JP7407387B2 - Pathogen detection system, pathogen detection method, pathogen detector, and control device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a pathogen detection system for detecting pathogens such as viruses floating in the air.

In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza, technologies have been developed to collect and detect pathogens such as viruses floating in the air. Furthermore, technology has also been developed that provides a map of the spread of infectious diseases in a region based on the detection results of pathogens (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

JP2012-52866A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-275708 International Publication No. 2015/136695

The present disclosure provides a pathogen detection system that can improve the efficiency of pathogen detection.

A pathogen detection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a pathogen detection system for detecting pathogens in a building, and includes a plurality of pathogen detectors arranged in different spaces in the building, Each of the detectors is configured to be able to change the operating mode for detecting the pathogen depending on the size of the space in which the pathogen detector is placed.

Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized in a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and the system, device, method, integrated circuit, etc. It may be realized by any combination of circuits, computer programs, and recording media.

According to the pathogen detection system of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the efficiency of pathogen detection.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a pathogen detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a floor plan showing the arrangement of devices constituting the pathogen detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the pathogen detector. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of detection results stored in the second storage unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the pathogen detection operation of the pathogen detector. FIG. 8 is a communication sequence diagram when changing the operating mode of the pathogen detector. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a first modification of the operation mode of the pathogen detector in the pathogen detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a second modification of the operation mode of the pathogen detector in the pathogen detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a third modification of the operation mode of the pathogen detector in the pathogen detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a pathogen detection system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a communication sequence diagram of a modification of the operation of the pathogen detection system according to the second embodiment.

(Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure)
In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza, technologies have been developed to collect and detect pathogens such as viruses floating in the air. Furthermore, technology has been developed that maps the spread of infectious diseases in a region based on the results of pathogen detection.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that collects viruses floating in the air and continuously monitors the presence of viruses in real time.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for storing virus information obtained by a mobile information terminal equipped with a virus detection function using a communication network and transmitting information for preventing infectious diseases.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, a detection device capable of detecting pathogens is installed in places with many people such as public transportation and schools, and detection data regarding pathogens is acquired over a wide range to create an infection spread map. A technique for generating this is disclosed.

By the way, the period when a certain infectious disease is prevalent in Japan is the same time every year to some extent, and the period of the epidemic is often several months. For example, it is known that influenza is prevalent in Japan from approximately December to March.

Therefore, if all the installed detectors are used to constantly detect pathogens throughout the year in order to understand the prevalence of a particular infectious disease in a particular region, there will be waste in the operation of the detectors. Extremely large and inefficient.

On the other hand, pathogens are often brought in from endemic areas overseas, and if we do not detect pathogens at all outside of the period when an outbreak is expected in Japan, we will not be able to accurately grasp the prevalence of infectious diseases.

In addition, when using reagents such as antibodies to detect pathogens, such reagents are consumables that are consumed in one detection, so it is best to refrain from detecting pathogens except when necessary, and to avoid using reagents. There is also a desire to reduce wear and tear.

Therefore, a pathogen detection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a pathogen detection system for detecting pathogens in a building, and includes a plurality of pathogen detectors arranged in different spaces in the building, and the pathogen detection system includes a plurality of pathogen detectors arranged in different spaces in the building. Each of the pathogen detectors is configured to be able to change the operating mode for detecting the pathogen depending on the size of the space in which the pathogen detector is placed.

For example, such a pathogen detection system can improve the efficiency of pathogen detection by adopting an operation mode in which the time interval between pathogen detection is shorter as the pathogen detector is placed in a wider space. Furthermore, the pathogen detection system can suppress consumption of reagents and the like used for pathogen detection.

Further, for example, the operation mode includes a plurality of modes in which the time intervals in which the pathogen detection is performed are different from each other.

Such a pathogen detection system can change the time interval of pathogen detection by the pathogen detector by changing the operating mode. That is, the pathogen detection system can change the frequency of pathogen detection by the pathogen detector.

Further, for example, one pathogen detector among the plurality of pathogen detectors is arranged in a first space, and another pathogen detector among the plurality of pathogen detectors is arranged in the first space. space, the one pathogen detector operates in a first mode of detecting the pathogen at a first time interval, and the other pathogen detector operates in a first mode of detecting the pathogen at a first time interval. , a second mode of operation is performed in which the pathogen is detected at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval.

In such a pathogen detection system, pathogen detection is performed at shorter time intervals as the pathogen detector is placed in a larger space where it is thought that the possibility of pathogens being excreted from a person is higher. Therefore, the pathogen detection system can efficiently detect pathogens.

Further, for example, the pathogen detection system further includes a detection device that detects a continuous state or a discontinuous state of the first space and the second space, and the detection result of the detection device is When the space and the second space indicate switching from a discontinuous state to a continuous state, the operating mode of the one pathogen detector is changed from the first mode to the second mode.

