Sensor unit and test paper

Abstract

The present invention provides a technology that enables users to easily perform colorimetric inspections while ensuring sufficient inspection accuracy. [Solution] The sensor unit 10 is configured to include: a support part 12 on which a test paper 20 having a colorimetric reagent piece 22 is attached; a cylindrical body 13 configured to enclose the test paper 20 attached to the support part 12; a moving mechanism 15 that switches between a state in which the test paper 20 attached to the support part 12 is exposed outside the cylindrical body 13 and a state in which the test paper 20 is enclosed in the cylindrical body 13 by moving the relative position of the support part 12 and the cylindrical body 13; an operating part 14 that is operated to cause the moving mechanism 15 to perform the relative position movement; and a detection element part 16 that detects the color of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 in the test paper 20 when it is enclosed in the cylindrical body 13.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a sensor unit and a test strip.

Background Art

[0002] Urine tests are useful for understanding the health status of a living body. As one of the methods of urine tests, a test by colorimetry (hereinafter also referred to as "colorimetric test") is known. In the colorimetric test, a test liquid (for example, urine) is brought into contact with a previously prepared colorimetric reagent piece, and the degree of color change of the colorimetric reagent piece is measured to detect the concentration of a component that reacts with the colorimetric reagent piece in the liquid.

[0003] As a technology related to colorimetric tests, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses detecting a change in the color profile of a colorimetric test piece that responds to a body fluid sample (including urine) using a colorimetric test piece reader connected to a mobile device such as a smartphone. Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses imaging a colorimetric reaction region in an analysis kit used for urine tests or the like with an imaging camera, and observing a color development reaction using the imaging image data obtained thereby.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the above technology, by using a smartphone, an imaging camera, etc., it becomes possible, for example, for a general user to perform a urine test at home. However, in that case, it becomes necessary to perform optical reading of the color of the colorimetric test piece, but depending on the environmental conditions when performing the optical reading, it may not be possible to ensure good inspection accuracy without signal processing such as white balance adjustment. In other words, depending on the environmental conditions when performing colorimetric inspection, it cannot always be said that it is easy to ensure accuracy of the inspection results.

[0006] This disclosure provides a technology that enables users to easily perform colorimetric inspections while ensuring sufficient inspection accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, A support section on which a test strip having a colorimetric reagent piece that reacts with the test solution is attached, A cylindrical body configured to enclose the test paper attached to the support portion, A moving mechanism that switches between a state in which the test paper attached to the support is exposed outside the tube of the tube and a state in which the test paper is enclosed inside the tube by moving the relative position of the support and the tube, An operating unit is used to perform operations on the moving mechanism to cause the relative position movement described above, A detection element unit that detects the color of the colorimetric reagent piece in the test paper while it is enclosed in the cylindrical body, A sensor unit equipped with the following is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to enable users to easily perform colorimetric inspections while still ensuring sufficient inspection accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an example of the overall configuration of a sensor unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of the main components of a sensor unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, where (a) is a diagram showing a specific example of a slide-type operating section, and (b) is a diagram showing a specific example of a knock-type operating section. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a sensor unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, where (a) shows the state in which the test paper is exposed, and (b) shows the state in which the test paper is enclosed. [Figure 4] This is a schematic explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of the main components of a sensor unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation stroke conversion mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a test strip used in a sensor unit according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a sensor unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, where (a) shows the state in which the test paper is exposed, and (b) shows the state in which the test paper is enclosed. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of a sensor unit according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, where (a) shows the state in which the test paper is exposed, (b) shows the process of the test paper being enclosed, (c) shows the state in which the test paper is enclosed, and (d) shows the process of the test paper being enclosed as viewed from below the sensor unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <First Embodiment> First, a specific embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0012] (1) Example of sensor unit configuration Here, we will describe an example of the configuration of a sensor unit according to the first embodiment. The sensor unit described in this embodiment is configured to function as an inspection device that can be used for colorimetric inspection of a test liquid.

[0013] As an example, the test liquid to be inspected by the sensor unit may be urine excreted from a living body (human or animal), but it is not limited to this, and any substance other than urine may be used as long as it is a target for colorimetric inspection. In the following description, the case where urine excreted from a human is used as the test liquid will be taken as an example.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the sensor unit according to this embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view (part 1) schematically showing an example of the main part configuration of the sensor unit, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance configuration of the sensor unit, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view (part 2) schematically showing an example of the main part configuration of the sensor unit.

[0015] (Overall configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor unit 10 according to this embodiment is generally composed of an outer cylinder portion 11, a support portion 12, an inner cylinder portion 13, an operation portion 14, a movement mechanism portion 15, a detection element portion 16, an information processing portion 17, and a display output portion 18.

[0016] (Outer cylinder portion) The outer cylinder portion 11 functions as an external housing of the sensor unit 10, and is, for example, constituted by a cylindrical body with one end open and the other end sealed. The cylindrical body constituting the outer cylinder portion 11 is formed in an outer cylindrical shape and size that can be held by hand by the user of the sensor unit 10, and is formed in an inner cylindrical shape and size that can enclose the inner cylinder portion 13 therein to form a double cylinder structure. Note that the material for forming the outer cylinder portion 11 is not particularly limited as long as it can ensure a certain degree of mechanical strength, and for example, a resin material, a metal material, or the like may be appropriately selected and used.

[0017] (Support portion) The support section 12 is configured to accommodate a test paper 20 used for colorimetric testing. Details of the test paper 20 to be attached will be described later. The method of attaching the test paper 20 is not particularly limited, as long as it can be maintained in its attached state and can be easily attached and detached. For example, it can be done by inserting it into a groove (not shown) provided in the support section 12, attaching it using an adhesive or glue, or clipping it using a fastener (not shown) provided in the support section 12.

