JP7007834B2 - Bather monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bather monitoring device that monitors an accident of a bather in a bathtub.

Accidents in which the elderly are drowning in the bath tub are increasing. Therefore, a bather monitoring device for monitoring whether a bather is drowning in a bathtub is known (eg, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Patent Document 1 discloses a bather monitoring device that monitors a submerged state of a bather in a bathtub. The bather monitoring device includes a first position detecting means for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal under the water surface in the bathtub, and a second position detecting means for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal at a position above the upper end of the bathtub. The presence or absence of the body part below the water surface of the bathtub in the bathtub is detected by the 1-position detection means, and the presence or absence of the body part above the water surface of the bathtub in the bathtub is detected by the second position detection means. Then, when the body part below the water surface is detected and the body part above the water surface is no longer detected, it is determined that the bather is drowning.

Patent Document 2 discloses a bather monitoring device that monitors the movement of a bather in a bathtub by a camera installed in the bathroom and generates an alarm when the bather in the bathtub does not move for a set time or longer. In the bather monitoring device, the height of the water surface in the bathtub is detected by the ultrasonic type water surface position detecting means installed on the ceiling of the bathroom. When it is determined that the height of the bather's head detected by the camera is below the water surface, an alarm is immediately issued regardless of the passage of the set time.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-217728 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-138634

The conventional bather monitoring device for monitoring an accident of physical condition in a bathtub such as Patent Documents 1 and 2 notifies when it is determined that the bather in the bathtub has changed from a non-drown state to a drowned state. I do. Therefore, in the conventional bather monitoring device, the notification is delayed, and the rescue of the bather is likely to be delayed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a bather monitoring device capable of performing notification that can prevent a delay in relief for a bather's drowning.

The bather monitoring device of the present invention
An inundation degree detector that repeatedly detects the inundation degree of the bather's face with respect to the water in the bathtub, and
It is characterized by including a notification unit that performs a first notification that switches an output mode as the degree of inundation detected by the inundation degree detection unit increases.

According to the present invention, the first notification that the output mode is switched as the degree of water immersion of the bather's face with respect to the water in the bathtub increases is performed. That is, since the first notification is given at the sign stage before the bather becomes drowned in the bathtub, it is possible to prevent the delay of the relief activity for the bather who may be drowned.

In the bather monitoring device of the present invention, the inundation degree detecting unit detects the underwater face length, which is the length in the water level direction of the bather's face portion located under the water surface in the bathtub, as the inundation degree. Each time the underwater face length detected by the inundation degree detection unit reaches a plurality of preset length thresholds, the notification unit switches the output mode of the first notification, and a plurality of bathers. On the other hand, it is preferable to provide a length threshold setting unit for individually setting the plurality of length thresholds.

Since the length of the face varies from person to person, when the first notification of the same output mode is to be performed for the same degree of inundation of the face regardless of the individual difference, the output mode of the first notification is used. The length threshold value at the time of switching must be set to a value different for each individual. In the above configuration, since the threshold value setting unit individually sets a plurality of length threshold values for a plurality of bathers, the first of the same output modes regardless of individual differences for the same degree of inundation of the face. Can be notified.

The bather monitoring device of the present invention includes a physical condition detection unit that detects the physical condition of the bather in the bathtub, and the notification unit has a predetermined physical condition of the bather detected by the physical condition detection unit. It is preferable to perform the second notification when the above is the case.

The sign before the bather is drowning in the bathtub can be grasped from the physical condition of the bather (eg, facial expression, pulse, etc.), in addition to the increase in the degree of inundation of the face. According to the above configuration, the bather in the bathroom is in a state where the bather in the bathtub is drowning because the physical condition is detected and the second notification is performed when the physical condition is a predetermined state. It is possible to accurately grasp the sign before becoming a bather from the second notification, and to improve the efficiency of relief activities for bathers.

In the bather monitoring device of the present invention, the physical condition detection unit determines whether or not hot water supply or water supply is performed in the bathtub, and if it is determined that the hot water supply or water supply is performed, the bather in the bathtub. It is preferable to stop the detection of physical condition.

During the period when hot water supply or water supply is performed in the bathtub, the water level in the bathtub rises, so that the body of the bather sinks into the hot water of the bathtub as in the case of drowning. This means that although the bather's physical condition is healthy, there is a high possibility that the notification unit will misreport the second notification. According to the above-described configuration, when the physical condition detection unit determines that hot water supply or water supply is being performed in the bathtub, the physical condition detection unit stops detecting the physical condition of the bather in the bathtub, so that the notification unit is second. False alarms are prevented.

In the bather monitoring device of the present invention, the physical condition detection unit detects the physical condition using a plurality of predetermined number of factors, and invalidates some of the factors among the plurality of predetermined number of factors. It is preferable to include a factor ineffective part.

By default, the physical condition of a bather is set to multiple factors of the physical condition that can detect a sign before the general bather becomes drowned. However, some factors may cause erroneous detection when the physical condition of a specific bather is detected with respect to the plurality of factors of the physical condition set in this way. For example, there are bathers who have a habit of taking a bath in a bathing state different from that of a general bathing person in terms of the bathing state in the bathtub. Specifically, general bathers open their eyes in the bathtub and close their eyes when they lose consciousness, but there are also bathers who have a habit of closing their eyes while taking a bath. When detecting the physical condition of such a specific bather, if the physical condition is detected using a plurality of default factors set for a general bather, an erroneous physical condition is detected. According to the above configuration, since some of the factors can be invalidated from the plurality of factors, it is possible to prevent the detection of an erroneous physical condition for a specific bather.

The bather monitoring device of the present invention includes a camera whose imaging range is set so as to include the face of the bather in the bathtub and the water surface, and the inundation degree detecting unit captures the inundation degree by the camera. It is preferable that the detection is based on an image, and the physical condition detection unit detects the facial expression or posture as the physical condition based on the image captured by the camera.

According to this configuration, both the degree of inundation and the physical condition of the bather in the bathtub are detected based on the image captured by the camera, so that the number of devices that the bather monitoring device must be equipped with can be reduced. ..

The bather monitoring device of the present invention includes a water level sensor that detects the position of the water surface in the bathtub, and a camera whose imaging range is set so as to include the face of the bather in the bathtub, and detects the degree of inundation. The unit detects the degree of inundation based on the water surface position detected by the water level sensor and the image captured by the camera, and the physical condition detecting unit detects the facial expression or posture as the physical condition of the camera. It is preferable to detect based on the captured image.

According to this configuration, the water surface position can be accurately detected by the water level sensor, and the physical condition of the bather can be accurately detected by the image captured by the camera.

The bather monitoring device of the present invention includes a child determination unit that determines whether or not the bather in the bathtub is a child, and the notification unit is such that the child determination unit determines whether the bather in the bathtub is a child. When it is determined, it is preferable to stop the first notification.

Children may dive and play in the hot water in the bathtub. According to the above configuration, when it is detected that the bather is a child, the first notification is stopped, so it is erroneously determined that the bather has drowned when the bather intentionally dives. , It is possible to prevent the first notification from becoming a false alarm.

In the bather monitoring device of the present invention, the notification unit switches the inundation degree detected by the inundation degree detection unit from the increasing direction to the decreasing direction, and the decrease amount of the inundation degree after switching becomes a predetermined amount or more. When it becomes, it is preferable to perform a third notification.

