Judgment device, diagnostic facility management device, and server device

Abstract

Easily find out your health status on the spot. [Solution] The determination device includes an input unit that inputs data indicating the state of a plurality of reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism, which are dropped into a microfluidic device equipped with a plurality of reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism. The determination device includes a pattern identification unit that identifies a pattern of the state of each reagent based on the data. The determination device includes a determination unit that determines information regarding the health state corresponding to the identified pattern based on the plurality of state patterns and information regarding the health state corresponding to each pattern. The determination device includes a notification unit that notifies the determined information regarding the health state.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a determination device, a diagnostic facility management device, and a server device.

Background Art

[0002] Blood tests for evaluating health conditions and disease risks are widely used in the medical field. In conventional testing methods, it is common to go through the following procedures.

[0003] <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The technology disclosed herein aims to provide a server device that can improve the distribution efficiency of urine test kits and supplements by automatically managing order information in relation to the above-mentioned judgment device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the determination device of the first aspect of the technology disclosed herein includes an input unit for inputting data indicating the state of a plurality of reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism, which are dropped into a microfluidic device equipped with a plurality of reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism. The determination device includes a pattern identification unit that identifies patterns in the state of each reagent based on the aforementioned data. The determination device includes a determination unit that determines information regarding the health state corresponding to the identified pattern, based on multiple state patterns and information regarding the health state corresponding to each pattern. The determination device includes a notification unit that notifies information regarding the determined health status.

[0011] In the second embodiment of the determination device, the information relating to the health status determined in the first embodiment is information indicating the health status itself, and if the information relating to the health status itself indicates excellent, the notification unit further notifies information suggesting a urine test.

[0012] In the third embodiment of the determination device, the determined health status information is information indicating the health status itself, and if the information indicating the health status itself does not indicate good health, the device further includes a transmission unit that transmits reservation information for reserving a diagnostic facility to a diagnostic facility management device that manages the diagnostic facility.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment of the determination device, in the first embodiment, the notification unit further notifies information that induces an order for at least one of the urine test kit and the supplement. The determination device further comprises an input unit for inputting the order, and a transmission unit that, when the order is input, transmits order information to a server device that manages orders for at least one of the urine test kit and supplements, according to the input order.

[0014] In the determination device of the fifth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the information relating to the health status is, Health condition itself, Multiple test items to diagnose health status, Possibility of contracting a disease, Preventive measures, At least one of the supplements, foods, and medical products that improve health, Diagnostic facilities This is at least one piece of information.

[0015] In the determination device of the sixth embodiment, in the first embodiment, the input unit is an imaging unit that photographs the plurality of reagents whose state has changed due to reaction with the bodily fluid in the microfluidic device and inputs the image data obtained by said photography.

[0016] The seventh embodiment is a diagnostic facility management device that communicates with the determination device of the third embodiment. The diagnostic facility management device comprises a receiving unit that receives the reservation information and a reservation information management unit that manages the received reservation information.

[0017] The eighth aspect is a server device that communicates with the determination device of the fourth aspect. The server device comprises a receiving unit that receives the order information and an order information management unit that manages the received order information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein allows for the determination of a health status based on a reaction with bodily fluids and rapid notification to the user, thus making it easier to know one's health status than with the prior art.

[0019] The second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure can support continuous and effective health maintenance by proposing a urine test when the health condition is determined to be excellent.

[0020] The third aspect of the technology of the present disclosure can enable a user to receive a diagnostic service quickly and smoothly by automatically transmitting reservation information of a diagnostic facility when the health condition is not excellent.

[0021] The fourth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure can improve the convenience of health management by attracting an order for a urine test kit or supplement, enabling a user to easily obtain a necessary product.

[0022] The fifth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure can realize comprehensive and useful health support for a user by providing various information regarding the health condition.

[0023] [[ID=**15**]] The sixth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure can improve the reliability of a determination result by accurately recording a change in the state of a reagent by an imaging unit.

[0024] The seventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure can efficiently manage reservation information via a diagnostic facility management device.

[0025] The eighth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure can improve the distribution efficiency of a urine test kit or supplement by automatically managing order information through a server device.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an example of a health condition inspection system 10 of an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of a smartphone 14 of the health condition inspection system 10. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing processing of functional units of the smartphone 14. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of a health condition inspection program 36P executed by a CPU 22 of the smartphone 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] [Embodiment] Embodiments of the technology of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0028] [First Embodiment] (composition) The configuration of the health status examination system 10 of the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the health status examination system 10 of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the health status examination system 10 comprises a microfluidic device 12, a smartphone (hereinafter referred to as "smartphone") 14, a server device (hereinafter referred to as "server") 18, and a diagnostic facility management device 16. The smartphone 14, server 18, and diagnostic facility management device 16 are connected to each other via a network, for example, the internet 15.

