WO2014171049A1 - Caregiving assistance system, caregiving assistance method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium wherein caregiving assistance program is stored - Google Patents

Abstract

A caregiving assistance system is provided with: a reader waveguide (101) which is configured with an open-type transmission path; RFID tags (102) which are positioned in locations above the reader waveguide (101) and which correspond to movement regions (106) of a receiver of care (105); an RFID reader (103) which carries out a read-out from the RFID tags via the reader waveguide (101) with electromagnetic field coupling; and an anomaly determination unit (104) which determines an anomalous state of the receiver of care (105) on the basis of the result of the read-out of the RFID tags (102). It is thus possible to reduce discomfort on the part of a receiver of care, and to detect the state of the receiver of care with good precision.

Description

Non-transitory computer-readable medium storing care support system, care support method, and care support program

The present invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a care support system, a care support method, and a care support program, and in particular, a care support system, a care support method, and a care support program for detecting the status of a care recipient. It relates to a stored non-transitory computer readable medium.

In recent years, the number of care recipients requiring care has increased, and the need to care for many care recipients at various locations has increased. For this reason, a nursing care support system that effectively supports nursing care is strongly desired. For example, in a care support system, a technique for monitoring a care recipient's behavior or detecting a care recipient's state is used.

For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known as techniques related to care support.

JP 2006-228024 A JP 2011-111247 A JP 2004-212053 A

For example, in a related technique such as Patent Document 1, it is necessary to attach an RFID tag to footwear of a cared person in order to detect the fall of the cared person. However, wearing an RFID tag at all times may cause the care recipient to feel uncomfortable, and the care receiver may remove the RFID tag and the detection function may not operate normally. There's a problem.

In view of such a problem, the present invention stores a care support system, a care support method, and a care support program capable of reducing the discomfort of a care receiver and accurately detecting the state of the care receiver. The main purpose is to provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

A care support system according to the present invention includes a reader waveguide configured with an open transmission line, an RFID tag disposed at a position above the reader waveguide and corresponding to a moving area of the care recipient. An RFID reader that reads out from the RFID tag by electromagnetic field coupling through the reader waveguide, and an abnormality determination unit that determines an abnormal state of the care recipient based on a reading result of the RFID tag Is.

In the care support method according to the present invention, an RFID tag is disposed at a position above a reader waveguide constituted by an open transmission line and corresponding to a moving area of a care recipient. Reading from the RFID tag is performed by electromagnetic field coupling through a waveguide, and the abnormal state of the care recipient is determined based on the reading result of the RFID tag.

A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a care support program according to the present invention is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a care support program for causing a computer to execute a care support process. The support processing is performed by an RFID reader via an RFID tag from an RFID tag disposed at a position above a reader waveguide constituted by an open transmission line and corresponding to a moving area of a care recipient. The result of reading by electromagnetic field coupling is acquired, and the abnormal state of the care receiver is determined based on the acquired reading result of the RFID tag.

According to the present invention, a care support system, a care support method, and a care support program capable of reducing the discomfort of a care receiver and accurately detecting the state of the care receiver are stored. A computer readable medium may be provided.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the main characteristics of the care support system which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a care support system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a care support system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a care support device according to a first embodiment. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reader waveguide according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reader waveguide according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a three-sided view in which a care receiver detection area of the care support system according to Embodiment 1 is enlarged. FIG. It is the side view to which the care receiver detection area of the care support system concerning Embodiment 1 was expanded. 4 is a table showing a relationship between a distance of an RFID tag according to Embodiment 1 and an electric field. 1 is an image diagram illustrating a detection image of a care support system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the detection method of the care support system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the detection method of the care support system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the care support system according to the first embodiment.

(Outline of the embodiment)
Prior to the description of the embodiment, an outline of features of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a main configuration of the care support system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the care support system according to the embodiment includes a reader waveguide 101, an RFID tag 102, an RFID reader 103, and an abnormality determination unit 104.

The reader waveguide 101 is composed of an open transmission line. The RFID tag 102 is disposed at a position above the reader waveguide 101 and corresponding to the moving area 106 of the care receiver 105. The RFID reader 103 reads out from the RFID tag 102 by electromagnetic field coupling through the reader waveguide 101. The abnormality determination unit 104 determines an abnormal state of the care receiver 105 based on the read result of the RFID tag 102.

As described above, in the embodiment, since the state of the cared person is determined based on the readout result of the RFID tag on the reader waveguide, the cared person does not wear the RFID tag, Can monitor behavior. Therefore, the discomfort of the cared person can be reduced and the state of the cared person can be detected with high accuracy.

(Embodiment 1)
The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the care support system according to the present embodiment. This care support system is a system that sequentially monitors the status of a cared person in a care facility, etc., determines an abnormality of the cared person, and executes processing according to the abnormality of the cared person.

As shown in FIG. 2, the care support system according to the present embodiment includes a care support device 1, an RFID reader 7, and a care receiver monitoring surface 8. The care receiver monitoring surface 8 includes a reader waveguide 4, An RFID tag 5 and insulating layers 6a and 6b are provided. A plurality of care receiver monitoring surfaces 8 may be provided, or a plurality of reader waveguides 4 may be provided on the care receiver monitoring surface 8.

The RFID reader 7 and the care support device 1 are connected via a communication network 3 such as a LAN so that data can be transmitted and received. The RFID reader 7 and the reader waveguide 4 are connected via a LAN cable 3a.

