Urine detection device

Abstract

To provide a urination detection device using an electromagnetic induction method between a passive detection tag including a coil and a capacitor and an antenna.SOLUTION: In an urination detection device that detects an electromagnetic induction coupling resonance state or non-resonance state by a detection tag 2 placed in a diaper and an antenna coil band wound around a diaper user in the vicinity of the detection tag, the detection tag forms a resonant circuit by a capacitor configured by sandwiching a dielectric substrate 51 between a pair of electrodes (front electrode 42 and back electrode 43), and a tag coil connected to the capacitor. The antenna coil band detects urination from the capacitance of the capacitor, which changes as the urination water permeates the urination absorber of the diaper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a urination detection device that utilizes an electromagnetic induction method between a passive detection tag including a coil and a capacitor and an antenna unit.

Background Art

[0002] Detection devices that detect urination using various sensor technologies and the like are widely applied to adult or infant diapers and are in practical use in many fields including medical care, nursing, and welfare.

[0003] Such a urination detection device applied to diapers arranges a passive type tag composed of a coil (L) and a capacitor (C) inside the diaper, and forms an electromagnetic induction relationship with a reader circuit called an antenna coil or a controller arranged on the bed or the like of the user wearing the diaper. When urine components are detected in the diaper, the resonance frequency changes, and the change is detected to report urination detection. By applying such a urination detection device, it is possible to detect urination and appropriately report the timing of diaper replacement or exchange.

[0004] In particular, the application of urination detection devices to nursing or infant diapers has an expanding demand due to the aging population and the increasing number of nursing patients. For diaper users (nursing recipients and hospital patients), it is desired to have an appropriate exchange as soon as possible after urination in order to be small, lightweight, and comfortable to use. Also, for caregivers (nursing and care providers, nurses, etc.), if they know the appropriate diaper replacement timing, they do not need to monitor or check regularly many times, and it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of nursing care.

[0005] Various urination detection technologies have been proposed, including an impedance method that places a pair of electrodes in the diaper and detects the change in impedance between the electrodes due to urination, and a capacitance method that resonantly couples a tag portion forming an LC resonant circuit with an antenna by electromagnetic induction and detects the change in capacitance. Examples of applying urination detection methods to diapers include a method that detects the change in resistance between electrodes due to urination or urine volume based on the electrode structure (Patent Document 1), and a method that detects the change in capacitance (Patent Document 2).

[0006] Specifically, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which two electrodes are placed inside the diaper, and an alarm sound is emitted in response to a decrease in the resistance (impedance) between the electrodes due to moisture. However, in this method of detecting impedance changes with electrodes, a power supply is required to supply current between the two electrodes because the moisture from the urine changes the resistance between the electrodes. This makes it inconvenient and difficult to use when applied to diapers. Furthermore, the timing of conduction is not constant due to individual differences in the amount and moisture content of urine, making it unstable and unreliable as it cannot quickly detect urination, resulting in a lack of reliability and usability.

[0007] To solve these problems, Patent Document 2 proposes a method for detecting urination by using electromagnetic induction to form a coil-capacitor (LC) resonant circuit in a detection tag and utilizing the change in the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit due to urine absorption. Since signals can be transmitted between such an LC resonant circuit tag and a nearby antenna by electromagnetic induction, there is no need to place a power supply on the tag side, making it possible to make it battery-less, contactless, and non-restrained, and it is called a passive type tag. Such a passive type detection tag can be made into a small and lightweight tag, and it is possible to perform relatively stable and rapid urination detection.

[0008] In this type of urination detection tag, capacitance detection is more accurate and allows for the rapid capture of changes in resonant frequency compared to resistive impedance detection, thus enabling the detection of even relatively small amounts of urine. Furthermore, this passive detection tag is small, lightweight, thin, and can be mass-produced at a relatively low cost, making it suitable for application in disposable diapers.

