Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, information processing method and information processing program, which allow for outputting information for effectively training a living being.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 disclosed herein comprises in interface 14 for acquiring a first image that allows the shape of a bladder of a living being to be analyzed, and a processor 12 configured to generate an analyzed shape of the bladder of the living being based on the first image and determine the time appropriate for toilet training of the living being on the basis of the analyzed shape of the bladder storing urine of the living being.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that generate information related to urination. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a device is known that measures the size of the bladder by using an ultrasonic sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-23813 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The amount of urine that can be stored in the bladder when an organism decides to urinate varies depending on the organism's individual differences or growth level, or the environment. Therefore, when the time of urination is estimated based on the measurement result of the bladder size, the estimation accuracy may be low. If the estimation accuracy of the time of urination is low, toilet training for encouraging the target organism to urinate cannot be effectively performed.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that can output information for effectively carrying out toilet training of a target living being. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an interface and a processor. The interface acquires a first image capable of analyzing a shape of a bladder of a target organism. The processor generates an analyzed shape of the bladder in which urine of the target organism is accumulated based on the first image, and determines an appropriate time for toilet training of the target organism based on the analyzed shape of the bladder of the target organism.

[0007] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes acquiring a first image capable of analyzing the shape of a target organism's bladder immediately before the target organism urinates, generating an analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder based on the first image, and determining the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder.

[0008] An information processing program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a processor to acquire a first image capable of analyzing the shape of a target organism's bladder immediately before the target organism urinates, generate an analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder based on the first image, and determine the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder.

[0009] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an interface and a processor. The interface acquires at least two first images capable of analyzing a shape of a bladder of a target living being during a predetermined period of time. The processor generates at least two analyzed shapes of the bladder of the target living being based on each of the at least two first images, and determines an appropriate time for toilet training the target living being based on the at least two analyzed shapes of the bladder of the target living being.

[0010] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes acquiring at least two first images capable of analyzing the shape of a target organism's bladder during a predetermined period of time, generating at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder based on each of the at least two first images, and determining the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder.

[0011] An information processing program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a processor to acquire at least two first images capable of analyzing the shape of a target organism's bladder during a predetermined period of time, generate at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder based on each of the at least two first images, and determine the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, information for effectively carrying out toilet training of a target living being is output. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a scanner is placed on an infant's abdomen. [Figure 3A] 13 is an example of an echo image of the bladder when the amount of urine stored in the bladder is less than a reference urine volume. [Figure 3B] 13 is an example of an echo image of the bladder when the amount of urine stored in the bladder is equal to or greater than a reference urine volume. [Figure 4A] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a result of estimating the reference shape of the bladder when the size of the bladder is less than half the size of the reference shape of the bladder; FIG. [Figure 4B]11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a result of estimating the reference shape of the bladder when the size of the bladder is equal to or more than half the size of the reference shape of the bladder and is less than the size of the reference shape of the bladder; FIG. [Figure 4C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the shape of the bladder becomes the reference shape of the bladder. [Diagram 5] 3B is an example of an image in which the estimation result of the reference shape of the bladder is superimposed on the echo image of the bladder in FIG. 3A. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a screen displaying information related to urination on a terminal device. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for outputting information related to urination. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for displaying a first image and a second image. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining the timing of toilet training. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] (Overview of Information Processing System 1) As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information processing device 10, a terminal device 20, and a scanner 30. The scanner 30 generates a first image capable of analyzing the shape of the bladder of a target organism. The terminal device 20 acquires the first image from the scanner 30, and displays or outputs the first image to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 analyzes the shape of the bladder of the target organism based on the first image. The information processing device 10 generates information related to urination of the target organism based on the analysis result of the shape of the bladder of the target organism, and outputs the information to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 displays the information related to urination of the target organism.

[0015] In this embodiment, the target organism is an infant. The user of the information processing system 1 is a guardian such as the infant's mother or father, or a nursery teacher. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the user places the scanner 30 on the abdomen of the infant, and the scanner 30 generates a first image capable of analyzing the shape of the infant's bladder. The target organism is not limited to an infant, but may include a human being such as a person receiving care. In this case, the user of the information processing system 1 may be a caregiver or the like. The target organism is not limited to a human being, but may include a pet such as a dog or a cat, or a livestock such as a cow or a pig. In this case, the user of the information processing system 1 may be a pet or a livestock owner. In this embodiment, the scanner 30 is described on the assumption that the user holds it in his / her hand and places it on the abdomen of the infant. The embodiment of the scanner 30 is not limited to this. As an example, the scanner 30 may be configured so that the scanner 30 can be formed into a thin plate shape and attached to the infant's diaper, underwear, belly band, or the like for use. As another example, the scanner 30 may be configured so that the scanner 30 can be attached to the abdomen of the infant using a bandage or the like for use. When the target organism is a pet or livestock, the scanner 30 may be configured so that it can be used by being fixed to the abdomen with a belt-like band.

[0016] In this embodiment, the terminal device 20 and the information processing device 10 may be configured integrally. The scanner 30 and the terminal device 20 may be configured integrally. The scanner 30, the terminal device 20, and the information processing device 10 may be configured integrally.

[0017] (Example of configuration of information processing system 1) Hereinafter, a configuration example of each part of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] <Scanner 30> The scanner 30 generates a first image capable of analyzing the shape of the target organism's bladder. In this embodiment, the scanner 30 is an ultrasonic scanner that generates an ultrasonic echo image by emitting ultrasonic waves to the target and detecting the ultrasonic waves reflected by the target and returning. When the scanner 30 generates an ultrasonic echo image with an area including the target organism's bladder as the target, the shape of the target organism's bladder is analyzed from the ultrasonic echo image. Therefore, the first image is generated as an ultrasonic echo image by applying the scanner 30 to an area including the target organism's bladder. Examples of the first image are shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner 30 includes an oscillator 31, a high-voltage switch 32, a pulser 33, a low-noise amplifier , a detector 35, an ADC (A / D converter), a processor 37, and a power supply circuit .

