Intestinal condition estimation program, intestinal condition estimation device, and intestinal condition estimation system

Abstract

To estimate the state of the intestine after predetermined stimulation is given.SOLUTION: An intestine state estimation program causes a computer (200 and 400) to execute: pre-stimulation index acquisition processing for acquiring a pre-estimation index on an object person; correlation information acquisition processing for acquiring correlation information on a plurality of persons stored in a storage device (420) beforehand; and estimation processing for estimating a post-stimulation index on the object person on the basis of the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition processing and the correlation information acquired in the correlation information acquisition processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an intestinal state estimation program, an intestinal state estimation device, and an intestinal state estimation system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, health consciousness has increased, and various devices and services that support the provision of health-related information have begun to be provided. In particular, the number of users who attach importance to the condition of their intestines as an index for managing their health is increasing. Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses the user's abdominal sound information and previously prepared learning information to display the user's intestinal condition as an intestinal score. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 124190 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The state of intestinal activity changes depending on the user's activity level and stimuli such as food and drink ingested. Therefore, unless the user actually receives the stimulus, it is impossible to know how the state of the user's intestines will change after the stimulus. In addition, even if the user ingests the same food every day and receives the same stimulus, the degree of intestinal activity may differ from day to day, making it difficult to grasp the change in intestinal activity due to the stimulus.

[0005] On the other hand, there is a demand for the user to be able to adjust the stimulation they receive according to their intestinal condition and schedule; for example, they may want to relieve chronic constipation but not want to stimulate intestinal activity on the day they have an important meeting.

[0006] The objective of the present disclosure is to estimate the state of the intestine after a given stimulus is applied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect is directed to a bowel state estimation program that causes a computer (200, 400) to execute a process for estimating the intestinal state of a subject. When an index related to a bowel sound is defined as a bowel sound index, the bowel sound index before a predetermined stimulus is applied is defined as a pre-stimulation index, the bowel sound index after a predetermined stimulus is applied is defined as a post-stimulation index, and information indicating a relationship between the pre-stimulation index and a ratio of the post-stimulation index to the pre-stimulation index is defined as correlation information, the bowel state estimation program causes the computer (200, 400) to execute a pre-stimulation index acquisition process for acquiring the pre-stimulation index related to the subject, a correlation information acquisition process for acquiring the correlation information related to a plurality of persons pre-stored in a storage device (420), and an estimation process for estimating the post-stimulation index related to the subject based on the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process and the correlation information acquired in the correlation information acquisition process.

[0008] The intestinal condition estimation program of the first aspect causes a computer (200, 400) to execute an estimation process. The estimation process estimates a post-stimulation index for a subject based on a pre-stimulation index for the subject and correlation information for multiple people. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to estimate the intestinal condition after a predetermined stimulation is applied.

[0009] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the pre-stimulation index is an index measured by the sound collection device (110) immediately before the estimation process is performed.

[0010] In a second aspect, post-stimulation indices for a subject can be estimated based on the most recent pre-stimulation indices for the subject.

[0011] In a third aspect, in the first aspect, the pre-stimulation index is an index measured in a normal state in the past.

[0012] In the third aspect, since the pre-stimulation indices used in the estimation process are indices measured in the past under normal circumstances, the post-stimulation indices of the subject can be estimated without obtaining the latest pre-stimulation indices of the subject.

[0013] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute an estimated stimulus acquisition process for acquiring information on the estimated stimulus input by the subject when the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate is set as the estimated stimulus, and a process for estimating, as the estimation process, the post-stimulus index of the subject related to the estimated stimulus acquired in the estimated stimulus acquisition process.

[0014] In the fourth aspect, a post-stimulation index is estimated for an estimated stimulus input by the subject, so that a post-stimulation index of the subject can be estimated for a stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0015] The fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, in which an estimated display output process is executed by a computer (200, 400) to output a signal for displaying estimated information including the post-stimulation index estimated in the estimation process on a display device (250).

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimation display output process displays estimated information regarding the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate. This makes it possible to present the state of the intestines after a predetermined stimulus is applied to the subject before the subject receives the stimulus.

[0017] The sixth aspect is the fourth or fifth aspect, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute an intensity determination process for determining the intensity of a stimulation based on the difference between the post-stimulation index estimated in the estimation process and the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the intensity on a display device (250).

[0018] In a sixth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimation display output process displays the estimation information including the intensity of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate. This makes it possible to present to the subject the intensity of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0019] A seventh aspect, in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, causes a computer (200, 400) to execute a recommendation level determination process for determining a recommendation level indicating the degree to which stimulation is recommended based on a difference between the post-stimulation index estimated by the estimation process in the past and the post-stimulation index measured in the past, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the recommendation level on a display device (250).

[0020] In the seventh aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimation display output process displays the estimation information including the recommendation level of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate. This makes it possible to present to the subject the recommendation level of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0021] The eighth aspect is any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute a suitability determination process for determining a suitability indicating the suitability of a stimulus based on a past amount of deviation, where the amount of deviation is the deviation between an estimated value and an actual measured value in the correlation information, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the suitability on a display device (250).

[0022] In the eighth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimation display output process displays the estimation information including the suitability of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate. This makes it possible to present to the subject the suitability of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0023] A ninth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, is to have a computer (200, 400) execute, as the estimation process, a process of estimating the post-stimulation index regarding the subject for each of multiple types of stimuli based on the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process and the correlation information acquired in the correlation information acquisition process.

[0024] In a ninth aspect, in the estimation process executed by the computer (200, 400), a post-stimulation index for the subject is estimated for each of a plurality of types of stimuli. This makes it possible to estimate the post-stimulation index for the subject for a plurality of types of stimuli.

[0025] A tenth aspect is the ninth aspect, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute an intensity determination process for determining the intensity of a stimulus for each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on the difference between the post-stimulation index estimated in the estimation process and the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the intensity on a display device (250) in a state in which the estimated information is associated with the corresponding stimulus.

[0026] In a tenth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including intensities corresponding to these stimuli. This makes it possible to present the intensities of multiple types of stimuli to the subject all at once.

[0027] An eleventh aspect is the tenth aspect, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute an intensity sorting process for sorting the stimuli in order of intensity determined in the intensity determination process, and, as the estimated display output process, a process for outputting a signal for displaying the intensities and the stimuli corresponding to the intensities on the display device (250) in the order of intensity.

[0028] In an eleventh aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimated display output process displays a plurality of types of stimuli and estimated information including intensities corresponding to these stimuli in order of intensity. This makes it possible to present the intensities of the plurality of types of stimuli to the subject in an easily understandable manner.

[0029] The twelfth aspect is the ninth aspect, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute a recommendation level determination process for determining a recommendation level indicating the degree to which a stimulus is recommended for each of multiple types of stimuli based on the difference between the post-stimulation index estimated by the estimation process in the past and the post-stimulation index measured in the past, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the recommendation level on a display device (250) in a state in which the estimated information is associated with the corresponding stimulus.

[0030] In a twelfth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including the recommendation levels corresponding to these stimuli. This makes it possible to present the recommendation levels of multiple types of stimuli to the subject all at once.

[0031] A thirteenth aspect is the twelfth aspect, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute a recommendation level sorting process for sorting the stimuli in order of decreasing recommendation level determined in the recommendation level determination process, and a process for outputting a signal for displaying the recommendation levels and the stimuli corresponding to the recommendation levels on the display device (250) in order of decreasing recommendation level as the estimated display output process.

[0032] In a thirteenth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including the recommendation levels corresponding to these stimuli in descending order of recommendation level. This makes it possible to present the recommendation levels of multiple types of stimuli to the subject in an easily understandable manner.

[0033] A fourteenth aspect is the ninth aspect, in which, when the deviation amount is the deviation between the estimated value and the actual measured value in the correlation information, a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute a compatibility determination process for determining a compatibility indicating the degree of compatibility of each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on the past deviation amounts, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the compatibility on a display device (250) in a state in which the estimated information is associated with the corresponding stimuli.

[0034] In a fourteenth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including the suitability corresponding to these stimuli. This makes it possible to present the suitability of multiple types of stimuli to the subject all at once.

[0035] A fifteenth aspect is the fourteenth aspect, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute a compatibility sorting process for sorting the stimuli in order of decreasing compatibility determined in the compatibility determination process, and a process for outputting a signal for displaying the compatibility and the stimuli corresponding to the compatibility on the display device (250) in order of decreasing compatibility as the estimated display output process.

[0036] In a fifteenth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the estimated display output process displays a plurality of types of stimuli and estimated information including the suitability corresponding to these stimuli in descending order of suitability. This makes it possible to present the suitability of the plurality of types of stimuli to the subject in an easily understandable manner.

[0037] The 16th aspect is, in any one of the 5th to 8th and 10th to 15th aspects, causing a computer (200, 400) to execute a received stimulus acquisition process, after the estimated display output process, for acquiring information on the received stimulus input by the subject when the received stimulus is a stimulus actually received by the subject.

[0038] In the sixteenth aspect, the computer (200, 400) is caused to execute an acceptance stimulus acquisition process after an estimated display output process, so that the subject can select a stimulus to be accepted by referring to the estimated information displayed on the display device (250) by the estimated display output process.

[0039] A 17th aspect is the 16th aspect, in which a computer (200, 400) is caused to execute a post-stimulation index acquisition process for acquiring the post-stimulation index for the received stimulus for the subject, an effect determination process for determining the effect of the received stimulus based on the difference between the post-stimulation index estimated for the received stimulus in the estimation process and the post-stimulation index acquired in the post-stimulation index acquisition process, and a result display output process for outputting a signal for displaying result information including the effect on the display device (250).

[0040] In the seventeenth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the result display output process displays the result information including the effect of the stimulus accepted by the subject. This makes it possible to present the effect of the stimulus accepted by the subject to the subject.

[0041] The 18th aspect is, in the 16th or 17th aspect, the computer (200, 400) is caused to execute a compatibility determination process for determining whether or not the acceptance stimulus is suitable for the subject based on the deviation amount, where the deviation amount is the deviation between the estimated value and the actual measured value in the correlation information, and a result display output process for outputting a signal for displaying result information including the determination result in the compatibility determination process on the display device (250).

[0042] In the eighteenth aspect, the display device (250) that receives a signal from the computer (200, 400) that performs the compatibility determination process and the result display output process displays result information including the determination result of the compatibility determination process. This makes it possible to present to the subject whether the stimulus that the subject has accepted is a suitable stimulus for the subject.

[0043] In a 19th aspect, in the 18th aspect, in the compatibility determination process, if the deviation amount is less than a predetermined reference value, it is determined that the received stimulus is suitable for the subject, and if the deviation amount is greater than a predetermined reference value, it is determined that the received stimulus is not suitable for the subject.

[0044] In the nineteenth aspect, by setting a predetermined reference value, it is possible to determine whether or not the stimulus accepted by the subject is suitable for the subject.

[0045] A twentieth aspect, in any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects, is to have a computer (200, 400) execute a defecation information acquisition process for acquiring defecation information regarding defecation input by the subject, and an update process for updating the correlation information based on the defecation information, the information on the reception stimulus, the pre-stimulation index regarding the reception stimulus, and the post-stimulation index regarding the reception stimulus.

