Information processing method and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an information processing method or the like capable of easily recognizing the weight of excretion.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes: a retrieval information acquisition step of acquiring retrieval information to retrieve hygiene products to be used by a user; a pre-use weight acquisition step of acquiring a pre-use weight of the hygiene product related to the retrieval information through retrieval based on the retrieval information from a database storing kinds of hygiene products and the pre-use weights of the respective kinds of hygiene products in association with each other; a post-use weight acquisition step of acquiring a post-use weight of the hygiene product of the user; an excretion weight acquisition step of acquiring a weight of excretion of the user by subtracting the pre-use weight of the hygiene product from the post-use weight of the hygiene product; and a notification step of notifying, by an information notification device 200, the user of the weight of the excretion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for obtaining quantitative information on the state of absorbed menstrual blood based on two-dimensional information such as the shape, position, and area of ​​the menstrual blood absorbed into an absorbent article. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if the weight of menstrual blood is estimated using the technology of Patent Document 1, the estimation accuracy is low because the reference is two-dimensional information of menstrual blood. Also, in order for a user to recognize the two-dimensional information of menstrual blood, it is necessary to unfold the absorbent article after use to check it, which is cumbersome.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method etc. that allows the weight of excrement to be easily recognized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a search information acquisition step of acquiring search information for searching for sanitary products to be used by a user, a pre-use weight acquisition step of acquiring a pre-use weight of a sanitary product related to the search information by searching a database that stores types of sanitary products in association with the pre-use weights of each type of sanitary product based on the search information, a post-use weight acquisition step of acquiring the weight of the sanitary product after use by the user, an excrement weight acquisition step of acquiring the weight of the user's excrement by subtracting the weight of the sanitary product before use from the weight of the sanitary product after use, and a notification step of notifying the user of the weight of the excrement by an information notification device.

[0007] An information processing system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an information notification device that acquires search information for searching for sanitary products to be used by a user, a database that links and stores the types of sanitary products with the weights of each type of sanitary product before use, and a measuring device that acquires the weight of the sanitary product after use by the user, wherein the information notification device searches the database based on the search information to acquire the pre-use weight of the sanitary product related to the search information, and after acquiring the weight of the sanitary product after use from the measuring device, acquires the weight of the user's excrement by subtracting the weight of the sanitary product before use from the weight of the sanitary product after use, and notifies the user of the weight of the excrement. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an information processing method and the like that allows the weight of excrement to be easily recognized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the measurement device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of the measurement device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a database according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a measurement processing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the detection range of the optical sensor according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the information notification device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on the information notification device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of a napkin package according to Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of a napkin package according to the first modification. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of a napkin package according to the first modification. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the napkin itself according to the second modification. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the napkin itself according to the second modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information notification device according to the third modification. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing a discard model according to the fourth modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a measuring device according to the fourth modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example in an information notification device according to the fifth modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of an information notification device according to the sixth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the information processing system and the information processing method according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangements and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0013] [Embodiment Mode] (Information Processing System) The information processing system according to the embodiment has a function of measuring the weight of excrement contained in a sanitary product and notifying the user of the weight. Here, examples of sanitary products include sanitary products, disposable diapers, etc. In the case of sanitary products, examples of the excrement include menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, lochia, etc., and in the case of disposable diapers, examples of the excrement include urine, feces, etc. In the present embodiment, a napkin, which is a type of sanitary product, is exemplified as the sanitary product, and menstrual blood is exemplified as the excrement. Other sanitary products (tampons, absorbent shorts, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, panty liners), etc. may also be used.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a measuring device 100, an information notification device 200, and a server device 300.

[0015] The measurement device 100 is a trash can-type device for disposing of napkins. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the measurement device 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the measurement device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0016] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the measuring device 100 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and includes a main body 110 and a lid 120. The main body 110 is a rectangular box-shaped part with an open top. The lid 120 is rotatably supported on the upper end of the main body 110, and opens and closes the open part of the main body 110. The lid 120 has a base end connected to a drive unit 130 via a mechanism 131. The drive unit 130 is, for example, a motor. The lid 120 is driven to rotate by the mechanism 131 operated by the drive unit 130. In other words, the lid 120 opens and closes automatically.

[0017] In the main body 110, an optical sensor 140 and a light emitting unit 150 are disposed on the upper front surface of the wall (front wall) on the open end side of the lid 120. The optical sensor 140 is, for example, an infrared sensor. The light emitting unit 150 is, for example, an LED, which lights up when the power is ON and goes out when the power is OFF.

[0018] A garbage bag is set inside main body 110. For this reason, a fixing part 111 for fixing the garbage bag is provided on the front wall of main body 110. A weight sensor 160 is disposed on the bottom inside main body 110 to measure the weight of the garbage bag and items stored therein (mainly used napkins). Weight sensor 160 is, for example, a load cell.

