Absorbent article with reactive graphics for providing context-related digital experience

Abstract

An absorbent article includes an outer cover, an absorbent inner structure, and a reactive graphic visible on an outer surface of the outer cover. The reactive pattern is formed from a reactive ink that transitions from a first state to a second state upon exposure to an activation event. In the first state, the reactive graphics form a first machine-readable code comprising a first digital content link, and in the second state, the reactive graphics form a second machine-readable code comprising a second digital content link. Generally, the second machine-readable code is different from the first machine-readable code and replaces the first machine-readable code when the reactive ink transitions from the first state to the second state, and the second digital content link is different from the first digital content link.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products conventionally include a liquid-permeable body-side liner, a liquid-impermeable outer cover, and an absorbent core. The absorbent core is typically positioned between the outer cover and the liner to absorb and retain body fluids (e.g., urine) exuded by the wearer. The absorbent core can be made of, for example, superabsorbent particles or other absorbent materials. In some cases, the absorbent article can be decorated with printed graphics (e.g., on the liquid-impermeable outer cover), such as decorative images or patterns.

[0002] However, the use of absorbent articles is often accompanied by user-related challenges. For example, parents are constantly challenged to encourage children wearing diapers to undergo toilet training. Similarly, parents also seek to ensure that their children are comfortable wearing the articles and, therefore, seek to reduce their exposure to skin-contact moisture and / or excess heat. Therefore, there remains a need for absorbent articles that are designed to provide user information and an enhanced user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some of the aspects of the present disclosure relate to an absorbent article comprising: an outer cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; an absorbent structure having a first surface positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the outer cover and a second surface facing the wearer, the second surface opposite the first surface. Some aspects relate to an absorbent article comprising: an outer cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; an absorbent structure having a first surface positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the outer cover and a second surface facing the wearer, the second surface opposite the first surface; and a reactive graphic visible at a first location on the outer surface of the outer cover, the reactive graphic comprising a reactive ink that transitions from a first state to a second state when exposed to an activation event.

[0004] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the preceding aspects, in the first state, the reactive graphic forms a first machine-readable code at a first location on the outer surface of the outer cover, the first machine-readable code comprising a first digital content link.

[0005] In some aspects, in addition to or alternatively to any of the preceding aspects, in the second state, the reactive graphic forms a second machine-readable code at a first location on the outer surface of the outer cover, the second machine-readable code comprising a second digital content link.

[0006] In some aspects, in addition to or alternatively to any of the preceding aspects, the second machine-readable code is different from the first machine-readable code and replaces the first machine-readable code when the reactive ink transitions from the first state to the second state, and the second digital content link is different from the first digital content link.

[0007] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the preceding aspects, the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are QR codes.

[0008] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the preceding aspects, the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are Quick Response (QR) codes.

[0009] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the preceding aspects, the first digital content link and the second digital content link are uniform resource locators (URLs).

[0010] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects, scanning a first machine-readable code with a user device causes the user device to automatically access first digital content via a first digital content link and display the first digital content to the user, and scanning a second machine-readable code with the user device causes the user device to automatically access second digital content via a second digital content link and display the second digital content to the user, the second digital content being different from the first digital content.

[0011] In some aspects, in addition to or in lieu of any of the foregoing aspects, each of the first digital content link and the second digital content link can be accessed by a computing device to present at least one of written or graphical content, a video, an augmented reality (AR) experience, or a virtual reality (VR) experience to a user.

[0012] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects, at least one of written or graphical content, video, AR experience, or VR experience is presented via a user interface of the computing device.

[0013] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects, the absorbent article is one of a diaper, a toilet training pants, an adult incontinence product, or a feminine hygiene product.

[0014] In some aspects, additionally or alternatively to any of the preceding aspects, the activation event is contact with a bodily fluid.

[0015] In some aspects, additionally or alternatively to any of the preceding aspects, the activation event is contact with urine.

[0016] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the preceding aspects, the activation event is one of a temperature change, exposure to light, exposure to a gas, or exposure to a microbial load.

[0017] Some of the aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method that includes providing an absorbent article configured to be worn by a person, the absorbent article including a reactive graphic visible at a first location on an exterior of the absorbent article, the reactive graphic comprising a reactive ink that transitions from a first state to a second state when exposed to an activation event.

[0018] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, the reactive graphic forms a first machine-readable code at a first location on the exterior of the absorbent article in a first state, and forms a second machine-readable code at a first location on the exterior of the absorbent article in a second state, and the second machine-readable code is different from and replaces the first machine-readable code.

[0019] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the preceding aspects related to the method, the method further includes: detecting a first machine-readable code using a camera embedded within a computing device; presenting, via the computing device, first digital content based on the first machine-readable code; and after the reactive ink has transitioned from the first state to the second state, detecting a second machine-readable code using the camera embedded within the computing device; and presenting, by the computing device, second digital content based on the second machine-readable code, the second digital content being different from the first digital content.

[0020] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are Quick Response (QR) codes.

[0021] In some aspects, in addition to or in lieu of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, each of the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code is encoded with a unique web address that, when obtained by a computing device, causes the computing device to automatically access the first digital content or the second digital content via the corresponding unique web address of the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code.

[0022] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, each of the first digital content and the second digital content includes at least one of written or graphic content, a video, an augmented reality (AR) experience, or a virtual reality (VR) experience.

[0023] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, the first digital content and the second digital content are presented via a user interface of the computing device.

[0024] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are detected by scanning the reactive graphic of the absorbent article using a camera of a computing device without storing any captured images or videos.

[0025] In some aspects, in addition to or in lieu of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, the method further includes transmitting data for one or both of the first digital content and the second digital content to a remote computing device, the data causing the remote computing device to present the first digital content or the second digital content.

[0026] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, the absorbent article is one of a diaper, a toilet training pant, an adult incontinence product, or a feminine hygiene product.

[0027] In some aspects, in addition to or instead of any of the foregoing aspects related to the method, the activation event is one of exposure to a bodily fluid, a temperature change, exposure to light, exposure to a gas, or exposure to a microbial load.

[0028] Additional aspects of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the detailed description, drawings, and claims that follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only and do not limit the disclosed disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view of an example absorbent article having a reactive graphic disposed thereon, according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a transition of a reactive pattern from a first state to a second state according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3 is an illustration of a system for scanning and processing reactive graphics on absorbent articles, according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 According to some embodiments Figure 3 Detailed block diagram of an example user device used in the system.

[0033] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a process for presenting unique digital content to a user based on reactive graphics on an absorbent article, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Various objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are shown below. Each example is provided by way of explanation and not limitation. In view of this disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0036] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to an article that can be placed against or in proximity to the wearer's body (i.e., adjacent to the body) to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles of the type described herein are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use rather than being washed or otherwise restored for reuse. It should be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to various disposable absorbent articles, including but not limited to diapers, diapers, training pants, older children's pants, swim trunks, feminine hygiene products (including but not limited to menstrual pads or menstrual pants), incontinence products and other adult care garments, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other personal care or healthcare garments, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] As used herein, the term "reactive graphics" generally refers to images, patterns, text, etc. formed at least in part from inks, substances, or other materials that change in response to a triggering or activation event.

