WO2022196600A1 - Hyperthermia/dehydration predictive warning system and perspiration rate measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for predictively warning about hyperthermia and dehydration at a low-cost, and in an easy and timely manner. A hyperthermia/dehydration predictive warning system (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a perspiration rate measuring means (11) for measuring the perspiration rate of perspiration moisture from a subject's hand, a comparing means (12) for comparing the perspiration rate against a pre-established reference value, and a warning means (13) for emitting a warning. The measured perspiration rate measured by the perspiration rate measuring means (11) is compared against the reference value by the comparing means (12), and the warning is emitted by the warning means (13) when the measured perspiration rate has fallen below the reference value.

Description

Heat stroke, dehydration warning system and transpiration rate measurement device

The present invention relates to a heatstroke and dehydration warning system and a device for measuring transpiration rate.

In recent years, especially in the summer, heatstroke and dehydration have become a problem, with an increase in the number of cases and aggravation leading to death.
Heatstroke and dehydration are less likely to become serious if you replenish plenty of water in the very early stages and rest in a cool place with an air conditioner. However, as people age, subjective symptoms such as heat and thirst become less likely to be felt, so there are frequent cases where it is too late for elderly people and the like, which has become a social problem. For example, in the summer of 2020, about 13,000 people are transported by ambulance due to heatstroke and dehydration in one week in Japan. This number is about 10% of all ambulance transportation. About 80% of the 13,000 people are elderly people living at home.

Therefore, it is important to catch the signs of heat stroke and dehydration and issue an early warning, and there is a strong demand to provide an easy-to-use warning system, especially for the elderly.

To prevent heatstroke and dehydration, drink plenty of water on hot days, avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible and evacuate to the shade of a tree, or turn on the air conditioner indoors. It is basically left to individual senses.

Prevention at nursing homes for the elderly is usually based on general physical condition management data such as body weight, body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, as well as outside temperature, humidity, sunlight, etc., and in light of experience and established standards. However, it did not issue warnings according to the premonitory conditions directly linked to individual heat stroke and dehydration. Moreover, since these evaluation items indirectly reflect the state of dehydration rather than directly, conventional methods do not necessarily give timely warnings of signs of heatstroke and dehydration, and are simple and cost effective. It was not always satisfactory in terms of
As an example of a conventional heatstroke warning device, Patent Document 1 can be cited. The device of this document is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor so that the amount of perspiration can be monitored.

JP 2013-90894 A International publication WO2016/013544A1 JP 2019-52893 A

The object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, simple and timely warning system for signs of heatstroke and dehydration.

The configuration of the present invention for solving the above problems is shown below.
(Configuration 1)
Transpiration rate measuring means for measuring the transpiration rate of transpiration water from the subject's hand, comparison means for comparing the transpiration rate with a predetermined reference value, and warning means for issuing a warning,
The comparison means compares the measured transpiration rate measured by the transpiration rate measuring means with the reference value, and the warning means issues a warning when the measured transpiration rate falls below the reference value. warning system.
(Configuration 2)
The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to Configuration 1, wherein the reference value is 0.006 mg/(cm ² ·min) or more and 600 mg/(cm ² ·min) or less.
(Composition 3)
The heat treatment according to configuration 1, wherein the reference value is 1/4 of the average value of the measured transpiration rates obtained by measuring the transpiration rate a plurality of times in advance by the transpiration rate measuring means and without a change in body weight of the subject. disease, dehydration warning system.
(Composition 4)
Further comprising hand temperature measuring means for measuring hand temperature and reference value calibrating means for calibrating the reference value based on hand temperature,
Simultaneously with the measurement of the measured transpiration rate, the temperature of the subject's hand is measured by the hand temperature measuring means, and the comparison means compares the reference value A by the reference value calibration means and the measured value of the measured transpiration rate, 4. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the warning means issues a warning when the measured transpiration rate falls below the reference value A.
(Composition 5)
Used in facilities with home appliances with touch switches,
5. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the transpiration rate measuring means is arranged in a box containing the touch switch.
(Composition 6)
The transpiration rate measuring means includes a fine droplet detection unit in which a fine wire of a first metal and a fine wire of a second metal different from the first metal are arranged side by side on an insulating substrate; 6. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, comprising a measurement unit that measures a galvanic current flowing between the metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire.
(Composition 7)
The transpiration rate measuring means is
Having a specimen part that accommodates at least a part of the hand,
The sample unit is provided with a fine droplet detection unit in which a thin wire of a first metal and a thin wire of a second metal different from the first metal are arranged side by side on an insulating substrate,
Further, a measurement unit placed inside, outside, or straddling both the inside and outside of the specimen unit and measuring a galvanic current flowing between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire, A heatstroke/dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6.
(Composition 8)
The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to configuration 7, wherein the first metal is selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum, silver, titanium and alloys thereof, and carbon.
(Composition 9)
Heatstroke according to configuration 7 or 8, wherein the second metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium and alloys thereof. , dehydration warning system.
(Configuration 10)
At least one of the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal is provided in plurality, and the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal are arranged in a direction facing each other toward the other side. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 7 to 9, which runs parallel to each other by extending.
(Composition 11)
Heat stroke and dehydration warning according to any one of configurations 7 to 10, wherein the distance between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire is more than 1.0 μm and less than 10 μm. system.
(Composition 12)
A protective cap is formed on the upper surface of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire to prevent contact between the hand and the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 7 to 11.
(Composition 13)
13. Any one of configurations 7 to 12, wherein a protective mesh having gas permeable openings is disposed between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire and the hand. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system described in .
(Composition 14)
14. Any one of configurations 7 to 13, wherein the first metal thread and the second metal thread are spaced apart from contacting the hand above or laterally with respect to the hand. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system described in the paragraph.
(Composition 15)
15. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 7 to 14, wherein the specimen unit has a capacity of 0.05 cm ³ or more and 2.5 cm ³ or less.
(Composition 16)
16. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of configurations 7 to 15, wherein an electrode for temperature measurement whose electric resistance changes with temperature is further arranged in the specimen section.
(Composition 17)
17. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to configuration 16, wherein the electrode for temperature measurement is shared with the thin wire of the first metal or the thin wire of the second metal.
(Composition 18)
Having a specimen part that accommodates at least a part of the hand,
The sample unit is provided with a fine droplet detection unit in which a thin wire of a first metal and a thin wire of a second metal different from the first metal are arranged side by side on an insulating substrate,
A protective cap is formed on the top surface of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire to prevent contact between the hand and the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire,
Between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire and the hand, a protective mesh having gas-permeable openings is arranged,
Transpiration rate, having a measurement unit placed inside, outside, or straddling both the inside and outside of the specimen portion and measuring a galvanic current flowing between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire. measurement device.
(Composition 19)
19. The transpiration rate measuring device according to configuration 18, wherein said first metal is selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum, silver, titanium and alloys thereof, and carbon.
(Configuration 20)
Transpiration rate according to configuration 18 or 19, wherein said second metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium and alloys thereof. measurement device.
(Composition 21)
At least one of the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal is provided in plurality, and the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal are arranged in a direction facing each other toward the other side. 21. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of configurations 18 to 20, which runs parallel to each other by stretching.
(Composition 22)
22. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of configurations 18 to 21, wherein the distance between the thin wire of the first metal and the thin wire of the second metal is more than 1.0 μm and less than 10 μm.
(Composition 23)
23. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of configurations 18 to 22, wherein the volume of the specimen part is 0.05 cm ³ or more and 2.5 cm ³ or less.
(Composition 24)
24. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of configurations 18 to 23, further comprising a temperature measuring electrode whose electrical resistance changes with temperature is arranged in the specimen part.
(Composition 25)
25. The transpiration rate measurement device according to configuration 24, wherein the temperature measurement electrode is shared with the first metal thin wire or the second metal thin wire.

