Method for evaluating performance of absorbent article

Abstract

Provided is a method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article, said method being capable of improving evaluation accuracy and providing objective evaluation results. A method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article evaluates the performance of the absorbent article in a deformed state based on the motion of a wearer. This performance evaluation method has: a deformation step in which an absorbent article to be evaluated is deformed into the deformed state; and a monitoring step in which the state of the skin surface side of the deformed absorbent article is monitored and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated. In the monitoring step, at least one piece of basic information selected from the front-rear direction positions of the protrusions in the crotch region, the width direction positions of the protrusions in the crotch region, and the number of the protrusions in the crotch region is acquired, and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated on the basis of the basic information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article. Background Art

[0002] Various absorbent articles are provided that have improved performance by improving the wearing feeling or suppressing leakage. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disposable diaper that is configured to improve the fit with respect to the crotch region when worn. In addition, absorbent articles are sometimes used in a state of being placed on a wearing article such as a disposable diaper, like an absorbent pad. Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent pad that is placed on a wearing article and used, and is configured to be easily deformed to follow the shape of the wearing article. That is, in the past, various absorbent articles that improve the fit with respect to the body and the followability with respect to the wearing article have been provided.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-000180

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-202118 Summary of the invention

[0007] The performance evaluation of absorbent articles thus constructed is mainly based on sensory evaluations such as inquiries by evaluators such as users. However, in conventional performance evaluation methods, since the evaluation is based on the evaluator's senses, evaluation bias may occur and objective evaluation may be difficult to obtain. In addition, since absorbent articles are deformed during wear, in conventional performance evaluation methods, the difference between the evaluation of the wearer during actual wear and the result based on sensory evaluation may become large, and improvement in evaluation accuracy is required.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a performance evaluation method for absorbent articles that can improve evaluation accuracy and provide objective evaluation results.

[0009] The performance evaluation method of an absorbent article evaluates the performance of an absorbent article in a deformed state based on the movement of a wearer. The performance evaluation method comprises: a deformation step in which an absorbent article to be evaluated is deformed into the deformed state; and a monitoring step in which the state of the skin surface side of the deformed absorbent article is monitored and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated. In the monitoring step, at least one basic information of the position of the raised portion of the crotch region in the front-back direction, the position of the raised portion of the crotch region in the width direction, and the number of raised portions of the crotch region is obtained, and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on the basic information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front view of an example of an absorbent article to be evaluated.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a plan view of an example of an absorbent article to be evaluated in a developed state.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the deformation process.

[0013] Figure 4 An example of main basic information and sub-information, evaluation criteria for the information, and scores that satisfy each evaluation criterion is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 This is an example of an image showing the deformation state of the skin surface side of the absorbent article during the monitoring process.

[0015] Figure 6 An example of evaluation of the first absorbent article and the second absorbent article is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an example of an image of a region including the crotch region from the non-skin surface side of the absorbent article.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the calculation method of the height of the raised portion.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement form and the lifting form of the imaging component.

[0019] Fig.10 This is an example of an image of a region including a crotch region from the skin side of an absorbent article in the evaluation of a deformed state based on a wearer's sitting motion.

[0020] Fig.11This is a diagram for explaining a process of acquiring an image of a region including a crotch region from the non-skin surface side of an absorbent article in the evaluation of a deformed state based on a wearer's sitting motion.

[0021] Fig.12 This is an example of an image of a region including a crotch region from the non-skin surface side of an absorbent article in the evaluation of a deformed state based on a wearer's sitting motion.

[0022] Fig.13 This is an example of an image of a region including a crotch region from the skin surface side of an absorbent article in the evaluation of a deformed state based on walking motion.

[0023] Fig.14 This is an example of an image of a region including a crotch region from the non-skin surface side of an absorbent article in the evaluation of a deformed state based on walking motion.

[0024] Fig.15 (a) is a block diagram of a performance evaluation system for absorbent articles, Fig.15 (b) is a flow chart of evaluation based on the performance evaluation system of absorbent articles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] (1) Overview of Implementation

[0026] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The performance evaluation method of the absorbent article of form 1 evaluates the performance of the absorbent article in a deformed state based on the movement of the wearer. The performance evaluation method comprises: a deformation process, in which the absorbent article as the evaluation object is deformed into the deformed state; and a monitoring process, in which the state of the skin surface side of the deformed absorbent article is monitored and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated. In the monitoring process, at least one basic information of the position of the ridges in the front-back direction of the crotch region, the position of the ridges in the width direction of the crotch region, and the number of the ridges in the crotch region is obtained, and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on the basic information. The applicant conducted an in-depth study and found that when wearing, the deformation of the absorbent article is likely to occur relatively greatly in the crotch region, and the deformation of the crotch region has a greater impact on the performance. Specifically, the crotch region is the part that touches the excretion port. If the crotch region does not fit the body, it is easy to cause discomfort or cause discomfort caused by the transmission and leakage of body fluids. In addition, the crotch area is a part arranged between the two legs. If the crotch area is not in an appropriate shape, the absorbent article will continue to touch the legs, and the discomfort will easily lead to unpleasantness. The evaluation method of this form focuses on the bulge in the crotch area and evaluates the performance based on the bulge. By deforming the absorbent article into a deformed state based on the wearer's movement and evaluating the performance, the error between the actual wearer's evaluation and the evaluation based on this method can be reduced, and the evaluation accuracy can be improved. In addition, the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on at least one of the information of the front-to-back position of the bulge in the crotch area, the width direction position of the bulge in the crotch area, and the number of bulges in the crotch area. Since the evaluation is based on the actual position information of the bulge, etc., an objective evaluation result can be obtained without relying on the evaluator's feeling. In addition, since it does not rely on the evaluator's feeling, but is based on quantitative information obtained according to the deformation state of the specific absorbent article, the evaluation accuracy can be improved.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, in the embodiment 2, in addition to the embodiment 1, the following features may be provided. The deformation state based on the wearer's action in the deformation step is any one of a deformation state based on the action of pulling up the absorbent article after passing both legs through a pair of leg openings, a deformation state based on the action of the wearer wearing the absorbent article sitting down, and a deformation state based on the action of the wearer wearing the absorbent article walking. According to this embodiment, by reproducing the actions normally performed by the wearer wearing the absorbent article and performing the evaluation, the error between the evaluation of the actual wearer and the evaluation based on this method can be reduced, and the evaluation accuracy can be improved.