[0038] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to absorbent articles comprising reactive graphics. In various embodiments, the reactive graphics are configured to change in response to a trigger or activation event (e.g., in response to the presence of moisture or elevated temperatures). For example, in certain embodiments, the reactive graphic may initially appear in a first state, wherein the reactive graphic defines a first machine-readable code (e.g., a QR code) that includes a link to first digital content (e.g., a link to a website, an app, an image, a virtual reality experience, or other digital content accessible by a user device such as a smartphone or computer). When the reactive graphic is exposed to an activation event (e.g., exposure to bodily fluids, a change in temperature, etc.), the reactive graphic transitions from the first state to a second state. In the second state, the reactive graphic defines a second machine-readable code that includes a link to second digital content, the second machine-readable code being unique relative to the first machine-readable code, and the second digital content link being unique relative to the first digital content link. In various embodiments, the second machine-readable code may completely replace the first machine-readable code, or the second machine-readable code may be generated by altering only a portion of the first machine-readable code.

[0039] In various embodiments, reactive graphics can be printed on, embedded within, or otherwise incorporated into absorbent articles. In contrast to purely decorative graphics, the various embodiments of the reactive graphics described herein are interactive and dynamic, and provide changing digital content to a user (e.g., the wearer of the absorbent article or the wearer's caregiver) when scanned using an appropriate device (e.g., a smartphone or computer). Accordingly, also disclosed herein is a system for detecting the aforementioned reactive graphics and presenting associated digital content to a user. The system generally includes a user-operated computing device (e.g., a smartphone) that can scan the reactive graphics (e.g., by reading a first machine-readable code or a second machine-readable code) and present unique digital content (e.g., digital content associated with the scanned machine-readable code) to the user.

[0040] In various embodiments, reactive graphics can be configured to provide enhanced user information. For example, in certain embodiments, reactive graphics can be configured to provide an enhanced user experience for toilet training. In particular, the digital content provided in response to a user scanning a reactive graphic can be configured to track toilet training progress, provide a celebratory experience when toilet training goals are achieved, and provide encouraging content for toilet training children.

[0041] Thus, the type of digital experience presented to the user can depend on the state of the reactive graphic. For example, if the reactive graphic reacts to bodily fluids, different digital content can be presented when the absorbent article (e.g., training pants) is dry versus wet. It should also be understood that the reactive graphics and related systems described herein can be configured for a variety of absorbent article use cases, such as medical and adult care, child care, and the like. Additional features of absorbent materials including reactive graphics and related systems are described in detail below.

[0042] Absorbent articles with reactive graphics

[0043] First reference Figure 1 , a diagram of an example absorbent article 100 is shown having a reactive graphic 102 disposed thereon, according to some embodiments. Figure 1 , the absorbent article 100 is depicted as a children's training pant. However, it will be understood that the absorbent article 100 can be any absorbent article. The absorbent article 100 includes an outer cover 104 that defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The absorbent article 100 also includes an absorbent structure 106 that is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the outer cover 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent article 100 also includes a liquid permeable liner, referred to herein as a bodyside liner 108. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the absorbent structure 106 is positioned between the outer cover 104 and the bodyside liner 108. The absorbent article 100 also includes elastic waistbands 110 and 112, and elastic leg members 114 and 116 for securing the absorbent article to a user.

[0044] In general, the absorbent article 100 can be made from a variety of different materials. In some embodiments, for example, the outer cover 104 can be made from a substantially liquid-impermeable material and can be elastic, stretchable, or non-stretchable. In various embodiments, the outer cover 104 can be a single layer of liquid-impermeable material, or can include a multi-layer laminate structure, at least one of which is liquid-impermeable. For example, the outer cover 104 can include a liquid-permeable outer layer and a liquid-impermeable inner layer, which are suitably joined together by a laminating adhesive. For example, in some embodiments, the liquid-permeable outer layer can be a spunbond polypropylene nonwoven web. The spunbond web can have a basis weight of, for example, about 15 gsm to about 25 gsm.

[0045] In various embodiments, the inner layer of the outer cover 104 can be impermeable to both liquids and vapors, or can be impermeable to liquids but permeable to vapors. The inner layer is suitably made of a thin plastic film, but other flexible, liquid-impermeable materials can also be used. The inner layer generally prevents waste from wetting articles such as sheets and clothing, as well as the wearer and caregiver. A suitable liquid-impermeable film can be a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.2 mm. Breathable materials suitable for use as the inner layer are microporous polymer films or nonwoven fabrics that have been coated or otherwise treated to impart the desired level of liquid impermeability. Other "air-impermeable" elastic films that can be used as the inner layer include films made of block copolymers (e.g., styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene or styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers).

[0046] The bodyside liner 108 can be made from a variety of web materials, such as synthetic fibers, natural fibers, combinations of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams, cellular foams, perforated plastic films, and the like. Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the bodyside liner 180. However, it will be appreciated that the bodyside liner 108 is generally conformable, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. For example, the bodyside liner 108 can be made from a meltblown or spunbond web of polyolefin fibers. In some embodiments, the bodyside liner 108 can also be a bonded-carded web composed of natural and / or synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, the bodyside liner 108 is a nonwoven bicomponent web having a basis weight of approximately 27 gsm. The nonwoven bicomponent web can be a spunbond bicomponent web or a bonded-carded bicomponent web. Suitable bicomponent staple fibers include polyethylene / polypropylene bicomponent fibers. In this particular embodiment, the polypropylene forms the core, and the polyethylene forms the sheath of the fiber. However, other fiber orientations are also possible.

[0047] The absorbent structure 106 generally comprises one or more materials suitable for absorbing liquids. The absorbent structure 106 can be formed from, for example, cellulose fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or other stabilizing structures, superabsorbent materials, binder materials, surfactants, selected hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odor control agents, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the absorbent structure 106 is a matrix of cellulose fluff and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. The cellulose fluff can include a blend of wood pulp fluff. A preferred type of fluff is a bleached, highly absorbent wood pulp comprising primarily softwood fibers.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the absorbent structure 106 may comprise superabsorbent material (e.g., present in an absorbent web) in an amount of from about 0% to about 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the web. The web may have a density in the range of from about 0.1 to about 0.45 grams per cubic centimeter. Superabsorbent materials are well known in the art and may be selected from natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. For example, the superabsorbent material may be an inorganic material, such as silica gel, or an organic compound, such as a cross-linked polymer. Typically, the superabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at least 15 times its weight in liquid, and suitably is capable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight in liquid.

[0049] In addition to cellulose fibers and superabsorbent materials, the absorbent structure 106 may also include adhesive elements and / or synthetic fibers that provide stability and adhesion when properly activated. Additives such as adhesives may have the same or different appearance as the cellulose fibers; for example, such additives may be fibrous, granular, or liquid; and the adhesives may have curable or thermosetting properties. Such additives may enhance the integrity of the bulk absorbent structure and, alternatively or in lieu thereof, may provide adhesion between the facings of the folded structure. These absorbent materials may be formed into a web structure using various conventional methods and techniques. For example, the absorbent web may be formed using dry forming techniques, air-laid techniques, carding techniques, meltblown or spunbond techniques, wet forming techniques, foam forming techniques, and the like, and combinations thereof. Layered and / or laminated structures may also be suitable.