According to the present invention, a low-cost, simple, and timely warning system for signs of heat stroke and dehydration and a transpiration rate measurement device used as the core of the system are provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a heat stroke and dehydration warning system of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the transpiration rate measuring means of the system of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration and operating principle of a microdroplet detecting section of the system of the present invention; BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the features of the micro droplet detection unit of the system of the present invention, (a) is a physical adsorption detection method (physical adsorption sensor), and (b) is a chemical adsorption used in a general humidity sensor. It is a detection method (chemisorption sensor). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the structure of the minute liquid droplet detection section of the system of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the structure of the minute liquid droplet detection section of the system of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the structure of the specimen section of the system of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between dehydration symptoms and weight loss rate. It is a photograph which shows the device for transpiration rate measurement which was prototyped in the Example, (a) is a device single body, (b) is the state which put the finger on the container of the device. It is an optical photograph taken from the upper surface of the microdroplet detecting portion of the device used in Examples. It is a characteristic diagram showing the time change of the output current, (a) is before running, (b) is after running, and (c) is after rehydration. FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the output current and the volume of droplets straddling the fine metal wire; FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the steam rate and body weight change rate, and the relationship between the steam sweat rate and the risk of heat stroke obtained by linking the relationship between the body weight decrease rate and the symptoms of dehydration.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 describes a heatstroke/dehydration warning system and a transpiration rate measuring device used therein according to the present invention.

<System overview>
A heatstroke/dehydration warning system 101 of the present invention has a transpiration rate measuring means 11, a comparing means 12 and a warning means 13, as shown in FIG.

<Transpiration rate measuring means>
The transpiration rate measuring means 11 is a means for measuring the transpiration rate of transpiration water from the subject's hand, and includes a sample section 21 and a measurement section 22 as shown in FIG. 2 which is a plan view.
The specimen unit 21 includes a container that accommodates at least a portion of a subject's hand, and a microdroplet detection unit 21a that detects microdroplets having a diameter conversion size of 100 nm or more and 20 μm or less.

A hand means each part of a finger, a palm, and a wrist, and the transpiration rate of the evaporated water from one or more parts is measured by the transpiration rate measuring means 11 . Therefore, the transpiration rate of evaporated water from any one of a single finger, a single palm, a single wrist, fingers and palms, palms and wrists, fingers, palms and wrists may be measured.
Here, measurement with a finger (more specifically, a fingertip) is characterized by the fact that it is easy to reduce the size of the device used (device for transpiration rate measurement), it is simple and easy to handle, and it is easy to reduce costs. There is
Measurement with the palm is characterized by the fact that it is easy to detect perspiration (sweat that evaporates) because the amount of perspiration from that part is large, and that the perspiration rate (the speed of perspiration) can be measured with high accuracy and ease.
Since the measurement at the wrist is close to the trunk and has a high correlation between the sweating phenomenon and heatstroke and dehydration, it is possible to measure with little influence of other factors.
Naturally, in the measurement using a plurality of parts such as fingers and palms, it is possible to measure the features of each part.
In this specification, the transpiration rate of transpiration water means the rate at which transpiration occurs (transpiration occurs) with respect to the transpiration of water from the hands. ), the term steam rate is used. In addition, the speed of generation of evaporated water means the speed at which water is evaporated (transpiration occurs) from the skin including the hands.