[0029] Smartphone 14 is an example of a "determination device" of the technology disclosed herein.

[0030] (Microfluidic device 12) The microfluidic device 12 includes a dropping section 12A from which a living fluid, such as human blood, is dropped. The living organism is not limited to humans, but may be other animals, such as horses, cows, or pigs. The bodily fluid is not limited to blood, but may be urine, saliva, sweat, tears, feces, etc.

[0031] The microfluidic device 12 includes a plurality of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 that react with all or part of the blood, specifically components selected as necessary for the blood test described later, such as plasma, blood cells, etc., to change their state (e.g., color development). The changed state is not limited to color development; for example, it may be a state in which a line appears.

[0032] The reagents 12B1 to 12B5 are shown in Figure 1 as five in the example, but are not limited to five; six, seven, eight, etc., are also acceptable. The reagents are designed to test the following items and produce a color change when they react with the above-mentioned components of blood: AST (GOT), ALT (GPT), γ-GT (γ-GTP), cholinesterase, LD (LDH), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), A / G ratio, total bilirubin (T-bil), total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, nonHDL-C, blood glucose (glucose / BS), HbA1c, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, e-GFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), amylase, etc. These are items that are tested in blood tests during health checkups or comprehensive medical examinations. The test items are not limited to those tested in blood tests during health checkups or comprehensive medical examinations; other test items, such as those that check for the presence of urinary protein, urinary occult blood, or urinary syrup, may also be included.

[0033] Reagents 12B1 to 12B5 correspond one-to-one with these items. For example, each of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 is a reagent for testing AST (GOT), ALT (GPT), γ-GT (γ-GTP), cholinesterase, and LD (LDH). Each of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 will develop a color corresponding to the concentration of the component present in the blood if the item is present as a component. However, each of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 is not limited to developing a color corresponding to the concentration of the component present in the blood if the item is present as a component in the blood; it may also be a reagent that produces a visible line.

[0034] The microfluidic device 12 connects the dropping section 12A to a plurality of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 and includes a microfluidic channel (not shown) that delivers the above-mentioned components of the blood dropped into the dropping section 12A to the plurality of reagents 12B1 to 12B5. However, it is not limited to the above-mentioned components; all of the blood may be delivered to the plurality of reagents 12B1 to 12B5.

[0035] (Smartphone 14) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a smartphone 14. As shown in Figure 2, the smartphone 14 includes a computer 20, a camera 14C, an input device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and a storage device 36.

[0036] The computer 20 includes a CPU 22, ROM 24, RAM 26, and input / output (I / O) ports 28. The CPU 22, ROM 24, RAM 26, and input / output (I / O) ports 28 are connected to each other via a bus 30 so that they can communicate with one another. The imaging device 14C, input device 32, communication device 33, display device 34, and storage device 36 are connected to the input / output (I / O) ports 28.

[0037] The functional section of the CPU 22 includes an image processing unit 22A, a specific unit 22B, a readout unit 22C, a display processing unit 22D, a judgment unit 22E, a suggestion unit 22F, a reservation processing unit 22G, and an order processing unit 22H.

[0038] The storage device 36 stores the health status examination program 36P and the correspondence table 36T.

[0039] The correspondence table 36T includes an area 36A for storing multiple patterns p1, p2, p3, p4, p5, ... of color development states that occur when multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 react with the above components of blood. Pattern p1 is, for example, a pattern in which all of the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 develop color. In this case, it indicates that all items are normal. Pattern p2 is a pattern in which one of the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 does not develop color, specifically, for example, reagent 12B2 does not develop color. Pattern p3 is a pattern in which one of the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 does not develop color, specifically, for example, reagent 12B3 does not develop color. Pattern p4 is a pattern in which two of the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 do not develop color, specifically, for example, reagents 12B3 and 12B4 do not develop color. Pattern p5 is a pattern in which three of the reagents 12B1 to 12B5 do not develop color, specifically, for example, reagents 12B3, 12B4, and 12B5 do not develop color. The patterns are not limited to those in which each of the reagents 12B1 to 12B5 develops color or not depending on the presence or absence of the component, but also include patterns in which the color develops at a concentration corresponding to the concentration of the component present. The patterns are not limited to such color states, and for example, patterns in which lines appear may also be included.