[0020] The transducer 31 generates an ultrasonic pulse by vibrating based on a pulse signal generated by the pulsar 33, and emits the generated ultrasonic pulse to an object. The transducer 31 also converts the vibration caused by the ultrasonic pulse reflected by the object and returned into a detection signal and outputs it to the detection unit 35.

[0021] There are multiple transducers 31. The multiple transducers 31 can control the direction in which an ultrasonic pulse is emitted. The multiple transducers 31 can scan the ultrasonic pulse beam by controlling the ultrasonic pulse emission direction. The number of transducers 31 is, for example, 128. The number of transducers 31 may be changed depending on the scanning range or scanning resolution of the ultrasonic pulse beam. In this embodiment, the number of transducers 31 is 6 to 8.

[0022] The high-voltage switch 32 is configured to be switchable between a state in which a pulse signal is transmitted from the pulser 33 to the oscillator 31 and a state in which a detection signal is transmitted from the oscillator 31 to the wave detection unit 35 .

[0023] The pulser 33 generates a pulse signal for driving the transducer 31 to cause the transducer 31 to emit an ultrasonic pulse.

[0024] The low-noise amplifier 34 amplifies the detection signal obtained by detecting the ultrasonic pulse reflected by the target object and returning with the transducer 31, and outputs the amplified signal to the detection unit 35.

[0025] The detection unit 35 detects the detection signal to generate an analog signal that represents the change over time in the amplitude of the ultrasonic pulse returning from the target, and outputs the analog signal to the ADC 36 .

[0026] The ADC 36 converts an analog signal that indicates the time change in the amplitude of the ultrasonic pulse returned from the target object into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the processor 37 .

[0027] The processor 37 generates an echo image of the object by synchronizing a digital signal representing a time change in the amplitude of the ultrasonic pulse returned from the object with the direction of emission of the ultrasonic pulse. The processor 37 may correct the echo image of the object by interpolating the signal according to the scanning resolution of the beam of the ultrasonic pulse by the transducer 31.

[0028] The power supply circuit 38 supplies power to each component of the scanner 30. The power supply circuit 38 may include a battery or may be connected to an external power source.

[0029] <Information processing device 10> The information processing device 10 includes a processor 12 and an interface 14 .

[0030] The processor 12 provides control and processing power for executing various functions of the information processing device 10. The processor 12 may include a general-purpose processor that loads a specific program to execute a specific function, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The general-purpose processor may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP). The dedicated processor may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 12 may include a programmable logic device (PLD). The PLD may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The information processing device 10 may include either a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or a system in a package (SiP) in which one or more processors 12 work together.

[0031] The information processing device 10 may include a storage unit. The storage unit may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk, or may include a memory such as a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit stores various information. The storage unit stores programs executed by the processor 12, etc. The storage unit may be configured as a non-transitory readable medium. The storage unit may function as a work memory for the processor 12. At least a part of the storage unit may be configured integrally with the processor 12.

[0032] The interface 14 may include a communication interface for communicatively connecting to the information processing device 10. The communication interface may be configured to be communicatively capable of wired or wireless communication. The communication interface may be configured to be communicatively capable based on various communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication interface may be configured based on known communication technology.

[0033] The information processing device 10 may be realized as a cloud service or in an on-premise environment.

[0034] <Terminal Device 20> The terminal device 20 includes a display unit 22, an interface 24, an input unit 26, and an output unit .

[0035] The display unit 22 may include various displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display.

[0036] The interface 24 may include a communication interface for communicatively connecting to the scanner 30 or the information processing device 10. The communication interface may be configured to be capable of wired or wireless communication. The communication interface may be configured to be capable of communication based on various communication standards such as LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication interface may be configured based on known communication technology.

[0037] The input unit 26 may include an input device that accepts input from a user. The input device may include, for example, a keyboard or physical keys, or may include a touch panel or a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device may be configured as a touch panel display integrated with the display unit 22. The input device is not limited to these examples, and may include various other devices. The interface 24 may be configured so that an input device that functions as the input unit 26 can be connected.

[0038] The output unit 28 may be configured to include an output device that outputs information, data, etc. to the user. The output device may be configured to include a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The output device may include, for example, an audio output device such as a speaker that outputs auditory information such as sound. The output device may include, for example, a vibration device such as a vibrator that outputs tactile information such as vibration. The output device is not limited to these examples and may include various other devices. The interface 24 may be configured to be able to connect an output device that functions as the output unit 28.

[0039] The terminal device 20 may include at least one processor to provide control and processing capabilities for performing various functions. The functions of the terminal device 20 may be realized by one processor or by several processors. The processor of the terminal device 20 may be realized as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as multiple communicatively connected integrated circuits or discrete circuits. The processor of the terminal device 20 may be realized based on various other known technologies. The processor of the terminal device 20 may be configured the same as or similar to the processor 12 of the information processing device 10.

[0040] (Example of operation of information processing system 1) The information processing system 1 generates an ultrasonic echo image 50 or 60 of an area including the bladder of an infant, which is a target organism, as a first image, as exemplified in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B. In the echo image 50 exemplified in FIG. 3A, an analysis shape 51 of the infant's bladder is analyzed. The state of the infant's bladder when the echo image 50 of FIG. 3A is generated is a state in which the amount of urine stored in the bladder is small. In other words, the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder when the echo image 50 of FIG. 3A is generated is less than the amount of urine that should be urged to urinate. The shape of the bladder in a state in which the amount of stored urine is small is a shape that includes a recess in its outer shape. On the other hand, in the echo image 60 exemplified in FIG. 3B, an analysis shape 61 of the infant's bladder is analyzed. The state of the infant's bladder when the echo image 60 of FIG. 3B is generated is a state in which the amount of urine stored in the bladder is increasing. In other words, the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder when the echo image 50 of FIG. 3B is generated is the amount of urine that should be urged to urinate. When the amount of urine stored in the bladder increases, the shape of the bladder becomes one in which there are no concaves in the outer shape. In terms of geometry, the concaves in the outer shape of the bladder are expressed by a set of points that satisfy the condition that the tangent plane at any point on the outer surface of the bladder intersects with another point on the outer surface.

