DEVELOPMENT OF AN AMBULATORY INCONTINENCE MONITOR

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

I. INTRODUCTIONWe developed a stationary type ambulatory inconti-nence monitor using a tin oxide semiconductor odor sensor. This was used for monitoring the excretion of disabled elderly. In this paper, we present a trial applica-tion of a portable type ambulatory incontinence monitor.II. MATERIALS and METHODSThe systems consists of a tin oxide semiconductor sensor, an air-pump, signal processing circuits, and a memory and display device (PC : NEC9800NX).1) Improvement of the tin oxide semiconductor odor sensorWe used TGS2600 series D1 for the stationary type monitor, a dual sided mounting type sensor which en-abled constant charged conditions of heating circuits (AC, DC) of 5V plus-minus 0.2V. For this trial, we used TGS 2400 series M1, a one-sided mounting type sensor. The heat circuits were driven by the pulse voltage appli-cation. The sensor signals were measured at a timing of 150msec after the application of the heater voltage. The housing of the sensor was a column of 9.2mm oute … More r dia-meter and 7.8mm in height. Weights is 1.1g.2) Air pumpaphragm Pump, 2002G(ASF made by Thomas Co.) was used. Applied voltage was DC6V. The air was sampled at a rate of 350ml/min continuously.3) SystemsThe tip of the vinyl chloride tube was placed at the coccyx between the diaper and the cover. Air was con-tinuously sampled through the tip of the tube using an air pump for 72 hours. The sensor signals were processed by the PC and results were displayed on a CRT. We used hard copies of the results for the investigation.III. RESULTSThe systems responded to urination and defecation. Response curve obtained at the time of urination showed spike like patterns. That obtained at the time of defeca-tion showed high plateau like patterns.IV. CONCLUSIONSWe used a method to transfer the signals direct to the PC. We plan to use a batch method by which the sensor signals will be continuously recorded on RAM and read by the PC. This method will be applicable for the portable type. The pulse driven sensor showed improved sensitivity especially to hydrogen sulfide and ethanol gases.The sensor as well as the pump driven at low power consumption that is suitable for the portable monitor. Less