Excretion care support system

Abstract

This invention relates to a technology that can improve motivation for incontinence care. [Solution] The excretion care support system of the present invention comprises: a storage unit that stores reference information including a time-series record of the excretion status, etc., of each of several sample subjects different from the target subject as sample records; a subject information acquisition unit that acquires subject information including situation information about the subject's usage of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status; a problem prediction unit that predicts the subject's excretion-related problems based on the situation information; a treatment prediction unit that predicts recommended treatments based on sample records; an effect prediction unit that predicts the effect if treatments are performed based on sample records; and an output unit that outputs problems, treatments, and effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting in excretion care for care recipients.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for assisting in excretion care for care recipients who require assistance are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit that acquires in-body information which is information related to excretion in the body, and out-of-body information which is information different from the in-body information and related to the outside of the body; and a prediction unit that predicts the excretion timing of a wearer who wears an absorbent article in the future based on the in-body information and the out-of-body information. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an information processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit that acquires property information which is information related to the property of the stool of a care recipient, and evaluation information which is information for evaluating how independent the care recipient is; and a determination unit that determines care supplies used for the care of the care recipient based on the property information and the evaluation information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <8000016>

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to promote the independence of care recipients in their daily lives and improve the QOL (Quality of Life), a technique for improving the motivation for excretion care is required.

[0005] The present invention relates to a technique capable of improving the motivation for excretion care.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An excretion care support system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an excretion care support system that supports excretion care for a person who is a care recipient, and comprises a storage unit, a person information acquisition unit, a problem prediction unit, a coping prediction unit, an effect prediction unit, and an output unit. The memory unit stores reference information, which includes, as sample records, a time-series record of at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status for each of several sample subjects different from the subject. The subject information acquisition unit acquires subject information including status information for at least one of the following situations selected from the usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status of the subject. The problem prediction unit predicts problems related to the excretion of the subject based on the circumstances related to the subject's excretion problems included in the circumstances information. The countermeasure prediction unit predicts recommended countermeasures for resolving the problem based on the sample records related to resolving the problem. The effect prediction unit predicts the effect of assuming that the countermeasure was carried out, based on the sample records related to the countermeasure. The output unit outputs the problem, the solution, and the effect.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an excretion care support method, which is an excretion care support method that supports excretion care for a person who is a care recipient, Subject information is obtained for the aforementioned subject, including status information for at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status. Based on the circumstances related to the subject's excretion problems included in the aforementioned circumstances information, the subject's excretion-related challenges are predicted. Based on sample records related to solving the aforementioned problem, which are time-series records of at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent materials for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status for each of several sample subjects different from the aforementioned subject, recommended actions to solve the aforementioned problem are predicted. Based on the sample records related to the aforementioned countermeasures, predict the effect if the aforementioned countermeasures were carried out. The aforementioned problems, solutions, and effects are output.

[0008] A program according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is a program for supporting excretion care for a person who is a care recipient, and the information processing device is: The steps include obtaining subject information, which includes status information for at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status of the subject, A step of predicting the subject's excretion-related issues based on the circumstances related to the subject's excretion problems included in the circumstances information, A step of predicting recommended actions to solve the aforementioned problem based on sample records relating to the solution of the aforementioned problem, which are time-series records of at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent materials for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status for each of several sample subjects different from the aforementioned subject, A step of predicting the effect of assuming that the above action was taken, based on the sample record related to the above action, Steps to output the aforementioned problem, the aforementioned solution, and the aforementioned effect, Make it run. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve motivation for excretion care. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] It is a figure which illustrates the structure of the excretion care support system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. [Figure 2] (A) is a figure which shows the hardware structure of the server contained in the said system, (B) is a figure which shows the hardware structure of the user terminal contained in the said system. [Figure 3] It is a typical perspective view which has expanded the absorbent article (urine collection pad and diaper) where the sensor device contained in the said system is arranged. [Figure 4] It is a top view seen from the non-skin facing side of the urine collection pad attached to the said diaper, and shows the mode where a part of the covering sheet which covers the wetness detection sensor of the sensor device contained in the said system is peeled off and a part of the said wetness detection sensor is exposed. [Figure 5] It is a top view seen from the non-skin facing side of the said urine collection pad, and shows the mode where all of the said covering sheet is peeled off and the said wetness detection sensor is exposed. [Figure 6] It is a figure which shows the structure of the sensor main body of the sensor device. [Figure 7] It is a figure which shows the database structure memorized in the memory part of the said server. [Figure 8] It is a sequence figure which illustrates the flow of the processing of the said system in one operation example of this Embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a figure which shows an example of the input form of the questionnaire used for the processing of the said operation example. [Figure 10] It is a figure which shows an example of the input form (recording input form) of the situation record of the target person used for the processing of the said operation example. [Figure 11] It is a figure which shows an example of the situation record of the target person used for the processing of the said operation example. [Figure 12] It is a figure which shows an example of the sample record of the reference information used for the processing of the said operation example. [Figure 13] It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen containing the problems, countermeasures and effects generated by the processing of the said operation example. [Figure 14]It is a diagram showing an example of sample recording of reference information used in the process of a modification example of the above embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings.

[0012] [Summary of the Invention] A system according to an embodiment of the present invention constitutes a system via, for example, the Internet. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system functions as an excretion care support system that supports excretion care for a target person who is a person requiring assistance.

[0013] In this specification, "excretion" includes at least one of urination or defecation. In this specification, a "person requiring assistance" is a person who receives assistance with excretion, and examples include a person requiring care who requires nursing care, a person requiring support who requires support, an infant wearing a diaper, and the like. In this specification, an "assistant" is a person who assists with the excretion of a person requiring assistance, and is not particularly limited, and examples include a nurse, a caregiver, and other care helpers.

[0014] In this specification, a "target person" is a person requiring assistance and is a person who is the target of excretion care in the excretion care support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Also, in this specification, users of the excretion care support system include, for example, an assistant who performs excretion care for the target person, the target person himself / herself, and the like.

[0015] In this specification, "absorbent articles for excretion care" refers to articles that are worn by a person being cared for and are capable of absorbing excrement, and examples include urine pads, disposable diapers, cloth diapers, and absorbent auxiliary inner sheets used in combination with urine pads or diapers (for example, "Kasane-de Anshin Sheet" (product name, manufactured by Kao Professional Services Co., Ltd.)). "Absorbent articles for excretion care" will also be referred to as "absorbent articles" below. In one embodiment of the present invention, a person being cared for may use a urine pad in combination with a disposable diaper, a cloth diaper, or the above-mentioned absorbent auxiliary inner sheet. In this case, since the urine pad is placed on the skin side (inside) of the diaper, the disposable diaper or cloth diaper placed on the side relatively farther from the skin (outside) will also be referred to as the "outer layer".

[0016] In this specification, "output" of information includes the transmission of information via the Internet, the transmission of information to other electronic devices using short-range wireless communication or wired communication, and the output of information by a display unit or speaker. Furthermore, in this specification, "acquisition" of information includes the reception of information via the Internet, the reception of information from other electronic devices using short-range wireless communication or wired communication, the acquisition of information received through user input operations, and the acquisition of information stored in a memory unit or external memory device.

[0017] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration, numerical values, processing flow, and functional elements described in the following embodiments may differ. These are merely examples, and modifications and changes are permitted. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the following description. This is not intended to define a system. In this specification, "system" includes one or more information processing devices. For example, a single information processing device can constitute a system, and multiple information processing devices can also constitute a system when they cooperate to perform functions such as a web server. Furthermore, as described in the following embodiments, "system" may include one or more information processing devices that function as a web server and one or more terminal devices.

