JP2010142389A - Bathing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathing device which prevents an accident from being caused by a bathing person losing consciousness by immediately performing treatment to avoid danger of submergence without warning the person and waiting for awakening nor notifying and waiting for a treatment after it is detected that the bathing person loses his or her consciousness or drowns in the hot water in the bathtub because of that when either happens. <P>SOLUTION: The bathing device is provided with: a submergence detection means for detecting that the bathing person loses his or her consciousness or is submerged in the hot water in the bathtub because of that when either happens; and a submergence avoiding means for performing treatment to forcibly lower the level in the bathtub for the bathing person when the possibility of submergence is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bathing apparatus for preventing an accident that occurs when a person taking a bath in a bathtub loses consciousness.

  In living activities alone, such as elderly people and people who need care from various physical situations, there is a case where the possibility of an accident is foreseen and anxiety is felt.

  As a typical case, a person may fall into an unconscious state such as falling asleep in a bathtub or fainting while taking a bath. In this case, the body sinks into the hot water stretched in the bathtub, and in some cases, it may be life threatening, such as drowning.

  The case of losing consciousness while taking a bath may be rare, but some people cannot ignore it because of the potential for serious consequences.

  However, assuming such a rare case, it is difficult to always maintain a person in the vicinity. Even if there is no person nearby, it would be convenient if there was a device that would always check the physical condition and notify or respond if necessary.

  In order to achieve such an object, various techniques have been developed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, when an operation or biological signal of an aged person living at home or the like is confirmed and an abnormality is detected, a stimulus such as sound, vibration, or light is sent and notification is made based on the reaction. A safety confirmation system for deciding whether or not is disclosed.

According to the technique described in Patent Document 2, the body movement of the bather is detected by an infrared sensor, and if it is not detected for a certain period of time, it is determined that the bather has stopped moving, and a warning buzzer in the bathroom is sounded to awaken the bather A bathroom system is disclosed that facilitates.
JP-A-9-28681 JP 2002-117466 A

  However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, only when an abnormality is detected, a notification is made, and it is necessary to wait until a person arrives after receiving the notification. For example, if a state of losing consciousness, such as during bathing, can lead to life threatening for a certain period of time, it must be treated urgently, but it is not clear whether it can be rushed in time.

  The same can be said for the technique described in Patent Document 2. Although it is a system that assumes a state in which the bather has lost consciousness, it is a treatment that only emits a warning sound to wake the bather, and it is not just sleep, but faints, or if it becomes unable to move due to abnormal physical condition etc. The warning to the bather alone is not effective in preventing the danger of submergence that may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. The object of the present invention is to wait for awakening by detecting a warning when a person taking a bath in the bathtub loses consciousness and may be submerged in the hot water stored in the bathtub. By providing a bathing device that can prevent accidents caused by losing consciousness of a person taking a bath, immediately taking measures to avoid the danger of submersion, without reporting and waiting for treatment. is there.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following features.

1. A bathing device for preventing accidents that occur when a person taking a bath loses consciousness,
Bathing detection means for detecting whether there is a person taking a bath in the bathtub,
A submerging detection means for detecting whether a person bathing in the bathtub detected by the bathing detection means may submerge in the hot water of the bathtub;
When the submergence detecting means detects that the person taking the bath may submerge, the water level of the bath water is forcibly lowered with respect to the person taking the bath to avoid submergence. A bathing apparatus comprising: a submergence avoiding means.

2. The submergence detection means is
2. The bathing apparatus according to 1, further comprising stunning detection means for detecting whether a person taking a bath in the bathtub detected by the bathing detection means loses consciousness.

3. The submergence detection means is
The water level detecting means for detecting whether or not the person who is detected as having lost consciousness by the stunning detecting means may be submerged in the hot water of the bathtub. 2. The bathing apparatus according to 2.

4). When the submergence detecting means detects that the person taking the bath may submerge,
4. The bathing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 3, further comprising warning means for issuing a warning for awakening a person taking a bath in the bathtub.

5). When the submergence detecting means detects that the person taking the bath may submerge,
5. The bathing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4, further comprising a communication unit that notifies a predetermined report destination of detection.

