TW202135750A - Urinary detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is to provide a urination detection system capable of detecting wetness from the outside in a non-contact manner, thereby reducing a burden on a user. The urination detection system of the present invention comprises a moisture detection sensor 10 for determining the moisture condition of a diaper 50 worn by a diaper wearer and outputting the information related to the determination result; and an external monitoring device 20 for receiving the information output by the moisture detection sensor 10 through wireless communication with the moisture detection sensor 10, and monitoring and outputting the received information. The moisture detection sensor 10 is portable, configured to be disposed on an outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 or near the outer surface 51, and configured to determine the moisture condition of the diaper 50 in a state where it is arranged on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 or in the vicinity of the outer surface 51.

Description

Urination detection system

The present invention relates to a urine detection system.

Generally speaking, the wetness of the diaper worn by the caregiver or infant diaper is confirmed by the caregiver or protector by touching the diaper. However, this method imposes a great burden on both the confirmer and the confirmed person.

Therefore, in recent years, a technology has been proposed that detects the wetness of the diaper by a sensor installed in the diaper (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-045613 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-023777

(The problem to be solved by the invention)

However, in the above-mentioned conventional moisture detection technology, it is necessary to wear a diaper equipped with a sensor (for example, refer to Patent Document 1), or to have the sensor built in the diaper (for example, refer to Patent Document 2). Therefore, the use of diaper products that are generally widely distributed or the frequency of changing the diaper itself may not necessarily reduce the burden on the user.

The object of the present invention is to provide a urine detection system that can detect moisture from the outside without contact, thereby reducing the burden on the user. (Technical means to solve the problem)

One aspect of the present invention is a urine detection system proposed in order to achieve the above-mentioned object. Information related to the determination result; and an external monitoring device that receives the information output by the moisture detection sensor through wireless communication with the moisture detection sensor, and performs monitoring output of the received information; the moisture detection The sensor is portable, and is configured to be disposed on the outer surface of the diaper or near the outer surface, and is configured to be disposed on the outer surface of the diaper or near the outer surface The moisture state of the diaper is judged under the condition. (Compared to the effect of the previous technology)

According to the present invention, since moisture can be detected from the outside of the diaper in a non-contact manner, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user who uses the urination detection system.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

＜1. Configuration example of moisture detection sensor＞ First, a configuration example of the moisture detection sensor of this embodiment will be described.

The moisture detection sensor is used to determine the moisture state of the inspected object. The "test object" is not particularly limited as long as it is necessary to determine the water-containing state. For example, a diaper used by a diaper wearer can be cited as a specific example. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an example of a case where the object to be inspected is a diaper can be cited. The so-called "moisture state" refers to the degree of moisture of the inspected object. Therefore, the so-called "determination of the hydrated state" means that if the test object is a diaper, it is determined that the diaper is in a dry state or a wet state due to urination or the like.

Such a moisture detection sensor is used in urination detection systems, for example. Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration example of the urination detection system of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of the moisture detecting sensor of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the moisture detection sensor 10 is roughly configured to include a sensor unit 11, a measurement control unit 12, a wireless transmission unit 13, and a power supply unit 14.

(Sensor Department) The sensor unit 11 is configured to have a wiring board 11a formed of an insulating material, and a pair of electrodes 11b, 11c, etc., arranged on the same surface of the wiring board 11a at a predetermined interval. The pair of electrodes 11b and 11c are formed by patterning a conductive metal material (for example, copper or copper alloy) on the surface of the wiring substrate 11a. Furthermore, the patterning of the electrodes 11b and 11c will be described later.

The wiring board 11a constituting the sensor portion 11, in the use state of the moisture detecting sensor 10 which will be described later, the forming surface of the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c is opposed to the diaper 50 as the object to be inspected In this way, it is arranged on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 or in the vicinity of the outer surface 51. Therefore, one of the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c formed on the same surface of the wiring board 11a is arranged on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 or in the vicinity of the outer surface 51, and is set to face the diaper. 50 and arranged.

(Measurement Control Department) The measurement control unit 12 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the entire operation of the moisture detection sensor 10. Specifically, the measurement control unit 12 is configured to perform the functions of the measurement unit 12a and the control unit 12b by operating a microcomputer (hardware resource) and a processing program (software) in cooperation by executing a preset processing program.

The measurement unit 12a has the following function: to apply a preset AC signal with a fixed frequency to one of the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c, so that an electric field is generated between the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c, and the electric field is received. This generates a received signal that can be obtained from the other of the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c, and the physical quantity (for example, current value) of the received signal is measured. The application of the AC signal can be performed on either electrode 11b or electrode 11c. The received signal is set to be received from the other electrode 11b, 11c to which no AC signal is applied. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an AC signal is applied to one electrode 11b, and a received signal is received at the other electrode 11c.

When an AC signal is applied to the measurement unit 12a, an electric field is generated between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c, and electric charges flow from one to the other. When the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c are arranged to face the diaper 50 as the object to be inspected, the flow of electric charge passes through the inside of the diaper 50. That is, when the sensor portion 11 is arranged on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 or in the vicinity of the outer surface 51, the measuring portion 12a causes the electric field passing through the diaper 50 to be between the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c produce.

