Paper Diaper State Detection System

Abstract

To provide a state detection system of a paper diaper which can be used by a paper diaper wearer without feeling a foreign matter feeling and uncomfortable feeling, allows a manager to grasp proper replacement timing of the paper diaper without confirmation work that gives a sense of shame to the paper diaper wearer and can be manufactured at a low cost.SOLUTION: The present invention is equipped with: paper diapers 11a-11c; IC tags 12a-12c, which are provided respectively to the paper diapers 11a-11c, have unique information, and receive radio waves from outside and transmit the relevant unique information as radio waves, said received and / or transmitted radio waves being attenuated or blocked when an amount of peripheral liquid becomes large; a reading device 14 that transmits radio waves RW1 to the paper diapers 11a-11c, receives radio waves RW2 transmitted from the IC tags 12a-12c, and transfers intensity information indicating intensity of the radio waves RW2 and the unique information of each of the IC tags 12a-12c; and a smartphone 15 that, on the basis of the intensity information and the unique information transferred from the reading device 14, reports state information indicating a state of the paper diapers 11a-11c to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a diaper state detection system that utilizes the property of an IC tag whose radio waves are attenuated or shielded by surrounding liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Changing diapers for the elderly, disabled, newborns, infants, etc. cannot predict the timing and frequency of defecation and urination. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently check the diaper by smell or visual inspection inside the diaper. For the caregiver who changes the diaper, this is physically and mentally burdensome. Also, for the elderly and disabled, being frequently checked for defecation and urination is accompanied by a sense of shame, so the mental burden is great.

[0003] In view of such a situation, conventionally, technologies for notifying caregivers of the appropriate diaper change timing have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an indicator portion that changes color upon contact with excretory fluid is provided between the back sheet and the absorber of a diaper, and the color change is made visible from the outside. However, even with diapers applying this technology, the color change portion cannot be confirmed without removing the lower body clothing, so the mental burden on diaper wearers such as the elderly and disabled is not completely eliminated.

[0004] On the other hand, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technology of a diaper wetness detection system including a tape-shaped sensor adhered to the inner surface of an existing diaper and a wireless communication unit adhered to the outer surface of the diaper in a state of being connected to the sensor to detect a state of defecation or urination (hereinafter referred to as a wet state). This wireless communication unit includes a power source, an antenna, a circuit, etc., and when detecting a wet state, it notifies a pre-registered smartphone. According to this technology, the caregiver can know whether a diaper needs to be changed without checking the inside of the diaper or removing the lower body clothing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document

[0006]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, since the aforementioned wireless communication unit includes a strong housing that houses components such as a power supply, there is a risk of giving a foreign body sensation or discomfort to a wearer of a disposable diaper who turns over.

[0008] On the other hand, a mode in which a wet state is detected without giving a foreign body sensation or discomfort to a wearer of a disposable diaper by providing an IC tag and a sensor for detecting a wet state in the disposable diaper and providing a reader device for the IC tag separately from the disposable diaper can be considered. However, attaching a sensor to a disposable diaper, which is a daily necessity and a disposable product, cannot be said to be preferable from the viewpoints of manufacturing cost and selling price.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a state detection system for disposable diapers that can be used by a wearer of a disposable diaper without receiving a foreign body sensation or discomfort, and that allows a manager to grasp an appropriate replacement timing of the disposable diaper without performing a confirmation operation accompanied by a sense of shame for the wearer of the disposable diaper, and that can be manufactured at low cost. Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the disposable diaper state detection system according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of disposable diapers, each having unique information, receive radio waves from the outside and transmit the unique information as radio waves, and when the amount of surrounding liquid increases, at least one of the received or transmitted radio waves attenuates or is blocked. A plurality of IC tags provided on each of the plurality of disposable diapers; transmit radio waves to the IC tags of the plurality of disposable diapers, and receive the radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags, and transmit the radio wave intensity indicating the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags. One reading device having a first communication unit for transferring the intensity information and the unique information of each of the plurality of IC tags; a second communication unit for receiving the intensity information and the unique information transferred from the first communication unit of the reading device; and based on the intensity information and the unique information by the second communication unit, An external device having a notification unit for notifying the outside of the disposable diaper state information indicating the state of each disposable diaper of the plurality of disposable diapers. According to the above configuration, by incorporating a sheet-shaped IC tag into a disposable diaper, the appearance becomes the disposable diaper itself, and it can be used in the same way as a general disposable diaper. In addition, liquid has the property of absorbing radio waves and reducing radio wave intensity. That is, the IC tag adopted in the present invention attenuates or blocks radio waves according to the amount of surrounding liquid. Therefore, by detecting the attenuation of radio waves by the reading device or being unable to detect radio waves, it is possible to detect that the disposable diaper is in a state corresponding to the radio wave intensity. Note that the intensity information includes the case where the radio wave is blocked and the value of the radio wave intensity becomes 0. In addition, by using a passive type IC tag, components such as a sensor for detecting liquid are not required, so the product unit price can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the external device notifies the state information in association with each of the plurality of disposable diapers based on the intensity information and the unique information transmitted from the IC tag, the administrator can, for example, use a smartphone or the like to centrally manage the timing of changing the disposable diapers of the disposable diaper wearers in a nursing facility where there are many disposable diaper wearers.

