Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system for improving convenience of providing information of an intestinal environment and foods / medicines to be taken for improving the intestinal environment by compositely combining data for determining a pattern of the intestinal environment including calculation results of indices of individual indicators and whether or not they exceed prescribed thresholds.SOLUTION: A CPU 11 of a management server 1 is so configured that a transmission control unit 37 transmits questions regarding a health condition of a user to a user terminal 2, an acquisition unit 32 acquires analytical information to be used for analyzing the user's intestinal bacterial flora, including at least answers to the questions from the user and results of an examination conducted separately to acquire biological information regarding the user's intestinal bacteria, a determination unit 34 determines calculation results of indices of the user's indicators or whether or not they exceed prescribed thresholds on the basis of results of analyzing the analytical information, and a generation unit 35 generates support information for supporting improvement of the health condition of the user according to the determined indices of the indicators.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the internal environment of the human intestine, which is determined by the intestinal bacteria that inhabit the intestine, is called the intestinal environment, and an increasing number of people are trying to maintain their health by improving this intestinal environment. One method for improving the intestinal environment is to ingest probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics refer to microorganisms (e.g., lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, butyric acid bacteria, saccharifying bacteria, etc.) that are also known as beneficial bacteria and have a positive effect on the human body. Prebiotics refer to materials (e.g., oligosaccharides, lactose, dietary fiber, etc.) that function as food (feed) for probiotics. Many foods and pharmaceuticals containing probiotics and prebiotics are available on the market. There is also technology that provides dietary support by analyzing intestinal bacteria (e.g., Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-165716 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The intestinal environment is influenced by over 1,000 types of intestinal bacteria, estimated to number over 100 trillion, and the diverse combinations that make up the intestinal microbiota are believed to be the cause of the disease. The combinations of intestinal bacteria that make up the intestinal microbiota can be classified into several patterns. Patterns known as enterotypes have been proposed. Since enterotypes differ from person to person, it has been thought that consuming foods and medicines that take into account the enterotype is the best way to efficiently improve the intestinal environment.

[0005] There are methods for analyzing intestinal microbiota using special analytical equipment and special analytical techniques. However, the enterotypes obtained by analyzing intestinal microbiota using special analytical equipment and special analytical techniques vary depending on the analytical method and database used. In other words, the validity of determining the enterotype as a way to determine the combination of intestinal bacteria that form the intestinal microbiota has not been sufficient.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and aims to improve the convenience of providing information on the intestinal environment and the foods and medicines that should be taken to improve it by combining data for determining the pattern of an individual's intestinal environment in a complex manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system having a question presentation means for presenting questions to a user regarding the user's health condition, an acquisition means for acquiring analytical information used to analyze the user's intestinal microflora, which includes at least the user's answers to the questions and the results of a separate test for acquiring biological information regarding the user's intestinal bacteria, a determination means for calculating an index of an indicator regarding the user's intestinal bacteria based on the results of the analysis of the analytical information and determining whether the index exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a support information presentation means for presenting support information to the user for supporting improvement of the user's health condition according to the determined index of the indicator.

[0008] An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of providing information on the intestinal environment and the foods and medicines that should be taken to improve the intestinal environment by combining data for determining the pattern of the intestinal environment, including the index of an individual's indicators. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a management server and a user terminal. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in a CPU of the management server up to the point where an order for a recommended product is accepted. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a service to which the information processing system of FIG. 1 is applied. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of the test results of a specimen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a questionnaire. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of support information presented to a user as a result of an m-th examination result or an m-th questionnaire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <Information Processing System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system S according to this embodiment. The information processing system S is configured by connecting a management server 1, user terminals 2-1 to 2-n (n is an integer value equal to or greater than 1), an inspection agency terminal 3, and a recommended product provider terminal 4 via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). When there is no need to explain each of the user terminals 2-1 to 2-n individually, they will be collectively referred to as "user terminals 2."

[0012] (Management Server) The management server 1 is an information processing device that serves as a server for managing the entire information processing system S. The management server 1 acquires various types of information transmitted from the user terminal 2, the testing institution terminal 3, the recommended product provider terminal 4, and external sources, and is capable of performing various processes. The management server 1 also transmits various types of information to the user terminal 2, the testing institution terminal 3, the recommended product provider terminal 4, and external sources.

[0013] For example, the management server 1 transmits a questionnaire consisting of multiple questions regarding the health condition of a user to a user terminal 2 operated by the user of the information processing system S. The questionnaire transmitted to the user terminal 2 includes at least questions to assist in calculating the index of the intestinal bacteria indicator of the user and understanding the lifestyle habits, etc. The management server 1 stores and manages pre-created questionnaires in a database. Hereinafter, the questionnaire transmitted before the first determination of the calculation of the index of the intestinal bacteria indicator of the user and understanding the lifestyle habits, etc. is referred to as the "primary questionnaire," and the results thereof are referred to as the "primary questionnaire results." The primary questionnaire results are transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1 as analysis information.

[0014] In addition, in parallel with sending the primary questionnaire to the user terminal 2, the management server 1 requests the testing institution terminal 3 to conduct a test to obtain biometric information related to the user's intestinal bacteria. Specifically, the management server 1 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as "test request information") for requesting a test to obtain biometric information related to the user's intestinal bacteria to the testing institution terminal 3. Thereafter, the management server 1 obtains the test results transmitted as analysis information from the testing institution terminal 3. Hereinafter, the test related to the user's health condition, which is conducted in parallel with sending the primary questionnaire, will be referred to as the "primary test," and the test results will be referred to as the "primary test results."