[0018] [System Configuration] As illustrated in Figure 1, a system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a server 100 on the Internet N, a user terminal 200, and a sensor device 50. The server 100 is connected to the user terminal 200 and the sensor device 50 via the Internet N. Although Figure 1 shows an example in which the system includes one user terminal 200, it may include multiple user terminals 200. Similarly, although Figure 1 shows an example in which the system includes one sensor device 50, it may include multiple sensor devices 50.

[0019] Server 100 can be, for example, a web server (information processing device) operated by an operator of an excretion care support service that provides assistance with excretion care to a person. The excretion care support service may be, for example, a service that provides assistance with excretion care to a person receiving care. Server 100 can process information input from, for example, the user terminal 200 and the sensor device 50, and provide the excretion care support service to the user using the user terminal 200 via an application program or website, etc.

[0020] The user terminal 200 may be, but is not limited to, a smartphone, desktop PC, notebook PC, tablet PC, or smartwatch. For example, the user terminal 200 accesses the server 100, receives a web page or the like generated by the server 100, and displays it on the screen using a browser or the like.

[0021] In this embodiment, the sensor device 50 is placed on the urine pad 11, which is an absorbent article. As illustrated in Figure 1, the sensor device 50 includes, for example, a wetness detection sensor 20 capable of detecting wetness of the urine pad 11, and a sensor body 30 including an acceleration sensor 34 (see Figure 6). The sensor device 50 transmits, for example, data based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20 and data based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34 to the server 100 via the internet N.

[0022] [Hardware configuration of information processing equipment] As shown in Figure 2(A), the server 100 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an input / output interface 105, and a bus 104 that connects these to each other.

[0023] The CPU 101 is a processor that comprehensively controls all blocks of the server 100 while performing various calculations by appropriately accessing RAM 103 and other memory as needed. ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory in which the OS, programs, and firmware such as various parameters to be executed by the CPU 101 are permanently stored. RAM 103 is used as a working area for the CPU 101 and temporarily holds the OS, various running application programs, and various data being processed.

[0024] The input / output interface 105 is connected to the display unit 106, the operation reception unit 107, the storage unit 108, the communication unit 109, and the like.

[0025] The display unit 106 is a display device that uses, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic ElectroLuminescence Display), or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).

[0026] The operation reception unit 107 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or other input device. If the operation reception unit 107 is a touch panel, the touch panel may be integrated with the display unit 106.

[0027] The storage unit 108 is a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory (SSD; Solid State Drive), or other solid-state memory. The OS, various application programs, and various data are stored in this storage unit 108.

[0028] In this embodiment, the storage unit 108 may have, in addition to programs necessary for the processing described later, a target information database, a reference information database, and other databases used for processing, as described later. Databases such as the target information database are referenced as needed during system processing. These databases may be stored in a storage device or server externally connected to the server 100, rather than in the storage unit 108.

[0029] The communication unit 109 consists of various modules for wireless communication, such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) for Ethernet or a wireless LAN, and is responsible for communication processing between the user terminal 200 and the sensor device 50.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2(B), the user terminal 200, like the server 100, includes, for example, a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, bus 204, input / output interface 205, display unit 206, operation reception unit 207, storage unit 208, and communication unit 209. Furthermore, the user terminal 200 may also have an imaging unit 210, which may consist of a camera or the like.

[0031] [Configuration of sensor device and absorbent article] First, the basic configuration of the urine pad 11 and disposable diaper 12 on which the sensor device 50 is placed will be described. The disposable diaper 12 will be referred to as "diaper 12" below.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 3, the urine absorption pad 11 is placed on the skin-facing side of the diaper 12. In this specification, "skin-facing side" refers to the side of each component of the urine absorption pad 11 and the diaper 12 that is placed on the skin side of the wearer when worn. "Non-skin-facing side" refers to the side of each component of the urine absorption pad 11 and the diaper 12 that is placed on the side opposite to the wearer's skin (the clothing side) when worn.

[0033] In this embodiment, the diaper 12 is configured as a so-called unfoldable (tape-type) diaper. The diaper 12 is divided into a ventral region A that is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side when worn, a dorsal region B that is positioned on the wearer's back side when worn, and a crotch region C positioned between the ventral region A and the dorsal region B. In the diaper 12, the direction extending from the ventral region A through the crotch region C to the dorsal region B is defined as the "longitudinal direction Y," and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y and corresponding to the wearer's left-right direction is defined as the "width direction X."

[0034] As illustrated in Figure 3, the diaper 12 includes, for example, a surface sheet 12a that forms the skin-facing surface and on which a urine absorption pad 11 is placed, a back sheet 12b that is placed on the non-skin side, and an absorbent material 12c that is placed between the surface sheet 12a and the back sheet 12b. Furthermore, the diaper 12 has, for example, a leg gather 12d that is placed on the widthwise X-side edge of the crotch region C and formed by the contraction of an elastic member. Furthermore, the diaper 12 has, for example, a fastening tape 13 that is placed on the widthwise X-side of the dorsal region B and fastened to the non-skin-facing surface of the ventral region A. Each component of the diaper 12 may be made of a material usable in the field of absorbent articles.

[0035] The composition of the diaper 12 is not limited to this, and it may also be a disposable diaper of the pull-up type. Furthermore, the object on which the urine absorption pad 11 is placed is not limited to disposable diapers, but may also be a cloth diaper or cloth pull-up pants, etc.

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the urine absorption pad 11 includes, for example, a surface sheet 11a that forms the skin-facing surface, a back sheet 11b that forms the non-skin-facing surface, and an absorbent material 11c disposed between the surface sheet 11a and the back sheet 11b. The urine absorption pad 11 extends in the longitudinal direction Y overall. Each component of the urine absorption pad 11 may be made of a material usable in the field of absorbent articles.

[0037] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the sensor device 50 is positioned, for example, on the non-skin-facing surface (back sheet 11b) of the urine pad 11 and between the urine pad 11 and the diaper 12. The sensor device 50 includes, for example, a wetness detection sensor 20, a sensor body 30, and a covering sheet 27. The sensor device 50 may, but is not limited to, the configuration described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-89214.

[0038] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the wetness detection sensor 20 includes, for example, a plurality of printed electrodes 21, a plurality of conductive wires 23, and a terminal 24. The wetness detection sensor 20 can detect wetness and wet areas of the urine pad 11 based on impedance changes between the plurality of printed electrodes 21. Note that the configuration of the printed electrodes 21, conductive wires 23, and terminal 24 is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0039] Multiple printed electrodes 21 are arranged on the non-skin-facing surface of the urine pad 11. The printed electrodes 21 may have a conductive configuration and may include, for example, an insulating printing substrate 22 and conductive ink coated on the printing substrate 22. Multiple printed electrodes 21 may include, for example, multiple positive electrodes 21a and multiple negative electrodes 21b. Multiple positive electrodes 21a and multiple negative electrodes 21b are arranged on the right and left sides in the width direction X, and alternately along the longitudinal direction Y. In addition, ventilation openings 25 where no electrodes are formed may be formed between the positive electrodes 21a and the negative electrodes 21b. In this embodiment, each printed electrode 21 (each of the multiple positive electrodes 21a and multiple negative electrodes 21b) is also referred to as a sensor element 20a.