[0011] Also, according to the disposable diaper state detection system according to the second aspect of the present invention, it can be configured to include an intensity level setting unit that sets intensity levels indicating predetermined levels of the radio wave intensity in a plurality of levels, and an application having a state setting unit that sets the state information of the disposable diaper for each of the plurality of intensity levels set by the intensity level setting unit. According to the above configuration, for example, an arbitrary threshold value X can be set, and it can be registered in advance so that when the radio wave intensity is less than X, it is detected as "a state where the disposable diaper needs to be changed", and when it is X or more, it is detected as "a state where the disposable diaper does not need to be changed". That is, the administrator can perform more advanced detection of the state of the disposable diaper in consideration of the constitution of the disposable diaper wearer, the temperature, etc. Note that the intensity level can be set to a predetermined value in advance, set by the administrator, or set as a variable value by a program.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the disposable diaper state detection system according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is generated by machine learning using teacher data including information related to the radio wave intensity and information related to the state of the disposable diaper when the radio wave intensity is received, and based on input data including information related to the radio wave intensity, intensity levels indicating predetermined levels of the radio wave intensity are set in a plurality of levels, and it can be configured to include a learned model that sets the state information of the disposable diaper for each of the plurality of set intensity levels. According to the above configuration, using artificial intelligence, it is possible to set the intensity level and set the state information of the disposable diaper at each intensity level. That is, the setting work can be performed by artificial intelligence with a simple operation, so that the administrator can easily use it.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the disposable diaper state detection system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the intensity level and the state information can be set for each disposable diaper.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the disposable diaper state detection system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the intensity level and the state information can be set for each IC tag.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the reading device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is provided on each of a plurality of disposable diapers, has unique information, receives radio waves from the outside and transmits the unique information as radio waves, and when the amount of surrounding liquid increases, at least one of the received or transmitted radio waves is attenuated or shielded. While transmitting radio waves to a plurality of IC tags, receiving radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags, and based on intensity information indicating the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags and the unique information of each of the plurality of IC tags, it is possible to be configured to include a first communication unit that transfers the intensity information and the unique information to an external device that notifies the outside of diaper state information indicating the state of each diaper for each of the plurality of disposable diapers, and is characterized by reading the states of the plurality of disposable diapers at once.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the reading device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it can be configured to include an application having an intensity level setting unit that sets a plurality of intensity levels indicating predetermined levels of the radio wave intensity, and a state setting unit that sets the diaper state information for each of the plurality of intensity levels set by the intensity level setting unit.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the reading device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is generated by machine learning using teacher data including information related to the radio wave intensity and information related to the state of the diaper when the radio wave intensity is received, and based on input data including information related to the radio wave intensity, a plurality of intensity levels indicating predetermined levels of the radio wave intensity are set at a plurality of levels, and it can be configured to include a learned model that sets the diaper state information for each of the plurality of set intensity levels.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the reading device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the intensity level and the state information can be set for each diaper.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the reading device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the intensity level and the state information can be set for each IC tag.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples of a disposable diaper state detection system for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following disposable diaper state detection system. Also, this specification does not in any way identify the members shown in the claims with the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto alone, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the sizes and positional relationships of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Further, in the following description, the same names and reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent members, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are formed of the same member and one member serves as a plurality of elements, or conversely, the function of one member may be shared by a plurality of members and realized. (First Embodiment)

[0022] Hereinafter, taking as an example the case of centrally managing the timing of changing the diapers of three diaper wearers in the same hospital ward using the diaper state detection system 1 to which the present invention is applied, an explanation will be given. Note that the number of diaper wearers that can be centrally managed using the diaper state detection system 1 is not limited to three, and may be three or more, or three or less. In addition, the case of managing one diaper wearer will be described in detail in the third embodiment. (Configuration of Diaper State Detection System 1)

[0023] The configuration diagram of the diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied is shown in FIG. 1, and the functional block diagram is shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied includes tape-type diapers 11a to 11c each provided with IC tags 12a to 12c, a reading device 14, and a smartphone 15 (corresponding to an example of the "external device" in the claims. Details will be described later).

[0025] The diapers 11a to 11c are printed with QR codes (registered trademarks) 111a to 111c (corresponding to an example of the "association setting unit" and "symbol" in the claims. Details will be described later) corresponding to the unique numbers 13a to 13c of the IC tags 12a to 12c (corresponding to an example of the "unique information" in the claims. Details will be described later). By reading the QR codes 111a to 111c with the camera 151 of the smartphone 15 via a dedicated application 16 (corresponding to an example of the "association setting unit" and "notification unit" in the claims. Details will be described later), the unique numbers 13a to 13c can be associated with the diapers.

[0026] The reading device 14 has an antenna unit 141 (corresponding to an example of the "first communication unit" in the claims. Details will be described later) that transmits a first radio wave RW1 (details will be described later) and receives a second radio wave RW2 (details will be described later) transmitted by the IC tags 12a to 12c, and a communication unit 142 (corresponding to an example of the "first communication unit" in the claims. Details will be described later) that transmits a third radio wave RW3 (details will be described later). The smartphone 15 has a communication unit 152 that can receive radio waves from the communication unit 142. The communication range between the reading device 14 and the IC tags 12a to 12c can cover the entire hospital room area, with a radius of about 2 to 6 m. The communication range between the reading device 14 and the smartphone 15 is within a spherical range with a radius of about 15 m.

[0027] The arrows shown in FIG. 1 schematically represent radio waves. The solid-line arrow indicates the first radio wave RW1 transmitted from the reading device 14, received by the IC tags 12a to 12c, and used as the power source for the IC tags 12a to 12c. The white arrow indicates the second radio wave RW2 transmitted from the IC tags 12a to 12c, received by the reading device 14, and containing the information of the unique numbers 13a to 13c of the IC tags 12a to 12c. The dashed-line arrow indicates the third radio wave RW3 transmitted from the reading device 14, received by the smartphone 15, and containing the information of the unique number received by the reading device 14 among the unique numbers 13a to 13c of the IC tags 12a to 12c and the intensity information of the received second radio wave RW2 (details will be described later). The disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied detects the state of the disposable diaper according to the information of the unique number included in the third radio wave RW3 and the intensity information of the received second radio wave RW2, and notifies the administrator of the state information of the disposable diaper. The state information of the disposable diaper here refers to, for example, information such as the necessity of changing the disposable diaper, the degree of wetness of the disposable diaper, whether it is urine or feces. Hereinafter, the case where the state information of the disposable diaper is the information of the degree of wetness of the disposable diaper will be described as an example.

[0028] The smartphone 15 has a dedicated application 16 installed. When the application 16 detects a newly wet disposable diaper or a change in the wetness condition, it sounds a notification sound through the speaker 153 of the smartphone 15 (which corresponds to an example of the "notification unit" in the claims. Details will be described later), and displays information on the wetness condition of the disposable diaper on the touch panel liquid crystal screen 154 (which corresponds to an example of the "notification unit" and the "display unit" in the claims. Details will be described later).