[0019] Inside the main body 110, at the bottom, a communication unit 170 and a control unit 180 are provided in a state where they are mounted on the same board. The communication unit 170 is a communication module that performs wired and / or wireless communication. The control unit 180 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU expands a program in the ROM into the RAM and executes it to control each unit of the measuring device 100. Specifically, the control unit 180 controls the drive unit 130, the optical sensor 140, the light emitting unit 150, the weight sensor 160, and the communication unit 170.

[0020] Inside the main body 110, a power supply unit 190 is provided to supply power to the drive unit 130, the optical sensor 140, the light emitting unit 150, the weight sensor 160, the communication unit 170, and the control unit 180. The power supply unit 190 may be a rechargeable battery, or may be a power supply device connected to an external power source via an outlet. When the power supply unit 190 is a rechargeable battery, it is preferable to arrange the power supply unit 190 inside the side surface of the main body 110. This allows the power supply unit 190 to be replaced without lifting the main body 110. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in accuracy of the weight sensor 160 caused by lifting. If lifting is not necessary, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the user touches the main body 110 in the toilet, and to suppress the feeling of unsanitary feeling felt by the user.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the information notification device 200 is a terminal device that is communicatively connected to the measuring device 100 and the server device 300. The information notification device 200 includes a touch panel unit 210, a sound output unit 220, a sound input unit 230, a memory unit 240, an imaging unit 250, a communication unit 260, and a control unit 270. The touch panel unit 210 is a touch panel having a liquid crystal or organic EL panel. The sound output unit 220 is a speaker. The sound input unit 230 is a microphone. The memory unit 240 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or an SSD (SolidStake Drive). The imaging unit 250 is a camera. The communication unit 260 is a wired and / or wireless communication module. The control unit 270 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU controls each unit of the information notification device 200 by expanding a program in the ROM into the RAM and executing it.

[0022] The information notification device 200 includes a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a smart watch, a notebook PC, a portable game machine, and the like. The information notification device 200 may be any terminal device capable of performing a search in the server device 300 by acquiring search information. The search information may be a keyword input to the touch panel unit 210. In the case of the information notification device 200 capable of voice recognition, the search information may be a keyword based on a voice input to the sound input unit 230. The search information also includes a barcode (including a two-dimensional barcode) captured by the imaging unit 250. Furthermore, the image itself captured by the imaging unit 250 is also included in the search information.

[0023] The server device 300 is a server device that can communicate with the measuring device 100 and the information notification device 200. For example, the server device 300 can communicate with the measuring device 100 and the information notification device 200 via the Internet or a local area network. The server device 300 is a database that stores types of sanitary products in association with the weights of each type of sanitary product before use. In this embodiment, the server device 300 is illustrated as an example of a database, but the storage unit 240 of the information notification device 200 may store the database.

[0024] In the server device 300, the database is edited by an administrator. The server device 300 may be accessible to a terminal provided in the napkin manufacturer. In this case, the napkin manufacturer can access the server device 300 to edit the database. The server device 300 may set different access rights for the napkin manufacturer than those for general users, or may set a different login method than those for general users. The database may be a database shared by multiple people, or may be a personal database.

[0025] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a database according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the database of the server device 300 stores, for each type of sanitary napkin, a company name, a brand name, a size, a classification, a feature, a weight, a JAN code, and the like, which are linked to each other. Here, the size indicates the length of the sanitary napkin in the longitudinal direction. The classification indicates whether the sanitary napkin is for daytime use, nighttime use, or for going out. The feature indicates whether the sanitary napkin has wings or does not have wings. The weight indicates the weight of the sanitary napkin before use. The JAN code is the product identification number of the sanitary napkin.

[0026] The database may be edited through a web browser or by uploading a file in a specific database format such as a CSV file. The order in which items are displayed in the database may be alphabetical order, order of registration, order of recommendation, order of share, etc. The recommended order is the order recommended by the manufacturer to the user. This allows new products, for example, to be displayed at the top, which can enhance the PR effect.

[0027] For example, when a keyword search is performed by the information notification device 200, the type of napkins associated with that keyword is searched for in the database of the server device 300. Also, when the information notification device 200 photographs and reads a barcode (including a two-dimensional barcode), the type of napkins associated with the JAN code indicated by the read barcode is searched for in the database of the server device 300.

[0028] (Information processing method) Next, an information processing method executed by the information processing system 10 according to the embodiment will be described. The information processing method includes a measurement device processing method executed by the measurement device 100 and an information notification device processing method executed by the information notification device 200.

[0029] First, the measurement device processing method will be described. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the measurement processing method according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, in step S101, the control unit 180 of the measurement device 100 determines whether or not a detection signal is acquired from the optical sensor 140.