[0040] The conductor portion 23 electrically connects the multiple printed electrodes 21 and the terminal portion 24. The conductor portion 23 includes, for example, a conductor portion 23a connected to the multiple positive electrodes 21a and the first terminal 24a of the terminal portion 24 and extending along the longitudinal direction Y, a conductor portion 23b1 connected to the multiple negative electrodes 21b and extending along the longitudinal direction Y, and a conductor portion 23b2 connected to the conductor portion 23b1 and the second terminal 24b of the terminal portion 24 and extending along the width direction X. The conductor portion 23, like the printed electrodes 21, is formed by a printed conductive layer 28 made of conductive ink applied to the surface of the printed substrate 22.

[0041] The terminal section 24 includes, for example, a first terminal 24a connected to the positive electrode 21a and a second terminal 24b connected to the negative electrode 21b. The first terminal 24a and the second terminal 24b may be configured as conductive terminals that can engage with the sensor body 30, but in the illustrated example, they are configured as snap buttons made of a conductive material that can engage with a part of the sensor body 30. In addition to snap buttons, the first terminal 24a and the second terminal 24b may also be made of conductive connectors, wire fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, screws, hooks, snap fasteners, etc.

[0042] The covering sheet 27 covers the printed electrode 21 and the conductive wire portion 23 from the non-skin side. The covering sheet 27 is bonded to the back sheet 11b of the urine pad 11 by adhesive 26 applied in an arbitrary shape (spiral shape in the illustrated example) so as to sandwich the printed electrode 21 and the conductive wire portion 23. The area of ​​the covering sheet 27 where adhesive 26 is not applied is designated as the non-adhesive area 26a. The covering sheet 27 can be made of any insulating sheet material, such as nonwoven fabric or a resin film. Although not shown in the illustration, the covering sheet 27 has through holes to expose the terminal portion 24.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 6, the sensor body 30 includes an impedance detection unit 31, a data logger 32 that records impedance change data detected by the impedance detection unit 31, a timer 33 that outputs time data, an acceleration sensor 34 that detects tilt and motion, a communication unit 35, and a microcontroller 36.

[0044] The impedance detection unit 31 applies a voltage to the entire circuit of the wetness detection sensor 20 to detect changes in impedance. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the impedance detection unit 31 includes an oscillator 31a that oscillates a predetermined frequency signal, an impedance change detection circuit 31b that uses the frequency signal from the oscillator 31a to detect the total amount of impedance change of a plurality of sensor elements 20a, and an impedance change voltage conversion unit 31c that converts the total amount of impedance change detected by the impedance change detection circuit 31b into voltage change data. The voltage change data generated by the impedance change voltage conversion unit 31c is output to the data logger 32. In this embodiment, the "voltage change data acquired from the impedance detection unit 31" is referred to as "data based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20".

[0045] The acceleration sensor 34 is preferably composed of a three-axis acceleration sensor. The three-axis acceleration sensor detects data in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions related to the tilt and movement of the absorbent article to which the sensor is attached, and outputs these data to the data logger 32 along with the time data output from the timer 33. The data output by the acceleration sensor 34 is referred to as "data based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34".

[0046] The data logger 32 records data based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20 and data based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34, associating them with time data output from the timer 33.

[0047] The microcontroller 36 has, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and input / output ports, and functions as a control unit (processor) for the sensor body 30.

[0048] The communication unit 35 is configured, for example, as various modules for wireless and / or wired communication. Based on the control of the microcontroller 36, the communication unit 35 outputs the data recorded in the data logger 32, associating it with the identification information (such as the sensor ID) of the sensor device 50.

[0049] In the sensor device 50 with the above configuration, a wetness detection sensor 20 is placed on the back sheet 11b of the urine collection pad 11. The wetness detection sensor 20 and the sensor body 30 are connected by engaging the terminal portion 24 of the wetness detection sensor 20 with the sensor body 30. When replacing the urine collection pad 11, the caregiver separates the terminal portion 24 and the sensor body 30 on the used urine collection pad 11 and engages the sensor body 30 with the terminal portion 24 of the new urine collection pad 11. This allows data output to be performed using the same sensor body 30 even after replacing the urine collection pad 11.

[0050] [Example of database configuration] As illustrated in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the storage unit 108 of the server 100 stores a target information database 108a, a reference information database 108b, and a user information database 108c.

[0051] The target information database 108a stores the target profile information and other information for each target person who has registered for the excretion care support service.

[0052] The subject profile information includes not only the subject's attribute information but also physical information indicating their physical condition. Attribute information is not limited to, but may include, for example, the subject's name (nickname), an ID to identify the subject, the subject's affiliation (name of the facility receiving care, facility ID, etc.), age, and gender. Physical information includes weight, height, level of care required, level of independence in daily living, basic motor skills (ADL; Activities of Daily Living), severity and location of paralysis, severity and location of contractures, location and symptoms of skin problems, speech ability, presence or absence of urinary urge, medical history, medications being taken, and other information about the body.

[0053] Furthermore, the subject information database 108a stores status information for each subject regarding at least one situation selected from excretion status, use of absorbent articles for excretion care, activity status, and sleep status. In this embodiment, this information includes information acquired from the user terminal 200 and the sensor device 50. From the viewpoint of clearly indicating the situation, the status information preferably includes events indicating at least one situation selected from the subject's excretion status, activity status, and sleep status, the response to that at least one situation, and at least one piece of information selected from the evaluation results for that at least one situation. Furthermore, the status information may also include other information related to that at least one situation. In this specification, activity status mainly refers to daytime activity status and excludes excretion status and sleep status.

[0054] The information about excretion status included in the status information includes data indicating the excretion status and processed information thereof, evaluation results regarding the excretion status, events indicating the excretion status, countermeasures for the excretion status, and other information regarding the excretion status. Specific examples of information about excretion status include data based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20, data based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34, processed information from these data, timing and frequency of toilet guidance, timing and frequency of urination in the toilet, timing and frequency of defecation in the toilet, frequency of urination, frequency of defecation, timing, number of times and amount of urine leakage, presence or absence of urge to urinate, presence or absence of verbal or physical complaints regarding excretion, characteristics of stool, timing and frequency of fecal leakage, measurement results of urine volume (average urine volume, total daily urine volume, etc.), and residual urine measurement results. Information about excretion status may also include, for example, sensor information obtained from the sensor device 50, information obtained from the user terminal 200, and information obtained from other monitoring devices.

[0055] Information regarding the usage of absorbent items included in the situational information may include, for example, identification information (product name, product ID, etc.) that identifies the absorbent item used by the subject, the timing and frequency of changing urine pads, the timing and frequency of changing diapers, whether or not assistance is provided when changing absorbent items and the type of assistance provided, and the location where the absorbent items are changed. Furthermore, information regarding the usage of absorbent items may also include the type of absorbent item (urine pad, diaper, etc.), the type of diaper (pants type, pull-up type, etc.), information regarding the amount of absorption (absorption capacity, number of times urine is absorbed, etc.), the time of day covered (day, night, etc.), and the size, all of which are associated with the identification information of the absorbent item. From the viewpoint of efficiently reducing the risk of leakage of excrement, it is preferable to include at least one piece of information selected from the type of absorbent item, information regarding the amount of absorption, and the size. If the subject uses both urine pads and diapers, it is preferable to include information regarding the usage of absorbent items separately for the urine pads and for the diapers.

