Information processing system, information processing method, terminal program, and terminal device

Abstract

To make hormone detection more easy, and precisely estimate information on menstruation.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: acquisition means which acquires hormone information being information on hormone detected from the expiration of a user; estimation means which estimates physical information indicating the physical condition of a woman for a user on the basis of the hormone information acquired by the acquisition means; and output means which outputs physical information estimated by the estimation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, a terminal program, and a terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for predicting a user's menstrual cycle using information acquired from the user. One example of such a technique is a technique for measuring a carbon dioxide concentration contained in the user's breath and predicting the user's menstrual cycle based on the measured carbon dioxide concentration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-176393 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques do not necessarily improve the ease of hormone detection while estimating physiological information with a high degree of accuracy.

[0005] For example, the above-mentioned conventional technology focuses on the change in carbon dioxide concentration in the alveoli due to hormonal action and measures the carbon dioxide concentration in the exhaled air. As described above, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not directly measure female hormones, so it is not necessarily easy to detect hormones, and it is not necessarily possible to estimate physiological information (e.g., menstrual cycle) with high accuracy.

[0006] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to improve the ease of hormone detection and to estimate physiological information with higher accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing system of the present application is characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring hormone information, which is information regarding hormones detected from a user's breath, an estimation means for estimating physical information indicating a female's physical condition to the user based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition means, and an output means for outputting the physical information estimated by the estimation means. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the ease of hormone detection can be improved and physiological information can be estimated with higher accuracy. [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 a user information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hormone information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cooperation information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to the modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hormone information storage unit 122b according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 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] An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring hormone information, which is information regarding hormones detected from a user's breath; an estimation means for estimating physical information indicating a female's physical condition to the user based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition means; and an output means for outputting the physical information estimated by the estimation means.

[0012] According to such an information processing system, for example, hormone information relating to female hormones detected from a user's breath is acquired, and physical information indicating the female's physical condition is estimated for the user based on the acquired hormone information, and the estimated physical information is output, thereby improving the ease of detecting female hormones and enabling more accurate estimation of information relating to a woman's physiology.

[0013] The information processing system also acquires hormone information relating to each of a plurality of different hormones as the hormone, and estimates physical information indicating the female's physical condition to the user based on the hormone information relating to each of the plurality of different hormones.

[0014] According to such an information processing system, for example, hormone information relating to each of a plurality of different female hormones is obtained, and physical information indicating a female's physical condition to a user is estimated based on the hormone information relating to each of a plurality of different female hormones, thereby improving the accuracy of estimation of physical information relating to menstruation and enabling more useful physical information to be output to the user.

[0015] The information processing system also acquires hormone information regarding hormones detected from the breath of the user by a predetermined detection means.

[0016] According to such an information processing system, for example, hormone information regarding female hormones detected from the breath of a user by a predetermined detection means is obtained, thereby making it possible to improve the ease of detecting female hormones.

[0017] The information processing system also obtains hormone information relating to each of the hormones detected from the breath of the user by a plurality of detection means each having a different combination of detectable hormones as the predetermined detection means.

[0018] According to such an information processing system, for example, hormone information regarding each of the female hormones detected from the user's breath is obtained using a plurality of detection means each having a different combination of detectable female hormones as a specified detection means, so that the sensor can be used according to the user's purpose (what information the user wants to know), thereby improving convenience in estimating physical information indicating a woman's physical condition.

[0019] The information processing system also acquires hormone information relating to hormones detected from the breath of the user by a detection means provided in a terminal device owned by the user as the predetermined detection means.

[0020] According to such an information processing system, for example, hormone information regarding female hormones detected from the user's breath is obtained by a detection means provided in a terminal device owned by the user as a specified detection means, thereby improving the ease of detecting female hormones.

[0021] Furthermore, the information processing system acquires, as the hormone information, hormone information indicating a hormone content, which is the amount of the hormone contained in the user's breath.

[0022] According to such an information processing system, for example, hormone information indicating the hormone content, which is the amount of female hormones contained in the user's breath, is obtained, thereby making it possible to estimate information regarding a woman's physiology with a higher degree of accuracy.

[0023] In addition, the information processing system estimates physical information related to the user's physiology as the physical information based on the hormone information.

[0024] According to such an information processing system, physical information related to the user's menstruation can be estimated as physical information based on hormone information, thereby supporting women's advancement in society.

[0025] The information processing system also estimates information regarding the user's physiology based on information based on the hormone content, which is the amount of the hormone contained in the user's breath, and physiological information indicating the user's menstrual cycle.

[0026] According to such an information processing system, for example, information regarding a user's menstrual cycle can be estimated based on information based on the hormone content, which is the amount of female hormones contained in the user's breath, and physiological information indicating the user's menstrual cycle, thereby making it possible to estimate information regarding a woman's menstrual cycle with greater accuracy.

[0027] In addition, the information processing system further acquires hormone information, which is information regarding hormones detected from the breath of another user other than the user to be processed, who is the user to be processed and has specified information similar to that of the user to be processed, and estimates physical information indicating a female physical condition for the user to be processed based on the hormone information corresponding to the other user.

[0028] According to such an information processing system, for example, hormone information, which is information regarding female hormones detected from the breath of another user different from the user to be processed, who has similar specified information to the user to be processed, is further acquired, and physical information indicating a female physical condition for the user to be processed is estimated based on the hormone information corresponding to the other user, thereby improving the estimation accuracy or supplementing any missing hormone information for the user to be processed.

[0029] The information processing system also acquires hormone information similar to the hormone information corresponding to the processing target user from among the hormone information corresponding to the other users.

[0030] According to such an information processing system, hormone information similar to the hormone information corresponding to the user being processed is obtained from hormone information corresponding to other users, thereby making it possible to improve estimation accuracy and to supplement missing hormone information for the user being processed.

