Determination device, determination method, determination program, and determination system

Abstract

To appropriately determine the situation of user's self-supporting excretion, to propose an optimal absorbent article depending on a determination result.SOLUTION: A determination device has an acquisition unit that acquires an analysis result regarding walking of a user, an evaluation unit that evaluates the situation of user's self-supporting excretion based on the analysis result acquired by the acquisition unit, and a determination unit that determines an absorbent article to be proposed to the user based on the result of evaluation by the evaluation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a determination device, a determination method, a determination program, and a determination system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for measuring the physical ability of a subject and utilizing the measurement results for health management. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for evaluating the mobility and balance ability of a subject and using the evaluation results to support exercise and lifestyle guidance for fall prevention. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for supporting fall prevention by measuring the fall risk of a subject. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-102462 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-93347 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques are not necessarily capable of properly determining the independent excretion status of a user and proposing an optimal absorbent article in accordance with the determination result.

[0005] For example, the above-mentioned conventional technologies merely assess the risk of falling based on the user's physical ability with the aim of improving the user's lifestyle, and therefore cannot be said to be able to properly assess the user's independent excretion status and propose the most appropriate absorbent article based on the assessment results.

[0006] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to appropriately judge a user's independent excretion status and to propose an absorbent article that is optimal in accordance with the judgment result. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The assessment device of the present application is characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires analysis results regarding a user's walking, an evaluation unit that evaluates the user's independent excretion status based on the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit, and a assessment unit that assesses an absorbent article to be recommended to the user based on the evaluation results by the evaluation unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, for example, it is possible to appropriately judge the independent excretion status of a user, and to propose an optimal absorbent article according to the judgment result. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of information processing according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an analysis result storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an evaluation method for evaluating the state of independent excretion based on the risk of falling and the difficulty of putting on and taking off. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] At least the following will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0011] A determination device characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires analysis results regarding a user's walking, an evaluation unit that evaluates the user's independent excretion status based on the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit, and a determination unit that determines an absorbent article to recommend to the user based on the evaluation results by the evaluation unit.

[0012] According to such a determination device, it is possible to appropriately determine the independent excretion status of the user and to propose the most suitable absorbent article according to the determination result.

[0013] In addition, the determination device acquires an analysis result indicating the walking condition of the user as the analysis result, and evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the walking condition indicated by the acquired analysis result.

[0014] With such a determination device, an analysis result indicating the user's walking condition is obtained as the analysis result, and the user's independent excretion status is evaluated based on the walking condition indicated by the obtained analysis result, so that the user's independent excretion status can be easily evaluated simply by analyzing the user's walking condition.

[0015] In addition, the determination device obtains, as an analysis result indicating the walking state of the user, an analysis result in which the walking state of the user is analyzed based on a captured image capturing the user walking.

[0016] According to such a determination device, an analysis result indicating the user's walking condition is obtained by analyzing the user's walking condition based on an image captured of the user walking, so that, for example, a caregiver caring for the user can easily know the status of the user's independent excretion by simply taking a video of the user walking.

[0017] The determination device also obtains an analysis result indicating the distribution state of foot pressure when the user is walking, as the analysis result indicating the walking state of the user.

[0018] According to such a determination device, an analysis result indicating the distribution of foot pressure when the user walks is obtained as an analysis result indicating the user's walking condition, making it possible to analyze the characteristics of the user's walking condition with higher accuracy.

[0019] The determination device also estimates the risk of the user falling when performing independent excretion from the acquired analysis results, and evaluates the status of the user's independent excretion based on the estimated risk of falling.

[0020] With such a judgment device, the risk of the user falling when urinating independently is estimated from the acquired analysis results, and the user's independent urinary status is evaluated based on the estimated risk of falling, making it possible to objectively judge the user's independent urinary status without relying on the experience-based judgment of a caregiver, for example.

[0021] The determination device further acquires physical information indicating the physical condition of the user, and evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the acquired analysis results and physical information.

[0022] According to such a judgment device, by further acquiring physical information indicating the physical condition of the user, the state of the user's independent excretion can be evaluated based on the analysis results and the physical information, making it possible to properly identify care recipients who have room for improvement to be able to achieve independent excretion in the future, thereby preventing the user from becoming too dependent on the caregiver and losing the opportunity to act on their own.

[0023] In addition, the determination device estimates the difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article, which is the degree of difficulty with which the user puts on and takes off the absorbent article by themselves, based on the physical information, and makes an assessment indicating the user's independent excretion status based on the estimated difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article and the risk of falling estimated from the analysis results.

[0024] With this type of assessment device, the difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article by the user is estimated based on physical information, and an assessment is made of the user's independent excretion status based on the estimated difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article and the risk of falling estimated from the analysis results.Therefore, the user's independent excretion status can be appropriately assessed from two perspectives: for example, whether the user can safely go to the toilet and relieve themselves safely, and whether the user has the ability to perform the various actions required when putting on and taking off the absorbent article by themselves.

[0025] The determination device also acquires, as the physical information, physical information indicating a predetermined movement required when putting on and taking off the absorbent article.

[0026] According to such a determination device, physical information obtained is indicative of specific movements required when putting on and taking off an absorbent article, and therefore the difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article, which is the difficulty with which the user puts on and takes off the absorbent article by themselves, can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0027] The determination device also obtains physical information indicative of a standing up motion or a sitting down motion as the predetermined motion.

[0028] According to such a determination device, since physical information indicating a standing up motion or a sitting down motion is acquired as the predetermined motion, the degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0029] The determination device also obtains, as the physical information, information indicating the posture of the user or information indicating muscle strength.

[0030] According to such a determination device, since information indicating the user's posture or information indicating muscle strength is obtained as physical information, the difficulty of putting on and taking off can be estimated with a higher degree of accuracy.

[0031] In addition, the determination device further has an estimation unit that estimates a type of absorbent article that corresponds to the user based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit, and determines that an absorbent article of the type estimated by the estimation unit is the absorbent article to be recommended to the user from among the absorbent articles that are candidates for recommendation.

[0032] According to such a determination device, from among the candidate absorbent articles, a type of absorbent article that is estimated to be suitable for the user is determined as the absorbent article to be recommended to the user, so that the absorbent article can be appropriately determined so as not to impair the user's opportunity to excrete independently.

[0033] In addition, when the absorbent article, which is an adult diaper, is divided into at least two type types, pants type and tape type, based on the method of putting on and taking off, the determination device estimates which of the two type types is the type type that is suitable for the user based on whether the evaluation result satisfies specified conditions.

[0034] According to such a determination device, it is possible to estimate which of the two style types, pants type or tape type, is suitable for the user based on whether the evaluation result satisfies predetermined conditions, and thus to suggest an appropriate adult diaper so as not to impair the user's opportunity to excrete independently.

[0035] In addition, when multiple detailed types are linked to the estimated type, the determination device further estimates a detailed type from among the multiple detailed types that corresponds to the user using the evaluation result, and determines that, among the absorbent articles to be proposed as candidates, an absorbent article of the detailed type estimated by the estimation unit is the absorbent article to be proposed to the user.

