JP2002149706A - Communication support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication support system which can easily grasp the life state of an aged person even when the aged person and his family have different life time bands. SOLUTION: This system is equipped with a portable main device equipped with a sensor 11 for gathering data regarding activities of the aged person and a repeater 2 to which the data gathered by the main device 1 are transmitted by radio. The repeater 2 is connected to a communication line 5 and transfers data to a server 4. A terminal 3 for confirmation is connected to the communication line 5 and data stored on the server 4 can be browsed through the terminal 3 for confirmation when necessary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication support system mainly used by a family to watch the living conditions of an elderly person.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it is often necessary to live apart from elderly parents due to circumstances such as work circumstances. As described above, when the family lives far away from the elderly, and especially when the elderly are living alone, the family often needs to know the living conditions of the elderly. I often make phone calls.

[0003]

However, since the family members who have a job and the elderly have different life time zones, the time zone for making telephone calls is restricted, and it is difficult to make contact by telephone. It is often difficult. As a solution to the problem of differences in time of day,
Facsimile and e-mail are conceivable, but these types of devices are often unfamiliar to the elderly and often do not work well.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is mainly used for the purpose of grasping the living conditions of the elderly by a family living in a distant place. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a communication support system capable of easily grasping the living conditions of the elderly even when there is.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable data collection device having a sensor for collecting data relating to a user's activity, and a date and time of occurrence added to data obtained by the sensor. Data accumulation means for accumulating and accumulating,
A confirmation terminal for browsing the data stored in the data storage means through a communication line. According to this configuration, the date and time of occurrence are added to the data obtained from the sensor and stored in the data storage unit, and the data stored in the data storage unit can be browsed from the confirmation terminal through the communication line. The time at which data is collected by the sensor provided in the data collection device and the time and place at which the data is confirmed by the confirmation terminal can be different.
As a result, when the user is an elderly person or the like, data on the user's life is collected by the data collection device, and a family located far away can check the data at any time, Even when communication by telephone or the like cannot be performed, a sense of security can be obtained for the family. Moreover, since the data collection device is portable, restrictions on the place of use are reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the data collection device is provided with the sensor and is portable, and the main device is separate from the main device. And a time-series processing means for adding the date and time of occurrence to the data when receiving the data, and a temporary storage memory for storing the data with the date and time of occurrence added thereto, and sending the data stored in the temporary storage memory to the communication line. And a repeater. According to this configuration, since the main device and the repeater are separated, the weight of the device carried by the user can be reduced. In particular, since the repeater has a communication function that consumes a relatively large amount of power, power consumption in the main device can be suppressed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data collection device includes a time-series processing unit that adds the date and time of occurrence to the sensor and the data, and a temporary storage unit that stores the data with the date and time of occurrence. A main device having a storage memory and being portable; and a relay device that is separate from the main device and receives data stored in the temporary storage memory from the main device and sends the data to the communication line. is there. According to this configuration, since the main device and the repeater are separated, the weight of the device carried by the user can be reduced.
In particular, since the repeater has a communication function that consumes a relatively large amount of power, power consumption in the main device can be suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the communication line includes a computer network, and the repeater includes communication means for transmitting the data to the computer network through the communication line. The communication line is provided with a server for receiving and storing data sent from the repeater. According to this configuration, since data can be confirmed through the computer network, various functions can be distributed and provided on the computer network.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, when the repeater places the main unit on the repeater, the data stored in the temporary storage memory is transmitted to the communication line. It is. According to this configuration, since a plurality of data can be transmitted at a time, the traffic can be reduced and the communication time can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble attached to the data is added for each data, and as a result, The communication cost can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the communication device receives the data stored in the temporary storage memory from the main device when the repeater places the main device on the repeater. It is sent to the line. According to this configuration, since a plurality of data can be transmitted at a time, the traffic can be reduced and the communication time can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble attached to the data is added for each data, and as a result, The communication cost can be reduced.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the repeater sends the data to the communication line at a preset time. According to this configuration, since a plurality of data can be transmitted at a time, the traffic can be reduced and the communication time can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble attached to the data is added for each data, and as a result, The communication cost can be reduced. In addition, since the data transmission time is determined, it is possible to transmit the data at a fixed time every day, and by making one of the conditions obtained for the user constant, the change tendency of the data can be easily understood.