[0046] In the twentieth aspect, in an update process executed by the computer (200, 400), the correlation information is updated based on predetermined information including the subject's defecation information, thereby optimizing the correlation information to suit the individual subject.

[0047] The 21st aspect is directed to a bowel state estimation device that estimates the intestinal state of a subject. The bowel state estimation device includes a processing unit (430) that acquires the pre-stimulation index for the subject, acquires the correlation information for a plurality of persons pre-stored in a storage device (420), and estimates the post-stimulation index for the subject based on the acquired pre-stimulation index and the acquired correlation information, where an index related to a bowel sound is a bowel sound index, the bowel sound index before a predetermined stimulus is applied is a pre-stimulation index, and the bowel sound index after a predetermined stimulus is applied is a post-stimulation index, and information indicating a relationship between the pre-stimulation index and the ratio of the post-stimulation index to the pre-stimulation index is correlation information.

[0048] In a twenty-first aspect, the intestinal condition estimation device includes a processing unit (430). The processing unit (430) estimates a post-stimulation index for a subject based on a pre-stimulation index for the subject and correlation information for multiple people. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to estimate the intestinal condition after a predetermined stimulus is applied.

[0049] The 22nd aspect is directed to an intestinal condition estimation system, which comprises the intestinal condition estimation device of the 21st aspect, a sound collection device (110) that collects abdominal sounds of the subject, an input device (240) for inputting stimulation information, and a display device (250) for displaying estimated information on the estimated intestinal condition after the stimulation.

[0050] In a twenty-second aspect, there can be provided an intestinal condition estimation system capable of estimating the intestinal condition of a subject after a predetermined stimulus is applied thereto. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the intestinal state estimation system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sound collection unit of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the correlation information. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sound collection unit and the terminal device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the estimation process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a correlation diagram for explaining the estimation process. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the strength determination process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a main screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an estimated display screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a result display screen displayed on the terminal device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 of the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the effect determination process. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 13 of the first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram of the second modification of the first embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram of the second modification of the first embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the recommendation level determination process. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12 of the second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram of the third modified example of the first embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a correlation diagram for explaining the degree of compatibility. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram of the third modified example of the first embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the determination of the degree of compatibility. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram of the third modified example of the first embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 of the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 of the second embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 11 of the second embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first modified example of the second embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram of the second modification of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram of the second modification of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram of the second modification of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram of the third modified example of the second embodiment, which corresponds to FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 of the third embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 of the third embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the conformity determination process. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 13 of the third embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 corresponds to FIG. 4 of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a correlation diagram for explaining the update process. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 of the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the update process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

[0053] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described. The intestinal state estimation device (P) of this embodiment is a device that estimates the intestinal state of a subject after receiving a predetermined stimulus. The stimulus here refers to a factor that affects the intestinal state. The stimulus of this embodiment includes the intake of predetermined foods and drinks, various activities, and the like. The foods and drinks include, for example, food, supplements, drinking water, and the like. The activities include walking, yoga, and the like. The intestinal state estimation device (P) of this embodiment is provided in an intestinal state estimation system (1). The subject is a user who uses the intestinal state estimation system (1), and is a person whose intestinal state is to be estimated.

[0054] (1) Intestinal condition estimation system The intestinal condition estimation system (1) will be described.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 1, the intestinal state estimation system (1) includes a sound collection unit (100), a terminal device (200), and a server device (400). The sound collection unit (100) and the terminal device (200) are connected by wireless communication. The terminal device (200) and the server device (400) are connected to the Internet.

[0056] In the intestinal state estimation system (1) of this embodiment, abdominal sound data of the subject is acquired by the sound collection unit (100). The abdominal sound data acquired by the sound collection unit (100) is transmitted to the terminal device (200) by wireless communication and converted into bowel sound data. The converted bowel sound data is transmitted to the server device (400) via the Internet. The server device (400) estimates the subject's intestinal state after a predetermined stimulus is applied based on the received bowel sound data. The subject can visually confirm the information output from the server device (400) by using the terminal device (200).

[0057] (1-1) Sound collection unit 2, the sound collection unit 100 has a microphone 110 and a communication section 120. The microphone 110 corresponds to the sound collection device of the present disclosure.

[0058] The microphone (110) acquires data on abdominal sounds of the subject. The abdominal sounds referred to here are sounds emanating from the abdomen of the subject. Abdominal sounds include bowel sounds emanating from the intestines. In addition to bowel sounds, abdominal sounds also include sounds emanating from internal organs such as the stomach and sounds emanating from the flow of blood in the abdomen.

[0059] The microphone 110 is connected to the communication unit 120 via a wired or wireless communication line. The abdominal sound data acquired by the microphone 110 is received by the communication unit 120. The communication unit 120 outputs the abdominal sound data to the terminal device 200 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0060] The sound collection unit (100) of this embodiment is a small, portable unit. The sound collection unit (100) is attached so as to be in close contact with the abdomen of the subject. The subject attaches the sound collection unit (100) to his or her own abdomen, for example, while lying on bedding or sitting in a chair. In this way, data on the abdominal sounds of the subject is acquired by the sound collection unit (100).

[0061] (1-2) Terminal device The terminal device (200) is a terminal device operated by a subject. In this embodiment, the terminal device (200) is a smartphone. The terminal device (200) may be a tablet terminal or a personal computer. The terminal device (200) includes a microcomputer and a memory device mounted on a control board. The memory device stores software for operating the microcomputer.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device (200) includes a communication unit (210), a terminal storage unit (220), a terminal processing unit (230), an input unit (240), and a display unit (250).

[0063] The communication unit (210) performs wireless communication with the communication unit (120) of the sound collection unit (100). The communication unit (210) performs wireless communication with the server device (400). The communication unit (210) is connectable to the Internet. The communication unit (210) may be connected to the Internet via a communication line using high-speed wireless communication technology, or may be connected to the Internet via a wireless router. The communication unit (210) of this embodiment connects to the server device (400) via the Internet.

[0064] The terminal storage unit (220) stores predetermined information in the terminal device (200). The terminal storage unit (220) has an abdominal sound storage unit (221) as a functional component. The abdominal sound storage unit (221) stores abdominal sound data transmitted from the sound collection unit (100). When the abdominal sound data for a predetermined period is stored in the abdominal sound storage unit (221), the abdominal sound data is transmitted to the terminal processing unit (230). The abdominal sound data may be immediately deleted from the abdominal sound storage unit (221) after being transmitted to the device processing unit (230), or may be retained until a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0065] The terminal processing unit (230) performs a predetermined process in the terminal device (200). The terminal processing unit (230) has a bowel sound identification unit (231) as a functional component. The bowel sound identification unit (231) performs a bowel sound identification process. The bowel sound identification process is a process of identifying bowel sounds from abdominal sound data related to the subject transmitted from the sound collection unit (100) and extracting the bowel sound data.

[0066] Here, bowel sounds are generated by intestinal peristalsis. Peristalsis is a wave-like movement of the narrowed part of the intestine caused by repeated contraction and relaxation of the intestinal muscles. This peristalsis causes the contents of the intestine to move and produce sounds. In other words, bowel sounds are closely related to intestinal peristalsis. Therefore, by acquiring bowel sounds, it is possible to understand the state of intestinal peristalsis. And from the state of intestinal peristalsis, it is possible to understand the state of intestinal activity.

[0067] The bowel sound identifying unit 231 extracts bowel sound data by known means. That is, the bowel sound identifying unit 231 may extract bowel sound data from abdominal sounds by any means. The bowel sound data extracted by the bowel sound identifying unit 231 is transmitted from the communication unit 210 to the server device 400.

[0068] The input unit (240) accepts various input operations from the subject to the terminal device (200). The input unit (240) in this embodiment is a touch panel of a smartphone. The input unit (240) of the terminal device (200) corresponds to the input device of the present disclosure. The input unit (240) may be a button (e.g., a keyboard) provided on the terminal device (200). The input unit (240) may be a microphone provided on the terminal device (200). When the input unit (240) is a microphone, the input operation is performed by voice acquired from the microphone.

[0069] The subject uses the input unit 240 to operate application software stored in the terminal device 200. By operating this application software, the subject can transmit a signal to the server device 400 to output information, and can display information output by the server device 400 on the display unit 250.

[0070] The display unit (250) displays various information to the subject. Specifically, the display unit (250) displays information output from the server device (400). The display unit (250) of this embodiment is a liquid crystal display of a smartphone. The display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) corresponds to the display device of the present disclosure.

[0071] (1-3) Server device The server device 400 is provided on the internet cloud. In this embodiment, the server device 400 corresponds to the intestinal state estimation device of the present disclosure.

[0072] The server device (400) includes a microcomputer and a memory device mounted on a control board. The memory device stores software for operating the microcomputer. The intestinal state estimation program of this embodiment is installed in the server device (400). The intestinal state estimation program causes the server device (400) as a computer to execute the processes described below. The server device (400) functions as an intestinal state estimation device (P) by executing this intestinal state estimation program.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the server device (400) includes a communication unit (410), a storage unit (420), and a processing unit (430).

[0074] The communication unit 410 performs wireless communication with the communication unit 210 of the terminal device 200. The communication unit 410 is connectable to the Internet. The communication unit 410 connects to the communication unit 210 of the terminal device 200 via the Internet.

[0075] The storage unit (420) stores predetermined information in the server device (400). Specifically, the storage unit (420) stores an intestinal condition estimation program for causing the processing unit (430) to execute a predetermined operation, and data necessary for the operation of the processing unit (430). The storage unit (420) includes at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit (420) of the server device (400) corresponds to the storage device of the present disclosure.

[0076] The storage unit (420) has, as functional components, a correlation information storage unit (421) and a user information storage unit (422).

[0077] The correlation information storage unit (421) stores a plurality of pieces of correlation information in advance. Each piece of correlation information is correlation information related to a plurality of people. Each piece of correlation information targets a different type of stimulus. Specifically, the correlation information storage unit (421) stores correlation information related to carbonated water, correlation information related to supplements, correlation information related to yoga, and the like. Details of the correlation information will be described later.

[0078] The user information storage unit (422) stores user information. The user information is information in which identification information for identifying a subject who uses the intestinal state estimation system (1) is associated with information about the subject. Specifically, the user information includes information transmitted from the sound collection unit (100) and the terminal device (200) and information output from the processing unit (430). The information transmitted from the sound collection device (110) and the terminal device (200) includes, for example, basic information about the subject, data on the subject's bowel sounds, and the contents of the stimulation actually received by the subject. The information output from the processing unit (430) includes, for example, a pre-stimulation index and a post-stimulation index, which will be described later.

[0079] The processing unit (430) performs a predetermined process in the server device (400). The processing unit (430) has, as functional components, a pre-stimulation index acquisition unit (431), an estimated stimulation acquisition unit (432), a correlation information acquisition unit (433), an estimation unit (434), an intensity determination unit (440), an estimated display output unit (436), a received stimulation acquisition unit (437), a post-stimulation index acquisition unit (438), and a result display output unit (439). The processing unit (430) functions as each of the above units by executing an intestinal state estimation program stored in the memory unit (420).