[0040] The correspondence table 36T includes an area 36B for storing information indicating the health status, which is determined for each of the multiple patterns p1, p2, p3, p4, p5, ... The information indicating the health status is qualitative information that shows the health status, specifically such as excellent, good, acceptable, poor, etc., and is stored as ◎, ○, △, × respectively. Alternatively, it may be an overall score, for example, excellent, good, acceptable, poor, etc., such as 90 points, 80 points, 60 points, 50 points, etc., or it may be in words, for example, safe, no problem, wait and see, need to be examined, etc.

[0041] The correspondence table 36T includes an area 36C that stores, in correspondence, the diseases that can be contracted, which are determined for each of the multiple patterns p1, p2, p3, p4, p5, ..., and the likelihood of contracting each disease. These diseases include, for example, lifestyle-related diseases such as disease A, disease B, and disease C. Specifically, these include hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. In the example shown in Figure 2, one disease is associated with one pattern, but this is just one example; for example, multiple diseases may be associated with a given pattern. In this case as well, the likelihood of contracting each of the multiple diseases is also stored in correspondence.

[0042] The correspondence table 36T includes an area 36D for storing information on preventive measures that correspond to each of multiple patterns p1, p2, p3, p4, p5, ... Preventive measures include measures a, b, c, d, etc. Specifically, the information is as follows:

[0043] Information on preventive measures includes, for example, information on specific measures for preventing lifestyle-related diseases. For example, firstly, for hypertension, measures to lower blood pressure include improving diet (reducing salt intake, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, reducing saturated fatty acid intake), moderate exercise, and weight management. Secondly, for improving dyslipidemia, measures include improving diet (eating a diet that reduces bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), increases good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), reduces triglycerides, and increases dietary fiber), moderate exercise, etc. Thirdly, for improving diabetes, measures include improving diet (eating a balanced diet, adjusting carbohydrate intake, consuming plenty of dietary fiber, and improving the quality of fats), moderate exercise, etc. Information on specific measures for preventing lifestyle-related diseases is not limited to the information in the first to third examples.

[0044] The preventive measures information includes, if the concentration of a component in the above-mentioned test items is far from the normal reference value, information on how to bring that component back to the normal reference value. For example, if AST (GOT) is lower than the normal concentration, information on how to bring AST (GOT) to the normal concentration is provided. Specifically, this includes information on consuming foods containing vitamin B6 (fish (tuna and salmon), chicken, potatoes, bananas, spinach, etc.), increasing muscle mass through strength training, and correcting stress and irregular lifestyle habits. If total protein (TP) is lower than the normal concentration, information on how to bring total protein (TP) to the normal concentration is provided. Specifically, firstly, there is information on consuming high-protein foods (meat (chicken, beef, pork, etc.), fish and shellfish (salmon, tuna, sardines), soy products (tofu, natto, soy milk), dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese), and eggs). Secondly, there is information on getting moderate exercise. Thirdly, there is information on limiting alcohol intake. Fourthly, there is information on quitting smoking. If triglyceride levels are lower than normal, there is information on how to bring triglyceride levels back to normal. Specifically, firstly, There is information suggesting the consumption of healthy fats such as foods rich in Japanese fatty acids (olive oil, avocados, nuts, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) (coconut oil and MCT oil), and animal fats (moderate amounts of butter and meat (choose those that are not too fatty)). Secondly, there is information suggesting the reconsideration of excessive exercise. Thirdly, there is information suggesting moderate alcohol consumption. The information required to reach the above normal reference values ​​is not limited to the first three pieces of information.

[0045] The information on preventive measures includes information for diagnosis at diagnostic facilities. Specifically, firstly, diagnoses at facilities that provide private medical care, such as health checkups at health examination institutions or comprehensive medical checkups at medical facilities. Secondly, diagnoses at facilities that provide medical care covered by health insurance, such as hospitals or clinics. Facility information (such as website addresses or email addresses for making appointments) is also stored accordingly.

[0046] Information on preventative measures includes information on foods that should be consumed.

[0047] Information on preventative measures includes information on medical products that should be taken.

[0048] Information on preventative measures includes information on supplements that should be taken. For example, information on functional supplements, and information on supplements that provide nutritional support.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 2, one pattern is associated with information on one preventive measure, but this is just one example; for example, a pattern may be associated with information on multiple preventive measures. In this embodiment, each pattern is associated with and stored information for diagnosis at a diagnostic facility, information on foods to be consumed, and information on medical products to be taken.

[0050] Correspondence table 36T may also be used to quantitatively store the values ​​of the following items, which are tested using the above-mentioned reagents 12B1 to 12B5, for each pattern. The items include, for example, AST (GOT), ALT (GPT), γ-GT (γ-GTP), cholinesterase, LD (LDH), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), A / G ratio, total bilirubin (T-bil), total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, nonHDL-C, blood glucose (glucose / BS), HbA1c, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, e-GFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), amylase, etc., which are tested in blood tests during health checkups or medical examinations. As mentioned above, the test items are not limited to those tested in blood tests during health checkups or comprehensive medical examinations, but may also include items that test for the presence of urinary protein, occult blood in the urine, urinary syrup, etc.

