Device and method for detecting defecation desire

Abstract

To provide a defecation desire detection device that can detect a defecation desire of an object person with high accuracy, and to provide a method for detecting a defecation desire.SOLUTION: A device for detecting a defecation desire of an object person includes: a plurality of myoelectric potential measurement electrodes disposed on the skin in an anal periphery of the object person; and an arithmetic processing part for determining whether the object person feels a defecation desire on the basis of secular changes in potential difference that is measured between at least two electrodes selected from the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a defecation intention detection device and a defecation intention detection method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, support technologies using sensing devices have been proposed in medical and nursing care settings. One such technology is one that is being actively researched: technology that detects a patient's urge to defecate, with the aim of guiding the patient to the toilet before they defecate. In the following, the term "detecting a patient's urge to defecate" is used as a comprehensive expression to refer to detecting whether stool has accumulated in the intestines or whether the time to defecate is approaching.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that detects a subject's urge to defecate by using voltage electrodes to measure an impedance value that changes depending on the subject's internal colon motility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-531082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 proposes a system configuration in which voltage electrodes are attached to the side of the subject's body, i.e., away from the anus, in order to reduce the influence of the tailbone and femur when measuring impedance that varies according to the subject's internal colonic motility.

[0006] However, the inventors have found that measuring impedance values ​​is easily affected by factors such as the contact state of the electrodes, and that it is difficult to accurately detect the urge to defecate by simply monitoring internal colonic motility.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a defecation intention detection device and a defecation intention detection method that can detect a subject's defecation intention with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides the following: [1] A device for detecting a subject's defecation urge, a plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes to be placed on the skin around the anus of the subject; a calculation processing unit that determines whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on a change over time in a potential difference measured between at least two myoelectricity measurement electrodes selected from the plurality of myoelectricity measurement electrodes.

[0009] In this specification, the term "peri-anal area" refers to the area inside a circle whose diameter is 70% of the body width and whose center is the anus when the subject is viewed from behind. The body width used as the reference here is the body width at the point where the anus passes (see Figure 2).

[0010] Through extensive research, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to detect whether or not a person is feeling the urge to defecate by observing the potential difference that appears around the anal sphincter, and further that when a person is feeling the urge to defecate, the potential difference that appears around the anal sphincter exhibits characteristic fluctuations that are non-periodic and have a larger peak level than when a person is not feeling the urge to defecate.

[0011] In other words, the defecation urge detection device configured as described above can measure fluctuations in the potential difference that appear due to the potential difference that appears in the anal sphincter using multiple myoelectricity measurement electrodes, and can monitor fluctuations in the potential difference that appear around the anal sphincter when the subject feels the urge to defecate. This makes it possible for the defecation urge detection device to detect the subject's urge to defecate with high accuracy.

[0012] [2] The defecation urge detecting device according to [1], wherein the plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes includes a reference electrode that forms a reference potential.

[0013] In this specification, the term "reference potential" refers to a potential that is unlikely to fluctuate due to human body parts or electrical signals, and corresponds to, for example, a potential that is set by connecting to a ground terminal or a reference terminal with low impedance.

[0014] The reference electrode forms a reference potential for the potentials measured by the multiple myoelectricity measurement electrodes. In other words, the defecation urge detection device configured as described above makes it easier to identify whether the potential measured by each myoelectricity measurement electrode is positive or negative with respect to the reference potential, and how large the potential difference is with respect to the reference potential, enabling a more stable determination of the urge to defecate.

[0015] [3] The defecation urge detection device described in [1] or [2], wherein the calculation processing unit determines whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on the effective value per unit time of the time-series data of the potential differences measured by the plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes.

[0016] In this specification, "time-series data of potential difference" refers not only to the electrical signal (voltage signal, current signal, or both) transmitted from the electrode, but also to the time-series digital data obtained by analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion) of the electrical signal, and further to the time-series digital data once stored in a memory or the like.

[0017] [4] The defecation urge detection device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the arithmetic processing unit is provided with a low-pass filter having a cutoff frequency set in the range of 1 kHz to 10 kHz and a high-pass filter having a cutoff frequency set in the range of 0.01 Hz to 0.1 Hz, for performing waveform processing on the time-series data of the potential differences measured by the plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes.

[0018] The inventors discovered that when a person feels the urge to defecate, a characteristic non-periodic pulse waveform that occurs every few seconds appears in the waveform of the potential difference measured with myoelectric potential measuring electrodes attached around the anal sphincter, and focused on using fluctuations in the effective value as a criterion for determining whether or not a person has the urge to defecate. The specific waveform will be explained with reference to the drawings in the section "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention."