[0029] Note that the disposable diaper state detection system 1 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the disposable diaper is not limited to the tape - type, and may be of the pants - type, flat - type, or pad - type. Also, what corresponds to the association setting unit in the claims may be not only the QR codes 111a to 111c, but also barcodes, passwords, or the unique numbers themselves. Furthermore, the QR codes 111a to 111c do not have to be present if they can be replaced by other means such as manual association on the smartphone 15 itself. (Disposable diapers 11a - 11c)

[0030] A schematic diagram of the disposable diaper 11a in the disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied is shown in FIG. 3, a diagram showing the unfolded state of the disposable diaper is shown in FIG. 4, and a cross - sectional view taken along A - A' in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 5. Note that the configurations of the disposable diapers 11b and 11c are the same as that of the disposable diaper 11a, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the disposable diaper 11a is a tape-fastened type disposable diaper, mainly comprising a topsheet 112a, an intermediate layer 113a, an absorbent 114a, a waterproof layer 115a, an outer cover 116a, three-dimensional gathers 117a, elastomers 1181a and 1182a, and a tape 119a. These members are joined to each other to such an extent that they are not peeled off by the movement of the disposable diaper wearer and to such an extent that they allow liquid to permeate. Specifically, they are joined by an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, and the adhesive application methods used include solid application, bead application, curtain application, summit application, or spiral application, etc. In particular, in the case of the elastomers 1181a and 1182a, instead of or together with these application methods, comb gun application, Surelap application, etc. are also used. This can prevent skin troubles such as chafing and redness, which occur when, for example, wrinkles generated by peeling of the members rub against the wet skin after excretion. Also, since they are joined so as to allow liquid to permeate, there is no risk that the adhesive will inhibit liquid absorption. Note that the joining of the members is not limited to joining by an adhesive, and may be, for example, joining by material welding such as heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

[0032] The topsheet 112a is made of, for example, a porous or non-porous non-woven fabric, a porous plastic sheet, etc., and has the property of allowing liquid to permeate. The raw material fibers of the non-woven fabric are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, synthetic fibers such as olefin-based fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester-based fibers, polyamide-based fibers, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, natural fibers such as cotton, etc., or mixed fibers or composite fibers in which two or more of these are used. Also, as known methods for processing the non-woven fabric, there are, for example, the spunlace method, the spunbond method, the thermal bond method, the meltblown method, the needle punch method, the air-through method, the point bond method, etc., and it may be manufactured by any processing method. For example, if flexibility and drapability are required, the spunlace method may be used, and if bulkiness and softness are required, the thermal bond method may be used, etc., and an appropriate and preferable processing method may be used as appropriate.

[0033] The intermediate material 113a can be formed of, for example, the same material as the surface material 112a. It has the property of drawing in the liquid of the surface material 112a, quickly sending the liquid into the absorbent material, and preventing the backflow of excrement. Note that the intermediate material does not necessarily have to be formed of the same material as the surface material. However, when the same material is used, since the melting points of the surface material 112a and the intermediate material 113a are the same, heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing can be preferably used for joining the surface material 112a and the intermediate material 113a.

[0034] The absorbent material 114a is formed by, for example, laminating and mixing cotton-like pulp 1142a and a superabsorbent polymer 1143a and coating it with absorbent paper 1141a. The superabsorbent polymer 1143a can quickly absorb approximately 50 to 100 times its own weight of liquid. The absorbent paper 1141a prevents the shapes of the laminated cotton-like pulp 1142a and the superabsorbent polymer 1143a from collapsing due to the load generated by the movements of the wearer of the paper diaper. Further, the absorbent material 114a is provided with two slits 1144a, and since the liquid is diffused along these two slits 1144a, the two slits 1144a can efficiently disperse the liquid and quickly absorb the liquid.

[0035] The waterproof material 115a is a waterproof sheet that prevents the liquid from seeping out of the outside of the paper diaper 11a. Further, the waterproof material 115a is provided with an IC tag 12a on the surface on the absorbent material 114a side (details will be described later).

[0036] The exterior material 116a is a sheet that covers the outside of the paper diaper 11a, and a QR code 111a is printed on the outer surface on the abdominal side.

[0037] The three-dimensional gather 117a is composed of a gather sheet 1171a and an elastic body 1181a. For example, the gather sheet 1171a is made of a non-woven fabric, and the elastic body 1181a is made of an elastic material such as polyurethane elastic fibers. The three-dimensional gather 117a prevents urine and feces from leaking from around the thigh (generally called lateral leakage). Also, the elastic body 1182a is provided at both edge portions of the waterproof material 115a. As a result, the diaper 11a fits around the thigh of the diaper wearer, improving the wearing comfort and, like the three-dimensional gather 117a, preventing lateral leakage.

[0038] The tapes 119a are provided in two on the outer surface of the back side of the waterproof material 115a, and by sticking the diaper so that it fits around the lower abdomen of the diaper wearer, it prevents urine and feces from leaking from around the waist on the back side (generally called back leakage). Also, the tape 119a can be used for the purpose of rolling up and fixing the diaper when disposing of the used diaper, preventing urine and feces from leaking to the outside.

[0039] Note that the diaper 11a is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the material of the surface material 112a may be polypropylene, and the tapes 119a may be one on each side. Also, the arrangement of the IC tag 12a is not limited to the surface of the waterproof material 115a on the side of the absorbent material 114a. (IC tags 12a to 12c)

[0040] The IC tag 12a in the diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Note that the configurations of the IC tag 12b and the IC tag 12c are the same as that of the IC tag 12a, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] IC tag 12a is a passive type IC tag without a built-in battery. As shown in Fig. 2, it has an antenna section 121a that receives the first radio wave RW1 transmitted from the antenna section 141 of the reader 14. The antenna section 121a converts the received first radio wave RW1 into electric power and supplies power to the IC chip 122a. The IC chip 122a of the IC tag 12a has an internal memory that stores the unique number 13a. When the first radio wave RW1 is received, the IC chip 122a controls the antenna section 121a to radially transmit a second radio wave RW2 containing the information of the unique number 13a. The reader 14 receives this second radio wave RW2 and transmits the received unique number information and the intensity information of the received second radio wave RW2 as a third radio wave RW3.