[0029] According to a preferred form, in the scheme of form 3, on the basis of the scheme of form 1 or form 2, the following features may be provided. The deformation state based on the action of pulling up the absorbent article is a state before the lifting is completed when the lifting length from the lifting after the legs are passed through the pair of leg openings to the completion of the lifting of the absorbent article to the waist of the wearer is set to 100, and the lifting length is more than 50 and the lifting is completed. The applicant conducted an in-depth study and found that the deformation state of the crotch area is greatly affected by the start of the lifting action, and the deformation state of the crotch area before the lifting is completed by pulling for a length of more than 50 and the deformation state of the crotch area when the lifting is completed will not change significantly. By monitoring the state before the lifting is completed by pulling for a length of more than 50, it is easier to monitor than when the lifting is completed (wearing state), and there is no need for an action for monitoring (such as turning over the front waist area of ​​the absorbent article), so high-precision monitoring can be performed.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, in the embodiment 4, based on the embodiment of any one of the embodiments 1 to 3, the following features may be provided. The monitoring step acquires an image of the area including the crotch area from the skin surface side of the absorbent article. According to this embodiment, by acquiring an image, the accuracy of confirmation of the position of the raised portion and the like can be improved compared to visual confirmation, and a more objective and highly accurate evaluation result can be obtained.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, in the scheme of form 5, based on the scheme of any one of forms 1 to 4, the following features may be provided. The monitoring step obtains an image of an area including the crotch area from the skin side of the absorbent article and an image of an area including the crotch area from the non-skin side of the absorbent article. According to this embodiment, by also including the state of the absorbent article from the non-skin side, the confirmation accuracy of the position of the raised portion and the like can be improved, and a more objective and highly accurate evaluation result can be obtained.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, in the scheme of form 6, based on the scheme of any one of forms 1 to 5, the following features can be provided. The monitoring step irradiates light from the non-skin surface side toward the skin surface side of the absorbent article, obtains an image from the skin surface side of the absorbent article, and extracts a shadow portion with a lower brightness relative to the surroundings as the raised portion. According to this embodiment, the extraction accuracy of the raised portion can be further improved.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, in the embodiment 7, based on the embodiment of any one of the embodiments 1 to 6, the following features may be provided. In the monitoring step, the state of the skin surface side of the absorbent article in the deformed state is monitored, and the discomfort of the wearer of the absorbent article when performing an action different from the action for forming the deformed state is evaluated. According to this embodiment, not only the performance evaluation based on the action for forming the deformed state but also the performance evaluation when performing an action different from the action for forming the deformed state can be performed.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, in the aspect 8, in addition to the aspects of any one of aspects 1 to 7, the following features may be provided. In the monitoring step, in addition to the basic information, at least one sub-information of the height of the protrusion, the center of the protrusion in the width direction, and the top of the protrusion is obtained, and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on the basic information and the sub-information. By evaluating the performance of the absorbent article using the sub-information in addition to the basic information, the evaluation accuracy can be further improved.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, in the scheme of form 9, based on the scheme of any one of forms 1 to 8, the following features can be provided. The absorbent article is at least one of a disposable diaper of a panty type, an absorbent pad placed on a wearable article and used, a disposable diaper of an open waist type that can open and close the leg circumference by separating the waist area, and a pant-type sanitary napkin. These absorbent articles perform a pulling action after the legs are passed through the leg openings. Therefore, compared with a belt-type absorbent article, the deformation caused by the wearing action tends to become larger. According to this embodiment, by evaluating the performance of the absorbent article based on the deformation state caused by the pulling action, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the wearing feeling and absorption performance after the pulling action.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, in the scheme of the embodiment 10, based on the scheme of any one of the embodiments 1 to 9, the following features may be provided. The absorbent article is both a disposable diaper and an absorbent pad for adults. In the deformation step, the disposable diaper and the absorbent pad are deformed into the deformed state in a state where the absorbent pad is placed on the disposable diaper. In the monitoring step, the state of the absorbent pad is monitored by acquiring an image from the skin side of the absorbent article, and the state of the disposable diaper is monitored by acquiring an image from the non-skin side of the absorbent article. By acquiring an image from the skin side of the absorbent article, the state of the absorbent pad is confirmed, thereby confirming the raised portion of the absorbent pad located on the skin side of the disposable diaper. In addition, by acquiring an image from the non-skin side of the absorbent article, the state of the disposable diaper is confirmed, thereby confirming the raised portion of the disposable diaper. Based on the respective raised portions, it is also possible to judge whether it is better to use the disposable diaper and the absorbent pad together or different combinations are better.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, in the scheme of Form 11, based on the scheme of any one of Forms 1 to 10, the following features may be provided. In addition to the basic information, the monitoring process evaluates the performance of the absorbent article based on the relationship information of the points of agreement and difference between the raised portion of the disposable diaper and the raised portion of the absorbent pad. Even if an appropriate evaluation result is obtained for each absorbent article, if the position of the raised portion of each absorbent article is offset, it will affect the wearing feeling such as discomfort. By adding evaluation indicators based on the points of agreement and difference of the raised portions of each absorbent article, it is possible to perform an evaluation based on the relationship between the raised portions.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, in the embodiment 12, in addition to the embodiments of any one of the embodiments 1 to 11, the following features may be provided. In the monitoring step, in addition to the basic information, height information as the height of the ridge is obtained, and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on the basic information and the height information. By using the height information, the fit of the crotch region can be appropriately evaluated.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, in the embodiment 13, based on the embodiment 12, the following features may be provided. The monitoring step obtains the height of the protrusion and the length in the width direction of the absorbent core, and evaluates the performance of the absorbent article based on the ratio of the height of the protrusion to the length in the width direction of the absorbent core, the basic information, the sub-information, and the ratio. By further using the ratio, the fit of the crotch region can be appropriately evaluated.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, in the embodiment 14, based on the embodiments of any one of the embodiments 1 to 13, the following features may be provided. The deformation step deforms the absorbent article to be evaluated into a deformed state in a state where the crotch of the wearer is separated from the crotch region of the absorbent article. According to this embodiment, the deformation of the absorbent core due to the contact between the absorbent article and the leg (thigh) can be evaluated.

[0041] (2) Performance evaluation method of absorbent articles

[0042] Hereinafter, an evaluation method for an absorbent article (hereinafter referred to as the evaluation method) according to a preferred embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the evaluation method, the performance of the absorbent article 1 is evaluated in a state where a wearer wearing the absorbent article 1 such as a disposable diaper performs a predetermined action. When the wearer performs the predetermined action, the absorbent article 1 is deformed compared to a state before the wearer wears the absorbent article 1, such as a state where no external force is applied to the absorbent article 1. By evaluating the performance of the absorbent article 1 in a deformed state due to the action, a result close to that obtained when the wearer actually wears the absorbent article 1 is obtained.

[0043] The actions of the wearer are not particularly limited as long as they are actions that the wearer wearing the absorbent article 1 can perform. The wearing state when performing the action in the evaluation can be not only a state in which the absorbent article 1 is fully worn, but also a state in the middle of wearing (for example, in the middle of pulling up). For example, the actions of the wearer can exemplify the pulling up action when wearing the absorbent article 1, the action of the wearer wearing the absorbent article 1 sitting down, and the action of the wearer wearing the absorbent article 1 walking. In this way, by reproducing the actions that the wearer wearing the absorbent article 1 usually performs and evaluating them, it is possible to reduce the error between the evaluation of the actual wearer and the evaluation based on this method, and improve the evaluation accuracy. The evaluation method of this embodiment is an evaluation method using a deformation state based on a pulling up action when wearing, and the evaluation method using a deformation state based on the action of the wearer sitting down and the evaluation method using a deformation state based on a walking action are described as other preferred forms.

[0044] In addition, the "performance of the absorbent article" evaluated in this specification includes the wearing feeling of the absorbent article 1 and the absorption performance of the absorbent article 1. The wearing feeling of the absorbent article 1 can be the discomfort, fit, and skin touch when the absorbent article 1 is in motion (walking, etc.) when the absorbent article 1 is worn, or it can be the discomfort, fit, and skin touch when the absorbent article 1 is still (sleeping state) when the absorbent article 1 is worn. The absorption performance of the absorbent article 1 can include the absorption rate of body fluids, absorption area, leakage of body fluids, and rewetting (liquid reflux of temporarily absorbed body fluids) of the absorbent article 1. In addition, the "acquisition of information" in this specification can be obtained based on the captured two-dimensional image data or three-dimensional image data, or the information can be obtained by visually measuring using a ruler or the like. In this specification, "measurement" is not limited to the acquisition of data values ​​alone, but also includes the situation where data is obtained and the obtained values ​​are used to calculate and obtain specified parameters.