[0051] (Server 18 and diagnostic facility management measures 16) The server 18 and the diagnostic facility management device 16 include a computer with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and input / output (I / O) ports, an input device, a communication device, a display device, and a storage device.

[0052] Next, the processing of the functional section of the smartphone 14 will be explained. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the processing of the functional section of the smartphone 14. As shown in Figure 3, when user information is input via the input device 32 and the start button is turned on, the imaging processing unit 22A controls the imaging device 14C to photograph the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 whose state has changed due to the reaction with the above components of blood in the microfluidic device 12, and inputs the image data obtained from the photography. The identification unit 22B identifies the color development pattern of each reagent from the image data. The reading unit 22C reads information on health status, possibility of disease onset, and preventive measures corresponding to the identified pattern from the correspondence table 36T. The display processing unit 22D controls the display device 34 to display the read information on health status, possibility of disease onset, and preventive measures on the screen of the display device 34.

[0053] The judgment unit 22E determines whether the health status is good or not. If the health status is not determined to be good, the reservation processing unit 22G transmits reservation information to the diagnostic facility management device 16 via the communication device 33. If the health status is determined to be good, the suggestion unit 22F controls the display device 34 to suggest a urine test. The display processing unit 22D displays a message encouraging the order of a urine test kit. The judgment unit 22E determines via the input device 32 whether a urine test kit has been ordered. If it is determined that a urine test kit has been ordered, the order processing unit 22H transmits urine test kit order information to the server 18 via the communication device 33.

[0054] The display processing unit 22D displays a message to encourage ordering supplements. The determination unit 22E determines whether or not a supplement has been ordered. If it is determined that a supplement has been ordered, the order processing unit 22H sends supplement order information to the server 18 via the communication device 33.

[0055] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0056] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a health status examination program 36P executed by the CPU 22 of the smartphone 14. When the health status examination program 36P is executed by the CPU 22, the CPU 22 functions as an image processing unit 22A, a specific unit 22B, a reading unit 22C, a display processing unit 22D, a judgment unit 22E, a suggestion unit 22F, a reservation processing unit 22G, and an order processing unit 22H. When the health status examination program 36P is executed by the CPU 22, the health status examination process and the health status examination method are executed.

[0057] The user drops their own blood into the dropping section 12A of the microfluidic device 12. A microfluidic channel (not shown above) delivers the components of the blood dropped into the dropping section 12A to several reagents 12B1 to 12B5. The reagents 12B1 to 12B5 react with the components of the blood, causing a change in their color. The health status examination program 36P starts when the user inputs information (name, age, gender, address (i.e., shipping address described later), contact information, etc.) via the input device 32 and turns on the start button (not shown) on the input device 32.

[0058] In step 52, the imaging processing unit 22A controls the imaging device 14C to image the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 whose state has changed due to the reaction with the above components of blood in the microfluidic device 12, and inputs the image data obtained from the imaging.

[0059] The imaging device 14C is not limited to capturing images of the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 whose state has changed due to the reaction with the above-mentioned components of blood in the microfluidic device 12, and inputting the image data obtained thereby. For example, the user may confirm the color development state of the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 whose state has changed due to the reaction with the above-mentioned components of blood in the microfluidic device 12, and input them individually via the input device 32. For example, the color development state of the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 may be input by clicking buttons to select from multiple stages, such as dark, slightly dark, slightly light, light, etc.

[0060] The imaging device 14C is an example of the "imaging unit" of the technology of this disclosure.

[0061] In step 54, the identification unit 22B identifies the color development pattern of each reagent from the image data. The identification unit 22B identifies which of the multiple patterns p1, p2, p3, p4, p5, ... is the pattern.

[0062] In step 56, the reading unit 22C reads information from the correspondence table 36T regarding health status, disease risk, and preventive measures corresponding to the pattern identified in step 54. In addition to supplement information, the preventive measures may also include information on foods and medical products that improve health status.

[0063] In step 58, the display processing unit 22D controls the display device 34 to display the read health status, disease risk, and preventive measures information on the screen of the display device 34. In addition to supplement information, foods and medical products that improve health status may also be displayed.

[0064] The technology of this disclosure is not limited to displaying information on health status, disease risk, and preventive measures on the screen of the display device 34. For example, it may further include a speaker, and this information may be output as sound from the speaker.

