JP7388204B2 - Moisture detection device, moisture detection system, moisture detection method and moisture detection program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a moisture detection device, a moisture detection system, a moisture detection method, and a moisture detection program.

As a technology for detecting the presence of moisture in an object such as a diaper, a technology that detects the presence or absence of moisture around an RFIC device based on the success or failure of communication between an RFIC device installed on the object and an RFIC reader. is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6278156

However, with the above-mentioned techniques, it was not possible to distinguish whether the reason for the inability to communicate was due to moisture or a failure of the RFIC device. Therefore, there has been a long-awaited technology that can more accurately detect the presence of moisture in a target body.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a moisture detection device, a moisture detection system, a moisture detection method, and a moisture detection program that can accurately detect the presence of moisture in a target body. shall be.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 provides a transmission signal that is a signal that prompts a response to a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present in the surrounding area. a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit, and when a response signal is received from the wireless communication device, the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the wireless communication device using the characteristics and initial characteristics of the transmission signal corresponding to the response signal; a determination unit that determines the transmission signal, and the control unit sequentially changes the characteristics of the transmission signal from the initial characteristics and causes the communication unit to repeatedly transmit the characteristics.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the transmission signal is the intensity of the transmission signal, and the control unit controls the transmission signal until the response signal is received from the wireless communication device. The communication unit is made to repeatedly transmit the intensity of the signal to the communication unit while sequentially changing the intensity from the initial intensity.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the determination section further uses the strength of the response signal to make the determination.

In the invention according to claim 4, in the invention according to claim 2, the determination section further uses a frequency of at least one signal component included in the response signal to perform the determination.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein the frequency of at least one signal component included in the response signal is an oscillation frequency based on an oscillation circuit included in the wireless communication device.

In the invention according to claim 6, in the invention according to claim 2, when the determination unit has a history of determining that there is moisture in the wireless communication device, the control unit transmits the transmission signal to the communication unit. When the wireless communication device transmits the wireless communication device, it is determined whether or not there is an increase in moisture around the wireless communication device using the intensity of the transmission signal when determining that there is moisture and the intensity of the latest response signal.

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1, in which the control unit detects responses from all the wireless communication devices with respect to the plurality of wireless communication devices provided on the same target object. The characteristics of the transmission signal are sequentially changed from the initial characteristics until the transmission signal is repeatedly transmitted by the communication unit, and when the determination unit receives responses from all the wireless communication devices, the determination unit determines whether the characteristics of the transmission signal are in the vicinity of at least one wireless communication device. Determine the presence or absence of moisture in.

In the invention according to claim 8, in the invention according to claim 1, the characteristic of the transmission signal is the frequency of the transmission signal, and the control unit controls the transmission signal until the response signal is received from the wireless communication device. The communication unit is caused to repeatedly transmit by changing the frequency from the initial frequency sequentially.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 8, when the control unit does not receive the response signal even if the frequency of the transmission signal is increased or decreased from the initial frequency for a predetermined number of times. , the direction of change from the initial frequency is reversed, and the frequency of the transmission signal is sequentially changed from the initial frequency to cause the communication unit to repeatedly transmit the frequency until the response signal is received from the wireless communication device.

In the invention according to claim 10, in the invention according to claim 8, when the determination unit determines that there is moisture in the wireless communication device and there is a history of 8, the control unit transmits the transmission signal to the communication device. further uses the frequency of the transmission signal when determining that there is moisture and the frequency of at least one signal component included in the latest response signal to detect an increase in moisture around the wireless communication device. Determine the presence or absence.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 10, wherein the frequency of at least one signal component included in the response signal is an oscillation frequency based on an oscillation circuit included in the wireless communication device.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 1, in which the determination unit determines the strength of the response signal when the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit the transmission signal to the wireless communication device. The presence or absence of moisture around the wireless communication device is determined by comparing the frequency at which the response signal has a maximum intensity with the frequency at which the intensity of the response signal is maximum when the wireless communication device is in a dry state.

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 1, further comprising the communication section.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claim 1, which is capable of communicating with a transmitting/receiving device including the communication section.

The invention according to claim 15 includes the moisture detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a target object having the wireless communication device.

The invention according to claim 16 is the invention according to claim 15, in which the target body includes a water-absorbing material that absorbs and retains the moisture, and a waterproof material that has a waterproof function and covers the water-absorbing material. The diaper is equipped with a diaper that can be worn on a human body to absorb moisture discharged by the human body, and the wireless communication device is located on a surface of the waterproof material that is different from the surface that faces the absorbent material.

The invention according to claim 17 is the invention according to claim 16, in which the target body has a plurality of the wireless communication devices, and at least one of the wireless communication devices is configured such that when the target body has absorbed moisture, Located in a location that is likely to remain dry.

The invention according to claim 18 provides a control step for causing a communication unit to transmit a transmission signal, which is a signal that prompts a response to a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present in the surrounding area, and a determination step of determining the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the wireless communication device using the characteristics and initial characteristics of the transmission signal corresponding to the response signal when the response signal is received; , the characteristics of the transmission signal are sequentially changed from the initial characteristics, and the communication unit repeatedly transmits the characteristics.

The invention according to claim 19 provides a control step for causing a communication unit to transmit a transmission signal, which is a signal prompting a response to a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present in the surrounding area, and a control step for causing a communication unit to transmit a transmission signal from the wireless communication device. a determination step of determining the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the wireless communication device using the characteristics and initial characteristics of the transmission signal corresponding to the response signal when the computer receives the response signal; In the control step, the characteristics of the transmission signal are sequentially changed from the initial characteristics, and the communication unit repeatedly transmits the characteristics.

According to the present invention, the presence of moisture in a subject can be accurately detected.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a moisture detection system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the moisture detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the main parts of the subject diaper. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of a process for determining the initial strength of a transmission signal transmitted by the moisture detection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication device in a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing according to a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a moisture detection system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the first modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the second modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the moisture detection system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart outlining the process of determining the initial frequency of the transmission signal transmitted by the moisture detection device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing according to a modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart outlining a process in which the moisture detection device according to the seventh embodiment determines a frequency at which the strength of a response signal from a wireless communication device in a dry state is maximized. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the seventh embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a moisture detection system according to a first embodiment. A moisture detection system 1 shown in the figure includes a moisture detection device 2 that wirelessly transmits and receives signals in a predetermined frequency band, and a wireless communication device 3 that is capable of contactless communication (wireless communication) with the moisture detection device 2. The diaper 4 is equipped with a diaper 4 that is worn on the human body and can absorb moisture during urination.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the moisture detection system 1. As shown in FIG. The functional configurations of the moisture detection device 2 and the wireless communication device 3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The moisture detection device 2 includes an input section 21 , a communication section 22 , a determination section 23 , a notification section 24 , a control section 25 , and a storage section 26 .

The input unit 21 is a user interface that accepts input of various signals including a signal indicating the strength of a transmission signal.

The communication unit 22 transmits a signal (carrier wave) in a predetermined frequency band and receives a response signal in response to the signal. The response signal includes information specific to the wireless communication device 3. Hereinafter, a signal that prompts the wireless communication device 3 to respond will be referred to as a transmission signal.