[0019] [5] A method for detecting a defecation urge in a subject, comprising: A step (A) of placing a plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes on the skin around the anus of the subject; and (B) determining whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on a change over time in the potential difference measured between at least two myoelectricity measurement electrodes selected from the plurality of myoelectricity measurement electrodes.

[0020] [6] The defecation urge detection method according to [5], wherein the plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes includes a reference electrode that forms a reference potential.

[0021] [7] The defecation urge detection method according to [5] or [6], wherein step (B) determines whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on an effective value per unit time of time-series data of potential differences measured by the plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes.

[0022] [8] The step (B) a step (B1) of processing a signal to be processed obtained from time-series data of potential differences measured by the plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes with a low-pass filter having a cutoff frequency set within a range of 1 kHz to 10 kHz and a high-pass filter having a cutoff frequency set within a range of 0.01 Hz to 0.1 Hz to generate data for determination; The defecation urge detection method according to any one of [5] to [7], further comprising a step (B2) of determining whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on the determination data generated in the step (B1). [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a defecation intention detection device and a defecation intention detection method that are capable of detecting a subject's defecation intention with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of a defecation urge detection device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing each component of a defecation urge detection device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a signal processing device. [Figure 4A] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a standing position. [Figure 4B] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a standing position. [Figure 4C] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a standing position. [Figure 4D] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a supine position. [Figure 4E] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a supine position. [Figure 4F] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a supine position. [Figure 4G] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a sitting position. [Figure 4H] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a sitting position. [Figure 4I] 1 is a graph showing the waveform of a potential difference (voltage) measured by a myoelectric potential measuring electrode attached to a subject in a sitting position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The defecation urge detecting device and defecation urge detecting method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are all schematic illustrations, and the dimensional ratios and numbers in the drawings do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios and numbers.

[0026] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating each component of a defecation urge detecting device 1. Note that Fig. 1 illustrates a state seen from behind a subject 2, and a portion of Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of area A1 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the defecation urge detecting device 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g), a signal processing device 4, and a control terminal 5.

[0027] The myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) include a myoelectric potential measurement electrode 3a that corresponds to a reference electrode, and myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3b, 3c) and myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3d, 3e) that are combinations that measure positive and negative potentials, respectively, relative to the reference potential formed by the myoelectric potential measurement electrode 3a.

[0028] 1 and 2, the connection of the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) to the signal processing device 4 or the mutual connections between the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) are not shown. Note that the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) and the signal processing device 4 may each be provided with an antenna for wireless communication, and may be configured to transmit and receive signals to and from each other via wireless communication.

[0029] Furthermore, the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) are formed of a conductive material. However, in order to stably detect fluctuations in the potential difference occurring around the anal sphincter, the attachment surface may be coated with a material that is less susceptible to wearability due to sweat or sebum stains, for example. The myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) may be formed by laminating a metal foil such as copper or aluminum to a substrate and then patterning the metal foil by etching or the like, or by printing a conductive ink on the substrate. The substrate for forming the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) may be, for example, a flexible sheet-like material such as paper, fabric, or plastic film. The plastic film is preferably a polyester film, which is easy to process and relatively inexpensive, and is particularly a biaxially stretched film made of polyethylene terephthalate or polyethylene naphthalate. Although not particularly limited, the thickness of the substrate is adjusted appropriately taking into consideration durability, discomfort felt when worn, etc. Although it depends on the material to be applied, taking into consideration durability, discomfort felt when worn, etc., the thickness of the substrate is preferably within the range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. In consideration of being attached to the skin, the substrate preferably has elasticity and breathability. Furthermore, in consideration of hygiene and assuming that it will be replaced as needed during use, the substrate is more preferably made of a biomass-derived material.

[0030] Furthermore, the number of attached myoelectric potential measuring electrodes is not limited to seven, but may be at least two so long as it is possible to measure the potential difference. Note that when one device with two electrodes is attached, it is treated as if two myoelectric potential measuring electrodes are attached.

[0031] The myoelectric potential measuring electrodes 3a may be attached at any position, but are preferably placed in the center of the body width W1 direction within the area C1 around the anus, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Here, the center of the body width W1 direction refers to a portion within a range of 10% from the center of the body width W1 (the anus position P1 in Figure 2) in both directions of the body width W1, i.e., in the left and right directions when standing.

