JP7504671B2 - Air cell control device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an air cell control device.

In the past, in order to increase stability when a user sits on the edge of a mattress, an invention has been disclosed in which, for example, when sitting on the edge of the bed, the edge is slightly raised by a side air mat to stabilize the sitting position (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-066164 A

One of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide an air cell control device or the like that can appropriately adjust the internal pressure of an air mattress according to the position and condition of a user or the like on the mattress.

The air cell control device disclosed herein is an air cell control device that includes a control unit that controls the air cells that make up the mattress to a first state, and the control unit determines the posture of a user on the mattress, and when the posture of the user is a specific posture, controls the air cells to a second state.

The air cell control device disclosed herein is an air cell control device that includes a control unit that controls the air cells that make up the mattress, and the control unit determines whether a user on the mattress is getting out of bed or is present in bed, and when the user gets out of bed or is about to get out of bed, controls to increase the internal pressure of the air cell.

The air cell control device disclosed herein is an air cell control device that includes a control unit that controls the air cells that make up a mattress, and is characterized in that the control unit determines the state on the mattress, and when it determines that a person other than the mattress user is kneeling or sitting on the edge of the mattress as the state on the mattress, it performs control to increase the internal pressure of the air cell.

The air cell control device disclosed herein makes it possible to appropriately adjust the internal pressure of the air mattress depending on the position and condition of the user on the mattress.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a configuration of a bottom of a bed apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a mattress configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a sub air cell in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 11 is an operational flow illustrating a first process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 11 is an operational flow illustrating a second process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 13A-13C show another configuration of the mattress of the present disclosure. 13A-13C show another configuration of the mattress of the present disclosure.

Below, an embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

An air mattress is a type of mattress. It is made up of multiple bag-shaped air cells. Due to the structure of the air mattress, the surface of the air mattress is slippery. In particular, when a user sits on the edge of the air mattress, the user is prone to slipping to the outside of the mattress, which is an issue.

To solve these problems, various measures have been taken to improve stability when the user sits on the edge of an air mattress. For example, there are methods for providing side edge structures to the air cells of air mattresses, or providing side edges made of urethane.

However, with air mattresses, by using a different structure only for the side edges, a new problem arose in that during normal use when the user is in a position other than sitting on the edge, the side edges have a different structure, resulting in poor distribution of body pressure.

In addition, when the user sits on the edge of the seat, the internal pressure of the air cell can be increased to stabilize the user on the air cell, making it less likely for the user to slip off the air cell.

However, when increasing the internal pressure of the air cell to make it less likely to slip off, the user or a person other than the user (for example, a medical professional, a caregiver, a family member, etc.) had to operate the operation switch each time. This caused problems such as the user forgetting to press the operation switch or pressing the wrong switch. In addition, because the internal pressure of the air cell had to be adjusted after the user operated it, it took time to increase the internal pressure of the air cell to a specified value.

To solve these problems, a control device for an air mattress is described below based on a detailed embodiment. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present disclosure, and the invention is not limited to the contents thereof.

[1. Overall structure]
Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a bed system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the bed system 1 has a mattress 10 placed on a bed body 20 which is a bed device.

In this embodiment, the mattress 10 is an air mattress made up of air cells. In addition to an air mattress, the mattress 10 may be, for example, a urethane mattress or a hybrid mattress that combines urethane and air cells. The mattress 10 may also be an elastic body used in bedding, such as a polyester fiber structure, gel, or spring.

The bed system 1 is used by a user P. For example, when lying down on the bed body 20 (mattress 10), the left side of FIG. 1(a) is the head side and the right side is the foot side. Also, assuming a standard size of user P, the back of user P is the position of the back bottom, and the user's waist is the position of the curved bottom or waist bottom. Specifically, for a standard user, the position of the greater trochanter is approximately 980 mm from the foot end of the mattress 10 (bed body 20).

The term "user" here refers to those who use the bed system, for example, those who actually use the bed device (mattress). For example, users include patients admitted to hospitals or facilities, people who require care, and people who lie on the bed device (mattress) at home.

In addition, in this embodiment, the term "staff" refers to those who support the user. For example, staff includes medical staff such as doctors and nurses in a hospital, care staff in a facility, and the user's family members at home.

In addition, in this embodiment, the term "operator" refers to a person who operates the bed system. The operator is usually a staff member, but when the user operates the bed system, the operator also includes the user.

The typical size of the bed body 20 is 910 mm in the width direction (short side) and 1910 mm in the length direction (long side), assuming a standard user (height of about 140 to 170 cm). The size of the bed body is an example for explaining the embodiment, and may be, for example, a smaller mini size (1800 mm in the length direction of the bed body) or a larger long size (for example, 2050 mm in length of the bed body). Furthermore, if the size of the bed body 20 changes, the position of the user will also change relatively.

The location (position) of the user's body parts changes depending on the size of the bed body 20 and the mattress 10. A person skilled in the art can easily understand, based on the contents of this disclosure, the position of the user when the size of the bed body 20 (mattress 10) changes.

In addition, the user's body position in this embodiment includes the user's position and the user's posture. The user's position is the position (lying position) on the mattress 10. The user's posture refers to the posture when the user is lying on the mattress 10 (lying posture). The body position may also include postures when not lying, such as edge sitting or long sitting. Determining the body position means that the output of a sensor that corresponds to each body position or that can predict each body position is used to determine the transition of the air cell state. In other words, in this embodiment, when determining the user's body position, it is not necessarily necessary to determine it as a lying posture or lying position, but it is sufficient to simply use the coordinates or signals for processing.

[2. Configuration of the bed body]
The configuration of the bed body 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The bed body 20 comprises, from the top, a bottom 22, an upper frame 24, and a lower frame 26, and has a lifting mechanism 28 between the upper frame 24 and the lower frame 26.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the bottom 22 has, from the head side to the foot side when the user lies on the bed body 20, a back bottom 22a (back section), a curved bottom 22b as a seat section, a knee bottom 22c (upper leg section), and a foot bottom 22d (lower leg section). Here, each bottom of the bottom 22 can rotate independently or in conjunction with each other.

The curved bottom 22b can support the user by bending as the back bottom 22a rises. The curved bottom 22b may be designed to bend and expand as the back bottom 22a rises and falls. The applicant has commercialized the curved bottom as the Quma Line Bottom (Quma Bottom).

As an example, the length of the back bottom 22a (horizontal length in the longitudinal direction of the bed body 20) is approximately 640 mm, the length of the curved bottom 22b is approximately 340 mm, the length of the knee bottom 22c is 375 mm, and the length of the foot bottom 22d is approximately 555 mm.

Each bottom is connected to, for example, a drive unit (actuator). The bottom 22 can rotate when the drive unit operates. Note that, even if a drive unit is not connected to each bottom 22, it is possible to operate multiple bottoms with one drive unit by using, for example, a link mechanism. In addition, the bottoms 22 can operate in conjunction with each other by connecting adjacent bottoms.