[0065] In step 60, the judgment unit 22E determines whether the health condition is good or not. If the health condition is determined to be good, the health condition examination process proceeds to step 62. If the health condition is not determined to be good, the health condition examination process proceeds to step 63.

[0066] In step 63, the reservation processing unit 22G reserves a diagnostic facility via the communication device 33. If the health condition is not judged to be good, a diagnosis at a diagnostic facility is necessary to improve the health condition. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the health condition is not judged to be good, a reservation at a diagnostic facility is made. As described above, the correspondence table 36T stores information for diagnosis at a diagnostic facility corresponding to each pattern. Accordingly, the reservation processing unit 22G transmits information for a diagnostic reservation to the diagnostic facility according to the information for diagnosis at the diagnostic facility corresponding to the identified pattern. The information for a diagnostic reservation includes the user information entered above. Alternatively, the reservation processing unit 22G may display a message on the display device 34 asking whether or not to reserve a diagnostic facility, and reserve the diagnostic facility when the user inputs a reservation instruction via the input device 32.

[0067] In diagnostic facility management measure 16, the communication device receives reservation information, and the CPU's reservation information management unit stores and manages the received reservation information in a storage device.

[0068] After the processing in step 63, the health status examination process proceeds to step 64. Alternatively, after the processing in step 63, the health status examination process may proceed to step 70.

[0069] If, in step 60, the health status is determined to be excellent, then in step 62, the suggestion unit 22F controls the display device 34 to suggest a urine test. Even if the health status is excellent, the nutritional status is not necessarily excellent. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the health status is excellent, a urine test is suggested in order to further improve the nutritional status. The suggestion of a urine test is, for example, displayed on the display device 34 as a suggestion message such as, "Let's take a urine test to further improve your nutritional status."

[0070] In step 64, the display processing unit 22D displays a message to encourage ordering a urine test kit. Specifically, following the suggestion message, the display processing unit 22D displays the message "Would you like to order a urine test kit?" on the display device 34.

[0071] In step 66, the determination unit 22E determines, via the input device 32, whether or not a urine test kit has been ordered.

[0072] If it is determined that a urine test kit has been ordered, the health status examination process proceeds to step 68. In step 68, the order processing unit 22H sends urine test kit order information to the server 18 via the communication device 33. After the processing in step 68, the health status examination process proceeds to step 70. The urine test kit order information includes the user's information.

[0073] If it is determined that a urine test kit has not been ordered, the health status examination process will skip step 68 and proceed to step 70.

[0074] In step 70, the display processing unit 22D displays a message to encourage the order of a supplement. As described above, area 36E of the correspondence table 36T stores information on supplements that correspond to each of the multiple patterns p1, p2, p3, p4, p5, ... Therefore, the display processing unit 22D reads out the information on the supplement that corresponds to the identified pattern. Let's assume that the supplement determined by the read information is supplement AAA. Following the above test kit order inducement message, the display processing unit 22D displays a supplement order inducement message on the display device 34 that says, "Why don't you order supplement AAA?"

[0075] In step 72, the determination unit 22E determines whether or not a supplement has been ordered. If it is determined that a supplement has been ordered, the health status check process proceeds to step 74. In step 74, the order processing unit 22H sends supplement order information to the server 18 via the communication device 33. The supplement order information includes the user's information.

[0076] After processing in step 74, or if it is determined that no supplements have been ordered, the health status check process will end.

[0077] (Diagnostic facility management measures 16) As described above, in diagnostic facility management measure 16, the communication device receives reservation information, and the CPU's reservation information management unit stores and manages the received reservation information in a storage device.

[0078] (Server 18) On server 18, when a communication device receives urine test kit order information or supplement order information, the CPU's order information management unit stores and manages the received urine test kit order information or supplement order information in a storage device. The display device then displays the urine test kit order information or supplement order information. The staff then ships the urine test kit or supplement to the shipping address based on the user's information, according to the displayed urine test kit order information or supplement order information.

[0079] (Subsequent user actions) The user goes to the diagnostic facility they have booked and receives a diagnosis. Users who receive a urine test kit use the kit to perform a urine test and send the urine test results to server 18. Users who receive supplements take the supplements they received.

[0080] (Server 18) Server 18 receives urine test results using a test kit, obtaining complementary information from urine tests that cannot be obtained from blood tests, and enabling a more accurate and detailed understanding of the user's health status. This can facilitate the early detection of potential diseases and promote the maintenance and improvement of the user's health.

[0081] (effect) As described above, in this embodiment, the pattern of the state of each reagent is identified based on image data showing the color development state of multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 that have changed in reaction with the above components of blood dropped onto the microfluidic device 12. Information regarding the health status corresponding to the identified pattern is read from the correspondence table 36T and displayed on the display device 34. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can easily find out the health status of the microfluidic device 12 at the time of taking a picture.