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the second to seventh aspects of the present invention, the main unit uses a battery as a power supply, and the repeater is supplied with power from a commercial power supply. According to this configuration, power is supplied from a commercial power supply to a repeater having a communication function with relatively large power consumption, thereby enabling stable communication, and a portable main device uses a battery as a power supply. Thereby, portability can be improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the server receives a request from the confirmation terminal, the server transfers the data stored in the server to the confirmation terminal. According to this configuration, the data stored in the server can be browsed at an arbitrary time on the confirmation terminal side. Moreover, since a plurality of data are collectively received, the traffic and the communication time can be reduced and the communication cost can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble accompanying the data is received for each data. it can.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data collection device has a dialogue processing means for registering a voice message and synthesizing a voice corresponding to the voice message at a preset time. And a speaker for outputting a voice synthesized by the interactive processing means. According to this configuration, even if the user forgets in the daily life schedule, the user can be given a rhythm in life by being notified by a voice message. As a result, elderly people will be able to prevent dementia.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a microphone is provided as the sensor, and the data collection device receives an input of the microphone from the microphone in response to a voice message registered in the interactive processing means. The voice is transmitted to the communication line. According to this configuration, if a question or the like regarding the health condition is made by a voice message, the user's health condition or the like can be confirmed.
Also, if the real voice of the user is reproduced from the voice data, the living condition of the user can be grasped more reliably.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a microphone is provided as the sensor, the communication line includes a computer network, and the communication line receives data transmitted from the data collection device. A server for storing is provided, and the server has a function of processing voice detected by the microphone into text data that can be displayed on a screen provided in the confirmation terminal based on a voice recognition function. According to this configuration, if a question about the health condition or the like is made by a voice message, the user's health condition or the like can be confirmed on the screen of the confirmation terminal.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a TV camera is provided as the sensor, the communication line includes a computer network, and the communication line receives data transmitted from the data collection device. The server has a function of processing an image detected by the TV camera into a format that can be displayed on a screen provided in the confirmation terminal. According to this configuration, since the image of the user can be seen on the screen of the confirmation terminal, the user's health condition and the like can be confirmed more reliably.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the first aspect, a TV camera is provided as the sensor.
The data collection device includes a switch for instructing start and end of imaging by the TV camera. According to this configuration, imaging by the TV camera is performed only when the user intends, so that the privacy of the user can be protected. In addition, since the amount of image data is large, the load on communication can be reduced by limiting the use time.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data collection device includes a notifying means for indicating that the sensor is operating. According to this configuration, the user is notified that the data collection by the sensor is not always performed by notifying that the data collection device is collecting data by the notification unit. As a result, the impression of being constantly monitored can be reduced.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a contact sensor for detecting contact with the data collection device is provided as the sensor, and when a contact is detected by the contact sensor, a power supply of the data collection device is provided. Is input. According to this configuration, the power consumption of the data collection device can be reduced because the data collection device does not operate unless a contact is detected by the contact sensor.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when a state in which no input is obtained from the sensor reaches a specified time after the power supply of the data collection device is turned on, the power supply of the data collection device is turned off. It is provided with a judgment processing means for cutting off. According to this configuration, the power supply of the data collection device is turned off when it is unnecessary to obtain an input from the sensor, so that unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) First, the overall configuration of a system used in the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the present embodiment transmits and receives data by radio signals between a main device 1 that is used or carried by a user such as an elderly person, and transmits and receives data via a wireless signal. A relay 2 connected to a communication line 5 including a computer network as described above, a confirmation terminal 3 connected via the communication line 5, and a relay terminal 2 connected to the communication line 5 and transmitted from the relay 2 through the communication line 5. And a server 4 having a function of accumulating data to be transferred and transferring the stored data to the confirmation terminal 3 in response to a request from the confirmation terminal 3. In the following, the users of the main device 1 including the elderly are referred to as “interactors”. The main device 1 is not fixedly installed at a fixed position in the house, but can be carried to an arbitrary place in the house as needed by an interlocutor.
For example, main device 1 can be placed on a bedside or on a table in a dining room or living room. Therefore, the main device 1
Uses a battery 17 (see FIG. 2) as a power supply. The battery 17 used as the power supply of the main device 1 is preferably a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery, and the secondary battery is automatically charged by placing the main device 1 on a charger installed at an appropriate place in the house. Keep it. It is desirable that the charger be built in the repeater 2. When the main device 1 is not used, the main device 1 is mounted on the repeater 2 so that the battery provided in the main device 1 by the charger provided in the repeater 2 is provided. Charge 17
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the repeater 2 and the confirmation terminal 3 are each connected to a public network as a communication line 5 by wire and connected to the Internet via the public network. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the repeater 2 and the confirmation terminal 3 may be connected to a CATV network instead of the public network, and the repeater 2 and the confirmation terminal 3 may be wirelessly connected to the public network. You may make it.