In such a pathogen detection system, if the first space and the second space are continuous and the size of the space in which the pathogen detector is placed increases, there is a possibility that pathogens will be discharged from a person in the space. Detection of pathogens occurs at short time intervals because of the high Therefore, the pathogen detection system can efficiently detect pathogens.

Further, for example, the pathogen detection system further includes a detection device that detects a continuous state or a discontinuous state of the first space and the second space, and the detection result of the detection device is transmitted to the first space. and when the second space indicates switching from a discontinuous state to a continuous state, the operating mode of the one pathogen detector changes from the first mode to a stop mode in which detection of the pathogen is stopped. be done.

In such a pathogen detection system, since the first space and the second space are continuous, the pathogen propagates from the first space to the second space, and there is no need to detect the pathogen in the first space. If the pathogen detection level is considered to be low, detection of the pathogen by the pathogen detector is stopped. Therefore, the pathogen detection system can efficiently detect pathogens.

Further, for example, the detection device detects the continuity of the first space and the second space by detecting the open/closed state of fittings provided between the first space and the second space. Detect states or discontinuities.

Such a pathogen detection system can detect a continuous state or a discontinuous state of the first space and the second space by detecting the open/closed state of the fittings.

Further, for example, the one pathogen detector may include a first communication unit that receives the detection result of the detection device, and a first control unit that changes the operation mode of the one pathogen detector based on the received detection result. It is equipped with a section.

Such a pathogen detection system can change the operating mode of the pathogen detector by directly receiving the detection result of the detection device.

Further, for example, the pathogen detection system further includes a control device that controls the plurality of pathogen detectors, and the control device includes a second communication unit that receives the detection results of the detection device, and a second communication unit that receives the detection results of the detection device. and a second control section that causes the second communication section to transmit a command to change the operation mode of the one pathogen detector based on the result.

Such a pathogen detection system can change the operating mode of the pathogen detector based on a command sent from a control device.

Further, for example, the pathogen detection system further includes a control device that controls the plurality of pathogen detectors, and each of the plurality of pathogen detectors includes a detection section that detects the pathogen, and a detection section that detects the pathogen. a first communication unit that transmits a detection result of a pathogen to the control device, and a second communication unit that receives the detection result of the pathogen in the pathogen detector from each of the pathogen detectors; and a storage unit that stores the received detection results of each of the plurality of pathogen detectors.

Such a pathogen detection system can display, for example, the concentration of pathogens in a building or the state of spread of pathogens in a building based on the stored detection results. Then, the user can grasp the concentration of pathogens within the building or the state of spread of pathogens within the building.

Further, a pathogen detection method according to an aspect of the present disclosure detects the size of a space in which a pathogen detector for detecting pathogens in a building is arranged, and detects the size of the space according to the detected size of the space. changing the mode of operation of the pathogen detector for detecting the pathogen;

Further, a pathogen detector according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a pathogen detector that detects a pathogen in a building, and includes a detection unit that detects the pathogen, and a space in which the pathogen detector is arranged. and a control unit that changes an operation mode of the pathogen detector for detecting the pathogen according to the pathogen detection method.

Further, the control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a pathogen detector that detects pathogens in a building, and a communication unit that communicates with a pathogen detector that detects pathogens in a building. and a control section that causes the communication section to transmit a command to change the operating mode of the detector for detecting the pathogen.

Note that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized in a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, and the system, device, method, integrated circuit, etc. It may be realized by any combination of circuits, computer programs, and recording media. For example, the present disclosure may be implemented as a pathogen detection method executed by a computer or the like as described above. The present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute a pathogen detection method, or may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and do not limit the present disclosure. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims indicating the most significant concept will be described as arbitrary constituent elements.

Note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
[composition]
The configuration of the pathogen detection system according to Embodiment 1 will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a pathogen detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a floor plan showing the arrangement of devices constituting the pathogen detection system according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pathogen detection system 100 according to the first embodiment is a system that is installed in a nursing care facility 50 and for detecting pathogens in the air within the nursing facility 50. Nursing care facility 50 is an example of a building.

The pathogen detection system 100 includes a plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p, a control device 20, a display device 30, and a detection device 90. Note that the pathogen detection system 100 only needs to include at least two pathogen detectors, and the number of pathogen detectors that the pathogen detection system 100 includes is not particularly limited.

Each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p performs a pathogen detection operation at regular time intervals, for example. The pathogen is, for example, a virus, such as an influenza virus, but may also be a mold or a bacteria.

The plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p are placed at different points within the nursing care facility 50. For example, each of the pathogen detectors 10a to 10e is placed in a private room. Pathogen detectors 10f, 10h, 10o, and 10p are arranged in the hallway. The pathogen detector 10g is located in the staff room. Pathogen detectors 10i and 10j are placed in the living room. The pathogen detector 10k is placed in the kitchen. Pathogen detectors 10l and 10m are each located in the toilet. The pathogen detector 10n is placed in the changing room.

The plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p are connected by a communication network 40 to a control device 20 located in the staff room. The communication network 40 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). Communication network 40 may be a wired communication network or a wireless communication network.

Each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p transmits detection results to the control device 20 via the communication network 40. The control device 20 stores the acquired detection results, and causes the display device 30 to display an image showing the concentration of pathogens in the air within the nursing care facility 50 based on the stored detection results. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 30. According to the image shown in FIG. 3, the staff of the nursing care facility 50 and the like can grasp the concentration of pathogens in the air within the nursing facility 50 and the state of transmission of the pathogens. In other words, the pathogen detection system 100 also functions as a propagation status grasping system for grasping the propagation status of pathogens.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p is configured to be able to change the operating mode for detecting pathogens depending on the size of the space in which the pathogen detector is placed. For example, each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p has a different time interval for detecting a pathogen depending on the size of the space in which the pathogen detector is placed. Specifically, the pathogen detectors arranged in a wider space are controlled to detect pathogens at shorter time intervals.

Large spaces have a large number of people staying in them, and there is a high possibility that pathogens will be expelled from people. In other words, it is highly necessary to detect pathogens. Therefore, the more a pathogen detector is placed in a larger space, the more efficient pathogen detection can be achieved by detecting pathogens at shorter time intervals.

Further, the detection device 90 detects a continuous state or a discontinuous state of the space, and the control device 20 changes the operating mode of the pathogen detector based on the detection result of the detection device 90. Details of such a change in the operating mode will be described later.

[Pathogen detector]
Next, the detailed configuration of each device included in the pathogen detection system 100 will be described. First, the functional configuration of the pathogen detector 10a will be explained. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the pathogen detector 10a. Note that the other pathogen detectors included in the pathogen detection system 100 have the same configuration as the pathogen detector 10a, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

The pathogen detector 10a performs an operation of detecting pathogens contained in fine particles in the surrounding air. As shown in FIG. 4, the pathogen detector 10a includes a collection section 11, a detection section 12, a first communication section 13, a first control section 14, and a first storage section 15.

The collection unit 11 sucks and collects fine particles floating in the air. Specifically, the collection unit 11 includes, for example, an intake fan or a pump, and collects fine particles in the air taken in from the intake port.

The detection unit 12 detects pathogens. For example, the detection unit 12 is a sensor that detects pathogens in the particles collected by the collection unit 11 using, for example, a detection technique using surface plasmon excitation enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, the detection unit 12 can also detect the concentration of pathogens.

The second communication unit 21 communicates with the control device 20 and the detection device 90. The first communication unit 13 transmits the pathogen detection result by the detection unit 12 to the control device 20, for example, under the control of the first control unit 14. Specifically, the first communication unit 13 is a communication circuit that can communicate via the communication network 40.

The first control unit 14 is a control device that controls the collection unit 11, the detection unit 12, the first communication unit 13, and the like. The first control unit 14 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

The first storage unit 15 is a storage device in which a control program executed by the first control unit 14 is stored. Specifically, the first storage unit 15 is realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

[Control device, display device, and detection device]
Next, the functional configuration of the control device 20 will be explained. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 20. As shown in FIG. Note that in FIG. 5, the display device 30 and the detection device 90 are also illustrated.

The control device 20 controls a plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p placed at different locations within the nursing care facility 50. The control device 20 is, for example, an information communication terminal such as a personal computer or a server device. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 20 includes a second communication section 21, a second storage section 22, a second control section 23, and an input reception section 24.

The second communication unit 21 communicates with the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p and the detection device 90. The second communication unit 21 receives, for example, the pathogen detection results from each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p. Further, the second communication unit 21 transmits a command to change the operation mode to the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p under the control of the second control unit 23. Specifically, the second communication unit 21 is a communication circuit that can communicate via the communication network 40.

The second storage unit 22 stores the detection results of each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p received by the second communication unit 21. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the detection results stored in the second storage unit 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection result specifically includes the ID of the pathogen detector and the detection time. The second storage unit 22 also stores table information indicating the correspondence between a plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p, which will be described later, and a control program executed by the second control unit 23. The second storage unit 22 is specifically realized by a semiconductor memory or the like.

The second control unit 23 is a control device that controls the second communication unit 21 and the like. For example, the second control unit 23 controls the operation mode of at least some of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p by causing the second communication unit 21 to transmit a command to change the operation mode. The second control unit 23 also performs storage processing of the detection results in the second storage unit 22, and image display processing of displaying an image on the display device 30 based on the user's operation received by the input reception unit 24. conduct. The first control unit 14 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor or a dedicated circuit.

