KR102660068B1 - Apparatus and method for detecting contamination in a diaper - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method of operating a urine and feces detection device equipped with a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device is electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and a first device connected to a first position of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit consisting of four electrodes including an electrode pair and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern; A sensor unit that measures resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; At least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and the at least one processor therein and exposes the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixedly support the pad, wherein the sensor device detects resistance to moisture content of the pad using the first electrode pair. performing steps; determining, by the sensor device, a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance; the sensor device performing capacitive detection of the moisture content of the pad using the second electrode pair; determining, by the sensor device, a second result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection; and determining, by the sensor device, whether urine or urine has occurred based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value.

Description

Apparatus and method for detecting contamination in a diaper}

The present invention relates to a technology for detecting contamination of a toilet pad, and more specifically, to a technology for detecting the urination state of a toilet pad without visual information.

In general, infants who cannot handle their own toilet or patients who have difficulty moving wear diapers. If the diapers are not replaced within a certain period of time after defecation, the diapers may cause rashes, eczema, or bedsores due to excrement, so prompt replacement is required. Accordingly, it is very inconvenient for guardians of infants or patients to frequently check for the presence of urine or feces using smell, sight, or touch. In particular, if there is a small amount of excretion, it is not easy to check, which is not only unhygienic but also causes illness for the wearer. There is a problem.

As a way to solve the above problems, a diaper urination alarm device is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2004-0074806.

The urination alarm device includes a diaper in which conductive detection lines are built in at regular intervals, an extension of the detection line connected to a detachable terminal made of a magnetic material on the band, and a detachable device formed at one end so that it can be attached to the detachable terminal of the diaper. terminal, a detection unit that detects a change in current in the detection line transmitted through the detachable terminal, a control IC that detects urination according to the change in current detected from the detection unit, and a urination alarm that sounds a melody through a speaker according to the control of the control IC. It consists of a detection device including a melody IC that generates a melody IC, a volume control switch to control the volume of the melody IC, and a battery with a replaceable structure.

The urination alarm device of the diaper mentioned above has the advantage of immediately detecting and notifying urine and feces, but since the detection line is made of copper wire or coated with conductive paint, etc., it still has the limitation of causing skin problems when it comes into contact with human skin. There is. In addition, detection lines made of metal wires are more easily oxidized when they react with urine and feces, causing serious adverse effects on the delicate skin of infants or patients and contaminating the diaper surface. In particular, conventional detection wires have the disadvantage of being formed of thick copper wires, which not only cause foreign body sensation and are not easily bent, making them less comfortable to wear, but also increase manufacturing costs due to the increase in the amount of expensive copper wires required, and also increase the weight of the diaper. There is.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2004-0074806

The purpose of the present invention is to quickly measure the degree of contamination of a toilet pad without relying on visual information.

In a method of operating a urine and feces detection device equipped with a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device is electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and a first device connected to a first position of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit consisting of four electrodes including an electrode pair and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern; A sensor unit that measures resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; At least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposes the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixedly support the pad, wherein the sensor device detects resistance to the pad using the first electrode pair. determining, by the sensor device, a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance; performing, by the sensor device, capacitance detection on the pad using the second electrode pair; determining, by the sensor device, a second result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection; and determining, by the sensor device, whether urine or feces has occurred based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value.

In addition, the four electrodes are composed of a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in the order of arrangement, and the first electrode pair is composed of the second electrode and the third electrode, The second electrode pair may be composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode.

In addition, the four electrodes are composed of a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in the order of arrangement, and the first electrode pair is composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode, The second electrode pair may be composed of the second electrode and the third electrode.

Additionally, the four electrodes may have tip-shaped pins protruding in the direction of the pad at each end that contacts the pad.

Additionally, the tip-shaped pin may penetrate the outer layer of the pad and be electrically connected to the conductive pattern formed inside the pad.

In addition, the first result value is sensed during a predetermined time period and is related to a change in resistance measured at the first electrode pair, and the second result value is sensed during a predetermined time period, and the second result value is detected during a predetermined time period. It can be related to the change in capacitance measured at the electrode pair.

In addition, the sensor device further includes a Hall sensor that detects an open or closed state of the cover portion with respect to the housing, and the sensor device detects whether the cover portion is in a closed state with respect to the housing; and determining whether the pad and the housing are normally fastened in response to detecting that the cover portion is in a closed state.

In addition, determining whether the pad and the housing are normally coupled may include performing capacitance detection on the pad by the sensor device using the second electrode pair; determining, by the sensor device, a third result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection; and providing a notification message depending on whether the third result value satisfies a predetermined normal range.