[0045] The absorbent article 1 to be evaluated broadly includes articles for absorbing liquid discharged from the human body. Figure 1 and Figure 2 An absorbent article 1 is shown as an example of an evaluation object. Figure 1 is a front view of the absorbent article 1, Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The top view of the unfolded state of the absorbent article 1 shown is a state in which the side joint 45 joining the front waist region and the rear waist region is separated. The absorbent article 1 has at least a liquid-permeable surface sheet 10, a liquid-impermeable or waterproof leakproof sheet 20, and a liquid-retaining absorbent core 31 arranged between the two sheets. The absorbent article 1 has a crotch region S3 arranged in the crotch of the wearer, a front region S1 located at a position closer to the front side than the crotch region S3, and a rear region S2 located at a position closer to the rear side than the crotch region S3. The crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 can be a region where the leg opening 41 is formed. In the underwear-type absorbent article 1, the crotch region S3 can be a region closer to the inner side of the side joint 45 in the front-to-back direction L. As the absorbent article 1, for example, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, sanitary pads, etc. are included, but not limited to these.

[0046] In the evaluation method of the first embodiment, the performance of the absorbent article 1 is evaluated based on the deformation state caused by the action of pulling up the panty-type absorbent article 1. More specifically, the performance of the absorbent article 1 is evaluated based on the deformation state caused by the action of pulling up the absorbent article 1 after the two legs are passed through a pair of leg openings 41. In the action of pulling up the absorbent article 1, the crotch area S3 arranged on the inner side of the two legs continuously touches the legs, which easily causes the deformation of the crotch area S3. Therefore, the deformation state of the absorbent article after the pulling action is likely to affect the subsequent wearing feeling and absorption performance. For example, a belt-type absorbent article generally passes the crotch area between the two legs in a state where the rear waist area is placed below the back. The action of passing the crotch area between the two legs is usually only once, and it only passes between the two legs. Therefore, the contact with the legs when wearing has little effect on the deformation of the crotch area S3. On the other hand, for the panty-type absorbent article 1, the legs are passed through each of the leg openings 41, and the absorbent article 1 is pulled up from the ankle side to the waist. During this pulling action, the absorbent article will continue to touch the legs. Therefore, the deformation of the panty-type absorbent article 1 caused by the wearing action tends to become larger than that of the belt-type absorbent article. In addition, the belt-type absorbent article is often worn by a wearing assistant such as a caregiver, and the wearing assistant sometimes notices the deformation of the absorbent article and makes adjustments. On the other hand, for the panty-type absorbent article, it is often worn by oneself without relying on the wearing assistant. In addition, it is particularly difficult for the wearer to visually confirm the deformation state of the crotch area S3, and it is difficult to make adjustments to the deformation of the absorbent article. According to this form, by evaluating the performance of the panty-type absorbent article based on the deformation state caused by the pulling action, it is possible to appropriately evaluate the wearing feeling and absorption performance after the pulling action. In addition, the evaluation object of the first evaluation method can be a panty-type wearing article such as a mesh panty, an absorbent pad placed on a wearing article made of a textile or woven fabric such as a cloth, a panty-type sanitary napkin, or a waist-open type disposable diaper that can open and close the leg circumference by separating the waist area. The absorbent pad is also placed on the panty-type wearing article and the legs are pulled up after passing through a pair of leg circumference openings of the wearing article. The panty-type sanitary napkin and the waist-open type disposable diaper are also pulled up after passing through a pair of leg circumference openings. Therefore, deformation due to the pulling action is likely to occur, and it is preferable to evaluate the performance of the absorbent article by this evaluation method.

[0047] The evaluation method comprises at least: a deformation process, in which the absorbent article 1 as the evaluation object is deformed into a deformed state; and a monitoring process, in which the state of the skin side of the deformed absorbent article 1 is monitored and the performance of the absorbent article 1 is evaluated. Figure 3 4 is a diagram for explaining the deformation process. In the deformation process, the absorbent article 1 is pulled up after both legs are passed through a pair of leg openings 41. More specifically, Figure 3 As shown in (a), the feet are passed through a pair of leg openings 41, and the inner end ( Figure 3 The absorbent article 1 is pulled up until the waist opening 43 of the absorbent article 1 is at the lower end of the kneecap ( Figure 3 (a) shows the position of B2). In this pulling operation, the area including the left and right side joints 45 is grasped and pulled by hand.

[0048] Next, if Figure 3 As shown in (b), the body is bent so that the angle between the upper body and the lower body is 100 to 160 degrees. The bent state of the body reproduces the state in which an elderly person is assumed to be the wearer and the waist of the wearer is bent. The angle is the angle between the line L1 of the back and the line L2 extending from the buttocks to the back of the thigh, which can be measured, for example, using a goniometer. While the body is bent at this angle, the area including the side joint 45 of the waist opening 43 of the absorbent article 1 is grasped by hand, and the absorbent article 1 is pulled up until the waist opening 43 of the absorbent article becomes the iliac crest of the wearer ( Figure 3 (b) The pulling speed is 4 cm / sec. During the pulling action, the angle between the upper body and the lower body is maintained at the state before the pulling (100-160°). Through the above steps, the pulling action is completed, and the absorbent article 1 becomes a deformed state based on the wearer's action.

[0049] The monitoring process obtains at least one basic information of the position of the ridge 50 in the crotch region S3 in the front-back direction L, the position of the ridge 50 in the width direction of the crotch region S3, and the number of the ridges 50 in the crotch region S3, and evaluates the performance of the absorbent article 1 based on the basic information. The applicant conducted an in-depth study and found that when worn, the deformation of the absorbent article 1 is likely to occur relatively greatly in the crotch region S3, and the deformation of the crotch region S3 has a greater impact on the performance. Specifically, the crotch region S3 is a part that touches the excretion port. If the crotch region does not fit the body, it is easy to produce discomfort or cause discomfort caused by the transmission and leakage of body fluids. In addition, the crotch region S3 is a part arranged between the legs. If the crotch region is not in an appropriate shape, the absorbent article 1 will continue to touch the legs, and the discomfort is likely to cause discomfort. This evaluation method focuses on the ridge 50 in the crotch region S3 and evaluates the performance based on the ridge 50. By deforming the absorbent article into a deformed state based on the wearer's action and evaluating the performance, the error between the actual wearer's evaluation and the evaluation based on this method can be reduced, and the evaluation accuracy can be improved. In addition, the raised portion 50 in the basic information only needs to be a raised portion 50 that bulges toward the skin side in the crotch area S3, and preferably, it can be a raised portion 50 in the area where the absorbent core 31 is configured. This is because the raised portion 50 of the absorbent core 31 has a greater impact on the wearing feeling such as stiffness when wearing the absorbent article 1, and the absorption performance such as body fluid leakage. In addition, since the evaluation is based on the actual position information of the raised portion 50, etc., it is possible to obtain an objective evaluation result without relying on the evaluator's feeling. In addition, since it does not rely on the evaluator's feeling, but is based on quantitative information obtained according to the deformation state of the specific absorbent article, the evaluation accuracy can be improved. In addition, it is sufficient to use at least one of the three basic information, but it is preferred that multiple basic information can be used, and it is more preferred that all of the three basic information can be used. Moreover, when multiple basic information is used, weighting corresponding to the impact on the performance evaluation can be performed. Specifically, an additional coefficient based on the importance or priority may be set, and the evaluation based on the important information may be multiplied by the coefficient to perform the evaluation. Figure 4 An example of showing the main basic information and sub-information, the evaluation criteria for the information, and the scores for satisfying each evaluation criterion. Figure 4 As shown in the example of , the scores satisfying the respective evaluation criteria may be the same, and as another example, the scores may be different based on importance or priority.