[0056] The activity status information included in the situational information refers to activity status during times other than sleep time (e.g., during the day), and includes data indicating activity status, processed information therefrom, evaluation results of other activity status, events indicating activity status, and responses to activity status. Specific examples of activity status information include the timing and frequency of fluid intake, the amount of fluid intake, the type of beverage consumed, the timing and frequency of meals, the amount of food eaten, the timing of bathing, daytime posture, step count, energy expenditure, daytime vital data (heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen level, etc.), timing, type and frequency of exercise, timing, type and frequency of massage, and the type and amount of other activities. Activity status information may also include data acquired from other monitoring devices (such as activity trackers, pedometers, motion sensors, blood pressure monitors, and mobile information terminals such as smartphones and smartwatches equipped with application programs capable of monitoring vital data and activity data), in addition to information acquired from the user terminal 200. By analyzing the activity status information of the subject, it is possible to predict the subject's excretion status based on the subject's movements and physical condition.

[0057] The information about sleep status included in the situational information includes data indicating sleep status and processed information therefrom, other evaluation results regarding sleep status, events indicating sleep status, and measures taken in response to sleep status. Examples of information about sleep status include bedtime, wake-up time, sleep duration, timing and number of awakenings during sleep, REM sleep duration, vital data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level during sleep, respiratory rate, and electroencephalogram (EEG). Information about sleep status may also include information acquired from other monitoring devices (such as motion sensors, blood pressure monitors, and mobile information terminals such as smartphones and smartwatches equipped with application programs capable of monitoring vital data and sleep data). By analyzing information about the subject's sleep status, it is possible to predict the subject's excretion status based on their movements and physical condition during sleep.

[0058] In this embodiment, the subject information database 108a preferably includes a status record for each subject, which records status information over time, from the viewpoint of understanding the subject's situation over time. This makes it possible to understand the situation included in the status information over time. In this specification, "information recorded over time" means information stored in association with time information for a certain period of time. In this specification, "time information" is information that includes the concept of time, and examples include periods, dates, dates and times, dates and time zones (for example, time zones divided into units of time such as 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc., or time zones such as daytime / nighttime). Furthermore, time information associated with multiple pieces of information only needs to indicate a common timing among these multiple pieces of information, and the way it is represented may differ.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the subject information database 108a may include, for each subject, the subject's and / or caregiver's comments regarding the excretion care included in the situation record.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the subject information database 108a stores, for each subject, the excretion-related issues predicted by the server 100, the recommended countermeasures to resolve the issues, and the effects of assuming that the countermeasures are implemented. Details of this information will be described later.

[0061] Reference information database 108b stores reference information that will be referenced in the processing described later. The reference information includes, as sample records, a time-series record of at least one situation selected from excretion status, use of absorbent excretion care items, activity status, and sleep status for each of several sample subjects different from the main subject. It is more preferable that the sample records include all of the excretion status, use of absorbent excretion care items, activity status, and sleep status for each of the multiple sample subjects. In this specification, a sample subject refers to a person receiving care who is different from the main subject and who is the subject of the data included in the reference information.

[0062] The sample record preferably includes, in association with time information, an event indicating at least one situation selected from the sample subject's excretion status, use of absorbent articles for excretion care, activity level, and sleep status, the response to that at least one situation, and at least one piece of information selected from the evaluation results for that at least one situation. Furthermore, the sample record may also include other information related to that at least one situation. Specific examples of information included in the sample record include information similar to the situation information described above. In particular, the sample record in this embodiment preferably includes records of the response to a situation for each of multiple sample subjects, from the viewpoint of generating responses to situations related to the achievement of the subject's goals, as will be described later. Furthermore, the sample record may include comments from the sample subject and / or their caregiver regarding the excretion care included in the sample record, from the viewpoint of facilitating the prediction of the effects if the above responses were assumed to have been performed.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the reference information database 108b stores profile information for each sample subject. The profile information of a sample subject may include information similar to the information exemplified as the subject's profile information, but it does not have to include information that identifies the individual sample subject (e.g., name, contact information, affiliation, etc.).

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the reference information database 108b stores sample item information for each of a plurality of absorbent articles associated with the degree of independence of the person being cared for. The sample item information for each absorbent article includes identification information (product name, product ID, etc.) and information representing the degree of independence of the person being cared for who is to use it. In this specification, "degree of independence of the person being cared for" means the degree of independence of the person being cared for in daily life, including excretion. Information representing the degree of independence of the person being cared for may include, for example, information that directly represents the degree of independence of the person being cared for, and other information related to the degree of independence of the person being cared for. Examples of information that directly represents the degree of independence of the person being cared for include paraphrases of the above-mentioned degree of independence, expressed using words that represent the degree of independence ("can go out alone", "can walk alone", "can walk with assistance", "can stand and sit with assistance", "spends most of their time sleeping", etc.), numbers (1, 2, etc.), or symbols. Information related to the level of independence of the person being cared for includes information on absorbency (absorption capacity, number of times urine is absorbed, etc.) and diaper type (pants type, pull-up type, cloth diaper, etc.). It should be noted that the absorbency of absorbent items tends to decrease as the corresponding level of independence increases. Generally, the types of diapers used are targeted at care recipients with increasing levels of independence, in the order of tape-type disposable diapers, pull-up disposable diapers, and cloth diapers (cloth pants). In addition, sample item information may include, for each absorbent item, the type of absorbent item (urine pad, disposable diaper, etc.), the time of day it is used, the size range, and the target gender.

[0065] The user information database 108c stores attribute information for each user registered with the excretion care support service. User attribute information is not particularly limited, but may include general information such as the user's name (nickname), user identification ID, user affiliation (facility name, facility ID, type of facility, facility address, etc.), user contact information, and identification information of the person the user is responsible for assisting.

[0066] [Example of system operation] Next, an example of the operation of the system in this embodiment will be described. The operation of the server 100 described below is performed by the cooperation of hardware such as the CPU 101 and the communication unit 109 and the software stored in the storage unit 108. Similarly, the operation of the user terminal 200 is performed by the cooperation of hardware such as the CPU 201 and the communication unit 209 and the software stored in the storage unit 208. The operation of the sensor device 50 is performed by the microcontroller 36.

[0067] In this example, the subject is a care recipient who uses absorbent items (urine pads and diapers), and the user using user terminal 200 is the caregiver of the subject. The user is assumed to have registered with the excretion care support service in advance.

[0068] In this example, the reference information database 108b shall contain sample records for each of the multiple sample subjects. The sample records shall include records of the same type as the subject's situation records described later. In addition, the sample records shall further include records of how each of the multiple sample subjects dealt with their situation, and records of the sample subjects' and / or their caregivers' impressions (comments) regarding excretion care.

[0069] First, the user logs in to the internet site or application program provided by the excretion care support service. Then, as illustrated in Figure 8, the CPU 201 of the user terminal 200 sends a request to submit the questionnaire form based on the user's input (S201). The CPU 101 of the server 100 receives (acquires) the request to submit the questionnaire form (S101) and sends the questionnaire form to the user terminal 200 (S102). The CPU 201 of the user terminal 200 receives the questionnaire form (S202) and displays the questionnaire form on the display unit 206 (S203).

[0070] Figure 9 shows an example of a questionnaire form displayed on the display unit 206. In this example, the questionnaire form 400 includes multiple item fields 401 and input fields 402 corresponding to the item fields 401. The item fields 401 include, for example, a date entry field 403 and a profile item field 404. The profile item field 404 includes, for example, the user's identification information, the subject's identification information, age, gender, weight, level of care required, cognitive and independence level, presence and location of paralysis, presence and location of contractures, presence, location and symptoms of skin problems, medical history, medications being taken, physical characteristics, etc. The input fields 402 may be configured to allow the user to select an answer from a set of options for each item, or they may allow the user to freely enter an answer.

[0071] The CPU 201 of the user terminal 200 receives input to the questionnaire form 400 (S204) and sends the questionnaire input information to the server 100 (S205). The server 100 receives (acquires) the questionnaire input information (S103) and stores the questionnaire input information of the subject in the subject information database 108a (not shown). In this example of operation, the questionnaire input information includes subject profile information, which includes attribute information and / or physical information of the subject.