[0018] Furthermore, the support portion 12 is positioned inside the outer cylinder portion 11. The shape and size of the support portion 12 are configured such that when the test paper 20 is attached, the test paper 20 is exposed to the outside of the outer cylinder portion 11 from the open end of the cylinder. The material used to form the support portion 12 is not particularly limited, as is the case with the outer cylinder portion 11; for example, resin material or metal material may be appropriately selected and used.

[0019] (Inner cylinder section) The inner cylinder portion 13 is composed of a cylindrical body with both ends open. The cylindrical body constituting the inner cylinder portion 13 is formed with an external shape and size that allows it to be located inside the outer cylinder portion 11 and form a double-cylinder structure, and is formed with an internal shape and size that allows it to enclose the support portion 12 or the test paper 20 attached to the support portion 12. In other words, the inner cylinder portion 13 functions as a cylindrical body configured to enclose the test paper 20 attached to the support portion 12.

[0020] Furthermore, the inner cylinder portion 13 is supported so as to be movable along the cylindrical axis direction of both the inner cylinder portion 13 and the outer cylinder portion 11. As the inner cylinder portion 13 moves along the cylindrical axis direction, its relative position to the outer cylinder portion 11 and the support portion 12 located inside the outer cylinder portion 11 changes. The material used to form the inner cylinder portion 13 is not particularly limited, similar to the outer cylinder portion 11 and the support portion 12; for example, resin materials or metal materials may be appropriately selected and used. In any case, the inner cylinder portion 13 is configured to prevent light from passing from the outside to the inside of the cylinder, for example, by being formed from a light-shielding material or by being colored.

[0021] (Operation unit) The operating section 14 is for manual operation by the user of the sensor unit 10, and is configured to allow operation while the user is gripping the outer cylinder portion 11.

[0022] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2(a), for example, the operating part 14 may be a so-called slide type, in which an operating knob located on the cylindrical side of the outer cylinder 11 is configured to move along the cylindrical axis. However, it is not limited to this, and the operating part 14 may also be a so-called knock type, in which an operating knob is located on the cylindrical end face of the outer cylinder 11, as shown in Figure 2(b). In either configuration, the operating part 14 is operable with the fingers of the hand gripping the outer cylinder 11 and is configured to respond to a pressing operation by said fingers.

[0023] (Movement mechanism part) The moving mechanism 15 is positioned inside the outer cylinder 11 and supports the inner cylinder 13 so that it can move along the cylinder axis within the cylinder. In other words, the moving mechanism 15 is configured to move the relative position of the inner cylinder 13 along the cylinder axis with respect to the outer cylinder 11 and the support 12.

[0024] The moving mechanism 15 moves the relative position of the inner cylinder 13 with respect to the outer cylinder 11 and the support 12 in response to the operation of the operating unit 14. More specifically, when the operating unit 14 is pressed, the moving mechanism 15 moves the relative position of the inner cylinder 13 in response to that pressing operation. In other words, the operating unit 14 is operated to cause the moving mechanism 15 to move the relative position of the inner cylinder 13.

[0025] When the moving mechanism 15 performs a relative position change, the inner cylinder 13 changes its relative position to the outer cylinder 11, from being located inside the outer cylinder 11 to being exposed to the outside from the end of the outer cylinder 11. At this time, if the test paper 20 is attached to the support part 12 inside the outer cylinder 11, the inner cylinder 13 will enclose the test paper 20 inside the cylinder after the relative position change. Therefore, it can be said that the moving mechanism 15 switches the state of the test paper 20 between exposed and enclosed by the relative position change between the outer cylinder 11 and the support part 12 and the inner cylinder 13.

[0026] Here, the exposed state of the test paper 20 refers to the state in which the inner cylinder portion 13 is located inside the cylinder of the outer cylinder portion 11, as shown in Figure 3(a), and the test paper 20 attached to the support portion 12 is exposed outside the cylinders of the outer cylinder portion 11 and the inner cylinder portion 13. The enclosed state of the test paper 20 refers to the state in which the test paper 20 attached to the support portion 12 is enclosed inside the cylinder of the inner cylinder portion 13 and is not exposed to the outside, as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0027] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 15 may be configured such that the pressing stroke of the operating unit 14 is used directly as the relative position movement stroke of the inner cylinder 13 when moving the inner cylinder 13. However, the preferred pressing stroke amount for pressing the operating unit 14 and the relative position movement stroke amount required for the state switching described above do not necessarily coincide.

[0028] Therefore, the moving mechanism 15 may be equipped with a conversion mechanism that adapts the pressing stroke of the operating section 14 to the relative position movement stroke of the moving mechanism 15.

[0029] As an example of a conversion mechanism, as shown in Figure 4, it may be configured to include a first rack 15a connected to the operating section 14, a second rack 15b connected to the inner cylinder section 13, and a plurality of pinion gears 15c arranged between them. With such a configuration, by utilizing the gear ratio settings of the plurality of pinion gears 15c, it is possible to secure a necessary and sufficient stroke amount (for example, n times, where n is any number) for the relative position movement stroke of the inner cylinder section 13, even when the pressing operation stroke of the operating section 14 is a small stroke amount. Here, a rack and pinion system has been given as an example of a conversion mechanism, but it is not necessarily limited to this, and any other known technology may be used as long as it can adapt the pressing operation stroke of the operating section 14 to the relative position movement stroke of the inner cylinder section 13.