6). The bath detection means includes
A photographing means for photographing a face image of a person taking a bath in the bathtub;
6. The bathing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein whether or not there is a person taking a bath in the bathtub is detected based on the presence / absence of a face image photographed by the photographing unit.

7). The stunning detection means includes
A photographing means for photographing a face image of a person taking a bath in the bathtub;
7. The bathing apparatus according to any one of 2 to 6, wherein it is detected whether or not a person taking a bath in the bathtub loses consciousness based on a face image photographed by the photographing means.

8). The water level detecting means is
A photographing means for photographing a face image of a person taking a bath in the bathtub;
8. The bathing apparatus according to any one of 3 to 7, wherein it is detected whether or not a person taking a bath in the bathtub may be submerged based on a face image photographed by the photographing unit.

9. It has a bathtub with a tap,
The submergence avoiding means is
9. The bathing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 8, wherein opening and closing of the tap is controlled to lower the water level of the hot water in the bathtub.

10. A bathtub having a vertically movable bottom plate;
The submergence avoiding means is
The bathing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 8, wherein the vertical movement of the bottom plate is controlled in order to lower the level of hot water in the bathtub.

11. The upper end comprises a bathtub with a vertically movable side plate,
The submergence avoiding means is
The bathing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 8, wherein the vertical movement of the side plate is controlled to lower the water level of the hot water in the bathtub.

  According to the bathing apparatus according to the present invention, when a person taking a bath in the bathtub loses consciousness, and there is a possibility of being submerged in the hot water stored in the bathtub, the submergence detecting means for detecting it, A submersion avoiding means for forcibly lowering the water level of the bathtub for a person taking a bath when a possibility of submergence is detected is provided.

  This will detect the danger of a person taking a bathing inundation, and will not wait for awakening, alert, wait for treatment, and immediately take measures to avoid the danger of submersion. Can prevent accidents caused by loss of consciousness.

  The bathing apparatus according to the present invention is a bathing apparatus for preventing an accident that occurs when a person taking a bath in a bathtub loses consciousness. Hereinafter, an embodiment of a bathing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration and operation of bathing equipment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a bathing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the bathing apparatus. With reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the structure and operation | movement of the bathing apparatus which concern on this embodiment are demonstrated.

  The bathing device is arranged in the bathroom. As shown in the drawing, it may be configured to connect to a notification device outside the bathroom or a host (computer) connected to the outdoor network via an indoor network (in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the notification device 32 in the living room). Connected to the host 31). Moreover, the structure which connects with external apparatuses, such as the server 41, via the outdoor network 40 may be sufficient.

  Each component which comprises the bathing apparatus arrange | positioned in the bathroom may also be arrange | positioned outside a bathroom according to the function, such as the control part 10 and the communication apparatus 18, for example.

  A bathtub 20 is installed in the bathroom. An imaging means (camera 9) is installed as a bathing detection device 21 for detecting a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20.

  In the present embodiment, the photographing means (camera 9) not only functions as a bathing detection device 21, but also functions as a stunning detection device 22 that detects whether the detected person 2 taking a bath has lost consciousness. To do.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the said camera 9 as the bathing detection apparatus 21 and the stunning detection apparatus 22 may be submerged in the hot water of the bathtub 20 when the bathing person 2 detected as having lost consciousness. It also functions as a water level detection device 23 that detects whether or not from the water level.

  In the present embodiment, the photographing means (camera 9) is also used as the bathing detection device 21, the stunning detection device 22, and the water level detection device 23, but may be separate devices having different functions. Further, another device having another function other than the photographing means (camera) may be used. Each detection device may be composed of a plurality of photographing means and the like.

  Each detection device and determination control based thereon will be described later.

  Each detection device (camera 9) captures an image necessary for detection and sends it to the control unit 10 as image data.

  The control unit 10 includes a bathing determination unit 11, a stunning determination unit 12, a water level determination unit 13, a warning unit 14, a communication unit 15, and the like. Each function of the control unit 10 is realized by the operation of the computer. Each functional block will be described.

