User information management system, user information management method, and program

Abstract

To provide optimal support to the user. [Solution] The user information management system includes: a correspondence information acquisition unit that acquires correspondence information relating a predetermined factor to at least one of several health behaviors classified into multiple categories that are promoted based on the factor; a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information that includes at least information relating to the factor related to the user; and an output unit that outputs information based on the factor included in the acquired user information and the correspondence information.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a user information management system, a user information management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a health management system that assists in grasping the health status of health management targets such as the elderly and taking prompt action has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, for independent elderly people, it is preferable to support healthy behaviors from the perspective of extending their current healthy and long lives. To achieve such support, it is conceivable for a counselor to support the elderly through face-to-face interviews. However, the quality of the counselor's response varies depending on the counselor, showing variations.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a user information management system, a user information management method, and a program that can preferably support users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is a user information management system comprising: a correspondence information acquisition unit that acquires correspondence information relating a predetermined factor to at least one of a plurality of health behaviors that are promoted based on the factor and are classified into a plurality of categories; a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information that includes at least information relating to the factor related to the user; and an output unit that outputs information based on the factor included in the acquired user information and the correspondence information.

[0007] (2) In another aspect of the present invention, in the user information management system described in (1) above, the health behaviors are classified into the categories of exercise, diet, and social interaction.

[0008] (3) In addition, one aspect of the present invention is a user information management system described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the predetermined factors include at least a strength factor based on the user's characteristics and an environmental factor based on the environment in which the user resides.

[0009] (4) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in a user information management system described in any of (1) to (3) above, the user information acquisition unit further comprises a support policy generation unit that acquires information on categories of health behaviors that the user continues to perform and generates a support policy corresponding to the acquired health behavior category, and the output unit outputs the support policy generated by the support policy generation unit.

[0010] (5) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the user information management system described in (4) above, the predetermined factors include at least a strength factor based on the user's characteristics and an environmental factor based on the environment in which the user resides, and the support policy generation unit gives priority to the strength factor over the environmental factor when generating the support policy.

[0011] (6) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the user information management system described in (4) above, the support policy generation unit identifies categories of health behaviors that the user has not been able to continue based on the acquired categories of health behaviors, and generates the support policy based on the factors related to the categories of health behaviors that the user has not been able to continue.

[0012] (7) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the user information management system described in (4) above, the support policy generated by the support policy generation unit includes information that is useful for creating a message to support the user.

[0013] (8) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the user information management system described in (7) above, the information that is useful for creating a message to support the user, which is included in the support policy, is a message to support the user that has been generated in the past.

[0014] (9) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the user information management system described in (8) above, the information that is useful for creating a message to support the user, which is included in the support policy, is image information that includes handwritten messages, which are messages to support the user that have been generated in the past.

[0015] (10) Another aspect of the present invention is a user information management method comprising: a correspondence information acquisition step of acquiring correspondence information relating a predetermined factor to at least one of a plurality of health behaviors that are promoted based on the factor; a user information acquisition step of acquiring user information that includes at least information relating to the factor related to the user; and an output step of outputting information based on the factor included in the acquired user information and the correspondence information.

[0016] (11) Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute correspondence information acquisition steps, which involve acquiring correspondence information relating a predetermined factor to at least one of several health behaviors classified into a plurality of categories that are promoted based on the factor; user information acquisition steps, which involve acquiring user information that includes at least information relating to the factor related to the user; and output steps, which involve outputting information based on the factor included in the acquired user information and the correspondence information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a user information management system, a user information management method, and a program that can suitably support users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of a user information management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the steps involved in formulating a support policy, which are performed by the user information management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the step of extracting helpful messages by the user information management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user information management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the correspondence information used by the user information management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a display screen presented to a consultant by the user information management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the logic by which a support policy is selected by the user information management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the self-inspection support device according to this embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a user information management system, a user information management method, and a program according to aspects of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the aspects of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments, and also include those with various modifications or improvements. That is, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially identical ones, and the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the constituent elements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easier to understand, the number etc. in each structure may be made different from the number etc. in the actual structure.