The bed body 20 also realizes movements such as back-raising, knee-raising, and leg-lowering by rotating each bottom. The bed body 20 may also link the back-raising and knee-raising (leg-lowering) movements.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the bed body 20 achieves a back-raising operation by rotating and raising the back bottom 22a with the curved bottom 22b side as the center. At this time, the angle α at which the back bottom 22a is raised (the angle α at which the back bottom 22a is raised from the horizontal) is called the back-raising angle α.

When the back bottom 22a rises, the curved bottom 22b curves in conjunction with the back bottom 22a. By bending, the curved bottom 22b assumes a shape that fits the user's waist and can support the user. The back bottom 22a and the curved bottom 22b are connected to each other, for example, by a connecting portion.

The bed body 20 also achieves a knee-raising operation by rotating the knee bottom 22c around the end on the curved bottom 22b side. At this time, the angle β at which the knee bottom 22c is raised (the angle β at which the knee bottom 22c is raised from the horizontal) is called the knee-raising angle β.

The foot bottom 22d may be linked to the movement of the knee bottom 22c. In this case, the foot lift angle (foot lowering angle) may be used instead of the knee lift angle.

As shown in FIG. 1(c), the bed body 20 may be configured with a lumbar bottom 22e instead of the curved bottom 22b. In this case, as an example, the length of the back bottom 22a is approximately 785 mm, and the length of the lumbar bottom 22e is approximately 195 mm. The lumbar bottom 22e generally does not rotate and supports the user's lumbar region (buttocks).

The bottom 22 is supported by the upper frame 24. The upper frame 24 may have any shape that supports the bottom 22. The lower frame 26 may have any shape that supports the upper frame 24 that supports the bottom 22.

The lifting mechanism 28 adjusts the height of the upper frame 24, and thus the height of the bed body 20. Here, the height of the bed body 20 generally refers to the height (floor height) from the surface on which it is installed (the ground surface) to the upper frame 24. Note that the height of the bed body 20 may also be the height from the ground surface to the bottom 22.

The lifting mechanism 28 is realized, for example, by a link mechanism or a drive device (drive mechanism) such as an actuator.

Figure 2 is a diagram explaining the operation of the bed body 20. The bed body 20 has a drive unit for driving each bottom.

The back bottom drive unit 32 can raise the back bottom 22a. For example, the back bottom drive unit 32 is an actuator, and the back bottom 22a is connected to the tip of the actuator rod via a link mechanism.

The knee bottom drive unit 34 can raise the knee bottom 22c. For example, the knee bottom drive unit 34 is an actuator, and the knee bottom 22c is connected to the tip of the actuator rod via a link mechanism.

In addition, each drive unit is connected to the drive control unit 2000. The drive control unit 2000 functions as a bottom control unit 2100 that controls the back bottom drive unit 32 and the knee bottom drive unit 34, and a height control unit 2200 that controls the height drive unit 36.

The bottom control unit 2100 realizes the back-raising function by controlling the back bottom drive unit 32, and raises the back bottom 22a. Specifically, the bottom control unit 2100 advances the actuator rod, which is an example of the back bottom drive unit 32. When the actuator rod advances, the back bottom drive unit 32 applies a driving force to the back bottom 22a via a link mechanism. When the driving force is applied, the back bottom 22a rotates with the head side of the back bottom 22a as a fulcrum, and the foot side rises.

At this time, the curved bottom 22b connected to the back bottom 22a also rises. For example, one end of the curved bottom 22b is connected to the back bottom 22a, and the other end is connected to the upper frame 24. The curved bottom 22b may be bendable, and the end on the back bottom 22a side may rise while curving as the back bottom 22a rises. The curved bottom 22b may also be configured to be expandable.

The bottom control unit 2100 realizes a knee-raising function by controlling the knee bottom drive unit 34, and raises the knee bottom 22c. Specifically, the bottom control unit 2100 advances the actuator rod, which is an example of the knee bottom drive unit 34. When the actuator rod advances, the knee bottom drive unit 34 applies a driving force to the knee bottom 22c via a link mechanism. When the driving force is applied, the knee bottom 22c rotates around the curved bottom 22b side of the knee bottom 22c as a fulcrum, and the foot bottom 22d side rises.

At this time, the foot bottom 22d may rotate in conjunction with the knee bottom 22c. For example, if the foot bottom 22d is connected to the knee bottom 22c via a link mechanism, the foot bottom 22d side of the knee bottom 22c rises, and one end of the foot bottom 22d on the knee bottom 22c side rises. As one end of the foot bottom 22d rises, the other end on the foot side of the bed body 20 descends. At this time, the other end of the foot bottom 22d descends below the upper frame 24, but may be connected to the upper frame 24.

The height control unit 2200 also controls the height drive unit 36 to realize the function of raising and lowering the bed body 20, and can raise or lower the upper frame 24.

For example, the height drive unit 36 is provided between the upper frame 24 and the lower frame 26. One end of an actuator is provided on the lower frame 26 as an example of the height drive unit 36. When the rod of the actuator advances, the height drive unit 36 pushes up the upper frame 24 via the link mechanism, causing it to rise. This raises the bed height of the bed body 20.

Note that if the drive control unit 2000 controls each drive unit to perform the opposite operation to that described above, the opposite operation will occur. In other words, the drive unit retracts the actuator rod to perform operations such as lowering the back, lowering the knees, and lowering the floor height.

[3. Mattress configuration]
[3.1 Overall structure of the mattress]
The configuration of the mattress 10 will now be described. Fig. 3 is an exploded view showing a schematic configuration of the mattress 10.

The mattress 10 is entirely covered with covers (top cover 100 and bottom cover 102). The top cover 100 and bottom cover 102 are configured to be removable. The top cover 100 and bottom cover 102 may be formed integrally.

The cover of the mattress 10 includes, from the top layer, a top urethane 110, a main cell 120, a sub-cell 130, and a bottom cushion 140.

The top urethane 110 is placed on the air cell and is made of, for example, a urethane sheet. A glide sheet 115 is provided between the top urethane 110 and the top cover 100, which is the outer material. The glide sheet 115 is made of a material that has low friction resistance, and is provided to make it easier for the top cover 100 and the top urethane 110 to slide. The glide sheet 115 may be provided as needed.

The main cell 120 is composed of a group of air cells. The main cell 120 is connected to the pump 180 via an air blower tube (not shown). The main cell 120 is sometimes referred to as the main cell.

The pump 180 is connected to each of the air cells. For example, the pump 180 divides the cells that make up the main cell 120 into one or more systems (groups) and connects air blowing tubes. The pump 180 then supplies air to the main cell 120, thereby expanding the main cell 120. In addition, the main cell 120 can be vented and the main cell 120 can be deflated by opening a valve provided between the pump 180 and the main cell 120 or forcibly venting the air.

The pump 180 is also connected to the sub air cell (sub-cell) 130. As described above, the pump 180 can supply air to and exhaust air from the sub-cell 130 (by opening a valve or forcibly exhausting air).

