Patent Publication Number: US-11647964-B2

Title: Remote watching system and remote watching application

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-187157, filed on Nov. 10, 2020; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments relate to a remote watching system and a remote watching application. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, as the decreasing birthrate and aging population and the nuclearization of family progress, there have been increasing cases where an aged person lives apart from his or her son or daughter. Moreover, there have also been increasing cases where, even in the case of living together, a son or daughter works at a working place distant from his or her home and only an aged person stays home during the day. In such cases, a system capable of appropriately caring for a person requiring support, such as an aged person, with a small burden is being demanded. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating a remote watching system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view illustrating a bed apparatus for use in the embodiment. 
         FIGS.  3 A,  3 B, and  3 C  are diagrams illustrating the bed apparatus for use in the embodiment, in which  FIG.  3 A  illustrates a lowered-bed horizontal state,  FIG.  3 B  illustrates a heightened-bed back-raising state, and  FIG.  3 C  illustrates a sloped-bed state. 
         FIG.  4    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a sensor in notification of a dangerous condition. 
         FIG.  5    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a server in notification of a dangerous condition. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating an action of a terminal user in notification of a dangerous condition. 
         FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C, and  7 D  are screen diagrams illustrating screens which a remote watching application according to the embodiment displays on a mobile terminal. 
         FIG.  8    is a screen diagram illustrating a setting screen of the mobile terminal. 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the sensor in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the server in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart illustrating an action of the terminal user living together in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
         FIG.  12    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to go to see how a bed user is doing. 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart illustrating an action of the terminal user living apart in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to telephone to the bed user. 
         FIGS.  15 A,  15 B,  15 C, and  15 D  are screen diagrams illustrating screens which a remote watching application according to the embodiment displays on the mobile terminal. 
         FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the sensor in notification of changes in heartbeat rate and respiratory rate. 
         FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to go to see how the bed user is doing. 
         FIG.  18    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to telephone to the bed user. 
         FIGS.  19 A,  19 B,  19 C, and  19 D  are screen diagrams illustrating healthcare reports which the remote watching application according to the embodiment provides. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details (and without applying to any particular networked environment or standard). 
     As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software in execution. 
     One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to execute software stored on a non-transitory electronic memory or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While various components have been illustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as a single component, or a single component can be implemented as multiple components, without departing from example embodiments. Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage/communications media having a computer program stored thereon. For example, computer readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments. 
     In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. 
     Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially any wireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), enhanced general packet radio service (enhanced GPRS), third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2 (3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA), Z-Wave, Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacy telecommunication technologies. 
     In general, one aspect of the present application is directed to providing a remote watching system and a remote watching application each of which is capable of appropriately caring for a person requiring support with a small burden. 
     According to one embodiment, a remote watching system includes a sensor attached to a bed apparatus and configured to acquire biological information about a bed user who uses the bed apparatus, a server configured to receive the biological information from the sensor and output a notification that is based on the biological information, and a mobile terminal configured to receive the notification and display the received notification, wherein the server outputs only a previously set notification or the mobile terminal displays only a previously set notification. 
     According to one embodiment, a remote watching application is installed on a mobile terminal capable of communicating with a server, the remote watching application receiving, from the server, a notification that is based on biological information about a bed user who uses a bed apparatus and issued from a sensor capable of communicating with the server and attached to the bed apparatus, and causing the mobile terminal to display a previously set notification. 
     According to embodiments, a remote watching system and a remote watching application each of which is capable of appropriately caring for a person requiring support with a small burden can be implemented. 
     In the following description, embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating a remote watching system according to an embodiment. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view illustrating a bed apparatus for use in the embodiment. 
       FIGS.  3 A,  3 B, and  3 C  are diagrams illustrating the bed apparatus for use in the embodiment, in which  FIG.  3 A  illustrates a lowered-bed horizontal state,  FIG.  3 B  illustrates a heightened-bed back-raising state, and  FIG.  3 C  illustrates a sloped-bed state. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a remote watching system  1  according to the present embodiment includes a sensor  11 , a router  12 , a server  13 , and a mobile terminal  14 . The mobile terminal  14  has a remote watching application  15  according to the present embodiment installed thereon. 
     Moreover, the remote watching system  1  can further include a non-contact thermometer and a camera. The non-contact thermometer and the camera can be placed near the sensor  11  and can be configured to input and output signals to and from the sensor  11 . Additionally, the remote watching system  1  can further include a watching robot and a robot. The watching robot is equipped with a microphone and a loudspeaker and gives a reaction using voice. The robot is equipped with a movable portion and is able to move and perform a predetermined operation. The watching robot and the robot are placed near the sensor  11  and are controllable by the sensor  11 . 
     The sensor  11  is attached to a bed apparatus  20  to be used. As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the bed apparatus  20  can be used, for example, as a care bed in a care environment (including a medical care environment). The bed apparatus  20  is not limited to a care bed, and can be a general bed or a bed for intensive care unit (ICU). 
     In  FIG.  2   , arrow H indicates a direction pointing toward a head side H taken when a bed user lies on the bed apparatus  20 . Arrow F indicates a direction pointing toward a foot side F taken when the bed user lies on the bed apparatus  20 . Arrow R indicates a direction pointing toward a right side R taken when the bed user lies face-up on the bed apparatus  20 . Arrow L indicates a direction pointing toward a left side L taken when the bed user lies face-up on the bed apparatus  20 . The head side H and the foot side F are also collectively referred to as a “longitudinal direction”. The right side R and the left side L are also collectively referred to as a “lateral direction”. Each of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction is the horizontal direction or a direction close to the horizontal direction. The longitudinal direction and the lateral direction are perpendicular to each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2    and  FIGS.  3 A to  3 C , the bed apparatus  20  includes a frame  21 , a bottom  22  provided on the frame  21 , an actuator  23 , which controls the height and angle of the frame  21  and the angle of the bottom  22 , a controller  24 , which controls the actuator  23 , side rails  25  attached to the frame  21 , and casters  26  attached to lower portions of the frame  21  in such a way as to be rotatable. The bottom  22  includes, for example, a back section  22   a , a seat section  22   b , an upper leg section  22   c , and a lower leg section  22   d . A mattress  30  is placed on the bottom  22 , and the bed user (not illustrated) lies on the mattress  30 . The mattress  30  can be an urethane mattress or an air mattress. The air mattress includes an air mattress for a Gatch bed in which a plurality of air cells is juxtaposed in the bed longitudinal direction. The bed user is, for example, a person requiring care, who receives nursing care, or a person requiring support, who is not a person requiring care but requires support in daily life, for example, an aged person. 
