JP2002369810A - Urination detection transmission device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide a urination detection and transmission device capable of constantly detecting the state of urine in the bladder from the bladder with low invasiveness and high performance. A urination detection and transmission device is disposed in a bladder via a urethra, and a skeleton is deformed by body temperature, thereby deforming an outer shell from a contracted shape to an expanded shape. When the pressure and temperature in the bladder 2 are detected by the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 of the device main body 12 in the outer shell 13, and based on these detection results, when the amount of stored urine reaches the urination level, The detection signal is transmitted to the urination notification device via the transmission / reception antenna 17. The urination notification device that has received the detection signal sounds an alarm sound, and causes the detection target person to recognize that the amount of stored urine is at the urination level.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a urination detection / transmission device for detecting a state parameter relating to urine in the bladder and communicating the urination level by communicating from the bladder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a living body, excess water is stored in the bladder from the kidney via the ureter. Then, in the bladder, when the stored urine, which is the stored water, reaches the urination level, the urine is released from the body with good urination. However, when abnormalities occur in the autonomic nerves, voluntary nerves that control the bladder, damage to the urination mechanism, etc., or when the urination function is reduced, the natural physiological reaction, urination, is lost, and urinary incontinence is likely to occur. .

[0003] By the way, as a diagnostic device for detecting a condition in the bladder, for example, a bladder internal pressure measuring device comprising a catheter having a bladder internal pressure sensor and a measuring device connected to the catheter has been known. . This device is
The catheter is inserted from the urethra, and a pressure change in the bladder, such as a pressure increase acting on the inside of the bladder due to an increase in the amount of stored urine, is detected by an intravesical pressure sensor. Then, the detection result is recognized via the measuring device.

The following is the description of the use of this apparatus for measuring intravesical pressure in order to prevent the above-mentioned urinary incontinence. That is, when the stored urine volume is stored in the bladder to the urination level, the result of the increase in the pressure in the bladder detected by the intravesical pressure sensor is displayed on the measurement device via the catheter. Then, with this measuring device, a detection target person or a caregiver can know that the amount of urine stored in the bladder is the level of urination. If the amount of stored urine is at the level of urination, the catheter is once removed from the urethra to urinate.

[0005]

However, when the above-mentioned device for measuring intravesical pressure is used to prevent urinary incontinence, it is necessary to detect the internal state (internal pressure) of the bladder.
It is necessary to insert a catheter from the urethra each time, so-called highly invasive, and the influence on the detection target is large. Further, in order to detect the state inside the bladder, it is necessary to connect the catheter inserted into the urethra and the measuring device, so that it is difficult to always use the catheter.

Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-171149
As represented by the publication, a urination warning device including an ultrasonic probe, a signal processing mechanism, and an alarm has been proposed. The ultrasonic probe can contact an abdominal skin surface of a human body, irradiates an ultrasonic wave from outside to a bladder wall, and receives a reflected echo thereof. Further, the signal processing mechanism determines whether or not the amount of urine stored in the bladder is at the urination level based on the reflected echo received by the ultrasonic probe. Then, the alarm is activated when it is determined that the amount of stored urine has reached the drainage level. According to the urination warning device, since the amount of stored urine can be detected by attaching the ultrasonic probe to the abdomen, the device can be always used. In addition, since the ultrasonic waves are used from the outside, the invasion becomes minimally invasive.