[0050] In some embodiments, the absorbent web material forming at least a portion of the absorbent structure 106 can be a coform material. The term "coform material" generally refers to a composite material comprising a mixture of thermoplastic fibers and a second non-thermoplastic material or a stabilized matrix. For example, a coform material can be made by a process in which at least one meltblown die is positioned near a chute through which other materials are added to the web while the web is being formed. Such other materials can include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials such as wood or non-wood pulp, such as cotton, rayon, recycled paper, pulp fluff, as well as superabsorbent particles or fibers, inorganic absorbent materials, treated polymer staple fibers, and the like. Any of a variety of synthetic polymers can be used as the melt-spun component of the conformable material. For example, in some embodiments, a thermoplastic polymer can be used. Some examples of suitable thermoplastics that can be used include polyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, and the like; polyamides; and polyesters. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene.

[0051] It is also conceivable that an elastic absorbent web structure can be used. For example, an elastic co-formed absorbent structure having about 35% by weight to about 65% by weight of wettable staple fibers and greater than about 35% by weight to about 65% by weight of elastic thermoplastic fibers can be used to define an absorbent pad structure according to the present invention. As another example, a suitable absorbent elastic nonwoven material can include a matrix of thermoplastic elastic nonwoven filaments present in an amount of about 3% by weight to less than about 20% by weight of the material, wherein the matrix includes multiple absorbent fibers and superabsorbent material that each account for about 20% by weight to 77% by weight of the material. Absorbent elastic nonwoven materials are suitable for use in a wide variety of personal care products, where softness and comfort as well as absorbency and elasticity are crucial. The absorbent web can also be a nonwoven web comprising synthetic fibers. The web can include additional natural fibers and / or superabsorbent material. The web can have a density within the range of about 0.1 to about 0.45 grams per cubic centimeter. The absorbent web can alternatively be foam.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in , the absorbent article 100 also includes side panels 118 and side panels 120. In some embodiments, the side panels 118 and side panels 120 can be permanently bonded together or can be releasably attached to each other. For example, in the example shown, the side panels 118 and side panels 120 are shown in an unattached state. Generally speaking, the side panels 118 and side panels 120 are made of an elastic material, such as an elastic laminate. Figure 1 , the absorbent article 100 defines a longitudinal centerline 122, a transverse centerline 124, a first or front longitudinal end edge 126, and a second or rear longitudinal end edge 128. The longitudinal axis lies in the plane of the article and is generally parallel to a vertical plane that bisects the left and right torso of a standing wearer when the article is worn. The transverse axis lies in a plane of the article that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0053] Generally speaking, the absorbent article 100 can be divided along the longitudinal axis into a front region 130, a back region 132, and a crotch region 134 positioned between the front region 130 and the back region 132. In some embodiments, the front region 130, the back region 132, and the crotch region 134 can all have approximately the same length in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the absorbent article 100 can be divided into a front half and a back half. For example, the front half can extend from the front edge of the product to the midpoint in the longitudinal direction, while the back half can extend from the back edge of the product to the midpoint.

[0054] Still refer to Figure 1, the reactive graphic 102 is shown as being visible on the outer surface of the absorbent article 100. In some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 is printed on the outer surface of the absorbent article 100. For example, the reactive graphic 102 can be printed on the outer cover 104. In some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 is printed on or otherwise embedded in another layer of the absorbent article 100, such that the reactive graphic remains visible from the exterior of the absorbent article 100. For example, the reactive graphic 102 can be embedded in an additional substrate (not shown) positioned between the outer cover 104 and the absorbent structure 106. It will also be understood that the reactive graphic 102 can be applied so as to be visible from the interior surface of the article. For example, when applied to a feminine hygiene product, the reactive graphic 102 can be more appropriately positioned so as to be visible from the interior surface adjacent to the wearer's body. To be visible from the interior surface, the reactive graphic can be applied to a liquid-permeable bodyside liner, a surge layer, a portion of the absorbent core, or, in some embodiments, even to the outer cover material.

[0055] Generally speaking, reactive graphic 102 is any graphic that changes appearance in response to a trigger (such as exposure to an activation event). More specifically, reactive graphic 102 can be formed from ink, a substance, or other material that reacts or otherwise changes (e.g., by appearing, disappearing, changing color or shade, etc.) in response to an activation event. In various embodiments herein, the activation event is described as exposure to bodily fluids (e.g., urine, sweat, saliva, blood, tears, etc.). However, it should be understood that reactive graphic 102 can be configured to react in response to a variety of desired activation events, such as temperature changes or exposure to light, gas, microbial load (bacteria, fungi, viruses, or combinations thereof), etc. Therefore, based on the desired activation event, reactive graphic 102 can be formed from any suitable reactive ink (or other suitable responsive substance or material).

[0056] In some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 is formed from two or more different inks that each react to an activation event in a different manner. For example, the reactive graphic 102 may be formed from a first ink that fades or disappears upon exposure to an activation event and a second ink that appears (or otherwise becomes visible). As another example, the inks used to form the reactive graphic 102 may each change to a different color upon exposure to an activation event. In some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 is partially formed from a non-reactive or permanent ink that does not react to an activation event. For example, a first portion of the reactive graphic 102 may be formed from a permanent ink, and a second portion of the reactive graphic 102 may be formed from a reactive ink, such that only the second portion of the reactive graphic 102 is modified in response to the activation event.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the reactive ink forming the reactive graphic 102 is a color-changing reactive graphic composition. In some such embodiments, the color-changing reactive graphic composition may include a matrix-forming component, a colorant, a surfactant, and / or a pH adjuster. In some embodiments, the matrix-forming component may be a water-insoluble film-forming polymer or an ink base, such as an aniline varnish with an organic solvent base. In some embodiments, the colorant may be a pH indicator capable of changing color in response to the presence of a fluid, such as a charged pH indicator. In some embodiments, the surfactant may include a charged surfactant that attracts the colorant or a combination of a neutral surfactant and a charged surfactant that attracts the colorant. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster may include a low molecular weight organic acid and a high molecular weight organic acid. The matrix-forming component may include, for example, a (meth)acrylate / (meth)acrylamide copolymer, a polyurethane binder, methylcellulose, and / or a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone and dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide.

[0058] In some embodiments, a water-resistant and water-insoluble color-changing composition is used for at least a portion of the reactive graphic 102. The color-changing composition, when dried, can form thin films of various patterns and shapes on a substrate, and these films can produce color when in contact with an aqueous medium. In some embodiments, the composition comprises various components dissolved in a volatile organic solvent medium. These components may include a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, an electron-withdrawing developer or a combination of developers that can form a color-forming complex when combined with the leuco dye under appropriate conditions, and a spacer or combination of spacers that can prevent the formation of a color-forming complex when dissolved in sufficient amounts in the system. In some embodiments, the components may be contained within a polymer encapsulating matrix. The encapsulating matrix may comprise at least one polymer resin that can form a film with good adhesion on the substrate surface. In addition to the above, the solution may also contain various other additives to adjust physical properties.

[0059] Leuco dyes are compounds that can be interconverted between two or more forms, each with a different color. These forms differ in the presence of one or more carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen, carbon-nitrogen, or oxygen-nitrogen bonds that are present in one form but not the other. By way of example, appropriately substituted polyarylmethane compounds undergo a pH-dependent transition between a colored cationic compound and a colorless lactone:

[0060]

[0061] At any given pH, the dominance of one form over the other can be controlled by the choice of the R groups surrounding the benzene ring.