[0009] However, because antennas for transmitting and receiving radio waves using this electromagnetic induction method require a relatively large area, the presence or absence of urination is detected by attaching the antenna part inside the bed or arranging it in a mat-like manner under the bed, as shown in Figure 9 of Patent Document 2. Therefore, in order to use an electromagnetic induction type urination detection device, it is necessary to attach a transmitting and receiving device including an electromagnetic wave antenna to the bed beforehand. However, when the antenna part is attached to the bed in this way, the distance between the detection tag and the antenna changes due to the movement of the diaper wearer, and the resonant or non-resonant frequency changes due to the use of electric blankets, etc., resulting in unstable urination detection and a lack of convenience. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Special table 2002-515975 publication [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-161732 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] This invention is provided in view of the above circumstances and primarily aims to provide a urination detection device as described below. (1) A urination detection device that uses a passive tag that can be made smaller and lighter, eliminating the need to install an antenna on the bed for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves. (2) A urination detection device that eliminates inaccuracies in urination detection due to the user's movement and motion, and enables more accurate urination detection and leakage detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The urination detection device of the present invention is a urination detection device that detects an electromagnetically inductively coupled resonant state or a non-resonant state by an antenna unit and a detection tag placed inside a diaper, wherein the detection tag forms a resonant circuit by a capacitor formed by sandwiching a dielectric substrate between a pair of electrodes and a tag coil connected to the capacitor. It is a passive tag. The antenna portion is located near the detection tag and is wrapped around the diaper wearer. The detection tag is composed of multiple capacitors, and the multiple capacitors are arranged spaced apart at a position for initial detection of urination and at a position for detection of urination fullness. When urine moisture permeates the urine absorbent material of the diaper, multiple By changing the capacitance of the capacitor, urination Initial and full states It is characterized by detecting [something].

[0013] Furthermore, the urination detection device is formed using an expandable conductive material for the antenna portion. , it is wrapped around the waist of the diaper user and attached to the body. It can also be configured in this way. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, the detection tag and antenna unit inside the diaper are always integrated with the user, so regardless of the user's movement, the detection tag and antenna unit always maintain a constant distance from each other, improving the accuracy of urination detection and leak detection, and enabling detection even when the user is away from the bed. Furthermore, since there is no need to install the antenna unit on the bed side, no modifications or installations to the bed are required, and it has the advantage of being usable even with existing beds that do not have antenna equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram of the urination detection device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the antenna coil band of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is an enlarged partial view of the antenna coil band of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the detection tag for the urine detection device of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X' in FIG. 4 of the detection tag of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the urine detection device of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration of the detection tag for the urine detection device of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an equivalent circuit diagram of the detection tag for the urine detection device shown in FIG. 7.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The present invention provides a urine detection device that disposes an LC passive detection tag formed by a capacitor and a coil inside a diaper, forms an electromagnetic induction coupling state with an antenna part wound around the user's waist in a band shape, and outputs a urine detection signal by changing the frequency of the electromagnetic induction coupling state of the tag from a resonance state or a non-resonance state by urine components.

[0021] In the present invention, a passive type detection tag is used. This passive detection tag does not have an IC chip or the like and constitutes an LC closed circuit composed of a capacitor (C) and a coil (L). Such a passive detection tag can be configured to be small, lightweight, and thin, does not require a power source, and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost, and is assumed to be disposable for urine detection in diapers. It is configured to detect an appropriate replacement time of the diaper or notify a forgotten replacement by an antenna coil that constitutes an electromagnetic induction coupling with the passive detection tag disposed on the diaper side.

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. All drawings in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams for illustrative purposes of the present invention, and do not particularly limit the actual dimensions, shapes, or configurations. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention to those items alone. [Examples]

[0023] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a detection tag 2 and an antenna coil band 3 placed on a diaper 1. Here, the detection tag 2 is equipped with an additional detection tag 2', but the tag may consist of one or multiple detection tags. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the shape configuration of the antenna coil band 3. As shown in Figure 2, the antenna coil band 3 is configured in a belt shape and is used by wrapping it around the user's waist. The antenna coil band 3 is composed of attachment parts 4, 4', a controller (transmitting / receiving part) 5, and a plurality of stretchable conductors 6. The attachment parts 4, 4' are a fitting means for winding and fitting the belt-shaped antenna coil band 3 and a multi-pin connector that connects the plurality of stretchable conductors 6 in a loop antenna shape. The controller (transmitting / receiving part) 5, which will be described in detail later, emits electromagnetic waves for electromagnetic coupling, detects the resonance state, and notifies a receiving terminal device such as a smartphone of the urination state via short-range communication.

[0024] Figure 3 is a magnified view of a portion of the antenna coil band 3. Multiple stretchable conductors 6 form a loop antenna by being attached by attachment parts 4 and 4' at both ends of the belt-shaped band. This loop antenna consists of two sets of antennas, one for transmitting and one for receiving, and both ends of each antenna are connected to the transmitting and receiving sections of the controller 5. Here, the loop antenna of the antenna coil band 3 is formed with two sets, one for transmitting and one for receiving, but if the transmitting and receiving functions of the controller 5 are to be switched between, it is also possible to use a single set of loop antennas.