The care receiver monitoring surface 8 is, for example, a floor on which the care receiver 2 walks. The reader waveguide 4 is arranged on the care receiver monitoring surface 8, and the RFID tag 5 and the insulating layers 6 a and 6 b are arranged on the reader waveguide 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reader waveguide 4, the RFID tag 5, and the insulating layers 6a and 6b, and FIG. 3 is a front view (or a side view) thereof. FIG. 2 shows a state seen through the insulating layer 6b.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the insulating layer 6 a is disposed on the reader waveguide 4, the RFID tag 5 is disposed on the insulating layer 6 a, and the insulating layer 6 b is disposed on the RFID tag 5. Yes. A plurality of RFID tags 5 are arranged in advance corresponding to the moving area 2a in which the cared person 2 above the reader waveguide 4 moves. The moving area 2 a is an area corresponding to a living space where the cared person 2 lives and is a detection area where the RFID tag 5 detects the state of the cared person 2. The tag ID of the RFID tag 5 is associated with position information indicating the position where the RFID tag 5 is disposed.

The RFID tag 5 performs data transmission / reception with the reader waveguide 4 by a signal using an electromagnetic wave such as a UHF band. The RFID reader 7 reads management information including signal intensity information of a response signal output from the RFID tag 5 through the reader waveguide 4 and tag information of the RFID tag 5. As will be described in detail later, the distance L ₁ between the care receiver 2 who comes close to (contacts on the insulating layer 6 b) the RFID tag 5 and the distance L between the RFID tag 5 and the reader waveguide 4 by the insulating layers 6 a and 6 b. ₂ is set. For example, the distance L ₁ <the distance L ₂ is set. The insulating layers 6a and 6b are insulating sheets formed from a general insulator. Incidentally, if set relationship between the distance L ₁ and the distance L ₂ is, it may not be provided an insulating layer 6a and 6b.

Further, the RFID tag 5 has a tag antenna. The RFID tag 5 is arranged at the position as described above, so that the tag antenna and the cared person 2 are in an electromagnetic field in a state where the cared person 2 is close to the moving region 2a (in contact with the insulating layer 6b). Combined. The reader waveguide 4 is an open-type transmission line that is matched and terminated. The reader waveguide 4 is arranged at a position where the tag antenna and the tag antenna are electromagnetically coupled to each other, and the care receiver 2 is not in close proximity. In the case of (separated from the insulating layer 6b), radio signals can be transmitted to and received from the RFID tag 5.

The RFID reader 7 supplies power to the RFID tag 5 by radio waves via the reader waveguide 4, receives a radio signal transmitted from the RFID tag 5 via the reader waveguide 4, and receives information from the received radio signal. And a transmission / reception unit that transmits information transmitted by the RFID tag 5 to the care support apparatus 1 at any time (for example, at a predetermined time interval such as 1 second).

When the care receiver 2 is not close to the position where the RFID tag 5 is present, the RFID reader 7 and each RFID tag 5 can communicate with each other by electromagnetic field coupling due to the near field with the waveguide reader waveguide 4. However, when the cared person 2 comes close to the position where the RFID tag 5 exists, the communication between the corresponding RFID tag 5 and the RFID reader 7 is electromagnetically coupled by the dielectric of the cared person 2 itself. This causes a change in the information, and the information sent from the RFID tag 5 to the RFID reader 7 is blocked and the signal intensity is reduced. The fact that the cared person 2 is present at the corresponding position by blocking this information or reducing the signal intensity is sent from the RFID reader 7 (reader waveguide 4) to the care support apparatus 1, and the cared person on the cared person monitoring surface 8 is detected. The state of the caregiver 2 can be known.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the care support apparatus 1. In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 4, the care support device 1 includes a care information database 11, a care receiver presence determination unit 12, an abnormality determination unit 13, and a notification unit 14.

In addition, although each of these blocks is demonstrated as a function of the care support apparatus 1 here, a part / all of each of these blocks is provided in the RFID reader 7, and necessary information is sent from the RFID reader 7 to the care support apparatus 1. You may send it. In addition, the configuration of this functional block is an example, and other configurations may be used as long as the care support processing according to the present embodiment described later with reference to FIG. 11 and the like can be realized. For example, the care receiver presence determination unit 12 and the abnormality determination unit 13 may be a single determination unit.

For example, the care support device 1 is composed of a general computer device (server device). The care support device 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device such as a memory and a hard disk device, an input device such as a keyboard, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and a communication unit connected to the communication network 3. The storage device stores a care support program for executing the care support processing according to the present embodiment, and each function block is realized by the CPU executing the program. Note that the care support apparatus 1 is not limited to a single computer, and may be configured by a plurality of computers.

The care support program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media (tangible storage medium). Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (eg flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (eg magneto-optical discs), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable ROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)) are included. The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

The care information database 11 stores information necessary for care of the care recipient 2. In the present embodiment, the tag ID of the RFID tag 5 and the position where the RFID tag 5 is arranged are stored in association with each other. Thereby, from the tag ID of the RFID tag 5, the position or region where the care receiver 2 exists can be specified.

The care receiver presence determination unit 12 determines (detects) the presence or absence (presence) of the care receiver 2 on the care receiver monitoring surface 8 in accordance with a signal received from the RFID reader 7. As described above, when the care receiver presence determination unit 12 receives the strength of the signal received by the RFID reader 7 from the RFID tag 5 and the signal is interrupted or the signal strength is lower than a certain threshold value, the care receiver When it is determined that there is a cared person on the monitoring surface 8 and the signal intensity is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it is determined that there is no cared person on the cared person monitoring surface 8. The care receiver presence / absence determination unit 12 stores the determined care receiver presence / absence state in the care information database 11.