[0030] Preferably, at least one of the moving mechanism 15 having the configuration described above and the operating unit 14 that causes the moving mechanism 15 to move relative to itself is equipped with a return mechanism (not shown) for returning the operating unit 14 and the inner cylinder 13 to their original positions after the relative position movement. The return mechanism may be configured to include, for example, a latch mechanism for holding the positions of the operating unit 14 and the inner cylinder 13 after the relative position movement, a release mechanism for releasing the latch state (position holding state) by the latch mechanism through further operation of the operating unit 14, and a return spring for returning the operating unit 14 and the inner cylinder 13 to their original positions after the latch is released. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and it may be configured using other known technologies as long as it is possible to return the operating unit 14 and the inner cylinder 13 to their original positions.

[0031] (Detection element section) Furthermore, in Figure 1, the detection element unit 16 detects the color of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20 attached to the support unit 12. The colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20 will be described in detail later.

[0032] As the detection element unit 16 for color detection, for example, a so-called color sensor can be used, which comprises a light-emitting element that irradiates light toward the colorimetric reagent piece 22 and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from the colorimetric reagent piece 22, and is configured to determine the color of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 based on the ratio of the amount of light received by each of the RGB colors in the light-receiving element. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and as the detection element unit 16, for example, an image sensor (solid-state image sensor) such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or a line sensor in which these are arranged in a row may be used. In the case of a line sensor, it is preferable that the detection element unit 16 is composed of an assembly of multiple elements corresponding to each of the multiple colorimetric reagent pieces 22 on the test paper 20. Furthermore, when using an image sensor or a line sensor, illumination that irradiates light in a predetermined wavelength range may be provided.

[0033] In either configuration, the detection element unit 16 is positioned on the inner surface of the inner cylinder unit 13. This allows the detection element unit 16 to detect the color of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20 while it is enclosed within the inner cylinder unit 13.

[0034] (Information Processing Department) The information processing unit 17 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer that can be mounted on the sensor unit 10, and performs predetermined information processing on the various information obtained by the detection element unit 16, which is necessary for outputting the various information. Examples of predetermined information processing include format conversion processing to make the various information available for output, and information conversion processing to quantify the various information (e.g., convert it into numerical values ​​or indicators) according to that format, but it may also include other processing.

[0035] The output destination for the various types of information obtained by the detection element unit 16 is, for example, the display output unit 18. However, this is not necessarily limited to this, and for example, an external terminal device (not shown) capable of communicating with the information processing unit 17 may be used as the output destination for the various types of information. In that case, the information processing unit 17 will have the function of a communication control unit that transmits various types of information related to color detection by the detection element unit 16 to the external terminal device.

[0036] (Display output section) The display output unit 18 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel that can be mounted on the sensor unit 10, and outputs various information related to color detection by the detection element unit 16. The display output unit 18 may also output other information in addition to the information related to color detection.

[0037] (others) Preferably, the sensor unit 10 includes a power supply unit (not shown) for driving the detection element unit 16, the information processing unit 17, and the display output unit 18. This is because including a power supply unit allows for sufficient flexibility in the location where the sensor unit 10 can be used. The power supply unit may be, for example, a secondary battery, but is not limited to this; it may also be configured using other known technologies as long as it can supply power to each part.

[0038] (2) Example of test strip composition Next, an example of the configuration of the test paper according to this embodiment will be described. The test paper 20 described in this embodiment is used by being attached to the support portion 12 of the sensor unit 10 having the above-described configuration.

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the colorimetric test paper according to this embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the test paper 20 according to this embodiment is composed of a base material 21 and a plurality of colorimetric reagent pieces 22 arranged on the base material 21.

[0041] (base material) The base material 21 is for supporting multiple types of colorimetric reagent pieces 22, and is formed in a strip shape, with one end of its longitudinal direction configured to be detachable from the support portion 12 of the sensor unit 10. As a result, the base material 21 is attached to the support portion 12 in such a manner that its longitudinal direction extends along the direction of relative positional movement between the support portion 12 and the inner cylindrical portion 13.

[0042] Furthermore, since the base material 21 is formed in a strip shape, it has main surfaces on both its front and back sides that have a long rectangular shape in plan view. On one of these main surfaces, multiple types of colorimetric reagent pieces 22 are arranged so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the base material 21 (i.e., in the direction along the relative positional movement direction). The arrangement of each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is preferably positioned towards the end opposite to the mounting end, since one end of the base material 21 in the longitudinal direction becomes the mounting end to the support part 12.

[0043] Preferably, the base material 21 supporting each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is made of a hydrolytic material. Hydrolytic refers to the property of being subdivided (fibers dispersed) upon contact with water. Typical hydrolytic materials include paper materials called hydrolytic paper or water-dispersible paper. If made of such a material, it can be flushed down a toilet, for example, making disposal after use easier.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferable that the base material 21 be configured as a rigid body capable of maintaining its orientation when mounted on the support portion 12 and under no load. Specifically, for the base material 21, it is conceivable to ensure rigidity to the extent that deflection does not occur, at least under no load, by employing, for example, a corrugated cardboard structure in which a corrugated core is sandwiched between front and back liners, a similar paper honeycomb structure, or a structure with reinforcing ribs. In this way, if the base material 21 is configured as a rigid body, it becomes possible to prevent interference between the base material 21 mounted on the support portion 12 and the inner cylinder portion 13, which moves relative to it.

[0045] (colorimetric reagent piece) Multiple colorimetric reagent pieces 22 arranged on the substrate 21 are configured to show a color reaction to different components in the test solution. In other words, each colorimetric reagent piece 22 functions as a color chip for performing colorimetric testing on different components.