[0030] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a detection range R1 of optical sensor 140 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, optical sensor 140 is disposed at a position that is not covered by the open end of cover portion 120. When a detection target H, such as a user's hand, enters detection range R1 of optical sensor 140, optical sensor 140 outputs a detection signal to control unit 180.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S101, if the control unit 180 acquires a detection signal from the optical sensor 140, the process proceeds to step S102, and if not, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0032] In step S102, the control unit 180 executes a zero correction process for the weight sensor 160. The zero correction process is a process for correcting the distortion detected by the load cell, which is the weight sensor 160, and the voltage value at that time to zero. At this time, even if the measuring device 100 is empty or if dust has accumulated in the measuring device 100, the value at that time is zero. By performing this zero correction process, the subsequent process is simplified, but the zero correction process may not be performed. In this case, the value before the napkin is inserted into the measuring device 110 is stored, and the difference between the value after the napkin is inserted can be calculated.

[0033] In step S103, the control unit 180 controls the driving unit 130 to open the lid unit 120. This allows the user to discard the used napkin into the measuring device 100.

[0034] In step S104, the control unit 180 determines whether or not a detection signal is being acquired from the optical sensor 140, and if the detection signal is being acquired, maintains that state, and if the acquisition has stopped, proceeds to step S105. At this time, the control unit 180 may proceed to step S105 after a first predetermined time (e.g., 1 second or more and 5 seconds or less) has elapsed since the acquisition of the detection signal was stopped.

[0035] In step S105, the control unit 180 controls the driving unit 130 to close the lid unit 120. In this manner, the user can open and close the lid unit 120 without touching the measuring device 100. In other words, the user can open and close the lid unit 120 while holding the used napkin, without touching the measuring device 100.

[0036] In step S106, the control unit 180 waits for a second predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds or more and 2 seconds or less) before proceeding to step S107. This makes it possible to reduce vibrations caused by operating the lid unit 120. In other words, it is possible to suppress instability of the weight measurement caused by vibrations.

[0037] In step S107, the control unit 180 controls the weight sensor 160 to measure the current weight.

[0038] In step S108, the control unit 180 controls the communication unit 170 to transmit the measurement result of the weight sensor 160 to the information notification device 200 and / or the server device 300, and proceeds to step S101. If the transmission cannot be executed, the control unit 180 may transmit error information to the information notification device 200 and / or the server device 300.

[0039] In step S110, the control unit 180 judges whether a third predetermined time (for example, 24 hours or more and 72 hours or less) has passed since the previous acquisition, and if not, proceeds to step S101, and if it has passed, ends. This end turns off the power, suppressing excessive power consumption. Note that the first, second, and third predetermined times preferably have a relationship of third predetermined time>first predetermined time>second predetermined time.

[0040] Next, the information notification device processing method will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the information notification device processing method according to the embodiment. The information notification device processing method may be realized by an application or a web browser.

[0041] 7, in step S201, the control unit 270 acquires search information. The search information here is information for searching for a napkin to be used by a user. As described above, the search information can be acquired from at least one of the touch panel unit 210, the sound input unit 230, and the imaging unit 250 of the information notification device 200.

[0042] In step S202, control unit 270 controls communication unit 260 to access the database in server device 300 and determine whether or not a napkin corresponding to the search information exists in the database. If control unit 270 determines that a napkin corresponding to the search information does not exist in the database, it proceeds to step S203, and if it determines that a napkin exists, it proceeds to step S210.

[0043] In step S203, the control unit 270 controls the touch panel unit 210 to present the user with a choice of whether or not to register a new napkin in the database via the touch panel unit 210, and allows the user to select. If a decision to register is input to the touch panel unit 210, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S204, and if a decision not to register is input to the touch panel unit 210, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S207. Note that the control unit 270 displays an option for registration on the touch panel unit 210 only when the user has registration authority. For a user who does not have registration authority, the control unit 270 does not accept any input from the user and automatically proceeds to step S207.

[0044] In step S204, the user operates the touch panel unit 210 to input registration information regarding a new sanitary napkin. When the input is completed, the control unit 270 controls the communication unit 260 to transmit the acquired registration information to the server device 300. As a result, the registration information is registered in the database of the server device 300. After transmitting the registration information, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S211. Here, the registration information may be registered in a personal database or a shared database.

[0045] In step S207, the control unit 270 controls the communication unit 260 to access the database in the server device 300 and extract and acquire napkins similar to the search information. In this case, a search process with lower accuracy than the search process in step S202 (e.g., fuzzy search, semantic search, etc.) is performed. After extracting similar napkins, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S211.

[0046] In step S210, control unit 270 controls communication unit 260 to obtain information about a napkin corresponding to the search information from the database.

[0047] In step S211, control unit 270 controls touch panel unit 210 to display the acquired information (the registration information in step S204, the information on similar napkins in step S207, and the information on napkins corresponding to the search information in step S210).