The determining unit 23 determines whether or not there is moisture around the wireless communication device 3, based on the transmission signal transmitted by the communication unit 22 and the response signal received from the wireless communication device, in other words, whether or not the diaper 4 is absorbing moisture. Determine whether Note that the determination unit 23 may determine information unique to the wireless communication device 3.

The notification unit 24 notifies the determination result of the determination unit 23. The notification unit 24 is configured using at least one of, for example, a lamp that generates light, a speaker that generates sound, a display such as a liquid crystal that has a display function, and a vibrator that generates vibration. In other words, the notification unit 24 only needs to have a function that allows the user to perceive the determination result visually, audibly, or tactilely.

The control unit 25 centrally controls the operation of the moisture detection device 2 . The control unit 25 controls the strength of the transmission signal in the communication unit 22. Further, the control unit 25 controls the operation of the notification unit 24 based on the determination result of the determination unit 23.

The storage unit 26 stores various information. The storage unit 26 stores the strength of the transmitted signal and whether or not a response signal has been received in association with each other. Furthermore, the storage unit 26 includes the moisture detection program according to the first embodiment, and stores programs necessary for operating the moisture detection device. The moisture detection program can also be widely distributed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flash memory, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or flexible disk.

The moisture detection device 2 having the above functional configuration is configured using hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). . Such a moisture detection device 2 may be a terminal dedicated to communication with the wireless communication device 3, such as a reader/writer, or a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

The wireless communication device 3 includes a circuit section 31 and an antenna 32 connected to the circuit section 31. The wireless communication device 3 receives the signal (carrier wave) transmitted by the moisture detection device 2, uses this signal as an energy source, and returns a signal (reflected wave) to which information specific to the wireless communication device 3 is added.

The antenna 32 is connected to the circuit section 31 and transmits and receives signals to and from the moisture detection device 2 . The antenna 32 may be a dipole antenna, a loop antenna, or the like.

When the amount of water around the antenna 32 changes, the dielectric constant around the antenna 32 changes, and the resonant frequency of the antenna 32 changes. As a result, the reception efficiency of the transmission signal from the moisture detection device 2 changes, and the wireless communication device 3 may not operate without a higher transmission signal strength, or may operate even with a lower transmission signal strength. do. Furthermore, even when the wireless communication device 3 operates, the strength of the response signal may change from when it is dry.

The wireless communication device 3 having the above configuration is, for example, a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag. In this case, the transmission signal transmitted by the communication unit 22 of the moisture detection device 2 is a radio wave having a frequency in the UHF band (860 to 960 MHz) or the microwave band (2.45 GHz), for example.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the main parts of the diaper 4, which is the object. The diaper 4 includes a surface material 41 that is made of non-woven fabric or the like and comes into direct contact with human skin, and a water absorbent material that absorbs and retains moisture that has passed through the surface material 41 and is made of a super absorbent polymer or the like. material 42, and a waterproof material 43 which is made of a sheet-like waterproof material and forms an exterior body on the outer surface side of the diaper 4 among the surfaces of the water absorbing material 42. The wireless communication device 3 is provided outside the waterproof material 43. The wireless communication device 3 is installed in the vicinity of a position where the water-absorbing material 42 easily absorbs moisture due to urination, in other words, in an area where there is a high possibility that urine will come into contact with a person when a person wears the diaper 4 and urinates. This is a position in the periphery that does not come into direct contact with the moisture absorbed by the diaper 4. For example, when the wearer of the diaper 4 is a woman, it is easier to detect moisture if the wireless communication device 3 is located on the rear side of the diaper 4 (the side where the wearer's back comes into contact). On the other hand, when the wearer of the diaper 4 is a man, it is easier to detect moisture if the wireless communication device 3 is located on the front side of the diaper 4 (the side where the wearer's abdomen contacts). In this way, the position of the wireless communication device 3 may be changed depending on the gender of the wearer, and since the position of urination differs among individuals, it may be placed at an appropriate position depending on the wearer. .

When a person wearing the diaper 4 having the above configuration releases moisture from the body through urination or the like, the water absorbing material 42 absorbs the moisture. As a result, the dielectric constant around the antenna 32 of the wireless communication device 3 set around the water absorbing material 42 changes, and the resonant frequency of the antenna 32 changes. As a result, the reception efficiency of the transmission signal from the moisture detection device 2 changes, and the wireless communication device 3 may not operate without a higher transmission signal strength, or may operate even with a lower transmission signal strength. do. Furthermore, even when the wireless communication device 3 operates, the strength of the response signal may change from when it is dry.

An example of a usage scenario of the moisture detection system 1 having the above configuration is, for example, when the moisture detection device 2 is built into a caregiver's mobile terminal, and the caregiver uses a wireless communication device to monitor the condition of the care user at night. 3 can be read and used to detect moisture.

Next, the operation of the moisture detection system 1 will be explained. First, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4, an overview of the process for determining the initial intensity of the transmission signal transmitted by the moisture detection device 2 will be explained.

First, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having a predetermined strength to the wireless communication device 3 (step S1). As this initial value, the control unit 25 may set it by referring to a value stored in the storage unit 26, or a value whose setting input is received by the input unit 21 may be used.

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S2: Yes), the control unit 25 sets the intensity of the transmission signal transmitted in step S1 as the initial intensity and stores it in the storage unit 26. (Step S3).

On the other hand, if the communication unit 22 does not receive a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S2: No), the control unit 25 sets the intensity of the transmission signal to be increased (step S4), and sets the communication unit 22 to increase the intensity of the transmission signal. A transmission signal with an increased value is transmitted (step S5). Thereafter, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S2 and repeats the setting process of step S4 and the transmission process of step S5 until receiving a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that the amount of increase in intensity in step S4 may be constant regardless of the number of times the increase is repeated, or may be changed for each number of times the increase is repeated.

The initial strength determination process described above may be performed when the user of the moisture detection device 2 determines the initial strength, or may be performed by the manufacturer of the moisture detection device 2 before shipping the moisture detection device 2. .

Next, an overview of the moisture detection process performed by the moisture detection device 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having an initial strength to the wireless communication device 3 (step S11).

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S12: Yes), the control unit 25 determines the strength of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before as the strength of the transmission signal that can respond, and stores it. The information is stored in the unit 26 (step S13).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the strength of the transmission signal to which the wireless communication device 3 can respond (hereinafter also referred to as "responsable strength") with the initial strength (step S14). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S14: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is moisture (step S15). Note that, in step S14, the determination unit 23 may determine that the initial strength and the response possible strength are "equal" if the difference is within a predetermined range.

As a result of the comparison in step S14, if the initial strength and the responsive strength are equal (step S14: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no moisture (step S16).

After step S15 or S16, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result of the determination unit 23 (step S17). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes. Note that when the determining unit 23 determines that there is no moisture, the notifying unit 24 may not notify.