[0062] In some embodiments, the leuco dye is a phthalide leuco dye, an arylmethane leuco dye, a fluoran leuco dye, and combinations thereof.

[0063] In some embodiments, the colorless dye is a triarylmethane-based dye, such as 3,3-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3,3-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phthalide, 3-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-(1,2-dimethylindol-3-yl)phthalide, 3-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-(2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide, 3,3-bis(1,2-dimethylindol-3-yl)-5-dimethylaminophthalide, 3,3-bis(1,2-dimethylindol-3-yl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3,3-bis(9-ethylcarbazol-3-yl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3,3-bis(2-phenylindol-3-yl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3-p-dimethylaminophenyl-3-(1-methylpyrrol-3-yl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, and the like.

[0064] In some embodiments, the leuco dye is a diarylmethane-based dye, such as 4,4′-bisdimethylaminobenzhydryl benzyl ether, N-halophenylleucoauramine, N-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl-leucoauramine, and the like.

[0065] In some embodiments, the leuco dye is a lactam-based dye, such as rhodamine-B-anilinolactam, rhodamine-(p-nitroanilino)lactam, rhodamine-(o-chloroanilino)lactam, and the like.

[0066] In some embodiments, the leuco dye is a fluoran-based dye, such as 3-dimethylamino-7-methoxyfluoran, 3-diethylamino-6-methoxyfluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-methoxyfluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-chlorofluoran, 3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-chlorofluoran, 3-diethylamino-6,7-dimethylfluoran, 3-(N-ethyl-p-tolylamino)-7-methylfluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-(N-methylamino)fluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-dibenzylaminofluoran, 3- Diethylamino-7-(N-methyl-N-benzylamino)fluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-(N-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)fluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-N-diethylaminofluoran, 3-(N-ethyl-p-toluamino)-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-(N-ethyl-p-toluamino)-6-methyl-7-(p-toluamino)fluoran, 3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-diethylamino-7- (2-carbomethoxyphenylamino)fluoran, 3-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino)-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-pyrrolidinyl-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-piperidinyl-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-(2,4-dimethylamino)fluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-(o-chlorophenylamino)fluoran, 3-dibutylamino-7-(o-chlorophenylamino)fluoran, 3-pyrrolidinyl-6-methyl-7-(p-butylphenylamino)fluoran, 3-( fluoran, 3-(N-ethyl-N-n-pentylamino)-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-(N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino)-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-(N-methyl-N-n-hexylamino)-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-(N-ethyl-N-n-hexylamino)-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, 3-(N-ethyl-N-β-ethylhexylamino)-6-methyl-7-phenylaminofluoran, and the like.

[0067] The spacer can be any known component reagent that exhibits good solubility in both water and organic solvents. In some embodiments, the spacer can be a neutral molecule without charge, such as a polyalkylene glycol <1000 Dalton; a polyalkylene oxide <10000 Dalton; a block copolymer of polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene distyrenated phenyl ether; and combinations thereof.

[0068] In some embodiments, the spacer can be glycerol; dodecylamine; 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-oxazoline; polyolefin glycols, such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol monostearate, and combinations thereof.

[0069] In some embodiments, the activation event is exposure to body fluids, particularly urine. The pH value of urine is typically 4.6 to 8, and healthy children excrete urine with a pH of about 6. However, certain medical conditions are marked by abnormal pH levels in urine, and some embodiments of the present invention relate to the diagnosis and / or detection of abnormal urine pH levels. For example, a urinary tract infection may be characterized by an increase in urine pH levels relative to healthy urine, and the activation event may comprise exposure to a fluid with such an increased pH level. Thus, methods for detecting urinary tract infections using the compositions and articles disclosed herein are provided herein. On the other hand, metabolic / respiratory acidosis may be characterized by a decrease in urine pH levels, and the activation event may comprise exposure to a fluid with such a decreased pH level. Thus, methods for detecting metabolic / respiratory acidosis (and related conditions) using the compositions and articles disclosed herein are provided herein.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the activation event is exposure to a fluid having a pH of less than 9, less than 8.5, less than 8, less than 7.5, less than 7.0, less than 6.5, less than 6, less than 5.5, less than 5, less than 4.5, or less than 4. In certain embodiments, the activation event is exposure to a fluid having a pH of 4 to 5.5, 4.5 to 6, 5 to 6.5, 5 to 6, 5 to 7, 6 to 7, 6 to 8, 7 to 8, 7 to 9, or 8 to 9. In certain embodiments, the listed pH levels are associated with urine. In some embodiments, the listed pH levels are associated with saliva.

[0071] In some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 defines at least one machine-readable code that is formed (e.g., printed) at least in part using a reactive ink as described above. A machine-readable code is any graphic or symbol that stores information that can be obtained or accessed via scanning by a suitable computing device. The machine-readable code may include, for example, a 1-dimensional (1D) code such as a barcode and / or a two-dimensional (2D) code such as a quick response (QR) code. Figure 1In the example of , the reactive graphic 102 includes a QR code, which is a 2D machine-readable code. For example, a 2D code can store information in a variety of ways, such as in rows and columns or in a circular pattern. In some cases, a 2D code can use color in combination with direction to store information. In some embodiments, a 2D code can include a matrix pattern that includes a finder component and an alignment component in addition to a data component. In some embodiments, a 2D code stores text that is immediately available once scanned using a suitable computing device. More commonly, however, a 2D code can include an embedded link (e.g., a URL) to a website or other remote resource. In some embodiments, a link can be automatically accessed when the 2D code is scanned. For example, scanning Figure 1 The QR code shown in can cause a scanning device (such as a user's smartphone) to automatically navigate to a website that includes information related to the absorbent article 100.

[0072] In some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 is incorporated into a scene, pattern, or other decorative graphic on the absorbent article 100 to render the code less noticeable. For example, a scene comprising various images, such as people, may be printed on the absorbent article 100. The machine-readable code may be incorporated into the people or into the background of the scene. In some embodiments, at least some components of the scene are comprised of permanent graphics surrounding the reactive graphic 102 comprising the machine-readable code.

[0073] In some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 includes a first machine-readable code in a first or "initial" state. The first or "initial" state generally occurs before the reactive graphic 102 is exposed to an activation event. Upon exposure to an activation event (e.g., bodily fluids, temperature changes, etc.), the reactive graphic 102 transitions from the first state to a second state that is different from the first state. In some such embodiments, this transition involves the machine-readable code transitioning from a first machine-readable code to a second machine-readable code (e.g., from a first QR code to a second QR code that is different from the first). For example, the first machine-readable code can be modified to become the second machine-readable code, or the first machine-readable code can be completely replaced by the second machine-readable code.

[0074] In some embodiments, the absorbent article 100 may also or may alternatively include a material that reacts to an activation event (referred to herein as a "reactive material"). A reactive material is any material that changes at least one visual or measurable characteristic in response to an activation event. For example, the texture, opacity, optical density, or any other characteristic of the reactive material may change when exposed to an activation event (e.g., heat, moisture, etc.). In some such embodiments, the outer cover 104 of the absorbent article 100 may be at least partially formed from such a reactive material. For example, the entire outer cover 104 may be formed from the reactive material, or a portion of the outer cover 104 (e.g., the portion containing the reactive graphic 102) may be formed from the reactive material. In some embodiments, the reactive material is included in addition to the reactive graphic 102 to provide an indication of exposure to two different activation events. For example, the reactive graphic 102 may react to moisture, and the reactive material may react to heat. In other embodiments, a reactive material may be used in place of the reactive graphic 102.