[0072] The CPU 101 of the server 100 sends a status record input form to the user terminal 200 (S104). Hereinafter, the status record input form will be referred to as the "record input form". The CPU 201 of the user terminal 200 receives the record input form (S206) and displays the record input form on the display unit 206 (S207).

[0073] Figure 10 shows an example of a record input form. The record input form 500 illustrated in the figure includes, for example, a subject ID input field 501, a sensor unit ID input field 502, a recording period input field 503, a fluid intake record input field 504, a toilet guidance record input field 505, a pad change record input field 506, an outer input field 507, a bowel movement record input field 508, a bathing record input field 509, other excretion care input fields 510, a subject's feedback input field 511, and a caregiver's feedback input field 512. The fluid intake record input field 504 allows input of, for example, the time of fluid intake and the amount of fluid intake. The toilet guidance record input field 505 allows input of, for example, the time of guidance to the toilet, whether or not urination occurred in the toilet, and whether or not urine was measured in the toilet. Note that "urine measurement" in the toilet guidance record input field 505 refers to, for example, measuring the amount of urine collected in a urine collection device in the toilet. The toilet guidance record input field 505 may also record the amount of moisture absorbed by the diaper and the amount of urine used in the toilet (not shown). The pad change record input field 506 allows you to input, for example, the time and type of urine pad to be changed, and the procedures taken at the time of change. Note that "urine measurement" in the pad change record input field 506 refers to measuring the amount of moisture absorbed by the urine pad. The outer input field 507 allows you to input the type of diaper used as the outer layer. The defecation record input field 508 allows you to input whether or not there was a defecation, the time of defecation, and the consistency of the stool. The bathing record input field 509 allows you to input whether or not there was a bath and the time of bathing. The other excretion care input field 510 allows you to input the details of excretion care performed other than those mentioned above (such as how the situation was dealt with and the results of the evaluation of the situation) and the time of the input. The subject's feedback input field 511 allows you to input your feedback on excretion care during the target period. The caregiver's feedback input field 512 allows you to input your feedback on excretion care for the subject during the target period.

[0074] The user enters information into the record input form 500 for any four days (referred to as the "target period"). The CPU 201 of the user terminal 200 receives the input into the record input form 500 (S208) and, based on input operations such as the submit button (not shown), sends the input information from the record input form 500 to the server 100 (S209). The CPU 101 of the server 100 receives (acquires) the input information from the record input form 500 (S105) and stores the input information in the target person information database 108a of the storage unit 108 (not shown).

[0075] Meanwhile, during the period covered, the subjects use a urine collection pad 11 on which the sensor device 50 is placed. The sensor body 30 is removed from the used urine collection pad 11 each time the urine collection pad 11 is replaced and engaged with the terminal portion 24 of the new urine collection pad 11.

[0076] The microcontroller 36 of the sensor body 30 controls the data logger 32 to record data based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20 and data based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34 in association with time (S301), and controls the communication unit 35 to transmit sensor information, including the data based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20 and the data based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34, which is associated with time, in association with the identification information of the sensor body 30 (S302). The microcontroller 36 may transmit the data directly to the server 100 via the internet N, or it may transmit the data to the user terminal 200 by wired or wireless connection and then transmit the data to the server 100 via the user terminal 200.

[0077] The CPU 101 of the server 100 receives (acquires) sensor information (S106) and stores it in the subject information database 108a of the storage unit 108 (not shown). In this example of operation, the CPU 101 that receives the sensor information compares the identification information of the received sensor body 30 with the identification information of the sensor body 30 entered in the record input form 500, and stores the sensor information in the subject information database 108a corresponding to the subject ID entered in the record input form 500.

[0078] Furthermore, the CPU 101, upon receiving sensor information, can generate a record of the wetness and amount of wetness of the urine pad (absorbent article) associated with time, based on data derived from the output of the wetness detection sensor 20. Specifically, the CPU 101, referring to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-89214, detects the wetness and its spread (amount of wetness) of the urine pad 11 at each time based on impedance changes detected by sensor elements 20a placed at various positions on the urine pad 11. As a result, the CPU 101 can store the record of the wetness and amount of wetness of the urine pad 11 associated with time in the subject information database 108a as part of the situation record.

[0079] Similarly, the CPU 101, upon receiving sensor information, can generate a record of the tilt of the urine pad (absorbent item) associated with time, based on data derived from the output of the acceleration sensor 34. Specifically, the CPU 101 can detect the tilt of the sensor body 30 in the X, Y, and Z axes while it is attached to the urine pad 11, based on data derived from the output of the acceleration sensor 34. The tilt of the sensor body 30 corresponds to the posture of the person wearing the urine pad 11 (sitting, lying on their back, lying on their side, etc.). Therefore, the CPU 101 can generate a record of the person's posture associated with time, based on data derived from the output of the acceleration sensor 34, referring to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-89214. Furthermore, the CPU 101 can measure the amount of change in the tilt of the sensor body 30 per unit time from data derived from the output of the acceleration sensor 34, referring to the above-mentioned document, and detect the movement of the urine pad 11 based on this change in tilt. This allows the CPU 101 to generate a record of the movement (position shift) of the urine collection pad 11, which is associated with the time. These records generated by the CPU 101 can be stored in the subject information database 108a, for example, as part of the situation record.

[0080] In this embodiment, the situation information includes information about at least one situation selected from the subject's excretion status, usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, activity status, and sleep status. In this example of operation, the input information of the record input form 500 and the sensor information are included in the situation record, which is a record of the situation information over time. Specifically, the situation record includes the type of urine pad and the time of its replacement based on the input information of the pad replacement record input field 506 of the record input form 500, the types of diapers worn during the day and at night based on the input information of the outer input field 507, the record based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20 and the record based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34 included in the sensor information, the time and amount of fluid intake based on the input information of the fluid intake record input field 504 of the record input form 500, the time of toilet guidance, whether or not urination occurred in the toilet, and whether or not urine was measured based on the input information of the toilet guidance record input field 505, the record of defecation based on the input information of the defecation record input field 508, and whether or not bathing took place and the time of bathing based on the input information of the bathing record input field 509. Furthermore, the situation record may also include the time and content of the excretion care entered in the other excretion care input field 510 (such as how the situation was handled and the results of the evaluation of the situation), as well as the comments entered in the subject's comments input field 511 and the caregiver's comments input field 512.

[0081] Therefore, in this example of operation, the step S103 for acquiring input information from a questionnaire including subject profile information, the step S105 for acquiring input information from a record input form, and the step S106 for acquiring sensor information function as "subject information acquisition steps." In addition, in steps S103, S105, and S106, the CPU 101 functions as a "subject information acquisition unit."

[0082] Next, the CPU 101 of the server 100 predicts the subject's excretion-related issues based on the situation information related to the subject's excretion problems (S107). In this step, the CPU 101 functions as a "issue prediction unit".