[0015] Tests for obtaining biometric information on a user's intestinal bacteria include, for example, tests using stool excreted by the user as a sample (hereinafter referred to as "stool test"). When a stool test is conducted to test the user's health status, a designated testing institution that manages the testing institution terminal 3 sends the user a dedicated test kit for collecting stool samples. The user collects the sample according to the instructions on the test kit and returns it to the testing institution. Such testing institutions perform tests using, for example, metagenomic analysis techniques using special analytical equipment such as a DNA sequencer that reads and analyzes the base sequence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). In addition, for example, PCR tests are performed on expressed genes that are used to calculate an index that indicates the pattern of the user's intestinal microbiota.

[0016] The management server 1 analyzes the primary questionnaire results sent as analytical information from the user terminal 2 and the primary test results sent as analytical information from the testing institution terminal 3. Specifically, the management server 1 performs an analysis that combines, for example, an analysis of the primary test results, including the results of genetic analysis, with an evaluation of the state of the intestinal environment based on the user's subjective experience identified from the primary questionnaire results. Hereinafter, the analysis for making the first determination of the index of the user's indicators will be referred to as the "primary analysis."

[0017] The management server 1 calculates an index of an index indicating the pattern of the user's intestinal microflora based on the results of analysis based on the analytical information. The management server 1 associates and manages foods or medicines (hereinafter referred to as "recommended products") recommended for the user's intake to improve their health condition with each determination result, such as the index of the index and whether or not the numerical value exceeds a threshold. An example of a recommended product is a food (e.g., a supplement) that reduces harmful bacteria by combining oligosaccharides that are effective against beneficial bacteria with dietary fiber. The management server 1 generates information (hereinafter referred to as "support information") to support the improvement of the user's health condition, including at least information (hereinafter referred to as "recommended product information") related to the recommended product corresponding to the determination result, such as the determined index of the index and whether or not the numerical value exceeds a threshold, and transmits the information to the user terminal 2.

[0018] The management server 1 also transmits, as support information, information to the user terminal 2 that enables the user to receive recommended products. The information that enables the user to receive recommended products is, for example, a user interface that enables the user to order recommended products. The support information transmitted to the user terminal 2 includes recommended product information, information that enables the user to receive recommended products, information to support the user's behavior, such as nutritional guidance and dietary guidance (hereinafter referred to as "behavioral support information"), and index values ​​as assessment results. Examples of behavioral support information include information that recommends continuously ingesting a predetermined amount (e.g., one tablespoon) of a recommended product (e.g., a supplement combining oligosaccharides and dietary fiber) at a predetermined timing (e.g., every morning) for a predetermined period (e.g., one month). Hereinafter, support information corresponding to the index value determined in the primary analysis will be referred to as "primary support information."

[0019] When information regarding an order for a recommended product (hereinafter referred to as "order information") is sent from the user terminal 2, the management server 1 accepts the order for the recommended product. The management server 1 then requests the recommended product provider terminal 4 to ship the recommended product to the user. The management server 1 manages at least one of the date and time when the order information is sent from the user terminal 2 and the date and time when the recommended product is shipped from a party that provides the recommended product to the user by manufacturing or selling the recommended product in response to an order from the user (hereinafter referred to as "recommended product provider"). This makes it possible to estimate the date and time when the user received the recommended product or the date and time when the user began consuming the recommended product. The management server 1 can also ensure the authenticity of these estimated dates and times based on the results of the primary survey described above.

[0020] Furthermore, unlike genes, the intestinal environment changes depending on lifestyle, so it is more effective to check it regularly. Therefore, the management server 1 transmits a questionnaire to the user terminal 2 again when a predetermined time has elapsed since the order for the recommended product was received. The "predetermined time" is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one week, one month, six months, or one year later. Hereinafter, the questionnaire transmitted to the user terminal 2 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the order for the recommended product was received will be referred to as a "secondary questionnaire."

[0021] In addition, tests on the user's health condition are conducted in parallel with the transmission of the secondary questionnaire. Hereinafter, the tests on the user's health condition conducted in parallel with the transmission of the secondary questionnaire will be referred to as the "secondary test," and the test results will be referred to as the "secondary test results." The secondary test, like the primary test, is conducted by, for example, a stool test using the test kit described above.

[0022] The timing at which the secondary questionnaire is sent to the user terminal 2 and the timing at which the test kit for the secondary test conducted in parallel with the secondary questionnaire is sent to the user are not limited to when a predetermined time has elapsed since the order for the recommended product was accepted. They may be any time after the user starts taking the recommended product and the time at which the effects of the recommended product are expected to begin to appear. The timing at which the secondary questionnaire is sent to the user terminal 2 and the timing at which the test kit for the secondary test conducted in parallel with the secondary questionnaire is sent to the user may be determined, for example, according to the attributes of the recommended product (type, expiration date, etc.) and the attributes of the user (severity of symptoms, gender, age, medical history, etc.), or may be determined according to the user's wishes.

[0023] The content of the secondary questionnaire in this embodiment is the same as the content of the primary questionnaire described above, and the content of the user's answers to the secondary questionnaire (hereinafter referred to as the "secondary questionnaire result") can be compared with the primary questionnaire result. Note that the content of the primary questionnaire and the content of the secondary questionnaire do not necessarily have to match. For example, the primary questionnaire may include questions that can only be answered by users who have experience consuming the recommended product, and the secondary questionnaire may include questions that can only be answered by users who have experience consuming the recommended product.