[0032] The positional relationship between the combination of myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3b, 3c) and the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3d, 3e), which measure positive and negative potentials, respectively, is arbitrary, but it is preferable that they be attached in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the body width W1 on the back of the subject 2, i.e., in the vertical direction when the subject is standing, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0033] By arranging the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) as described above, the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) are attached near the anal sphincter, and fluctuations in the potential difference appearing around the anal sphincter can be detected with high accuracy.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an example configuration of the signal processing device 4. As shown in Fig. 3, the signal processing device 4 includes an A / D converter 40, a filter 41, an amplifier 42, a calculation unit 43, and a determination unit 44. In addition, in this embodiment, the control terminal 5 controls the operation of the signal processing device 4 and is configured to notify the subject 2 that a defecation urge has been detected in response to a signal S5 output from the signal processing device 4. That is, in this embodiment, the signal processing device 4 and the control terminal 5 form an arithmetic processing unit.

[0035] When a signal S0 based on the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) is input, the A / D converter 40 performs sampling at a predetermined sampling rate and outputs a digital signal (signal S1).

[0036] The A / D conversion format employed in the A / D converter 40 is arbitrary, but the sampling rate is preferably within the range of 10 Hz to 10 kHz.

[0037] The filter 41 in this embodiment is a digital filter made up of logic elements, which is made up of a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter and functions as a band-pass filter as a whole.

[0038] As can be seen from Figures 4A to 4I (described later), when a person feels the urge to defecate, the waveform of the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) is a pulse waveform with a half-width of several seconds to several tens of seconds. From the perspective of extracting the elements necessary for detecting the urge to defecate, the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter is preferably set within the range of 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and more preferably within the range of 3 kHz to 8 kHz. From the same perspective, the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter is preferably set within the range of 0.01 Hz to 0.1 Hz, and more preferably within the range of 0.03 Hz to 0.08 Hz.

[0039] If A / D conversion is not performed first, an analog filter composed of, for example, a resistor, inductor, capacitor, operational amplifier, etc. is used as the filter 41. Furthermore, if the signal based on the potential difference measured by the myoelectricity measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) contains little noise and subsequent processing and determination of the presence or absence of a defecation urge can be performed without filtering, then the filter 41 may not be provided.

[0040] The amplifier 42 is an element that amplifies a signal based on the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g), and for example, an amplifier that combines adders and multipliers made up of logic elements is used, but if A / D conversion is not performed first, for example, an amplifier that consists of an electrical circuit that combines operational amplifiers and circuit elements is used.

[0041] In addition, if the signal based on the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) is sufficiently large and can be processed in subsequent stages without amplification, amplifier 42 may not be provided.

[0042] The calculation unit 43 is an element that analyzes the waveform of a signal based on the potential difference measured by the electromyography electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) based on the input signal S3, extracts information necessary to determine whether or not the subject 2 feels the urge to defecate, and outputs a signal S4.

[0043] The calculation unit 43 in this embodiment analyzes the data of the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) included in the signal S4, calculates the effective value for every 5 seconds, and the average of the effective values ​​for the previous 30 minutes, and then counts the number of intervals in 60 seconds in which the 5-second effective value is at least twice the average of the effective value for the previous 30 minutes in the calculated time-series data of the effective values ​​for 5 seconds, and outputs the data of the number of times as the signal S4.

[0044] In the present embodiment, when there are multiple combinations of positive and negative myoelectric potential measurement electrodes, i.e., when multiple signals S0 are input to the signal processing device 4, the calculation unit 43 outputs, as the signal S4, data representing the number of counts based on data derived from the signal S0 measured using a selected combination of positive and negative myoelectric potential measurement electrodes. The selected combination of positive and negative myoelectric potential measurement electrodes may be, for example, the combination of positive and negative myoelectric potential measurement electrodes located closest to the anus. The calculation unit 43 may also be configured to perform the above-described counting based on waveform data or time-series effective value data obtained by processing the multiple signals S0 and output the signal S4. Furthermore, the calculation unit 43 may be configured to process the signals S0 input from multiple combinations of positive and negative myoelectric potential measurement electrodes via independent paths, and output, as the signal S4, data representing how many of the total combinations of positive and negative myoelectric potential measurement electrodes exceed the individually set threshold for determination.

[0045] The effective value (RMS) is calculated using the following formula (1).

[0046]

number

[0047] In the above equation (1), N is the total number of samples within the time period in which the effective value is calculated, and v i is the i-th potential difference data in the sampling data within the time period.

[0048] Note that counting the number of times the short-term effective value exceeds the average of the long-term effective value is essentially the same as counting the number of pulse waveforms that occur when the potential difference increases abruptly. That is, the method of calculating the effective value is merely an example, and a method of directly counting the number of pulse waveforms whose peak value relative to the reference potential exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., twice the average value of the potential difference over the previous 30 minutes) may also be used. Furthermore, the time intervals for deriving the effective value and the average value described above are merely examples, and any time intervals may be used.