[0048] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on the information notification device 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the acquired information on the sanitary napkin (company name, brand name, size, category, features), an OK button B11, and an NG button B12 are displayed on the touch panel unit 210.

[0049] In step S212, if the OK button B11 is touched, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S216, and if the NG button B12 is touched, the control unit 270 proceeds to step S213.

[0050] In step S213, control unit 270 controls touch panel unit 210 to prompt the user to select whether or not to re-input the search information. If the user selects to re-input the search information, control unit 270 proceeds to step S201, and if the user does not select to re-input the search information, control unit 270 proceeds to step S214.

[0051] In step S214, control unit 270 controls communication unit 260 to access the database in server device 300 and acquire information on multiple sanitary napkins that match part of the search information. Control unit 270 controls touch panel unit 210 to display the information on the multiple sanitary napkins so that the user can select them. The user operates touch panel unit 210 to select the sanitary napkin that he or she has used.

[0052] In step S215, control unit 270 obtains the weight before use from the information of the napkin selected by the user, and proceeds to step S217.

[0053] Thus, steps S214 and S215 are an example of a pre-use weight acquisition step. Specifically, in steps S214 and S215, at least one candidate of a napkin used by the user is extracted by a search based on the search information, and the extracted candidate is displayed on the touch panel unit 210, and then, from the at least one candidate, a napkin actually used by the user is selected. Then, the post-use weight of the selected napkin is acquired. Note that, if the napkin actually used by the user is not selected from the at least one candidate, the control unit 270 may execute a reception step of accepting registration of a new napkin. In the reception step, for example, a process equivalent to step S204 is performed.

[0054] In step S216, the control unit 270 acquires the weight of the napkin before use from the information of the napkin on which the OK button B11 was touched (pre-use weight acquisition step).

[0055] In step S217, the control unit 270 controls the communication unit 170 to acquire the measurement result (the weight of the used napkin) of the weight sensor 160 transmitted from the measuring device 100 (used weight acquisition step).

[0056] In step S218, the control unit 270 obtains the weight of the user's menstrual blood by subtracting the weight of the napkin before use from the weight of the napkin after use (excrement weight obtaining step).

[0057] In step S219, the control unit 270 controls the touch panel unit 210 to display the weight of menstrual blood, thereby notifying the user (notification step). The control unit 270 may also control the sound output unit 220 to notify the user by sound. At this time, the weight may be converted into a volume using the specific gravity of blood, etc., and notified.

[0058] (Effects, etc.) As described above, according to this embodiment, the weight of the napkin before use by the user is obtained from the database, and the weight of the napkin after use is obtained, and the weight of the menstrual blood is obtained from the difference between these. The weight of the menstrual blood is notified by the information notification device 200, so the user can easily recognize the weight of the menstrual blood without having to unfold the used napkin to check it.

[0059] Furthermore, the weight of menstrual blood can be obtained by actually measuring the weight of the napkin after use, which allows for greater accuracy than when the weight of menstrual blood is estimated from two-dimensional information about the menstrual blood.

[0060] There may also be cases where a napkin corresponding to the search information cannot be found in the database. In this case, at least one candidate of a napkin used by the user is extracted by a search based on the search information, and the extracted candidate is displayed on the information notification device 200. Then, from the at least one candidate, a napkin actually used by the user is selected. This makes it possible to properly find the napkin used by the user, and as a result, the weight of menstrual blood can be accurately measured.

[0061] Furthermore, since the search information is acquired by inputting the search information into the information notification device 200, the information notification device 200 can input the search information and notify the weight of menstrual blood, thereby simplifying the system configuration.

[0062] Furthermore, since a keyword is input to the information notification device 200 as search information, the napkin can be specified by keyword search.

[0063] In addition, since the barcode is photographed by the information notification device 200 as the search information, the sanitary napkin used by the user can be identified by the barcode.

[0064] Furthermore, if the sanitary product that the user has actually used is not selected from among at least one of the candidates, the registration of a new sanitary napkin is accepted from the user, so that the new sanitary napkin can be registered in the database.

[0065] [Variations] In the following, various modifications of the above embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same parts as those in the above embodiment or other modifications, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0066] (Variation 1) In the first modification, a method of acquiring search information different from that of the above embodiment will be described. Specifically, the information notification device 200 captures an image of the appearance of a napkin package, and acquires search information based on the image acquired by the image acquisition. Figs. 9A to 9C are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of a napkin package according to the first modification. As shown in Figs. 9A to 9C, each napkin package has characters indicating the characteristics of the napkin printed thereon. The information notification device 200 can acquire search information by capturing an image of the appearance of the napkin, and performing character recognition processing on the image acquired by the image acquisition.