The input reception unit 24 is a user interface device that accepts user operations regarding detection of pathogens by the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p. The input receiving unit 24 receives a user's operation for displaying an image as shown in FIG. 3, for example. Specifically, the input receiving unit 24 is an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard.

The display device 30 displays the pathogen detection results from the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p under the control of the second control unit 23. The display device 30 displays an image showing the detection results, for example, as shown in FIG. The display device 30 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

The detection device 90 detects the size of the space in the nursing care facility 50 in which the pathogen detector 10d is placed. Specifically, the detection device 90 detects whether the first space A and the second space B are in a continuous state or a discontinuous state.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first space A is, for example, a closed space in a private room in which the pathogen detector 10d is placed, and the second space B is a closed space including a hallway and a living room. The door 95 is a fitting provided between the first space A and the second space B, and partitions the first space A and the second space B.

In other words, the continuous state is a state in which the first space A and the second space B are spatially connected by opening the door 95 of the private room in which the pathogen detector 10d is placed. In other words, the discontinuous state is such that when the door 95 closes, the first space A and the second space B are partitioned by the door 95, and the first space A and the second space B are spatially separated. It is in a state of being

More specifically, the detection device 90 is a door sensor that detects whether the door 95 is open or closed. That is, the detection device 90 detects whether the first space A and the second space B are in a continuous state or a discontinuous state by detecting whether the door 95 is opened or closed. Note that the detection device 90 may be any sensor as long as it can detect the size of the space where the pathogen detector 10d is placed or a change in the size of the space. The detection device 90 may be, for example, a laser distance meter.

Further, although not shown, the detection device 90 has a communication circuit capable of communicating via the communication network 40, and can transmit detection results to the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p or the control device 20. In other words, the detection result is information indicating the size of the space in which the pathogen detector 10d is placed. The detection result is used to determine whether or not to change the operating mode.

Note that the pathogen detection system 100 may include at least one detection device 90, but may include a plurality of detection devices 90 corresponding to a plurality of doors in the nursing care facility 50.

[Pathogen detection operation of pathogen detector]
Next, the pathogen detection operation of the pathogen detector 10a will be explained. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the pathogen detection operation of the pathogen detector 10a.

First, the collection unit 11 collects fine particles in the air using an intake fan or pump (S11). Next, the detection unit 12 separates the sucked particles from the air (S12). The detection unit 12 has, for example, a cyclone structure and uses centrifugal force to separate particles from the air.

Next, the detection unit 12 extracts pathogens from the separated particles (S13). Specifically, the detection unit 12 mixes the separated fine particles with the extract. The extract extracts pathogens from the particles.

The detection unit 12 then introduces a sample liquid, which is a sample of the extract liquid, into a metal microstructure on which an antibody that specifically binds to a pathogen is immobilized. Further, the detection unit introduces an antibody that specifically binds to the pathogen and is labeled with a fluorescent substance into the metal microstructure (S14). As a result, the pathogen in the sample liquid binds to the metal fine structure pair via the antibody, and also binds to the antibody labeled with the fluorescent substance.

Next, the detection unit 12 irradiates the metal microstructure with excitation light using the light source included in the detection unit 12 (S15). As a result, surface plasmons generated in the metal microstructure emit surface-enhanced fluorescence that corresponds to the amount of pathogen. The detection unit 12 can receive such fluorescence with a light receiving element included in the detection unit 12, and can detect the concentration of pathogens in the sample liquid based on the intensity of the fluorescence.

In addition, in the following Embodiment 1, the detection operation of FIG. 7 is also simply described as detection. For example, "detection is performed at regular time intervals" means that the detection operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is performed at regular time intervals. The time interval here is, for example, between the start time of the step of collecting particles (S11) in the detection operation in FIG. 7 and the start time of the step of collecting particles (S11) in the next detection operation. corresponds to the time of

[Collection operation of pathogen detection results]
Next, the operation of collecting pathogen detection results by the control device 20 will be described. FIG. 8 is a communication sequence diagram of the operation of the control device 20 to collect pathogen detection results. In the following description of changes in the collection operation, an example will be described in which the control device 20 collects the detection results of the pathogen detector 10d and the pathogen detector 10p among the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p.

In the example of FIG. 8, the pathogen detector 10d and the pathogen detector 10p are initially operating in the first mode. The pathogen detector 10d and the pathogen detector 10p operating in the first mode detect pathogens at the first time interval T1, and transmit detection results to the control device 20 every time they perform detection (S21). The second communication unit 21 of the control device 20 receives detection results from each of the pathogen detector 10d and the pathogen detector 10p. That is, the control device 20 collects the detection results.