[0042] Also, the IC tag 12a is arranged on the surface of the absorbent material 114a side of the waterproof material 115a, and the liquid such as urine and feces penetrates in the order of the surface material 112a, the intermediate material 113a, and the absorbent material 114a. Since the liquid has the property of absorbing the first radio wave RW1 and the second radio wave RW2, which are radio waves, and reducing the radio wave intensity, when the absorbent material 114a absorbs the liquid and becomes wet, the first radio wave RW1 and the second radio wave RW2 attenuate according to the amount of the surrounding liquid and finally enter a shielded state (hereinafter referred to as the shielded state).

[0043] Hereinafter, based on the schematic diagrams of Figs. 6 to 9, the mechanism of radio wave attenuation will be described. For the sake of convenience, the description will be made assuming that the radio wave intensity of the first radio wave RW1 output by the reader 14 is 30 dbm and the lower limit of the radio wave intensity that the reader 14 can read is -40 dbm. Also, it is assumed that the radio wave intensity decreases by 10 dbm inside the IC tag 12a and at least the reception of the first radio wave RW1 with a radio wave intensity of -10 dbm is required for the activation of the IC chip 122a of the IC tag 12a.

[0044] First, based on FIG. 6, the transition of the radio wave intensity in the state where the disposable diaper is not wet will be described. The reader device 14 outputs a first radio wave RW1 with a radio wave intensity of 30 dbm, and the IC tag 12a that has received this emits a second radio wave RW2 radially. At this time, the radio wave intensity decreases by 10 dbm inside the IC tag 12a. As a result, the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 received by the reader device 14 becomes 20 dbm.

[0045] On the other hand, when the disposable diaper becomes wet with a small amount of urine or feces and the radio wave intensity between the reader device 14 and the IC tag 12a decreases by 20 dbm as shown in FIG. 7, the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 received by the reader device 14 becomes -20 dbm, and the radio wave is attenuated.

[0046] When the amount of urine or feces increases, the decrease in the radio wave intensity between the reader device 14 and the IC tag 12a becomes larger, and the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 received by the reader device 14 becomes smaller. For example, when the radio wave intensity between the reader device 14 and the IC tag 12a decreases by 40 dbm as shown in FIG. 8, the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 received by the reader device 14 becomes -60 dbm, falling below the lower limit of the radio wave intensity that the reader device 14 can read, so the radio wave is in a shielded state. Furthermore, as the decrease in the radio wave intensity between the reader device 14 and the IC tag 12a becomes larger, when the radio wave intensity between the reader device 14 and the IC tag 12a decreases by 50 dbm, as shown in FIG. 9, the IC chip 122a of the IC tag 12a does not activate and is in a shielded state.

[0047] As described above, in the disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, it is possible to use the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 received by the reading device 14 as the intensity information in the claims to determine the state of the disposable diaper. Specifically, first, the range of the radio wave intensity of the radio wave read by the reading device 14 is stepwise divided to set intensity levels. For example, in the range of -40 to 20 dbm of the radio wave intensity of the radio wave read by the reading device 14 under the above-mentioned conditions, 0 dbm and -20 dbm are set as threshold values. Based on this threshold value, it is divided into a first intensity level of 0 dbm or more, a second intensity level of -20 dbm or more and less than 0 dbm, and a third intensity level of less than -20 dbm.

[0048] Next, the state information of the disposable diaper corresponding to each intensity level is set. For example, in the first intensity level, "the disposable diaper is not wet" is set, in the second intensity level, "the disposable diaper is slightly wet" is set, and in the third intensity level, "the disposable diaper is wet" is set as the information on the wetness of the disposable diaper, and the information on the wetness of the disposable diaper corresponding to the touch panel type liquid crystal screen 154 is displayed according to the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 received by the reading device 14.

[0049] As described above, by utilizing the property that the liquid absorbs radio waves and reduces the radio wave intensity, and determining the state of the disposable diaper by the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2, there is no need to separately provide a sensor for detecting the amount of liquid such as a humidity sensor in the disposable diaper, and the manufacturing cost of the disposable diaper can be suppressed. In addition, since only a thin IC tag is provided in the disposable diaper, there is no risk of giving a foreign body sensation or discomfort to the disposable diaper wearer. (Unique numbers 13a to 13c)

[0050] The unique numbers 13a to 13c are different unique numbers, respectively, and are stored in the internal memories of the IC chips 122a to 122c. For the disposable diapers used to implement the present invention, it is desirable that all the manufactured disposable diapers are provided with IC tags having different unique numbers. However, as described above, it is not limited to the mode in which all the unique numbers of the manufactured disposable diapers are different. At least, there should be disposable diapers having different unique numbers for the number of disposable diaper wearers simultaneously managed by the disposable diaper state detection system. In other words, if the same unique number is not used simultaneously by lot management, it is not necessary to assign different unique numbers to all the manufactured disposable diapers. For example, when adopting a 12-bit internal memory, 4096 different unique numbers can be assigned. Even with such a limited number, by differentiating the sales forms (locations, regions, times, etc.), the situation where disposable diapers with the same unique number are used simultaneously can be avoided. (QR codes 111a to 111c)

[0051] The QR codes 111a to 111c are printed on the abdominal side outer surfaces of the outer packaging materials 116a to 116c of the disposable diapers 11a to 11c, respectively, and have the information of the unique numbers of the IC tags provided by the printed disposable diapers. The administrator can use the camera 15 to read the QR codes 111a to 111c in the disposable diaper wearer registration mode of the application 16 introduced in the smartphone 15 (details will be described later), and register the names of the disposable diaper wearers, so that the unique numbers 13a to 13c of the IC tags 12a to 12c and the disposable diaper wearers can be easily associated with each other. Note that the printing positions of the QR codes 111a to 111c are not limited to the abdominal side outer surfaces of the outer packaging materials 116a to 116c. (Arrangement of the IC tags 12a to 12c in the disposable diapers 11a to 11c)

[0052] The arrangement of the IC tag 12a in the disposable diaper 11a will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 10. Note that the arrangements of the IC tags 12b and 12c in the disposable diapers 11b and 11c are the same as the arrangement of the IC tag 12a in the disposable diaper 11a, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the IC tag 12a is disposed on the surface of the waterproof material 115a on the side of the absorbent material 114a. When the absorbent material 114a absorbs liquid, the radio wave intensity decreases between the reader 14 and the IC tag 12a, and the second radio wave RW2 attenuates. Note that the arrangement of the IC tag 12a is not limited to the above-described aspect.