[0050] In the process of obtaining basic information, it is sufficient to obtain the state of the raised portion 50 of the crotch region S3 from the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1. For example, the state of the raised portion 50 can be confirmed by visual observation or by obtaining an image. The image can be a still image or a dynamic image. In this embodiment, the basic information is obtained by obtaining a still image using a photographing component and analyzing the still image. By obtaining an image of the area including the crotch region S3 from the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1, the confirmation accuracy of the position of the raised portion 50 can be improved compared with visual confirmation, and a more objective and accurate evaluation result can be obtained. Figure 5 This is an example of an image acquired by the imaging component. Figure 5 (a) is an image taken from the skin surface side of the first absorbent article 1X to be evaluated, Figure 5 (b) is an image from the skin side of the second absorbent article 1Y as the evaluation object. The process of obtaining basic information may include a process of extracting specific parts (such as the protrusion 50, the absorbent core 31) and a process of calculating basic information based on the information of the extracted specific parts. When extracting specific parts and calculating basic information, when the position and range of the parts and information of the object change, the average value can be used. In addition, when the image is obtained by using the shooting component, when there is a gap between the absorbent article and the wearer, such as in the case of the pulling process described later, the image can be obtained through the gap using the shooting component. On the other hand, when there is no gap between the absorbent article and the wearer, such as in the state of the pulling action completed, the sitting action completed, the walking completed, etc., the shooting component can be inserted between the absorbent article and the wearer to obtain the image, or the absorbent article can be partially turned over to obtain the image in the state of exposing the crotch area, or the absorbent article can be pulled down from the wearer to obtain the image after the gap is formed between the wearer and the absorbent article.

[0051] The monitoring process uses at least basic information to evaluate performance. Figure 6 An example of evaluation of the first absorbent article 1X and the second absorbent article 1Y is shown. Figure 6 In the example shown, the position information of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50 of the crotch region S3 can be used as basic information. More specifically, the position information of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50 can include information on the ratio of the length of the raised portion 50 to the length of the front-to-back direction L of the crotch region R31 of the absorbent core 31. Figure 2As shown, the crotch region R31 of the absorbent core 31 is the region located in the center of the front-to-back direction in the region after the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts along the front-to-back direction. If the ratio of the raised portion 50 is too low (for example, lower than 50%), the portion in close contact with the body in the crotch region S3 is small, and the fit cannot be fully obtained, which can be judged as not preferred for the fit and the leakage of body fluids. Therefore, the ratio of the length of the raised portion 50 in the front-to-back direction L relative to the crotch region R31 of the absorbent core 31 can be more than 50%. The position information of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50 can include the position information of the front end of the raised portion 50. If the position of the front end of the raised portion 50 is a position closer to the rear side than the center of the front-to-back direction of the crotch region S3, the fit cannot be fully obtained at a position closer to the front side than the center of the front-to-back direction of the crotch region S3. Therefore, the position of the front end of the raised portion 50 is preferably a position closer to the front side than the center of the front-to-back direction L of the crotch region S3. The position information of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50 may include the position information of the rear end of the raised portion 50. If the rear end of the raised portion 50 is located at a position forward of the center of the front-to-back direction L of the crotch region S3, the fit at a position backward of the center of the front-to-back direction L of the crotch region S3 cannot be fully obtained. Therefore, the position of the front end of the raised portion 50 is preferably located forward of the center of the front-to-back direction L of the crotch region S3. The position information of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50 may include the position information of the center of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50. The center of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50 corresponds to the offset of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50, and is preferably close to the center of the front-to-back direction L of the crotch region S3. The center of the front-to-back direction L of the raised portion 50 is preferably within a range of 50 mm in the front-to-back direction from the center of the front-to-back direction L of the crotch region S3.

[0052] In the monitoring process, the position information of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 of the crotch area S3 can be used as basic information. In more detail, the position information of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 can include the ratio information of the raised portion 50 relative to the length of the width direction W of the absorbent core 31 of the crotch area S3. When the ratio of the raised portion 50 is high, the absorbent core 31 is raised relative to the body over the entire area, so the fit is improved. In addition, by raising the entire absorbent core 31, it is possible to suppress contact with the skin compared to a partially raised structure. The ratio of the length of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 relative to the absorbent core 31 of the crotch area S3 can be 50% or more. In addition, the position information of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 can include the offset information of the width direction W of the raised portion 50. The offset information of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 may be information on whether the raised portion 50 as a whole is offset relative to the center of the width direction of the absorbent core 31, for example, the angle between the imaginary line P1 extending from the center of the width direction of the absorbent core and the imaginary line P2 extending from the center of the width direction of the raised portion of the crotch region is less than 10 degrees. For example, this is because, even if the center of the width direction of the raised portion 50 partially coincides with the center of the width direction W of the absorbent core 31, if the raised portion 50 is offset as a whole in the front-rear direction L, the fit to the crotch will be reduced.

[0053] As basic information, information on the number of raised portions 50 may be used. More specifically, information on the number of raised portions 50 arranged in the width direction W may be included. In the entire region of the crotch region S3 in the width direction W, the number of raised portions 50 is preferably small, preferably one. This is because, if a plurality of raised portions 50 are arranged in the width direction in the crotch region S3, the raised portions 50 interfere with each other and the contact with the legs becomes stronger than with a single integrated raised portion 50, or the boundaries between the raised portions 50 become deformation base points and the crotch region S3 is bent.

[0054] The monitoring process may extract basic information, and compare the extracted result with the evaluation standard to evaluate the performance. Specifically, when the extracted result is within the evaluation standard that is judged as appropriate, the basic information is judged as "○", and when it is outside the evaluation standard, the basic information is judged as "×". In the present embodiment, "○" is represented by an evaluation of "1", and "×" is represented by an evaluation of "0". For performance evaluation, it may be that the evaluation results of each item are counted, and if it is above a specified value, it is judged that the performance is good, or it may be that a plurality of absorbent articles (for example, a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article) are compared and which absorbent article has a good performance is evaluated, or it may be that the evaluation result of an absorbent article with a specified performance is calculated in advance, and the evaluation result is compared with the calculated evaluation result to evaluate the performance of the absorbent article of the evaluation object.

[0055] The present invention has been described above based on the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be appropriately changed. For example, the monitoring process may not only obtain an image of the area including the crotch area S3 from the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1, but also obtain an image of the area including the crotch area S3 from the non-skin surface side of the absorbent article 1. Figure 7 This is an example of an image of a region including the crotch region S3 from the non-skin surface side of the absorbent article. Figure 7 This is an example of an image of the area including the crotch area S3 from the non-skin side of the absorbent article 1 after the lifting action is completed. The image from the non-skin side of the absorbent article 1 only needs to show at least a portion of the crotch area S3, and can be an image taken from the front side, an image taken from the back side, or an image taken from the lateral side. By obtaining this image from the non-skin side, the confirmation accuracy of the position of the raised portion 50 can be improved compared to visual confirmation, and a more objective and high-precision evaluation result can be obtained. For example, when extracting basic information including the position of the raised portion 50 in the width direction and the number of raised portions, its accuracy can be improved.