In the present embodiment, the main device 1 displays the appearance of creatures (including humans and real animals as well as imaginary creatures) so that the interlocutor can hug the main device 1 or place it in the room without discomfort. Although the description will be made assuming that the creature presents the creature (see FIG. 3), it is not essential to simulate the movement of the creature, and the appearance and the movement do not matter. In addition, the main device 1 according to the present embodiment basically has a function of collecting data relating to the activity of the interlocutor, a function of outputting a voice message by a synthetic voice, and a function of transmitting the conversation contents and the collected data through the communication line 5. A function of transferring the data to the server 4. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the confirmation terminal 3 is realized by a personal computer equipped with browsing software having a browsing function of a website and e-mail software having an e-mail sending / receiving function. A personal computer is not essential if it has functions. Thus, the confirmation terminal 3 has a function of outputting an audio in addition to a function of displaying an image, a function of inputting characters and the like, a function of designating and selecting an arbitrary position in the screen.

The main device 1 is provided with various sensors 11 for collecting data on the interlocutor. In the main device 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 11 includes a microphone 11a for capturing the voice of the interlocutor, a TV camera 11b for capturing the image of the interlocutor, and mechanical contacts (switches). 1, a contact sensor 11c for detecting contact with a specific portion, a load sensor 11d comprising a load cell and detecting the strength of the contact when the user grips or holds the main device 1, and the user lifts the main device 1. Acceleration sensor 11 for detecting that it has been moved
e, a brightness sensor 11f for detecting the surrounding brightness, a temperature sensor 11g provided at a specific location of the main device 1 for detecting the body temperature of the talker when the talker touches his ear, and a pyroelectric infrared sensor A human sensor 11h that detects that the user has moved, and a photoelectric pulse sensor 11i that detects the pulsation of the user when the user touches a specific portion of the main device 1 with a finger. Among these sensors, the detection results obtained by the contact sensor 11c, the load sensor 11d, the acceleration sensor 11e, and the human sensor 11h are used as a guide for knowing whether or not the interlocutor is alive. It can be used to get detailed information (such as health status). However, these sensors are merely examples, and other sensors may be used as needed, and the number of sensors is not particularly limited. For example, as described above,
If the blood pressure is measured by a sphygmomanometer different from the main device 1, the pulse rate can be measured by the sphygmomanometer, and the pulse sensor 11i becomes unnecessary. Alternatively, an infrared sensor for detecting infrared light transmitted from a remote control device for operating a television or the like is provided, and the infrared sensor detects infrared light from the remote control device so as to confirm whether or not the interlocutor is healthy. You may. By adopting such a configuration for detecting a signal from the remote controller that is considered to be operated reliably by the interlocutor, it is possible to confirm that the interlocutor is alive even if the interlocutor does not touch the main device 1. Will be possible. The mounting position of each sensor is appropriately selected according to the shape of the main device 1 and the detection target of the sensor. In addition,
If the temperature sensor 11g and the pulse sensor 11i are connected to the main device 1 via a cable and stored in the storage section provided in the main device 1, measurement of the body temperature and the pulse rate becomes easy. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the temperature sensor 11g and the pulse sensor 11i are provided so as to be separable from the main device 1, and the interlocutor inputs measurement values by voice.

The microphone 11a is of a sound-collecting type so that a voice can be taken in even when the interlocutor is away from the main apparatus 1. In addition, a CCD camera is used as the TV camera 11b to mainly capture a still image. However, a switch for instructing the start and end of image capturing by the TV camera 11b may be provided in the main device 1, and a moving image may be captured for a time limited by the switch. When such a switch is provided, the TV camera 1
Data from another sensor 11 may be fetched only between the start of imaging by 1b and the end of imaging.

The main unit 1 has a speaker 12 for outputting a voice message, an interactive processing means for storing the content of the voice message output from the speaker 12 in the form of text data and generating a synthesized voice according to the message content. 13 is provided. For example, the question "What is the day of the month and what day of the week?" Or a simple calculation like addition or subtraction (this kind of question is called "daily life question"), or "Please measure your blood pressure" The dialogue processing means 13 is provided with an instruction such as "Please measure body temperature" (this kind of instruction is referred to as "health measurement instruction") from the dialogue processing means 13 through the speaker 12. And text data on health measurement instructions are registered. Here, text data is used to output a voice message because text synthesis is assumed as a synthetic voice method, but a method of outputting a voice message using voice data instead of text synthesis is adopted. Is also good. For measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, a sensor that enables this type of measurement may be provided in main device 1. However, when main device 1 is enlarged, measurement of blood pressure and body temperature is performed by a separate measuring device. What should be done is. In addition, since many blood pressure monitors can measure the pulse rate simultaneously with the measurement of the blood pressure, the pulse rate can be simultaneously measured by measuring the blood pressure. Dialogue processing means 1
Reference numeral 3 also has a voice memo function for temporarily storing the voice input from the microphone 11a and appropriately transmitting the stored voice from the speaker 12. The voice memo function generates a question voice for the interlocutor by pressing a push-button type memo switch provided at an appropriate place of the main device 1 and stores it when the interlocutor answers the question, and stores the next day. Is a function of outputting the stored voice from the speaker 12 when the power is first turned on. Further, the content output as audio through the speaker 12 is deleted. If the memo switch is pressed, for example, a question voice saying "Tomorrow's schedule" is generated, and when the interlocutor answers "Grandchild is coming", this voice is stored. Also, the sound quality (separate male voice, female voice, etc.) and speed of the question voice can be changed as needed.