Additionally, the method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether urination or defecation occurs comprises: generating, by the sensor device, result data based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value; converting the resulting data based on at least one parameter; and applying the converted result data to a pre-stored prediction model to determine whether urination or defecation occurs.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a urine and feces detection device provided with a sensor device includes a first electrode pair electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and connected to a first position of the conductive pattern, and a second electrode pair of the conductive pattern. an electrode portion consisting of four electrodes including a second electrode pair connected to the position; A sensor unit that measures resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; At least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposes the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixedly support the pad, wherein the at least one processor performs resistance detection for the pad using the first electrode pair. and the sensor device determines a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the resistance detection, and the sensor device performs capacitance detection for the pad using the second electrode pair, The sensor device determines a second result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the detection of the capacitance, and the sensor device determines whether feces or urine occurs based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value. It can be configured to determine.

The present invention has the advantage of being able to measure the degree of contamination of the toilet pad without relying on the visual information, thereby reducing the inconvenience of having to frequently check the toilet pad.

1 illustrates an exemplary urine and urine detection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
2 illustrates an example sensor device 200 in a urine and feces detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 schematically shows the configuration of a sensor device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 shows a pad combined with a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 exemplarily shows a sensor device and components included therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 shows the sequence of operations performed by a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 shows a circuit of a sensor unit included in a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 shows a coupling relationship between a sensor device and a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, identical or similar components will be assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. Additionally, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, each step described may be performed regardless of the listed order, except when it must be performed in the listed order due to a special causal relationship.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

1 illustrates an exemplary urine and urine detection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the urine and feces detection system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the urine and feces detection system 100 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a network, and the network can connect at least one sensor device 110 and a server through wireless communication. At least one sensor device 110 and the server 150 may be connected to each other via the gateway 130. Facilitates communication between various components within the system 100.

The network facilitates communication between at least one sensor device 110 and various client devices (not shown). Each sensor device 110 includes any suitable computing or processing device capable of providing toilet detection services to at least one client device.

Each client device represents any suitable computing or processing device that interacts with at least one server or other computing device(s) over a network.

In this example, some client devices communicate indirectly with the network.

Although Figure 1 shows an example of a urine and feces detection system 100, various modifications may be made to Figure 1. For example, system 100 may include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. In general, urine and feces detection systems have a variety of configurations, and Figure 1 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any specific configuration. Although Figure 1 illustrates one operating environment in which various features disclosed in this patent document may be used, these features may be used in any other suitable system.

2 illustrates an example sensor device 200 in a urine and feces detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Sensor device 200 may represent sensor device 110 of FIG. 1 . In the present disclosure, the sensor device 200 may detect quantifiable physical information from a pad worn by the user and provide information for determining whether urination or defecation has occurred based on the sensed information. To this end, the sensor device 200 may include components for acquiring, sensing, and then analyzing and storing physical information.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor device 200 includes at least one processor 210, at least one memory device 215, at least one communication unit 220, at least one input/output unit 225, and at least one It includes a bus system 205 that supports communication between the sensor units 230. For example, the vis system 205 may be implemented with a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate in the present disclosure.

The processor 210 executes instructions that can be stored (loaded) in the memory 230. Processing device 210 may include any suitable number and type(s) of processors or other devices in any suitable configuration. The processor 210 may receive information related to urine and feces detected through the sensor unit 230, process the information, and check whether predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Memory 230 and persistent storage 235 are any structures capable of storing and facilitating retrieval of information (e.g., data, program code, and/or other suitable information on a temporary or permanent basis). These are examples of memory devices 215 representing ). The memory devices 215 may store information related to urine and feces detected through the sensor unit 230 or store processing instructions of the processor for the corresponding information.

The communication unit 220 supports communication with other systems or devices. For example, the communication unit 220 may include a network interface card or a wireless transceiver unit that facilitates communication through the network 102. Communications unit 220 may support communications via any suitable physical or wireless communications link(s).

The input/output (I/O) unit 225 allows input and output of data. For example, the input/output unit 225 can receive information for determining whether urination or defecation occurs from the outside, and transmit this to the sensor unit 230 through the bus system 205. Additionally, the input/output unit 225 may include a terminal for supplying power to the sensor device 200.

The sensor unit 230 may receive information related to the occurrence of urine and feces based on information (e.g., electrical signals) received through the input/output unit 225, and more specifically, the electrode unit. For example, the sensor unit 230 may detect at least one of resistance or capacitance based on an electrical signal received through the electrode unit. The sensor unit 230 may further include at least one sensor for detecting temperature, gas composition, and rotational angular speed. In this case, the sensor unit 230 may be provided outside the sensor device 200.