In step S12, if the communication unit 22 does not receive the response signal (step S12: No), the control unit 25 makes settings to increase the strength of the transmission signal (step S18), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the increased strength. A signal is transmitted (step S19). After this, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S12 and repeats the setting process of step S18 and the transmission process of step S19 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that, also in step S18, the amount of increase in intensity may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of increase, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of increase. Alternatively, in step S18, the control section 25 may set the intensity of the transmission signal to be reduced, and in step S19, the control section 25 may cause the communication section 22 to transmit the transmission signal with the reduced intensity. In this case as well, the amount of decrease in strength may be constant regardless of the number of times the decrease is repeated, or may be changed depending on the number of times the decrease is repeated.

According to the first embodiment described above, until a response signal is received from the wireless communication device, the strength of the transmission signal is sequentially changed from the initial strength and is repeatedly transmitted to the wireless communication device, and in the situation where the response signal is received, the wireless Since the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the communication device is determined, the presence of moisture in the target body can be accurately detected.

Further, according to the first embodiment, since the presence or absence of moisture is determined at the time of receiving a response signal, an operational error by the user of the moisture detection device 2 that may occur when moisture is detected by not receiving a response signal. It is possible to prevent erroneous recognition caused by a malfunction of a wireless communication device or a malfunction of a wireless communication device.

(Modified example)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing according to a modification of the first embodiment. In this modification, when the moisture detection device 2 determines that moisture is present as a result of performing the moisture detection process described above, the moisture detection device 2 stores the determination history together with the strength of the response enable signal in the storage unit 26, and After a period of time has elapsed, the moisture detection process is performed again to determine whether or not the moisture has increased.

First, the control unit 25 refers to the storage unit 26 and determines whether or not there is a moisture determination history (step S21). If there is a history of determination that there is water (Step S21: Yes), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having the responsive strength stored in the storage unit 26 to the wireless communication device 3 (Step S22). ). Note that if there is no determination history of the presence of moisture (step S21: No), the moisture detection device 2 executes the moisture detection process shown in FIG. 5.

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S23: Yes), the control unit 25 determines the strength of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before as the second response possible strength, and the storage unit 26 (Step S24).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the second response possible strength with the initial strength (step S25). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S25: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S26).

As a result of the comparison in step S25, if the responsive strength and the second responsive strength are equal (step S25: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture (step S27).

After step S26 or S27, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result of the determination unit 23 (step S28). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes. Note that when the determining unit 23 determines that there is no moisture, the notifying unit 24 may not notify.

In step S23, if the communication unit 22 does not receive the response signal (step S23: No), the control unit 25 performs a setting to increase the strength of the transmission signal (step S29), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the increased strength. A signal is transmitted (step S30). Thereafter, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S23 and repeats the setting process in step S29 and the transmission process in step S30 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that also in step S29, the amount of increase in intensity may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of increase, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of increase. Alternatively, in step S29, the control unit 25 may set the intensity of the transmission signal to be reduced, and in step S30, the control unit 25 may cause the communication unit 22 to transmit the transmission signal with the reduced intensity. In this case as well, the amount of decrease in strength may be constant regardless of the number of times the decrease is repeated, or may be changed depending on the number of times the decrease is repeated.

Note that the process of this modification may be repeated. In that case, for example, the notification unit 24 may notify when the number of times an increase in moisture has been detected exceeds a threshold value.

According to the modified example described above, it is possible to grasp temporal changes in moisture contained in a diaper. Further, by repeating the process, more accurate moisture detection can be performed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the moisture detection device according to the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the moisture detection device 2 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used.

First, the control unit 25 refers to the storage unit 26 and checks whether there is a moisture determination history (step S41). If there is no determination history (step S41: No), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having the initial strength to the wireless communication device 3 (step S42). On the other hand, if there is a determination history (step S41: Yes), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having the responsive strength read from the storage unit 26 to the wireless communication device 3 (step S43). .

If the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 after step S42 or S43 (step S44), the control unit 25 stores the strength of the response signal in the storage unit 26 (step S45).

Subsequently, the control unit 25 again checks whether there is a determination history of the presence of moisture, and if there is no determination history (step S46: No), the control unit 25 sets the strength of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before to the strength of the transmission signal that can respond (response). possible strength) and stored in the storage unit 26 (step S47). The processing in steps S48 to S51 after step S47 corresponds sequentially to the processing in steps S14 to S17 described with reference to FIG.

If there is a determination history in step S46 (step S46: Yes), the control unit 25 determines the strength of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before as the second response possible strength, and stores it in the storage unit 26 (step S52).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the second response possible strength with the initial strength (step S53). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S53: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S54).

As a result of the comparison in step S53, if the response possible strength and the second response possible strength are equal (step S53: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines whether the strength of the response signal from the wireless communication device 3 has changed. (Step S55). The change in the strength of the response signal here is determined based on a comparison between the strength of the response signal received when it is determined that there is water and the strength of the response signal received thereafter. Note that a case where the absolute value of the amount of change in the intensity of the response signal is equal to or greater than a threshold value may be defined as "with a change."

When the intensity of the response signal changes (step S55: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S54). On the other hand, if the intensity of the response signal has not changed (step S55: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture (step S56).

Following step S54 or S56, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result regarding the presence or absence of moisture increase (step S51). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes. Note that when the determining unit 23 determines that there is no moisture, the notifying unit 24 may not notify.

In step S44, if the communication unit 22 does not receive the response signal (step S44: No), the control unit 25 performs a setting to increase the strength of the transmission signal (step S57), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the increased strength. A signal is transmitted (step S58). Thereafter, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S44 and repeats the setting process of step S57 and the transmission process of step S58 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that also in step S57, the amount of increase in intensity may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of increase, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of increase. Alternatively, in step S57, the control unit 25 may set the intensity of the transmission signal to be reduced, and in step S58, the control unit 25 may cause the communication unit 22 to transmit the transmission signal with the reduced intensity. In this case as well, the amount of decrease in strength may be constant regardless of the number of times the decrease is repeated, or may be changed depending on the number of times the decrease is repeated.

According to the second embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the presence of moisture in the object can be accurately detected.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, even if there is no change in the responsive strength after two moisture detection processes, if there is a change in the strength of the response signal, it is determined that the moisture has increased. It can easily detect the presence of moisture.

(Modified example)
In the second embodiment described above, when the response enable signal does not change, the determining unit 23 detects the presence or absence of moisture increase by analyzing the change in the intensity of the response signal. The presence or absence of moisture increase may be determined by analyzing frequency changes of at least one included signal component.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication device in a modification of the second embodiment. A circuit section 31A of a wireless communication device 3A shown in the figure includes an oscillation circuit 33 having a predetermined oscillation frequency and a capacitor 34 connected to the oscillation circuit 33. In the circuit section 31A, when the surrounding moisture content changes, the capacitance value of the capacitor 34 changes, and the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 33 changes.

The wireless communication device 3A modulates the carrier wave of the transmission signal with a signal generated based on the oscillation frequency, and transmits a response signal to the moisture detection device 2. The modulation method is not particularly limited, and examples include amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), and the like. Since the period of this modulation changes depending on the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 33, the presence or absence of moisture can be detected from the response signal.

Note that the determination unit 23 may perform determination using a frequency change of a signal component superimposed on a carrier wave, in addition to the frequency of the oscillation frequency.