[0080] (2) Details of the processing unit The processing unit (430) includes a pre-stimulation index acquisition unit (431), an estimated stimulus acquisition unit (432), a correlation information acquisition unit (433), an estimation unit (434), an intensity determination unit (440), an estimated display output unit (436), an accepted stimulus acquisition unit (437), a post-stimulation index acquisition unit (438), and a result display output unit (439).

[0081] (2-1) Pre-stimulus index acquisition part The pre-stimulation index acquisition unit (431) performs a pre-stimulation index acquisition process. The pre-stimulation index acquisition process is a process for acquiring a pre-stimulation index related to the subject. In the pre-stimulation index acquisition process of this embodiment, a bowel sound index is calculated based on bowel sound data related to the subject before a predetermined stimulus is applied, which is transmitted from the terminal device (200), and a pre-stimulation index is acquired based on the calculated bowel sound index.

[0082] Here, the pre-stimulus index refers to the bowel sound index before a predetermined stimulus is applied. The bowel sound index is an index related to bowel sounds. The bowel sound index in this embodiment is the number of bowel sounds occurring per unit time (one minute) (so-called BS occurrence number).

[0083] In this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of the pre-stimulation index, the average value of the bowel sound index in a predetermined pre-stimulation period (e.g., 5 minutes) is used as the pre-stimulation index. In other words, the pre-stimulation index in this embodiment is the average value of the number of BS occurrences per minute in the predetermined pre-stimulation period. The bowel sound index may be the length of bowel sounds per unit time (BS length), the interval between bowel sounds (BS interval), or the strength of bowel sounds (BS power).

[0084] The pre-stimulation index in this embodiment is an index acquired based on abdominal sound data measured by the microphone (110) of the sound collection unit (100) immediately before the execution of the processing performed by the estimation unit (434). The pre-stimulation index acquisition unit (431) outputs information on the acquired pre-stimulation index to the estimation unit (434) and stores it in the user information storage unit (422) of the storage unit (420).

[0085] (2-2) Estimated stimulus acquisition section The estimated stimulus acquisition unit (432) performs an estimated stimulus acquisition process. The estimated stimulus acquisition process is a process for acquiring information on an estimated stimulus input by the subject to the input unit (240) of the terminal device (200). The estimated stimulus here refers to a stimulus for which it is desired to estimate the intestinal condition of the subject after administration. In the estimated stimulus acquisition process of this embodiment, information on one type of estimated stimulus is acquired. The estimated stimulus acquisition unit (432) outputs the acquired information on the estimated stimulus to the correlation information acquisition unit (433).

[0086] (2-3) Correlation information acquisition unit The correlation information acquisition section (433) performs correlation information acquisition processing. The correlation information acquisition processing is processing for acquiring correlation information related to a predetermined stimulus from the correlation information storage section (421). In the correlation information acquisition processing of this embodiment, correlation information corresponding to one type of estimated stimulus acquired by the estimated stimulus acquisition section (432) is acquired. The correlation information acquisition section (433) outputs the acquired correlation information to the estimation section (434).

[0087] (2-4) Estimation part The estimation unit (434) performs an estimation process. The estimation process is a process of estimating a post-stimulation index for the subject based on a pre-stimulation index for the subject and correlation information. Here, the post-stimulation index refers to a bowel sound index after a predetermined stimulus is applied.

[0088] In the estimation process of the present embodiment, a post-stimulation index of a subject related to an estimated stimulus acquired by the estimated stimulus acquisition unit 432 is estimated. The estimation unit 434 outputs the estimated post-stimulation index to the intensity determination unit 440 and the estimated display output unit 436, and stores it in the user information storage unit 422 of the storage unit 420.

[0089] (2-5) Strength judgment section The intensity determination unit (440) performs an intensity determination process. The intensity determination process is a process for determining the intensity of a stimulus related to the estimated stimulus. The intensity of the stimulus here is an index showing the predicted degree of intestinal reaction due to the application of the estimated stimulus. The higher the intensity of the stimulus, the more active the intestinal activity is predicted to be, and the lower the intensity of the stimulus, the more stagnant the intestinal activity is predicted to be. The intensity determination unit (440) outputs the determined intensity of the stimulus to the estimated display output unit (436).

[0090] (2-6) Estimated display output section The estimated display output unit (436) performs an estimated display output process. The estimated display output process is a process of outputting a signal for displaying the estimated information on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200). The estimated information includes a post-stimulation index related to the subject estimated by the estimation unit (434) and the intensity of the stimulation determined by the intensity determination unit (440). The estimated display output unit (436) outputs the estimated information to the terminal device (200) via the communication unit (410).

[0091] (2-7) Receiving Stimulus Acquisition Section The received stimulus acquisition unit (437) performs a received stimulus acquisition process. The received stimulus acquisition process is a process for acquiring information on a received stimulus input by the subject to the input unit (240) of the terminal device (200). Here, the received stimulus is a stimulus actually received by the subject. For example, when the subject takes in carbonated water, the received stimulus is "carbonated water."

[0092] The accepted stimulus acquisition process is executed after the estimated display output process. Therefore, the subject can select the stimulus to actually accept after checking the post-stimulus indicator and intensity for the predetermined stimulus presented on the terminal device (200). The accepted stimulus acquisition unit (437) outputs the acquired information on the accepted stimulus to the result display output unit (439) and stores it in the user information storage unit (422) of the storage unit (420).

[0093] (2-8) Post-stimulus index acquisition part The post-stimulation index acquisition unit (438) performs a post-stimulation index acquisition process. The post-stimulation index acquisition process is a process for acquiring a post-stimulation index related to the subject. In the post-stimulation index acquisition process, a bowel sound index is calculated based on bowel sound data related to the subject after a predetermined stimulus is applied, and a post-stimulation index is acquired based on the calculated bowel sound index. In this way, the post-stimulation index acquisition unit (438) acquires a post-stimulation index based on the measurement. The post-stimulation index acquisition unit (438) outputs information on the acquired post-stimulation index to the result display output unit (439) and stores it in the user information storage unit (422) of the storage unit (420).

[0094] In this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of the post-stimulation index, the average value of the bowel sound index in a predetermined post-stimulation period (e.g., 10 minutes) is used as the post-stimulation index. In other words, the post-stimulation index in this embodiment is the average value of the number of BS occurrences per minute in the predetermined post-stimulation period.

[0095] (2-9) Result display output section The result display output unit (439) performs a result display output process. The result display output process is a process of outputting a signal for displaying the result information on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200). The result information in this embodiment includes the acceptance stimulus and a post-stimulus index after the acceptance stimulus is actually applied. The result display output unit (439) outputs the result information to the terminal device (200) via the communication unit (410).

[0096] (3) Correlation information Next, the correlation information will be described in detail.

[0097] The correlation information is information that has been created in advance based on data of bowel sound indices for multiple individuals before and after the application of a predetermined stimulus, and is created based on the results of an experiment conducted on multiple healthy individuals.

[0098] 5, the correlation information is information indicating the relationship between a pre-stimulation index Xa and a ratio R (R=Xb / Xa) of a post-stimulation index Xb to the pre-stimulation index Xa. In detail, the correlation information is a correlation diagram with the pre-stimulation index Xa on the horizontal axis and the ratio R on the vertical axis.

[0099] The pre-stimulus index Xa in the correlation diagram of this embodiment is the average value of the number of BS occurrences per minute in a predetermined pre-stimulus period (5 minutes in this embodiment). The post-stimulus index Xb in the correlation diagram of this embodiment is the average value of the number of BS occurrences per minute in a predetermined post-stimulus period (10 minutes in this embodiment). In other words, the indices used in the correlation information are the same as the indices acquired by the pre-stimulus index acquisition unit (431) and the post-stimulus index acquisition unit (438), respectively.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 5, in the normal region N in the correlation information, the ratio R tends to decrease as the pre-stimulation index Xa increases. In other words, in this correlation information, it can be said that there is a negative correlation between the pre-stimulation index Xa and the ratio R. This indicates that the intestinal activity after the stimulation is applied is affected by the intestinal activity state before the stimulation is applied. In addition, the region to the lower left of the normal region N in FIG. 5 is an area where the change in intestinal activity before and after the stimulation is applied is relatively small, indicating that the intestinal activity state is stagnant. On the other hand, the region to the upper right of the normal region N in FIG. 5 is an area where the change in intestinal activity before and after the stimulation is applied is relatively large, indicating that the intestinal activity state is overactive.

[0101] The correlation information when a strong stimulus that strongly acts on the intestines is applied as shown in FIG. 5(a) and the correlation information when a weak stimulus that does not strongly act on the intestines is applied as shown in FIG. 5(b) have a common negative correlation. However, the slopes of the lines in the correlation diagram are different for each stimulus. Therefore, each of the multiple types of stimuli has different correlation information.

[0102] (4) Operation of the intestinal condition estimation system Next, the operation of the intestinal state estimation system (1) will be described.

[0103] In the intestinal state estimation system (1) of this embodiment, the subject operates a specific application stored in the terminal device (200), thereby allowing the subject to measure abdominal sounds in the sound collection unit (100), access the server device (400) via the terminal device (200), and check information output from the server device (400).

[0104] (4-1) Operation of the sound collection unit and terminal device As shown in FIG. 6, when a subject starts a given application stored in a terminal device (200) to start the operation of the intestinal state estimation system (1), step S1 is performed.

[0105] In step S1, the microphone (110) of the sound collection unit (100) measures abdominal sounds of the subject. Then, in step S2, the communication section (120) of the sound collection unit (100) transmits data of the measured abdominal sounds to the terminal device (200). The abdominal sound data is received by the communication section (210) of the terminal device (200) via a wireless communication line.

[0106] Next, in step S3, the abdominal sound storage unit (221) of the terminal device (200) stores the received abdominal sound data. Next, in step S4, the terminal processing unit (230) of the terminal device (200) determines whether or not abdominal sound data for a predetermined period has been received. If received, step S5 is performed. If not received, step S4 is performed.

[0107] In step S5, the bowel sound identification unit (231) of the terminal device (200) identifies and outputs bowel sound data related to the subject based on the abdominal sound data related to the subject for a predetermined period of time. Next, in step S6, the communication unit (210) of the terminal device (200) transmits the output bowel sound data to the server device (400). The bowel sound data is received by the communication unit (410) of the server device (400) via the Internet.

[0108] The terminal device (200) of this embodiment continuously transmits bowel sound data to the server device (400) while the intestinal state estimation system (1) is operating. The terminal device (200) may transmit bowel sound data to the server device (400) only when instructed to do so by the server device (400) while the intestinal state estimation system (1) is operating.

[0109] (4-2) Operation of the server device As shown in FIG. 7, when the communication unit (410) of the server device (400) receives the bowel sound data, step S11 is performed.