[0024] The management server 1 analyzes the secondary questionnaire results sent as analysis information from the user terminal 2 and the secondary inspection results sent as analysis information from the inspection agency terminal 3, and performs a second calculation of the index of the user's indicators based on the results of the analysis. Hereinafter, the analysis for performing the second calculation of the index of the user's indicators will be referred to as the "secondary analysis."

[0025] Similar to the primary analysis described above, the secondary analysis is performed by combining the analysis of the secondary test results, including the results of genetic analysis, with an evaluation of the state of the intestinal environment based on the user's experience identified from the secondary questionnaire results. In particular, the secondary analysis is performed based on the differences between the primary and secondary test results and the differences between the primary and secondary questionnaire results. This makes it possible to retrospectively verify the accuracy of the indexes determined by the primary analysis and the suitability of the recommended products consumed by the user based on the primary support information.

[0026] After calculating the index of the user's indicator through secondary analysis, the management server 1 transmits support information corresponding to the index of the user's intestinal bacteria indicator and lifestyle habits to the user terminal 2. Hereinafter, support information corresponding to the index of the indicator calculated through secondary analysis will be referred to as "secondary support information." Similar to primary support information, the secondary support information includes recommended product information, information for enabling the user to receive recommended products, behavioral support information, and the index of the indicator as a result of the assessment and its changes. Furthermore, when order information is transmitted from the user terminal 2, the management server 1 accepts an order for the recommended product. The management server 1 then requests the recommended product provider terminal 4 to ship the recommended product.

[0027] Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the management server 1 received the order for the recommended product, the management server 1 transmits a third questionnaire to the user terminal 2. In parallel with this, a third examination regarding the user's health condition is conducted. Thereafter, similar to the first and second analyses described above, the management server 1 performs a third analysis, a third analysis, to calculate an index of indicators related to the user's intestinal bacteria and understand the user's lifestyle habits, etc., and transmits third support information to the user terminal 2.

[0028] In this way, the management server 1 transmits the m-th questionnaire, which is the m-th questionnaire (m is an integer value equal to or greater than 1). Then, in parallel with this, the m-th test, which is the m-th test, is conducted by the testing institution. After that, the management server 1 performs the m-th analysis, which is the m-th analysis, to calculate an index of the index related to the user's intestinal bacteria, and transmits m-th support information corresponding to the calculated index of the index related to the intestinal bacteria to the user terminal 2. This repeats the process of conducting questionnaires and tests on the user and calculating the index of the index related to the user's intestinal bacteria based on the results of these tests. As a result, the accuracy of the calculation results of the index of the index related to the user's intestinal bacteria and the appropriateness of the support information are improved. The specific configuration and processing details of the management server 1 will be described later. This allows users to regularly check their intestinal environment.

[0029] (user terminal) The user terminal 2 is an information processing device operated by a user, and is configured, for example, as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, etc. It is assumed that dedicated application software that enables the information processing system S to be used is installed on the user terminal 2.

[0030] The user terminal 2 can launch dedicated application software based on user operation and perform various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1, the recommended product provider terminal 4, and external sources, as well as information input by user operation. The user terminal 2 can also transmit various information to the management server 1, the recommended product provider terminal 4, and external sources.

[0031] For example, the user terminal 2 acquires a questionnaire sent from the management server 1 and displays it on a display or the like. Then, the user terminal 2 accepts an operation for inputting a response to the questionnaire and transmits the questionnaire results to the management server 1 as analysis information.

[0032] The user terminal 2 also acquires the support information transmitted from the management server 1 and displays it on a display or the like. Specifically, the user terminal 2 displays information such as recommended product information, information enabling the user to receive the recommended products, and calculation results of the indices of indicators related to enterobacteria as support information on a display or the like. When an input operation is performed to order a recommended product, the user terminal 2 acquires the input information and transmits the order information to the management server 1. The specific configuration and processing details of the user terminal 2 will be described later.

[0033] (Inspection agency terminal) The testing institution terminal 3 is an information processing device operated by a person in charge of the testing institution who tests a sample provided by the user as a test related to the user's health condition, and is configured, for example, by a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0034] The inspection agency terminal 3 is capable of performing various processes based on the operation of the inspection agency staff, such as various information transmitted from the management server 1 and external sources, and information input by the operation of the inspection agency staff, etc. The inspection agency terminal 3 is also capable of transmitting various information to the management server 1 and external sources.

[0035] For example, the testing institution terminal 3 accepts an operation to input the test results of a sample provided by a user, and transmits the test results to the management server 1.

[0036] (Recommended product provider terminal) The recommended product provider terminal 4 is an information processing device operated by the recommended product provider, and is configured, for example, as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, etc. Based on the operation of the recommended product provider, the recommended product provider terminal 4 is capable of performing various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1, the user terminal 2, and external sources, and information input by the operation of the recommended product provider. The recommended product provider terminal 4 is also capable of transmitting various information to the management server 1, the user terminal 2, and external sources.

[0037] For example, the recommended product provider terminal 4 receives a request for delivery of a recommended product to a user, which is transmitted from the management server 1. In response to the request, the recommended product provider delivers the recommended product to the user.

[0038] The above-described processes by the management server 1, the user terminal 2, and the like that constitute the information processing system S are merely examples, and it is sufficient that the information processing system S as a whole has the functions to realize the above-described processes. Therefore, some or all of the functions to realize the above-described processes may be shared or cooperated within the information processing system S.