[0025] The stretchable conductor 6 can be any conductor that is stretchable laterally to fit the user's waist circumference. Commercially available materials can be used, such as braided conductors made by braiding conductive wires, coiled conductors formed in a coil shape, stretchable conductors with conductors spirally attached to a stretchable elastic material (rubber cord), or stretchable conductors with a corrugated conductor printed or attached to an elastic substrate as shown in Figure 3. In addition, a battery 7 is provided inside the controller 5, and it is desirable that this battery 7 be removable and rechargeable, such as a secondary battery. The coil band 3, including this controller 5, can be used as a belt type, or it can be attached to pajamas or a shirt, as long as it can be wrapped around the user.

[0026] The detection tag 2, placed on diaper 1, may be pre-attached to the diaper, or it may be enclosed in a moisture-absorbing pad and attached to the diaper as needed. The pad equipped with the moisture detection tag 2 is a disposable type that is discarded together with the diaper after use. Furthermore, by placing multiple detection tags, it becomes possible to detect moisture from urination at different locations, enabling functions such as detecting multiple urination instances or detecting when the diaper's absorbent area is full of urine. In addition, it is possible to configure the system to detect urine leakage by placing multiple detection tags on both ends or around the diaper's urine absorbent area.

[0027] Next, an example of the configuration of the detection tag 2 will be described. Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of the detection tag 2, which consists of a tag coil pattern (L) 41 (hereinafter referred to as the tag coil) and a capacitor (C) composed of a front electrode 42 and a back electrode 43, and is attached to a tag sheet. One end (start end) 45 of the tag coil 41 is connected to the front electrode 42, and the other end (end end) 46 of the tag coil 41 is connected to the back electrode. The front electrode 42 and the tag coil 41 are formed on the surface (same plane) of the substrate and can be connected and coupled directly at the connection point 45, but the other end of the tag coil 41 is connected to the back electrode 43 at the connection point 46, passing through the back side of the substrate and connecting at the connection point 47 on the back side. The front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43 form a capacitor with a dielectric substrate in between. This connection configuration forms an LC closed circuit.

[0028] The tag coil 41, capacitor electrodes 42 and 43, and other wiring are constructed by attaching conductive thin films to the front and back surfaces of the substrate using a process similar to that of a printed circuit board. This detection tag is used by being sandwiched between pads or the like, but it is desirable that the tag itself be made as thin as possible to ensure flexibility in response to body movement.

[0029] A through-hole 44 is provided in a part of this capacitor, penetrating through the front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43. This through-hole 44 allows urine fluid to pass through, bringing the front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43 into contact and changing the capacitor capacitance. Therefore, when forming this through-hole 44, it is necessary to keep the front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43 separated by an insulating substrate or the like so that they do not come into contact.

[0030] In this embodiment, a through-hole 44 is provided in one location within the electrode, but through-holes may also be provided near the outside of the front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43. Furthermore, if conditions can be ensured that both electrodes are in a non-contact state and become conductive when urine fluid passes through, then through-holes may not be necessary. The size (diameter) and number of these through-holes can be one or multiple, as long as there is no unevenness in the location of urination. By changing the number and diameter of these through-holes 44, it is also possible to adjust the amount of urine infiltration, detection speed, and detection sensitivity.

[0031] Furthermore, although Figure 4 illustrates the tag coil 41 as a circular loop coil, it can be any shape, such as elliptical or rectangular, as long as it can form an electromagnetically coupled state with the loop antenna 3 on the controller side. In addition, the capacitor (C) can be configured in any arrangement or shape within the tag sheet as long as it can form an electromagnetically resonant (or non-resonant) state with the tag coil 41 and the LC closed circuit at a predetermined frequency (13.56 MHz in this embodiment).

[0032] When using this detection tag 2, it is generally preferable to use it sandwiched between absorbent pads or other moisture-absorbing materials. Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the X-X' section in Figure 4. The upper side is the user's skin surface, and the lower side is the diaper absorbent material side. The front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43 are arranged with a dielectric substrate 51 in between, and a through hole 44 is formed in the middle of them.