  The bathing determination unit 11 acquires image data from the bathing detection device 21, performs predetermined image processing, and determines whether there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 according to a predetermined procedure. At that time, operation control of the bathing detection device 21 is performed as necessary.

  When there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20, the stunning determination unit 12 acquires the image data from the stunning detection device 22, performs predetermined image processing, and the person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 according to a predetermined procedure. Determine if you are unconscious. At that time, the operation control of the stunning detection device 22 is performed as necessary.

  When the person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 has lost consciousness, the water level determination unit 13 acquires image data from the water level detection device 23, performs predetermined image processing, and is bathing in the bathtub 20 according to a predetermined procedure. It is determined whether or not the person 2 may be submerged in the hot water of the bathtub 20. At that time, operation control of the water level detection device 23 is performed as necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the photographing means (camera 9) is also used as the bathing detection device 21, the stunning detection device 22, and the water level detection device 23. However, the bathing judgment unit 11, the stunning judgment unit 12 of the control unit 10, and The image data acquired from each detection device by the water level determination unit 13 may also be used. Separate image data corresponding to each function may be used.

  Further, when each detection device is another device having another function other than the photographing means (camera), it may be a signal in another form corresponding to the detection function instead of the image data. Moreover, the signal from each detection apparatus may be comprised from several forms of data, a signal, etc.

  As described above, when the signals and data acquired by each determination unit are different, naturally, different signal processing and data processing are performed according to the content determined as the form of the signals and data, and the determination is performed in different procedures. Is done.

  Each determination unit of the control unit 10, that is, the bathing determination unit 11, the stunning determination unit 12, and the water level determination unit 13 not only acquire data from each detection device, but also describe the determination result as described below. Contact function block or prompt action.

  The bathing determination unit 11 communicates the determination result to the stunning determination unit 12 and prompts the stunning determination operation.

  The stunning determination unit 12 communicates the determination result to the water level determination unit 13 and prompts the water level determination operation. In some cases, the warning unit 14 and the communication unit 15 are contacted to prompt a warning operation and a notification operation.

  In the case of the determination result that there is a possibility of submergence, the water level determination unit 13 instructs the submergence avoidance device 24 to execute the submergence avoidance operation. Further, the determination result is also notified to the warning unit 14 and the communication unit 15 to prompt a warning operation and a notification operation.

  In the present embodiment, the bathing determination unit 11, the stunning determination unit 12, and the water level determination unit 13 are separately provided as separate functions and configured to perform sequential determination, but the detection function (this embodiment) In the embodiment, each determination function (each determination unit) may also be used in the same manner, for example, when the photographing unit) is also used.

  For example, since it is premised that there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathing determination in order to determine the fainting, the bathing determination unit 11 may be omitted and the bathing determination unit 12 may also perform the bathing determination. Similarly, if the submergence determination operation based on the water level is performed together with the stunning determination operation, either the stunning determination unit 12 or the water level determination unit 13 can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the stunning detection device 22 and the water level detection device 23 are collectively referred to as a submergence detection device, and the stunning determination unit 12 and the water level determination unit 13 are collectively referred to as a submergence determination unit. As described above, either one (faint detection or water level detection) may be omitted.

  Therefore, there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20, and at least one type of (submersion) detection device that can detect that there is a possibility of losing consciousness and submergence, and the determination process are performed, and the submergence avoidance operation is performed. By having at least one (submergence) determination unit that instructs the submergence avoidance device 24, it is possible to cooperate with execution of the submergence avoidance operation described below.

  In the above-described determination operation, in the case of the determination result that there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 and there is a possibility of losing consciousness and the possibility of being submerged, the submergence avoidance device 24 receives the submergence determination unit (water level determination unit 13 or the like). In response to this instruction, the submersion avoidance operation is executed.

  The execution form of the submergence avoidance operation avoids submergence by lowering the relative water level of the hot water in the bathtub 20 with respect to the person 2 taking a bath.

  In this embodiment, the submergence avoidance device 24 is a device that automatically opens and closes the faucet 27 of the bathtub 20, receives the instruction to avoid submergence, and opens the faucet 27 in the closed state to extract hot water from the bathtub 20, The water level of the hot water is forcibly lowered to protect the unconscious person 2 from the danger of submersion.