[0110] In step S11, the processing unit 430 performs a pre-stimulation acquisition process. Specifically, the processing unit 430 calculates and acquires, as a pre-stimulation index Y, the average value of the number of BS occurrences per minute in a predetermined pre-stimulation section based on the bowel sound data received by the communication unit 410.

[0111] Next, in step S12, the processing unit (430) performs an estimated stimulus acquisition process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) outputs a signal for causing the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) to display candidate stimuli for selecting a stimulus that the subject wants to estimate (estimated stimulus). Then, the processing unit (430) acquires information on one type of estimated stimulus input to the input unit (240) of the terminal device (200).

[0112] Next, in step S13, the processing unit (430) performs a correlation information acquisition process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) acquires correlation information C corresponding to the estimated stimulus from the correlation information storage unit (421) of the storage unit (420).

[0113] Next, in step S14, the processing unit 430 performs an estimation process. In the estimation process, the processing unit 430 estimates a post-stimulation index Z' regarding the subject based on a pre-stimulation index Y and correlation information C regarding a plurality of people. The details of the estimation process will be described later.

[0114] Next, in step S15, the processing unit (430) performs an intensity determination process. In the intensity determination process, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity of the stimulation based on the difference ΔD (ΔD=Z'-Y) between the estimated post-stimulation index Z' and pre-stimulation index Y. A larger difference ΔD indicates a higher intensity, and a smaller difference indicates a lower intensity. Details of the intensity determination process will be described later.

[0115] Next, in step S16, the processing unit (430) performs an estimated display output process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) outputs a signal for displaying estimated information including the post-stimulation index Z' of the subject estimated with respect to the estimated stimulation and the determined intensity of the stimulation on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200). The output signal is transmitted to the communication unit (210) of the terminal device (200) via the communication unit (410) of the server device (400). Then, the signal received by the communication unit (210) is transmitted to the display unit (250). As a result, the estimated information is displayed on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200).

[0116] Next, in step S17, the processing unit (430) determines whether or not information has been received from the communication unit (410) that the stimulus input as the estimated stimulus has been determined as the stimulus that the subject will actually accept. If information has been received, step S18 is performed. If information has not been received, step S12 is performed. If information has not been received, this is because the subject wishes to change the estimated stimulus and check estimated information about a different type of stimulus.

[0117] In step S18, the processing unit (430) performs a received stimulus acquisition process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) determines whether or not the communication unit (410) has received information that the subject has actually accepted the stimulus input as the estimated stimulus. If received, the processing unit (430) acquires the stimulus input as the estimated stimulus as the received stimulus, and then performs step S19. If not received, the processing unit (430) performs step S18. In the received stimulus acquisition process, information on the received stimulus input by the subject to the input unit (240) of the terminal device (200) may be acquired.

[0118] In step S19, the processing unit 430 performs a post-stimulation index acquisition process. Specifically, the processing unit 430 calculates and acquires, as a post-stimulation index Z, the average value of the number of BS occurrences per minute in a predetermined post-stimulation period based on the bowel sound data received by the communication unit 410.

[0119] In step S20, the processing unit 430 performs a result display output process. Specifically, the processing unit 430 outputs a signal for displaying result information including the received stimulation and the post-stimulation index Z on the display unit 250 of the terminal device 200.

[0120] (4-3) Estimation process Next, the estimation process will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of the estimation process, and Fig. 9 shows an example of a correlation diagram for explaining the estimation process.

[0121] 8, in step S31, the processing unit (430) derives a ratio Ry corresponding to a pre-stimulation index Y in the correlation information C. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, the processing unit calculates a value (ratio Ry) on the vertical axis corresponding to the pre-stimulation index Y in a correlation diagram.

[0122] Next, in step S32, the processing unit (430) calculates a post-stimulation index Z' estimated for the estimated stimulation by multiplying the pre-stimulation index Y by the ratio Ry (Ry×Y=Z'). In this way, the post-stimulation index Z' is estimated.

[0123] (4-4) Strength Judgment Process Next, the intensity determination process will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the intensity of the stimulation is determined at six levels. Note that the number of intensity levels is merely an example, and may be two, three, four, five, or seven or more levels.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 10, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity to be "0" when the difference ΔD between the estimated post-stimulation index Z' and the pre-stimulation index Y is 0 (Yes in step S41). When the difference ΔD is greater than 0 and equal to or less than a first value, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity to be "1" (Yes in step S42). When the difference ΔD is greater than the first value and equal to or less than a second value, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity to be "2" (Yes in step S43). When the difference ΔD is greater than the second value and equal to or less than a third value, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity to be "3" (Yes in step S44). When the difference ΔD is greater than the third value and equal to or less than a fourth value, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity to be "4" (Yes in step S45). When the difference ΔD is greater than the fourth value, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity to be "5" (No in step S45).

[0125] Here, the first value is a value greater than 0. The second value is a value greater than the first value. The third value is a value greater than the second value. The fourth value is a value greater than the third value.

[0126] (5) Display of terminal device Next, the screen display of the terminal device (200) used by the subject in the intestinal state estimation system (1) will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 13. The screen display described below is displayed on the display unit (250) based on the control of the terminal processing unit (230) of the terminal device (200).

[0127] As shown in Fig. 11, a main screen (910) is displayed on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200). The main screen (910) includes a date display unit (911) showing the current date, an intestinal condition display unit (912) showing the current intestinal condition of the subject, a defecation record display unit (913) showing a defecation record, and a stimulation display unit (914) showing multiple types of stimulation. Tapping the defecation record display unit (913) transitions to a defecation record screen (not shown), where the defecation record can be input.

[0128] In the stimulus display section (914), a plurality of types of stimuli are displayed in a vertical line. The stimulus display section (914) is configured to allow the selection of a stimulus to be estimated. When the subject taps one of the plurality of types of stimuli displayed in the stimulus display section (914), the screen transitions to an estimation display screen (920) shown in FIG. 12.

[0129] 12 shows an estimation display screen (920) when supplement A is selected as the estimated stimulus. The estimation display screen (920) includes a selected stimulus display section (921) that displays the selected stimulus, an estimated graph display section (922) that displays the estimated intestinal condition as a graph, an estimated index change display section (923) that displays the pre-stimulation index value and the estimated post-stimulation index value, and an intensity display section (924) that displays the estimated intensity of the stimulus.

[0130] The estimated graph display section (922) displays the current intestinal state and the estimated intestinal state after stimulation on a graph. The estimated graph display section (922) of this embodiment displays the intestinal state as stagnant, normal, and hyperactive. By displaying the intestinal state on a graph in this manner, the change in the intestinal activity state can be presented to the subject in an easy-to-understand manner. The estimated index change display section (923) displays the pre-stimulation index value and the estimated post-stimulation index value. This makes it possible to present the subject with the estimated change in the intestinal activity state as a more specific numerical value. The intensity display section (924) of this embodiment displays the stimulation intensity with an icon. This makes it possible to present the stimulation intensity as information that is intuitively easy for anyone to understand, compared to when it is displayed as text.

[0131] 13 shows a result display screen (930) when supplement A is taken as the received stimulus. The result display screen (930) includes an actually measured post-stimulation index display section (931) that displays the post-stimulation index measured after actually receiving the stimulus, a received stimulus display section (932) that displays the received stimulus, a result graph display section (933) that displays the intestinal condition based on the actually measured post-stimulation index as a graph, and a result index change display section (934) that displays the pre-stimulation index and the actually measured post-stimulation index.

[0132] The result graph display section (933) displays the intestinal condition before stimulation and the intestinal condition after the actual stimulation on a graph, so that the subject can be presented with changes in the intestinal activity state in an easy-to-understand manner. The result index change display section (934) displays the pre-stimulation index value and the actually measured post-stimulation index value. This makes it possible to present the subject with the actual changes in the intestinal activity state as more specific numerical values.

[0133] (6) Features (6-1) The intestinal state estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute an estimation process for estimating a post-stimulation index for a subject based on the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process and the correlation information acquired in the correlation information acquisition process. This makes it possible to estimate the intestinal state after a predetermined stimulation is applied.

[0134] (6-2) The pre-stimulation indices in this embodiment are indices measured by the sound collection device (110) immediately before the estimation process is performed. This makes it possible to estimate the post-stimulation indices of the subject based on the latest pre-stimulation indices of the subject.

[0135] (6-3) The intestinal state estimation program of the present embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute, as an estimation process, a process of estimating a post-stimulation index of a subject regarding an estimated stimulus acquired in an estimated stimulus acquisition process. This makes it possible to estimate a post-stimulation index of a subject regarding a stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0136] (6-4) The intestinal state estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including an estimated post-stimulation index on the display device (250). This makes it possible to present the intestinal state after a predetermined stimulation is applied to the subject before the subject receives the stimulation.

[0137] (6-5) The intestinal state estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute an intensity determination process for determining the intensity of a stimulation based on the difference between a post-stimulation index estimated in the estimation process and a pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process, and an estimation display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimation information including the intensity on the display device (250). This makes it possible to present to the subject the stimulation intensity that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0138] (6-6) The intestinal state estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute a received stimulus acquisition process for acquiring information on a received stimulus input by the subject after the estimated display output process. This allows the subject to select a stimulus to be received by referring to the estimated information displayed on the display device (250) by the estimated display output process.

[0139] (6-7) The intestinal state estimation device (P) of this embodiment includes a processing unit (430) that acquires pre-stimulation indices for a subject, acquires correlation information for multiple people pre-stored in a storage device (420), and estimates post-stimulation indices for the subject based on the acquired pre-stimulation indices and the acquired correlation information. This makes it possible to provide an intestinal state estimation device (P) that estimates the intestinal state after a predetermined stimulus is applied.

[0140] (6-8) The intestinal state estimation system (1) of this embodiment includes an intestinal state estimation device (P), a sound collection device (110) that collects abdominal sounds of a subject, an input device (240) for inputting stimulus information, and a display device (250) for displaying estimated information on the estimated intestinal state after the stimulus. This makes it possible to provide an intestinal state estimation system (1) that can estimate the intestinal state of a subject after a predetermined stimulus is applied.

[0141] (7) Variations The above embodiment may be modified as follows. In the following description, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described.

[0142] (7-1) Variation 1 As shown in FIG. 14, in the server device (400) of this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may further include an effect determining unit (450) as a functional element.

[0143] (7-1-1) Effect assessment section Specifically, the effect determination unit (450) performs an effect determination process. In the effect determination process, the effect of the received stimulation is determined based on a difference ΔZc (ΔZc=Z-Z') between a post-stimulation index Z' estimated for the received stimulation in the estimation process and a post-stimulation index Z acquired in the post-stimulation index acquisition process. The effect determination unit (450) outputs the determined effect to the estimated display output unit (436) and stores it in the user information storage unit of the storage unit (420).

[0144] The effect here refers to the intestinal response to the stimulus. The smaller the difference ΔZc, the lower the effect of the received stimulus, and the larger the difference ΔZc, the higher the effect of the received stimulus. In other words, when the difference ΔZc is small, it indicates that the stimulus received by the subject did not cause much active change in the subject's intestines. On the other hand, when the difference ΔZc is large, it indicates that the stimulus received by the subject caused active change in the subject's intestines.