Microphone 11 that has passed through dialogue processing unit 13
The voice from a and the outputs of the other sensors 11b to 11i are input to the preprocessing means 14, which performs processing for extracting necessary components from the outputs of the sensors and processing for converting them into a required format. . For example, the microphone 11a
The audio input from is converted into a digital signal after the volume is adjusted, and is converted into a digital signal after adjusting the brightness and contrast of an image captured by the TV camera 11b. The pre-processing unit 14 converts the output of the temperature sensor 11g into a multi-valued digital value, determines the presence / absence of a person around the main device 1 of the human sensor 11h, and converts only the determination result into a binary value. In the case of the pulse sensor 11i, the estimated value of the pulse rate per minute obtained from the pulse rate detected during the measurement time is converted into a multi-valued digital value. Brightness sensor 11f
May output a digital value corresponding to the surrounding brightness, but in the present embodiment, when the rate of change in brightness in the pre-processing means 14 exceeds a predetermined value, the curtain is opened or closed or the lighting is turned on / off. And the judgment result is 2
Output as a digital value. Similarly, the outputs of the other sensors are converted into digital values by the preprocessing means 14. The outputs of the dialogue processing means 13 and the preprocessing means 14 are input to the determination processing means 10, which generates data obtained by converting the input of each sensor 11 into a predetermined format. Note that the dialog processing means 13, the preprocessing means 14, and the determination processing means 10 are mainly composed of a microcomputer.

The data output from the determination processing means 10 is input to the transmission means 15, and when the data is input from the determination processing means 10, the data is transmitted to the air as a radio signal using radio waves as a medium. Here, the transmitting means 15 sequentially transmits data obtained through the sensor while the power of the main apparatus 1 is turned on. The transmitting means 15 in the main device 1 includes an antenna for transmitting a radio signal to the air. In the present embodiment, a wireless transmission system for private use in the PHS is used as a wireless signal.

The main device 1 is provided with a notifying means 16 provided with a light emitting diode for visually indicating that the power is turned on and that input from the sensor can be received. That is, the notification means 16 functions as a pilot lamp indicating that the power is on. Main device 1
As shown in FIG. 3, the motor is driven inside the main device 1 so as to give a movement to a part corresponding to the ear 1a or the hand 1b. A driving means 18 as a source is housed. The drive means 18 is controlled by the determination processing means 10 and gives a motion to a portion corresponding to the ear 1a or the hand 1b at the time of detection by the contact sensor 11c or at the time of sound generation by the dialogue processing means 13, for example. Here, the ear 1a and the hand 1b are pivotally attached to the body of the main device 1 so as to be swingable, and are connected to an output shaft of a motor as a driving source via an appropriate transmission mechanism. For example, if a mechanism such as a crank is used as a transmission mechanism and one end of the crank link is connected to the ear 1a or the hand 1b, the ear 1a or the hand 1b can be vibrated with the rotation of the motor. .

By the way, the repeater 2 in the present embodiment is connected to the communication line 5 through a telephone outlet (modular jack) provided in the house, and the repeater 2 is arranged at a fixed position in the house. Supplied. The repeater 2 is provided with a receiving means 21 for receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitting means 15 of the main device 1. Receiving means 2
1 includes an antenna for receiving a radio signal and has a function of extracting data from the radio signal. The extracted data is input to the time-series processing means 22 and the time-series processing means 2
In step 2, the date and time at the time of input is added to the input data.
That is, the repeater 2 has a clock function (not shown), and adds the date and time to the data each time data is received. The data to which the date and time have been added by the time series processing means 22 are stored in the temporary storage memory 23, and wait for transmission to the communication line 5. The repeater 2 according to the present embodiment is configured to transmit the data stored in the temporary storage memory 23 to the communication line 5 through the communication means 24 at a preset time. Here, the communication means 24 may be selected from those which conform to the format of the communication line 5, but in the present embodiment, since the data contains image data and the data amount is large, the communication line 5 having a high transmission speed is used. (IS
It is desirable to configure the communication means 24 so as to conform to DN, ADSL, CATV, and the like. In order to provide versatility, a serial port such as RS232C and E
It is desirable to provide a port for a computer network such as thethernet in the communication means 24. By using the communication means 24 having such a configuration, it is possible to support various forms such as a DSU, a router, and a cable modem.

The communication means 24 has a function of transferring data to the server 4 provided on the communication line 5, and the server 4 stores the received data. That is, the information sender and the information receiver do not transmit and receive information at the same time as in a telephone. Instead, the information is transmitted between the main device 1 and the repeater 2 as the information sender and the confirmation terminal 3 as the information receiver. A server 4 is provided in between, the information from the sender is temporarily stored in the server 4, and the information stored in the server 4 is viewed by the receiver at an arbitrary timing. The receiver of the information can arbitrarily shift the timing of receiving the information. In the present embodiment, since the communication line 5 includes the Internet, the server 4 can use a server provided by an Internet service provider, but a dedicated server 4 may be provided on the Internet. The data includes, in addition to audio data and image data, data from sensors 11c to 11i different from the microphone 11a and the TV camera 11b (hereinafter, referred to as "sensor data"). Since it is easier to handle the audio data and the image data separately, the server 4 is provided with a data server that stores the audio data, the image data, and the sensor data separately. That is, the audio data is stored in the audio data server 41 and the image data is stored in the image data server 4.
2 and the sensor data is stored in the sensor data server 43.
Is accumulated in The server 4 is provided with a main server 40, and audio data, image data, and sensor data are separated and integrated by the main server 40 as needed. The audio data server 41, the image data server 42, and the sensor data server 43 have a function of adjusting the format of each data so that the audio data, image data, and sensor data can be expressed in a required format on the confirmation terminal 3. are doing. As is apparent from the above description, the time-series processing unit 22, the temporary storage memory 23, and the server 4 constitute a data storage unit that adds the date and time of occurrence to the data obtained by the sensor and stores the data. .

