WO2021045044A1

WO2021045044A1 - Liquid detection sensor, object to be detected, and liquid detection system

Info

Publication number: WO2021045044A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/033060
Authority: WO
Inventors: 浩康岩田; 海里和▲崎▼; 明弘梅澤
Original assignee: 浩康岩田
Priority date: 2019-09-02
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Also published as: JP7313675B2; JP2021038971A

Abstract

Wireless communication is performed via an antenna (14) by a communication circuit (16) of a liquid detection sensor (10). At this time, when a sheet board (12) is deformed by reaction with liquid, the antenna (14) on the sheet board (12) is deformed, the apparent area of the antenna (14) is reduced, and the intensity of radio waves is lowered. Alternately, connection between the antenna (14) and the communication circuit (16) is disconnected and communication is stopped.

Description

Liquid detection sensors, objects to be detected, and liquid detection systems

The technology of the present disclosure relates to a liquid detection sensor, a detection object, and a liquid detection system, and more particularly to a liquid detection sensor for detecting a liquid, a detection object, and a liquid detection system.

In recent years, the aging of Japan has progressed rapidly, and it is said that the elderly population will exceed 30% by 2025. Along with this, the number of people requiring long-term care will increase, and the shortage of long-term care facilities and human resources will become a serious social problem. Excretion, bathing, meals, etc. are mentioned as burdens at the nursing care site, and excretion is particularly burdensome not only for the staff of the nursing facility but also for the care recipient. The burden on the care staff includes checking diapers every two hours, guiding the toilet, handling excrement leaks, and labor shortages at night. On the other hand, the care recipient has a mental burden that the excretion check is performed from early morning, which hinders a good night's sleep and damages dignity. Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on the long-term care facility staff and the care recipient, a system that detects excretion and notifies the long-term care facility staff is required.

In addition, conventionally, there are devices that detect urine using sensor ICs such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and wet sensors, and wirelessly notify terminals such as smartphones of excretion (Non-Patent Documents 1 to 4). These devices require batteries for sensor drive and wireless communication.

The above-mentioned device needs to be collected after use, which increases the work load compared to the case where the device is not used. In addition, there are problems such as hygiene when it is reused. There are also problems that it is not comfortable to wear due to being a large device and that it is expensive.

The technology of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid detection sensor that can be compact and have a low cost configuration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a detection object and a liquid detection system using a liquid detection sensor having a small and low cost configuration.

The first aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid detection sensor, which is a sheet substrate formed of a material that deforms in response to a liquid, an antenna formed on the sheet substrate, and connected to the antenna. Moreover, it is configured to include a communication circuit that performs wireless communication via the antenna.

The second aspect of the present disclosure is a detection target, which includes the above-mentioned liquid detection sensor, and the liquid detection sensor is a liquid detection target mounted on the surface or inside.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid detection system, which is a liquid detection system for detecting a liquid in a detection target, and is attached to the detection target with the liquid detection sensor and the liquid. It is configured to include a communication device that performs wireless communication with the communication circuit of the detection sensor.

As described above, according to one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure, the effect that a compact and low-cost configuration can be obtained can be obtained.

Further, according to one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an effect that a liquid detection sensor having a small size and a low cost configuration can be used.

It is a block diagram which shows the liquid detection system which concerns on embodiment of the technique of this disclosure. It is an image diagram which shows the installation example of the liquid detection system which concerns on embodiment of the technique of this disclosure. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid detection sensor which concerns on embodiment of the technique of this disclosure. It is a top view which shows the state that the sheet substrate and the antenna of the liquid detection sensor which concerns on embodiment of the technique of this disclosure contract. It is a top view which shows the state that the sheet substrate and the antenna of the liquid detection sensor which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure technique break. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the structure of the liquid detection sensor which concerns on embodiment of the technique of this disclosure. It is a top view which shows the state that the sheet substrate and the antenna of the liquid detection sensor which concerns on embodiment of the technique of this disclosure contract. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of inserting a liquid detection sensor into a diaper. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the method of inserting a liquid detection sensor into a diaper.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the technique of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the technique of the present disclosure is applied to a liquid detection system that detects the presence or absence of excrement as a liquid in a diaper will be described as an example.

<Outline of Embodiments of the Technology of the Present Disclosure>
The liquid detection sensor according to the embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure has an antenna for wireless communication using a UHF band (RFID), and has a sheet having a structure that collapses when it reacts with water (urine / feces) as a substrate. It is a thin film device. When moisture touches this sheet, the sheet collapses and the antenna is disconnected, resulting in interruption of communication. By detecting this communication blackout, excrement can be detected remotely.