The device should contain the part of the hand to be measured, or have a structure that makes it difficult for evaporated water (steamed sweat) to escape from the part of the hand to be measured when it is placed in close contact with or close to the part of the hand to be measured. A formed box-like shape or a cup-like shape on which a measurement site such as a finger can be placed instead of a lid is used.
In addition, the device has a small cavity (spatial capacity) during measurement so that the sweat rate can be measured in a short period of time within a range in which the hand to be measured does not touch the microdroplet detector 21a.
Therefore, it is preferable that the volume of the sample portion, which is the space formed in the vessel during measurement, is 0.05 cm ³ or more and 2.5 cm ³ or less.

The minute droplet detection unit 21a detects moisture caused by sweat as minute droplets, that is, a sweat detection unit. As the configuration of the minute droplet detection section 21a, a configuration of a sensor section such as a droplet sensor or a humidity sensor can be adopted. The microdroplet detection unit 21a is electrically connected to a measurement unit 22, which will be described later. It is configured to be able to measure the transpiration rate of water.
There are droplet sensors and humidity sensors based on various principles, but in the present invention, first fine metal wires (first fine metal wires) 23 are juxtaposed on an insulating substrate with a minute gap d. and a second metal thin wire (second metal thin wire) 25 different from the first metal, and measures a galvanic current flowing between the first metal thin wire 23 and the second metal thin wire 25. The amperometric method is particularly preferred. Here, the first thin metal wire 23 is electrically connected to a first electrode 24 as a collecting electrode, and the second thin metal wire 25 is electrically connected to a second electrode 26 as a collecting electrode and bundled.

FIG. 3 shows the principle by which minute droplets can be detected by the minute droplet detector 21a of the galvanic current measurement method. This principle is also described in Patent Document 2.
Moisture of evaporated water (moisture due to perspiration) turns into fine droplets and floats in the air, and adsorption/condensation phenomena form the first fine metal wire 23 made of metal A and the second fine metal wire 25 made of metal B. A droplet (water droplet containing impurity ions from sweat) is formed so as to straddle the , and a galvanic current flows due to the electrochemical potential difference between the metals. Since the magnitude of this galvanic current has a correlation with the number and size of the droplets, the rate of change in the galvanic current corresponds to the minute droplet formation rate, that is, the perspiration rate. This correspondence relationship can be quantitatively understood by preparing a calibration curve in advance. Therefore, the perspiration rate is known by monitoring the rate of change of the galvanic current.
As the rate of change of the galvanic current, the first derivative of the galvanic output current, the reciprocal of the rise time up to the galvanic output current value set according to a certain standard, or the like can be used. The method using the rise time is practically preferred because it is suitable for timely alarming in a short period of time. Speed is especially important because heat stroke and dehydration are life-threatening.

This perspiration rate measurement method is a physical adsorption detection method, which is different from the chemical adsorption detection method used in general humidity sensors.
Moisture due to perspiration is detected by the above-mentioned physical adsorption detection method, that is, a detection unit provided with a first fine metal wire 23 and a second fine metal wire 25 arranged side by side on an insulating substrate with a minute distance d. As shown in Fig. 4(a), droplets can be adsorbed in layers on the sensor surface (micro droplet detection surface), so even under high humidity conditions, an accurate response can be obtained according to the amount of moisture. It has characteristics. On the other hand, in the chemisorption detection method, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the adsorption capacity is limited by monomolecular layer adsorption. Therefore, when the amount of perspiration, that is, the amount of droplets due to perspiration increases, adsorption saturation occurs and the measurement accuracy is reduced. decreases. As an example of a moisture sensitive sheet and a moisture sensitive system for measuring the amount of perspiration by a chemisorption detection method, Patent Document 3 can be mentioned.

As shown in FIG. 2, at least one of the first thin metal wires 23 and the second thin metal wires 25 is provided in plural, and the first thin metal wires 23 and the second thin metal wires 25 are arranged from directions facing each other. By running parallel to each other so as to extend toward the other side and narrowing the width of the electrode, that is, by making it a thin wire, the area occupied by the microdroplet detection unit (steam sweat detection unit) 21a is suppressed. , the portion where both electrodes face each other closely can be lengthened. As a result, the battery capacity can be increased, that is, the galvanic current that can be taken out can be increased. An increase in the galvanic current is preferable because it improves the S/N in the sweat rate measurement.

By arranging such thin metal wires parallel to each other, the length of the adjacent portion between the metal thin wires (hereinafter referred to as the parallel running distance) is increased. Examples of the structure include a comb structure and a double spiral structure. be able to. Since the structure itself for maximizing the parallel running distance of two thin metal wires within a certain planar area is well known in the field of semiconductor devices and the like, such a structure may also be adopted as necessary. In the present invention, "placing thin metal wires side by side on a substrate" does not specify the mutual orientation of a plurality of thin metal wires placed on the substrate, but the fine metal wires are spaced apart on the same plane of the substrate. It means to place

Examples of the material of the first fine metal wire 23 include gold (Au), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti) and alloys thereof when the first fine metal wire 23 is used as a cathode. Mention may be made of materials selected from the group of carbon (C).
When the second metal fine wire 25 is used as an anode, examples of the material of the second metal fine wire 25 include silver (Ag), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), Mention may be made of materials selected from the group of Cobalt (Co), Aluminum (Al), Tin (Sn), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), Manganese (Mn), Magnesium (Mg) and alloys thereof. However, when silver or its alloy is used as the first thin metal wire 23, the material of the second thin metal wire 25 is other than silver and its alloy.

