Communication system

Abstract

To provide a communication system that enables a stoma orthosis user to consult a stoma orthosis selection and the like, while the stoma orthosis user makes communication with others without a physical restriction such as time and a place.SOLUTION: A communication system 100 comprises: a stoma orthosis user 111; a stoma orthosis provider 131; a virtual space on a network N at least one person of a medical staff member 121 and other stoma orthosis user is accessible to; and a server device 151 that provides an avatar operable in the virtual space, and a virtual stoma orthosis operable in the virtual space. A first communication terminal 112, second communication terminal 122, and third communication terminal 132 have a communication unit that receives and transmits at least one communication information of text information, voice information and video information for communicating with the stoma orthosis user and other person in the virtual space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system that enables support for a person using a stoma appliance in a virtual space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technology has been proposed to create a virtual space on a network where home medical care patients can communicate with other home medical care patients, medical professionals, home medical equipment providers, relatives, etc., in order to facilitate communication between home medical care patients and others.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for supporting home medical care, which includes a first communication terminal used by a home medical care patient and connected to a network, a home medical device used by the home medical care patient and connected to the first communication terminal or the network, a second communication terminal used by a provider of the home medical device and connected to the network, a third communication terminal used by at least one of other home medical care patients, relatives of the home medical care patient, and medical workers and connected to the network, and a virtual communication terminal on the network that is connected to the first communication terminal, the home medical device, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal via the network and is accessible by the home medical care patient, the provider of the home medical device, and at least one of other home medical care patients, relatives of the home medical care patient, and medical workers. A home medical support system is disclosed, comprising: a server device that provides a virtual space, a human model that can be operated in the virtual space, and a medical equipment model that can be operated in the virtual space, wherein the home medical equipment has a means for transmitting at least one of device information of the medical equipment and biometric information of the home medical patient using it, the first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal have a means for enabling transmission and reception of at least one of text information, audio information, and video information for communication between the home medical patient and the other person in the virtual space, and wherein when the third communication terminal is a medical professional, the medical professional can operate the medical equipment model in the virtual space, thereby remotely operating the home medical equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5296340 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the possibility that stoma appliance users who need to receive actual medical treatment, etc., would seek advice on selecting a stoma appliance, etc., and further improvements in the technology are desired.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its main object to provide a communication system that enables a stoma appliance user to communicate with others and consult with them about selecting a stoma appliance, etc., without physical constraints such as time and place. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the communication system of the present invention includes a first communication terminal used by a stoma appliance user who uses a stoma appliance and connected to a network, a second communication terminal used by at least one of a stoma appliance provider or a medical professional and connected to the network, a third communication terminal used by other stoma appliance users and connected to the network, and a server device connected to the first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal via the network, and providing a virtual space on the network accessible by at least one of the stoma appliance user, the stoma appliance provider, the medical professional, and the other stoma appliance users, an avatar that can be operated in the virtual space, and a virtual stoma appliance that can be operated in the virtual space, wherein the first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal have a communication unit that transmits and receives at least one communication information selected from text information, audio information, and video information for communication between the stoma appliance user and other persons in the virtual space.

[0008] In addition, the communication system of the present invention further includes a stoma appliance selection device used by the stoma appliance user and connected to the first communication terminal or the network, the stoma appliance selection device having a selection unit that selects the stoma appliance based on at least one appliance selection information selected from information on the stoma appliance and biometric information of the stoma appliance user, and a communication unit that transmits and receives the appliance selection information, and the server device provides a virtual stoma appliance selection device that can be operated within the virtual space, and the stoma appliance provider or the medical staff can operate the virtual stoma appliance selection device in the virtual space, thereby allowing them to remotely operate the stoma appliance selection device.

[0009] Furthermore, the communication system of the present invention can be configured such that the selection unit has an abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit that evaluates the hardness of the abdomen based on the depth to which the abdomen of the stoma appliance user is depressed and the repulsive force of the abdomen pushing back, and selects the stoma appliance based on the evaluation by the abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the communication system of the present invention, a stoma appliance user can communicate with others and consult about selecting a stoma appliance, etc., without physical constraints such as time and place. Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited, and may be any of the effects described in this specification. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a communication terminal of a prosthetic equipment retailer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of a stoma appliance selection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing a flow for accessing a virtual space according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of a virtual space according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a selection unit in a stoma appliance selection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of a typical embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention, and various combinations, modifications, and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0013] First Embodiment A communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] <1. Communication system configuration> First, a communication system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the communication system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes, by way of example, an appliance user residence 110, a medical institution 120, an appliance provider facility 130, another appliance user residence 140, a server center 150, an appliance retailer 160, and a stoma appliance selection device 170.