[0007] However, since this urination warning device detects the amount of stored urine by the reflected echo of the ultrasonic wave radiated from the outside of the human body, the ultrasonic wave does not properly reach the bladder, or the ultrasonic probe detects the amount of urine. There is a possibility that sufficient sensitivity may not be obtained due to individual differences in the distance to.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to determine whether the amount of urine stored in the bladder has reached the level of urination, that is, to determine the state of urine in the bladder. It is an object of the present invention to provide a urination detection and transmission device capable of constantly detecting the inside of the bladder with high performance in a minimally invasive manner.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an invention according to claim 1 comprises an outer shell capable of being deformed from a contracted shape to an expanded shape under a predetermined condition in the bladder;
A urine state detecting means, which is housed in the outer shell and is capable of detecting a state parameter related to a physical quantity related to urine in the bladder, and a predetermined detection signal based on a state parameter detected by the urine state detecting means. The gist of the present invention is to provide a device main body having a transmission unit for transmitting to the outside.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the contracted shape of the outer shell has a size that can pass through the urethra, and the expanded shape has a size that cannot pass through the urethra. It is the gist that it is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the outer shell is formed in a mesh shape. The invention described in claim 4 is the first invention.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus main body is configured to receive a power supply signal from outside, and to perform power supply to the apparatus main body based on the power supply signal. 5. The gist is that the power supply unit is further provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the urine state detecting means includes a pressure detecting means for detecting an internal pressure in the bladder and a urine state in the bladder. The gist of the present invention is to include at least one of temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the outer shell of the urination detecting and transmitting device expands under a predetermined condition in the bladder, and changes from a contracted shape to an expanded shape. Then, a state parameter relating to a physical quantity related to urine in the bladder is detected by the urine state detecting means of the apparatus main body accommodated in the outer shell, and a predetermined detection based on the detection result is performed by the transmitting unit of the apparatus main body. The signal is transmitted to the outside. For this reason, the outer shell formed in the inflated shape allows the urination detection / transmission device to stay in the bladder, and the state in the bladder is detected by the urination detection / transmission device arranged in the bladder.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the outer shell of the urination detection and transmission device has a contracted shape that is large enough to pass through the urethra communicating with the inside of the bladder, and thus cannot pass through the urethra. Deforms into an expanded shape that becomes large. For this reason, the urination detection and transmission device is preferably disposed in the bladder via the urethra.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the outer shell is formed in a mesh shape, even when the urination detecting / transmitting device is positioned in the bladder relative to the opening of the urethra, the same effect is obtained. The opening of the urethra is not blocked.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an external power supply signal is received by the receiving section of the apparatus main body, and power is supplied into the apparatus main body by the power supply section based on the power supply signal. . For this reason, the power supply unit continues to supply power as long as the power supply signal is received.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the condition in the bladder is detected by at least one of a pressure detecting means for detecting an internal pressure in the bladder and a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of urine in the bladder. Is realized.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the urination notification system 1. The urination notification system 1 includes a urination detection transmission device 11 and a urination notification device 31.

The urination detection and transmission device 11 is arranged in the bladder 2, grasps and detects the urine state in the bladder 2, and transmits the urination level to the outside as a detection signal. The urination notification device 31 receives the detection signal sent from the urination detection transmission device 11 and notifies the detection target 3 (see FIG. 5).

(Urination Detection Transmitter 11) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the urine detection transmitter 11 includes an apparatus main body 12 and an outer shell 13, and the apparatus main body 12 includes a control circuit 16, Transmission / reception antenna 17, power supply capacitor 1
8, a pressure sensor 19, and a temperature sensor 20. A transmission unit and a reception unit are configured by the control circuit 16 and the transmission / reception antenna 17, and the power supply capacitor 18 corresponds to a power supply unit. The pressure sensor 19 corresponds to a pressure detecting unit and a urine state detecting unit.
It corresponds to temperature detecting means and urine state detecting means.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer shell 13 is formed in a spherical shape, and has a diameter equal to that of the urethra 4 communicating with the bladder 2.
(See FIG. 4). Outer shell 13
Is composed of a skeleton 21 that passes through both poles of the outer shell 13 and is arranged at predetermined intervals, and a mesh 22 having a mesh shape and covering the skeleton 21 and having flexibility. Have been.

The mesh body 22 is formed of a biocompatible material such as a silicone resin or an ethylene tetrafluoride resin which does not give a bad influence or a strong stimulus to a living body for a long period of time. The skeleton 21 is formed of a shape memory alloy whose surface is coated with a biocompatible material such as silicone resin. The skeletal portion 21 returns to a spherical shape in a temperature range of 35 to 45 degrees even if it is plastically deformed. Hereinafter, this outer shell 13
The spherical shape in the (skeleton portion 21) is called an expanded shape. Note that the arrangement of the outer shell 13 in a temperature range of 35 to 45 degrees corresponds to a predetermined condition.