Note that although FIG. 2 is described as representing the sensor device 110 of FIG. 1, the same or similar structure could be used in at least one of the client devices 106-114. For example, a laptop or desktop computer may have the same or similar structure as shown in FIG. 2.

Figure 3 schematically shows the configuration of a sensor device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The sensor device 300 of FIG. 3 may be understood as a similar device that performs substantially the same or similar functions as the sensor device 110 of FIG. 1 and the sensor device 200 of FIG. 2 .

The sensor device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing 310, an electrode unit 320, a cover unit 340, a sensor unit 350, and a processor (not shown). The sensor device 300 of FIG. 3 may further include a power supply terminal 330 for supplying power to the sensor device 300. The electrode unit 320 and the power supply terminal 330 may be an exemplary representation of the input/output unit 225 of FIG. 2 . A pad 360 may be coupled between the housing 310 and the cover portion 340.

The housing 310 may be provided with a space within which the sensor unit 350, the electrode unit 320, and the processor can be accommodated and fixed. More specifically, the housing 310 includes a PCB board that electrically interconnects the components included therein, is electrically connected to the processor and sensor unit mounted on the PCB board, and the PCB board, and is output to the outside through the upper surface of the housing. It may include an exposed electrode portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 310 may be connected to a pad and worn on the human body, and may have a plate-shaped structure with an upper and lower surface having a constant area. For example, the housing 310 may have at least one groove provided on its upper surface to expose a portion of the electrode portion inside the housing 310 to the outside. Preferably, at least one groove may be four. Here, the four grooves can form a separation distance according to predetermined standards.

A power supply terminal 330 may be provided on one side of the housing 310 for supplying power, and the power supply terminal 330 is a battery (not shown) included inside the housing 310 to supply direct current power. can be electrically connected to.

The electrode unit 320 may have a structure in which one end is electrically connected to a PCB board fixedly installed inside the housing 310 and the other end is exposed to the outside through the upper surface of the housing 310. The electrode unit may include at least one electrode, and more preferably may consist of four electrodes. At this time, the four electrodes can form two different electrode pairs depending on their properties. Electrode pairs measure information of predetermined properties such as resistance and capacitance. That is, one electrode pair can measure resistance and the other can measure capacitance. Each electrode pair may contain different passive elements depending on what is being measured. For example, an electrode pair that measures resistance may include only a resistor, and an electrode pair that measures capacitance may include a capacitor.

The other end of the electrode exposed to the outside of the housing 310 may be in contact with the pad. More specifically, when the pad is fixed to the sensor device, the conductive pattern of the pad and the electrodes constituting the electrode portion may be electrically connected to each other.

The cover portion 340 may be rotatably coupled to the housing at one side of the housing. For example, the cover part may be coupled to one side of the upper surface of the housing, and may perform a covering operation to cover the upper surface of the housing as it rotates around the coupled portion. More preferably, the surface of the cover part facing the housing may have a shape corresponding to the upper surface of the housing, and the electrode exposed through the upper surface of the housing can be covered by covering the cover part with respect to the housing. Additionally, a separate fixing means is provided on at least one of the cover part or the housing, so that the cover part can be fixed to the housing while the cover part covers the housing.

More specifically, the user of the sensor device can fix the pad to the sensor device by placing the pad on the upper surface of the housing and then covering the cover portion. Placing the pad on the upper surface of the housing may mean ensuring that the conductive pattern of the pad and the electrode exposed on the upper surface of the housing are electrically connected to each other at corresponding positions.

Figure 3 illustrates only the cover portion that is rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to press the pad in the direction of the housing. However, in addition to this configuration, the conductive pattern of the pad and the electrode exposed to the outside of the housing are in contact with each other. If the configuration is capable of fixedly supporting the pad, all known techniques within the scope of modification and practice by a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure may be applied.

The sensor unit 350 may receive information related to the occurrence of urine and feces through the electrode unit. More specifically, when the electrode unit transmits information about urine and feces generated from the pad to the PCB board within the housing in the form of an electric signal, the sensor unit connected to the PCB board can receive the information and process it or transmit it to the processor. For example, when contaminants such as urine and feces occur on the pad, changes in resistance, current, or voltage with respect to the circuit including the electrode unit or a specific load within the circuit may occur in the electrode unit connected to the pad. The sensor unit 350 can detect changes that have occurred and generate quantified data about them, or transmit related information to the processor.