[0020] [User Information Management System] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of a user information management system according to an embodiment. First, the user information management system 1 will be described with reference to the figure. First, a specific example in which the user information management system 1 is used will be described. The user information management system 1 is used, for example, in rental housing with a counselor visit service for the elderly and seniors. In the rental housing, for example, an independent resident R resides. The independent resident R includes mental independence and independence in the sense of not requiring care. Note that the resident R described below widely includes those who rent a dwelling, regardless of whether they are independent or not. Also, in the following description, an example in which the user information management system 1 is used in rental housing with a service for the elderly and seniors will be described, but it may be applied to rental housing with a service for the elderly and seniors and other cases of living in one's own home.

[0021] In rental housing with a visiting counselor service for the elderly and seniors, multiple residents R reside. Each of the multiple residents R engages in dialogue (interviews) with counselor C. In the example shown in the diagram, for the sake of simplicity, one resident R and one counselor C are shown, but there may be multiple residents R and multiple counselors C.

[0022] Counselor C listens to resident R through dialogue and creates a message of encouragement based on resident R's story. The message of encouragement is a positive message designed to encourage resident R to autonomously engage in healthy behaviors. In the following explanation, when "healthy behaviors" are mentioned, they include exercise, diet, and social interaction. Exercise is not limited to physically strenuous activities such as sports, but broadly includes indoor hobbies (including those performed while sitting), household chores (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.). Diet includes the types and quantities of food eaten in daily meals. Social interaction broadly includes conversations, activities, and interactions with neighbors (not limited to the building in which resident R resides) or people with whom resident R has some common connection. Resident R aims to live a long and healthy life by increasing (or optimizing) the amount of healthy behaviors they engage in.

[0023] Counselor C elicits information about resident R's strengths. Resident R's strengths are things that resident R can actively engage in or continue to engage in, such as hobbies (walking, listening to music, etc.), special skills (handicrafts, etc.), and lessons (language learning, etc.). Alternatively, resident R's strengths can also be defined as healthy behaviors that have already become ingrained habits. In the following explanation, resident R's strengths may be referred to as strength factors. Strength factors vary depending on resident R's personality and character. Based on the strength factors elicited by counselor C from resident R, the user information management system 1 presents a message of encouragement to resident R.

[0024] Furthermore, the user information management system 1 presents a message of support to resident R based on the environment of the residence in which resident R resides. The environment of the residence in which resident R resides is identified based on the location (address) of the residence in which resident R resides, and includes information related to nearby facilities (restaurants, beauty salons, gyms, etc.) and infrastructure (parks, libraries, hospitals, etc.). In the following explanation, the environment of the residence in which resident R resides may be referred to as environmental factors. Environmental factors differ depending on the residence in which resident R resides. That is, if resident R resides in an apartment building, it can be said that all residents R in that apartment building share the same environmental factors. The user information management system 1 presents a message of support to resident R based on resident R's environmental factors.

[0025] Furthermore, the user information management system 1 presents a message of encouragement to resident R based on factors other than the strengths factors and environmental factors mentioned above. In the following explanation, factors other than the strengths factors and environmental factors may be simply referred to as "other factors." Other factors are used when it is difficult to create a message of encouragement based on strengths factors or environmental factors, and when an attempt is made to create a message of encouragement based on some other trigger. Other factors may be related to the season or an event, or they may be discovered through conversations between resident R and counselor C.

[0026] Counselor C inputs the information obtained from the conversation with resident R into the user information management device 10. Based on the input information, the user information management device 10 outputs information to counselor C. Here, the information output by the user information management device 10 may be information used as reference for creating a message of support. Information used as reference for creating a message of support may include, for example, information on what kind of messages of support were presented to resident R in the past, if there was a resident R similar to the resident R that counselor C is currently dealing with. Based on the information presented by the user information management device 10, counselor C creates a message of support and presents it to resident R.