[0046] By providing multiple types of colorimetric reagent pieces 22, the test paper 20 enables simultaneous detection of multiple types of components during colorimetric testing, thereby making component detection simple and rapid.

[0047] The components that each colorimetric reagent piece 22 reacts with include, for example, urinary glucose, albumin, creatinine, ketone bodies, glucose, pH, specific gravity, occult blood, leukocytes, nitrite, urobilinogen, and bilirubin, all of which are found in urine. However, each colorimetric reagent piece 22 placed on the substrate 21 is not necessarily limited to those corresponding to a specific type of component, and may be composed of a combination of several types as needed.

[0048] As described above, these multiple types of colorimetric reagent pieces 22 are arranged on the substrate 21 so as to be aligned along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 21. In this case, it is preferable that each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is spaced apart from the others, as this makes it easier to distinguish (identify) each of them.

[0049] Furthermore, it is preferable that each colorimetric reagent piece 22, like the base material 21 supporting them, be made of a hydrolyzable material, as this facilitates disposal after use.

[0050] In addition to each colorimetric reagent piece 22, timing reagent pieces (not shown) may also be placed on the substrate 21. The timing reagent pieces are configured such that the degree of color reaction (degree of discoloration) changes linearly according to the elapsed time since contact with the test solution, or have an equivalent function (a function that linearly reflects the elapsed time).

[0051] (3) Example of processing operation in the sensor unit Next, an example of the processing operation in the sensor unit 10 when performing colorimetric inspection using the sensor unit 10 configured as described above will be explained.

[0052] The sensor unit 10 with the configuration described above is used by the user of the sensor unit 10 in order to perform a urine test.

[0053] To use the sensor unit 10, first prepare an unused test strip 20 and attach it to the support part 12 of the sensor unit 10. At this time, since the inner cylinder part 13 of the sensor unit 10 is located inside the cylinder of the outer cylinder part 11, the inner cylinder part 13 does not get in the way when attaching the test strip 20 to the support part 1k2.

[0054] When the test strip 20 is attached, the sensor unit 10, as shown in Figure 3(a), has the test strip 20 attached to the support part 12 exposed to the outside of the outer cylinder part 11 and the inner cylinder part 13 (i.e., the test strip 20 is exposed). In this state, the user of the sensor unit 10 holds the outer cylinder part 11 of the sensor unit 10 with their hand and pours the urine they excrete onto the exposed test strip 20, thereby bringing each colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test strip 20 into contact with the urine. When each colorimetric reagent piece 22 comes into contact with the urine, each colorimetric reagent piece 22 shows a color reaction, changing color according to the concentration of components contained in the urine. At this time, if each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is arranged towards one end of the test strip 20 (the end opposite to the attachment end), it becomes easier to bring each colorimetric reagent piece 22 into contact with the urine. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to suppress the adhesion of urine to the outer cylinder part 11 and the inner cylinder part 13, etc.

[0055] Subsequently, the user of the sensor unit 10 grasps the outer cylinder portion 11 of the sensor unit 10 with their hand and applies pressure to the operating portion 14 of the sensor unit 10. As a result, as shown in Figure 3(b), the moving mechanism 15 of the sensor unit 10 moves the relative position of the inner cylinder portion 13 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 11 and the support portion 12, so that the inner cylinder portion 13 encloses the test paper 20 that is exposed outside the outer cylinder portion 11 and attached to the support portion 12 (i.e., the test paper 20 is enclosed). In other words, in response to the pressure applied to the operating portion 14, the moving mechanism 15 switches the state from the exposed state of the test paper 20 to the enclosed state of the test paper 20.

[0056] When the moving mechanism 15 switches states, the detection element 16, positioned on the inner surface of the inner cylinder 13, is positioned to face each other with respect to the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20. This enables the detection element 16 to perform color detection on the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20.

[0057] Specifically, the color detection of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 by the detection element unit 16 can be performed in the following procedure.

[0058] For example, if the detection element unit 16 is a color sensor composed of a single light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, or an image sensor composed of a single solid-state image sensor, then color detection by the detection element unit 16 is started when the operation of the operation unit 14 begins or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation, and this color detection is continued until the state switching is complete. At this time, if multiple types of colorimetric reagent pieces 22 are arranged on the test paper 20, the detection element unit 16 will sequentially pass the position opposite each colorimetric reagent piece 22 due to the relative positional movement during state switching. As a result, even if the detection element unit 16 is composed of a single element, it is possible to sequentially detect the color of each colorimetric reagent piece 22. The start of operation of the operation unit 14 can be detected, for example, by using a contact switch (not shown) attached to the operation unit 14. Furthermore, the color detection by the detection element unit 16 triggered by this can be started and stopped, for example, under control instructions from the information processing unit 17.

[0059] When performing color detection using this procedure, it is preferable that each colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20 be spaced apart. This is because, even when the detection element unit 16 sequentially performs color detection on each colorimetric reagent piece 22, the electrical signals obtained by the detection element unit 16 can be easily distinguished as belonging to each colorimetric reagent piece 22.

[0060] Furthermore, if the detection element unit 16 is composed of an assembly of multiple elements, such as in a line sensor, color detection by the detection element unit 16 is performed when the state switching by the moving mechanism unit 15 is completed or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the state switching. At this time, each of the multiple elements constituting the detection element unit 16 is configured to perform color detection individually for each colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20. This makes it possible for the detection element unit 16 to perform color detection for each colorimetric reagent piece 22 in a single process. The completion of the state switching by the moving mechanism unit 15 can be detected, for example, by using a contact switch (not shown) attached to the moving mechanism unit 15 or the operation unit 14. The control instructions from the information processing unit 17 are the same as in the procedure described above.

