Excretion detection system, disposable diaper, and excrement detection program

Abstract

To correctly detect components in excrement when using a disposable diaper or the like having an indicator.SOLUTION: An excrement detection system (1) for detecting components of excrement when a disposable diaper (1) having an excrement indicator (150) that changes its color by being in contact with the excrement is used comprises: an imaging unit (12) which images a region including at least a portion of the excrement indicator (150) and at least a portion of a reference color part (160); and a control unit (11) which specifies an image portion of at least a portion of the excrement indicator (150) and an image portion of at least a portion of the reference color part (160) from the image captured by the imaging unit (12) and compares a color after changing in the excrement indicator (150) with a color of the reference color part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an excrement detection system, a disposable diaper, and an excrement detection program. [Background technology]

[0002] Disposable diapers are known as an example of absorbent articles. Some disposable diapers have an indicator function that visualizes the amount of absorbed bodily waste and notifies the user when it is time to change the diaper. It has been proposed to use such indicators to determine the user's health condition. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows the user's health condition to be monitored by incorporating a reaction reagent in the absorbent layer of a disposable diaper that undergoes a color reaction in response to components in the user's bodily fluids. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-152264 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with indicators using color reactions such as those in Patent Document 1, the determination of the color reaction relies on human visual inspection, making it difficult to grasp subtle color changes in the indicator and accurately detect components contained in body fluids (e.g., urine). For example, when determining when to start toilet training an infant, it is necessary to accurately grasp the infant's level of physical growth. In contrast, with conventional indicators such as those in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to accurately grasp color changes and accurately detect components contained in excrement such as urine. Therefore, they are not suitable for accurately determining the level of an infant's physical growth.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its purpose is to make it possible to accurately detect components in excrement when using disposable diapers or the like equipped with indicators. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention to achieve the above object is: A waste detection system for detecting components of waste when using a disposable diaper equipped with a waste indicator that changes color upon contact with waste, comprising: an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of an area including at least a portion of the excrement indicator and at least a portion of the reference color portion; a control unit that identifies at least a part of the image portion of the excretion indicator and at least a part of the image portion of the reference color portion from the image captured by the image capturing unit, and compares the color of the excretion indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color portion; of Has, the control unit notifies the wearer of the disposable diaper whether it is appropriate to start toilet training based on a result of comparing the color of the excrement indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color unit. The excrement detection system is characterized by the above.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a disposable diaper or the like equipped with an indicator is used, components in excrement can be accurately detected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a detection device 10 that constitutes an excrement detection system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an excrement detection system 1 is configured by a plurality of detection devices 10. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a disposable diaper 100. FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a disposable diaper 100 in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing a flow of excrement detection processing by the excrement detection system 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an area photographed in S101. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the photographing area FA in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating how an excrement indicator 150 and a reference color portion 160 (marker 170) provided on the diaper 100 are actually photographed. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing a photographing area FA when distortion occurs on the surface of the diaper 100. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. An excrement detection system for detecting components of excrement when using a disposable diaper equipped with an excrement indicator that changes color upon contact with excrement, characterized in that the excrement detection system has: an imaging unit that photographs an area including at least a portion of the excrement indicator and at least a portion of a reference color portion; and a control unit that identifies at least a portion of an image portion of the excrement indicator and at least a portion of an image portion of the reference color portion from the image photographed by the imaging unit, and compares the color of the excrement indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color portion.

[0011] According to this excrement detection system, by comparing the color of the discolored portion of the excrement indicator with the color of the reference color portion, it is possible to accurately detect the components contained in the excrement (for example, urine specific gravity). This makes it possible to objectively recognize the wearer's physical growth level based on the components of the excrement, making it easier to determine when the wearer can begin toilet training, etc.

[0012] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the components of the excrement are detected in the disposable diaper further comprising the reference color portion.

[0013] With this excrement detection system, since the excrement indicator and the reference color portion are provided on the same disposable diaper, it is easy to compare the color of the excrement indicator and the color of the reference color portion under the same conditions, such as the way light hits the diaper, the degree of distortion of the diaper, etc. Therefore, the components of excrement can be detected more accurately.

[0014] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the reference color section has a certain reference color for detecting components of the excrement and another reference color different from the certain reference color.

[0015] According to such an excrement detection system, by using a reference color section having a pattern consisting of multiple types of reference colors, the color of the excrement indicator after the color reaction occurs can be easily compared with multiple reference colors, making it easier to detect the components of the excrement more accurately.

[0016] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the disposable diaper has an absorbent body, and that the excrement indicator and the reference color pattern are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body when the disposable diaper is unfolded.

[0017] In this excrement detection system, the excrement indicator is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body, making it easy to visually identify a wide area along the longitudinal direction where a color reaction occurs upon contact with excrement such as urine. Furthermore, the reference color portion having a multi-color pattern is arranged along the longitudinal direction in parallel with the excrement indicator, making it easier to compare the excrement indicator after the color reaction with multiple reference colors. This makes it easier to detect excrement components more accurately.

[0018] In such an excrement detection system, the excrement indicator is preferably a urine indicator that changes color upon contact with urine.

[0019] In this excrement detection system, urine has high fluidity and therefore easily diffuses widely to reach the excrement indicator. This increases the contact area between the excrement indicator and urine, making it easier for the color reaction to occur over a wide area. This makes it easier to recognize the color change in the excrement indicator and detect the components of urine.

[0020] In such an excrement detection system, the disposable diaper preferably includes a marker to assist in identifying the image portion of the excrement indicator.