The abnormality determination unit 13 determines (detects) the abnormal state (whether or not there is an abnormality) of the care recipient who has been detected by the care receiver presence determination unit 12. The abnormality determination unit 13 determines the abnormal state of the cared person based on the arrangement (area, number, etc.) of the RFID tag 5 that detected the cared person. First, the abnormality determination unit 13 grasps a region where a care receiver is present by arrangement of the RFID tag 5 that detects the care receiver, and determines a sign of abnormality. Furthermore, the abnormality determination unit 13 determines that the cared person is abnormal when the abnormality sign continues for a certain time, that is, when the signal intensity from the RFID tag 5 does not change even after the certain time has elapsed. For example, it can be said that the abnormality determination unit 13 includes an abnormality sign determination unit that determines a sign of abnormality of the care recipient and a determination unit that determines an abnormality of the care receiver according to the sign of abnormality. Note that the care receiver is abnormal (abnormal state) is a state in which the cared person cannot move as it is because he or she falls to the floor or the like due to a fall or poor physical condition. The sign of abnormality is that the care receiver falls on the floor or the like, and the care receiver is in contact with a certain area (distribution) such as the floor.

When the abnormality determination unit 13 determines that the cared person is abnormal, the notification unit 14 performs necessary notification (notification) to a caregiver who is responsible for care such as a caregiver or a family of the cared person. The notification to the care manager may be displayed on a display means such as a screen, or may be transmitted by a communication means such as a mobile phone. In addition, when the abnormality determination unit 13 determines an abnormality of the care recipient, the notification unit 14 calls the care receiver by automatic voice and sends information to the care manager when there is no response. Also good. In addition, an indoor camera may be installed, and the notification unit 14 may turn on the indoor camera and send an internally visualized image to the caregiver when the abnormality determination unit 13 determines the abnormality of the care receiver.

Next, the configuration and detection principle for realizing the care receiver detection method according to the present embodiment using the RFID reader 7, the reader waveguide 4, and the RFID tag 5 will be described in detail. For example, the RFID reader 7, the reader waveguide 4, and the RFID tag 5 constitute a care receiver detection unit, and the care receiver presence / absence determination unit 12 determines whether or not a care receiver is present according to the output of the care receiver detection unit ( By determining (existence), the care receiver detection method according to the present embodiment is realized.

The reader waveguide 4 according to the present embodiment is configured by an open transmission line terminated with matching, and has a structure in which electromagnetic waves such as a microstrip structure, a coplanar line, and a slot line ooze out as a near field in the space around the waveguide. It is an open type waveguide. FIG. 5A is an example in which the reader waveguide 4 is configured by two parallel lines, and FIG. 5B is an example in which the reader waveguide 4 is configured by a microstrip line.

5A, the RFID reader 7 and the distributor 41 are connected by the LAN cable 3a, and the distributor 41 distributes the signal of the LAN cable 3a to a plurality of parallel two lines 43. The plurality of parallel two lines 43 are arranged to extend in parallel on the dielectric layer 42. In the example of FIG. 5B, the RFID reader 7 and the distributor 41 are connected by a LAN cable 3a, and the distributor 41 distributes the signal of the LAN cable 3a to a plurality of microstrip lines 44. A plurality of microstrip lines 44 are arranged in parallel on the dielectric layer 42, and a ground plane 45 is formed on the entire surface under the dielectric layer 42.

FIG. 6 shows a three-view diagram for explaining a care receiver detection unit including the reader waveguide 4 and the RFID tag 5 using the microstrip line structure according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, the figure which expanded the area | region where one RFID tag 5 is placed among the movement area | regions 2a of the care receiver monitoring surface 8 was shown.

The reader waveguide 4 in FIG. 6 is a traveling wave waveguide for a reader using a microstrip line which is a kind of open transmission line. The reader waveguide 4 has a dielectric layer 204 as in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and a strip conductor 203 is formed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 204. A ground plane 205 is formed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 204. The RFID tag 5 is installed above the reader waveguide 4. Furthermore, the cared person 2 approaches the area (moving area 2a) where the RFID tag 5 above the RFID tag 5 is covered. The RFID tag 5 includes an RFID chip 201 and a tag antenna 202.

Then, the front view for demonstrating the care receiver detection part containing the reader | leader waveguide 4, the RFID tag 5, and the RFID reader 7 which concern on this Embodiment in FIG. 7 is shown. FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the area where one RFID tag 5 is placed on the care receiver monitoring surface 8 as in FIG.

7, the strip conductor 203 is formed on the upper surface of the dielectric layer 204. A ground plane 205 is formed on the lower surface of the dielectric layer 204. Then, one end of the strip conductor 203 and the ground plane 205 are connected via a matching termination resistor Rt. With this connection, the leader waveguide 4 is terminated with matching. An RFID reader 7 is connected to the other end of the reader waveguide 4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the caregiver 2 is proximate to a distance is a first distance L ₁ position between the tag antenna 202 of the RFID tag 5. Tag antenna 202 of the RFID tag 5 is arranged at a distance is a second distance _{L 2} position between the strip conductor 203 (the reader waveguide 4).

7 shows only the distance relationship between the care receiver 2, the tag antenna 202, and the strip conductor 203. In order to satisfy the above distance relationship, for example, the RFID tag 5 is covered with a plastic plate or the like. In addition, the thickness of the plastic plate can be used. That is, it is possible to built-in RFID tag 5 to the plastic plate, to secure the first distance L ₁ by forming a sheet embedded RFID tag by the plastic plate.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, by inserting insulating layers 6a and 6b (may be spacers) between the RFID tag 5 and the reader waveguide 4, a base for supporting the tag is provided and the second the distance L ₂ can be secured. The above technique is a form for securing a first distance L ₁ and the second distance L _2, it is also possible to use other techniques. For example, in order to secure the second distance L _2, the strip conductor 203, and the tag antenna 202 while remaining in the same plane, or may be the distance L ₂ apart in a plane.