[0067] In addition, the information notification device 200 may perform image analysis on an image of the appearance of a napkin package and extract features. In this case, the database registers package features for each type of napkin. For this registration, multiple images of the package may be prepared, and features recognized by machine learning such as deep learning may be used. The information notification device 200 may search for a corresponding napkin by comparing the features after image analysis with the features in the database.

[0068] (Variation 2) In the second modification, a method of acquiring search information different from that of the above embodiment will be described. Specifically, the information notification device 200 captures an image of the appearance of the napkin itself, and acquires search information based on the image obtained by the image capture. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of the napkin itself according to the second modification.

[0069] The napkin shown in Fig. 10A and the napkin shown in Fig. 10B have different concave-convex contours Na, Nb. This information notification device 200 photographs the appearance of the napkin and acquires the concave-convex contours Na, Nb as search information based on the image obtained by photographing. In the database, the concave-convex contours are registered for each type of napkin, and the information notification device 200 searches for the corresponding napkin by comparing the acquired concave-convex contour with the concave-convex contours in the database.

[0070] In addition to the concave-convex contour, each napkin may be provided with unique marks Ma, Mb, and these marks Ma, Mb may be used as search information.

[0071] Furthermore, a barcode may be provided on the napkin itself. In this case, the barcode may be formed using paint with a wavelength that is difficult to see with the human eye. Even in this case, the barcode can be recognized by the information notification device 200 by capturing an image with the imaging unit 250 of the information notification device 200. Even if a barcode is provided on the napkin itself, it is difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable because it is difficult to notice.

[0072] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the case where the information notification device 200 notifies the user by simply displaying the weight of menstrual blood has been exemplified. In this modification example 3, a case where the weight of menstrual blood in one period is displayed in a graph will be described.

[0073] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display on the information notification device 200 according to the third modification. As shown in Fig. 11, buttons B31, B32, and B33 are displayed on the information notification device 200. Button B31 is a button for displaying the change in weight of menstrual blood during the current period. When button B31 is touched, the change in weight of menstrual blood during the current period is displayed in a bar graph on the touch panel unit 210. In Fig. 11, the weight of menstrual blood since the start of one period is displayed in a bar graph.

[0074] The button B32 is a button for displaying the change in weight of menstrual blood during the past menstruation. When the button B32 is touched, the touch panel unit 210 displays the change in weight of menstrual blood during the past menstruation in a bar graph.

[0075] Button B33 is a button for viewing other people's records. When button B33 is touched, the touch panel unit 210 displays the change in weight of the other people's menstrual blood as a bar graph. When displayed, the user's bar graph and the other people's bar graph may be displayed overlapping each other, or may be displayed in a switched manner. The change in weight of the other people's menstrual blood may be the average value of all users of the system, or may be the value of other people similar to the user's attributes (age, total menstrual blood volume).

[0076] In this way, the user can easily check the change in menstrual blood weight during the current period and past periods, which can be useful for managing the user's own health. In addition, the user can compare the results with those of other people, which allows for relative health management.

[0077] (Variation 4) 12 is a graph showing a disposal model according to the fourth modified example. First, when the measuring device 100 is empty, the user peels off the release paper from the first napkin, discards only the release paper (first) into the measuring device 100, and puts on the first napkin. When changing the napkin next time, the user peels off the release paper from the second napkin, discards only the release paper (second) into the measuring device 100, changes the napkin (from the first to the second), and discards the first napkin into the measuring device 100 as well. When changing the napkin next time, the user peels off the release paper from the third napkin, discards only the release paper (third) into the measuring device 100, changes the napkin (from the second to the third), and discards the second napkin into the measuring device as well. Thereafter, the user discards the waste material within the measuring device 100 and empties the measuring device 100.

[0078] In this way, when only the release paper is discarded, if the measuring device 100 judges the release paper to be a sanitary napkin, the weight of menstrual blood cannot be measured accurately. In the fourth modification, a control method of the measuring device 100 that suppresses the release paper from being judged to be a sanitary napkin will be described.

[0079] 13 is a flowchart showing a control method for the measuring device 100 according to the fourth modification. This control method is executed by the control unit 180 when a variation occurs in the measurement result of the weight sensor 160. Note that the first threshold, second threshold, and third threshold shown below have a relationship of first threshold<second threshold<third threshold. The first threshold is a value for determining vibration or noise, and is, for example, a value in the range of 0.1 g or more and less than 0.5 g. The second threshold is a value for distinguishing between release paper and napkins, and is a value of 0.5 g or more and 3 g or less. The third threshold is a value for determining that waste has been discarded from the measuring device 100, and is a value of 100 g or more.

[0080] In step S301, the control unit 180 determines whether the measurement result of the weight sensor 160 has a variation less than a first threshold value in either a positive or negative direction compared to the immediately preceding measurement result. If the variation amount is less than the first threshold value, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S302, and if the variation amount is less than the first threshold value, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S303.