Figure 4 shows a pad combined with a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of the front side of the pad 400a and the back side of the pad 400b. Hereinafter, the front of the pad may be referred to as the front part, and the back of the pad may be referred to as the rear part. The front portion may be a surface that contacts the human body of the user using the pad, and the rear portion may be a surface opposite to the front portion of the pad.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pad may be a diaper generally worn by the elderly or children. Therefore, the pad is generally worn so that one side (e.g., the front portion) is in contact with the wearer's lower body, and the front portion may be made of a material that can easily absorb dirt such as urine and feces. The area in contact with the human body on the front part can be defined as the contact part 410a. The contact portion 410a may include an absorption layer capable of quickly absorbing moisture contained in urine and feces. In the case of the rear portion 400b of the pad exposed to the outside, at least one conductive pattern 420 may exist in a direction crossing the absorption layer of the pad. The conductive pattern may be formed to contact the absorption layer on the rear portion 400b of the pad. More preferably, the rear portion 400b of the pad may have an outer layer covering the conductive pattern 420. Here, the outer layer may be composed of a non-conductive material such as, for example, non-woven fabric. Therefore, even if a metallic foreign substance touches the back of the pad, errors in the sensor unit incorrectly detecting this as urine or urine generation can be reduced.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the rear portion of the pad includes an outer layer made of a non-conductive material, the other end of the electrode portion exposed to the outside of the housing of the sensor device may have a tip-type structure. For example, the other end of the electrode portion may be pointed or sharp enough to penetrate the outer layer. In another example, the other end of the electrode portion is formed symmetrically in a plurality of pointed shapes, so that it penetrates the outer layer present on the back side of the pad and is electrically connected to the conductive pattern, while fixing and supporting one area of the conductive pattern. . For example, the other end of the electrode included in the electrode unit may have a crown shape. When a total of four electrodes and conductive patterns are formed, four crown-shaped electrodes may be exposed to the outside of the housing. In this case, each crown-shaped electrode can penetrate the outer layer and make one-to-one contact with each conductive pattern.

The conductive pattern may be composed of, for example, four parallel conductive bands. Each conductive strip may not conduct current if moisture from urine and feces does not occur on the pad. When the wearer of the pad excretes urine or feces on the pad, moisture or urine caused by the feces or urine may be transferred from the contact portion of the front side through the absorbent layer to the conductive band present on the back side. When generated moisture or urine electrically connects any two of the four conductive bands, the sensor unit of the sensor device can detect changes in physical quantities associated with resistance, capacitance, or current. Depending on the degree of change in the corresponding physical quantity, the processor of the sensor device can determine whether urine or feces has occurred.

FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates a sensor device and components included therein according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a sensor device 500a represented in a perspective view, a sensor device 500b represented in a rear exploded view, and a sensor device 500c represented in a front exploded view. Each component of the sensor device included in FIG. 5 may be of the same type performing the same or similar functions as the component of the same term shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

In the perspective view, the cover portion 510a of the sensor device 500a is configured to have a shape and area corresponding to the housing 530a, and a fixing/release means 515a may be further provided on one side of the cover portion.

The fixing/release means may be a device for covering the cover part with a pad positioned between the housing and the cover part, and then fixing or releasing the cover part with respect to the housing.

In the rear exploded view, the sensor device 500b may include a power unit 510b, a temperature and gas component sensor 520b, a moisture detection sensor 530b, a processor 540b, and a light emitting module 550b mounted on a PCB board. You can.

In the front exploded view, the sensor device 500c may include an electrode portion 550c exposed to the outside of the housing.

Figure 6 shows the sequence of operations performed by a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step 601s, the sensor device performs resistance detection of the moisture content of the pad using the first electrode pair.

The first electrode pair may refer to a pair consisting of two electrodes among a plurality of electrodes constituting the electrode unit of the sensor device. The first electrode pair may be connected to the conductive pattern of the pad to measure the resistance of the pad. Specifically, the two electrodes constituting the first electrode pair may each contact two conductive bands constituting the conductive pattern of the pad. If urine or feces occurs on the pad while the first electrode pair of the sensor device is in contact with two conductive strips, the two conductive strips in contact with the first electrode pair may be electrically connected due to the moisture generated from the urine or feces. At this time, current may flow through the first electrode pair and the two conductive bands, and the flowing current may be detected by the sensor unit. The moisture content of the pad may be the amount of moisture present in the connection area in a situation where urine and feces occur on the pad and two conductive bands are electrically connected by moisture from the urine and feces.

The conductive pattern of the pad may be composed of four conductive bands, and the electrode portion of the sensor device may be composed of four electrodes. In this case, the four conductive bands may be referred to as a first conductive band, a second conductive band, a third conductive band, and a fourth conductive band according to the order of arrangement. In step 601s, the two electrodes constituting the first electrode pair may be in contact with the second conductive band and the third conductive band, respectively.

In step 603s, the sensor device determines a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the resistance detection.