     The side rails  25  includes, in a side extending in the longitudinal direction on the right side R of the frame  21 , a head-side right side rail  25   hr  arranged on the head side H and a foot-side right side rail  25   fr  arranged on the foot side F and, in a side extending in the longitudinal direction on the left side L of the frame  21 , a head-side left side rail  25   hl  arranged on the head side H and a foot-side left side rail  25   fl  arranged on the foot side F. The head-side right side rail  25   hr , the foot-side right side rail  25   fr , the head-side left side rail  25   hl , and the foot-side left side rail  25   fl  are also collectively referred to as “side rails  25 ”. Each side rail  25  is provided with a lock unit  27 . There are a case where the side rails  25  are constantly coupled to the frame  21  and a case where the side rails  25  are attachable to and detachable from the frame  21 . 
     In a case where the side rails  25  are constantly coupled to the frame  21 , the side rails  25  take two states including a state in which the side rails  25  are moved down, i.e., a storage state in which major portions of the side rails  25  are situated on the lower side of the frame  21 , and a state in which the side rails  25  are moved up, i.e., a usage state in which major portions of the side rails  25  are situated on the upper side of the frame  21 . 
     In a case where the side rails  25  are in the storage state, the lock unit  27  is in an unlocked state. In a case where the side rails  25  are moved up to transition from the storage state to the usage state, the lock unit  27  automatically enters into a locked state, and the side rails  25  are held while being situated on the upper side of the frame  21 . Ina case of causing the side rails  25  to transition from the usage state to the storage state, an operation of unlocking the lock unit  27  to bring the lock unit  27  into the unlocked state and then moving down the side rails  25  to bring the side rails  25  into the storage state. 
     In a case where the side rails  25  are attachable to and detachable from the frame  21 , the side rails  25  take two states including a storage state in which the side rails  25  are removed from the frame  21  and are then stored in a different place and a usage state in which the side rails  25  are attached to the frame  21 . The side rails  25  can be provided with the lock unit  27  or can be provided with no lock unit. 
     In a case where the side rails  25  are provided with the lock unit  27 , when the side rails  25  are in the storage state, the lock unit  27  is in the unlocked state. In a case where the side rails  25  have been attached to the frame  21 , the lock unit  27  can automatically enter into the locked state or can be manually brought into the locked state. The side rails  25  can be foldable. 
     The bed apparatus  20  can be provided with a head board  28   h  at the head side H of the frame  21  and can be provided with a foot board  28   f  at the foot side F of the frame  21 . Moreover, the bed apparatus  20  can be provided with pole holders  29 , for example, at corner portions of the frame  21 . Each pole holder  29  allows a pole  40  to be attached thereto as needed. Depending on physical conditions of the bed user, as the pole  40 , an intravenous drip pole (IV pole) can be attached or a pole used to hold an oxygen tank or another medical device can be attached. 
     The controller  24  is able to switch between the unlocked state and locked state of the lock unit  27  of each side rail  25 . Moreover, the controller  24  is able to switch between an unlocked state in which each caster  26  is allowed to rotate and a locked state in which each caster  26  is prevented from rotating. Additionally, the controller  24  is able to output, by wire or by wireless, one or more types of information, for example, all of the pieces of information, selected from a group including information about the height and angle of the frame  21 , information about the angle of the bottom  22 , the presence or absence of the side rails  25 , information about the usage state and the storage state, information about the locked state of the lock unit  27 , information about the locked state of the casters  26 , information about the presence or absence of attachment and the locked state of the head board  28   h  and the foot board  28   f , and information about the internal pressure of each air cell of the air mattress. 
     Additionally, the controller  24  is able to output, by wire or by wireless, information about equipment present near the bed apparatus  20 . The information about equipment includes, for example, information about an excretion detection sensor and information about a wandering detection sensor. Moreover, the controller  24  is able to output, by wire or by wireless, information obtainable from provided home electrical appliances, for example, information about the usage condition of an electric water boiler, information about turning on and off of devices, such as an air conditioner, a television set, a radio, and a personal computer, and information about the usage conditions of such devices. Additionally, the controller  24  is able to output, by wire or by wireless, information about the environment, for example, information about the temperature, humidity, illuminance, and odor in a room furnished with the bed apparatus  20 . 
     The controller  24  can be operated via a user interface device (a hand-held remote switch) connected to the bed apparatus  20  or can be operated via the mobile terminal  14 . The user interface device can include a light emitter. The light emitter is able to perform turning-on, blinking, and turning-out of light in response to control provided by the controller. Moreover, the user interface device can include a liquid crystal screen. The liquid crystal screen can display the above-mentioned information output by wire or by wireless from the controller  24  or can display information input from the mobile terminal  14 . 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates a lowered-bed horizontal state, in which the frame  21  is in a lowered position and all of the sections of the bottom  22  are horizontal. This state is suitable for a case where, for example, the bed user sleeps. In a case where the side rails  25  are provided, it is desirable that the side rails  25  be in the usage condition and the lock unit  27  be in the locked state. 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates a heightened-bed back-raising state, in which the frame  21  is in a heightened position and the back section  22   a , the upper leg section  22   c , and the lower leg section  22   d  are sloped. This state is suitable for a case where, for example, the bed user is wakening on the bed apparatus  20 . 
       FIG.  3 C  illustrates a sloped-bed state, in which the frame  21  is sloped and the back section  22   a , the upper leg section  22   c , and the lower leg section  22   d  are sloped. This state brings the bed user close to a sitting position and is, therefore, suitable for a case where the bed user acts for, for example, reading, eating, or talking. 
     In addition to these, if the frame  21  is heightened and the bottom  22  is made horizontal, the bed apparatus  20  enters into a state suitable for a case where a caretaker cares for the bed user. Moreover, if the frame  21  is heightened and the back section  22   a  is sloped, the bed apparatus  20  enters into a state suitable for a case where the bed user stands up at the bedside. 
     The shape of the sensor  11  is sheet-like. The sensor  11  is located between the back section  22   a  and the mattress  30 . The sensor  11  is provided with a pressure measurement unit  11   a  and a control circuit  11   b . The pressure measurement unit  11   a  measures a pressure via the mattress  30 . The control circuit  11   b  records and analyzes a temporal change of the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit  11   a.    
     This enables the control circuit  11   b  to detect the heartbeat rate, respiratory rate, and body motion of the bed user via the mattress  30  and thus determine whether the bed user is in a sleeping state or in a wakeful state. Moreover, this enables the control circuit  11   b  to record and analyze a temporal change of a load measured by the pressure measurement unit  11   a  and thus determine whether the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20  (whether the bed user is in bed) or is away from the bed apparatus  20  (whether the bed user is out of bed). 
