Urination detection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a urine discharge detection device (1) including a main device (2) having a humidity sensor (4) built therein and installed on the outer surface of a diaper, and a subsidiary device (3) provided in or capable of communicating with the main device (2), the subsidiary device (3) having a urine discharge judging section (5) that records changes in the humidity of the outer surface of the diaper and judges the presence of a urine discharge after the second based on the changes in the humidity. The present invention provides a urine discharge detection method that measures the humidity and temperature of the outer surface of a diaper at a urine discharge site of the diaper, and judges the presence of a urine discharge when the rising rates of both the humidity and the temperature exceed their respective set values.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a urine detection device. Background Technology

[0002] A technique is known that uses a urination sensor to detect and notify the wearer of urination of a disposable diaper for the purpose of reducing the burden of care. Methods for detecting urination include detecting the increase in temperature or humidity due to urination.

[0003] A technology is known to be that a humidity sensor is placed on the outside of the diaper to detect urination based on changes in humidity (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-043389

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-146721

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-23777 Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention relates to a urine detection device comprising a main body assembly with a built-in humidity sensor mounted on the outer surface of a diaper.

[0010] Preferably, the urination detection device is provided with a urination judgment unit in the main device or an auxiliary device that can communicate with the main device. The urination judgment unit records the change in humidity of the outer surface of the diaper and can detect the existence of urination after the second time based on the change in humidity.

[0011] In addition, the present invention relates to a method for detecting urination.

[0012] The preferred method for detecting urination measures the humidity and temperature of the outer surface of the diaper at the urination area, and determines that urination has occurred when the rate of increase of both humidity and temperature exceeds their respective set values. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 The diagram shows the main body of a urination detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a cross-sectional view of (b), (b) is a top view, and (c) is a bottom view.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a shorts-type disposable diaper, which is an example of a diaper with a main body assembly.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main device and its vicinity, which is installed on the outer surface of the diaper.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an illustration of the measuring device used in a measurement experiment to investigate changes in humidity and temperature on the outer surface of a diaper caused by urination.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the changes in temperature and humidity on the outer surface of the diaper when 40 mL of artificial urine is supplied to the diaper multiple times.

[0018] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The graph shows the details of the temperature and humidity changes before and after the third injection.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a graph representing the change in temperature and humidity data, calculated by dividing the difference between the previous and next data acquisition values ​​by the acquisition interval.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of a urination determination unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of an inner wall or outer cover with a ventilation section. Detailed Implementation

[0022] When the humidity sensor is placed on the outside of the diaper, it is easily affected by the external environment and may mistakenly detect urination as a change in humidity that is not caused by urination.

[0023] Furthermore, Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe methods for detecting excretion by placing a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor on the skin-facing side of a disposable diaper. Patent Document 3 describes a method for determining the type of excrement using a combination of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

[0024] However, if the sensor is placed on the side opposite the skin, it will come into direct contact with the excrement, so it must be washed in order to reuse the sensor, which poses a hygiene problem.

[0025] Furthermore, most diapers have an absorbency capacity to handle multiple urinations, and there are often multiple urinations while wearing a single diaper. The humidity increase from the first urination tends to remain stable afterward, and the changes during subsequent urinations are extremely small compared to the initial change. Therefore, for urination detection based on humidity changes, regardless of where the humidity sensor is placed, it is difficult to accurately detect subsequent urinations without errors.

[0026] The present invention relates to a urination detection device that can eliminate the problems of the prior art.

[0027] The urination detection device of the present invention will now be described based on a preferred embodiment.

[0028] As one embodiment of the present invention, the urination detection device 1, such as Figure 2 As shown, the diaper 10 includes a main body device 2 mounted on the outer surface S1 of the diaper. The diaper 10 is preferably a disposable diaper.

[0029] Figure 2 The diaper 10 shown is a disposable diaper, comprising a liquid-permeable front panel 12, a liquid-impermeable or water-repellent leak-proof panel 13, and a liquid-retaining absorbent body 14 disposed between the two panels 12 and 13. An outer panel 15, formed of a single or multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, is also disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the leak-proof panel 13. Furthermore, the diaper 10 has a ventral side A disposed on the wearer's abdomen, a dorsal side B disposed on the back, and a crotch area C located between them. The diaper 10 is a shorts-type diaper, with the two side edges of the ventral side A joining with the two side edges of the dorsal side B to form a pair of side closures 16, 16, a waist opening 17, and a pair of leg openings 18, 18.

[0030] The front sheet 12, the leak-proof sheet 13, and the absorbent 14 can each be made of various materials previously used in this type of article without particular limitation. For example, various non-woven fabrics, perforated membranes, etc., can be used as the front sheet 12; resin films, laminated sheets of resin films and non-woven fabrics, etc., can be used as the leak-proof sheet 13; and a structure consisting of an absorbent core made of highly absorbent polymer particles and fibrous materials covered by a chip can be used as the absorbent 14. A moisture-permeable sheet is preferably used for the leak-proof sheet 13.

[0031] The main body device 2 is a device used to install on the outer surface S1 of the diaper. The inner surface of the diaper is the side facing the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn, and the outer surface of the diaper is the opposite side facing the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn.

[0032] From the viewpoint of accurately obtaining information on humidity changes caused by urination, the main body device 2 is preferably installed on the outer surface of the diaper at the urination area. The urination area of ​​the diaper refers to the part where the absorbent body 14 is located inside. From the viewpoint of more reliable detection of urination, the main body device 2 is preferably installed in the crotch area C, where the absorbent body 14 is located inside, and more preferably in the center of the width direction of the crotch area C. In the shorts-type diaper 10, the crotch area C is the area located between the left and right leg openings. In diapers other than shorts-type diapers, the crotch area C is the central 3 areas when the longitudinal length of the diaper laid flat is divided into 5 equal areas.

[0033] The urination detection device 1 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown in (a), a temperature sensor 3 and a humidity sensor 4 are built into the main body device 2. Furthermore, a urination detection unit 5 is provided within the main body device 2. The main body device 2 has a housing 7 in which the humidity sensor 4 is disposed at least internally. The housing 7 has an inner wall 71 forming the side that contacts the outer surface S1 of the diaper 10, and an outer cover 72 covering the side opposite to the side that contacts the outer surface S1 of the diaper 10. Hereinafter, the outer surface S1 of the diaper will be referred to as the diaper outer surface S1, and the inner surface S2 of the diaper will be referred to as the diaper inner surface S2.

[0034] Within the space 74 of the housing 7, which is surrounded by the inner wall 71 and the outer cover 72, a temperature sensor 3, a humidity sensor 4, and a urination detection unit 5 are arranged.

[0035] Thermocouples and thermistors are preferred as the temperature sensor 3. Various known components can be used as the humidity sensor 4, such as polymer resistive or polymer capacitive humidity sensors. Commercially available products can also be used, such as the "CHS type humidity sensor" manufactured by TDK. Hereinafter, the space 74 within the housing 7 where the humidity sensor 4 is located will be referred to as the measurement space 74.

