health condition of the user U's own teeth. It can also be used as

In addition, the power generation part of the information transmission apparatus with which the food aid is attached may include a power generation element that generates power with a temperature difference. For example, if a plurality of power generation units are arranged in the front tooth portion and the back tooth portion of the denture, when the user U ingests hot food or cold food, the entrance in the mouth of the user U It is also possible to detect a temperature difference between the part and the back part. By detecting the intake of hot food or cold food using a plurality of power generation information, information related to the intake of hot food or cold food by the user U is monitored for the meal time of the user U. Can be used as supplementary information.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the information transmission device is mounted on the denture, for example, when the user U is chewing, the information transmission device can perform wireless communication in real time. Here, for example, when washing food and beverage aids such as dentures with an ultrasonic cleaner, for example, power generation is performed by vibration applied to the food aid and using the power obtained at that time, Data can be transmitted to a display device or the like. In that case, the washing operation of the eating aid can be used as a backup operation for prompting the user U to take medicine. In addition, it is also possible to obtain information related to maintenance for managing the timing of denture maintenance from the monitoring result of the number of chewing times.

[2-2. Configuration example of medication support system]
FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a medication support system including a food and beverage aid to which the information transmission device is applied.

FIG. 11A shows a medication support system 5 including a chopstick 71a configured as an information transmission device as a part of the configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, a plurality of information transmission devices in the medication support system of the present disclosure may be provided.

The chopsticks 71a as a food and beverage aid include an output unit 31 that includes a power generation unit that generates power according to a user's operation, and an acquisition unit 51 that acquires power generation information output from the power generation unit. The chopsticks 71a, for example, receive vibrations associated with the eating behavior of the user U. Therefore, the chopsticks 71a can obtain power and transmit information by the vibrations associated with the eating behavior of the user U.

In 1st Embodiment, although the information used as the foundation of judgment whether the user U is eating was shown by the single-piece | unit of the information transmission apparatus 11 with which the user U's cheek was mounted | worn, the example of a structure was shown. In this example, information acquired by the chopsticks 71a can be further used.

For example, the analysis result of both the information acquired by the information transmission device 11 mounted on the cheek of the user U and the information acquired by the chopsticks 71a used by the user U at the time of eating Let's say that In this case, it can be considered that the possibility that the user U is currently eating is very high.

Thus, by using a plurality of information transmission devices in the medication support system, a sensor fusion technique can be used, and a more advanced recognition function can be realized. Dentures equipped with an information transmission device may be used in place of tableware such as chopsticks or together with tableware such as chopsticks.

Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the taking time Td and instruct the user U to take more appropriate medicine.

(2-2-1. Modification of Information Transmission Device)
FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the chopsticks configured as the information transmission device.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the chopstick 71b is configured by connecting two

chopstick materials

71s and 71c by a hinge portion h. In the eating behavior of the user U, with the opening / closing operation of each chopstick material, one chopstick material rotates with respect to the other chopstick material around the hinge portion h.

Therefore, by arranging the power generation unit on the hinge portion h of the chopstick 71b, it is possible to efficiently extract power from the relative movement of the two chopstick materials.

<3. Third Embodiment>
[3-1. Outline of medication support system]
FIG. 12A is a diagram for describing an outline of an example of a medication support system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A shows an example of the medication support system 7 constituted by the information transmission device 81a and the display device 21. FIG. 12A shows an example in which the toothbrush used by the user U is configured as an information transmission device in the medication support system. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, for example, electronic devices such as a smartphone owned by the user U are used by the user U as a display device in the medication support system.

In the medication support system according to the third embodiment, at least the information transmission device that obtains energy from the movement of the living body and the display device are used to monitor the state of the target living body and perform appropriate feedback. Common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, for example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are configured such that a tool or instrument used for the user U's behavior related to the user U's eating behavior, such as tooth brushing, is configured as the information transmission device. This is different from the embodiment.