Here, when the second communication unit 21 of the control device 20 transmits an operation mode change command (S22), each of the pathogen detector 10d and the pathogen detector 10p receives the operation mode change command and changes the operation mode. Change from the first mode to the second mode. The pathogen detector 10d and the pathogen detector 10p operating in the second mode detect pathogens at a second time interval T2 that is shorter than the first time interval T1 (S23). That is, in the first mode and the second mode, the time intervals at which pathogen detection is performed are different from each other.

In this way, the control device 20 can collect detection results from each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p. Further, the control device 20 can change the operation mode of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p by transmitting an operation mode change command.

[Example 1 of changing operation mode]
Next, a first modification of the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d will be described with reference to FIG. 9 in addition to FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a first modification of the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d in the pathogen detection system 100. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram when the door 95 in the closed state changes to the open state.

When the door 95 is closed, the pathogen detector 10d arranged in the first space A operates in the first mode. The first mode is a mode in which pathogen detection is performed at a first time interval T1. That is, during operation in the first mode, the detection unit 12 of the pathogen detector 10d detects pathogens at the first time interval T1 (S31).

On the other hand, when the door 95 is closed, the pathogen detector 10p arranged in the second space B is operating in the second mode. The second mode is a mode in which pathogen detection is performed at a second time interval T2 that is shorter than the first time interval T1. That is, during operation in the second mode, the detection unit 12 of the pathogen detector 10p detects pathogens at the second time interval T2 (S32).

The detection device 90 detects the open/closed state of the door 95 and transmits the detection result to the control device 20 (S33). The second communication unit 21 of the control device 20 receives the detection result from the detection device 90 (S34).

Here, initially, the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the door 95 is in a closed state. In other words, the detection result indicates that the first space A and the second space B are in a discontinuous state. In this state, the second control unit 23 of the control device 20 determines that the received detection result is that the door 95 is open and that the first space A and the second space B are in a continuous state. It is determined whether or not it is indicated (S35). That is, the second control unit 23 determines whether the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the first space A and the second space B have switched from a discontinuous state to a continuous state.

If it is determined that the first space A and the second space B have not switched from the discontinuous state to the continuous state (No in S35), the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d is not changed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first space A and the second space B have switched from the discontinuous state to the continuous state (Yes in S35), the second control unit 23 causes the second communication unit 21 to change the operation mode. A command is transmitted (S36). In other words, the operation mode change command is a command for changing the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode.

Shifting the first space A and the second space B from a discontinuous state to a continuous state corresponds to an increase in the space in which the pathogen detector 10d is arranged. That is, in step S36, the second control unit 23 transmits a command to the second communication unit 21 to change the operation mode for detecting pathogens according to the size of the space in which the pathogen detector 10d is arranged. let

The first communication unit 13 of the pathogen detector 10d receives the operation mode change command (S37). When the command to change the operating mode is received, the pathogen detector 10d starts operating in the second mode. Specifically, the first control unit 14 of the pathogen detector 10d causes the detection unit 12 to detect the pathogen at the second time interval T2 (S38).

As described above, in the first modification of the operation mode, when the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the first space A and the second space B have switched from the discontinuous state to the continuous state, the pathogen detector The operating mode of 10d is changed from the first mode to the second mode. Note that the operating mode of the pathogen detector 10d may be changed from a stop mode in which detection of pathogens is stopped to a mode in which detection is performed at regular time intervals.

If the door 95 is opened and the pathogen detector 10d can be considered to be placed in a wide space where the first space A and the second space B are continuous, there is a possibility that pathogens will be discharged from the person into the space. becomes higher. In the first modification of the operation mode, the detection time interval of the pathogen detector 10d is shortened in such a case. In other words, when the space in which the pathogen detector 10d is arranged is small and there is a low possibility that pathogens will be discharged from a person into the space, the frequency of pathogen detection by the pathogen detector 10d is lowered. Therefore, the pathogen detection system 100 can efficiently detect pathogens in the air within the nursing care facility 50.

In addition, in the above-mentioned modification example 1 of the operation mode, an example was explained in which the door 95 in the closed state is in the open state. On the contrary, when the door 95 is in the open state and is in the closed state, the pathogen detection time interval of the pathogen detector 10d is, for example, from the second time interval T2 to the first time interval T1. will be extended to In other words, when the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the first space A and the second space B have switched from a continuous state to a discontinuous state, the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d is changed to the second mode. to the first mode. In this case, the operating mode of the pathogen detector 10d may be changed from a mode in which detection is performed at regular time intervals to a stop mode.