[0021] According to this excrement detection system, the use of markers makes it easier to determine the area including the reference color portion and the excrement indicator as the photographed area. That is, it is easier to photograph an image that includes the excrement indicator and the reference color portion. Furthermore, it is easier to identify the image portion of the excrement indicator and the image portion of the reference color portion in the image.

[0022] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the color of the marker is different from the reference color, the color of the excrement indicator before the color change, and the color of the excrement indicator after the color change.

[0023] According to this excrement detection system, it is possible to prevent a part of the reference color portion or the excrement indicator from being mistakenly recognized (misidentified) as a marker, and therefore it is possible to more accurately identify the image portion of the reference color portion or the excrement indicator.

[0024] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the disposable diaper has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, and that at least one pair of the markers are arranged so as to sandwich the reference color portion in the vertical direction.

[0025] With this excrement detection system, it is easy to identify the area sandwiched between the pair of markers in the vertical direction as the image portion of the reference color section. In this way, by using the markers, it is possible to accurately identify the image portion of the reference color section, which makes it easier to suppress false detections, etc.

[0026] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the disposable diaper has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, and that at least one pair of the markers are arranged so as to sandwich the excrement indicator in the horizontal direction.

[0027] According to this excrement detection system, it is easy to identify the area sandwiched between a pair (or two pairs) of markers in the left and right direction as the image portion of the excrement indicator. In this way, by using the markers, it is possible to accurately identify the image portion of the excrement indicator, which makes it easier to suppress false detections, etc.

[0028] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the disposable diaper has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, and that the marker is arranged a predetermined distance above the lower end position of the disposable diaper in the vertical direction.

[0029] According to this excrement detection system, the marker is positioned a predetermined distance above the bottom edge (i.e., the crotch area) of the diaper, preventing the marker from being hidden by the crotch area and making it difficult to see. This positioning makes it easier to photograph the area including the marker, and also makes it easier to identify the image portion of the excrement indicator and the reference color area by using the marker as a landmark.

[0030] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the control unit notifies the wearer of the disposable diaper whether it is appropriate to start toilet training based on the result of comparing the color of the excrement indicator after discoloration with the color of the reference color unit.

[0031] Such an excrement detection system allows the user to clearly recognize whether the components (e.g., urine specific gravity) in the wearer's (infant's) excrement are higher or lower than a predetermined value, and also to know when toilet training can begin. In other words, it becomes possible to objectively grasp the infant's physical growth level based on the urine specific gravity value, and to appropriately determine when toilet training should begin.

[0032] It is desirable that such an excrement detection system has a memory unit that stores the results of comparing the color of the excrement indicator after discoloration with the color of the reference color unit, and the control unit notifies the wearer of the disposable diaper whether it is appropriate to start toilet training based on the multiple comparison results stored in the memory unit.

[0033] According to this excrement detection system, a more accurate database can be constructed by accumulating multiple detection results. In this way, it becomes possible to provide the user with information based on the accumulated multiple (multiple) data, thereby enabling more accurate judgments to be made.

[0034] In such an excrement detection system, it is desirable that the disposable diaper has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, and when the disposable diaper is viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded state, both the excrement indicator and the reference color portion are positioned to overlap the absorbent core.

[0035] With this type of excrement detection system, the overlap with the highly rigid absorbent core prevents the imaging range from bending or distorting significantly when photographing the excrement indicator and reference color portion, making it easier to capture clear images.

[0036] Also disclosed is a disposable diaper for detecting components of excrement using an application, the disposable diaper having an excrement indicator that changes color upon contact with excrement and a reference color portion, the reference color portion being positioned so that an area including at least a portion of the excrement indicator and at least a portion of the reference color portion can be photographed, and the components of the excrement are detected based on the results of comparing the color of the excrement indicator after discoloration with the color of the reference color portion from an image of the area photographed using the application.

[0037] With this type of disposable diaper, the components of the excrement, such as the specific gravity of urine, can be accurately detected by comparing the color of the discolored portion of the excrement indicator with the color of the reference color portion. This makes it possible to objectively recognize the wearer's physical growth level based on the components of the excrement, making it easier to determine when toilet training can begin, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, an excrement detection program has been revealed that uses a computer to detect components of excrement when using a disposable diaper equipped with an excrement indicator that changes color upon contact with excrement, the program comprising: a photographing process for photographing an area including at least a portion of the excrement indicator and at least a portion of a reference color portion; and a comparison process for identifying at least a portion of an image portion of the excrement indicator and at least a portion of an image portion of the reference color portion from the image photographed in the photographing process, and comparing the color of the excrement indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color portion.

[0039] According to this excrement detection program, by comparing the color of the discolored portion of the excrement indicator with the color of the reference color portion, it is possible to accurately detect the components contained in the excrement, such as the specific gravity of urine, which makes it possible to objectively recognize the wearer's physical growth level based on the components of the excrement, making it easier to determine when toilet training can begin, etc.

[0040] === Implementation form === <Basic configuration of excrement detection system 1> First, an excrement detection system 1 (hereinafter also referred to as detection system 1) that detects components of excrement by reading a change in color of an excrement indicator provided on a disposable diaper will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a detection device 10 that constitutes the excrement detection system 1 according to this embodiment. The detection device 10 has a control unit 11, an imaging unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a communication unit 14.