[3-2. Information transmission device]
As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the information transmission device 81 a includes an output unit 31 including a power generation unit that generates power by the operation of the user U, and an acquisition unit 51 that acquires power generation information output from the power generation unit. Accordingly, the information transmission device 81a, like the information transmission device 11 described above, generates electricity by power generation, collects information from the operation of the user U using the power generation status as a medium, and collects other devices and users U Information can be transmitted to

The power generation unit includes, for example, a power generation element that generates power by the vibration of the information transmission device 81a (toothbrush) accompanying the user U's brushing operation. The power generation unit or, for example, a power generation element that generates power based on a difference between the body temperature of the user U and the environmental temperature, a power generation element that generates power based on a pressure gripping the user U's toothbrush, or the tooth of the user U and the brush portion of the toothbrush are in contact with each other. The power generation element etc. which generate electric power by the deformation | transformation of the handle | pattern part of a toothbrush by doing are included.

In addition, in FIG. 12A, although the output part 31 and the acquisition part 51 showed the structural example incorporated in the handle part of a toothbrush, arrangement | positioning of the output part 31 and the acquisition part 51 is not restricted to this example. For example, the output unit and the acquisition unit may be integrated and formed on a sheet made of polyimide or the like, and the information transmission device may be attached to a handle portion of a toothbrush, for example, as a thin film.

Here, it is considered that toothpaste by the user U is generally performed at a time close to the meal time. In the third embodiment, for example, power is extracted from vibration energy of the user U's toothpaste operation by a toothbrush configured as an information transmission device.

For example, when the user U is in the habit of brushing teeth after each meal, the power generation information acquired by the acquisition unit 51 can be said to be information related to the user's U meal time. In addition, since the power generation information acquired by the acquisition unit 51 is information related to the meal time of the user of the user U, the power obtained by the power generation unit is the power obtained accompanying the user's eating behavior. It can be said that there is. Therefore, as in the case of the first embodiment, by analyzing the power generation information acquired by the acquisition unit, it is possible to specify the meal time zone of the user U, record the meal time of the user U, and take the medication time database. The registration time Td can be registered.

Toothbrushing is an action that is performed on a daily basis in the same way as a meal action, and since a toothbrush is not a direct contact with the human body, for example, when an information transmission device is worn on the body of the user U Compared with, the burden of the user U is also small.

(3-2-1. Modification of Information Transmission Device)
FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the toothbrush configured as an information transmission device in the medication support system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. An information transmission device 81b illustrated in FIG. 12B is different from the information transmission device 81a described above in that an information presentation unit 517 is provided instead of the communication unit. 12B includes a medicine storage unit ST in which medicines to be taken by the user U are stored.

The taking time Td can be determined based on, for example, the time when the user U finishes brushing his teeth. Therefore, for example, when the user U finishes the tooth brushing operation, the information presentation unit 517 notifies the user U that the taking time Td has come, for example, by an alarm sound. Recognizing that the time Td has come, the user U opens the lid FL of the medicine storage unit ST, takes out the medicine TB stored in the medicine storage unit ST, and takes the necessary amount of medicine in a timely manner. Can do.

Note that the acquisition unit in the information transmission device may be an acquisition unit including an information presentation unit, or may include an information presentation unit and an acquisition unit including a communication unit. Therefore, for example, a dedicated alarm device as a display device may be installed on the wash basin, and the alarm device may notify the user U of the taking time Td.

The toothbrush configured as an information transmission device functions as a “toothpaste sensor”, but the information transmission device may further have another sensor function.

For example, FIG. 12B illustrates an example of a configuration in which the information transmission device 81b further includes a device that senses characteristic values (such as pH) such as components attached to teeth and saliva components. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the information transmission device 81 b includes a pH sensor SC as a device that senses characteristic values such as components attached to teeth and saliva components.

It is also possible to notify the user U who uses the toothbrush of the timing of cleaning the tartar and plaque and the possibility of alveolar pus leakage by further installing a pH sensor SC etc. in the information transmission device It is. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to monitor dental health in the same manner as in daily monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, blood glucose level, and the like.

[3-3. Application example of medication support system]
Information obtained by sensing the brushing operation of the user U can be used to prevent forgetting to take medicine, and can also be used to monitor whether the user U is brushing properly. For example, by sensing the brushing operation of the user U, it is possible to monitor whether or not all the teeth of the user U are brushed with an equal number of distributions. That is, in the same way as monitoring exercise habits using a “pedometer (registered trademark of Yamasa Clock Instrument Co., Ltd.)” or an acceleration sensor, information obtained by sensing user U's tooth brushing operation is used as the user's teeth. Can be used as part of healthcare.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of determination as to whether or not the user is brushing teeth properly.