[0083] Figure 11 is an example of a daily status record 600 generated from the input information of the record input form 500 and sensor information during the target period. In the status record 600 in Figure 11, the "Drinking Water" item indicates the time of water intake, the "Bathing" item indicates the time of bathing, the "Defecation" item indicates the time of defecation, the "Toilet etc." item indicates the time of toilet guidance, the "Change / Urine Measurement" item indicates the time of urine pad change and urine measurement, the "Wetness" item indicates the time of wetting of the urine pad and the amount of wetting based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20, and the "Tilt" item indicates the frequency of tilt (posture) and movement (position displacement) of the absorbent item based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34. In each item, the time period in which the corresponding event occurred is indicated by the color filling. In the "Wetness" item, the time period in which the color filling is dark indicates that the amount of wetting (amount of wetting spread) is relatively high, and the time period in which the color filling is light indicates that the amount of wetting (amount of wetting spread) is relatively low. In the "Tilt" section, "Left" indicates that the subject and absorbent material are facing left, "Front" indicates that the subject and absorbent material are facing forward, and "Right" indicates that the subject and absorbent material are facing right. In the "Tilt" section, darkly colored time periods indicate a relatively high frequency of movement and positional displacement, while lightly colored time periods indicate a relatively low frequency of movement and minimal positional displacement. Furthermore, in the "Tilt" section, it is preferable that postures with the head raised (standing or sitting) and postures with the legs raised (lying down) are represented by different colors. In addition, the "Change / Urine Measurement" records are each labeled with identification information for the changed urine pad (labeled "Pad") and / or diaper (labeled "Outer").

[0084] In step S107 of this example, the CPU 101 first extracts records related to excretion problems included in the status record. Examples of records related to excretion problems include records related to leakage of excrement, records related to abnormalities in the frequency of excretion, records related to abnormalities in the skin around the excretory area, and records related to abnormalities in excrement.

[0085] Records related to leakage of excrement include, for example, records indicating that the frequency and / or amount of wetting of the urine pad detected based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20 is greater than the absorption capacity of the urine pad, and records indicating that, in addition to the wetting of the urine pad detected based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20, there is displacement and / or tilting of the urine pad based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34. Records related to abnormalities in the number of excretions include, for example, records indicating that the frequency of wetting of the urine pad and / or the number of times the patient is guided to the toilet, detected based on the output of the wetness detection sensor 20, is greater than the standard number of excretions during a day or a specific time period (daytime, nighttime, etc.). Records related to skin abnormalities associated with excretion include, for example, records of redness and itching of the skin around the excretory area (including the legs and torso where absorbent items are worn, in addition to the excretory opening). Records related to abnormalities in excrement include, for example, records of abnormalities in the properties of stool and urine.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 11, for instance, in the "wetness" item for nighttime (sleeping) period T1, two instances of wetting were detected for urine pad number 4 (record R1). If the absorption capacity of urine pad number 4 is estimated to be the amount of urine excreted twice, it is determined that there is insufficient absorption capacity for the number of wettings, and therefore record R1 is determined to be a record related to leakage of excrement. In addition, in the "tilt" item for this period T1, frequent displacement and tilting to the right of the urine pad are observed, so record R2 for the tilt item for this period T1 is also determined to be a record related to leakage of excrement. Specifically, the CPU 101 may extract records related to excretion problems by comparing data included in records related to excretion problems (frequency and amount of wetting, frequency of displacement and tilt, etc.) with data of various reference values ​​stored in the memory unit 108. Alternatively, the CPU 101 may predict the problem using a model for extracting records related to excretion problems from situational record data, which is generated from data of multiple sample records.

[0087] In step S107 of this example, the CPU 101 then predicts an issue related to excretion from the extracted records related to the excretion problem. In the example shown in Figure 11, since records related to the leakage of excrement during time period T1 have been extracted, the CPU 101 predicts that the issue related to excretion is "to improve urinary incontinence during sleep time".

[0088] Next, the CPU 101 predicts the recommended action to resolve the issue based on sample records related to the resolution of the issue (S108). In this step, the CPU 101 functions as an "action prediction unit".

[0089] In S108 of this example, the CPU 101 extracts sample subjects with high commonality to the target subject from among multiple sample subjects based on the reference information database 108b and the subject information database 108a, and predicts countermeasures based on sample records related to the resolution of the extracted sample subjects' problems. As an example of a method for extracting sample subjects, the CPU 101 can extract sample subjects from among multiple sample subjects that are associated with sample records containing situations common to the situations related to the target subject's problems, which were extracted in S107. Examples of records that show "situations common to the situations related to the target subject's problems" in the sample records include records that contain patterns similar to the records showing the above situations extracted from the target subject's situation records. The following provides specific examples.

[0090] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, for example, CPU 101 extracts from the sample records 700 records that have patterns similar to the record R1 for "wetness" in time period T1 and the record R2 for the item "slope" in time period T1. The similarity of these record patterns can be calculated by quantifying at least one element selected from the item, content, time information, etc., for each record, and using, for example, a similarity calculation technique using machine learning methods or a clustering technique.

[0091] Figure 12 is an example of a sample record 700 for one day that includes information corresponding to the situation record 600. In addition to the information described in Figure 11, Figure 12 also shows records corresponding to "other excretion care," including actions taken in response to the situation, with labels attached to the corresponding time period. Furthermore, in addition to the information described in Figure 11, Figure 12 also includes records corresponding to "the subject's impressions" and "the caregiver's impressions." In this example of operation, for convenience, one sample record 700 is used for explanation, but multiple sample records with similar recording patterns to the situation record 600 may be extracted and used for processing.

[0092] Referring to Figure 12, the CPU 101 determines, for example, that the patterns of the "wetness" record R3 and the "tilt" record R4 in the time period T2 corresponding to the time period T1 of "Day 2" in sample record 700 are similar to the patterns of the records R1 and R2 in the time period T1 of situation record 600 as exemplified in Figure 11, and extracts the sample record 700. In this specification, the time period corresponding to a certain time period may be the same time period, or it may be a time period corresponding to the same living situation (for example, the time period when one is sleeping, the time period when one is awake, etc.).

[0093] In step S107 of this example, the CPU 101 then extracts sample records from the extracted sample records of the sample subjects that are related to the improvement of the subject's condition over time, and predicts appropriate actions based on the extracted sample records.

[0094] In the example shown in Figures 11 and 12, the CPU 101 extracts from the extracted sample records 700 records that have a similar pattern to records (e.g., records R3, R4) related to excretion issues in the situation records 600 (e.g., records R1, R2), and that are related to improvement of the situation. In this example, the CPU 101 can extract the following records related to the "wetness" record R3 of the similar time period T2: record R5, which was changed to urine pad No. 5 at 18:00; record R6, which was changed to urine pad No. 5 at 1:00; and record R7, which was ingested around 19:00. Here, urine pad No. 5 has a higher absorbency than urine pad No. 4 used by the subject, and has an absorbency that can absorb four times the amount of urine. Of these, the CPU 101 can extract records R5 and R6, which were changed to urine pad No. 5, as records related to preventing urine leakage. Similarly, CPU 101 can extract record R8, which concerns the technique of applying a urine pad around 18:00, as a record related to record R4, which is a record of "slope" in a similar time period T2. CPU 101 determines that record R8 is a record related to preventing "urinary incontinence" and extracts this record R8 as a record related to preventing urinary incontinence.

[0095] The determination of the relationship between such records may be performed, for example, using a model that predicts the degree of relationship between records, generated from data representing the degree of relationship between records in multiple other sample records. Similarly, the determination of the relationship between a record and an improvement in a given condition (e.g., prevention of urinary incontinence) may also be performed, for example, using a model that predicts the degree of relationship between a record and an improvement in a given condition, generated from data contained in multiple other sample records.

[0096] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the CPU 101 can predict from the extracted records R5 and R6 that the action to take is to "use urine pad number 5 when changing pads at night." The CPU 101 can also predict from the extracted record R8 that the action to take is to "firmly raise the gathers of the urine pad on the bottom side when changing pads at night, and apply the urine pad more broadly to the bottom side."