Since the liquid detection sensor uses wireless communication, a notification can be sent even if the person is away from the wearer, and the detection of excrement can be noticed. Further, since the liquid detection sensor does not have a battery, it does not need to be collected for reuse. In addition, the price can be kept down, leading to miniaturization.

Also, by making the liquid detection sensor compact, there is no sense of discomfort even when wearing a diaper with a built-in liquid detection sensor. Further, by making the liquid detection sensor easily attached to the diaper, it is possible to suppress an increase in the burden of the attachment work. In addition, the liquid detection sensor can be configured at a low price, and is cheaper than the product using the above-mentioned conventional technology, so that it is easy to introduce. Further, by making the liquid detection sensor disposable, it is not necessary to collect the liquid, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in the work load.

In addition, the caregiver does not have to check the inside of the diaper every few hours, reducing the burden of excretion care. In addition, the care recipient will not be able to see inside the diaper even though he is not excreting. In addition, by promptly changing the diaper after excretion, discomfort and skin irritation caused by excrement can be eliminated.

<Structure of the liquid detection system according to the embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure>
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid detection system 100 according to the embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure includes a liquid detection sensor 10, a wireless communication device 50, and an information processing device 70. The liquid detection sensor 10 and the wireless communication device 50 are wirelessly (for example, UHF band) connected. The wireless communication device 50 and the information processing device 70 are connected to each other via a network N such as LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid detection sensor 10 is mounted inside the diaper 20. The wireless communication device 50 is installed on the back side of the bed 30 and performs wireless communication with the liquid detection sensor 10 attached to the diaper 20 worn by a person lying on the bed 30.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the liquid detection sensor 10 is connected to a sheet substrate 12 formed of a material that deforms in response to a liquid, an antenna 14 formed on the sheet substrate 12, and an antenna 14. Moreover, it is provided with a communication circuit 16 that performs wireless communication via the antenna 14. The antenna 14 and the communication circuit 16 on the sheet substrate 12 are covered by the coating layer 12A. Here, the deformation is a concept including collapse, large deformation, and plastic deformation.

The material of the sheet substrate 12 is a material that deforms in response to a liquid, and is, for example, any one of oblate, SBS-based material, and PVA-based material, or a combination of two or more of these. Further, the coating layer 12A of the sheet substrate 12 is also formed of a material that deforms in response to a liquid.
However, the coating layer 12A may not be provided.

The antenna 14 is formed on the seat substrate 12 so that the function of radiating radio waves into the air is impaired according to the deformation of the seat substrate 12. The shape of the antenna 14 is, for example, a rectangle. The antenna 14 is formed of conductive ink, and the antenna 14 is formed on the sheet substrate 12 by printing using the conductive ink.

The communication circuit 16 is configured as an IC tag, for example, and is installed on the sheet substrate 12.

Since the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A are formed of oblate, when they react with the liquid, the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A shrink as shown in FIG. 3B, and the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A Along with the shrinkage, the conductive ink antenna 14 on the sheet substrate 12 also shrinks. As a result, the apparent area of the antenna 14 becomes smaller (lower figure of FIG. 3B), the performance (communication distance) of the antenna 14 decreases, and the radio wave intensity received by the wireless communication device 50 decreases. Alternatively, when the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A react with the liquid, as shown in FIG. 3C, the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A are melted and broken, and the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A are broken in accordance with the breakage. , The conductive ink antenna 14 on the sheet substrate 12 is also broken (lower figure of FIG. 3C). As a result, the antenna 14 is disconnected and communication becomes impossible, and the wireless communication device 50 detects the communication interruption.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the liquid detection sensor 10 may include two

support layers

12B and 12C that support the sheet substrate 12. In this case, the sheet substrate 12 is formed of a material having a property of shrinking, and is formed of, for example, SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer).

The support layer 12B that directly supports the sheet substrate 12 is formed of a water-soluble material, for example, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). Since PVA is water-soluble, it disappears when exposed to water.
However, if the support layer 12B is sufficiently thick and the shape of the sheet substrate 12 is sufficiently maintained, the support layer 12C may not be provided.

The support layer 12C supported via the support layer 12B is formed of a material for maintaining the shape of the sheet substrate 12, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

In the example of FIG. 4A, the sheet substrate 12, the support layers 12B, and 12C are laminated and processed so as to make a hole. Since the holes are formed in each of the sheet substrate 12, the

support layer

12B, and 12C, the liquid can easily come into contact with the support layer 12B, and the support layer 12B dissolves quickly, so that the accuracy of detecting the liquid is improved.

When the support layer 12B melts, the layer that directly supports the sheet substrate 12 disappears, so that the sheet substrate 12 contracts, which breaks the connection between the wireless communication device 50 and the antenna 14 (see FIG. 4B).