First, in step St31, the acquisition unit 57 acquires the power generation information output from the power generation unit, whereby the brushing operation by the user U is detected.

Next, in step St 32, the number of vibrations n toothbrushes, whether has reached the specified number of times n _s that has been set in advance.

Here, the specified number of times _ns is, for example, a desired number of brushing in each area when the mouth of the user U is divided into a plurality of areas. For example, the user U can divide the mouth of the user U into four areas, upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left, and can set n _s = 30 [times / area] for each area.

Vibration number n of toothbrushes, whether has reached the specified number of times n _s that has been set in advance, for example, it can be determined by analyzing the like change in the polarity of the voltage generated from the power generation unit . Further, as to which area the user U is currently brushing, for example, an acceleration sensor may be built in the toothbrush and the inclination of the toothbrush may be detected.

When the toothbrush vibration frequency n reaches the specified frequency n _s , the process proceeds to step St33.

Process that has been advanced to the step St33, the user U is that finished brushing the specified number n _s of a certain area. Therefore, in step St 33, is that the area being currently brushing has been made brushing the specified number n _s, the user is informed U by an alarm sound. By this notification, the information transmission apparatus prompts the user U to start brushing for an area different from the area where brushing is currently performed. The notification may be performed by either the information presentation unit of the information transmission device or the display device.

Next, in step St34, for example, it is determined whether or not the number N of alarms has reached a specified number Ns. Here, the specified number of times Ns is, for example, the total number of divisions when the mouth of the user U is divided into a plurality of areas. That is, in step St34, it is determined whether or not the brushing has been completed for all the previously set sections.

When the number N of times that the alarm has sounded reaches the specified number Ns, the process proceeds to step St35.

That the processing is advanced to step St35, the user U is that finished brushing the specified number n _s for all zones. Therefore, in step St35, the fact that the brushing specified number n _s of all areas has been completed is notified to the user U by an alarm sound. By this notification, the information transmission apparatus prompts the user U to take medicine. As in step St33, the notification may be performed by either the information presentation unit of the information transmission device or the display device.

In addition, by monitoring the number of times of brushing by the user U, information related to maintenance can be obtained, such as managing the timing of maintenance. For example, the user U can be notified of the replacement time of the toothbrush.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, since electric energy is obtained from the natural movement of the living body, the information transmission device can be made small and light, and thus the user does not feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable. Can suggest taking medicine. Further, in the present disclosure, since the user's behavior is specified based on the energy change pattern and time obtained from the user's movement, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from forgetting to take medicine, and therefore The user can take prescription drugs in a timely manner. Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is also possible to obtain management information that can be used for maintenance of food and beverage aids and toothbrushes.