[0041] The amount of urine stored in the bladder when the bladder is in a shape with no concaves in its outer shape is also called the reference urine volume. An echo image 50 in Fig. 3A is an echo image of the bladder when the amount of urine stored in the bladder is less than the reference urine volume. An echo image 60 in Fig. 3B is an echo image of the bladder when the amount of urine stored in the bladder is equal to or greater than the reference urine volume.

[0042] According to the definition of the reference urine volume, when the urine volume stored in the bladder reaches the reference urine volume, the shape of the bladder has no concave shape in its outer shape. The shape of the bladder when the urine volume stored in the bladder reaches the reference urine volume is also referred to as the reference shape of the bladder in this specification.

[0043] After the bladder shape has reached the standard shape, urine continues to flow into the bladder, increasing the internal pressure of the bladder and stretching the bladder wall. The stretching of the bladder wall stimulates the stretch receptors in the bladder wall, which then transmits the stimulation to the micturition center in the brain. The brain decides to urinate in response to the stimulation of the micturition center, and urination is then carried out.

[0044] Infants, whose brains or nerves are underdeveloped, reflexively urinate after the bladder shape has reached the standard shape. Therefore, by making the infant aware of the need to urinate after the bladder shape has reached the standard shape, the infant can be induced to urinate autonomously.

[0045] Here, the reference shape of the infant's bladder changes with the growth of the infant. Therefore, the information processing system 1 analyzes the shape of the bladder from an echo image of the infant's bladder, and estimates the reference shape of the bladder from the analysis result of the shape of the bladder. Then, the information processing system 1 compares the estimated reference shape with the shape of the bladder analyzed from the echo image, and outputs the comparison result between the reference shape and the shape of the bladder as information related to the infant's urination. The user can determine the timing of the infant's urination based on the comparison result between the reference shape and the shape of the bladder, and can take actions such as calling out to the infant to make the infant aware of urination. Encouraging the infant to urinate when he or she does not want to urinate may upset the infant. Encouraging the infant to urinate at a timing when the infant is likely to urinate can make the infant urinate without upsetting the infant. As a result, toilet training of the infant is effectively performed.

[0046] An operation example in which the information processing system 1 outputs information related to an infant's urination will be described below. In the explanation of the operation example, the term "infant" may be read as "target organism."

[0047] <Estimation of the basic shape of the bladder> In order to estimate the reference shape of the infant's bladder, the information processing system 1 acquires an echo image of an area including the infant's bladder by the scanner 30. The user, such as the guardian of the infant, places the scanner 30 on the infant's abdomen and starts the scanner 30. The scanner 30 generates an echo image of an area including the infant's bladder as a first image. The first image is an image that can analyze the shape of the infant's bladder. When the user places the scanner 30 on the infant's abdomen, the position where the scanner 30 is placed may be determined based on the position of the navel. Also, when a midline is recognized on the infant's abdomen, the position where the scanner 30 is placed may be determined based on the midline. As an example, the user may acquire an echo image by placing the scanner 30 on the midline of the abdomen below the position of the navel of the infant.

[0048] The scanner 30 outputs a first image to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 acquires the first image via the interface 24. The terminal device 20 outputs the acquired first image from the interface 24 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 acquires the first image via the interface 14.

[0049] The processor 12 of the information processing device 10 analyzes the shape of the infant's bladder from the acquired first image, and generates a line representing the contour of the shape of the bladder or a figure representing the shape of the bladder.

[0050] The processor 12 estimates the reference shape of the bladder based on the contour of the shape of the bladder analyzed from the first image. The reference shape of the bladder may be represented by, for example, an ellipse or an egg. The processor 12 may estimate an ellipse or an egg that is as close as possible to the shape of the bladder analyzed from the first image as the reference shape of the bladder. The processor 12 may generate multiple figures such as an ellipse or an egg that are candidates for the reference shape of the bladder, fit each figure to the shape of the bladder analyzed from the first image, and select the figure that has the smallest margin with respect to the shape of the bladder analyzed from the first image as the reference shape of the bladder. The processor 12 may estimate the reference shape of the bladder using AI that has been machine-learned using echo images of a range including the bladder.

[0051] The processor 12 generates an analyzed shape 71 or 72 of the bladder by analyzing the shape of the bladder from the first image, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B. The analyzed shape of the bladder is the shape of the bladder analyzed from the first image. The processor 12 generates a reference contour 70 that specifies the contour of the reference shape of the bladder based on the analyzed shape 71 or 72 of the bladder. The analyzed shape 71 illustrated in FIG. 4A is the shape of the bladder when the size of the bladder is less than half the size of the reference shape of the bladder. The analyzed shape 72 illustrated in FIG. 4B is the shape of the bladder when the size of the bladder is more than half the size of the reference shape of the bladder and less than the size of the reference shape of the bladder.

[0052] The processor 12 may estimate the reference shape such that a portion of the contour of the analyzed shape of the bladder matches the contour of the reference shape.

[0053] Processor 12 may calculate the length of the longest part of the analyzed shape of the bladder and estimate the reference shape so that the calculated length is the length in the long axis direction of the reference shape. Here, a comparison between Figures 4A and 4B shows that the length of the longest part of the analyzed shape of the bladder may change before the shape of the bladder becomes the reference shape.

[0054] For example, when a reference shape is estimated such that the length of the longest part of analytical shape 71 in Fig. 4A is the length of the reference shape in the major axis direction, a shape specified by a contour smaller than reference contour 70 shown in Fig. 4A is estimated as the reference shape. On the other hand, when a reference shape is estimated such that the length of the longest part of analytical shape 72 in Fig. 4B is the length of the reference shape in the major axis direction, a shape specified by reference contour 70 shown in Fig. 4B is estimated as the reference shape.