[0031] The information processing system also outputs physical information indicating the female's physical condition according to the user's context.

[0032] According to such an information processing system, physical information indicating a woman's physical condition that corresponds to the user's context is output, so that information unnecessary for the user is not presented, thereby eliminating situations in which the user may become confused.

[0033] In addition, the information processing system further has an output control means for outputting guidance content for guiding the user to exhale so that the hormone can be detected from the user's breath, to a terminal device owned by the user, the terminal device being equipped with a specified detection means for detecting the hormone.

[0034] According to such an information processing system, for example, in order to detect female hormones from the user's breath, guidance content for inducing the user to exhale is output to a terminal device owned by the user that is equipped with a specified detection means for detecting hormones, so that the user can be induced to exhale without intending to do so, and as a result, female hormones can be detected from the breath in a natural way and at a predetermined timing.

[0035] The information processing system also outputs, as the guidance content, guidance content for guiding the user to perform the action of exhaling toward the terminal device.

[0036] According to such an information processing system, as the guiding content, guiding content for guiding the user to exhale toward the terminal device is output, so that the user can be induced to exhale without intending to do so, and as a result, female hormones can be detected from the exhaled breath in a natural manner and at a predetermined timing.

[0037] Furthermore, when it is determined that the action has been performed, the information processing system outputs, as the guidance content, guidance content whose output has been continued since it was started and is stopped.

[0038] According to such an information processing system, when it is determined that an action has been performed, guidance content is output such that output that has been ongoing since it was started is stopped, so that the action of exhaling can be induced without the user's intention, and as a result, female hormones can be detected from the exhaled breath in a natural way and at a predetermined timing.

[0039] The information processing system also outputs, as the guidance content, audio content whose output is stopped when a response is made by speech using the terminal device.

[0040] According to such an information processing system, the guiding content is audio content that is stopped when a speech response is made using the terminal device, so that the user can be induced to exhale unintentionally, and as a result, female hormones can be detected from the exhaled breath in a natural way and at a predetermined timing.

[0041] The information processing system also outputs, as the guidance content, screen blocking content that is removed from the screen when breath is blown toward the screen of the terminal device.

[0042] According to such an information processing system, the guidance content is screen blocking content that is removed from the screen when breath is blown toward the screen of the terminal device, so that it is possible to forcibly blow breath toward the terminal device.

[0043] The information processing system also outputs the guidance content at a predetermined timing in each predetermined period.

[0044] According to such an information processing system, guidance content is output at a predetermined timing in each predetermined period, so that female hormones can be detected from breath at the determined timing.

[0045] The information processing system further acquires user information regarding the user, and estimates physical information indicating a female physical condition for the user based on the hormone information and the user information.

[0046] According to such an information processing system, user information about the user is further obtained, and physical information indicating a female's physical condition for the user is estimated based on the hormone information and the user information, thereby further improving the accuracy of estimating the physical information.

[0047] In addition, the information processing system further has an analysis means for analyzing the mental state or physical state of the user based on the user information acquired by the acquisition means, and estimates physical information indicating a female physical state for the user based on the analysis results by the analysis means and the hormone information.

[0048] According to such an information processing system, the mental or physical state of the user is analyzed based on user information, and physical information indicating the female physical condition of the user is estimated based on the analysis results and hormone information, thereby further improving the accuracy of estimation of physical information.

[0049] In addition, the information processing system acquires information regarding the medication used by the user as information about the user, and further outputs information among the hormone information based on a comparison result obtained by comparing the hormone information before and after the user uses the medication.

[0050] According to such an information processing system, information regarding the medication used by the user is obtained as information about the user, and hormone information based on a comparison result obtained by comparing hormone information before and after the user uses the medication is further output, thereby effectively supporting the user in improving their physical condition.

[0051] The information processing system further comprises a presentation means for presenting predetermined information relating to the detection of the hormone to the user.

[0052] According to such an information processing system, for example, predetermined information relating to the detection of female hormones is presented to the user, so that convenience in using a service (application) corresponding to the information processing system can be improved.

[0053] In addition, the information processing system identifies a detection means capable of detecting a hormone corresponding to the physical condition of a woman that the user wishes to measure, and presents suggested information suggesting the use of the identified detection means.

[0054] According to such an information processing system, for example, a detection means capable of detecting the female hormone corresponding to the physical condition that the user wishes to measure among the physical conditions of a woman is identified, and suggested information suggesting the use of the identified detection means is presented, so that it is possible to suggest to the user that they use a detection means specialized in detecting the female hormone corresponding to the physical condition that the user wishes to measure.As a result, it becomes possible to more accurately estimate the user's condition with respect to the physical condition that the user wishes to measure.

[0055] In addition, the information processing system presents behavior information indicating the correct behavior when blowing the breath toward a predetermined detection means for detecting the hormone, based on whether or not the information regarding the user's breath satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0056] According to such an information processing system, for example, based on whether information regarding the user's breath satisfies predetermined conditions, manner information is presented that indicates the correct manner in which to blow breath toward a predetermined detection means that detects female hormones, so that the user can be presented with an appropriate method for effectively detecting female hormones using the detection means. As a result, repeated detection failures can be prevented and detection accuracy can be improved.

[0057] In addition, when the predetermined detection means fails to detect the hormone, the information processing system presents the behavior information based on whether or not the information regarding the user's breath satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0058] According to such an information processing system, for example, if a specified detection means fails to detect a female hormone, behavioral information is presented based on whether or not information about the user's breath satisfies specified conditions, thereby preventing repeated detection failures.

[0059] In addition, when the information processing system determines, based on the user's location information, that the user is located in a location suitable for detecting the hormone, it presents suggested information suggesting that the user perform an operation related to detecting the hormone at that location.

[0060] According to such an information processing system, for example, when it is determined based on the user's location information that the user is located in a place suitable for detecting female hormones, suggestion information is presented suggesting that the user perform operations related to detecting female hormones at that location, thereby allowing the user to perform operations related to detecting female hormones in a calm and shameless state.