[0039] For example, some or all of the functions of the management server 1 may be functions of other information processing devices, etc. in the information processing system S, and some or all of the functions of other information processing devices, etc. in the information processing system S may be functions of the management server 1. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the management server 1 may be transferred to other servers, etc. (not shown). This promotes processing in the information processing system S as a whole and also makes it possible for processes to complement each other.

[0040] <Hardware configuration> (Management server hardware configuration) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 1 according to this embodiment. The management server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0041] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs recorded in the ROM 12 or programs loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data and the like required for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0042] The input / output interface 15 is connected to an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20. The output unit 16 is composed of a display, a speaker, etc., and outputs various types of information as images and sounds. The input unit 17 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc., and accepts input of various types of information. The memory unit 18 is composed of a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various types of data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices via a network N including the Internet.

[0043] Removable media 21, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same way as the storage unit 18.

[0044] (Hardware configuration of user terminal, testing institution terminal, and recommended product provider terminal) Although not shown, the user terminal 2, the inspection agency terminal 3, and the recommended product provider terminal 4 have the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. That is, the user terminal 2, the inspection agency terminal 3, and the recommended product provider terminal 4 each have a CPU, ROM, RAM, bus, input / output interface, output unit, input unit, memory unit, communication unit, drive, and removable media that correspond to the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, bus 14, input / output interface 15, output unit 16, input unit 17, memory unit 18, communication unit 19, drive 20, and removable media 21 of the management server 1 in Fig. 2, respectively.

[0045] <Functional configuration> FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 1 and the user terminal 2. As shown in FIG. (Management Server Functional Configuration) When the CPU 11 of the management server 1 operates, a management unit 31, an acquisition unit 32, an analysis unit 33, a determination unit 34, a generation unit 35, a reception unit 36, and a transmission control unit 37 function. The storage unit 18 of the management server 1 is provided with a questionnaire DB 41 in which questionnaires are stored, a user DB 42 in which information about users (hereinafter referred to as "user information") is stored, a type DB 43 in which indices related to intestinal bacteria and information about recommended products for each index are stored, and the like.

[0046] The management unit 31 manages various types of information. For example, the management unit 31 stores and manages questionnaires that may be sent to users in a questionnaire DB 41. The management unit 31 also stores and manages acquired user information in a user DB 42. The user information includes the content and results of questionnaires conducted in the past, test results of tests conducted in the past, support information previously presented to users, and the user's order history of recommended products. The management unit 31 also stores and manages indices related to intestinal bacteria and information on recommended products for each index in a type DB 43.

[0047] The acquisition unit 32 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 32 acquires various types of information transmitted from the user terminal 2, the testing institution terminal 3, the recommended product provider terminal 4, and external sources. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 32 acquires a questionnaire and a request to conduct a test transmitted from the user terminal 2. The acquisition unit 32 also acquires questionnaire results transmitted as analysis information from the user terminal 2. For example, the acquisition unit 32 also acquires test results transmitted as analysis information from the testing institution terminal 3. For example, the acquisition unit 32 receives an order for a recommended product when order information is transmitted from the user terminal 2.

[0048] The analysis unit 33 performs an analysis on the analysis information acquired by the acquisition unit 32. Specifically, the analysis unit 33 performs an analysis that combines, for example, an evaluation of the state of the intestinal environment based on the user's bodily sensation identified from the questionnaire results and an analysis of the test results including the results of genetic analysis.

[0049] The determination unit 34 calculates an index of an intestinal bacteria indicator that indicates the pattern of the user's intestinal bacterial flora based on the results of the analysis based on the analytical information. For example, a marker of risk of unhealthy physical and mental health of the user is adopted as the intestinal bacteria indicator. Specifically, a marker of cancer risk or a marker of digestive risk can be adopted. For example, the specific content of the analysis and determination by the analysis unit 33 and the determination unit 34 is stored in a database (not shown). Then, the analysis unit 33 and the determination unit 34 perform the analysis and determination based on the specific content stored.

[0050] The generating unit 35 generates support information including at least recommended product information corresponding to the index of the intestinal bacteria-related index determined by the determining unit 34. In addition to the recommended product information, the support information generated by the generating unit 35 includes information for enabling the user to receive the recommended products, action support information, calculation results of the index of the index, and determination results of whether or not the index has exceeded a predetermined threshold. The support information generated by the generating unit 35 is stored and managed in the user DB 42 as user information.

[0051] When the acquisition unit 32 acquires the order information transmitted from the user terminal 2, the acceptance unit 36 ​​accepts the order for the recommended product.

[0052] The transmission control unit 37 controls the transmission of various information to the user terminal 2, the testing institution terminal 3, the recommended product provider terminal 4, and to the outside via the communication unit 19. For example, the transmission control unit 37 controls the transmission of questionnaires, support information, etc. to the user terminal 2. Furthermore, for example, the transmission control unit 37 controls the transmission of order information to the recommended product provider terminal 4.

[0053] (User terminal functional configuration) In the CPU of the user terminal 2, an acquisition unit 51, a display control unit 52, and a transmission control unit 53 function when the CPU is operating.

[0054] The acquisition unit 51 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires various types of information transmitted from the management server 1, the recommended product provider terminal 4, and external sources. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires questionnaires, support information, and the like transmitted from the management server 1. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires input information accepted by the input unit. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires information input to answer a questionnaire, information input to order a recommended product, and the like.