[0055] Therefore, when processor 12 estimates the reference shape such that the length of the longest part of the analyzed shape of the bladder is the length in the longitudinal direction of the reference shape, processor 12 may estimate the reference shape based on the analyzed shape when the size of the bladder is more than half the size of the reference shape of the bladder.

[0056] When the size of the bladder is less than the size of the reference shape of the bladder, the analyzed shape of the bladder may have a shape with a concave portion on the contour, or a gently curved oval shape. When the size of the bladder becomes the size of the reference shape of the bladder, that is, when the shape of the bladder becomes the reference shape as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the analyzed shape 73 of the bladder does not have a concave portion on the contour. When the analyzed shape of the bladder does not have a concave portion on the contour, the size of the bladder may be equal to or larger than the reference shape of the bladder. In other words, the shape of the bladder may match the reference shape of the bladder, or the shape of the bladder may be larger than the reference shape of the bladder.

[0057] Therefore, when the analytical shape of the bladder does not have a concave portion on its contour, the processor 12 may not use the analytical shape to estimate the reference shape of the bladder. Conversely, the processor 12 may use an analytical shape having a concave portion on its contour to estimate the reference shape of the bladder. When the analytical shape of the bladder has a concave portion on its contour, the analytical shape is the shape of the bladder when the amount of urine stored in the bladder is less than a predetermined amount of urine. Therefore, the processor 12 may estimate the reference shape of the bladder based on the shape of the infant's bladder when the amount of urine stored in the bladder is less than a predetermined amount of urine. The processor 12 may also estimate, as the reference shape of the bladder, an approximately elliptical or approximately oval shape including a part of the contour of the shape of the infant's bladder when the amount of urine stored in the bladder is less than a predetermined amount of urine.

[0058] For example, the processor 12 may generate an analytical shape 51 of the bladder by analyzing an echo image 50 of the bladder as a first image, as shown in Fig. 5. The processor 12 may generate a reference contour 70, which is a contour of a reference shape of the bladder, by fitting an ellipse to the analytical shape 51 of the bladder.

[0059] The processor 12 may superimpose the analytical shape 51 of the bladder and a reference contour 70, which is the contour of the reference shape of the bladder, on the first image and display them on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20. The processor 12 may generate an ellipse representing the reference contour 70 as the second image and display the second image on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 by superimposing the second image on the first image. The processor 12 may display the first image and the second image on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 by arranging them vertically or horizontally. The processor 12 may display the first image and the second image on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 in a manner that makes it easy to compare them. The processor 12 may generate the second image as an image of only the contour, or as an image in which the inside of the contour is filled with a predetermined color or pattern. The processor 12 may generate the second image as an image in which the inside of the contour is made transparent with a predetermined transmittance and display the second image by superimposing it on the first image.

[0060] <Output of urination information> As described above, processor 12 estimates the reference shape of the bladder based on an analytical shape of the bladder analyzed from a first image of the infant's bladder acquired by scanner 30. Processor 12 may output information related to infant urination based on the reference shape of the bladder and the analytical shape of the bladder. Processor 12 may output information related to infant urination based on the analytical shape of the bladder used to estimate the reference shape of the bladder. Processor 12 may output information related to infant urination based on the analytical shape of the bladder analyzed from a first image newly acquired after estimating the reference shape of the bladder.

[0061] For example, if the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder is the reference shape of the bladder, or if the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder is larger than the reference shape of the bladder, it is estimated that the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder has reached the predetermined amount. In other words, if the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder is equal to or larger than the reference shape of the bladder, it is estimated that the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder has reached the predetermined amount.

[0062] When the amount of urine stored in an infant's bladder reaches a predetermined amount, the infant is in a state where it is not unusual for the infant to urinate at any time. Also, when the amount of urine stored in an infant's bladder reaches a predetermined amount, the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate naturally without difficulty if urged to urinate. The state where it is not unusual for an infant to urinate at any time, or the state where the infant can urinate naturally without difficulty if urged to urinate, is also called a state where urination is possible. The time when an infant is in a state where urination is possible is also called a urination time. In other words, the predetermined amount of urine is the amount of urine stored in an infant's bladder when the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate naturally when urged to urinate.

[0063] When the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder becomes equal to or larger than the reference shape of the bladder, the processor 12 may output to the terminal device 20 information relating to the urination of the infant, the subject of which the first image was acquired, that the infant is in a state in which the infant is able to urinate, to notify the infant. That is, when the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder becomes equal to or larger than the reference shape of the bladder, the processor 12 may notify the infant about the urination of the infant. The terminal device 20 may notify the infant about the urination of the infant by displaying on the display unit 22, or may notify the infant about the urination by an output device such as a light-emitting device, a sound output device, or a vibration device.

[0064] The processor 12 can determine whether the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate without comparing the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder with a reference shape. The shape of the bladder before the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate is a shape with a large concave portion, such as the analyzed shape 71 or 72 illustrated in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B. In other words, the shape of the bladder before the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate is not an approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped. On the other hand, the shape of the bladder when the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate is a shape without a concave portion, such as the analyzed shape 73 illustrated in FIG. 4C. In other words, the shape of the bladder when the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate is an approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped. Therefore, the processor 12 may determine that the infant is in a state where the infant can urinate when the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder is an approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped, and may notify the infant about urination.

[0065] When the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder is smaller than the reference shape of the bladder, it is estimated that the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder does not reach a predetermined amount of urine. The processor 12 may calculate a ratio of the size of the analyzed shape of the bladder to the size of the reference shape of the bladder. The ratio of the size of the analyzed shape of the bladder to the size of the reference shape of the bladder is also referred to as an area ratio. The processor 12 may calculate a ratio of the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder to a predetermined amount of urine based on the calculated area ratio. The ratio of the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder to a predetermined amount of urine is also referred to as an accumulation rate. The processor 12 may calculate the area ratio as the accumulation rate. The processor 12 may convert the area ratio into an accumulation rate based on a calibration curve, a table, a formula, or the like that indicates the relationship between the area ratio and the accumulation rate. The processor 12 may output the area ratio or the accumulation rate to the terminal device 20 as information related to urination of the infant, who is the subject of the first image acquisition, and cause the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 to display the information. The area ratio or accumulation rate is an index representing the current state of the infant's bladder and is also referred to as the current level.