The sensor device can measure the resistance value between two conductive bands in contact with the first electrode pair. Specifically, the sensor unit of the sensor device may measure the resistance value between the second conductive band and the third conductive band where the two electrodes constituting the first electrode pair are respectively connected. The resistance value measured between the second conductive band and the third conductive band may be about the moisture that electrically connects the two conductive bands according to the generated urine and feces.

For example, the sensor device may determine the amount of current flowing along the first electrode pair based on resistance detection and may generate a numerical result value according to the determined amount of current. Here, the numerical result value exemplified by the first result value relates to at least one of the size of the current flowing along the first electrode pair, the change in the size of the current over time, and the total resistance value measured based on the size of the current. It can be a value.

For example, when the wearer excretes urine, the conductive bands arranged in parallel may be electrically connected by the urine. Here, urine corresponding to the short-circuit area of the conductive band acts as a new resistance in the above-mentioned open circuit. The processor of the sensor device may determine a newly added resistance value in addition to the predetermined resistance value based on the detected amount of current. The predetermined resistance value may refer to the resistance of the conductive band itself.

In another embodiment, although the wearer has not excreted urine, sweat or other foreign substances may cause a short circuit in the conductive strip, causing current to flow in the first pair of electrodes. At this time, the processor of the sensor device may check information about the general range of the resistance value newly added by urine when urine is actually discharged from the memory device of the sensor device. Therefore, by comparing this information with the newly added resistance value, it is possible to determine whether the current flowing through the first electrode pair is actually due to discharged urine or another reason.

In step 605s, the sensor device performs capacitive detection of the moisture content of the pad using the second electrode pair.

The second electrode pair may refer to a pair consisting of two electrodes among a plurality of electrodes constituting the electrode unit of the sensor device. The second electrode pair may be connected to the conductive pattern of the pad to measure the resistance of the pad. Specifically, the two electrodes constituting the second electrode pair may each contact the two conductive bands constituting the conductive pattern of the pad. When the second electrode pair of the sensor device is in contact with the second position of the conductive pattern of the pad, if urine or feces occurs on the pad, the two conductive strips in contact with the second electrode pair may be electrically connected due to the moisture generated from the urine or feces. there is. At this time, current may flow through the second electrode pair and the two conductive bands, and the flowing current may be detected by the sensor unit. The moisture content of the pad may be the amount of moisture present in the connection area in a situation where urine and feces occur on the pad and two conductive bands are electrically connected by moisture from the urine and feces.

When the conductive pattern of the pad consists of four conductive bands and the electrode portion of the sensor device consists of four electrodes, in step 605s, the two electrodes constituting the second electrode pair are the first conductive band and the fourth electrode, respectively. It may come into contact with the conduction band.

In step 607s, the sensor device determines a second result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the capacitance.

The sensor device can measure the capacitance between two conductive bands in contact with the second electrode pair. Specifically, the sensor unit of the sensor device may measure the capacitance between the first conduction band and the fourth conduction band where the two electrodes constituting the second electrode pair are respectively connected. The capacitance measured between the first conduction band and the fourth conduction band may be about the moisture that electrically connects the two conduction bands according to the generated urine and feces.

The operation of the sensor device determining the second result value may be similar to the operation of determining the first result value. The sensor device may generate a second result value based on the capacitance determined according to the capacitive detection.

Operations related to resistive detection may be performed in steps 601s and 603s, and operations related to capacitive detection may be performed in steps 605s and 607s. Operations related to resistive detection and operations related to capacitive detection may not be performed simultaneously.

For example, while a sensor device is performing an operation related to resistive detection, an operation related to capacitive detection may not be performed. In another example, if the sensor device performs resistive detection, the sensor unit may use a first electrode pair, and if the sensor device performs capacitive detection, the sensor unit may use a second electrode pair.

At this time, one electrode of the first electrode pair may function as a ground electrode, and one electrode of the second electrode pair may function as a ground electrode. The ground electrode is connected to the ground of the sensor device.

In some cases, the ground electrodes of the first electrode pair and the second electrode pair are not always connected to the ground portion, but may be selectively connected to the ground portion in time. Specifically, while the sensor device performs resistance detection using the first electrode pair, the ground electrode of the first electrode pair may be connected to the ground portion, and the ground electrode of the second electrode pair may be separated from the ground portion. And conversely, while the sensor device performs capacitive detection using the second electrode pair, the ground electrode of the second electrode pair may be connected to the ground portion, and the ground electrode of the first electrode pair may be separated from the ground portion.

This is because when the ground electrodes of the first and second electrode pairs are connected to the ground at the same time, the ground electrode of one electrode pair may affect the detection of the other electrode pair. For example, while the sensor device performs resistance detection using the first electrode pair, if the ground electrodes of the first and second electrode pairs are both connected to the ground, the ground electrode of the second electrode pair is connected to the first electrode. It may affect the detection of the resistance of the pair, resulting in detection errors. Therefore, for accuracy of detection, the ground electrodes of the first and second electrode pairs can be selectively connected to the ground portion only while detection of the corresponding electrode pair is in progress.