The pump may also be stored in a pump storage compartment in the mattress 10. For example, in FIG. 3, a compartment 104 for storing a pump is provided near a corner of the mattress 10. A pump cover is provided in the compartment 104. In this way, the pump section is provided in one compartment of the mattress 10, so that the mattress 10 can have a sense of unity.

The pump 180 may be configured separately from the mattress 10. In this case, the mattress 10 does not need to have a section for storing the pump 180.

The pump 180 may also be configured as a pump unit 182 together with a control device. The pump unit 182 includes the pump 180, a control device that controls the pump 180, and a storage device that stores information and programs required for operation. For example, the control device included in the pump unit 182 can control the operation of the pump 180 in response to a signal input from an operating device.

Here, the control device may not only be a simple control unit such as a CPU, but may also include other controlling devices. For example, if the pump 180 is a diaphragm pump or an electromagnetic pump, the control device may include an electromagnetic valve that controls the pump, a drive circuit that controls them, a driver circuit, etc.

An operation panel 185 may also be connected as an example of an operation device. That is, the operation panel 185 outputs an operation signal to the control device.

The control device for controlling the pump 180 may be any one of the devices. In this embodiment, the pump unit 182 is configured integrally with the pump, but for example, the operation panel 185 may also have the function of the control device.

The sub-cell 130 is an air cell used to change the user's position and to support the user's body. The sub-cell 130 may also be referred to as a support cell, a position change cell, or an SF cell. In this embodiment, the sub-cell 130 is disposed below the main cell 120, but it may also be disposed above the main cell 120 or below the bottom cushion 140.

The bottom cushion 140 is a support member that is placed under the main cell 120. For example, the bottom cushion 140 is made of materials such as urethane and hard cotton. The bottom cushion 140 may also be provided with a sensor unit 150 that detects the sleeping position of the user, etc.

The sensor unit 150 is a sensor that uses a capacitance sensor. The sensor unit 150 has an anode 152 and a GND sheet 156 to which a case containing a GND substrate is attached. The GND sheet 156 may function as a ground (GND) electrode.

In addition, a sensor cover 154 is provided to position the anode 152 on the bottom cushion 140. For example, the sensor cover 154 has a shape capable of storing the anode 152, for example, a pocket. The anode 152 is positioned by storing the anode 152 in the pocket of the sensor cover 154.

The sensor cover 154 is a waterproof cover for fixing the anode 152 to the bottom cushion 140 (or the cover of the bottom cushion). As long as the position of the anode 152 can be determined, the anode 152 may be fixed by other methods. For example, a member for fixing the anode 152 to the bottom cushion 140 or a recess may be formed. The bottom cushion 140 and the anode 152 may also be formed as a single unit so that they do not move.

The anode 152 is a member containing a substrate, and in this disclosure is housed in an oval case. The anode 152 is configured by attaching a conductive sheet (for example, the conductive sheet 152a shown in FIG. 4(b) described later) to the back side (the side that contacts the bottom cushion 140, which is the lower side when installed).

The anode 152 may have other shapes. For example, the anode 152 may have any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle (rectangle, square), or a polygon. The anode 152 has a conductive sheet on the back side. The conductive sheet may be configured to cover the entire back side of the anode 152, or may be configured to cover only a portion of the anode 152.

The anode 152 and the GND sheet 156 sandwich the bottom cushion 140. Here, the GND sheet 156 functions as a conductive sheet in whole or in part. That is, the GND sheet 156 may be made of a material that functions as a conductive sheet in its entirety (for example, a sheet printed with conductive ink or a sheet made of conductive fibers). The GND sheet 156 may also be made of a sheet made of some material in which a conductive sheet is attached or embedded in part.

When a user stands on the mattress 10, the bottom cushion 140 deforms, causing a change in the distance between the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156, and a change in capacitance. The determination unit 1010, which will be described later, acquires this change in capacitance, making it possible to acquire the user's posture and position. In addition, the positions and conditions of staff other than the user can also be acquired.

In addition, the bottom cover 102 may have an opening for the sensor unit 150 (e.g., an opening with a fastener) to allow easy access to the sensor unit 150.

The anode 152 may be positioned, for example, near the buttocks of the user. That is, it may be positioned on the waist bottom 22e or near the foot side of the curved bottom 22b. In this embodiment, two anodes 152 are provided, one on each side, but there may be only one, or three or more.

[3.2 Sensor configuration]
The following is a detailed description of the configuration of the sensor unit 150. As described with reference to Fig. 3, the sensor unit 150 has a structure in which the bottom cushion 140 is sandwiched between the anode 152 of the sensor and the GND sheet 156.

When a user lies on the mattress 10, the weight of the user causes the shape of the bottom cushion 140 to change. The change in shape of the bottom cushion 140 causes the distance between the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156 to change. The change in distance between the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156 causes the capacitance value between the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156 to change. Here, the bottom cushion 140 may be in any shape, such as urethane, hard cotton, or air cell. The bottom cushion 140 may be flexible and may be an elastic body (e.g., polyester resin) with a relative dielectric constant of 8.1 or less.

In addition, in FIG. 3, the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156 are arranged in this order from the top. The anode 152 and the GND 156 may be arranged in reverse, but the arrangement in FIG. 3 is preferred in order to prevent the anode 152 from being affected by the bed bottom (so that the charge from the anode 152 is not applied to the bed).

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the anode 152. Figure 4(a) shows the anode 152 installed on the sensor cover 154, as viewed from the front (main cell 120 side). Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the sensor unit 150.

As shown in FIG. 4(a), in this embodiment, two anodes 152 are provided: anode 152M and anode 152S. Here, anode 152M is the main anode, and is provided with controller 152c as shown in FIG. 4(b). Anode 152S is the sub anode. In this embodiment, two anodes 152 are provided, one on the left and one on the right, but there may be only one, or three or more. In this case, there may be one main anode 152M and multiple sub anodes 152S.

The anode 152M and the anode 152S are connected to each other by a coaxial cable C1. In other words, when there are multiple anodes 152, the coaxial cable C1 is a cable that connects the anodes 152 together.

The anode 152M is connected to the GND sheet 156 via a cable C2. The anode 152M is connected to the control unit 1000 via a cable C3. Here, the cables C2 and C3 may be normal lead wires or coaxial cables.

The anode 152 is connected to a control device (for example, the control unit 1000 in FIG. 7) via a cable C3. Here, the anode 152 may be provided with a plurality of anodes 152M, each of which may be connected to the control unit 1000. Alternatively, the anode 152 may be connected between the anode 152M and one or more anodes 152S via a coaxial cable C1, and the anode 152M may be connected to the control device (control unit 1000).

The control device may be a dedicated control device such as a control box, or an operating device such as an operating remote control. The control device may be a terminal device that can be connected to the mattress 10 on which an application is installed.

As shown in FIG. 4(b), the anode 152M has at least a conductive sheet 152a and a sensor board 152b. For example, the anode 152M has a case containing the sensor board 152b to which the conductive sheet 152a is attached. The conductive sheet 152a is a conductive sheet printed with, for example, carbon ink. The controller 152c may be disposed on the sensor board 152b. The anode 152S has at least a conductive sheet.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4(b), the GND sheet 156 is arranged to sandwich the anode 152 and the bottom cushion 140. The GND sheet 156 is a conductive sheet attached to a case containing the GND board. The conductive sheet in the GND sheet 156 is also a conductive sheet printed with, for example, carbon ink.