[0036] According to such a determination device, when multiple detailed types are linked to the estimated type, a detailed type that suits the user from among the multiple detailed types is further estimated using the evaluation results, and among the absorbent articles to be proposed, an absorbent article of this estimated detailed type is determined as the absorbent article to be proposed to the user.Therefore, even if absorbent articles of the same type are further divided into multiple types, the most suitable absorbent article can be proposed.

[0037] The determination device further includes a suggestion unit that suggests the absorbent article determined by the determination unit as a product to be worn by the user.

[0038] According to this type of judgment device, the absorbent article indicated by the judgment result is suggested as a product to be worn by the user, allowing the caregiver to appropriately purchase the absorbent article to be worn by the user.

[0039] The determination device also proposes a method of putting on and taking off the absorbent article determined by the determination unit.

[0040] According to such a determination device, a method of putting on and taking off an absorbent article indicated by the determination result is suggested, and therefore the burden associated with care work can be reduced by providing appropriate support to the caregiver.

[0041] The determination device also proposes a guidance method for guiding the user to a toilet based on the user's independent excretion status estimated based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit.

[0042] Such a judgment device suggests a method of guiding the user to the toilet based on the user's independent excretion status estimated from the evaluation results, thereby providing appropriate support to caregivers and reducing the burden associated with care work.

[0043] In addition, the determination device further has a state estimation unit that estimates a change in the user's state based on the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit, and the suggestion unit suggests information according to the estimation result by the state estimation unit.

[0044] With such a determination device, changes in the user's condition are estimated based on the acquired analysis results and information is proposed according to the estimation results, making it possible to visualize the improvement status for the user. Therefore, if the walking condition has improved, the user can be motivated to make further improvement, and if the walking condition has deteriorated, support can be provided to improve the walking condition.

[0045] In addition, the determination device estimates the improvement status of the user's walking condition by comparing the current analysis result of the user's walking with the past analysis results of the user's walking as the analysis result, and presents the improvement status, and if it determines that the user's walking condition has deteriorated based on the improvement status, suggests a care method capable of improving the walking condition.

[0046] With this type of determination device, the improvement status of the user's walking condition is estimated by comparing the current analysis results of the user's walking with past analysis results of the user's walking, and the estimated improvement status is presented.If the improvement status determines that the user's walking condition has deteriorated, a care method capable of improving the walking condition is suggested.Therefore, if the user's walking condition has improved, it is possible to increase the user's motivation to make further improvement, and if the walking condition has deteriorated, it is possible to support the user in improving their walking condition.

[0047] In addition, the judgment device estimates the risk of the user developing a specified physical condition in the future based on specified statistical data regarding other users for whom analysis results similar to the acquired analysis results have been obtained, and if it is estimated that the user will develop a specified physical condition in the future based on the estimated risk, it suggests a care method that can reduce the risk.

[0048] With this type of determination device, the risk of a user developing a specified physical condition in the future is estimated based on specified statistical data regarding other users for which analysis results similar to the acquired analysis results have been obtained, and if it is estimated that the user will develop a specified physical condition in the future based on the estimated risk, a care method capable of reducing the risk is suggested.Since future risks can be visualized, it is possible to take measures in advance to reduce the risk of, for example, becoming bedridden in the future.

[0049] An example of a form for carrying out a determination device, a determination method, a determination program, and a determination system (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the determination device, the determination method, the determination program, and the determination system are not limited to this embodiment. In addition, the same parts in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0050] [Embodiment] 1. Introduction In nursing care settings, adult diapers are sometimes used for care recipients, and these adult diapers are divided into several types according to the way they are put on and taken off. For example, there are types of adult diapers such as pants type and tape type, and pants type diapers and tape type diapers are used depending on the independent excretion status of the care recipient.

[0051] For example, pants-type diapers are characterized by a structure that allows them to be pulled up and down like underwear, while tape-type diapers are characterized by a structure that allows them to be fastened with tape so that they can be easily put on and taken off even when the wearer is lying down.

[0052] For this reason, pants-type diapers are mainly used for those who are able to use the toilet independently. Here, independent excretion refers to the sequence of excretion actions, from moving to the toilet by oneself, using the toilet, and cleaning up afterward. On the other hand, tape-type diapers are mainly used for those who spend most of their time sleeping and must rely on caregivers to handle their excretion.

[0053] Here, currently, the decision of whether to use a pants-type diaper or a tape-type diaper for a care recipient is often made by the caregiver based on experience. For example, if the caregiver visually checks the walking state of the care recipient and thinks that the risk of falling is low, the caregiver judges that the care recipient can safely go to the toilet and relieve himself / herself safely, i.e., that he / she can excrete independently, and judges that a pants-type diaper should be used. On the other hand, if the caregiver thinks that the risk of falling is high, the caregiver judges that independent excretion is difficult because there is a risk of falling on the way to the toilet or when excreting in the toilet, and as a result, judges that a tape-type diaper should be used.

[0054] However, such judgments based on experience are primarily based on the caregiver's subjective opinion, and too much consideration is given to safety, resulting in the problem that even those cared for who are actually able to urinate independently, or even those who are semi-independent, meaning they can get to the toilet with some assistance and are able to urinate on their own (for example, those who, depending on their rehabilitation, have the potential to improve to the point where they can urinate independently in the future), are judged to need tape-type diapers.

[0055] Furthermore, if tape-type diapers are used on such care recipients who are capable of excreting independently, they will have to receive more assistance from the caregiver in excreting, and as a result, they will lose the opportunity to move on their own. This can lead to a decline in their quality of life (QOL) due to a decline in their physical strength and motivation. In addition, when tape-type diapers are used, problems also arise in that the self-esteem of the care recipient is hurt by having their diapers changed.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention uses digital technology to resolve the issue of caregivers being unable to properly judge the independent excretion status based on their own experience, thereby proposing the most suitable adult diaper (absorbent article) according to the independent excretion status.

[0057] Specifically, according to the information processing of the embodiment, the independent excretion status of the care recipient (user) is evaluated based on the analysis result of the walking of the care recipient, and the adult diaper to be recommended to the care recipient is determined based on the evaluation result. This information processing makes it possible to appropriately judge the independent excretion status of the care recipient and to recommend the most suitable adult diaper according to the judgment result, which is thought to reduce the burden of care work for the caregiver and effectively increase the opportunity to improve the QOL of the care recipient. The information processing of the embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0058] [2. System configuration] From now on, an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall image of information processing according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a determination system, and includes a terminal device 10 and an information processing device 100. The terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication.

[0059] The terminal device 10 is an information processing terminal used by an end user. The terminal device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like.

[0060] Moreover, an application AP (hereinafter abbreviated as "app AP") corresponding to an analysis program that is a program for analyzing a person's gait is pre-installed in the terminal device 10. Therefore, the terminal device 10 analyzes the person's gait according to the control of the app AP. For example, the terminal device 10 analyzes the walking state of the subject to determine what kind of walking characteristics the subject has. For example, the terminal device 10 analyzes the subject's gait based on a captured image in which the subject's walking is captured. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 transmits the analysis result to the information processing device 100. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 displays suggested information regarding absorbent articles determined by the information processing device 100 based on the analysis result on a screen corresponding to the app AP.