[0036] Furthermore, a vent 75 formed by a through hole is formed on the inner wall 71, and a vent 76 formed by a through hole is also formed on the outer cover 72. The vent 75 formed on the inner wall 71 is located on the surface opposite to the outer surface of the diaper and functions as a moisture inlet that draws moisture discharged from the outer surface S1 of the diaper into the measuring space 74. The vent 76 formed on the outer cover 72 is located on a part other than the surface opposite to the outer surface of the diaper and functions as a moisture outlet that discharges moisture that has come into contact with the humidity sensor 4 to the outside.

[0037] The main body 2 of the urination detection device 1 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 3When the diaper is installed on its outer surface, as shown, when urine is present in the diaper, moisture released from the outer surface S1 through the moisture-permeable leak-proof sheet 13 is introduced into the measuring space 74 through the vent 75, which functions as a moisture inlet, causing the humidity in the measuring space 74 to rise. After urination, the increased humidity is discharged through the vent 76, which functions as a moisture outlet, resulting in an earlier decrease in humidity within the measuring space 74.

[0038] According to this embodiment, by measuring the humidity within the measurement space 74 using the humidity sensor 4, the humidity change that occurs on the outer surface of the diaper due to urination can be measured with good accuracy, not only during the first urination but also during subsequent urinations.

[0039] The humidity of the outer surface of the diaper can also be measured by taking in the humidity within the measuring space 74, which contains moisture released from the outer surface of the diaper. The humidity measured by the humidity sensor 4 can be either relative humidity or absolute humidity, but relative humidity is preferred. When the temperature decreases, the amount of saturated water vapor in the measuring space 74 decreases, thus increasing the relative humidity. When the ventilation section (moisture removal section) 76 is present, the moisture added after urination is discharged from the moisture removal section 76, thereby easily reducing the relative humidity along with the decrease in temperature within the measuring space 74. Because the temperature and humidity within the measuring space 74 decrease efficiently, it is easy to detect the increase in humidity after the second urination.

[0040] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the measuring apparatus used in a measurement experiment to investigate changes in humidity and temperature on the outer surface of a diaper caused by urination. Figure 5 It means to use Figure 4 The graph shown illustrates the changes in temperature and humidity on the outer surface of the diaper as artificial urine is supplied multiple times. Figure 5 The curve shown is as follows Figure 4 The diaper 10 is unfolded and fixed in a planar shape after the side seal is peeled off. Temperature and humidity sensors in the main body device 2, installed on the outer surface of the diaper, are used to monitor the temperature and humidity of the outer surface. Artificial urine is supplied to the inner surface of the diaper three times at one-hour intervals. The unfolded diaper 10 consists of a hanging frame-shaped support fixed around the absorbent portion, in which the absorbent body 14 is internally located, within an acrylic resin support body 82. Furthermore, a warm water bath 83 is provided on the upper part of the support body 82 to maintain the temperature of the inner surface of the diaper at a desired skin temperature of approximately 36°C. Physiological saline is used for the artificial urine, and each time, saline at 36°C is supplied for approximately 10 seconds using a delivery pump 84.

[0041] like Figure 5As shown in the graph, when artificial urine was first injected 2 hours after the start of environmental acclimatization, the temperature of the outer surface of the diaper rose sharply immediately after injection, then dropped to near or below the original temperature. This same pattern repeated after the second and subsequent injections.

[0042] On the other hand, the humidity of the outer surface of the diaper rises sharply immediately after the first injection of artificial urine. It does not decrease to near its original humidity level, but rather decreases to a level lower than the peak humidity (around 77% relative humidity) and remains around that level. After the second and subsequent injections, the humidity rises sharply again, then decreases to near its pre-rise level, but does not decrease to near the pre-injection level, and remains at a high humidity level.

[0043] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The graph shows the details of the temperature and humidity changes after the third injection. Figure 6 As shown, although this was the third injection following the second, both temperature and humidity rose sharply approximately one minute after the third injection (4:05), reaching a peak, and then decreased from the peak within three minutes of that injection. Figure 5 As shown, the changes in temperature and humidity during the second injection were the same as those during the third injection.

[0044] Regarding changes in humidity, the changes after the first urination are minimal compared to the changes during the first urination, making it difficult to detect urination based on these changes. However, in the case of the main device 2 in this embodiment, by providing a ventilation section 75 on the surface opposite to the outer surface of the diaper and another ventilation section 76 on the other side of the outer surface of the diaper, the increase and decrease in humidity are clearly observed during the second urination, and urination after the second urination can be detected based on the changes in humidity.

[0045] Therefore, by pre-recording changes in the humidity of the diaper's outer surface, urination is determined when the humidity changes to meet a specified baseline, such as when the rate of increase in humidity exceeds a set value. This allows for the detection of subsequent urinations. Furthermore, during the first urination, both temperature and humidity change significantly. Therefore, by pre-recording changes in the humidity of the diaper's outer surface, urination is determined when the humidity changes to meet a specified baseline, making it easy to detect the first urination based on humidity changes. The specified baselines for determining whether the first urination has occurred can include whether the rate of increase in humidity exceeds a specified value, or whether the relative humidity exceeds a specified value, such as exceeding 70%.

[0046] From the viewpoint of suppressing the misdetection of changes based on external environmental factors that are not caused by urination as changes caused by urination, and especially from the viewpoint of improving the detection accuracy of urination after the second urination, it is preferable to determine that urination has occurred when both the first judgment criterion based on humidity and the second judgment criterion based on temperature are simultaneously met. "Simultaneously" means that the humidity change that meets the first judgment criterion and the temperature change that meets the second judgment criterion occur within 2 minutes.

[0047] The first criterion is, for example, whether the rate of increase in humidity exceeds a set value; if it exceeds the set value, it is determined that the first criterion is met. The second criterion is, for example, whether the rate of increase in temperature exceeds a set value; if it exceeds the set value, it is determined that the second criterion is met.

[0048] The urination determination unit 5 in the first embodiment is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, it has the following functions: recording the temperature and humidity changes of the outer surface of the diaper, and determining that there is urination when the first judgment criterion of the humidity rising rate exceeds the set value and the second judgment criterion of the temperature rising rate exceeds the set value.

[0049] Specifically, the urination determination unit 5 includes storage devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), as well as timers. The urination determination unit 5 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 3 and the humidity sensor 4. The processing performed by the urination determination unit 5 is achieved, for example, by using the CPU to expand and execute programs stored in ROM, RAM, etc., in RAM.

[0050] Urination assessment section 5, such as Figure 8 As shown in the block diagram, the unit functionally includes a sampling time generation unit 51, a temperature data sampling unit 52, a temperature data storage memory 53, a temperature change detection unit 54, a humidity data sampling unit 62, a humidity data storage memory 63, a humidity change detection unit 64, a change detection setting memory 55, and a urination detection unit 56.

[0051] The sampling time generation unit 51 obtains interval information based on the data stored in the storage device, and outputs a timing signal to the temperature data sampling unit 52 regarding the timing of temperature measurement using the temperature sensor 3, or the timing of obtaining temperature data for urination detection processing based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 3. The data sampling unit 52, upon inputting the timing signal, stores the temperature and time data at the time point of input timing signal in the temperature data holding memory 53.