[0066] The processor 12 may determine whether the infant is able to urinate based on the current level. According to the definition of the urine accumulation rate in the infant's bladder, the processor 12 may determine that the infant is able to urinate when the accumulation rate reaches 100%. The processor 12 may determine that the infant is able to urinate when the accumulation rate reaches a determination threshold, i.e., when the accumulation rate is equal to or greater than the determination threshold. The determination threshold may be set to 100% as described above, or may be set to a value less than 100% or a value greater than 100%.

[0067] The processor 12 may determine that the infant is in a state where he or she is able to urinate when the area ratio calculated based on the analyzed shape of the bladder reaches a determination threshold value.

[0068] When the processor 12 determines that the infant is in a state where he or she can urinate, the processor 12 may determine that it is time to urinate and may cause the terminal device 20 to notify the infant of the time to urinate. That is, the processor 12 notifies the infant of urination.

[0069] The processor 12 may estimate the time until the infant is able to urinate based on the urine accumulation rate in the infant's bladder. According to the definition of the urine accumulation rate in the infant's bladder, when the accumulation rate reaches 100%, the infant is able to urinate. The processor 12 may estimate the time until the infant is able to urinate by estimating the time until the urine accumulation rate reaches 100%. For example, the processor 12 may estimate the urine accumulation rate in the infant's bladder at least twice, and predict the trend of the time change of the urine accumulation rate based on the estimated value of the urine accumulation rate in each estimation and the time when each estimation was performed. The processor 12 may estimate the time until the urine accumulation rate reaches 100%, that is, the time until the infant is able to urinate, based on the predicted trend of the time change. The processor 12 may output the estimated time to the terminal device 20 as information regarding the infant's urination, and cause the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 to display the information.

[0070] The processor 12 may estimate the time until the infant is able to urinate based on the area ratio calculated based on the analytical shape of the bladder.

[0071] The display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 may display information related to the infant's urination as an information display screen 80 as exemplified in FIG.

[0072] The information display screen 80 may include an echo image display section 81. The echo image display section 81 displays an echo image 50 of an area including the infant's bladder, i.e., a first image. The echo image display section 81 may display an analysis shape 51 analyzed from the echo image 50. The echo image display section 81 may display a reference contour 70 which is the contour of the reference shape of the infant's bladder from which the echo image 50 was acquired, i.e., a second image.

[0073] The information display screen 80 may include a current level display section 82. The current level display section 82 may display, as the current level, an area ratio analyzed from the echo image 50. The current level display section 82 may display, as the current level, a urine accumulation rate in the bladder of the infant from whom the echo image 50 was acquired. The current level display section 82 may display the area ratio or accumulation rate as a numerical value, or may display it as a bar-shaped gauge as exemplified. The accumulation rate may be displayed as a numerical value exceeding 100%. The current level display section 82 may display the area ratio or accumulation rate as a gauge of another shape, such as a circular shape, or may display it in various other forms.

[0074] The information display screen 80 may include an estimated time display section 83. The estimated time display section 83 may display an estimated time until the infant, whose ultrasound image 50 was acquired, becomes able to urinate.

[0075] The information display screen 80 may include a measurement button 84. When the terminal device 20 receives an operation input to the measurement button 84, the terminal device 20 may display, on the display unit 22, guidance on the operation of the scanner 30 for acquiring the first image, and allow the user to operate the scanner 30.

[0076] A measurement operation in which the information processing system 1 analyzes the first image and outputs information related to the infant's urination may be started when the user operates the scanner 30. The measurement operation may be started when the user operates the measurement button 84 displayed on the terminal device 20.

[0077] The information processing system 1 may perform the measurement operation only once. The information processing system 1 may repeatedly perform the measurement operation two or more times. By repeatedly performing the measurement operation two or more times, a urine accumulation rate at two or more times is calculated, which is used to predict the trend of time-dependent change in the urine accumulation rate in an infant's bladder, for example. When the information processing system 1 repeatedly performs the measurement operation two or more times, the information processing device 10 or the terminal device 20 may determine the timing to start the second or subsequent measurement operations and notify the user of the determined timing. When the information processing device 10 determines the timing, the information processing device 10 may output the determined timing to the terminal device 20 and cause the terminal device 20 to notify the timing.

[0078] <<Flowchart example>> In order to output information related to urination, the information processing system 1 may execute an information processing method including the steps of the flowchart exemplified in Fig. 7. The information processing method may be realized as an information processing program executed by the processor 12 of the information processing device 10 or the processor of the terminal device 20. The information processing program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. An example of the steps when the processor 12 executes the information processing method will be described below.

[0079] Processor 12 acquires a first image of the infant's bladder generated by scanner 30 (step S1). Processor 12 causes display unit 22 of terminal device 20 to display the first image of the bladder (step S2). Processor 12 analyzes the first image of the bladder (step S3). Processor 12 causes display unit 22 of terminal device 20 to display a current level calculated based on the analyzed shape of the bladder (step S4).

[0080] The processor 12 determines whether the current level is less than the determination threshold (step S5). If the current level is less than the determination threshold (step S5: YES), the processor 12 estimates the time until the infant, the subject of which the first image was acquired, is able to urinate, and causes the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 to display the calculated estimated time (step S6). After executing the procedure of step S6, the processor 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 7. If the current level is not less than the judgment threshold (step S5: NO), that is, if the current level is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold, the processor 12 judges that the subject infant is in a state in which he or she can urinate, and causes the terminal device 20 to notify the infant of the time to urinate (step S7). After executing the procedure of step S7, the processor 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG.