[0041] The control unit 11 exchanges data between the various units in the detection device 10 and controls the entire detection system 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 executes programs stored in the storage unit 13 or a predetermined memory to process images of the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color unit 160, which will be described later, and compares the color of the excrement indicator after discoloration with the color of the reference color unit to detect components contained in the excrement. Specific operations of the excrement detection process by the control unit 11 will be described later.

[0042] The photographing unit 12 photographs an image of the excrement indicator 150 provided on the disposable diaper and the reference color unit 160 and acquires the image data, and is realized by, for example, a CCD camera.

[0043] The memory unit 13 stores image data captured by the photographing unit 12, data on the components of excrement detected by the control unit 11, etc., and is realized by a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk.

[0044] The communication unit 14 is for transmitting and receiving various data and signals to and from the server device and other systems in response to commands from the control unit 11, and is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like.

[0045] The detection device 10 in this embodiment can be, for example, a smartphone or a personal computer. In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned components, it is desirable to have an input unit for the user to input operations, and a display unit for displaying images of the captured excrement indicator 150 and the excrement detection results. If the detection device 10 has these functions, it can independently configure the excrement detection system 1.

[0046] Alternatively, the excrement detection system 1 may be configured with a plurality of detection devices 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the excrement detection system 1 is configured with a plurality of detection devices 10. In FIG. 2, the excrement detection system 1 includes a plurality of detection devices 10 and a server device 20 connected to each of the plurality of detection devices 10 via a network such as the Internet. The server device 20 is an information processing device such as a general computer. In this case, the server device 20 may have a function equivalent to the control unit 11 of the detection device 10 described above, and each user may access the server device 20 from their own detection device 10 to use the detection system 1. Furthermore, data from a plurality of users (detection devices 10) can be collectively managed by the server device 20, allowing for more accurate excrement detection based on a variety of data.

[0047] <About diapers with excrement indicators> Next, a disposable diaper 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 100") equipped with an excrement indicator 150, which is the target for detecting excrement using the excrement detection system 1, will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the disposable diaper 100. Fig. 4 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the disposable diaper 100 in an unfolded and stretched state. The "stretched state" of the diaper 100 refers to a state in which the entire diaper 100 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles, specifically, a state in which the dimensions of each component constituting the diaper 100 (for example, the absorbent main body 110 described below) are stretched to the same dimensions as or close to the dimensions of the component alone.

[0048] In the pants-type state shown in FIG. 3, the diaper 100 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction, which intersect with one another, and has a waist-opening BH and a pair of leg-openings LH, LH. The upper side in the vertical direction corresponds to the waist-opening BH side, and the lower side corresponds to the crotch side. The front side in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the wearer's abdominal side, and the rear side corresponds to the wearer's back side. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4, the diaper 100 has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, which intersect with one another. The vertical direction is the vertical direction in FIG. 1 and also corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 110. The horizontal direction is the horizontal direction in FIG. 1. As shown in the cross section AA in FIG. 4, the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 100 are layered is the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is the skin side, and the opposite side is the non-skin side.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the diaper 100 has, as a first component, an absorbent main body 110 that is placed against the wearer's crotch area and absorbs excrement such as urine. The second component is a front waistband portion 120 that is placed on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 110 and covers the wearer's abdominal region. Similarly, the third component is a rear waistband portion 130 that covers the wearer's dorsal region. In other words, the diaper 100 is a so-called three-piece, pants-type diaper. However, the diaper 100 is not limited to this three-piece, pants-type diaper, and may be a tape-type disposable diaper that fastens the waistband using fastening tape, or any other disposable diaper.

[0050] In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4 , the front waistline portion 120 and the rear waistline portion 130 are aligned parallel to each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction, with the absorbent main body 110 draped between them, with each longitudinal (vertical) end of the absorbent main body 110 joined and fixed to the skin side of the nearest waistline portion 120, 130, resulting in a generally H-shaped appearance in a plan view. From this state, the absorbent main body 110 is then folded in half, with the vertical center position CL serving as the folding position (folding line). In this folded state, the opposing front waistline portion 120 and rear waistline portion 130 are joined and connected to each other at the side portions 125 and 135 on both the left and right sides, forming a pair of side joining portions. That is, the front waistline portion 120 and the rear waistline portion 130 are formed into an annular shape by the pair of side joining portions (125, 135), resulting in the pants-like shape shown in FIG. 1 .

[0051] The absorbent body 110 has an absorbent core 111 that absorbs excrement, a top sheet 112 that is disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core 111 in the thickness direction, and a back sheet 113 that is disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core 111 (see cross section AA in Figure 4). An excrement indicator 150 and a reference color portion 160, which will be described later, are provided between the absorbent core 111 and the back sheet 113 in the thickness direction.

[0052] The absorbent core 111 is a member that absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine, and is formed of liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The outer periphery of the absorbent core 111 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet material (such as a core wrap sheet, not shown) such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric. The top sheet 112 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and may be made of, for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric. The back sheet 113 has a two-layer structure consisting of a liquid-impermeable sheet 113a and a hydrophobic exterior sheet 113b arranged on the non-skin side. The liquid-impermeable sheet 113a may be made of, for example, a resin film, and the exterior sheet 113b may be made of, for example, a flexible hydrophobic nonwoven fabric.

[0053] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 4, a pair of leak-proof wall portions (so-called three-dimensional gathers) that can stand up against the wearer's skin may be provided on both lateral sides of the absorbent body 110, and elastic members such as rubber thread may be provided along the leg openings LH to improve the fit of the diaper 100 when worn.