In this way, when the space in which the pathogen detector 10d is arranged becomes narrow and the possibility that pathogens are discharged from a person into the space becomes low, the frequency of detection of pathogens by the pathogen detector 10d is lowered. Therefore, the pathogen detection system 100 can efficiently detect pathogens in the air within the nursing care facility 50.

[Example 2 of changing operation mode]
Next, a second modification of the operating mode of the pathogen detector will be described with reference to FIG. 10 in addition to FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a second modification of the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d in the pathogen detection system 100.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram when the door 95 from the closed state changes to the open state, and steps S31 to S35 in FIG. 10 are the same as in the first modification of the operation mode described above.

If it is determined in step S35 that the first space A and the second space B have switched from the discontinuous state to the continuous state (Yes in S35), the second control unit 23 changes the operation mode from the first mode to the continuous state. The second communication unit 21 is caused to transmit an operation mode change command for changing to a stop mode in which detection of pathogens is stopped (S36).

The first communication unit 13 of the pathogen detector 10d receives such an operation mode change command (S37), and the pathogen detector 10d starts operating in the stop mode. That is, the detection unit 12 of the pathogen detector 10d stops detecting pathogens (S41).

In this way, in the second modification of the operation mode, when the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the first space A and the second space B have switched from the discontinuous state to the continuous state, the pathogen detector The operating mode of 10d is changed from the first mode to the stop mode. Note that the operating mode of the pathogen detector 10d may be changed from the first mode to a third mode in which pathogens are detected at a third time interval T3 that is longer than the first time interval T1.

When the first space A where the pathogen detector 10d is arranged is continuous with the second space B, the pathogen propagates from the first space A to the second space B, and the first space A where the pathogen detector 10d is arranged is connected to the second space B. It is also considered that there is little need to detect pathogens in space A. In the second modification of the operation mode, detection of pathogens by the pathogen detector 10d is stopped in such a case. Therefore, the pathogen detection system 100 can efficiently detect pathogens in the air within the nursing care facility 50.

In addition, in the second modification example of the operation mode, an example was described in which the door 95 in the closed state is in the open state. On the contrary, when the door 95 is in the open state and is in the closed state, the pathogen detector 10d, which has stopped detecting pathogens, starts detecting pathogens. In other words, when the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the first space A and the second space B have switched from the continuous state to the discontinuous state, the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d changes from the stop mode to the second space B. The mode is changed to 1. In this case, the operating mode of the pathogen detector 10d may be changed from the third mode to the first mode.

In this way, when the first space A and the second space B in which the pathogen detector 10d is arranged are separated by the door 95, and it is considered that the pathogen will not spread from the first space A to the second space B, , pathogen detection by the pathogen detector 10d is started. That is, when it is highly necessary to detect a pathogen in the first space A where the pathogen detector 10d is arranged, the pathogen detector 10d starts detecting a pathogen. Therefore, the pathogen detection system 100 can efficiently detect pathogens in the air within the nursing care facility 50.

[Example 3 of changing operation mode]
Next, a third modification of the operating mode of the pathogen detector will be described with reference to FIG. 11 in addition to FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of a third modification of the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d in the pathogen detection system 100.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram when the door 95 in the closed state changes to the open state, and steps S31 to S33 in FIG. 11 are the same as in the first modification of the operation mode described above.

The detection result transmitted by the detection device 90 in step S33 is received by the first communication unit 13 of the pathogen detector 10d (S51).

Here, initially, the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the door 95 is in a closed state. In other words, the detection result indicates that the first space A and the second space B are in a discontinuous state. In this state, the first control unit 14 of the pathogen detector 10d determines that the received detection result is that the door 95 is open and that the first space A and the second space B are in a continuous state. It is determined whether or not it is shown (S52). That is, the first control unit 14 determines whether the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the first space A and the second space B have switched from a discontinuous state to a continuous state.

If it is determined that the first space A and the second space B have not switched from the discontinuous state to the continuous state (No in S52), the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d is not changed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first space A and the second space B have switched from the discontinuous state to the continuous state (Yes in S52), the first control unit 14 changes the operation mode of the pathogen detector 10d to the second mode. Specifically, the first control unit 14 causes the detection unit 12 to detect the pathogen at the second time interval T2 (S53).

Shifting the first space A and the second space B from a discontinuous state to a continuous state corresponds to an increase in the space in which the pathogen detector 10d is arranged. That is, the first control unit 14 changes the operation mode for detecting pathogens depending on the size of the space in which the pathogen detector 10d is placed.

In this way, in the third example of changing the operating mode, the detection result of the detection device 90 is directly received by the pathogen detector 10d, and the operating mode of the pathogen detector 10d is changed without going through the control device 20.