Furthermore, the oscillation circuit 33 may be, for example, a ring oscillator circuit, but is not limited thereto. Further, as the structure of the capacitor 34, a capacitor can be mentioned. When the wireless communication device 3A is attached to the diaper 4, the wireless communication device 3A has at least one electrode for the capacitor, and the waterproof material/water absorbing material near the electrode becomes a capacitor portion of the capacitor.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by a moisture detection device according to a modification of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, instead of step S45 described above, the control unit 25 stores the oscillation frequency of the response signal from the wireless communication device 3A in the storage unit 26 (step S45A).

Furthermore, instead of step S55 described above, the determination unit 23 determines whether the oscillation frequency of the response signal from the wireless communication device 3A has changed (step S55A). When the oscillation frequency of the response signal changes (step S55A: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S54). On the other hand, if the oscillation frequency of the response signal has not changed (step S55A: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture (step S56).

The processes other than steps S45A and 55A described above are the same as the processes (steps S41 to S58) described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The modification of Embodiment 2 described above detects the presence or absence of moisture increase using changes in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit, which is more sensitive to changes in moisture content than changes in intensity, and therefore detects the presence of moisture with even greater precision. Can be detected.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a moisture detection system according to the third embodiment. The moisture detection system 5 shown in the figure includes a moisture detection device 2 that wirelessly transmits and receives signals in a predetermined frequency band, two wireless communication devices 3a that are capable of non-contact communication (wireless communication) with the moisture detection device 2, 3b, and a diaper 6 that is worn on the human body and can absorb moisture during urination.

The wireless communication devices 3a and 3b have the same functional configuration as the wireless communication device 3 described above. The wireless communication device 3a is provided around a position where moisture from the human body is likely to be absorbed (around the wearer's urethral outlet). For example, when the wearer of the diaper 6 is a woman, it is easier to detect moisture if the wireless communication device 3a is located on the rear side of the diaper 6 (the side where the wearer's back comes into contact). On the other hand, when the wearer of the diaper 6 is a man, it is easier to detect moisture if the wireless communication device 3a is located on the front side of the diaper 6 (the side where the belly of the wearer contacts). In this way, the position of the wireless communication device 3a may be changed depending on the gender of the wearer, and since the position of urination differs among individuals, it may be placed at an appropriate position depending on the wearer. . On the other hand, the wireless communication device 3b is provided at a position where the diaper 6 is likely to remain dry even if it absorbs moisture from the human body. In the case shown in FIG. 8, the wireless communication device 3b is located above the front side of the diaper 6 (the side that contacts the wearer's belly). This position is a position where there is a high possibility of maintaining a dry state when the wearer of the diaper 6 is a woman. When the wearer of the diaper 6 is a man, it is preferable to arrange the wireless communication device 3b above the rear side of the diaper 6 (the side where the back of the wearer contacts). In this way, the position of the wireless communication device 3b may be changed depending on the gender of the wearer, and since the position of urination differs among individuals, the position of the wireless communication device 3b may be changed depending on the wearer. good. Further, the number of wireless communication devices is not limited to two, and a plurality of wireless communication devices may be provided at positions where there is a high possibility of changing to a wet state. Furthermore, a wireless communication device may be provided at each of a plurality of locations that are likely to remain dry.

Next, an overview of the moisture detection process performed by the moisture detection device 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having an initial strength to the wireless communication devices 3a and 3b (step S61).

After this, when the communication unit 22 receives response signals from the two wireless communication devices 3a and 3b (step S62: Yes), the control unit 25 transmits the response signals to the wireless communication devices 3a and 3b, respectively, and receives the response signals first. The strength of the transmitted signal at that time is determined as the response possible strength of the wireless communication devices 3a and 3b, and is stored in the storage unit 26 (step S63).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the response strength of the wireless communication device 3a and the response strength of the wireless communication device 3b (step S64). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S64: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is moisture (step S65). On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the two are the same (step S64: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no moisture (step S66).

After step S65 or S66, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result of the determination unit 23 (step S67). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes.

In step S62, if the communication unit 22 does not receive the response signal (step S62: No), the control unit 25 makes settings to increase the strength of the transmission signal to the wireless communication devices 3a and 3b (step S68), and The unit 22 transmits a transmission signal with increased intensity (step S69). After this, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S62 and repeats the setting process of step S68 and the transmission process of step S69 until response signals are received from the two wireless communication devices 3a and 3b. Note that in step S68 as well, the amount of increase in intensity may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of increase, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of increase. Alternatively, in step S68, the control section 25 may set the intensity of the transmission signal to be reduced, and in step S69, the control section 25 may cause the communication section 22 to transmit the transmission signal with the reduced intensity. In this case as well, the amount of decrease in strength may be constant regardless of the number of times the decrease is repeated, or may be changed depending on the number of times the decrease is repeated.

According to the third embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the presence of moisture in the object can be accurately detected.

Furthermore, according to Embodiment 3, since the wireless communication device is installed in a location where there is a high possibility of maintaining a dry state in the target object, the response of the wireless communication device in a dry state during each measurement is In addition to being able to obtain the strength as a reference, it is also possible to obtain the responsive strength in a dry state at each measurement posture and reading distance. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the presence of moisture can be detected with higher accuracy.

(Modification 1)
Next, an overview of the moisture detection process performed by the moisture detection device 2 according to the first modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12. First, the control unit 25 refers to the storage unit 26 and checks whether there is a history of determination of the presence of moisture (step S71). If there is no determination history (step S71: No), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having the initial strength to the wireless communication devices 3a, 3b (step S72). On the other hand, if there is a determination history (step S61: Yes), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to read the responsive strength of the wireless communication device 3b in the dry state from the storage unit 26, and transmit the response having the strength. The signal is transmitted to the wireless communication devices 3a and 3b (step S73).

After step S72 or S73, if the communication unit 22 receives response signals from the two wireless communication devices 3a and 3b (step S74: Yes), the control unit 25 again checks whether there is a moisture determination history ( Step S75). The processes of steps S76 to S80 that are performed successively when there is no determination history in step S75 (step S75: No) correspond to the processes of steps S63 to S67 described above in sequence.

If there is a determination history in step S75 (step S75: Yes), the control unit 25 transmits the response signal to each of the wireless communication devices 3a and 3b after the determination unit 23 determines that there is water, and receives the response signal first. The strength of the transmitted signal at that time is determined as the second response possible strength of the wireless communication devices 3a and 3b, and is stored in the storage unit 26 (step S81).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the second responsive strength in the wireless communication device 3a in the wet state with the responsive strength determined in step S76 (step S82). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S82: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S83). On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the two are the same (step S82: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture (step S84).

Following step S83 or S84, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result regarding the presence or absence of moisture increase (step S80). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes. Note that when the determining unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture, the notifying unit 24 may not notify.

In step S74, when the communication unit 22 does not receive a response signal (step S74: No), the processes in steps S85 and S86 that are performed subsequently correspond to the processes in steps S68 and S69 described above, respectively.