The first notification may be given when the bather inadvertently sinks his / her body under the surface of the water or the surface of the water temporarily shakes greatly. According to this configuration, when the inundation degree detected by the inundation degree detection unit is switched from the increase direction to the decrease direction and the decrease amount of the inundation degree after the switching becomes a predetermined amount or more, the third notification is sent. Will be done. Since such a third notification functions as a modification of the first notification, the first notification is accelerated (a condition for starting the first notification) while maintaining the overall reliability of the bather monitoring device. Can be loosened a little) to prevent delays in rescue.

The bather monitoring device of the present invention preferably includes a forced drainage unit that forcibly drains water in the bathtub when the inundation degree detected by the inundation degree detection unit reaches a predetermined level or higher.

According to this configuration, the forced drainage in the bathtub ensures the safety of the bather even if the user arrives at the bathroom with a slight delay.

Another bather monitoring device of the present invention is
A physical condition detection unit that detects the physical condition of the bather in the bathtub,
It is characterized by including a notification unit that gives a second notification when the physical condition of the bather detected by the physical condition detection unit is a predetermined state.

According to another bather monitoring device of the present invention, the physical condition detection unit detects the physical condition of the bather and determines whether or not the bather is drowning in the bathtub. Then, since the second notification is given by the notification unit to the bather who may be drowning, it is possible to prevent the delay of the relief activity.

The figure which illustrates the hot water supply system deployed in the general household. Block diagram of bather monitoring device. An explanatory diagram for each threshold value used in the bather monitoring device. An explanatory diagram of a process of measuring a length in the water level direction based on a predetermined reference position set in an image captured by a camera. An explanatory diagram of a process of measuring a vertical angle of view based on a predetermined reference position set in an image captured by a camera. 6A to 6C are views showing facial expressions and postures in front view in order of decrease in the consciousness level of the bather. 7A and 7B are views showing facial expressions and postures in a side view in order of decrease in the consciousness level of the bather. 8A to 8D are views showing the position of the face in the water level direction, facial expressions, etc. in the order in which the degree of inundation of the bather gradually increases. A flowchart of the presence / absence judgment process of a bather in a bathtub carried out by a bather monitoring device. A flowchart of a process in which a bather monitoring device recognizes and determines the level of consciousness of a bather in a bathtub. A flowchart of the process in which the bather monitoring device detects and determines the stage of the water surface warning level. A flowchart of the notification execution process performed by the bather monitoring device. The figure which shows the specific output mode that the notification part performs in the remote controller outside the bathroom. The figure which shows the specific output mode which the notification part performs in the remote controller outside the bathroom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hot water supply system 1 deployed in a general household. The hot water supply system 1 is generated by a water heater 2 arranged outdoors, a bathtub 4 arranged in an indoor bathroom 3, a hot water tap 6 arranged in an indoor kitchen 5, and a water heater 2. It is provided with a hot water supply pipe 8 that guides hot water to an indoor hot water supply location such as a hot water tap 6.

The hot water supply system 1 further includes a control device 10 built in the water heater 2, an in-bathroom remote controller 11 installed in the bathroom 3, and an out-bathroom remote controller 12 installed in the kitchen 5. The in-bathroom remote controller 11 and the out-bathroom remote controller 12 are connected to the control device 10 via the remote controller cable 13.

The hot water supply system 1 includes a configuration of a bather monitoring device 9 for monitoring the safety of the bather in the bathtub 4. The in-bathroom remote controller 11 and the out-bathroom remote controller 12 are also components of the bather monitoring device 9. Further, the control device 10 includes a bather monitoring control unit 15 as a control unit of the bather monitoring device 9.

As a specific configuration, the control device 10 is an electronic circuit unit composed of a CPU, a memory, and the like (not shown). The CPU executes various control programs of the hot water supply system 1 held in the memory (including a control program of the bather monitoring device 9).

The camera 16 is installed in the remote controller 11 in the bathroom as a dedicated device for the bather monitoring device 9. The specifications (eg, angle of view), position, and orientation of the camera 16 are set so that the shooting range As of the camera 16 includes the face of the bather 18 and at least a part of the water surface 20.

The example of the camera 16 is a typical visible light camera, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an infrared camera may be used. The advantage of using an infrared camera as the camera 16 is that the image captured by the infrared camera is moderately blurred (blurred) compared to the image captured by the visible light camera, so that the privacy of the bather 18 in the bathroom 3 is protected. You can do it. It is also possible to attach a predetermined scattering filter to the visible light camera and blur the captured image to obtain the same effect as the infrared camera.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a portion related to the bather monitoring device 9. The bather monitoring control unit 15 is configured as a part of the control device 10 of the hot water supply system 1.

The bather monitoring and control unit 15 sends and receives data to and from the in-bathroom remote controller 11 and the out-of-bathroom remote controller 12. The remote controller 11 in the bathroom includes a camera 16. The remote controller 12 outside the bathroom includes a display unit 41 and a speaker 49 (FIGS. 13 and 14). The details of the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

The bather monitoring control unit 15 executes the program for the bather monitoring device 9 on the CPU of the control device 10, so that the inundation degree detection unit 22, the length threshold value setting unit 23, the physical condition detection unit 24, and the factor invalidation unit are executed. 25, functions as a child determination unit 26, a notification unit 27, and a forced drainage unit 28. Details of the function will be described later in FIGS. 9 to 12.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for the definition of each specification used in the bather monitoring device 9. For the bather 18 in the bathtub 4, the lower end Fc of the jaw, the mouth Fm, the nose (specifically, the nose) Fn, the eyes Fe, and the head are used as a plurality of facial parts of the face of the bather 18 (the face includes the head). The upper end Fs of the portion is set.

These five factors are used as factors to be compared with the underwater face length (hereinafter, "Hc" is defined as the underwater face length) when detecting the degree of inundation of the face of the bather 18, and will be described later. In addition, a length threshold value as a value of each factor is individually set for each bather 18. The degree of inundation is, for example, the ratio of the length of the face portion below the water surface 20 in the water level direction to the length of the entire face of the bather 18 in the water level direction. When the bather 18 drowns in the bathtub 4, the bather 18 sinks in the bathtub 4. Along with this, the degree to which the face of the bather 18 is below the surface of the water (degree of flooding) increases.

FIG. 3 illustrates when the bather 18 is in a safe state in the bathtub 4. Therefore, the bather 18 has his / her face sufficiently above the water surface 20 and does not have any trouble in breathing from the nose Fn or the mouth Fm.

In FIG. 3, the definitions of Hw and H0-H4 are as follows.
Hw: Position of the water surface 20 in the water level direction (hereinafter referred to as "water surface position")
H0: Water level direction position of the lower end Fc of the jaw of the bather 18 H1: Water level direction position of the mouth Fm of the bather 18 H2: Water level direction position of the nose Fn of the bather 18 H3: Water level direction position H4 of the eyes Fe of the bather 18 : Water level direction position of the upper end Fs of the head of the bather 18 In this embodiment, the water level direction position is defined as a larger value as the position is higher in the vertical direction, and there is a relationship of H0 <H1 <H2 <H3 <H4.