     Furthermore, the pressure measurement unit  11   a  can be provided with a plurality of units and be capable of detecting a pressure for each unit. This enables knowing the position of the bed user on the bed apparatus  20 . For example, in a case where the pressure measurement unit  11   a  is provided with two units and such two units are arranged along the lateral direction of the bed apparatus  20 , it can be known that the bed user is lying while being close to the right side of the bed apparatus  20 . Moreover, the sensor  11  can be provided within the actuator  23 . In this case, the pressure measurement unit  11   a  of the sensor  11  measures a load put on the actuator  23 . The sensor  11  is able to measure the body weight of the bed user based on a load put on the actuator  23 . The sensor  11  can be a load cell. The load cell is provided, for example, at each of four corner portions of the frame  21 . In this case, the load cells are able to be used to measure the body weight of the bed user. In a case where the mattress  30  is an air mattress, an internal pressure of each air cell mounted in the air mattress is able to be used to measure a load. 
     Moreover, the control circuit  11   b  is provided with a communication unit and thus outputs, by wireless or by wire, biological information about the measured heartbeat rate, respiratory rate, and body motion of the bed user and information about a result of determination as to whether the bed user is in a sleeping state or in a wakeful state. The control circuit  11   b  outputs information using, for example, a wireless local area network (wireless LAN) such as Wi-Fi®. Moreover, the control circuit  11   b  acquires bed information about the bed apparatus  20  from the controller  24  of the bed apparatus  20 , and performs various types of determinations based on the biological information and the bed information. Specific examples of the determinations are described below. Then, the control circuit  11   b  also outputs results of these determinations. 
     The sensor  11  and the router  12  are arranged within the same building, for example, within the same room. The sensor  11  and the router  12  are able to communicate with each other via, for example, Wi-Fi©. The router  12  is able to access a communication network such as the Internet. 
     The server  13  is built out on, for example, a cloud. The router  12  and the server  13  are able to communicate with each other via a communication network such as the Internet. The server  13  performs processing described below based on information transmitted from the router  12 , and, as needed, performs communication with the mobile terminal  14  via a communication network such as the Internet. 
     The mobile terminal  14  is, for example, a smartphone. Furthermore, the mobile terminal  14  can be, for example, a tablet or a notebook personal computer, or can be a dedicated receiver. As mentioned above, the mobile terminal  14  has the remote watching application  15  installed thereon. A user of the mobile terminal  14  (hereinafter referred to as a “terminal user”) is a person who watches over the bed user and, as needed, cars for the bed user, and is, for example, a family member of the bed user. The terminal user can live with the bed user or can live apart from the bed user. The terminal user living apart from the bed user can be living nearby or living distantly. Furthermore, the term “living nearby” means that the terminal user resides at a place from which the terminal user is able to visit the residence of the bed user as needed, and the term “living distantly” means that the terminal user resides at a place from which the terminal user is unable to visit the residence of the bed user. 
     The remote watching application  15  is able to display options of messages which the terminal user inputs on the screen of the mobile terminal  14  and set input buttons for given options. The options of messages include, for example, “I have seen the notification”, “Please lock the casters”, “I&#39;ll come there now”, and “I can&#39;t come there for you and, therefore, has requested an available person to visit you”. This message is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the user interface device of the bed apparatus  20 , and is visible by the bed user. Moreover, the controller  24  can display, in addition to the above-mentioned messages input by the terminal user, for example, messages such as “(Your daughter) has viewed the notification”, “I&#39;ll lock the casters”, “I have locked the casters”, “A caretaker will visit you”, and “A person next door will visit you” on the liquid crystal screen of the user interface device of the bed apparatus  20 . 
     The server  13  can be configured to be able to output commands for controlling the bed apparatus  20  to the controller  24  according to the bed information. Moreover, the terminal user can be allowed to operate the bed apparatus  20  via the mobile terminal  14 . This enables the terminal user to cause the bed apparatus  20  to operate remotely from a notification destination using the Internet of Things (IoT). The controller  24  can, based on commands issued by the server  13  or the terminal user, lock the casters  26  of the bed apparatus  20 , move down the frame  21 , move up the side rails  25 , or, when the bottom  22  operates, display a forenotice message such as “The bottom will operate now”, on the liquid crystal screen of the user interface device of the bed apparatus  20  and then move the bottom  22 . 
     Next, operations of the remote watching system and the remote watching application according to the present embodiment are described. 
     Each of the remote watching system and the remote watching application according to the present embodiment notifies the terminal user of information about the bed user. The information about the bed user includes the above-mentioned biological information acquired from the sensor  11 , the above-mentioned bed information acquired from the bed apparatus  20 , and other pieces of information acquired from various devices such as a clinical thermometer and a camera. While various notifications are conceivable as the notification to the terminal user, in the following description, a notification indicating that the bed user is currently in a dangerous condition, a notification indicating that the bed user is currently out of bed or in bed, and a notification indicating that the heartbeat rate and respiratory rate of the bed user have changed are used as examples for description. However, other types of notifications can be used. 
     First, notification of a dangerous condition is described. 
       FIG.  4    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the sensor in notification of a dangerous condition. 
       FIG.  5    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the server in notification of a dangerous condition. 
       FIG.  6    is a flowchart illustrating an action of the terminal user in notification of a dangerous condition. 
       FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C, and  7 D  are screen diagrams illustrating screens which the remote watching application according to the present embodiment displays on the mobile terminal. 
     Furthermore, in the screen diagrams illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A to  7 D , a region used for only display is surrounded by a dashed line, and a region not only used for display but also allowing an operation by touch is surrounded by a solid line. The same also applies to the other screen diagrams described below. 
     First, an operation of the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11  is described. 
     First, in step S 101  illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11  acquires bed information about the bed apparatus  20  from the controller  24  of the bed apparatus  20 . For example, the control circuit  11   b  acquires, from the controller  24 , information about the height and angle of the frame  21 , the angle of each section of the bottom  22 , whether each side rail  25  is in the storage state or in the usage state, the locked state of the lock unit  27 , and the locked state of the casters  26 . 
     Next, in step S 102 , the control circuit  11   b  performs out-of-bed and in-bed determination based on biological information about the bed user. Specifically, when having detected the heartbeat rate, respiratory rate, or body motion of the bed user based on a result of measurement by the pressure measurement unit  11   a , the control circuit  11   b  determines that the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20 , i.e., the bed user is in bed, and, when having detected none of the heartbeat rate, respiratory rate, and body motion of the bed user, the control circuit  11   b  determines that the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20 , i.e., the bed user is out of bed. 