The main body 12 is accommodated in the outer shell 13. The device main body 12 is formed in a columnar capsule, and is sized to be able to pass through the urethra 4. The surface is coated with a biocompatible material such as a silicone resin. Then, in a state where the apparatus main body 12 is housed, the outer shell 13 (the skeleton 21 and the net 22)
Is twisted about its two poles, so that the skeleton 21
Is plastically deformed, and as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the outer shell 13 (the skeleton 2)
The shape in close contact with the apparatus main body 12 in 1) is called a contracted shape. In the present embodiment, the diameter and the length of the urination detection and transmission device 11 in which the outer shell 13 is in a contracted shape are 5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length so that the urination detection transmission device 11 can pass through the urethra 4. The diameter and the length are not limited to the above numerical values, but may be any size as long as they can pass through the urethra 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transmitting / receiving antenna 17, the power supply capacitor 1
8, the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20
6 is connected.

The transmission / reception antenna 17 is constituted by a coil antenna, receives a power supply signal (radio wave) from the urination notification device 31, and outputs a detection signal, which is a radio wave of a predetermined frequency, output from the control circuit 16 to an external device. Output. The power supply capacitor 18 receives a power supply signal and accumulates electric charges in each electrode by an induced current generated in a coil of the transmitting / receiving antenna 17. Then, based on the accumulated charge, the control circuit 16
Electric power is supplied to the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20.

The pressure sensor 19 detects the pressure (internal pressure) in the bladder 2, that is, the pressure generated when urine accumulates in the bladder, based on the power supplied from the power supply capacitor 18. Has become. As the pressure sensor 19, for example, a sensor having a small driving power such as a capacitance type pressure sensor is used. Further, the temperature sensor 20 detects the temperature in the bladder 2, that is, the temperature of urine when urine is stored in the bladder, by the power supplied from the power supply capacitor 18. As the temperature sensor 20, for example, a sensor having a small driving power such as a thermocouple is used. The pressure in the bladder 2 and the temperature of the urine correspond to state parameters related to the amount of substance related to urine.

The control circuit 16 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.
It has. The CPU of the control circuit 16 determines whether or not the pressure in the bladder 2 has exceeded a preset pressure based on an input signal input from the pressure sensor 19 or the temperature sensor 20, or the temperature in the bladder 2 It is determined whether or not a preset temperature has been exceeded. Then, when the detection result by the pressure sensor 19 or the temperature sensor 20 exceeds a threshold value (set pressure or set temperature), the control circuit 16 outputs a detection signal to the transmitting / receiving antenna 17 side. Pressure sensor 19 or temperature sensor 2
In the present embodiment, a detection signal indicating that the detection result of 0 has exceeded the threshold value corresponds to a predetermined detection signal.

The bladder 2 in which the urination detection and transmission device 11 is arranged is an organ having high elasticity, and changes its shape in accordance with the amount of stored urine. When the amount of urine stored in the bladder 2 increases, the pressure acting on the bladder 2 increases, and accordingly, the temperature in the bladder 2 slightly increases. Therefore, the pressure in the bladder 2 when the stored urine volume is at the urination level corresponds to the set pressure, and the temperature in the bladder 2 when the stored urine volume is at the urination level corresponds to the set temperature.

(Urination Notification Device 31) As shown in FIG.
The urination notification device 31 includes a control circuit 32, a transmitting / receiving antenna 3
3, an alarm 34, and a battery 35. The transmitting / receiving antenna 33, the alarm 34, and the battery 35 are connected to the control circuit 32.
, And the control circuit 32 and the alarm 34 are driven by the electric power supplied from the battery 35. Further, the urination notification device 31 is formed in a size that can be carried by the detection target person 3, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. It is hung on.

The transmission / reception antenna 33 is constituted by a coil antenna, receives a detection signal (radio wave) from the urination detection / transmission device 11 and outputs a power supply signal which is a radio wave of a predetermined frequency output from the control circuit 32. It is designed to output to the outside.

The control circuit 32 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
M, and an amplifier. CPU of control circuit 32
Is adapted to output a power supply signal intermittently at a fixed period to the transmitting / receiving antenna 33 side. The control circuit 32
Receives the detection signal input via the transmission / reception antenna 33, and outputs a notification signal to the alarm device 34 based on the detection signal. The alarm 34 includes a speaker (not shown), and emits an alarm sound in response to a notification signal input from the control circuit 32.