As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication device 50 includes a reading unit 52 and a communication unit 54.

The reading unit 52 communicates with the communication circuit 16 of the liquid detection sensor 10 by wireless communication (for example, UHF band) in response to a command from the information processing device 70, and the communication result (whether the communication is successful). Communication interruption or radio wave strength) is transmitted to the information processing device 70 via the communication unit 54.

The communication unit 54 transmits / receives data to / from the information processing device 70 via the network N.

Power is supplied to the wireless communication device 50 from, for example, a power supply unit 51 including a battery. The power supply unit 51 is installed on the back side of the bed 30, for example.

The information processing device 70 is composed of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a display, and the like (not shown). The liquid detection processing program is stored in the ROM. The liquid detection processing program is read from the ROM, expanded in the RAM, executed by the CPU, and the liquid detection processing is executed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 70 includes a communication unit 72, a control unit 74, and a display unit 76.

The communication unit 72 transmits / receives data to / from the wireless communication device 50 via the network N.

The control unit 74 transmits a command for wireless communication with the communication circuit of the liquid detection sensor 10 to the wireless communication device 50 via the communication unit 72 at predetermined intervals, and transmits the command via the communication unit 72. Acquires the communication result received from the wireless communication device 50.

The control unit 74 indicates that the acquired communication result indicates that the wireless communication with the communication circuit 16 of the liquid detection sensor 10 has been interrupted, or the acquired communication result is with the communication circuit 16 of the liquid detection sensor 10. It is determined that the excrement in the diaper 20 has been detected when it indicates that the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the two has dropped below the threshold value. The control unit 74 causes the display unit 76 to display a message indicating that the excrement as a liquid has been detected.

<Operation of liquid detection system>
Next, the operation of the liquid detection system 100 according to the embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure will be described.

First, the caregiver attaches the liquid detection sensor 10 inside the diaper 20 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, a pocket 20A is formed in the diaper 20 for inserting the liquid detection sensor 10, and the liquid detection sensor 10 is inserted into the pocket 20A to attach the liquid detection sensor 10 inside the diaper 20. Then, the care recipient puts on the diaper 20 to which the liquid detection sensor 10 is attached. Then, when the care recipient wearing the diaper 20 is lying on the bed 30, the information processing device 70 executes the liquid detection process in response to the operation of the operator.

In the liquid detection process, the control unit 74 transmits a command for wireless communication with the communication circuit of the liquid detection sensor 10 to the wireless communication device 50 via the communication unit 72 at predetermined intervals. The communication result received from the wireless communication device 50 is acquired via the communication unit 72.

At this time, when the person being cared for excretes excrement in the diaper 20, the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A of the liquid detection sensor 10 contract in response to the excrement, resulting in the contraction of the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A. At the same time, the conductive ink antenna 14 on the sheet substrate 12 also contracts. As a result, the apparent area of the antenna 14 is reduced, and the radio wave intensity is lowered. Alternatively, the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A of the liquid detection sensor 10 are melted and broken in response to excrement, and are made of conductive ink on the sheet substrate 12 in accordance with the breaking of the sheet substrate 12 and the coating layer 12A. The antenna 14 is also broken, and the antenna 14 is disconnected, making communication impossible.

The reading unit 52 of the wireless communication device 50 communicates with the communication circuit 16 of the liquid detection sensor 10 by wireless communication in response to a command from the information processing device 70, and a communication result indicating that the communication is interrupted. Is transmitted to the information processing device 70 via the communication unit 54.

The control unit 74 of the information processing device 70 indicates that the acquired communication result indicates that the wireless communication with the communication circuit 16 of the liquid detection sensor 10 has been interrupted, or the acquired communication result is the liquid detection sensor 10. When it indicates that the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication with the communication circuit 16 has dropped below the threshold value, it is determined that the excrement in the diaper 20 has been detected. The control unit 74 causes the display unit 76 to display a message indicating that the excrement as a liquid has been detected.

The caregiver can confirm the message displayed on the display unit 76, know that the care recipient has excreted excrement in the diaper 20, and can immediately change the diaper 20. At this time, the used diaper 20 is discarded with the liquid detection sensor 10 attached.

As described above, according to the liquid detection system according to the embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure, an antenna made of conductive ink and a communication circuit which is an IC tag are mounted on the sheet substrate of the liquid detection sensor. When it reacts with water (urine / feces), the sheet substrate physically collapses, which causes the antenna to contract or break. In this way, it is possible to know that the liquid detection sensor has reacted with the liquid by using the liquid detection sensor having a small and low cost configuration.