L0-L4 is defined as follows.
L0: Length in the water level direction between Hw and H0 when the water surface position Hw is below H0 L1: Length in the water level direction between H0 and H1 L2: Length in the water level direction between H0 and H2 L3 : Length in the water level direction between H0 and H3 L4: Length in the water level direction between H0 and H4

In FIG. 3, circumscribed rectangles are shown for each of the eyes Fe, the nose Fn, and the mouth Fm. The circumscribed rectangle is used as a division cut out from the captured image when detecting the consciousness level of the bather 18 based on the face image included in the captured image of the camera 16. For each image category, the shape extracted from the image category is collated with a plurality of pre-registered shape patterns, and it is determined that the shape is a shape with a high correlation.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a process of measuring the length in the water level direction based on a predetermined reference position set in the captured image of the camera 16. In the above-mentioned example of FIG. 3, the inundation degree detection unit 22 basically measures the water level distance between the water surface 20 of the bathtub 4 and the desired portion of the face of the bather 18 in the image captured by the camera 16. Therefore, when the water level 20 is rising, is the bather 18 subducting into the bathtub 4 and the water level 20 is rising, or is the water level 20 rising due to the supply of hot water into the bathtub 4? It may not be possible to distinguish between them.

On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the inundation degree detection unit 22 sets a predetermined reference position in the image captured by the camera 16, and the length in the water level direction from the reference position to the desired portion of the face of the bather 18. Measure the size.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, in the image taken by the camera 16, the tile wall 71, the bathtub 4, and the tile wall 71 existing on the back side of the bather 18 together with the bather 18 and the water surface 20 are shown. The boundary line 73 is included. In this example, the tile wall 71 is composed of rectangular tiles arranged vertically and horizontally in a grid pattern, and joints 72 extend vertically and horizontally.

Unlike the bather 18 and the water surface 20, the tile wall 71 and the boundary line 73 have a fixed position in the water level direction. Therefore, for example, Pa or Pb in the figure is set as a predetermined reference position. The reference position Pa is selected as the intersection position of the vertical and horizontal lines of the joint 72. The reference position Pb is selected as the rightmost position of the boundary line 73. The reference positions Pa and Pb are both set in the captured image portion that is not hidden behind the bather 18 in the bathtub 4.

The inundation degree detection unit 22 extracts the reference position Pa or Pb, the upper end Fs of the head, the lower end Fc of the chin, and the like as desired parts of the water surface 20 and the face of the bather 18 from the captured image. Next, the length in the transition direction (length in the vertical direction) between the reference position Pa or Pb and the desired portion is calculated based on the length in the vertical direction in the captured image. Instead of the vertical length in the captured image, the number of rectangular tiles of the tile wall 71 existing between the reference position Pa or Pb and the desired portion of the face of the bather 18 in the captured image is extracted and used as the number. It is also possible to calculate the vertical length between the two based on this.

The inundation degree detection unit 22 analyzes the image captured by the camera 16 at regular time intervals, and changes the measured value of the vertical length from the reference position Pa or Pb in the image to the predetermined part of the bather 18 or the water surface 20. , The movement amount and the movement speed of the face of the bather 18 and the water surface 20 in the bathtub 4 in the vertical direction are detected.

In FIG. 4, the meaning of each reference numeral is as follows.
Ha0: Length in the water level direction from the reference position Pa to the lower end Fc of the jaw of the bather 18 Ha4: Length in the water level direction from the reference position Pa to the upper end Fs of the head of the bather 18 Haw: Water level from the reference position Pa to the water surface 20 Directional length Hb0: Water level from the reference position Pb to the lower end Fc of the jaw of the bather 18 Hb4: Length in the water level from the reference position Pb to the upper end Fs of the head of the bather 18 Hbw: Water surface 20 from the reference position Pb The length up to the water level direction is positive for the length to the position below the reference position Pa or Pb, and negative for the length up to the position below.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a process of measuring the vertical angle of view based on a predetermined reference position set in the captured image of the camera 16. FIG. 5 shows an image captured by the camera 16, but the shooting range As (FIG. 1) of the camera 16 in the water level direction is fixed. Therefore, the vertical angle of view (vertical angle seen from the camera 16) from the boundary line 73 or the upper side 78 of the captured image to the water surface 20 or the upper end Fs of the head or the lower end Fc of the chin as a desired part of the face of the bather 18. It means a difference, and the vertical angle of view corresponds to the vertical length in the captured image).

The wall 77 shown in the captured image of FIG. 5 includes not only the tile wall 71 (FIG. 4) but also a wall made of a wall material other than the tile. The boundary line 73 exists in the captured image of FIG. 5 as a boundary line between the bathtub 4 and the wall 77.

The inundation degree detection unit 22 analyzes the captured image of the camera 16 at regular time intervals, and the boundary line 73 or the upper side 78 in the captured image and a desired portion such as the water surface 20 or the bather 18's head upper end Fs or jaw lower end Fc. The amount and speed of movement of the face of the bather 18 and the water surface 20 in the bathtub 4 in the vertical direction are detected from the change in the angle of view.

In FIG. 5, the meaning of each reference numeral is as follows.
γb0: Vertical angle of view between the boundary line 73 and the lower end Fc of the jaw of the bather 18 γb4: Vertical angle of view between the boundary line 73 and the upper end Fs of the head of the bather 18 of the bather 18 γbw: Boundary Vertical angle of view between line 73 and water surface 20 γc0: Vertical angle of view between the upper side 78 of the captured image and the lower end Fc of the jaw of the bather 18 γc4: The upper side 78 of the captured image and the bather 18 Vertical angle of view γcw between the upper end Fs of the head of 18: Vertical angle of view between the upper side 78 of the captured image and the water surface 20 Note that the lower side of the captured image is selected instead of the upper side 78 of the captured image. You can also do it.

6A-6C show facial expressions and postures in front view in the order of decreasing consciousness level of bather 18, and FIGS. 7A and 7B show facial expressions in side view in order of decreasing consciousness level of bather 18. It is a figure which shows the posture. The posture of the face is, for example, the inclination of the face with respect to the vertical direction. The captured image generated by the camera 16 of FIG. 3 is a photograph of the front-view face of FIG. In FIG. 1, the wall in the bathroom 3 to which the remote controller 11 in the bathroom is attached is the wall on the toe side of the bathtub 4. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the profile of the bather 18 is projected, the camera 16 is attached to the side wall.

In FIG. 6A, the eyes Fe are open and the mouth Fm is closed. The posture of the face is upright in front view (inclination angle of the center line of the front view of the face with respect to the vertical line = 0 °). That is, the center line of the face is almost parallel in the vertical direction. The facial expressions and postures of FIG. 6A for the face are those when the bather 18's consciousness is normal.

In FIG. 6B, the eyes Fe are closed and the mouth Fm is open. The posture of the face is maintained upright in front view. The facial expressions and postures of FIG. 6B for the face are those when the bather 18 is in a doze or unconscious state, and the unconscious state is in the initial or shallow state, although the face is maintained in an upright state. Is.

In FIG. 6C, the eyes Fe are closed and the mouth Fm is open, as in FIG. 6B. Further, the posture of the face is tilted to the right by a predetermined angle or more when viewed from the front. This facial expression indicates that the bather 18 is in an unconscious state of falling asleep or unconsciousness, and the unconscious state is deeper than the state of FIG. 6B.