Next, the urination notification system 1 (the urination detection / transmission device 11 and the urination notification device 3 configured as described above)
The operation of 1) will be described. First, in order to use the urination notification system 1 for the purpose of preventing urinary incontinence, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The urination detection and transmission device 11 is inserted into the urethra 4 from the external urethral opening of the detection subject 3 and placed in the bladder 2 via the urethra 4. At this time, the passage time of the urination detection / transmission device 11 to the urethra 4 is set at 35 by the urination detection / transmission device 11 (the outer shell 13) stored in the low temperature range.
It is assumed that the urination detection and transmission device 11 is inserted into the bladder 2 so as to be shorter than the time required to reach a temperature exceeding the temperature.

In the bladder 2, the skeleton 21 of the outer shell 13 is heated at the body temperature (in the case of a normal healthy person, the body temperature is around 36 ° C.).
2 expands, and the outer shell 13 assumes an expanded shape as shown by a solid line in FIG. In this way, the urination detection and transmission device 11 is arranged in the bladder 2. It should be noted that the time required for the urination detection transmission device 11 to pass through the urethra 4 is shorter than the time required for the urination detection transmission device 11 (the outer shell 13) stored in the low temperature range to reach a temperature exceeding 35 degrees. Therefore, it does not become an expanded shape.

At this time, since the outer shell 13 in the expanded shape has a diameter larger than the diameter of the urethra 4, even if urination is performed from the bladder 2 via the urethra 4, the urination detection and transmission device 11 Does not leak out. Therefore,
Once the urination detection / transmission device 11 is arranged in the bladder 2, it is not necessary to insert the urination detection / transmission device 11 through the urethra 4 again. Therefore, the invasion is less invasive than in the related art in which a catheter is inserted into the urethra 4 in order to grasp the state in the bladder 2. Further, since the mesh 22 of the outer shell 13 is formed in a mesh shape, the inner urethral opening is closed even when the urination detection transmitting device 11 is positioned in the bladder 2 in a state facing the inner urethral opening. The stored urine passes through the outer shell 13 and flows to the urethra 4.

Now, the detection subject 3 in which the urination detection / transmission device 11 is arranged in the bladder 2 carries the urination notification device 31 in order to operate the urination detection / transmission device 11. Then, a power supply signal transmitted from the control circuit 32 of the urination notification device 31 via the transmission / reception antenna 33 is received by the transmission / reception antenna 17 of the urination detection / transmission device 11. At this time, in the transmitting / receiving antenna 17, which is a coil antenna, the magnetic flux constituting the power supply signal passes through the inside of the coil. Then, a voltage is induced in the transmitting / receiving antenna 17 and an induced current is generated. Due to this induced current, electric charges are accumulated in each electrode of the power supply capacitor 18.

As a result, the power supply capacitor 18
The capacitor 18 functions as a power supply by the electric charge accumulated in the control circuit 16, and the control circuit 16, the pressure sensor 19, and the temperature sensor 20 can be driven. Therefore, as long as the detection target person 3 wears the urination notification device 31 or arranges the urination notification device 31 near the detection target person 3, the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 always use the pressure and temperature in the bladder 2. Are made detectable. At this time, unlike the related art in which the catheter is inserted into the urethra 4, since the urination notification device 31 carried by the detection target 3 and the urination detection transmitting device 11 disposed in the bladder 2 are wireless, The degree of freedom of the action of the detection target person 3 is increased, and the detection target 3 can be always used.

By the way, the amount of urine stored in the bladder 2 increases,
When the stored urine volume is stored up to the urination level, the CPU of the control circuit 16 determines the urination level based on an input signal input from the pressure sensor 19 or the temperature sensor 20,
The detection signal is output to the transmitting / receiving antenna 17 side. And
The detection signal is transmitted to the urination notification device 31 as a radio wave of a predetermined frequency via the transmission / reception antenna 17. The CPU of the control circuit 16 outputs a detection signal when at least one of the detection results of the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 exceeds a threshold value (set pressure and set temperature).

The control circuit 32 of the urination notification device 31 receives the detection signal via the transmission / reception antenna 33. Then, the control circuit 32 outputs a notification signal to the alarm 34 based on the detection signal. Then, the alarm 34 sounds an alarm sound, and notifies the detection target 3 that the amount of stored urine in the bladder 2 is at the urination level.