[0061] In addition, the information processing system registers the acquired hormone information for each user in association with identification information that identifies the external application, so that the acquired hormone information can be used in an external application that estimates physical information indicating a woman's physical condition.

[0062] According to such an information processing system, in order to enable the acquired hormone information to be used in an external application that estimates physical information indicating a woman's physical condition, identification information that identifies the external application is associated with the hormone information for each user and registered, allowing information to be shared between applications, thereby improving the estimation accuracy in each application and enhancing the service content in each application.

[0063] [Embodiment] An example of a form for implementing an information processing system, an information processing method, a terminal program, and a terminal device (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing system, the information processing method, the terminal program, and the terminal device are not limited to this embodiment. Also, the same components in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0064] 1. Overview of Information Processing According to the Embodiment First, an overview of information processing according to an embodiment will be described along the premise. It is known that a woman's hormone balance is related to her physical condition. For example, when a woman's hormone balance is disturbed due to stress, diet, disease, etc., her menstrual cycle (monthly cycle) may become irregular. For this reason, it is known that there is a correlation between a specific female hormone and physical information related to a woman's physiology. For example, it is known that there is a correlation between a change in the content of a specific female hormone in a woman's body and the menstrual cycle. Therefore, by detecting a female hormone from a subject and using the amount of the detected female hormone, it is possible to estimate various physical information related to physiology, including the menstrual cycle.

[0065] On the other hand, there are problems with detecting hormones. The following will be explained using female hormones as an example. For example, there is a method for detecting female hormones from collected blood, but blood collection is time-consuming and physically and mentally burdensome, and therefore there is a problem with easily detecting female hormones. In addition, if there is a method for detecting female hormones from secretions attached to sanitary treatment products (for example, napkins and liners), it is possible to detect female hormones in daily life, but some users find this troublesome from the perspective of handling sanitary treatment products, and there are also cases where there are problems with the detection accuracy. For these reasons, it is desirable to be able to detect female hormones more easily and with high accuracy in daily life.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, since saliva contains female hormones, the idea of ​​detecting female hormones from the breath of a user was conceived by focusing on the fact that female hormones are also contained in breath of a user. That is, the information processing according to the embodiment acquires hormone information, which is information on female hormones detected from the breath of a user, and estimates physical information indicating a female physical condition for the user based on the acquired hormone information.

[0067] In order to detect female hormones from the breath of a user, the breath of the user is naturally required, but if a dedicated large-scale device (menstrual cycle measuring device) as described in the above-mentioned prior art must be used, it cannot be said that female hormones can be detected easily. For this reason, in this embodiment, attention is also paid to obtaining hormone information, which is information about female hormones detected from breath, using a sensor built into a terminal device (especially a smartphone) that is thought to be owned by many users, a sensor attached externally to the terminal device, or an independent sensor of a size that can be carried around with the terminal device.

[0068] For this reason, in the information processing according to the embodiment, hormone information on female hormones detected from the breath of the user by the above-mentioned sensor (one example of a predetermined detection means) is obtained. For example, in the information processing according to the embodiment, hormone information on female hormones detected from the breath of the user is obtained by a sensor (built-in or external) provided in a terminal device owned by the user.

[0069] 2. Information Processing System According to the Embodiment Next, 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. As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment 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 N (not shown) so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a plurality of information processing devices 100. The information processing device 100 is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like. The information processing according to the embodiment described above is processing performed between the terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100.

[0070] 3. Terminal Program and Terminal Device According to the Embodiment The terminal program of the embodiment is a terminal program for causing a terminal device (terminal device 10) owned by a user to execute an acquisition procedure for acquiring hormone information relating to female hormones detected from the user's breath by a sensor (an example of a specified detection means), a reception procedure for accepting physical information indicating the female physical condition of the user, which is physical information estimated based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition procedure, and a display control procedure for displaying the physical information accepted by the reception procedure.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, the terminal program is implemented as a dedicated application (hereinafter, referred to as "application AP"). For this reason, the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment, when the application AP is installed, develops an acquisition unit that acquires hormone information related to the female hormone detected from the breath of the user by the sensor (one example of a predetermined detection means), which is female hormone detected from the breath of the user, from the sensor, a reception unit that accepts physical information indicating the female physical condition of the user, which is physical information estimated based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition procedure, and a display control unit that displays the physical information accepted by the reception unit.

[0072] The terminal device 10 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a wearable device such as a smart watch, smart glasses, or a mask-type device. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 is described as being a smartphone.

[0073] 4. Sensor according to the embodiment The sensor according to the embodiment will be described. As described above, the sensor according to the embodiment is a dedicated device for detecting specific female hormones related to female physiology (menstruation) from the breath of the user, and corresponds to a predetermined detection means. The sensor is divided into three types: a type built into the terminal device 10 (especially a smartphone), a type attached externally to the terminal device 10, and a type small enough to be carried around with the terminal device and capable of short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 10.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sensor is assumed to be of a type that is attached to the terminal device 10. Specifically, the sensor according to the embodiment is assumed to be of a type that is built into the terminal device 10. In this case, a detection unit 14 shown in Fig. 6, which will be described later, corresponds to this sensor.

[0075] The sensor may be a device capable of detecting all of the multiple types of specific female hormones. Alternatively, there may be multiple sensors capable of detecting different combinations of female hormones. In such a case, a user may use one or multiple sensors attached to the terminal device 10.

[0076] In addition, in order to make such a sensor detect the female hormone in the breath, the user performs an action of blowing the breath toward the sensor. Here, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can obtain a hormone pattern indicating the change in the hormone content over time by continuously detecting the female hormone by periodically blowing the breath toward the sensor. Therefore, the user needs to periodically blow the breath toward the sensor, but may not be accustomed to such an action and may forget to do it. For this reason, the information processing device 100 may output guidance content to the terminal device 10 for inducing the action of exhaling toward the terminal device 10 equipped with the sensor. Details of this will be described later.