Also, a pocket for inserting the liquid detection sensor is provided in the diaper, and the liquid detection sensor is inserted into the diaper for use. After using the diaper, it does not need to be collected and is thrown away as it is, so an increase in work load can be suppressed.

In addition, the wireless communication device installed on the bed performs wireless communication with the liquid detection sensor attached to the diaper, and the information processing device 70 is remotely notified of the communication result, thereby causing the inside of the diaper to be notified. You can remotely check the internal condition of the diaper (presence or absence of excrement) without checking.

Also, the liquid detection sensor can be easily attached to the existing diaper.

<Modification example>
Although preferred embodiments of the techniques of the present disclosure have been described above, the techniques of the present disclosure are not limited to these embodiments.

For example, a liquid detection may be performed by using an energization type sensor that energizes in response to a liquid.

Further, the information processing apparatus 70 may predict excretion by AI (artificial intelligence) using the data of the excretion interval obtained by collecting the detection result of detecting the excrement.

Further, the case where the sheet substrate is formed by using a combination of oblate, SBS, PVA, and PET as a material that deforms in response to a liquid has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of SBS, polystyrene isoprene styrene, polydimethylsiloxane, silicone, polystyrene, polymethacrylic acid, polylactic acid, polylactic acid glycolic acid copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, chitosan, alginic acid, cellulose acetate, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, Alternatively, collagen may be used. Further, instead of PVA, sodium alginate or PNIPAM (poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)) may be used. Also, instead of PET, PP (polypropylene), PPE (polyphenylene ether), COP (cycloolefin), PI (polyimide), aluminum foil, conductive polymer film, paper, polysaccharide film, silicone resin, silicon wafer, glass Etc. may be used.

Further, the case where the UHF band is used in the wireless communication between the liquid detection sensor and the wireless communication device has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and NFC, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used. , UHF band, NFC (Near field communication), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used in combination of at least two or more.

Although the case where a pocket for inserting a liquid detection sensor is provided in the diaper has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. The diaper may be provided with only a notch for inserting the liquid detection sensor, and the liquid detection sensor may be inserted into the diaper through the notch. Further, the liquid detection sensor may be attached to the surface of the diaper. Further, the liquid detection sensor may be fixed by placing the liquid detection sensor on the surface of the diaper and covering it with a urine absorbing pad or the like.

Although the case where the wireless communication device is provided on the back side of the bed has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless communication device may be provided near the bed. Further, a wireless communication device may be provided at the entrance / exit of the room to detect the entry / exit of the room of the care recipient wearing a diaper equipped with a liquid detection sensor to prevent wandering. Further, a wireless communication device may be provided on a shelf for storing diapers, and the number of diapers to which a liquid detection sensor is attached may be detected to manage the inventory of diapers.

Further, the liquid detection system according to the embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure may be used for use in situations where liquid detection is required (application to buildings, robots, etc.). For example, the liquid detection sensor may be attached not only to the care recipient but also to the diaper of an infant. In addition, a liquid detection system may be used in situations where rain detection is required. Further, a liquid detection system may be used for detecting heat stroke. Further, a liquid detection sensor may be attached to the pet toilet.

The entire disclosure of Japanese application 2019-159421 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are to the same extent as if the individual documents, patent applications, and technical standards were specifically and individually stated to be incorporated by reference. Incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

A sheet substrate formed from a material that deforms in response to a liquid,
The antenna formed on the sheet substrate and
A communication circuit connected to the antenna and performing wireless communication via the antenna,
Liquid detection sensor including.
The liquid detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is formed on the sheet substrate so that the function of radiating radio waves in the air is impaired according to the deformation of the sheet substrate.
The materials are styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, polystyrene isoprene styrene, polydimethylsiloxane, silicone, polystyrene, polymethacrylic acid, polylactic acid, polylactic acid glycolic acid copolymer, polyvinylacetate, chitosan, alginic acid, acetic acid. The liquid detection sensor according to claim 1, which is cellulose, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, collagen, polystyrene alcohol, sodium alginate, poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), or oblate.
The liquid detection sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna is made of conductive ink.
The liquid detection sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is included.
A detection object to which the liquid detection sensor is mounted on the surface or inside and is a liquid detection target.
A liquid detection system for detecting liquid in the object to be detected.
The liquid detection sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is attached to the detection object.
A communication device that performs wireless communication with the communication circuit of the liquid detection sensor,
Liquid detection system including.
When the wireless communication between the communication device and the communication circuit of the liquid detection sensor is interrupted, or when the radio wave intensity in the wireless communication between the communication device and the communication circuit of the liquid detection sensor is reduced, the said. The liquid detection system according to claim 6, further comprising an information processing device that determines that a liquid in a detection object has been detected.
The liquid detection system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the detection target is a diaper.