[0049] The calculation unit 43 may be, for example, a calculation processing unit such as a CPU or an MPU, a microcomputer, or a PC, tablet, smartphone, or the like that is provided separately from the amplifier 42 and the filter 41. The calculation unit 43 may be built into the control terminal 5.

[0050] The determination unit 44 is an element that determines whether or not the subject 2 has the urge to defecate, based on the signal S4 input from the calculation unit 43. The determination unit 44 determines that the subject 2 has the urge to defecate when the number of sections that satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, which are included in the signal S4 input from the calculation unit 43, exceeds a predetermined number.

[0051] Here, it is preferable that the predetermined number of times be set to at least two times or more so that it is not mistakenly detected as the need to defecate if the subject 2 puts strain on the anal sphincter for some reason unrelated to the need to defecate.

[0052] In FIG. 3, the determination unit 44 is illustrated as an independent element, but the determination unit 44 may be provided independently or may be built into the calculation unit 43 or the control terminal 5.

[0053] The determination unit 44 may be, for example, an electrical circuit including a comparator, an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or MPU, a microcomputer, or even a PC, tablet, smartphone, or the like that is provided separately from the amplifier 42 and the filter 41.

[0054] The control terminal 5 is a device that controls the operation of the signal processing device 4, and is configured to display on a screen or emit a sound to notify whether or not the subject 2 feels the urge to defecate, based on the signal S5 input from the judgment unit 44.

[0055] The control terminal 5 may be, for example, a PC, a tablet, a smartphone, etc. The signal processing device 4 and the control terminal 5 may be connected either by wire or wirelessly. The signal processing device 4 and the control terminal 5 may be configured as a single device.

[0056] Next, an example of a method for detecting a defecation urge will be described based on the defecation urge detecting device 1 with reference to FIGS.

[0057] First, an operator attaches the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) to the subject 2 at predetermined positions (see FIGS. 1 and 2) around the anus (within the range of area C1 in FIG. 2) (step s1). This step s1 corresponds to process (A).

[0058] After performing step s1, the worker operates the control terminal 5 to start up the signal processing device 4 (step s2).

[0059] After step s2 is performed, the potential difference is measured by the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) (step s3).

[0060] After step s3 is performed, the A / D converter 40 A / D converts the signal S0 based on the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) and outputs it as a signal S1 (step s4).

[0061] After step s4 is performed, the filter 41 performs a filtering process on the signal S1 input from the A / D converter 40 and outputs the result as a signal S2 (step s5). This step s5 corresponds to the process (B1), and the data included in the signal S2 corresponds to the determination data.

[0062] After step s5 is performed, the amplifier 42 amplifies the level of the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) contained in the input signal S2 and outputs it as a signal S3 (step s6).

[0063] After step s6 is performed, the calculation unit 43 analyzes the data of the time-dependent change in the potential difference measured by the electromyography electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g) contained in the input signal S3, and outputs the data as signal S4 (step s7).

[0064] After step s7 is performed, the determination unit 44 determines whether the subject 2 feels the urge to defecate based on the information contained in the input signal S4, and outputs a signal S5 containing information about the determination result (step s8). This step s8 corresponds to the process (B2). The above steps s3 to s8 correspond to the process (B).

[0065] After step s8 is performed, when the control terminal 5 receives a signal S5 from the judgment unit 44 indicating that the subject 2 has the urge to defecate, the control terminal 5 notifies the worker that the subject 2 has the urge to defecate by displaying this information on the display unit or by playing a buzzer or a specified sound.

[0066] Through the above steps, whether or not subject 2 has a defecation urge is detected.

[0067] Here, we confirm what kind of waveform the potential difference measured by the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes changes over time. We also confirm that the characteristic shape used to determine the detection of the urge to defecate appears in the potential difference waveform even when the posture of subject 2 changes.

[0068] 4A to 4C are graphs showing waveforms of potential differences (voltages) measured by myoelectric potential measuring electrodes attached to subject 2 in a standing position. FIGS. 4D to 4F are graphs showing waveforms of potential differences (voltages) measured by myoelectric potential measuring electrodes attached to subject 2 in a supine position. FIGS. 4G to 4I are graphs showing waveforms of potential differences (voltages) measured by myoelectric potential measuring electrodes attached to subject 2 in a sitting position.