[0081] The information processing system 1 may execute an information processing method including the steps of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8 to display a first image, which is an echo image of the bladder, and a second image, which represents the outline of the reference shape of the bladder, as information regarding urination.

[0082] Processor 12 acquires a first image of the infant's bladder generated by scanner 30 (step S11). Processor 12 analyzes the first image of the bladder (step S12). Processor 12 generates a second image representing the analyzed shape of the bladder (step S13). Processor 12 causes display unit 22 of terminal device 20 to display the first image and the second image (step S14). After executing the procedure of step S14, processor 12 ends execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 8.

[0083] <Summary of an example of the operation of estimating the reference shape of the bladder and outputting information on urination> As described above, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the reference shape of the bladder is estimated based on the analyzed shape of the bladder of the infant, and whether the infant is in a state where urination is possible is determined by comparing the reference shape with the analyzed shape. As a comparative example, when determining that the infant is in a state where urination is possible on the condition that the size of the infant's bladder is a predetermined size, it is necessary to set the predetermined size in consideration of the influence of the difference in the size of the bladder depending on the characteristics or state of the infant, or the environment surrounding the infant, etc., and it is difficult to improve the accuracy of the determination. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, the influence of the difference in the size of the bladder depending on the characteristics or state of the infant, or the environment surrounding the infant, etc. is reduced by estimating the reference shape of the infant's bladder. As a result, the accuracy of determining whether the infant is in a state where urination is possible is improved. In other words, the accuracy of the information regarding the infant's urination is improved.

[0084] <Determining the right time for toilet training> As described above, when the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder reaches a predetermined amount, that is, when the shape of the infant's bladder becomes a standard shape, the infant is at a stage where he or she can urinate autonomously. If the infant is at a stage where he or she can urinate autonomously, the infant is likely to urinate when urged to do so. Therefore, by starting toilet training after confirming that the shape of the infant's bladder has become a standard shape, toilet training can be carried out effectively.

[0085] Conversely, starting toilet training without being able to confirm that the shape of the infant's bladder has become the standard shape is counterproductive, because if the shape of the infant's bladder has not become the standard shape, i.e., if the amount of urine stored in the bladder has not reached the specified amount, the infant will not be able to urinate properly and will become reluctant to toilet training, even if the infant is encouraged to urinate for toilet training.

[0086] Here, the function of the bladder of an infant develops as the infant grows. During the period when the function of the bladder is underdeveloped, the infant reflexively urinates before the amount of urine stored in the bladder reaches a predetermined amount. As a result, the amount of urine stored in the bladder of the infant does not reach the predetermined amount. Even if the infant is encouraged to urinate for toilet training, the infant is unable to urinate properly and becomes reluctant to toilet training.

[0087] Therefore, if the urination function of an infant is developed so that the infant can hold in urine until the shape of the infant's bladder reaches the standard shape, that is, until the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder reaches a predetermined amount, it becomes possible to practice having the infant urinate autonomously by encouraging the infant to urinate. In other words, the appropriate time to start toilet training an infant is when the urination function has developed to the extent that the infant's bladder can store urine until the shape of the infant's bladder reaches the standard shape.

[0088] Therefore, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment may analyze the shape of the bladder in which the urine of the infant is accumulated from the first image, and when it is confirmed that the analyzed shape of the bladder matches the reference shape of the bladder, determine that it is the appropriate time to start toilet training for the infant. An example of the operation of the information processing system 1 to determine the appropriate time for toilet training will be described below.

[0089] In the information processing system 1, the scanner 30 generates, as a first image, an echo image of an area including the bladder of the infant for which the appropriate timing for toilet training is to be determined. The processor 12 of the information processing device 10 analyzes the first image generated by the scanner 30 to obtain an analyzed shape of the infant's bladder. The processor 12 determines the appropriate timing for toilet training of the infant based on the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder.

[0090] For example, the processor 12 may acquire a first image immediately before the infant urinates. The processor 12 may analyze the first image acquired immediately before the infant urinates to acquire an analyzed shape of the bladder immediately before the infant urinates. When the analyzed shape of the bladder immediately before the infant urinates is substantially elliptical or substantially egg-shaped, the processor 12 may estimate that the urinary function has developed to such an extent that the infant can hold back urination until the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder reaches a predetermined amount, and may determine that it is the appropriate time to start toilet training for the infant.

[0091] Here, the time immediately before the infant urinates is determined after the infant urinates. For example, the processor 12 may acquire the first image multiple times at a predetermined time interval, and use the first image acquired at the time that is the closest to the time when the infant urinates among the first images acquired at each time as the first image acquired immediately before the infant urinates. The processor 12 may recognize that the infant has urinated based on an input from a user such as the guardian of the infant. The terminal device 20 may be configured to accept an input from a user that the infant has urinated. The processor 12 may recognize that the infant has urinated based on a detection result of a sensor installed in a diaper, pants, or the like worn by the infant.

[0092] The processor 12 may acquire at least two first images at a predetermined time interval and acquire at least two analytical shapes of the bladder by analyzing each of the at least two first images. The processor 12 may determine the appropriate time for toilet training the infant based on each of the at least two analytical shapes. When at least one analytical shape of the at least two analytical shapes is a substantially elliptical or substantially egg-shaped shape, the processor 12 may estimate that the urinary function has developed to the extent that the infant can hold back urination until the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder reaches a predetermined amount, and may determine that it is the appropriate time to start toilet training the infant.

[0093] When the analysis shape generated based on the first image acquired close to the time when the infant is about to urinate, out of the at least two analysis shapes, is approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped, the processor 12 may estimate that the urinary function has developed to the extent that the infant can hold back urination until the amount of urine stored in the infant's bladder reaches a predetermined urine volume, and may determine that it is the appropriate time to start toilet training the infant.