[0077] 5. Hormones according to the embodiment In this embodiment, when estimating information related to a woman's physiology, the following hormones (for example, female hormones) are the hormones to be detected by the sensor. As an example, in this embodiment, hormones such as progesterone, LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), inhibin, testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, estrogen, kisspeptin, androstenedione are the hormones to be detected by the sensor. Note that the hormones according to the embodiment are not necessarily limited to female hormones, and may be male hormones that women may have.

[0078] 6. An example of information processing according to the embodiment From here, an example of information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The terminal device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a terminal device 10 used by a female user U1, and has an application AP installed. That is, in the example of Fig. 1, the user U1 is a target of the information processing according to the embodiment, and is therefore a target user of processing.

[0079] In the example of Fig. 1, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have a built-in sensor SN1 as a sensor for detecting a female hormone in the breath. That is, in the example of Fig. 1, the terminal device 10 has a detection unit 14 (Fig. 6) corresponding to the sensor SN1. In the example of Fig. 1, the sensor SN1 is assumed to be capable of detecting any one of the different female hormones described above. For example, the sensor SN1 is assumed to be capable of conceptually detecting a "female hormone FHx" (e.g., progesterone) as any one female hormone.

[0080] 1, the information processing device 100 performs an estimation process to estimate physical information related to a woman's menstruation as physical information indicating the physical condition of the woman. More specifically, the information processing device 100 performs an estimation process to estimate the menstrual cycle, the day of the next menstruation, and the day of the next ovulation. Also, in the example of FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 has acquired various types of physiological information including the menstrual cycle of the user U1 from the user U1 and stored it in the user information storage unit 121.

[0081] The processing procedure will be described. In the example of Fig. 1, first, the user U1 blows breath toward the sensor SN1 provided in the terminal device 10 (step S1). The sensor SN1 constantly determines whether or not breath has been detected, and determines that breath has been detected when breath is blown toward the sensor as in step S1. If the sensor SN1 determines that breath has been detected, it detects the female hormone FHx from the detected breath and calculates the amount of female hormone FHx contained in the breath (hormone content) (step S2).

[0082] Next, when the terminal device 10 acquires the hormone content calculated by the sensor SN1, the terminal device 10 transmits content information (an example of hormone information) indicating the hormone content to the information processing device 100 (step S3).

[0083] Then, the information processing device 100 acquires the content information from the terminal device 10 (step S4). The information processing device 100 stores the acquired content information in the hormone information storage unit 122.

[0084] Next, the information processing device 100 judges whether or not a sufficient amount of content information has been accumulated for the estimation process (step S5). As will be described later, the information processing device 100 estimates physiological physical information using a hormone pattern that indicates the change over time in the hormone content from a predetermined retroactive time to the present (for example, the most recent week). For this reason, it is necessary that the female hormone FHx is detected periodically during this period, and that a sufficient amount of content information is accumulated to obtain a hormone pattern. For this reason, the information processing device 100 performs the judgment process of step S5.

[0085] Next, the information processing device 100 estimates physical information related to the female's physiology based on the information indicating the hormone content according to the determination result in step S5 (step S6). Step S6 will be described separately for a case where sufficient information indicating the hormone content has been accumulated for the estimation process (step S6a) and a case where sufficient information indicating the hormone content has not been accumulated for the estimation process (step S6b).

[0086] First, step S6a will be described. In step S6a, the information processing device 100, in response to the determination result that the amount of content information accumulated is sufficient to obtain a hormone pattern, identifies a hormone pattern corresponding to the user U1 based on the content information associated with the user U1 in the hormone information storage unit 122. For example, the information processing device 100 identifies a hormone pattern indicating a change over time in hormone content during a period from a predetermined time back to the present (for example, the most recent week) based on the content information accumulated so far and the content information acquired this time. In addition, the information processing device 100 acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of the user U1 from the user information storage unit 121.

[0087] The information processing device 100 then compares the identified hormone pattern with the menstrual cycle (past menstrual cycle) indicated by the acquired menstrual information to estimate the menstrual cycle, the next menstrual day, and the next ovulation day of the user U1. The menstrual cycle is made up of a menstrual cycle in which menstruation, the follicular phase, the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase are repeated, and the basal body temperature and the content of the female hormone FHx also change according to the changes over time within the menstrual cycle. Therefore, the information processing device 100 estimates the menstrual cycle, the next menstrual day, and the next ovulation day of the user U1 based on such relationships.

[0088] Next, step S6b will be described. In step S6b, the information processing device 100 performs the following process in response to the determination result that the amount of content information accumulated is not sufficient to obtain a hormone pattern. In order to supplement the missing amount information with the amount information of another user different from the user U1, the information processing device 100 first identifies this other user. For example, the information processing device 100 identifies a similar user who is another user having similar predetermined information to the user U1.

[0089] For example, the information processing device 100 identifies, among other users different from user U1, other users who have similar stress values ​​compared to user U1 as similar users. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may identify, among other users different from user U1, other users who have similar attribute information (age, gender, etc.) compared to user U1 as similar users. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may identify, among other users different from user U1, other users who have similar physiological information (menstrual cycle, basal body temperature pattern showing changes in basal body temperature over time, etc.) compared to user U1 as similar users.

[0090] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may specify, as a similar user, another user who has a similar relationship between the current point in the menstrual cycle of the user U1 (such as the 14th day of a 28-day cycle) and the hormone content indicated by the content information obtained this time. In other words, the information processing device 100 may specify, as a similar user, another user who has similar hormone information compared to the user U1.

[0091] Note that the information processing device 100 can use any information other than the above as a basis for determining whether a similar user is identified.