[0082] In this embodiment, to determine their health status, the user simply drops blood onto the microfluidic device 12 and photographs the multiple reagents 12B1 to 12B5 on the microfluidic device 12. This eliminates the need for visits to medical institutions and reduces the burden on the patient compared to conventional technologies.

[0083] In this embodiment, if a user's health condition is not deemed good, a reservation is made at a diagnostic facility. The diagnostic facility management system 16 receives the reservation information and stores and manages the received reservation information in a storage device. The user goes to the reserved diagnostic facility and receives a diagnosis. In this way, in this embodiment, since users whose health condition is not deemed good can be sent to a diagnostic facility to receive a diagnosis, it is possible to appropriately manage the user's health risks and promote the early detection and treatment of potential diseases.

[0084] In this embodiment, since the reservation of diagnostic facilities is automated, the burden on users is reduced and the diagnostic process can be made more efficient.

[0085] This embodiment provides a system that automatically reserves a diagnostic facility when it is determined that a person's health condition is not good. Therefore, the diagnostic facility management device can efficiently manage reservation information and improve the operational efficiency of the diagnostic facility and the convenience of users. It can also encourage users to take a greater interest in their own health condition. By encouraging the use of diagnostic facilities, users will be more likely to practice regular health checkups.

[0086] In this embodiment, in response to an order from a user whose health status has been determined to be excellent based on a blood test, information regarding a urine test kit is sent to the server 18. An employee of the provider company where the server 18 is located mails the urine test kit to the user. Upon receiving the urine test kit, the user performs a urine test using the kit. In this way, in this embodiment, by having users whose health status has been determined to be excellent perform a urine test using the test kit, it becomes possible to obtain supplementary information that cannot be obtained from a blood test, and to understand the health or nutritional status from the perspective of urine testing. Furthermore, by mailing the test kit, users can perform the test easily without visiting a medical institution, enabling continuous health monitoring.

[0087] In this embodiment, the system transmits supplement order information to the server 18 in response to the user's order. The server 18 then ships the supplements to the user. The user takes the supplements once they receive them. In this way, this embodiment allows users to take supplements tailored to their health condition, thereby appropriately supplementing nutrients that tend to be deficient and efficiently maintaining and improving their health. Furthermore, it reduces the burden on users in selecting supplements and provides personalized health support, thereby improving the convenience and satisfaction of health management. Moreover, this system has applicability and expandability to other health-related services, contributing to the overall reduction of health risks.

[0088] In this way, the server can improve the efficiency of distribution for urine test kits and supplements by automatically managing order information.

[0089] [Differentiation] (First variation) In the above embodiment, the microfluidic device 12 is intended for human blood. The technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The living organism is not limited to humans, but may be other animals, such as horses, cows, pigs, etc. The bodily fluid is not limited to blood, but may be urine, saliva, sweat, tears, feces, etc. Here, when urine is used as the body fluid, a first determination is made using the microfluidic device 12, and a second determination is made using a urine test kit. In this case, the first and second determinations are of the same nature, for example, determination of nutritional status, or determination of the presence of urinary protein, urinary occult blood, urinary stasis, etc. Alternatively, the first and second determinations may be of different nature, for example, one of the first and second determinations may be determination of nutritional status, and the other may be determination of the presence of urinary protein, urinary occult blood, urinary stasis, etc.

[0090] (Second variation) The microfluidic device 12 comprises a plurality of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 that react with the above-mentioned components of blood to change the color state. The technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. It is not limited to a color state, and for example, a state in which a line appears may also be present.

[0091] (Third variation) As described above, in this embodiment, the smartphone 14 identifies a pattern of the state of each reagent based on image data showing the color development state of a plurality of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 that have changed in reaction with the above components of blood dropped onto the microfluidic device 12. The smartphone 14 reads information on the health status corresponding to the identified pattern from the correspondence table 36T and displays it on the display device 34. The technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the smartphone 14 takes a picture of the color development state of a plurality of reagents 12B1 to 12B5 that have changed in reaction with the above components of blood dropped onto the microfluidic device 12 and transmits the obtained image data to the server 18. The server 18 has a correspondence table 36T and identifies a pattern of the state of each reagent based on the received image data and the correspondence table 36T. The server 18 reads information on the health status corresponding to the identified pattern from the correspondence table 36T in the server 18 and transmits it to the smartphone 14. The smartphone 14 displays the received information on the health status on the display device 34.