[0061] In the following embodiment, it is described that the transmission and reception of information between the terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 is realized by the application AP, which is an analysis program. However, the transmission and reception of information between the terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 itself may be performed by a general-purpose application (browser application).

[0062] The information processing device 100 is an example of a determination device, and performs information processing according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the information processing device 100 acquires an analysis result regarding the user's walking, and evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the acquired analysis result. Then, the information processing device 100 determines an absorbent article to be recommended to the user based on the evaluation result.

[0063] [3. An example of information processing] From here, an example of the overall flow of the proposal process according to the embodiment will be described with continued reference to Fig. 1. The example in Fig. 1 shows a scene in which gait analysis and information proposal based on the analysis results are performed on a care recipient U1 who is a user receiving care from a caregiver HP1 in a care facility FC1. Also, the terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a smartphone used by the caregiver HP1, and has an app AP installed thereon.

[0064] In the example of Fig. 1, first, the caregiver HP1 uses the terminal device 10 to capture a video of the care recipient U1 walking (step S11). For example, the caregiver HP1 may capture the care recipient U1 walking from any direction. For example, the caregiver HP1 captures the care recipient U1 walking in a specific direction from the front, side, or back of the care recipient U1.

[0065] In step S11, the terminal device 10 captures an image of the care recipient U1 in response to the video shooting of the caregiver HP1, thereby acquiring a captured video.

[0066] Next, the terminal device 10 performs gait analysis based on the captured video to analyze the walking state of the care recipient U1 and determine the walking characteristics of the care recipient U1 (step S12). For example, as the gait analysis based on the captured video, the terminal device 10 calculates items for comprehensively evaluating the walking (e.g., walking speed, stride length, walking rate, foot pressure), items for evaluating the stability of the walking (head sway, trunk sway, foot sway), and items for evaluating the left-right difference (left-right difference in head tilt, left-right difference in trunk tilt).

[0067] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 transmits the analysis result of the gait analysis to the information processing device 100 (step S13). Then, the information processing device 100 acquires the analysis result (step S14). Specifically, the information processing device 100 acquires the analysis result of the gait analysis of the terminal device 10 from the terminal device 10.

[0068] The information processing device 100 also estimates the risk of falling when the care recipient U1 excretes independently based on the walking condition indicated by the analysis result (step S15). For example, the information processing device 100 estimates the risk of falling when the care recipient U1 puts on and takes off an adult diaper by himself based on the walking condition indicated by the analysis result, which is an item for comprehensively evaluating walking, an item for evaluating stability related to walking, and an item for evaluating left-right difference. The risk of falling here may be a score that indicates the possibility of falling.

[0069] Next, the information processing device 100 evaluates the independent excretion status of the care recipient U1 based on the fall risk (step S16). For example, the information processing device 100 may calculate an evaluation value indicating the independent excretion status of the care recipient U1 based on the fall risk, or may evaluate the independent excretion status of the care recipient U1 by rank. When calculating the evaluation value, the information processing device 100 can calculate a higher evaluation value as the fall risk is lower, from the viewpoint that the lower the fall risk, the higher the possibility of independent excretion.

[0070] For example, if the information processing device 100 estimates the risk of falling to be "10" (probability of falling 10%) in step S14, it can calculate an evaluation value of "90" based on the risk of falling of "10".

[0071] Next, the information processing device 100 determines an adult diaper to be proposed to the care recipient U1 based on the evaluation result (step S17). For example, the information processing device 100 estimates which of two style types, such as pants type and tape type, is suitable for the care recipient U1 based on whether the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, when the evaluation value is higher than a predetermined threshold and it is determined that the care recipient U1 is capable of excretion independently, the information processing device 100 estimates that the pants type is suitable for the care recipient U1. On the other hand, when the evaluation value is lower than a predetermined threshold and it is determined that the care recipient U1 is unable to excrete independently, the information processing device 100 estimates that the tape type is suitable for the care recipient U1. Then, the information processing device 100 determines the adult diaper of the estimated style type among the adult diapers to be proposed to the care recipient U1. For example, the information processing device 100 determines which product of adult diaper to recommend to the care recipient U1 is by comparing the estimation result with the product information storage unit 123 (FIG. 5) in which product information indicating the adult diapers to be recommended is stored.

[0072] In the example of Figure 1, the information processing device 100 estimates that the style type appropriate for the care recipient U1 is a pants-type, and accordingly determines that a pants-type adult diaper is the adult diaper to be recommended to the care recipient U1.

[0073] Then, the information processing device 100 proposes the adult diaper indicated by the determination result as a product to be worn by the care recipient U1 (step S18). For example, the information processing device 100 generates suggested content proposing the adult diaper indicated by the determination result as a product to be worn, and transmits this to the terminal device 10. The example in Fig. 1 shows an example in which the information processing device 100 generates suggested content C1, which is a screen proposing the adult diaper indicated by the determination result as a product to be worn, and transmits the suggested content C1 to the terminal device 10.

[0074] According to the example of Fig. 1, the suggested content C1 displays product information PD1 corresponding to the adult diaper indicated by the determination result. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, the product information PD1 may be composed of text indicating that the adult diaper indicated by the determination result is a pants type, and a package image of the adult diaper. Also, the suggested content C1 may include link information (URL) for transitioning to a detailed screen of the product indicated by the product information PD1.

[0075] An example of information processing according to an embodiment performed by the information processing device 100 has been described above with reference to Fig. 1. According to such an information processing device 100, it becomes possible to appropriately judge the independent excretion status of the care recipient U1 and to propose the most suitable adult diaper according to the judgment result, thereby reducing the burden of care work on the caregiver HP1 and effectively increasing the opportunities for the care recipient U1 to improve their QOL.

[0076] 1 shows an example in which the terminal device 10 performs gait analysis according to the control of the application AP, but gait analysis may be performed on the information processing device 100 side. In such a case, the information processing device 100 may be configured to acquire captured video from the terminal device 10, for example, in a state in which an analysis program for analyzing the gait of a user is installed.

[0077] 4. Configuration of Information Processing Device Next, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0078] (Regarding communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 10, for example.

[0079] (Regarding the storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 120 has an analysis result storage unit 121, a physical information storage unit 122, and a product information storage unit 123.

[0080] (Regarding the analysis result storage unit 121) The analysis result storage unit 121 stores analysis results regarding the walking of a user (for example, a user who is in a position to be cared for). An example of the analysis result storage unit 121 according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 3. In the example of Fig. 3, the analysis result storage unit 121 has items such as "user ID", "overall evaluation", "stability", "left-right difference", and "risk of falling".

[0081] The "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. For example, the "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user who is in a position of being cared for.

[0082] The "overall evaluation" is an example of a walking condition indicated by the analysis result, and corresponds to an item for evaluating walking comprehensively. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the "overall evaluation" may be composed of items indicating detailed walking conditions such as "walking speed," "step length," and "walking rate."

[0083] "Stability" is an example of a walking condition indicated by the analysis result, and corresponds to an item for evaluating the stability of walking. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, "stability" may be composed of items indicating detailed walking conditions such as "head shaking," "trunk shaking," and "foot shaking."