<4. Modification>
The configurations, methods, shapes, materials, numerical values, and the like given in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and different configurations, methods, shapes, materials, numerical values, and the like may be used as necessary. The configurations, methods, shapes, materials, numerical values, and the like of the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, this indication can also take the following composition.
(1)
An output unit including a power generation unit that generates power by a user's operation;
An information transmission apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires power generation information output from the power generation unit.
(2)
The information transmission apparatus according to (1), wherein the acquisition unit receives supply of power from at least the output unit.
(3)
The information transmission device according to (1) or (2), wherein the electric power from the output unit is electric power obtained accompanying the user's eating behavior.
(4)
The information transmission device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the power generation unit generates a voltage by movement of a user's chin.
(5)
The acquisition unit further includes an information processing unit,
The information transmission apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the information processing unit generates information related to the power generation information.
(6)
The information transmission apparatus according to (5), wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a meal time of the user.
(7)
The information transmission apparatus according to (5) or (6), wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a medicine to be taken by the user.
(8)
The acquisition unit further includes a storage unit,
The information transmission device according to any one of (5) to (7), wherein the storage unit stores information generated by the information processing unit.
(9)
The acquisition unit further includes a communication unit,
The information transmission apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the communication unit transmits at least information related to the power generation information.
(10)
The acquisition unit further includes an information presentation unit,
The information transmission device according to any one of (5) to (8), wherein the information presentation unit notifies the user of information related to the power generation information.
(11)
The information transmission device according to any one of (1) to (10), further including a power storage unit that supplies power to the acquisition unit.
(12)
At least a communication unit that acquires information related to power generation information that is output from a power generation unit that generates power according to a user's action;
A display device comprising: a display unit that notifies a user of information related to the power generation information.
(13)
An information processing unit;
The display device according to (12), wherein the information processing unit generates information related to the power generation information.
(14)
The display device according to (12) or (13), wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a meal time of the user.
(15)
The display device according to any one of (12) to (14), wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a medicine to be taken by the user.
(16)
One or more information transmission devices;
Including a display device,
At least one information transmission device among the one or more information transmission devices generates power according to a user's action, and uses power obtained by power generation as a part of driving power, and transmits information on power generation information,
The medication support system in which the display device notifies a user of information related to the power generation information.
(17)
Further comprising one or more relay devices;
Information related to the power generation information is obtained from information related to power generation information acquired by at least one relay device of the one or more relay devices from at least one information transmission device of the one or more information transmission devices. The medication support system according to (16) to be generated.
(18)
The medication support system according to (16) or (17), wherein information related to the power generation information is generated from information transmitted from two or more information transmission devices among the one or more information transmission devices.
(19)
The medication according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein at least one information transmission device of the one or more information transmission devices and the display device are connected to a medical institution via a network. Support system.

1, 3, 5, 7 ...

Medication support system

11, 13, 15 ...

Information transmission device

31, 33, 35 ... Output unit 311 ... Power generation unit B ...

Power storage unit

51, 53, 55, 57 ... Acquisition unit 511 ... Information processing unit 513 ... Communication unit 517 ... Information presentation unit 523 ... Storage unit 21 ... Display device 211 ... Information processing unit 213 ... Communication unit 217 ... Display unit 223 ... Storage unit NW ... Network R ... Multiple server devices R
R11 ... Central processing unit R13 ... Communication unit R23 ... Storage unit H ... Medical institution 61a ... Eating and

drinking aids

17a, 17b, 17c, 17d ...

Information transmission devices

81a, 81b ..Information transmission devices

Claims

An output unit including a power generation unit that generates power by a user's operation;
An information transmission apparatus comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires power generation information output from the power generation unit.
The information transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit receives supply of power from at least the output unit.
The information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the power from the output unit is power obtained in association with a user's eating behavior.
The information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the power generation unit generates a voltage by movement of a user's chin.
The acquisition unit further includes an information processing unit,
The information transmission apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing unit generates information related to the power generation information.
The information transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a meal time of the user.
The information transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a medicine to be taken by the user.
The acquisition unit further includes a storage unit,
The information transmission apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the storage unit stores information generated by the information processing unit.
The acquisition unit further includes a communication unit,
The information transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit transmits information on at least the power generation information.
The acquisition unit further includes an information presentation unit,
The information transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the information presentation unit notifies a user of information related to the power generation information.
The information transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising a power storage unit that supplies power to the acquisition unit.
At least a communication unit that acquires information related to power generation information that is output from a power generation unit that generates power according to a user's action
A display device comprising: a display unit that notifies a user of information related to the power generation information.
An information processing unit;
The display device according to claim 12, wherein the information processing unit generates information related to the power generation information.
13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a meal time of the user.
13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein the information related to the power generation information is information related to a medicine to be taken by the user.
One or more information transmission devices;
Including a display device,
At least one information transmission device among the one or more information transmission devices generates power according to a user's action, and uses power obtained by power generation as a part of driving power, and transmits information on power generation information,
The medication support system in which the display device notifies a user of information related to the power generation information.
Further comprising one or more relay devices;
Information related to the power generation information is obtained from information related to power generation information acquired by at least one relay device of the one or more relay devices from at least one information transmission device of the one or more information transmission devices. The medication support system according to claim 16 to be generated.
The medication support system according to claim 16, wherein information related to the power generation information is generated from information transmitted from two or more information transmission devices among the one or more information transmission devices.
The medication support system according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the one or more information transmission devices and the display device are connected to a medical institution via a network.