Even according to the third modification of the operation mode, the pathogen detection system 100 can efficiently detect pathogens in the air within the nursing care facility 50. In addition, in the third example of changing the operating mode, the operating mode of the pathogen detector 10d may be changed from the second mode to the first mode, or changed from the stop mode to a mode in which detection is performed at regular time intervals. Alternatively, the mode in which detection is performed at regular time intervals may be changed to the stop mode. The same applies to the case where the detection result of the detection device 90 indicates that the first space A and the second space B have switched from a continuous state to a discontinuous state.

(Embodiment 2)
[Configuration and operation]
In the first embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the control device 20 provided in the nursing care facility 50 transmits an operation mode change command to an arbitrary pathogen detector provided in the nursing care facility 50. However, a control device installed outside the care facility 50 may send an operation mode change command to any pathogen detector provided in the care facility 50. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a pathogen detection system according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the pathogen detection system 100a according to the second embodiment includes, in addition to a plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p provided in a nursing care facility 50, a control device 20, a display device 30, and a detection device 90. , a management center 70 located outside the nursing care facility 50 includes a management control device 71, a display device 72, and a router 73. Furthermore, the pathogen detection system 100a includes a router 60 in the nursing care facility 50.

The router 60 provided in the nursing care facility 50 and the router 73 provided in the management center 70 are each connected to an IP network 80. Thereby, the management control device 71 provided in the management center 70 can communicate with the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p provided in the nursing care facility 50 and the detection device 90.

The management control device 71 is, for example, a server device, and has the same functional configuration as the control device 20. That is, the management control device 71 receives the detection results of pathogens in the pathogen detectors from each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p provided in the nursing care facility 50, and The detection results of each can be stored in the storage unit. Further, the management control device 71 can issue a command to change the operation mode of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p based on the detection results of the detection device 90.

In addition to the nursing care facility 50, FIG. 12 also shows a nursing care facility 50a and a nursing care facility 50b. Although not shown, each of the nursing care facility 50a and the nursing care facility 50b is provided with a plurality of pathogen detectors, a control device, and a display device, similarly to the nursing care facility 50. Thereby, the management control device 71 can also issue a command to change the operating mode of the plurality of pathogen detectors provided in the care facility 50a or the plurality of pathogen detectors provided in the care facility 50b.

Furthermore, the management control device 71 may issue a command to change the operating mode on a nursing care facility basis. For example, the management control device 71 regards the overall size (in other words, scale) of each nursing care facility as the size of the space in which the pathogen detector is placed, and detects pathogens installed in a large nursing facility among multiple nursing facilities. The detector may be instructed to detect pathogens at shorter time intervals. Further, the management control device 71 may instruct a pathogen detector installed in a nursing care facility with a large number of people to detect pathogens at shorter time intervals.

[Modified example of operation of Embodiment 2]
In the pathogen detection system 100a, the control device 20 provided in the nursing care facility 50 changes the operation mode of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p provided in the nursing care facility 50 based on instructions from the management control device 71. It's okay. FIG. 13 is a communication sequence diagram of a modified example of the operation of such a pathogen detection system 100a.

As shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p provided in the nursing care facility 50 initially operate in the first mode. Each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p detects a pathogen at a first time interval T1, and transmits a detection result to the control device 20 every time a detection is performed (S71).

On the other hand, upon receiving the outbreak information distributed from the external device (S72), the management control device 71 transmits an operation mode change instruction to the control device 20 (S73). Outbreak information is information to notify that an infectious disease caused by a pathogen has occurred in a mass outbreak, and the outbreak information is distributed and an instruction to change the operation mode is sent based on the distributed outbreak information. This means that there is a high need to perform pathogen detection.

Therefore, upon receiving the instruction to change the operating mode, the control device 20 transmits the instruction to change the operating mode to the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p (S74). When each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p receives the operation mode change command, each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p changes the operation mode from the first mode to the second mode. Each of the plurality of pathogen detectors 10a to 10p operating in the second mode detects pathogens at a second time interval T2 that is shorter than the first time interval T1 (S75).

In this manner, the pathogen detection system 100a shortens the time interval between pathogen detections by multiple pathogen detectors when there is a high need to detect pathogens based on outbreak information. In other words, when the need to detect pathogens is low, the time interval between pathogen detections by the plurality of pathogen detectors is extended. Therefore, the pathogen detection system 100a can efficiently detect pathogens in the air within the nursing care facility 50.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, the first mode and the second mode are modes in which the time intervals at which pathogen detection is performed are different from each other; It is sufficient if the modes have different abilities. For example, the first mode and the second mode may have different collection times for collecting pathogens in one detection. In this case, for example, if the space where the pathogen detection device is placed is relatively narrow, the collection time will be shortened, but if the space where the pathogen detection device is placed is relatively wide, the collection period will be shortened. good.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the pathogen detection system is used in a nursing care facility has been described, but the pathogen detection system may also be used in a building other than a nursing care facility. For example, pathogen detection systems may be used in hospitals, schools, or other buildings such as airports.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the control device has been described as a device separate from the plurality of pathogen detectors. However, one of the plurality of pathogen detectors may have the control device function by incorporating the control device.