Here, with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, the effect by the relationship of each component of the care support system which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated still in detail.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, in the care support system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the care receiver 2 is above the tag antenna 202 of the RFID tag 5, and the distance is the first distance L ₁ . Close to the position. Furthermore, the reader waveguide 4 connected to the RFID reader 7, a lower portion of the RFID tag 5 is disposed sight distance apart by a second distance L ₂ between the reader waveguide 4 and the tag antenna 202 ing. Thus, in this care support system, the care receiver 2 is close to a region other than the region sandwiched between the reader waveguide 4 and the RFID tag 5. Therefore, the line of sight between the reader waveguide 4 and the RFID tag 5 is not blocked by the care receiver 2.

As described above, in the care support system, the first distance L ₁ between the care receiver 2 and the tag antenna 202 and the second distance L that is the line-of-sight distance between the tag antenna 202 and the reader waveguide 4. It is desirable to adjust ₂ . In the care support system, the coupling coefficient k ₂ between the care receiver ₂ and the tag antenna 202 and the tag antenna 202 and the reader waveguide 4 are adjusted by adjusting the first distance L ₁ and the second distance L _2. it is desirable to adjust the coupling coefficient k ₁ of the. In this care support system, the signal intensity between the tag antenna 202 and the reader waveguide 4 is changed according to the coupling coefficient k ₂ that changes depending on the presence or absence of the care recipient 2, and The presence or absence of person 2 is determined.

Therefore, the relationship between the first distance L ₁ , the second distance L ₂ , the coupling coefficients k ₁ , k ₂ and the effect of the care support system according to the present embodiment based on the setting will be described below.

First, although electromagnetic coupling is used in the present embodiment, the coupling coefficient indicating the strength of the electromagnetic coupling can be evaluated relatively easily by an electromagnetic simulator. In the description of the electromagnetic field coupling, when the wavelength of the radio signal between the tag antenna 202 and the reader waveguide 4 is λ, the distance from the wave source (for example, the waveguide) is λ / 2π (π is the circular ratio). ) Nearer region is reactive near field, distance is longer than λ / 2π and nearer than λ is near radial field, and these two regions are combined and near. This is called the near-field region.

In this near field, the electromagnetic field has a complex aspect, and there exists a non-negligible intensity ratio between the quasi-electrostatic magnetic field, the induction electromagnetic field, and the radiated electromagnetic field, and the resultant electromagnetic field vector is also spatial. , Changes in time variously. As an example, when the wave source is a minute dipole antenna, the electric field E [V / m] and the magnetic field H [A / m] formed by this antenna are indicated by a spherical coordinate system (r, θ, φ) and a phasor display. It can be expressed by the following formulas (1) to (4).

Here, in the above formulas (1) to (4), the charge stored in the minute dipole antenna is q [C], the length of the antenna is l [m], the wavelength is λ [m], and from the wave source to the observation point Was set to r [m]. Further, π is a circular constant, ε is a dielectric constant, and μ is a magnetic permeability. In the equations (1) to (4), the term proportional to 1 / r ³ is a quasi-electrostatic magnetic field, the term proportional to 1 / r ² is an induction electromagnetic field, and the term proportional to 1 / r is radiated. The electromagnetic field is shown. Since these electromagnetic field components have different dependencies on the distance r, the relative strength changes depending on the distance r.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a table showing the dependence on the distance r normalized by the wavelength λ with respect to the relative intensities of the quasi-electrostatic field, the induction field, and the radiation field in the electric field E _θ . The second row of the table shown in FIG. 8 shows the distance converted with a free space wavelength of 950 MHz, which is almost the same as the frequency of UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band RFID permitted by the Domestic Radio Law.

As can be seen from the table shown in FIG. 8, as the distance r increases, each electric field strength decreases and each component ratio also changes. For example, in the region of r <λ / 2π, the electric field strength increases in the order of quasi-electrostatic field, induction field, and radiation field, and in the region of r> λ / 2π, the field strength decreases in order of quasi-electrostatic field, induction field, and radiation field. . Further, the contribution of the quasi-electrostatic field and the induced electric field is extremely small in the region where r> λ, and only the radiated electric field component is present in the far field where r> 2λ. On the other hand, the contribution of the quasi-electrostatic field and the induced electric field remains sufficiently in the region of r <λ, and the quasi-electrostatic field and the induced electric field make a large contribution in the reactive near field of r <λ / 2π.

Further, as can be seen from the equations (1) to (4), the far-field (r >> λ / 2π) radiation field has only the θ direction component, whereas the quasi-electrostatic magnetic field and the induction electromagnetic field are θ In addition to the direction component, it has an r-direction component and a φ-direction component, and has components in various directions. In general, quasi-electrostatic and inductive fields that remain in the vicinity of the antenna (waveguide) are dominant in the reactive near field as compared to the radiated electromagnetic field that is radiated from the antenna into the space and propagates. In addition, the absolute electromagnetic field strength is also strong. In the near field of radiation, in general, the absolute electromagnetic field strength becomes weaker as the distance from the wave source becomes longer. In addition, the relative strength of the quasi-electrostatic magnetic field and the induction electromagnetic field rapidly decreases as the distance from the wave source increases. As a result, the relative strength of the radiated electromagnetic field is increased with respect to other electromagnetic fields. As described above, a quasi-electrostatic magnetic field and an induction electromagnetic field exist in the near field, and the coupling between the reader waveguide 4 and the tag antenna 202 and the coupling between the tag antenna 202 and the care receiver 2 are caused by these electromagnetic fields. Produce.