(Modification 2)
In the second modification of the third embodiment, the wireless communication device has the same configuration as the wireless communication device 3A described in the second embodiment. That is, the wireless communication device 3A in the present modification 2 includes a circuit section 31A having an oscillation circuit 33 and a capacitor 34, as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the two wireless communication devices having such a configuration will be referred to as wireless communication devices 3Aa and 3Ab.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the second modification of the third embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 has steps S87 and S88 added to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. Steps S87 and S88 will be explained below.

Step S87 is a process performed when the communication unit 22 receives response signals from the two wireless communication devices 3Aa and 3Ab in step S74 (step S74: Yes). Specifically, the control unit 25 causes the storage unit 26 to store the oscillation frequencies of the response signals from the two wireless communication devices 3Aa and 3Ab (step S87). After this, the moisture detection device moves to step S75.

In step S88, as a result of comparing the second response possible strength in the wireless communication device 3Aa in the wet state with the response possible strength determined in step S76 in step S82, if both are the same (step S82: Yes), This is a process that continues. Specifically, the determining unit 23 determines whether the oscillation frequency of the response signal from the wireless communication device 3Aa in the wet state has changed (step S88). When the oscillation frequency of the response signal changes (step S88: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S83). On the other hand, if the oscillation frequency of the response signal has not changed (step S88: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture (step S84).

According to the second modification of the third embodiment described above, the presence or absence of moisture increase is detected using changes in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit that is sensitive to changes in moisture content, so the presence of moisture can be detected with higher accuracy. can do.

Note that in the second modification, the determination unit 23 may determine whether there is an increase in moisture using a change in the intensity of the response signal instead of using a change in the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the moisture detection system according to the fourth embodiment. The moisture detection system 7 shown in the figure includes a moisture detection device 8 , a transmitting/receiving device 9 , and a diaper 4 having a wireless communication device 3 . The moisture detecting device 8 and the transmitting/receiving device 9 are communicably connected. Further, the transmitting/receiving device 9 and the wireless communication device 3 are connected to enable wireless communication.

The moisture detection device 8 includes an input section 81 , a communication section 82 , a determination section 83 , a notification section 84 , a control section 85 , and a storage section 86 . The functions of the input section 81, determination section 83, and notification section 84 are the same as those of the input section 21, determination section 23, and notification section 24 described above, respectively.

The communication unit 82 transmits and receives signals to and from the transmitting/receiving device 9 . Specifically, the transmitter/receiver 9 receives a signal for controlling a transmission signal transmitted by the transmitter/receiver 9 and a response signal received by the transmitter/receiver 9 from the wireless communication device 3 . Communication between the moisture detection device and the transmitting/receiving device 9 may be wired or wireless, or may be communication via a communication network such as the Internet.

The control unit 85 centrally controls the operation of the moisture detection device 8. Like the control unit 25 described above, the control unit 85 controls the strength of the transmission signal in the communication unit 22 and controls the operation of the notification unit 24 based on the determination result of the determination unit 23.

The storage unit 86 stores the strength of the transmitted signal and whether or not a response signal has been received in association with each other. Furthermore, the storage unit 86 stores programs necessary for operating the moisture detection device, including a moisture detection program.

The moisture detection device 8 having the above functional configuration is configured using hardware such as a CPU, FPGA, RAM, and ROM. Such a moisture detection device 8 is configured using, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, or the like.

The transmitting/receiving device 9 includes a communication section 91 and a control section 92. The communication unit 91 transmits and receives information between the moisture detection device 8 and the wireless communication device 3. The communication unit 91 transmits a transmission signal of a predetermined strength to the wireless communication device 3 under the control of the control unit 92 based on the control signal sent from the moisture detection device 8 . The communication unit 91 also receives a response signal sent from the wireless communication device 3.

The control unit 92 centrally controls the operation of the transmitting/receiving device 9. The control unit 92 causes the communication unit 91 to transmit a transmission signal based on the control signal from the moisture detection device 8. Furthermore, the control unit 92 causes the moisture detection device 8 to transmit the response signal that the communication unit 91 receives from the wireless communication device 3 . Note that the control unit 92 may analyze the response signal and cause the communication unit 91 to transmit information such as its intensity and frequency to the moisture detection device 8.

The transmitting/receiving device 9 having the above functional configuration is configured using hardware such as a CPU, FPGA, RAM, and ROM. Such a transmitting/receiving device 9 may be a terminal dedicated to communication with the wireless communication device 3, such as a reader/writer, or a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

In the moisture detection system 7 having the above functional configuration, the moisture detection device 8 does not communicate directly with the wireless communication device 3, but detects moisture based on communication between the transmitting/receiving device 9 and the wireless communication device 3. The outline of the processing of the moisture detection device 8 except for this point is the same as the outline of the processing described in the first embodiment. Further, as a usage scene of the moisture detection system 7, for example, the moisture detection device 8 is installed in the caregiver's office, while the transmitting/receiving device 9 is installed near the nursing care user's bed or in the bed itself. One possible use case is to detect the urination of each care user in a care user's office.

Note that the moisture detection device 8 can perform the same processing as in the second embodiment. Further, when a diaper 6 having two wireless communication devices 3a and 3b is used instead of the diaper 4, the moisture detection device 8 can perform the same processing as in the third embodiment.

Further, the transmitting/receiving device 9 may include an input section. In this case, the user may set and input the intensity of the transmission signal from the input section of the transmitting/receiving device 9 based on a control signal from the moisture detecting device 8, for example.

Further, the transmitting/receiving device 9 may include a notification section. For example, when a cared person sleeping in a bed in a nursing home is wearing a diaper 4, if the transmitting/receiving device 9 is equipped with a notification section, it is possible to quickly grasp the moisture detection result. can.

According to the fourth embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the presence of moisture in the object can be accurately detected.

Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, since moisture detection is performed at a location away from the target object, the degree of freedom in configuring the moisture detection system is increased, and efficient management can be performed.

Note that the fourth embodiment may also adopt a method similar to that described in the second and third embodiments.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart outlining the process of determining the initial frequency transmitted by the moisture detection device according to the fifth embodiment. The configuration of the moisture detection device according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the configuration of the moisture detection device 2 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used.

First, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having a predetermined frequency to the wireless communication device 3 (step S101). This frequency may be set by the control unit 25 with reference to a value stored in the storage unit 26, or may be set using a value whose setting input is received by the input unit 21.

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S102: Yes), the control unit 25 sets the frequency of the transmission signal transmitted in step S101 as the initial frequency and stores it in the storage unit 26. (Step S103).

On the other hand, if the communication unit 22 does not receive a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S102: No), the control unit 25 makes settings to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S104), and sets the communication unit 22 to reduce the frequency. A transmission signal with a reduced value is transmitted (step S105). Note that in step S104, the control unit 25 may set the frequency of the transmission signal to be increased, and in step S105, the control unit 25 may cause the communication unit 22 to transmit the transmission signal with the increased frequency.

After step S105, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S102 and repeats the setting process of step S104 and the transmission process of step S105 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that the frequency reduction amount in step S104 may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of reduction, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of reduction. Further, when the control unit 25 sets the frequency of the transmission signal to be increased in step S104, the amount of increase in the frequency may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of increase, or may be set to be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of increase. It may be changed.