The sensor board 152b uses the controller 152c, which functions as a measurement unit, to measure the capacitance value due to the change in distance between the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156. The controller 152c then performs A/D conversion and outputs the result to the control unit (control device). Here, each case protects the board and the connection between the board and the cable.

For example, the controller 152c acquires an analog signal from the sub-anode 152S via the coaxial cable C1. At this time, it is preferable that the sensor board 152b acquires a signal from which high frequencies that become noise are cut by using the coaxial cable C1.

The controller 152c performs A/D conversion (analog/digital conversion) on the analog signals (analog values) of the two anodes, anode 152M and anode 152S. The controller 152c then transmits the digitally converted signal (digital signal) to the control unit 1000.

Although the controller 152c included in the sensor board 152b outputs the final signal (digital signal), the signal may be received by a control device (e.g., the control unit 1000) to achieve similar processing.

The conductive sheet 152a may also have a layer on the top surface that is at the same potential as the coaxial cable shield and the GND sheet. This prevents the capacitance from being affected by the human body lying on the mat.

(Other Configuration 1)
In the configurations of FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensor unit 150 has the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156, but it may have only the anode 152 (sensor).

For example, Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b) are diagrams showing a state in which a user P lies on the main cell 120. Note that the main cell 120 is placed on the bottom cushion 140, but it may also be placed on the bottom of the bed device.

If the GND sheet 156 is not provided, the sensor of the anode 152 is placed facing the person (facing upward in FIG. 5(a)), for example, as shown in FIG. 5(a). In this way, the sensor unit 150 can accumulate charge in the user P instead of the GND sheet 156. The sensor unit 150 may then detect a change in capacitance due to the accumulation of charge.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the anode 152 sensor is arranged facing the bottom cushion 140 side (facing downward in FIG. 5(b)). In this way, the sensor unit 150 can accumulate electric charge in the bed bottom. Then, the sensor unit 150 may detect a change in capacitance due to the accumulation of electric charge.

(Other configuration 2)
Moreover, the detection range of the sensor unit 150 may be changed by combining different members.

When a load is applied from the user on the mattress, the bottom cushion 140 deforms. For example, the area near the user P's buttocks is prone to large changes. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5(c), by providing a different cushioning material (e.g., 140a, 140b) in the area of the bottom cushion 140 that is subject to deformation, the range of deformation of the cushion changes. By changing the range of deformation of the cushion, the detection range of the sensor unit 150 can be increased.

The same effect can be achieved by using two different materials. For example, in this embodiment, the main cell 120 is between the bottom cushion 140 and the user, so that deformation caused by the user sinking can be expanded by the main cell 120 and transmitted to the bottom cushion 140. For example, instead of the multiple bottom cushions 140 shown in FIG. 5(c), an air cell and a bottom cushion 140 may be used. In this case, the main cell 120, which is an air cell, corresponds to 140a, and the bottom cushion 140 corresponds to 140b.

As a result, in FIG. 5(c), in layer 140a (main cell 120) directly below the buttocks of user P, only the area near the sunken buttocks deforms, but the sinking is transmitted to a wider area in layer 140b (bottom cushion 140) below that.

(Other Configuration 3)
Furthermore, if there is a part of the user that the sensor unit 150 does not want to detect, the bottom cushion can be cut in the thickness direction to prevent the cushion from deforming. For example, the sensor unit 150 is placed on each part of the body, such as the back, buttocks, and feet. If it is desired to detect the position of each part independently, the bottom cushion can be cut into each part, allowing the sensor unit 150 to measure the change in capacitance of only that part without being affected by the sinking of other parts.

(Independent configuration)
In this embodiment, the mattress 10 includes the sensor unit 150, but the sensor unit 150 may be configured as a sensor device alone. That is, the sensor device may be attached to an existing mattress as a sensor device including the anode 152 or the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156. Also, the sensor system may be configured as a sensor system including a control device and the sensor unit 150.

For example, the sensor device can be formed by placing the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156 so as to sandwich an elastic body that constitutes an existing mattress, sheet, cushion, mat, etc. This allows the sensor device to be applied to a support that has an elastic body and supports an object on the elastic body.

[4. Cell configuration]
Next, the configuration of each cell (main cell 120, sub-cell 130) will be described with reference to FIG.

The main cell 120 is divided into one or more systems and connected to the pump 180 via an air supply tube. For example, in FIG. 6, the main cell 120 is divided into systems A to C and connected to the pump 180. Specifically, air is supplied to and/or exhausted from the pump 180 to the cell 120A via an air supply tube 184. The cell 120A is connected to system A, and the pressure changes in the same way as the other cells in system A.

The pump 180 can switch between the supply and exhaust systems using, for example, a switching valve. The pump 180 can supply and exhaust air by switching between each system in sequence, or it can connect each system to supply and exhaust air to the entire system. In addition, the pump 180 can be connected to an air supply tube for each system, or a separate air supply tube can be connected to all air cells.

In addition, in FIG. 6, the system is divided into three systems, A to C, but it may be divided into other systems. It is preferable to divide it into multiple systems. Also, some areas may be separate systems. For example, the pump 180 may supply and exhaust air only to the head side and foot side of the user P as separate systems. Also, all main cells 120 may be configured as the same system.

The subcell 130 includes an upper subcell 130S that provides support mainly for the upper body (shoulders) of the user P, and a lower subcell 130W that provides support mainly for the lower body (waists and thighs) of the user P.

The subcells 130 are arranged on the left and right of the user P. The upper subcell 130S includes an upper left subcell 130SL, which is located on the left side of the user when the user is in a supine position, and an upper right subcell 130SR. The lower subcell 130W includes a lower left subcell 130WL, which is located on the left side of the user when the user is in a supine position, and a lower right subcell 130WR.

The subcells 130 are connected to the pump 180 in a system separate from the main cell 120. For example, there is a system SSL that supplies and exhausts air to the upper left subcell 130SL, a system SWL that supplies and exhausts air to the lower left subcell 130WL, a system SSR that supplies and exhausts air to the upper right subcell 130SR, and a system SWR that supplies and exhausts air to the lower right subcell 130WR. The pump 180 may connect an air blower tube to each of the subcells 130, or may use a switching valve to switch between the subcells 130 that supply and exhaust air.

The subcells 130 may be configured as other systems. For example, the subcells 130 may be configured as diagonal subcells of the same system, such as the upper left subcell 130SL and the lower right subcell 130WR. The subcells 130 may also be configured as diagonal subcells of the same system, such as the upper left subcell 130SL and the lower left subcell 130WL.

The pump 180 may be connected to a separate air supply tube for each system that supplies and exhausts air to and from each system, or may be switched using a switching valve to supply and exhaust air. The pump 180 may also be connected by combining an air supply tube and a switching valve.