[0054] The front waistline portion 120 and the back waistline portion 130 are formed by stacking two or more sheets of rectangular sheet material in a plan view, such as SMS nonwoven fabric, in the thickness direction, and sandwiching a sheet material, such as rubber thread, that is stretchable in the left-right direction between the stacked sheet materials. This allows the waistline portions 120, 130 to exhibit stretchability along the waist of the wearer (see FIG. 3).

[0055] <Excrement Indicator 150> The excrement indicator 150 is a component that detects the excretion of excrement by exhibiting a predetermined reaction (e.g., a color reaction) upon contact with a reaction factor contained in the excrement. In this embodiment, the excrement indicator 150 is a urine indicator that can detect urination by exhibiting a color reaction upon contact with urine, for example, using the pH of urine as a reaction factor. The excrement indicator 150 (urine indicator) can be configured in the same manner as indicators containing a pH indicator that are used in conventional diapers.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 4, the excrement indicator 150 in this embodiment is formed in a strip shape extending in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 110) in the center of the horizontal direction (left and right direction), and is provided so as to abut on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 111. Specifically, it is formed by applying an adhesive (hot melt adhesive, etc.) containing a chemical component such as a pH indicator to a predetermined region on the skin side of the back sheet 113 (liquid-impermeable sheet 113a). However, the excrement indicator 150 may be formed by other methods. For example, the excrement indicator 150 may be formed by placing a strip-shaped sheet member containing a pH indicator on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 111.

[0057] When a wearer of the diaper 100 urinates, the urine absorbed by the absorbent core 111 permeates from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction. When the urine comes into contact with the excrement indicator 150 provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 111, a color reaction occurs at the contact area. This makes the area where the color reaction occurs visible through the backsheet 113 from the non-skin side in the thickness direction, making it easier for the user to visually recognize the amount of excreted urine that has been absorbed. Furthermore, the components contained in the urine can be accurately detected based on the degree of color change of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction.

[0058] For example, in this embodiment, "urine specific gravity" can be detected based on the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction. When the wearer of the diaper 100 is an infant, the urine specific gravity of the excreted urine serves as an indicator for understanding the infant's level of growth. In other words, a user (e.g., a parent of an infant) can objectively determine the infant's level of physical development based on the urine specific gravity. This allows accurate determination of whether or not the infant is ready to start toilet training to wean them off diapers, thereby enabling toilet training to be started at an appropriate time. A specific method for detecting urine specific gravity will be described later.

[0059] <Reference color section 160> The reference color section 160 is a section that displays a reference color for comparison with the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction. In this embodiment, a pair of reference color sections 160L, 160R are provided on both sides of the excrement indicator 150 in the left-right direction, spaced a predetermined distance apart. The colors included in the reference color sections 160L, 160R correspond to the "urine specific gravity" that is the detection target. For example, if the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction is "Cx" when it comes into contact with urine having a urine specific gravity of "X," if the color "Cx" is included in the reference color section 160, it is possible to easily detect whether the urine specific gravity contained in the excrement indicator 150 is greater than or less than "X" by comparing the color "Cx" of the reference color section 160 with the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction. In this embodiment, the reference color portions 160L and 160R each contain color patterns with multiple levels (five levels in Figure 4), so that the magnitude of urine specific gravity can be precisely detected according to the color levels (five levels).

[0060] The reference color portion 160 is formed by arranging a sheet member having a color corresponding to the magnitude of the "urine specific gravity" to be detected along the excrement indicator 150 between the absorbent core 111 and the back sheet 113 in the thickness direction. By arranging the reference color portion 160 and the excrement indicator 150 as close as possible in the lateral and thickness directions, it becomes easier to accurately compare colors when performing the excrement detection process described below.

[0061] 4, the reference color portions 160 (160L, 160R) are provided only in the region of the ventral side (vertically forward of the center position CL) of the diaper 100, but similar reference color portions 160 may be provided on the dorsal side (vertically backward of the center position CL). By providing the reference color portions 160 on both the ventral and dorsal sides, even if excrement is absorbed preferentially on either the ventral or dorsal side depending on the infant's posture (standing, face down, face up, etc.), it becomes easier to accurately compare the color of the reference color portions 160 with the color of the excrement indicator 150 after discoloration, regardless of which side it is absorbed on.

[0062] Furthermore, the diaper 100 is provided with markers 170 on both sides in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) of the excrement indicator 150 and on both sides in the vertical direction (up-down direction) of the reference color portion 160. The markers 170 can be used to assist in identifying the area to be compared when comparing the color of the excrement indicator 150 after color development with the reference color portion 160. The markers 170 will be described in detail later.

[0063] The excrement indicator 150, which exhibits a predetermined reaction (e.g., a color reaction) upon contact with a reaction factor contained in excrement, may be provided on only one of the ventral and dorsal sides. Accordingly, the reference color section 160 may also be provided on only one of the ventral and dorsal sides.

[0064] Depending on the target reaction factor, the reagent contained in the excrement indicator 150 may be deteriorated or denatured by light (ultraviolet rays), etc. If the excrement indicator 150 is disposed on both the ventral and dorsal sides of the diaper 100, the detection function of the excrement indicator 150 may be impaired by the influence of light, etc. For example, when the diaper 100 is distributed on the market, as shown in FIG. 3 , multiple diapers 100 folded front and back at the longitudinal center position CL (i.e., the crotch portion) are stacked in the front-to-back direction (thickness direction) and packaged in a packaging material such as film. In such a package, the diaper 100 disposed adjacent to the packaging material is likely to be exposed on either the ventral or dorsal side to light such as sunlight transmitted through the packaging film. In this case, the excrement indicator 150 disposed on the side that is more likely to be exposed to light may be deteriorated or denatured.