[0092] In this way, the server 18 first reads and determines information about the health status corresponding to the identified pattern from the correspondence table 36T that the server 18 possesses. Secondly, as described above, it determines the health status from the urine test performed by the user using the urine test kit. In this way, the server 18 determines the user's health status from each test, blood test and urine test. Therefore, it becomes possible to understand the health status more accurately and in more detail. This makes it possible to facilitate earlier detection of diseases and maintain and improve the user's health status.

[0093] (Fourth variation) The technology of this disclosure may further process as follows: First, the correspondence table 36 stores information on foods that improve health, which are determined for each pattern. Food order information for improving health is sent to the server 18, which stores and manages the received food order information in a storage device and displays it on a display device. The staff member ships the food to the destination based on the user's information according to the displayed food order information.

[0094] (Fifth variation) In the embodiments described above and their variations, the information on preventive measures includes information on specific measures for preventing lifestyle-related diseases, information on bringing the concentration of a component of the above-mentioned test item back to the normal reference value if it is outside the normal reference value, information for diagnosis at a diagnostic facility, information on foods to be consumed, information on medical products to be consumed, and information on supplements to be consumed. The technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it may also include information for referring customers to health checkup companies, and information for guiding people to various tests such as cancer screening, intestinal bacteria testing, and Helicobacter pylori testing. Information used to refer customers to health checkup companies includes, for example, the location of affiliated health checkup facilities, available health checkup courses, reservation methods, and discount information. Information provided for various tests, such as cancer screenings, gut bacteria tests, and H. pylori tests, includes details such as the purpose and necessity of the test, the application process, the frequency of testing, the cost, and who is recommended for testing.

[0095] (Sixth variation) In the technology disclosed herein, the ordering of urine test kits (steps 64-68) and the ordering of supplements (steps 70-74) in the above embodiments may be processed in place of or in conjunction with the following: For example, for each test kit of various tests such as cancer tests, intestinal bacteria tests, or Helicobacter pylori tests, the system displays an invitation to order the test kit, determines whether an order has been placed, and, if an order has been placed, transmits the order information for the test kit to the order management device. The order management device, upon receiving the order information, displays the order information on a display device. An employee who sees the order information displayed on the display device mails the test kit to the user.

[0096] (Seventh variation) In the above embodiment and each of its modifications, it is determined whether the health condition is good or not (step 60). If the health condition is determined to be good, a suggestion for a urine test is displayed on the display device 34 (step 62). If the health condition is not determined to be good, a diagnostic facility is reserved, or if a reservation instruction is entered, a diagnostic facility is reserved (step 63). This embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, firstly, if the health condition is judged to be good, a diagnostic facility is reserved, or if an instruction to make a reservation is entered, a diagnostic facility is reserved. If the health condition is not judged to be good, a suggestion for a urine test is displayed on the display device 34. Secondly, if the health condition is not judged to be good, the system will reserve a diagnostic facility or, if an instruction to reserve a facility is entered, reserve a diagnostic facility and display a suggestion for a urine test on the display device 34. If the health condition is judged to be good, the system will not change in that it will display a suggestion for a urine test on the display device 34 (step 62). Thirdly, if the health status is judged to be good, a suggestion for a urine test is displayed on the display device 34. If the health status is not judged to be good, the following actions are taken: a reservation is made at a diagnostic facility, or a reservation is made at a diagnostic facility if a reservation instruction is entered, and a suggestion for a urine test is displayed on the display device 34. Note that if the health status is not judged to be good, the reservation of a diagnostic facility, or a reservation is made at a diagnostic facility if a reservation instruction is entered (step 63) remains unchanged.

[0097] (Other variations) Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses CPU 22 as an example, at least one other CPU, at least one GPU, and / or at least one TPU may be used instead of or in conjunction with CPU 22.

[0098] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the health status check program 36P is stored in the storage device 36, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the health status check program 36P may be stored in a portable non-temporary storage medium such as an SSD or USB memory. The health status check program 36P stored in the non-temporary storage medium is installed in the smartphone 14. The CPU 22 executes the health status check process according to the health status check program 36P.

[0099] Alternatively, the health status examination program 36P may be stored in a storage device such as another computer or server connected to the smartphone 14 via the network, and the health status examination program 36P may be downloaded and installed on the smartphone 14 upon request from the smartphone 14.

[0100] Furthermore, it is not necessary to store the entire health status examination program 36P in the storage device of another computer or server device connected to the smartphone 14, or in the storage device 36; it is acceptable to store only a portion of the health status examination program 36P.

[0101] Furthermore, although the smartphone 14 has a built-in smartphone 14, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this, and for example, the smartphone 14 may be provided outside of the smartphone 14.