[0075] Figure 2 An example of a reactive graphic 102 responsive to an activation event according to some embodiments is illustrated. In particular, Figure 2 A reactive graphic 102 is shown transitioning from a first machine-readable code 202 to a second machine-readable code 204. In this example, the first machine-readable code 202 is shown as gradually fading until the first machine-readable code is replaced by the second machine-readable code 204. For example, the first machine-readable code 202 may be printed using a first ink that gradually brightens or disappears in response to an activation event, while the second machine-readable code 204 may be printed using a second ink that gradually darkens or appears in response to an activation event. However, it should be understood that the first machine-readable code 202 may be replaced by or otherwise modified to the second machine-readable code 204 in another of the other ways described above. For example, the first machine-readable code 202 may be printed with reactive and non-reactive or permanent inks such that, upon exposure to an activation event, the reactive portion of the first machine-readable code 202 changes color, darkens, or otherwise visually changes to produce the second machine-readable code 204. Notably, as Figure 2 , the second machine-readable code 204 is generally located at the same location or in the same area of ​​the absorbent article 100 as the first machine-readable code 202. In other words, the first machine-readable code 202 is replaced or modified with the second machine-readable code 204 within that area of ​​the reactive graphic 102, which makes identifying and positioning the reactive graphic 102 for scanning more user-friendly.

[0076] While the reactive graphic 102 is generally described herein as being positioned on an absorbent article 100, it should be understood that, in various embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 can be incorporated into (e.g., printed on) other types of products. For example, in some embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 can be disposed on a cleaning wipe. In some such embodiments, the cleaning wipe can be a disposable wipe, towel, or cloth used for general cleaning. In some such embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 can transition from a first state to a second state (e.g., from a first machine-readable code 202 to a second machine-readable code 204) when the cleaning wipe is exposed to or comes into contact with an activator, such as a cleaning chemical (e.g., alcohol, detergent, etc.). In other such embodiments, the activator can be a specific contaminant on the surface or object being cleaned. In some embodiments, a cleaning wipe can have multiple reactive graphics positioned thereon, each reactive graphic being reactive to a different activator.

[0077] Digital content delivery

[0078] Now refer to Figure 3 , according to some embodiments, a diagram of a system 300 for scanning and processing reactive graphics on absorbent articles is shown. In this example, the reactive graphic is reactive graphic 102, which includes a 2D machine-readable code and is incorporated into (e.g., printed on) the absorbent article 100. As shown, a suitable user device 400 can be used to scan the reactive graphic 102 to access or obtain information embedded in the reactive graphic. In some embodiments, the user device 400 is a handheld computing device that includes a camera or optical scanner. For example, the user device 400 can be a smartphone; however, it should be understood that the user device 400 can be any computing device capable of scanning machine-readable codes. For example, the user device 400 can be a desktop computer that includes a separate handheld or mounted scanner for scanning machine-readable codes. In other examples, the user device 400 can be an AR / VR headset, smart glasses, a security device (e.g., a security camera), or any other device with a camera or image sensor capable of scanning machine-readable codes. In some embodiments, when the outer cover 104 of the absorbent article 100 is formed at least in part of a reactive material, the user device 400 is configured to detect a change in a visual property of the outer cover 104. For the sake of brevity, such embodiments are not described in detail herein; however, it will be understood that the following description of scanning the reactive graphic 102 generally applies to embodiments in which the user device 400 scans a reactive material.

[0079] When scanning the machine-readable code of the reactive graphic 102, the user device 400 can be configured to perform various operations based on the information embedded in the machine-readable code. For example, the user device 400 can simply display the text embedded in the machine-readable code via a user interface. In some embodiments, the user device 400 automatically accesses the links embedded in the machine-readable code. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the user device 400 displays the extracted links to the user, allowing the user to manually select the links to be presented with the associated digital content. As described above, for example, the machine-readable code may include a URL that can be automatically accessed to retrieve digital content (e.g., images, videos, etc.). In particular, following the embedded links in the machine-readable code allows the user device 400 to access and present a digital user experience. As described herein, "digital content" generally refers to one or more images, videos, text, graphics, animations, music, etc. In some cases, digital content is interactive and may therefore be referred to herein as a "digital experience." Therefore, when presenting a digital experience to the user, the user device 400 can receive user input related to the digital experience.

[0080] It is noteworthy that, based on the state of the reactive graphic 102 at the time of scanning, at least two different sets of digital content or types of digital content may be presented to the user of the user device 400. Figure 2 For example, when the first code 202 is scanned, first digital content can be presented, and when the second machine-readable code 204 is scanned (e.g., after the reactive graphic 102 is exposed to an activation event), second digital content can be presented. In this way, the digital content provided to the user is contextually relevant and associated with the state of the reactive graphic 102 (and thus the absorbent article 100).

[0081] In some embodiments, the absorbent article includes children's training pants having a reactive graphic 102 disposed thereon. The reactive graphic 102 includes a first machine-readable code that reacts with a bodily exudate (e.g., urine) to transform into a second machine-readable code. The first machine-readable code, visible before exposure to the bodily exudate (e.g., when the training pants are dry), can be scanned by a user device 400 to present a first digital content (e.g., video, text and / or graphics, music, etc.) to the user. After the reactive graphic 102 is exposed to the bodily exudate (e.g., when the training pants are wet), the first machine-readable code is replaced by a second machine-readable code, which can then be scanned by the user device 400 to present a second, different experience (e.g., different video, text and / or graphics, music, etc.) to the user.

[0082] In some embodiments, the user device 400 obtains or accesses digital content by communicating with the remote system 302. In some such embodiments, the remote system 302 may include a computing device (e.g., a server) connected to the Internet or another type of network, such that the user device 400 can send data to and / or receive data from the remote system. For example, the user device 400 can use a link embedded in the machine-readable code of the reactive graphic 102 to automatically navigate to a website or web service hosted by the remote system 302. In other words, the remote system 302 can maintain and provide data related to various digital content, which can then be remotely accessed by the user device 400 for presentation to the user. In this way, the remote system 302 can handle at least a portion of the computational burden associated with presenting the digital content.

[0083] In some embodiments, the user device 400 can further communicate with the additional device 304 to present digital content. For example, the user device 400 can "cast" or share digital content with the additional device 304. More specifically, in some embodiments, the user device 400 can transmit digital content data to the additional device 304 so that the additional device 304 presents the digital content. The additional device 304 may include a local computing device and / or a computing device owned and / or operated by the user of the user device 400. For example, the additional device 304 may include a smart device such as a television, a display, a speaker, a tablet computer, an additional smartphone, etc. In some embodiments, the additional device 304 may include a computing device capable of presenting a virtual reality (VR) experience and / or an augmented reality (AR) experience to the user. For example, the additional device 304 may include a VR / AR headset, glasses, etc.