[0054] As another embodiment, a plurality of IC tags having different unique numbers may be provided on one disposable diaper. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, five IC tags 12a-1 to 12a-5 can be arranged on the disposable diaper. According to this, in addition to determining whether the disposable diaper is in a wet state, the disposable diaper state detection system 1 can determine, for example, that the back side is wet if the IC tag 12a-1 is in a shielded state, and that the front side is wet if the IC tag 12a-5 is in a shielded state. That is, by arranging a plurality of IC tags on one disposable diaper, the wet position within the disposable diaper can be determined.

[0055] As described above, the disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied can change the detection content of the disposable diaper state detection system 1 by changing the arrangement or the number or both of the IC tags. (Reader 14)

[0056] The reader 14 in the disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 11 to 13.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 11 to 13, the reader 14 includes an antenna unit 141, a communication unit 142, and a control unit 143 that controls them, and relays so that the smartphone 15 can receive power supply to the IC tags 12a to 12c, information on the unique numbers 13a to 13c transmitted from the IC tags 12a to 12c, and information on the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 (corresponding to an example of the "intensity information" in the claims). The reader 14 transmits the first radio wave RW1 and the third radio wave RW3 and receives the second radio wave RW2.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 11, the reading device 14 is installed, for example, approximately at the center of the hospital ward. The reading device 14 and the IC tags 12a to 12c can communicate within a spherical range with a radius of about 2 to 6 m, and the entire area within the hospital ward is the communication range. Also, the communication range between the reading device 14 and the smartphone 15 is within a spherical range with a radius of about 15 m, and similarly, the entire area within the hospital ward is the communication range. That is, when an administrator carrying the smartphone 15 enters the hospital ward, the wetness condition of the disposable diaper can be detected, and the state information of the disposable diaper is notified by the application 16. Therefore, the administrator can know whether it is necessary to change the disposable diaper without checking the inside of the disposable diaper or removing the lower body clothing.

[0059] Note that the communication ranges among the reading device 14, the IC tags 12a to 12c, and the smartphone 15 are not limited to those described above, and vary depending on the performance of each of the reading device 14, the IC tags 12a to 12c, and the smartphone 15, and the environment in which the disposable diaper state detection system 1 is used. Also, the installation location of the reading device 14 is not limited to the above-described aspect.

[0060] For example, when the communication range between the reading device and the IC tag is narrow, within a spherical range with a radius of about 2 to 3 m, it can be dealt with by using one reading device for one disposable diaper. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the reading devices 14a to 14c are installed around the bed used by the wearer of the corresponding disposable diapers 11a to 11c so that the IC tags 12a to 12c provided on the corresponding disposable diapers 11a to 11c are within the communication range.

[0061] Also, when the communication range between the reading device and the IC tag is even narrower, as shown in FIG. 13, the antenna portions 141a to 141c of the reading devices 14a to 14c are configured in a sheet shape and arranged to be laid under the mattress of the bed, so that the narrowness of the communication range can be covered.

[0062] As described above, by appropriately changing the arrangement and configuration of the reading device, an inexpensive IC tag with a narrow communication range can be used in the present invention, so that the manufacturing cost and the selling price can be further reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, information included in the third radio wave RW3, that is, information on the unique numbers 13a to 13c of the IC tags 12a to 12c received by the reading device 14 and information on the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2, can be transmitted from the reading device 14 to the smartphone 15 via the Internet. According to this, even if the reading device 14 and the smartphone 15 are located far apart, the administrator who possesses the smartphone 15 can receive a notification. Alternatively, state information of the disposable diapers 11a to 11c may be periodically uploaded from, for example, the reading device 14 onto cloud storage on the Internet so that the information is updated, and the state information of the disposable diapers 11a to 11c can be read from anywhere by accessing the cloud storage from the smartphone 15, a personal computer, or the like. (Smartphone 15)

[0064] The smartphone 15 plays a role of notifying the administrator of the state information of the disposable diaper. As shown in FIG. 2, the smartphone 15 includes a camera 151, a communication unit 152, a speaker 153, a touch panel type liquid crystal screen 154, and a control unit 155 that receives instructions from the application 16 and controls these members, and has a photographing function, a wireless communication function, an audio reproduction function, and a moving image reproduction function.

[0065] When the disposable diaper state detection system 1 is in use, the camera 151, the communication unit 152, the speaker 153, and the touch panel type liquid crystal screen 154 of the smartphone 15 are operated by the application 16, and the smartphone 15 notifies the administrator of the state information of the disposable diaper. As another display method of the state information, for example, the radio wave intensity for each disposable diaper may be displayed in the form of a numerical value, a graph, or a symbol.

[0066] Note that instead of the smartphone 15, a tablet terminal having the same functions may be used. Further, instead of a smartphone or a tablet, a personal computer wired to the reading device 14 may be used to centrally manage the state information of the disposable diaper, or it may be linked with a nurse call to notify the state information of the disposable diaper by the nurse call. In this case, the information on the unique numbers received by the reading device 14 among the unique numbers 13a to 13c of the IC tags 12a to 12c described above is transmitted by wired communication using an electrical signal instead of wireless communication by radio waves. Furthermore, wireless communication is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). (Application 16)

[0067] Regarding the application 16 in the disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, it will be described based on the operation flowchart shown in FIG. 14 and the image diagrams of the user interface screens shown in FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0068] The application 16 is installed in the smartphone 15 and mainly performs association between the unique number and the disposable diaper wearer, setting of the intensity level, setting of the state information of the disposable diaper corresponding to each intensity level, and notification of the state information.

[0069] First, when the application 16 is started in step ST101, the application 16 displays an initial screen 161 as shown in FIG. 15 on the touch panel type liquid crystal screen 154 in step ST102.

[0070] The initial screen 161 is provided with a disposable diaper wearer registration button 1611, a registrant management button 1612, a setting change button 1613, and a detection start / end button 1614. When the disposable diaper wearer registration button 1611 is tapped, it enters the disposable diaper wearer registration mode. When the registrant management button 1612 is tapped, it enters the registrant management mode. When the setting change button 1613 is tapped, it enters the setting change mode. Also, each time the detection start / end button 1614 is tapped, it alternately switches the start / end of the state detection of the disposable diaper.