[0102] In the above embodiment, a smartphone 14 is exemplified, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and a device including an ASIC, FPGA, and / or PLD may be used instead of the smartphone 14. Alternatively, a combination of hardware and software configurations may be used instead of the smartphone 14.

[0103] The hardware resources used to perform the health status check process described in the above embodiment include the following types of processors. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for performing the health status check process by executing software, i.e., a program. Other examples of processors include dedicated electrical circuits, which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to perform particular processing, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and each processor uses memory to perform the health status check process.

[0104] The hardware resources that perform the health status check process may consist of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Alternatively, the hardware resources that perform the health status check process may consist of a single processor.

[0105] Examples of configurations using a single processor include, firstly, a configuration in which one or more CPUs and software are combined to form a single processor, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that performs health status check processing. Secondly, there is a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that perform health status check processing, on a single IC chip, as exemplified by SoCs. Thus, health status check processing is realized using one or more of the above types of processors as hardware resources.

[0106] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can more specifically utilize electrical circuits that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. Also, the health status check process described above is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged, as long as it does not deviate from the main purpose.

[0107] The descriptions and illustrations presented above are detailed explanations of the technical aspects of this disclosure and are merely examples of the technical aspects. For example, the above descriptions of the structure, function, operation, and effect are examples of the structure, function, operation, and effect of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that you may delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or replace elements in the descriptions and illustrations presented above, as long as you do not deviate from the essence of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the technical aspects of this disclosure, explanations of common technical knowledge and the like that do not require special explanation to enable the implementation of the technical aspects of this disclosure have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations presented above.

[0108] [Note] Based on the above disclosures, the following addendum is proposed. (Note 1) An input unit that inputs data indicating the state of multiple reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism, which are dropped into a microfluidic device equipped with multiple reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism, A processor that determines information about health status corresponding to the pattern of the state of each reagent based on the aforementioned data, A notification unit that notifies information regarding the determined health status, A determination device equipped with the following features. The processor identifies patterns in the state of each reagent based on the data, and determines information about the health state corresponding to the identified pattern based on multiple state patterns and information about the health state corresponding to each pattern. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10. Health Status Check System 12 Microfluidic Devices 12A dripping part 12B1 Reagent 12B2 Reagent 12B3 Reagent 12B4 Reagent 12B5 Reagent 14 Smartphone 14C imaging device 15 Internet 16. Management measures for diagnostic facilities 18 servers 20 Computers 22A Imaging Processing Unit 22B Specific part 22C outlet 22D Display Processing Unit 22E Judgment section 22F Proposal Department 22G reserved processing unit 22H Order Processing 32 Input devices 33 Communication equipment 34 Display device 36 Storage device 36P Health Check Program 36T compatible table

Claims

1. An input unit that inputs data indicating the state of multiple reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism, which are dropped into a microfluidic device equipped with multiple reagents that change state upon reaction with the bodily fluids of a living organism, Based on the aforementioned data, a pattern identification unit identifies the pattern of the state of each reagent, A determination unit that determines information regarding the health status corresponding to the identified pattern based on multiple status patterns and information regarding the health status corresponding to each pattern, A notification unit that notifies information regarding the determined health status, A determination device equipped with the following features.

2. The information regarding the determined health status is information that indicates the health status itself. If the information regarding the health status itself indicates good health, the notification unit further notifies information suggesting a urine test. The determination device according to claim 1.

3. The information regarding the health status that has been determined is information that indicates the health status itself. If the information regarding the health status itself does not indicate good health, the system further includes a transmission unit that transmits reservation information for booking a diagnostic facility to a diagnostic facility management device that manages the said diagnostic facility. The determination device according to claim 1.

4. The notification unit further provides information that encourages ordering of at least one of the urine test kit and the supplement. The input section for entering the aforementioned order, When the aforementioned order is entered, a transmission unit transmits order information according to the entered order to a server device that manages orders for at least one of the urine test kit and supplements. It also has, The determination device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned health information is, Health condition itself, Multiple test items to diagnose health status, Possibility of contracting a disease, Preventive measures, At least one of the supplements, foods, and medicines that improve health, Diagnostic facilities This is at least one piece of information, The determination device according to claim 1.

6. The input unit is an imaging unit that photographs the plurality of reagents whose state has changed due to reaction with the bodily fluids in the microfluidic device, and inputs the image data obtained from the photography. The determination device according to claim 1.

7. A diagnostic facility management device that communicates with the determination device described in claim 3, A receiving unit that receives the aforementioned reservation information, A reservation information management unit manages the received reservation information, A diagnostic facility management device equipped with the following features.

8. A server device that communicates with the determination device described in claim 4, A receiving unit that receives the aforementioned order information, An order information management unit manages the received order information, A server device equipped with the following features.

Images