[0052] Furthermore, the sampling time generation unit 51, based on the data acquisition interval information stored in the storage device, outputs a timing signal to the humidity data sampling unit 62 regarding the timing of humidity measurement using the humidity sensor 4, or the timing of acquiring humidity data for urination detection processing based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 4. The humidity data sampling unit 62, upon receiving the timing signal, stores the humidity and time data at the time the timing signal was input in the humidity data retention memory 63. The temperature data acquisition interval information and the humidity data acquisition interval information may be shared or different.

[0053] The temperature change detection unit 54 calculates the amount of temperature change over a predetermined period of time as an indicator of temperature change based on past temperature and time data stored in the temperature data retention memory 53 and newly acquired temperature and time information from the data sampling unit 52.

[0054] The humidity change detection unit 64 calculates the amount of humidity change at each specified time as an indicator of humidity change based on past humidity and time data stored in the humidity data retention memory 63 or newly acquired humidity and time information using the humidity data sampling unit 62.

[0055] The urination detection unit 56 compares the humidity change calculated by the humidity change detection unit 64 at each predetermined time interval with the urination judgment criteria regarding humidity stored in the change detection setting memory 55. The urination judgment criteria are whether the humidity change at each predetermined time interval meets the humidity rise rate exceeding a predetermined value. If it exceeds the set value, it is judged that the first urination judgment criterion is met; if it does not exceed the set value, it is judged that the first urination judgment criterion is not met.

[0056] Furthermore, the urination detection unit 56 compares the temperature change calculated by the temperature change detection unit 54 over a predetermined period of time with the urination judgment criteria related to temperature stored in the change detection setting memory 55. The urination judgment criteria are whether the temperature change over a predetermined period of time meets the condition that the rate of increase exceeds a predetermined value. If the rate of increase exceeds the predetermined value, it is determined that the second urination judgment criteria are met; if the rate of increase does not exceed the predetermined value, it is determined that the second urination judgment criteria are not met.

[0057] The urination detection unit 56 performs the first judgment on whether the first judgment criterion is met and the second judgment on whether the second judgment criterion is met in any order or simultaneously. If both the first and second judgment criteria are met, it is determined that there is urination.

[0058] The urination determination unit 5 in this embodiment includes a urination display unit 58. It also includes a urination detection count memory 57 to store or display the number of urinations.

[0059] When the urination detection unit 56 determines that urination has occurred, it displays the urination detection information on the urination display unit 58. Furthermore, it updates the urination count information stored in the urination count memory 57 by incrementing the count by one. The urination detection information displayed on the urination display unit 58 can be displayed on a screen formed by an LCD or similar device using text, symbols, colors, etc., or it can be notified of urination using sound, voice, vibration, etc. Preferably, in addition to displaying the presence of urination, it also displays the urination count as urination detection information.

[0060] In the first judgment, the urination judgment unit 5 preferably determines that the first judgment criterion is met when the rate of increase in relative humidity is 3% or more per minute, that is, when the relative humidity is 3% / minute or more. Detecting urination based on a rapid increase in humidity at this rate makes the distinction between humidity changes caused by the external environment or contact and those caused by urination more obvious, and more reliably prevents the misdetection of humidity changes not caused by urination as urination. From this viewpoint, the rate of increase in humidity used as the first judgment criterion for determining urination is preferably 3% or more per minute, more preferably 4% or more and 50% or less, and even more preferably 5% or more and 50% or less. The "%" in the rate of increase in relative humidity refers to a percentage point; for example, the rate of increase when the relative humidity changes from 50% to 55% in one minute is 5% / minute.

[0061] In the first determination, the urination determination unit 5 may use the rate of increase in absolute humidity instead of the rate of increase in relative humidity as the indicator. Preferably, the rate of increase in absolute humidity is 1.5 g / m³ per minute. 3 The above refers to the absolute humidity (1.5 g / m³). 3 If the humidity rises for more than 1 minute, it is considered to meet the first criterion. Using a rapid increase in humidity at this rate as the benchmark for detecting urination makes the distinction between humidity changes caused by the external environment or contact and those caused by urination more obvious, and more reliably prevents the misdetection of humidity changes not caused by urination as urination. From this point of view, the rate of increase in humidity used as the first criterion for determining urination is preferably an absolute humidity increase of 1.5 g / m³ per minute. 3 The above, and more preferably 2.0 g / m 3 Above and 25g / m 3 The following is a further preferred value: 2.5 g / m 3 Above and 25g / m 3 the following.

[0062] In the second determination, the urination determination unit 5 preferably determines that the second determination criterion is met when the rate of temperature increase is 0.2°C or more per minute, i.e., 0.2°C / minute or more. Using a rapid temperature increase of this magnitude as a criterion for detecting urination makes the distinction between temperature changes caused by external air temperature or contact and those caused by urination more obvious, thus more reliably preventing the misdetection of temperature changes not caused by urination as urination. From this viewpoint, the rate of temperature increase used as the second determination criterion for determining urination is preferably 0.2°C / minute or more, more preferably 0.25°C / minute or more, and even more preferably 0.25°C / minute or more and 5°C / minute or less.

[0063] When a diaper has absorbed urine, the relative humidity on the diaper's outer surface may increase and remain high due to the absorbed urine. In this situation, it can be difficult to use relative humidity to determine subsequent urinations. Since urine is excreted from within the body at body temperature, changes in relative humidity are not easily observed due to the simultaneous rise in both temperature and humidity. However, because the absolute humidity on the diaper's outer surface rises significantly beyond the rate of increase in relative humidity, the rate of increase in absolute humidity can be used to determine urination.

[0064] Table 1 shows Figure 5 The graph shows the rate of temperature rise from the first to the third urination. As shown in Table 1, the rate of temperature rise is fastest during the first urination and decreases as the number of urinations increases. This is because the more frequent the urination, the slower the heat transfer to the outer surface of the diaper. This means that the lower the rate of temperature rise, the less absorbent capacity the diaper has.

[0065] The second criterion for detecting subsequent urinations can be determined by using the decrease in the rate of temperature rise as the frequency of urination increases. This can be set as whether the rate of temperature rise falls within a specified range. For example, as shown in Table 1, the rate of temperature rise for the second and third urinations is 0.64°C / min and 0.27°C / min, respectively. Therefore, if the relative humidity is above 75% and the rate of temperature rise is above 0.2°C / min and below 1.3°C / min, it can be determined that there has been subsequent urination.

[0066] As the primary criterion, a relative humidity of 75% is set. Relative humidity is suitable for use as a uniform benchmark. Regarding absolute humidity, the benchmark value for determining high humidity varies with temperature.

[0067] On the other hand, when using the rate of increase in humidity to detect urination after the second or third urination, using absolute humidity as the first criterion allows for high-precision humidity detection, which is therefore preferred.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069]

[0070] It is also preferable to utilize the situation where the rate of temperature rise decreases as the frequency of urination or total absorption increases. When the rate of temperature rise falls below a predetermined value, it is understood that the diaper's urine absorption capacity is decreasing, and a warning recommending diaper change is issued. For example, the urination detection device of the present invention preferably includes a warning unit as a component or additional component of the urination judgment unit. This warning mechanism reminds the user to change the diaper when the relative humidity is above a predetermined value and the aforementioned rate of temperature rise falls below a predetermined value. For example, the warning unit reminding the user to change the diaper preferably issues a warning when the relative humidity is above 75% and the rate of temperature rise is above 0.2°C / minute and below 1°C / minute. The conditions for issuing the warning can also be relative humidity above 75% and the rate of temperature rise is above 0.2°C / minute and below 0.5°C / minute, etc.