     Next, in step S 103 , the control circuit  11   b  determines, based on results obtained in steps S 101  and S 102 , whether the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20  with the bed apparatus  20  being in a dangerous condition. The bed apparatus  20  being in a dangerous condition represents, for example, a case where the frame  21  is too heightened, a case where the side rails  25  are in the storage state, a case where the side rails  25  are in the usage state and the lock unit  27  is in the unlocked state, or a case where the casters  26  are in the unlocked state. Then, if determining that the bed apparatus  20  is not in a dangerous condition or the bed user is out of bed, the control circuit  11   b  sets the determination result to “NO” and then repeats steps S 101  to S 103 . On the other hand, if determining that the bed apparatus  20  is in a dangerous condition and the bed user is in bed, the control circuit  11   b  sets the determination result to “YES” and then proceeds to step S 104 . 
     In step S 104 , the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  via the router  12  that the bed apparatus  20  is in a dangerous condition. 
     Next, in step S 105 , the control circuit  11   b  determines whether the dangerous condition is able to be resolved by the function of the bed apparatus  20  itself. For example, in a case where the side rails  25  or the casters  26  are able to be locked by using an electrical signal, the control circuit  11   b  determines that the dangerous condition is able to be resolved. If determining that the dangerous condition is able to be resolved, the control circuit  11   b  resolves the dangerous condition and then proceeds to step S 106 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  that the problem has been solved. 
     If, in step S 105 , determining that the dangerous condition is not able to be resolved by the function of the bed apparatus  20  itself, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 107 , in which the control circuit  11   b  determines whether the dangerous condition is able to be resolved by using a robot. The case where the dangerous condition is able to be resolved by using a robot is, for example, a case where the robot is able to be used to apply an external force to a lock mechanism of the side rails  25  or the casters  26  for locking. If determining that the dangerous condition is able to be resolved, the control circuit  11   b  resolves the dangerous condition and then proceeds to step S 108 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  that the problem has been solved. 
     If determining that the dangerous condition is not able to be resolved by using a robot, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 109 , in which the control circuit  11   b  determines whether the dangerous condition has been resolved by the terminal user and a dangerous condition resolution check has been passed. An action of the terminal user is described below. If determining that the dangerous condition has been resolved, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 110 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  that the problem has been solved. 
     If determining that the dangerous condition has not been resolved even by the terminal user, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 111 , then, if determining that ten minutes has elapsed, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 112 , and, then, if determining that the notification has not been issued ten times, the control circuit  11   b  returns to step S 101  to repeat the above-mentioned steps. With this operation, until the dangerous condition is resolved, the control circuit  11   b  issues the notification up to ten times at intervals of ten minutes, and then ends the operation. Furthermore, the interval time for the notification is not limited to ten minutes, and the upper limit of the number of times of the notification is not limited to ten times. These are able to be set by the terminal user. 
     Next, an operation of the server  13  is described. 
     In step S 201  illustrated in  FIG.  5   , upon receiving the notification from the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11 , the server  13  proceeds to step S 202 , in which the server  13  transmits information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 . 
     Whether for the server  13  to transmit the notification received from the control circuit  11   b  to the mobile terminal  14  is able to be previously selected by the terminal user and be set via the remote watching application  15  (hereinafter also referred to simply as an “application  15 ”). 
     In a case where the terminal user performed a setting such that it was necessary to transmit information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 , after receiving the notification from the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11 , the server  13  proceeds to step S 202 , in which the server  13  transmits information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 . 
     In a case where the terminal user performed a setting such that it was not necessary to transmit information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 , even when receiving the notification from the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11 , the server  13  does not transmit information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 . Alternatively, after the server  13  transmits information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 , the mobile terminal  14  discards the received information automatically. 
     The information about the notification can be not only information indicating “being in a dangerous condition” but also information indicating “the dangerous condition having been resolved”. Thus, whether to transmit a notification of being in a dangerous condition to the mobile terminal  14  and whether to transmit a notification indicating that the dangerous condition has been resolved or there is originally no dangerous condition to the mobile terminal  14  can be previously set by the terminal user. 
     Next, an operation of the remote watching application  15  and an action of the terminal user are described. 
     Upon receiving a notification indicating that the bed apparatus  20  is in a dangerous condition from the server  13 , the mobile terminal  14  issues a push notification of information about the dangerous condition to the terminal user by the application  15  displaying a screen V 1  illustrated in  FIG.  7 A . At the time of issuing the push notification, the application  15  can use the ring alert and vibration in combination with displaying the screen V 1 . 
     In step S 301  illustrated in  FIG.  6   , upon recognizing the screen V 1 , the terminal user inputs, to the mobile terminal  14 , information indicating that the terminal user has become aware of the push notification, for example, by touching an “OK” button in the screen V 1 . Furthermore, inputting to the mobile terminal  14  by the terminal user is not limited to an operation on the screen, but can be performed, for example, by using voice. The same also applies to subsequent operations. 
     With this inputting, the application  15  displays, for example, a screen V 2  illustrated in  FIG.  7 B  to prompt the terminal user to determine whether the terminal user is able to deal with the problem. In step S 302  illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the terminal user determines whether the terminal user is able to deal with the problem, and, if determining that the terminal user is able to deal with the problem, the terminal user touches a “YES” button in the screen V 2 . At this time, the application  15  can operate in conjunction with a route search application to display a route and a transportation from the current location of the terminal user to a place in which the bed apparatus  20  is present, or can operate in conjunction with a taxi arrangement application to enable arranging for a taxi which is nearest to the current location. 
     Then, in step S 303 , the terminal user resolves the dangerous condition by himself/herself. Thus, the terminal user visits the residence of the bed user and operates the bed apparatus  20  to resolve the dangerous condition. For example, if the frame  21  is too heightened, the terminal user moves down the frame  21 , and, if the casters  26  are in the unlocked state, the terminal user locks the casters  26 . If the side rails  25  are in the storage state, the terminal user brings the side rails  25  into the usage state. If the lock unit  27  is in the unlocked state, the terminal user locks the lock unit  27 . 
     Then, in step S 304 , the terminal user checks that the dangerous condition has been resolved, and then causes the mobile terminal  14  to display a screen V 3  illustrated in  FIG.  7 C  and touches a “YES” button in the screen V 3 . With this touching, the terminal user inputs information indicating that the dangerous condition has been resolved to the application  15 . The server  13  communicates this information to the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11  via the router  12 . With this communication, the control circuit  11   b  selects a determination result “YES” in step S 109  illustrated in  FIG.  4   , and then proceeds to step S 110 . In this way, a series of operations ends. On the other hand, when the terminal user has touched a “NO” button in the screen V 3 , the application  15  can support the terminal user by, for example, displaying an instruction manual of the bed apparatus  20 . 