[0061] In either procedure, when the detection element 16 performs color detection, each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is enclosed within the inner cylinder 13. Therefore, the light-shielding effect of the inner cylinder 13 suppresses the influence of ambient light and other factors on the detection element 16. In other words, the space inside the inner cylinder 13 where each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is located is effectively made into a darkroom, resulting in a color detection result with good detection accuracy that eliminates the influence of ambient light and other factors.

[0062] In any of the procedures, the time between contacting the test strip 20 with urine and operating the control unit 14 is expected to vary depending on the user. Therefore, if a timing reagent piece is placed on the test strip 20, the color detection for each colorimetric reagent piece 22 may be performed taking into account the measurement items for that timing reagent piece. Specifically, for example, color detection for the timing reagent piece may be performed at the start of operation of the control unit 14 or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation, and color detection for each colorimetric reagent piece 22 may be performed at an appropriate timing based on the time elapsed determined from the result of that color detection. Alternatively, for example, color detection for the timing reagent piece may be performed in conjunction with color detection for each colorimetric reagent piece 22, and the color detection results for each colorimetric reagent piece 22 may be modified as necessary based on the time elapsed determined from the result of the color detection for the timing reagent piece.

[0063] By having the detection element unit 16 perform this color detection, it becomes possible to quantitatively measure the color of each colorimetric reagent piece 22 that has shown a color reaction using an electrical signal after the color reaction. The result of the color detection by the detection element unit 16 (i.e., the electrical signal of the color after the color reaction) is then sent from the detection element unit 16 to the information processing unit 17 for processing.

[0064] The information processing unit 17 performs predetermined information processing on the information transmitted from the detection element unit 16 (including electrical signals which are the results of color detection) as needed.

[0065] For example, the information processing unit 17, as a predetermined information processing step, quantitatively determines the degree of discoloration of each colorimetric reagent piece 22 before and after the color reaction, based on the results of color detection of each colorimetric reagent piece 22. It then gives an operation instruction to the display output unit 18 to display the determination result. As for the specific methods for determining the degree of discoloration at this time, publicly known techniques may be used, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted here.

[0066] As a result, users of the sensor unit 10 can refer to the display output content of the display output unit 18 and recognize the results of the urine test performed using each colorimetric reagent piece 22 of the test paper 20 by the displayed numerical values, indicators, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, the information processing unit 17 may choose not to determine the degree of color change of the colorimetric reagent pieces 22 before and after the color reaction itself, but rather to have an external terminal device, which is communicatively connected to the information processing unit 17, perform this determination. Specifically, the information processing unit 17 may, for example, transmit information regarding the results of color detection of each colorimetric reagent piece 22 by the detection element unit 16 to the external terminal device using its function as a communication control unit, and have the external terminal device perform the necessary information processing as a predetermined information processing step. In this way, it becomes possible to perform various information processing on the results of color detection of each colorimetric reagent piece 22 by the detection element unit 16 while suppressing an excessive processing load on the sensor unit 10.

[0068] Subsequently, if the user of the sensor unit 10 performs further operation on the control unit 14, the positions of the control unit 14 and the inner cylinder 13 return to their original state (i.e., the exposed state of the test paper 20). At this time, it is preferable that the test paper 20 attached to the support unit 12 automatically detaches from the support unit 12 in conjunction with the return to the original state, as this allows the used test paper 20 to be disposed of without requiring any action from the user.

[0069] Since both the base material 21 and the colorimetric reagent piece 22 of the used test strip 20 are water-soluble, it can be disposed of by simply flushing it down the toilet. In other words, for users of the sensor unit 10, disposal of the test strip 20 used for urine testing is easy, making it extremely convenient.

[0070] (4) Effects of the sensor unit The sensor unit 10 and the test paper 20 used with the sensor unit 10 described above produce one or more of the following effects.

[0071] (a) According to this embodiment, by attaching the test strip 20 to the sensor unit 10, it becomes possible for, for example, an ordinary user to perform a urine test at home using these. In this case, the user simply holds the sensor unit 10 in their hand, pours urine onto the exposed test strip 20, and then operates the operation unit 14 of the sensor unit 10 to switch the state of the test strip 20, so that a urine test can be performed very easily. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the color of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20 is detected by switching the state of the test paper 20 from an exposed state to an enclosed state, the space where the colorimetric reagent piece 22 is located is effectively darkened, thereby suppressing the influence of ambient light and other factors on the detection element unit 16 that performs color detection. In other words, regardless of the environmental conditions under which the urine test is performed using the sensor unit 10, the detection element unit 16 can perform color detection with good detection accuracy, eliminating the influence of ambient light and other factors, and as a result, the detection of components in urine by urine testing can be performed with high accuracy. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to enable users to easily perform colorimetric inspections while still ensuring sufficient inspection accuracy.

[0072] (b) As described in this embodiment, if the entire sensor unit 10 is configured to be graspable by hand, and the operating unit 14 is configured to be operable with the hand that grasps the entire unit, then the sensor unit 10 will be easy to operate and highly convenient for the user. Therefore, it is very preferable for the user to perform a urine test easily.