[0097] Next, the CPU 101 predicts the effect of assuming that the subject has performed the action, based on the sample records related to the action (S109). In this step, the CPU 101 functions as an "effect prediction unit". In this example of operation, the "sample records related to the action" may be, for example, the sample records of the sample subject used in the processing of S108, or sample records having a pattern similar to the sample records used in the processing of S108.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 12, CPU 101 extracts record R9, which reads, "I was able to sleep peacefully without any nighttime leakage," from the "Feedback of the sample subject" section of sample record 700. CPU 101 also extracts record R10, which reads, "Because there was no nighttime leakage, the workload associated with urinary incontinence, such as changing sheets, was reduced," from the "Feedback of the caregiver" section of sample record 700.

[0099] In step S109 of this example, for example, the CPU 101 classifies and predicts the effect into a first effect enjoyed by the subject and a second effect enjoyed by others. In the example above, the CPU 101 predicts the first effect from the record R9 of the "Sample Subject's Impressions" item and predicts the second effect enjoyed by caregivers other than the subject from the record R10 of the "Caregiver's Impressions" item. Specifically, as the first effect, the CPU 101 predicts from record R9 the effect of "being able to sleep soundly without nighttime leakage" and from record R10 the effect of "reducing the workload associated with urinary incontinence, such as changing sheets, due to the absence of nighttime leakage." The specific wording of the predicted effects may be generated using known language processing techniques, or it may be generated based on wording generation rules from each record stored in the memory unit 108.

[0100] Next, the CPU 101 transmits (outputs) the predicted issues, countermeasures, and effects to the user terminal 200 (S110). In this step, the CPU 101 functions as an "output unit". In S110 of this example of operation, the CPU 101 classifies the above effects into the first effect and the second effect and transmits (outputs) them.

[0101] The CPU 201 of the user terminal 200 receives the above-mentioned problem, solution, and effect (S210) and displays them on the display unit 206 (S211). This presents the user with the predicted problem, solution, and effect.

[0102] The prediction result display screen 800 shown in Figure 13 includes a display section 801 for issues related to excretion, a display section 802 for recommended actions to resolve the issues, and a display section 803 for the effects assuming the actions are taken. The effects display section 803 further includes a display section 804 for the effects enjoyed by the subject and a display section 805 for the effects enjoyed by the caregiver.

[0103] As described above, the excretion care support system in this example clearly presents not only the challenges related to the excretion of the subject but also recommended solutions to those challenges, thereby increasing the motivation of the subject and / or caregiver to resolve the challenges related to excretion. Furthermore, the excretion care support system in this example clearly presents the effects of assuming that the above-mentioned challenges and solutions are implemented, thereby further increasing the motivation of the subject and / or caregiver to implement the solutions. Moreover, in this example, the effects enjoyed by the subject and the effects enjoyed by the caregiver are presented separately, making the benefits for each of them clear and effectively increasing the motivation of both the subject and the caregiver to implement the solutions. Therefore, by increasing the motivation of both the subject and the caregiver towards excretion care, the above excretion care support system can promote the subject's independence in daily life and improve their quality of life (QOL).

[0104] [Differentiation] In this embodiment, the processing of each step is not limited to the operation examples described above. Modifications of this embodiment will be described below.

[0105] For example, as a method for extracting sample subjects in S108, other extraction methods may be applied in addition to, or instead of, the method described in the above example of operation, which extracts sample subjects associated with sample records that include situations common to the situations related to the tasks of the subjects extracted in S107. For example, the CPU 101 may extract sample subjects that have a high degree of commonality with the subjects in terms of attribute information and / or physical information, based on the sample profile information and subject profile information.

[0106] Examples of attribute and physical information used to determine commonality include age, sex, level of care required, level of independence in daily living, activities of daily living (ADL), severity and location of paralysis, severity and location of contractures, speech ability, presence or absence of urge to urinate, and medical history. Methods for calculating the degree of commonality include, for example, extracting identical or similar attribute and physical information from sample profile information and subject profile information, and calculating the degree of commonality using the number of extracted attribute and physical information items or calculation formulas. Examples of calculation formulas include assigning a value to each item extracted as identical or similar, corresponding to its influence on the degree of commonality, and summing these values. Alternatively, a learning model that predicts the degree of commonality between profile information may be used to predict the commonality of attribute and physical information.

[0107] This allows for the prediction of appropriate treatments and their effects based on data from sample subjects with similar attributes and physical conditions to the target subject. Therefore, it is possible to predict treatments and their effects that are more tailored to the target subject's attributes and physical condition, and to propose more effective treatments and effects for solving the target subject's problems.

[0108] As another variation, in S109, the CPU 101 may further classify and predict the second effect enjoyed by persons other than the subject, into a third effect enjoyed by the subject's caregiver and a fourth effect enjoyed by the facility providing excretion care to the subject. In this example, the third effect corresponds to the "second effect enjoyed by the caregiver" as described in the above example of actions, and can therefore be predicted in the same way as the second effect described in the above example of actions. Furthermore, the CPU 101 can predict the fourth effect based on the record R9 for the "Sample Subject's Impressions" item and the record R10 for the "Caregiver's Impressions" item. For example, from the record R9, "There were no leaks at night, and I was able to sleep peacefully," the CPU 101 can predict the effect "The subject can feel at ease even at night," and from the record R10, "There were no leaks at night, and the work associated with urinary incontinence, such as changing sheets, was reduced," the CPU 101 can predict the effect "Costs associated with changing sheets can be saved, and the workload of employees (e.g., caregivers) can be reduced." Such a fourth effect may be generated, for example, based on rules for generating wording about the effects enjoyed by the facility from the "subject's impressions" and "caregiver's impressions" stored in the memory unit 108, or it may be predicted using a learning model for predicting the effects enjoyed by the facility corresponding to the "subject's impressions" and "caregiver's impressions." Alternatively, the CPU 101 may predict the fourth effect from the "caregiver's impressions" alone. Or, the CPU 101 may store records of the opinions (impressions) of the facility operator or manager associated with each sample record, and predict the fourth effect based on the records of the opinions (impressions) of the facility operator or manager.

[0109] This modification clearly demonstrates the benefits that the facility will receive from implementing the proposed measures, not only for the individuals and caregivers, but also for the facility as a whole, thereby improving motivation for excretion care within the facility.

[0110] As another variation, in S109, the CPU 101 may predict the effect without classifying whether the effect is enjoyed by the subject or by others. In this case, the CPU 101 may predict only the effect enjoyed by the subject, or only the effect enjoyed by others. Alternatively, the CPU 101 may predict without clearly defining who will enjoy the effect.

[0111] As another variation, CPU 101 in S107 may predict multiple issues. In the above example of operation, CPU 101 predicts "improving urinary incontinence during bedtime" as an issue, referring to Figure 11. In addition to this, since a total of 4 instances of wetting are detected in the "wetting level" item for time period T1, which is more than the average number of wettings for this time period, CPU 101 may also predict "reducing the number of urinations during bedtime" as an issue. In this case, CPU 101 can predict the countermeasures and effects for each of the predicted issues in S108 and S109, and can recommend more multifaceted and comprehensive excretion care.

[0112] As another variation, in S108, the CPU 101 may extract from the sample records of the extracted sample subjects the sample records related to the improvement of the subject's condition over time, as an example of extracting sample records related to the improvement of the subject's condition over time from the sample records that show improvement in the subject's condition over time.

