Body condition evaluation method using urine test kit, body condition evaluation system, body condition evaluation program, and urine test kit used therefor

The urine test kit with image analysis and electronic health record integration addresses the limitations of existing urine test methods by offering quick, accurate, and user-friendly physical condition evaluation with comprehensive health insights.

JP2026016124APending Publication Date: 2026-02-03YUUREA INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024117189
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-22
Publication Date
2026-02-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing urine test methods, such as chemical analysis at specialized institutions, are time-consuming, prone to human error, and require significant capital investment, while visual and mechanical measurements are limited by environmental conditions and subjective influences, making them impractical for broad use.

Method used

A urine test kit with a reaction pad that changes color in response to urine components, combined with image analysis using an imaging means, authentication, and integration with electronic health records, allows for quick, accurate, and objective evaluation of physical conditions.

Benefits of technology

Enables rapid, precise, and user-friendly evaluation of physical conditions, reducing errors and eliminating the need for cumbersome questionnaires, while providing comprehensive health insights and personalized recommendations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a physical condition evaluation method capable of quickly and easily analyzing the physical condition of a subject by using a prescribed urine test kit and utilizing information obtained by a urine test in all fields.SOLUTION: This method has a step for bringing the urine of a subject into contact with a reaction pad arranged in a prescribed urine test kit, a step for photographing the reaction pad by an imaging means, a step for analyzing the urine on the basis of the photographed image of the pad and a step for evaluating the state of the body of the subject from the result of the analysis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a physical condition evaluation method, a physical condition evaluation system, a physical condition evaluation program, and a urine test kit for use therein, which are capable of evaluating the physical condition of a subject using a urine test kit. [Background technology]

[0002] Urine tests are a non-invasive testing method that is used in a variety of health support settings. The results of urine tests provide a wealth of information, and are useful for detecting lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, understanding nutritional status, and determining pregnancy.

[0003] Generally, urine test results are obtained through chemical analysis of urine by specialized institutions or through visual or mechanical measurement of test strips exposed to urine. However, chemical analysis at specialized institutions takes a considerable amount of time to obtain test results and is not fast enough. Furthermore, while visual measurement of urine test strips is convenient, it is prone to human error, and mechanical measurement requires capital investment, such as the introduction and maintenance of specialized equipment, making it difficult to use.

[0004] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a nutritional status analysis system in which a service provider server and a client terminal transmit and receive data via a network, and the service provider server analyzes a subject's nutritional status based on urine test strip color data and questionnaire information regarding the subject's physical condition, lifestyle, etc., entered into the client terminal. However, the system only evaluates the subject's nutritional status and does not broadly utilize information obtained through urine tests. Furthermore, the system requires the subject to enter the questionnaire information into the client terminal, which is extremely cumbersome for users. Furthermore, the questionnaire is prone to subjective influence, making it difficult to perform an objective evaluation. Furthermore, prior art photographs of urine test kits require an environment with sufficient, uniform light to accurately obtain color data from the test strip, significantly limiting their ease of use and practicality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7281856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a method for evaluating a subject's physical condition using a specified urine test kit, which can quickly, easily, and accurately evaluate the subject's physical condition, and the information obtained from the test results can be used in a variety of fields. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. [1] A physical condition evaluation method comprising the steps of contacting a subject's urine with a reaction pad provided in a specified urine test kit, photographing the reaction pad with an imaging means, analyzing the urine based on the photographed image of the reaction pad, and evaluating the subject's physical condition from the results of the analysis. [2] A physical condition evaluation method according to [1], which includes a step of informing the subject of the start and end timing of contact with the reaction pad by an appropriate means when the subject's urine is brought into contact with the reaction pad. [3] A physical condition evaluation method according to [1] or [2], comprising a step of determining whether the captured image of the reaction pad is suitable for analyzing the urine. [4] The physical condition evaluation method according to [3], further comprising a step of prompting the subject to take a new photograph when the image of the reaction pad is determined to be unsuitable for urine analysis. [5] A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to [4], which includes a step of determining the correct orientation of the image by photographing the reaction pad together with an ArUco marker provided on the urine test kit. [6] A physical condition evaluation method according to [5], which includes a step of calculating the average brightness of each of the images of the ArUco markers, and determining that the image of the reaction pad is unsuitable for urine analysis when the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​exceeds a predetermined value. [7] The physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the imaging means has a LiDAR function. [8] A physical condition evaluation method described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the analysis of urine based on the image of the reaction pad includes a step of cutting out an image of the color check pad arranged on the photographed urine test kit, and correcting the hue, brightness or saturation of the photographed image of the reaction pad based on the image. [9] The physical condition evaluation method according to [8], wherein the color check pads consist of multiple pads that differ only in brightness.