In a passive RFID system using a normal UHF band or microwave band, the distance r between the reader antenna corresponding to the reader waveguide 4 and the tag antenna satisfies the relationship of r> λ. Is used. In order to efficiently generate the radiated electromagnetic field, a resonant antenna typified by a patch antenna is often used as the reader antenna. When such a resonant antenna is used in the near field where r <λ, the electromagnetic field strength varies greatly depending on the location due to the standing wave in the resonant antenna. For example, the amplitude is the largest near the top of the standing wave, and the amplitude is 0 at the midpoint of the standing wave. Therefore, when the distance r between the reader antenna using the resonance antenna and the tag antenna satisfies the relationship r <λ, the signal from the reader antenna is near the midpoint of the standing wave in the reader antenna. Can not be received by the tag antenna, or the received signal strength becomes extremely weak. That is, an insensitive area is created, which may hinder use.

On the other hand, a coupling circuit can be formed by electromagnetic coupling between antennas through a quasi-electrostatic magnetic field and an induction electromagnetic field that exist in the near field of r <λ, and more preferably in the reactive near field of r <λ / 2π. . In this case, a wide space is not required between the RFID reader and the RFID tag according to the conditions. However, when a resonant antenna is simply used instead of the reader waveguide 4, a dead zone is created, which may hinder use.

Therefore, in the care support system according to the present embodiment, the reader waveguide 4 connected to the RFID reader 7 is configured by an open transmission line that is matched and terminated, and the tag antenna 202 of the open transmission line and the RFID tag 5 is used. The RFID tag 5 is arranged so that and are electromagnetically coupled. In this care support system, an open transmission line that emits less radio waves is used as the reader waveguide 4 of the RFID reader 7, so that the reader mainly passes through a quasi-electrostatic magnetic field and an induction electromagnetic field generated around the open transmission line. The waveguide 4 and the tag antenna 202 are electromagnetically coupled to form a coupling circuit. That is, it can be said that the open transmission line is used as a traveling wave antenna operating in the near field. With this configuration, a large space is not required between the reader waveguide 4 and the RFID tag 5.

Further, since the communication between the reader waveguide 4 and the tag antenna 202 is performed at a short distance through the coupling circuit, there is another between the occurrence of the multipath phenomenon and the place where the reader waveguide 4 and the care receiver 2 are in contact with each other. It is possible to suppress erroneous detection due to the entry of people or things. Furthermore, since an open transmission line terminated with matching is used as the leader waveguide 4, the main component of the electromagnetic wave propagating in the antenna does not generate a standing wave but propagates as a traveling wave to the matching end. Here, strictly speaking, the fact that no standing wave is generated means that the standing wave is sufficiently small, and usually the standing wave ratio is a value of 2 or less.

However, if the place where the tag antenna 202 is placed is limited, or if the range in which the tag antenna 202 operates effectively is wide enough to ignore the effects of the nodes in the standing wave component, a larger standing wave Even ratios can be used.

When the end of the transmission line is matched with sufficient accuracy, or when the electromagnetic wave propagating in the transmission line is sufficiently attenuated near the end of the transmission line, a traveling wave is generated without generating a large standing wave in the transmission line. Becomes the main component. And the electromagnetic field distribution in such a transmission line can be utilized. The electromagnetic field formed in the space around the line has a relatively small radiated electromagnetic field, and an electrostatic magnetic field and an induction electromagnetic field are main components. The electromagnetic field intensity of the electrostatic magnetic field and the induction electromagnetic field is stronger than the intensity of the radiated electromagnetic field, and the electromagnetic field intensity with which the RFID tag 5 can be obtained becomes strong even when the reader is operating with the same output. In other words, it is possible to prevent the radiation electromagnetic field from deteriorating the surrounding electromagnetic environment while ensuring the operation of the tag.

In a standing wave type antenna such as a normally used patch antenna, the electromagnetic field distribution in the vicinity of the antenna is very uneven according to the distribution of the standing wave inside the antenna. The area where the care recipient 2 can be managed needs to be limited. On the other hand, in the case of a reader waveguide composed of an open transmission line described in the present embodiment, there is no portion that does not change like a node of a standing wave even in the vicinity of the waveguide. It is possible to obtain the required signal strength at the place. Therefore, even in the near field, the non-uniformity of the electromagnetic field along the waveguide (antenna) is small, and it is difficult to generate an area where the tag information of the RFID tag 5 cannot be read. That is, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the reader waveguide 4 and the tag antenna 202 is improved.

In addition, in the care support system according to the present embodiment, since this traveling wave is used as a signal to communicate through electromagnetic coupling between the reader waveguide 4 and the tag antenna 202, an insensitive area is created unlike a resonant antenna. It is difficult to create a situation that does not hinder use. Therefore, this care support system extends the transmission line regardless of the wavelength within a range in which the strength of the quasi-electrostatic magnetic field and the induction electromagnetic field generated around the open transmission line is sufficiently large to operate the RFID tag 5, A large cover area can be taken. That is, in the care support system according to the present embodiment, by using the above-described open transmission line, the radiation loss of power is suppressed and the cover area can be easily expanded.