[0016] A first communication terminal 112 used by a stoma appliance user 111 is installed in the appliance user residence 110. A second communication terminal 122 used by a medical professional 121 is installed in the medical institution 120, and a second communication terminal 132 used by a stoma appliance provider 131 is installed in the appliance provider facility 130. A third communication terminal 142 used by another stoma appliance user 141 is installed in another appliance user residence 140. A server device 151 is installed in the server center 150. A communication device 162 used by a stoma appliance seller 161 is installed in the appliance retailer 160.

[0017] The first communication terminal 112, the second communication terminal 122, the second communication terminal 132, the third communication terminal 142, the server device 151, the communication device 162, and the stoma appliance selection device 170 are communicatively connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to transmit and receive various information to and from each other. As an example of the network N, the Internet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or the like can be used. Note that the stoma appliance selection device 170 may be communicatively connected directly to the first communication terminal 112.

[0018] The stoma appliance user 111 is a person who has undergone a surgical operation to guide the intestines or ureters to the body surface and has a stoma constructed on the body surface, or a person who has an opening or wound on the body surface due to other diseases, and who needs a stoma appliance to be attached around the stoma or the opening or wound. That is, the stoma appliance user 111 is a person who is using a stoma appliance for the first time, or a person who is currently using a stoma appliance. The stoma appliance can temporarily store waste from the stoma or process waste discharged by drainage or the like. The user of the first communication terminal 112 also includes a caregiver who operates the first communication terminal 112 on behalf of the stoma appliance user 111.

[0019] The medical staff 121 are mainly hospital personnel such as doctors and nurses, and the stoma appliance provider 131 is a person who provides the stoma appliance selection device 170. The medical staff 121 or the stoma appliance provider 131 manages the information of the stoma appliance user 111 from the first communication terminal 112 by the second communication terminal 122 or the second communication terminal 132, and receives consultations from the stoma appliance user 111 and provides advice to the stoma appliance user 111.

[0020] The topics that stoma appliance users 111 consult about include, for example, selection of stoma appliances and accessories, how to use the stoma appliance, medical treatment for the stoma and the area around the stoma, worries about daily life, skin troubles, and information exchange between other appliance users.

[0021] Here, stoma appliances can be classified, for example, by type (single-piece appliances, two-piece appliances), by case (colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy), by type of face plate (no plate, flat, convex), by type of skin protective agent (see JSSCR classification of skin protective agents), etc.

[0022] The types of stoma appliance accessories and their uses are as follows: Examples include adhesive removers (used when removing the brace), cleaning wipes (used to clean the skin when changing the brace), skin film agents (create a thin film on the skin to protect the skin from excrement and peeling irritation), deodorizing lubricants (deodorize the brace and make it easier to slide through the brace, making it easier to pass stool), coagulants (make watery stool into a jelly-like substance, making it easier to pass stool), manually molded skin protectants (correct wrinkles and depressions in the skin and fill in gaps with the base plate, preventing excrement from slipping into the adhesive surface), powdered skin protectants (to prevent excrement from coming into contact with exposed skin), tape for fixing the base plate (applied around the periphery of the base plate to prevent it from coming off when moving), fixing belts (to prevent the brace from coming off when moving around, such as during exercise), leg bags and night bags (to be used when urine output is appropriate when going out or sleeping).

[0023] The other stoma appliance users 141 are people who are about to select a stoma appliance, or people who are currently or have used a stoma appliance in the past and have no plans to select a new stoma appliance. The stoma appliance user 111 can use the first communication terminal 112 to consult with the other stoma appliance users 141 about appliance selection via the third communication terminal 142.

[0024] The server device 151 provides a virtual space on a network N that can be accessed by at least one of a stoma appliance user 111, a medical professional 121, a stoma appliance provider 131, other stoma appliance users 141, and a stoma appliance dealer 161 via each communication terminal and in which communication can be made between them.

[0025] The server device 151 also provides avatars (virtual stoma appliance user, virtual medical worker, virtual stoma appliance provider, other virtual stoma appliance users, virtual appliance seller, etc.) that can be operated in the virtual space, and a virtual stoma appliance selection device. This allows the stoma appliance user 111, the medical worker 121, or the stoma appliance provider 131 to operate the virtual stoma appliance selection device in the virtual space, thereby remotely operating the stoma appliance selection device 170.

[0026] The stoma appliance seller 161 uses a communication device 162 to consult with and give advice to the stoma appliance user 111 regarding the selection of an appliance, and sells the stoma appliance to the stoma appliance user 111 who wishes to purchase the stoma appliance.