[0092] After identifying similar users in this way, the information processing device 100 identifies a hormone pattern indicating changes in hormone content over time from a predetermined time back to the present (e.g., the most recent week) based on the content information of the identified similar users. The information processing device 100 also acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of user U1 from the user information storage unit 121. The information processing device 100 then compares the identified hormone pattern with the menstrual cycle indicated by the acquired physiological information to estimate the menstrual cycle, the date of the next menstruation, and the date of the next ovulation of user U1.

[0093] Next, the information processing device 100 outputs an estimation result screen showing the estimation result obtained by the estimation process in step S6 to the terminal device 10 of user U1 (step S7). For example, the information processing device 100 distributes the estimation result screen showing the estimation result obtained by the estimation process in step S6 to the terminal device 10 of user U1 so that the estimation result screen is displayed on the terminal device 10. For example, the information processing device 100 generates an estimation result screen C1 as shown in FIG. 1 based on the estimation result. Then, the information processing device 100 distributes the generated estimation result screen C1 to the terminal device 10.

[0094] The example in Figure 1 shows an example in which the information processing device 100 generates an estimation result screen C1 that displays result information IF indicating estimation results such as a menstrual cycle of "28 days", the next menstrual period date of "February 13th", and the next ovulation date of "February 27th".

[0095] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 displays the estimation result screen received from the information processing device 100 (step S8). Specifically, the terminal device 10 controls display so that the estimation result screen C1 is displayed on the display screen (corresponding to the output unit 13 in FIG. 6).

[0096] As described above, all the user has to do is blow breath onto the sensor provided in the terminal device 10, and the sensor will detect the specific female hormone from the breath. In addition, the sensor calculates the content of the specific female hormone in the breath in response to the detection of the specific female hormone. In this state, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment obtains content information (an example of hormone information) indicating the calculated content, and estimates physiological physical information based on the obtained hormone information.

[0097] According to such information processing system 1, a user can easily detect female hormones anytime and anywhere using a terminal device such as a smartphone, and can easily obtain more accurate physical information related to menstruation. Thus, according to the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment, it is possible to improve the ease of detecting female hormones and to estimate more accurately physical information related to a woman's menstruation.

[0098] The information processing device 100 can estimate not only the menstrual cycle, the next menstrual day, and the next ovulation day, but also the day of menopause. For example, the information processing device 100 can estimate the day of menopause based on the time when the content of the female hormone FHx is decreasing in the hormone pattern.

[0099] [7. Variations in Information Processing] The information processing system 1 according to the above embodiment may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment, so other embodiments of the information processing system 1 will be described below.

[0100] [7-1. Estimation using female hormones with 2 or more components] In the example of Fig. 1, the sensor SN1 detects and calculates the content of the female hormone FHx as an arbitrary female hormone, and the information processing device 100 estimates physical information related to menstruation based on the content information corresponding to the female hormone FHx. However, the information processing device 100 may obtain hormone information (content information) related to each of a plurality of different female hormones, and estimate physical information related to menstruation based on the hormone information related to each of the plurality of different female hormones. This point will be described using the example of Fig. 1.

[0101] For example, a hormonal pattern showing a change in estrogen content over time is correlated with the menstrual cycle. A hormonal pattern showing a change in progesterone content over time is correlated with the menstrual cycle. A hormonal pattern showing a change in LH content over time is correlated with the menstrual cycle. A hormonal pattern showing a change in FSH content over time is correlated with the menstrual cycle. A hormonal pattern showing a change in inhibin content over time is correlated with the menstrual cycle. A hormonal pattern showing a change in testosterone content over time is correlated with the menstrual cycle. A hormonal pattern showing a change in androstenedione content over time is correlated with the menstrual cycle.

[0102] The sensor SN1 is also assumed to be capable of detecting the seven different female hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, inhibin, testosterone, and androstenedione. The sensor SN1 detects the seven female hormones from the breath of the user U1 and calculates the hormone content of each female hormone in the breath. The information processing device 100 also obtains content information indicating the hormone content of each of the seven female hormones from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10.

[0103] Then, the information processing device 100 identifies hormone patterns corresponding to the seven female hormones based on the content information accumulated so far and the content information acquired this time. That is, the information processing device 100 identifies seven hormone patterns. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates the menstrual cycle, the next menstrual day, and the next ovulation day of the user U1 by comparing the seven hormone patterns with past menstrual cycles. Since the hormone patterns are represented by waveforms, the information processing device 100 estimates the menstrual cycle, the next menstrual day, and the next ovulation day of the user U1 by, for example, comparing the time when each waveform intersects with past menstrual cycles.

[0104] By detecting a plurality of different female hormones in this way, the information processing system 1 can improve the accuracy of estimating physiological physical information. For example, the content of five female hormones, such as estrogen, LH, FSH, testosterone, and androstenedione, is assumed to correlate with the maturity of the ovaries. In this case, the information processing system 1 can estimate not only the menstrual cycle, the date of the next menstruation, and the date of the next ovulation, but also the date of menarche. In other words, by detecting a plurality of different female hormones, the information processing system 1 can increase the number of estimation targets, and can output more useful physical information to the user.

[0105] [7-2. Estimation using multiple sensors] In the above variation, the information processing device 100 acquires hormone information on each of a plurality of different female hormones from one sensor, the sensor SN1.

[0106] However, by providing a plurality of sensors each having a different combination of detectable female hormones in the terminal device 10, the information processing device 100 may acquire hormone information on each of the female hormones detected from the breath of the user by the plurality of sensors. This example is similar to the above variation in that hormone information on each of the plurality of different female hormones is acquired and physical information on physiology is estimated based on the hormone information on each of the plurality of different female hormones, but differs in that a single terminal device 10 is provided with a plurality of sensors each having a different detectable female hormones.