[0071] In step ST103, application 16 checks the tapped button and performs corresponding operations in steps ST103-1 to ST103-4. If the button is not tapped, it proceeds to step ST103-5 (do nothing). In other words, it enters a standby state for input in steps ST103 and ST103-5.

[0072] Application 16 repeats until the steps of step ST102 and step ST103 are completed. Hereinafter, the operations in steps ST103-1 to ST103-4 will be described in detail. (Step ST103-1: Disposable Diaper Wearer Registration Mode)

[0073] In step ST103-1, application 16 executes the disposable diaper wearer registration mode. The disposable diaper wearer registration mode is a mode for associating the unique number of the IC tag with the disposable diaper wearer, and it starts when the disposable diaper wearer registration button 1611 on the initial screen 161 is tapped.

[0074] In the disposable diaper wearer registration mode, application 16 first reads the QR code, and then guides the administrator to input the name of the wearer of the disposable diaper on which the read QR code is printed. Application 16 saves the unique number obtained by reading the QR code and the name of the input disposable diaper wearer as a pair, and associates the unique number of the IC tag with the disposable diaper wearer. Therefore, the administrator can associate the unique number of the IC tag with the disposable diaper wearer with simple operations.

[0075] Note that the diaper wearer registration mode is not limited to the above-described manner. For example, the method of obtaining a unique number is not limited to reading a QR code, and as corresponding to the "symbol" in the claims, when a barcode, a password, or the unique number itself is displayed on the diaper, the unique number may be configured to be obtained by reading or inputting these. Further, the association between the unique number and the diaper wearer is not limited to the association by the name of the diaper wearer, and may be associated by the number of the hospital room or bed, a face photo of the diaper wearer, etc. (Step ST103-2: Registrant management mode)

[0076] In step ST103-2, the application 16 executes the registrant management mode. The registrant management mode is a mode for confirming, correcting, and deleting the registration contents of a diaper wearer (hereinafter referred to as a registrant) associated with a unique number in the diaper wearer registration mode, and starts when the registrant management button 1612 on the initial screen 161 is tapped. (Step ST103-3: Setting change mode)

[0077] In step ST103-3, the application 16 executes the setting change mode. The setting change mode is a mode for setting the intensity level, setting the state information of the diaper corresponding to each intensity level, the notification method to the administrator, the character size in the application, the brightness of the screen, and the volume of the notification sound, and starts when the setting change button 1613 on the initial screen 161 is tapped. Note that the setting contents are not limited to the above-described contents. For example, when adopting the mode of providing a plurality of IC tags on one diaper as the diaper mode (refer to FIG. 10), the detection contents of the diaper state detection system 1 may be set in this mode.

[0078] In addition, the setting of the intensity levels and the setting of the state information of the disposable diaper corresponding to each intensity level can also be performed using artificial intelligence. Specifically, when the state information of the disposable diaper is notified and the administrator replaces the disposable diaper, the actual state of the disposable diaper can be input into the application 16. Thereby, the application 16 creates a learned model based on the information on the radio intensity of the second radio wave RW2 at the time of notification and the actual state information of the disposable diaper, determines the setting of the intensity levels and the state information of the disposable diaper corresponding to each intensity level, and can automatically set them. Furthermore, by enabling the input of the room temperature and weather at the time of notification, the gender and age of the disposable diaper wearer, etc., more accurate settings can be made. (Step ST103-4: Switching the start / end of detecting the state of the disposable diaper)

[0079] In step ST103-4, the application 16 alternately switches the start / end of detecting the state of the disposable diaper. When the application 16 detects a newly wet disposable diaper or when the degree of wetness changes, it displays the list of registered users and the degree of wetness on the touch panel liquid crystal screen 154 in association with each other, like the user interface screen shown in FIG. 16. For example, when the state information of the disposable diaper is set in three levels of (1) the disposable diaper is not wet, (2) the disposable diaper is slightly wet, and (3) the disposable diaper is wet, when the state of the disposable diaper changes from (1) to (2), the display of the presence or absence of the wet state is switched from "〇" to "△", and a notification sound is played from the speaker 153 to notify the administrator. Also, when the state of the disposable diaper changes from (2) to (3), the display of the presence or absence of the wet state is switched from "△" to "×", and a notification sound is played from the speaker 153 to notify the administrator. Furthermore, for example, when a newly wet disposable diaper is detected in the standby state where the power of the touch panel liquid crystal screen 154 of the smartphone 15 is turned off, or when the degree of wetness changes, the administrator is notified by a push notification and a notification sound as shown in FIG. 17.

[0080] In the example of the user interface screen of the aforementioned Application 16, the arrangement, shape, display method, size, color scheme, pattern, etc. of each button can be changed as appropriate, and the notification method is not limited to the aforementioned method. Further, when using a personal computer that is wired-connected to the reading device 14 instead of the smartphone 15, software having the same functions as the aforementioned Application 16 is installed on the personal computer. (Flow of operation of the disposable diaper state detection system 1)

[0081] The flow of operation of the disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described based on the operation flowchart shown in FIG. 18. Here, emphasis is placed on the overall system operation flow after the disposable diaper incorporating the IC tag is worn by the disposable diaper wearer by the administrator. For details of the operation flow executed in the application 16 of the smartphone 15, refer to the items of the application 16.

[0082] First, in step ST201, the administrator activates the disposable diaper state detection system 1 and transmits / receives the first radio wave RW1 to the third radio wave RW3. The transmission / reception of each radio wave is as described above (refer to FIG. 1). Note that the activation of the disposable diaper state detection system 1 here means bringing it into a state where the detection of the disposable diaper can be started, including the setting of communication devices such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and the activation of the application 16 on the smartphone 15.

[0083] Next, in step ST202, the administrator reads the QR codes 111a to 111c of the disposable diapers 11a to 11c in the disposable diaper wearer registration mode of the application 16 of the smartphone 15, associates and registers the unique numbers 13a to 13c of the IC tags 12a to 12c with the disposable diaper wearer, and taps the wet state detection start / end button 1614 to start the wet state detection.

