KR20230123582A - Apparatus and method for detecting contamination in a diaper - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a method of operating a urine detection device equipped with a sensor device, the sensor device includes a first electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and connected to a first position of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit composed of four electrodes including an electrode pair and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern; a sensor unit measuring resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; at least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing accommodating the sensor unit and the at least one processor therein and exposing the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixally support the pad, wherein the sensor device detects the resistance of the moisture content of the pad using the first electrode pair. performing; determining, by the sensor device, a first resultant value of the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance; performing, by the sensor device, 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 capacitive detection; and determining, by the sensor device, whether or not urine has occurred, based on the combination of the first result value and the second result value.

Description

Apparatus and method for detecting contamination in a diaper {Apparatus and method for detecting contamination in a diaper}

The present invention relates to a technique for detecting contamination of a defecation pad, and more particularly, to a technique for detecting a urination state of a defecation pad without relying on visual information.

In general, infants or patients with impaired mobility who cannot handle stool by themselves wear diapers. If the diaper is not replaced within a certain time after excretion, it causes rashes, eczema, or pressure sores due to excrement, so prompt replacement is required. Accordingly, it is very inconvenient for guardians of infants or patients to frequently check the presence or absence of feces or urine using the sense of smell, sight, or touch. There is a problem with

As a solution to the above problems, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2004-0074806 discloses a diaper urination alarm device.

The above urination alarm device has a diaper having a structure in which conductive detection lines are built in at regular intervals, and an extension of the detection line is connected to a detachable terminal made of a magnetic material on a band part, and a detachable one formed at one end so that it can be attached to the detachable terminal of the diaper. terminal, a detection unit for detecting a change in current of the detection line transmitted through the detachable terminal, a control IC for detecting whether or not to urinate according to a change in current detected from the detection unit, and a urination alarm sounding through a speaker under the control of the control IC. It consists of a sensing device including a melody IC that generates a , a volume control switch for controlling the volume of the melody IC, and a battery having a replaceable structure.

The above-described urination alarm device of the diaper has the advantage of being able to detect and notify feces immediately, but since the detection line is coated with copper wire or conductive paint, it still causes skin trouble when in contact with the human skin. there is In addition, since the detection line formed of metal wire is more easily oxidized when it reacts with feces, it causes serious adverse effects on the delicate skin of infants or patients and contaminates the surface of the diaper. In particular, as the conventional detection line is formed of a thick copper wire, it causes a foreign body sensation and is not easily bent, resulting in poor wearing comfort, as well as increased manufacturing cost and increased weight of the diaper due to an increase in the amount of expensive copper wire. there is

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2004-0074806

An object of the present invention is to quickly measure the degree of contamination of a defecation pad without relying on visual information.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a method of operating a urine detection device provided with a sensor device, the sensor device may include a first electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and connected to a first position of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit composed of four electrodes including an electrode pair and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern; a sensor unit measuring resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; at least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing accommodating the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposing the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixably support the pad, wherein the sensor device performs resistance detection on the pad using the first electrode pair; determining, by the sensor device, a first resultant value of the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance; performing, by the sensor device, capacitive detection 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 capacitive detection; and determining, by the sensor device, whether bowel movement 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 according to the arrangement order, the first electrode pair is composed of the second electrode and the third electrode, The second electrode pair may include 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 according to the arrangement order, the first electrode pair is composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode, The second electrode pair may include the second electrode and the third electrode.

In addition, each of the four electrodes may have a tip protruding in a direction of the pad at one end contacting the pad.

In addition, the tip-shaped pin may pass through an outer layer of the pad and be electrically connected to the conductive pattern formed inside the pad.

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

The sensor device may further include a hall sensor for detecting an open/closed state of the cover part with respect to the housing, and detecting whether or not the cover part is closed with respect to the housing; and determining whether the pad and the housing are normally engaged in response to the detection that the cover unit is in a closed state.

The determining whether the pad and the housing are normally fastened may include performing, by the sensor device, capacitive detection of 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 capacitive detection; and providing a notification message according to whether the third result value satisfies a predetermined normal range.