[0071] The aforementioned urination display unit 58 can serve as a diaper-changing warning unit by displaying the number of urinations or adding reminders to change diapers. The diaper-changing warning is not limited to directly reminding the user to change diapers; it can also simply display the number of urinations or the total amount of urine absorbed. The diaper-changing warning can be displayed on the screen using text, symbols, colors, or through sounds, vibrations, etc.

[0072] The interval for obtaining humidity data used to determine the rate of increase in humidity is preferably 2 minutes or less, more preferably 1 minute or less, and preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 10 seconds or more. Furthermore, it is preferably 1 second or more and 2 minutes or less, more preferably 1 second or more and 1 minute or less, and even more preferably 10 seconds or more and 1 minute or less.

[0073] The interval for obtaining temperature data used to determine the rate of temperature rise is preferably 2 minutes or less, more preferably 1 minute or less, and more preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 10 seconds or more, and more preferably 1 second or more and 2 minutes or less, more preferably 1 second or more and 1 minute or less, and even more preferably 10 seconds or more and 1 minute or less.

[0074] The intervals for obtaining humidity data can be the same as or different from those for obtaining temperature data.

[0075] Figure 7For both temperature and humidity data, the acquisition interval is set to 10 seconds. The difference between the value acquired at the previous acquisition and the value acquired at the next acquisition is divided by the acquisition interval to form a curve representing the change per minute (RH% or ℃). Thus, with shorter acquisition intervals, for both temperature and relative humidity, the change per unit time is clearly shown to rise and fall not only during the first urination but also during the second urination, improving the detection accuracy for subsequent urinations.

[0076] Preferably, the interval for obtaining the above data is the interval between two time points of temperature or humidity used to determine the rate of increase of temperature or humidity. In the case of picking the values ​​of two appropriate time points from continuous data obtained from continuous monitoring of temperature or humidity, and determining the rate of increase of temperature or humidity based on the values ​​of the two time points and the time interval, the interval between the two time points can also be used.

[0077] Figure 7 The set values ​​used to determine whether the first judgment criterion is met and the set values ​​used to determine whether the second judgment criterion is met are represented in a form where the vertical position of the set value curve is consistent. Both set values ​​are set to values ​​that exceed the observable variation from the baseline when not urinating. When the rate of increase in both temperature and humidity exceeds these set values, urination is detected by the urination detection unit 56. Therefore, urination is detected not only during the initial urination but also during subsequent urination. Figure 7 The second urination, shown on the right, can also be detected with high precision and without errors.

[0078] The urination detection device 1 of this embodiment includes, within the main body 2, a sampling time generation unit 51, temperature and humidity data sampling units 52 and 62 constituting the urination judgment unit 5, a temperature data storage memory 53, a humidity data storage memory 63, a temperature change detection unit 54, a humidity change detection unit 64, and a urination detection unit 56. Furthermore, a power supply unit (not shown) supplying the necessary power to these components is also provided within the main body 2. By having a sampling time generation unit, a data sampling unit, a data storage memory, a temperature and humidity change detection unit, a urination detection unit, and a power supply unit within the main body 2, which is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper, for example, there is no need for a power supply cable connecting the main body 2 to the power supply unit, thus reducing restrictions on the movement of the wearer of the diaper with the main body 2 mounted on it. Therefore, it is possible to obtain urination data under conditions close to daily living environments, for example, enabling more accurate prediction and management of diaper change intervals.

[0079] Preferably, the main device of the present invention includes, within the main device 2 mounted on the outer surface of the diaper, a sampling time generation unit 51 constituting the urination judgment unit 5, data sampling units 52 and 62 for temperature and humidity, a temperature data storage memory 53, a humidity data storage memory 63, a device capable of communicating with the outside (not shown), and a power supply unit (not shown) supplying the power required to them. The main device 2 includes a sampling time generation unit, a data sampling unit, a data storage memory, a device capable of wireless communication with the outside, and a power supply unit. By wirelessly transmitting the necessary data to an auxiliary device capable of communicating with the main device 2, the CPU, storage device, etc., of the auxiliary device function as a temperature and humidity change detection unit, a urination detection unit, a urination display unit 58, etc., thereby suppressing the restriction of movement for the wearer of the diaper with the main device 2 mounted on it.

[0080] From the viewpoint of being able to detect changes in humidity caused by urination, it is preferable that the storage body 7 has ventilation portions 75 and 76 on the inner wall 71 of the side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper and the outer cover 72 located on the opposite side to the outer surface of the diaper. By measuring humidity using the humidity sensor 4 within the storage body 7 with the ventilation portions 75 and 76, moisture from the outer surface of the diaper is drawn into the storage body 7, allowing for the measurement of humidity changes without being affected by the external environment, and enabling the humidity to decrease relatively early after an increase. Furthermore, it also prevents condensation from forming inside the storage body 7, which would make humidity measurement difficult.

[0081] Therefore, subsequent urinations can be easily detected based on changes in humidity, or a combination of humidity and temperature. Materials used to form the housing 7 include plastic, metal, and ceramic, but plastic is preferred.

[0082] By measuring humidity using a humidity sensor 4 within the housing 7 equipped with ventilation sections 75 and 76, it is also possible to measure subsequent urinations using only the humidity sensor 4. For example, in Figure 7 In the example shown, by Figure 7 The position setting shown is used as the setting value for the first judgment criterion. When the rate of change of humidity exceeds this setting value, it can be determined that there is urination. In this case, it is also possible to determine the urination after the second time with high accuracy.

[0083] In either case where urination is determined solely by the first judgment based on humidity, or where urination is determined when both the first judgment based on humidity and the second judgment based on temperature satisfy the judgment criteria, from the viewpoint of improving the accuracy of humidity determination, it is also preferable that the storage body 7 has any one or more of the following features (1) to (4).

[0084] (1) Both the moisture discharge section 76 formed on the outer cover 72 and the moisture inlet section 75 formed on the inner wall 71 are ventilation sections formed by through holes. The opening area ratio of the through hole 76 formed on the outer cover 72 is lower than that of the through hole 75 formed on the inner wall 71. With this configuration, it is easy to balance the acquisition of moisture into the housing 7 and the promotion of humidity reduction after the increase in humidity caused by urination, thereby improving the detection accuracy of urination. From the viewpoint of further improving this effect, it is preferable that the opening area ratio of the through hole 76 formed on the outer cover 72 is lower than that of the through hole 75 formed on the inner wall 71.

[0085] From the viewpoint of further improving the above effects, the opening area ratio is preferably within the following range.

[0086] The ratio of the opening area ratio of the through hole 76 formed on the outer cover 72 to the opening area ratio of the through hole 75 formed on the inner wall 71 (outer cover 72 / inner wall 71) is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 30% or more, and preferably 100% or less, more preferably 80% or less.

