PROJECT PROPOSAL
Our proposed project is to create a detection and notification system, which is installed on the surface of diaper. The system consists of three color-detecting sensors, one temperature sensor, a signal amplifier, a bluetooth module and an Android application. The main function of the device is to notify the parents if the infants create the waste. The three image-detecting sensors will be located at the middle, top and bottom of the devices in order to discern the line-indicator on the diaper more accurately. Upon detecting the color change of the line-indicator on the diaper or the temperature change in the diaper, signals will be send to the amplifier module. Next, the platform will process and select the signals to Android mobile phone via bluetooth. Finally, the Android application will send a notification to the users if the signal indicates the infants has already made the wastes. We call the system “DiaperBELL”, meaning that parents will get a notification bell ring on their mobile device whenever their babies need a diaper change.
Problem Space and applications
Most first-time parents don’t have enough experience when they have their first baby. Even for parents who had kids before can be mind boggling sometimes because not all babies behave the same way. Often when a baby cries, it means he/she is emotionally unhappy, he/she is hungry, or he/she peed or pooped. Parents often needs to check the diaper first when their baby cries to make sure that it isn’t the reason that he/she cries, then to proceed managing the other two. Some of the babies don’t cry even when their diaper needs a change. Sometime it is hard for new parents to interpreter their babies’ behaviors; they have to check on their babies’ diapers more frequently to make sure their babies aren’t feeling any discomfort in their diapers. Even diapers nowadays with a wetness indicator line on the outside still doesn’t really reduce the labor of frequently checking from their parents point of view.
Our project takes this role of checking diapers for parents, and informing parents immediately when there is a need of changing diaper. Therefore, for parents, they benefit by not checking diaper frequently, saving a lot of time for themselves, not being paranoid all the time wondering their babies’ needs and keep their baby bacteria free. For babies who wear this device with their diapers, they benefit by letting their parents know precisely when they needs a change of diaper without needing to crying, always having an immediate change of fresh new diaper for comfort and keeping away from potential infection and disease.
Example Scenarios
For all parents who have babies that use a diapers.
For nurses at the hospital taking care of the newborns.
For elderly people who use diapers.
Related Technology
Infrared temperature sensing
Color sensing
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Signal amplifying circuit
3D printing
Android application
Potential Solutions
Use a multiplexer to pick which sensor is on.
Use more sensors to cover more areas of the wetness indication line.
Use a rechargeable battery to supply power.
Put sensors to sleep when they are not in use.
Resource Budgets
Refer to BOM