[0107] For example, let us assume that there is a sensor SN2 capable of detecting three female hormones, namely estrogen, progesterone, and LH, out of the seven different female hormones, namely estrogen, progesterone, and LH, and that there is a sensor SN3 capable of detecting four female hormones, namely FSH, inhibin, testosterone, and androstenedione, out of the seven different female hormones mentioned above.

[0108] Assuming that the sensor SN2 and the sensor SN3 are provided in the terminal device 10 of the user U1, the information processing device 100 acquires content information indicating the respective hormone contents of three female hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and LH, from the sensor SN2 via the terminal device 10. The information processing device 100 also acquires content information indicating the respective hormone contents of four female hormones, FSH, inhibin, testosterone, and androstenedione, from the sensor SN3 via the terminal device 10.

[0109] The subsequent processing will be omitted since it overlaps with the above variation, but according to such an information processing system 1, it is possible to improve the accuracy of estimating physical information related to physiology.

[0110] As described above, the date of menarche can also be estimated from female hormones such as FSH, testosterone, and androstenedione. In such a case, a user who wants to know the date of menarche can attach a sensor SN3 specialized for detecting FSH, testosterone, and androstenedione to the terminal device 10. Therefore, such an information processing system 1 can use different sensors according to the user's purpose (what information the user wants to know), thereby improving convenience in estimating physical information.

[0111] [7-3. About the subject of presumption (1)] 1, the information processing device 100 estimates the menstrual cycle, menstruation days, and ovulation days as physical information related to menstruation. However, the information processing device 100 may estimate the first menstrual day of the user based on hormone information, which is information related to female hormones detected from the breath of the user.

[0112] For example, it is known that the content of five female hormones, such as estrogen, LH, FSH, testosterone, and androstenedione, is correlated with the maturity of the ovaries. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can estimate the date of menarche of the user based on the content of these hormones. This point will be described using the example of FIG. 1, where the user to be processed is an arbitrary user Ux.

[0113] The information processing device 100 acquires content information indicating the androstenedione content from the sensor SN1 and corresponding to the user Ux via the terminal device 10. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates the ovarian maturity of the user Ux based on the acquired content information.

[0114] For example, if correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the androstenedione content and the ovarian maturity level is provided in advance to the information processing device 100, the information processing device 100 can estimate the ovarian maturity level of the user Ux based on this correspondence information. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates the user's menarche date based on the estimated ovarian maturity level, and outputs an estimation result screen C1 indicating the estimated menarche date to the terminal device 10.

[0115] According to such information processing system 1, the user can know the date of menarche with just a simple operation.

[0116] [7-4. Estimation target (2)] The information processing device 100 may also estimate whether or not the user is possibly pregnant based on hormone information, which is information about female hormones detected from the breath of the user. For example, it is known that the progesterone content increases to about seven times that of non-pregnant during pregnancy. In this case, in the example of FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 acquires content information corresponding to the user U1, which is content information indicating the progesterone content, from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates whether or not the user U1 is possibly pregnant based on how much the progesterone content indicated based on the acquired content information has increased compared to a reference value (for example, the progesterone content when not pregnant). The information processing device 100 also outputs an estimation result screen C1 indicating whether or not the user is possibly pregnant to the terminal device 10.

[0117] According to such information processing system 1, the user can know the possibility of pregnancy with just a simple operation. Also, according to such information processing system 1, it becomes possible to maintain pregnancy tests in a hygienic environment.

[0118] [7-5. Estimation target (3)] The information processing device 100 may estimate the birth date of the user based on hormone information, which is information about female hormones detected from the breath of the user. This point will be described using the example of FIG. 1, in which the user to be processed is an arbitrary user Ux.

[0119] The information processing device 100 acquires content information corresponding to the user Ux, the content information indicating the content of at least two or more components selected from progesterone, prolactin, and estrogen, from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates the birth date of the user Ux based on the acquired content information, and outputs an estimation result screen C1 indicating the estimated birth date to the terminal device 10.

[0120] According to such an information processing system 1, the user can know the birth date with just a few simple operations.

[0121] [7-6. Estimation target (4)] The information processing device 100 may also estimate the date when menstruation will resume after childbirth based on hormone information, which is information about female hormones detected from the breath of the user. For example, since it is known that there is a correlation between the prolactin content and the date when menstruation will resume after childbirth, the information processing device 100 can estimate the date when menstruation will resume after childbirth based on the prolactin content. This point will be described using the example of FIG. 1, where the user to be processed is an arbitrary user Ux.

[0122] The information processing device 100 acquires content information indicating the prolactin content from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10, the content information corresponding to the user U1. The information processing device 100 then estimates the date when menstruation will resume after childbirth based on a graph indicating the correlation between the prolactin content indicated by the acquired content information and the date when menstruation will resume after childbirth. The information processing device 100 also outputs an estimation result screen C1 indicating the date when menstruation will resume after childbirth to the terminal device 10.

[0123] For example, a user who has just given birth may want to know when her period will resume. For example, childbirth can cause problems such as irregular menstruation, and it is important for such users to know when their period will resume, as they may be worried that their period will not resume at all. The information processing system 1 according to the embodiment can, for example, present such users with the date when their period will resume after giving birth, thereby contributing to the elimination of the anxiety of users after giving birth. In addition, according to such information processing system 1, knowing the date when their period will resume makes it easier for users to plan their schedules for going out, etc.

[0124] [7-7. Estimation target (5)] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may estimate a stress value indicating the degree of stress of the user based on hormone information, which is information on female hormones detected from the breath of the user. In this case, in the example of Fig. 1, the information processing device 100 acquires content information indicating the cortisol content from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10, the content information corresponding to the user U1. Then, the information processing device 100 estimates the stress value of the user U1 based on the cortisol content (which may be the cortisol concentration) indicated by the acquired content information. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 outputs an estimation result screen C1 indicating the stress value to the terminal device 10.