[0087] The opening area ratio of the through hole 75 formed in the inner wall body 71 is preferably 1% or more, more preferably 3% or more, and preferably 50% or less, more preferably 30% or less. In addition, it is preferably 1% or more and 50% or less, more preferably 3% or more and 30% or less.

[0088] The opening area ratio of the through hole 76 formed on the outer cover 72 is preferably 0.1% or more, more preferably 1% or more, and preferably 30% or less, more preferably 10% or less.

[0089] Regarding the outer cover 72 and the inner wall 71, the opening area ratio (%) is a value expressed as a percentage of the ratio of the total area of ​​the through holes (vents) to the total surface area (including the area of ​​the vents).

[0090] (2) A portion of the storage body 7 is formed of a moisture-permeable material. For example, in Figure 1The storage body 7 shown has ventilation sections 75 and 76 formed by through holes. Instead of ventilation sections formed by through holes, ventilation sections made of moisture-permeable material can be provided. Moisture-permeable material refers to a material that allows moisture to pass through, such as mesh sheets, non-woven fabrics, water-repellent sheets with fine pores, and breathable sheets. The "fine pores" are the gaps between the fibers constituting the water-repellent sheet, excluding openings formed in the water-repellent sheet through a cutting device or similar process. By forming ventilation sections made of moisture-permeable material in a part of the storage body 7, the accuracy of humidity measurement is improved, and it is also possible to prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering the storage body 7 from the outside.

[0091] Regarding the moisture permeability of materials, the preferred moisture permeability, measured according to the JIS Z0208 cup method, is 24 g / m³. 2 • 24 hours or more, preferably 48 g / m 2 • 24 hours or more, and preferably 2400 g / m 2 • Below 24 hours, preferably 1200 g / m 2 • Below 24 hours, and preferably 24 g / m 2 • 24 hours or more and 2400g / m 2 • Below 24 hours, preferably 48 g / m 2 • 24 hours or more and 1200g / m 2 • Below 24 hours

[0092] (3) Ventilation sections made of breathable material are formed on both the outer cover 72 and the inner wall 71. The ventilation section of the inner wall 71 has higher moisture permeability than the ventilation section of the outer cover 72. By making the moisture permeability of the ventilation section of the inner wall 71 higher than that of the ventilation section of the outer cover 72, the accuracy of humidity change detection is improved. The amount of moisture permeability can be determined using the moisture permeability rate measured according to the JIS Z0208 cup method.

[0093] From this perspective, the moisture permeability of the ventilation portion of the inner wall 71 is preferably more than 2 times that of the moisture permeability of the ventilation portion of the outer cover 72, more preferably more than 3 times, and preferably less than 100 times, more preferably less than 10 times, and preferably more than 2 times and less than 100 times, more preferably more than 3 times and less than 10 times.

[0094] (4) A portion of the housing 7, preferably a portion of the outer cover 72 and a portion of the inner wall 71, has a ventilated section formed of a waterproof and breathable material. The breathability of the waterproof and breathable material, measured using the JIS Z0208 cup method, is 24 g / m³. 2• 24 hours or more. As materials for waterproofing and breathability, waterproof nonwoven fabrics and breathable yet liquid-impermeable membranes, such as microporous membranes, are preferred. Microporous membranes are obtained, for example, by melt-blending hydrophobic thermoplastic resins, tiny inorganic fillers including calcium carbonate, or organic polymers incompatible with the thermoplastic resin to form a membrane, and then stretching the membrane uniaxially or biaxially. Examples of waterproof nonwoven fabrics include nonwoven fabrics made from water-repellent raw cotton and nonwoven fabrics with a dense, textured surface that repels water.

[0095] Furthermore, when measuring the temperature of the surface opposite the outer surface S1 of the diaper using the main body device 2, it is preferable that the main body device 2 includes a temperature transmission component (not shown) that transmits the temperature of the outer surface S1 of the diaper to the temperature sensor 3. For example, the temperature transmission component is arranged to penetrate the center of a through hole formed in the inner wall 71, such that a portion of the temperature transmission component contacts the temperature sensor, and when the main body device 2 is mounted on the outer surface S1 of the diaper, the other portion of the temperature transmission component can contact the outer surface S1 of the diaper. The temperature transmission component is preferably made of a material with high thermal conductivity, for example, preferably stainless steel or metals with relatively high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum, or ceramics such as alumina. The thermal conductivity of the temperature transmission component is preferably 20 W / m·K or higher, more preferably 100 W / m·K or higher.

[0096] Temperature transfer components can also be gelling agents used in refrigerants, etc. Examples of gelling agents include structures in which a gelling agent impregnated with a solvent in a polymer absorber is coated with a polymer membrane.

[0097] By configuring a temperature transfer component, heat from the outer surface of the diaper can be easily transferred to the temperature sensor, making it easy to detect the heat on the outer surface S1 of the diaper and reducing the impact of external temperature changes on urination detection.

[0098] In addition, the main device 2, such as Figure 1 As shown, a fastener 73 for fixing the main body device to the outer surface of the diaper is preferably provided on the surface opposite to the outer surface of the diaper. Examples of fasteners 73 include an adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive, a male component of a mechanical fastener, etc. There are no particular limitations on the method of mounting the main body device 2 to the outer surface S1 of the diaper; methods such as fixing with tape, fixing with a stretchable net, or pressing with a stretchable tubular fastener installed around the waist are possible. Preferably, it can be detachably fixed to the outer surface of the diaper.

[0099] Using the urination detection device 1 of the above embodiment, the main body device 2 is fixed to the outer surface of the diaper at the urination part of the diaper to measure the humidity of the outer surface, or the humidity and temperature of the outer surface, and the detection method that determines that urination has occurred when the rate of increase of the humidity, or the rate of increase of the humidity and the rate of increase of the temperature, exceeds a set value is an example of a preferred embodiment of the urination detection method of the present invention. The above preferred structure and description of the urination detection device 1 are applicable to the urination detection method of the present invention.

[0100] The diaper on which the main body of the urination detection device of the present invention is mounted, or the diaper in the urination detection method of the present invention, preferably includes an absorbent body 14 and a moisture-permeable leak-proof sheet disposed on the outer surface side (non-skin-facing side) of the absorbent body 14. The portion of the main body 2 mounted on the outer surface S1 of the diaper that overlaps with the moisture-permeable leak-proof sheet is preferred from the viewpoint that: moisture is released from the outer surface of the diaper during urination, making it easy to detect changes in humidity caused by urination; and the humidity and temperature of the outer surface are efficiently reduced before the next urination, thereby facilitating the detection of the next urination and multiple urinations.

[0101] As a moisture-permeable leak-proof sheet, a moisture-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane, such as a microporous membrane, is preferred. A microporous membrane is obtained, for example, by melt-blending a hydrophobic thermoplastic resin, tiny inorganic fillers including calcium carbonate, or organic polymers incompatible with the thermoplastic resin to form a membrane, and then stretching the membrane uniaxially or biaxially.

[0102] It is also preferable to display the location of the main body device 2 on the diaper by printing or by configuring components that facilitate the fastening of fasteners.