[0027] In the following explanation, those who use the user information management system 1 may be referred to as "users." A user is, for example, resident R.

[0028] [Steps for formulating a support policy] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the steps for formulating a support policy, as performed by the user information management system according to this embodiment. The steps for formulating a support policy will be explained with reference to this figure.

[0029] First, counselor C obtains information through dialogue with resident R about whether resident R is performing or continuing healthy behaviors, and what healthy behaviors resident R is performing or continuing (e.g., walking, proper nutrition, participation in community events). Healthy behaviors that resident R continues to perform will include at least one of the categories of healthy behaviors. These categories of healthy behaviors include, for example, exercise, nutrition, and social interaction. It can also be said that healthy behaviors are classified into the categories of exercise, nutrition, and social interaction.

[0030] Counselor C inputs the acquired information on health behaviors into the user information management device 10. Based on the input information, the user information management device 10 identifies the facilitating factors (strengths factors, environmental factors, and other factors) that resident R possesses. The identification of facilitating factors may be done by the user information management device 10 analyzing the input information, or it may be done by counselor C selecting from a predetermined list of facilitating factors.

[0031] Furthermore, the promoting factors and the health behaviors promoted by those promoting factors are pre-associated with each other. An example of this association will be described later with reference to Figure 5. The user information management device 10 formulates a support policy for resident R based on the identified promoting factors and a predetermined correspondence table (correspondence information in which a predetermined factor is associated with at least one of several health behaviors classified into multiple categories that are promoted based on that factor). This support policy is a guideline for how to support resident R. Examples of support policies include, as the first, "encouraging resident R to continue the health behaviors they are currently able to do," as the second, "helping resident R gain confidence in health behaviors they have not yet been able to continue but have at least done," as the third, "helping resident R take the first step towards health behaviors they have never done before," and as the fourth, "simply being there for them."

[0032] [Steps for extracting helpful messages of support] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the step of extracting reference messages of support performed by the user information management system according to this embodiment. In the following description, this step may be simply referred to as the "message of support extraction step." After the support policy formulation step, which was explained with reference to Figure 2, the message of support step shown in Figure 3 is performed.

[0033] First, counselor C obtains information about support items through dialogue with resident R. Information about support items may also be obtained through apps or other means used by resident R, in addition to dialogue. Support items are predetermined items for each of the health behaviors mentioned above. Support items may be items that can be expressed as indicators showing degree, such as the number of steps taken, items that can be expressed as binary values, such as whether or not participation in community activities is being made, or items that can be expressed as text or photographs. For example, there may be about five support items for each of the health behaviors of exercise, diet, and social interaction. Counselor C inputs the information about the acquired support items into the user information management device 10.

[0034] The user information management device 10 searches for similar and shared support messages based on the resident R's facilitating factors (or support policies selected based on facilitating factors) and support items. This search process is performed on past support messages that have been stored in advance. The user information management device 10 outputs the past support messages obtained as a result of the search as reference support messages. It is preferable to associate or keep associated past support messages with the support policies and support items that were the basis for creating those messages, from the viewpoint of making it easier to search for similar and shared support messages.

[0035] Counselor C creates a message of encouragement for resident R, using the sample message of encouragement output by the user information management device 10 as a reference. In this embodiment, the format of the message of encouragement created by counselor C is not limited, but it is preferable that it include handwritten messages and illustrations. This is especially true when resident R, who is the target of the user information management system 1, is elderly, as the handwritten message can convey a sense of warmth. Therefore, it is preferable that the sample message of encouragement output by the user information management device 10 also includes handwritten messages and illustrations (e.g., image data) that have been previously created as messages of encouragement.

[0036] [Functional Configuration of User Information Management Device] Figure 4 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user information management device according to this embodiment. Referring to the figure, an example of the functional configuration of the user information management device 10 for realizing the functions described above will be explained. The user information management device 10 includes a correspondence information acquisition unit 11, a user information acquisition unit 12, a support policy generation unit 13, and an output unit 14. In the illustrated example, the user information management device 10 also includes a correspondence table storage unit 21. However, the correspondence table storage unit 21 may be located outside the user information management device 10. The area outside the user information management device 10 may be, for example, a storage unit not shown on the cloud.