[0125] According to such information processing system 1, the user can visualize the current level of stress, which can provide an opportunity to reconsider daily life, work, diet, etc. in order to reduce stress. In addition, since stress causes changes in the menstrual cycle (large changes can lead to menstrual irregularities), the information processing device 100 may provide corrections to menstrual predictions and advice on menstruation, etc., according to the stress value.

[0126] [7-8. Providing information according to user context] For example, for female elementary and junior high school students, the menarche date and menstruation date are information that they would like to know, whereas the ovulation date and birth date are likely to be unnecessary information. Also, for adult women, the menstruation date and ovulation date are information that they would like to know, whereas the menarche date is likely to be unnecessary information. Thus, even for women, the physical condition that they wish to measure may differ depending on their context (e.g., attribute state, behavior state, interest state, etc.). For this reason, the information processing device 100 may output physical information indicating the physical condition of a woman that corresponds to the context of the user to be processed, among the physical conditions of the woman.

[0127] For example, when the information processing device 100 acquires content information from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10, the information processing device 100 estimates the context of a processing target user who is a user of the terminal device 10 (a user who blew breath onto the sensor SN1). For example, the information processing device 100 estimates the context of the processing target user by using a user ID (identifier) ​​linked to a terminal ID (identifier) ​​of the terminal device 10.

[0128] As a simple example, the information processing device 100 estimates the attributes "female, 12 years old" and the behavioral status "has searched for sanitary products" as the context of the user to be processed. This example suggests that the user to be processed is in a situation where "she has not yet had her first menstruation, but is beginning to become interested in sanitary products in preparation for it." Therefore, the information processing device 100 estimates that the user to be processed wishes to have her first menstrual period measured, but does not wish to have other physical conditions measured. Note that the information processing device 100 can make such an estimation, for example, based on a predetermined rule base (association between a context and a physical condition that a user indicating this context is likely to want to measure).

[0129] In this way, when the information processing device 100 estimates that the physical condition that the processing target user wishes to measure is the "day of menarche," it estimates when the processing target user's day of menarche will be based on the content information previously acquired. In addition, the information processing device 100 outputs an estimation result screen C1 showing the estimated day of menarche to the terminal device 10.

[0130] According to such information processing system 1, it is possible to prevent information unnecessary for the user from being presented, thereby preventing situations in which the user becomes confused.

[0131] In addition, the information processing device 100 may inquire of the user to be processed about which physical condition the user would like to measure among the physical conditions of women, and estimate physical information indicating the condition of the user to be processed with respect to the physical condition specified by the user to be processed.

[0132] [7-9. Content information] In the example of FIG. 1, the hormone content indicated by the content information has been described as the amount of female hormone contained in the breath of the user. However, the hormone content may be the amount of female hormone contained in the body of the user. In such a case, in the example of FIG. 1, the sensor SN1 estimates the amount of female hormone FHx contained in the body of the user U1 based on the amount of female hormone FHx contained in the breath. On the other hand, the information processing device 100 may estimate the amount of female hormone FHx contained in the body of the user U1 based on the amount of female hormone FHx contained in the breath.

[0133] [7-10. Combining information from other users] In the example of Figure 1, when the information processing device 100 determines that sufficient content information has not been accumulated for the user to be processed to obtain a hormone pattern, the hormone pattern is supplemented using content information of similar users who are identified among other users different from the user to be processed as having certain information similar to that of the user to be processed.

[0134] However, even if the information processing device 100 determines that the content information of the user to be processed is sufficient to obtain a hormone pattern, the information processing device 100 may use the content information of similar users. For example, the information processing device 100 may identify one hormone pattern by combining the content information corresponding to the user to be processed and the content information corresponding to similar users. In addition, the information processing device 100 may correct the hormone pattern identified based on the content information corresponding to the user to be processed with the hormone pattern identified based on the content information corresponding to similar users.

[0135] In this way, the information processing system 1 can improve the estimation accuracy by combining hormone information corresponding to the user being processed with hormone information corresponding to other users (similar users) to estimate physical information.

[0136] 8. 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.

[0137] (Regarding communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (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.

[0138] (Regarding the storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 120 has a user information storage unit 121, a hormone information storage unit 122, and a linkage information storage unit 123.

[0139] (Regarding the user information storage unit 121) The user information storage unit 121 stores various information related to the user. For example, the user information storage unit 121 stores information related to the user's body. An example of the user information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 3, the user information storage unit 121 has items such as "user ID," "personal information," "physiological information," "physical condition information," "condition history," and "medication history."

[0140] "User ID" refers to identification information (identifier) ​​that identifies a user or a terminal device 10 owned by the user. "Personal information" refers to various personal information of the user. "Personal information" may be, for example, the user's age, sex, occupation, family structure, pregnancy status, and whether or not they are trying to get pregnant.

[0141] "Menstrual information" refers to menstrual information registered in advance by a user. "Menstrual information" is information related to past menstrual cycles that the user has obtained. For example, "menstrual information" refers to a menstrual cycle in which menstruation, the follicular phase, the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase are repeated, and a change pattern of basal body temperature (basal body temperature pattern) according to changes over time within the menstrual cycle. Note that when "menstrual information" has not been registered by the user, for example, when the user is using an application that provides various services related to menstruation, the information processing device 100 may obtain "menstrual information" from an external server device that corresponds to the application.

[0142] "Physical condition information" is information used to analyze the mental or physical condition of the user, and indicates various information related to the user's body. "Physical condition information" is, for example, information indicating the user's current physical condition itself (diseases, body temperature, stress state, etc.), information regarding sanitary treatment products (napkins, liners, etc.) (for example, information indicating the discoloration of testers attached to sanitary treatment products), information indicating the current amount of vaginal discharge, information indicating the current amount of menstrual blood, etc.