In step 609s, the sensor device determines whether urine or feces has occurred based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value.

After generating both the first result value and the second result value, the sensor device may determine whether each result value or a combination of each result value satisfies a predetermined standard.

For example, if the first result value is within the critical range, but the second result value is less than the critical range, it may be determined that urine and feces have not been discharged. If both the first result value and the second result value do not satisfy the critical range, or if only one of the result values satisfies the critical range, the sensor device may determine whether or not urine or feces is discharged by adding up the information from the other sensors. . For example, the sensor device may further take into account information obtained from a gas composition sensor or a temperature sensor.

More specifically, the sensor device may generate result data based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value, and convert the result data based on at least one parameter. Additionally, the sensor device may apply the converted result data to a pre-stored prediction model to determine whether urination or defecation occurs.

Here, the prediction model can be used by the sensor device to determine whether urination or defecation occurs by comparing the prediction results according to the prediction model with a past table. More specifically, since the sensor device cannot clearly identify whether or not urine has been generated using only the converted result data, table information consisting of urine and feces generation history and corresponding result data and a pre-stored prediction model can be used. At this time, the object of comparison with the table information may be a value calculated by applying the resulting data to the estimation model that constitutes the prediction model. In other words, by applying the converted result data to the estimation model and comparing the calculated value with the table information, it is possible to more accurately estimate whether stool or urine has occurred.

Figure 7 shows a circuit of a conductive pattern included in a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The pad may include four conductive bands that are electrically connected to the electrode portion of the sensor device. The conductive bands may be arbitrarily referred to as a first conductive band, a second conductive band, a third conductive band, and a fourth conductive band according to the order of arrangement. The first to fourth conduction bands may be sequentially connected to each of the four electrodes constituting the electrode portion of the sensor device. Here, the four electrodes may be referred to as the first electrode, second electrode, third electrode, and fourth electrode.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrode and the third electrode may form a first electrode pair, and the first electrode pair may be connected to the second conductive band and the third conductive band. The sensor unit of the sensor device may be connected to the other side of the first electrode pair opposite to the side connected to the conductive band.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode and the fourth electrode may form a second electrode pair, and the second electrode pair may be connected to the first conductive band and the fourth conductive band.

Figure 7 illustrates a case where urine and feces are discharged onto the pad. Referring to FIG. 7, the first to fourth conduction bands can be expressed as an arbitrary resistance (R).

The second and third conduction bands are resistance (resistance) corresponding to generated moisture or urine and stool. ) can be electrically connected. The second and third conduction bands in contact with the first electrode pair have a resistance ( ) can flow.

The first conduction band and the fourth conduction band are capacitors (corresponding to generated moisture or urine and feces). ) can be electrically connected. The first conduction band and the fourth conduction band in contact with the second electrode pair are a capacitor ( ) can flow. Between the first conduction band and the fourth conduction band is a capacitor ( ) In addition to other resistances ( More may be included. However, the passive load between the conductive bands in FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit that illustratively represents urine and feces detected on the pad, and does not limit the type or structure of the passive element.

Figure 8 shows a coupling relationship between a sensor device and a pad according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 exemplarily shows a sensor device in a normally fastened state and a sensor device in a state that is abnormally fastened to the pad.

The fact that the sensor device is normally fastened to the pad may mean that the conductive pattern provided on the pad and the electrode portion of the sensor device are in contact with each other. More specifically, when the electrode portion of the sensor device is composed of four electrodes and the conductive pattern of the pad has four conductive bands, each electrode and each conductive band can be connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Accordingly, the separation distance between adjacent electrodes and the separation distance between adjacent conductive bands may be the same.

More specifically, the pad may be fastened to the sensor device in such a way that the conductive band provided on the pad completely covers the corresponding electrode of the sensor device. If one conductive band or even one electrode does not contact the corresponding electrode or conductive band, it may be an abnormal connection.

The sensor device may monitor whether the combination of the sensor device and the pad is normally fastened or abnormally fastened, and may provide a feedback message regarding the monitoring results.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device further includes an open detection unit capable of detecting whether the cover part of the housing is open. The open detection unit may include a Hall sensor. Specifically, the Hall sensor may be installed on the top portion of the housing, and a permanent magnet may be installed on the cover portion opposite to the portion where the Hall sensor is installed. Therefore, the Hall sensor can detect whether the permanent magnet is close and whether the cover part of the housing is open.