[0055] The display control unit 52 controls the display of various types of information on the display of the output unit, etc. For example, the display control unit 52 controls the display of the output unit, etc., of the questionnaire, support information, etc. acquired by the acquisition unit 51.

[0056] The transmission control unit 53 controls the transmission of various information to the management server 1 and to the outside via the communication unit. For example, the transmission control unit 53 controls the transmission of responses to a questionnaire and order information to the management server 1.

[0057] <Processing flow> (Management Server Processing Flow) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the CPU 11 of the management server 1 up to the point where an order for a recommended product is accepted. In the processing in the CPU 11 of the management server 1, the management unit 31 of the CPU 11 manages a questionnaire that can be sent to a user (step S1). When a request for analysis is sent from the user terminal 2 (YES in step S2), the transmission control unit 37 of the CPU 11 transmits the questionnaire to the user terminal 2 (step S3). The transmission control unit 37 also requests an inspection from the inspection agency terminal 3 (step S4).

[0058] On the other hand, if a request for analysis has not been received (NO in step S2), the transmission control unit 37 repeats the determination process of step S2 until a request for analysis is received. When the questionnaire is sent to the user terminal 2, a test kit is sent to the user in parallel.

[0059] Thereafter, when the survey results are transmitted as analytical information from the user terminal 2 (YES in step S5), the acquisition unit 32 of the CPU 11 acquires the transmitted survey results as analytical information (step S6). Then, the management unit 31 stores and manages the survey results acquired as analytical information in a database (step S7). On the other hand, when the survey results as analytical information have not been transmitted (NO in step S5), the acquisition unit 32 repeats the determination process of step S5 until the survey results as analytical information are transmitted.

[0060] Furthermore, when the test results are transmitted as analytical information from the testing institution terminal 3 (YES in step S8), the acquiring unit 32 acquires the transmitted test results as analytical information (step S9). Then, the management unit 31 stores and manages the test results acquired as analytical information in a database (step S10). On the other hand, when the test results are not transmitted as analytical information (NO in step S8), the acquiring unit 32 repeats the determination process of step S8 until the test results are transmitted as analytical information.

[0061] The analysis unit 33 of the CPU 11 performs an analysis of the analytical information (step S11). Specifically, the analysis unit 33 performs an analysis that combines an evaluation of the state of the intestinal environment based on the user's experience identified from the questionnaire results acquired as analytical information in step S6, and an analysis of the test results including the results of the genetic analysis acquired as analytical information in step S9.

[0062] The determination unit 34 of the CPU 11 calculates the index of the user's index and determines whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the analysis result based on the analysis information (step S12). The generation unit 35 of the CPU 11 generates support information including at least recommended product information corresponding to the determined index of the index (step S13).

[0063] Thereafter, when order information is transmitted from the user terminal 2 (YES in step S14), the acquisition unit 32 acquires the transmitted order information (step S15), and the reception unit 36 ​​of the CPU 11 receives the order for the recommended product (step S16). On the other hand, if order information is not transmitted from the user terminal 2 (NO in step S14), the acquisition unit 32 repeats the determination process of step S14 until order information is transmitted from the user terminal 2. Then, the transmission control unit 37 controls the transmission of order information to the recommended product provider terminal 4 (step S17). This ends the process (END). Thereafter, the recommended product provider sends the recommended product to the user.

[0064] <Example> (Specific examples of services to which the information processing system S is applied) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a service to which the information processing system S of FIG. 1 is applied. 5 shows a service provider P that manages a service to which the information processing system S is applied (hereinafter referred to as "this service"), a user U that receives this service, a testing institution K that performs tests on the health status of user U, and a recommended product provider R that sends recommended products to user U. Also shown in FIG. 5 are a management server 1 managed by service provider P, a user terminal 2 operated by user U, a testing institution terminal 3 operated by a person in charge at testing institution K, and a recommended product provider terminal 4 operated by recommended product provider R.

[0065] When the service provider P receives a request for analysis from the user U (step S21), the service provider P conducts a questionnaire for the user U (step S22). The request for testing is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1. The questionnaire for the user U is conducted by transmitting the questionnaire from the management server 1 to the user terminal 2.

[0066] In addition to conducting the questionnaire, the service provider P also requests the testing institution K to conduct a test (step S23). The request for testing to the testing institution K is made by sending test request information from the management server 1 to the testing institution terminal 3. When the testing institution K is requested by the service provider P to conduct a test, it sends a test kit to the user U (step S24).

[0067] The user U answers the questionnaire (step S25). The user U answers the questionnaire by performing an input operation on the user terminal 2. The questionnaire results are transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1 as analysis information.

[0068] User U collects a specimen according to the instructions on the test kit and sends the specimen to testing institution K (step S26). Testing institution K performs a test on the specimen that has been sent (step S27) and provides the test results to service provider P (step S28). The test results are provided to service provider P by transmitting the test results from testing institution terminal 3 to management server 1 as analysis information.