[0037] [Support Information] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence information (correspondence table) used by the user information management system according to this embodiment. First, the correspondence information stored in the correspondence table storage unit 21 will be explained with reference to the figure. The correspondence information associates factors with the health behaviors promoted by those factors.

[0038] The correspondence information shown in the figure is independent of resident R and is uniformly defined as potential candidates that all residents R may possess. Within this, it is determined which of the illustrated facilitating factors resident R possesses. This determination may be made by counselor C through dialogue between resident R and counselor C.

[0039] Figure 5(A) shows an example of a strength factor. Examples of strength factors include hobbies, special skills, and lessons. The figure specifically lists Strength 1, Strength 2, and Strength 3 as strength factors. Resident R with Strength 1 will see improvements in exercise, eating, and socializing by utilizing Strength 1. Similarly, Resident R with Strength 2 will see improvements in exercise and socializing by utilizing Strength 2, but not in eating. Similarly, Resident R with Strength 3 will see improvements in exercise by utilizing Strength 3, but not in eating or socializing. Note that there may be multiple (many) other strength factors.

[0040] Figure 5(B) shows an example of environmental factors. Environmental factors can include the environment and features (such as communication spaces) of the residence (property) in which resident R resides. In the figure, Environment 1, Environment 2, and Environment 3 are specifically listed as environmental factors. Resident R with Environmental Factor 1 is encouraged in all aspects of exercise, eating, and socializing. Resident R with Environmental Factor 2 is encouraged in exercise and socializing, but not in eating. Resident R with Environmental Factor 3 is encouraged in exercise, but not in eating or socializing. Note that there may be multiple (many) other environmental factors.

[0041] Figure 5(C) shows an example of other factors. Other factors include various pieces of information obtained through dialogue between resident R and counselor C. For example, other factors may include past events and seasonal events. In the same figure, other factors 1, 2, and 3 are specifically listed. Resident R with other factor 1 is promoted in all aspects of exercise, meals, and social interaction. Resident R with other factor 2 is promoted in exercise and social interaction, but not in meals. Resident R with other factor 3 is promoted in exercise, but not in meals and social interaction. Note that there may be multiple other factors.

[0042] Returning to Figure 4, we will now describe the functional components of the user information management device 10.

[0043] The correspondence information acquisition unit 11 acquires the correspondence information stored in the correspondence table storage unit 21. The correspondence information is as described with reference to Figure 5, and is a correspondence between predetermined factors (i.e., the promoting factors mentioned above) and the health behaviors promoted based on those factors. In the correspondence information, it is preferable that the health behaviors to be associated are at least one of the health behaviors classified into multiple categories. It is preferable that the predetermined factors include at least strength factors based on the characteristics of resident R and environmental factors based on the environment in which resident R lives. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is preferable that other factors are also included.

[0044] The user information acquisition unit 12 acquires user information from counselor C. This user information includes information obtained through dialogue between resident R and counselor C. Specifically, the user information includes at least information about factors related to resident R. Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 12 may acquire information about categories of health behaviors that resident R is performing or continuing.

[0045] The support policy generation unit 13 generates a support policy based on the information acquired by the corresponding information acquisition unit 11 and the information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 12. Here, the information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 12 includes information on the category of health behaviors that resident R continues to engage in and information on the promoting factors to which resident R belongs. The information acquired by the corresponding information acquisition unit 11 includes information on the promoting factors and the category of health behaviors promoted by those promoting factors. Therefore, based on this information, the support policy generation unit 13 can determine what resident R should be praised for and what should be continued, and generate a support policy. Specifically, the support policy generation unit 13 may generate a support policy according to the acquired category of health behavior.