[0084] "Right-left difference" is an example of a walking state indicated by the analysis result, and corresponds to an item for evaluating the right-left difference in walking. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, "right-left difference" may be composed of items indicating detailed walking states such as "left-right difference in head tilt," "left-right difference in trunk tilt," "left-right difference in pelvic tilt," "left-right difference in elbow movement tilt," and "left-right difference in pitch."

[0085] "Fall risk" refers to the risk of a user falling when using the toilet independently. For example, "fall risk" refers to the risk of a user falling when putting on or taking off an adult diaper by themselves.

[0086] That is, in the example of Fig. 3, the walking conditions of the care recipient U1 are calculated as "walking speed #1", "step length #1", "walking rate #1", "head shaking #1", "trunk shaking #1", "foot shaking #1", "left-right difference in head tilt #1", "left-right difference in trunk tilt #1", "left-right difference in pelvic tilt #1", "left-right difference in elbow movement tilt #1", and "left-right difference in pitch #1" by the gait analysis of the user (care recipient U1) identified by the user ID "U1". Note that in the example of Fig. 3, the walking conditions shown by the analysis results are conceptually represented using symbols such as "walking speed #1", but actually, legitimate information showing the analysis results is stored.

[0087] In addition, in the example of Fig. 3, based on the analysis results shown by each associated item, the fall risk of the care recipient U1 is estimated to be "Fall risk #1". Regarding "Fall risk", proper information is actually stored, not the conceptual notation as in Fig. 3.

[0088] (Regarding the physical information storage unit 122) The physical information storage unit 122 stores physical information of a user (for example, a user who is in a position to be cared for). FIG. 4 shows an example of the physical information storage unit 122 according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the physical information storage unit 122 has items such as "user ID," "physical information," and "difficulty of putting on and taking off." As shown in FIG. 4, examples of "physical information" include "movement information," "range of motion information," "posture information," and "muscle strength information."

[0089] The "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. For example, the "user ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user who is in a position of being cared for.

[0090] The "motion information" is information indicating how well a person can perform the predetermined motions required for putting on and taking off an adult diaper. The predetermined motions referred to here are, for example, the motion of standing up from a sitting position, the motion of sitting down from a standing position, the motion of the arms when pulling up an adult diaper, the motion of the arms when lowering an adult diaper, etc. The "motion information" may be the result of an analysis based on an actually captured video to determine how well a person can perform the predetermined motions required for putting on and taking off an adult diaper, or may be registered by a caregiver, for example.

[0091] "Range of motion information" is information indicating the range of motion of the hip joint or trunk of the user. "Range of motion information" may be, for example, information indicating the results of estimating the range of motion of the user's major joints (for example, lower limb joints such as hip joints, knee joints, hip joints, and ankle joints, trunk joints such as thoracic and lumbar joints from the waist to the back, and upper limb joints such as arms, shoulders, and elbows). "Range of motion information" may also be the results of estimating the range of motion of the hip joint, the range of motion of trunk forward bending, and the range of motion of trunk rotation. These ranges of motion may also be estimated based on captured video showing the user moving, or may be registered by, for example, a caregiver.

[0092] The "posture information" is information that indicates the posture of the user. The "posture information" may be, for example, an analysis result of the posture state of the user based on a captured video showing the user moving, or may be registered by a caregiver.

[0093] The "muscle strength information" is information that indicates the muscle strength of the user. For example, the "muscle strength information" may be information that indicates the results of a grip strength test, or may be the results of an investigation into whether the user can tear an adult diaper by himself or herself.

[0094] "Difficulty of putting on and taking off" is information indicating the difficulty of a user putting on and taking off an absorbent article by himself / herself. "Difficulty of putting on and taking off" is estimated based on "physical information". For example, "Difficulty of putting on and taking off" may be estimated based on all or any combination of "movement information", "range of motion information", "posture information", and "muscle strength information".

[0095] That is, in the example of Fig. 4, the "physical information" of a user (care recipient U1) identified by a user ID "U1" is shown to be "motion information #1," "range of motion information #1," "posture information #1," and "muscle strength information #1." Note that in the example of Fig. 4, the physical information is conceptually represented using symbols such as "motion information #1," but actually, legitimate information indicating the physical information is stored.

[0096] 4 shows an example in which the dressing / undressing difficulty level of the care recipient U1 is estimated to be "dressing / undressing difficulty level #1." Regarding the "dressing / undressing difficulty level," valid information is stored instead of a conceptual notation such as 4.

[0097] (Regarding the product information storage unit 123) The product information storage unit 123 stores information related to absorbent articles sold as products. An example of the product information storage unit 123 according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, the product information storage unit 123 has items such as "evaluation result", "type of form", "size", "time period", "absorption performance", and "product information".

[0098] The "evaluation result" indicates information corresponding to the evaluation result of the independent excretion status of the user. The "form type" indicates the type into which the form of the adult diaper is divided according to the method of putting on and taking off. The "size" is information indicating the size of the adult diaper. The "form type" is determined according to the corresponding "evaluation result", and for example, there are pants type and tape type. The "form type" is not limited to pants type and tape type, and for example, there is also a 2-way type that has both the characteristics of the pants type and the characteristics of the tape type. In this embodiment, the 2-way type belongs to the pants type side.

[0099] "Time zone" is information that specifies whether the product is for daytime use or nighttime use. "Absorption performance" is information that specifies how much urine a product can absorb (capacity). "Product information" indicates product information related to an absorbent article. The absorbent article indicated by "product information" may be an adult diaper or a urine absorption pad. The absorbent article indicated by "product information" may also be a combination of an adult diaper and a urine absorption pad to be used in conjunction with the adult diaper.

[0100] That is, in the example of FIG. 5, when the information processing device 100 evaluates the independent excretion status of the user and can evaluate it as “A judgment” (e.g., independent excretion possible), it estimates that the style type for this user is “pants type”.

[0101] In addition, in the example of Figure 5, "pants type" absorbent articles are further divided into "size types" such as "S size", "M size", and "L size", and the information processing device 100 shows an example in which it is possible to narrow down absorbent articles of a size type according to the user's body type from among absorbent articles belonging to the "pants type".

[0102] In addition, in the example of Figure 5, the "pants type" and "S size" absorbent articles are further divided by "time period" based on the intended use, such as "daytime" and "nighttime," and the information processing device 100 shows an example in which the "pants type" and "S size" absorbent articles can be further narrowed down according to the convenience of the time period during which the absorbent articles will be worn.

[0103] In addition, in the example of Figure 5, the "pants type", "small size" and "daytime" absorbent articles are further classified by "absorption performance", such as "having an absorbent body capable of absorbing two urinations", "having an absorbent body capable of absorbing four urinations", etc., and the information processing device 100 shows an example in which it is possible to narrow down the absorbent articles having absorption performance according to the user's excretion situation from among the "pants type", "small size" and "daytime" absorbent articles.

[0104] In addition, in the example of Figure 5, an absorbent article that is "pants type", "size S", and "for daytime use" and "has an absorbent body capable of absorbing two urinations" is shown as an example of a product indicated by product information "PD1-SD2".