The control unit 12b has the following function: uses the received signal received by the other of the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c as a reference to identify the spatial impedance between the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c, and determines from the identification result as being inspected The hydrated state of the diaper 50. The magnitude of the received signal physical quantity (for example, current value) obtained from the other of the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c is related to the spatial impedance between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c. Moreover, the spatial impedance between a pair of electrodes 11b and 11c arranged at a predetermined interval is related to the characteristics of the constituent materials located in between, that is, due to the hydrated state of the constituent materials (that is, whether or not they contain water, or to what extent. The amount of water, etc.). Thereby, the control unit 12b recognizes the change in the spatial impedance between the electrodes 11b and 11c based on the magnitude of the physical quantity (for example, the current value) of the received signal, and determines the moisture state of the diaper 50 as the inspection object from the recognition result.

Furthermore, the specific method or procedure for determining the moisture state of the diaper 50 by the measuring unit 12a and the control unit 12b will be described in detail later.

(Wireless Transmission Department) The wireless transmitting unit 13 is used to perform wireless communication with the external monitoring device 20 which will be described in detail later, and is a person who transmits information related to the determination result made by the control unit 12b to the external monitoring device 20 via wireless communication . In addition, the wireless transmitter 13 is a short-range wireless communication device with a short communication distance with the external monitoring device 20, and the short-range wireless communication will be described in detail later.

(Power supply department) The power supply unit 14 supplies power to the measurement unit 12 a, the control unit 12 b, and the wireless transmission unit 13. As the power supply unit 14, a primary battery such as a button battery can be used, but it is not limited to this, and a rechargeable secondary battery can also be used.

(Frame part) In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the moisture detection sensor 10 is configured to include a frame for accommodating them in addition to the above-mentioned sensor unit 11, measurement control unit 12, wireless transmission unit 13, and power supply unit 14.体部15.

The frame portion 15 is provided with: a lower frame portion 15a, which is formed, for example, by a resin material in the shape of an uncovered and bottomed container; and an upper frame portion 15b, which is similarly formed by a resin material so as to cover the bottom The uncovered part of the side frame 15a. Furthermore, the sensor unit 11, the measurement control unit 12, the wireless transmission unit 13, and the power supply unit 14 are housed in a space formed when the lower frame body portion 15a and the upper frame body portion 15b are combined.

In addition, the frame portion 15 is portable in a state where the lower frame portion 15a and the upper frame portion 15b are combined and each portion 11-14 is housed in the space formed by these, and is configured to be configurable The shape on the outer surface 51 or the vicinity of the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 as the object to be inspected. The so-called "portability" here refers to the property that it can be held in the hand and easily transported. The term "disposable on the outer surface" of the diaper 50 means that when the diaper wearer wears the diaper 50, it can be disposed so as to be in contact with the surface 51 constituting the outer side of the diaper 50 (that is, the outer surface). In addition, the so-called "near" on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 means that it can be arranged in a state where the diaper 50 is not in contact with the diaper 50 but not far from the diaper 50 when the wearer wears the diaper 50. Specifically, for example, it can be arranged on the outer surface of the clothes worn by the diaper wearer, or on the outer surface of the bedding used by the diaper wearer.

Such a frame body 15 can be, for example, a rectangular container shape with an external dimension of about 40 mm to 70 mm×20 mm to 40 mm×5 mm to 15 mm. However, it is not limited to this shape, and it may be formed in another shape. In addition, in this manual, the description of "A~B" means the one above A and below B.

＜2. Configuration example of urination detection system＞ Next, a configuration example of the urination detection system using the moisture detection sensor 10 of the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the urination detection system is configured to include an external monitoring device 20 and a server device 30 in addition to the moisture detection sensor 10.

In the illustration, although the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 are each provided with only one case, it is not limited to this. For example, there may not only be one but a plurality of moisture detecting sensors 10 in the system. The external monitoring device 20 only needs to have at least one in the system. When there are a plurality of moisture detecting sensors 10 in the system, it can be configured to share an external monitoring device 20 for each moisture detecting sensor 10. However, it is not limited to this, and there may be a plurality of external monitoring devices 20 in the system.

(External monitoring device) The external monitoring device 20 receives the information output by the moisture detection sensor 10 through the wireless communication between the moisture detection sensor 10 and the wireless transmitter 13 and performs monitoring output of the received information. Although the information received from the moisture detection sensor 10 is mainly information related to the determination result of the moisture state performed by the control unit 12b of the moisture detection sensor 10, it may also include information other than the information. The monitoring output of the received information is set to be performed by at least one of display output or sound output. As the display output, at least one of the display output toward the image on the display screen or the light output output with a display lamp can be cited. In addition, as the sound output, at least one of a buzzer sound output, a voice guidance output, and the like can be cited.

The wireless communication between the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 is performed by short-range wireless communication with a short communication distance. Specifically, it is configured that the communication distance between the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 is less than 1m, preferably the communication distance is about 10cm~80cm, and more preferably the communication distance is about 10cm~50cm. Distance wireless communication to send and receive information. Furthermore, in the system, when at least one external monitoring device 20 is shared by a plurality of moisture detecting sensors 10, each moisture detecting sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 will be described in detail as described later. It is configured to transmit and receive information through short-range wireless communication with a communication distance of less than 1/2 of the arrangement interval of each moisture detection sensor 10.

In addition, the wireless communication between the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 is performed by wireless communication that does not require mutual authentication. Specifically, the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 are configured to transmit and receive information through wireless communication that can communicate with each other without mutual authentication such as ID authentication procedures or pairing procedures.

A representative of this type of wireless communication can be, for example, an infrared communication that uses infrared rays and can be connected at any time. However, it is not limited to this. As long as the communication distance is 1 m or less, and wireless communication can be performed without mutual authentication, other methods of wireless communication can also be used to send and receive information.