     On the other hand, if, in step S 302 , determining that the terminal user is not able to deal with the problem, the terminal user touches a “NO” button in the screen V 2 . This corresponds to, for example, a case where the terminal user is, for example, at work or shopping and is, therefore, unable to immediately go to a place where the bed apparatus  20  is placed. 
     At this time, the application  15  displays a screen V 4  illustrated in  FIG.  7 D  to inquire the terminal user whether there is a person who possibly can deal with the problem. For example, the application  15  displays a list of previously registered cooperators. This list can operate in conjunction with a communication application for, for example, telephone, e-mail, or social networking service (SNS) in such a manner that touching the name of a person included in the list enables contacting the person. Moreover, if location information about cooperators is able to be acquired, the application  15  can be configured to additionally display such location information. This enables asking a cooperator who stays closest to the bed apparatus  20  for cooperation. The cooperator can be, whether with or without consideration, for example, a person involved in a private home-visit service company. 
     In step S 305 , the terminal user refers to the screen V 4  and determines whether there is a person who can deal with the problem. Then, if determining that there is a person who can deal with the problem, the terminal user proceeds to step S 306 , in which the terminal user contacts and requests the person to resolve the dangerous condition. 
     If determining that there is no person who can deal with the problem, the terminal user touches a “NO” button in the screen V 4  and then proceeds to step S 307 . Then, the terminal user reads the latest information stored in the server  13  and checks whether the dangerous condition has been automatically resolved. If determining that the dangerous condition has not been automatically resolved, the terminal user proceeds to step S 308 , in which the terminal user continues a follow-up. 
     Next, notification of out-of-bed and in-bed of the bed user are described. 
       FIG.  8    is a screen diagram illustrating a setting screen of the mobile terminal  14 . 
       FIG.  9    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the sensor  11  in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
       FIG.  10    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the server  13  in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
       FIG.  11    is a flowchart illustrating an action of the terminal user living together in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
       FIG.  12    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to go to see how the bed user is doing. 
       FIG.  13    is a flowchart illustrating an action of the terminal user living apart in notification of out-of-bed and in-bed. 
       FIG.  14    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to telephone to the bed user. 
       FIGS.  15 A,  15 B,  15 C, and  15 D  are screen diagrams illustrating screens which the remote watching application  15  according to the present embodiment displays on the mobile terminal  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the terminal user previously operates a screen V 5  displayed on the mobile terminal  14  and performs settings concerning notification. For example, the terminal user performs settings concerning, for example, whether to receive a notification when the bed user has gotten out of the bed apparatus  20  and when the bed user has gotten into the bed apparatus  20 , a reception time period for receiving the notification, a reception time period for receiving a notification of out-of-bed, whether a weekly history about the physical condition of the bed user is needed, a condition on which to receive a notification when the physical condition of the bed user has changed, and whether to receive a call from the bed user. 
     The settings can be made different depending on whether the terminal user is living with the bed user or living apart from the bed user. Moreover, the settings can be made different depending on whether, even if the terminal user is living apart from the bed user, the terminal user is residing at a place from which the terminal user is able to readily visit the residence of the bed user as needed (“living nearby”) or the terminal user is residing at a place from which the terminal user is unable to readily visit the residence of the bed user (“living distantly”). In this case, the application  15  can be configured to estimate the location of the terminal user based on the location information about the mobile terminal  14  and automatically change whether the terminal user is “living nearby” or “living distantly”. Thus, in a case where the terminal user has moved from a place from which the terminal user is able to readily visit the residence of the bed user to a place from which the terminal user is unable to readily visit the residence of the bed user, the application  15  can automatically change the settings from settings for “living nearby” to settings for “living distantly”. 
     Moreover, the settings can be made different depending on a relationship between the terminal user and the bed user. The settings can be made different depending on, for example, a case where the terminal user is a family member of the bed user, a case where the terminal user is a friend of the bed user, a case where the terminal user is a care manager, and a case where the terminal user is a caretaker involved in a company which provides nursing services (a certified care worker, a home care worker, or an in-home caregiver). 
     The terminal user can previously perform a setting such that the terminal user is able to receive only necessary notifications within a desired time period. States required for notification include not only a state in which the bed user is at risk or is abnormal but also a state in which the bed user is normal. A notification of the state in which the bed user is normal can be transmitted when the terminal user has inquired the server  13  via the mobile terminal  14  or can be transmitted at the previously set clock time. 
     In a case where the terminal user is a caretaker, the terminal user is able to upload caregiving date and time and caregiving content to the server  13 , as described below. In this case, the notification can be transmitted after a predetermined length of time elapses from the date and time of the last caregiving based on the uploaded information about caregiving. For example, the terminal user can perform setting such that no notification is transmitted until 24 hours elapses from ending of caregiving. Moreover, the terminal user can perform a setting of not transmitting a notification, based on location information about the caretaker. For example, when the caretake is just caring for the bed user, no notification is transmitted. Moreover, the terminal user is able to select the terminal user&#39;s own attribute, and can previously determine an initial value for the setting to be communicated as a notification for the selected attribute. Furthermore, even after the setting is once performed with an initial value, the content of the setting can be freely changed. 
     On the other hand, there is a case where a state in which the bed user is at risk had better be communicated as a notification regardless of the setting. Therefore, a notification for communicating a state in which the bed user is at risk can be forcibly transmitted even in a time period other than a previously set desired time period. In that case, even if the mobile terminal  14  is set not to emit a sound at the time of issuing a push notification, a sound can be forcibly emitted. Moreover, in a case where the terminal user is present at the side of the bed user, a notification can be made temporarily null. For example, a configuration in which a button indicating “visit in progress” is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal  14  and pressing the button makes a notification temporarily null can be employed. 
     First, an operation of the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11  is described. 
     First, in step S 401  illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the control circuit  11   b  performs out-of-bed and in-bed determination about the bed user. The method for out-of-bed and in-bed determination is the same as that descriat described in step S 102  illustrated in  FIG.  4   . 
     Next, in step S 402 , the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  via the router  12  of a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination. 
     After that, the control circuit  11   b  repeats steps S 401  and S 402 . 
     Whether for the server  13  to transmit a notification received from the control circuit  11   b  to the mobile terminal  14  is able to be previously selected and set by the terminal user. 
     In a case where the terminal user previously performed such a setting as to require information about the notification to be transmitted to the mobile terminal  14 , the server  13  receives the notification from the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11  and then proceeds to step S 202 , in which the server  13  transmits information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 . 