[10] The physical condition evaluation method according to [9], wherein the color check pads are arranged at positions separated from each other on the urine test kit.

[11] The physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the reactive pad comprises a plurality of pads that react to the same component.

[12] A physical condition evaluation method according to

[11] , wherein the pads reacting to the same component are arranged at positions separate from each other on the urine test kit.

[13] The physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[12] , further comprising a step of verifying the identity of the subject using knowledge authentication, possession authentication, biometric authentication or other authentication means.

[14] A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[13] , comprising a step of evaluating the physical condition of the subject from the results of the analysis by taking into account information obtained from various electronic health records.

[15] A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[14] , comprising a step of recording the evaluation results relating to the subject's physical condition in various electronic health records.

[16] A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[15] , comprising a step of presenting information regarding a disease that the subject may be suffering from based on an evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

[17] A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[16] , comprising a step of determining whether the subject meets the specified insurance enrollment conditions based on an evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

[18] A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[17] , comprising a step of determining the fertility, pregnancy possibility, or ovulation date of the subject based on an evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

[19] A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of [1] to

[18] , comprising a step of making suggestions to the subject regarding medication, supplements, diet, rehabilitation or training based on an evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

[20] A physical condition evaluation program that causes a computer to analyze the subject's urine based on a photographic image of a reaction pad on a specified urine test kit that has been brought into contact with the subject's urine, and evaluate the subject's physical condition from the analysis results.

[21] A physical condition evaluation system in which a subject terminal and a physical condition evaluation server are connected via a telecommunications line, wherein the subject terminal comprises: an imaging means for photographing a reaction pad on a predetermined urine test kit that has been brought into contact with the subject's urine; a urine analysis means for analyzing the urine based on image data of the reaction pad photographed by the imaging means; a urine analysis data transmission unit for transmitting the urine analysis data obtained by the urine analysis means to the physical condition evaluation server; and an evaluation information receiving unit for receiving information related to the evaluation of the subject's physical condition from the physical condition evaluation server; and the physical condition evaluation server comprises: a physical condition evaluation unit for evaluating the subject's physical condition based on the urine analysis data received from the subject terminal; and an evaluation information sending unit for transmitting information related to the evaluation of the subject's physical condition calculated by the physical condition evaluation unit to the subject terminal.

[22] A urine test kit having a reaction pad that changes color in response to components contained in the test subject's urine, the urine test kit comprising a plurality of reaction pads of the same type.

[23] The urine test kit according to

[22] , comprising a color check pad and / or an ArUco marker.

[0008] According to the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, the urine can be analyzed based on an image of the pad provided in the urine test kit, and the physical condition of the subject can be evaluated quickly and easily based on the analysis results.

[0009] Furthermore, the physical condition evaluation method includes a step of verifying the identity of the subject using any authentication means, thereby making it possible to evaluate the physical condition while taking privacy into consideration.

[0010] Furthermore, the physical condition evaluation method can also evaluate the physical condition based on the subject's medical information and health information recorded in various electronic health records, so there is no need to obtain the subject's information required for evaluation using complicated means such as a questionnaire, and the physical condition can be easily evaluated by obtaining appropriate information from the electronic health record.

[0011] The physical condition evaluation method of the present invention can also record the evaluation of the subject's physical condition obtained in various electronic health records, allowing the subject to check their own evaluation at any time by accessing their electronic health record, or to use the evaluation recorded in their electronic health record when using any other service.