The external monitoring device 20 that implements short-range wireless communication with the moisture detection sensor 10 is preferably configured to be portable. The reason is that the external monitoring device 20 can be easily approached to the location where the moisture detection sensor 10 is located. Furthermore, the so-called “portability” here is synonymous with the portability of the moisture detection sensor 10.

In addition, the external monitoring device 20 has the function of performing wireless communication with the server device 30 in addition to the function of performing short-range wireless communication with the moisture detection sensor 10. The wireless communication with the server device 30 will be described later.

The external monitoring device 20 described above can be a mobile information terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal having a communication function or an information output function, for example. However, it is not limited to this. As long as the information received from the moisture detection sensor 10 can be monitored and output, for example, a watch type information terminal device with a display screen can also be used. In addition, the external monitoring device 20 does not necessarily need to have the monitoring output function using the display screen, etc., for example, it may only have the function of monitoring output using the lighting of the display lamp, or it may only have the function of using the monitor output from the speaker. The sound output for monitoring output function.

(Server device) The server device 30 is used to manage information related to the wearer of the diaper. Therefore, the server device 30 is configured to receive information related to the results of the monitoring output of the external monitoring device 20 via wireless communication with the external monitoring device 20, and to convert the received information into a database. To be accumulated and stored. If such a server device 30 is provided in the system, even when there are a plurality of diaper wearers, the information related to each diaper wearer can be managed collectively, and it can be used with each diaper wearer. Management in separate places.

The wireless communication between the external monitoring device 20 and the server device 30 is carried out by wireless communication having a longer communication distance than that between the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20. Specifically, the external monitoring device 20 and the server device 30 are configured to transmit and receive information via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) with a communication distance of about 10 to 50 m.

The above-mentioned server device 30 can be constructed using a computer device, for example, and the computer device is configured to have hardware resources such as the following: an arithmetic unit, which is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit; Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only) Memory; read only memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory; random access memory), etc.; storage devices such as flash memory or HDD (Hard Disk Drive); and external Interface and other data input and output parts, etc.

＜3. Usage status of urination detection system＞ Next, an example of the usage state of the urination detection system constructed as above will be explained. Here is an example of using a urine detection system to provide care support in a care facility.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the usage state of the urination detection system of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the care facility, a plurality of beds 61a, 61b, 61c... are prepared for the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... to sleep on each bed 61a, 61b, 61c... The care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... are all diapers. Under such conditions, the urine detection system used will perform the following processing actions.

When the caregivers 62a, 62b, 62c... start to go to bed, the caregivers 63 who take care of the caregivers 62a, 62b, 62c... and the caregivers 62a, 62b, 62c... need diapers 50a. , 50b, 50c... On the outer surface, moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... are individually arranged. The location of the moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... is not necessarily on the outer surface of the diaper 50a, 50b, 50c..., it can also be like the outer surface of the clothes worn by the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... On the surface, or on the outer surface of the bedding used by each of the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c..., in the vicinity of the outer surface of the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c...

That is, the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... are arranged in a non-contact with the human body of the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c. In addition, it does not need to be pre-installed on the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c to be used by the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c..., for example, it only needs to be placed on the diapers at the beginning of bedtime for the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... , Clothes or bedding, etc. on the outside surface.

Each of the moisture detecting sensors 10a, 10b, 10c..., which are arranged in this way, will determine the moisture state of the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c.... Specifically, the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... apply an AC signal to one of the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c to generate an electric field passing through the inside of the diaper 50a, 50b, 50c... In this state, if there is urination of the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c, etc., the water-absorbent polymer constituting the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c... will contain moisture. If the water-absorbent polymer contains moisture, the internal spatial impedance of the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c... will change significantly (for example, about 80 times) relative to the state without moisture. Therefore, the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... measure the physical quantity (such as the current value) of the received signal that can be obtained at the other of the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c according to the generation of the electric field, if The change in the spatial impedance between the electrodes 11b and 11c can be recognized from the measurement result, and the water content state of the inside of the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c... (that is, whether it contains moisture, or the amount of moisture contained, etc.) is determined. That is, if the measurement result of the physical quantity of the received signal by each moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... Has become a watery state.

Each moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... continuously and repeatedly performs the above determination process while there is power supply from the power supply unit 14. Then, every time the judgment processing is performed, it is convenient to transmit information related to the judgment result (including information of the content in a hydrated state, or information of the content in a non-hydrated state, etc.) by wireless communication.

That is, the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... are arranged on or near the outer surface of the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c... used by the caregivers 62a, 62b, 62c... During the period of time, the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c... are determined to be hydrated in non-contact with the human body of the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c..., and wireless communication is used to continuously send information related to the determination result.

When the caregivers 62a, 62b, 62c... go to bed, the caregivers 63 who take care of the caregivers 62a, 62b, 62c... regularly patrol between the caregivers 62a, 62b, 62c... Proceed to each care recipient 62a, 62b, 62c... and check the situation. At this time, the caregiver 63 is set to carry the external monitoring device 20 and make a round trip.

The moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... and the external monitoring device 20 held by the caregivers 63 are configured to be arranged in relation to the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... Communicate wirelessly between. However, the wireless communication between each of them is a short-range wireless communication with a communication distance of 1 m or less. Specifically, the communication distance is 1 m or less, preferably about 10 cm to 80 cm, and more preferably about 10 cm to 50 cm. That is, the external monitoring device 20 only wirelessly communicates with any moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... within the limited communication distance range, and does not communicate with other moisture located outside the communication distance range. The detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... perform wireless communication.