The confirmation terminal 3 is connected to the communication line 5 via an appropriate interface (DSU, cable modem, etc.). Therefore, if the server 4 is accessed from the confirmation terminal 3, the voice data, image data, and sensor data stored in the server 4 can be browsed. The confirmation terminal 3 is provided with a display device. When the server 4 is accessed from the confirmation terminal 3, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor data is displayed in an appropriate area D1 on the screen of the display device in units of one day. Is done. Such a display format is set in the server 4 as described above. In the illustrated example, bar-graphed information is provided on the vertical axis as the value of the sensor data and the horizontal axis on the generation time of the sensor data. Therefore, it is possible to list the generation times and the generation order of the sensor data within one day. Note that sensor data includes binary data and multivalued data, and the change over time can be known from the multivalued data. The above-described information is graphed in the server 4, and the server 4 graphs the data and stores the graphed data every time data is received from the repeater 2.

As for the voice data, text data corresponding to one day's voice data is sequentially displayed on the screen in an appropriate area D2 on the screen of the display device. The voice data is displayed as a set of a voice message from the main device 1 to the interlocutor and the interrogator's answer to the voice message. However, if the confirmation terminal 3 has a function of outputting sound, the sound corresponding to the sound data may be output. Here, voice recognition processing for converting voice data into text data is performed by the voice data server 41. As for the image data, one day's worth of image data is sequentially displayed in an appropriate area D3 on the screen of the display device. Note that access to the data stored in the server 4 is restricted by the identification information from the confirmation terminal 3 so that the image stored in the server 4 is not viewed by others. For example, a password or a combination of a plurality of pieces of information can be used as identification information.

The operation of this embodiment will be briefly described below together with the method of use. In order for the interlocutor to use the main device 1,
First, the power of the main apparatus 1 must be turned on. The contact sensor 11c is provided for this purpose. As shown in FIG. 5, when the contact sensor 11c detects that the interlocutor has touched a specific part of the main device 1 (S1), the power supply of the main device 1 is turned on. Is input (S2). The contact sensor 11c is of a momentary type in which the contact is reversed only while the interlocutor is in contact with the main device 1, and once the contact of the interlocutor is detected by the contact sensor 11c in the determination processing means 10, thereafter, Until the state where there is no input from any sensor reaches the specified time (S5), the state where the power is turned on (that is, the state where the sensor input is received) is maintained. While the power is on, the notification means 16 lights up to indicate that input from the sensor can be accepted.

When the power is turned on, the input from the sensor can be accepted, so that the sensor output is read into the interactive processing means 13 and the preprocessing means 14 (S3), and the digitized data (voice data, image data , Sensor data) (S4), and transfer the data to the repeater 2 through the transmission means 15 (S6). By the way, if the period during which the determination processing unit 10 determines that the input from any of the sensors has not changed even if the output of the sensor is taken into the preprocessing unit 14 has reached the specified time (S5), the interlocutor mainly The power is shut off assuming that it does not exist around the device 1 (S
7) At the same time, the notification means 16 is turned off. However, regarding the microphone 11a and the TV camera 11b, it is considered that the input to the determination processing means 10 is constantly changing. Therefore, with respect to the sound from the microphone 11a, it is determined that the sound of the interlocutor is not detected in the dialog processing unit 13 or that the input does not change when the level of the sound input to the microphone 11a becomes equal to or less than the specified value. Further, the image from the TV camera 11b is handled irrespective of whether the power is turned on or off, and the decision to cut off the power is made based only on the outputs of other sensors including the microphone 11a. As described above, since the power supply of the main device 1 is a battery and has a limited capacity, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed by cutting off the power supply when unnecessary.

On the other hand, the repeater 2 is always operated by being supplied with power from a commercial power supply, and as shown in FIG.
When data is received using radio waves as a medium (S1),
The data is extracted by the receiving means 21, passed to the time series processing means 22, and the date and time of reception is added to each data (S2), and is stored in the temporary storage memory 23 (S3). For example, when the power of the main device 1 is turned on by the contact of the interlocutor with the contact sensor 11c, the main device 1 sends data indicating that the contact sensor 11c is turned on. Is added, for example, at 10:00 am on October 6, 2000,
"Touch Sensor / On / October 6, 2000 10am
00 ”is stored in the temporary storage memory 23. If the rate of change of the output of the brightness sensor 11f is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the amount of received light increases in a period during which the main device 1 is operating, it is interpreted as ON, for example, "brightness sensor / ON / Data having a content of “10:10 on October 6, 2000” is stored in the temporary storage memory 23. Thus, the data obtained from each sensor is stored in the temporary storage memory 23. The temporary storage memory 23 has a limited capacity, but since the image data is a still image or a short-time moving image, it is possible to store the image data with a realistic range of storage capacity. However, it is desirable to compress the audio data and the image data by an appropriate method so as to reduce the storage capacity and to suppress an increase in traffic when transmitting through the communication line 5. When the data stored in the temporary storage memory 23 reaches a preset time (for example, 6:00 pm) (S
4) Transferred from the communication means 24 to the server 4 via the communication line 5 (S5).