[0056] The deformation state based on the action of pulling up the absorbent article 1 may not be the deformation state when the pulling is completed, but may be the deformation state in the middle of the pulling. In more detail, the deformation state based on the action of pulling up the absorbent article 1 may be a state before the pulling is completed when the pulling length from the start of the pulling to the completion of the pulling is set to 100 and the pulling length is more than 50 and the pulling is completed. Here, the starting position of the pulling is the position where the two legs pass through a pair of leg openings 41 and the non-skin side of the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article is in contact with the ground. The pulling completion position is the state where the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article touches the crotch of the wearer. The pulling length from the start of the pulling to the completion of the pulling is the vertical length between the non-skin side of the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article and the ground when the absorbent article is in the state of the pulling completion position and the wearer puts the wearer's heel on the ground and stands upright. The applicant has conducted in-depth research and found that the deformation state of the crotch region S3 is greatly affected by the start of the lifting action, and the deformation state of the crotch region S3 before the lifting is completed after the lifting is performed for a length of more than 50 and the deformation state of the crotch region S3 after the lifting is completed will not change significantly. By monitoring the state before the lifting is completed after the lifting is performed for a length of more than 50, it is easier to monitor than the lifting completion (wearing) state, and there is no need for an action for monitoring (such as turning over the front waist area of ​​the absorbent article), so high-precision monitoring can be performed.

[0057] The monitoring process can irradiate light from the non-skin side toward the skin side of the absorbent article, obtain an image from the skin side of the absorbent article, and judge the shadow portion with lower brightness than the surrounding as the raised portion 50. Since the raised portion 50 is three-dimensional, it is sometimes difficult to extract its boundary when using a still image. By irradiating light from the non-skin side toward the skin side of the absorbent article, the three-dimensional raised portion 50 appears darker and the flat portion (other than the raised portion 50) appears brighter. Using the brightness of the image, the raised portion 50 with lower brightness than the surrounding can be extracted. According to such an extraction method, the extraction accuracy of the raised portion 50 can be further improved.

[0058] The monitoring step can monitor the state of the skin surface side of the absorbent article using a dynamic image, and obtain an image for evaluating the performance of the absorbent article. Figure 6To be described. During the pulling action of the absorbent article, the absorbent article will pass through three points: A: the pulling completion position, B: the middle position between A (pulling completion position) and C (below the knee position), and C: the below the knee position. The pulling completion position is the state where the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article touches the crotch of the wearer. The below the knee position is the position where the waist opening 43 of the absorbent article becomes the lower end of the kneecap. By obtaining the state of the skin side of the absorbent article at at least three positions and analyzing it, the change in the state of the absorbent core can be grasped. Specifically, any one of the state of the ridge, the timing of forming the bending starting point, and the number of bending base points can be grasped in the absorbent core. In the case where a bending starting point is formed on the absorbent core at an early stage from the start of pulling, it can be judged to be appropriate because it is easy to deform by a lighter force. As a preferred form, it is a state in which one bending starting point is formed at point C, one bending starting point is formed at point B, and one bending starting point is formed at point A. The bending base point can be extracted based on the vertex. For example, when there is one vertex, there is one bending base point. In addition to the basic information, the number of bending base points can be used as sub-information and evaluated. For example, when the number of bending starting points at point C is one, it can be evaluated as appropriate, when the number of bending starting points at point B is one, it can be evaluated as appropriate, and when the number of bending starting points at point A is one, it can be evaluated as appropriate. In addition, the dynamic image only needs to continuously obtain and analyze the state of the skin side of the absorbent article, but it is preferred that not only the state of the skin side of the absorbent article is continuously obtained and analyzed, but also the state of the non-skin side of the absorbent article is continuously obtained and analyzed. In addition, the evaluation using the dynamic image can be evaluated using the basic information or the basic information and sub-information. In addition, for the analysis using the dynamic image, it can be that not only the state at the above three positions is analyzed, but also more positions are analyzed, or it can be analyzed continuously and its changes are shown using graphs, etc.

[0059] In the monitoring process, the state of the skin side of the absorbent article 1 in the deformed state can be monitored, and the discomfort of the wearer of the absorbent article 1 when the action is different from the action used to form the deformed state can be evaluated. Specifically, the state of the skin side of the absorbent article 1 in the deformed state based on the pulling action is monitored, and the discomfort of the wearer of the absorbent article 1 in the action different from the action used to form the deformed state (for example, when walking, sitting, standing) can be evaluated. The shape, position, etc. of the raised portion 50 of the crotch area S3 based on the pulling action can be grasped, and the discomfort of the wearer when continuously wearing the absorbent article 1 formed with the raised portion 50 can be estimated, for example, the skin touch, the discomfort caused by the touch of the absorbent core 31, the discomfort caused by the unevenness of the surface, etc. can be estimated. Specifically, as an estimated evaluation, an evaluation can be made based on the stability of the deformation. This is because, when the stability of the deformation is high, even if an external force is applied due to walking, sitting, etc., it is difficult to deform and it is difficult to produce discomfort. The factors constituting deformation stability include, for example, 1: the result of image analysis (the higher the score, the better the fit to the crotch), and 2: the pulling position (the higher the pulling position, the narrower the width between the thighs, so that even if an external force is applied, the bulge is difficult to deform). By combining these two factors, not only can performance evaluation be performed based on the action for forming the deformation state, but also performance evaluation can be performed when the action is different from the action for forming the deformation state.

[0060] It may be that the monitoring process obtains at least one sub-information of the height of the raised portion 50, the center of the raised portion 50 in the width direction, and the top of the raised portion 50 in addition to the basic information, and evaluates the performance of the absorbent article based on the basic information and the sub-information. As sub-information, the height of the raised portion 50, that is, height information, can be used. By using the height information, the fit with respect to the crotch area S3 can be evaluated. If the height of the raised portion 50 is lower than the length W in the width direction of the absorbent core 31, the fit with respect to the crotch area S3 is not sufficient, and the length with respect to the width direction of the absorbent core is preferably 20% or more. The height can be calculated by obtaining a three-dimensional image, or by placing a ruler against the absorbent article 1 and measuring it, or by using the height of the raised portion 50 in a two-dimensional image. 2 =S 2 -(T / 2) 2 Here, let T be the length in the width direction of the crotch region S3 after wearing, and S be the length in the width direction of the absorbent core of the crotch region S3 / 2.

[0061] based on Figure 8 ,right Figure 7 The method for calculating the height of the protrusion 50 in the example shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown in (a), in the image when the absorbent article is observed from the front, an imaginary line EL is drawn along the non-skin side of the crotch region of the absorbent article. The length T in the width direction W of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article on the imaginary line EL is obtained. Generally speaking, when worn, the outer edge of the absorbent core is sandwiched between the two legs and is in contact with the two legs. Therefore, the length T in the width direction W of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article on the imaginary line EL can be regarded as the length T in the width direction W of the absorbent core 31 of the crotch region S3 in the worn state (deformed state). The length 2S of the absorbent core in the width direction of the crotch region is calculated in advance before wearing (before deformation), and S (the length of the absorbent core in the width direction of the crotch region / 2) is calculated based on this value. Next, as Figure 8 As shown in (b), the height of the ridge is calculated using S and T. Figure 7 When the position of the raised portion can be identified in the image as in the image shown, the height of the raised portion 50 may be directly calculated in the image.

[0062] As sub-information, information on the center of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 can be used. The center of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 corresponds to the offset of the width direction W of the raised portion 50, and is preferably close to the center of the width direction W of the absorbent core 31. Preferably, the center of the width direction of the raised portion 50 is located in the area located in the center of the width direction in the area after the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts in the width direction. In addition, in a form in which the absorbent core has a narrowing portion, the length of the width direction of the absorbent core is measured at a position where the narrowing portion is not formed, and the area divided into three equal parts according to the measured value is set as the area of ​​the three equal parts of the entire absorbent core. In addition, the center of the width direction of the raised portion 50 is preferably within a range of 20 mm in the width direction from the center of the width direction W of the crotch area S3.