In addition, the short-range wireless communication between each moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... and the external monitoring device 20 is a communication distance of 1 of the arrangement interval of each moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... /2 or less. Specifically, for example, when the beds 61a, 61b, 61c... used by the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... , 62c... The arrangement interval of each moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... is also approximately the distance P, so the short-range wireless communication is set to the communication less than half of the distance P (ie P×1/2) distance.

When performing short-range wireless communication at such a communication distance, the external monitoring device 20 only performs wireless communication with the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... in the position approached by the caregiver 63. For example, when the caregiver 63 is close to a care recipient 62b, and the external monitoring device 20 held by the caregiver 63 is brought close to the moisture detection sensor 10b disposed relative to the care recipient 62b, the The external monitoring device 20 only wirelessly communicates with the moisture detection sensor 10b configured with respect to the care recipient 62b, and does not communicate wirelessly with the other moisture detection sensors 10a, 10c.... Therefore, even if there are multiple beds 61a, 61b, 61c... on the same floor, and multiple moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... are used on that floor, the caregiver with the external monitoring device 20 63 can also easily grasp which moisture detection sensor 10b the external monitoring device 20 is wirelessly communicating with, and can easily grasp which care receiver 62b is the output information on the external monitoring device 20.

In addition, the wireless communication between the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... and the external monitoring device 20 is performed by wireless communication that does not require mutual authentication. Specifically, if the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... and the external monitoring device 20 are placed within the communication distance between the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c..., there is no need for the external monitoring device 20 Authentication procedures such as ID authentication procedures or pairing procedures can ensure wireless communication between each other. Therefore, compared with the caregiver 63, even when viewing the conditions of a plurality of care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c..., since there is no need for complicated authentication procedures, etc., they only need to hold the external monitoring device 20 close to the moisture detection sensor. The measuring devices 10a, 10b, 10c... are sufficient, and therefore they are very convenient in terms of convenience.

When the wireless communication between each moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... and the external monitoring device 20 is determined, the diaper 50a, 50b from the moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... which becomes the communication object , 50c... The information on the determination result of the hydrated state is sent to the external monitoring device 20.

In this case, if the above-mentioned wireless communication is performed between each moisture detection sensor 10a, 10b, 10c... and the external monitoring device 20, even if there are a plurality of moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c When each of ... sends information individually, the information can still be received sequentially by at least one external monitoring device 20. That is, at least one external monitoring device 20 can be shared with a plurality of moisture detecting sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... Therefore, it is very suitable, for example, for use in a care facility where at least one caregiver 63 is responsible for the care of a plurality of care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c...

When receiving the information output by the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c..., the external monitoring device 20 monitors and outputs the received information. The monitoring output of the received information is performed by at least one of display output or sound output. That is, the monitor output may be performed by both the display output and the sound output, or may be performed by either only. In addition, the caregiver 63 operating the external monitoring device 20 may choose which of the display output and the sound output to perform.

When the external monitoring device 20 performs monitoring output, the caregiver 63 referring to the monitoring output can accurately grasp the moisture state of the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c used by the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c. At this time, the caregiver 63 only needs to bring the external monitoring device 20 close to the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c..., and does not need to touch the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c... A big burden. In addition, for the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c..., since the moisture detection sensors 10a, 10b, 10c... are arranged in a non-contact with the human body, they will not cause a great burden.

Then, after the caregiver 63 has correctly grasped the hydrated state of the diapers 50a, 50b, 50c..., as necessary, performs appropriate treatments such as diaper replacement.

The caregiver 63 sequentially performs the above-mentioned processing for each of the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... In this way, the external monitoring device 20 held by the caregiver 63 sequentially performs monitoring output for each care recipient 62a, 62b, 62c...

In this case, each time the external monitoring device 20 performs monitoring output, it transmits information related to the result of the monitoring output to the server device 30 by wireless communication. At this time, between the external monitoring device 20 and the server device 30, it is assumed that a wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) has been secured in advance.

When the information related to the result of the monitoring output is sent from the external monitoring device 20, the server device 30 receives the information, and stores the received information in a database. Specifically, the information related to the results of the monitoring output received from the external monitoring device 20, the date of receipt of the information, or the information related to the information is used to identify the care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c... Correspondence is established for information, etc., and accumulated and stored in a predetermined storage area in the server device 30.

In this way, in the urination detection system, even if there are multiple care recipients 62a, 62b, 62c..., the information related to each care recipient 62a, 62b, 62c... can still be integrated, and in Manage a place away from each care recipient 62a, 62b, 62c...

＜4. Details of determination of hydrated state＞ Secondly, the details of the determination of the moisture state by the moisture detection sensor 10 (10a, 10b, 10c...) in the urination detection system that performs a series of processing actions described above will be described in more detail.

The moisture detecting sensor 10 generates an electric field passing through the diaper 50 between a pair of electrodes 11b and 11c. At this time, for example, if the substance constituting the space between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c is air, the relative permittivity is about 1.0, but if the substance constituting the space is water, the relative permittivity is about 80. That is, the relative permittivity will vary by about 80 times due to the presence or absence of moisture. Therefore, in the space between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c, the capacitance between the electrodes 11b and 11c will be different due to the presence or absence of moisture, thereby causing the impedance between the electrodes 11b and 11c (easy to flow of charge) Variety.