  Moreover, in the above-described determination operation, in the case of a determination result that there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 and there is a possibility of being submerged due to loss of consciousness, in combination with the execution of the submergence avoidance operation, It is desirable to give an instruction to the warning unit 14 or the communication unit 15 to perform a warning operation for awakening the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 or to make a report for rescue.

  For example, the warning unit 14 receives an instruction from the submergence determination unit (the water level determination unit 13 or the like), issues an instruction to the warning device 17, and executes a warning operation.

  The warning device 17 is a speaker or the like installed in the bathroom, and performs a warning operation for awakening the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 by sounding a voice or a warning sound.

  In addition, for example, the communication unit 15 receives an instruction from the submergence determination unit (water level determination unit 13) and transmits the instruction to the indoor network, for example, notifies the notification device 32 in the living room and requests rescue.

  Or the communication part 15 may be transmitted to an outdoor network via the host computer 31 of an indoor network, and you may make it perform the alerting | reporting operation | movement with respect to an external rescue organization.

  In this way, when a person taking a bath in the bathtub loses consciousness and may be submerged, it detects the danger, without warning and waiting for awakening, without reporting and waiting for treatment, Immediately take measures to avoid the danger of submersion and prevent accidents caused by the loss of consciousness of the person taking the bath.

  In addition, in order for the control part 10 to perform the function, it is preferable to provide the memory 16 for memorize | storing information separately.

  Further, depending on the purpose, it is possible to place some of the above functions or related functions on the server 41 connected via the outdoor network, and perform each operation by communicating and linking.

  Below, each detection apparatus and the operation control based on it are demonstrated.

<Bathing detection means>
As described above, the bathing detection device 21 and the bathing determination unit 11 cooperate to function as bathing detection means.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a bathing detection unit using an imaging unit (camera 9) as the bathing detection device 21.

  If there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20, the camera 9 takes a picture of the area where the head should be located and sends the image data to the bathing determination unit 11. The bathing determination unit 11 performs image processing on the acquired image data and extracts, for example, a face image.

  If the face image can be extracted, it is determined that there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20. If the extraction fails, it is desirable to determine whether there is no person 2 taking a bath and to try the image data of an appropriate number of samples by controlling the position and direction of the camera 9.

  There are many known techniques for face image extraction processing, and any image processing technique can be used.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a bathing detection unit using a sheet switch 25 as the bathing detection device 21.

  When the seat switch 25 is laid on the bottom surface of the bathtub 20 and there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20, the seat switch 25 senses the weight and sends the ON signal to the bathing determination unit 11 instead of the OFF signal. The bathing determination unit 11 determines that there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 when the acquired signal is an ON signal.

<Fastness detection means>
As described above, the stunning detection device 22 and the stunning determination unit 12 cooperate to function as a stunning detection unit. The stunning detection means is included in the submergence detection means.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a stunning detection unit using a photographing unit (camera 9) as the stunning detection device 22. That is, the stunning detection device 22 is also used as the bathing detection device 21.

  The camera 9 photographs the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 and sends the image data to the stunning determination unit 12. The stunning determination unit 12 performs image processing on the acquired image data and extracts, for example, a face image.

  This may use the face image data acquired by the bathing determination unit 11 as it is. However, it is necessary to perform image processing for determining whether or not the face image data is further unconscious.

  Judgment criteria are such that eyes are continuously closed, there is no movement of the face or body, and these are judged by processing image data or the like, and it is determined whether or not the person is unconscious and stunned.

  In addition, in order to detect a stunned state, it is desirable to collect data other than image data (physiological data, etc.) and use it for the determination.

  For example, you may make it detect a stunned state using a living body detection sensor (a pulse, blood pressure, etc.). Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which an infrared camera is used to perform face recognition based on a temperature distribution and detect submergence.