[0081] In step S302, control unit 180 determines that the amount of fluctuation is due to vibration or noise, and proceeds to step S301.

[0082] In step S303, the control unit 180 determines whether the measurement result of the weight sensor 160 is a positive change or a negative change from the immediately preceding measurement result. If the change is positive, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S304, and if the change is negative, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S310.

[0083] In step S304, the control unit 180 judges whether the measurement result of the weight sensor 160 is a variation of a second threshold value or more from the immediately preceding measurement result. If the variation is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S305 and judges that the napkin has been discarded into the measuring device 100. At this time, since there is a possibility that the release paper has also been discarded into the measuring device 100 together with the napkin, the control unit 180 may subtract the weight of the release paper (for example, about 1 g) from the measurement result.

[0084] In step S304, if the amount of variation is less than the second threshold, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S306 and determines that only the release paper has been discarded by the measuring device 100. The control unit 180 does not use the measurement result at this time to obtain the weight of menstrual blood.

[0085] In step S310, the control unit 180 determines whether the measurement result of the weight sensor 160 is a variation of a third threshold or more from the immediately preceding measurement result. If the variation is equal to or greater than the third threshold, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S311 and determines that waste has been discarded from the measuring device 100 and that the measuring device 100 is empty.

[0086] On the other hand, if the amount of variation is less than the third threshold, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S312 and determines that the cause is unknown.

[0087] The control unit 180 may display each judgment result on the touch panel unit 210 to allow the user to confirm whether the judgment result is correct.

[0088] (Variation 5) In Modification 5, a specific procedure for a user to search for a napkin will be described. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the information notification device 200 according to Modification 5. As shown in Fig. 14, the touch panel unit 210 of the information notification device 200 is provided with a text box T51, a search button B52, a search result field T53, an OK button B54, and a cancel button B55.

[0089] In the text box T51, text for text search is input. In the example of Fig. 14, "20cm" and "Daytime" are input in the text box T51. The input content in this text box T51 is an example of search information.

[0090] When the search button B52 is touched in this state, the control unit 270 of the information notification device 200 controls the communication unit 260 to access the server device 300 and search the database based on the search information. In this search, napkins that perfectly match the search information may be extracted, or napkins that satisfy certain conditions for the search information may be extracted.

[0091] The control unit 270 controls the touch panel unit 210 to display a list of information on the extracted napkins in the search result field T53. When a package image of the napkin is also registered in the database, the package image may also be displayed as information on the napkin. The control unit 270 provides a check box T56 for each piece of information on the napkin. When only one napkin is extracted, the display of the check box T56 may be omitted.

[0092] The user checks the search result field T53, selects one of the sanitary napkins that the user has used, and checks the check box T56 by touching it. After that, the user touches the OK button B54. This causes the control unit 270 to recognize the sanitary napkin that the user has used.

[0093] The user checks the search result field T53, and if the sanitary napkin that the user used is not there, the user touches the cancel button B55 to end the search process.

[0094] In this way, the search extracts napkins that the user may have used, so that the napkin used can be identified even if the user only remembers some of the information about that napkin.

[0095] At the end of the search process, the control unit 270 may control the touch panel unit 210 to display a selection screen for whether or not to register a new sanitary napkin. If the user selects registration, the control unit 270 may control the touch panel unit 210 to display a registration screen for registering a new sanitary napkin. If the user does not select registration, the control unit 270 may control the communication unit 260 to access the server device 300 and execute a search with a lower degree of similarity based on the search information.

[0096] The search information may also include the measurement time when the weight of menstrual blood is measured. The measurement time is mainly the time when the napkin is changed. For example, if the measurement time is between 10 pm and 8 am, it is highly likely that the napkin is a nighttime napkin, so the search results are narrowed down to nighttime napkins. If the measurement time is between 8 am and 5 pm, it is highly likely that the napkin is a long-lasting napkin, so the search results are narrowed down to long-lasting napkins. If the measurement time is between 5 pm and 10 pm, it is highly likely that the napkin is a daytime napkin, so the search results are narrowed down to daytime napkins. In this way, the search results may be narrowed down by the measurement time. Furthermore, the search results for each time period may be automatically narrowed down based on the user's past usage trends for each time period.

[0097] Furthermore, the elapsed time of menstruation may be included in the search information. In this case, in the information notification device 200, an input screen for inputting the start time of menstruation is displayed on the touch panel unit 210. When the user operates the input screen when menstruation starts, the control unit 270 measures the time that has elapsed since then. When a search is performed, the elapsed time at that time is reflected in the search. For example, within 24 hours or 48 hours from the start of menstruation, the search results are narrowed down to napkins with relatively high absorbency. Furthermore, after 72 hours, the search results are narrowed down to napkins with relatively low absorbency. This time condition may be changeable by the user operating the information notification device 200.