[0063] As sub-information, the information of the apex of the raised portion 50 can be used. The apex of the raised portion 50 corresponds to the offset in the width direction of the raised portion 50, and is preferably close to the center in the width direction of the absorbent core. Preferably, the center in the width direction of the apex of the raised portion 50 is located in the area located in the center of the width direction in the area after the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts in the width direction. In addition, in the form in which the absorbent core has a narrowing portion, the length of the absorbent core in the width direction is measured at a position where the narrowing portion is not formed, and the area divided into three equal parts according to the measured value is set as the three-divided area of ​​the entire absorbent core. In addition, the center in the width direction of the apex of the raised portion 50 is preferably in a range of 20 mm in the width direction from the center of the width direction W of the crotch area S3. In this way, by using sub-information for evaluation in addition to basic information, the evaluation accuracy can be further improved.

[0064] The performance evaluation method may also be an evaluation method using a deformation state based on the wearer's sitting action. The wearer's sitting action may be a sitting posture on a table without a backrest and armrests, but preferably, it may be a sitting posture on a table with a backrest and without armrests. As an example of a deformation process of the wearer's sitting action, as a vertical posture of the trunk, both upper limbs are lowered to the side of the body to form a posture in a natural state. The height of the table is adjusted at intervals of 5 mm so that it becomes a height that makes the thighs parallel to the ground and the entire surface of the soles of the feet touch the ground when the wearer maintains a sitting posture. The foot position is opened in a manner that the left and right distance between the outer sides of the metatarsals is 100 mm, and the dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint is in a position of 0 degrees, completing the sitting action. In this way, the deformation state of the absorbent article when sitting is achieved, and its deformation form is obtained using images, etc. In the evaluation of the deformation state in the sitting action, in order to suppress the deformation of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 due to being sandwiched between the legs, it is preferable to open the legs so that the distance between the knees is 100 mm.

[0065] Next, the image acquisition in the evaluation of the deformation state based on the sitting action of the wearer will be described in detail. In the process of acquiring the image of the area including the crotch area S3 from the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1, the imaging unit 70 can be arranged between the body and the absorbent article 1, and the image of the area including the crotch area S3 from the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1 can be acquired using the imaging unit 70. Fig. 9 70 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and lifting configuration of the imaging member 70. When acquiring an image of a region including the crotch region S3, as an example, Fig. 9 As shown in (a), wear an undergarment 80 such as tights that fits closely to the body, and fix the photographing component 70 to the undergarment 80. The photographing component 70 and the undergarment 80 can be fixed, for example, by engaging a hook member with the photographing component 70 and engaging the hook member with the undergarment 80. In addition, the photographing component 70 is preferably a size that can be accommodated inside the absorbent article 1, and a small ultra-wide-angle camera (for example, NM33-M manufactured by OPT Co., Ltd.) can be used.

[0066] If the photographing member 70 contacts the absorbent article 1, the absorbent article 1 may be deformed due to the presence of the photographing member 70, or the state of the bulge 50 may not be grasped as a whole from the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1 over the crotch region S3. Therefore, in the process of obtaining basic information in the evaluation of the deformation state based on the action of the wearer sitting down, when the pulling length from the start of pulling after the legs pass through the pair of leg openings 41 to the completion of pulling the absorbent article 1 to the waist of the wearer is set to 100, the pulling length is set to 90, and the basic information in the evaluation of the deformation state based on the action of sitting down is obtained. Fig. 9 (b) shows the pulling start position after the legs pass through the pair of leg openings 41 (the position where the legs pass through the pair of leg openings 41 and the non-skin surface of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 contacts the ground), and shows that the pulling length is 0. Fig. 9 (c) is the pulling-up completion position (the position where the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 touches the crotch of the wearer), and the pulling-up length is 100. Fig. 9 (d) shows that the pulled length is 90, and a gap G is provided between the skin-facing surface of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 and the wearer. Preferably, the imaging member 70 is arranged so as to be accommodated in the gap G.

[0067] Fig.10 (a) shows the standing state when the pull length is 90 (before sitting down), Fig.10 (b) is from Fig.10 (a) is an image of the skin-side view of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1, Fig.10 (c) shows the seated state when the pull length is 90, Fig.10 (d) is from Fig.10 (c) is an image of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 viewed from the skin side. The image of the region including the crotch region S3 from the skin side of the absorbent article is used in the evaluation of the deformation state based on the wearer's sitting action. Fig.10 The image shown in (d) is an image of the skin surface of the crotch region of the absorbent article in the seated state when the pulling length is 90. In order to prevent the crotch region of the absorbent article from being deformed due to the contact between the absorbent article and the shooting component, a distance is set between the absorbent article and the shooting component. In addition, when it is impossible to grasp the state of the raised portion 50 as a whole throughout the crotch region S3 from the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1, the crotch region S3 can be divided into a plurality of regions, and shooting components are respectively set in a manner to cover the respective regions, and the state of the raised portion 50 in each region is obtained by using each shooting component. In addition, F in the drawings represents the front side, and R represents the rear side.

[0068] In the evaluation of the deformation state based on the wearer's sitting action, the process of obtaining an image of the area including the crotch area S3 from the non-skin side of the absorbent article can be performed by configuring a shooting component in front of the wearer in the seated state, and using the shooting component to obtain the state of the raised portion 50 of the crotch area S3 from the non-skin side of the absorbent article 1. Fig.11 1 is a diagram for explaining the process of obtaining an image of a region including the crotch region S3 from the skin surface side in the evaluation of the deformation state based on the wearer's sitting action. Fig.11 In (a) to (c), the height of the imaging member 70 is made different. Fig.11 (a) is a state in which the non-skin side of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 is made substantially consistent in height with the shooting component 70, and an angle formed by a horizontal line EL1 passing through the center of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-back direction and an imaginary line EL2 connecting the center of the crotch region of the absorbent article in the front-to-back direction and the center of the lens of the shooting component is 0 degrees. Fig.11 (b) is related to Fig.11 In the state shown in (a), compared with the state in which the surface of the shooting component 70 on the non-skin side of the crotch area S3 of the absorbent article is raised, the angle formed by the horizontal line EL1 passing through the center of the crotch area S3 of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-back direction and the imaginary line EL2 connecting the center of the crotch area S3 of the absorbent article in the front-to-back direction and the center of the lens of the shooting component is 20 degrees. Fig.11 (c) is related to Fig.11 In the state shown in (b), compared with the state in which the surface of the shooting component 70 is raised relative to the non-skin surface side of the crotch area S3 of the absorbent article 1, the angle formed by the horizontal line EL1 passing through the center of the crotch area S3 in the front-to-back direction of the absorbent article 1 and the imaginary line EL2 connecting the center of the crotch area in the front-to-back direction of the absorbent article and the center of the lens of the shooting component is 45 degrees.

[0069] Fig.12 (a) and (b) are from Fig.11 (a) is an image of the absorbent article in the state shown when viewed from the non-skin surface side T2 of the crotch region S3. Fig.12 (c) and (d) are from Fig.11 (b) is an image of the absorbent article in the state shown when viewed from the non-skin surface side T2 of the crotch region S3. Fig.12 (e) and (f) are from Fig.11 (c) is an image of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article as viewed from the non-skin surface side T2. The image of the region including the crotch region from the non-skin surface side of the absorbent article can be Fig.11 The image of any state in (a) to (c) is Fig.12Any one of the images (a) to (f) may be a plurality of images, and the images required to obtain basic information such as the position of the ridges in the front-to-back direction of the crotch region, the position of the ridges in the width direction of the crotch region, and the number of ridges in the crotch region are obtained. In addition, when obtaining the image, in order to accurately obtain the shape of the ridges, etc., the distance between the shooting component and the absorbent article is preferably within 2m. In addition, when using Fig.11 In the case where the image of the area on the buttocks side of the crotch region cannot be obtained in any of the states (a) to (c), the photographing component may be lowered relative to the non-skin surface side of the crotch region of the absorbent article, and the crotch region of the absorbent article may be photographed from the bottom. Furthermore, in the case where the image of the area on the buttocks side of the crotch region cannot be obtained, the seat surface on which the wearer sits may be made transparent and the crotch region of the absorbent article may be photographed from the bottom.