[0046] Furthermore, the support policy generation unit 13 generates a support policy based on at least one of the facilitating factors, including strength factors, environmental factors, and other factors. Here, the support policy generation unit 13 may prioritize strength factors over environmental factors in generating a support policy, from the perspective of providing stronger motivation. Specifically, if there are at least one strength factor and at least one environmental factor as facilitating factors corresponding to resident R, the support policy generation unit 13 will prioritize one of the strength factors over the environmental factors in generating a support policy.

[0047] Furthermore, the priority of other factors may be lower compared to strength factors and environmental factors. Other factors are used to find ways to provide support when there are no facilitating factors to support, so if it is possible to generate a support policy without referring to other factors, then it is not necessary to refer to them.

[0048] Furthermore, each of the strength factors, environmental factors, and other factors may be assigned a priority order. That is, if resident R has multiple strength factors, multiple environmental factors, or multiple other factors, the priority order may be predetermined. This priority order may be based on the order in which the corresponding information is described, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the priority order may be stored in the corresponding table storage unit 21.

[0049] Let's explain the process of the support policy generation unit 13 in more detail. Based on the acquired categories of health behaviors (categories of health behaviors that resident R is continuing), the support policy generation unit 13 identifies categories of health behaviors that resident R is not continuing, and generates a support policy based on the promoting factors associated with the categories of health behaviors that resident R is not continuing. In other words, if there are health behaviors that resident R is not continuing, the support policy generation unit 13 generates a support policy based on the promoting factors associated with those health behaviors.

[0050] Furthermore, the support policy generation unit 13 may output a sample support message, as explained with reference to Figure 3. In other words, the support policy generated by the support policy generation unit 13 includes information that can be used as a reference for creating a message of support for resident R. Counselor C refers to the sample support message and creates a message of support for resident R.

[0051] Here, "reference messages of support" refer to messages created in the past to support resident R. By presenting these messages of support, created in the past by counselor C (a different person from the one currently providing services to resident R), to the counselor C currently providing services and allowing them to use them as a reference, the quality of services provided by each counselor C can be kept within a certain range (variability among counselors C can be eliminated).

[0052] Furthermore, while the reference messages of support may be in text format, they are preferably in image format. This is because image information includes handwritten messages, allowing counselor C to perceive the warmth and personal touch of the handwriting. In other words, the information that serves as a reference for creating a message of support for resident R, which is included in the support policy, can be said to be image information containing handwritten messages, which are messages of support for resident R that have been generated in the past.

[0053] The output unit 14 outputs the cheering policy generated by the cheering policy generation unit 13, as well as reference cheering messages found by the cheering policy generation unit 13. The cheering policy can also be said to be information based on the facilitating factors included in the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 12 and the corresponding information acquired by the corresponding information acquisition unit 11. The output from the output unit 14 may be displayed as visually recognizable information on a display unit (not shown) provided by or connected to the user information management device 10.

[0054] [Example of display screen] Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen presented to a counselor by the user information management system according to this embodiment. Reference numeral D10 denotes information displayed on an unshown display unit by the user information management device 10. Reference numeral D10 also functions as an information acquisition screen for acquiring information from counselor C. Counselor C inputs information to the user information management device 10 by operating the display screen indicated by reference numeral D10.

[0055] It should be assumed that, prior to counselor C operating the display screen labeled D10 in the figure, information regarding resident R's facilitating factors has already been acquired and entered into the user information management device 10.

[0056] The display screen shown by symbol D10 comprises symbols D110, D120, and D130 as screen components.

[0057] Code D110 is a component of the display screen used in the support policy formulation step (STEP 1) described above. Code D110 comprises code D111, code D112, code D113, and code D114 as screen configuration requirements.

[0058] Code D111 is an input unit for entering categories of health behaviors that resident R is continuing (being able to continue). Counselor C inputs categories of health behaviors into code D111 in a prescribed manner. For example, counselor C may input one of the categories of exercise, diet, or social interaction using a keyboard, or may select from displayed options. In the example shown in the figure, social interaction is entered or selected.