[0069] 4A, 4D, and 4G show waveforms of potential differences (voltages) measured by the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3b, and 3c), while FIGS. 4B, 4E, and 4H show waveforms of potential differences (voltages) measured by the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3d, and 3e), and FIGS. 4C, 4F, and 4I show waveforms of potential differences (voltages) measured by the myoelectric potential measurement electrodes (3a, 3f, and 3g). All of the waveforms correspond to the potential of the myoelectric potential measurement electrode 3a, for which 0.00 V corresponds to the reference electrode, i.e., the reference potential.

[0070] As shown in Figures 4A to 4H, it is confirmed that a pulse-like waveform appears before defecation, i.e., when subject 2 feels the urge to defecate. It is also confirmed that a waveform with a relatively small amplitude appears after defecation, i.e., when subject 2 does not feel the urge to defecate. It is presumed that the large amplitude that appears immediately after the start of measurement is due to noise when the sensor is attached, noise when subject 2 moves his / her body, noise when switching modes, etc. However, in order to prevent the large amplitude waveform that appears at the start of measurement from affecting actual judgment, the above-mentioned noise processing and data section selection method, etc. are devised.

[0071] As described above, the defecation urge detecting device 1 is able to measure fluctuations in the potential difference appearing around the anal sphincter using the myoelectricity measuring electrodes (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g), and is also able to monitor fluctuations in the potential difference appearing in the anal sphincter when the subject 2 feels the urge to defecate. This enables the defecation urge detecting device 1 to detect the defecation urge of the subject 2 with high accuracy.

[0072] [Another embodiment] Another embodiment will be described below.

[0073] <1> In the above-described embodiment, a configuration including the myoelectric potential measuring electrode 3a corresponding to the reference electrode has been described, but the defecation urge detecting device 1 does not necessarily have to include a reference electrode. In this case, for example, the above-described processing is performed based on the change over time in the potential difference (differential signal) between two arbitrarily selected myoelectric potential measuring electrodes, and the presence or absence of the defecation urge of the subject 2 is determined.

[0074] <2> The configuration of the defecation urge detecting device 1 and the defecation urge detecting method described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The present invention can detect and notify whether a person has the urge to defecate, and is an invention that is suitable as a device or method to support medical care or nursing care, rather than being used as a medical procedure itself or for performing medical procedures, and is therefore an invention that can be used industrially. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1: Defecation detection device 2: Target audience 3a: Myoelectric potential measurement electrode 3b: Myoelectric potential measurement electrode 3c: Electromyography electrodes 3d: Electromyography electrodes 3e: Myoelectric potential measurement electrode 3f: Electromyography electrodes 3g: Myoelectric potential measurement electrode 4: Signal processing device 5: Control terminal 40: A / D converter 41: Filter 42: Amplifier 43: Arithmetic section 44: Judgment section

Claims

1. A device for detecting a subject's defecation desire, a plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes to be placed on the skin around the anus of the subject; a calculation processing unit that determines whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on a change over time in a potential difference measured between at least two myoelectricity measurement electrodes selected from the plurality of myoelectricity measurement electrodes.

2. 2. The defecation urge detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes includes a reference electrode that forms a reference potential.

3. 2. The defecation urge detection device according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic processing unit determines whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on an effective value per unit time of time-series data of potential differences measured by the plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes.

4. The defecation urge detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the arithmetic processing unit comprises a low-pass filter whose cutoff frequency is set in the range of 1 kHz to 10 kHz, and a high-pass filter whose cutoff frequency is set in the range of 0.01 Hz to 0.1 Hz, for performing waveform processing on the time-series data of the potential differences measured by the plurality of myoelectricity measuring electrodes.

5. A method for detecting a defecation urge in a subject, comprising: A step (A) of placing a plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes on the skin around the anus of the subject; and (B) determining whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on a change over time in the potential difference measured between at least two myoelectricity measurement electrodes selected from the plurality of myoelectricity measurement electrodes.

6. The method for detecting a defecation urge according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes includes a reference electrode that forms a reference potential.

7. 6. The method for detecting a defecation urge according to claim 5, wherein the step (B) determines whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on an effective value per unit time of time-series data of potential differences measured by the plurality of electromyography electrodes.

8. The step (B) a step (B1) of processing a signal to be processed obtained from time-series data of potential differences measured by the plurality of myoelectric potential measuring electrodes with a low-pass filter having a cutoff frequency set within a range of 1 kHz to 10 kHz and a high-pass filter having a cutoff frequency set within a range of 0.01 Hz to 0.1 Hz to generate data for determination; The defecation urge detection method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a step (B2) of determining whether or not the subject has a defecation urge based on the determination data generated in the step (B1).

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