The open transmission line here is basically a transmission line intended to transmit electromagnetic waves in the longitudinal direction of the line while suppressing radiation, and the open type does not completely cover the space with metal. Refers to things. Examples include balanced two-wire transmission lines and similar transmission lines, transmission lines such as microstrip lines, coplanar lines, and slot lines, and grounded coplanar lines and triplate lines that are modifications of these transmission lines. In addition, a planar shape (two-dimensional) that transmits signals by changing the electromagnetic field propagating in the gap region sandwiched between the mesh-like conductor portion and the sheet-like conductor portion and the near-field leaching region outside the mesh-like conductor portion. ) Antennas can also be used depending on the conditions. On the other hand, a shielded transmission line that does not generate such an electromagnetic field around the transmission line, such as a coaxial cable or a waveguide that shields the periphery of the transmission line, cannot be used.

On the other hand, a so-called crank line that obtains a constant radiated electromagnetic field strength by designing a crank shape with the intention of radiating electromagnetic waves from an open transmission line or by actively using higher-order modes. A traveling wave antenna intended for electromagnetic radiation in the far field using an antenna, meander line antenna, leaky coaxial cable or the like is different from the open transmission line used in the care support system according to the present embodiment. These traveling wave antennas emit strong electromagnetic waves preferentially from crank-shaped portions and slots that are periodically provided with a size of the order of a wavelength, generally 1/10 or more of the wavelength. Similar to the resonant antenna, there is a drawback that the strength of the electromagnetic field varies greatly depending on the location. Therefore, when used in the near field, reading tag information may become unstable or the tag may become unreadable depending on the location, which causes problems in use. Furthermore, in the UHF band RFID system, the allocated frequency is different in each country in the world, and it is distributed in a band of about 860 to 960 MHz. This is a wide band of about 10% as a specific band, and is a resonant antenna. Resonant point design and crank, meander, and slot periods require significant changes. On the other hand, in the care support system according to the present embodiment, since an open transmission line having an extremely wide band is originally used, the same antenna can be used as the reader waveguide 4 without any particular change.

In addition, according to the care support system according to the present embodiment, the care receiver 2 and the tag antenna 202 of the RFID tag 5 for detecting the care receiver 2 near the RFID tag 5 so as to be electromagnetically coupled. A moving area 2a is provided. Therefore, since the cared person 2 and the tag antenna 202 form a coupling circuit when the cared person 2 is close, the resonance frequency of the tag antenna 202 changes compared to the case where the cared person 2 is not close. The feed point impedance of the tag antenna 202 changes. Since the tag antenna 202 resonates at the frequency of the signal used for communication in free space, the feed point impedance is adjusted, and the reception sensitivity is maximized, the above change lowers the reception sensitivity. In addition, the operation of the tag antenna 202 when sending a reflected signal to the RFID reader 7 is also adversely affected. As a result, the power reception sensitivity with respect to the signal used for communication falls. Further, the transmission output of the signal reflected by the RFID tag 5 also decreases. Therefore, the RFID tag 5 cannot receive a signal from the RFID reader 7, or the signal receiving intensity is low, and the tag cannot be provided with sufficient operating power, or the tag cannot generate a reflected electromagnetic field with sufficient strength. As a result, the RFID reader 7 cannot read the tag information of the RFID tag 5. Alternatively, the intensity and phase of the reflected electromagnetic field reaching the RFID reader 7 change greatly with changes in the resonance frequency of the tag. That is, when the cared person 2 is close to the moving region 2a, the tag information cannot be read, or the intensity of the reflected electromagnetic field from the RFID tag 5 is greatly changed compared to when the cared person 2 is not close. Therefore, the care support system can detect that the care receiver 2 is present. That is, as a result of the change in the operational characteristics of the tag antenna 202 depending on the presence or absence of the cared person 2, the RFID reader 7 can detect the intensity change of the reflected signal from the RFID tag 5, and the detection result of the present invention The care support system according to the embodiment can detect the presence or absence of a cared person.

Especially, in the care support system according to the present embodiment, in order to effectively provide care support, it is possible to sense “places that should not be seen” in terms of privacy such as toilets. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the RFID tag 5 on the boundary surface (for example, floor, wall, ceiling, etc.) where the human eye cannot reach as the care receiver monitoring surface 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the RFID tag 5 is disposed with the toilet floor 20 as the care receiver monitoring surface 8, and the care receiver 2 falling down on the toilet is detected. When detecting the cared person 2 in the toilet, the RFID tag 5 is attached to the floor 20 of the toilet, the horizontal floor of the toilet seat 21, the wall, the door, the toilet seat 21, the lid of the toilet seat 21, the floor surface of the space in front of the toilet, etc. Deploy. Note that the RFID tag 5 may be arranged in a living space where a cared person mainly lives alone, such as a bathroom or a private room.

Further, in the present embodiment, the RFID tag 5 is arranged at an interval at which the sole of the cared person 2 can be read in order to detect an abnormality such as a fall of the cared person 2. It is preferable to consider the interval between the RFID tags 5 even when only the vicinity of the toes is grounded. That is, a plurality of RFID tags 5 are arranged in at least an area corresponding to the sole of the care receiver 2. For example, the threshold of the arrangement interval of the RFID tag 5 is within 10 cm or within 5 cm. The RFID tag 5 may be arranged in an orthogonal arrangement (including a square arrangement), a regular hexagonal arrangement, or the like.