In this way, the detection subject 3 knows that he / she has urination, and urinary incontinence is prevented. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In the above embodiment, the urination detecting and transmitting device 11 is arranged in the bladder 2 via the urethra 4 and the skeleton 21 is deformed by body temperature, so that the outer shell 13 changes from a contracted shape to an expanded shape. Deform. Then, the pressure and temperature in the bladder 2 are detected by the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 of the device main body 12 housed in the outer shell 13, and based on these detection results, the amount of stored urine reaches the urination level. In this case, a detection signal is transmitted to the urination notification device 31 via the transmission / reception antenna 17. Therefore, once the urination detecting and transmitting device 11 is disposed in the bladder 2 by the expanded outer shell 13 having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the urethra 4, the urethra 4
Unlike the conventional case in which a catheter is inserted into the urethra 4 in order to grasp the state inside the bladder 2, unlike the conventional case, in which the catheter is inserted into the urethra 4.

(2) Further, since the urination detecting and transmitting device 11 in which the outer shell 13 has been deformed into the inflated shape stays in the bladder 2, the pressure and temperature in the bladder 2 are always measured by the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20. If it can be detected and the urination notification device 31 is carried, urinary incontinence can always be prevented.

(3) In the above embodiment, based on the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 of the urination detecting and transmitting device 11 arranged in the bladder 2, the urination level is detected from the inside of the bladder 2 in which the stored urine is stored. . Therefore, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the outside of the human body and the reflected echo can detect the urination level with higher performance as compared with the related art in which the urination level of the stored urine amount is detected.

(4) In the above embodiment, since the net 22 constituting the outer shell 13 other than the skeleton 21 is formed in a mesh shape, the urination detection / transmission device 11 faces the inner urethra in the bladder 2. , The stored urine can be suitably flowed into the urethra 4 by passing through the outer shell 13 (the urination detection transmitting device 11) without blocking the inner urethral opening.

(5) In the above embodiment, the urination detecting / transmitting device 11 having the contracted outer shell 13 is sized so that it can be inserted into the urethra 4, and is inserted into the bladder 2 through the urethra 4 through the urethral opening. Was placed. Therefore, unlike the case where the urination detection and transmission device 11 is arranged in the bladder 2 by, for example, abdominal incision, the urination detection and transmission device 11 can be arranged on the bladder 2 with minimal invasiveness.

(6) In the above embodiment, the urination detection / transmission device 11 is provided with the power supply capacitor 18, and the transmission / reception antenna 17 of the urination detection / transmission device 11 is constituted by a coil antenna. The transmitting / receiving antenna 17 is connected to the urination notification device 3.
An electric charge is accumulated in a power supply capacitor 18 by an induced current generated by receiving a power supply signal from the first side, and the electric charge is used as drive power for a control circuit 16, a pressure sensor 19, and a temperature sensor 20. For this reason, unlike the case where a battery is provided in the urination detection transmission device 11 as a power source, the urination notification device 3
As long as 1 is disposed in the vicinity of the urination detection / transmission device 11, the urination detection / transmission device 11 can always be in a usable state. Accordingly, as long as no failure occurs in the urination detection and transmission device 11, it is not necessary to arrange the urination detection and transmission device 11 in the bladder 2 again.

(7) In the above embodiment, when the amount of urine stored in the bladder 2 reaches the urination level, the urination notification device 31 that has received the detection signal from the urination detection transmitting device 11
By sounding an alarm sound from the alarm 34, the urination level can be appropriately notified to the detection target 3.

(8) Since the urination notification device 31 and the urination detection transmitting device 11 disposed in the bladder 2 are wireless, there is no obstacle to the daily operation of the detection target 3 and the urination detection transmitting device 11 is always used. it can.

(9) In the above embodiment, the urination notification device 3
Since 1 is formed in a portable size, the degree of freedom of the action of the detection target person 3 can be increased. (10) In the above embodiment, since the skeleton 21 of the outer shell 13 and the device main body 12 are coated with a biocompatible material in the urination detection and transmission device 11 arranged in the bladder 2, the urination detection and transmission device 11 is Placed in
It does not adversely affect the living body or cause strong irritation.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows. In the above-described embodiment, the urination detection / transmission device 11 transmits and receives the detection signal and the power supply signal by the transmission / reception antenna 17 provided in the device main body 12. May be connected to the skeleton portion 21 and the shape memory alloy constituting the skeleton portion 21 may be used as the antenna.