[0145] (7-1-2) Operation of the server device 15, in step S50, the processing unit 430 performs an effect determination process. In the operation of the server device 400, the effect determination process (step S50) is performed after the post-stimulation index acquisition process (step S19) and before the result display output process (step S20).

[0146] In the effect determination process, the processing unit (430) of this embodiment determines the effect at four levels. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, when the difference ΔZc is smaller than a first value (e.g., 0), the effect is determined to be "0" (Yes in step S51). When the difference ΔZc is equal to or larger than the first value and smaller than a second value (e.g., 10), the effect is determined to be "1" (Yes in step S52). When the difference ΔZc is equal to or larger than the second value and smaller than a third value (e.g., 30), the effect is determined to be "2" (Yes in step S53). When the difference ΔZc is equal to or larger than the third value, the effect is determined to be "3" (No in step S53). Here, the first value is a value larger than 0. The second value is a value larger than the first value. The third value is a value larger than the second value. The first, second, and third values ​​used in the effect determination process are different from the first, second, and third values ​​used in the strength determination process. The number of effect levels is merely an example, and may be two, three, or five or more levels.

[0147] In a result display output process (step S20) performed after the effect determination process, the result information included in the signal output by the processing unit (430) includes effect information, and thus the effect information is displayed on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200).

[0148] (7-1-3) Display of terminal device As shown in FIG. 17, the result display screen (930) of this modified example further includes an effect display section (935). The effect display section (935) displays the effects determined in the effect determination process. In this embodiment, an effect "0" is displayed as "-", an effect "1" as "+", an effect "2" as "++", and an effect "3" as "+++". Note that the effect display section (935) may display the effects in the form of a percentage (%), or may convert the effects into a score and display the effects.

[0149] As described above, in this modification, the terminal device (200) that receives a signal from the server device (400) that performs the result display output process displays result information including the effect of the stimulation accepted by the subject. This makes it possible to present to the subject the effect of the stimulation accepted by the subject.

[0150] (7-2) Variation 2 As shown in FIG. 18, in the server device (400) of this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may further include a recommendation level determination unit (460) as a functional element.

[0151] (7-2-1) Recommendation Judgment Section The recommendation level determination unit (460) performs a recommendation level determination process. In the recommendation level determination process, first, information on a post-stimulation index Z' estimated by an estimation process in the past and information on a post-stimulation index Z measured in the past are acquired from the user information storage unit (422). Then, in the recommendation level determination process, the recommendation level is determined based on the absolute value of a difference ΔZp (ΔZp=past Z-past Z') between a post-stimulation index Z' estimated in the past and a post-stimulation index Z measured in the past. The recommendation level determination unit (460) outputs the determined recommendation level to the estimated display output unit (436).

[0152] The recommendation level here is an index showing the degree to which the stimulus is recommended for the subject. The smaller the absolute value of the difference ΔZp, the higher the recommendation level. In other words, a stimulus with a smaller absolute value of the difference ΔZp is a stimulus that can be recommended to the subject. This is because the smaller the absolute value of the difference ΔZp, the more it indicates that the estimated stimulus was just the right stimulus for the subject in the past. On the other hand, the larger the absolute value of the difference ΔZp, the lower the recommendation level. In other words, a stimulus with a large absolute value of the difference ΔZp is a stimulus that is not very recommended for the subject. This is because it indicates that the intestines of the subject who received the estimated stimulus in the past reacted excessively.

[0153] (7-2-2) Operation of the server device 19, in step S60, the processing unit 430 performs a recommendation level determination process. In the operation of the server device 400, the recommendation level determination process of this modification is performed after the strength determination process (step S15) and before the estimated display output process (step S16).

[0154] In the present embodiment, the processing unit (430) judges the recommendation level at one of four levels in the recommendation level judgment process. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, when the absolute value of the difference ΔZp is equal to or greater than 0 and smaller than the first value, the recommendation level is judged to be "3" (Yes in step S61). When the absolute value of the difference ΔZp is equal to or greater than the first value and smaller than the second value, the recommendation level is judged to be "2" (Yes in step S62). When the absolute value of the difference ΔZp is equal to or greater than the second value and smaller than the third value, the recommendation level is judged to be "1" (Yes in step S63). When the absolute value of the difference ΔZp is equal to or greater than the third value, the recommendation level is judged to be "0" (No in step S63).

[0155] Here, the first value is a value greater than 0. The second value is a value greater than the first value. The third value is a value greater than the second value. The first value, the second value, and the third value used in the recommendation level determination process are different from the first value, the second value, and the third value used in the strength determination process and the effectiveness determination process. The number of recommendation level levels is merely an example, and may be two, three, or five or more levels. In addition, the recommendation level may be determined so as to be displayed as a percentage (%) or a score.

[0156] In an estimated display output process (step S16) performed after the recommendation level determination process, the estimated information included in the signal output by the processing unit (430) includes information on the recommendation level, and the information on the recommendation level is thus displayed on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200).

[0157] (7-2-3) Display of terminal device As shown in Fig. 21, the estimated display screen (920) of this modification further includes a recommendation level display section (925). The recommendation level display section (925) displays the recommendation level determined in the recommendation level determination process. In this modification, the recommendation level is displayed as a "recommended level" and is also displayed by the number of stars.

[0158] As described above, in this modification, the terminal device 200 that receives a signal from the server device 400 that performs the estimation display output process displays the estimation information including the recommendation level of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate. This makes it possible to present to the subject the recommendation level of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0159] In this modified example, the recommendation level determination process may be performed after the estimation process (step S14) and before the strength determination process (step S15). In addition, in this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may have a recommendation level determination unit (460) as a functional element instead of the strength determination unit (440).

[0160] (7-3) Variation 3 As shown in FIG. 22, in the server device (400) of this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may further include a compatibility determination unit (470) as a functional element.

[0161] (7-3-1) Compatibility judgment section Specifically, the suitability determination unit (470) performs suitability determination processing. In the suitability determination processing, when the amount of deviation is the deviation between the estimated value and the actual measured value in the correlation information, the suitability of the stimulus is determined based on the amount of past deviation. The suitability determination unit (470) outputs the determined suitability to the estimated display output unit (436). The suitability here is an index showing the degree to which the stimulus is suitable for the subject. "Suitable" means that the intestines are active within a normal range. In other words, "suitable" means that the intestines are not overreacting to the stimulus and becoming overactive, or are not responding to the stimulus and becoming stagnant.

[0162] Here, the amount of deviation in the correlation information will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 shows a correlation diagram which is correlation information related to a predetermined stimulus. In FIG. 23, black squares indicate estimated values, and white squares indicate actual measured values. Also, in FIG. 23, the white squares on the upper side of the correlation diagram are examples of actual measured values ​​when a first subject receives a predetermined stimulus, and the white squares on the lower side are examples of actual measured values ​​when a second subject different from the first subject receives a predetermined stimulus. In this example, the estimated values ​​of the first subject and the second subject are the same value.

[0163] The deviation amount in the correlation information is the distance between the estimated value and the actual measured value on the correlation diagram. In the example of FIG. 23, the deviation amount for the first subject is 0.1 (=|estimated value 1.6-actual measured value 1.5|). The deviation amount for the second subject is 0.6 (=|estimated value 1.6-actual measured value 1.0|). Here, the estimated value is located within the normal region N in the correlation diagram. Therefore, in this example, the actual measured value of the first subject is close to the normal region N. Therefore, it can be said that the specified stimulus is a suitable stimulus for the first subject. On the other hand, the actual measured value of the second subject is far from the normal region N. Therefore, it can be said that the specified stimulus is an incompatible stimulus for the second subject.

[0164] In the suitability determination process of this modification, the smaller the deviation amount, the higher the suitability, and the larger the deviation amount, the lower the suitability. As described above, the smaller the deviation amount, the closer the actual measurement value is to the normal region N in the correlation diagram, and therefore the stimulus can be said to be more suitable for the subject.

[0165] (7-3-2) Operation of the server device 24, in step S70, the processing unit (430) performs a matching degree determination process. In the operation of the server device (400), the matching degree determination process (step S70) of this modified example is performed after the strength determination process (step S15) and before the estimated display output process (step S16).

[0166] In the compatibility determination process, first, the processing unit 430 acquires from the user information storage unit 422 the past measured value Y of the pre-stimulus index, the past measured value Z of the post-stimulus index, and the past estimated value Z' of the post-stimulus index related to the estimated stimulation. Next, the processing unit 430 calculates the past deviation amount based on the acquired information of each past index. Then, the processing unit 430 determines the compatibility based on the past deviation amount. Note that if the user information storage unit 422 stores information on the past deviation amount, the processing unit 430 may acquire the past deviation amount from the user information storage unit 422 in the compatibility determination process.

[0167] In the compatibility determination process, the processing unit (430) of this modification determines the compatibility as a percentage (%) according to the deviation amount. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, when the deviation amount is 0, the compatibility is determined to be 100%, and when the deviation amount is equal to or greater than a preset reference value, the compatibility is determined to be 0%. When the deviation amount is between 0 and the reference value, the compatibility is determined to be lower as the deviation amount increases. The "reference value" set here is the maximum value within the range in which the subject's intestines are normally active (the range in which the subject can tolerate stimulation). The compatibility may be determined so as to be displayed as a level or a score.

[0168] In an estimated display output process (step S16) performed after the compatibility determination process, the estimated information included in the signal output by the processing unit (430) includes compatibility information, and the compatibility information is displayed on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200).

[0169] (7-3-3) Display of terminal device As shown in Fig. 26, the estimation display screen (920) of this modification further includes a compatibility display section (926). The compatibility display section (926) displays the compatibility determined in the compatibility determination process. In this modification, the compatibility is displayed as a percentage.

[0170] As described above, in this modification, the terminal device 200 that receives a signal from the server device 400 that performs the estimation display output process displays the estimation information including the suitability of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate. This makes it possible to present to the subject the suitability of the stimulus that the subject wishes to estimate.

[0171] In this modified example, the suitability determination process may be performed after the estimation process (step S14) and before the strength determination process (step S15). In addition, in this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may have a suitability determination unit (470) instead of the strength determination unit (440) as a functional element. In addition, in this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may have a recommendation level determination unit (460) and a suitability determination unit (470) as functional elements in addition to the strength determination unit (440). In addition, in this embodiment, when the processing unit (430) has the recommendation level determination unit (460) instead of the strength determination unit (440), it may further have a suitability determination unit (470).

[0172] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described. The intestinal state estimation system (1) of this embodiment is the intestinal state estimation system (1) of the first embodiment, in which the estimation display screen (920) displayed on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) is changed. In this embodiment, the configuration of the processing unit (430) of the server device (400) of the first embodiment is changed to change the screen displayed on the terminal device (200). Here, the intestinal state estimation system (1) of this embodiment that differs from the first embodiment will be described.