Naturally, the output (current) depends on the material combination of the thin metal wires. For example, between silver/iron and gold/silver, the silver/iron combination has a higher corrosion rate per the same area, resulting in a higher current value. On the other hand, the gold/silver electrode wears less and has a longer life. Here, since silver has the effect of preventing mold from growing at the location where water droplets are detected, it is preferably used as the first fine metal wire 23 or the second fine metal wire 25 .
It is preferable to use the same material for the first electrode 24 and the first metal wire 23, and for the second electrode 26 and the second metal wire 25, because this simplifies the manufacturing process of the transpiration rate measuring device.

The distance d between the first fine metal wire 23 and the second fine metal wire 25 is preferably more than 1.0 μm and less than 10 μm, more preferably 1.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and even more preferably 1.5 μm or more and 3 μm or less. . The inventor found out from accumulation of a large amount of experimental data that the resolution and measurement reproducibility of the perspiration rate are high when the interval d is within this range.

The thickness of the first fine metal wire 23 and the second fine metal wire 25 is preferably 10 nm or more and 300 nm or less. When the thickness of the first metal fine wire 23 and the second metal fine wire 25 is less than 10 nm, the electrical resistance becomes too large, making it difficult to extract output, and the output tends to change with time. On the other hand, even if the thickness of the first metal fine wire 23 and the second metal fine wire 25 exceeds 300 nm, no particular effect is observed and the material is wasted.

Note that when the galvanic current repeatedly flows between the first thin metal wire 23 and the second thin metal wire 25, the metal of the thin metal wire on the anode side is ionized and the thin metal wire on the anode side is gradually consumed. In particular, when the fine metal wires are thinned to increase the laying density of the fine metal wires, wear of the fine metal wires on the anode side tends to gradually increase the distance between the fine metal wires, and the fine metal wires are likely to break.

In order to deal with this problem while maintaining the laying density of the metal fine wires, for example, the thickness of the metal fine wires on the anode side may be increased, or the width of the metal fine wires on the anode side may be increased, and instead the thickness of the metal fine wires on the cathode side may be increased. The width should be narrowed.

If the first fine metal wire 23 and the second fine metal wire 25 come into contact with the hand or the sweat dripping directly from the hand, the measurement accuracy of the sweat rate will drop. As shown, it is preferable to form a protective cap 32 on the upper surface of the first fine metal wire 23 and the second fine metal wire 25 arranged in the container 31 . Here, the protective cap 32 preferably has a so-called overhang shape that has eaves for the first fine metal wires 23 and the second fine metal wires 25 in order to enhance the protection from unnecessary perspiration. In addition, when the part of the hand to be measured is placed in the container, or when the part of the hand to be measured and the container are brought into close contact with or close to each other, the hand (for example, the fingertip) can be The static electricity in the body may be discharged from the body, and an unintended current value may be measured. Therefore, it is also preferable to make part or all of the material of the protective cap 32 conductive so that internal static electricity can be released when a hand touches or approaches the protective cap 32 . However, in this case, the protection cap 32, the first thin metal wire 23, and the second thin metal wire 25 are electrically insulated.

_Films used for the protective cap 32 include, for example, _SiO2 , SiON, _SiOx , _SiNx , _Si3N4 , _HfOx , _{Al2O3 ,} polyimide, acrylic, polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene. Terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene A single layer film selected from the group consisting of ethylene copolymer (ETFE), copper, aluminum, nickel, zinc and their alloys, and stainless steel, or a laminated film consisting of one or more selected from the group can be mentioned.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6 for explaining the structure of another specimen part 103 , a protective cap 32 having an opening through which gas permeates is formed above the first thin metal wire 23 and the second thin metal wire 25 and the protective cap 32 . A mesh 41 is preferably provided. The openings in the protective mesh 41 allow moisture from perspiration to pass through the protective mesh 41 . On the other hand, provision of the protective mesh 41 can prevent the hands from touching the first fine metal wires 23 and the second fine metal wires 25 .
Examples of the protective mesh 41 include, but are not limited to, mesh members such as mesh plates and mesh films, woven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics. The material of the protective mesh 41 is not particularly limited, and metals, oxides, nitrides, oxynitrides, silicon, organic substances, etc. can be used. The openings of the protective mesh 41 can ensure gas permeation paths, such as holes or grooves formed in the protective mesh material, or spaces between fibers when cloth is used as the protective mesh material.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the microdroplet detector 21a in which the first metal fine wire 23 and the second metal fine wire 25 are arranged is positioned above or on the side of the hand (the finger 51 in the figure). It is preferably spaced on one side and not in contact with the hand. By doing so, it is possible to make the space 61 (capacity of the specimen part) compact while preventing the sweat directly dripping from the hand from touching the first metal fine wire 23 and the second metal fine wire 25, and the sweat can be removed. Rate measurement accuracy and measurement reliability are improved. In addition, as described above, the space 61 is preferably kept as small as possible in order to perform short-time measurement of the sweat rate.

The measurement unit 22 is equipped with an ammeter 28 electrically connected to the first metal electrode 24 and the second metal electrode 26 via a wiring 27, and the first thin metal wire 23 and the second metal electrode 26 are connected to each other. The galvanic current generated by the thin metal wire 25 can be measured. Then, the measured data of the current value and the time change of the current value are sent to the comparison means 12 through the signal path 29 . The signal path 29 may be electrical wiring, wireless distribution, or electronic media, but electrical wiring or wireless distribution is preferable from the point of view of responsiveness.