[0094] The predetermined period may be determined based on the average urination interval of the infant to be judged as to whether the appropriate time for toilet training is appropriate. The predetermined period may be determined to be the same length as the average urination interval of the infant to be judged, or may be determined to be longer or shorter than the average urination interval of the infant to be judged. The average urination interval of an infant with an underdeveloped urinary function is, for example, 1 to 2 hours. As an example, the predetermined period may be 15 minutes. The predetermined period may be set by the user.

[0095] In the above example, the processor 12 determines whether the analyzed shape of the target infant's bladder is approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped in order to determine whether it is the appropriate time for the infant to begin toilet training. The condition for the processor 12 to determine the appropriate time for the infant to begin toilet training is not limited to the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder being approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped, and may include the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder being another shape.

[0096] The conditions for the processor 12 to determine the appropriate time for toilet training the infant may include, for example, that the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder does not include a concave portion in its contour. Here, a concave portion in a contour is defined geometrically as a portion of the contour where a point on the contour is located that satisfies the condition that a tangent line drawn to the contour at that point intersects with another point on the contour. In other words, a shape that does not include a concave portion in its contour is a shape that satisfies the condition that a tangent line to any point on the contour does not intersect with any other point on the contour.

[0097] The shape of an infant's bladder varies depending on the individual. For example, even if an infant's urination function has developed to the extent that the infant can hold back urination, the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder may have a shape that includes a recess in part of its outline. Therefore, the condition for the processor 12 to determine the appropriate time for toilet training an infant may include that the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder has a shape that includes a recess in part of its outline. The above-mentioned approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped shape may be a shape that does not include a recess in its outline, or a shape that includes a recess in part of its outline.

[0098] The condition for the processor 12 to determine the appropriate time for toilet training of an infant may include that the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder is a shape that includes a recess in part of its contour, but the ratio of the length of the recessed portion of the contour to the length of the entire contour is less than a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio may be appropriately determined according to the analyzed shape of the target infant's bladder. The predetermined ratio may be determined, for example, based on a change in the analyzed shape of the bladder according to the growth of the infant. For example, the processor 12 may obtain the analyzed shape of the bladder that changes according to the growth of the infant at multiple time periods, and calculate the ratio of the length of the recessed portion of the contour of the analyzed shape of the bladder obtained at each time period. When the ratio of the length of the recessed portion of the contour of the analyzed shape of the bladder converges to a non-zero value as the infant grows, the processor 12 may determine the predetermined ratio based on the converged value.

[0099] <<Flowchart example>> The information processing system 1 may execute an information processing method including the steps of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 9 in order to determine the appropriate time for toilet training of an infant. The information processing method may be realized as an information processing program executed by the processor 12 of the information processing device 10 or the processor of the terminal device 20. The information processing program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. An example of the steps when the processor 12 executes the information processing method will be described below.

[0100] Processor 12 acquires a first image of the infant's bladder generated by scanner 30 (step S21). Processor 12 analyzes the first image of the bladder (step S22). Processor 12 determines whether the analyzed shape of the bladder is approximately elliptical (step S23). Processor 12 may determine whether the analyzed shape of the bladder is approximately egg-shaped, or may determine whether the analyzed shape of the bladder is a shape determined by other conditions.

[0101] If the analyzed shape of the bladder is substantially elliptical (step S23: YES), the processor 12 determines that the target infant from whom the first image was acquired is at an appropriate age for toilet training (step S24). After executing the procedure of step S24, the processor 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG.

[0102] If the analyzed shape of the bladder is not substantially elliptical (step S23: NO), the processor 12 determines whether the target infant for which the first image was acquired has urinated (step S25). The processor 12 may determine whether the infant has urinated based on an input from a user. If the target infant has not yet urinated (step S25: NO), the processor 12 returns to the procedure of acquiring the first image in step S21, and repeats the determination of the analyzed shape of the bladder. If the target infant has urinated (step S25: YES), the processor 12 determines that it is not yet the appropriate time for toilet training for the target infant (step S26). After executing the procedure of step S26, the processor 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 9.

[0103] The processor 12 may output the result of the determination of the appropriate time for toilet training in the procedure of step S24 or S26 to the terminal device 20, and cause it to be displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 20 or to be notified to the user from the terminal device 20.

[0104] <Summary of examples of actions to determine the appropriate time for toilet training> As described above, according to the information processing system 1 of the present embodiment, the appropriate time for toilet training of an infant is determined based on the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder. As a comparative example, when an infant is urged to urinate on the condition that the infant's bladder is a predetermined size, the infant may not be able to urinate properly due to differences in the size of the bladder depending on the characteristics or condition of the infant, or the infant's surrounding environment, etc., and toilet training may fail. In addition, even when an infant is urged to urinate when a predetermined time has passed since the infant last urinated, the infant may not be able to urinate properly and toilet training may fail. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the infant is in a state where he or she can urinate based on the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder and urge the infant to urinate. In this way, the infant can urinate easily and naturally. As a result, the infant's toilet training is effectively performed. In addition, information for effectively performing the infant's toilet training is output.

[0105] (summary) As described above, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the accuracy of information relating to an infant's urination is improved based on the analyzed shape of the infant's bladder.

[0106] (Other embodiments) In the information processing system 1, the scanner 30 used to generate a first image capable of analyzing the shape of the bladder of the target organism may be replaced with another device capable of generating the first image. The scanner 30 may be replaced with, for example, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

[0107] The drawings for explaining the embodiments according to the present disclosure are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0108] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components can be combined into one or divided. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0109] All of the features described in this disclosure and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed herein may be combined in any combination except those combinations in which the features are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, each feature described in this disclosure may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly denied. Thus, unless expressly denied, each disclosed feature is merely one example of a generic series of the same or equivalent features.

[0110] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to any of the specific configurations of the embodiments described above, but rather extend to any novel feature or combination of features described herein, or any novel method or process step or combination of features described herein.