[0012] Furthermore, by presenting information regarding diseases that the subject may be suffering from based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition obtained by the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention, the subject can easily learn about diseases that he or she may be suffering from without having to visit a medical institution, which can serve as an opportunity for early treatment and improvement of lifestyle habits.

[0013] By determining whether or not a subject meets the specified insurance enrollment conditions based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition obtained by the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention, the subject can easily determine whether or not to enroll in insurance, whereas in the past, whether or not a subject meets the insurance enrollment conditions was determined based on a notification form, presentation of health examination results, a doctor's examination, etc., and insurance companies can also determine whether or not the subject meets the enrollment conditions based on objective information.

[0014] Based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition obtained by the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention, if the method is configured to determine the subject's fertility (meaning the ability to become pregnant, and applies to both men and women. Generally, determining fertility requires various tests such as transvaginal ultrasound, blood tests, and semen tests, which not only place a significant physical and financial burden on the subject but also takes a considerable amount of time to obtain the results), determine the possibility of pregnancy, or predict the date of ovulation, the subject will be able to easily understand their own fertility, and by obtaining information regarding the possibility of pregnancy and predicted date of ovulation, more appropriate pregnancy support can be realized.

[0015] By providing a step of making suggestions to the subject regarding medication, supplements, diet, rehabilitation, or training based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition obtained by the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention, the subject can easily formulate and work on a plan to improve their health and physical strength.

[0016] The physical condition evaluation method of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned fields and can be applied to a wide range of fields as long as the information obtained by a urine test can be utilized.

[0017] In addition, to solve the above problem, the urine test kit is a urine test kit equipped with a reaction pad that changes color in response to components contained in the subject's urine, and is composed of multiple reaction pads of the same type.By further comprising a color check pad and / or an ArUco marker, even if the image captured from one reaction pad is inappropriate due to variations in the amount of light across the entire surface of the urine test kit or other external factors, the image can be analyzed from images captured from other reaction pads of the same type that are not affected by the external factors, thereby reducing the possibility of erroneous evaluation results. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention, it is possible to easily and without problems take an appropriate image of the reaction pad using a specified urine test kit, and to quickly evaluate the physical condition of the subject without using complicated and uncertain means such as a questionnaire. Furthermore, by utilizing the subject's information in the electronic health record, it is possible to provide highly useful information in a wide range of fields, such as information on diseases with a high probability of contracting, information on the eligibility for insurance coverage, information on fertility, information on the subject's recommended diet, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] A conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of the physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention. [Figure 2] An example of a urine test kit K that can be used in this embodiment [Figure 3] An example of a flow diagram of an embodiment of the physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention [Figure 4] An example of a block diagram of an embodiment of the physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention [Figure 5] An example of a block diagram of an embodiment of the physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An embodiment of the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The technical scope of the present invention encompasses all embodiments within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0021] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an embodiment of the physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention. The physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention comprises a subject terminal H capable of transmitting image data of a urine test kit K that has been brought into contact with the subject's urine, a physical condition evaluation server SV that evaluates the subject's physical condition based on the received image data, and an external server ES that can provide various information in accordance with the evaluation, all connected via an electric communication network N.

[0022] The external server ES is not limited in the type of services it provides, as long as it can use the evaluation results obtained by the physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention, and can be linked as a server with various functions. In this embodiment, examples of external servers ES that link with the system include a disease prediction server that predicts diseases that the subject may be suffering from, an insurance condition determination server that determines the subject's insurance conditions, a fertility determination server that determines the subject's fertility, etc., and a supplement recommendation server that recommends medications, supplements, meals, rehabilitation, or training for the subject, but are not limited to these. For example, linkage with a personal authentication server that authenticates the subject or an electronic health record server that stores information on various electronic health records is also possible.