<Water level detection means>
As described above, the water level detection device 23 and the water level determination unit 13 cooperate to function as a water level detection unit. The water level detection means constitutes a submergence detection means together with the stunning detection means described above. However, if the stunning determination by the stunning detection means is regarded as submergence determination as described, this water level detection means may be omitted.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a water level detection unit using an imaging unit (camera 9) as the water level detection device 23. That is, the water level detection device 23 is also used as the stunning detection device 22.

  The camera 9 photographs the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 and sends the image data to the water level determination unit 13. The water level determination unit 13 performs image processing on the acquired image data and determines the possibility of being submerged.

  For this, the image data used for determination by the stunning determination unit 12 may be used as it is. Alternatively, it may be determined that there is a possibility of being submerged as it is, as described above.

  However, if it is determined whether or not there is a possibility of further submersion in the face image data, the determination criterion may be based on the relationship between the position of the face and the water level of the bathtub water. That is, it is only necessary to determine how much the head starts to be submerged with respect to the hot water level in an unconscious state by processing image data or the like, and determine the possibility of submersion.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a water level detection unit using a water level sensor 26 as the water level detection device 23.

  The water level sensor 26 is installed on the bottom surface of the bathtub 20 and informs the water level of the hot water in the bathtub 20 with a signal. When there is a person 2 taking a bath, a water level that changes depending on the degree of submergence is sensed, and a water level signal that changes accordingly is sent to the water level determination unit 13. The water level bath determination unit 13 determines the submersion change state of the person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 according to the level of the acquired signal, and determines the possibility of submersion.

<Submergence avoidance means>
As described above, the submergence determination unit (water level determination unit 13 and the like) and the submergence avoidance device 24 cooperate to function as a submergence avoidance unit.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a submergence avoiding unit using a device that automatically opens and closes the faucet 27 of the bathtub 20 as the submergence avoidance device 24.

  The submergence avoidance device 24 receives an instruction for submergence avoidance from the submergence determination unit (water level determination unit 13 or the like), and opens the faucet 27 in the closed state to extract the hot water from the bathtub 20, and during bathing without consciousness. Protects against danger of submersion by forcibly lowering the water level of person 2

  In order to avoid danger reliably, the number of hot water taps 27 may be increased and the hot water extraction speed may be increased by opening the water taps simultaneously.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a submergence avoiding unit using a device that automatically moves the movable bottom plate 28 of the bathtub 20 up and down as the submergence avoidance device 24.

  The submergence avoidance device 24 receives an instruction to avoid submergence from the submergence determination unit (water level determination unit 13 or the like), raises the bottom plate 28 at the lowermost predetermined position as shown in the figure, and takes a person who is taking a bath without consciousness. Lift 2 up. And it protects from the danger of submergence by lowering the water level of the hot water relatively until it is removed from the submerged state.

  FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a submergence avoiding unit using a device that automatically moves the movable side plate upper end portion 29 of the bathtub 20 up and down as the submergence avoidance device 24.

  The submergence avoidance device 24 receives an instruction for submergence avoidance from the submergence determination unit (water level determination unit 13 or the like), and lowers the upper side end portion 29 of the side plate at the uppermost predetermined position as shown in the figure, that is, removes hot water from the bathtub 20. By removing the water level from the unconscious bathing person 2, the water level of the hot water is forcibly lowered to protect against the danger of submersion.

<Warning means>
As described above, the warning unit 14 and the warning device 17 cooperate to function as warning means.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of warning means using the lighting device 17a and the speaker 17b as the warning device 17.

  As the warning device 17, either or both of the lighting device 17 a and the speaker 17 b receive a warning operation instruction from the warning unit 14 and awaken the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 in an unconscious state. Therefore, the lighting is blinked or a warning sound is emitted.

  These warning operations are preferably performed in parallel with the above-described submergence avoidance operation by the submergence avoidance device in order to avoid an unconscious person from submergence and protect from danger.

<Communication means>
As described above, the communication unit 15 and the communication device 18 cooperate to function as communication means.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of communication means connected from the communication unit 15 to the communication device 18 and further to, for example, a notification device 32 in the living room via an indoor network.