Here, the measurement unit 22 may be placed inside the container 31 that constitutes the sample unit 21, outside, or across the inside and outside. When placed inside a vessel, the device can be made compact. When placed outside the device, (1) maintainability is improved, (2) the failure rate is reduced because the measurement unit 22 can be placed in an environment with relatively lower humidity than the inside of the device, and (3) the damage from the device is reduced. Since the influence of heat generation is less likely to affect the inside of the vessel, the effect of improving the measurement accuracy and measurement reliability of the perspiration rate can be obtained. Also, if it is placed across the inside and the outside, a neutral effect can be obtained between the case where it is placed inside and the case where it is placed outside.

<Comparison means>
The comparison means 12 compares the measurement data of the current value and the time change of the current value sent from the measuring unit 22 with the determination data held as a reference or the determination data calculated from the past data, and compares the measurement data. When the data falls below the judgment data, the information is conveyed to the warning means 13. - 特許庁

Here, the determination data is the transpiration water generation rate, which is made to correspond to the change rate of the galvanic current by a calibration curve prepared in advance, and the transpiration rate of the transpiration water from the measurement data (measured transpiration rate) is the standard from the determination data. Make a judgment by comparing with the value.

Experimental examples will be given in the section of Examples. asked for risk relationships. FIG. 8 shows an example of the relationship between the symptoms of dehydration and the rate of weight loss.
Source: Tell me! "Hidden Dehydration" Committee
https://www.kakuredassui.jp/stop/knowledge/whatis/whatis03-2
Furthermore, the inventor believes that the sweat rate (transpiration rate) measurement site is susceptible to environmental factors such as temperature, wind, and sunshine at the extremities, not just the trunk such as the armpits, neck, chest, and abdomen. It was found that even a bare hand can sufficiently detect signs of heat stroke and dehydration and give a warning. Using the hand as the target site greatly facilitates handling during measurement, making it suitable for daily management of the elderly.

The determination value (standard value) of the vapor perspiration rate obtained as a result of the examination was 0.006 mg/(cm ² ·min) or more and 600 mg/(cm ² ·min) or less.

Moreover, the occurrence of heatstroke and dehydration varies among individuals, and also depends on the environment in which the subject is placed. For example, elderly people who spend most of their time in a fixed home depend on their living environment.
Therefore, in conducting the experiment, the inventor measured the normal sweat rate of the subject in advance, and investigated how much lower the sweat rate than that value would be a sign of heatstroke and dehydration. It was found that 1/4 of the average value of the measured transpiration rate when the body weight of the subject was not changed should be used as the criterion (reference value). That is, the reference value for determination by the comparison means is the average value of the measured transpiration rates that were obtained by measuring the transpiration rate of the transpiration water from the hand of the subject a plurality of times in advance by the transpiration rate measurement means 11, and that did not involve changes in the weight of the subject. I found that it should be 1/4.

<Warning Means>
When the warning means 13 receives information from the comparison means 12 indicating that the measured transpiration rate has fallen below the reference value (determination value), it warns that heatstroke and dehydration may occur. Warnings include visual notifications to subjects (text and image displays), audible notifications (audio alerts), and remote health management of subjects (medical institutions, nursing homes, etc.). etc.) and message communication. In addition to the warning, it is also preferable to take measures to prevent heatstroke and dehydration, such as rehydration and air conditioner operation.

<Temperature correction>
Preferably, the system further comprises hand temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the hand and reference value calibrating means for calibrating the reference value based on the temperature of the hand, in order to improve the warning accuracy.
In this embodiment, the temperature of the subject's hand is measured by the hand temperature measuring means at the same time as the transpiration rate is measured by the transpiration rate measuring means 11, and the reference value A reflecting the hand temperature and the transpiration are obtained by the reference value calibrating means. The comparison means 12 compares the measured value of the velocity (measured transpiration rate), and when the measured transpiration rate falls below the reference value A, the warning means 13 issues a warning.
Here, as the hand temperature measurement means, an electrode for temperature measurement, which is provided in the specimen section 21 and whose electrical resistance changes with temperature, can be mentioned. Further, if either the first thin metal wire 23 or the second thin metal wire 25 is made of a material having a high temperature coefficient of resistance near body temperature, it becomes possible to share the electrode for temperature measurement with part of the thin metal wire. It becomes possible to reduce the cost. Examples of such materials include platinum and titanium.
An infrared thermometer or the like can also be used as the hand temperature measuring means.

As described above, a low-cost, simple, and timely warning system for signs of heatstroke and dehydration is provided.

Moreover, the above-described transpiration rate measuring means 11 is a transpiration rate measuring device that has a short measurement time and is excellent in sensitivity and accuracy.
The transpiration rate measuring device consisting of the transpiration rate measuring means 11 is of a non-contact type in which the hand to be measured does not touch the microdroplet detection section 21a, and the microdroplet detection section 21a dries quickly after measurement and is repeated. Can be used. In addition, due to the configuration of the device, it is possible to measure the galvanic current even with a ^single droplet. 0.001 mg/(cm ² ·min) has been confirmed. The size of the device is 50 mm×65 mm×25 mm, for example, for a finger, and the measurement time is as short as 10 to 30 seconds.
Compared to other perspiration sensors, the specifications of the SKW-1000 (manufactured by Sukinos), for example, are 0.1 mg/(cm ² · min) of evaporated water measurement resolution, 30 seconds of measurement time, and the perspiration sensor (life care), the evaporative water measurement resolution is 1.1 mg/(cm ² · min), the measurement time is 60 seconds, and in the case of the sweat sensor (UC Berkeley), the evaporative water measurement resolution is 3-4 mg/(cm ² ·min), and the measurement time is 60 seconds. Moreover, the perspiration sensor and perspiration sensor cannot be used repeatedly. From the above, it can be seen that the transpiration rate measuring device of the present invention has high performance.