[0023] In this embodiment, the telecommunications network N is the Internet. Of course, the physical condition evaluation system S of the present invention can also be operated on an intranet, and the connection may be either wired or wireless.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the subject terminal H comprises an imaging means C, a urine analysis means A, a urine analysis data transmission unit Ds, and an evaluation information reception unit Ir, while the physical condition evaluation server SV comprises a physical condition evaluation unit E and an evaluation information transmission unit Is. It is also possible to configure the urine analysis means A to be provided in the physical condition evaluation server SV rather than in the subject terminal H, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0025] The subject contacts the reaction pad P provided on the urine test kit K with their urine (S301). The method of contacting the reaction pad P with the subject's urine is not particularly limited, and may involve directly pouring urine onto the reaction pad P, or impregnating the urine test kit K with urine contained in a cup and contacting it.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an example of a urine test kit K applicable to this embodiment. The urine test kit K includes a reaction pad P impregnated with a reagent such as 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, glucose oxidase, peroxidase, or tetrabromophenol blue, which changes color depending on the concentration of specific components in urine, such as urinary sugar or protein. Alternatively, a reaction pad P impregnated with a pH indicator, such as bromothymol blue solution or phenolphthalein solution, can be provided, which changes color or concentration in response to the pH of the urine it comes into contact with. The urine test kit K has a black base member and, in addition to the reaction pad P, multiple color-check pads Pc, each differing only in brightness, are provided.

[0027] The imaging means C photographs the reaction pad P and color check pad Pc. Generally, a digital camera built into a subject terminal H such as a smartphone or tablet can be used as the imaging means C. However, it is also possible to configure the device so that, for example, a urine test kit K is placed in a predetermined position on a toilet bowl as the subject terminal H, and after urine comes into contact with the urine, the imaging means C provided on the toilet bowl or nearby takes a photograph of the condition of the reaction pad P of the urine test kit K, and transmits the image data to the physical condition evaluation server SV for use in evaluating the physical condition.

[0028] When the subject contacts the reaction pad P with urine, the subject terminal H can be configured to notify the subject of the start and end timing of contact using an appropriate means such as an app with a time measurement function, in order to ensure sufficient contact time.

[0029] Here, the subject terminal H has a determination unit that determines whether the captured image of the response pad P is suitable for urine analysis in terms of brightness, saturation, focus, etc., and if it is determined to be unsuitable, it prompts the subject to take the image again. In this case, the imaging means C can also be configured to have a so-called LiDAR scanner function, assisting the subject in finding appropriate imaging conditions.

[0030] The urine test kit K can be configured to further include an ArUco marker, which can be photographed together with the reaction pad P, etc., to determine the correct orientation of the photographed image. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a plurality of these ArUco markers, calculate the average brightness of each image, and determine that an image of the reaction pad P photographed when the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​exceeds a predetermined value is unsuitable for urine analysis in the present invention.

[0031] In the present invention, the accuracy of urine analysis can be improved by extracting an image of the photographed color check pad Pc and correcting the hue, brightness or saturation of the photographed image of the reaction pad P based on this image.

[0032] In this embodiment, a plurality of reaction pads P are arranged on the urine test kit K. If a plurality of reaction pads P of the same type that react with a specific urine component are arranged at positions separated from one another on the urine test kit K, even if the color, brightness or saturation of the image captured from one reaction pad P is unsuitable for analysis due to the influence of the amount of light under the conditions at the time of capture, analysis and evaluation can be performed based on the image captured from other reaction pads P of the same type, making it possible to avoid erroneous evaluation of the physical condition.

[0033] A plurality of color check pads Pc used to correct the captured image of the pad may be arranged on the urine test kit K. It is also preferable to arrange a plurality of color check pads Pc at a distance from each other on the urine test kit K. In this way, when performing analysis or evaluation based on the image of the reaction pad P, even if the image of one color check pad Pc turns out to be a different color from the original color due to the influence of external light at the time of shooting, etc., it is possible to make correct corrections based on the other color check areas.