  The communication device 18 receives a notification operation instruction from the communication unit 15, and in this embodiment, communicates with a predetermined notification device 32 installed in the living room which is a separate room. Report that the person 2 who is taking a bath is in an unconscious state and request rescue.

  The communication device 18 may be connected to the host computer 31 via an indoor network and may be connected to an arbitrary connection destination such as an external server 41 via an outdoor network 40. By using such a network system, it is also possible to report to a predetermined external organization or the like. The external organization is a predetermined emergency contact (including a fire department or a police station).

  These notification operations are preferably performed in parallel with the above-described submergence avoidance operation by the submergence avoidance device in order to avoid an unconscious person from submergence and protect from danger.

(Submergence avoidance processing flow)
As described above, the procedure for detecting the possibility that a person taking a bath in the bathtub will be submerged and performing the submergence avoiding process by the submergence avoiding means will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Flow of Treatment Example 1>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of treatment example 1 for detecting the possibility of submergence (by stunning detection and water level detection) and performing a submergence avoidance operation.

  In FIG. 8, when the bathing apparatus according to this embodiment starts to operate, first, in step S <b> 11, the bathing detection apparatus 21 detects whether there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20. Here, it is assumed that image data taken by the camera 9 is transmitted.

  The bathing determination unit 11 of the control unit 10 acquires image data, performs image processing, and determines whether there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 from the presence or absence of a face image.

  If there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 based on the determination result (step S11; YES), the next step S12 is executed. If not (step S11; NO), step S11 is repeated again (until YES is determined).

  In the next step S12, the stunning detection device 22 detects whether the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 has lost consciousness. Here, it is assumed that face image data already captured by the camera 9 is used.

  The faint determination unit 12 of the control unit 10 performs processing of face image data or the like, and whether the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 has lost consciousness due to whether the person 2 taking a bath has closed eyes, presence or absence of movement, etc. Determine if.

  When it is determined that the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 has lost consciousness (step S12; YES), the next step S13 is executed. If it is determined that the consciousness has not been lost (step S12; NO), the process returns to step S11 and the detection operation is repeated from the beginning.

  In step S13, a warning operation is performed to the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 that has lost consciousness.

  In response to an instruction from the faint determination unit 12, the warning unit 14 of the control unit 10 causes the warning device 17 to perform a warning operation. Here, the warning device 17 is a speaker and emits a warning sound to awaken the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20.

  In step S14, the person 2 taking a bath reports that he / she has lost consciousness, and requests rescue.

  In response to an instruction from the faint determination unit 12, the communication unit 15 of the control unit 10 notifies the notification device 32 in a separate room via the communication device 18. Here, the reporting device 32 is a speaker installed in the living room, and reports by voice and calls for rescue.

  After performing the warning operation in step S13 and the notification operation in step S14, in the next step S15, the same bathing detection operation as in step S11 is executed again. This is to change the subsequent procedure according to the result of the warning by the warning device 17 and the effect of the notification by the notification device 32. That is, when there is a person 2 who is still unaware of bathing, the possibility of submergence is determined by detecting the water level, and the process proceeds to the direction of executing the submergence avoidance operation.

  If there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 based on the determination result in step S15 (step S15; YES), the next step S16 is executed. If no more (step S15; NO), it is assumed that the person has been awakened or rescued, and the treatment is finished.

  In step S16, the water level detection device 23 detects whether or not the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 may be submerged in the hot water of the bathtub. Here, face image data already taken by the camera 9 may be used.

  The water level determination unit 13 of the control unit 10 performs processing of face image data and the like, from the movement of the person 2 taking a bath, the change in the relative positional relationship (degree of submergence) between the head and the water level of the hot water, etc. The possibility that the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 will be submerged (risk reaches) is determined.

  When it is determined that there is a possibility that the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 may be submerged (step S16; YES), the next step S17 is executed. If it is determined that there is no possibility of submersion (step S16; NO), the process returns to step S15, and the detection operation is repeated from the bathing detection operation.

  In step S17, a submergence avoidance operation is performed so that the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 does not submerge.