In addition, pump 180 may be composed of one pump or multiple pumps.

[5. Functional Configuration]
Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the bed system 1 (mattress 10). The function shown in Fig. 7(a) describes the function of controlling the mattress 10, and is realized by a control device that controls the mattress 10. Note that the function shown in Fig. 7(a) may be realized by a control device of the bed body 20 when the bed body 20 and the mattress 10 are linked to each other.

The control unit 1000 is a functional unit for controlling the entire mattress 10. The control unit 1000 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the memory unit 1300, and is composed of, for example, one or more arithmetic devices (e.g., CPUs (Central Processing Units)).

The control unit 1000 can also control the main cell 120 and the sub cell 130, which are air cells. Here, when the control unit 1000 controls the air cells, it means that it controls the pressure of the air cells. Also, the air cells expand/contract as the pressure of the air cells changes. In other words, the control unit 1000 can control the size (expansion) of the air cells.

For example, the control unit 1000 controls the pump 180 to supply air to and exhaust air from each air cell. This means that the control unit 1000 controls to increase and decrease the pressure of each air cell. When lowering the pressure of an air cell, the control unit 1000 may release a valve to exhaust air, or may control the pump 180 to forcibly exhaust air.

The control unit 1000 may also function as the determination unit 1010 and the position change unit 1020 by reading and executing a program from the memory unit 1300.

The determination unit 1010 determines the user's condition based on the information measured by the measurement unit 1602 and the information detected by the detection unit 1600.

The determination unit 1010 can determine the user's state, for example, whether the user is in bed, the user's position (sleeping position), and the user's posture (sleeping posture).

For example, the determination unit 1010 may determine whether the user is in a supine position, prone position, or lateral position (right lateral position, left lateral position). The determination unit 1010 may also determine where the user is lying on the mattress. The determination unit 1010 may also determine the user's posture as a sitting position (edge sitting position, long sitting position).

The determination unit 1010 may also determine the posture or position of a person other than the user. For example, it may determine that a staff member other than the user is kneeling on the mattress or sitting on the edge of the mattress.

The position change unit 1020 changes the user's position by controlling the sub-cells 130. For example, if the sub-cells 130 are arranged as shown in FIG. 6, the expansion and contraction of the sub-cells is controlled in sequence: lower right sub-cell 130WR → upper right sub-cell 130SR → upper left sub-cell 130SL → lower left sub-cell 130WL. In this way, by repeatedly expanding and contracting each sub-cell 130, a position change can be performed using the small pillow method.

The memory unit 1300 is a functional unit that stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the mattress 10. The memory unit 1300 is configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.

The memory unit 1300 may store a control table 1310. The control table 1310 stores, for example, a control pattern that is the timing of expansion and contraction of the subcell 130. The posture change unit 1020 controls the timing of the expansion and contraction operation of the subcell 130 based on the control pattern stored in the control table 1310.

The operation unit 1400 accepts operation input from an operator. For example, it may be an operation remote control equipped with one or more operation buttons, or a connected terminal device capable of displaying an operation screen (for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a terminal device used in other medical systems).

The operation unit 1400 can operate the mattress 10, but may also operate the bed body 20. The operation unit 1400 may also be added to the operation unit of the bed body 20 as an operation button capable of operating the mattress 10.

The display unit 1500 displays the mattress status and the operation status to the operator. The display unit 1500 is any display device such as an LED lamp, a seven-segment LED, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL panel, etc. Furthermore, when a terminal device is connected, the display unit 1500 utilizes the display device of the terminal device. Furthermore, the display unit 1500 may be provided in the operation unit 1400, or may be configured as an integral part of the operation unit 1400 as a touch panel that can be operated by touch.

The notification unit 1550 notifies the user or operator. The notification unit 1550 issues various notifications, for example, by outputting an alarm sound or a warning sound from a speaker, displaying a warning on the display unit 1500, vibrating with a vibration device, or flashing with a light-emitting device.

The detection unit 1600 is a sensor that detects various conditions. For example, the detection unit 1600 can detect the pressure of the air cells using a pressure sensor, and can detect the state of the bed body 20 from the state of the mattress 10 using an angle sensor. Each sensor may be built into the mattress 10 or may be provided externally. In addition, a value detected by a sensor provided in the bed body 20 may be acquired. In this embodiment, for example, this is the sensor unit 150.

When the detection unit 1600 functions as the sensor unit 150, it may further include a measurement unit 1602. The measurement unit 1602 measures, for example, a change in capacitance. Then, the measurement unit 1602 outputs the change in capacitance to the control unit 1000. The measurement unit 1602 may be realized by the control unit 1000. The measurement unit 1602 may measure the change in body pressure distribution with a sheet-shaped body pressure distribution sensor, or may measure the internal pressure of the air cell with an internal pressure sensor.

The configuration of FIG. 7(a) may include other necessary functions. For example, it may include a communication unit for communicating with other terminal devices. Also, it may include only the necessary configuration. For example, the mattress 10 may include at least the control unit 1000 and the memory unit 1300, and may include the operation unit 1400, the display unit 1500, the notification unit 1550, and the detection unit 1600 as necessary.

Figure 7(a) is a diagram explaining the entire bed system 1 (mattress 10). For example, an example of a specific configuration is shown in Figure 7(b). The mattress 10 in Figure 7(b) includes a pump unit 182 that has the function of a control device and a pump (e.g., pump 180 in Figure 3). The control device controls the pump 180 to discharge air into the air cell and to draw air from the air cell, thereby controlling the pressure of the air cell.

The pump unit 182 also has a control unit 1000 and a memory unit 1300 as a control device. The pump unit 182 is also connected to an operation panel 185 and a detection unit 1600.

The operation panel 185 has a control unit 1002 that controls the operation panel 185 itself, an operation unit 1400, a display unit 1500, and a notification unit 1550. The operation panel 185 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 1000. The operation panel 185 also displays or leaves the display on the basis of a signal received from the control unit 1000.

The detection unit 1600 is, for example, a sensor unit 150, and can be added as needed.

Necessary information is transmitted and received between the pump unit 182, the operation panel 185, and the detection unit 1600. For example, if the operation device is equipped with the control unit 1000 and the storage unit 1300, the operation panel 185 may directly control the pump 180.

In addition, instead of the operation device, it may be realized by a terminal device such as a smartphone. This can be realized by installing and executing an application on the terminal device that realizes it as the operation panel 185. Similarly, other components may be realized either by the mattress or by another control device.

The pump unit 182 may also be connected to the bed body 20. By connecting to the bed body 20, it becomes possible to control the bottom and detect the bottom angle, for example.

The pump unit 182 may be configured such that the control device (control unit 1000 and memory unit 1300) is integrated into the control board of the pump 180, or may be a separate configuration connected to the pump 180.

6. Status Determination
Next, a method for determining the state of the mattress 10 (air mattress) will be described. The state of the mattress 10 (air mattress) refers to, for example, whether or not a user is present in bed, and if a user is present, the user's sleeping position, posture, and movement, as well as the positions and postures of people other than the user. Below, a method for the determination unit 1010 to determine the state of the mattress 10 will be described.