The consciousness (awakening) level of the bather 18 is the consciousness level of FIG. 6A (hereinafter referred to as “Lc0”)> the consciousness level of FIG. 6B (hereinafter referred to as “Lc1”)> the consciousness level of FIG. 6C (hereinafter referred to as “Lc2”). ). On the contrary, the danger level of the bather 18 is the danger level of FIG. 6C> the danger level of FIG. 6B> the danger level of FIG. 6A.

In FIG. 7A, the eyes Fe are open and the mouth Fm is closed. The posture of the face is almost upright when viewed from the side (the forward tilt angle of the face with respect to the vertical line = 0 °). This facial expression indicates that the consciousness of the bather 18 is normal.

In FIG. 7B, the eyes Fe are closed and the mouth Fm is open. Also, the face is leaning forward. This facial expression indicates that the bather 18 is in an unconscious state due to falling asleep, fainting, or the like. The facial expression of FIG. 7B also indicates that the unconscious state is deeper than the state of FIG. 7A, similar to the state of FIG. 6C described above.

Since the consciousness level of the bather 18 in FIGS. 7A and 7B corresponds to the consciousness level in FIGS. 6A and 6C, respectively, the consciousness levels are Lc0 and Lc2, respectively.

8A to 8D are views showing the degree of flooding, facial expressions, and the like at each stage in which the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 gradually increases the danger state. In each of FIGS. 8A to 8D, the left side shows the degree of inundation of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4, and the right side shows the facial expression of the bather 18 as seen from the camera 16. The consciousness level of the bather 18 can be read from the facial expression of the bather 18. For the eyes Fe, nose Fn, and mouth Fm, the circumscribed rectangle used for the extraction process of the captured image is also shown.

The bather monitoring device 9 detects the degree of inundation of the face of the bather 18 based on the comparison between the water surface position Hw and H0-H4. Regarding the degree of inundation, the face of the bather 18 is divided into a plurality of (example: 6) divisions in the water level direction with H0-H4 as a plurality of (example: 5) division points (length threshold value), and the water surface position Hw is determined. The existing divisions are expressed by the stage of the degree of inundation (6 stages in total). When the water surface position Hw is in the upper section in the water level direction, it is defined as a stage where the degree of inundation is higher.

Since the length of L1-L4 upward from H0 differs depending on the physique of the bather 18, even if the water surface position Hw is the same height, if the bather 18 is different, the water surface position Hw is included. The stages of inundation as a division are usually different.

The relationship between the classification of the degree of inundation including the water surface position Hw and the water surface warning level Lv is set as follows. When Hw <H0, the water surface warning level Lv = 0 (hereinafter referred to as “Lv0”). When H0 ≦ Hw <H1, the water surface warning level Lv = 1 (hereinafter referred to as “Lv1”). When H1 ≦ Hw <H2, the water surface warning level Lv = 2 (hereinafter referred to as “Lv2”). When H2 ≦ Hw <H3, the water surface warning level Lv = 3 (hereinafter referred to as “Lv3”). When H3 ≦ Hw <H4, the water surface warning level Lv = 4 (hereinafter referred to as “Lv4”). When H4 ≦ Hw, the water surface warning level Lv = 5 (hereinafter referred to as “Lv5”).

In this bather monitoring device 9, when the warning level Lv ≧ 3, that is, when the water surface position Hw is above the nose Fn of the bather 18 and the bather 18 cannot breathe from the nose Fn, the bather It is determined that 18 is in a drowned state in the bathtub 4.

The water surface positions Hw shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D are described as being present in the range of Hw <H0, H0 ≦ Hw <H1, H1 ≦ Hw <H2 and H3 ≦ Hw <H4, respectively. Therefore, at the water surface warning level Lv, they are Lv0, Lv1, Lv2, and Lv4, respectively.

8A-8D show that at the consciousness level described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bather 18 is at consciousness level Lc = Lc0 in FIG. 8A and at consciousness level Lc = Lc1 in FIGS. 8B-8D. .. Lc0 is a consciousness level without danger, and Lc1 is a consciousness level with danger.

In FIG. 8A, the water surface position Hw is sufficiently below the lower jaw Fc of the bather 18. Further, the eyes Fe of the bather 18 are in an open state, and the mouth Fm is closed. Therefore, the water surface warning level Lv = Lv0 and the consciousness level Lc = Lc0 are present, and both the water surface warning level Lv and the consciousness level Lc are in a state of no danger.

In FIG. 8B, the water surface position Hw is above the lower end Fc of the chin of the bather 18 and is approaching just below the mouth Fm. Further, the eyes Fe of the bather 18 are closed, and the mouth Fm is open. Therefore, the water surface warning level Lv = Lv1 and the consciousness level Lc = Lc1.

In FIG. 8C, the water surface position Hw is above the mouth Fm of the bather 18 and below the nose Fn. Further, the eyes Fe of the bather 18 are closed, and the mouth Fm is open. Therefore, the water surface warning level Lv = Lv2 and the consciousness level Lc = Lc1.

In FIG. 8D, the water surface position Hw is above the eyes Fe of the bather 18 and below the upper end Fs of the head. Further, the eyes Fe of the bather 18 are closed, and the mouth Fm is open. Therefore, the water surface warning level Lv = Lv4 and the consciousness level Lc = Lc1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the presence / absence determination process of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 performed by the bather monitoring device 9.

In STEP 10, the inundation degree detection unit 22 determines the entry / exit of the bather 18 into the bathtub 4, and when it is determined that the bather 18 has entered the bathtub 4, the process proceeds to STEP 11 and the bather 18 advances the treatment to the bathtub 4. When it is determined that the product has come out of, the process proceeds to STEP15.

Specifically, the inundation degree detection unit 22 determines whether the bather 18 enters or exits the bathtub 4 based on the amount of change in the water level direction of the water surface position Hw (the amount of increase or decrease of Hw). That is, when the bather 18 enters the bathtub 4, the water surface position Hw in the bathtub 4 rises by a predetermined amount Δ1 or more. On the contrary, when the bather 18 leaves the bathtub 4, the water surface position Hw in the bathtub 4 descends by a predetermined amount Δ1 or more.

The inundation degree detection unit 22 also serves as a child determination unit 26 in STEP 47 of FIG. 12, which will be described later. That is, the inundation degree detection unit 22 can also determine whether the bather 18 who has entered the bathtub 4 is an adult or a child from the amount of change in the water surface position Hw. Since an adult has a larger volume than a child, when the bather 18 who entered the bathtub 4 is an adult, the amount of increase in the water surface position Hw becomes a predetermined amount Δ2 (however, Δ2> Δ1) or more, and the bathtub enters the bathtub 4. When the person 18 is a child, the amount of increase in the water surface position Hw is less than a predetermined amount Δ2 and more than Δ1.

In STEP 11, the inundation degree detection unit 22 recognizes that the bather 18 is present in the bathtub 4. Although not shown, the timer Qc of STEP 24 and the timer Ql of STEP 38, which will be described later, are reset together with the execution of STEP 11. The timers Qc and Ql continue timing while the bather 18 is in the bathtub 4, and each time the bather 18 is reset (eg STEP 29, 42), the timing time is returned to 0 and the timing is restarted.