[0034] The urine analysis means A performs urine analysis based on the captured image of the reaction pad P. Specifically, it classifies each image into a predetermined level based on the hue, brightness, or saturation of the captured image of the reaction pad P and outputs the analysis results according to each level. For example, for a captured image of a reaction pad P used to measure the sodium concentration in urine, a database is referenced based on the hue, brightness, or saturation of the pad, which changes depending on the sodium concentration in the subject's urine. The database stores 11 levels corresponding to sodium concentration and sample data of captured images of the reaction pad P when a reagent solution with the corresponding sodium concentration is contacted with the reaction pad P. The urine analysis means A searches the database for sample data whose hue, brightness, or saturation is most similar to that of the pad image based on the hue, brightness, or saturation of the pad image, which changes depending on the sodium concentration in the subject's urine. The urine analysis means A classifies the level to which the most similar sample data belongs as the level of the pad image and outputs the sodium concentration corresponding to that level as the analysis result of the sodium concentration in the subject's urine. The analysis results are transmitted from the urine analysis data transmission unit Ds provided in the subject terminal H to the physical condition evaluation server SV.

[0035] Furthermore, the urine analysis means A also performs urine analysis on the captured image of the reaction pad P, which measures the creatinine concentration in the subject's urine, as described above, and outputs the analysis result of the creatinine concentration in the subject's urine. The urine analysis means A can also output the analysis result of the subject's daily salt intake based on the sodium and creatinine concentrations in the subject's urine. Specifically, the urine analysis means A receives subject information such as "age," "height," and "weight" from the electronic health record server ES, which will be described later, and calculates the subject's 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion amount using the following formula from the Hypertension Treatment Guidelines 2014:

[0036]

number

[0037] Next, the urine analysis means A calculates the 24-hour urinary sodium excretion amount of the subject using the following formula: In the following formula, the analysis result of the sodium concentration in the urine of the subject output by the urine analysis means A is used as the casual urinary sodium concentration, and the analysis result of the creatinine concentration in the urine of the subject output by the urine analysis means A is used as the casual urinary creatinine concentration.

[0038]

number

[0039] The urine analysis means A calculates the subject's daily salt intake using the following formula:

[0040]

number

[0041] The urine analysis means A outputs the calculated daily salt intake of the subject as the analysis result. Alternatively, if the calculated daily salt intake of the subject is less than 6 g / day, which is the target daily salt intake value recommended by the Japanese Society of Hypertension, the urine analysis means A outputs the analysis result that the subject's daily salt intake is "Rank A." The analysis result is sent from the urine analysis data transmission unit Ds provided in the subject terminal H to the physical condition evaluation server SV.

[0042] As mentioned above, the urine analysis means A can be implemented in the physical condition evaluation server SV, and the image data acquired by the subject terminal H can be transmitted to the physical condition evaluation server SV via the telecommunications network N, and the urine analysis process described above can be executed in the urine analysis means A provided therein. This reduces the information processing load on the subject terminal H, making it possible to improve the processing speed of the entire system.

[0043] The components in urine that can be analyzed are not particularly limited as long as they clarify the composition and condition of the urine, and examples include urinary calcium concentration, magnesium concentration, vitamin C concentration, sodium concentration, creatinine concentration, zinc concentration, urinary pH, salt intake, and oxidative stress.

[0044] The physical condition evaluation unit E provided in the physical condition evaluation server SV evaluates the physical condition of the subject based on the urine analysis results output from the urine analysis means A. Specifically, for example, based on the relationship between the sodium concentration in urine and the amount of salt intake, evaluations of the physical condition such as "high salt intake," "low salt intake, good," or "low salt intake, very good" according to the sodium concentration in the urine are stored in a database in advance, and if the urine analysis results include an output of "Rank A" for the subject's daily salt intake, it is possible to evaluate the subject's physical condition according to that rank value as "low salt intake, very good."

[0045] The evaluation of the subject's physical condition is transmitted from the evaluation information transmitting unit Is in the physical condition evaluation server SV to the evaluation information receiving unit Ir in the subject terminal H. This allows the subject to quickly and easily obtain an evaluation of his or her own physical condition.