  In accordance with an instruction from the water level determination unit 13, the submergence avoidance device 24 performs a submergence avoidance operation. Here, the submergence avoidance device 24 is an open / close device for the hot water tap 27, and when the closed water tap 27 is opened, the hot water is removed from the bathtub 20 and the water level is forcibly lowered.

  In step S18, since the person 2 taking a bath has lost consciousness, he / she reports that emergency treatment has been performed and requests rescue again.

  In response to an instruction from the water level determination unit 13, the communication unit 15 of the control unit 10 notifies a predetermined report destination via the communication device 18. Here, the same reporting destination as that reported in step S14 or a different reporting destination may be used. Using the network system described in step S14, a report is sent to any predetermined report destination, and the procedure is completed.

  Thereby, even if the person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 does not wake up or the notification is not transmitted by the warning operation in step S13 or the notification operation in step S14, if there is a possibility of being submerged, it is urgently required. By performing a submersion avoidance operation, it is possible to avoid the worst situation that could endanger the life of a bathing person who has lost consciousness.

<Flow of treatment example 2>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of treatment example 2 in which the submergence avoidance operation is performed (that is, the water level detection means is omitted) when stunning is detected.

  In FIG. 9, when the bathing apparatus according to the present embodiment starts to operate, first, in step S21, the bathing detection apparatus 21 detects whether or not there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20. As with treatment example 1, the bathing determination unit 11 of the control unit 10 acquires image data captured by the camera 9, performs image processing, and determines whether there is a person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 from the presence or absence of a face image. .

  If there is a person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 according to the determination result (step S21; YES), the next step S22 is executed. If not (step S21; NO), step S21 is repeated again (until YES is determined).

  In the next step S22, the stunning detection device 22 detects whether or not the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 has lost consciousness. Like the treatment example 1, the face image data already captured by the camera 9 is used, and the stunning determination unit 12 of the control unit 10 enters the bathtub 20 based on whether or not the person 2 taking a bath has closed eyes, presence or absence of movement, and the like. It is determined whether the bathing person 2 has lost consciousness.

  When it is determined that the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 has lost consciousness (step S22; YES), the next step S23 is executed. If it is determined that the consciousness has not been lost (step S22; NO), the process returns to step S21 and the detection operation is repeated from the beginning.

  In this treatment example 2, when it is determined that the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 has lost consciousness, it is immediately determined that the hot water in the bathtub may be submerged. That is, the water level detection means is omitted, the stunning detection means also serves as the submergence detection means, and the procedure for performing the submergence avoidance operation is performed after step S23.

  In step S23, a warning operation is performed to the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 that has lost consciousness.

  The warning unit 14 of the control unit 10 causes the warning device 17 to perform a warning operation according to an instruction from the stunning determination unit 12 (submergence determination unit). Here, the warning device 17 is a speaker and emits a warning sound to awaken the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20.

  In combination with the warning operation in step S23, in step S24, a submersion avoidance operation is performed so that the person 2 bathing in the bathtub 20 does not submerge.

  The submergence avoidance device 24 performs a submergence avoidance operation according to an instruction from the stunning determination unit 12 (submergence determination unit). Similar to Treatment Example 1, the submergence avoidance device 24 is an open / close device for the faucet 27. By opening the closed faucet 27, hot water is extracted from the bathtub 20 and the water level is forcibly lowered. Shall.

  In step S25, since the person 2 taking a bath has lost consciousness, he / she reports that emergency treatment has been performed and requests rescue.

  In response to an instruction from the faint determination unit 12 (submergence determination unit), the communication unit 15 of the control unit 10 notifies a predetermined report destination via the communication device 18. Similar to Treatment Example 1, the reporting device 32 may be notified, or a different reporting destination may be used. Using the network system described above, report to any predetermined report destination and finish the procedure.

  Accordingly, even if the person 2 taking a bath in the bathtub 20 does not wake up or the notification is not transmitted by the warning operation in step S23 or the notification operation in step S25, if there is a possibility of being submerged, it is urgent. By performing a submersion avoidance operation, it is possible to avoid the worst situation that could endanger the life of a bathing person who has lost consciousness.