[0105] (Regarding the control unit 130) 2, the control unit 130 is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 100 using a RAM as a working area. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0106] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, an evaluation unit 132, an estimation unit 133, a determination unit 134, a proposal unit 135, and a state estimation unit 136, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Also, the connection relationship between the processing units of the control unit 130 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 2, and may be other connection relationships.

[0107] (Regarding the acquisition unit 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires an analysis result related to the user's walking. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires an analysis result indicating the walking state of the user as the analysis result. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires an analysis result in which the walking state of the user is analyzed based on a captured image in which the user's walking state is captured as the analysis result indicating the walking state of the user.

[0108] In the example of Fig. 1, the terminal device 10 analyzes the walking state of the user by analyzing a captured video showing the user walking according to the control of an application AP corresponding to an analysis program that analyzes the user's walking. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 1, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the analysis result of the gait analysis that the terminal device 10 performed on the captured video according to the control of the application AP.

[0109] The analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit 131 include, for example, items for comprehensively evaluating walking (e.g., walking speed, stride length, walking rate), calculation of items for evaluating stability related to walking (head sway, trunk sway, leg sway), and items for evaluating left-right differences (e.g., left-right difference in head tilt, left-right difference in trunk tilt, etc.), and such analysis results are stored in the analysis result memory unit 121.

[0110] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire an analysis result indicating the distribution state of foot pressure when the user is walking, as the analysis result indicating the walking state of the user.

[0111] The acquisition unit 131 may further acquire physical information indicating the physical condition of the user. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires, as the physical information, physical information indicating a predetermined motion required when putting on or taking off an absorbent article. As an example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information indicating an analysis result of an analysis of how well a user can perform a predetermined motion required when putting on or taking off an absorbent article (for example, a motion of standing up from a sitting position, a motion of sitting down from a standing position, a motion of the arms when pulling up an adult diaper, a motion of the arms when taking off an adult diaper, etc.).

[0112] The acquisition unit 131 may also acquire information indicating the posture or muscle strength of the user as the physical information. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may also acquire information indicating the range of motion of the hip joint or the trunk of the user.

[0113] Acquiring section 131 also stores the acquired physical information in physical information storage section 122 .

[0114] (Regarding evaluation unit 132) The evaluation unit 132 evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the evaluation unit 132 evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the walking state indicated by the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0115] The evaluation unit 132 also estimates the risk of falling when the user performs independent excretion from the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit 131, and evaluates the status of independent excretion by the user based on the estimated risk of falling. In this regard, according to the example of FIG. 1, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the risk of falling when the user, who is a care recipient U1, puts on and takes off an adult diaper by himself based on an item that comprehensively evaluates walking, an item that evaluates stability related to walking, and an item that evaluates a difference between the left and right. Then, the evaluation unit 132 evaluates the status of independent excretion by the care recipient U1 based on the estimated risk of falling. For example, the evaluation unit 132 calculates an evaluation value indicating the status of independent excretion by the care recipient U1 based on the risk of falling.

[0116] The evaluation unit 132 may also evaluate the independent excretion status of the user based on the analysis results and the physical information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article, which is the degree of difficulty of the user putting on and taking off the absorbent article by himself / herself, based on the physical information, and evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the estimated degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article and the risk of falling estimated from the analysis results. For example, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article based on all or any combination of the "motion information", "range of motion information", "posture information", and "muscle strength information" stored in the physical information storage unit 122. As an example, the evaluation unit 132 analyzes how well the user can perform predetermined movements (e.g., movements of standing up from a sitting position, movements of sitting down from a standing position, movements of the arms when pulling up an adult diaper, movements of the arms when lowering an adult diaper, etc.) required when putting on and taking off the absorbent article, based on the physical information. Then, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article based on the analysis results. For example, the evaluation unit 132 estimates a lower putting on and taking off difficulty level as it is determined based on the analysis result that a specific action required when putting on and taking off the absorbent article can be performed more smoothly. For example, the information processing device 100 may have a memory unit that predefines the estimated putting on and taking off difficulty level based on the analysis result obtained, and in such a case, the evaluation unit 132 can estimate the putting on and taking off difficulty level by comparing this memory unit with the actual analysis result.

[0117] (Regarding the estimation unit 133) The estimation unit 133 estimates a type of absorbent article that corresponds to the user, among the types of absorbent articles, based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 132. As described above, adult diapers, which are absorbent articles, are divided into at least two form types, a pants type and a tape type, depending on the method of fastening and unfastening. Therefore, the estimation unit 133 estimates which of the two form types corresponds to the user, based on whether the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0118] 1, when the evaluation result indicates that the evaluation value is higher than a predetermined threshold and thus it is possible to determine that the care recipient U1 is capable of excretion independently, the estimation unit 133 estimates that the style type corresponding to the care recipient U1 is the pants type. On the other hand, when the evaluation result indicates that the evaluation value is lower than a predetermined threshold and thus it is possible to determine that the care recipient U1 is unable to excrete independently, the estimation unit 133 estimates that the style type corresponding to the care recipient U1 is the tape type.

[0119] In addition, when a plurality of detailed types are associated with the estimated type, the estimation unit 133 may further estimate a detailed type corresponding to the user from among the plurality of detailed types using the evaluation result. For example, when a plurality of detailed types are associated with the estimated form type, the estimation unit 133 further estimates a detailed type corresponding to the user from among the plurality of detailed types based on the evaluation result. In this regard, for example, assuming that the form type corresponding to the care recipient U1 is a pants type, when pants type adult diapers are divided into a plurality of types according to operability, the estimation unit 133 estimates which of the plurality of detailed types is the detailed type corresponding to the user based on the evaluation result.

[0120] (Regarding the determination unit 134) The determination unit 134 determines an absorbent article to be proposed to the user based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 132. More specifically, the determination unit 134 determines, from among the proposed candidate absorbent articles, an absorbent article of the type estimated by the estimation unit 133 based on the evaluation result, as the absorbent article to be proposed to the user.

[0121] According to the example of Figure 1, the determination unit 134 determines which product of adult diaper to recommend to the care recipient U1 is by comparing the estimation result with the product information storage unit 123 (Figure 5), in which product information indicating the adult diapers that are candidates for recommendation is stored.

[0122] (About Proposal Section 135) The suggestion unit 135 makes various suggestions regarding the user. Specifically, the suggestion unit 135 makes suggestions regarding absorbent articles.

[0123] For example, the suggestion unit 135 suggests the absorbent article determined by the determination unit 134 as a product to be worn by the user. According to the example of Fig. 1, the suggestion unit 135 generates suggested content in which the adult diaper indicated by the determination result is suggested as a product to be worn, and transmits this to the terminal device 10.