[6.1 Determining Sleeping Position]
First, a method in which the determination unit 1010 determines the position (sleeping position) of the user on the mattress 10 will be described.

Figures 8(a) and (b) show the amount of change (change value) in capacitance when the user is on the mattress. That is, the graph shows the change value in capacitance measured by the measuring unit 1602 when the user goes from an out-of-bed state (a state in which the user is not on the mattress) to a resident state (a state in which someone is on the mattress).

Figure 8 (a) is a graph showing the change in capacitance when the user lies in the center of the mattress 10. The vertical axis shows the change in capacitance (pF) from the out-of-bed state. The graph on the left shows the change in capacitance measured by the anode 152 placed on the right side of the user's buttocks. The graph on the right shows the change in capacitance measured by the anode 152 placed on the left side of the user's buttocks.

In this case, the change in capacitance from the upright position is 0.70 pF for the right buttock and 0.80 pF for the left buttock. In other words, the change in capacitance measured by both the left and right sensors (anode 152) is approximately the same.

In contrast, FIG. 8(b) is a graph showing the change in capacitance when the user lies on the edge of the mattress 10. In this case, the change in capacitance from the out-of-bed state is 0.20 pF on the right buttock and 1.00 pF on the left buttock.

In this way, when the user lies on the edge of the mattress 10, the change in capacitance of one of the sensors (anode 152) (left buttock in FIG. 8(b)) is more than twice as large as the change in capacitance of the other sensor (anode 152) (right buttock in FIG. 8(b)).

By acquiring this amount of change, the determination unit 1010 can determine on which side of the mattress the user is sleeping or positioned.

Although the sensor unit 150 has been described as having two anodes 152, the same applies when there are three or more anodes. By providing three or more anodes, the sleeping position can be determined, for example, not only in the short direction but also in terms of positional deviation in the long direction. By increasing the number of anodes, the sleeping position can be determined more precisely for each part of the body, and the range in which the sleeping position on the mattress can be detected can be expanded.

6.2 Posture Determination
The determination unit 1010 can also determine the posture of the user. For example, when the difference between the two anode sensors is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the user is sitting on the edge of the seat where the change in capacitance is larger.

Figure 8(c) is a diagram showing the change in capacitance with the user's posture. It shows the change in capacitance of one of the sensors (anode 152) when the user lies on the mattress 10. For example, Figure 8(c) shows an example of the change in capacitance detected based on a sensor located at a position corresponding to the right buttocks and a sensor located at a position corresponding to the left buttocks when the user is in the lateral position, tossing to the right, tossing to the left, sitting upright, and sitting on the edge of the bed.

When the user turns over in their sleep, the sum of the left and right capacitance values (total sinking amount) does not change significantly, but the difference between the left and right (bias between the left and right) increases. Also, when the user sits upright, the difference between the left and right does not change significantly, but the sum of the left and right changes significantly. Also, when the user sits on the edge of the bed, both the sum of the left and right and the difference between the left and right increase.

In this way, the determination unit 1010 determines the user's posture from the difference in the change in capacitance. In addition to detecting the capacitance value result after the user's posture changes, the determination unit 1010 is able to detect changes in the user's posture and movement by detecting the manner in which the posture changes even while it is changing (for example, when turning over in one's sleep, the sum of the left and right does not change much but the difference between the left and right increases, while in a sitting position, the difference between the left and right does not change much but the sum of the left and right increases, etc.).

The capacitance change pattern according to the user's posture is also stored in advance in the storage unit 1300. The determination unit 1010 then compares the capacitance change measured by the measurement unit 1602 with the change pattern stored in the storage unit 1300. The determination unit 1010 then determines the user's posture based on whether the change patterns match or are similar. The determination unit 1010 can also predict the user's movements by storing and learning capacitance changes of all change patterns in the storage unit 1300.

In addition, if a trained model (dictionary) based on posture and changes in capacitance is stored in the memory unit 1300, for example, the determination unit 1010 may estimate the posture based on the trained model.

6.3 Staff Judgment
The determination unit 1010 can also determine, for example, that a staff member other than the user is on the mattress. For example, when a capacitance change different from the capacitance change when the user is present in bed is detected, it is determined that a person (staff member) other than the user is present on the mattress.

For example, if the change in capacitance detected from one of the sensors is greater than a threshold value or shows a pattern that differs from normal changes (for example, a sudden large change is detected in a situation where the capacitance usually changes gradually), it is determined that the staff member has kneeled or is sitting on the edge of the bed. In addition, when the user is lying down and the amount of sinking to one side increases (the change in capacitance increases), the determination unit 1010 may determine that the staff member has kneeled or is sitting on the edge of the bed.

The capacitance change pattern when the staff member is on the mattress is stored in advance in the memory unit 1300. The determination unit 1010 then compares the capacitance change measured by the measurement unit 1602 with the change pattern stored in the memory unit 1300. The determination unit 1010 then determines whether the staff member is on the mattress and the staff member's posture and state (for example, whether the staff member is simply kneeling or sitting on the edge of the mattress) based on whether the change patterns match or are similar.

In addition, if a trained model (dictionary) based on the state of the staff and changes in capacitance is stored in the memory unit 1300, for example, the determination unit 1010 may estimate the posture and state of the staff based on the trained model.

[6.4 Single anode]
In addition, when the determination unit 1010 determines the condition of the mattress 10, there may be only one anode 152.

For example, a case will be described in which the determination unit 1010 determines the position (sleeping position) of the user when there is one anode 152. The determination unit 1010 determines the sleeping position of the user in combination with other parameters.

The determination unit 1010 determines the sleeping position by combining one capacitance change value measured by the measurement unit 1602 with the cell internal pressure information and the weight setting value.

(1) Combination with internal pressure change 1
The control unit 1000 estimates the user's weight from the exhaust time of the air cell (main cell 120). FIG. 8(d) is a diagram showing the relationship between the exhaust time and the change in internal pressure measured for each user's weight. As shown in FIG. 8(d), the exhaust time from an internal pressure of 2 kPa to 0.5 kPa is 32 seconds when the user weighs 30 kg, 40 seconds when the user weighs 59 kg, and 49 seconds when the user weighs 78 kg. Thus, there is a correlation between the user's weight and the exhaust time. Therefore, the control unit 1000 estimates the user's weight from the exhaust time.

Here, when the user changes from an out-of-bed state to a lying-down state, the change in capacitance of the sleeping position sensor differs depending on the user's weight. Here, a table is stored in advance in the storage unit 1100 that stores the change in capacitance when the user is in the center (middle) of the mattress 10 and the change in capacitance when the user is at the edge of the mattress 10 for each weight.

Then, the determination unit 1010 refers to the table to determine the user's sleeping position based on the user's weight and the change in capacitance.

Figure 9(a) shows the change in capacitance value from the out-of-bed state for each sleeping position for users weighing 19 kg, 42 kg, and 64 kg. As shown in Figure 9(a), the change in capacitance value of the sensor placed in the center decreases the further away from the center.