The initial frequency determination process described above may be performed when the user of the moisture detection device 2 determines the initial frequency, or may be performed by the manufacturer of the moisture detection device 2 before shipping the moisture detection device 2. .

Next, an overview of the moisture detection process performed by the moisture detection device 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having an initial frequency to the wireless communication device 3 (step S111).

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S112), the control unit 25 determines the frequency of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before as the frequency of the transmission signal that can respond, and the storage unit 26 (Step S113).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the frequency of the transmission signal to which the wireless communication device 3 can respond (hereinafter also referred to as "responsable frequency") with the initial frequency (step S114). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S114: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is moisture (step S115). Note that, in step S114, the determining unit 23 may determine that the initial frequency and the responsive frequency are "equal" if the difference is within a predetermined range.

As a result of the comparison in step S114, if the initial frequency and the responsive frequency are equal (step S114: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no moisture (step S116).

After step S115 or S116, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result of the determination unit 23 (step S117). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes. Note that when the determining unit 23 determines that there is no moisture, the notifying unit 24 may not notify.

In step S112, if the communication unit 22 does not receive the response signal (step S112: No), the control unit 25 performs a setting to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S118), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the signal with a reduced frequency. A signal is transmitted (step S119). Thereafter, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S112 and repeats the setting process of step S118 and the transmission process of step S119 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that the amount of reduction in frequency may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of reduction, or may be changed depending on the number of repetitions of reduction.

According to the fifth embodiment described above, until a response signal is received from the wireless communication device, the frequency of the transmission signal is sequentially changed from the initial frequency and the transmission signal is repeatedly transmitted to the wireless communication device, and in the situation where the response signal is received, the wireless Since the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the communication device is determined, the presence of moisture in the target body can be accurately detected.

Further, according to the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the presence of moisture in the object can be accurately detected.

Further, according to the fifth embodiment, the frequency of the transmitted signal is decreased until the response signal from the wireless communication device is detected, so that the response signal is decreased in accordance with the decrease in the resonance frequency caused by the wireless communication device containing moisture. can be received reliably.

(Modified example)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing according to a modification of the fifth embodiment. In this modification, when the moisture detection device 2 determines that moisture is present as a result of performing the moisture detection process described above, the moisture detection device 2 stores the determination history together with the frequency of the response enable signal in the storage unit 26, and After a period of time has elapsed, the moisture detection process is performed again to determine whether or not the moisture has increased.

First, the control unit 25 refers to the storage unit 26 and determines whether or not there is a moisture determination history (step S121). If there is a determination history that there is water (Step S121: Yes), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having the responseable frequency stored in the storage unit 26 to the wireless communication device 3 (Step S122). ). Note that if there is no determination history of the presence of moisture (step S121: No), the moisture detection device 2 executes the moisture detection process shown in FIG. 16.

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S123: Yes), the control unit 25 determines the frequency of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before as the second response possible frequency, and the storage unit 26 (step S124).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the second responsive frequency with the initial frequency (step S125). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S125: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S126).

As a result of the comparison in step S125, if the responsive frequency and the second responsive frequency are equal (step S125: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture (step S127).

After step S126 or S127, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result of the determination unit 23 (step S128). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes. Note that when the determining unit 23 determines that there is no moisture, the notifying unit 24 may not notify.

In step S123, if the communication unit 22 does not receive the response signal (step S123: No), the control unit 25 performs a setting to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S129), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the signal with a reduced frequency. A signal is transmitted (step S30). After this, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S123 and repeats the setting process of step S129 and the transmission process of step S30 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that in step S129 as well, the amount of decrease in frequency may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of decrease, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of decrease.

Note that the process of this modification may be repeated. In that case, for example, the notification unit 24 may notify when the number of times an increase in moisture has been detected exceeds a threshold value.

According to the modified example described above, it is possible to grasp temporal changes in moisture contained in a diaper. Further, by repeating the process, more accurate moisture detection can be performed.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an overview of moisture detection processing performed by the moisture detection device according to the sixth embodiment. The configuration of the moisture detection device according to the sixth embodiment is similar to the moisture detection device 2 described in the first embodiment. Further, the configuration of the wireless communication device is similar to the wireless communication device 3A described in the modification of the second embodiment.

First, the control unit 25 refers to the storage unit 26 and checks whether there is a moisture determination history (step S141). If there is no determination history (step S141: No), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having the initial frequency to the wireless communication device 3 (step S142). On the other hand, if there is a determination history (step S141: Yes), the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having the responseable frequency read from the storage unit 26 to the wireless communication device 3 (step S143). .

If the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 after step S142 or S143 (step S144), the control unit 25 stores the frequency of the response signal in the storage unit 26 (step S145).

Subsequently, the control unit 25 again checks whether there is a determination history of the presence of moisture, and if there is no determination history (step S146: No), the control unit 25 sets the frequency of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before to the frequency of the transmission signal that can respond (response). possible frequency) and stored in the storage unit 26 (step S147). The processing in steps S148 to S151 after step S147 corresponds sequentially to the processing in steps S114 to S117 described with reference to FIG.

If there is a determination history in step S146 (step S146: Yes), the control unit 25 determines the frequency of the transmission signal transmitted immediately before as the second response possible frequency, and stores it in the storage unit 26 (step S152).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the second responsive frequency with the initial frequency (step S153). As a result of the comparison, if the two are different (step S153: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S154).

As a result of the comparison in step S153, if the responsive frequency and the second responsive frequency are equal (step S153: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines the oscillation frequency of at least one signal component included in the response signal from the wireless communication device 3. It is determined whether or not there has been a change (step S155). The change in the oscillation frequency of the response signal here is determined based on a comparison between the oscillation frequency of the response signal received when it is determined that there is moisture and the oscillation frequency of the response signal received thereafter. Note that a case where the absolute value of the amount of change in the oscillation frequency of the response signal is equal to or greater than a threshold value may be defined as "changed".

When the oscillation frequency of the response signal changes (step S155: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is an increase in moisture (step S154). On the other hand, if the oscillation frequency of the response signal has not changed (step S155: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no increase in moisture (step S156).

Following step S154 or S156, the control unit 25 causes the notification unit 24 to notify the determination result regarding the presence or absence of moisture increase (step S151). After this, the moisture detection device 2 completes a series of processes. Note that when the determining unit 23 determines that there is no moisture, the notifying unit 24 may not notify.

In step S144, if the communication unit 22 does not receive the response signal (step S144: No), the control unit 25 performs a setting to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S157), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the signal with a reduced frequency. A signal is transmitted (step S158). After that, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S144 and repeats the setting process of step S157 and the transmission process of step S158 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that, also in step S157, the amount of decrease in frequency may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of decrease, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of decrease.

According to the sixth embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the presence of moisture in the object can be accurately detected.

Further, according to the sixth embodiment, even if there is no change in the response frequency after two moisture detection processes, if there is a change in the oscillation frequency of the response signal, it is determined that moisture has increased. The presence of moisture can be detected with high accuracy.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart outlining a process in which the moisture detection device according to the seventh embodiment determines a frequency at which the strength of a response signal from a wireless communication device in a dry state is maximized. The configuration of the moisture detection device according to the seventh embodiment is similar to the configuration of the moisture detection device 2 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used.

First, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having a predetermined frequency to the wireless communication device 3 (step S161). As this initial value, the control unit 25 may set it by referring to a value stored in the storage unit 26, or a value whose setting input is received by the input unit 21 may be used.

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S162: Yes), the control unit 25 stores the strength of the response signal received in step S161 in the storage unit 26 (step S163).

Subsequently, the control unit 25 makes settings to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S164), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the transmission signal with the reduced frequency (step S165).

Thereafter, the communication unit 22 stores the strength of the response signal received from the wireless communication device 3 in the storage unit 26 (step S166).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 determines whether the strength of the latest response signal received in step S166 is the maximum (step S167). As a result of the determination by the determination unit 23, if the strength of the latest response signal is the maximum (step S167: Yes), the control unit 25 stores the frequency (fd) of the transmission signal corresponding to this response signal in the storage unit 26. (step S168). Note that in order for the determination unit 23 to determine that the strength of the response signal is the maximum in step S167, the communication unit 22 needs to transmit transmission signals of different frequencies at least three times after step S161. In this sense, the determination unit 23 also refers to the transmission history of the transmission signal from step S161 onward to make the determination in step S167.

In step S167, if the strength of the latest response signal is not the maximum (step S167: No), the control unit 25 makes settings to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S169), and causes the communication unit 22 to transmit the signal with a reduced frequency. A signal is transmitted (step S170). Thereafter, the communication unit 22 stores the strength of the response signal received from the wireless communication device 3 in the storage unit 26 (step S171). After step S171, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S167 and repeats the processes of steps S169 to S171 until the intensity of the latest response signal reaches the maximum. In addition, in step S167, if the determination that the strength of the latest response signal is not the maximum value is repeated a predetermined number of times, the frequency of the transmission signal is returned to the initial frequency and reversely changed (increased here) and transmitted. A signal may also be transmitted.

In step S162, if the communication unit 22 does not receive a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S162: No), the control unit 25 makes settings to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S172), and the control unit 25 A transmission signal with a reduced frequency is transmitted (step S173). After this, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S162 and repeats the setting process of step S172 and the transmission process of step S173 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3.

Note that the amount of frequency reduction in steps S169 and S172 may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of reduction, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of reduction. Further, in steps S164, S169, and S172, the control unit 25 sets the frequency of the transmission signal to be increased, and in steps S165, S170, and S173, the control unit 25 transmits the transmission signal with the increased frequency to the communication unit 22. You may also do so.

The processes of steps S161 to S173 described above may be performed by the user of the moisture detection device 2, or may be performed by the manufacturer of the moisture detection device 2 before shipping the moisture detection device 2.

Next, an overview of the moisture detection process performed by the moisture detection device 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 22 to transmit a transmission signal having an initial frequency to the wireless communication device 3 (step S181).

After that, when the communication unit 22 receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S182: Yes), the control unit 25 stores the strength of the response signal received immediately before in the storage unit 26 (step S183).

The subsequent steps S184 to S187 sequentially correspond to the steps S164 to S167 described above.

In step S187, if the determination unit 23 determines that the strength of the latest response signal is the maximum (step S187: Yes), the control unit 25 stores the frequency (fw) of the transmission signal corresponding to this response signal in the storage unit 26. It is stored (step S188).

Subsequently, the determination unit 23 compares the frequency (fw) stored in step S188 with the frequency (fd) at which the intensity of the response signal from the wireless communication device 3 in the dry state is maximum (step S189 ). As a result of the comparison, if the frequency fw and the frequency fd are equal (step S189: Yes), the determination unit 23 determines that there is no moisture (step S190). On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the frequency fw and the frequency fd are not equal (step S189: No), the determination unit 23 determines that there is moisture (step S191). Note that in step S178, the determination unit 23 may determine that the two frequencies are equal if the absolute value |fw−fd| of the difference between the two frequencies is smaller than a predetermined value.

In step S182, if the communication unit 22 does not receive a response signal from the wireless communication device 3 (step S182: No), the control unit 25 performs settings to reduce the frequency of the transmission signal (step S192), and the communication unit 22 A transmission signal with a reduced frequency is transmitted (step S193). Thereafter, the moisture detection device 2 returns to step S182 and repeats the setting process in step S192 and the transmission process in step S193 until it receives a response signal from the wireless communication device 3. Note that the frequency reduction amount in step S192 may be constant regardless of the number of repetitions of reduction, or may be changed for each number of repetitions of reduction.

According to the seventh embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the presence of moisture in the object can be accurately detected.

Further, according to the seventh embodiment, the frequency of the transmission signal when the strength of the response signal reaches the maximum when the wireless communication device is in a dry state is stored, and the strength of the response signal when using a diaper is stored. Since the presence or absence of moisture is detected by comparing it with the frequency of the transmission signal when it reaches its maximum, the presence of moisture can be detected with high accuracy.

(Other embodiments)
Up to this point, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention have been described, but the present invention should not be limited only to the first to seventh embodiments described above. For example, communication between the moisture detection device or the transmitting/receiving device and the wireless communication device may be realized by NFC (Near Field Communication) communication with a frequency of 13.56 MHz.

In addition, the moisture detection system can be applied to systems for purposes such as checking indoor waterproofness during automobile manufacturing, detecting water wetness during manufacturing of infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and dams, and detecting water leaks from drain pipes. is also possible.

In addition, in consideration of the fact that depending on the target object, the resonance frequency of the wireless communication device may change in the direction of increasing when it contains moisture, in Embodiments 5 and 6, moisture detection of such a target object is performed. When performing this, the frequency of the transmission signal may be increased and the transmission may be repeated until a response signal is received from the wireless communication device. Furthermore, in Embodiments 5 and 6, if a response signal is not received even after changing the frequency a predetermined number of times, the transmission signal is transmitted by returning to the initial frequency and changing the frequency of the transmission signal in the opposite direction. You may also do so.

Furthermore, in consideration of the fact that depending on the target object, the resonant frequency of the wireless communication device may change in the direction of increasing when it contains moisture, in Embodiment 7, when detecting moisture in such a target object, Alternatively, the frequency of the transmission signal may be increased and the transmission may be repeated until it is determined that the strength of the response signal is at the maximum value. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, if the determination that the strength of the latest response signal is not the maximum value is repeated a predetermined number of times even if the frequency continues to change a predetermined number of times, the frequency of the transmitted signal is returned to the initial frequency and reversed. Alternatively, the transmission signal may be transmitted by changing the value to .

Furthermore, in Embodiments 3 and 4, instead of increasing the strength of the transmission signal, the frequency may be decreased and the transmission may be repeated until a response signal is received from the wireless communication device. In this case as well, depending on the object, the frequency of the transmission signal may be increased and the transmission may be repeated until a response signal is received.

In addition, in Embodiments 3 and 4, the frequency of the transmission signal when the strength of the response signal reaches the maximum when the wireless communication device is in a dry state is stored, and the strength of the response signal when using a diaper is stored. The presence or absence of moisture may be detected by comparing the frequency of the transmission signal when it reaches the maximum.