[0124] The suggestion unit 135 may further suggest a method of putting on and taking off the absorbent article determined by the determination unit 134. For example, the suggestion unit 135 suggests a method of putting on and taking off the absorbent article according to the care skill of the caregiver in charge of replacing the absorbent article determined by the determination unit 134. As an example, when the care skill of the caregiver in charge of replacing the absorbent article determined by the determination unit 134 does not meet a predetermined value and is determined to have little experience in caregiving, for example, the suggestion unit 135 transmits a detailed method of putting on and taking off the absorbent article to the terminal device 10 of the caregiver. On the other hand, when the care skill of the caregiver in charge of replacing the absorbent article determined by the determination unit 134 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value and is determined to have sufficient experience in caregiving, for example, the suggestion unit 135 transmits a simple method of putting on and taking off the absorbent article to the terminal device 10 of the caregiver, or does not suggest a method of putting on and taking off the absorbent article.

[0125] According to such a proposed method, the information processing device 100 can reduce the burden of care work by appropriately supporting the caregiver. In addition, since the information processing device 100 can change the way of proposing the putting on and taking off method according to the caregiver's care skill, it can provide appropriate support to a caregiver with insufficient care skills, and can provide a proposal that prioritizes the caregiver's way of doing things to a caregiver with sufficient care skills.

[0126] The suggestion unit 135 can employ any method for suggesting the method of putting on and taking off. For example, the suggestion unit 135 can display content indicating the method of putting on and taking off superimposed on a predetermined object related to the absorbent article. For example, when acquiring a captured image of an absorbent article from the terminal device 10, the suggestion unit 135 controls so that content indicating the method of putting on and taking off is displayed superimposed on the absorbent article in the captured image displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10.

[0127] Furthermore, the suggestion unit 135 may also suggest a method of attaching a urine absorption pad to an adult diaper as a suggestion regarding the absorbent article.

[0128] The suggestion unit 135 may also suggest a guidance method for guiding the user to the toilet based on the state of the user's independent excretion estimated based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 132. For example, the suggestion unit 135 may suggest a method of speaking to the user, such as the content of what to say to the user when guiding the user to the toilet and the tone of the voice to use. As an example, the suggestion unit 135 may suggest a method of speaking to the user, such as "speak to the user with a smile while making eye contact." Similarly to the suggestion of the putting on and taking off method, the suggestion unit 135 may change the way of suggesting the guidance method depending on the care skill of the caregiver.

[0129] According to such a proposed method, the information processing device 100 can reduce the burden of care work by appropriately supporting the caregiver. In addition, since the information processing device 100 can change the way of proposing the putting on and taking off method according to the caregiver's care skill, it can provide appropriate support to a caregiver with insufficient care skills, and can provide a proposal that prioritizes the caregiver's way of doing things to a caregiver with sufficient care skills.

[0130] Further, the suggestion unit 135 may not only suggest the putting on / off method and the guiding method, but also provide information that enhances the motivation of the caregiver for the care work. For example, the suggestion unit 135 controls the output of the terminal device 10 of the caregiver to output "Let's do our best!" at the timing when various care work including guiding to the toilet is started. Also, for example, when the suggestion unit 135 detects that various care work has ended, the suggestion unit 135 controls the output of the terminal device 10 of the caregiver to output "Thank you for your hard work." Note that such output control may be performed by a processing unit (e.g., a providing unit) other than the suggestion unit 135 (not shown).

[0131] (Regarding the state estimation unit 136) The state estimation unit 136 estimates a change in the state of the user based on the analysis result acquired by the acquisition unit 131. Then, the proposing unit 135 proposes information according to the estimation result by the state estimation unit 136.

[0132] For example, the state estimation unit 136 estimates an improvement status of the user's walking condition by comparing, as an analysis result, a current analysis result of the user's walking, with a past analysis result of the user's walking. For example, the state estimation unit 136 determines whether the user's walking condition has improved by comparing a current analysis result with a past analysis result of the user's walking. Then, when the state estimation unit 136 determines that the walking condition has improved, it estimates the degree of improvement as the improvement status. On the other hand, when the state estimation unit 136 determines that the walking condition has not improved (i.e. has worsened), it estimates the degree of deterioration as the improvement status.

[0133] In this case, the suggestion unit 135 presents the improvement status, and when it is determined from the improvement status that the walking condition of the user has deteriorated, suggests a care method capable of improving the walking condition. According to such an information processing device 100, since the improvement status can be visualized for the user, when the walking condition has improved, the motivation for further improvement can be increased, and when the walking condition has deteriorated, support can be provided to improve the walking condition.

[0134] The suggestion unit 135 may also make a suggestion based on the improvement status of other nursing care facilities. For example, a care recipient U11 having attributes similar to that of a care recipient U1 residing in a nursing care facility FC1 is residing in another nursing care facility FC11. In this case, the condition estimation unit 136 compares the improvement status of the walking condition of the care recipient U1 with the improvement status of the walking condition of the care recipient U11, thereby estimating the degree to which one has improved more.

[0135] In this case, the suggestion unit 135 outputs to the nursing facility FC1 side a suggestion such as "Mr. A of nursing facility FC11 has improved by XX in the past six months. Mr. B is losing by XX. Let's try our best to overtake him next time!" On the other hand, the suggestion unit 135 outputs to the nursing facility FC11 side a suggestion such as "Mr. A of nursing facility FC11 beat Mr. B of nursing facility FC1 by XX! Let's try harder to win next time too."

[0136] According to such an information processing device 100, for example, it becomes possible to realize a competition among nursing care facilities in terms of improvement status, and therefore it becomes possible to effectively increase the motivation of users to work on rehabilitation.

[0137] The state estimation unit 136 may estimate the risk of the user becoming in a predetermined physical condition in the future based on predetermined statistical data on other users for whom analysis results similar to the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit have been obtained. For example, the state estimation unit 136 acquires statistical data based on information on care for other users for whom analysis results similar to the analysis results for the care recipient U1 have been obtained. Here, it is assumed that the state estimation unit 136 has acquired statistics showing that other users for whom similar analysis results have been obtained have become bedridden in several years. In this case, the state estimation unit 136 estimates the risk that the care recipient U1 will also become bedridden in the future based on such statistical data.

[0138] Furthermore, when it is estimated that the care recipient U1 will become bedridden in the future based on the estimated risk, the suggestion unit 135 suggests a care method capable of reducing the risk. According to such an information processing device 100, it is possible to visualize future risks, and therefore to allow the care recipient U1 to take measures in advance to reduce the risk of becoming bedridden.

[0139] 5. Processing Procedure Next, the procedure of information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 6, the terminal device 10 analyzes the gait of the care recipient based on a captured video showing the care recipient walking according to the control of the application AP. Also, in the example of Fig. 6, the absorbent article will be described as an adult diaper.

[0140] In such a case, the acquisition unit 131 judges whether or not the analysis result of analyzing the walking state of the care receiver as to what kind of walking characteristics the care receiver has been obtained (step S101). While the acquisition unit 131 judges that the analysis result has not been obtained (step S101; No), the acquisition unit 131 waits until it is judged that the analysis result has been obtained.

[0141] On the other hand, when it is determined that the analysis result has been acquired (Step S101; Yes), the acquiring unit 131 further acquires physical information indicating the physical condition of the care recipient (Step S102).

[0142] Next, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the risk of falling when the care recipient performs excretion independently based on the walking condition indicated by the acquired analysis result (step S103). For example, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the risk of falling when the care recipient puts on and takes off an adult diaper by himself / herself based on the walking condition indicated by the analysis result, which is an item for comprehensively evaluating walking, an item for evaluating stability related to walking, and an item for evaluating a difference between the left and right sides.