[0046] The present invention can also include a step of verifying the identity of the subject. The identity verification method is not particularly limited and may be any one of biometric authentication, knowledge authentication, and possession authentication (authentication of possessions), or a combination thereof. Specifically, the subject's identity information is acquired by an identity information acquisition means provided in the subject terminal H, and the identity information is transmitted to the physical state evaluation server SV, where it is verified against the subject's identity information previously registered in the physical state evaluation server SV. For example, in the case of knowledge authentication, information known only to the subject, such as an ID or password, is acquired from the subject terminal H as identity information and transmitted to the physical state evaluation server SV, where it is verified against the ID or other information previously registered in the physical state evaluation server SV.

[0047] Alternatively, the physical condition evaluation server SV can cooperate with an external personal authentication server ES and use the personal authentication server ES to verify the identity of the subject. For example, an appropriate reader mechanism in the subject's terminal H can transmit the electronic certificate stored in the subject's My Number card and personal identification information encrypted with a private key for user authentication to the physical condition evaluation server SV. The physical condition evaluation server SV can be configured to inquire about the validity of the electronic certificate with the personal authentication server ES, and upon receiving a response from the server ES confirming the validity of the electronic certificate, compare the personal identification information encrypted with the private key for user authentication to verify the identity of the subject.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention may also include a step of evaluating the subject's physical condition by taking into account information about the subject recorded in various electronic health records (R), such as electronic health records (EHRs), personal health records (PHRs), and electronic medical records (EMRs). Specifically, after confirming the subject's identity through the identity verification step, the physical condition evaluation unit (SV) can link with the electronic health record server (ES) with the subject's consent, or by using an ID and password to omit this step as appropriate. The physical condition evaluation unit (E) can also receive information about the subject, such as weight, blood pressure, lifestyle habits, and medical history, recorded in the subject's electronic health record (R) from the EHR server (ES) and evaluate the subject's physical condition by taking this information into account. This allows the present invention to obtain the information necessary for evaluating the subject's physical condition from various EHRs without using cumbersome and uncertain methods such as questionnaires, allowing the subject to easily and accurately grasp their own physical condition.

[0049] Of course, it is also optional to transmit information such as the evaluation of the subject's physical condition calculated by the physical condition evaluation unit E to the electronic health record server ES and record it in the subject's electronic health record R.

[0050] In this way, subjects can access their own electronic health record server ES to check the assessment of their physical condition at any time, and can also use the information recorded on the electronic health record server ES when accessing other services.

[0051] Furthermore, based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition obtained by the system of the present invention, information regarding diseases the subject may be suffering from can be presented. Specifically, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the evaluation of the subject's physical condition to the disease prediction server ES, which then presents information regarding the subject's possible diseases. For example, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits evaluation information regarding the subject's physical condition, such as "urine pH is acidic and the subject is not eating enough vegetables" or "urine sugar is high and the subject is eating too many sweet foods," to the disease prediction server ES. Upon receiving this information, the disease prediction server ES searches a pre-constructed database for disease information corresponding to the evaluation values, such as "urine pH is acidic and the subject is not eating enough vegetables" or "urine sugar is high and the subject is eating too many sweet foods." The disease prediction server ES then extracts "diabetes" and "gout" as information regarding the possible diseases, and transmits this information to the physical condition evaluation server SV, which then transmits it to the subject's terminal H.

[0052] In addition, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits information about the subject received from the electronic health record server ES, such as a "weekly food record" and a "weekly exercise record," to the disease prediction server ES, and the disease prediction server ES takes this information into consideration and narrows down the information about diseases that the subject may be suffering from to "diabetes," making it possible to present this information to the subject with greater accuracy.

[0053] In this way, subjects can easily obtain information about their own health condition without visiting a hospital or other medical institution, which can lead to improvements in lifestyle habits and early detection of diseases.