[0027] Furthermore, the communication device 162 can provide a virtual stoma appliance selection device and a virtual appliance seller that can be operated in the virtual space. This allows the stoma appliance seller 161 to operate the virtual appliance seller to serve the stoma appliance user 111 and virtually wear and sell the stoma appliance in the virtual space.

[0028] <2. Server device configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the server device 151 in the communication system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 151 according to this embodiment.

[0029] 2, server device 151 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, and a database 203 that stores virtual space information, etc. Control unit 201 controls server device 151 as a whole, and can be configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 201 includes an access restriction unit 204, an avatar information acquisition unit 205, an image information acquisition unit 206, a conversation information acquisition unit 207, an equipment user information acquisition unit 208, an equipment selection device information acquisition unit 209, a virtual space information generation unit 210, a memory control unit 211, and an equipment selection device model operation information acquisition unit 212.

[0031] The access restriction unit 204 acquires login information, such as an ID and a password, transmitted from an external communication terminal, such as the first communication terminal 112 or the second communication terminal 122, via the network N, and determines whether the login information is registered information and whether the user of the external communication terminal is permitted to access the virtual space. If the access restriction unit 204 determines that access is permitted, it transmits the determination result to the database 203, and the external communication terminal can access the database 203 and obtain the virtual space information stored in the database 203. If the access restriction unit 204 determines that access is not permitted, the external communication terminal cannot access the database 203.

[0032] The avatar information acquisition unit 205 acquires information about the avatar of the user from the external communication terminal via the network N.

[0033] The image information acquisition unit 206 acquires image information from the external communication terminal via the network N. The conversation information acquisition unit 207 acquires conversation information from the external communication terminal via the network N.

[0034] The equipment user information acquiring section 208 acquires stoma equipment user information via the network N from an external communication terminal.

[0035] The equipment selecting device information acquiring section 209 acquires, via the network N, stoma equipment selecting device information from an external communication terminal.

[0036] The virtual space information generation unit 210 receives various information from the avatar information acquisition unit 205, the image information acquisition unit 206, the conversation information acquisition unit 207, the equipment user information acquisition unit 208, and the equipment selection device information acquisition unit 209, and generates virtual space information based on this information.

[0037] The storage control unit 211 stores the virtual space information from the virtual space information generation unit 210 in the database 203 .

[0038] The equipment selection device model operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires, via the network N, the equipment selection device model operation information transmitted from the external communication terminal.

[0039] Furthermore, the server device 151 can have a classification unit that reads at least one of equipment selection information, such as the stoma shape, the size of the stoma, the position of the stoma, the condition of the abdominal wall, and the condition of the affected area, via the first communication terminal 112, and outputs the classification result of the stoma equipment.

[0040] The server device 151 may use artificial intelligence (AI) having a neural network, a machine learning unit, and an estimation unit.

[0041] The neural network has an input layer and an output layer, and the input data of the input layer is at least one of the stoma shape, the stoma size, the stoma position, the condition of the abdominal wall, the condition of the affected area, and appliance selection information, etc., and the output data of the output layer is stoma appliance type information.

[0042] The machine learning unit trains a neural network using the input data and the actual values ​​of the output data as teacher data. The estimation unit inputs the input data to the neural network trained by the machine learning unit, and obtains information on the stoma appliance suitable for the stoma appliance user 111, which is composed of estimated information for the input data.

[0043] If the server device 151 has a classification unit, the database 203 stores the wearing data and classification results of the stoma appliance for each stoma appliance. The database 203 can store identification information (ID), product name, classification results, price, etc., in association with each stoma appliance.

[0044] The data for wearing the stoma appliance is data for generating a try-on image by combining it with the stoma image of the stoma appliance user 111 in the classification unit. The data for wearing can be a three-dimensional combination of the stoma appliance images used in the classification unit, a three-dimensional model generated by 3D scanning, or the like.

[0045] As an example, the server device 151 may further include a wearing image generating unit that generates a stoma appliance image by combining the wearing data of the stoma appliance selected by the stoma appliance selecting device 170 with the avatar of the stoma appliance user 111, and a display unit that displays the generated stoma appliance image. By virtually wearing the stoma appliance in the virtual space in this manner, it is possible to support the stoma appliance user 111 when selecting or purchasing a stoma appliance.

[0046] In addition, by installing control programs for various functions of the control unit 201, the server device 151 becomes able to execute processes by these various functions.