[0103] The urination detection device of the present invention may also preferably include, in addition to a first urination detection unit that detects urination based on humidity, or changes in humidity and humidity, a second urination detection unit that detects urination using an optical urination detection device.

[0104] As an optical urination detection device, an example of such a device can be included: It comprises an illumination unit and an optical sensor, configured such that light irradiated from the illumination unit is reflected off the outer surface of the urination area of ​​the diaper, and the reflected light is input to the optical sensor to optically detect changes in color, etc., at the urination area caused by urination. When urination is detected by both the first urination detection unit and the optical urination detection device, urination is detected, thereby further suppressing false detections and achieving high-precision urination detection. To ensure that changes in color, etc., occur at the urination area due to urination, it is preferable to place an indicator on the absorbent material that changes color upon contact with urine.

[0105] The present invention has been described above based on preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0106] For example, a urination detection device may consist only of a main unit with a urination judgment unit, or the main unit and an auxiliary unit may share the function of the urination judgment unit. For instance, in the urination detection devices of the first and second embodiments, the urination judgment unit 5 and a power supply unit such as a battery are arranged within the main unit 2, but the function of the urination judgment unit 5, either wholly or partially, may be provided in an auxiliary unit capable of communicating with the main unit 2. In this case, a communication unit capable of transmitting data wirelessly to the auxiliary unit via wired or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be provided within the main unit 2, outputting temperature or humidity data from a temperature sensor or humidity sensor to the auxiliary unit with the required application or program installed, allowing the auxiliary unit to perform the judgment of the urination detection unit 56 and display the judgment result. Furthermore, the auxiliary unit may perform functions other than the urination display unit in the urination judgment unit 5. The auxiliary unit may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or a desktop or laptop personal computer. The battery in the power supply unit is preferably a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, but it may also be a non-rechargeable dry cell battery or a hydrogen battery.

[0107] The shape of the main body device 2 can also be appropriately changed. For example, the top view shape can be replaced by an ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral, or other polygons, or even a heart shape like a playing card, instead of a circle. Furthermore, the main body device 2 is preferably a flat shape with a height T smaller than its diameter or equivalent circle diameter when viewed from above, but it can also be a non-flat shape. Additionally, the outer cover can be replaced by a dome shape, instead of a dome shape, but can be a hat shape including a dome-shaped portion and a flat portion extending outward from the periphery of that portion, or a cylindrical body with a flat top surface, etc. Furthermore, the top view shape of the inner wall can be the same as or different from the top view shape of the outer cover. In the latter case, for example, the surface of the main body device 2 opposite to the outer surface S1 of the diaper 10 is formed by an inner wall that contacts the outer surface S1 and a stepped surface located further away from the outer surface S1 than the inner wall.

[0108] The shape and location of the vent, which is a through hole, a vent made of a moisture-permeable material, or a vent made of a waterproof and moisture-permeable material, can be appropriately changed. Figure 9 Other examples illustrating the shape and location of these ventilation sections. Figure 9 (a) is an example in which a vent 76 formed by a through hole is provided on the outer cover 72 on the opposite side of the side that is in contact with the outer surface of the diaper. Figure 9 (b) is an example of providing a vent 76 made of a moisture-permeable material or a waterproof and moisture-permeable material on the outer cover 72. Figure 9Examples (c) and (d) are examples of providing a vent 75 on the inner wall 71 of the surface that contacts the outer surface of the diaper.

[0109] Furthermore, if urination is determined based on the simultaneous occurrence of temperature and humidity changes, the reliability of urination detection is improved. Therefore, it is not necessary to form ventilation sections in both the outer cover 72 and the inner wall 71. For example, ventilation section 75 may be provided only in the inner wall 71 of the outer cover 72 and the inner wall 71.

[0110] Furthermore, in the temperature change detection and humidity change detection unit of the above embodiment, the temperature and humidity changes accompanying urination are detected based on whether the rate of temperature change and the rate of humidity change meet predetermined set values. However, for example, a first determination can be made when the humidity exceeds a predetermined value, such as a relative humidity of 70%, to determine if a change in humidity accompanying urination will occur. Additionally, the detection method for the first urination can be different from that for subsequent urinations. The set values ​​used for the first or second determination criteria can also be changed based on the number of urinations stored in the urination count memory 57.

[0111] Regarding the embodiments of the present invention described above, the following urination detection device or urination detection method is further disclosed.

[0112] <1>

[0113] A urination detection device comprising a main body mounted on the outer surface of a diaper and having a built-in humidity sensor.

[0114] A urination detection unit is provided in the main device or in an auxiliary device that can communicate with the main device. The urination detection unit records the change in humidity of the outer surface of the diaper when the main device is installed on the outer surface of the diaper, and can detect the situation of urination on the same diaper after the second time based on the change in humidity.

[0115] <2>

[0116] The urination detection device described in <1>, wherein,

[0117] The main device has the humidity sensor and temperature sensor built in.

[0118] The urination detection unit also records the temperature change of the outer surface of the diaper. When a specified change is measured in both the humidity and temperature of the outer surface of the diaper, it is determined that urination has occurred.

[0119] <3>

[0120] The urination detection device described in <1> or <2>, wherein,

[0121] The main device has the humidity sensor and temperature sensor built in.

[0122] The urination judgment unit also records the temperature change of the outer surface of the diaper. After detecting the first urination, when the humidity and temperature of the outer surface of the diaper are measured to be at a specified level, it is judged that there has been a second or subsequent urination.

[0123] <4>

[0124] The urination detection device described in <1> or <2>, wherein,

[0125] The main device has the humidity sensor and temperature sensor built in.

[0126] The urination judgment unit also records the temperature change of the outer surface of the diaper. When the relative humidity of the outer surface of the diaper is above 75% and the temperature of the outer surface changes according to a specified value, it is judged that there has been urination for the second time or more.

[0127] <5>

[0128] The urination detection device described in <2> or <3>, wherein,

[0129] The main device has the humidity sensor and temperature sensor built in.

[0130] The urination judgment unit also records the temperature change of the outer surface of the diaper. When the absolute humidity and temperature of the outer surface of the diaper rise simultaneously, it is judged that there has been a second or subsequent urination.

[0131] <6>

[0132] The urination detection device described in any of <2> to <5>, wherein,

[0133] The specified change in humidity is an increase in relative humidity at a rate of 3% per minute or more.

[0134] <7>

[0135] The urination detection device described in <6>, wherein,

[0136] The rate of increase is a relative humidity increase of more than 4% / 1 minute and less than 50% / 1 minute.

[0137] <8>

[0138] The urination detection device described in any of <2> to <7>, wherein,

[0139] The specified change in humidity is an increase rate of 1.5 g / m3 The absolute humidity rises for more than 1 minute.

[0140] <9>

[0141] The urination detection device described in any of <6> to <8>, wherein,

[0142] The humidity data is acquired at intervals of less than 2 minutes, and the rate of increase in humidity is calculated based on the difference between the humidity at the time of the previous acquisition and the previous data.

[0143] <10>

[0144] The urination detection device described in <9>, wherein...

[0145] The interval for obtaining the humidity data is less than 2 minutes, and more preferably more than 1 second, more preferably more than 10 seconds, and more preferably more than 1 second and less than 2 minutes, more preferably more than 1 second and less than 1 minute, and even more preferably more than 10 seconds and less than 1 minute.