Utilizing this property, the moisture detecting sensor 10 measures the magnitude of the physical quantity (such as current value) of the received signal that can be obtained by generating an electric field between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c, and recognizes the pair of electrodes from the measurement result The spatial impedance between 11b and 11c. Then, the water-containing state of the diaper 50 as the test object is determined from the recognition result of the impedance.

The determination of the water-containing state of the diaper 50 may be performed as follows. For example, a threshold value is preset for the magnitude of the current value of the received signal. If the measurement result of the current value exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the diaper 50 of the inspected object is in a dry state, but if the measurement result of the current value is the threshold value Hereinafter, it is determined that the diaper 50 is in a wet state due to urination or the like. In addition, for example, a threshold value is preset for the corresponding relationship between the magnitude of the current value of the received signal and an index (such as a moisture content value) for the wetness of the diaper 50, and the measurement result of the current value is converted into an index for the wetness Thereafter, the monitoring output result of this index is used as the determination result of the moisture state of the diaper 50. The determination result of the water-containing state is sent to the external monitoring device 20 and monitored and output.

However, when the object to be inspected is a diaper 50, the moisture detection sensor 10 must recognize the spatial impedance and determine the moisture state of the diaper 50 when the care receiver 62 is in use. In this case, when the moisture detection sensor 10 recognizes the spatial impedance, as shown in FIG. 1, the electric field generated between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c should be set to pass through the inside of the diaper 50. It does not pass through the human body of the care recipient 62 who uses the diaper 50. The reason is that since the human body of the care recipient 62 contains a lot of moisture, if the electric field passes through the human body, the moisture state of the diaper 50 may not be accurately determined. In other words, between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c, an electric field should be generated within the range of the hydration state of the diaper 50 suitable for determining the wearing state of the care receiver 62.

Accordingly, the distance between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c of the moisture detecting sensor 10 and the setting of the frequency of the AC signal to be applied by the measuring section 12a are such that the electric field is generated in a state suitable for determining the use state of the care receiver 62 The diaper 50 is set in a manner within the range of the hydrated state. In more detail, the interval between the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c and the frequency of the AC signal to be applied by the measuring part 12a are such that the electric field generated between the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c passes through the inside of the diaper 50 and does not reach the application. The diaper 50 is set in the way of the human body of the care recipient 62.

Specifically, the distance between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c of the moisture detecting sensor 10 is, for example, set to 1mm~5mm, preferably set to 2mm~4mm, and more preferably set to 2.5mm~3.5mm . In addition, the frequency of the AC signal to be applied by the measuring part 12a of the moisture detecting sensor 10 is set to, for example, 1MHz~3MHz, preferably set to 1.5MHz~2.5MHz, and more preferably set to about 2MHz. The moisture detection sensor 10 set in this way causes an electric field to be generated in the sensor section 11 from the electrode forming surface of the wiring substrate 11a to the vertical direction within a range of about 1mm to 8mm (that is, only within a limited range) .

Thereby, when the moisture detecting sensor 10 is arranged on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 used by the care-receiver 62 or in the vicinity of the outer surface 51, the electric field is adapted to the moisture content of the diaper 50. The state is determined within the range (that is, it passes through the inside of the diaper 50 and does not reach the range of the human body of the care recipient 62 who uses the diaper 50). In other words, the moisture detection sensor 10 configured as described above can be very suitable for constructing a urination detection system.

In addition, when the object to be inspected is a diaper 50, the moisture detection sensor 10 is used because it is disposed on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 used by the care recipient 62 or in the vicinity of the outer surface 51 Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on the care recipient 62 etc., it is better to be made as small as possible. However, even when it is formed in a small size, the spatial impedance recognition for determining the moisture state of the diaper 50 should be performed with good sensitivity.

The detection sensitivity of impedance is related to the parallel length of a pair of electrodes 11b, 11c (the extension length of the arrangement portion of each electrode 11b, 11c) arranged at a predetermined interval. For example, the longer the parallel length of the electrodes 11b and 11c, the better the impedance detection sensitivity. However, simply increasing the parallel length of the electrodes 11b and 11c will result in a situation where the size of the moisture detecting sensor 10 cannot be reduced.

Accordingly, one of the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c of the moisture detecting sensor 10 is arranged on the surface of the wiring substrate 11a in the following pattern.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the formation pattern of a pair of electrodes in the moisture detecting sensor of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, one pair of electrodes 11b, 11c of the moisture detecting sensor 10 is composed of straight portions 11d, 11e extending parallel to the pair of opposing electrodes, and the direction in which the straight portions 11d, 11e extend The corners 11f and 11g are combined. Specifically, one electrode 11b is a combination of a three-sided straight portion 11d and two corner portions 11f, and is configured in a U-shaped pattern like a cross section of a channel with one side open. In addition, the other electrode 11c is a combination of five-sided straight portions 11e and five corner portions 11g, and is configured as a pattern formed on the four-sided straight portions 11e arranged like a square. One side of the linear portion 11e is arranged in the area of the ellipse. In addition, the electrodes 11b and 11c are respectively arranged in a pattern in which the open portion of one electrode 11b is fitted with a straight portion 11e on one side of the other electrode 11c.

The pair of electrodes 11b, 11c arranged on the surface of the wiring substrate 11a in such a pattern can ensure a sufficient distance between the electrodes 11b and 11c while ensuring a sufficient distance between the electrodes 11b and 11c (the arrangement portion of the electrodes 11b, 11c) The extension length). Moreover, even if the parallel length of the electrodes 11b and 11c is sufficiently ensured, as long as the electrodes 11b and 11c are formed in a pattern having corners 11f and 11g, the electrodes 11b and 11c can be converged to the wiring of a limited area. The surface of the substrate 11a.