[0098] (Variation 6) In the sixth modification, a case where the information processing method includes a correction step will be described. When a user disposes of a used sanitary napkin in the measuring device 100, the user may also dispose of objects other than the sanitary napkin (such as release paper or toilet paper). For this reason, the result of measuring the weight of the used sanitary napkin by the measuring device 100 includes objects other than the sanitary napkin. In other words, the weight of the objects is included in the weight of the menstrual blood. To prevent this, the correction step accepts the weight of the objects and performs a correction by subtracting the weight of the objects from the weight of the menstrual blood.

[0099] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the information notification device 200 according to the sixth modification. As shown in FIG. 15, the touch panel unit 210 displays a bar graph showing the change in weight of menstrual blood during the current period. Below the bar graph, a plurality of correction buttons B61 to B66 are arranged. The button B61 is a button for executing correction. The button B62 is a button for selecting large release paper (3g). The button B63 is a button for selecting small release paper (0.5g). The button B64 is a button for selecting large paper (5g). The button B65 is a button for selecting small paper (1g). The button B66 is a button for inputting an arbitrary value, and a text box is provided inside the button B66.

[0100] After touching the bar graph that needs correction, the user touches one of the buttons B62 to B66. When the user touches the button B66, the user inputs a value in the text box. This causes the control unit 270 to obtain the correction value. After that, when the user touches the button B61, the control unit 270 subtracts the correction value from the selected bar graph. This causes the weight of the menstrual napkin to be corrected.

[0101] (Variation 7) In the seventh modification, a case where the weight of menstrual blood is registered in a database will be described. When the weight of menstrual blood is acquired in the information notification device 200 owned by each user, the control unit 270 controls the communication unit 260 to access the server device 300, and the weight of menstrual blood is linked to the information of the corresponding napkin and registered in the database. This allows the administrator to calculate statistical values ​​(maximum, minimum, average, median, etc.) of the weight of menstrual blood for each napkin by analyzing the database.

[0102] Furthermore, the weight of menstrual blood may be registered together with the user's age, weight, and time when the weight of menstrual blood was obtained. This information can be utilized for the development or marketing of sanitary napkins.

[0103] In addition, by using this information, it is possible to classify users who have similar patterns of using sanitary napkins. When one of multiple users classified into the same group searches for sanitary napkins, sanitary napkins used by other users in the same group may be preferentially displayed.

[0104] For example, pattern information may be generated using data of multiple people. The pattern information includes menstrual blood information, number of changes, ratio of use of winged or non-winged napkins, physical information, etc. The menstrual blood information includes the total weight of menstrual blood per period, the weight of menstrual blood per napkin, the weight of menstrual blood per day, etc. The physical information includes the user's height, weight, age, body fat percentage, etc. Based on at least one piece of information included in the pattern information, each user is classified into a group. For example, the users are classified into the top 1 / 3 group, the bottom 1 / 3 group, and the middle 1 / 3 group in terms of the total weight of menstrual blood per period. Among users belonging to the same group, napkins used by other users are preferentially displayed as search candidates.

[0105] [others] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art can conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the case where the napkin is photographed by the information notification device 200 has been exemplified, but the napkin may be photographed by an imaging device other than the information notification device, and search information may be obtained from the image obtained by the photographing. For example, the measurement device may have an imaging unit.

[0107] In addition, an ID tag may be provided on the napkin or its package, and the search information may be obtained by reading the information in the ID tag with an NFC (Near Field Communication) compatible device. The NFC compatible device may be, for example, an information notification device, a measuring device, or a device separate from these.

[0108] The weight of a napkin before use may differ from the ideal value and the actual measured value. For this reason, for example, the weight of each napkin may be measured at the time of shipment, and the weight of each napkin based on the measurement result may be registered in the database as the weight before use.

[0109] The database may also store the weight of the release paper along with the weight of the napkin before use. This allows the weight of the napkin after use to be accurately measured by subtracting the weight of the release paper from the measurement value when the measuring device 100 measures the napkin and release paper after use.

[0110] [Note] The above description of the embodiments and the like discloses the following techniques.

[0111] (Technology 1) A search information acquisition step of acquiring search information for a user to search for a sanitary product to be used; a pre-use weight acquisition step of searching a database that stores a link between the type of sanitary product and the pre-use weight of each type of sanitary product based on the search information to acquire a pre-use weight of the sanitary product related to the search information; A post-use weight acquisition step of acquiring a weight of the sanitary product after use by a user; an excrement weight acquisition step of acquiring a weight of the excrement of the user by subtracting a weight of the sanitary product before use from a weight of the sanitary product after use; and notifying a user of the weight of the excrement by an information notification device. Information processing methods.