[0047] <3. Configuration of communication device at orthotics retailer> Next, the functional configuration of the communication device 162 in the prosthetic equipment store 160 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication device 162 in the prosthetic equipment store 160 according to this embodiment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication device 162 includes a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a memory unit 303, a display control unit 304, an interface unit 305, a payment processing unit 306, a display unit 307, a selection unit 308, a guidance unit 309, and an automatic conversation processing unit 310.

[0049] The control unit 301 controls the entire communication device 162, and can be composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0050] The communication unit 302 is composed of the necessary communication modules, etc., and transmits and receives various information such as information regarding operations and virtual space between the first communication terminal 112, the second communication terminal 122, the second communication terminal 132, the third communication terminal 142, and the server device 151 via the network N.

[0051] The storage unit 303 stores the processing results of the control unit 301, and stores information received from the external communication terminal and the server device 151 via the communication unit 302. The storage unit 303 can be configured with a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or the like.

[0052] The display control unit 304 controls the display of contents such as a virtual store, a stoma appliance, stoma appliance accessories, an avatar, a virtual appliance seller, etc., which are expressed in the virtual space. The stoma appliance seller 161 can move the virtual appliance seller in the virtual space by operating the communication device 162 or by the stoma appliance seller 161's own actions.

[0053] The interface unit 305 provides an interface function with various external databases.

[0054] The payment processing unit 306 performs payment processing when a stoma appliance user purchases a product such as a stoma appliance at a virtual store using an avatar in the virtual space.

[0055] The display unit 307 has a function of displaying products such as stoma appliances exhibited or displayed in the virtual store.

[0056] When there are multiple virtual device sellers of the stoma device seller 161, the selection unit 308 performs a matching process of selecting from among them the virtual device seller who will serve the avatar of the stoma device user 111 represented in the virtual space.

[0057] The guiding unit 309 has a function of guiding the avatar of the stoma appliance user 111 to a customer service space where the virtual appliance seller of the matched stoma appliance seller 161 is waiting. If there are multiple avatars to be guided, and multiple stoma appliance users 111 are matched with one virtual appliance seller, the guiding unit 309 can put avatars other than the guided avatar into a waiting state for guidance.

[0058] The automatic conversation processing unit 310 can be configured, for example, as an automatic conversation program utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), such as a chatbot, and can generate a talk script by learning the actions, remarks, evaluation data, etc. of the stoma appliance user 111 and the stoma appliance seller 161. The automatic conversation processing unit 310 may display an artificial intelligence seller on the screen of a display device in a virtual space, or may represent a robot seller in the virtual space.

[0059] The function of the communication device 162 may be provided in the control unit 201 of the server device 151. In that case, the communication device 162 may be a fourth communication terminal 162 used by the stoma appliance distributor 161.

[0060] The communication unit 202 of the server device 151, the first communication terminal 112, the second communication terminal 122, the second communication terminal 132, the third communication terminal 142, and the communication device 162 transmit and receive at least one of communication information among text information, audio information, and video information for communication between the stoma appliance user 111 and other persons in the virtual space.

[0061] <4. Configuration of the stoma appliance selection device> Next, the functional configuration of the stoma appliance selection device 170 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the stoma appliance selection device 170 according to this embodiment.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the stoma appliance selection device 170 includes a first acquisition unit 401, a second acquisition unit 402, a selection unit 403, a memory unit 404, a display unit 405, a control unit 406, a communication unit 407, and a machine learning unit 408.

[0063] The first acquisition unit 401 acquires measurement information on the skin condition of the stoma and the area around the stoma (particularly within a range of about 4 cm; the same applies below). This allows the skin condition of the stoma and the area around the stoma to be quantitatively evaluated.

[0064] The measurement information includes one or more pieces of information selected from the group consisting of information regarding the shape of the stoma, information regarding the diameter of the stoma, information regarding the height of the stoma from the skin surface, information regarding the hardness of the skin around the stoma, information regarding the flatness or unevenness of the skin, information regarding the skin color, and information regarding the TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) of the skin.

[0065] Additionally, the first acquisition unit 401 may acquire information regarding the type of stoma (for example, colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, etc.) and information regarding the nature of excrement from the stoma (for example, watery stool, formed stool, etc.).

[0066] The storage unit 404 stores association information in which the measurement information acquired by the first acquisition unit 401 is associated with the orthosis type. The association information can be realized by using, for example, a database or a data table. This association information will be described with reference to Table 1. Table 1 is an example of the association information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Table 1]

[0067] As shown in Table 1, for example, measurement information corresponding to items such as "stoma shape," "stoma diameter," and "stoma height" are associated with appliance types such as "A," "B," and "C."

[0068] This association information may be stored in, for example, a Comma Separated Value (CSV) format or an Extensible Markup Language (XML) format.