The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether bowel movement has occurred 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 predictive model to determine whether bowel movement occurs or not.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a urine detection device having a sensor device is electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad, and a first electrode pair connected to a first position of the conductive pattern and a second electrode pair of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit composed of four electrodes including a second electrode pair connected to the position; a sensor unit measuring resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; at least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing accommodating the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposing the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixally support the pad, wherein the at least one processor performs resistance detection on the pad by using the first electrode pair. the sensor device determines a first resultant value of the resistance value of the pad according to the resistance detection, and the sensor device performs capacitive detection of 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 or not defecation has occurred based on the combination of the first result value and the second result value. It can be configured to determine.

The degree of contamination of the defecation pad can be measured without relying on the visual information of the present invention, thereby reducing the inconvenience of frequently checking the defecation pad.

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

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals regardless of reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiment disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used 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 can be performed regardless of the listed order, except for the case where 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 that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It should be understood that the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

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

1 illustrates an exemplary urine and feces detection system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the urine detection system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the urine 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 may 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 interconnected via the gateway 130 . Facilitates communication between the 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 urine 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 FIG. 1 shows one example of a urine detection system 100 , various changes may be made to FIG. 1 . For example, system 100 may include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. In general, urine detection systems have a variety of configurations, and FIG. 1 does not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular configuration. 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 exemplary sensor device 200 in a urine detection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The sensor device 200 may represent the sensor device 110 of FIG. 1 . In the present disclosure, the sensor device 200 may sense physical information that can be digitized from a pad worn by a user, and provide information for determining whether or not defecation has occurred based on the sensed information. To this end, the sensor device 200 may include components for obtaining, sensing, 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 of the. For example, the bis system 205 may be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate in the present disclosure.

Processor 210 executes instructions that may be loaded into 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 sensed through the sensor unit 230 and process the received information to determine whether predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Memory 230 and persistent storage 235 are any structures that can store and facilitate retrieval of information (eg, data, program code, and/or other suitable information on a temporary or permanent basis). s) are examples of the storage devices 215 . The memory devices 215 may store information related to urine and feces sensed through the sensor unit 230 or may store processing instructions of the processor for the corresponding information.

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

An input/output (I/O) unit 225 allows input and output of data. For example, the input/output unit 225 may receive information for determining whether or not urine has occurred from the outside, and may transmit the information to the sensor unit 230 through the bus system 205 . Also, the input/output unit 225 may include a terminal for supplying power to the sensor device 200 .

The sensor unit 230 may receive information associated with the occurrence of urine and feces based on information (eg, an electrical signal) received through the input/output unit 225, 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 an electrode unit. The sensor unit 230 may further include at least one sensor for detecting temperature, gas components, and rotational angular velocity. In this case, the sensor unit 230 may be provided outside the sensor device 200 .

Although FIG. 2 has been described as representing the sensor device 110 of FIG. 1 , it is noted that the same or similar structure may be used in one or more 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 .

3 schematically illustrates a 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 having 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 exemplarily represent the input/output unit 225 of FIG. 2 . A pad 360 may be coupled between the housing 310 and the cover 340 .

A space capable of accommodating and fixing the sensor unit 350 , the electrode unit 320 , and the processor may be provided in the housing 310 . More specifically, the housing 310 includes a PCB board that electrically interconnects the components included therein, and is electrically connected to the processor and sensor unit mounted on the PCB board and the PCB board, and to the outside through the upper surface of the housing. It may include an exposed electrode part.

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

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

The electrode unit 320 may have a structure in which one end is electrically connected to the PCB substrate 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 include four electrodes. In this case, the four electrodes may form two different electrode pairs according to 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 include a different passive element according to a target to be measured. For example, an electrode pair that measures resistance may include only resistance, 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 contact the pad. More specifically, in a situation where the pad is fixed to the sensor device, the conductive pattern of the pad and the electrode constituting the electrode unit may be electrically connected to each other.

The cover part 340 may be rotatably coupled to the housing at one side of the housing. For example, the cover unit may be coupled to one side of the upper surface of the housing, and may perform a covering operation covering 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 may be covered by covering the cover part with respect to the housing. In addition, a separate fixing unit may be provided on at least one of the cover part and the housing so that the cover part is fixed to the housing in a state where the cover part covers the housing.