As shown in FIG. 7, when the server 4 receives the data transferred from the repeater 2 through the communication line 5 (S1), the server temporarily stores the data (S2) and classifies the stored data by type. At the same time, the data is processed into a format for display on the confirmation terminal 3 (S3), and the processed data is stored in the audio data server 41, the image data server 42, and the sensor data server 43 (S4). afterwards,
When the data transfer is requested from the confirmation terminal 3 to the server 4 (S5), the data is transmitted from the main device 1 associated with the confirmation terminal 3 and is sent to the audio data server 41, the image data server 42, and the sensor. The data stored in the data server 43 is transferred to the confirmation terminal 3 (S6). Therefore, it is possible for the confirmation terminal 3 to confirm the contents of the data collected in the main device 1.

In the configuration example described above, the repeater 2 to the server 4
Was transferred in accordance with the time schedule (when the time comes), but the timing for transferring the data from the repeater 2 to the server 4 may be defined as follows. That is, the repeater 2 is configured as a mounting table on which the main device 1 is mounted when the main device 1 is not used, like the mounting table for the cordless phone slave unit, and the main device 1 is mounted on the repeater 2 at a predetermined position. A detection switch that reverses when the switch is placed may be provided, and data may be transferred from the repeater 2 to the server 4 when the detection switch is reversed. Further, the time series processing means 22 and the temporary storage memory 23 are provided not in the repeater 2 but in the main device 1, and when the detection switch provided in the repeater 2 is reversed, the temporary storage memory 23 is connected to the temporary storage memory 23 via the repeater 2. Server 4
May be made to transfer data. In short, in the above-described embodiment, a wireless transmission path is formed between the determination processing unit 10 and the time-series processing unit 22, whereas in this configuration, the wireless transmission path is formed between the temporary storage memory 23 and the communication unit 24. A wireless transmission path is formed. Note that it is also possible to provide the time-series processing unit 22 with a function of classifying data by type, instead of the server 4. In this case, the function of classifying data is provided in the repeater 2, and the function of adding the date and time to the data of the time series processing means 22 and the temporary storage memory 23 are provided in the main device 1, and the time series processing means 22 is provided. Of these, the function of classifying data may be provided in the repeater 2.

The dialogue processing means 13 can register a time schedule according to the lifestyle of the interlocutor, and has a function of storing times in association with items such as toilets, meals, medication, and bathing. Have. If a time schedule is stored in the dialogue processing means 13, when the set time comes, "Did you have breakfast?"
The schedule is notified by a voice message such as "Let's take medicine." Further, the dialogue processing means 13 has a function used by the interlocutor as a memorandum by voice, and the appointment and the contents of the memo can be registered in the dialogue processing means 13 through the microphone 11a. The content registered in the interactive processing means 13 is reproduced through the speaker 12 after a certain period of time or when the main apparatus 1 is next activated.

The type of the sensor 11 in the above-described example is merely an example, and only one type of sensor 11 may be provided in the minimum configuration. Therefore, the data transmitted from the repeater 2 to the server 4 includes image data, audio data, and sensor data as described above,
There are cases where only sensor data is transmitted, and cases where sensor data and audio data are provided.

Further, in the above-described example, the data is processed in the server 4, but the data can be processed in the repeater 2. That is, the relay device 2 may have a function of converting the data output by the main device 1 to a format to be displayed on the confirmation terminal 3 instead of the server 4. In this case, data can be directly transferred between the repeater 2 and the confirmation terminal 3 without using the server 4. Therefore, the repeater 2 uses the confirmation terminal 3
The data is transferred to the confirmation terminal 3 in response to the request from.

In the above-described embodiment, the repeater 2 only sends out data to the communication line 5 and does not receive data. However, the main unit 1 and the repeater 2 Data is transmitted and received in the
A configuration in which data is transmitted and received in both directions between the two may be adopted. Such a configuration is effective when the user using the main device 1 is an elderly person, while the operator using the confirmation terminal 3 is accustomed to operating the keyboard. That is, voice data transmitted from the repeater 2 to the confirmation terminal 3 is converted into text as described above, and conversely, text data input from the confirmation terminal 3 is converted into voice data when transmitted to the repeater 2. It is desirable to convert. As described above, if the text data from the confirmation terminal 3 is converted into voice data and can be transmitted as voice from the speaker 12 of the main device 1, the e-mail transmitted from the verification terminal 3 to the main device 1 can be voiced. (In the form of a so-called voice mail) from the main device 1.

Further, in the above configuration example, the main device 1 and the repeater 2 are provided separately, but it is also possible to configure an integrated data collection device. It is desirable to make a connection by wireless telephone (PHS or mobile phone). Note that a mobile phone with an image display function (for example, a mobile phone compatible with NTT i-mode) can be used as the confirmation terminal 3.
When a mobile phone is used as a mobile phone, it is possible to browse data obtained from the sensor even when going out.