[0033] The urine from urination penetrates from the skin surface through the surface cover 53, which is made of nonwoven fabric or the like, into the interior. The penetrated urine components pass through the surface absorbent layer 54 and reach the back absorbent layer 55, which is located below the through-hole 44. Since the through-hole 44 is small in diameter, about 2 to 4 mm, the surface tension (binding force) of the moisture makes it difficult for the moisture to pass through the through-hole. Therefore, it is desirable to make the absorbent layers 54 and 55 tightly adhere to the through-hole 44 on either side to facilitate the passage of moisture through the through-hole. The material of this surface absorbent layer 54 and back absorbent layer 55 is made of a polymer absorbent material or the like. The surface cover 53 and the surface absorbent layer 54 do not have to be made of different materials; they can be formed as a single unit from either material as long as it is configured to guide moisture to the through-hole. Also, the back absorbent layer 55 on the diaper absorbent side is not necessarily required, as long as it can directly contact the surface of the diaper's absorbent band, and can be made of a diaper absorbent band 56 made of a polymer absorbent material.

[0034] The above explanation described a case where moisture is guided through a through-hole, but by configuring the detection tag so that moisture from urination flows around the outside of the detection tag 2 and makes contact with the front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43, the detection tag can be constructed without a through-hole.

[0035] In this way, the front electrode 42 and the back electrode 43 become conductive and in contact due to the moisture from the urine, and the capacitance of the capacitor changes significantly. The equivalent circuit of the detection tag 2 is an LC closed circuit coupling between a coil and a capacitor, so the electromagnetic resonance frequency changes with the change in capacitor capacitance, and this change in resonance state is used for urine detection. Here, in order to prevent the tag coil 41 from being exposed to the moisture from the urine and coming into contact with the capacitor or the resonance frequency from changing, it is desirable to provide an insulating layer 57 on the top of the tag coil 41 so that the coil inductance is not affected by the moisture from the urine. However, this insulating layer 57 is not essential.

[0036] Next, the controller 5, which uses the detection tag 2 to perform urination detection, will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating a urination detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detection tag 2 is shown as an equivalent circuit of an LC resonant closed circuit consisting of a capacitor C and a coil L. The controller 5 establishes an electromagnetic induction coupling state between the LC detection tag 2, consisting of a capacitor C and a coil L, and the antenna coil 6 made of a stretchable conductor disposed within the antenna coil band 3. The controller 5 detects the change in resonant frequency or the transition to a resonant state from a resonant or non-resonant state associated with urination, and notifies and warns the outside with an appropriate urination detection signal. Here, the antenna coil sections 61 (for transmission) and 62 (for reception) in the circuit diagram correspond to the antenna coil 6 in the antenna coil band 3.

[0037] The controller 5 receives various setting conditions via the input unit 63, including urination detection setting information, the user identification number of the detection tag, urination reaction time, maximum diaper urine absorption capacity, maximum urination frequency limit, change timing, reminder time setting, and various other settings including the user's average urine volume and average number of urinations, as well as the user's individual urination characteristics. These characteristic data input via the input unit 63 are stored in the arithmetic processing unit 67 via the input interface 66. This characteristic data represents environmental settings such as the user, usage environment, and detection / notification method. It can be set using default values ​​based on standard data, or it is possible to input unique data tailored to each individual by recording and learning from their individual usage.

[0038] The input unit 63 is equipped with a reset means 64 and a tag reader 65. The reset means 64 can reset various setting conditions when a new diaper is attached, replaced, or when a detection tag is replaced. The reset means 64 is also used to reset the setting conditions and reuse the diaper in cases of urination detection errors, attachment failures, or when the diaper is to be reused after detecting a detection signal.

[0039] Furthermore, the tag reader 65 reads identification numbers and barcodes written on the detection tag backing for identification purposes, and also checks or reads the resonant frequency composed of LC of the detection tag 2. This allows the controller 5 to check and set the resonant frequency transmitted or detected from the antenna unit 61. The necessary items and standard setting environments for these input data are acquired in advance and input into the memory unit (RAM) 69 of the arithmetic processing unit 67, so it can be used by default without having to input each time a diaper is put on. Alternatively, data set by a device separate from the controller 5 can be input via the input interface 66.

[0040] The input interface 66 processes various input signals from the input unit 63, reset means 64, tag reader 65, etc., and transmits them to the arithmetic processing unit 67. The arithmetic processing unit 67 consists of an MPU (Central Processing Unit) and includes a program calculation unit (ROM) 68, a memory unit (RAM) 69, an oscillator 70, and various controllers. According to the setting conditions input to the memory unit 69, the program calculation unit 68 transmits a signal for controlling the resonant frequency of the detection tag 2, detects whether the detection tag 2 is in a resonant state or a non-resonant state, or whether the resonant frequency has changed, outputs a detection signal, and has the function of controlling and processing.