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

In FIG. 3, only the cover part is rotatably coupled to one side of the housing and presses the pad toward the housing, but in addition to this configuration, the conductive pattern of the pad and the electrode exposed to the outside of the housing are in contact. If the configuration is capable of fixing and supporting the pad, all known techniques within the range that can be modified and implemented 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 transfers information about feces generated from the pad to the PCB board in the housing in the form of an electrical signal, the sensor unit connected to the PCB board can receive the information and process or transmit the information to the processor. For example, when contaminants such as urine and feces are generated in the pad, a change in resistance, current, or voltage for a circuit including the electrode part or a specific load in the circuit may occur in the electrode part connected to the pad. The sensor unit 350 may detect a change that has occurred, generate digitized data for it, or transmit related information to a processor.

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

Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of the pad front surface 400a and the pad rear surface 400b. Hereinafter, the front surface of the pad may be referred to as a front part, and the rear surface of the pad may be referred to as a rear part. The front part may be a surface in contact with the body of a user using the pad, and the rear part may be a surface opposite to the front part of the pad.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pad may be a diaper generally worn by an elderly person or a child. Therefore, it is common for the pad to be worn so that one surface (eg, the front part) contacts the wearer's lower body, and the front part may be made of a material that can easily absorb dirt such as feces. An area in contact with the human body on the front portion may be defined as a contact portion 410a. The contact portion 410a may include an absorption layer capable of rapidly absorbing moisture contained in feces. In the case of the rear surface portion 400b of the pad exposed to the outside, at least one conductive pattern 420 may be present in a direction crossing the absorption layer of the pad. The conductive pattern may be formed to contact the absorption layer of the rear surface portion 400b of the pad. More preferably, an outer layer covering the conductive pattern 420 may be present on the back surface 400b of the pad. Here, the outer layer may be made of a non-conductive material such as, for example, non-woven fabric. Therefore, even if the rear surface of the pad touches a metallic foreign substance, an error in which the sensor unit erroneously detects it as feces can be reduced.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the rear surface of the pad includes an outer layer made of a non-conductive material, the other end of the electrode unit exposed to the outside of the housing of the sensor device may have a tip-shaped structure. For example, the other end of the electrode part may be pointed or sharp enough to penetrate the outer layer. In another example, the other end of the electrode unit has a plurality of pointed shapes symmetrically formed to pass through an outer layer present on the rear surface of the pad to be electrically connected to the conductive pattern, while fixing and supporting one region of the conductive pattern. . For example, the other end of the electrode included in the electrode unit may have a crown shape. When all of the electrodes and the conductive pattern are composed of four, four crown-shaped electrodes may be exposed outside the housing. In this case, each crown-shaped electrode can penetrate the outer layer and contact each conductive pattern one-to-one.

The conductive pattern may be composed of, for example, four parallel conductive bands. Current may not flow if moisture due to excretion is not generated on each conductive band pad. When the wearer of the pad excretes feces on the pad, moisture due to feces or feces may be transferred from the contact portion of the front portion through the absorbent layer to the conductive strip present in the rear portion. When the generated moisture or feces electrically connects any two of the four conductive strips, the sensor unit of the sensor device may detect a change in resistance, capacitance, or current-related physical quantity. Depending on the degree of change of the corresponding physical quantity, the processor of the sensor device may determine whether or not urine has occurred.

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

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

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

The fixing/release means may be a device for fixing or releasing the cover from the housing after covering the cover with the pad positioned between the housing and the cover.

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

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

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

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

The first electrode pair may refer to one pair composed 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 resistance of the pad. Specifically, the two electrodes constituting the first electrode pair may contact the two conductive bands constituting the conductive pattern of the pad, respectively. When feces occur on the pad while the first electrode pair of the sensor device is in contact with the two conductive strips, the two conductive strips in contact with the first electrode pair may be electrically connected due to moisture generated from the 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 portion in a situation where feces occur on the pad and two conductive bands are electrically connected by moisture caused by the feces.

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

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

The sensor device may measure a resistance value between two conductive bands in contact with the first electrode pair. Specifically, the sensor unit of the sensor device may measure a resistance between the second and third conduction bands to which 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 for moisture electrically connected between both conductive bands according to generated feces.