In the present embodiment, the abnormality of the cared person 2 is determined based on the arrangement of the RFID tag 5 that has not been read (the signal strength is lower than the threshold value). Specifically, when the number of “one connected (sequentially arranged)” tags that have not been read is greater than the number of RFID tags corresponding to the foot length of the care recipient 2 (default 25 cm) Detect abnormal signs. Moreover, when the arrangement | positioning area | region where the RFID tag 5 which has not been read is arrange | positioned is larger than the size of the sole of the care receiver 2, it can be said that the abnormal sign of the care receiver is detected.

10A and 10B show the relationship between the designated tag interval, the designated sole length, and the number of unread tags. FIG. 10A shows an example in which the RFID tags 5 are arranged orthogonally (arranged in a matrix), and the arrangement axis of the RFID tag 5 and the direction of the foot of the care recipient 2 match, and FIG. 10B shows the RFID tag 5 An example in which the care receiver 2 is facing in the diagonal direction of the arrangement of the RFID tag 5 in an orthogonal arrangement is shown.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the arrangement axis of the RFID tag 5 coincides with the direction of the care recipient's foot, the number of unread tags when the care receiver 2's foot is close to the RFID tag 5 is Equation (5) is obtained.
n = [(default length (25 cm) or designated length L10) / (designated tag interval L11)] + 1 (termination) (5)

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the care receiver 2 is facing in the diagonal direction of the RFID tag 5, the number of tags that cannot be read when the care receiver 2 is close to the RFID tag 5. Becomes the following equation (6). In the case of the square arrangement, the diagonal and designated tag interval that is the diagonal length is √ (specified tag interval).
n = [(default length (25 cm) or designated length L10) / (diagonal line / designated tag interval L12)] + 1 (terminal) (6)

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the number of tags that have not been read is larger than n in Expression (5) or Expression (6), an abnormal sign of the care recipient is detected. In addition, since it becomes a severer condition when the sole of the cared person is tilted diagonally, from the viewpoint of “reliable personal name rescue”, the default is “on the diagonal” as in equation (6) It is preferable. Either of the systems may be selectable.
In Equation (5) and Equation (6), both ends of the foot actually do not coincide with the position of the RFID tag, and the number of unread tags may be a value obtained by subtracting 1 from n. .

Next, a care support method executed by the care support system according to the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. Here, the example which detects the care receiver of a toilet is demonstrated.

First, the care receiver 2 starts using the toilet in which the RFID tag 5 is disposed (S101), and the toilet is in use (S102). Further, the RFID reader 7 starts reading the RFID tag 5 arranged in the toilet (S103). The RFID reader 7 may start reading the RFID tag 5 when the care receiver 2 starts using the toilet, or may always read the RFID tag 5. The RFID reader 7 transmits the signal strength received from the RFID tag 5 via the reader waveguide 4 to the care support apparatus 1.

Subsequently, the care receiver presence / absence determination unit 12 of the care support device 1 performs data processing on the read information of the RFID tag 5 (S104). When the signal intensity acquired from the RFID reader 7 is lower than the threshold value, the care receiver presence determination unit 12 determines that the cared person is present on the RFID tag 5 of the toilet, and when the signal intensity is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the toilet RFID It is determined that no care recipient is present on the tag 5.

Subsequently, the abnormality determination unit 13 of the care support apparatus 1 determines the presence or absence of an abnormal sign of the care recipient based on the distribution of the RFID tags 5 (S105). The abnormality determination unit 13 compares the number of tags corresponding to the sole of the person in the above formulas (5) and (6) with the distribution of the RFID tags 5 determined to be cared (not read). . When the number of unread tags is larger than the number of tags corresponding to the human foot, it is determined that there is an abnormal sign, and when the number of tags is less than the number of tags corresponding to the human foot, it is determined that there is no abnormal sign.

In addition, if one unread tag is not connected, for example, the tag can be read due to floating on the arch, or if two feet overlap, the number of tags that are unread because the fingertip is floating can be counted small In some cases, exception handling may be performed at any time. In addition, when the cared person stays in a place other than the floor for a long time, the cared person is likely to be abnormal. For this reason, when the location of the tag which is not read occurs in places other than the floor (for example, a wall, a door, etc.), you may judge that it is an abnormal sign.

When it is determined in S105 that there is an abnormal sign, the reading information of the RFID tag 5 is stored in the care information database 11 (S106). In order to monitor the change in the state of the care receiver, the abnormality determination unit 13 stores information on the RFID tag 5 determined to be a care receiver (not read) in the care information database 11. Moreover, the abnormality determination part 13 starts a timer in order to determine the care receiver's abnormality. The RFID reader 7 may periodically read the RFID tag 5, and the care receiver presence / absence determination unit 12 may detect the presence or absence of the care receiver 2 for each RFID tag 5.

Subsequently, the abnormality determination unit 13 determines the abnormality of the care recipient based on the time reference (S107). When a predetermined time elapses, the abnormality determination unit 13 compares the distribution of tags that are not read at the time of determination of an abnormality sign stored in the care information database 11 with the distribution of tags that are not currently read. After detecting the abnormality sign, the abnormality determination unit 13 determines that the cared person is abnormal when the distribution of tags that have not been read does not change for a certain period of time. When the abnormality determination unit 13 is equal to or more than the number of RFID tags 5 determined to have a care receiver after a certain time has elapsed since it was determined that there was an abnormality sign, Judge that the cared person is abnormal. Alternatively, the abnormality determination unit 13 is equal to the arrangement area of the RFID tag 5 that is determined to be a care recipient after a certain time has elapsed since it is determined that there is an abnormality sign, compared to when it is determined that there is an abnormality sign, or If it is larger, it can be said that the cared person is determined to be abnormal. For example, the time threshold (time reference) is 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or the like.