Therefore, if one pair of electrodes 11b, 11c is formed by the above-mentioned pattern, it can be very suitable for realizing good impedance detection sensitivity while miniaturizing the moisture detection sensor 10. That is, it is possible to simultaneously solve the problems of achieving good detection sensitivity and miniaturization of the sensor.

<5. The effect of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, one or more of the following effects can be exerted.

(a) In this embodiment, the urination detection system includes a portable moisture detection sensor 10 and an external monitoring device 20 that communicates wirelessly with the moisture detection sensor 10, and is configured as In a state where the moisture detection sensor 10 is arranged on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 or in the vicinity of the outer surface 51, the moisture state of the diaper 50 is determined. That is, the moisture detection sensor 10 performs non-contact moisture detection from the outside of the diaper 50, and the external monitoring device 20 receives information from the moisture detection sensor 10 via wireless communication and performs monitoring output. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since it is possible to use non-contact moisture detection for the care recipient 62 wearing the diaper 50, and the caregiver 63 can confirm the use of the care recipient 62 by referring to the monitoring output result. The dampness of the diaper 50 can reduce the burden on the care recipient 62 or the care worker 63. In other words, it is possible to reduce the burden on users who use the urination detection system.

(b) In this embodiment, the urination detection system is configured such that the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 transmit and receive information via short-range wireless communication with a communication distance of 1 m or less. In this way, the external monitoring device 20 can only wirelessly communicate with the moisture detecting sensor 10 located at a closeable position, and not wirelessly communicating with other moisture detecting sensors 10. Therefore, for example, even when a plurality of moisture detection sensors 10 are used on the same floor, it is easy to grasp which moisture detection sensor 10 the monitoring output from the external monitoring device 20 comes from. 62 people who are cared for. That is, if the moisture detection sensor 10 is configured to perform short-range wireless communication with the external monitoring device 20, it will be very suitable especially when multiple moisture detection sensors 10 are used on the same floor. We definitely seek to reduce the burden on users in such situations.

(c) In this embodiment, the urination detection system is configured such that the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 transmit and receive information through wireless communication that can communicate without mutual authentication. In this way, the external monitoring device 20 can perform wireless communication with the moisture detection sensor 10 without requiring authentication procedures such as ID authentication procedures or pairing procedures. Therefore, since the monitoring output at the external monitoring device 20 can be performed without the need for complicated authentication procedures, etc., it is extremely convenient for the user to reduce the burden on the user.

(d) In this embodiment, the urination detection system can share at least one external monitoring device 20 with a plurality of moisture detection sensors 10. Therefore, for example, it is very suitable for the use of care facilities in which at least one caregiver 63 is responsible for the care of a plurality of care recipients 62, and the burden on the user can also be reduced.

(e) In this embodiment, the urination detection system is configured such that the moisture detection sensor 10 and the external monitoring device 20 are arranged at intervals of the moisture detection sensor 10 to be less than 1/2 of the communication distance The short-range wireless communication is used to send and receive information. Therefore, even when a plurality of moisture detecting sensors 10 are used on the same floor, for example, the possibility of signal interference caused by wireless communication with each moisture detecting sensor 10 can be eliminated. That is, it is possible to surely grasp which moisture detection sensor 10 the monitoring output from the external monitoring device 20 comes from. This is particularly suitable when a plurality of moisture detecting sensors 10 are used on the same floor, and it can reliably reduce the burden on the user in this situation.

(f) In this embodiment, if the external monitoring device 20 performs a monitoring output in the urination detection system, it can accurately grasp the moisture state of the diaper 50 by referring to the monitoring output. In this case, if the external monitoring device 20 performs monitoring output through display output, not only the output of information on whether the diaper 50 contains moisture, but also the output of information such as the amount of moisture contained in the diaper 50 can be easily handled. That is, it is very useful for outputting a relatively large amount of information. In addition, if the external monitoring device 20 performs monitoring output by sound output, even in a dark environment such as at night, the information can be reliably notified to the caregiver 63 who refers to the monitoring output.

(g) In this embodiment, the urination detection system is provided with a server device 30, and is configured such that the external monitoring device 20 sends information related to the result of monitoring output to the server device 30. Therefore, if the server device 30 accumulates and stores the information from the external monitoring device 20 into a database, the urination detection system can communicate with each care recipient even when there are a plurality of care recipients 62. 62 related information is collectively managed and managed in a place separate from each care recipient 62.

(h) In this embodiment, the moisture detection sensor 10 is configured to generate an electric field passing through the diaper 50 as the object to be inspected between a pair of electrodes 11b, 11c, and identify the difference between the electrodes 11b, 11c. The spatial impedance and the moisture state of the diaper 50 are judged. If the moisture detection sensor 10 of this structure is used, moisture detection can be performed from the outer side of the diaper 50 in a non-contact manner. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user who uses the moisture detection sensor 10. Specifically, for example, since there is no need to wear a diaper equipped with a sensor, or the sensor is built into the diaper, the moisture detection of the diaper 50 can be performed in a non-contact manner, so it can be used widely and generally circulated The diaper products, etc., can be used to reduce the burden on the user. In addition, since non-contact moisture detection can be performed, the burden on the care recipient 62 or the care worker 63, etc., can be reduced, which can also reduce the burden on the user.