[0173] (1) Processing section of server device The processing unit (430) of this embodiment has, as functional components, a pre-stimulus index acquisition unit (431), a correlation information acquisition unit (433), an estimation unit (434), an intensity determination unit (440), an intensity sorting unit (441), an estimated display output unit (436), an accepted stimulus acquisition unit (437), a post-stimulus index acquisition unit (438), and a result display output unit (439). In other words, the processing unit (430) of this embodiment does not have an estimated stimulus acquisition unit. The pre-stimulus index acquisition unit (431), the accepted stimulus acquisition unit (437), the post-stimulus index acquisition unit (438), and the result display output unit (439) of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the correlation information acquisition unit (433), the estimation unit (434), the intensity determination unit (440), the intensity sorting unit (441), and the estimated display output unit (436) will be described.

[0174] (1-1) Correlation information acquisition unit In the correlation information acquisition process performed by the correlation information acquisition unit (433) of this embodiment, correlation information regarding multiple types of stimuli is acquired from the correlation information storage unit (421). The correlation information acquisition unit (433) may acquire correlation information regarding all types of stimuli stored in the correlation information storage unit (421), or may acquire correlation information regarding some of the stimuli stored in the correlation information storage unit (421). The correlation information acquisition unit (433) outputs all of the acquired correlation information to the estimation unit (434).

[0175] (1-2) Estimation part In the estimation process performed by the estimation unit (434) of this embodiment, a post-stimulation index for the subject is estimated for each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on a pre-stimulation index for the subject and correlation information. In other words, the estimation unit (434) outputs a plurality of estimated post-stimulation indexes. The estimation unit (434) outputs all the estimated post-stimulation indexes to the intensity determination unit (440) and the estimated display output unit (436), and stores them in the user information storage unit (422) of the storage unit (420).

[0176] (1-3) Strength judgment section In the intensity determination process performed by the intensity determination unit (440) of this embodiment, the intensity of each of a plurality of types of stimuli is determined. The intensity determination unit (440) outputs all of the determined intensities of the stimuli to the intensity sorting unit (441) and the estimated display output unit (436).

[0177] (1-4) Intensity sorting unit The intensity sorting unit (441) performs an intensity sorting process. The intensity sorting process is a process of sorting each stimuli in order of intensity determined in the intensity determination process. In the intensity sorting process, each stimuli can be sorted in order of increasing intensity or decreasing intensity. The intensity sorting unit (441) sorts the stimuli in order of increasing intensity or decreasing intensity according to an input to the terminal device (200) of the subject. The intensity sorting unit (441) outputs information on the stimuli sorted in order of intensity to the estimated display output unit (436).

[0178] (1-5) Estimated display output section In the estimated display output process performed by the estimated display output unit (436), a signal is output to cause the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) to display the estimated information including the intensity determined by the intensity determination unit (440) in a state in which the estimated information is associated with the corresponding stimulus.

[0179] (2) Operation of the server device 28, in this embodiment, when the communication unit (410) of the server device (400) receives bowel sound data, step S211 is performed. Here, step S211 is the same process as step S11 in embodiment 1. Therefore, the process of step S212 will be described first.

[0180] In step S212, the processing unit (430) performs a correlation information acquisition process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) acquires correlation information C related to multiple types of stimuli from the correlation information storage unit (421) of the storage unit (420). In other words, the processing unit (430) acquires multiple pieces of correlation information C.

[0181] Next, in step S213, the processing unit (430) performs an estimation process. In the estimation process of this embodiment, a post-stimulation index Z' of the subject is estimated for each of a plurality of types of stimuli. The specific process of estimating the post-stimulation index Z' for each stimulus is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0182] Next, in step S214, the processing unit (430) performs an intensity determination process. In the intensity determination process of this embodiment, the processing unit (430) determines the intensity of each of a plurality of types of stimuli. The specific process of determining the intensity of each stimulus is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0183] Next, in step S215, the processing unit (430) performs an estimated display output process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) outputs a signal for displaying estimated information including the intensities of the stimulation determined for the plurality of types of stimulation on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200). The display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) that receives this signal displays the plurality of types of stimulation and the intensities corresponding to each stimulation in the form of a list. At this time, for example, the names of the stimulations are displayed in alphabetical order.

[0184] Next, in step S216, the processing unit (430) determines whether or not a signal to rearrange the stimuli in order of intensity has been received. This signal is transmitted from the communication unit (210) of the terminal device (200) when the subject inputs a predetermined instruction to the input unit (240) of the terminal device (200). If the signal has been received, step S217 is performed. If the signal has not been received, step S219 is performed.

[0185] Next, in step S217, the processing unit (430) performs an intensity rearrangement process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) rearranges the stimuli in order of decreasing intensity or decreasing intensity, based on a signal from the terminal device (200).

[0186] Next, in step S218, the processing unit (430) performs an estimated display output process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) outputs a signal for displaying the intensities as estimated information and the stimuli corresponding to the intensities on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) in the order of intensities rearranged in the intensity rearrangement process. Upon receiving this signal, the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) displays a list of multiple types of stimuli and the intensities corresponding to each of the stimuli in the order of intensity.

[0187] Next, step S219 is performed. In this embodiment, the process after step S219 is the same as the process after S17 in the first embodiment.

[0188] (3) Display of terminal device Next, the screen display of the terminal device (200) of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 29. The main screen (910) of this embodiment is different from the main screen of embodiment 1. Therefore, the main screen (910) of this embodiment will be described below.

[0189] FIG. 29 shows the main screen when the subject specifies that the stimuli be rearranged in order of strength. As shown in FIG. 29, the main screen (910) further includes a rearrangement specification section (915) and an intensity display section (916). The rearrangement specification section (915) is configured to allow the user to select an index for rearranging the stimuli, such as, for example, in order of strength or weakness. The intensity display section (916) is provided to the right of the stimulation display section (914). In this example, the intensity display section (916) displays the intensity corresponding to each stimulation using a predetermined icon.

[0190] (4) Features (4-1) The intestinal state estimation program of the present embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute a process of estimating a post-stimulation index for a subject for each of a plurality of types of stimuli as an estimation process. This makes it possible to estimate the post-stimulation index for a subject for a plurality of types of stimuli.

[0191] (4-2) The intestinal condition estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute, for each of a plurality of types of stimuli, an intensity determination process for determining the intensity of the stimulus, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the intensity on the terminal device (200) in a state in which the estimated information is associated with the corresponding stimulus.

[0192] In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 that receives a signal from the server device 400 that performs the estimated display output process displays estimated information including multiple types of stimuli and intensities corresponding to these stimuli, thereby making it possible to present the intensities of multiple types of stimuli to the subject all at once.

[0193] (4-3) The intestinal condition estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute an intensity sorting process for sorting stimuli in the order of intensities determined in the intensity determination process, and an estimated display output process for outputting signals for displaying the intensities and stimuli corresponding to the intensities on the terminal device (200) in the order of intensity.

[0194] In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 that receives a signal from the server device 400 that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including the intensities corresponding to these stimuli in order of intensity, thereby making it possible to present the intensities of multiple types of stimuli to the subject in an easily understandable manner.

[0195] (5) Variations The above embodiment may be modified as follows. In the following description, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described.

[0196] (5-1) Variation 1 As shown in Fig. 30, in the server device (400) of this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may further include an effect determination unit (450) as a functional element. The effect determination process performed by the effect determination unit (450) is similar to that in Modification 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this modification, as in Modification 1 of the first embodiment, the effect determined in the effect determination process is displayed on the result display screen (930).

[0197] (5-2) Variation 2 As shown in FIG. 31, in the server device (400) of this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may further include a recommendation level determination unit (460) and a recommendation level sorting unit (461) as functional elements.

[0198] (5-2-1) Recommendation Judgment Section The recommendation level determination unit (460) performs a recommendation level determination process. In the recommendation level determination process of this modification, first, information on a post-stimulation index Z' estimated by an estimation process in the past and information on a post-stimulation index Z measured in the past are acquired from the user information storage unit (422) for each of the multiple types of stimuli. Then, in the recommendation level determination process, the recommendation level is determined for each of the multiple types of stimuli based on the absolute value of the difference ΔZp (ΔZp=past Z-past Z') between the post-stimulation index Z' estimated in the past and the post-stimulation index Z measured in the past. The recommendation level determination unit (460) outputs the determined recommendation level to the estimated display output unit (436) and the recommendation level sorting unit (461).

[0199] (5-2-2) Recommendation sorting section The recommendation level sorting unit (461) performs a recommendation level sorting process. The recommendation level sorting process is a process of sorting each stimulus in descending order of recommendation level determined in the recommendation level determination process. The recommendation level sorting unit (461) outputs information on the stimuli sorted in descending order of recommendation level to the estimated display output unit (436).

[0200] (5-2-3) Operation of the server device 32, in step S230, the processing unit (430) performs a recommendation level determination process. In the operation of the server device (400), the recommendation level determination process (step S230) of this modified example is performed after the strength determination process (step S214) and before the estimated display output process (step S215).

[0201] In the recommendation level determination process of this modification, the processing unit (430) determines the recommendation level of each of a plurality of types of stimuli. The specific process of determining the recommendation level of each stimulus is the same as that of modification 2 of embodiment 1. In this modification, the recommendation level of each stimulus is determined in two stages, that is, recommended or not recommended.

[0202] Next, in step S215, the processing unit (430) performs an estimated display output process. The estimated information in this modification includes the recommendation level determined for the multiple types of stimuli. The display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) that receives the signal output by the estimated display output process displays the multiple types of stimuli, the intensity corresponding to each stimulus, and the recommendation level corresponding to each stimulus in the form of a list.

[0203] Next, the processing of steps S216 to S218 performed by the processing unit (430) is similar to that of embodiment 2. After step S218, the processing unit (430) performs step S231.

[0204] In step S231, the processing unit (430) determines whether or not a signal to rearrange the stimuli in descending order of recommendation level has been received. This signal is transmitted from the communication unit (210) of the terminal device (200) when the subject inputs a predetermined instruction to the input unit (240) of the terminal device (200). If the signal has been received, step S232 is performed. If the signal has not been received, step S219 is performed.

[0205] Next, in step S232, the processing unit (430) performs a recommendation level sorting process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) sorts the stimuli in descending order of recommendation level based on a signal from the terminal device (200).

[0206] Next, in step S233, the processing unit (430) performs an estimated display output process. Specifically, the processing unit (430) outputs a signal for displaying the recommendation levels as estimated information and the stimuli corresponding to the recommendation levels in descending order of the recommendation levels sorted in the recommendation level sorting process on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200). Having received this signal, the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200) displays a list format in which the multiple types of stimuli, the recommendation levels corresponding to each stimulus, and the intensities corresponding to each stimulus are sorted in descending order of the recommendation levels.

[0207] Next, step S219 is performed. In this modification, the process after step S219 is the same as that in the second embodiment.

[0208] (5-2-4) Display of terminal device Fig. 33 shows the main screen (910) when the subject specifies that the stimuli be rearranged in descending order of recommendation level. As shown in Fig. 33, the main screen (910) further includes a recommendation level display section (917). The recommendation level display section (917) is provided between the stimulation display section (914) and the intensity display section (916). In this example, the recommendation level display section (917) displays the recommendation level corresponding to each stimulation using stars.