[0073] (c) As described in this embodiment, if a conversion mechanism is attached to the moving mechanism 15 that switches the state of the test paper 20 from exposed to enclosed, the pressing stroke of the operating unit 14 can be matched to the relative position movement stroke of the inner cylinder 13 by the moving mechanism 15. This makes it possible to ensure a sufficient stroke amount for the relative position movement stroke of the inner cylinder 13, even when the pressing stroke of the operating unit 14 is small. Therefore, the sensor unit 10 is easy to operate and convenient for users, and is very desirable for performing urine tests easily.

[0074] (d) As described in this embodiment, if the detection element unit 16, which is located on the inner surface of the inner cylinder 13, performs color detection on multiple colorimetric reagent pieces 22 on the test paper 20 during the relative positional movement between the test paper 20 and the inner cylinder 13 by the moving mechanism unit 15, then even if the detection element unit 16 is composed of a single element, it becomes possible to sequentially detect the color of each colorimetric reagent piece 22. Therefore, it becomes possible to test for multiple types of components contained in urine through urine testing while suppressing the complexity of the configuration of the detection element unit 16.

[0075] (e) As described in this embodiment, if the detection element unit 16 is composed of an assembly of multiple elements corresponding to each of the multiple colorimetric reagent pieces 22 on the test paper 20, the detection element unit 16 can perform color detection for each of the colorimetric reagent pieces 22 in a single process. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform tests for multiple types of components contained in urine through a urine test while suppressing the complexity of various information processing associated with color detection by the detection element unit 16.

[0076] (f) As described in this embodiment, if the sensor unit 10 is equipped with a display output unit 18 that displays and outputs various types of information, the user of the sensor unit 10 can recognize the results of the urine test by referring to the display output content of the display output unit 18. Therefore, it is highly convenient for the user of the sensor unit 10.

[0077] (g) As described in this embodiment, if the information processing unit 17 is equipped with a function as a communication control unit that transmits various information to an external terminal device, the external terminal device can be used as the output destination for the various information obtained by the detection element unit 16. Therefore, for example, it becomes possible to perform various information processing on the results of color detection of each colorimetric reagent piece 22 at the external terminal device while suppressing an excessive processing load on the sensor unit 10, which is very desirable for ensuring sufficient accuracy in urine testing.

[0078] (h) In this embodiment, the test paper 20 is equipped with a plurality of colorimetric reagent pieces 22 arranged on a base material 21, so that multiple types of components in urine can be detected simultaneously and in parallel, and the detection of these multiple types of components can be performed simply and quickly. Moreover, even in that case, by arranging each colorimetric reagent piece 22 so as to be aligned along the direction of relative positional movement in the sensor unit 10, the ease of gripping the sensor unit 10 is not impaired, and the sensor unit 10 becomes easy to use and highly convenient for the user.

[0079] (i) As described in this embodiment, if the base material 21 and colorimetric reagent piece 22 constituting the test paper 20 are made of a water-soluble material, the used test paper 20 can be disposed of by simply flushing it down the toilet. Therefore, for users of the sensor unit 10, disposal of the test paper 20 used in urine testing is easy, making it extremely convenient.

[0080] (j) As described in this embodiment, if the base material 21 constituting the test paper 20 is configured as a rigid body capable of maintaining its orientation when mounted on the support portion 12 of the sensor unit 10, then even if the test paper 20 and the inner cylinder portion 13 of the sensor unit 10 move relative to each other, it becomes possible to prevent the test paper 20 from interfering with the inner cylinder portion 13. Therefore, the user of the sensor unit 10 does not need to be overly careful in handling it, making it easy to use and highly convenient for the user.

[0081] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. Here, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be explained primarily.

[0082] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the sensor unit according to this embodiment.

[0083] The sensor unit 30 described in this embodiment differs from the configuration described in the first embodiment in that it does not have an inner cylinder portion 13, and the moving mechanism portion 15 is configured to move the relative position of the support portion 12 with respect to the outer cylinder portion 11 along the cylinder axis direction. The outer cylinder portion 11 is configured so that light does not pass from the outside to the inside of the cylinder, and the detection element portion 16 is arranged on the inner surface of the cylinder. The specific configuration of the moving mechanism portion 15 for relative position movement is not particularly limited, and may be configured using, for example, a rack and pinion system or other known technology as in the first embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 15 switches the state of the test paper 20 between exposed and enclosed by moving the relative position of the outer cylinder 11 and the support 12. In other words, by moving the relative position of the support 12 with respect to the outer cylinder 11, the test paper 20 attached to the support 12 switches from a state in which it is exposed outside the outer cylinder 11 to a state in which it is enclosed inside the outer cylinder 11 and not exposed to the outside. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outer cylinder 11 functions as a cylindrical body configured to enclose the test paper 20 attached to the support 12.

[0085] Specifically, when using the sensor unit 30, an unused test strip 20 is attached to the support part 12, resulting in the test strip 20 being exposed outside the outer cylinder part 11 (i.e., the test strip 20 being exposed), as shown in Figure 6(a). Then, after each colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test strip 20 is brought into contact with urine, when the operation part 14 is pressed, the sensor unit 10, in response, as shown in Figure 6(b), moves the relative position of the support part 12 using the moving mechanism part 15, so that the test strip 20 attached to the support part 12 is enclosed inside the outer cylinder part 11 (i.e., the test strip 20 being enclosed). In other words, in response to the pressing operation of the operation part 14, the moving mechanism part 15 switches the state from the exposed state of the test strip 20 to the enclosed state of the test strip 20.