[0084] Next, in step ST203, the application 16 of the smartphone 15 detects the states of the disposable diapers 11a to 11c. Specifically, the state of the disposable diapers 11a to 11c is specified by collating the information on the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 with the intensity levels set in the setting change mode and the state information of the disposable diapers corresponding to each intensity level. Here, among all the unique numbers 13a to 13c registered in step ST202, those not included in the third radio wave RW3 are processed assuming that they are in a shielded state, that is, they have fallen below the lower limit of the radio wave intensity that can be read by the reading device 14 (in this description, -40 dbm).

[0085] Subsequently, the detection result is compared with that at the previous detection to identify a newly wet disposable diaper or a disposable diaper whose wetness condition has changed.

[0086] Note that in this embodiment, depending on the usage mode of the disposable diaper and the installation method of the reading device, even though the second radio wave RW2 is being transmitted from the IC tags 12a to 12c, the reading device 14 may not be able to receive it. Therefore, for each IC tag, for example, if the unique number cannot be received four times, it may be determined that it is in a shielded state.

[0087] As a result of step ST203, if a newly wet disposable diaper or a disposable diaper whose wetness condition has changed is not found, the process proceeds to step ST203-1. Note that when proceeding to step ST203-1, the application 16 does nothing. In other words, it becomes a standby state for detecting the wet state in steps ST203 and ST203-1.

[0088] Also, as a result of step ST203, if a newly wet disposable diaper or a disposable diaper whose wetness condition has changed is found, the process proceeds to step ST203-2. When proceeding to step ST203-2, a notification is sent to the administrator.

[0089] The administrator can identify the wearer of the wet disposable diaper through the notification, so in step ST204, the disposable diaper is replaced. After that, if the association and registration between the unique number of the new disposable diaper and the wearer of the disposable diaper are performed again in step ST202, the wet state of the disposable diaper can be detected again by this system. In addition, since the degree of wetness can be detected step by step, for example, the disposable diaper with a high degree of wetness can be preferentially replaced and used in other ways. (Second Embodiment) (Configuration of the Disposable Diaper State Detection System 2)

[0090] The second embodiment to which the present invention is applied has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment, but the components corresponding to the "reading device" and the "external device" in the claims are different. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the reading device 14 is included as the component corresponding to the "reading device", and the smartphone 15 is included as the component corresponding to the "external device". In contrast, in the second embodiment, the reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions are included as the components corresponding to both the "reading device" and the "external device". Hereinafter, based on FIG. 19, the configuration of the disposable diaper state detection system 2 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 19, the disposable diaper state detection system 2 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied includes tape-type disposable diapers 21a to 21c each provided with IC tags 22a to 22c, and reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions.

[0092] In addition, the reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions have antenna parts 241a to 241c that transmit one type of radio wave and receive the radio waves transmitted by the IC tags 22a to 22c, and the communication range with the IC tags 22a to 22c is within a spherical range with a radius of about 2 to 3 m.

[0093] The arrows shown in FIG. 19 schematically represent radio waves. The solid arrows are the first radio waves RW1 transmitted from the reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions, received by the corresponding IC tags 22a to 22c, and used as the power supply for the IC tags 22a to 22c. The hollow arrows indicate the second radio waves RW2 transmitted from the IC tags 22a to 22c and received by the corresponding reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions. When the reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions cannot receive the second radio waves RW2 from the corresponding IC tags 22a to 22c, they notify the administrator assuming that the corresponding diapers are in a wet state. Hereinafter, the second embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment, will be described with respect to the reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions. (Reading devices 24a to 24c with notification functions)

[0094] The reading device 24a with notification functions in the diaper state detection system 2 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Note that the configurations of the reading device 24b with notification functions and the reading device 24c with notification functions are the same as that of the reading device 24a with notification functions, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The reading device 24a with notification functions includes an antenna unit 241a, a speaker 242a, and an LED lighting unit 243a, and plays a role of notifying the administrator when the diaper 21a is in a wet state.

[0096] The notification function-equipped reading device 24a is installed around the bed used by the diaper wearer of the diaper 21a so that only the IC tag 22a provided on the corresponding diaper 21a can enter the communicable range (within a spherical range with a radius of approximately 2 to 3 m). It determines the state of the diaper based on the radio wave intensity of the second radio wave RW2 from the IC tag 22a. When a newly wet diaper is detected or when the wetness condition changes, a notification sound is emitted by the speaker 242a, and the LED lighting unit 243a (corresponding to an example of the "notification unit" in the claims) lights up the LED according to the state of the diaper, thereby notifying the administrator that the diaper 21a is in a wet state. Specifically, for example, when the diaper is not wet, it lights up green, when the diaper is slightly wet, it lights up yellow, and when the diaper is wet, it lights up red, enabling the administrator to grasp the state of the diaper by color.

[0097] According to this, since the diaper state detection system 2 determines the state of the diaper by the second radio wave RW2 transmitted by the corresponding IC tag, it does not require the third radio wave RW3 in the diaper state detection system 1. In other words, since it does not require the components corresponding to the "unique information" and "association setting unit" in the claims, the diaper state detection system 2 can be used without performing the operation of associating each unique information of the IC tag with the diaper wearer or the diaper. (Third Embodiment)

[0098] The third embodiment to which the present invention is applied is a case where the first embodiment is applied to the management of one diaper wearer, for example, when used for home care. Hereinafter, based on FIG. 20, the diaper state detection system 3 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 20, a disposable diaper state detection system 3 according to a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied includes tape-type disposable diapers 31a to 31t (a disposable diaper wearer wears disposable diaper 31a) each provided with an IC tag 32, a reading device 34, and a smartphone 35. For example, 20 disposable diapers 31a to 31t are sold as a set and are provided with QR codes 311a to 311t corresponding to the unique numbers 33a to 33t of the IC tags 32a to 32t provided in each of them.