[0065] In contrast, if the excrement indicator 150 is provided only on one of the ventral side or the dorsal side, the diapers 100 can be stacked and packaged so that the side with the excrement indicator 150 faces inward, thereby preventing the excrement indicator 150 from being exposed to light, etc. Therefore, when multiple diapers 100 are distributed or stored together, deterioration or degeneration of the excrement indicator 150 can be easily prevented.

[0066] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the diaper 100 is distributed as a package, the folded portion of the diaper 100 at the longitudinal center position CL (crotch portion) is likely to be exposed to sunlight or other light transmitted through the packaging film, which may cause deterioration or degeneration of the excrement indicator 150. Therefore, the diaper 100 may not have the excrement indicator 150 at the longitudinal center position CL (crotch portion). This prevents the excrement indicator 150 from being exposed to light or the like and causing deterioration. Furthermore, a portion of the surface of the package (package) that packages the diaper 100, for example, at least the surface adjacent to the excrement indicator 150 of the enclosed diaper 100, may be made of a light-blocking material.

[0067] Furthermore, the reference color portion 160 does not necessarily have to be provided integrally with the diaper 100. For example, a separate reference color portion having substantially the same configuration as the reference color portion 160 as shown in Fig. 4 may be used. In this case, when capturing an image of the excrement indicator 150 in the excrement detection process described below (see S101 in Fig. 5), the separate reference color portion is positioned so that it appears in the same image as the excrement indicator 150.

[0068] <Excrement detection processing> The following describes a specific process for detecting components (urine specific gravity) contained in excrement using the excrement detection system 1. Note that although the process for detecting urine specific gravity is described below, it is also possible to detect other components contained in excrement. For example, the color contained in the reference color section 160 can be appropriately set to a color corresponding to the component to be detected, and the component can be detected by comparing the color with the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction.

[0069] 5 is a diagram showing the flow of excrement detection processing by the excrement detection system 1. In the excrement detection processing, first, an imaging process is performed using the imaging unit 12 to image an area of the diaper 100 where excretion (urination) has occurred, the area including at least a part of the excrement indicator 150 and at least a part of the reference color portion 160, and acquire the image data (S101).

[0070] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the area photographed in S101. Fig. 6 shows the pants-type diaper 100 in a stretched state as viewed from the front (ventral side) in the front-to-back direction, and illustrates the state in which the excrement indicator 150 undergoes a color reaction in the portion that comes into contact with excreted urine, forming a colored area 150c as shown by the shaded area in Fig. 6.

[0071] In the excrement detection process using the detection system 1, it is desirable to acquire image data showing the colored region 150c and the reference color portion 160 (160L, 160R) on the same screen so that the colors can be easily compared. Therefore, an imaging area FA including the colored region 150c and the reference color portion 160 (160L, 160R) is set, as surrounded by a thick dashed line in Fig. 6, and imaging is performed for the imaging area FA. When actually imaging, it is advisable to determine the imaging area FA using multiple markers 170 as landmarks.

[0072] 6, a pair of markers 170 is provided on each side of the excrement indicator 150 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) and on each side of the reference color portion 160 in the vertical direction (up-down direction). Specifically, on the right side of the excrement indicator 150, marker 170RU is provided above the upper end of the reference color portion 160R, and marker 170RD is provided below the lower end of the reference color portion 160R. Similarly, on the left side of the excrement indicator 150, marker 170LU is provided above the upper end of the reference color portion 160L, and marker 170LD is provided below the lower end of the reference color portion 160L. In other words, a pair of markers 170 is arranged to sandwich the reference color portions 160L, 160R in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 110), and two pairs of markers 170 are arranged to sandwich the excrement indicator 150 in the left-right direction.

[0073] The area surrounded by these four markers 170RU to 170LD is likely to include at least the reference color portions 160L, 160R and a part (colored area 150c) of the excrement indicator 150. The markers 170 are also used in the process (next step S102) of identifying the colored area 150c and the reference color portion 160 from the image data acquired in S101. Therefore, it is desirable that the shooting area FA be set so as to include the four markers 170.

[0074] When photographing the diaper 100 after use, photographing the diaper 100 in a pants-like shape as shown in Fig. 6 so that the skin-side surface of the absorbent body 110 with the excrement attached faces inward makes it difficult for the excrement to leak outward, thereby reducing the burden on the photographer. However, in actual photography, it is not necessary to photograph the diaper 100 in a stretched state, and the shape of the diaper 100 may be distorted to some extent, or wrinkles may be formed on the surface.

[0075] 5, the control unit 11 (or the server device 20) of the detection device 10 performs a process of identifying the portions to be subjected to color detection, i.e., the colored region 150c and the reference color portion 160 (160L, 160R), from the image data of the photographed area FA acquired in S101 (S102). In this embodiment, the markers 170 can be used to identify the image portions of the colored region 150c and the reference color portion 160. The control unit 11 first identifies the four markers 170RU, 170RD, 170LU, and 170LD described above. Then, among the regions sandwiched between two markers (e.g., markers 170RU and 170RD) that are adjacent in the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 110) and arranged at the same position in the horizontal direction, the control unit 11 identifies the region that has a color different from that of the sheet material (nonwoven fabric) that constitutes the back sheet 113 of the absorbent main body 110 as the image portion of the reference color portion 160 (e.g., reference color portion 160R).