[0086] When the moving mechanism 15 switches states, the detection element 16, positioned on the inner surface of the outer cylinder 11, is positioned to face each other with respect to the colorimetric reagent pieces 22 on the test paper 20. This allows the detection element 16 to perform color detection on the colorimetric reagent pieces 22 on the test paper 20. At this time, since each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is enclosed within the cylinder of the outer cylinder 11, the light-shielding effect of the outer cylinder 11 suppresses the influence of ambient light and other factors on the detection element 16. In other words, the space inside the outer cylinder 11 where each colorimetric reagent piece 22 is located is effectively made into a darkroom, resulting in a color detection result with good detection accuracy that eliminates the influence of ambient light and other factors.

[0087] As described above, the sensor unit 30 according to this embodiment achieves the state of enclosing the test paper 20 by the outer cylinder portion 11, but even in this case, it will achieve one or more of the effects described in the first embodiment.

[0088] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. Here again, the differences from the first or second embodiment described above will be explained primarily.

[0089] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the sensor unit according to this embodiment.

[0090] The sensor unit 40 described in this embodiment has a different configuration of the inner cylinder portion 13 and the moving mechanism portion 15 compared to the first embodiment.

[0091] In this embodiment, the inner cylinder portion 13 is composed of a combination of a semi-cylindrical first member 13a and a second member 13b. The first member 13a and the second member 13b are formed so that the arc sides of their respective semicircles can overlap, and when the straight sides of the semicircles are brought together, they form a cylindrical body with one end open and the other end sealed. In other words, the inner cylinder portion 13 has a two-piece structure consisting of a first member 13a and a second member 13b that can form a cylindrical body.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the inner cylinder portion 13 has a two-piece structure, the moving mechanism 15 is configured to accommodate not only relative positional movement of the inner cylinder portion 13 in the direction of the cylinder axis, but also relative positional movement between the first member 13a and the second member 13b constituting the inner cylinder portion 13, as will be described in detail later. The specific configuration of the moving mechanism 15 for performing such relative positional movement is not particularly limited and may be configured using publicly known technology, etc.

[0093] When using the sensor unit 40 configured as described above, an unused test strip 20 is attached to the support part 12, resulting in the test strip 20 being exposed outside the outer cylinder part 11 (i.e., the test strip 20 being exposed), as shown in Figure 7(a). After each colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test strip 20 is brought into contact with urine, pressing the operation part 14 causes the movement mechanism 15 to move the relative position of the inner cylinder part 13 accordingly.

[0094] At this time, as shown in Figure 7(b), the inner cylinder portion 13 is arranged with the arc sides of the first member 13a and the second member 13b overlapping, and relative positional movement in the direction of the cylinder axis is performed in this state. Therefore, even if the first member 13a and the second member 13b are configured so that the other end (the lower end in the figure) can be sealed, they will not interfere with the test paper 20 during relative positional movement.

[0095] Then, when the operating part 14 is pressed again, as shown in Figures 7(c) and (d), the moving mechanism 15 moves the first member 13a and the second member 13b that constitute the inner cylinder 13 so that the relative position of the other member to the other member rotates in the circumferential direction. Due to this relative positional movement between the first member 13a and the second member 13b, the inner cylinder 13 becomes a cylindrical body with the other end (the lower end in the figure) sealed. In other words, due to the relative positional movement between the first member 13a and the second member 13b, the inside of the inner cylinder 13 becomes a sealed space, and the test paper 20 is enclosed in that sealed space.

[0096] Thus, in this embodiment, the first member 13a and the second member 13b constituting the inner cylinder portion 13, and the moving mechanism 15 that moves their relative positions, function as an opening and closing mechanism for creating a sealed space inside the inner cylinder portion 13. In other words, in this embodiment, the inner cylinder portion 13 is equipped with an opening and closing mechanism for creating a sealed space within the space containing the test paper 20.

[0097] After the test paper 20 is placed inside the inner cylinder 13, the color of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the placed test paper 20 is detected using the detection element 16 located on the inner surface of the inner cylinder 13. At this time, the test paper 20 and the detection element 16 are located inside the inner cylinder 13, which is a sealed space. Therefore, the influence of ambient light and other factors on the color detection of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 can be reliably eliminated.

[0098] As described above, the sensor unit 40 according to this embodiment can create a sealed space inside the inner cylinder portion 13 that encloses the test paper 20, so that the detection element portion 16 can perform color detection with good detection accuracy, completely eliminating the influence of ambient light and the like. Therefore, it is highly preferable for more accurate detection of components in urine through urine testing.

[0099] In this example, the first member 13a and the second member 13b constituting the inner cylinder portion 13 are used to create a sealed space containing the test paper 20, but the opening and closing mechanism is not necessarily limited to this configuration. For example, as described in the second embodiment, if the test paper 20 is contained within the cylinder of the outer cylinder portion 11, the opening and closing mechanism may be a shutter mechanism that opens and closes in response to the operation of the operation unit 14, attached to the lower end of the cylindrical outer cylinder portion 11.

[0100] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail. Here again, the differences from the first, second, or third embodiment described above will be explained primarily.

[0101] In each of the embodiments described above, after the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20 is brought into contact with urine, a state switch is performed according to the operation of the operation unit 14, and color detection is performed on the colorimetric reagent piece 22 while it is enclosed in the cylindrical body. Therefore, for example, if the operation unit 14 is operated before the colorimetric reagent piece 22 is brought into contact with urine due to user error, it may not be possible to correctly perform color detection on the colorimetric reagent piece 22 (i.e., a colorimetric test on the urine). Also, for example, if the operation unit 14 is operated while urine is being poured, urine may come into contact with the detection element 16 located on the inner surface of the cylinder, which may cause malfunction or other problems in the detection element 16.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, an interlock mechanism is attached to the operating unit 14 to restrict the operation of the operating unit 14. The following are examples of interlock mechanisms.