[0100] An application 36 is installed in the smartphone 35 to register the unique number 33a of the disposable diaper 31a being worn, determine the state of the disposable diaper, and issue a notification. Note that the disposable diaper state detection system 1 according to the first embodiment stores the unique number and the name of the input disposable diaper wearer as a set in the application 16. However, since the disposable diaper state detection system 3 according to the third embodiment is applied to the management of one disposable diaper wearer, it is not always necessary to store the name of the disposable diaper wearer. Since the aspects of the other application 36, the method of associating the unique number with the disposable diaper wearer, the communication range, the notification method, etc. are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] The arrows shown in FIG. 20 schematically represent radio waves. The solid-line arrow represents the first radio wave RW1 transmitted from the reading device 34, received by the IC tag 32a, and used as the power supply of the IC tag 32a. The hollow arrow represents the second radio wave RW2 transmitted from the IC tag 32a, received by the reading device 34, and including the information of the unique number 33a of the IC tag 32a. The dashed-line arrow represents the third radio wave RW3 transmitted from the reading device 34 when the reading device 34 receives the second radio wave RW2, received by the smartphone 35, and including the information of the unique number 33a of the IC tag 32a. The disposable diaper state detection system 3 according to the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied determines the state of the disposable diaper worn by the disposable diaper wearer according to the radio wave intensity of the third radio wave RW3.

[0102] According to this, since the disposable diaper state detection system 3 determines the state of the disposable diaper according to the radio wave intensity of the third radio wave RW3 including the information of the associated unique number 33a, for example, when other disposable diapers 31b to 31t are placed on the side of the bed where the disposable diaper wearer lies on their side, even if other disposable diapers 31b to 31t are within the communicable range, only the wet state of the disposable diaper 31a worn by the disposable diaper wearer can be appropriately detected. Note that instead of the smartphone 35, a personal computer connected to the reading device 14 by wire may be used.

[0103] As described above, the disposable diaper state detection system according to the present embodiment can be manufactured at low cost, and the disposable diaper wearer can use it without experiencing a sense of foreign body or discomfort. The administrator can grasp the state of the disposable diaper without performing a confirmation operation accompanied by a sense of shame on the disposable diaper wearer. In addition, the disposable diaper state detection system according to the present embodiment can flexibly change its sensitivity, detection content, intensity level, and the state information of the disposable diaper corresponding to each intensity level, the arrangement and performance of each component, the user interface, etc., so as to be suitable for the number of people to be centrally managed, the place and environment of use, etc.

[0104] Note that in the above-described embodiment, the disposable diaper wearer wearing the disposable diaper and the administrator who exchanges the disposable diaper are described as different persons, but they may be the same person. For example, a person with a disability of lower body paralysis may use the disposable diaper state detection system according to the present embodiment to know the wet state of their own disposable diaper. In addition, the disposable diaper, which is one component of the present invention, widely includes all disposable diapers in general, and is not limited by, for example, the material or the presence or absence of a highly water-absorbent polymer.

Industrial Applicability

[0105] The present invention can be used for the purpose of confirming the wet state of disposable diapers of one or more disposable diaper wearers.

Explanation of Signs

[0106] 1, 2, 3... Disposable diaper state detection system 11a~11c, 21a~21c, 31a~31t... disposable diapers 111a~111c, 311a~311t... QR codes; 112a... surface material; 113a... intermediate material; 114a... absorbent material; 1141a... absorbent paper; 1142... cotton pulp; 1143a... superabsorbent polymer; 1144a... slit; 115a... waterproof material; 116a... exterior material; 117a... three-dimensional gather; 1171a... gather sheet; 1181a, 1182a... elastomer; 119a... tape 12a~12c, 12a-1~12a-5, 22a~22c, 32a~32t... IC tags 121a~121c... antenna section; 122a~122c... IC chip 13a~13c, 33a~33t... unique numbers 14, 14a~14c, 34... reading device 141, 141a~141c... antenna section; 142... communication section; 143... control section 15, 35... smartphone 151... camera; 152... communication section; 153... speaker; 154... touch panel liquid crystal screen; 155... control section 16, 36... application 161... initial screen; 1611... disposable diaper wearer registration button; 1612... registered user management button; 1613... setting change button; 1614... detection start / end button 24a~24c... reading device with notification function 241a~241c... antenna section; 242a~242c... speaker; 243a~243c... LED lighting section RW1... first radio wave; RW2... second radio wave; RW3... third radio wave

Claims

1. A plurality of disposable diapers, A plurality of IC tags provided on each of the plurality of disposable diapers, which have unique information, receive radio waves from the outside and transmit the unique information as radio waves, and when the amount of surrounding liquid increases, at least one of the received or transmitted radio waves is attenuated or shielded; One reading device having a first communication unit that transmits radio waves to the IC tags of the plurality of disposable diapers, receives the radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags, and transfers intensity information indicating the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags and the unique information of each of the plurality of IC tags; An external device having a second communication unit that receives the intensity information and unique information transferred from the first communication unit of the reading device, and a notification unit that notifies the outside of the diaper state information indicating the state of each of the plurality of disposable diapers based on the intensity information and unique information by the second communication unit; An application having an intensity level setting unit that sets a plurality of intensity levels indicating a predetermined level of the radio wave intensity, and a state setting unit that sets the diaper state information for each of the plurality of intensity levels set by the intensity level setting unit, and that sets the intensity level and the state information for each diaper according to the diaper wearer; A disposable diaper state detection system comprising the above.

2. A plurality of disposable diapers, A plurality of IC tags provided on each of the plurality of disposable diapers, which have unique information, receive radio waves from the outside and transmit the unique information as radio waves, and when the amount of surrounding liquid increases, at least one of the received or transmitted radio waves is attenuated or shielded; One reading device having a first communication unit that transmits radio waves to the IC tags of the plurality of disposable diapers, receives the radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags, and transfers intensity information indicating the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted from each of the plurality of IC tags and the unique information of each of the plurality of IC tags; An external device having a second communication unit that receives the intensity information and unique information transferred from the first communication unit of the reading device, and a notification unit that notifies the outside of the diaper state information indicating the state of each of the plurality of disposable diapers based on the intensity information and unique information by the second communication unit; A learned model generated by machine learning using teacher data including information related to the radio wave intensity and information related to the state of the disposable diaper when the radio wave intensity is received, and based on input data including information related to the radio wave intensity, for each disposable diaper according to the wearer of the disposable diaper, a plurality of intensity levels indicating a predetermined level of the radio wave intensity are set in multiple levels, and state information of the disposable diaper is set for each of the plurality of set intensity levels. A disposable diaper state detection system comprising the same.

3. The disposable diaper state detection system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the intensity level and the state information are set for each IC tag of the disposable diaper state detection system.

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