[0084] Now refer to Figure 4, according to some embodiments, a detailed block diagram of a user device 400 is shown. As described above, the user device 400 is generally any computing device capable of scanning a machine-readable code (such as a QR code). In some embodiments, the user device 400 is a handheld computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The user device 400 is shown to include a processing circuit 402, which includes a processor 404 and a memory 410. The processor 404 can be a general-purpose processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing structures. In some embodiments, the processor 404 is configured to execute program code stored on the memory 410 to enable the user device 400 to perform one or more operations, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the user device 400 is part of another computing device (not shown), such as a server. In some such embodiments, the components of the user device 400 described herein can be shared or identical with the host device. It will also be understood that the various functions of the user device 400 described herein can be implemented by other (e.g., remote) computing devices. For example, in some cases, the user device 400 is used only to scan the reactive graphic 102, but the processing of the reactive graphic 102 is handled by another computing device.

[0085] Memory 410 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, storage devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to complete and / or facilitate the various processes described in this disclosure. In some embodiments, memory 410 includes tangible (e.g., non-transitory) computer-readable media that stores code or instructions that can be executed by processor 404. Tangible computer-readable media refers to any physical medium that can provide data that enables user device 400 to operate in a specific manner. Example tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Therefore, memory 410 may include RAM, ROM, hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical storage, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. Memory 410 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure used to support the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. Memory 410 may be communicatively connected to processor 404 , eg, via processing circuitry 402 , and may include computer code for executing (eg, by processor 404 ) one or more processes described herein.

[0086] Although shown as separate components, it will be appreciated that the processor 404 and / or memory 410 can be implemented using a variety of different types and quantities of processors and memories. For example, the processor 404 can represent a single processing device or multiple processing devices. Similarly, the memory 410 can represent a single memory device or multiple memory devices. In addition, in some embodiments, the user device 400 can be implemented within a single computing device (e.g., a server, a shell, etc.). In other embodiments, the user device 400 can be distributed across multiple servers or computers (e.g., which can exist in distributed locations). For example, the user device 400 can include multiple distributed computing devices (e.g., multiple processors and / or memory devices) that communicate with each other and that collaborate to perform operations. For example, but not by way of limitation, an application can be partitioned in a manner that allows concurrent and / or parallel processing of the application's instructions. Alternatively, the data processed by the application can be partitioned in a manner that allows concurrent and / or parallel processing of different parts of the data set by two or more computers. For example, the user device 400 can employ virtualization software to provide the functionality of multiple computing devices.

[0087] Memory 410 is shown as including a code processing engine 412, which is configured to detect machine-readable codes and extract embedded information. In some embodiments, to detect machine-readable codes, code processing engine 412 can continuously process image data from image capture unit 420 of user device 400. Image capture unit 420 can be any device or component group capable of capturing image data and / or scanning machine-readable codes. For example, image capture unit 420 can be a camera (e.g., a smartphone camera), a barcode scanner, an optical scanner, etc. Therefore, code processing engine 412 can continuously process image data captured by image capture unit 420 to detect machine-readable codes, and once detected, extract information from the machine-readable codes. In some embodiments, code processing engine 412 utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) to detect and extract information from machine-readable codes. However, it should be understood that code processing engine 412 can more generally use any suitable technology or algorithm to process machine-readable codes. Typically, the information extracted from machine-readable codes (e.g., QR codes) is an alphanumeric string. For example, a QR code (eg, of reactive graphic 102) may contain a string of characters that forms a link (eg, a URL) to an external resource (eg, a website).

[0088] Memory 410 is further shown to include a digital experience (DX) generator 414, which generates digital content and interactive experiences and presents them to users. In some embodiments, DX generator 414 uses information extracted from the machine-readable code by code processing engine 412 to generate the digital content. For example, in response to code processing engine 412 extracting a URL from a QR code, DX generator 414 can be configured to automatically follow the URL to access a remote resource (e.g., a webpage) and / or retrieve additional information. In some embodiments, the digital content can be as simple as text or images that can be presented to the user. However, DX generator 414 can also be configured to obtain and present videos, music, etc. In some embodiments, DX generator 414 can use any form of digital media to generate digital experiences (e.g., interactive digital content). In some embodiments, DX generator 414 is configured to retrieve predefined or created digital content from remote system 302 and / or a digital content database, rather than directly generating the digital content or experiences.

[0089] In some embodiments, the digital content is presented via the user interface 422 of the user device 400. The user interface 422 generally includes a display (e.g., an LED or LCD display) and, in some embodiments, may include a user input device (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, touch screen, etc.). In some embodiments, the user interface 422 also includes components such as speakers or lights to provide additional output to the user. In some embodiments, the digital content is presented via an external device (e.g., one of the additional devices 304). In some such embodiments, the digital content can be presented via a television, a tablet computer, or another computing device remote from the user device 400. For example, the user device 400 can "cast" the digital experience to another device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the digital content may include AR / VR content (e.g., which may be considered a "digital experience"), or in other words, the digital content may be presented using AR / VR. For example, a digital experience including graphics, video, text, etc. may be presented to a user in an AR / VR environment. In some such embodiments, memory 410 may include an AR / VR engine 416 that generates AR / VR content based on the obtained digital content data. For example, AR / VR engine 416 may overlay a video feed (e.g., from image capture unit 420) with additional digital content (e.g., graphics, video, etc.) to produce an AR experience. In some embodiments, the AR / VR content is displayed via a separate device (e.g., one of additional devices 304), such as a VR headset worn by the user. In some such embodiments, AR / VR engine 416 may generate a virtual environment populated with content related to the digital content provided by the machine-readable code, which is then displayed via the separate device.

[0091] In some embodiments, the DX generator 414 is further configured to receive user input based on the presented digital content. For example, a user can interact with the presented content (e.g., select an item from a list, enter text, speak, etc.), and these user interactions can be detected and processed by the DX generator 414. In some embodiments, user interactions and / or data from the scanned machine-readable code can be stored in a database, shown as a storage device 418. In some embodiments, the storage device 418 is used to track the scanned codes to detect changes and provide additional feedback to the user. For example, information such as the time the code was scanned, the status of the code, whether the status of the code changed between scans, the amount of time between scans, etc. can be tracked, which can provide further insight to the user.

[0092] For example, consider the scenario described above related to children's training pants. The user device 400 can be configured to record the state of the reactive graphic 102 in response to an initial scan, and subsequent scans of the reactive graphic 102 can be compared to the initially recorded state, which can affect the digital content presented to the user. In the toilet training example, if it is determined that the reactive graphic 102 has not changed state between scans (e.g., indicating that the wearer has not emptied in the training pants), a celebratory digital "experience" can be presented. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the reactive graphic 102 does not necessarily need to transition from a first state to a second state to present different or unique digital content to the user. To continue with the previous example, a crown (e.g., a crown image, an AR crown, etc.) can be presented to the toilet training child upon the first scan of the reactive graphic 102 without transitioning to the second state, and a crown and scepter (e.g., a crown and scepter image, an AR crown and scepter, etc.) can be presented upon the second scan of the reactive graphic 102 without transitioning to the second state (e.g., instructing the child to maintain a dry absorbent article between scans of the reactive graphic 102).

[0093] Still refer to Figure 4 , the user device 400 is further shown to include a communication interface 424 that facilitates communication between the user device 400 and any external components or devices (including the remote system 302 and / or the additional device 304). Thus, the communication interface 424 can be or can include a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface (e.g., a jack, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a wired terminal, etc.) for conducting data communications or a combination of wired communication interfaces and wireless communication interfaces. In some embodiments, communication via the communication interface 424 is direct (e.g., local wired or wireless communication) or via a network (e.g., a WAN, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.). For example, the communication interface 424 may include one or more Ethernet ports for communicatively coupling the user device 400 to a network (e.g., the Internet). In another example, the communication interface 424 may include a wireless (e.g., WiFi) transceiver for communicating via a wireless communication network. In yet another example, the communication interface 424 may include a cellular or mobile phone communication transceiver and / or a short-range transceiver (e.g., a ).