[0070] The performance evaluation method may also be an evaluation method using a deformation state based on walking motion. As an example of a deformation process of walking motion, the wearer stands in a state where the waist opening 43 of the absorbent article 1 is at the position of the iliac crest or the pull-up length is 90, with both legs passing through a pair of leg openings, so that the distance between the left and right inner ends of the metatarsals is 100 mm. Walk 10 meters with a stride that the wearer likes. The walking speed is 2.0 to 4.0 km / h, and the walking surface is a flat surface. After walking, the wearer stands in a state where the distance between the left and right inner ends of the metatarsals is 100 mm, completing the walking motion. Thus, the deformation state of the absorbent article is obtained using images, etc.

[0071] Next, image acquisition in evaluation of the deformed state based on walking motion will be described in detail. The step of acquiring an image of the region including the crotch region from the skin surface side of the absorbent article can be performed by the same method as that of acquiring an image in sitting motion. Fig.13 Yes Fig. 9 (a) Install the imaging unit 70 and Fig. 9 (d) shows the state and image of the absorbent article during walking with the pull-up length of the absorbent article being 90 degrees. Fig.13 (a) shows the state at the beginning of walking, Fig.13 (b) Yes Fig.13 (a) is an image of the area including the crotch area from the skin surface side in the state shown, Fig.13 (c) is the state of walking with the right foot in front, Fig.13 (d) Yes Fig.13 (c) is an image of the area including the crotch area from the skin surface side in the state, Fig.13 (e) shows the state of walking with the left foot in front, Fig.13 (f) Yes Fig.13 (e) is an image of the area including the crotch area from the skin side, Fig.13 (g) shows the state after walking, Fig.13 (h) Yes Fig.13 (g) The image of the area including the crotch area from the skin side in the state of (g). In addition, in the evaluation of the deformation state based on the walking action, the process of obtaining the image of the area including the crotch area from the non-skin side of the absorbent article is to place the shooting component between the legs and obtain the image of the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article from the bottom side at the beginning of walking, during walking, and in each state of the walking action. Fig.14 (a) is an image of the area including the crotch area from the skin surface side when the right foot is in front while walking. Fig.14 (b) is an image of an area including the crotch area from the skin surface side when the left foot is in front while walking. Fig.14 (c) is an image of the area including the crotch area from the non-skin side after walking.

[0072] The absorbent articles of the evaluation object may be both disposable diapers and absorbent pads for adults. In the deformation process, the disposable diaper and the absorbent pad may be deformed into a deformed state in a state where the absorbent pad is placed on the disposable diaper. In the monitoring process, the state of the absorbent pad may be monitored by acquiring an image from the skin side of the absorbent article, and the state of the disposable diaper may be monitored by acquiring an image from the non-skin side of the absorbent article. By acquiring an image from the skin side of the absorbent article, the state of the absorbent pad may be confirmed, thereby confirming the raised portion 50 of the absorbent pad located on the skin side of the disposable diaper. In addition, by acquiring an image from the non-skin side of the absorbent article, the state of the disposable diaper may be confirmed, thereby confirming the raised portion 50 of the disposable diaper. Based on the respective raised portions 50, it is also possible to determine whether it is better to use the disposable diaper and the absorbent pad together or different combinations are better, etc.

[0073] The monitoring process may be such that, in addition to the basic information, the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on the relationship information of the points of agreement and difference between the raised portion 50 of the disposable diaper and the raised portion 50 of the absorbent pad. The points of agreement and difference of the raised portion 50 may be based on the above-mentioned basic information and sub-information. For example, in addition to the evaluation of whether the position of the center of the width direction W of the raised portion 50 of the absorbent article 1 is appropriate and the evaluation of whether the position of the center of the width direction of the absorbent pad is appropriate, the evaluation of the positional relationship (e.g., distance) between the center of the width direction of the raised portion of the absorbent article and the center of the width direction of the absorbent pad may be added. Even if the respective absorbent articles obtain appropriate evaluation results, if the position of the raised portion 50 of each absorbent article is offset, it will affect the wearing feeling such as discomfort. However, by adding evaluation indicators based on the points of agreement and difference of the raised portion 50 of each absorbent article, it is possible to perform an evaluation based on the relationship between the raised portions 50 of each other. By using the evaluation index based on the points of agreement and difference, the suitability (compatibility) of the absorbent article and the absorbent pad can be evaluated, and the selection criteria of the user when selecting the absorbent article and the absorbent pad can be shown.

[0074] The absorbent article of the evaluation object may be a disposable diaper of an open waist type. In an open diaper, when evaluating the deformation state based on the action of pulling up the absorbent article after the two legs are passed through a pair of leg openings, the deformation state based on the pulling action is evaluated in a state where the waist of the open diaper is fixed, that is, in a state where the waist region is continuous along the waist direction in a manner that surrounds the waist of the wearer as a whole. In addition, the absorbent article of the evaluation object may not be both a disposable diaper and an absorbent pad, but only an absorbent pad. The installation position of the absorbent pad in the evaluation when the absorbent pad and the absorbent article are used together is installed so that the center of the front-to-back direction of the absorbent pad matches the center of the front-to-back direction of the crotch region of the absorbent article, and the center of the width direction of the absorbent pad matches the center of the width direction of the crotch region. As for the installation method, it is installed in a manner that does not generate an unexpected space between the absorbent article and the absorbent pad. Regarding the pulling action, it is the same as the pulling action in the evaluation of the disposable diaper alone. In the evaluation of the absorbent pad only, the absorbent pad was attached to the skin-facing surface of the absorbent article or underwear after the absorbent body including the absorbent core (including the absorbent core and the top sheet, which is an internal member located closer to the skin-facing side than the waist member) was removed. The attachment position and pulling action of the absorbent pad were the same as when the absorbent pad and the absorbent article were used together.

[0075] The performance evaluation method of the present invention can be a method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article in a state where the wearer's crotch is away from the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article. That is, in the deformation process, the absorbent article as the evaluation object is deformed into a deformed state in a state where the wearer's crotch is away from the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article. The applicant has conducted in-depth research and found that when the feet of a general absorbent article are wide when it is worn in a standing state, the absorbent core will be deformed due to contact with the thigh. In addition, in general absorbent articles, the waist member is fitted to the wearer by an elastic member, but the absorbent body including the absorbent core is worn in a drooping state. That is, in a general wearing state, the wearer's crotch is away from the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article, and the wearer's crotch has extremely limited chances of contacting the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article. On the other hand, the leg opening of the absorbent article fits the wearer's legs, and because it will be clamped by the legs or move the legs, the absorbent core will be deformed even in a state where the wearer's crotch is away from the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article. Therefore, the present invention can also focus on the deformation of the absorbent core caused by the contact between the absorbent article and the legs (thighs), deform the absorbent article using the movement related to the movement of the legs, and monitor the state of the absorbent article based on the deformation. Therefore, the performance of the absorbent article in a state where the wearer's crotch is away from the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article can be evaluated.