[0059] Code D112 is a display unit used to encourage healthy exercise behaviors. Code D112 comprises two screen components: Code D112A, which displays available promoting factors, and Code D112B, which displays the support policy for exercise. In the illustrated example, the available promoting factors are "none," and the support policy is "supportive."

[0060] Code D113 is a display unit used to encourage healthy eating habits. Code D113 comprises two screen components: Code D113A, which displays available promoting factors, and Code D113B, which displays a support policy for eating. In the illustrated example, the available promoting factor is "Strength Factor A," and the support policy is "Encourage taking the first step."

[0061] Code D114 is a display unit used to encourage healthy behaviors in social interaction. Code D114 comprises two screen components: Code D114A, which displays available facilitating factors, and Code D114B, which displays a support policy for social interaction. In the illustrated example, the available facilitating factor is "Strength Factor C," and the support policy is "Encourage continuation."

[0062] Code D120 is a component of the display screen used in the step (STEP 2) of extracting reference support messages as described above. Code D120 comprises codes D122, D123, D124, and D125 as components of the screen.

[0063] Code D122 is a display unit used to encourage healthy exercise behaviors. Code D122 comprises, as screen components, code D122A, which is an input unit for counselor C to input encouragement items, and code D122B, which is a display unit that displays a reference encouragement message. The encouragement items may be selected by counselor C from five options, for example. Alternatively, they may be directly entered by counselor C. In the illustrated example, the encouragement item is "episodes and photos from walks." The reference encouragement message is "○○○...."

[0064] Code D123 is a display unit used to encourage healthy eating habits. Code D123 comprises two components of the screen: Code D123A, which is an input unit for counselor C to input encouragement items, and Code D123B, which is a display unit that shows a reference encouragement message. The encouragement items may be selected by counselor C from five options, for example. Alternatively, they may be directly entered by counselor C. In the illustrated example, no encouragement items have been entered. The reference encouragement message is "○○○...".

[0065] Code D124 is a display unit used to encourage healthy behaviors in social interaction. Code D124 comprises, as screen components, code D124A, which is an input unit for counselor C to input support items, and code D124B, which is a display unit that displays a reference support message. Support items may be selected by counselor C from five options, for example. Alternatively, they may be directly entered by counselor C. In the illustrated example, no support items have been entered. The reference support message is "○○○...".

[0066] Code D125 displays an inhibitory factor. An inhibitory factor is a factor that suppresses healthy behavior. For example, in the figure, lower back pain is listed as an inhibitory factor. For resident R who suffers from lower back pain, it is not possible to easily encourage strenuous exercises that use the lower back (even if this is resident R's strength). Therefore, it is preferable to consider this inhibitory factor when creating a message of support. This inhibitory factor is identified by counselor C through dialogue between resident R and counselor C, and is entered into the user information management device 10 in advance by counselor C.

[0067] Furthermore, the inhibitory factors do not need to be set separately for exercise, diet, and social health behaviors; as shown in the diagram, they may be set as common items for each. Also, independent inhibitory factors may be set for each.

[0068] Code D130 is a component of the display screen used in the cheering message creation step (STEP 3) described above. Code D130 comprises codes D132, D133, and D134 as screen configuration requirements.

[0069] Code D132 is an input field where counselor C enters a message of encouragement regarding the health behavior of "exercise." Counselor C enters their message of encouragement, referring to the sample message displayed in code D122B.

[0070] Code D133 is the input field where counselor C enters a message of support regarding the "eating" health behavior. Counselor C enters their message of support, referring to the sample message displayed in code D123B.

[0071] Code D134 is the input field where counselor C enters a message of support regarding the "social interaction" health behavior. Counselor C enters their message of support, referring to the sample message of support displayed in code D124B.

[0072] [Logic for selecting support strategy] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the logic by which a support policy is selected by the user information management system according to this embodiment. The logic for selecting a support policy will be explained with reference to the symbol D20 shown in the figure. The logic for selecting a support policy is performed by the support policy generation unit 13.