[0111] In this disclosure, descriptions such as "first" and "second" are identifiers for distinguishing the configuration. Configurations distinguished by descriptions such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure may have their numbers exchanged. For example, a first image may exchange identifiers "first" and "second" with a second image. The exchange of identifiers is performed simultaneously. The configurations remain distinguished even after the exchange of identifiers. Identifiers may be deleted. A configuration from which an identifier has been deleted is distinguished by a symbol. Descriptions of identifiers such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure should not be used solely to interpret the order of the configurations or to justify the existence of an identifier with a smaller number.

[0112] The above describes an embodiment of a display method using information processing system 1. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure can also be embodied as a storage medium on which a program is recorded (for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, or a memory card, etc.), in addition to a method or program for implementing the device.

[0113] The form of implementation of the program is not limited to application programs such as object code compiled by a compiler or program code executed by an interpreter, but may be a program module incorporated into an operating system, etc. Furthermore, the program may or may not be configured so that all processing is performed only by the CPU on the control board. The program may be configured so that a part or all of it is executed by another processing unit mounted on an expansion board or expansion unit added to the board as necessary.

[0114] In one embodiment, (1) an information processing device includes an interface that acquires a first image capable of analyzing the shape of a target organism's bladder, and a processor that generates an analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder in which urine is accumulated based on the first image, and determines the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder.

[0115] (2) In the information processing device described in (1) above, the processor may determine that it is the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism when the analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder is approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped.

[0116] In one embodiment, (3) the information processing method includes obtaining a first image capable of analyzing a shape of the target organism's bladder immediately before the target organism urinates, generating an analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder based on the first image, and determining the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder.

[0117] In one embodiment, (4) the information processing program causes a processor to execute the following steps: acquire a first image capable of analyzing the shape of the target organism's bladder immediately before the target organism urinates; generate an analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder based on the first image; and determine the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the analyzed shape of the target organism's bladder.

[0118] In one embodiment, (5) the information processing device includes an interface that acquires at least two first images capable of analyzing the shape of the target organism's bladder over a predetermined period of time, and a processor that generates at least two analytical shapes of the target organism's bladder based on each of the at least two first images, and determines the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the at least two analytical shapes of the target organism's bladder.

[0119] (6) In the information processing device described in (5) above, the processor may determine that it is the appropriate time to toilet train the target organism when at least one of at least two analysis shapes of the target organism's bladder is approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped.

[0120] (7) In the information processing device described in (5) above, the processor may determine that it is the appropriate time to toilet train the target organism when an analysis shape of at least two analysis shapes of the target organism's bladder based on an image acquired close to the time when the target organism is about to urinate is approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped.

[0121] (8) In the information processing device according to any one of (5) to (7) above, the predetermined period may be determined based on an average urination interval of the target organism.

[0122] In one embodiment, (9) the information processing method includes acquiring at least two first images capable of analyzing a shape of the target organism's bladder during a predetermined period of time, generating at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder based on each of the at least two first images, and determining the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder.

[0123] In one embodiment, (10) the information processing program causes a processor to execute the following steps: acquire at least two first images capable of analyzing the shape of the target organism's bladder during a predetermined period of time; generate at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder based on each of the at least two first images; and determine the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the at least two analyzed shapes of the target organism's bladder. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Information processing device (12: processor, 14: interface) 20 terminal device (22: display unit, 24: interface) 30 Scanner (31: transducer, 32: high-voltage switch, 33: pulsar, 34: low-noise amplifier, 35: detector, 36: ADC, 37: processor, 38: power supply circuit) 50 Echo image (51: Analysis shape) 60 Echo image (61: Analysis shape) 70 Reference Contours 71, 72, 73 Analysis shape 80 Information display screen (81: echo image display section, 82: current level display section, 83: estimated time display section, 84: measurement button)

Claims

1. an interface for acquiring a first image capable of analyzing a shape of the bladder of the target organism; a processor that generates an analysis of a bladder containing urine of the target organism based on the first image, and determines an appropriate time for toilet training of the target organism based on the analysis of the bladder of the target organism; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor determines that it is an appropriate time for toilet training the target living being when the analyzed shape of the target living being's bladder is substantially elliptical or substantially egg-shaped.

3. acquiring a first image capable of analyzing a shape of a bladder of a target organism immediately before the target organism urinates; generating a shape analysis of the subject's bladder based on the first image; determining an appropriate time for toilet training of the subject based on the analyzed shape of the subject's bladder; An information processing method comprising:

4. acquiring a first image capable of analyzing a shape of a bladder of a target organism immediately before the target organism urinates; generating a shape analysis of the subject's bladder based on the first image; determining an appropriate time for toilet training of the subject based on the analyzed shape of the subject's bladder; An information processing program that causes a processor to execute the above.

5. an interface for acquiring at least two first images capable of analyzing a shape of the bladder of a target organism during a predetermined period of time; a processor for generating at least two analytical shapes of the bladder of the target organism based on each of the at least two first images, and determining an appropriate time for toilet training the target organism based on the at least two analytical shapes of the bladder of the target organism; An information processing device comprising:

6. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the processor determines that it is an appropriate time for toilet training the target organism when at least one of at least two analysis shapes of the target organism's bladder is approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped.

7. The information processing device of claim 5, wherein the processor determines that it is the appropriate time for toilet training the target organism when an analysis shape based on an image acquired close to the time when the target organism is about to urinate, out of at least two analysis shapes of the target organism's bladder, is approximately elliptical or approximately egg-shaped.

8. The information processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the predetermined period is determined based on an average urination interval of the target organism.

9. acquiring at least two first images capable of analyzing a shape of the bladder of the target organism during a predetermined period of time; generating at least two analytical shapes of the subject's bladder based on each of the at least two first images; determining an appropriate time for toilet training the subject based on at least two analyzed shapes of the subject's bladder; An information processing method comprising:

10. acquiring at least two first images capable of analyzing a shape of the bladder of the target organism during a predetermined period of time; generating at least two analytical shapes of the subject's bladder based on each of the at least two first images; determining an appropriate time for toilet training the subject based on at least two analyzed shapes of the subject's bladder; An information processing program that causes a processor to execute the above.

Images