[0076] Furthermore, within a region having a predetermined width located midway between two markers (e.g., markers 170RD and 170LD) that are adjacent in the left-right direction and positioned at the same vertical position, a region having a different color from the sheet material (nonwoven fabric) constituting the backsheet 113 is identified as the image portion of the excrement indicator 150. Then, within the excrement indicator 150, a portion where a color reaction has occurred (colored region 150c) and a portion where a color reaction has not occurred are identified. The color of the excrement indicator 150 before the color reaction has occurred (i.e., the color of the excrement indicator 150 before use of the diaper 100) is stored in advance in the memory unit 13, and a portion having a color farther (different) from the stored color is identified as the colored region 150c. The color of the portion of the excrement indicator 150 where a color reaction has not occurred is a color different from any of the colors included in the reference color portion 160.

[0077] In this way, by using the marker 170 that assists in identifying the image portions of the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160, it becomes possible to accurately identify the areas of the reference color portion 160 and the excrement indicator 150 (colored portion 150c) in the captured image (captured area FA), making it easier to suppress false detections, etc.

[0078] In this embodiment, it is desirable that the marker 170 be a color different from both the color contained in the reference color section 160 and the color of the excrement indicator 150 before and after the reaction. Such a color can prevent a part of the reference color section 160 or the excrement indicator 150 from being mistakenly recognized as the marker 170 (i.e., misidentification). This makes it easier to accurately identify the reference color section 160 or the excrement indicator 150. Furthermore, the shape of the marker 170 may be clearly different from that of the reference color section 160 or the excrement indicator 150. For example, if the reference color section 160 or the excrement indicator 150 is rectangular, making the marker 170 a distinctive shape such as a star or heart can more easily prevent it from being mistaken for the reference color section 160 or the excrement indicator 150.

[0079] Next, a process for detecting the colors contained in the reference color section 160 is performed (S103). FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the shooting area FA in FIG. 6. The control unit 11 detects the colors contained in the reference color sections 160L, 160R identified in the process of S102 and stores them in the memory unit 113. In FIG. 7, the reference color section 160 has a pattern consisting of five levels of reference colors 161 to 165. For the image of the shooting area FA, the control unit 11 digitizes the average color of the pixels constituting each of the reference colors 161 to 165, for example, as an RGB value, and detects each as a five-level reference color.

[0080] Next, a process for detecting the color of the colored region 150c is performed (S104). The color detection of the colored region 150c is performed in substantially the same manner as in S103. That is, for the image of the photographed area FA, the control unit 11 digitizes the average color of the pixels constituting the colored region 150c identified in the process of S102 using RGB values or the like, and stores the digitized value in the memory unit 13.

[0081] Next, a process is performed to compare the reference color (five levels in FIG. 7) detected in S103 with the color of colored region 150c detected in S104 (S105). The comparison process is performed by comparing the numerical value (e.g., RGB value) of the color of colored region 150c with the numerical value (e.g., RGB value) of each of the five levels of reference colors. For example, the color of colored region 150c is compared in order with each of reference colors 161 to 165. Then, it is determined which of the five levels of reference colors the RGB value of colored region 150c is greater than or smaller than.

[0082] Next, based on the comparison result of S105, a determination is made regarding the components of the excrement (S106). In this embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the urine specific gravity of urine excreted by an infant or the like wearing the diaper 100 has reached a predetermined value. For example, when the reference color corresponding to the urine specific gravity value to be determined is 163 among the reference colors 161 to 165 shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 11 determines whether the RGB value of the color of the colored region 150c is equal to or greater than the RGB value of the color of the reference color 163, as "Good", or whether the RGB value is smaller than the RGB value of the color of the reference color 163, as "Poor". In the example of FIG. 7, the color of the colored region 150c and the color of the reference color 163 are the same, so the determination is "Good".

[0083] Furthermore, the determination does not necessarily have to be made with a yes or no, but the range of urine specific gravity values may be determined by comparison with reference colors 161 to 165. For example, when the RGB value of the color of colored region 150c is between the RGB values of the color of reference color 164 and the RGB value of the color of 165, it can be determined that the urine specific gravity value is equal to or greater than the urine specific gravity value corresponding to reference color 164 and equal to or less than the urine specific gravity value corresponding to reference color 165.

[0084] Finally, a process is performed to notify the user of the determination result (S107). For example, based on the urine specific gravity determination result of S106, the determination result as to whether the physical growth level of the wearer of the diaper 100 (e.g., an infant) is appropriate for starting toilet training of the wearer (infant) is displayed on the display unit of the detection device 10 (e.g., a smartphone). This allows the user (e.g., the guardian of the infant) to clearly recognize whether the urine specific gravity value of the infant's urine is higher or lower than a predetermined value, and to understand the appropriate time to start toilet training. In other words, it becomes possible to objectively grasp the infant's physical growth level, and to appropriately determine when to start toilet training.

[0085] 2, when the detection device 10 is connected to a server device 20, the detection results may be transmitted to the server device 20. Then, by storing the detection results from multiple detection devices 10 or multiple detection results from each detection device 10 in the server device 20, a more accurate database can be constructed. In this way, it becomes possible to provide the user with feedback on information based on the multiple (multiple) accumulated data, thereby enabling more accurate determinations to be made.