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

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

In another embodiment, although the wearer has not excreted urine, current may flow through the first electrode pair due to a short circuit of the conductive strip due to sweat or other foreign substances. At this time, the processor of the sensor device may check, from the memory device of the sensor device, information about a general range of a resistance value newly added by urine when urine is actually discharged. 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 caused by excreted urine or other reasons.

At 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 one pair composed 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 resistance of the pad. Specifically, the two electrodes constituting the second electrode pair may contact the two conductive bands constituting the conductive pattern of the pad, respectively. When feces occur on the pad while the second electrode pair of the sensor device is in contact with the second position of the conductive pattern of the pad, the two conductive strips in contact with the second electrode pair may be electrically connected due to moisture generated from the 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 portion in a situation where feces occur on the pad and two conductive bands are electrically connected by moisture caused by the feces.

When the conductive pattern of the pad is composed of four conductive bands and the electrode part of the sensor device is composed of four electrodes, the two electrodes constituting the second electrode pair in step 605s are the first conductive band and the fourth electrode, respectively. It can come into contact with the conducting strip.

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

The sensor device may measure the capacitance between the 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 and fourth conduction bands to which 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 for moisture electrically connected between both conduction bands according to generated feces.

An operation of determining the second result value by the sensor device may be similar to an operation of determining the first result value. The sensor device may generate the second result value based on the capacitance determined according to 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. An operation related to resistive detection and an operation related to capacitive detection may not be performed simultaneously.

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

In this case, 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 may not always be connected to the ground, but may be selectively connected to the ground. 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, and the ground electrode of the second electrode pair may be separated from the ground. 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, and the ground electrode of the first electrode pair may be separated from the ground.

This is because when the ground electrodes of the first and second electrode pairs are simultaneously connected to the ground, the ground electrode of one electrode pair may affect detection of the other electrode pair. For example, when both the ground electrodes of the first and second electrode pairs are connected to the ground while the sensor device performs resistivity detection using the first electrode pair, the ground electrode of the second electrode pair is the first electrode. Resistive detection of the pair may be affected and errors in detection may occur. Therefore, for accuracy of detection, the ground electrode of the first and second electrode pairs may be selectively connected to the ground only while detection of the corresponding electrode pair is in progress.

In step 609s, the sensor device determines whether bowel movement has occurred based on the 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 criterion.

For example, when the first result value is included within the threshold range but the second result value is less than the threshold range, it may be determined that feces are not discharged. When both the first result value and the second result value do not satisfy the threshold range or only one result value among them satisfies the threshold range, the sensor device may determine whether feces are discharged by summing up information from other sensors. . For example, the sensor device may further consider information obtained from a gas component 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. In addition, the sensor device may apply the converted result data to a pre-stored predictive model to determine whether bowel movement occurs.

Here, the predictive model may be used by the sensor device to compare the prediction result according to the estimation model with a table in the past to determine whether or not urine has occurred. More specifically, since the sensor device cannot clearly identify the occurrence of urine only with the converted result data, it may use table information consisting of a history of urine occurrence and result data corresponding thereto and a pre-stored predictive model. In this case, the comparison target with the table information may be a value calculated by applying result data to an estimation model constituting the prediction model. That is, by applying the converted result data to an estimation model and comparing the calculated value with table information, it is possible to more accurately estimate the occurrence of feces.

7 illustrates 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 electrically connected to electrode units of the sensor device. The conductive strips may be arbitrarily referred to as a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, a third conductive strip, and a fourth conductive strip according to the arrangement order. The first to fourth conductive bands may be sequentially connected to four electrodes constituting the electrode unit of the sensor device. Here, the four electrodes may be referred to as a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a 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 strip and the third conductive strip. A sensor unit of the sensor device may be connected to the other side of the first electrode pair opposite to one 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 strip and the fourth conductive strip.

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

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

The first conduction band and the fourth conduction band are capacitors corresponding to the generated moisture or feces ( ) can be electrically connected. The first and fourth conduction bands in contact with the second electrode pair are capacitors ( ) can flow. A capacitor (between the first and fourth conduction bands) ) In addition to other resistors ( This may include more. However, the passive load between the conduction bands in FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit illustratively representing feces detected by the pad, and the type or structure of the passive element is not limited.