  In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structural example of the bathing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic function structure of the bathing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the bathing detection means using (a) imaging | photography means (camera 9) or (b) sheet switch 25 as the bathing detection apparatus 21. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the stunning detection means using the imaging | photography means (camera 9) as the stunning detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the water level detection means which used (a) imaging | photography means (camera 9) or (b) water level sensor 26 as the water level detection apparatus 23. FIG. As the submergence avoidance device 24, (a) a device that automatically opens and closes the tap 27 of the bathtub 20, (b) a device that automatically moves the movable bottom plate 28 of the bathtub 20 up and down, or (c) a movable type of the bathtub 20 It is a figure which shows the structural example of the submergence avoidance means using the apparatus which moves up and down the side-plate upper end part automatically. Example of configuration of warning means using lighting device 17a and speaker 17b as warning device 17, and communication means connected from communication unit 15 to communication device 18 and further to, for example, notification device 32 in the living room via an indoor network FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the example 1 of a treatment which detects the possibility of submergence and performs submergence avoidance operation | movement. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the example 2 of a treatment which performs submergence avoidance operation | movement at the stage which detected the faint.

Explanation of symbols

2 Person bathing in bathtub 9 Camera (photographing means)
10 Control Unit 11 Bathing Determination Unit 12 Stunning Determination Unit (Submergence Determination Unit)
13 Water level judgment part (submergence judgment part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Warning part 15 Communication part 16 Memory 17 Warning apparatus 17a Illumination apparatus 17b Speaker 18 Communication apparatus 20 Bathtub 21 Bathing detection apparatus 22 Stunning detection apparatus (submergence detection apparatus)
23 Water level detection device (submergence detection device)
24 Submergence Avoidance Device 25 Seat Switch 26 Water Level Sensor 27 Water Tap 28 Movable Bottom Plate 29 Movable Side Plate Upper End 31 Host (Computer)
32 Reporting device 40 Outdoor network 41 Server

Claims (11)

A bathing device for preventing accidents that occur when a person taking a bath loses consciousness,
Bathing detection means for detecting whether there is a person taking a bath in the bathtub,
A submerging detection means for detecting whether a person bathing in the bathtub detected by the bathing detection means may submerge in the hot water of the bathtub;
When the submergence detecting means detects that the person taking the bath may submerge, the water level of the bath water is forcibly lowered with respect to the person taking the bath to avoid submergence. A bathing apparatus comprising: a submergence avoiding means. The submergence detection means is
The bathing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stunning detection means for detecting whether or not a person taking a bath in the bathtub detected by the bathing detection means loses consciousness. The submergence detection means is
The water level detection means for detecting whether or not the person who has been detected as having lost consciousness by the stunning detection means may be submerged in the hot water of the bathtub. Item 3. A bathing apparatus according to item 2. When the submergence detecting means detects that the person taking the bath may submerge,
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising warning means for issuing a warning for awakening a person taking a bath in the bathtub. When the submergence detecting means detects that the person taking the bath may submerge,
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a communication unit that reports a detection to a predetermined report destination. The bath detection means includes
A photographing means for photographing a face image of a person taking a bath in the bathtub;
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein whether or not there is a person taking a bath in the bathtub is detected based on the presence or absence of a face image photographed by the photographing unit. The stunning detection means includes
A photographing means for photographing a face image of a person taking a bath in the bathtub;
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein it detects whether or not a person taking a bath in the bathtub loses consciousness based on a face image photographed by the photographing means. The water level detecting means is
A photographing means for photographing a face image of a person taking a bath in the bathtub;
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein it is detected whether or not a person taking a bath in the bathtub may be submerged based on a face image photographed by the photographing unit. . It has a bathtub with a tap,
The submergence avoiding means is
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein opening and closing of the tap is controlled in order to lower a water level of the hot water in the bathtub. A bathtub having a vertically movable bottom plate;
The submergence avoiding means is
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bottom plate is controlled to move up and down in order to lower the level of hot water in the bathtub. The upper end comprises a bathtub with a vertically movable side plate,
The submergence avoiding means is
The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vertical movement of the side plate is controlled in order to lower the level of hot water in the bathtub.

Images