However, there is no other technology that can accurately determine the level of body water loss that has been put into practical use. In addition, commercially available body composition analyzers have a function to display the body water percentage, but when comparing before and after a process that definitely causes dehydration, such as intense exercise, the body water content after exercise is higher. Correlations with levels of body water loss, such as percentages, have not always been accurately obtained. Furthermore, even in medical institutions, the amount of water evaporation is calculated by the formula "body weight (kg) x 15 + 200 x (body temperature - 36.8)". At present, there is a strong demand for a simple perspiration measurement technique, such as the amount of evaporation becoming a negative value. The transpiration rate measuring device of the present invention meets this demand.

In the above description, the case of using the galvanic current measurement method as the minute droplet detection unit 21a has been described. On the other hand, when measuring changes in capacitance by chemically adsorbing droplets or using other measurement methods for measuring changes in voltage or resistance, the measurement unit 22 is replaced with an ammeter 28, and the measurement target is Depending on the requirements, impedance measuring devices, voltmeters, resistance measuring devices, etc. are provided. In that case, the objects to be compared by the comparing means 12 are those measured by them, such as impedance, voltage, and resistance.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 describes effective operation of the heat stroke/dehydration warning system and the transpiration rate measurement device described in Embodiment 1. FIG.

It is the present invention to measure the rate of sweat (steamed sweat) that evaporates from the hands such as fingertips (steamed sweat rate), warn the loss of body water, and promote hydration to prevent heatstroke and dehydration. It is the first use of the heat stroke, dehydration warning system, and transpiration rate measurement device.
The main target audience is the elderly at home. Elderly people at home spend most of their time in a relatively static environment. By doing so, signs of heatstroke and dehydration can be monitored with high accuracy.
Moreover, the transpiration rate measuring device of the present invention can be used repeatedly and has sufficient sensitivity to warn of signs of heatstroke and dehydration.

In addition, in order to improve the efficiency of medical and nursing care and reduce the burden on society, it is necessary to detect the possibility of illness at an early stage and conduct screenings to prevent aggravation, and to conduct self-checks that are self-management by each person. It is hoped that you will go there on a daily basis.
General self-check items include body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and weight, but these are indirect for symptoms caused by dehydration (dehydration symptoms). Since the system of the present invention can more directly grasp dehydration symptoms, it can also be used as a self-check system for dehydration symptoms.

The device for measuring the transpiration rate of the present invention is built into a button used in a home appliance or an intercom-type monitoring service, such as a touch switch, or placed in a box containing the touch switch, and the heat stroke or dehydration warning of the present invention is used. By connecting it to the system, it is easier to use and prevent heatstroke and dehydration, and manage your health. That is, the system of the present invention can be integrated with home appliances and intercom-type monitoring services, and can be used in facilities with home appliances equipped with touch switches.
Since such a button is used on a daily basis, it is possible to monitor the subject's (user's) perspiration status on a daily basis without any sense of incongruity, thereby enabling health management.

(Example 1)
In Example 1, an example using a device for measuring the transpiration rate, which is a transpiration rate measuring means, and which contains a microdroplet detection unit in which electrodes having thin metal wires made of two kinds of metals are arranged in a comb shape will be described. Of course, the invention is not limited to this particular form, but the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Figs. 9 and 10 show the prototype transpiration rate measuring device.
(a) of FIG. 9 is a photograph of the device alone, and (b) is a photograph of the device with a finger placed on the vessel. Here, the vessel of the specimen section equipped with the microdroplet detection section has a cup-like shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view and has an opening at the top. As shown in FIG. ), the finger becomes a lid.
FIG. 10 is a photograph of the microdroplet detecting portion of the device. The image on the left is an image of fine metal wires (galvanic array) arranged in a comb shape on a silicon chip (insulating substrate) 201 together with a scale 204. , and on the right side, an enlarged observation image of the first fine metal wire 202 and the second fine metal wire 203 from the upper surface is also shown.
As shown in Fig. 9(b), this device measures the speed of perspiration (sweat rate) that evaporates from the finger (fingertip) when the finger is placed on the container, and can send the measurement data wirelessly to the server. It has become. Here, aluminum was used for the first fine metal wire, gold was used for the second fine metal wire, and the distance d between the two fine metal wires was 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 5 μm and 10 μm. The space volume inside the vessel formed when the finger is placed is 1 cm ³ . The air temperature at the time of measurement in the measurement examples shown below was 25°C.
This device can be mass-produced at low cost using semiconductor processing technology, and the A/D conversion circuit can be manufactured at low cost because it can extract signals using electronic components that are widely used in the world.

FIG. 11 shows an example of measurement results of the galvanic output current using this device. Figure 11 (a) is before the subject ran (before running), (b) is after the heart rate returned to normal after running (after running), and (c) is 10 minutes after rehydration. The measurement data after (after rehydration) was measured immediately after the subject placed his/her finger on the container of the device. The test subject was a 50-year-old male, and the running was performed at a speed of about 10 km/h for about 1 hour. For the measurement of galvanic output current, the subject placed their finger on the vessel of the device and then removed it 30 seconds later.
From the results shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 11, it can be read that the output current signal rises in a nearly straight line and then settles down to a constant value although there are fluctuations.