When the conductive pattern is in contact with the second electrode pair, the processor of the sensor device can detect whether the conductive pattern is in contact through capacitance detection. If the conductive pattern contacts only one or both of the electrodes of the second electrode pair, the capacitance detected through the second electrode pair may not satisfy a predetermined normal range. Therefore, the sensor device can detect normal fastening and abnormal fastening shown in FIG. 9.

More specifically, the electrode portion of the sensor device may be composed of four electrodes, and the four electrodes may be a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode, respectively, depending on the order of arrangement. Here, the two adjacent electrodes may be the first electrode and the second electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode, and the two electrodes that are furthest apart may be the first electrode and the fourth electrode. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode and the fourth electrode form a second electrode pair, and the second electrode pair may perform capacitance detection for the pad. Additionally, the second electrode and the third electrode form a first electrode pair, and the first electrode pair may perform resistance detection for the pad.

According to another example of the present disclosure, the first electrode and the fourth electrode form a first electrode pair, and the first electrode pair can perform capacitive detection for the pad. Additionally, the second electrode and the third electrode form a second electrode pair, and the second electrode pair can perform resistance detection for the pad.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the housing and pad of the sensor device are normally fastened, the four electrodes may each contact a conductive pattern composed of four conductive bands. In this case, the capacitance of the pad detected by the second electrode pair may be the capacitance between the two conductive bands furthest from the pad. At this time, there may be only one fastening structure between the pad and the housing corresponding to the measured capacitance.

In FIG. 8 , when the pad is coupled to the housing while being tilted to the left, the right electrode of the two edge electrodes may not be in contact with the conductive band of the pad. Accordingly, the capacitance of the pad detected by the first electrode and the fourth electrode (non-contact) may be outside the normal range. Similarly, when the pad is coupled to the housing while being tilted to the right, the left electrode of the two edge electrodes may not be in contact with the conductive band of the pad. Accordingly, the capacitance of the pad detected by the first electrode (non-contact) and the fourth electrode may be outside the normal range.

The sensor device detects whether the cover part is open using an open detection unit. When the cover part is opened and then closed again, the sensor device detects whether the conductive pattern is in contact through capacitive detection of the second electrode pair. If the cover part of the sensor device is opened and then closed again, and the capacitance detected through the second electrode pair does not satisfy a predetermined normal range, a notification message regarding abnormal fastening may be provided.

In a method of operating a urine and feces detection device equipped with a sensor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device is electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and a first device connected to a first position of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit consisting of four electrodes including an electrode pair and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern; A sensor unit that measures resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; At least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposes the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixedly support the pad, wherein the sensor device detects resistance to the pad using the first electrode pair. determining, by the sensor device, a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance; performing, by the sensor device, capacitance detection on the pad using the second electrode pair; determining, by the sensor device, a second result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection; And it further includes the step of the sensor device determining whether urine or feces has occurred based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value.

In addition, the four electrodes are composed of a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in the order of arrangement, and the first electrode pair is composed of the second electrode and the third electrode, The second electrode pair may be composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode.

In addition, the four electrodes are composed of a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in the order of arrangement, and the first electrode pair is composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode, The second electrode pair may be composed of the second electrode and the third electrode.

Additionally, the four electrodes may have tip-shaped pins protruding in the direction of the pad at each end that contacts the pad.

Additionally, the tip-shaped pin may penetrate the outer layer of the pad and be electrically connected to the conductive pattern formed inside the pad.

In addition, the first result value is sensed during a predetermined time period and is related to a change in resistance measured at the first electrode pair, and the second result value is sensed during a predetermined time period, and the second result value is detected during a predetermined time period. It can be related to the change in capacitance measured at the electrode pair.

In addition, the sensor device further includes a Hall sensor that detects an open or closed state of the cover portion with respect to the housing, and the sensor device detects whether the cover portion is in a closed state with respect to the housing; and determining whether the pad and the housing are normally fastened in response to detecting that the cover portion is in a closed state.

In addition, determining whether the pad and the housing are normally coupled may include performing capacitance detection on the pad by the sensor device using the second electrode pair; determining, by the sensor device, a third result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection; and providing a notification message depending on whether the third result value satisfies a predetermined normal range.

Additionally, the method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether urination or defecation occurs comprises: generating, by the sensor device, result data based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value; converting the resulting data based on at least one parameter; and applying the converted result data to a pre-stored prediction model to determine whether urination or defecation occurs.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a urine and feces detection device provided with a sensor device includes a first electrode pair electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and connected to a first position of the conductive pattern, and a second electrode pair of the conductive pattern. an electrode portion consisting of four electrodes including a second electrode pair connected to the position; A sensor unit that measures resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; At least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposes the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixedly support the pad, wherein the at least one processor performs resistance detection for the pad using the first electrode pair. and the sensor device determines a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the resistance detection, and the sensor device performs capacitance detection for the pad using the second electrode pair, The sensor device determines a second result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the detection of the capacitance, and the sensor device determines whether feces or urine occurs based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value. It can be configured to determine.