If it is determined in S105 that there is no abnormality sign, or if it is determined in S107 that there is no abnormality, the process is terminated. Thereafter, the RFID tag may be further read to detect the state of the care recipient. In S107, when it is determined that the care recipient is abnormal, the notification unit 14 of the care support device 1 performs necessary processing such as notification to a care manager who is responsible for care such as a caregiver or a family of the care recipient. (S108), and the process ends.

As described above, in this embodiment, the RFID tag is arranged on the floor of the toilet and the state of the care recipient is detected. Thereby, it is possible to monitor the state of the cared person even in a place where monitoring is difficult due to privacy, and it is possible to prevent the cared person from being in a dangerous state alone.

In this embodiment, the state of the care recipient is detected based on the signal intensity read from the RFID tag previously placed on the floor or the like. Since the cared person does not need to wear the RFID tag, the cared person does not feel uncomfortable and the cared person does not remove the RFID tag, so the cared person's condition is reliably detected. can do.

Also, if RFID tags are attached to all care recipients, the cost may increase. In this embodiment, since it is not necessary to attach an RFID tag to a cared person, it is possible to detect the cared person while reducing costs.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, an RFID tag may be attached to the care recipient so that the care recipient who falls down can be identified.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-087270 filed on April 18, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Care support apparatus 2 Care receiver 2a Movement area 3 Communication network 3a LAN cable 4 Reader waveguide 5 RFID tag 6a Insulation layer 6b Insulation layer 7 RFID reader 8 Care receiver monitoring surface 11 Care information database 12 Care receiver presence determination unit 13 Abnormality determination unit 14 Notification unit 20 Floor 21 Toilet seat 41 Distributor 42 Dielectric layer 43 Parallel two lines 44 Microstrip line 45 Ground plane 101 Reader waveguide 102 RFID tag 103 RFID reader 104 Abnormality determination unit 105 Cared person 106 Moving area 201 RFID chip 202 Tag antenna 203 Strip conductor 204 Dielectric layer 205 Ground plane

Claims (16)

1. A reader waveguide composed of an open transmission line;
   An RFID tag disposed at a position above the reader waveguide and corresponding to a moving area of the cared person;
   An RFID reader for reading from the RFID tag by electromagnetic coupling through the reader waveguide;
   An abnormality determining means for determining an abnormal state of the care recipient based on the readout result of the RFID tag;
   Nursing care support system.
2. The moving area is an area included in a boundary surface surrounding a living space where the care recipient lives.
   The care support system according to claim 1.
3. The boundary surface is a floor, wall, ceiling or door of the living space,
   The care support system according to claim 2.
4. The living space is a toilet,
   The care support system according to claim 2 or 3.
5. The moving area is an area included in a toilet seat or a toilet seat lid of the toilet,
   The care support system according to claim 4.
6. In the moving area, a plurality of the RFID tags are arranged in an area corresponding to the sole of the care recipient,
   The care support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. According to the signal intensity read from the RFID tag, comprising a care receiver presence determination means for determining the presence or absence of the care receiver on the RFID tag,
   The abnormality determination means determines an abnormal state of the care recipient based on the arrangement of the plurality of RFID tags determined to be the care recipient.
   The care support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The abnormality determining means determines the presence or absence of an abnormality sign of the care recipient based on the arrangement of the plurality of RFID tags determined to be the care recipient, and has been determined to have the abnormality sign If the signal intensity read from the RFID tag does not change after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the care recipient is abnormal.
   The care support system according to claim 7.
9. The abnormality determining means, when an arrangement area of the plurality of RFID tags determined to have the cared person is larger than the size of the sole of the cared person, the cared person has a sign of abnormality to decide,
   The care support system according to claim 8.
10. The abnormality determination means is compared with the case where the RFID tag placement area determined to have the care recipient is determined to have the abnormality sign after a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality determination means has been determined to have the abnormality sign. The caregiver determines that the caregiver is abnormal,
    The care support system according to claim 9.
11. The abnormality determination means is configured such that the number of the RFID tags continuously arranged among the plurality of RFID tags determined to have the care recipient is based on the number of RFID tags corresponding to the size of the sole of the care recipient. If there are many, it is determined that the cared person has a sign of abnormality,
    The care support system according to claim 8.
12. The abnormality determination means is configured such that, after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that there is a sign of the abnormality, the number of the RFID tags determined to have the care recipient is compared to when it is determined that there is a sign of the abnormality. If equal or more, determine that the care recipient is abnormal,
    The care support system according to claim 11.
13. When the abnormality determining means determines that the cared person is present on the RFID tag disposed on the wall or door of the living space where the cared person lives, the cared person has a sign of abnormality. to decide,
    The care support system according to claim 8.
14. When it is determined that the cared person is abnormal, a notification means for notifying the cared person of abnormality is provided.
    The care support system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
15. An RFID tag is arranged at a position above the reader waveguide constituted by an open transmission line and corresponding to the moving area of the care recipient,
    The RFID reader reads from the RFID tag by electromagnetic coupling through the reader waveguide,
    Based on the readout result of the RFID tag, the abnormal state of the care recipient is determined.
    Care support method.
16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a care support program for causing a computer to execute a care support process,
    The care support process includes:
    From an RFID tag disposed at a position above a reader waveguide constituted by an open transmission line and corresponding to a moving area of a cared person, an RFID reader is electromagnetically coupled through the reader waveguide. Get the result of reading,
    Based on the read result of the acquired RFID tag, the abnormal state of the care recipient is determined.
    A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a care support program.

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