     In a case where the terminal user previously performed such a setting as not to require information about the notification to be transmitted to the mobile terminal  14 , even when receiving the notification from the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11 , the server  13  does not transmit information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 . Alternatively, the server  13  transmits information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14  and, then, the mobile terminal  14  automatically discards the received information. 
     Next, an operation of the server  13  is described. 
     In step S 501  illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the server  13  receives a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination from the sensor  11 , and then proceeds to step  3502 , in which, if the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20 , the server  13  proceeds to step S 503  and, if the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20 , the server  13  proceeds to step S 504 . 
     If the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20 , then in step S 503 , the server  13  determines whether the current time is a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20 . The time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20  is, for example, a time period including nighttime. Depending on the situation of the bed user, to prevent a day-night reversal phenomenon, it is recommended that the bed user be out of bed for a predetermined time period in the daytime, for example, a time period from 10 o&#39;clock to 16 o&#39;clock. In this case, the time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20  is a time period from 16 o&#39;clock to next day 10 o&#39;clock. If the current time is a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20 , the server  13  returns to step S 501 . If the current time is not a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20 , for example, if the current time is included in a time period from 10 o&#39;clock to 16 o&#39;clock, in which out-of-bed is recommended, the server  13  proceeds to step S 505 , in which the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14  that the bed user is in bed. Furthermore, the server  13  can acquire time information (clock time information) for use in determining whether the current time is a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is present on the bed apparatus  20  from the server  13  itself, can acquire the time information from the mobile terminal  14 , can acquire the time information by accessing, for example, a clock time supply service via an Internet line, or can acquire the time information by using any other method. 
     Whether for the server  13  to notify the mobile terminal  14  that the bed user is in bed is able to be previously selected and set by the terminal user. 
     In a case where the terminal user previously performed such a setting as to require the mobile terminal  14  to be notified that the bed user was in bed, if receiving a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination from the sensor  11 , the server  13  proceeds to step S 505 , in which the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14  of the received result. 
     In a case where the terminal user previously performed such a setting as not to require the mobile terminal  14  to be notified that the bed user was in bed, even when receiving a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination from the sensor  11 , the server  13  does not notify the mobile terminal  14  of the result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination. Alternatively, the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14  of a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination and, then, the mobile terminal  14  automatically discards the result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination. 
     If the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20 , then in step S 504 , the server  13  determines whether the current time is a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20 . The time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20  is, for example, a time period including daytime. Since it is ordinarily recommended that the bed user get out of bed in the morning and go to bed at night, for example, a time period from 5 o&#39;clock in the morning to 23 o&#39;clock at night is a time period for which there is no problem even if the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20 . If the current time is a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20 , the server  13  returns to step S 501 . If the current time is not a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20 , for example, if the current time is included in a time period from 23 o&#39;clock to next day 5 o&#39;clock, in which in-bed is recommended, the server  13  proceeds to step S 506 , in which the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14  that the bed user is out of bed. Furthermore, the server  13  can acquire time information (clock time information) for use in determining whether the current time is a time at which there is no problem even if the bed user is not present on the bed apparatus  20  from the server  13  itself, can acquire the time information from the mobile terminal  14 , can acquire the time information by accessing, for example, a clock time supply service via an Internet line, or can acquire the time information by using any other method. 
     Whether for the server  13  to notify the mobile terminal  14  that the bed user is out of bed is able to be previously selected and set by the terminal user. 
     In a case where the terminal user previously performed such a setting as to require the mobile terminal  14  to be notified that the bed user was out of bed, if receiving a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination from the sensor  11 , the server  13  proceeds to step S 506 , in which the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14  of the received result. 
     In a case where the terminal user previously performed such a setting as not to require the mobile terminal  14  to be notified that the bed user was out of bed, even when receiving a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination from the sensor  11 , the server  13  does not notify the mobile terminal  14  of the result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination. Alternatively, the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14  of a result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination and, then, the mobile terminal  14  automatically discards the result of the out-of-bed and in-bed determination. 
     Next, an operation of the remote watching application  15  and an action of the terminal user are described. 
     First, a case where the terminal user is living with the bed user is described. 
     When the mobile terminal  14  receives a notification indicating that the bed user is in bed or out of bed from the server  13 , the application  15  displays a screen V 6  illustrated in  FIG.  15 A  to issue a push notification indicating information about the received notification to the terminal user. While, in the following description, a case where the bed user is out of bed in a time period for which it is recommended that the bed user be in bed is described as an example, the same also applies to a case where the bed user is in bed in a time period for which it is recommended that the bed user be out of bed. 
     In step S 601  illustrated in  FIG.  11   , upon recognizing the screen V 6 , the terminal user inputs, to the mobile terminal  14 , information indicating that the terminal user has become aware of the push notification, by touching an “OK” button in the screen V 6 . 
     With this inputting, the application  15  displays, for example, a screen V 7  illustrated in  FIG.  15 B  to prompt the terminal user to determine whether the terminal user is able to deal with the problem. In step S 602  illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the terminal user determines whether the terminal user is able to deal with the problem, and, if determining that the terminal user is able to deal with the problem, the terminal user touches a “YES” button in the screen V 7 . 
     Next, in step S 603  illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the terminal user goes to see how the bed user is doing. If the terminal user is living with the bed user, this is easy. However, even if the terminal user is living with the bed user, when the terminal user is not home due to circumstances such as having gone to work, the terminal user is required to immediately come home. In this case, the application  15  can operate in conjunction with a taxi arrangement application to enable arranging for a taxi which is nearest to the current location. Moreover, if location information about the bed user is able to be acquired, the application  15  can be configured to additionally display such location information. This also enables determining that, as long as the bed user is in home although being out of bed, there is little danger and the terminal user does not need to take the trouble of going to see how the bed user is doing. 
     The application  15  displays a screen V 8  illustrated in  FIG.  15 C  to check whether the terminal user was able to meet the bed user. Then, in step S 611  illustrated in  FIG.  12   , if the terminal user was able to meet the bed user, the terminal user checks the situation of the bed user and, then, ends the action. 
     On the other hand, if the terminal user was not able to meet the bed user, then in step S 612  illustrated in  FIG.  12   , the terminal user determines whether the terminal user has seen the location of the bed user. Even in this case, if the application  15  is able to use location information about the bed user, the application  15  can display the location information to support the terminal user. If the terminal user has seen where the bed user is, the terminal user goes to see how the bed user is doing, as needed, and then ends the action. If the terminal user has not seen where the bed user is, then in step S 613 , the terminal user goes to find the bed user. 
     On the other hand, if, in step S 602  illustrated in  FIG.  11   , determining that the terminal user is not able to deal with the problem, the terminal user touches a “NO” button in the screen V 7  illustrated in  FIG.  15 B . This corresponds to a case where the terminal user is not home and is not able to immediately come home. 