In STEP 12, the inundation degree detection unit 22 identifies the bather 18 based on the face image of the bather 18 included in the image captured by the camera 16. For the identification of the bather 18, for example, well-known pattern recognition is used, which is compared with a pattern image in which facial features are patterned for each bather 18. It is also possible for the user to manually specify the bather 18 in STEP 12 by using the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom after the bather 18 has taken a bath.

In STEP 13, the inundation degree detection unit 22 reads the factor value for each bather for the person specified in STEP 12 from the memory. The bather-specific factor value is a factor value used by the inundation degree detection unit 22 to detect the inundation degree of the face of the bather 18, specifically L0-L4. L0-L4 corresponds to the "length threshold" of the present invention.

L0-L4 in FIG. 3 is an example of factors associated with each part of the face (lower end Fc of the chin, Fm of the mouth, Fn of the nose, Fe of the eyes and Fs of the upper end of the head). L1-L4 is the underwater face length as the length in the water level direction of the face portion of the bather located below the water surface in the bathtub 4 of the face below the water surface 20 when the water surface position Hw comes to each part of the face. It is Hc, and a value is set for each bather 18. L0 is the length in the water level direction between the water surface position Hw when the bather 18 enters the bathtub 4 and the lower end Fc of the jaw of the bather 18. L0 may be set by the submandibular exposure lengths of a plurality of body parts (eg, shoulders and chest) of the bather 18 below the lower end Fc of the chin, and the safety level may be graded and notified. In this case, the larger the submandibular exposure length, the higher the safety level.

L0-L4 is different for each bather 18. Therefore, the user inputs the numerical value (unit: cm) or step of L0-L4 in advance using the mode switch 46 to the down switch 48 (FIGS. 13 and 14) of the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom for each member of the family. , It is set in the memory via the length threshold value setting unit 23 of the bather monitoring control unit 15. Then, these numerical values or steps registered in the memory are read by the inundation degree detection unit 22 in STEP 13.

Instead of the user inputting numerical values and steps with a switch, an image is projected on the screen on the screen like an ID photo camera, for example, the water surface position and the automatic recognition value of each part of the face are displayed on the display unit 41 of FIG. Is presented together on the screen. Specifically, the line of the water surface position and the circumscribed rectangle of each part of the face are presented. If the presented automatic recognition value deviates, the user calibrates the up switch 47 and the down switch 48 (FIG. 13) by operating a button switch or the like. The image projected on the screen may be ethically and abstractly processed.

When the length threshold setting unit 23 sets the numerical value for each member of L0-L4 as a factor, the preference for each member (eg, hot water temperature, water level, hot water, and chasing). (Time interval) can also be set and the set value can be used for bathing management other than bather monitoring control. The inundation degree detection unit 22 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 9 as soon as STEP 13 is completed.

On the other hand, in STEP 15, the inundation degree detection unit 22 recognizes that the bather 18 does not exist in the bathtub 4. The inundation degree detection unit 22 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 9 as soon as STEP 15 is completed.

The presence / absence determination in FIG. 9 determines whether the current time is the period during which the bather 18 is present in the bathtub 4 or the period during which the bather 18 is not present. That is, in STEP 10 of FIG. 9, the bather 18 is present in the bathtub 4 during the period from the time when the bather 18 is determined to have entered the bathtub 4 to the time when the bather 18 is determined to have left the bathtub 4. It is a period. The processes of FIGS. 10 to 12 described later are processes performed by the bather monitoring device 9 during the period when the bather 18 is found to be present in the bathtub 4 by the series of processes of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process in which the bather monitoring device 9 detects and determines the consciousness level of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4. The consciousness level is an example of the physical condition of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4. The bather monitoring device 9 carries out the process of FIG. 10 at regular time intervals.

In STEP 18, the physical condition detection unit 24 determines whether or not the hot water supply system 1 is operating the "tashi hot water" or the "tashi water". Specifically, the physical condition detection unit 24 indicates that the bather 18 instructs "tashiyu" or "tashimizu" with the remote controller 11 in the bathroom, and then the hot water supply or water supply to the bathtub 4 is completed. The above determination is made based on whether or not it is still continuing. When the determination is positive, the physical condition detection unit 24 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 10, and when the determination is negative, advances the process to STEP 19.

The significance of STEP 18 is to prevent erroneous detection of the physical condition of the bather 18. That is, even if the length in the water level direction between the face of the bathtub 4 and the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 decreases, the decrease in the length in the water level direction is due to the decrease in the consciousness level of the bathtub 18 and the bathing in the bathtub 4. This is not only due to the subduction of the person 18, but also because the water level 20 may rise due to the hot water or the hot water.

In STEP 19, the physical condition detection unit 24 determines whether or not the water level has risen due to the drop (opening of the faucet (not shown in FIG. 1) that supplies hot water or water to the bathtub 4). When the physical condition detection unit 24 determines that the water level has risen due to the drop, it ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 10, and when it determines that there is no drop, the process proceeds to STEP 20.

The physical condition detection unit 24 determines whether or not the water level rises due to the drop, specifically, based on Haw, Ha0 (FIG. 4) and γcw, γc0 (FIG. 5). When there is a rise in the water level due to the drop, Haw or γcw changes even though Ha0 or γc0 does not change.

The significance of STEP 19 is to prevent erroneous detection of the physical condition of the bather 18. That is, even if the length in the water level direction between the face of the bathtub 4 and the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 decreases, the decrease in the length in the water level direction is due to the decrease in the consciousness level of the bathtub 18 and the bathing in the bathtub 4. This is not necessarily due to the subduction of the person 18, but the water level 20 may rise due to the subduction.

In STEP 20, the factor invalidation unit 25 reads a factor whose invalidity is selected by the user from a plurality of predetermined factors set by default for the physical condition detection unit 24 to detect the consciousness level. A specific method for selecting a factor to be invalidated by the user will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. In the example of FIGS. 6A to 6C, the plurality of predetermined factors are the open / closed state of the mouth Fm, the open / closed state of the eyes Fe, and the tilted state of the face.

For example, there is a bather 18 who has a habit or habit of closing his eyes Fe in the bathtub 4. Since the eye Fe as a factor is included in the default, when the physical condition detection unit 24 tries to detect the physical condition with the default factor for such a bather 18, the bather 18 loses consciousness. I will judge that I am doing it. In response to this, the invalid factor read by the factor invalid unit 25 in STEP 20 cannot be used, that is, is invalidated when the physical condition detection unit 24 detects the consciousness level of the bather 18.

In STEP 21, the physical condition detection unit 24 detects the current provisional consciousness level Lcc for the consciousness level of the bather 18. The reason why "temporary" is added instead of simply the consciousness level is that the consciousness level is changed after the continuity verification (STEP24) is performed for the temporary consciousness level Lcc in order to ensure the reliability of the detected consciousness level. This is because it is confirmed (STEP 25).

In the detection process of the provisional consciousness level Lcc by the physical condition detection unit 24 in STEP 21, the invalid factor read in STEP 20 is not used. For example, when the eye Fe is selected as an ineffective factor, the physical condition detection unit 24 determines that the bather 18 depends only on the open / closed state of the mouth Fm and the tilted state of the head, which remain as factors other than the open / closed state of the eye Fe. Will detect the level of consciousness. When the user has not selected an invalid factor, the physical condition detection unit 24 determines the consciousness level of the bather 18 by using all of the default factors.