[0094] While the user device 400 itself is generally capable of external communication to retrieve and / or present digital content, it should be noted that much of the processing of machine-readable codes (e.g., detecting the code, extracting information, etc.) can be performed locally by various components of the memory 410 to protect user privacy. For example, as described above, the code processing engine 412 can detect the machine-readable code and extract the data without transmitting the data externally to the user device 400 (e.g., transmitting an image externally to the user device). In this way, user privacy is protected. Additionally, in some embodiments, the code processing engine 412 is configured to prevent images from being captured when searching for machine-readable codes. As noted above, for example, the image capture unit 420 can be a camera integrated into the user device 400 and thus can be capable of capturing images; however, the code processing engine 412 can prevent images from being captured when searching for machine-readable codes (e.g., by disabling an image capture button) to prevent images of the absorbent article 100 from being saved.

[0095] Now refer to Figure 5 , according to some embodiments, a flow chart of a process 500 for presenting unique digital content to a user based on reactive graphics on an absorbent article is shown. In some embodiments, process 500 is implemented at least in part by user device 400, as described above. It will be appreciated that certain steps of process 500 may be optional, and in some embodiments, process 500 may be implemented using fewer than all of the steps. It will also be appreciated that Figure 5 The order of steps shown in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting.

[0096] At step 502, a first machine-readable code disposed on an absorbent article is detected. In particular, as described above, the absorbent article may be an absorbent article 100 including a reactive graphic 102. Thus, the first machine-readable code may correspond to a first or "initial" state of the reactive graphic 102 and thus be a 1D or 2D machine-readable code (e.g., a QR code) formed at least in part from a reactive ink that changes at least one visual characteristic in response to an activation event. In this regard, while not described in detail herein, the first machine-readable code may be a first or "initial" state of the reactive graphic 102 and may be a 1D or 2D machine-readable code (e.g., a QR code) formed at least in part from a reactive ink that changes at least one visual characteristic in response to an activation event. Figure 5 500, but it should be understood that the absorbent article 100 with the reactive graphic 102 disposed thereon can be provided prior to initiating the process 500. However, the first machine-readable code can be detected using any suitable computing device, such as using the user device 400. For example, the user device 400 can be a smartphone with an integrated camera capable of detecting the first machine-readable code. In some embodiments, the user device 400 is configured to continuously scan the machine-readable code until the first machine-readable code is detected.

[0097] At step 504, the first digital content is presented to the user based on the first machine-readable code. Upon detection, the user device 400 can be configured to automatically extract data from the first machine-readable code. As discussed above, the extracted data can include a link (e.g., a URL) to a remote resource such as a website, which the user device 400 automatically accesses to obtain the first digital content or data related to the first digital content. This link may be referred to as a "digital content link" in this article. The first digital content may include a variety of graphics, text, video, animation, music, AR / VR content, etc. As will be understood from the description herein, the first digital content may include digital content related to the first state of the reactive graphic 102 (e.g., digital content that the user is interested in when the activation event has not yet occurred).

[0098] In some embodiments, the first digital content is presented via a user interface of the user device 400. For example, the AR content can be overlaid on a live video feed from a camera of the user device 400. As another example, a user interface including text, graphics, etc. can be displayed on the user device 400. In some embodiments, the first digital content is transmitted or "cast" to a secondary device, such as a television, a tablet, a display screen, or any other computing device. For example, the first digital content can be displayed via a television so that multiple users can view the experience. In another example, the first digital content is transmitted to a device with AR / VR capabilities for display, such as a VR headset.

[0099] As discussed herein, an activation event can occur that causes the reactive graphic 102 to transition from a first state to a second state. Generally, the second state is different from the first state. As described above, the triggering event can be exposure of the reactive graphic 102 to the activation event. For example, the activation event can be exposure to urine (in which case the reactive graphic 102 can transition to the second state in the presence of urine or other moisture), exposure to high temperature (in which case the reactive graphic 102 can transition to the second state if a temperature threshold is exceeded), or exposure to bacteria and / or fungi (in which case the reactive graphic 102 can transition to the second state if bacteria and / or fungi are present in / around the absorbent article 100). In the second state, the reactive graphic 102 generally includes a second machine-readable code that is different from the first machine-readable code. As described above, for example, the second machine-readable code can completely replace the first machine-readable code, or the first machine-readable code can be modified to become the second machine-readable code. In any case, at step 506, a second machine-readable code disposed on the absorbent article is detected in a similar manner as the first machine-readable code (eg, by scanning with the user device 400).

[0100] At step 508, the second digital content is presented to the user based on the second machine-readable code. As in step 504, the user device 400 can be configured to automatically extract data from the second machine-readable code, which data may include a link (e.g., a URL) to a remote resource containing the second digital content (e.g., a second "digital content link") or data related to the second digital content. Like the first digital content, the second digital content may also include a variety of graphics, text, video, animation, music, AR / VR content, etc., and may be presented via the user interface of the user device 400 or another device. However, the second digital content is generally different from the first digital content. For example, the content and / or information presented in the second digital content may be different from the content and / or information presented in the first digital content. As will be understood from the description herein, the second digital content may include digital content associated with the second state of the reactive graphic 102 (e.g., digital content that the user is interested in when the activation event has occurred).

[0101] Use Case Examples

[0102] The absorbent article 100 and the associated process 500 for presenting changing digital content based on the state of the reactive graphic 102 disposed thereon can be used in a variety of scenarios. For greater clarity, while example use cases are described herein, it should be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0103] In an embodiment configured for toilet training (as further described herein), a user device 400 may be used to scan a reactive graphic 102 on an absorbent article 100 (e.g., toilet training pants) to present different digital content to a user (e.g., a parent) based on whether the training pants are wet or dry. For example, if the training pants are dry, a celebratory experience may be presented (e.g., via the user device 400) to encourage the child. In this example, the user device 400 may track the state of the reactive graphic 102 upon each scan to determine whether the wearer (e.g., the child) is keeping the training pants dry. In this regard, the reactive graphic 102 does not necessarily need to change (e.g., in response to an activation event) in order for different digital content to be presented. Alternatively, different experiences may be presented based on the tracked data. For example, when the reactive graphic 102 is scanned multiple times in succession while maintaining a first state, different digital content may be presented (e.g., when the absorbent article 100 remains dry and the reactive graphic 102 is scanned multiple times in succession in the first state, different encouraging content for toilet training may be presented). Furthermore, if the absorbent article 100 is wet—and therefore the reactive graphic 102 has transitioned to the second state—a different digital experience can be presented that encourages the child to continue trying to keep the absorbent article dry the next time (e.g., different encouraging content for toilet training is presented when the absorbent article 100 is wet and the reactive graphic 102 is scanned in the second state after previously being scanned in the first state). In this manner, the digital content presented is associated with the state of the reactive graphic 102 (e.g., associated with the current state of the reactive graphic 102 and / or related to the previously tracked state of the reactive graphic 102). In certain embodiments, the digital content presented to the user can be randomized (e.g., by including a randomization parameter at the end of the first digital content link or the second digital content link associated with the reactive graphic 102). In certain embodiments, the user device and / or system can be configured to track progress against a goal (e.g., tracking the number of consecutive times the reactive graphic 102 is scanned in the first state against a predefined goal, and tracking the number of times any reactive graphic 102 is scanned in the second state over the course of a month against a predefined goal).