[0103] An example of an interlock mechanism is a stopper-type interlock mechanism. A stopper-type interlock mechanism includes a stopper that physically restricts the operation of the operating unit 14. When predetermined conditions are not met, the stopper makes the operating unit 14 inoperable, while when predetermined conditions are met, the stopper is released, allowing the operating unit 14 to be operated. The stopper is not limited to a specific configuration, and any stopper that is appropriately implemented using publicly available technology can be used.

[0104] Regarding the predetermined conditions for switching the operation of the control unit 14, for example, it is conceivable that the predetermined conditions are met when urine comes into contact with the test paper 20, and not met otherwise. In this case, contact with urine on the test paper 20 can be detected, for example, by placing a detection sensor configured to conduct electricity when wet on the test paper 20 and using that detection sensor.

[0105] Another example of an interlock mechanism is an alarm-type interlock mechanism. An alarm-type interlock mechanism is configured to output an alarm in response to operation of the operating unit 14 when predetermined conditions are not met. The predetermined conditions are the same as those for the stopper-type interlock mechanism described above. The alarm output can be provided, for example, by display output from the display output unit 18 or by sound output using a buzzer. Whether or not the operating unit 14 has been operated can be detected by attaching a contact switch or proximity switch to the operating unit 14.

[0106] In both cases, by attaching an interlock mechanism to the operating unit 14, operation of the operating unit 14 is restricted before the colorimetric reagent piece 22 on the test paper 20 comes into contact with the urine. This makes it possible to prevent user errors, thereby suppressing the occurrence of cases where color detection of the colorimetric reagent piece 22 (i.e., colorimetric testing of urine) cannot be performed correctly due to such errors. Furthermore, it is also possible to suppress malfunctions or other problems in the detection element unit 16 due to user errors.

[0107] As described above, this embodiment prevents user errors and other mistakes, enabling accurate colorimetric inspection and suppressing problems such as failures of the detection element 16. Therefore, it is highly desirable in ensuring ease of operation and convenience for the user.

[0108] <Examples of variations, etc.> The sensor unit and test paper have been described in detail above, with reference to the first to fourth embodiments. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its essence.

[0109] For example, in the embodiments described above, the test fluid to be examined in the colorimetric test was given as urine excreted from a human being, but it is not necessarily limited to this, and it is possible to use other types of test fluids as the test subject for the colorimetric test.

[0110] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above included examples where the test paper 20 is equipped with multiple types of colorimetric reagent pieces 22, allowing for simultaneous colorimetric testing of multiple components in the test solution, the invention is not necessarily limited to this. Even if the test paper 20 is equipped with only one colorimetric reagent piece 22, colorimetric testing can be performed in exactly the same manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10, 30, 40…Sensor unit, 11…Outer cylinder, 12…Support part, 13…Inner cylinder, 13a…First member, 13b…Second member, 14…Operation part, 15…Moving mechanism part, 15a…First rack, 15b…Second rack, 15c…Pinion gear, 16…Detection element part, 17…Information processing part, 18…Display output part, 20…Test paper, 21…Substrate, 22…Colorimetric reagent piece

Claims

1. A support section on which a test strip having a colorimetric reagent piece that reacts with the test solution is attached, A cylindrical body configured to enclose the test paper attached to the support portion, A moving mechanism that switches between a state in which the test paper attached to the support is exposed outside the tube of the tube and a state in which the test paper is enclosed inside the tube by moving the relative position of the support and the tube, An operating unit is used to perform operations on the moving mechanism to cause the relative position movement described above, A detection element unit that detects the color of the colorimetric reagent piece in the test paper while it is enclosed in the cylindrical body, A sensor unit equipped with the following features.

2. The cylindrical body is equipped with an opening and closing mechanism for creating a sealed space within which the test paper is contained. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned operating unit is equipped with an interlock mechanism that restricts the operation of the operating unit. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

4. The interlock mechanism is configured to disable the operating unit if predetermined conditions are not met. The sensor unit according to claim 3.

5. The interlock mechanism is configured to output an alarm in response to the operation of the control unit when predetermined conditions are not met. The sensor unit according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned operating section is configured to respond to pressing operations. The aforementioned moving mechanism is equipped with a conversion mechanism that adapts the pressing stroke of the operating section to the movement stroke of the relative position movement by the moving mechanism. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

7. The detection element is configured to sequentially detect the color of each of the colorimetric reagent pieces during the relative position movement process by the moving mechanism when the test paper mounted on the support has a plurality of colorimetric reagent pieces. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

8. The detection element unit is composed of an assembly of multiple elements, each corresponding to one of the multiple colorimetric reagent pieces on the test paper. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

9. The entire unit, including the support portion, the cylindrical body, the moving mechanism portion, and the detection element portion, is configured to be graspable by human hands, and the operating portion can be operated by the hand that grasps the entire unit. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

10. The system includes a display output unit that outputs various information related to color detection by the aforementioned detection element unit. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

11. The system includes a communication control unit that transmits various information related to color detection by the aforementioned detection element unit to an external terminal device. The sensor unit according to claim 1.

12. A test paper used by being attached to the support portion in the sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The device comprises a base material and a plurality of colorimetric reagent pieces arranged on the base material, Each colorimetric reagent piece is arranged so as to be aligned along the direction of the relative positional movement. Test strips.

13. The substrate and the colorimetric reagent piece are formed from a hydrolyzable material. The test paper according to claim 12.

14. The base material is configured as a rigid body capable of maintaining its orientation when mounted on the support and unloaded. The test paper according to claim 13.

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