Further, the communication method between devices described in the above embodiment is an example. There are no particular limitations on the method of communication between devices. Wireless communication is performed between the devices using a communication standard such as specified low power wireless, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Further, instead of wireless communication, wired communication such as power line communication (PLC) or communication using a wired LAN may be performed between the devices.

Further, in the above embodiments, the processing executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Further, the order of the plurality of processes in the operation of the pathogen detection system described in the above embodiment is an example. The order of multiple processes may be changed, and multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

Further, in the above embodiments, components such as the control unit may be realized by executing a software program suitable for the components. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

Further, components such as the control unit may be realized by hardware. Specifically, components such as the control unit may be realized by a circuit or an integrated circuit. These circuits may constitute one circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. Further, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Other embodiments may be obtained by making various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or may be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. These forms are also included in the present disclosure.

The pathogen detection system of the present disclosure can detect pathogens such as influenza viruses floating in indoor air. The pathogen detection system of the present disclosure is particularly applicable to hospitals, nursing care facilities for the elderly, and the like.

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l, 10m, 10n, 10o, 10p Pathogen detector 11 Collection section 12 Detection section 13 First communication section 14 First control Section 15 First storage section 20 Control device 21 Second communication section 22 Second storage section 23 Second control section 24 Input reception section 30 Display device 40 Communication network 60 Router 70 Management center 71 Management control device 72 Display device 73 Router 80 IP Network 90 Detection device 95 Door 100, 100a Pathogen detection system A First space B Second space

Claims (10)

A pathogen detection system for detecting pathogens in a building, the system comprising:
comprising a plurality of pathogen detectors arranged in different spaces within the building,
Each of the plurality of pathogen detectors is configured to be able to change an operation mode for detecting the pathogen depending on the size of a space in which the pathogen detector is placed,
The operation mode includes a plurality of modes in which the time intervals in which the pathogen detection is performed are different from each other.
Pathogen detection system. One pathogen detector among the plurality of pathogen detectors is arranged in a first space,
Other pathogen detectors among the plurality of pathogen detectors are arranged in a second space wider than the first space,
The one pathogen detector operates in a first mode of detecting the pathogen at a first time interval;
The other pathogen detector operates in a second mode of detecting the pathogen at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval.
The pathogen detection system according to claim 1 . Furthermore, it includes a detection device that detects a continuous state or a discontinuous state of the first space and the second space,
When the detection result of the detection device indicates that the first space and the second space have switched from a discontinuous state to a continuous state, the operation mode of the one pathogen detector is set to the first space. mode to the second mode,
The pathogen detection system according to claim 2 . Furthermore, it includes a detection device that detects a continuous state or a discontinuous state of the first space and the second space,
When the detection result of the detection device indicates that the first space and the second space have switched from a discontinuous state to a continuous state, the operation mode of the one pathogen detector is set to the first mode. to a stop mode that stops detecting the pathogen;
The pathogen detection system according to claim 2 . The detection device detects whether the first space and the second space are continuous or discontinuous by detecting an open/closed state of fittings provided between the first space and the second space. The pathogen detection system according to claim 3 or 4, which detects a state. The first pathogen detector is
a first communication unit that receives detection results from the detection device;
a first control unit that changes the operation mode of the one pathogen detector based on the received detection result;
The pathogen detection system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 . further comprising a control device that controls the plurality of pathogen detectors;
The control device includes:
a second communication unit that receives detection results from the detection device;
a second control unit that causes the second communication unit to transmit a command to change the operation mode of the one pathogen detector based on the received detection result;
The pathogen detection system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 . Detects the size of the space where the pathogen detector that detects pathogens in the building is located,
changing the operating mode of the pathogen detector for detecting the pathogen according to the size of the detected space;
The operation mode includes a plurality of modes in which the time intervals in which the pathogen detection is performed are different from each other.
Pathogen detection methods. A pathogen detector for detecting pathogens in a building,
a detection unit that detects the pathogen;
and a control unit that changes an operation mode of the pathogen detector for detecting the pathogen depending on the size of a space in which the pathogen detector is arranged ,
The operation mode includes a plurality of modes in which the time intervals in which the pathogen detection is performed are different from each other.
Pathogen detector. a communication unit that communicates with a pathogen detector that detects pathogens in the building;
a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a command to change the operating mode of the pathogen detector for detecting the pathogen according to the size of the space in which the pathogen detector is arranged ;
The operation mode includes a plurality of modes in which the time intervals in which the pathogen detection is performed are different from each other.
Control device.

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