[0073] As a premise, in the example illustrated, the resident R in question possesses (is associated with) Strength Factors A and B, Environmental Factors A and B, and Other Factors A and B. Referring to the correspondence table in Figure 5, the health behaviors promoted by Strength Factor A are exercise (○), diet (×), and social interaction (○). The health behaviors promoted by Strength Factor B are exercise (×), diet (×), and social interaction (×). The health behaviors promoted by Environmental Factor A are exercise (○), diet (×), and social interaction (×). The health behaviors promoted by Environmental Factor B are exercise (×), diet (×), and social interaction (○). The health behaviors promoted by Other Factor A are exercise (×), diet (×), and social interaction (○). The health behaviors promoted by Other Factor B are exercise (×), diet (×), and social interaction (×). Note that in the following explanation, items marked with a circle may be referred to as being flagged.

[0074] First, counselor C selects one of the three health behaviors. Specifically, the information entered into the input field labeled D111, as described above, is referenced. In the example shown, of the three health behaviors—exercise, diet, and social interaction—social interaction is selected.

[0075] Here, the user information management device 10 searches for promoting factors that are flagged for a given item, depending on which item has been selected as a health behavior. In the illustrated example, since interaction is selected, promoting factors flagged for interaction are searched on a single axis. Searching on a single axis means that promoting factors flagged for exercise and diet are not considered. As shown in the illustration, the promoting factors flagged for interaction are Strength Factor A, Environmental Factor B, and Other Factor A. These promoting factors flagged for interaction can also be said to be usable promoting factors.

[0076] Next, a support strategy is selected based on the available facilitating factors. Support strategy 1 is to encourage continuation. Support strategy 2 is to help build confidence. Support strategy 3 is to encourage taking the first step. Support strategy 4 is to provide support. The duration for which resident R has been consistently using the relevant facilitating factor may also be considered when selecting a support strategy.

[0077] Let's explain the logic for selecting a support policy. If there are available facilitating factors, either Support Policy 1 or Support Policy 2 will be selected. The decision of which to choose may be based on the duration that resident R has been using the facilitating factor. For example, if resident R has been using the facilitating factor for six months or more, Support Policy 1 may be selected. Alternatively, if resident R has been using the facilitating factor for less than six months, Support Policy 2 may be selected.

[0078] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, while exercise is an item that has not been consistently performed, there are available promoting factors. In such cases, it is conceivable to encourage resident R to take the first step and implement these promoting factors. Therefore, when an item has not been consistently performed but there are available promoting factors, support policy 3 is selected.

[0079] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, there are no usable facilitating factors for meals, and the residents are not continuing to eat. In other words, not a single flag is displayed. In such cases, it is appropriate to support resident R. Therefore, if there are no usable facilitating factors and the residents are not continuing to eat, support policy 4 is selected.

[0080] In the example shown, the health behaviors promoted by strength factor A are exercise (○), diet (×), and social interaction (○). In the example shown, the promoting factor is searched using social interaction as the single axis, but it is also possible to consider the exercise axis and search using two axes. In other words, support strategies are generated based on factors that are related to both the categories of health behaviors that users are able to continue and the categories of health behaviors that they are not able to continue. Specifically, in the example shown, by utilizing strength factor A, it becomes easier to encourage users to take the first step towards exercise by using social interaction, which they are able to continue, as a trigger.

[0081] [Internal structure] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a user information management device according to this embodiment. At least some of the functions of the user information management device 10 can be realized using a computer. As shown in the figure, the computer is composed of a central processing unit 901, RAM 902, input / output ports 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, etc., and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in programs read from RAM 902, etc. The central processing unit 901 writes data to RAM 902, reads data from RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations according to each instruction. RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element contained in RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using that address. RAM stands for "Random Access Memory". Input / output ports 903 are ports for the central processing unit 901 to exchange data with external input / output devices, etc. Input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. Input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via input / output ports 903. Bus 906 is a common communication channel used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data to RAM 902 via bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses input / output ports via bus 906. Furthermore, all or part of the functional units of the user information management device 10 may be implemented using hardware such as ASICs, PLDs, or FPGAs. Furthermore, all or part of the functional units may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