[0076] The present invention may be a performance evaluation system for evaluating the performance of the above-mentioned absorbent article. Fig.15As shown, the evaluation system may include at least an image acquisition unit 110, an extraction unit 120, and a comparative evaluation unit 130. The image acquisition unit 110 captures the state of the skin surface side of the absorbent article 1 worn by a person, and takes the image data into the information processing terminal 100 via a network, or takes the image acquired using a predetermined medium into the information processing terminal 100. The extraction unit 120 extracts a specific part from the acquired image data, and calculates basic information based on the extracted specific part. The extraction unit 120 extracts the raised part 50 of the crotch region S3, and extracts at least one of the basic information of the position of the raised part 50 in the front-back direction, the position of the raised part 50 in the width direction of the crotch region S3, and the number of the raised parts 50 in the crotch region S3. The extraction unit 120 may extract at least one of the sub-information and the relationship information in addition to the basic information. The extraction unit 120 may measure the position of the raised part 50, etc. by image analysis. The comparison evaluation unit 130 compares the extracted information with the evaluation criteria and outputs the comparison result. The result is preferably output in a form that is easy to visually grasp the evaluation result. It can be displayed as a score, or as a graded result (very good wearing feeling, good wearing feeling, etc.), or each evaluation relative to multiple evaluation criteria can be shown in a chart or table. The evaluation system 200 includes an information processing terminal 100 that can perform various processes, and the information processing terminal 100 is equipped with an extraction unit 120 and a comparison evaluation unit 130. The information processing terminal 100 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device, an operation processing device, a storage unit, etc.

[0077] The image data is image data captured by a camera, and the camera can be a general RGB camera, a monochrome camera, or a spectral camera. The performance and specifications of the camera are not limited. The camera includes a camera, a camera built into a smartphone, a camera built into a tablet terminal, a web camera that can be installed on a personal computer, etc. using a connecting component such as a cable, etc. In addition to the developer of the absorbent article, the person who photographs the gait using the camera can also be the walker's parents, grandparents, etc., and it is also preferred to use a camera built into a smartphone for shooting. It is also preferred that the captured dynamic image data is sent (delivered) to the system 200 via a network or using a specified medium. The comparison result based on the comparison evaluation unit 130 can be output to a display unit, a printing device, etc. of the system 200, or the experimental subject can be sent to a smartphone.

[0078] Reference Fig.15(b) A preferred example of an evaluation process based on the evaluation system 200 is described. Step S10 deforms the absorbent article 1 as the evaluation object into a deformed state. Step S20 obtains image data of an area including the crotch area S3 from the skin side of the absorbent article 1. The image data is obtained directly from a shooting device possessed by the evaluation system 200, or is obtained from a shooting device independent of the evaluation system 200 via a network or using a prescribed medium. Step S30 is a step of extracting specific parts (such as a raised portion 50, an absorbent core 31) from the acquired image data. Step S40 is a step of calculating basic information based on the information of the extracted specific parts. Step S50 evaluates the performance using the basic information and the evaluation criteria. Step S60 is a step of outputting the evaluation results directly to a display unit possessed by the evaluation system 200, or outputting them to other devices such as a smartphone independent of the evaluation system 200 via a network or using a prescribed medium.

[0079] As an evaluation program, for example, there may be software that enables a computer to function as an evaluation system. As a computer, a well-known general-purpose computer, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, etc. can be used. A general-purpose computer is configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, SDD or HDD, etc. The processing of the above steps S10 to S60 is achieved by causing the CPU to expand the program stored in the ROM, disk, etc. into the RAM and execute it. The processing can be achieved by a GPU (Graphics processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of an ASIC and an FPGA.

[0080] The present invention has been described in detail using the above-mentioned embodiments, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. The present invention can be implemented as a modified and altered form without departing from the gist and scope of the present invention determined according to the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of this specification is for the purpose of illustrative description and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

[0081] In addition, the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-096090 filed on June 14, 2022 are incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0082] Industrial Applicability

[0083] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article that can improve evaluation accuracy and provide an objective evaluation result.

[0084] Description of Reference Numerals

[0085] 1: Absorbent articles

[0086] 41: Leg opening

[0087] 50: bulge

[0088] L: front and back direction

[0089] S3: Crotch area

[0090] W: width direction.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article, wherein the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on the deformation state of the wearer's movement, wherein: The performance evaluation method of the absorbent article comprises: a deformation step in which the absorbent article to be evaluated is deformed into the deformed state; as well as a monitoring step in which the state of the skin surface side of the deformed absorbent article is monitored to evaluate the performance of the absorbent article, In the monitoring process, at least one basic information including the position of the raised part in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article in the front-to-back direction, the position of the raised part in the width direction and the number of raised parts in the crotch area is obtained, and the performance of the absorbent article is evaluated based on the basic information.

2. The method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein: The deformation state based on the wearer's movement in the deformation process is any one of a deformation state based on the movement of pulling up the absorbent article after passing both legs through a pair of leg openings, a deformation state based on the movement of the wearer wearing the absorbent article sitting down, and a deformation state based on the movement of the wearer wearing the absorbent article walking.

3. The method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein: The deformation state based on the action of pulling up the absorbent article is a state in which the pulling length is greater than 50 and before the pulling is completed when the pulling length from the start of pulling after the legs are passed through the pair of leg openings to the completion of pulling the absorbent article to the waist of the wearer is set to 100.

4. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The monitoring step acquires an image of a region including the crotch region from the skin surface side of the absorbent article.

5. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The monitoring step acquires an image of a region including the crotch region from a skin-facing side of the absorbent article and an image of a region including the crotch region from a non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article.

6. The method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein: The monitoring step irradiates light from the non-skin surface side toward the skin surface side of the absorbent article, acquires an image from the skin surface side of the absorbent article, and extracts a shadow portion having a lower brightness than surroundings as the raised portion.

7. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In the monitoring step, the state of the skin surface side of the absorbent article in the deformed state is monitored, and discomfort felt by the wearer of the absorbent article when performing an action different from the action for forming the deformed state is evaluated.

8. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In addition to the basic information, the monitoring process also obtains at least one sub-information of the height of the raised portion, the center of the raised portion in the width direction, and the top of the raised portion, and evaluates the performance of the absorbent article based on the basic information and the sub-information.

9. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The absorbent article is at least one of a disposable diaper of a pant type, an absorbent pad to be placed on a wearable article and used, a disposable diaper of an open waist type which can open and close the legs by separating the waist area, and a pant-type sanitary napkin.

10. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The absorbent articles are disposable diapers and absorbent pads for adults. In the deformation step, the disposable diaper and the absorbent pad are deformed into the deformed state while the absorbent pad is placed on the disposable diaper. In the monitoring step, the state of the absorbent pad is monitored by acquiring an image from the skin surface side of the absorbent article, and the state of the disposable diaper is monitored by acquiring an image from the non-skin surface side of the absorbent article.

11. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein: The monitoring step evaluates the performance of the absorbent article based on information on the relationship between the points of coincidence and difference between the raised portions of the disposable diaper and the raised portions of the absorbent pad in addition to the basic information.

12. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The monitoring step acquires height information, which is the height of the protrusion, in addition to the basic information, and evaluates the performance of the absorbent article based on the basic information and the height information.

13. The method for evaluating the performance of an absorbent article according to claim 12, wherein: The monitoring process obtains the height of the raised portion and the length in the width direction of the absorbent core, and evaluates the performance of the absorbent article based on the ratio of the height of the raised portion to the length in the width direction of the absorbent core, the basic information and the ratio.

14. The method for evaluating performance of an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The deformation step deforms the absorbent article to be evaluated into a deformed state in a state where the crotch of the wearer and the crotch region of the absorbent article are separated from each other.

Images