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

8 illustratively illustrates a sensor device in a normally coupled state and an abnormally coupled state with a pad.

When the sensor device is normally engaged with the pad, it may mean a state in which the conductive pattern provided on the pad and the electrode part of the sensor device are in contact with each other. More specifically, when the electrode unit of the sensor device is composed of four electrodes and the conductive pattern of the pad includes four conductive bands, each electrode and each conductive band may be coupled in a one-to-one correspondence relationship. Therefore, the separation distance between adjacent electrodes and the separation distance between adjacent conduction bands may be the same.

More specifically, the pad may be coupled 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 even one conductive strip or one electrode does not make contact with the corresponding electrode or conductive strip, it may be an abnormal fastening.

The sensor device may monitor whether the coupling between the sensor device and the pad is normal or abnormal, and provide a feedback message for the monitoring result.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device further includes an open detection unit capable of detecting whether or not the cover unit is opened with respect to the housing. The opening detection unit may include a hall sensor. Specifically, the Hall sensor may be installed on an upper surface of the housing, and a permanent magnet may be installed on a cover portion opposite to the portion where the Hall sensor is installed. Accordingly, the Hall sensor may detect whether the cover unit is open to the housing by detecting proximity of the permanent magnet.

When the conductive pattern contacts the second electrode pair, the processor of the sensor device may detect contact of the conductive pattern through capacitive detection. If the conductive pattern is in contact with only one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair or both of the electrodes are not in contact, 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 unit of the sensor device may include four electrodes, and each of the four electrodes may be a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode according to an arrangement order. Here, the two adjacent electrodes may be a first electrode and a second electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, and a third electrode and a fourth electrode, and the two electrodes most far apart may be the first electrode and the fourth electrode. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode and the fourth electrode form a second electrode pair, and the second electrode pair may perform capacitive detection of the pad. Also, the second electrode and the third electrode form a first electrode pair, and the first electrode pair may perform resistance detection on 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 may perform capacitive detection of the pad. Also, the second electrode and the third electrode form a second electrode pair, and the second electrode pair may perform resistance detection on the pad.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in a state in which the pad and the housing of the sensor device are normally connected, each of the four electrodes may 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 two conduction bands farthest from the pad. At this time, the coupling structure between the pad and the housing corresponding to the measured capacitance may be one.

In FIG. 8 , when the pad is coupled to the housing in a state tilted to the left, the right electrode among the two electrodes at the edge 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 in a state of leaning to the right, the left electrode among the two electrodes at the edge 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 unit is opened by the open detection unit. When the cover is closed again after being opened, the sensor device detects whether the conductive pattern is in contact through capacitive detection of the second electrode pair. If the cover of the sensor device is opened and closed again, but the capacitance detected through the second electrode pair does not satisfy a predetermined normal range, a notification message regarding abnormal fastening may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a method of operating a urine detection device provided with a sensor device, the sensor device may include a first electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad and connected to a first position of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit composed of four electrodes including an electrode pair and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern; a sensor unit measuring resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; at least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing accommodating the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposing the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixably support the pad, wherein the sensor device performs resistance detection on the pad using the first electrode pair; determining, by the sensor device, a first resultant value of the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance; performing, by the sensor device, capacitive detection 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 capacitive detection; and determining, by the sensor device, whether bowel movement 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 according to the arrangement order, the first electrode pair is composed of the second electrode and the third electrode, The second electrode pair may include 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 according to the arrangement order, the first electrode pair is composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode, The second electrode pair may include the second electrode and the third electrode.

In addition, each of the four electrodes may have a tip protruding in a direction of the pad at one end contacting the pad.

In addition, the tip-shaped pin may pass through an outer layer of the pad and be electrically connected to the conductive pattern formed inside the pad.

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

The sensor device may further include a hall sensor for detecting an open/closed state of the cover part with respect to the housing, and detecting whether or not the cover part is closed with respect to the housing; and determining whether the pad and the housing are normally engaged in response to the detection that the cover unit is in a closed state.