[0054] The system of the present invention can also determine whether a subject meets the insurance requirements based on the subject's physical condition evaluation. Specifically, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the subject's physical condition evaluation to the insurance condition determination server ES, which then determines whether the subject's physical condition meets the insurance requirements. For example, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the subject's physical condition evaluation, such as "high urinary sugar and excessive consumption of sweets," to the insurance condition determination server ES. The insurance condition determination server ES then determines whether the subject's physical condition meets the insurance requirements by appropriately referencing a database, and transmits the result of the evaluation to the physical condition evaluation server SV and the information to the subject's terminal H. The physical condition evaluation server SV can also transmit the subject's information, such as "age," "height," and "weight," received from the electronic health record server ES to the insurance condition determination server ES, which then takes this information into account when determining whether the subject meets the insurance requirements. With this, subjects can easily find out whether they are eligible for insurance, whereas previously it was necessary to determine whether they met the conditions for insurance enrollment by submitting a notice, health check results, or being examined by a doctor, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, the present invention may include a step of determining the subject's fertility, pregnancy possibility, or ovulation date based on the subject's physical condition evaluation obtained by the present invention. Specifically, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the subject's physical condition evaluation to the fertility determination server ES, which then displays information related to the subject's fertility, pregnancy possibility, and ovulation date prediction. For example, when the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits information related to the subject's physical condition, such as "estrogen levels below the reference value," the fertility determination server ES extracts information on ovarian function corresponding to the evaluation and transmits it to the physical condition evaluation server SV, which then transmits the information to the subject's terminal H. Similarly, when the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits an evaluation related to the subject's physical condition, such as "chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels above the reference value," the fertility determination server ES determines the possibility of pregnancy as "prone to conception" based on the evaluation, and similarly transmits the information to the subject's terminal H via the physical condition evaluation server SV.

[0056] Furthermore, when the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the evaluation of the subject's physical condition, that is, "luteinizing hormone is above the reference value," to the fertility determination server ES, the physical condition evaluation server SV may optionally be configured to transmit to the fertility determination server ES, as information about the subject received from the electronic health record server ES, the "menstrual record" and the "most recent evaluation of the subject's luteinizing hormone" obtained by the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention and recorded in the electronic health record R. The fertility determination server ES can predict the subject's time of ovulation based on this information and transmit the result to the subject terminal H.

[0057] The method may also include a step of making suggestions to the subject regarding medications, supplements, diet, rehabilitation, or training based on the assessment of the subject's physical condition obtained by the present invention. Specifically, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the assessment of the subject's physical condition to the supplement etc. suggestion server ES, which then proposes medications, supplements, diet, rehabilitation, or training appropriate for the subject. For example, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the subject's assessment of their physical condition, such as "calcium intake is insufficient" or "magnesium intake is insufficient," to the supplement etc. suggestion server ES. Based on this information, the supplement etc. suggestion server ES calculates the amount of calcium and magnesium the subject should ingest by comparing it with the recommended daily intake amount, and then suggests supplements and diet appropriate for the subject by referring to a database to find supplements and dietary content that address the deficiencies.

[0058] Furthermore, the physical condition evaluation server SV transmits the subject information received from the electronic health record server ES, including "gender," "weight," "height," and "age," to the supplement recommendation server ES. The supplement recommendation server ES can then take into account the subject's information and more precisely calculate the amount of calcium and magnesium the subject should consume by comparing it with the recommended daily intake amounts for that gender and age. Alternatively, it can calculate the subject's BMI and, taking into account the calories they should consume, narrow down the optimal dietary plan and suggest it to the subject. In this way, subjects can easily obtain information corresponding to their own physical condition, enabling them to further improve their health and lifestyle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0059] According to the physical condition evaluation method of the present invention, the physical condition of a subject can be evaluated quickly and easily using a specified urine test kit. Furthermore, the physical condition can be evaluated using the subject's information in an electronic health record, allowing the subject to easily use the physical condition evaluation method without relying on cumbersome methods such as questionnaires. The information on the subject's physical condition obtained by this method can be used to provide information on diseases the subject is likely to suffer from, information on the subject's eligibility for insurance coverage, information on the subject's fertility, and suggestions regarding the subject's diet, making it useful in any field where information obtained from urine tests can be utilized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] K Urine Test Kit H Subject terminal SV Physical Condition Evaluation Server ES External Server N Network C. Imaging means A Urine analysis means Ds Urine analysis data transmission unit Ir Evaluation information receiver E. Physical Condition Assessment Section Is Evaluation Information Transmission Unit R Electronic Health Record P Reaction Pad PC color check pad

Claims

1. contacting the subject's urine with a reaction pad provided on a predetermined urine test kit; taking an image of the reaction pad by an imaging means; analyzing the urine based on the captured image of the reaction pad; evaluating the physical condition of the subject based on the results of the analysis; A physical condition assessment method comprising:

2. 2. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of informing the subject of the start and end timings of contact with the test subject's urine by an appropriate means when the test subject is to contact the test pad with urine.