[0086] As described above, the detection system 1 of this embodiment can accurately detect components contained in excrement, such as the specific gravity of urine, by comparing the color of the discolored portion of the excrement indicator 150 with the color of the reference color portion 160. This makes it possible to objectively recognize the wearer's physical growth level based on the components of the excrement, making it easier to determine when toilet training can begin, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diaper 100 provided with both the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 is used to detect the components of excrement, enabling more accurate detection. If a disposable diaper were provided with only the excrement indicator 150 and no reference color portion 160, there would be nothing to compare the color of the excrement indicator 150 with, making it difficult to accurately detect the color of the excrement indicator 150 after it has changed color. In contrast, in this embodiment, the diaper 100 provided with both the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 makes it easier to compare the color of the excrement indicator 150 after it has changed color with the color of the reference color portion 160. Furthermore, the color of the excrement indicator 150 after it has changed color may appear different depending on the way the diaper is exposed to light and the degree of distortion of the diaper. However, by capturing the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 in the same image, the influence of such factors such as exposure to light can be reduced. That is, the color of the excrement indicator 150 and the color of the reference color portion 160 can be compared under the same conditions (lighting conditions, degree of distortion of the diaper, etc.), allowing for more accurate detection.

[0088] Furthermore, the reference color section 160 has a certain reference color for detecting components of excrement and other reference colors different from the certain reference color. In the example of Fig. 7, the reference color section 160 is configured with a five-color pattern consisting of a reference color (e.g., reference color 161) corresponding to a certain value of urine specific gravity and four other colors (e.g., reference colors 162 to 165). By having such a pattern consisting of multiple colors, the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction has occurred can be easily compared with multiple types of reference colors, making it easier to detect the components of excrement more accurately.

[0089] Moreover, both the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 are arranged in the vertical direction of the diaper 100 (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 110). Because the excrement indicator 150 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 110, the area where a color reaction occurs upon contact with excrement such as urine can be easily and widely viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the reference color portion 160 having a multi-color pattern is arranged in parallel with the excrement indicator 150 in the longitudinal direction, making it easier to compare the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction with multiple reference colors. This makes it easier to detect the components of excrement more accurately.

[0090] Furthermore, the excrement indicator 150 in this embodiment is a urine indicator that produces a color reaction upon contact with urine. Urine has high fluidity and diffuses widely within the absorbent main body 110 after being absorbed, making it easy for the urine to reach the excrement indicator 150. Therefore, the contact area between the excrement indicator 150 and urine is wide, making it easy for the color reaction to occur over a wide area. This makes it easier to recognize the color change in the excrement indicator 150, making it easier to detect the urine specific gravity, etc.

[0091] Furthermore, the diaper 100 is provided with a plurality of markers 170 in addition to the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160. The markers 170 are arranged so as to sandwich the reference color portion 160 in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and to sandwich the excrement indicator 150 in the horizontal direction. With this configuration, as described in Fig. 6, the positions of the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 can be easily identified by using the markers 170 as marks.

[0092] Furthermore, since the diaper 100 is made of nonwoven fabric or the like, it is flexible and easily deformed, and it is difficult to photograph the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 in the extended state as shown in Figure 6. Even in such a case, the markers 170 are arranged on both the left and right sides, making it easier to identify the positions of the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the actual photographing of the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 (marker 170) provided on the diaper 100. When photographing the diaper 100, the diaper 100 is removed from the wearer's body and placed on a table (flat surface) such as a desk, and photographed in a state where the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 (marker 170) can be seen from a viewing position (viewpoint) V1 vertically above, as shown in FIG. 8. At this time, the diaper 100 placed on the flat surface has a convex shape with the center portion in the left-right direction raised upward due to the thickness of the absorbent core 111 (absorbent main body 110). In this state, the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portions 160L, 160R and markers 170L, 170R arranged on both the left and right sides of the excrement indicator 150 can be seen from the viewing position V1.

[0094] On the other hand, if, for example, an image is captured from a viewing position (viewpoint) V2 diagonally above and to the right of the diaper 100 due to the camera or other factors (see FIG. 8 ), the reference color portion 160L and the marker 170L located on the left side of the excrement indicator 150 may be in a blind spot and may not be visible. That is, if the marker 170 and the reference color portion 160 were provided only on one side (the left side) of the excrement indicator 150 in the left-right direction, it may be difficult to capture an image that includes both the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 (marker 170). In contrast, in this embodiment, the reference color portions 160 (markers 170) are provided on both sides of the excrement indicator 150 in the left-right direction, so that even if the viewing position is shifted, at least the reference color portion 160 (marker 170) on the other side (the left side) in the left-right direction is visible. Therefore, it is possible to easily capture an image that includes both the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 (marker 170).

[0095] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the photographing area FA when distortion occurs on the surface of the diaper 100. As described above, since the diaper 100 is formed entirely from a flexible nonwoven fabric or the like, it is not always possible to photograph an image in which the excrement indicator 150 is undistorted (see FIG. 7), and a distorted image such as that shown in FIG. 9 may be photographed. Even in such a case, the provision of the four markers 170LU, 170LD, 170RD, and 170RU increases the likelihood that the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 will be included in the area surrounded by the four markers. In other words, even if distortion occurs in the diaper 100, it becomes easier to identify the positions of the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160. This makes it easier to accurately detect the components of excrement.

[0096] 4, in this embodiment, when the diaper 100 in an unfolded state is viewed in the thickness direction, both the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 are provided so as to overlap with the absorbent core 111. By arranging the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color portion 160 so as to overlap with the highly rigid absorbent core 111 in this way, it becomes easier to prevent the imaging range from being significantly bent or distorted when an image is taken, making it easier to take a clear image.