[0113] Figure 14 illustrates a sample record 900 for two days that includes information corresponding to the situation record 600. In the example shown in Figure 14, for example, the CPU 101 extracts record R11 from the "wetness" record on the second day, in a similar time period T3 corresponding to time period T1, which has a pattern similar to record R1, and further extracts record R12 from the "wetness" record on the third day, in a corresponding time period T4 corresponding to similar time period T3, in which the frequency of wetness is lower than that of record R11.

[0114] In this example, CPU101 further extracts records related to a decrease in the frequency of wetting, such as the absence of record R13 of fluid intake around 7 PM on the second day at the corresponding time on the third day, and record R14 of a massage performed around 1 PM on the third day to combat leg swelling. The relationship between the decrease in the frequency of wetting and each record can be calculated using a model that calculates the degree of association between the decrease in the frequency of wetting generated from data of multiple sample records and each record. As a result, CPU101 can predict the action of "not consuming fluids immediately before going to bed" from record R13, and the action of "performing a massage or similar action to combat leg swelling" from record R14. In this case, CPU101 can also extract other records related to the keyword "swelling countermeasures" from other sample records (e.g., wearing compression socks, daytime exercises, etc.) and predict actions including multiple swelling countermeasures based on these.

[0115] As another variation, the CPU 101 in S107 may predict the issue using a model that predicts issues related to excretion from data of each item in the situation record, which is generated from data of multiple sample records.

[0116] As another variation, the memory unit 108 may further include a product information database that stores information on products related to excretion care, and in S110, the CPU 101 may transmit (output) product information related to the predicted treatment. Product information included in the product information database may include product name, product ID, related excretion care (treatment), and URL where the product is listed. In S110, the CPU 101 can select and output information such as the product name and URL where the product is listed from the product information included in the product information database. This makes it possible to recommend specific products to be used for treatment and to support the execution of treatment.

[0117] <Other Embodiments> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0118] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the situation information includes data based on the output of the acceleration sensor 34. However, it may also include data based on the output of a motion sensor other than the acceleration sensor 34 that detects the tilt and / or movement of the absorbent article. Examples of such motion sensors include a gyro sensor, a motion sensor including both a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor, etc. By using such a motion sensor, the tilt and displacement of the absorbent article can be detected in the same manner as in the embodiments described above.

[0119] Furthermore, situational information is not limited to examples that include input information from a record input form and sensor information. For example, situational information may include information based on the output of a monitoring device that monitors the subject's activity status and sleep status. Examples of monitoring devices include activity trackers, pedometers, motion sensors, blood pressure monitors, and portable information terminals such as smartphones and smartwatches equipped with application programs that can monitor vital data, activity data, and sleep data. By using one or more types of information based on the output from such monitoring devices, it becomes possible to predict the timing of excretion during the day or at night from detected changes in posture and vital data, and to predict the risk of leakage of excrement and the time periods when the risk of leakage is high.

[0120] For example, the situation information may include image data, such as the subject's activity status and sleep status, captured by the imaging unit 210 of the user terminal 200 or other imaging device. By performing image analysis on this image data, at least a portion of the situation record can be generated.

[0121] Furthermore, the present invention also applies to methods for supporting excretion care, programs for supporting excretion care, and devices for supporting excretion care, with preferred examples being the same as those described above for the excretion care support system. The present invention is also applicable when an information processing program realizing the functions of the embodiments is supplied to a system or device and executed by a built-in processor. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention includes programs installed on a computer, media containing such programs, WWW (World Wide Web) servers for downloading such programs, and processors for executing such programs, all necessary for realizing the functions of the present invention on a computer. In particular, at a minimum, a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing a program that causes a computer to execute the processing steps included in the embodiments described above is included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 11. Urine pads (absorbent items for excretion care) 12. Disposable diapers (diapers, absorbent items for excretion care) 20 Wet detection sensors 34. Accelerometer 50 Sensor device 100 servers 200 user terminals

Claims

1. An excretion care support system that assists with excretion care for the person receiving care, A storage unit that stores reference information, including a time-series record as a sample record, for each of several sample subjects different from the aforementioned subject, regarding at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent materials for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status. A subject information acquisition unit acquires subject information including subject information about at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status of the subject, A problem prediction unit predicts problems related to the excretion of the subject based on the circumstances related to the excretion problems of the subject included in the circumstances information, A countermeasure prediction unit predicts recommended countermeasures to solve the aforementioned problem based on the sample records related to solving the aforementioned problem, An effect prediction unit predicts the effect of assuming that the above action was taken, based on the sample record related to the above action, An output unit that outputs the aforementioned problem, the aforementioned solution, and the aforementioned effect, An excretion care support system equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned response prediction unit, Based on the aforementioned reference information and subject information, sample subjects with a high degree of commonality with the aforementioned subject are extracted from the plurality of sample subjects, and based on the sample records related to the resolution of the aforementioned problems of the extracted sample subjects, the countermeasures are predicted. The aforementioned effect prediction unit, Based on the sample records related to the actions taken by the extracted sample subjects, the effect is predicted. The excretion care support system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned response prediction unit, From the aforementioned plurality of sample subjects, the sample subject is selected that corresponds to the sample record which includes a situation common to the situation of the subject extracted by the problem prediction unit. The excretion care support system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned reference information includes sample profile information, which includes attribute information and / or physical information indicating the physical condition of each of the multiple sample subjects. The aforementioned subject information further includes subject profile information, which includes the attribute information and / or physical information of the subject, The aforementioned response prediction unit, Based on the sample profile information and the subject profile information, sample subjects with a high degree of commonality with the subject in terms of attribute information and / or physical information are extracted. The excretion care support system according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned response prediction unit, From the sample records of the extracted sample subjects, the problem prediction unit extracts sample records related to the time-dependent improvement of the subject's situation, and predicts the countermeasures based on the extracted sample records. An excretion care support system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The aforementioned effect prediction unit, The aforementioned effects are classified and predicted into a first effect enjoyed by the subject and a second effect enjoyed by persons other than the subject. The output unit classifies the effects into a first effect and a second effect and outputs them. The excretion care support system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned effect prediction unit, The second effect described above is further classified and predicted into a third effect enjoyed by the caregiver of the subject and a fourth effect enjoyed by the facility that provides excretion care to the subject. The output unit classifies the second effect into the third effect and the fourth effect and outputs them. The excretion care support system according to claim 6.

8. A method of providing excretion care support to a person who is receiving care, Subject information is obtained for the aforementioned subject, including status information for at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status. Based on the circumstances related to the subject's excretion problems included in the aforementioned circumstances information, the subject's excretion-related challenges are predicted. Based on sample records related to solving the aforementioned problem, which are time-series records of at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent materials for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status for each of several sample subjects different from the aforementioned subject, recommended actions to solve the aforementioned problem are predicted. Based on the sample records related to the aforementioned countermeasures, predict the effect if the aforementioned countermeasures were carried out. Outputting the aforementioned problems, the aforementioned solutions, and the aforementioned effects, Methods for supporting excretion care.

9. A program to support excretion care for a person receiving care, and which uses an information processing device, The steps include obtaining subject information, which includes status information for at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent articles for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status of the subject, A step of predicting the subject's excretion-related issues based on the circumstances related to the subject's excretion problems included in the circumstances information, A step of predicting recommended actions to solve the aforementioned problem based on sample records relating to the solution of the aforementioned problem, which are time-series records of at least one situation selected from the usage status of absorbent materials for excretion care, excretion status, activity status, and sleep status for each of several sample subjects different from the aforementioned subject, A step of predicting the effect of assuming that the above action was taken, based on the sample record related to the above action, Steps to output the aforementioned problem, the aforementioned solution, and the aforementioned effect, A program that executes the command.

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