(i) In this embodiment, the moisture detection sensor 10 is configured to transmit information related to the determination result of the moisture state to the external monitoring device 20 via wireless communication. That is, the moisture detection sensor 10 that performs determination of the moisture state and the external monitoring device 20 that performs monitoring output of information related to the determination result are configured separately. Therefore, the external monitoring device 20 can be configured to have portability while suppressing the increase in the size of the moisture detection sensor 10, etc., so that it can be extremely convenient for users who use them, and can also be used. Reduce the burden on users.

(j) In this embodiment, the frame 15 of the moisture detecting sensor 10 is portable, and is configured to be arranged on the outer surface 51 or the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 as the object to be inspected The shape of the neighborhood. Therefore, the moisture detecting sensor 10 can be transported to the state of being arranged on the outer surface 51 of the diaper 50 according to the needs (for example, only when the person being cared for is going to bed). Therefore, it is convenient for the user. It is very good, and it can also reduce the burden on users.

(k) In the present embodiment, the distance between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c of the moisture detecting sensor 10 and the frequency of the AC signal to be applied by the measuring part 12a are such that the electric field is generated in a state suitable for judging the object under inspection. The diaper 50 is set in a manner within the range of the water-containing state. Therefore, for example, even when the diaper 50 in the state of being worn by the care-receiver 62 is subjected to the determination of the hydrated state, the determination can be accurately performed. That is, it can realize the determination of the moisture state with good accuracy under the use state of the moisture detection sensor 10.

(l) In this embodiment, one of the pair of electrodes 11b, 11c of the moisture detecting sensor 10 is composed of straight portions 11d, 11e extending in parallel with the pair of opposite electrodes, and the straight portions 11d, 11e are transformed It is composed of a combination of corners 11f and 11g in the extending direction. If a pair of electrodes 11b and 11c are formed by patterning for this purpose, a good impedance detection sensitivity can be achieved while the moisture detection sensor 10 can be miniaturized, which is very suitable. That is, it is possible to simultaneously solve the problem of achieving good detection sensitivity and miniaturization of the sensor.

(m) In the present embodiment, the inspection object for which the moisture detection sensor 10 determines the moisture state is the diaper 50 used by the diaper. The moisture level of the diaper 50 has a great influence on the comfort of the diaper. If the moisture detection sensor 10 of this embodiment is used, since it can judge the moisture state of the diaper 50 without burdening the diaper wearer, it is very convenient for the diaper wearer.

＜6. Modifications etc.＞ Although the embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the gist.

In the urination detection system of the above embodiment, although the case where a plurality of moisture detection sensors 10 (10a, 10b, 10c...) share one external monitoring device 20 has been cited as an example, the present invention is not limited Here. For example, the urination detection system can also be configured with a plurality of external monitoring devices 20. In addition, the urination detection system can also be configured to have a moisture detection sensor 10 and an external monitoring device 20, and even if it is configured in this way, the burden on the user who uses the urination detection system can be reduced.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the case where the urination detection system is used for care support in a care facility has been cited as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the urination detection system can also be used for infants in nurseries or hospitalized patients in medical facilities.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the case of using the diaper 50 of the inspection object which is the target of the determination of the moisture state of the moisture detection sensor 10 has been cited as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the moisture detection sensor 10 may also be a device that determines the moisture state of the inspected objects other than the diaper 50. Specific examples of other objects to be inspected include, for example, the seating surfaces of seats in trains and the like. If the moisture detection sensor 10 is used to determine the moisture state of the seating surface of a seat in a train, etc., it is possible to reduce the burden on the cleaning staff in the train.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the interval between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c of the moisture detecting sensor 10 and the frequency of the AC signal to be applied by the measuring part 12a are described so that the electric field is generated in the diaper 50 The case where the method is set within the range of the water-containing state is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the interval between the pair of electrodes 11b and 11c and the frequency of the AC signal to be applied by the measuring part 12a may be appropriately set according to the inspection object to be the subject of determination of the hydrated state. The formation patterns of one of the moisture detecting sensors 10 on the electrodes 11b and 11c are also the same. The present invention is not limited to the formation patterns described in the above-mentioned embodiments, as long as it is an inspection object or frame that is an object judged based on the moisture state. The external dimensions of the body 15 and the like may be appropriately set.

<7. Preferred aspect of the present invention> Hereinafter, preferred aspects of the present invention are described.

(Record 1) According to one aspect of the present invention, a urination detection system can be provided, which is provided with: a moisture detection sensor, which judges the moisture state of the diaper worn by the wearer, and outputs the result related to the judgment The information; and an external monitoring device, which receives the information output by the moisture detection sensor through wireless communication with the moisture detection sensor, and performs monitoring output of the received information; the moisture detection sensor It has portability and is configured to be arranged on the outer surface of the diaper or near the outer surface, and is configured to be arranged on the outer surface of the diaper or near the outer surface The moisture state of the diaper can be judged below.

(Record 2) Preferably, the urination detection system described in Item 1 is provided, wherein the moisture detection sensor and the external monitoring device are configured to transmit and receive information via short-range wireless communication with a communication distance of 1 m or less.

(Record 3) Preferably, the urination detection system described in Item 1 or 2 is provided, wherein the moisture detection sensor and the external monitoring device are configured to perform information through wireless communication that can communicate without mutual authentication The sending and receiving.

(Record 4) Preferably, the urination detection system described in any one of records 1 to 3 is provided, which is provided with: a plurality of the above-mentioned moisture detection sensors; and at least one of the above-mentioned external monitoring devices, which detects relative to each moisture The sensor can be shared.