[0069] Furthermore, the storage unit 404 can store association information in which an appliance type is associated with a stoma appliance corresponding to the appliance type. This association information will be described with reference to Table 2. Table 2 is an example of association information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Table 2]

[0070] As shown in Table 2, for example, appliance types such as "A", "B", and "C" are associated with stoma appliances such as "XX Series XXX".

[0071] The second acquisition section 402 refers to the storage section 404 and acquires association information in which the measurement information and the type of the orthosis are associated with each other.

[0072] The selection unit 403 selects a stoma appliance based on at least one appliance selection information among the stoma appliance information and the biological information of the stoma appliance user 111. As an example, the selection unit 403 selects an appliance type by comparing the measurement information with the association information. This selection process will be described below.

[0073] The selection unit 403 selects the "flat orthosis" type when the measurement information acquired by the first acquisition unit 401 is Yes in all the judgment conditions of the following steps S11 to S14 (step S17). Note that the judgment conditions in this embodiment are only an example, and the judgment conditions and the selected orthosis can be changed by machine learning.

[0074] Step S11: The stoma protrudes by 10 mm or more. Step S12: The skin flatness around the stoma is flat or mountain-shaped. Step S13: There is little or no skin wrinkling around the stoma. Step S14: The skin around the stoma is hard.

[0075] The selection unit 403 makes a decision according to the decision conditions of step S11 based on "information on the height of the stoma from the skin surface" included in the measurement information. The selection unit 403 makes a decision according to the decision conditions of steps S12 and S13 based on "information on the flatness or unevenness of the skin" included in the measurement information. The selection unit 403 makes a decision according to the decision conditions of step S14 based on "information on the hardness of the skin around the stoma" included in the measurement information.

[0076] In step S11, when the stoma does not protrude by 10 mm or more (step S11: No), the selection unit 403 judges the following steps S16 to S18. If the judgment conditions in all of the following steps S11 to S14 are Yes, the selection unit 403 selects the "protruding fitting built-in type appliance (shallow protrusion)" type (step S19).

[0077] Step S16: The skin flatness around the stoma is flat or mountain-shaped. Step S17: There is little or no skin wrinkling around the stoma. Step S18: The skin around the stoma is hard.

[0078] If the result of the determination in any one of steps S16 to S18 is No, the selection unit 403 selects the "protruding fitting built-in type appliance (deep protruding portion)" type (step S20).

[0079] The display unit 405 displays the stoma appliance (e.g., product name) corresponding to the appliance type selected by the selection unit 403. As shown in Table 2, the appliance type is associated with the stoma appliance corresponding to the appliance type, so that the display unit 405 can display the stoma appliance. The display unit 405 may display one stoma appliance, or may display multiple stoma appliances corresponding to the selected appliance type.

[0080] The control unit 406 controls the operation of each of the components included in the stoma appliance selection device 170.

[0081] The communication unit 407 is composed of a required communication module, etc., and transmits and receives various information such as information regarding operations and virtual space, and equipment selection information between the first communication terminal 112, the second communication terminal 122, the second communication terminal 132, the third communication terminal 142, the communication device 162, and the server device 151 via the network N.

[0082] The machine learning unit 408 performs machine learning on the learning model stored in the storage unit 404 using training data in which the measurement information is associated with information on the stoma appliance corresponding to the appliance type.

[0083] The selection unit 403 selects an appliance type and a stoma appliance using the measurement information and a learning model learned by the machine learning unit 408. This improves the accuracy of the selection unit 403.

[0084] "Machine learning" is a learning technique that discovers certain rules from certain data and realizes inferences and predictions for unknown data based on those rules. Machine learning can be realized using publicly known technologies, and can be realized by using a computer equipped with those functions and a learning model.

[0085] The learning model is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, decision tree learning such as ID3 or random forest, association rule learning, or the like. Alternatively, various neural networks such as an artificial neural network (ANN), a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), or a recurrent neural network (RNN) may be used. Alternatively, genetic programming (GP), inductive logic programming (ILP), a fuzzy algorithm, an evolutionary algorithm (EA), reinforcement learning, a support vector machine (SVM), clustering, a Bayesian network, or the like may be used. Furthermore, a combination of these methods or a method developed by using a deep learning technology may be used.

[0086] In this embodiment, a data set in which the measurement information and the information on the stoma appliance corresponding to the appliance type are associated with each other can be used as training data to allow the learning model to perform supervised learning.

[0087] Alternatively, for example, reinforcement learning may be used. Reinforcement learning is a type of machine learning that deals with the problem of software observing the current state and determining the action to be taken (selection of appliance type and stoma appliance in this embodiment). The agent (learning model in this embodiment) can determine the action that will be most valuable by reinforcing learning the action through trial and error.