[0097] Furthermore, it is desirable that the markers 170 be positioned a predetermined distance above the bottom end position of the diaper 100 in the vertical direction. In other words, it is desirable that the markers 170 be positioned a predetermined distance above the center position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 110 in the unfolded state. For example, in FIG. 6, if the markers 170LD and 170RD were positioned overlapping the center position CL in the longitudinal direction (the bottom end of the diaper 100, i.e., the crotch position), the markers 170LD and 170RD would be difficult to see from the front in the front-to-back direction, making it difficult to capture an image in which all four markers 170 are included in the image capture area FA. In contrast, in this embodiment, the markers 170LD and 170RD are positioned a predetermined distance above the center position CL in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), making it easier to capture an image of the image capture area FA including all four markers 170, as shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, by using the markers 170 as landmarks, it is possible to more easily identify the image portions of the excrement indicator 150 and the reference color section 160. ===Other embodiments===

[0098] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the specific gravity of urine in excrement (urine) is detected by comparing the color of the excrement indicator 150 after the color reaction with the color of the reference color section 160, but the components to be detected are not limited to the specific gravity of urine. Other components in excrement may be detected by adjusting the reagent forming the excrement indicator 150 or the reference color contained in the reference color section 160.

[0100] (program) In the excrement detection system 1 of the above embodiment, a method for detecting components of excrement by having the detection device 10 and, if necessary, the server device 20 cooperate with each other has been described, but the present invention also includes a program for executing these processes. That is, the detection device 10 and the server device 20 as information processing devices (computers) may execute the above-mentioned processes based on the program to detect components of excrement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Excrement detection system, 10 detection device, 11 control unit, 12 imaging unit, 13 storage unit, 14 communication unit, 20 server equipment, 100 disposable diapers (diapers), 110 absorbent body, 111 absorbent core, 112 top sheet, 113 back sheet, 113a liquid impermeable sheet, 113b exterior sheet, 120 front waistband, 125 side (side joint), 130 rear waist portion, 135 side portion (side joint portion), 150 excrement indicator, 150c colored area, 160 Standard Color Unit, 160L, 160R Standard Color Unit, 161~165 Standard color, 170 markers, 170LU, 170LD, 170RU, 170RD markers, BH waist opening, LH leg opening, CL Center position (vertical)

Claims

1. A waste detection system for detecting components of waste when using a disposable diaper equipped with a waste indicator that changes color upon contact with waste, comprising: an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of an area including at least a portion of the excrement indicator and at least a portion of the reference color portion; a control unit that identifies at least a part of the image portion of the excretion indicator and at least a part of the image portion of the reference color portion from the image captured by the image capturing unit, and compares the color of the excretion indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color portion; and The control unit notifies the wearer of the disposable diaper whether it is appropriate to start toilet training based on the result of comparing the color of the excrement indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color unit.

2. 10. The excrement detection system of claim 1, An excrement detection system, characterized in that components of the excrement are detected in the disposable diaper further comprising the reference color section.

3. 3. The excrement detection system according to claim 1 or 2, The excrement detection system, wherein the reference color unit has a certain reference color for detecting components of the excrement and another reference color different from the certain reference color.

4. 4. The excrement detection system of claim 3, The disposable diaper has an absorbent body, An excrement detection system, characterized in that the excrement indicator and the reference color portion are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body when the disposable diaper is in an unfolded state.

5. The excrement detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The excrement detection system is characterized in that the excrement indicator is a urine indicator that changes color upon contact with urine.

6. The excrement detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The disposable diaper includes a marker for assisting in identifying the image portion of the waste indicator.

7. 7. The excrement detection system of claim 6, An excrement detection system characterized in that the color of the marker is a color different from any of the colors contained in the reference color portion, the color of the excrement indicator before it changes color, and the color of the excrement indicator after it changes color.

8. 8. The excrement detection system according to claim 6 or 7, The disposable diaper has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction which intersect with each other, An excrement detection system, characterized in that at least one pair of the markers are arranged so as to sandwich the reference color portion in the vertical direction.

9. The excrement detection system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The disposable diaper has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction which intersect with each other, The excrement detection system is characterized in that at least one pair of the markers are arranged so as to sandwich the excrement indicator in the left-right direction.

10. The excrement detection system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, The disposable diaper has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction which intersect with each other, The excrement detection system is characterized in that the marker is provided above a lower end position of the disposable diaper in the up-down direction and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom.

11. An excrement detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a storage unit that stores a result of comparing the color of the excrement indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color unit; The control unit notifies the wearer of the disposable diaper whether it is appropriate time to start toilet training based on the results of the comparisons stored in the memory unit.

12. The excrement detection system according to claim 1, The disposable diaper has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, An excrement detection system characterized in that, when the disposable diaper is viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded state, the excrement indicator and the reference color portion are both positioned to overlap the absorbent core.

13. An excrement detection program for detecting components of excrement using a computer when using a disposable diaper equipped with an excrement indicator that changes color upon contact with excrement, the program comprising: an imaging process of imaging an area including at least a portion of the excretion indicator and at least a portion of the reference color portion; a comparison process in which at least a part of the image portion of the excretion indicator and at least a part of the image portion of the reference color portion are identified from the image captured in the photographing process, and the color of the excretion indicator after the color change is compared with the color of the reference color portion; a notification process for notifying the wearer of the disposable diaper whether it is appropriate to start toilet training based on a result of comparing the color of the excrement indicator after the color change with the color of the reference color portion; An excrement detection program, characterized in that the excrement detection program causes the computer to execute the above.

Images