In STEP 22, the physical condition detection unit 24 reads the previous provisional consciousness level Lcp from the memory. The bather monitoring control unit 15 executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 10 at regular time intervals, and in the memory, the consciousness level after the change when the consciousness level of the bather 18 is finally switched is temporarily stored in the previous time. Continues to be remembered as a level of consciousness.

In STEP 23, the physical condition detection unit 24 determines whether the current tentative consciousness level Lcc and the previous consciousness level Lcp match or differ, and if they match, the process proceeds to STEP 24, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to STEP 24. Proceed to STEP 28 processing.

The process after STEP 23 is a process for confirming that the temporary consciousness level Lcc of this time continues for a predetermined time Tc or more. The consciousness level of the bather 18 may be temporary due to noise or unstable facial changes of the bather 18, so after confirming that the tentative consciousness level Lcc continues for a predetermined time or more, the consciousness level is said to be the same. By setting the provisional consciousness level Lcc as the official consciousness level this time, the reliability of the detected consciousness level is ensured.

In STEP 24, the physical condition detection unit 24 determines whether or not the time counting time of the timer Qc is Tc or more for a predetermined time, and if it is Tc or more for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to STEP 25, and if it is less than Tc for a predetermined time. If so, the series of processes shown in FIG. 10 is terminated. The timed time of the timer Qc means the duration of the current consciousness level Lca.

The physical condition detection unit 24 determines the current consciousness level Lca to the current provisional consciousness level Lcc in STEP 25, and then ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 10.

In STEP 28, the physical condition detection unit 24 replaces the previous provisional consciousness level Lcp with the current provisional consciousness level Lcc. The physical condition detection unit 24 resets the timer Qc in STEP 29, and then ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a process in which the bather monitoring device 9 detects and determines the water surface warning level Lv. The water surface warning level is indicated by a stage (six stages of Lv0-Lv5 in FIG. 3 described above). The bather monitoring device 9 carries out the process of FIG. 11 at regular time intervals or as soon as the series of processes of FIG. 10 is completed.

In STEP 31, the inundation degree detection unit 22 detects the water surface position Hw in the bathtub 4. Specifically, the inundation degree detection unit 22 can detect the water surface position Hw and the underwater face length Hc of the bather 18 based on the image of the water surface 20 included in the image captured by the camera 16. The water heater 2 is equipped with a water pressure sensor for detecting the water surface position Hw in the bathtub 4 for automatic hot water filling, and the inundation degree detection unit 22 uses the water pressure sensor as a water level sensor to detect the water surface position Hw. Can also be detected.

As a water level sensor that detects the water surface position Hw by a device other than the camera, for example, an ultrasonic sensor exists in addition to the water pressure sensor. An ultrasonic sensor emits an ultrasonic wave toward the water surface, and detects the water surface position Hw from the time when the ultrasonic wave is reflected on the water surface and returns.

In STEP 32, the inundation degree detection unit 22 calculates the length of the face portion of the bather 18 located below the water surface position Hw in the water level direction. Specifically, the inundation degree detection unit 22 can calculate the length in the water level direction based on the positions of the lower end Fc of the jaw and the water surface position Hw of the bather 18 included in the image captured by the camera 16. In order to improve the detection accuracy of the water surface position Hw and the underwater face length Hc based on the image of the water surface 20 included in the image captured by the camera 16, the inner surface of the bathtub 4 is marked at equal intervals in the water level direction. The water surface position Hw and the underwater face length Hc may be detected from the number of the marks.

In STEP 33, the inundation degree detection unit 22 detects the temporary water surface warning level Lvc this time. "Temporary" is added instead of simply the water level warning level after the continuity verification (STEP38) is performed for the temporary water level warning level Lvc in order to ensure the reliability of the detected water level warning level. This is because the official water level warning level is determined (STEP39).

In STEP 34, the inundation degree detection unit 22 reads the previous provisional water surface warning level Lvp from the memory. In STEP 35, the inundation degree detection unit 22 determines whether Lvc and Lvp are the same or different, and if they are the same, the process is advanced to STEP 38, and if they are different, the process is advanced to STEP 41. ..

In STEP 38, the inundation degree detection unit 22 determines whether or not the time counting time of the timer Ql is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Tl, and if it is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined value Tl, the process proceeds to STEP 39 and the predetermined value is determined. If it is determined that the value is less than Tl, the series of processes shown in FIG. 11 is terminated. The clock time of the timer Ql means the duration of the water surface warning level Lva this time.

In STEP39, the inundation degree detection unit 22 determines the current water level warning level Lva to the current provisional water level warning level Lvc. After that, the inundation degree detection unit 22 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

In STEP 41, the inundation degree detection unit 22 replaces the previous temporary water level warning level Lvp with the current temporary water level warning level Lvc. In STEP 42, the inundation degree detection unit 22 resets the timer Ql. After that, the inundation degree detection unit 22 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the notification execution process performed by the bather monitoring device 9. The notification unit 27 executes the notification execution process of FIG. 12 at regular time intervals or after STEP 39 of FIG. 11 is completed.

In STEP 47, the child determination unit 26 determines whether the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 is an adult or a child, and if it is determined to be an adult, advances the process to STEP 48 and determines that the bather is a child. If so, the process proceeds to STEP53.

In STEP 53, the notification unit 27 stops the notification. After this, the bather monitoring device 9 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

The significance of STEP 47, 53 is that if the bather 18 is a child, the child may dive and play in the bathtub 4, and in such a case, the notification unit 27 gives a false alarm that the bather 18 is drowning. Is to prevent the output of.

In STEP48, the notification unit 27 reads the confirmed water level warning levels Lv of this time and the previous time from the memory as water level warning levels Lva and Lvb, respectively. In STEP 49, the notification unit 27 reads the current and previous definite consciousness levels Lc from the memory as consciousness levels Lca and Lcb, respectively.

In STEP 50, the notification unit 27 determines whether Lva and Lvb are different, or Lca and Lcb are different, and if it is determined to be positive (YES), the process proceeds to STEP 55 and no (NO). ), The process proceeds to STEP 58.

In STEP 55, the notification unit 27 switches the output mode of the notification. The specific notification by the notification unit 27 is performed by the visual display on the display unit 41 of the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom and the output of voice or sound on the speaker 49. The output mode is switched every time the underwater face length Hc reaches each length threshold value corresponding to L1-L4.

In STEP 56, the notification unit 27 replaces the previous definite water level warning level Lvb and the definite consciousness level Lcb with the current definite water level warning level Lva and the definite consciousness level Lca, respectively.

In STEP 58, the notification unit 27 maintains the output mode of notification. According to STEP 58, the visual display on the display unit 41 of the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom and the audio or acoustic output on the speaker 49 will maintain the output mode until the next STEP 55 is performed.

In the visual display from the display unit 41, the output mode of STEP 58 is maintained for a period from the switching of the output mode in STEP 55 to the time of switching of the output mode by the next implementation of STEP 55. As a result, the user can see the output mode of the visual display at any time during the period.