In the above embodiment, the apparatus main body 12 is used to detect the internal pressure and temperature which are the state parameters in the bladder 2.
Although the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 are provided in the first embodiment, an embodiment in which only the pressure sensor 19 is provided may be adopted. Even in this case, it is possible to appropriately detect that the urination level has been reached.

In the above embodiment, the urination notification device 31
Provided with a hook (not shown) and can be hooked on a belt or the like. However, for example, a mode in which a wristband is provided and can be worn on an arm may be adopted. Further, the urination notification device 31 may be carried by a caregiver or a nurse. In addition, urination notification device 31
It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the portable telephone is not fixed, but is installed and fixed at a predetermined place.

In the above embodiment, the urination detection and transmission device 1
Although the outer shell 13 of the first embodiment is formed by using a mesh body 22 formed in a mesh shape, a flexible body having a plurality of holes formed in place of the mesh body 22 so that the inner urethral opening of the urethra 4 is not closed. The outer shell 13 may be composed of a film-shaped film having properties.

In the above embodiment, the urination detection and transmission device 1
In the first control circuit 16, it was determined whether or not the detection results detected by the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 exceeded the threshold. However, the control circuit 16 did not determine the detection result, and the urination notification device 31 The determination of the detection result may be performed by the control circuit 32. That is, the control circuit 16 separately transmits the input signals input from the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 to the urination notification device 31 as detection signals. Then, in the control circuit 32 of the urination notification device 31, the CPU determines whether the pressure or temperature in the bladder 2 exceeds a preset set pressure or set temperature based on a detection signal related to pressure or a detection signal related to temperature. Determine whether or not. When the CPU of the control circuit 32 determines that the amount of stored urine is at the urination level, the CPU of the control circuit 32 outputs a notification signal to the alarm 34 side, and the alarm 34 sounds an alarm. You. Even in this case, the urination level can be appropriately reported. In this case, the input signals input from the pressure sensor 19 and the temperature sensor 20 correspond to predetermined detection signals.

In the above-described embodiment, the alarm 34 is provided with a speaker, and the detection target 3 is notified of the urination level by an alarm sound. Instead, a mode of notifying the urination level by light or vibration may be adopted. Further, these may be used in combination. For example, if the alarm 34 and the vibration device are combined, even if the person in use is sleeping, it is possible to wake up earlier. In addition, when a vibration device is used, there is an advantage that a person who is deaf or hard of eyes can be quickly notified. In addition, when an indicator light is used, it is possible to notify a hearing-impaired person.

In the above embodiment, the urination detection and transmission device 1
1 control circuit 16, pressure sensor 19, temperature sensor 20
Although power is supplied by the electric charge stored in the power supply capacitor 18, a battery may be provided in the apparatus main body 12, and the power may be driven by the power supplied from the battery. In this case, the power supply capacitor 1
8 is not required, and it is not necessary to transmit a power supply signal from the urination notification device 31 to the urination detection transmission device 11.

In the above embodiment, the urination detection and transmission device 1
In 1, the transmission and reception of the detection signal and the power supply signal are performed by the transmission and reception antenna 17, but the transmission antenna and the reception antenna may be provided separately. In this case, the transmitting antenna corresponds to the transmitting unit, and the receiving antenna corresponds to the receiving unit.
In the urination notification device 31, the transmitting / receiving antenna 33 is also provided.
Although the transmission and reception of the power supply signal and the detection signal were performed in the above, the transmission antenna and the reception antenna may be separately provided.

In the above embodiment, the urination detecting / transmitting device 11 having the contracted outer shell 13 is arranged in the bladder 2 from the urethral opening through the urethra 4, but a hole is formed in the abdomen and the bladder 2 facing the bladder 2. Or open the abdomen and bladder 2,
The urination detection / transmission device 11 whose outer shell 13 has a contracted shape may be arranged in the bladder 2. In this case, the urination detection transmission device 11 does not necessarily need to be formed in a size that can pass through the urethra 4.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and other examples will be described below together with their effects. (1) In the urination detection / transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the outer shell and the device main body are formed of a biocompatible material or coated with a biocompatible material. A urination detection transmission device characterized by the above-mentioned.
In this way, even when the urination detection and transmission device is disposed in the bladder in the body for a long period of time, the urination detection and transmission device does not adversely affect the living body or give strong stimulation.