[0088] Methods that can be used to realize reinforcement learning include, for example, the Monte Carlo method, dynamic programming, SARSA (state-action-reward-state-action), and Q-learning.

[0089] In this embodiment, after the selection unit 403 selects an equipment type, the reception unit 7 receives information on whether or not the equipment type is appropriate, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, thereby enabling reinforcement learning of the learning model.

[0090] <5. Access procedure for virtual space> Next, a procedure for accessing a virtual space using the communication system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow for accessing a virtual space according to this embodiment.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S101, a stoma appliance user 111 logs in to the communication system 100 from a first communication terminal 112, a medical professional 121 from a second communication terminal 122, a stoma appliance provider 131 from a second communication terminal 132, another stoma appliance user 141 from a third communication terminal 142, and a stoma appliance distributor 161 from a communication device 162 by inputting their registered login information (ID and password).

[0092] In step S102, the first communication terminal 112, the second communication terminal 122, the second communication terminal 132, the third communication terminal 142, or the communication device 162 accesses the server device 151 using their registered login information.

[0093] In step S103, if the server device 151 recognizes that the login information is the registered login information, it logs in to the virtual space of the communication system 100.

[0094] In step S104, after logging in to the virtual space, each user selects an avatar to be used and operates that avatar.

[0095] In step S105, each user operates an avatar to move to a community within the virtual space.

[0096] In step S106, each user moves to the community in the virtual space using an avatar, and then communicates with a desired person to obtain information about stoma appliances or to consult with the person about the selection of a stoma appliance.

[0097] In step S107, after obtaining information or completing consultation, each user logs out of the virtual space. Each user can return to step S101 and log in to the virtual space again as necessary.

[0098] <6. An example of virtual space> Next, an example of a virtual space using the communication system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 6. Figure 6 is an image diagram showing an example of a virtual space according to this embodiment.

[0099] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, as an example of a virtual space according to this embodiment, a three-dimensional virtual space contains medical institutions, stoma care consultation centers, communities for stoma appliance users, stoma appliance retailers, and the like.

[0100] A stoma appliance user 111 can use a first communication terminal 112 to operate an avatar in this virtual space and travel to a medical institution 120, an appliance provider facility 130, or a stoma appliance user's residence 140, etc., to obtain information for selecting a stoma appliance or accessories, or to seek advice about concerns in daily life.

[0101] Furthermore, the stoma appliance user 111 can select a stoma appliance by operating the stoma appliance selection device model of the stoma appliance selection device 170 using an avatar in this virtual space, without consulting anyone else.

[0102] The stoma appliance user 111 selects a stoma appliance, and when he or she wishes to purchase the selected stoma appliance, the stoma appliance user 111 can purchase the stoma appliance at a virtual appliance store of the appliance store 160.

[0103] As an example, when an avatar of a stoma appliance user 111 enters a virtual appliance store, a matching process between the avatar and a virtual appliance seller is performed, and the virtual appliance seller who is most knowledgeable about the matter that the stoma appliance user 111 wants to consult about is selected. The selected virtual appliance seller can serve the avatar.

[0104] The avatar of a stoma appliance user 111 enters a commercial space such as a virtual appliance store, is served by a virtual appliance seller, including an artificial intelligence salesperson, and can actually pick up products such as stoma appliances that are on display or on display through the avatar, check the details of the product, put it on, and make a purchase.

[0105] An example of a procedure for purchasing a product is shown below. As an example, the control unit 201 of the server device 151 displays an avatar of the stoma appliance user 111 in the virtual space in response to an operation of the stoma appliance user 111. Also, the control unit 301 of the communication device 162 displays a virtual appliance seller of the stoma appliance seller 161 in the virtual space in response to an operation of the stoma appliance seller 161.

[0106] The control unit 301 of the communication device 162 determines whether the avatar has added the product to the cart. If the avatar has added the product to the cart, the control unit 301 stores the product in the cart. The product name, product code, quantity, unit price, total purchase amount, etc. are recorded in the cart.

[0107] The control unit 301 determines whether or not there is a product in the cart, and if there is a product in the cart, accepts the selection of a payment method.

[0108] The payment method is selected to be either payment within the virtual store or payment on an external EC site. When payment is to be made within the virtual equipment retail store, the control unit 301 performs payment processing and ends the processing.

[0109] When selecting an external EC site, the operator of the EC site can further be selected. When the stoma appliance user 111 selects a desired EC site, the user is requested to input an ID and password associated with the EC site. When making a payment on an external EC site, the control unit 301 may transmit information in the cart to the EC site. When a payment is made on the EC site, the control unit 301 may receive a notification of the completion of the payment.