On the other hand, since the voice or sound is output only once, if it is output at the time of switching STEP55, it will be in a silent state until the next STEP55 is carried out. As a modification, it is possible to output once or a plurality of predetermined times at the time of switching, and to repeatedly output the same contents at regular time intervals until the time of switching of the next output mode.

Hereinafter, the direction in which the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 advances from the safe state to the danger of drowning is referred to as a “danger increasing direction”, and the opposite direction is referred to as a “danger decreasing direction”. The direction in which the water surface warning level Lv changes from Lv0 → Lv1 → Lv2 → Lv3 → Lv4 → Lv5 is the direction of increasing danger. The direction in which the water surface warning level Lv changes from Lv5 → Lv4 → Lv3 → Lv2 → Lv14 → Lv0 is the danger reduction direction. The direction in which the consciousness level Lc changes from Lc0 → Lc1 → Lc2 is the direction of increasing danger. The direction in which the consciousness level Lc changes from Lc2 to Lc1 to Lc0 is the risk reduction direction.

When the water surface warning level Lv changes in the direction of increasing danger, the notification for switching the output mode according to the stage of each level after the change corresponds to the first notification. When the water surface warning level Lv changes in the danger reduction direction, the notification for switching the output mode according to the stage of each level after the change corresponds to the third notification. The notification when the consciousness level Lc as an example of the physical condition of the bather 18 is detected as a predetermined state (example: consciousness level Lc = Lc1 or Lc2) corresponds to the second notification.

According to the bather monitoring device 9, the first notification (Lv0-) in which the output mode is switched as the degree of inundation of the face of the bather 18 with respect to the water in the bathtub 4 increases (the degree of inundation changes in the direction of increasing danger). Notification corresponding to Lv5) is performed. That is, since the stage Lv3-Lv5 before the bather 18 becomes drowned in the bathtub 4 (in the above-mentioned stage, the stage Lv3-Lv5 in which breathing from the nasal Fn is disturbed is the drowning stage of the bather 18, the predictive stage is Lv1. , At the stage corresponding to Lv2), the first notification is performed, so that it is possible to prevent the delay of the relief activity for the bather 18 who may drown.

Further, when the situation of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 changes in the danger increasing direction, the user can use each stage of the danger increasing direction (eg, Lv0-Lv1, Lv1-Lv2, Lv2-Lv3 or Lv3-). The time interval of the output mode of Lv4) is examined. If the time interval is short, it can be determined that the situation of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 is a situation in which the risk of drowning is rapidly increasing, and if the time interval is long, it can be determined that the situation is not so rapid. As a result, appropriate rescue preparations can be made so that the rescue of the bather 18 is not too late.

According to the bather monitoring device 9, as can be seen from STEP 50, 55, 56, 58 in FIG. 12, the notification at the precursor stage of the bather monitoring device 9 indicates that the situation of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 is in the direction of increasing danger. When the stage is switched to, the first notification is notified at each stage (state corresponding to Lv1 and Lv2). Further, even when the stage is switched in the direction of reducing the danger, the third notification is notified at each stage. As a result, the user can also grasp that the situation of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 has progressed to a certain extent in the direction of increasing danger and then returned to the direction of decreasing danger, and the user can also grasp that the situation of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 has been rescued. It is possible to optimize the way of dealing.

Even if the stage of the water level warning level Lv in the first notification and the stage of the water level warning level Lv in the third notification are the same stage (hereinafter referred to as "stage Lvx"), after the risk increases. The output mode of the stage Lvx and the stage Lvx when the risk is changed in the risk reduction direction can be identified by the user. For example, the direction is identified by making a difference depending on the color, mark, pitch, length, and the like of the sound.

In the notification execution process of FIG. 12 as an embodiment, there are a plurality of stages of the water surface warning level Lv (corresponding to Lv0-Lv5) and a plurality of stages of the consciousness level Lc (Lc0-) for the stepwise danger level of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4. It is set independently with (corresponding to Lc2). However, a stepwise danger level Lt that integrates a plurality of stages of the water surface warning level Lv and a plurality of stages of the consciousness level Lc of the present invention is set, and is stepwise and comprehensive in the direction of change in the direction of increasing danger and the direction of decreasing danger. It is also possible to set a dangerous level Lt and switch the output mode for each stage of the dangerous level Lt.

13 and 14 are diagrams showing a specific output mode performed by the notification unit 27 in the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom. Before explaining an example of a specific output mode, the configuration of the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom will be described. The remote controller 12 outside the bathroom also serves as a remote controller for the hot water supply system 1 instead of a dedicated remote controller for the bather monitoring device 9. Further, although the detailed configuration of the in-bathroom remote controller 11 is not shown, it is the same as the typical out-of-bathroom remote controller 12. Further, the in-bathroom remote controller 11 may also simultaneously perform the same notification as the notification described below for the out-of-bathroom remote controller 12.

The remote controller 12 outside the bathroom includes an upper display unit 41, a lower operation unit, and a speaker 49. The operation unit includes a call switch 42 to a down switch 48. The display unit 41 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display. The output mode by the notification unit 27 includes the display of the display unit 41 and the audio output from the speaker 49.

Since the call switch 42 to the down switch 48 are well-known functions in the remote controller 12 outside the bathroom, they will be briefly described. The call switch 42 is operated when the family in the kitchen 5 talks to the bather 18 in the bathroom 3. The Oidaki switch 43 is operated when the remaining hot water in the bathtub 4 is removed. The automatic switch 44 is operated when filling the bathtub 4 with hot water. The operation on / off switch 45 is used when turning on or off the power supply of the hot water supply system 1.

The mode switch 46 is operated to select a setting target when the user sets the hot water temperature of the bathtub 4 or the hot water temperature of the hot water tap 6. The mode switch 46 also selects a setting target or a selection target when the user inputs a setting or selection related to the length threshold value setting unit 23 or the factor invalidation unit 25 by the up switch 47 and the down switch 48. Manipulated for. The up switch 47 and the down switch 48 are used when the user raises or lowers the numerical value displayed on the display unit 41, or from a plurality of items in the list vertically displayed on the display unit 41. Manipulated when selecting one.

On the display unit 41 of FIG. 13, the texts "Water surface warning Lv1", "Bathing posture abnormality" and "The head of the bather is tilted and is close to the water surface. Please check the condition of the bather." , A design of the state of the bather 18 corresponding to this text content is displayed. That is, the stepwise danger level of the bather 18 in the bathtub 4 is divided into a water level warning level Lv stage and a consciousness level Lc stage, and are displayed at the same time.

"Water level warning Lv4" and "The head of the bather is sinking to the eyes. Please check the condition of the bather immediately. The forced drainage operation will be started in 5 seconds. The text and the design of the state of the bather 18 corresponding to the text content are displayed.