3. 3. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of determining whether the captured image of the reaction pad is suitable for analyzing the urine.

4. 4. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 3, further comprising a step of prompting the subject to take a new photograph when the image of the reaction pad is determined to be unsuitable for urine analysis.

5. A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a step of determining the correct orientation of the image by photographing the reaction pad together with an ArUco marker provided on the urine test kit.

6. The physical condition evaluation method of claim 5, further comprising a step of calculating the average brightness of each of the images of the ArUco markers, and determining that the image of the reaction pad is unsuitable for urine analysis when the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​exceeds a predetermined value.

7. The physical condition evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the imaging means has a LiDAR function.

8. A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the analysis of urine based on the image of the reaction pad includes a step of cutting out an image of the color check pad arranged on the photographed urine test kit, and correcting the hue, brightness or saturation of the photographed image of the reaction pad based on the image.

9. 9. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 8, wherein the color check pads are made up of a plurality of pads differing only in brightness.

10. 10. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 9, wherein the color check pads are arranged at positions separated from each other on the urine test kit.

11. 11. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein the reaction pad comprises a plurality of pads that react to the same component.

12. 12. The method for evaluating a physical condition according to claim 11, wherein the pads reactive to the same component are arranged at positions separate from one another on the urine test kit.

13. 13. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of verifying the identity of the subject using knowledge authentication, possession authentication, biometric authentication or other authentication means.

14. A physical condition evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a step of evaluating the subject's physical condition from the results of the analysis by taking into account information obtained from various electronic health records.

15. 15. The method for assessing a physical condition according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising the step of recording the assessment results relating to the subject's physical condition in various electronic health records.

16. 16. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of presenting information about a disease that the subject may be suffering from based on an evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

17. 17. A physical condition evaluation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of determining whether or not the subject satisfies predetermined insurance conditions based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

18. 18. The physical condition evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a step of determining the fertility, pregnancy possibility, or ovulation date of the subject based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

19. 19. The physical condition evaluation method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of making suggestions to the subject regarding medicine, supplements, diet, rehabilitation, or training based on the evaluation of the subject's physical condition.

20. A physical condition evaluation program that causes a computer to analyze the subject's urine based on a photographed image of a reaction pad on a specified urine test kit that has been brought into contact with the urine, and evaluate the subject's physical condition from the analysis results.

21. In a physical condition evaluation system in which a subject terminal and a physical condition evaluation server are connected via a telecommunications line, The subject terminal comprises an imaging means for photographing a reaction pad on a predetermined urine test kit that has been brought into contact with the subject's urine, a urine analysis means for analyzing the urine based on image data of the reaction pad photographed by the imaging means, a urine analysis data transmission unit for transmitting urine analysis data acquired by the urine analysis means to the physical condition evaluation server, and an evaluation information reception unit for receiving information relating to the evaluation of the subject's physical condition from the physical condition evaluation server, The physical condition evaluation server is characterized by comprising a physical condition evaluation unit that evaluates the physical condition of the subject based on the urine analysis data received from the subject terminal, and an evaluation information transmission unit that transmits information regarding the evaluation of the subject's physical condition calculated by the physical condition evaluation unit to the subject terminal.

22. A urine test kit equipped with a reaction pad that changes color in response to components contained in the urine of a test subject, the urine test kit comprising a plurality of reaction pads of the same type.

23. 23. The urine test kit of claim 22, comprising a color check pad and / or an ArUco marker.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Nutritional status analysis system using urine test strips

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