For example, even if the capacitance value is measured as 0.22, the determination unit 1010 cannot identify the user's sleeping position. However, by combining this with a different parameter such as the user's weight, the determination unit 1010 can determine the user's sleeping position.

In addition, once the user's weight is identified, the user's sleeping position may be determined by comparing the capacitance value calculated using the correlation function with the actually measured change in capacitance.

(2) Combination with internal pressure 2
The control unit 1000 may estimate the weight of the user based on the increase in the internal pressure of the air cell. When the user lies on the air cell (main cell 120), the internal pressure of the air cell increases. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing the measurement of the user's weight and the change in internal pressure. Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing the increase in internal pressure when users weighing 20 kg, 40 kg, and 60 kg lie on an air cell with an internal pressure of 2.5 kPa.

In this way, the control unit 1000 estimates the user's weight from the increase in internal pressure. The determination unit 1010 then determines the user's sleeping position based on the user's weight and the change in capacitance.

(3) Setting the Weight The weight of the user used as a parameter by the control unit 1000 may be set by the operation unit 1400. In this case, the determination unit 1010 may determine the sleeping position of the user based on the set weight of the user and the change in capacitance.

It goes without saying that even if there is only one anode, it is possible to determine the posture of the user and the presence of staff. For example, the determination unit 1010 may make a determination based on whether the change in the amount of sinking (change in capacitance) per unit time is rapid or not.

7. Air Cell Control
[7.1 First Processing]
Hereinafter, the process in which the control unit 1000 controls the air cells in accordance with the state on the mattress determined by the determination unit 1010 will be described with reference to FIG.

The process in FIG. 10 is a process that is performed when the control unit 1000 is controlling the air cell in the first state and is mainly switching to the second state.

First, the control unit 1000 (determination unit 1010) executes a determination process to determine the state on the mattress (step S102). The determination process executed by the determination unit 1010 is as described above in the state determination.

When the determination process is executed, the control unit 1000 determines whether a specific posture has been taken on the mattress (step S104). The determination of whether a specific posture has been taken may not only be based on the posture at the time of determination, but may also determine the user's future specific posture based on posture changes and movements based on the capacitance change pattern according to the user's posture.

Here, the specific posture is as follows.
- The user's posture is sitting at the edge of the mattress. - The user's posture is sitting at the edge of the mattress. - The staff's posture is the staff kneeling on the mattress. - The staff's posture is the staff sitting at the edge of the mattress separately from the user. If the control unit 1000 determines that these postures (specific postures) are present (step S104; Yes), it controls the air cell to go into the second state (step S110).

Here, the state of the air cell is as follows.
(1) First State: This is a state in which the control unit 1000 performs normal control of the air cell. For example, the control unit 1000 controls the internal pressure of the main cell 120 and the sub cell 130 according to the operation mode. That is, the control unit 1000 controls the air cell to be in the first state except when switching the air cell to the second state.

(2) Second state This is a state in which the control unit 1000 controls the air cell differently from normal control. For example, the control unit 1000 controls the air cell so that the internal pressure is higher than the internal pressure in the normal state. This state in which the air cell has a pressure higher than the normal internal pressure is called the second state. For example, the control unit 1000 supplies air to the main cell 120 to make the internal pressure value equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. This causes the main cell 120 to be in an expanded state compared to normal use (first state), stabilizing the user's posture. Also, in the second state, the user is less likely to slip off even if he or she sits on the edge of the seat.

The control unit 1000 may also control the subcell 130 to vent when in the second state. This places the top of the air cell (mattress) in a flat state. For example, when a user sits on the edge of the bed, if the subcell is inflated, the sleeping surface becomes uneven, making it easier for the user to lose balance, so it is advisable to control the subcell to vent. Also, when staff members make the bed or wipe the cover, if the subcell is inflated, the sleeping surface becomes uneven, making it difficult to make the bed or wipe the cover, so it is advisable to control the subcell to vent.

The control unit 1000 may also stop control of the air cells operating in the first state. For example, when the control unit 1000 is performing an alternating expansion/contraction process that repeatedly expands and contracts the air cells for each system, the control unit 1000 may stop the alternating expansion/contraction process when the second state is reached. Examples of situations in which this is applicable include when a user sits on the edge of a bed, the alternating expansion/contraction process causes the bed surface to become uneven, making the user more likely to lose balance, so it is advisable to control the system to stop the alternating expansion/contraction. Also, when staff members make the bed or wipe the covers, the alternating expansion/contraction process causes the bed surface to become uneven, making it difficult to make the bed or wipe the cover, so it is advisable to control the system to stop the alternating expansion/contraction.

Then, even if the determination unit 1010 does not determine a specific posture, if the user is getting out of bed or will get out of bed, the control unit 1000 controls the air cell in the second state (step S104; No → step S106; Yes). Here, the control unit 1000 may predict getting out of bed from rolling over or getting up by determining a change in posture or movement based on a change pattern in capacitance according to the user's posture. Furthermore, the control unit 1000 may use a clock as a determination item for predicting getting out of bed from the movement determination. For example, when a movement that will be a trigger for getting out of bed is detected, the control unit 1000 can determine that there is a possibility of getting out of bed from the detection time.

In addition, when the determination unit 1010 does not determine a specific posture and the user has not left the bed or is not attempting to leave the bed (step S104; No → step S106; No), the control unit 1000 controls the air cell to be in the normal state (first state) (step S108).

[7.2 Second Processing]
The process in FIG. 11 is a process performed mainly when the control unit 1000 switches the air cell to the first state while the control unit 1000 is controlling the air cell in the second state.

First, the control unit 1000 determines whether the air cell is in the second state (step S202). If the air cell is in the second state, the control unit 1000 (determination unit 1010) executes a determination process (step S204).

When the determination unit 1010 determines that the user is in a resting state (step S206; Yes), the control unit 1000 controls the air cell in the first state (step S208).

When the user gets out of bed, the control unit 1000 controls the pump 180 to supply air to the main cell 120, increasing the internal pressure above normal. This is because it is easier for the user to move when the internal pressure of the main cell 120 is higher when getting out of bed.

The control unit 1000 may also maintain the second state even if the user is in bed but in a specific posture such as sitting on the edge or sitting long, or if the user is moving.

8. Application Examples
According to this embodiment, the sleeping position (position of the user lying down) and posture of the user on the mattress can be determined as the state of the user. Then, the internal pressure of the air cell can be controlled according to the state of the user.

For example, when it detects that a staff member (caregiver) has kneeled, the control unit 1000 will automatically increase the internal pressure of the air cell. Specifically, the control unit 1000 controls the internal pressure of the main cell 120 to a predetermined pressure value or higher. This allows the air cell pressure to be controlled automatically without the staff member or user having to perform any operation. Also, if a staff member sits on the edge of the bed while the user is in bed, the internal pressure of the air cell can be automatically increased.