The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the corresponding embodiment, and unless they are incompatible with each other, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to other embodiments.

Therefore, in each embodiment, each technical feature is mainly explained, but unless the technical features are incompatible with each other, they can be applied in combination with each other.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and variations will be possible from the perspective of those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined not only by the claims of this specification but also by equivalents to these claims.

100: system
110: sensor device
130: gateway
150: server
200: sensor device
210: processor
215: memory device
205: Bus system
220: Department of Communications
225: input/output unit
230: sensor unit

Claims (10)

In a method of operating a urine and feces detection device equipped with a sensor device,
The sensor device is,
As a connector that electrically contacts the conductive pattern of the pad, the first electrode pair is each contacted and connected to the first position, which is the connection position of the two conductive bands constituting the conductive pattern, and the other two conductive electrodes constituting the conductive pattern. an electrode unit composed of four electrodes including a second electrode pair each contact-connected to a second position, which is a connection position of the band;
A sensor unit that measures resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit;
At least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit;
a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposes the electrode unit to the outside; and
A cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to securely support the pad,
performing, by the sensor device, resistance detection for the pad using the first electrode pair;
determining, by the sensor device, a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance;
performing, by the sensor device, capacitance detection on the pad using the second electrode pair;
determining, by the sensor device, a second result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection; and
Further comprising the step of the sensor device determining whether urine or feces has occurred based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value,
How to operate a urine and feces detection device. According to claim 1,
The four electrodes are composed of a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in the order of arrangement,
The first electrode pair consists of the second electrode and the third electrode,
Characterized in that the second electrode pair consists of the first electrode and the fourth electrode,
How to operate the urine and feces detection device. According to claim 1,
The four electrodes are composed of a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode in the order of arrangement,
The first electrode pair consists of the first electrode and the fourth electrode,
Characterized in that the second electrode pair consists of the second electrode and the third electrode,
How to operate a urine and feces detection device.
According to claim 1,
The four electrodes are,
Characterized in that each end in contact with the pad is provided with a tip-shaped pin protruding in the direction of the pad.
How to operate a urine and feces detection device. According to clause 4,
The tip-type pin is,
Characterized in that it penetrates the outer layer of the pad and is electrically connected to the conductive pattern formed on the inside of the pad.
How to operate a urine and feces detection device. According to claim 1,
The first result value is sensed during a predetermined time period and is related to the amount of change in resistance measured at the first electrode pair,
The second result value is sensed during a predetermined time period and is related to the amount of change in capacitance measured at the second electrode pair.
How to operate a urine and feces detection device. According to claim 1,
The sensor device further includes a Hall sensor that detects an open/closed state of the cover portion with respect to the housing,
detecting, by the sensor device, whether the cover portion is closed with respect to the housing; and
In response to detecting that the cover portion is in a closed state, the method further includes determining whether the pad and the housing are normally fastened.
According to clause 7,
The step of determining whether the pad and the housing are normally fastened is,
performing, by the sensor device, capacitance detection on the pad using the second electrode pair;
determining, by the sensor device, a third result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection; and
A method of operating a urine and feces detection device, further comprising providing a notification message depending on whether the third result value satisfies a predetermined normal range.
According to claim 1,
The step of determining whether stool or urine occurs is,
generating, by the sensor device, result data based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value;
converting the resulting data based on at least one parameter; and
A method of operating a urine and feces detection device further comprising applying the converted result data to a pre-stored prediction model to determine whether urine or feces has occurred.
In the urine and feces detection device provided with a sensor device,
The sensor device is,
As a connector that electrically contacts the conductive pattern of the pad, the first electrode pair is each contacted and connected to the first position, which is the connection position of the two conductive bands constituting the conductive pattern, and the other two conductive electrodes constituting the conductive pattern. An electrode unit composed of four electrodes including a second electrode pair each contact-connected to a second position, which is a connection position of the band;
A sensor unit that measures resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit;
At least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit;
a housing that accommodates the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposes the electrode unit to the outside; and
A cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to securely support the pad,
The at least one processor,
The sensor device performs resistance detection for the pad using the first electrode pair,
The sensor device determines a first result value for the resistance value of the pad according to the resistance detection,
wherein the sensor device performs capacitive detection for the pad using the second electrode pair,
the sensor device determines a second result value for the capacitance of the pad according to the capacitance detection,
The sensor device is configured to determine whether urine or feces occurs based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value,
Urine and feces detection device.