As described above, the present invention may include various embodiments not described here.

1, 5, 7 Moisture detection system 2, 8 Moisture detection device 3, 3A, 3Aa, 3Ab, 3a, 3b Wireless communication device 4, 6 Diaper 9 Transmission/reception device 21, 81 Input section 22, 82, 91 Communication section 23, 83 Judgment section 24, 84 Notification section 25, 85, 92 Control section 26, 86 Storage section 31, 31A Circuit section 32 Antenna 33 Oscillation circuit 34 Capacity 41 Surface material 42 Water absorbing material 43 Waterproofing material

Claims (17)

a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a transmission signal that is a signal that prompts a response to a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present in the surrounding area;
When a response signal obtained by modulating the carrier wave of the transmission signal is received from the wireless communication device in a circuit section of the wireless communication device , the wireless communication device uses the characteristics and initial characteristics of the transmission signal corresponding to the response signal. a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the
Equipped with
The control unit includes:
Sequentially changing the characteristics of the transmission signal from the initial characteristics and causing the communication unit to repeatedly transmit it ,
The determination unit includes:
making a determination further using the frequency of at least one signal component included in the modulated response signal;
Moisture detection device. The characteristic of the transmitted signal is the strength of the transmitted signal,
The control unit includes:
The moisture detection device according to claim 1, wherein the intensity of the transmission signal is sequentially changed from an initial intensity and the communication unit repeatedly transmits the signal until the response signal is received from the wireless communication device. The moisture detection device according to claim 2, wherein the determination section further uses the intensity of the response signal to make the determination. The moisture detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the frequency of at least one signal component included in the response signal is an oscillation frequency based on an oscillation circuit included in the wireless communication device. a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a transmission signal that is a signal that prompts a response to a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present in the surrounding area;
a determination unit that, when receiving a response signal from the wireless communication device, determines the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the wireless communication device using the characteristics of the transmitted signal corresponding to the response signal and the initial characteristics;
Equipped with
The characteristic of the transmitted signal is the strength of the transmitted signal,
The control unit includes:
until the response signal is received from the wireless communication device, causing the communication unit to repeatedly transmit the transmission signal by sequentially changing the strength of the transmission signal from an initial strength;
The determination unit includes:
When the wireless communication device has a history of determining that there is moisture, when the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit the transmission signal, the strength of the transmission signal when determining that there is moisture and the latest determining whether there is an increase in moisture around the wireless communication device using the intensity of the response signal ;
Moisture detection device. The control unit includes:
Repeatedly changing the characteristics of the transmission signal from the initial characteristic to the communication unit until a response is detected from all the wireless communication devices with respect to the plurality of wireless communication devices provided on the same target object. send,
The determination unit includes:
The moisture detection device according to claim 1, which determines the presence or absence of moisture around at least one wireless communication device when responses from all of the wireless communication devices are received. a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a transmission signal that is a signal that prompts a response to a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present in the surrounding area;
a determination unit that, when receiving a response signal from the wireless communication device, determines the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the wireless communication device using the characteristics of the transmitted signal corresponding to the response signal and the initial characteristics;
Equipped with
The characteristic of the transmission signal is the frequency of the transmission signal,
The control unit includes:
until the response signal is received from the wireless communication device, the frequency of the transmission signal is sequentially changed from an initial frequency and the communication unit is repeatedly transmitted;
If the response signal is not received even after increasing or decreasing the frequency of the transmission signal from the initial frequency a predetermined number of times, the response signal is sent from the wireless communication device by reversing the direction of change from the initial frequency. causing the communication unit to repeatedly transmit by sequentially changing the frequency of the transmission signal from the initial frequency until the transmission signal is received ;
Moisture detection device. a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a transmission signal that is a signal that prompts a response to a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present in the surrounding area;
a determination unit that, when receiving a response signal from the wireless communication device, determines the presence or absence of moisture in the vicinity of the wireless communication device using the characteristics of the transmitted signal corresponding to the response signal and the initial characteristics;
Equipped with
The characteristic of the transmission signal is the frequency of the transmission signal,
The control unit includes:
until the response signal is received from the wireless communication device, the frequency of the transmission signal is sequentially changed from an initial frequency and the communication unit is repeatedly transmitted;
The determination unit includes:
When the wireless communication device has a history of determining that there is moisture, when the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit the transmission signal, the frequency of the transmission signal when determining that there is moisture and the latest further determining whether there is an increase in moisture around the wireless communication device using the frequency of at least one signal component included in the response signal ;
Moisture detection device. The moisture detection device according to claim 8 , wherein the frequency of at least one signal component included in the response signal is an oscillation frequency based on an oscillation circuit included in the wireless communication device. The determination unit includes:
When the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit the transmission signal to the wireless communication device, the frequency at which the strength of the response signal is maximum is determined by the response signal when the wireless communication device is in a dry state. The moisture detection device according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of moisture around the wireless communication device is determined by comparing the frequency with the frequency at which the intensity is maximum. The moisture detection device according to claim 1, comprising the communication section. The moisture detection device according to claim 1, which is capable of communicating with a transmitting/receiving device including the communication section. The moisture detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 ,
a subject having the wireless communication device;
Moisture detection system with The target object is
The diaper includes a water-absorbing material that absorbs and retains water, and a waterproof material that has a waterproof function and covers the water-absorbing material, and is capable of absorbing water discharged by the human body when worn on a human body. ,
The wireless communication device includes:
The moisture detection system according to claim 13 , wherein the moisture detection system is located on a surface of the waterproof material that is different from a surface facing the absorbent material. The target object is
comprising a plurality of the wireless communication devices,
15. The moisture sensing system of claim 14 , wherein the at least one wireless communication device is located at a location where the object is likely to remain dry in a state where it has absorbed moisture. a control step for causing the communication unit to transmit a transmission signal, which is a signal that prompts a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present, to prompt a response;
When a response signal obtained by modulating the carrier wave of the transmission signal is received from the wireless communication device in a circuit section of the wireless communication device , the wireless communication device uses the characteristics and initial characteristics of the transmission signal corresponding to the response signal. a determination step of determining the presence or absence of moisture around the
including;
The control step includes:
Sequentially changing the characteristics of the transmission signal from the initial characteristics and causing the communication unit to repeatedly transmit it ,
The determination step includes:
making a determination further using the frequency of at least one signal component included in the modulated response signal;
Moisture detection method. a control step for causing the communication unit to transmit a transmission signal, which is a signal that prompts a wireless communication device whose characteristics change in an environment where moisture is present, to prompt a response;
When a response signal obtained by modulating the carrier wave of the transmission signal is received from the wireless communication device in a circuit section of the wireless communication device , the wireless communication device uses the characteristics and initial characteristics of the transmission signal corresponding to the response signal. a determination step of determining the presence or absence of moisture around the
make the computer run
The control step includes:
Sequentially changing the characteristics of the transmission signal from the initial characteristics and causing the communication unit to repeatedly transmit it ,
The determination step includes:
making a determination further using the frequency of at least one signal component included in the modulated response signal;
Moisture detection program.

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