[0044]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a portable data collection device having a sensor for collecting data relating to the activity of a user, and the date and time of occurrence are added to the data obtained by the sensor and stored. It has a data storage means and a confirmation terminal for browsing the data stored in the data storage means through a communication line, and adds the date and time of occurrence to the data obtained from the sensor and stores the data in the data storage means. ,
Since the data stored in the data storage means can be browsed from the confirmation terminal through the communication line, if the time at which data is collected by the sensor provided in the data collection device and the time and place at which the data is confirmed by the confirmation terminal are different. Can be made. As a result, when the user is an elderly person or the like, data on the user's life is collected by the data collection device, and a family located far away can check the data at any time, Even when communication by telephone or the like cannot be performed, a sense of security can be obtained for the family. Moreover, since the data collection device is portable, restrictions on the place of use are reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data collection device is provided with the sensor and is portable, and the main device is separate from the main device and the data collection device transmits the data from the main device. And a time-series processing means for adding the date and time of occurrence to the data when receiving the data, and a temporary storage memory for storing the data with the date and time of occurrence added thereto, and sending the data stored in the temporary storage memory to the communication line. Since the main unit and the repeater are separated from each other, the weight of the device carried by the user can be reduced. In particular, since the repeater has a communication function that consumes a relatively large amount of power, power consumption in the main device can be suppressed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data collection device includes a time-series processing unit that adds the date and time of occurrence to the sensor and the data, and a temporary storage unit that stores the data with the date and time of occurrence. A main device having a storage memory and being portable; and a relay device that is separate from the main device and receives data stored in the temporary storage memory from the main device and sends the data to the communication line. In addition, since the main device and the repeater are separated, the weight of the device carried by the user can be reduced. In particular, since the repeater has a communication function that consumes a relatively large amount of power, power consumption in the main device can be suppressed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the present invention, the communication line includes a computer network, and the repeater includes communication means for transmitting the data to the computer network through the communication line. The communication line is provided with a server that receives and accumulates the data sent from the repeater. Since the data can be confirmed through the computer network, various functions are distributed on the computer network. It becomes possible to have.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, when the repeater places the main unit on the repeater, the data stored in the temporary storage memory is transmitted to the communication line. Since a plurality of data can be transmitted collectively, traffic can be reduced and communication time can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble attached to data is added for each data, resulting in a communication cost. Can be reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, when the repeater places the main device on the repeater, the data received from the temporary storage memory is received from the main device and the communication is performed. Since the data is transmitted to the line and a plurality of data can be transmitted at a time, traffic can be reduced and communication time can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble attached to the data is added for each data, As a result, communication costs can be reduced.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the repeater sends the data to the communication line at a preset time, and a plurality of data are transmitted collectively. Therefore, traffic can be reduced and communication time can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble attached to data is added for each data, and as a result, communication costs can be reduced. In addition, since the data transmission time is determined, it is possible to transmit the data at a fixed time every day, and by making one of the conditions obtained for the user constant, the change tendency of the data can be easily understood.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the second to seventh aspects of the present invention, the main unit uses a battery as a power supply, and the repeater is supplied with power from a commercial power supply, so that power consumption is relatively large. By supplying power from a commercial power supply to a repeater having a communication function, stable communication is enabled, and a portable main device can improve portability by using a battery as a power supply.

According to a ninth aspect, in the fourth aspect, when the server receives a request from the confirmation terminal, the server transfers the data stored in the server to the confirmation terminal. The confirmation terminal can browse data stored in the server at any time. Moreover, since a plurality of data are collectively received, the traffic and the communication time can be reduced and the communication cost can be reduced as compared with a case where a preamble accompanying the data is received for each data. it can.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data collection device has a dialogue processing means for registering the voice message and synthesizing a voice corresponding to the voice message at a preset time. A speaker that outputs a voice synthesized by the dialog processing means. Even if the user forgets in the daily life schedule, the user is notified by a voice message, thereby giving a rhythm to life. You can have. As a result, elderly people will be able to prevent dementia.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a microphone is provided as the sensor, and the data collection device receives an input from the microphone in response to a voice message registered in the interactive processing means. A voice is transmitted to the communication line, and if a question about a health condition is given by a voice message, the health status of the user can be confirmed. Also, if the real voice of the user is reproduced from the voice data, the living condition of the user can be grasped more reliably.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a microphone is provided as the sensor, the communication line includes a computer network, and the communication line receives data transmitted from the data collection device. A server for storing is provided, and the server has a function of processing voice detected by the microphone into text data that can be displayed on a screen provided in the confirmation terminal based on a voice recognition function, and a health condition by a voice message. If a question or the like is made, the user's health condition can be confirmed on the screen of the confirmation terminal.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the first aspect, a TV camera is provided as the sensor, the communication line includes a computer network, and the communication line receives data transmitted from the data collection device. The server has a function of processing an image detected by the TV camera into a format that can be displayed on a screen provided in the confirmation terminal. Since the user can see the image, the user's health condition and the like can be confirmed more reliably.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the first aspect, a TV camera is provided as the sensor.
The data collection device includes a switch for instructing start and end of imaging by the TV camera, and imaging by the TV camera is performed only when the user intends, so that privacy of the user can be protected. . In addition, since the amount of image data is large, the load on communication can be reduced by limiting the use time.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the data collection device includes a notifying means for indicating that the sensor is operating, and the data collection device is collecting data. The notification by the notification means notifies the user that the data is not always collected by the sensor, so that the impression that the data is constantly monitored can be reduced.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a contact sensor for detecting contact with the data collection device is provided as the sensor, and when a contact is detected by the contact sensor, a power supply of the data collection device is provided. Since the data collection device does not operate unless a contact is detected by the contact sensor, the power consumption of the data collection device can be reduced.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when a state where no input is obtained from the sensor reaches a specified time after the power of the data collection device is turned on, the power supply of the data collection device is turned off. Since the data collection device is provided with a determination processing unit for shutting off the power and turning off the power of the data collection device when it is unnecessary to obtain an input from the sensor, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a data collection device used in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an external appearance of a main device used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a screen of a confirmation terminal used in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of a main device used in the above.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the repeater used in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the server used in the embodiment.