[0069] The service provider P analyzes the analytical information (step S29), calculates the index of the indicator based on the results of the analysis, and determines whether or not the index has exceeded a predetermined threshold (step S30). The analysis of the analytical information, the calculation of the index of the indicator, and the determination of whether or not the index has exceeded a predetermined threshold are performed by the management server 1. The service provider P provides support information to the user U (step S31). The support information is provided to the user U by transmitting the support information from the management server 1 to the user terminal 2. The support information provided to the user U includes, in addition to recommended product information, information for enabling the user to receive recommended products, action support information, the calculation results of the index of the indicator, and the determination results of whether or not the index has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

[0070] The user U who has received the support information from the service provider P refers to the recommended product information included in the support information to decide whether to order the recommended product. The user U who has decided to order the recommended product orders the recommended product from the service provider P (step S32). The order for the recommended product from the service provider P is made by sending order information from the user terminal 2 to the management server 1.

[0071] Upon receiving an order for a recommended product from user U, service provider P requests recommended product provider R to provide the recommended product (step S33). The request to recommended product provider R to provide the recommended product is made by sending order information from management server 1 to recommended product provider terminal 4. Upon receiving the request to provide recommended products from management server 1, recommended product provider R sends the recommended product to user U (step S34). User U, having received the recommended product sent from recommended product provider R, begins consuming the recommended product (step S35).

[0072] (Examples of test results) FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the test results of the specimen. Figure 6 shows an example of the intestinal flora of each user as a specific example of the test results of each user's sample. For example, the test results for user U1 show that there is a high level of "Faecalibacterium," which is involved in anti-allergy and improving metabolic activity, a high level of "Phocaeicola," which is involved in metabolism and anti-inflammation, and a normal level of "Bifidobacterium," a beneficial bacterium (average for Japanese people, for example, around 5%). The test results for user U1 indicate a typically balanced intestinal environment.

[0073] Furthermore, the test results for user U2, like those for user U1, show high levels of "Faecalibacterium" and "Phocaeicola," and a normal level (around 5%) of "Bifidobacterium," but also the presence of "Streptococcus," which is related to a decline in stomach digestive function. User U2's test results raise concerns about symptoms such as food poisoning and diarrhea.

[0074] Additionally, the test results for user U3 showed a normal balance of butyric acid-producing bacteria and Bacteroides, with no harmful bacteria found, indicating a particularly problem-free intestinal environment, but the proportion of "Bifidobacterium" was low. The test results for user U3 raise concerns about the impact that the low proportion of "Bifidobacterium" may have on bowel movements.

[0075] Additionally, the test results for user U4 showed a low proportion of "Faecalibacterium," no "Bifidobacterium" was detected, and a very high proportion of "Akkermansia," which breaks down mucus, but oral bacteria were detected. The test results for user U4 raise concerns about a decline in digestive function.

[0076] Additionally, the test results for user U5 showed a low proportion of "Faecalibacterium," detection of oral bacteria, and a high proportion of "Bifidobacterium." The test results for user U5 raise concerns about a decline in digestive function due to oral bacteria, but the high proportion of "Bifidobacterium" indicates that beneficial bacteria are robust.

[0077] (Example of a questionnaire) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a questionnaire. The questionnaire presented to the user includes all kinds of questions, including the questions exemplified in Fig. 7. That is, the questionnaire includes the user's name and age, as well as questions about the user's stool, which is the specimen, such as the date of stool collection, the average number of bowel movements in the past week, the shape of the stool, the size of the stool, the color of the stool, the smell of the stool, etc.

[0078] The questionnaire also includes questions about the user's health, such as whether or not they take antibiotics, whether or not they smoke and how often they smoke, whether or not they drink alcohol, whether or not they exercise and how often they exercise, whether or not they eat fermented foods, whether or not they eat lactic acid bacteria drinks, whether or not they eat green and yellow vegetables, whether or not they eat meat, whether or not they eat seafood, whether or not they eat foods containing oligosaccharides and dietary fiber, whether or not they eat health foods, their medical history, whether or not they have written a report on their intestinal flora, how much they strain when defecating, whether or not they have stomach pain and its severity, whether or not they have heartburn, whether or not they have acid reflux, whether or not they have stomach pain when hungry, whether or not they have nausea, how much they feel hungry, whether or not they feel bloated, whether or not they burp, whether or not they have constipation and its severity, whether or not they have diarrhea and its severity, whether or not they have loose stools, whether or not they have hard stools, whether or not they have an urgent urge to defecate and its severity, whether or not they feel like they have not yet defecate and its severity, etc.

[0079] The questionnaire also includes questions about the user's attitude toward their own health, such as an evaluation of their quality of life, a level of satisfaction with their health, etc. The questionnaire also includes questions about the user's experiences, such as the presence and level of pain or discomfort, the presence and level of need for medical treatment, how much enjoyment they have in their daily lives, how well they are able to concentrate in their daily lives, whether they are satisfied with their health, how healthy their living environment is, whether they have the energy to live their daily lives, how much information they have for daily life, how many opportunities they have to enjoy leisure time, whether they go out around the house, etc.

[0080] The questionnaire also includes questions about the user's satisfaction with aspects of their life, such as satisfaction with sleep, satisfaction with their ability to complete daily activities, satisfaction with their ability to do their job, satisfaction with themselves, satisfaction with their relationships, satisfaction with the support of their friends, satisfaction with their home and surrounding environment, and the frequency and severity of negative moods.

[0081] The questionnaire response results are obtained in this manner, and lifestyle habits and the like are grasped for each user.

[0082] (Use of m-th test results and m-th survey results as support information) When the mth test results or mth questionnaire are conducted, the following support information can be provided by comparing them with the m-1st test results or m-1st questionnaire results and by recording the history of changes. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of support information presented to the user as a result of the mth examination result or the mth questionnaire. As shown in Figure 8, the report shows the indices for each of the m measurements of indicators XXXX and YYYY as bar graphs, as the results of the first to mth test results and the first to mth questionnaire results for multiple indicators. In the example of Figure 8, the indicator XXXX is a marker related to cancer risk that can be calculated by analyzing intestinal genes, and the indicator YYYY is a marker related to digestive risk that can be calculated by analyzing intestinal genes.