[0112] (Technology 2) In the pre-use weight acquisition step, at least one candidate of a sanitary product to be used by the user is extracted by a search based on the search information, and the extracted candidate is displayed on the information notification device, and then a sanitary product actually used by the user is selected from the at least one candidate. The information processing method described in Technology 1.

[0113] (Technology 3) In the search information acquisition step, the search information is input to the information notification device, thereby acquiring the search information. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

[0114] (Technology 4) The information notification device includes inputting a keyword as the search information. The information processing method according to any one of techniques 1 to 3.

[0115] (Technology 5) the information notification device includes photographing a barcode as the search information, The information processing method according to any one of techniques 1 to 4.

[0116] (Technology 6) the information notification device photographs an external appearance of the sanitary product and acquires the search information based on the image obtained by photographing the external appearance of the sanitary product; The information processing method according to any one of techniques 1 to 5.

[0117] (Technology 7) and a receiving step of receiving registration of a new sanitary product from the user when the sanitary product actually used by the user is not selected from the at least one candidate. The information processing method described in Technology 2.

[0118] (Technology 8) and a correction step of, when the weight of the used sanitary product includes the weight of an object other than the sanitary product, receiving the weight of the object and correcting the weight of the excrement by subtracting the weight of the object from the weight of the excrement. The information processing method according to any one of techniques 1 to 7.

[0119] (Technology 9) An information notification device that acquires search information for searching for sanitary products to be used by a user; A database that stores the type of sanitary product and the weight of each type of sanitary product before use in association with each other; A measuring device for acquiring the weight of the sanitary product after use by the user, The information notification device includes: a weight of a sanitary product before use related to the search information is obtained by searching the database based on the search information, and after obtaining the weight of the sanitary product after use from the measuring device, a weight of the user's excrement is obtained by subtracting the weight of the sanitary product before use from the weight of the sanitary product after use, and the weight of the excrement is notified to the user. Information processing system. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The present disclosure can be used in an information processing method capable of measuring the weight of excrement, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10. Information Processing Systems 100 Measuring Equipment 110 Main body 111 Fixed part 120 Lid 130 Drive unit 131 Mechanism Department 140 Optical Sensor 150 Light emitting part 160 Weight Sensor 170, 260 Communications Department 180, 270 Control section 190 Power supply section 200 Information notification device 210 Touch panel section 220 Sound output section 230 Sound input section 240 Storage section 250 Imaging unit 300 Server Equipment B11 OK button B12 NG button B31, B32, B33, B61, B62, B63, B64, B65, B66 buttons B52 Search button B54 OK button B55 Cancel button H Detection target Ma, Mb marks Na uneven contour Nb Concave and Convex Contour R1 Detection Range T51 Text Box T53 search results column T56 Checkbox

Claims

1. A search information acquisition step of acquiring search information for a user to search for a sanitary product to be used; a pre-use weight acquisition step of searching a database that stores a link between the type of sanitary product and the pre-use weight of each type of sanitary product based on the search information to acquire a pre-use weight of the sanitary product related to the search information; A post-use weight acquisition step of acquiring a weight of the sanitary product after use by a user; an excrement weight acquisition step of acquiring a weight of the excrement of the user by subtracting a weight of the sanitary product before use from a weight of the sanitary product after use; and notifying a user of the weight of the excrement by an information notification device. Information processing methods.

2. In the pre-use weight acquisition step, at least one candidate of a sanitary product to be used by the user is extracted by a search based on the search information, and the extracted candidate is displayed on the information notification device, and then a sanitary product actually used by the user is selected from the at least one candidate. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. In the search information acquisition step, the search information is input to the information notification device, thereby acquiring the search information.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. The information notification device includes inputting a keyword as the search information. The information processing method according to claim 3.

5. the information notification device includes photographing a barcode as the search information, The information processing method according to claim 3.

6. the information notification device photographs an external appearance of the sanitary product and acquires the search information based on the image obtained by photographing the external appearance of the sanitary product; The information processing method according to claim 3.

7. and a receiving step of receiving registration of a new sanitary product from the user when the sanitary product actually used by the user is not selected from the at least one candidate. The information processing method according to claim 2 .

8. and a correction step of, when the weight of the used sanitary product includes the weight of an object other than the sanitary product, receiving the weight of the object and correcting the weight of the excrement by subtracting the weight of the object from the weight of the excrement.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

9. An information notification device that acquires search information for searching for sanitary products to be used by a user; A database that stores the type of sanitary product and the weight of each type of sanitary product before use in association with each other; A measuring device for acquiring the weight of the sanitary product after use by the user, The information notification device includes: a weight of a sanitary product before use related to the search information is obtained by searching the database based on the search information, and after obtaining the weight of the sanitary product after use from the measuring device, a weight of the user's excrement is obtained by subtracting the weight of the sanitary product before use from the weight of the sanitary product after use, and the weight of the excrement is notified to the user. Information processing system.

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