In the flowchart of FIG. 12, the forced drainage treatment of the bathtub 4 after 5 seconds have passed after switching to the water surface warning Lv4 is not described, but when it is determined in STEP55 that Lva = Lv3, Lv4 or 5. After replacing Lvb with Lva, the forced drainage unit 28 can perform the forced drainage operation in the bathtub 4 after 5 seconds have elapsed. Further, the forced drainage unit 28 sets the elapsed time from the time when Lva = Lv3, Lv4 or Lv5 is confirmed until the forced drainage operation in the bathtub 4 is started. When Lva = Lv3, the forced drainage unit 28 has a time longer than the time until the user rushes to the bathroom 3 to check the status of the bather 18 (example: a time longer than the above-mentioned 5 seconds), and Lva = Lv4 or Lv5. In the case of, it is possible to make it less than the rush time (example: a time shorter than the above-mentioned 5 seconds). Further, the forced drainage amount can also be increased in the order of Lv3, Lv4, Lv5.

The present invention includes various modifications other than the illustrated examples. The following are examples of modifications.

In the embodiment, the facial expression (eg, opening and closing of the mouth Fm) and the posture (eg, the degree of inclination of the head) of the bather 18 are detected as the physical condition of the bather 18. In addition, the physical condition of the bather of the present invention includes a predetermined condition such as pulse abnormality and respiratory abnormality of the bather 18 by using a well-known non-contact detector adopted in the hospital room of the inpatient. Can be done.

In STEP 50 of the flowchart of FIG. 12 of the embodiment, it is determined whether or not one of the stages of the water surface warning level Lv and the consciousness level Lc has changed, but the consciousness level Lc can be omitted. Further, for the notifications in STEP55 and STEP58, one of the notification by the visual display of the display unit 41 and the notification by the sound (eg, buzzer sound) or the voice output from the speaker 49 is omitted, or one is omitted only when the danger level is low. You can also do it.

In the embodiment, when it is determined in STEP50 that Lva ≠ Lvb, if the water surface warning level Lv changes in the danger increasing direction, the first notification is performed in STEP58, and the water surface warning level Lv changes in the danger decreasing direction. If so, the third notification is performed in STEP 58, and the underwater face length at that time is the same.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the first notification is given in STEP 58 when the water surface warning level Lv is a change in the danger increasing direction, and the third notification is given in STEP 58 when the water surface warning level Lv is a change in the danger decreasing direction. The length of the underwater face at the time of switching with and may be different.

In the present invention, "the amount of decrease in the degree of inundation after switching from the increasing direction to the decreasing direction in the degree of inundation" corresponds to, for example, the number of stages of the above-mentioned degree of inundation (six stages in total). .. "The amount of decrease in the degree of inundation after switching has become a predetermined amount or more" corresponds to, for example, a change of a predetermined value or more to the lower stage of the degree of inundation. "The degree of inundation has reached a predetermined level or higher" means that the stage of the degree of inundation has reached a stage of a predetermined level or higher.

The bather monitoring device 9 of the embodiment includes both an inundation degree detection unit 22 and a physical condition detection unit 24, and is based on the inundation degree of the face of the bather 18 detected by the inundation degree detection unit 22 in the notification unit 27. Both the notification of 1 and the second notification based on the physical condition of the bather 18 detected by the physical condition detection unit 24 are performed. However, the bather monitoring device of the present invention has a first notification based on the degree of inundation of the bather's face detected by the inundation degree detection unit and a second notification based on the physical condition of the bather detected by the physical condition detection unit. It is also possible to use only one of the above.

The tap water and tap water of STEP 18 and the drop of STEP 19 of FIG. 10 described as embodiments are examples of hot water supply or water supply in a bathtub in the present invention. In the embodiment, whether or not the hot water and the hot water are implemented is detected by a user instruction such as "taste hot water" in the remote controller 11 in the bathroom or the operation of the hot water supply system 1. Further, it is detected from the change in the length in the water level direction between the predetermined portion of the face of the bather 18 and the water surface 20 that the drop is performed. In the present invention, instead of these, a sensor for detecting the water flow of the water supply port of the hot water supply port and the opening / closing of the hot water tap or the water tap is provided, and whether hot water supply or water supply is performed in the bathtub based on the detection of these sensors. It is also possible to determine whether or not.

3 ... Bathroom, 4 ... Bathtub, 9 ... Bather monitoring device, 10 ... Control device, 11 ... In-bathroom remote control, 12 ... Outside bathroom remote control, 16 ... Camera, 18 ... Bather, 20 ... Water surface, 22 ... Inundation degree detection unit, 23 ... Length threshold setting unit, 24 ... Physical condition detection unit, 25 ... Factor invalid part, 26 ... Child judgment unit, 27 ... Notification unit, 28 ... Forced drainage unit, 41 ... Display unit, 49 ... Speaker.

Claims (6)

An inundation degree detector that detects the inundation degree of the bather's face with respect to the water in the bathtub, and
A notification unit that performs a first notification that switches the output mode as the degree of inundation detected by the inundation degree detection unit increases, and a notification unit .
A physical condition detection unit that detects the physical condition of the bather in the bathtub,
Equipped with
The notification unit performs a second notification when the physical condition of the bather detected by the physical condition detection unit is a predetermined state.
The physical condition detection unit determines whether or not hot water supply or water supply is performed in the bathtub, and if it is determined that the hot water supply or water supply is performed, the detection of the physical condition of the bather in the bathtub is stopped. A featured bather monitoring device. An inundation degree detector that detects the inundation degree of the bather's face with respect to the water in the bathtub, and
A notification unit that performs a first notification that switches the output mode as the degree of inundation detected by the inundation degree detection unit increases, and a notification unit .
A physical condition detection unit that detects the physical condition of a bather in the bathtub using a plurality of predetermined factors, and a physical condition detection unit.
A factor invalid part that invalidates a part of the plurality of predetermined factors,
Equipped with
The notification unit is a bather monitoring device, characterized in that a second notification is performed when the physical condition of the bather detected by the physical condition detection unit is in a predetermined state . In the bather monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2 .
It is equipped with a camera whose shooting range is set so as to include the face of the bather in the bathtub and the water surface.
The inundation degree detection unit detects the inundation degree based on the image captured by the camera.
The physical condition detection unit is a bather monitoring device, characterized in that it detects a facial expression or posture as the physical condition based on an image captured by the camera. An inundation degree detector that detects the inundation degree of the bather's face with respect to the water in the bathtub, and
A notification unit that performs a first notification that switches the output mode as the degree of inundation detected by the inundation degree detection unit increases, and a notification unit .
A child judgment unit that determines whether or not the bather in the bathtub is a child,
Equipped with
The notification unit is a bather monitoring device, characterized in that when the child determination unit determines that the bather in the bathtub is a child, the first notification is stopped . An inundation degree detector that detects the inundation degree of the bather's face with respect to the water in the bathtub, and
A notification unit that performs a first notification that switches the output mode as the degree of inundation detected by the inundation degree detection unit increases, and a notification unit .
Equipped with
The notification unit sends a third notification when the degree of inundation detected by the degree of inundation detection unit is switched from the increasing direction to the decreasing direction and the amount of decrease in the degree of inundation after switching becomes a predetermined amount or more. A bather monitoring device characterized by doing . In the bather monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the bather monitoring device
The inundation degree detection unit detects the underwater face length, which is the length of the bather's face portion located under the water surface in the bathtub in the water level direction, as the inundation degree.
The notification unit switches the output mode of the first notification every time the underwater face length detected by the inundation degree detection unit reaches a plurality of preset length threshold values.
A bather monitoring device comprising a length threshold value setting unit for individually setting the plurality of length threshold values for a plurality of bathers.

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