[0110] Essentially, in order to select a stoma appliance, it is important to have medical care from a medical professional (such as a certified skin and excretion care nurse) and communication with other stoma appliance users and stoma appliance providers (retailers, agents, etc.). Therefore, if there are no such people around, it can be difficult to select a stoma appliance, but stoma appliance users may not like going out or may find it difficult to go out for physical reasons.

[0111] In response to such problems, the communication system 100 according to the present embodiment allows communication with others without physical constraints such as time and place, even in an environment where there is no one nearby to consult with, such as a stoma appliance provider or a medical professional. Furthermore, the communication system 100 can provide a place where a stoma appliance can be easily selected and purchased while consulting about the selection of the stoma appliance without physical constraints. In addition, it is also possible to purchase a proven appliance using artificial intelligence based on the teacher data.

[0112] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a selection unit of a stoma appliance selection device according to this embodiment. The configuration of the communication system according to this embodiment is the same as that of the communication system according to the first embodiment, except for the functional configuration of the selection unit of the stoma appliance selection device.

[0113] 7, the selection unit 403 according to this embodiment has an abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit having the functions of a repulsive force measurement unit 501, a depth measurement unit 502, and an evaluation unit 503. The abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit evaluates the hardness of the abdomen of the stoma appliance user 111 based on the depth to which the abdomen of the stoma appliance user 111 is recessed and the repulsive force with which the abdomen pushes back.

[0114] The repulsive force measuring unit 501 measures the repulsive force with which the abdomen pushes back when pressed against the abdomen. The depth measuring unit 502 measures the depth to which the abdomen is depressed by the pressing. The evaluation unit 503 evaluates the hardness of the abdomen based on the depth and repulsive force. The evaluation unit 503 can be realized, for example, by the CPU of the control unit 406 of the stoma appliance selection device 170 reading a program.

[0115] In the communication system according to this embodiment, the selection unit 403 has an abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit, and therefore the stoma appliance can be selected based on the evaluation by the abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit. Therefore, in addition to the same effects as the communication system 100 according to the first embodiment, the stoma appliance best suited for an individual can be selected by quantitatively measuring the hardness of the outer periphery of the stoma.

[0116] The present invention can have the following configuration. (1) a first communication terminal that is used by a stoma appliance user who uses the stoma appliance and is connected to a network; A second communication terminal used by at least one of a stoma appliance provider and a medical professional and connected to the network; A third communication terminal used by another stoma appliance user and connected to the network; a server device that is connected to the first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal via the network, and provides a virtual space on the network that is accessible by at least one of the stoma appliance user, the stoma appliance provider, the medical staff, and the other stoma appliance users, an avatar that can be operated in the virtual space, and a virtual stoma appliance that can be operated in the virtual space; The first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal are a communication system having a communication unit that transmits and receives at least one of communication information among text information, audio information, and video information, for communication between the stoma appliance user and other persons in the virtual space. (2) The server device has a classification unit that reads in at least one of appliance selection information, including the selected stoma shape, stoma size, stoma position, abdominal wall condition, and affected area condition, via the first communication terminal, and outputs a classification result of the stoma appliance, and a database that accumulates stoma appliance wearing data and the classification result for each stoma appliance, and supports stoma appliance users in selecting a stoma appliance. The communication system described in (1). (3) A stoma appliance selection device is further provided, which is used by the stoma appliance user and is connected to the first communication terminal or the network, The stoma appliance selection device includes a selection unit that selects a stoma appliance based on at least one appliance selection information among information on a stoma appliance and biological information of the stoma appliance user, and a communication unit that transmits and receives the appliance selection information, The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server device provides a virtual stoma appliance selection device that can be operated within the virtual space, and the stoma appliance provider or the medical staff can operate the virtual stoma appliance selection device in the virtual space, thereby remotely operating the stoma appliance selection device. (4) The communication system according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit has an abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit that evaluates the hardness of the abdomen based on the depth to which the abdomen of the stoma appliance user sinks and the repulsive force of the abdomen, and selects the stoma appliance based on the evaluation by the abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit. (5) A machine learning unit that trains a neural network using the input data of the appliance selection information and the actual values ​​of the output data of the stoma appliance type information as teacher data; An estimation unit that inputs the appliance selection information into a neural network trained by the machine learning unit and obtains estimated information of the stoma appliance suitable for the stoma appliance user for the appliance selection information; The communication system according to any one of (2) to (4), further comprising: (6) The communication system according to any one of (3) to (5), further comprising: a wearing image generation unit that generates a stoma appliance image by combining wearing data of the stoma appliance selected by the stoma appliance selection device with an avatar of the stoma appliance user; and a display unit that displays the generated stoma appliance image. (7) The stoma appliance may further include a communication device connected to a network and used by a stoma appliance dealer who sells the stoma appliance. The communication system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the server device or the communication device provides a virtual equipment seller that can be operated within the virtual space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 100 Communication Systems 110 Residences for people with prosthetic devices 111 Ostomy appliance users 112 First communication terminal 120 Medical Institutions 121 Healthcare workers 122 Second communication terminal 130 Prosthetic Equipment Provider Facility 131 Stoma appliance providers 132 Second communication terminal 140 Other people who use braces 141 Other stoma appliance users 142 Third communication terminal 150 Server Center 151 Server device 160 Orthotics Store 161 Stoma appliance seller 162 Communication device (fourth communication terminal) 170 Stoma appliance selection device 201 Control section 202 Communications Department 203 Database 204 Access Restriction Section 205 Avatar Information Acquisition Unit 206 Image information acquisition unit 207 Conversation Information Acquisition Unit 208 Orthotics User Information Acquisition Unit 209 Orthotic Selection Device Information Acquisition Unit 210 Virtual space information generation unit 211 Memory control unit 212 Orthotic selection device model operation information acquisition unit 301 Control Unit 302 Communications Department 303 Storage section 304 Display control section 305 Interface Section 306 Payment Processing Unit 307 Display section 308 Selection Section 309 Guidance part 310 Automatic conversation processing unit 401 First Acquisition Section 402 Second Acquisition Section 403 Selection Department 404 Storage section 405 Display section 406 Control Unit 407 Communications Department 408 Machine Learning Department 501 Rebound force measurement unit 502 Depth measurement unit 503 Evaluation Department N Network