(Record 5) Preferably, the urination detection system described in item 4 is provided, wherein the moisture detection sensor and the external monitoring device are configured such that the communication distance is 1/ 2 or less short-range wireless communication to send and receive information.

(Record 6) Preferably, the urination detection system described in any one of 1 to 5 is provided, wherein the external monitoring device is configured to perform the monitoring output through a display output.

(Record 7) Preferably, the urination detection system described in any one of 1 to 6 is provided, wherein the external monitoring device is configured to perform the monitoring output by sound output.

(Record 8) Preferably, the urination detection system described in any one of records 1 to 5 is provided, which is provided with: a server device that manages information related to the diaper wearer; and the above-mentioned external monitoring device and the above-mentioned server device It is configured to transmit and receive information related to the result of the monitoring output of the external monitoring device via wireless communication.

(Record 9) According to another aspect of the present invention, a moisture detecting sensor can be provided, which is provided with: a pair of electrodes, which are arranged on or near the outer surface of the inspected object, Is arranged to face the inspection object; a measuring unit that applies an AC signal to one of the pair of electrodes to cause an electric field passing through the inspection object to be generated between the pair of electrodes; and a control unit that uses the aforementioned The received signal received by the other of the pair of electrodes is used as a reference to identify the spatial impedance between the pair of electrodes, and to determine the moisture state of the object under inspection.

(Record 10) Preferably, the moisture detection sensor described in Item 9 is provided, which includes a wireless transmission unit that transmits information related to the result of the determination made by the control unit to an external monitoring device via wireless communication.

(Record 11) Preferably, the moisture detection sensor described in Item 10 is provided, which includes: a power supply unit that supplies power to the measurement unit, the control unit, and the wireless transmission unit; and a housing unit that houses The pair of electrodes, the measurement unit, the control unit, the wireless transmission unit, and the power supply unit; and the frame body is portable and is configured to be arranged on or on the outer surface of the inspection object. The shape near the surface.

(Record 12) Preferably, the moisture detection sensor described in any one of 9 to 11 is provided, wherein the interval between the pair of electrodes and the frequency of the AC signal are such that the electric field is suitable for the inspection object. The method of generating within the range of the judgment of the hydrated state is set.

(Record 13) Preferably, the moisture detecting sensor described in any one of 9 to 12 is provided, wherein the pair of electrodes is formed by a straight portion extending parallel to the pair of opposing electrodes, and the straight portion is transformed. It is composed of a combination of corners in the direction of extension.

(Record 14) Preferably, the moisture detection sensor described in any one of 9 to 13 is provided, wherein the inspection object is a diaper worn by a diaper.

10, 10a, 10b, 10c: moisture detection sensor 11: Sensor Department 11a: Wiring board 11b, 11c: a pair of electrodes 11d, 11e: straight part 11f, 11g: corner 12: Measurement control department 12a: Measurement department 12b: Control Department 13: Wireless transmission department 14: Power supply department 15: Frame body 15a: Lower frame body 15b: Upper frame body 20: External monitoring device 30: Server device 50, 50a, 50b, 50c: diapers (under inspection) 51: Outer surface 61a, 61b, 61c: bed 62, 62a, 62b, 62c: care recipient (diaper wearer) 63: Care staff P: distance S: interval

Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of a urination detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a moisture detecting sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of the usage state of the urination detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the formation pattern of a pair of electrodes in the moisture detecting sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10: Moisture detection sensor

11: Sensor Department

11a: Wiring board

11b, 11c: a pair of electrodes

12: Measurement control department

12a: Measurement department

12b: Control Department

13: Wireless transmission department

14: Power supply department

20: External monitoring device

30: Server device

50: diaper (under inspection)

51: Outer surface

62: The person being cared for (a person wearing a diaper)

Claims (8)

A urination detection system, which has: A moisture detection sensor, which judges the moisture state of the diaper worn by the wearer, and outputs information related to the judgment result; and An external monitoring device that receives the information output by the moisture detection sensor through wireless communication with the moisture detection sensor, and performs monitoring output of the received information; The moisture detection sensor is portable, and is configured to be disposed on the outer surface of the diaper or near the outer surface, and is configured to be disposed on the outer surface of the diaper or The moisture state of the diaper can be judged in the state near the outer surface. Such as the urination detection system of claim 1, wherein the moisture detection sensor and the external monitoring device are configured to transmit and receive information via short-range wireless communication with a communication distance of 1 m or less. For example, the urination detection system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the moisture detection sensor and the external monitoring device are configured to transmit and receive information through wireless communication that can communicate without mutual authentication. For example, the urination detection system of any one of claims 1 to 3, which has: A plurality of the above-mentioned moisture detection sensors; and At least one of the above-mentioned external monitoring devices can be shared with each moisture detection sensor. Such as the urination detection system of claim 4, wherein the moisture detection sensor and the external monitoring device are configured such that the communication distance is a close distance that is less than 1/2 of the arrangement interval of the moisture detection sensors Wireless communication is used to send and receive information. The urination detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the external monitoring device is configured to perform the monitoring output through a display output. The urination detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the external monitoring device is configured to perform the monitoring output by sound output. Such as the urination detection system of any one of claims 1 to 5, which is provided with: a server device that manages information related to the above-mentioned diaper wearer; and The external monitoring device and the server device are configured to transmit and receive information related to the result of the monitoring output of the external monitoring device via wireless communication.

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