The determining whether the pad and the housing are normally fastened may include performing, by the sensor device, capacitive detection of 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 capacitive detection; and providing a notification message according to whether the third result value satisfies a predetermined normal range.

The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether bowel movement has occurred 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 predictive model to determine whether bowel movement occurs or not.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a urine detection device having a sensor device is electrically connected to a conductive pattern of a pad, and a first electrode pair connected to a first position of the conductive pattern and a second electrode pair of the conductive pattern. an electrode unit composed of four electrodes including a second electrode pair connected to the position; a sensor unit measuring resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit; at least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit; a housing accommodating the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposing the electrode unit to the outside; and a cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixally support the pad, wherein the at least one processor performs resistance detection on the pad by using the first electrode pair. the sensor device determines a first resultant value of the resistance value of the pad according to the resistance detection, and the sensor device performs capacitive detection of 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 or not defecation has occurred based on the 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 incompatible with each other, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be merged and applied to other embodiments.

Therefore, in each embodiment, each technical feature is mainly described, but each technical feature may be merged and applied to each other unless incompatible with each other.

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

100: system
110: sensor device
130: gateway
150: server
200: sensor device
210: processor
215: storage device
205: bus system
220: Communication Department
225: input/output unit
230: sensor unit

Claims (10)

In the method of operating a urine detection device equipped with a sensor device,
The sensor device,
An electrode unit composed of four electrodes electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the pad and including a first electrode pair connected to a first position of the conductive pattern and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern ;
a sensor unit measuring resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit;
at least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit;
a housing accommodating the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposing the electrode unit to the outside; and
A cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixably support the pad;
performing, by the sensor device, resistance detection on the pad using the first electrode pair;
determining, by the sensor device, a first resultant value of the resistance value of the pad according to the detection of the resistance;
performing, by the sensor device, capacitive detection 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 capacitive detection; and
Further comprising determining, by the sensor device, whether or not feces occur based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value,
How to operate a urine 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 according to the arrangement order,
The first electrode pair is composed of the second electrode and the third electrode,
Characterized in that the second electrode pair is composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode,
How to operate a urine 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 according to the arrangement order,
The first electrode pair is composed of the first electrode and the fourth electrode,
Characterized in that the second electrode pair is composed of the second electrode and the third electrode,
How to operate a urine 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 detection device. According to claim 4,
The tip-shaped pin,
Characterized in that it penetrates the outer layer of the pad and is electrically connected to the conductive pattern formed inside the pad.
How to operate a urine detection device. According to claim 1,
The first result value is detected during a predetermined time period and is related to a change in resistance measured at the first electrode pair,
Characterized in that the second result value is related to the amount of change in capacitance detected during a predetermined time period and measured at the second electrode pair,
How to operate a urine detection device. According to claim 1,
The sensor device further includes a hall sensor for detecting an open/closed state of the cover unit with respect to the housing,
detecting, by the sensor device, whether the cover part is in a closed state with respect to the housing; and
In response to detecting that the cover unit is in a closed state, determining whether the pad and the housing are normally engaged.
According to claim 7,
Determining whether the pad and the housing are normally fastened,
performing, by the sensor device, capacitive detection of 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 capacitive detection; and
Further comprising providing a notification message according to whether the third result value satisfies a predetermined normal range, a method for operating a urine detection device.
According to claim 1,
The step of determining whether feces occur,
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
The method of operating the urine detection device further comprising the step of determining whether or not feces occur by applying the converted result data to a pre-stored predictive model.
In the urine detection device provided with a sensor device,
The sensor device,
An electrode unit composed of four electrodes electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the pad and including a first electrode pair connected to a first position of the conductive pattern and a second electrode pair connected to a second position of the conductive pattern ;
a sensor unit measuring resistance or capacitance through the electrode unit;
at least one processor operably connected to the sensor unit;
a housing accommodating the sensor unit and the processor therein and exposing the electrode unit to the outside; and
A cover portion rotatably coupled to one side of the housing to fixably support the pad;
The at least one processor,
The sensor device performs resistance detection on 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,
the sensor device performs capacitive detection of 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,
Wherein the sensor device is configured to determine whether feces occur based on a combination of the first result value and the second result value,
Urine detection device.