What is important in the present invention is the correlation between the galvanic output current and the dehydration level (body water loss level) due to perspiration. In this first evaluation investigated, the sweat rate was evaluated by dividing the reference output current value by the time (s) required to reach that current value. Here, the reference output current value is set to 1×10 ⁻¹¹ A (10 pA). Therefore, the units of the vapor rate at this stage are pA/s. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the evaporation rate is a device-dependent value by creating a calibration curve showing the relationship between the output current (A) and the droplet volume (μm ³ ) across the metal fine wire. can be converted to units of mg/(cm ² ·min) that are not physically meaningful.

From FIG. 11, when the metal wire spacing d is 5 μm, the output current does not reach the reference value in the dehydrated state after running ((b) in FIG. 11), and about 15 seconds before running ((a) in FIG. 11). ), and reached the reference value after about 35 seconds after rehydration ((c) in FIG. 11), and the correlation between the galvanic output current and the dehydration level due to perspiration can be obtained, and it functions sufficiently as a sensor (dehydration sensor) to detect the dehydration state. demonstrated to do.
On the other hand, when the metal fine wire spacing d was 0.5 μm and 1 μm, there was no significant difference in the sweat rate before running, after running, and after rehydration. It can be seen that the increase in the output current value remains slightly after running and after hydration.
This is because when the distance d between the metal wires is 0.5 μm and 1 μm, even a small amount of water fills the narrow space between the metal wires, and when the distance d is 10 μm, there is not enough time for the water droplets to accumulate in the space between the metal wires. It is thought that this is because
As a result of accumulating measurement data by conducting experiments of the same method under different environmental conditions, the correlation between the perspiration rate and the dehydration level was found when the distance d between the first and second fine metal wires was more than 1 μm and less than 10 μm. Got. In particular, the correlation was enhanced when the distance d between fine metal wires was 1.5 μm or more and 3 μm or less, and the correlation was maximized when the distance d was 2 μm.

If you continue to sweat without rehydrating, you will become dehydrated. As can be seen from FIG. 8, if the water loss due to dehydration remains at 1-2% of the body weight, the symptoms of dehydration are mild, but if this ratio is 3-9%, it becomes dangerous. A state (moderate dehydration) occurs, and when the concentration is 10% or more, severe dehydration causes severe symptoms and may lead to death. Therefore, dehydration can be prevented by simply detecting a state in which the ratio of water loss to body weight is about 1 to 2% and replenishing water. It should be noted that "-" represents a range including the numerical values before and after it.

In a second experiment, the subject's weight was also measured using a weight scale immediately after the galvanic output current before and after exercise and after hydration was measured from the subject's finger with the transpiration rate measuring device.
As a result, the relationship shown in FIG. 13 was obtained between the perspiration rate and the change in body water content (increase or decrease in body weight). Here, in the second experiment, the perspiration rate was calculated from the galvanic output current value (pA) at which the S/N ratio reached 10, and the time from placing the finger on the opening of the vessel until reaching that current value. It was obtained by dividing by (s). Plots with circles, downward triangles, and upward triangles represent pre-exercise, post-exercise, and post-hydration values, respectively.

In FIG. 13, in the area indicated as medium risk of heatstroke, the sweat rate is low, and the tendency becomes remarkable when body weight decreases (= body water loss). On the other hand, in the area labeled as low heat stroke risk, the sweat rate is more than three times higher than that in the medium heat stroke risk area, and is limited to before exercise and after rehydration. The discrimination accuracy in this result is 87.5%, and there is a strong correlation between the transpiration rate of sweat transpiration from the fingertips measured using this device and the level of body water loss. It was demonstrated that the sign can be detected.

In the transpiration rate measuring device of this example, by narrowing the distance d between the fine metal wires to 0.1 μm, water droplets of minimum 0.1 pl were detected as a galvanic output current signal with an S/N ratio of two digits or more in the shortest 20 ms. .
The amount (volume) of droplets on the microdroplet detector of this device is proportional to the galvanic output current value. For this reason, when the evaporated water is detected as droplets on the minute droplet detection unit and the time change of the galvanic output current obtained thereby is measured, the current value at a certain point is the amount of the evaporated water It corresponds to the total amount, and the slope of the current value corresponds to the transpiration rate. Therefore, the sweat rate can also be evaluated by the slope of the current value.

It has also been confirmed that the transpiration rate measuring device of this embodiment, which can directly measure the perspiration rate, can directly detect a sign of heatstroke, in which sweating ceases to function even though the body temperature is rising.
Further, as described above, the transpiration rate measurement device of the present embodiment is configured to be able to wirelessly transmit the measured value of the perspiration rate to the cloud server. Another experiment was conducted with the addition of a function that can determine the risk of heatstroke and issue warnings to the subject and their caregivers. I also verified that the function works.

As described above, the heat stroke and dehydration warning system of the present invention can warn the signs of heat stroke and dehydration in a low-cost, simple and timely manner. Therefore, it is believed that this system can contribute to suppressing the occurrence of heat stroke and dehydration and preventing the severity of the disease. Heatstroke and dehydration are becoming social problems as global warming and aging progress, so this system will have a great impact on society.
In addition, the transpiration rate measuring device of the present invention is a core device that contributes to timely measurement, cost reduction, and high sensitivity of the heat stroke and dehydration warning system, and is greatly appreciated not only by the general public but also by the industry. likely to be used.