[Description of Signs] 1 Main device 2 Repeater 3 Checking terminal 4 Server 5 Communication line 10 Judgment processing means 11 Sensor 11a Microphone 11b TV camera 11c Contact sensor 11d Load sensor 11e Acceleration sensor 11f Brightness sensor 11g Temperature sensor 11h Sensor 11i Pulse sensor 12 Speaker 13 Dialogue processing means 15 Transmission means 16 Notification means 17 Battery 21 Receiving means 22 Time series processing means 23 Temporary storage memory 24 Communication means

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A portable data collection device having a sensor for collecting data relating to a user's activity, a data storage means for adding the date and time of occurrence to data obtained by the sensor and storing the data, and a data storage device A communication support system comprising: a confirmation terminal that browses data stored in the means through a communication line. 2. The data collection device according to claim 1, wherein the data collection device is provided with the sensor and is portable, and is separate from the main device and adds date and time of occurrence to the data when receiving the data from the main device. A time-series processing means for performing the processing, and a temporary storage memory for storing data with the date and time of occurrence, and a repeater for transmitting the data stored in the temporary storage memory to the communication line. 1
Communication support system described. 3. The main device, wherein the data collection device is portable, comprising the sensor, time-series processing means for adding date and time of occurrence to the data, and temporary storage memory for storing data with the date and time of occurrence. 2. The communication support system according to claim 1, further comprising a relay unit that receives the data stored in the temporary storage memory from the main unit and sends the data to the communication line separately from the main unit. 4. The communication line includes a computer network, the repeater includes communication means for transmitting the data to the computer network through the communication line, and the communication line receives data transmitted from the repeater. The communication support system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a server for storing is provided. 5. The communication support system according to claim 2, wherein when the repeater places the main unit on the repeater, the data stored in the temporary storage memory is transmitted to the communication line. . 6. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein when the repeater places the main device on the repeater, the relay device receives data stored in the temporary storage memory from the main device and transmits the data to the communication line. Communication support system described. 7. The communication support system according to claim 2, wherein said repeater sends said data to said communication line at a preset time. 8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the main unit is powered by a battery, and the repeater is supplied with power from a commercial power supply.
A communication support system according to claim 7. 9. The communication support system according to claim 4, wherein when the server receives a request from the confirmation terminal, the server transfers the data stored in the server to the confirmation terminal. 10. A dialogue processing means for registering a voice message and synthesizing a voice corresponding to the voice message at a preset time, and a speaker for outputting the voice synthesized by the dialogue processing means. The communication support system according to claim 1, comprising: 11. A microphone as the sensor, wherein the data collection device sends out voice input from the microphone to the communication line in response to a voice message registered in the interaction processing means. The communication support system according to claim 10, wherein 12. A microphone as the sensor, wherein the communication line includes a computer network,
The communication line is provided with a server that receives and accumulates data transmitted from the data collection device, and the server can display a voice detected by the microphone on a screen provided in the confirmation terminal based on a voice recognition function. The communication support system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of processing the text data. 13. A TV camera is provided as the sensor,
The communication line includes a computer network, and the communication line is provided with a server for receiving and storing data transmitted from the data collection device, and the server displays an image detected by the TV camera on a confirmation terminal. 2. The communication support system according to claim 1, wherein the communication support system has a function of processing the data into a format that can be displayed. 14. The communication support system according to claim 1, wherein a TV camera is provided as the sensor, and the data collection device is provided with a switch for instructing start and end of imaging by the TV camera. 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data collection device includes a notification unit that indicates that the sensor is operating.
Communication support system described. 16. The data collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a contact sensor for detecting contact with the data collection device as the sensor, wherein the power of the data collection device is turned on when the contact sensor detects the contact. Communication support system described. 17. A data processing apparatus comprising: a determination processing unit that shuts off the power of the data collection device when a state where no input is obtained from the sensor reaches a specified time after the power of the data collection device is turned on. The communication support system according to claim 1.