[0209] In this modified example, the recommendation level determination process may be performed after the estimation process (step S213) and before the strength determination process (step S214). The processes from step S231 to step S233 may be performed between step S215 and step S216. In the present embodiment, the processing unit (430) may have a recommendation level determination unit (460) as a functional element instead of the strength determination unit (440).

[0210] (5-2-5) Features The intestinal condition estimation program of this modification causes the server device (400) to execute a recommendation level determination process for determining a recommendation level, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the recommendation level on the terminal device (200) in a state in which the estimated information is associated with a corresponding stimulus. In this modification, the terminal device (200) that receives a signal from the server device (400) that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including the recommendation levels corresponding to these stimuli. This makes it possible to present the recommendation levels of multiple types of stimuli to the subject all at once.

[0211] The intestinal state estimation program of this modification causes the server device (400) to execute a recommendation level sorting process for sorting stimuli in descending order of recommendation level, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying the recommendation levels and stimuli corresponding to the recommendation levels on the terminal device (200) in descending order of recommendation level. In this modification, the terminal device (200) that receives a signal from the server device (400) that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including the recommendation levels corresponding to these stimuli in descending order of recommendation level. This makes it possible to present the recommendation levels of multiple types of stimuli to the subject in an easily understandable manner.

[0212] (5-3) Variation 3 As shown in FIG. 34, in the server device (400) of the present embodiment, the processing unit (430) may further include a compatibility determination unit (470) and a compatibility sorting unit (471) as functional elements.

[0213] (5-3-1) Compatibility judgment section Specifically, the compatibility determination unit (470) performs a compatibility determination process. In the compatibility determination process of this modification, the compatibility is determined for each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on the past deviation amounts. The deviation amounts and compatibility are the same as those in the third modification of the first embodiment. The compatibility determination unit (470) outputs the determined compatibility to the estimated display output unit (436) and the compatibility sorting unit (471).

[0214] (5-3-2) Relevance sorting section The suitability sorting unit (471) performs suitability sorting processing. The suitability sorting processing is processing for sorting each stimuli in order of the suitability determined in the suitability determination processing. The suitability sorting unit (471) outputs information on the stimuli sorted in order of the suitability to the estimated display output unit (436).

[0215] (5-3-3) Operation of the server device The process relating to the suitability in this modified example can be replaced with the process relating to the recommendation level in modified example 2 of the present embodiment.

[0216] Specifically, in step S230 of the second modification of this embodiment, the processing unit (430) performs a suitability determination process. The specific process of determining the suitability of each stimulus is the same as that of the third modification of the first embodiment. In step S231 of the second modification, the processing unit (430) determines whether or not a signal to rearrange the stimuli in order of decreasing suitability has been received. In step S232 of the second modification, the processing unit (430) performs a suitability rearrangement process. In step S233 of the second modification, the processing unit (430) performs an estimated display output process. The estimated information in the estimated display output process here includes the suitability corresponding to each stimulus.

[0217] (5-3-4) Display of terminal device In this modification, a compatibility display section is provided in place of the recommendation level display section (917) in the main screen (910) in the modification 2 of this embodiment.

[0218] In this modified example, the suitability determination process may be performed after the estimation process (step S213) and before the strength determination process (step S214). The processes from step S231 to step S233 in this modified example may be performed between step S215 and step S216. In addition, in this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may have a suitability determination unit (470) instead of the strength determination unit (440) as a functional element. In this embodiment, the processing unit (430) may have a recommendation determination unit (460) and a suitability determination unit (470) in addition to the strength determination unit (440) as a functional element. In this embodiment, when the processing unit (430) has the recommendation determination unit (460) instead of the strength determination unit (440), it may further have a suitability determination unit (470).

[0219] (5-3-4) Features The intestinal condition estimation program of this modification causes the server device (400) to execute a suitability determination process for determining the suitability of each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on the past deviation amount, which indicates the suitability of the stimulus, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying estimated information including the suitability on the terminal device (200) in a state in which the estimated information is associated with the corresponding stimulus. In this modification, the terminal device (200) that receives a signal from the server device (400) that performs the estimated display output process displays the plurality of types of stimuli and the estimated information including the suitability corresponding to these stimuli. This makes it possible to present the suitability of the plurality of types of stimuli to the subject all at once.

[0220] The intestinal state estimation program of this modification causes the server device (400) to execute a suitability sorting process for sorting stimuli in descending order of suitability, and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying on the terminal device (200) the suitability and the stimuli corresponding to the suitability in descending order of suitability. In this modification, the terminal device (200) that receives a signal from the server device (400) that performs the estimated display output process displays multiple types of stimuli and estimated information including the suitability corresponding to these stimuli in descending order of suitability. This makes it possible to present the suitability of multiple types of stimuli to the subject in an easily understandable manner.

[0221] (5-4) Variation 4 In this embodiment, when a subject selects one of a plurality of types of stimuli displayed in a stimulation display section (914) on a main screen (910) displayed on a display section (250) of a terminal device (200), detailed estimated information regarding the selected stimulation may be displayed. The display of the detailed estimated information is a screen similar to the estimation display screen (FIG. 12) of the first embodiment.

[0222] Third Embodiment A third embodiment will be described. The intestinal state estimation system (1) of the present embodiment is obtained by modifying the configuration of the processing unit (430) of the server device (400) in the intestinal state estimation system (1) of the first embodiment. Here, the intestinal state estimation system (1) of the present embodiment will be described with respect to points different from the first embodiment.

[0223] (1) Processing section of server device As shown in FIG. 35, the processing unit (430) of this embodiment further includes a compatibility determination unit (480) as a functional element.

[0224] The compatibility determination unit (480) performs a compatibility determination process. The compatibility determination process is a process for determining whether or not the received stimulation is compatible with the subject based on the current deviation amount. "Compatibility" here means that the intestines are active within a normal range, as in the third modification of the first embodiment. The compatibility determination unit (480) outputs the result of the compatibility determination process to the result display output unit (439).

[0225] (2) Operation of the server device 36, in step S310, the processing unit (430) performs a conformance determination process. In the operation of the server device (400), the conformance determination process (step S310) of this modified example is performed after the post-stimulation index acquisition process (step S19) and before the result display output process (step S20).

[0226] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 37, in the compatibility determination process, in step S311, the processing unit (430) acquires the current pre-stimulus index actual measurement value Y, the current post-stimulus index actual measurement value Z, and the current post-stimulus index estimated value Z' for the received stimulation. Next, in step S312, the processing unit (430) calculates the current deviation amount based on the acquired information of each index. Next, in step S313, the processing unit (430) determines whether the received stimulation is compatible based on the current deviation amount.

[0227] If the current deviation amount is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value (Yes in step S313), it is determined in step S314 that the received stimulus is suitable for the subject. If the current deviation amount is greater than the predetermined reference value (No in step S313), it is determined in step S315 that the received stimulus is not suitable for the subject. The "reference value" here is the maximum value within the range in which the subject's intestines can normally function (the range in which the subject can tolerate the stimulus), as in the third modification of the first embodiment. In other words, the "reference value" is the tolerance of the stimulus for the subject. The processing unit (430) stores information on whether the determined received stimulus is suitable or not in the user information storage unit (422) of the storage unit (420).

[0228] In a result display output process (step S20) performed after the suitability determination process, the result information included in the signal output by the processing unit (430) includes information on the determination result as to whether the received stimulus is suitable or not. Therefore, the information on the determination result is displayed on the display unit (250) of the terminal device (200).

[0229] (3) Display of terminal device 38, the result display screen (930) of this embodiment further includes a compatibility display section (250). The compatibility display section (250) displays information on whether the received stimulus determined in the compatibility determination process is compatible or not.

[0230] (4) Features (4-1) The intestinal condition estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute a compatibility determination process for determining whether or not the received stimulus is suitable for the subject based on the deviation amount, and a result display output process for outputting a signal for displaying result information including the determination result in the compatibility determination process on the terminal device (200).

[0231] In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 that receives a signal from the server device 400 that performs the compatibility determination process and the result display output process displays result information including the determination result of the compatibility determination process. This makes it possible to present to the subject whether the stimulus that the subject has accepted is a suitable stimulus for the subject.

[0232] (4-2) In the compatibility determination process, the intestinal condition estimation program of this embodiment determines that the received stimulus is compatible with the subject if the deviation amount is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, and determines that the received stimulus is not compatible with the subject if the deviation amount is greater than the predetermined reference value. In this embodiment, by setting a predetermined reference value, it is possible to determine whether the stimulus received by the subject is compatible with the subject.

[0233] (5) Variations The conformity determination unit (480) has been described as being applied to the first embodiment in the above embodiment, but may be applied to the second embodiment. When applied to the second embodiment, the conformity determination process performed by the conformity determination unit (480) is performed between step S223 and step S224 shown in FIG. 28 in the operation of the server device (400) of the second embodiment.

[0234] Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment will be described. The intestinal state estimation system (1) of this embodiment is obtained by modifying the configuration of the storage unit (420) and the processing unit (430) of the server device (400) in the intestinal state estimation system (1) of the third embodiment. Here, the intestinal state estimation system (1) of this embodiment will be described with respect to the points that differ from the third embodiment.

[0235] (1) Server device memory unit (420) and processing unit 39, the storage unit (420) of the present embodiment further includes, as a functional element, a model storage unit (423). The model storage unit (423) stores a trained model, which will be described later. The processing unit (430) of the present embodiment further includes, as functional elements, a defecation information acquisition unit (481) and an update unit (490).

[0236] (1-1) Defecation information acquisition unit The defecation information acquisition unit (481) performs a defecation record acquisition process. The defecation record acquisition process is a process for acquiring defecation information, which is information relating to defecation input by the subject to the input unit (240) of the terminal device (200). The defecation information in this embodiment includes information on the presence or absence of defecation. The defecation information may include information such as stool hardness and amount of stool. The defecation information acquisition unit (481) outputs the acquired defecation information to the update unit (490).

[0237] (1-2) Update section The update unit (490) performs an update process. In the update process, correlation information is updated based on the defecation information of the subject. The defecation information is information closely related to the state of the intestines. Specifically, if there is defecation, there is a high possibility that the intestines are operating within a normal range, and if there is no defecation, there is a high possibility that the intestinal activity is stagnant.

[0238] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 40, the normal region N of the correlation information regarding multiple people, indicated by a dashed line, is changed to a normal region Np suitable for the subject, indicated in gray, by reflecting data based on the subject's defecation information. In this way, by changing the correlation information using the subject's defecation information, the correlation information regarding multiple people is optimized to correlation information suitable for each individual subject.

[0239] In the update process of this embodiment, a trained model generated by machine learning is used. In detail, the update unit (490) of this embodiment has, as functional elements, a model generation unit (491), a determination unit (492), and a change unit (493).

[0240] The model generation unit (491) generates a trained model by performing machine learning based on the learning data. The learning data includes defecation information, information on the receiving stimulus, actual measured values ​​of pre-stimulation indexes and post-stimulation indexes related to the receiving stimulus, and a reference value related to the receiving stimulus. The reference value here is the same as the reference value in the third embodiment. The determination unit (492) determines the reference value related to the receiving stimulus based on the trained model generated by the model generation unit (491). The change unit (493) changes the correlation information based on the reference value determined by the determination unit (492).