11: Transpiration rate measurement means (transpiration rate measurement device)
12: Comparing Means 13: Warning Means 21: Specimen Part 21a: Minute Droplet Detection Part (Sweat Detection Part)
22: Measuring part 23: First thin metal wire 24: First metal electrode 25: Second thin metal wire 26: Second metal electrode 27: Wiring 28: Ammeter 29: Signal path 31: Device 32: Protective cap 41: Protective mesh 51: Finger 61: Space 101: Heat stroke, dehydration warning system 102: Specimen part 103: Specimen part 201: Silicon chip (galvanic array)
202: First thin metal wire (aluminum)
203: Second metal thin wire (gold)
204: Scale

Claims (25)

1. Transpiration rate measuring means for measuring the transpiration rate of transpiration water from the subject's hand, comparison means for comparing the transpiration rate with a predetermined reference value, and warning means for issuing a warning,
   The comparison means compares the measured transpiration rate measured by the transpiration rate measuring means with the reference value, and the warning means issues a warning when the measured transpiration rate falls below the reference value. warning system.
2. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to claim 1, wherein the reference value is 0.006 mg/( ^cm2 ·min) or more and 600 mg/( ^cm2 ·min) or less.
3. 2. The reference value according to claim 1, wherein the transpiration rate is measured a plurality of times in advance by the transpiration rate measuring means, and the average value of the measured transpiration rate without a change in body weight of the subject is set to ¼ of the average value. Heatstroke and dehydration warning system.
4. Further comprising hand temperature measuring means for measuring hand temperature and reference value calibrating means for calibrating the reference value based on hand temperature,
   Simultaneously with the measurement of the measured transpiration rate, the temperature of the subject's hand is measured by the hand temperature measuring means, and the comparison means compares the reference value A by the reference value calibration means and the measured value of the measured transpiration rate, 4. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the measured transpiration rate falls below said reference value A, said warning means issues a warning.
5. Used in facilities with home appliances with touch switches,
   5. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to claim 1, wherein said transpiration rate measuring means is arranged in a box containing said touch switch.
6. 
   The transpiration rate measuring means includes a fine droplet detection unit in which a fine wire of a first metal and a fine wire of a second metal different from the first metal are arranged side by side on an insulating substrate; The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a measurement unit that measures a galvanic current flowing between the metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire.
7. 
   The transpiration rate measuring means is
   Having a specimen part that accommodates at least a part of the hand,
   The sample unit is provided with a fine droplet detection unit in which a thin wire of a first metal and a thin wire of a second metal different from the first metal are arranged side by side on an insulating substrate,
   Further, a measurement unit placed inside, outside, or straddling both the inside and outside of the specimen unit and measuring a galvanic current flowing between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire, The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to claim 7, wherein the first metal is selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum, silver, titanium, alloys thereof, and carbon.
9. 9. The heat sink of claim 7 or 8, wherein said second metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium and alloys thereof. disease, dehydration warning system.
10. At least one of the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal is provided in plurality, and the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal are arranged in a direction facing each other toward the other side. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, which runs parallel to each other by extending.
11. The heatstroke and dehydration symptom according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the distance between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire is more than 1.0 µm and less than 10 µm. warning system.
12. A protective cap is formed on the upper surface of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire to prevent contact between the hand and the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of claims 7 to 11.
13. 13. Any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein a protective mesh having gas permeable openings is disposed between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire and the hand. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system described in the paragraph.
14. 14. Any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein said first metal thin wire and said second metal thin wire are spaced above or laterally with respect to said hand so as not to contact said hand. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to item 1.
15. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the capacity of the specimen part is 0.05 ^cm3 or more and 2.5 ^cm3 or less.
16. The heatstroke and dehydration warning system according to any one of claims 7 to 15, wherein an electrode for temperature measurement whose electric resistance changes with temperature is further arranged in the specimen part.
17. The heat stroke and dehydration warning system according to claim 16, wherein the electrode for temperature measurement is shared with the thin wire of the first metal or the thin wire of the second metal.
18. 
    Having a specimen part that accommodates at least a part of the hand,
    The sample unit is provided with a fine droplet detection unit in which a thin wire of a first metal and a thin wire of a second metal different from the first metal are arranged side by side on an insulating substrate,
    A protective cap is formed on the top surface of the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire to prevent contact between the hand and the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire,
    Between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire and the hand, a protective mesh having gas-permeable openings is arranged,
    Transpiration rate, having a measurement unit placed inside, outside, or straddling both the inside and outside of the specimen portion and measuring a galvanic current flowing between the first metal thin wire and the second metal thin wire. measurement device.
19. The transpiration rate measuring device according to claim 18, wherein the first metal is selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum, silver, titanium and alloys thereof, and carbon.
20. 20. The ablation of claim 18 or 19, wherein said second metal is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, magnesium and alloys thereof. Device for speed measurement.
21. At least one of the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal is provided in plurality, and the thin wires of the first metal and the thin wires of the second metal are arranged in a direction facing each other toward the other side. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, which runs parallel to each other by extending.
22. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the distance between the thin wire of the first metal and the thin wire of the second metal is more than 1.0 µm and less than 10 µm.
23. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the volume of the specimen part is 0.05 cm ³ or more and 2.5 cm ³ or less.
24. The transpiration rate measuring device according to any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising an electrode for temperature measurement whose electric resistance changes with temperature is arranged in the specimen part.
25. The transpiration rate measuring device according to claim 24, wherein the electrode for temperature measurement is shared with the thin wire of the first metal or the thin wire of the second metal.

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