[0146] <11>

[0147] The urination detection device described in any of <2> to <10>, wherein,

[0148] The specified change in temperature is a temperature increase at a rate of 0.2°C / minute or higher.

[0149] <12>

[0150] The urination detection device described in <11>, wherein,

[0151] The rising rate is greater than 0.2℃ / 1 minute and less than 5℃ / 1 minute.

[0152] <13>

[0153] The urination detection device described in <11> or <12>, wherein,

[0154] Temperature data is acquired at intervals of less than 2 minutes, and the rate of temperature increase is calculated based on the difference between the temperature at the time of acquisition and the previous temperature.

[0155] <14>

[0156] The urination detection device described in <13>, wherein,

[0157] The interval for obtaining the temperature data is less than 1 minute, and more preferably more than 1 second, more preferably more than 10 seconds, and more preferably more than 1 second and less than 2 minutes, more preferably more than 1 second and less than 1 minute, and even more preferably more than 10 seconds and less than 1 minute.

[0158] <15>

[0159] The urination detection device described in any of <1> to <14>, wherein,

[0160] The system includes a warning unit that alerts the user to change the diaper when the relative humidity is above a specified value and the rate of temperature rise during urination decreases as the frequency or total amount of urination increases.

[0161] The conditions for issuing a warning are:

[0162] The relative humidity is 75% or higher, and the rate of temperature rise is 0.2°C / minute or higher and 1°C / minute or lower.

[0163] The relative humidity is above 75%, and the rate of temperature rise is above 0.2°C / 1 minute and below 0.5°C / 1 minute.

[0164] <16>

[0165] The urination detection device described in any of <1> to <15>, wherein,

[0166] The main body has a housing in which the humidity sensor is disposed at least internally, and the housing has a moisture inlet for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper, and a moisture outlet for discharging moisture that has come into contact with the humidity sensor in the housing to the outside.

[0167] <17>

[0168] The urination detection device described in <16>, wherein,

[0169] The housing has: an inner wall forming a side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper; and an outer cover covering the opposite side of the side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper, wherein the moisture inlet is formed in the inner wall and the moisture outlet is formed in the outer cover.

[0170] <18>

[0171] The urination detection device described in <17>, wherein,

[0172] The moisture inlet and the moisture outlet are through holes formed in the housing, and the opening area ratio of the through hole formed in the outer cover is less than the opening area ratio of the through hole formed in the inner wall.

[0173] <19>

[0174] The urination detection device described in <18>, wherein,

[0175] The ratio of the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the outer cover to the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the inner wall is 10% or more, preferably 30% or more, and furthermore, it is 100% or less, preferably 80% or less, and furthermore, it is 10% or more and 100% or less, preferably 30% or more and 80% or less.

[0176] <20>

[0177] The urination detection device described in <18>, wherein,

[0178] The opening area ratio of the through hole formed in the inner wall is 1% or more, preferably 3% or more, and furthermore, 50% or less, preferably 30% or less, and furthermore, 1% or more and 50% or less, preferably 3% or more and 30% or less.

[0179] <21>

[0180] The urination detection device described in <18>, wherein,

[0181] The opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the outer cover is 0.1% or more, preferably 1% or more, and furthermore, 30% or less, preferably 10% or less, and furthermore, 0.1% or more and 30% or less, preferably 1% or more and 10% or less.

[0182] <22>

[0183] The urination detection device described in any of <16> to <21>, wherein,

[0184] One or both of the moisture inlet and the moisture outlet are ventilation sections made of a moisture-permeable material.

[0185] <23>

[0186] The urination detection device described in <22>, wherein,

[0187] The moisture permeability of the material, measured according to the JIS Z0208 cup method, is 24 g / m³. 2 • 24 hours or more, preferably 48 g / m 2 • 24 hours or more, and preferably 2400 g / m 2 • Below 24 hours, preferably 1200 g / m 2 • Below 24 hours, and preferably 24 g / m 2 • 24 hours or more and 2400g / m 2 • Below 24 hours, preferably 48 g / m 2• 24 hours or more and 1200g / m 2 • Below 24 hours

[0188] <24>

[0189] The urination detection device described in any of <16> to <21>, wherein,

[0190] The moisture inlet section has higher moisture permeability than the moisture outlet section.

[0191] <25>

[0192] The urination detection device described in <24>, wherein,

[0193] The moisture permeability of the moisture inlet section, measured according to the JIS Z0208 cup method, is more than twice, preferably more than three times, and more than 100 times, preferably less than 10 times, and more than twice and less than 100 times, preferably more than three times and less than 10 times.

[0194] <26>

[0195] The urination detection device described in any of <16> to <21>, wherein,

[0196] One or both of the moisture inlet and the moisture outlet are ventilation sections provided with a waterproof and breathable material.

[0197] <27>

[0198] The urination detection device described in any of <1> to <26>, wherein,

[0199] The main body device is provided with a fastener for fixing to the outer surface of the diaper.

[0200] <28>

[0201] The urination detection device described in any of <1> to <27>, wherein,

[0202] It also includes an optical voiding detection device.

[0203] <29>

[0204] The urination detection device described in any of <1> to <28>, wherein,

[0205] The main device includes a sampling time generation unit, a data sampling unit, a data storage memory, a detection unit for changes in one or both of temperature and humidity, a urination detection unit, and a power supply unit.

[0206] <30>

[0207] The urination detection device described in any of <1> to <29>, wherein,

[0208] The main unit includes a sampling time generation unit, a temperature and humidity data sampling unit, a temperature data storage memory, a humidity data storage memory, a device for communicating with the outside world, and a power supply unit for supplying the required power.

[0209] <31>

[0210] A method for detecting urination involves measuring the humidity and temperature of the outer surface of a diaper at the urination area, and determining that urination has occurred when the rate of increase of both humidity and temperature exceeds their respective preset values.

[0211] Industrial availability

[0212] According to the urination detection device and urination detection method of the present invention, high-precision and hygienic urination detection can be achieved, and the first urination can be detected as well as subsequent urinations.

Claims

1. A urine detection device, characterized in that: The main unit, equipped with built-in temperature and humidity sensors, is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper. A urination detection unit is provided within the main device or in an auxiliary device capable of communicating with the main device. This urination detection unit records changes in the humidity of the outer surface of the diaper when the main device is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper, and can detect instances of urination occurring a second or subsequent time on the same diaper based on these humidity changes. The urination detection unit also records the temperature change of the outer surface of the diaper. When the relative humidity of the outer surface of the diaper is above 75% and a predetermined temperature change is measured on the outer surface, it is determined that there has been a second or subsequent urination. The main body device has a housing containing at least the humidity sensor internally, and the housing has a moisture inlet for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper; and a moisture outlet for discharging moisture that has come into contact with the humidity sensor within the housing to the outside. The housing has: an inner wall forming a side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper; and an outer cover covering the opposite side of the side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper. The inner wall has a moisture inlet portion, and the outer cover has a moisture outlet portion. The inner wall has a through hole for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper as a moisture inlet, and the outer cover has a through hole for discharging moisture after contact with the humidity sensor to the outside as a moisture outlet. The opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the outer cover is less than or equal to the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the inner wall.