[0083] For example, the support information includes an explanation of the index. Specifically, in the example of Fig. 8, the explanation for index XXXX is, "This index decreases as the risk of cancer increases." In the example of Fig. 8, the predetermined threshold for index XXXX is a cancer risk line, and falling below this predetermined threshold indicates an increasing risk, as illustrated in the graph. In the example of Figure 8, the person named AAAA has an index XXXX that is below and above the cancer risk line in the examination on 2025 / 12 / 01. As a result, Prebiotic A is recommended as a recommended product for the person with name AAAA. When the person with name AAAA starts taking Prebiotic A, he or she orders Prebiotic A from a service provider or the like. The order history of Prebiotic A is stored and managed by the management server 1. Based on the information on the order history of Prebiotic A, the management server 1 can include information on the order period in the support information.

[0084] In the example of Figure 8, the person with the name AAAA ordered and took Prebiotic A, and by taking it, the index of indicator XXXX started to improve, and in the examination on December 5, 2026, it exceeded the cancer risk line. This allows the person with the name AAAA to recognize that by taking Prebiotic A, they are on the way to improvement and have actually improved. Users can continue to take the test and prebiotics repeatedly, not just after improvement, and can achieve a healthy mind and body by receiving support information including the index of the results, the period for ordering prebiotics, and ultimately the period for taking prebiotics. In addition, service providers can encourage users to continue using the service.

[0085] In the example of FIG. 8, the period in which lifestyle habits (dietary habits) were poor is shown based on the results of the questionnaire up to the mth order regarding the index YYYY. Here, in the example of FIG. 8, the index YYYY is above the digestive risk line but not beyond it. In particular, the index of index YYYY approaches the digestive risk line from the examination on 2024 / 12 / 03 to 2025 / 06 / 03. Therefore, based on the support information shown in FIG. 8, the user decides to change their lifestyle (dietary habits) and makes improvements. As a result, the index of index YYYY has improved since the examination on 2025 / 12 / 01. In this way, the server 1 can encourage users to make improvements by illustrating the index of the indicator and a graph of its predetermined threshold, along with the results of a survey regarding the index that is thought to have a negative impact.

[0086] By generating the above-mentioned support information, the management server 1 can encourage the ordering (intake) of prebiotics and improvements in lifestyle habits, etc., along with indicators, and can encourage continued use of the service and continued implementation of improvements. As mentioned above, unlike genes, the intestinal environment changes depending on lifestyle. The management server 1 can provide users with periodic results and timings for the indexes of indicators from the first to mth orders, predetermined thresholds, recommended food or drug intake periods, and survey results, all of which can be easily understood. In other words, users can easily check their intestinal environment and its results, as well as the status of efforts to improve the factors that affect them. This encourages continued use of the service and continued implementation of improvements, ultimately contributing to the promotion of social health.

[0087] <Advantageous Effects of the Present Embodiment> According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to combine data for determining whether or not a user's index has exceeded a predetermined threshold, such as the mth-order test result including the genetic analysis result shown in Fig. 6 and the mth-order questionnaire result for the questionnaire shown in Fig. 7. As a result, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the calculation result of the user's index and the determination result of whether or not a predetermined threshold has been exceeded.

[0088] <Other embodiments> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0089] For example, the contents of the questionnaire and the contents of the test shown in the above embodiment are merely examples of data for determining the calculation results of the index of the user's indicator and whether or not it exceeds a predetermined threshold.Furthermore, the contents of the support information presented to the user are also merely examples of information for improving the user's intestinal environment and maintaining health.

[0090] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the above-described functional configuration is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to be provided with a function that can execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the above-described example.

[0091] The location of the functional blocks is not particularly limited and may be arbitrary. For example, the functional blocks of the management server 1 may be transferred to another device, or the functional blocks of another device may be transferred to a server. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both.

[0092] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0093] The recording medium containing such a program may be configured as a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to users, etc., or may be configured as a recording medium that is pre-installed in the device main body and provided to users, etc. Since the program can be distributed via a network, the recording medium may be installed in or accessible from a computer that is connected or connectable to the network.

[0094] In this specification, the steps describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually. Also, in this specification, the term "system" means an overall device composed of multiple devices or multiple means, etc.

[0095] In other words, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations. (1) That is, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system S in FIG. 1) includes a question presenting means (for example, the transmission control unit 37 in FIG. 3) for presenting questions (for example, the questionnaire in FIG. 7) about the health condition of a user (for example, the user U in FIG. 5) to the user, and an analysis of the intestinal flora of the user (for example, the m-th questionnaire result described above) including at least answers from the user to the questions (for example, the m-th questionnaire result described above) and test results for separately obtaining biometric information about the intestinal bacteria of the user (for example, the test results in FIG. 6). The m-th order support information display device includes an acquisition means (e.g., acquisition unit 32 in FIG. 3) for acquiring analytical information used in a subsequent analysis (m-th order analysis), a determination means (e.g., determination unit 34 in FIG. 3) for calculating an index of an intestinal bacteria indicator that indicates the pattern of the intestinal bacterial flora of the user based on the results of the analysis of the analytical information, and determining whether or not the index exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a support information presentation means (e.g., generation unit 35 and transmission control unit 37 in FIG. 3) for presenting support information (e.g., the above-mentioned m-th order support information) that supports the improvement of the health condition of the user to the user according to the determined index of the indicator.