[0241] (2) Operation of the server device As shown in Fig. 41, in step S410, the processing unit 430 performs a defecation information acquisition process. Then, in step S420, the processing unit 430 performs an update process. In the operation of the server device 400, the defecation information acquisition process (step S410) and the update process (step S420) of this embodiment are performed after the result information output process (step S20).

[0242] As shown in FIG. 42, in the update process, in step S421, the processing unit (430) acquires learning data from the user information storage unit (422). Next, in step S422, the processing unit (430) generates a trained model by performing machine learning based on the acquired learning data. Here, the processing unit (430) may perform machine learning by, for example, supervised learning or reinforcement learning. The processing unit (430) stores the generated trained model in the model storage unit (423).

[0243] Next, in step S423, the processing unit (430) acquires the trained model stored in the model storage unit (423). Next, in step S424, the processing unit (430) determines a reference value related to the reception stimulus based on the defecation information, the reception stimulus information, the actual measured values ​​of the pre-stimulation index and the post-stimulation index related to the reception stimulus, and the trained model. Next, in step S425, the processing unit (430) changes the correlation information by reflecting the determined reference value in the correlation information. Next, in step S426, the processing unit (430) stores the changed correlation information in the correlation information storage unit (421).

[0244] (3) Features The intestinal condition estimation program of this embodiment causes the server device (400) to execute a defecation information acquisition process for acquiring defecation information regarding defecation input by the subject, and an update process for updating correlation information based on the defecation information, information on acceptance stimulation, pre-stimulation indexes regarding the acceptance stimulation, and post-stimulation indexes regarding the acceptance stimulation.

[0245] In this embodiment, the server device 400 updates the correlation information based on predetermined information including the subject's defecation information in the update process, thereby optimizing the correlation information to suit the individual subject.

[0246] Other Embodiments The above embodiment may be configured as follows.

[0247] In the intestinal state estimation system (1) of each of the above embodiments, the intestinal state estimation device (P) may be a terminal device (200) in which the intestinal state estimation program of each of the above embodiments is installed. In this case, the intestinal state estimation program is a program for causing the terminal device (200), which is a computer, to execute the processes performed by the intestinal state estimation device (P) described above. The terminal device (200) functions as the intestinal state estimation device (P) by executing the intestinal state estimation program.

[0248] In the intestinal state estimation system (1) of each of the above embodiments, in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process, a bowel sound index may be calculated based on bowel sound data measured during normal times in the past stored in the user information storage unit (422), and a pre-stimulation index may be output based on the calculated bowel sound index. In other words, the pre-stimulation index may be an index based on data measured during normal times in the past. The normal times referred to here are when no stimulation is applied and the subject is at rest. This allows the post-stimulation index to be estimated without acquiring the latest pre-stimulation index for the subject. For example, even if the latest pre-stimulation index for the subject cannot be acquired, the post-stimulation index can be estimated.

[0249] In the estimation process and each determination process of the intestinal state estimation device (P) of each of the above embodiments, it is desirable to use a bowel sound index calculated based on abdominal sound data collected in the morning (particularly upon waking up), because waking up is a timing when it is easier to confirm the state of the intestines as peristalsis compared to other times of the day.

[0250] In the intestinal state estimation device (P) of each of the above embodiments, the bowel sound identification process is performed in the terminal processing unit (230) of the terminal device (200), but the bowel sound identification process may be performed in the processing unit (430) of the server device (400). In this case, the processing unit (430) of the server device (400) has a bowel sound identification unit as a functional component.

[0251] Although the embodiment and the modified examples have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the elements of the above embodiment, modified examples, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or substituted.

[0252] The descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words. [Industrial Applicability]

[0253] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for an intestinal state estimation program, an intestinal state estimation device, and an intestinal state estimation system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0254] 110 Microphone (sound collection device) 200,400 computers 240 Input section (input device) 250 Display section (display device) 420 Storage unit (storage device) 430 Processing section P Intestinal condition estimation device

Claims

1. An intestinal condition estimation program for causing a computer (200, 400) to execute a process for estimating an intestinal condition of a subject, an index relating to bowel sounds is a bowel sound index, the bowel sound index being the number of bowel sounds occurring per predetermined time, the duration of bowel sounds, the interval between bowel sounds, or the intensity of bowel sounds; The bowel sound index before a predetermined stimulus, which is a factor affecting the state of the intestine, is applied is defined as a pre-stimulus index; the bowel sound index after the stimulation is applied is a post-stimulation index; When information indicating a relationship between the pre-stimulation index and a ratio of the post-stimulation index to the pre-stimulation index is used as correlation information, Computer (200, 400), A pre-stimulation index acquisition process for acquiring the pre-stimulation index regarding the subject; A correlation information acquisition process for acquiring the correlation information on a plurality of healthy subjects pre-stored in a storage device (420); and executing an estimation process for estimating the post-stimulation index regarding the subject based on the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process and the correlation information acquired in the correlation information acquisition process. Intestinal condition estimation program.

2. The pre-stimulus index is an index measured by the sound collecting device (110) immediately before the estimation process is performed. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 1 .

3. The above pre-stimulus indices are indices measured during normal times in the past. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 1 .

4. When the stimulus that the subject wants to estimate is the estimated stimulus, an estimated stimulus acquisition process for acquiring information on the estimated stimulus input by the subject; and a process of estimating the post-stimulus index of the subject related to the estimated stimulus acquired in the estimated stimulus acquisition process as the estimation process. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 1 .

5. causing the computer (200, 400) to execute an estimation display output process for outputting a signal for displaying, on a display device (250), estimated information including the post-stimulation index estimated in the estimation process; The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 4.

6. an intensity determination process for determining an intensity of the stimulation based on a difference between the post-stimulation index estimated in the estimation process and the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process; and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying the estimated information including the intensity on a display device. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 4.

7. a recommendation level determination process for determining a recommendation level indicating a recommendation level of the stimulation based on a difference between the post-stimulation index estimated by the estimation process in the past and the post-stimulation index measured in the past; and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying the estimated information including the recommendation level on a display device. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 4.

8. When the deviation between the estimated value and the actual measured value in the correlation information is the deviation amount, a suitability determination process for determining a suitability of the stimulus based on the past deviation amount; and an estimation display output process for outputting a signal for displaying the estimation information including the degree of compatibility on a display device. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 4.

9. A process of estimating the post-stimulation index regarding the subject for each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process and the correlation information acquired in the correlation information acquisition process is executed by the computer (200, 400) as the estimation process. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 1 .

10. an intensity determination process for determining an intensity of each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on a difference between the post-stimulation index estimated in the estimation process and the pre-stimulation index acquired in the pre-stimulation index acquisition process; and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying the estimated information including the intensity on a display device in a state in which the estimated information is associated with a corresponding stimulus. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 9.

11. an intensity sorting process of sorting the stimuli in the order of the intensities determined in the intensity determination process; and outputting a signal for displaying the intensities and the stimuli corresponding to the intensities on the display device in the order of the intensities, as the estimated display output process. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 10.

12. a recommendation level determination process for determining a recommendation level indicating a recommendation level of each of a plurality of types of stimulation based on a difference between the post-stimulation index estimated by the estimation process in the past and the post-stimulation index measured in the past; and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying the estimated information including the recommendation level on a display device in a state in which the estimated information is associated with a corresponding stimulus. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 9.

13. a recommendation level sorting process for sorting the stimuli in descending order of the recommendation levels determined in the recommendation level determination process; As the estimated display output process, a process of outputting a signal for displaying the recommendation levels and the stimuli corresponding to the recommendation levels on the display device in descending order of the recommendation levels is caused to be executed by the computer. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 12.

14. When the deviation between the estimated value and the actual measured value in the correlation information is the deviation amount, a suitability determination process for determining a suitability indicating a degree of suitability of each of a plurality of types of stimuli based on the past deviation amounts; and an estimated display output process for outputting a signal for displaying the estimated information including the degree of compatibility on a display device in a state in which the estimated information is associated with a corresponding stimulus. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 9.

15. a suitability sorting process for sorting the stimuli in order of decreasing suitability determined in the suitability determination process; As the estimated display output process, a process of outputting a signal for displaying the degrees of suitability and the stimuli corresponding to the degrees of suitability on the display device in descending order of the degrees of suitability is executed by the computer. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 14.

16. When the stimulus actually received by the subject is taken as the received stimulus, A receiving stimulus acquisition process for acquiring information on the receiving stimulus input by the subject is executed by the computer (200, 400) after the estimated display output process. An intestinal state estimation program according to any one of claims 5 to 8 and 10 to 15.

17. a post-stimulation indicator acquisition process for acquiring the post-stimulation indicator for the received stimulus for the subject; an effect determination process for determining an effect of the received stimulus based on a difference between the post-stimulation index estimated for the received stimulus in the estimation process and the post-stimulation index acquired in the post-stimulation index acquisition process; and outputting a result display process for outputting a signal for displaying result information including the above-mentioned effect on a display device (250). The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 16.

18. When the deviation between the estimated value and the actual measured value in the correlation information is the deviation amount, a suitability determination process for determining whether the received stimulus is suitable for the subject based on the deviation amount; and a result display output process for outputting a signal for displaying result information including the judgment result in the conformity judgment process on a display device. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 16.

19. In the above-mentioned conformity determination process, If the deviation amount is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the reception stimulus is determined to be suitable for the subject; If the deviation is greater than a predetermined reference value, the received stimulus is determined to be incompatible with the subject. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 18.

20. A defecation information acquisition process for acquiring defecation information regarding defecation input by the subject; and updating the correlation information based on the defecation information, the information on the reception stimulus, the pre-stimulation index related to the reception stimulus, and the post-stimulation index related to the reception stimulus. The intestinal condition estimation program according to claim 16.

21. An intestinal condition estimation device for estimating an intestinal condition of a subject, comprising: The index relating to the bowel sound is a bowel sound index indicating the number of bowel sounds per predetermined time, the duration of the bowel sounds, the interval between bowel sounds, or the intensity of the bowel sounds; The bowel sound index before a predetermined stimulus, which is a factor affecting the state of the intestine, is applied is defined as a pre-stimulus index; the bowel sound index after the stimulation is applied is a post-stimulation index; When information indicating a relationship between the pre-stimulation index and a ratio of the post-stimulation index to the pre-stimulation index is used as correlation information, obtaining said pre-stimulus index for said subject; Acquiring the correlation information on a plurality of healthy subjects pre-stored in a storage device (420); a processing unit (430) for estimating the post-stimulation index for the subject based on the acquired pre-stimulation index and the acquired correlation information. Intestinal condition estimation device.

22. The intestinal condition estimating device according to claim 21 , A sound collection device (110) for collecting abdominal sounds of the subject; an input device (240) for inputting stimulus information; a display device (250) for displaying estimated information regarding the estimated post-stimulation intestinal condition. Intestinal condition estimation system.

Images