2. The urination detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The urination detection unit also records the temperature change of the outer surface of the diaper. When a specified change is measured in both the humidity and temperature of the outer surface of the diaper, it is determined that urination has occurred.

3. The urination detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The specified change in humidity is an increase in relative humidity at a rate of 3% per minute or more.

4. The urination detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The rate of increase is a relative humidity increase of more than 4% / 1 minute and less than 50% / 1 minute.

5. The urination detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The specified change in humidity is an increase rate of 1.5 g / m³ per minute. 3 The above refers to an increase in absolute humidity.

6. The urination detection device as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The humidity data is acquired at intervals of less than 2 minutes, and the rate of increase in humidity is calculated based on the difference between the humidity at the time of the previous acquisition and the previous data.

7. The urination detection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The humidity data is acquired at intervals of more than 1 second and less than 2 minutes.

8. The urination detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The specified change in temperature is a temperature increase at a rate of 0.2°C / minute or higher.

9. The urination detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The rising rate is greater than 0.25°C / 1 minute and less than 5°C / 1 minute.

10. The urination detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: Temperature data is acquired at intervals of less than 2 minutes, and the rate of temperature increase is calculated based on the difference between the temperature at the time of the previous acquisition and the previous temperature.

11. The urination detection device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The temperature data is acquired at intervals of more than 1 second and less than 2 minutes.

12. A urine detection device, characterized in that: The main unit, equipped with built-in temperature and humidity sensors, is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper. A urination detection unit is provided within the main unit or in an auxiliary device capable of communicating with the main unit. This urination detection unit records changes in the humidity of the outer surface of the diaper when the main unit is attached to the outer surface of the diaper. Based on these humidity changes, it can detect instances of urination occurring a second or subsequent time on the same diaper. A warning unit is included, which utilizes the fact that the rate of temperature rise during urination decreases as the number of urinations or total absorbency increases. When the relative humidity of the outer surface of the diaper is above a specified value and the rate of temperature rise is below a specified value, the unit reminds the user to change the diaper. The main body device has a housing containing at least the humidity sensor internally, and the housing has a moisture inlet for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper; and a moisture outlet for discharging moisture that has come into contact with the humidity sensor within the housing to the outside. The housing has: an inner wall forming a side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper; and an outer cover covering the opposite side of the side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper. The inner wall has a moisture inlet portion, and the outer cover has a moisture outlet portion. The inner wall has a through hole for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper as a moisture inlet, and the outer cover has a through hole for discharging moisture after contact with the humidity sensor to the outside as a moisture outlet. The opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the outer cover is less than or equal to the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the inner wall.

13. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: The ratio of the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the outer cover to the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the inner wall is 10% or more and 100% or less.

14. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: The opening area ratio of the through hole formed in the inner wall is more than 1% and less than 50%.

15. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: The opening area ratio of the through hole formed in the outer cover is 0.1% or more and 30% or less.

16. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: One or both of the moisture inlet and the moisture outlet are ventilation sections made of a moisture-permeable material.

17. The urination detection device as described in claim 16, characterized in that: The moisture permeability of the material, measured according to the JIS Z0208 cup method, is 24 g / m³. 2 • 24 hours or more and 2400g / m 2 • Below 24 hours 18. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: The moisture inlet section has higher moisture permeability than the moisture outlet section.

19. The urination detection device as described in claim 18, characterized in that: The moisture permeability of the moisture inlet section, measured according to the JIS Z0208 cup method, is more than twice and less than 100 times that of the moisture outlet section.

20. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: One or both of the moisture inlet and the moisture outlet are ventilation sections provided with a waterproof and breathable material.

21. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: The main body device is provided with a fastener for fixing to the outer surface of the diaper.

22. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: It also includes an optical voiding detection device.

23. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: The main device includes a sampling time generation unit, a data sampling unit, a data storage memory, a detection unit for changes in one or both of temperature and humidity, a urination detection unit, and a power supply unit.

24. The urination detection device as described in claim 1 or 12, characterized in that: The main unit includes a sampling time generation unit, a temperature and humidity data sampling unit, a temperature data storage memory, a humidity data storage memory, a device for communicating with the outside world, and a power supply unit for supplying the required power.

25. A method for detecting urination, characterized in that: The humidity and temperature of the outer surface of the diaper at the urination area are measured. Urination is considered to have occurred when both the humidity and temperature rise at their respective preset rates. A urination detection device is used in the measurement of the humidity and the temperature. The urination detection device has a main body that is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper and has built-in temperature and humidity sensors. A urination detection unit is provided within the main device or in an auxiliary device capable of communicating with the main device. This urination detection unit records changes in the humidity of the outer surface of the diaper when the main device is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper, and can detect instances of urination occurring a second or subsequent time on the same diaper based on these humidity changes. The urination detection unit also records the temperature change of the outer surface of the diaper. When the relative humidity of the outer surface of the diaper is above 75% and a predetermined temperature change is measured on the outer surface, it is determined that there has been a second or subsequent urination. The main body device has a housing containing at least the humidity sensor internally, and the housing has a moisture inlet for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper; and a moisture outlet for discharging moisture that has come into contact with the humidity sensor within the housing to the outside. The housing has: an inner wall forming a side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper; and an outer cover covering the opposite side of the side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper. The inner wall has a moisture inlet portion, and the outer cover has a moisture outlet portion. The inner wall has a through hole for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper as a moisture inlet, and the outer cover has a through hole for discharging moisture after contact with the humidity sensor to the outside as a moisture outlet. The opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the outer cover is less than or equal to the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the inner wall.

26. A method for detecting urination, characterized in that: The humidity and temperature of the outer surface of the diaper at the urination area are measured. Urination is considered to have occurred when both the humidity and temperature rise at their respective preset rates. A urination detection device is used in the measurement of the humidity and the temperature. The urination detection device has a main body that is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper and has built-in temperature and humidity sensors. A urination detection unit is provided within the main device or in an auxiliary device capable of communicating with the main device. This urination detection unit records changes in the humidity of the outer surface of the diaper when the main device is mounted on the outer surface of the diaper, and can detect instances of urination occurring a second or subsequent time on the same diaper based on these humidity changes. The urination detection device utilizes the fact that the rate of temperature rise during urination decreases as the frequency or total absorption increases. When the relative humidity on the outer surface of the diaper is above a specified value and the rate of temperature rise is below a specified value, it reminds the user to change the diaper. The main body device has a housing containing at least the humidity sensor internally, and the housing has a moisture inlet for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper; and a moisture outlet for discharging moisture that has come into contact with the humidity sensor within the housing to the outside. The housing has: an inner wall forming a side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper; and an outer cover covering the opposite side of the side that contacts the outer surface of the diaper. The inner wall has a moisture inlet portion, and the outer cover has a moisture outlet portion. The inner wall has a through hole for taking in moisture discharged from the outer surface of the diaper as a moisture inlet, and the outer cover has a through hole for discharging moisture after contact with the humidity sensor to the outside as a moisture outlet. The opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the outer cover is less than or equal to the opening area ratio of the through hole formed on the inner wall.

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