[0082] [Summary of Embodiments] According to the embodiment described above, the user information management device 10 comprises a correspondence information acquisition unit 11, a user information acquisition unit 12, and an output unit 14. The correspondence information acquisition unit 11 acquires correspondence information in which a predetermined factor is associated with at least one of several health behaviors classified into multiple categories that are promoted based on the factor. The user information acquisition unit 12 acquires user information that includes at least information about factors related to the user. The output unit 14 outputs information based on the factors included in the acquired user information and the correspondence information. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to acquire user information based on the user's attributes and characteristics and to output information based on the acquired information. Counselor C can support resident R based on the information output by the user information management device 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, users can be suitably supported.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the user information management device 10 outputs a reference message of encouragement. Counselor C creates a message of encouragement for resident R while referring to the reference message of encouragement. Therefore, variations in the quality of the counselor's response can be suppressed and kept within a certain range.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, support is provided to the resident R, who is an independent elderly person. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support healthy behaviors from a healthy longevity perspective, focusing on developing what the resident is currently able to do.

[0085] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage units such as hard disks built into computer systems. In addition, "computer-readable recording media" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside computer systems that act as servers or clients in such cases. Moreover, the above-mentioned programs may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, and may also be programs that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0086] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or illustrative and not limiting. In other words, the technology relating to this disclosure may produce other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description herein, in addition to or instead of the effects described herein. Moreover, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1...User information management system, 10...User information management device, 11...Correspondence information acquisition unit, 12...User information acquisition unit, 13...Support policy generation unit, 14...Output unit, 21...Correspondence table storage unit

Claims

1. A correspondence information acquisition unit acquires correspondence information in which a predetermined factor and at least one of several health behaviors classified into multiple categories that are promoted based on that factor are associated with each other. A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information including at least information relating to the aforementioned factors related to the user, An output unit that outputs information based on the factors included in the acquired user information and the corresponding information, A user information management system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned health behaviors are classified into the categories of exercise, diet, and social interaction. The user information management system according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined factors include, at a minimum, strength factors based on the user's characteristics and environmental factors based on the environment in which the user resides. A user information management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The user information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the categories of health behaviors that the user continues to engage in. It further includes a support policy generation unit that generates support policies according to the acquired health behavior categories. The output unit outputs the support policy generated by the support policy generation unit. A user information management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The predetermined factors include, at a minimum, strength factors based on the user's characteristics and environmental factors based on the environment in which the user resides. The support policy generation unit prioritizes the strength factors over the environmental factors and generates the support policy. The user information management system according to claim 4.

6. The support policy generation unit identifies categories of health behaviors that the user has not been able to continue based on the acquired categories of health behaviors, and generates the support policy based on the factors associated with the categories of health behaviors that the user has not been able to continue. The user information management system according to claim 4.

7. The support policy generated by the support policy generation unit includes information that is useful for creating a message to support the user. The user information management system according to claim 4.

8. The information included in the aforementioned support policy that serves as reference for creating messages to support the user is the messages to support the user that have been generated in the past. The user information management system according to claim 7.

9. The information included in the aforementioned support policy that serves as reference for creating a message to support the user is image information, including handwritten messages, of messages to support the user that have been generated in the past. The user information management system according to claim 8.

10. A correspondence information acquisition step involves acquiring correspondence information in which a predetermined factor and at least one of several health behaviors that are promoted based on that factor and are classified into multiple categories are associated with each other. A user information acquisition step of acquiring user information which includes at least information relating to the factors related to the user, An output step that outputs information based on the factors included in the acquired user information and the corresponding information, A method for managing user information.

11. On the computer, A correspondence information acquisition step involves acquiring correspondence information in which a predetermined factor and at least one of several health behaviors classified into multiple categories that are promoted based on that factor are associated with each other. A user information acquisition step that acquires user information which includes at least information relating to the factors related to the user, An output step that outputs information based on the factors included in the acquired user information and the corresponding information, A program that executes the command.

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