(2) In the urination detection / transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the technical idea (1), the predetermined condition under which the outer shell expands is a predetermined temperature range. Urination detection transmission device that is to stay. With this configuration, the outer shell can be easily deformed into an expanded shape by staying in the predetermined temperature range. In the above embodiment, the temperature range of 35 to 45 degrees corresponds to the predetermined temperature range.

(3) Receiving means for receiving a detection signal transmitted from the urination detection transmitting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the technical ideas (1) and (2). And a notification means for urging the urine of the bladder based on the detection signal. In this way, when the urination detection transmission device is used, the urination level of urine in the bladder can be appropriately notified to the detection target. In the above-described embodiment, the control circuit 32 and the transmitting / receiving antenna 33 constitute a receiving unit, and the alarm 34 corresponds to a notifying unit.

(4) In the urination notification device according to the above technical concept (3), transmission for transmitting a power supply signal for power supply to the receiving unit of the urination detection transmission device according to the fourth aspect. A urination notification device further comprising means. With this configuration, the transmission unit can suitably realize transmission of the power supply signal to the receiving unit of the urination detection and transmission device. In the above-described embodiment, a transmission unit is configured by the control circuit 32 and the transmission / reception antenna 33.

(5) The urination notification device according to the technical concept (3) or (4), wherein the external shape of the device is formed in a portable size. In this way, the degree of freedom of the action of the detection target person can be increased.

(6) The urination detection / transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the technical ideas (1) and (2), and the technical ideas (3) to (5). A urination notification system comprising the urination notification device according to any one of the above.

[0064]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the state of urine in the bladder can be constantly detected from the inside of the bladder with high performance in a minimally invasive manner.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the urination detecting / transmitting apparatus can be suitably arranged in the bladder via the urethra. According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, even when the urination detection transmitting device is located in the bladder relative to the opening of the urethra, the urethra is blocked. Therefore, the communication between the inside of the bladder and the urethra can be suitably maintained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention, the power supply unit supplies the main unit of the apparatus based on an external power supply signal. Since the power supply is performed inside the urine, it is not necessary to take out the apparatus main body from the inside of the bladder and replace the power supply source, and the urination detection transmitting apparatus can be used continuously as long as the power supply signal is received.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the state of the bladder is detected by detecting the internal pressure of the bladder. This can be suitably realized by at least one of the means and the temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature in the bladder.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a urination notification system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the urination detection and transmission device when the outer shell has a contracted shape.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the urination detection and transmission device when the outer shell has an expanded shape.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a urination detection and transmission device similarly arranged in the bladder.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detection target person wearing the urination notification device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Urination notification system, 2. Bladder, 4. Urethra (urethra),
11 ... urination detection transmission device, 12 ... device main body, 13 ... outer shell, 16 ... control circuit (transmission unit, reception unit), 17 ... transmission / reception antenna (transmission unit, reception unit), 18 ... power supply capacitor (power supply) 19) Pressure sensor (pressure detecting means, urine state detecting means), 20 ... Temperature sensor (temperature detecting means, urine state detecting means).

Claims (5)

[Claims] An outer shell deformable from a contracted shape to an expanded shape under a predetermined condition in the bladder, and a state parameter related to a physical quantity related to urine in the bladder, housed in the outer shell, can be detected. A urination detection / transmission device, comprising: a urine state detection means; and an apparatus main body including a transmission unit for transmitting a predetermined detection signal to the outside based on a state parameter detected by the urine state detection means. . 2. The urination detection transmission according to claim 1, wherein the contracted shape of the outer shell has a size that can pass through the urethra, and the inflated shape has a size that cannot pass through the urethra. apparatus. 3. The urination detection and transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell is formed in a mesh shape. 4. The apparatus main body further includes: a receiving unit that receives an external power supply signal; and a power supply unit that enables power to be supplied into the apparatus main body based on the power supply signal. The urination detection and transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 5. The urine condition detecting means includes at least one of a pressure detecting means for detecting an internal pressure in the bladder and a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of urine in the bladder. The urination detection transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.