[0041] This arithmetic processing unit 67 is equipped with a timer means 71, and the arithmetic processing unit 67 adjusts various timings, such as oscillating at the resonant frequency, or detecting the transition of the resonant frequency in the resonant or non-resonant state between the received detection tag 2 and the antenna unit 61, processing and outputting, transmitting, counting time, and performing control and calculations. This timer means 71 can also be one built into the CPU.

[0042] The digital output of the arithmetic processing unit 67 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 72 and sent to the transmission processing unit 73. If the D / A converter 72 is built into the MPU of the arithmetic processing unit 67, the analog output can be used directly.

[0043] The transmission processing unit 67 has a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) that emits a resonant frequency that forms an electromagnetically inductively coupled state with the detection tag 2, and emits a signal for electromagnetic induction coupling from the antenna unit 61. The emitted frequency is affected by the size and shape of the tag and the size of the antenna coil, and is also subject to legal restrictions, so currently, the 130 kHz to 135 kHz band and the 13.56 MHz band are mainly used for electromagnetic induction methods.

[0044] In the 135kHz band, the lower frequency results in longer and larger antenna coils and tags. Considering that these devices are also less susceptible to the influence of chemical components, it is desirable to use a frequency higher than this band, specifically the 13.56MHz band, as the basic detection frequency for urination detection. Using this high frequency or higher as the basic frequency makes it possible to miniaturize the antenna coil and detection tag.

[0045] In this invention, the antenna coil band 3 is wrapped around the user's waist in a band-belt shape, and the distance to the detection tag 2 is always constant and located at an extremely close distance. In methods where the antenna is installed near the user, such as on a bed, the distance between the detection tag and the antenna changes due to the user's movement, causing resonance errors and detection errors. However, with the method according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a device that is more reliable in detecting urination and has fewer detection errors compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, because the distance between the antenna and the detection tag is extremely short, it can be used with extremely low power consumption, complying with legal restrictions such as the Radio Law, and preventing interference with other medical devices and interference with the ISM (Industry Science Medical) band used in industrial and household electromagnetic wave equipment, thereby reducing unwanted radiation noise.

[0046] When urine penetrates the detection tag 2 placed in the diaper due to urination, and the capacitance of the detection tag 2 is short-circuited or changes, the resonant frequency due to electromagnetic induction coupling between the detection tag 2 and the antenna coil unit 62 changes. The change in the resonant state detected by the antenna coil unit 62 is supplied to the receiving processing unit 74. The receiving processing unit 74 demodulates the resonant frequency signal, detects the change in resonant frequency or transition of the resonant state, and sends out a detection signal. This detection signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 75 and sent to the arithmetic processing unit 67.

[0047] The detection signal sent to the arithmetic processing unit 67 is sent to the output interface 76 as a urination detection signal and can be transmitted to the appropriate output means via the output interface 76. This output means can be configured to notify receiving terminals 78 such as smartphones, used by nurses, caregivers, or monitors, of urination detection using warning sounds or flashing lights, etc., via external communication means 77 such as short-range wireless communication or Wi-Fi.

[0048] Furthermore, this detection signal can be transmitted via external communication means 77 to various wireless or external wired networks to mobile phones, personal computers, display monitors, etc. located outside or at a distance, by voice or email, notifying caregivers (caregivers, nurses, etc.) that a detection signal has been detected. In addition, these output signals from the output interface 15 and the detection signals from the external network can be recorded in a storage device in a data recording unit (not shown), such as a hard disk, and further stored as a database, and the system can be configured to analyze the user's urination characteristics. [Examples]

[0049] By arranging multiple detection tags according to the present invention around the diaper's urine absorbent material, urination detection and leakage detection can be performed. However, in Example 2, an example of a detection tag suitable for urination detection and urine leakage detection at multiple locations, similar to multiple detection tags, is shown. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration of the detection tag for the urine detection device of the present invention. The detection tag 80 has two capacitors that detect changes in capacitance and constitutes an LC closed circuit consisting of a tag coil (L) 81 and two capacitors (C1) and (C2).