[0096] As a result, questions regarding the user's health status are presented to the user, and based on the results of an analysis of the user's answers to those questions and the results of a separate test to obtain biometric information regarding the user's intestinal bacteria, the results of a calculation of an index of an index indicating the user's intestinal microflora pattern and whether or not it exceeds a predetermined threshold are determined. Support information for helping improve the user's health status is then presented to the user based on the results of the calculation of the index and the determination of whether or not it exceeds a predetermined threshold. As a result, by combining data for determining the pattern of the intestinal environment, including the calculation of the individual's index and whether or not it exceeds a predetermined threshold, the convenience of providing information on the intestinal environment and foods and medicines to be taken to improve the intestinal environment can be improved.

[0097] (2) In addition, the support information presentation means can present to the user as support information information about foods or medicines that are recommended for consumption to improve the user's health condition (for example, the above-mentioned recommended product information). This allows the user to be presented with support information about recommended foods or medicines to improve the user's health, allowing the user to improve their intestinal environment by consuming recommended products based on the calculation results of their own index and whether or not it exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0098] (3) The food processing system may further include a receiving unit (for example, the receiving unit 36 ​​in FIG. 3) for receiving orders for the food or medicine. This allows the system to accept orders for foods or medicines that are recommended for improving the user's health, allowing the user to easily order recommended products based on the results of their own index calculations and whether or not they exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0099] (4) Furthermore, the question presenting means can present the question to the user when a predetermined time has elapsed since the order was accepted. As a result, once a predetermined time has passed since the order for the recommended product was accepted, the user will be asked questions about their health condition again, and the answers to these questions will make it possible to visualize any changes that may occur in the user after consuming the recommended product.

[0100] (5) The acquisition means can acquire the analytical information including at least the test results of a sample collected to examine the health condition of the user. This allows the analysis information to be obtained as test results for the sample collected to examine the user's health condition, making it possible to calculate the index of the indicator based on the test results of the sample collected from the user and determine whether or not the index exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0101] (6) Furthermore, the support information presenting means can present to the user, as the support information, information about the food or the medicine that is associated in advance with each index of the intestinal bacteria-related indicator. This allows information about foods or medicines recommended for improving the user's health to be associated in advance with each indices of intestinal bacteria. As a result, by determining whether the calculation result of the index of the user's index or whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold, support information corresponding to the calculation result of the index of the index or whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold can be automatically presented to the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1: Management server, 2: User terminal, 3: Inspection institution terminal, 4: Recommended product provider terminal, 11: CPU, 16: Output unit, 17: Input unit, 18: Memory unit, 19: Communication unit, 31: Management unit, 32: Acquisition unit, 33: Analysis unit, 34: Determination unit, 35: Generation unit, 36: Reception unit, 37: Transmission control unit, 51: Acquisition unit, 52: Display control unit, 53: Transmission control unit, S: Information processing system, N: Network, P: Service provider, U: User, K: Inspection institution, R: Recommended product provider

Claims

1. a question presenting means for presenting a question regarding the user's health condition to the user; an acquisition means for acquiring analytical information used to analyze the intestinal flora of the user, the analytical information including at least the user's answers to the questions and the results of a test separately conducted to acquire biological information related to the user's intestinal bacteria; a determination means for calculating an index of the indicator related to the intestinal bacteria of the user based on the result of the analysis of the analysis information and determining whether or not the index exceeds a predetermined threshold; support information presenting means for presenting support information to the user for supporting improvement of the user's health condition according to the determined index of the indicator; An information processing system having the above.

2. the support information presenting means presents to the user, as the support information, information on foods or medicines that are recommended for intake to improve the health condition of the user; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. further comprising a receiving means for receiving an order for the food or the medicine; The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. the question presenting means presents the question to the user when a predetermined time has elapsed since the order was accepted; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. The acquisition means acquires the analysis information including at least the test results of a sample collected to examine the health condition of the user. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. the support information presenting means presents, to the user, information on the food or the medicine that is associated in advance with each of the indicators as the support information; The information processing system according to claim 2 .

7. An information processing method executed by an information processing system, a question presenting step of presenting a question regarding the user's health condition to the user; acquiring analytical information to be used for analyzing the intestinal microbiota of the user, the analytical information including at least the answers from the user to the questions and the results of a separate test to acquire biological information on the intestinal microbiota of the user; calculating an index of an intestinal bacteria indicator indicating the pattern of the intestinal microflora of the user based on the analysis result of the analysis information, and determining whether or not the index exceeds a predetermined threshold; presenting support information to the user to support improvement of the user's health condition according to the determined index of the indicator; An information processing method including:

8. On the computer, a question presenting means for presenting a question regarding the user's health condition to the user; acquiring analytical information to be used for analyzing the intestinal microbiota of the user, the analytical information including at least the answers from the user to the questions and the results of a separate test to acquire biological information on the intestinal microbiota of the user; calculating an index of an intestinal bacteria indicator indicating the pattern of the intestinal microflora of the user based on the analysis result of the analysis information, and determining whether or not the index exceeds a predetermined threshold; presenting support information to the user to support improvement of the user's health condition according to the determined index of the indicator; A program that executes control processing including:

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