[0143] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the adult diaper, which is the degree of difficulty with which the care recipient puts on and takes off the adult diaper by himself / herself, based on the physical information (step S104). For example, the evaluation unit 132 estimates the degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the adult diaper based on all or any combination of the "motion information", "range of motion information", "posture information", and "muscle strength information" stored in the physical information storage unit 122.

[0144] Then, the evaluation unit 132 evaluates the independent excretion status of the care recipient based on the estimated fall risk and the difficulty of putting on and taking off (step S105). For example, the evaluation unit 132 comprehensively evaluates the independent excretion status from the viewpoints of both the fall risk and the difficulty of putting on and taking off based on whether the estimated fall risk meets a predetermined condition and whether the difficulty of putting on and taking off meets a predetermined condition.

[0145] Next, the estimation unit 133 estimates a type of adult diaper (pants type, tape type) appropriate for the care recipient based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 132 (Step S106).

[0146] The determination unit 134 determines an absorbent article to be proposed to the care recipient based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 133 (step S107). For example, the determination unit 134 determines, from among the adult diapers that are candidates for proposal, an adult diaper of the type estimated by the estimation unit 133 based on the evaluation result, as the absorbent article to be proposed to the care recipient.

[0147] Finally, the suggestion unit 135 suggests the adult diaper determined by the determination unit 134 as a product to be worn by the care recipient (Step S108).

[0148] [6. Evaluation Method] Next, the evaluation method performed in step S105 in Fig. 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an evaluation method for evaluating the independent excretion state based on the risk of falling and the difficulty of putting on and taking off.

[0149] First, the evaluation unit 132 judges whether or not the fall risk estimated based on the walking state shown in the analysis result satisfies a predetermined condition. According to the example of Fig. 7, the evaluation unit 132 judges whether the fall risk is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold N1 (step S201). The judgment process in step S201 is performed for the purpose of judging whether or not the care recipient satisfies one condition required for independent excretion, that is, the ability to safely go to the toilet and safely relieve oneself (hereinafter referred to as "condition CD1").

[0150] For example, when the evaluation unit 132 determines that the fall risk is lower than the predetermined threshold N1 (step S201; Yes), it first determines that the care recipient satisfies a condition CD1, which is one condition required for independent excretion, and then judges whether the difficulty of putting on and taking off estimated based on the physical information satisfies the predetermined condition. According to the example of FIG. 7, the evaluation unit 132 judges whether the difficulty of putting on and taking off is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold N2 (step S202a). The judgment process in step S202a is performed for the purpose of judging whether the care recipient satisfies one condition required for independent excretion (hereinafter referred to as "condition CD2"), that is, the care recipient who has reached the toilet has the ability to perform various actions required for putting on and taking off an adult diaper, such as sitting on and standing up from a seated position, and putting on and taking off an adult diaper, by himself or herself.

[0151] For example, when the evaluation unit 132 determines that the degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off is lower than the predetermined threshold value N2 (step S202a; Yes), it determines that the care-receiver further satisfies a condition CD2, which is one condition required for independent excretion.

[0152] In addition, a care recipient who is determined to satisfy both conditions CD1 and CD2 in this way is considered to be able to perform a series of excretory actions, such as moving to the toilet by himself, relieving himself, and cleaning up after himself. Therefore, the evaluation unit 132 judges a care recipient who satisfies both conditions CD1 and CD2 to be "evaluated A," indicating that the care recipient is capable of independent excretion. Furthermore, the estimation unit 133 compares the evaluation result "evaluated A" with the product information storage unit 123, and estimates that the style type corresponding to the care recipient with "evaluated A" is pants type.

[0153] Next, as another example, the evaluation unit 132 determines that the risk of falling is lower than the predetermined threshold N1 (step S201; Yes), while determining that the difficulty of putting on and taking off is higher than the predetermined threshold N2 (step S202a; No). This example means that the condition CD1 is satisfied but the condition CD2 is not satisfied, and it is considered that the care recipient who is determined in this way can move to the toilet by himself, but is anxious about performing the toilet action after moving by himself. However, if the care recipient has the ability to move to the toilet by himself, it is suggested that the toilet action after moving may be improved depending on rehabilitation. Therefore, the evaluation unit 132 judges the care recipient who satisfies the condition CD1 but does not satisfy the condition CD2 as "Evaluation B", which indicates that the care recipient is capable of semi-independent excretion. In addition, the estimation unit 133 compares the evaluation result "Evaluation B" with the product information storage unit 123 and estimates that the style type corresponding to the care recipient of "Evaluation B" is pants type.

[0154] For example, if a caregiver judges based on their own experience that condition CD1 is met but condition CD2 is not met, there is a high possibility that they will use tape-type adult diapers for safety reasons. However, the evaluation method in Figure 6 makes it possible to accurately judge whether there is room for improvement to enable independent excretion in the future, and therefore makes it possible to properly identify care recipients who are semi-independently capable of excretion but still have room for improvement, and to prevent them from becoming too dependent on the caregiver and losing the opportunity to act on their own.

[0155] As another example, the evaluation unit 132 determines that the risk of falling is higher than the predetermined threshold N1 (step S201; No), while determining that the difficulty of putting on and taking off is lower than the predetermined threshold N2 (step S202a; Yes). This example means that the condition CD1 is not satisfied but the condition CD2 is satisfied, and it is considered that the care recipient determined in this way is anxious about moving to the toilet by himself, but is capable of performing the toilet actions after moving by himself. In other words, it is suggested that the care recipient has the ability to perform the subsequent actions by himself as long as he goes to the toilet even with assistance, and that he may be able to move to the toilet by himself depending on rehabilitation. Therefore, the evaluation unit 132 judges the care recipient who does not satisfy the condition CD1 but satisfies the condition CD2 as "Evaluation B", which indicates that the care recipient is capable of semi-independent excretion. In addition, the estimation unit 133 compares the evaluation result "Evaluation B" with the product information storage unit 123 and estimates that the style type corresponding to the care recipient of "Evaluation B" is pants type.

[0156] For example, if a caregiver judges based on their own experience that condition CD1 is not met but condition CD2 is met, there is a high possibility that they will choose to use tape-type adult diapers for safety reasons. However, the evaluation method in Figure 6 makes it possible to accurately judge whether there is room for improvement to enable independent excretion in the future, and therefore makes it possible to properly identify care recipients who are semi-independently capable of excretion but still have room for improvement, and to prevent them from becoming too dependent on the caregiver and losing the opportunity to act on their own.

[0157] As yet another example, the evaluation unit 132 determines that the risk of falling is higher than the predetermined threshold N1 (step S201; No) and the difficulty of putting on and taking off is higher than the predetermined threshold N2 (step S202a; No). This example means that neither the condition CD1 nor the condition CD2 is satisfied, and the care recipient judged in this way spends most of the day sleeping and is considered to be unable to excrete independently. Therefore, the evaluation unit 132 judges the care recipient who does not satisfy both the conditions CD1 and CD2 as "Evaluation C", indicating that the care recipient is unable to excrete independently. Furthermore, the estimation unit 133 compares the evaluation result "Evaluation C" with the product information storage unit 123 and estimates that the form type corresponding to the care recipient with "Evaluation C" is a tape type.