[0050] The front electrodes 82 and 84 and back electrodes 83 and 85 of capacitors C1 and C2 are opposite each other across the dielectric substrate. The starting end 86 of the tag coil 81 is connected to the front electrodes 82 and 84 of capacitors C1 and C2, and the ending end 87 of the tag coil 81 is connected to the back electrodes 83 and 85 of capacitors C1 and C2 through the back side of the dielectric substrate.

[0051] Generally, the urine absorbent layer of a diaper has its entrance on the side facing the user's skin, absorbing several urinations, and is made of a superabsorbent polymer on the skin-facing side to prevent backflow. The urine accumulates inside the absorbent layer, and when it is full, it overflows from near the entrance. Therefore, capacitors C1 and C2 are placed spaced apart near the ends of the absorbent layer to detect this fullness. The distance between capacitors C1 and C2 is adjusted so that they are positioned at the ends of the diaper's urine absorbent layer where the urine overflows.

[0052] Figure 8 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of this configuration. The detection tag 80 is compatible with the detection tag in Example 1 and the detection tag in Example 2, provided that the fundamental resonant or non-resonant frequency is set to a predetermined high frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz). It can be used similarly for the antenna coil band 3 including the controller 5 shown in Figure 1.

[0053] Capacitor C1 and / or capacitor C2 are short-circuited sequentially or simultaneously, changing the capacitance of each capacitor and altering the resonant (or non-resonant) frequency. Since the resonant frequencies differ when one capacitor is short-circuited due to urination compared to when two capacitors are short-circuited, detecting the change in these different resonant (or non-resonant) frequencies generates an alert signal, similar to the above-described embodiment 1, allowing for the detection of the urination state.

[0054] Furthermore, while this embodiment 2 shows an example of a detection tag using two capacitors, by connecting capacitors in parallel or series, it becomes possible to detect changes in the capacitance of each capacitor due to urination. In other words, when using a detection tag with multiple capacitors, such as this detection tag 80, it becomes possible to perform the same detection with a single detection tag as when using multiple detection tags 2 as shown in Figure 7. By utilizing this ability to detect urination at multiple locations, detection locations can be appropriately set, and initial detection at the time of urination, detection of diaper fullness, and even detection of urine leakage can be performed depending on the detection location.

[0055] In this invention, the urination detection antenna and controller are wrapped around the user's waist, and the detection antenna and the detection tag inside the diaper are always at a constant distance from each other, detecting an electromagnetic resonance state. This ensures stable urination detection, and allows for continuous urination and leakage detection even when the user moves or leaves the bed. Furthermore, it is unaffected by changes in the electromagnetic resonance state caused by the use of electric blankets or the like. In addition, since there is no need to pre-install the antenna on the bed or elsewhere, installation is hassle-free, and urination and leakage detection is possible in any location. This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various inventions can be completed by modifying and embodying the components without departing from the gist of the invention, or by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. [Industrial applicability]

[0056] The urination detection device and detection tag for urination detection according to the present invention are mainly applied to diapers for nursing care, infants, and sick people, and can detect the user's urination status. This provides a comfortable usage environment for diaper users in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, and also improves the efficiency of caregivers such as caregivers and nurses by providing appropriate notification of when it is time to change the diaper, thus expanding the range of industrial applications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1 diaper 2. Detection tags 3 Antenna coil band 4. Mounting part 5. Controller (transmitter / receiver unit) 6. Antenna coil (stretchable conductor) 7 batteries 41 Coil Patterns 42 Surface electrodes 43 Back electrode 44 Through holes 45 Junction 51 circuit boards 54 Surface absorption layer 55 Back absorbent layer 56 Diaper absorbent 57 Insulating layer 61, 62 Antenna coil section 63 Input section 67. Arithmetic Processing Unit 77 External communication means 78 Receiving terminal

Claims

1. A urination detection device that detects electromagnetic induction coupling resonance or non-resonance states by an antenna unit and a detection tag placed inside the diaper, The detection tag is a passive type tag that forms a resonant circuit with a capacitor formed by sandwiching a dielectric substrate between a pair of electrodes and a tag coil connected to the capacitor, and the antenna part is attached to the diaper wearer by being wrapped around them near the detection tag. The detection tag is composed of multiple capacitors, and the multiple capacitors are arranged spaced apart at positions for initial detection of urination and for detection of urination fullness. A detection device characterized by detecting the initial and full states of urination by changing the capacitance of the plurality of capacitors as urine moisture permeates the urine absorbent material of the diaper.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna portion is formed using a stretchable conductor and is wrapped around the waist of the diaper wearer.

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