Claims

1. a first communication terminal that is used by a stoma appliance user who uses the stoma appliance and is connected to a network; A second communication terminal used by at least one of a stoma appliance provider and a medical professional and connected to the network; A third communication terminal used by another stoma appliance user and connected to the network; a server device that is connected to the first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal via the network, and provides a virtual space on the network that is accessible by at least one of the stoma appliance user, the stoma appliance provider, the medical staff, and the other stoma appliance users, an avatar that is operable in the virtual space, and a virtual stoma appliance that is operable in the virtual space; The first communication terminal, the second communication terminal, and the third communication terminal are a communication system having a communication unit that transmits and receives at least one of communication information among text information, audio information, and video information for communication between the stoma appliance user and other persons in the virtual space.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the server device has a classification unit that reads in at least one of appliance selection information, including a stoma shape to be selected, a stoma size, a stoma position, a state of the abdominal wall, and a state of the affected area, via the first communication terminal, and outputs a classification result of the stoma appliance, and a database that accumulates data for wearing the stoma appliance and the classification result for each stoma appliance, and supports a stoma appliance user in selecting a stoma appliance.

3. A stoma appliance selection device is provided which is used by the stoma appliance user and connected to the first communication terminal or the network, The stoma appliance selection device includes a selection unit that selects a stoma appliance based on at least one appliance selection information among information on a stoma appliance and biological information of the stoma appliance user, and a communication unit that transmits and receives the appliance selection information, The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the server device provides a virtual stoma appliance selection device that can be operated within the virtual space, and the stoma appliance provider or the medical professional can operate the virtual stoma appliance selection device in the virtual space, thereby remotely operating the stoma appliance selection device.

4. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein the selection unit has an abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit that evaluates the hardness of the abdomen based on the depth to which the abdomen of the stoma appliance user sinks and the repulsive force of the abdomen pushing back, and selects the stoma appliance based on the evaluation by the abdominal wall hardness evaluation unit.

5. A machine learning unit that trains a neural network using the input data of the appliance selection information and the actual values ​​of the output data of the stoma appliance type information as teacher data; An estimation unit that inputs the appliance selection information into a neural network trained by the machine learning unit and obtains estimated information of the stoma appliance suitable for the stoma appliance user for the appliance selection information; The communication system according to claim 2 , further comprising:

6. The communication system according to claim 3, further comprising: a wearing image generation unit that generates a stoma appliance image by combining wearing data of the stoma appliance selected by the stoma appliance selection device with an avatar of the stoma appliance user; and a display unit that displays the generated stoma appliance image.

7. The stoma appliance may further include a communication device connected to a network and used by a stoma appliance dealer who sells the stoma appliance. The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the server device or the communication device provides a virtual equipment seller operable within the virtual space.

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