[0158] [7. Other] Among the above-mentioned processes, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Also, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0159] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure. Furthermore, each component may be configured by distributing and integrating functionally or physically in any unit, in whole or in part, depending on various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, each process described above may be executed in appropriate combination within a range that does not contradict.

[0160] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, an acquisition section can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit.

[0161] [8. Hardware Configuration] Moreover, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment described above is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 8, for example. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and a calculation device 1030, a cache 1040, a memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0162] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in a cache 1040 or memory 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, etc., and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache such as a RAM that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, etc.

[0163] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and may be realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc., and is realized by, for example, a USB.

[0164] For example, the input device 1020 may be realized by a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The input device 1020 may also be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0165] The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also has a function of transmitting data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0166] Here, the arithmetic device 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic device 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 100, the arithmetic device 1030 of the computer 1000 executes the program loaded onto the cache 1040 to realize the function of the control unit 130. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Terminal Equipment 100 Information processing device 120 Storage section 121 Analysis result storage unit 122 Physical information storage unit 123 Product information storage section 130 Control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Evaluation Section 133 Estimation Department 134 Judgment section 135 Proposal Department 136 State Estimation Unit

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires an analysis result indicating a walking state of the user as an analysis result regarding the walking of the user; an evaluation unit that estimates a degree of risk regarding independent excretion of the user from the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit, and evaluates a state of independent excretion of the user based on the estimated degree of risk; an estimation unit that estimates a type of absorbent article corresponding to the user from among types of absorbent articles based on an evaluation result by the evaluation unit; a determination unit that determines, among the absorbent articles that are candidates for recommendation, an absorbent article of the type estimated by the estimation unit as an absorbent article to be recommended to the user; A determination device comprising:

2. The acquisition unit acquires, as an analysis result indicating the walking state of the user, an analysis result in which the walking state of the user is analyzed based on a captured image in which the manner in which the user is walking is captured.

2. The determination device according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires an analysis result indicating a distribution state of foot pressure when the user walks as the analysis result indicating the walking state of the user.

3. The determination device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The evaluation unit estimates, as the degree of risk, a degree of a fall risk of the user when the user performs independent excretion, and evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the estimated degree of fall risk.

4. The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

5. The acquisition unit further acquires physical information indicating a physical condition of the user, The evaluation unit evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the analysis result and the physical information acquired by the acquisition unit.

5. The determination device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

6. The evaluation unit estimates a degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article, which is a degree of difficulty with which the user puts on and takes off the absorbent article by himself / herself, based on the physical information, and evaluates the independent excretion status of the user based on the estimated degree of difficulty of putting on and taking off the absorbent article and the risk of falling estimated from the analysis result.

6. The determination device according to claim 5.

7. The acquisition unit acquires, as the physical information, physical information indicating a predetermined movement required when putting on or taking off an absorbent article.

7. The determination device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The acquisition unit acquires physical information indicating a standing up motion or a sitting down motion as the predetermined motion.

8. The determination device according to claim 7.

9. The acquisition unit acquires, as the physical information, information indicating a posture of the user or information indicating a muscle strength of the user. The determination device according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. The absorbent article, an adult diaper, is divided into at least two types of forms, a pants type and a tape type, according to the method of putting on and taking off the diaper, The estimation unit estimates which of the two form types is a form type corresponding to the user based on whether the evaluation result satisfies a predetermined condition. The determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. When a plurality of detailed types are associated with the estimated type, the estimation unit further estimates a detailed type corresponding to the user among the plurality of detailed types by using the evaluation result; The determination unit determines, from among the proposed candidate absorbent articles, an absorbent article of the detailed type estimated by the estimation unit as an absorbent article to be proposed to the user. The determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The present invention further includes a suggestion unit that suggests the absorbent article determined by the determination unit as a product to be worn by the user. The determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The suggestion unit suggests a method of putting on and taking off the absorbent article determined by the determination unit. The determination device according to claim 12 .

14. The suggestion unit suggests a guidance method for guiding the user to a toilet based on a state of independent excretion of the user estimated based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit.

14. The determination device according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The method further includes a state estimation unit that estimates a change in the state of the user based on the analysis result acquired by the acquisition unit, The proposing unit proposes information according to a result of the estimation by the state estimating unit. The determination device according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. the state estimation unit estimates an improvement status of the user's walking state by comparing, as the analysis result, a current analysis result of the analysis of the user's walking with a past analysis result of the user's walking; The suggestion unit presents the improvement status, and when it is determined from the improvement status that the walking condition of the user has deteriorated, suggests a care method capable of improving the walking condition.

16. The determination device according to claim 15.

17. the condition estimation unit estimates a risk of the user developing a predetermined physical condition in the future based on predetermined statistical data regarding other users from whom analysis results similar to the analysis result acquired by the acquisition unit have been obtained; The suggestion unit suggests a care method capable of reducing a risk when it is estimated that the user will have a predetermined physical condition in the future based on the risk.

17. The determination device according to claim 15 or 16.

18. A determination method executed by a determination device, an acquisition step of acquiring an analysis result indicating a walking state of the user as an analysis result regarding the walking of the user; an evaluation step of estimating a degree of risk regarding independent excretion of the user from the analysis results acquired in the acquisition step, and evaluating the independent excretion status of the user based on the estimated degree of risk; an estimation step of estimating a type corresponding to the user among types of absorbent articles based on an evaluation result in the evaluation step; a determining step of determining, from among the proposed candidate absorbent articles, an absorbent article of the type estimated by the estimating step as an absorbent article to be proposed to the user; A method for determining whether or not a particular

19. an acquisition step of acquiring an analysis result indicating a walking state of the user as an analysis result regarding the walking of the user; an evaluation step of estimating a degree of risk regarding independent excretion of the user from the analysis results acquired by the acquisition step, and evaluating a state of independent excretion of the user based on the estimated degree of risk; an estimation step of estimating a type of absorbent article corresponding to the user from among types of absorbent articles based on an evaluation result by the evaluation step; a determination step of determining, among the absorbent articles of the recommendation candidates, an absorbent article of the type estimated by the estimation step as an absorbent article to be recommended to the user; A judgment program for causing a computer to execute the above.

20. A determination system including a determination device and a terminal device equipped with an analysis program for analyzing a user's gait, The determination device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires an analysis result indicating a walking state of the user as an analysis result regarding the walking of the user; an evaluation unit that estimates a degree of risk regarding independent excretion of the user from the analysis results acquired by the acquisition unit, and evaluates a state of independent excretion of the user based on the estimated degree of risk; an estimation unit that estimates a type of absorbent article corresponding to the user from among types of absorbent articles based on an evaluation result by the evaluation unit; a determination unit that determines, among the absorbent articles that are candidates for recommendation, an absorbent article of the type estimated by the estimation unit as an absorbent article to be recommended to the user; A determination system comprising:

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