[0104] In another example, the reactive graphic 102 may be adapted for tracking permanence. For example, the reactive graphic 102 may be formed from a reactive ink that changes in response to temperature. In various embodiments, if the temperature of the absorbent article 100 exceeds a temperature threshold, the reactive graphic 102 may transition to a second state. In such embodiments, the reactive ink may be selected based on the desired temperature threshold. For example, in one embodiment, if the reactive ink (forming the reactive graphic 102) is exposed to a temperature exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the reactive graphic 102 may transition from a first state to a second state. In another embodiment, if the reactive ink (forming the reactive graphic 102) is exposed to a temperature exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit, the reactive graphic 102 may transition from a first state to a second state. Thus, if the threshold is exceeded, the reactive graphic 102 may maintain the second state (e.g., displaying a second QR code), which may signal to a parent or caregiver that the wearer of the absorbent article 100 has been exposed to hot or dangerous temperatures. For example, if the wearer of the absorbent article 100 is an infant, this may indicate that the infant is overdressed or otherwise at risk for thermal injury. In such embodiments, the second machine-readable code (e.g., visible after the reactive graphic 102 is exposed to a temperature exceeding a temperature threshold) may be scanned to provide the user with instructions for caring for a child exposed to excessive heat, contact information for a medical provider, etc.

[0105] In other embodiments, the reactive graphic 102 may be formed from a reactive ink that responds to the presence of bacteria or fungi, which may indicate whether bacteria or fungi are present in the wearer's bodily exudates or in / around the absorbent article 100. In this example, a second machine-readable code (e.g., visible after the reactive graphic 102 is exposed to an activation event) may be scanned to provide the user with instructions for caring for a child exposed to the bacteria or fungi to which the reactive graphic 102 is configured to respond, contact information for a medical provider, etc.

[0106] Configuration of certain embodiments

[0107] The construction and arrangement of the system and method as shown in various embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in the present disclosure, many modifications are possible (such as the size, dimensions, structure, shape and ratio, parameter values, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements). For example, the position of the element can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity of the discrete element or position can be changed or changed. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method step can be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments.

[0108] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable medium for performing various operations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a dedicated computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose for an appropriate system, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising a machine-readable medium for carrying machine-executable instructions or data structures or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media may be any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor.

[0109] When information is transferred or provided to a machine over a network or another communications connection (hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired and wireless), the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Therefore, any such connection is properly referred to as a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing machine to perform a function or group of functions.

[0110] Although the accompanying drawings show a specific order of method steps, the order of these steps may vary from that depicted. In addition, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or partially simultaneously. Such variations will depend on the software and hardware systems selected and the designer's preferences. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, software implementations can be accomplished using standard programming techniques that utilize rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0111] It should be understood that these methods and systems are not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components or specific compositions.It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0112] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the from particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations by use of the antecedent "about," it should be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It should also be understood that the endpoints of each range are significant relative to the other endpoint and are independent of the other endpoint.

[0113] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0114] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and its variants, such as "include" and "comprising" mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "example" and is not intended to convey the meaning of a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a limiting sense, but for illustrative purposes.

[0115] Components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems are disclosed. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it should be understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed, while specific reference to each various individual and collective combinations and arrangements of these components may not be explicitly disclosed, each component is specifically contemplated and described herein for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, steps in the disclosed methods. Therefore, if there are multiple additional steps that can be performed, it should be understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

Claims

1. An absorbent article, comprising: an outer cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; an absorbent structure having a first surface positioned proximate the inner surface of the outer cover and a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the wearer; as well as a reactive graphic visible at a first location on the outer surface of the outer cover, the reactive graphic comprising a reactive ink that transitions from a first state to a second state when exposed to an activation event; wherein in the first state, the reactive graphic forms a first machine-readable code at the first location on the outer surface of the outer cover, the first machine-readable code comprising a first digital content link; wherein in the second state, the reactive graphic forms a second machine-readable code at the first location on the outer surface of the outer cover, the second machine-readable code comprising a second digital content link; wherein the second machine-readable code is different from the first machine-readable code and replaces the first machine-readable code when the reactive ink transitions from the first state to the second state, and wherein the second digital content link is different from the first digital content link.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are two-dimensional codes.

3. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are Quick Response (QR) codes.

4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first digital content link and the second digital content link are uniform resource locators (URLs).

5. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein: scanning the first machine-readable code with a user device causes the user device to automatically access first digital content via the first digital content link and display the first digital content to a user; and Scanning the second machine-readable code with the user device causes the user device to automatically access second digital content via the second digital content link and display the second digital content to the user, wherein the second digital content is different from the first digital content.

6. An absorbent article as described in claim 1, wherein each of the first digital content link and the second digital content link is accessible by a computing device to present at least one of written or graphic content, video, augmented reality (AR) experience, or virtual reality (VR) experience to a user.

7. The absorbent article of claim 7, wherein the at least one of written or graphic content, video, AR experience, or VR experience is presented via a user interface of the computing device.

8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is one of a diaper, a toilet training pant, an adult incontinence product, or a feminine hygiene product.

9. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the activation event is contact with a body fluid.

10. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the activation event is contact with urine.

11. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the activation event is one of a temperature change, exposure to light, exposure to a gas, or exposure to a microbial load.

12. A method comprising: Providing an absorbent article configured to be worn by a person, the absorbent article comprising a reactive graphic visible at a first location on an exterior of the absorbent article, wherein the reactive graphic comprises a reactive ink that transitions from a first state to a second state when exposed to an activation event, wherein the reactive graphic forms a first machine-readable code at the first location on the exterior of the absorbent article in the first state and forms a second machine-readable code at the first location on the exterior of the absorbent article in the second state, wherein the second machine-readable code is different from and replaces the first machine-readable code; detecting the first machine-readable code using a camera embedded within a computing device; presenting, via the computing device, first digital content based on the first machine-readable code; detecting the second machine-readable code using the camera embedded within a computing device after the reactive ink has transitioned from the first state to the second state; as well as Second digital content is presented by the computing device based on the second machine-readable code, wherein the second digital content is different from the first digital content.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are Quick Response (QR) codes.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code is encoded with a unique URL, which, when obtained by the computing device, enables the computing device to automatically access the first digital content or the second digital content via the corresponding unique URL of the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the first digital content and the second digital content comprises at least one of written or graphic content, a video, an augmented reality (AR) experience, or a virtual reality (VR) experience.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first digital content and the second digital content are presented via a user interface of the computing device.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code are detected by scanning the reactive graphic of the absorbent article using the camera of the computing device without storing any captured images or videos.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising transmitting data for one or both of the first digital content and the second digital content to a remote computing device, the data causing the remote computing device to present the first digital content or the second digital content.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the absorbent article is one of a diaper, a toilet training pant, an adult incontinence product, or a feminine hygiene product.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the activation event is one of exposure to a bodily fluid, a temperature change, exposure to light, exposure to a gas, or exposure to a microbial load.

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