Moisture detection element, exhaled gas detection device, exhaled air inspection system, and dew condensation removal method

A moisture detection element comprising:

• an insulating portion composed of an insulating material;
• a voltage-applied portion to which a voltage is applied;
• and
• an output portion configured to output a voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through an electric path including water molecules adhering to the surface of the insulating portion in accordance with the voltage applied to the voltage-applied portion,
• wherein, if a potential between the voltage-applied portion and the output portion is equal to a predefined value or more before exhaled air is introduced, a DC current is applied to the voltage-applied portion.

An exhaled gas detection device comprising:

• a moisture detection unit in which a voltage-applied portion to which a voltage is applied, an output portion for outputting a voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through an electric path including water molecules adhering to the surface of the insulating portion in accordance with the voltage applied to the voltage-applied portion, and a conductive portion that is conductive and electrically insulated from the voltage-applied portion and the output portion are disposed on an insulating portion composed of an insulating material;
• a gas detection unit configured to measure a gas concentration included in the air;
• an analysis unit configured to analyze the voltage signal output from the moisture detection unit and a detection signal output from the gas detection unit;
• and
• a display unit configured to display the analysis result output from the analysis unit,
• wherein, if the air is the exhaled air of a person, the analysis unit calculates a gas concentration included in the air introduced from the gas detection unit on the basis of the voltage signal output from the moisture detection unit.

An exhaled air inspection system comprising

• a moisture detection unit in which a voltage-applied portion to which a voltage is applied, an output portion for outputting a voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through an electric path including water molecules adhering to the surface of the insulating portion in accordance with the voltage applied to the voltage-applied portion, and a conductive portion that is conductive and electrically insulated from the voltage-applied portion and the output portion are disposed on an insulating portion composed of an insulating material, the exhaled air inspection system further comprising:
• an exhaled air introduction unit into which exhaled air is introduced;
• and
• a gas measurement unit that is installed in the periphery of the moisture detection unit and measures the concentrations of predefined kinds of gases.

A dew condensation removal method,

• wherein, in a moisture detection element including:
• an insulating portion composed of an insulating material;
• a voltage-applied portion to which a voltage is applied;
• and
• an output portion configured to output a voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through an electric path including water molecules adhering to the surface of the insulating portion in accordance with the voltage applied to the voltage-applied portion,
• if a potential between the voltage-applied portion and the output portion is equal to a predefined value or more before exhaled air is introduced, a DC current is applied to the voltage-applied portion.