     At this time, the application  15  displays a screen V 9  illustrated in  FIG.  15 D  to inquire the terminal user whether there is a person who possibly can deal with the problem other than the terminal user. For example, the application  15  displays a list of previously registered cooperators. This list can operate in conjunction with a communication application in such a manner that touching the name of a person included in the list enables contacting the person. Moreover, if location information about cooperators is able to be acquired, the application  15  can be configured to additionally display such location information. This enables asking a cooperator who stays closest to the residence of the bed user for cooperation. The cooperator can be, whether with or without consideration, for example, a person involved in a private home-visit service company. 
     In step S 604 , the terminal user refers to the screen V 9  and determines whether there is a person who can deal with the problem. Then, if determining that there is a person who can deal with the problem, the terminal user proceeds to step S 605 , in which the terminal user contacts and requests the person to confirm the situation of the bed user. 
     If determining that there is no person who can deal with the problem, then in step S 606 , the terminal user checks whether someone has dealt with the problem. If determining that no one has dealt with the problem, the terminal user proceeds to step S 607 , in which the terminal user continues a follow-up. 
     Next, a case where the terminal user is living apart from the bed user is described. In this case, it is supposed that the terminal user is not able to go to meet the bed user and contacts the bed user by telephone. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the action of the terminal user living apart from the bed user differs from the action of the terminal user living with the bed user illustrated in  FIG.  11    in that the terminal user performs steps S 621  and S 622  instead of steps S 602  and S 603 . 
     In step S 601  illustrated in  FIG.  13   , if the terminal user has become aware of a notification indicating that the bed user is out of bed and has input information about the notification to the mobile terminal  14 , the application  15  can activate a verbal communication function and display the phone number of the bed user. This enables the terminal user to telephone to the bed user. Then, in step S 621 , the terminal user determines whether the terminal user&#39;s telephone call gets through to the bed user, and, if determining that the terminal user&#39;s telephone call gets through to the bed user, then in step S 622 , the terminal user telephones to the bed user. In step S 631  illustrated in  FIG.  14   , if the terminal user&#39;s telephone call has gotten through to the bed user, the terminal user checks the situation of the bed user and then ends the action. 
     On the other hand, if the terminal user&#39;s telephone call has not gotten through to the bed user, then in step S 632 , the terminal user determines whether the terminal user has seen the location of the bed user. Even in this case, if there is location information about the bed user, the terminal user is able to use the location information. Moreover, a human-presence sensor or a camera can be placed near a table at which the bed user eats meals, in a toilet, or in a bathroom. This enables knowing the whereabouts of the bed user having been out of bed. If having seen where the bed user is, the terminal user ends the action. Alternatively, the terminal user can be allowed to remotely manipulate facilities in the residence of the bed user. For example, the terminal user can increase lighting in a place where the bed user is present. Moreover, the terminal user can lock the front door of the residence of the bed user to prevent the bed user to wander. 
     On the other hand, if the terminal user has not seen the whereabouts of the bed user, then in step S 633 , the terminal user performs a follow-up. Furthermore, the application  15  can be configured to make a search of the area around the residence of the bed user with use of a robot or a drone, or can be configured to be able to check, by remote control, video images captured by cameras placed inside and outside the residence of the bed user. 
     If the terminal user&#39;s telephone call does not get through to the bed user, the terminal user proceeds from step S 621  to step S 604 , in which the terminal user asks a cooperator for support, as with the case of the terminal user living with the bed user. A subsequent action of the terminal user is similar to that of the terminal user living with the bed user. 
     Next, notifications of changes of the heartbeat rate and respiratory rate of the bed user are described. 
       FIG.  16    is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the sensor  11  in notification of changes in heartbeat rate and respiratory rate. 
       FIG.  17    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to go to see how the bed user is doing. 
       FIG.  18    is a flowchart illustrating an action which the terminal user performs to telephone to the bed user. 
     First, an operation of the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11  is described. 
     In step S 701  illustrated in  FIG.  16   , the sensor  11  measures the heartbeat rate, respiratory rate, and body motion of the bed user. 
     Next, in step S 702 , the control circuit  11   b  determines whether the heartbeat rate is normal. If determining that the heartbeat rate is not normal, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 703 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  of an abnormality of the heartbeat rate. 
     If determining that the heartbeat rate is normal, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 704 , in which the control circuit  11   b  determines whether the respiratory rate is normal. If determining that the respiratory rate is not normal, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 705 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  of an abnormality of the respiratory rate. 
     If determining that both the heartbeat rate and the respiratory rate are normal, the control circuit  11   b  returns to step S 701  and then repeats operations in steps S 701  to S 704  at a predetermined interval. On the other hand, after performing each of steps S 703  and S 705 , the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 706 . 
     In step S 706 , the control circuit  11   b  measures the body temperature of the bed user with a non-contact clinical thermometer. Moreover, the control circuit  11   b  observes the face of the bed user with a camera. The camera is connected to the control circuit  11   b  of the sensor  11  and detects changes in the color of the face and the expression on the face of the bed user by previously learning the usual face of the bed user. Then, the control circuit  11   b  determines whether, even if the control circuit  11   b  waits and sees, the bed user seems all right, based on a result of measurement of the body temperature and a result of observation of the face of the bed user. If determining that, even if the control circuit  11   b  waits and sees, the bed user seems all right, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step  3707 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  that the problem has been solved. 
     If determining that, if the control circuit  11   b  waits and sees, the bed user does not seem all right, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 708 , in which the control circuit  11   b  tries a solution using a watching robot. The watching robot is not equipped with any movable portion and deals with the bed user by voice. For example, the watching robot provides a greeting to the bed user. If determining that the problem has been solved by the watching robot, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 709 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  that the problem has been solved. 
     If determining that the problem has not been solved by the watching robot, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 710 , in which the control circuit  11   b  tries a solution using a robot. The robot is equipped with a movable portion and is able to, for example, get the bed user a cup of water. If determining that the problem has been solved by the robot, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 711 , in which the control circuit  11   b  notifies the server  13  that the problem has been solved. 
     If determining that the problem has not been solved even by the robot, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 712 , then, if determining that ten minutes has elapsed, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 713 , and, then, if determining that the notification has not been issued ten times, the control circuit  11   b  returns to step S 701  to repeat the above-mentioned steps. With this operation, until the problem is solved, the control circuit  11   b  issues the notification up to ten times at intervals of ten minutes, and then ends the operation. Furthermore, the interval time for the notification is not limited to ten minutes, and the upper limit of the number of times of the notification is not limited to ten times. These are able to be set by the terminal user. 