In addition, by the determination unit 1010 determining that the user is in a long sitting position, the control unit 1000 can increase the internal pressure of the air cell when the user is halfway through standing up. This eliminates the need for the user to operate the operation panel themselves after standing up to increase the internal pressure, as was done in the past.

[9. Effects]
As described above, according to this embodiment, the side edge portions of the mattress are not formed as separate components, so that the user's body pressure can be distributed evenly all the way to the ends of the mattress.

In addition, the control unit can automatically control the internal pressure of the air cells by determining the user's posture and sleeping position. This makes it possible to prevent forgetting to press the operating switch or pressing the wrong switch, compared to conventional manual operation.

The control unit 1000 also controls the internal pressure according to the user's movements before the user operates the device. This allows the internal pressure to be controlled more quickly than if the user operated the device.

The determination unit 1010 can also determine whether the user is out of bed or in bed. Therefore, the control unit 1000 can increase the internal pressure of the air cell from the time the user uses the bed until the user stays in bed. The control unit 1000 can also flatten the shape of the air cell (especially the upper end side) by stopping the expansion and contraction operation of the air cell.

The control unit 1000 can also increase the internal pressure of the main cell 1200 while keeping the internal pressure of the sub-cell 130 close to atmospheric pressure. In this way, the control of the control unit 1000 causes the air cell to become flat.

In addition, when the user lies down again, the control unit 1000 can automatically control the internal pressure to be lowered to the normal state (first state). This allows the control unit 1000 to release the main cell from the high pressure state, making it possible to prevent the user from forgetting to operate it.

10. Modifications
Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included in the scope of the claims.

In addition, the programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make the computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various ROMs or HDD storage devices, from which it is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

The non-transient recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory card, SSD, etc.), optical recording media/magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD, etc.), and magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). In addition, not only is the function of the above-mentioned embodiment realized by executing the loaded program, but the function of the present embodiment may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on the instructions of the program.

When distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored on a portable, non-transitory recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the server's storage device is of course included in the present invention.

In addition, for the convenience of explanation in the above-mentioned process, what is written in the table may be realized in other ways. For example, the parameters in the table may be written directly into the program. Also, instead of obtaining output by referring to a pre-written or generated table, the control unit may obtain output by using a trained model that has already been trained.

10.1 Mattress Configuration
In the above embodiment, the mattress is described as an air cell, but other configurations are also possible. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the mattress between the upper cover 100a and the lower cover 102a may be a urethane mattress 122. In this case, the subcell 130 is disposed below the urethane mattress 122 as shown in Fig. 10. The subcell 130 may also be disposed above the urethane mattress 122.

10.2 Subcell Placement
In the above-described embodiment, the sub-cell 130 has been described as being provided within the mattress, such as below the main cell 120 that constitutes the air mattress, or above the main cell 120. However, the sub-cell 130 may be configured separately from the mattress.

For example, in FIG. 11, the subcell 130 is an underlay type that is placed under the mattress 10. In this case, the mattress 10 can be any existing mattress, and the subcell 130 of the above-mentioned embodiment can be easily placed thereon. This makes it possible to easily provide a position change function using the subcell to an existing mattress without having to prepare a dedicated mattress. Note that the subcell 130 may be an overlay type that is placed on top of an existing mattress.

That is, the subcell 130 may be composed of a single sheet. For example, the subcell sheet 190 in FIG. 11 has multiple spaces. When air is supplied to these spaces from the pump 180, the spaces expand and function as subcells. That is, when air is supplied to and exhausted from the pump 180 into the spaces provided in the sheet, the spaces expand and contract, and thus the sheet has the same function as a subcell.

In this way, in the case of the sub-cell sheet 190 in which the sub-cells are integrally formed in a sheet shape, the same effect can be expected by simply placing the sub-cell sheet 190 under the mattress 10. The sub-cell sheet 190 may also be placed on top of the mattress 10.

10.3 Bottom Configuration
In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration of the bottom of the bed body has been described mainly with a back bottom, a curved bottom, a knee bottom, and a foot bottom, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the curved bottom may generally have the function of a back bottom or a waist bottom. In addition, among the bottom configurations, the foot bottom may be configured as one unit with the knee bottom. In addition, the back bottom may be configured to have the same effect as the curved bottom (for example, the effect of the back bottom on the foot side of the divided back bottom supporting the waist of the user) by being divided into multiple parts. The curved bottom may also be referred to as a waist bottom.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Bed system 10 Mattress 20 Bed body 22 Bottom 22a Back bottom, 22b Curved bottom 22c Knee bottom, 22d Foot bottom, 22e Waist bottom 24 Upper frame 26 Lower frame 28 Lifting mechanism 32 Back bottom drive unit 34 Knee bottom drive unit 36 Height drive unit 100 Top cover 102 Bottom cover 110 Top urethane 115 Glide sheet 120 Main cell 130 Sub cell 140 Bottom urethane 150 Sensor unit 152 Anode 154 Sensor cover 156 GND sheet 180 Pump 182 Pump unit

Claims (10)

An air cell control device including a control unit that controls an air cell constituting a mattress to a first state,
The control unit is
determining a posture of a user when lying on the mattress;
When the user is in a specific posture, the air cell is controlled to be in a second state in which the internal pressure of the air cell is higher than that of the first state,
The air cell control device is characterized in that the specific posture is a posture of the user being edge sitting or long sitting. The control unit is
2. The air cell control device according to claim 1 , wherein when it is determined that the user is in a resting state, the control for increasing the internal pressure of the air cell is stopped. The air cell control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit further determines an action of changing the user's sleeping position among the user's postures, and performs control to change the internal pressure of the air cell to a second state in which the internal pressure is high before the user's sleeping position change is completed or during the change in sleeping position. The device comprises one or more conductive sheets made of a conductive sheet or conductive fibers, an elastic body adjacent to the conductive sheet, and a measurement unit that measures a change in capacitance of the conductive sheet due to deformation of the elastic body,
4. The air cell control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the posture of the user on the mattress based on a change in capacitance measured by the measurement unit. The air cell control device according to claim 4 , wherein the conductive sheets are disposed on the left and right sides near the buttocks of the user. 5. The air cell control device according to claim 4 , further comprising a GND sheet disposed at a position opposite to the conductive sheet. The control unit is
Acquire the weight of the user;
5. The air cell control device according to claim 4 , wherein the posture of the user when lying on the mattress is determined based on the weight of the user and the change in capacitance. The air cell control device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit estimates a weight of the user from an exhaust time of the air cell. An air cell control device having a control unit that controls an air cell that constitutes a mattress,
The control unit is
determining a state of the mattress when a user is lying on the mattress;
an air cell control device which, when determining that a person other than a user of the mattress is kneeling or sitting on the edge of the mattress as the state on the mattress, performs control to increase the internal pressure of the air cell. The device comprises one or more conductive sheets made of a conductive sheet or conductive fibers, an elastic body adjacent to the conductive sheet, and a measurement unit that measures a change in capacitance of the conductive sheet due to deformation of the elastic body,
The air cell control device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit determines the posture of the user on the mattress based on a change in the capacitance measured by the measurement unit.

Images