     In step S 714 , if determining that, even when the notification has been issued ten times, the problem has not yet been solved, the control circuit  11   b  proceeds to step S 715 , in which the control circuit  11   b  automatically contacts the bed user&#39;s family doctor. 
     An operation of the server  13  is similar to the operation described with reference to  FIG.  5   . Thus, upon receiving the notification from the sensor  11 , the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14 . Whether for the server  13  to notify the mobile terminal  14  is able to be previously selected and set by the terminal user. In a case where the terminal user performed a setting such that it was necessary for the server  13  to notify the mobile terminal  14 , upon receiving the notification from the sensor  11 , the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14 . In a case where the terminal user performed a setting such that it was not necessary for the server  13  to notify the mobile terminal  14 , even when receiving the notification from the sensor  11 , the server  13  does not notify the mobile terminal  14 . Alternatively, after the server  13  notifies the mobile terminal  14 , the mobile terminal  14  automatically discards the received notification. 
     An operation of the application  15  and an action of the terminal user are similar to the actions illustrated in  FIG.  11    and  FIG.  13   . Thus, if the mobile terminal  14  is notified by the server  13  of the abnormality of the heartbeat rate or the abnormality of the respiratory rate and is not notified that the problem has been solved, the application  15  performs a push notification. When the terminal user has become aware of the push notification, the terminal user goes to see how the bed user is doing or tries to contact the bed user by telephone, and, if this is difficult, the terminal user asks a cooperator for checking and, if this is still difficult, the terminal user performs a follow-up. However, even when the terminal user performs a follow-up, in step S 715  illustrated in  FIG.  16   , after performing predetermined steps, the remote watching system  1  automatically contacts the bed user&#39;s family doctor. The cooperator can be, whether with or without consideration, for example, a person involved in a private home-visit service company. 
     If the terminal user has gone to see how the bed user is doing, in step S 721  illustrated in  FIG.  17   , the terminal user determines whether the bed user seems all right. If determining that the bed user seems all right, the terminal user then ends the action. If determining that the bed user does not seem all right, the terminal user proceeds to step S 722 , in which the terminal user determines whether the bed user is at a level in which the bed user ought to be taken to a hospital. If determining that the bed user is at a level in which the bed user ought to be taken to a hospital, the terminal user proceeds to step S 723 , in which the terminal user takes the bed user to the hospital. If determining that the bed user is not at a level in which the bed user ought to be taken to a hospital, the terminal user proceeds to step S 724 , in which the terminal user performs a follow-up. 
     In a case where the terminal user has telephoned to the bed user, then in step S 731  illustrated in  FIG.  18   , the terminal user determines whether the bed user seems all right. If determining that the bed user seems all right, the terminal user then ends the action. If determining that the bed user does not seem all right, the terminal user proceeds to step S 732 , in which the terminal user determines whether the bed user is at a level in which the bed user ought to be taken to a hospital. If determining that the bed user is at a level in which the bed user ought to be taken to a hospital, the terminal user proceeds to step S 733 , in which the terminal user calls an ambulance or a taxi. If determining that the bed user is not at a level in which the bed user ought to be taken to a hospital, the terminal user proceeds to step S 734 , in which the terminal user performs a follow-up. 
     Furthermore, in a case where the terminal user is a caretaker and is caring for the bed user regardless of the presence or absence of a notification, the terminal user is able to upload, to the server  13 , the day of visit, the clock time of starting care, the clock time of ending care, a length of time of care, and the content of care. 
     Next, healthcare reports are described. 
       FIGS.  19 A,  19 B,  19 C, and  19 D  are screen diagrams illustrating healthcare reports which the remote watching application  15  according to the present embodiment provides. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  19 A to  19 D , even if the bed user does not particularly reveal any abnormality, the application  15  periodically creates a report indicating the physical condition of the bed user, and presents the created report to the terminal user. The report contains, for example, the sleeping condition, changes in heartbeat rate, and changes in respiratory rate of the bed user. The time interval at which to create reports is able to be set by the terminal user, and, for example, is able to be set to every week or every month. 
     Next, advantageous effects of the present embodiment are described. 
     In the remote watching system  1  according to the present embodiment, the server  13  is able to acquire bed information from the bed apparatus  20 , acquire biological information about the bed user from the sensor  11 , and determine the condition of the bed user based on the acquired bed information and biological information. This enables making an accurate determination without human intervention. Moreover, notifying the mobile terminal  14  of a result of determination enables the terminal user to receive information about the result of determination even when the terminal user stays away from the bed user. Additionally, the sensor  11  or the server  13  making a determination up to some degree enables decreasing the frequency of the mobile terminal  14  performing a push notification, and thus enables reducing a burden on the terminal user while ensuring the safety of the bed user. As a result, the remote watching system  1  is able to appropriately care for a person requiring support with a reduced burden. 
     Moreover, installing the dedicated application  15  on the mobile terminal  14  enables improving operability and visibility for the terminal user. Moreover, the application  15  operating in conjunction with other applications, such as a communication application, a location information application, a route search application, and a taxi arrangement application enables supporting an action of the terminal user. 
     Additionally, even when an abnormality has occurred in the bed user, the application  15  sequentially displaying screens along a predetermined flowchart and prompting the terminal user to make a determination enables guiding the terminal user, who is not necessarily a specialist on nursing care, to an appropriate action. In this case, the application  15  can display a plurality of options on the mobile terminal  14  and additionally display a word such as “recommended” with respect to a recommended option. 
     Furthermore, while, in the present embodiment, an example in which the bed user and the terminal user are set on a one-to-one basis has been described, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The bed user and the terminal user can be set on a plurality-to-one basis. For example, this is a case where one son or daughter watches over the condition of each of his or her both parents. Moreover, the bed user and the terminal user can be set on a one-to-plurality basis. For example, this is a case where a plurality of sons or daughters watches over their one person. Additionally, the bed user and the terminal user can be set on a plurality-to-plurality basis. For example, this is a case where a plurality of sons or daughters watches over the conditions of their both parents or a case where a community forms a support network with respect to a plurality of aged persons in the community. 
     Moreover, while, in the present embodiment, an example in which the bed apparatus  20  and the sensor  11  are placed in the residence of the bed user has been described, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the bed apparatus  20  and the sensor  11  can be placed in a hospital or nursing-care facility. In this case, the terminal user is, for example, a nurse working for the hospital or a careworker working for the nursing-care facility. 
     The above-described embodiment is an example obtained by embodying the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. For example, embodiments obtained by adding, deleting, or altering some constituent elements or steps in the above-described embodiment are also included in the present disclosure. 
     While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.