[0143] Furthermore, the "physical condition information" may be information registered by the user (i.e., information self-reported by the user) or information acquired from a predetermined external device by the information processing device 100. For example, if the sanitary treatment product used by the user is equipped with a sensor that measures the amount of vaginal discharge or menstrual blood, information indicating the measurement results measured by this sensor can be acquired as the "physical condition information".

[0144] The "status history" indicates a history of status information indicating a predetermined status related to the user's body. The predetermined status related to the user's body indicates a history of the status of the user's voice (volume, intonation, etc.), the temperature of the user's breath (breath temperature), the humidity of the user's breath (breath humidity), and the like. For example, the status information indicating the status of the user's voice can be acquired by the output control unit 134 according to the output control by the output control unit 134 described later. In addition, the sensor (sensor SN1 in the example of FIG. 1) that detects female hormones from breath can also measure the breath temperature, and in this case, the information processing device 100 also acquires status information indicating the measured breath temperature. In addition, the sensor (sensor SN1 in the example of FIG. 1) that detects female hormones from breath can also measure the breath humidity, and in this case, the information processing device 100 also acquires status information indicating the measured breath humidity.

[0145] The "physical condition information" and "condition history" can be considered as user information relating to the user, and are information used by the analysis unit 135, which will be described later, when analyzing the mental and physical conditions of the user.

[0146] "Medication history" refers to a history of medication information indicating the type of medication (e.g., supplements or hormones) the user is using and the amount (dosage) of the medication the user is using. Medication information may be registered by the user each time a medication is taken, or if there is an external server device that manages "medication history," the information processing device 100 may obtain the medication information from there. In addition to medication history, for example, medical procedures such as aromatherapy (use of aromas, use of bath salts, etc.) and massage, and the history of treatments other than medication, prescriptions, and use and implementation of services may also be recorded.

[0147] That is, in the example of Fig. 3, the personal information of user U1 is "personal information #1", the physiological information is "physical information #1", the physical condition information is "physical condition information #1", the condition history is "condition history #1", and the medication history is "medication history #1". Note that, in the example of Fig. 3, information corresponding to each item is conceptually shown, but in reality, real information corresponding to each item is registered.

[0148] (Regarding the hormone information storage unit 122) The hormone information storage unit 122 stores information on various hormones (e.g., female hormones) detected from the breath by the sensor, and other components detected from the breath by the sensor. An example of the hormone information storage unit 122 according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 4. In the example of Fig. 4, the hormone information storage unit 122 has items such as "user ID", "content information", and "estimated result".

[0149] "User ID" refers to identification information (identifier) ​​that identifies a user or a terminal device 10 owned by the user. "Content information" refers to female hormones contained in the user's breath, and is information indicating the amount of female hormones detected from the user's breath by a sensor provided in the terminal device 10 owned by the user. For example, when a user periodically performs detection of female hormones, "content information" indicating the content of each female hormone detected each time is accumulated. For this reason, the "content information" can also be said to be a history of hormone content (changes over time). Furthermore, the "content information" is an example of hormone information.

[0150] The "estimated result" is physical information indicating a female's physical condition, which is estimated for the user based on the hormone information. Specifically, the "estimated result" is physical information related to a female's menstruation, which is estimated for the user based on the hormone information.

[0151] That is, in the example of Fig. 4, the change over time in the amount of female hormone contained in the breath of user U1 is shown as "content information #1", and an example of physical information estimated as "estimated result #1" is shown based on the hormone pattern corresponding to "content information #1". Note that in the example of Fig. 4, information corresponding to each item is conceptually shown, but in reality, real information corresponding to each item is registered.

[0152] (Regarding the collaboration information storage unit 123) The link information storage unit 123 stores the hormone information acquired by the information processing device 100 so that the hormone information can be used in an external application (an application different from the "app AP") that estimates physical information indicating a female's physical condition. An example of the link information storage unit 123 according to the embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, the link information storage unit 123 has items such as "app ID", "estimated target", "user ID", and "hormonal information".

[0153] The "application ID" indicates an identifier for identifying an external application different from the "application AP" and capable of cooperating with the information processing device 100. The "estimated object" indicates what physical state the corresponding application can estimate the physical information for.

[0154] "User ID" indicates identification information (identifier) ​​for identifying a user or a terminal device 10 owned by the user. "Hormone information" is information indicating the amount of female hormone contained in the breath of the corresponding user and detected from the breath of the user by a sensor provided in the terminal device 10 owned by the user. In other words, "hormone information" corresponds to "content information" in the hormone information storage unit 122.

[0155] 5 shows an example in which the app AP1 can estimate physical information (actual values ​​indicating the menstrual cycle) for an "estimation target #1" (e.g., a menstrual cycle), and the information processing device 100 links "hormone information #1" corresponding to the user U1 so that the app AP1 can estimate physical information for the "estimation target #1." In other words, the example in FIG. 5 shows an example in which the information processing device 100 and a server device corresponding to the app AP1 are linked via "hormone information #1" corresponding to the user U1.

[0156] (Regarding the control unit 130) 2, the control unit 130 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, 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 or an FPGA.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, an estimation unit 132, an output unit 133, an output control unit 134, an analysis unit 135, an authentication unit 136, a learning unit 137, and a presentation unit 138, 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.

[0158] (Regarding the acquisition unit 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires hormone information, which is information about female hormones detected from the breath of the user. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires hormone information (content information) indicating the hormone content, which is the amount of female hormones contained in the breath of the user, as the hormone information. The acquisition unit 131 also stores the acquired hormone information in the hormone information storage unit 122 in association with a user ID that identifies the user from whom the hormone information was acquired.

[0159] In addition, the acquisition unit 131 may also acquire the user's personal information, physiological information, physical condition information, status information (which serves as status history), and medication information (which serves as medication history), and stores this acquired information in the user information storage unit 121 in association with a user ID that identifies the user from which the information was acquired.

[0160] The acquisition unit 131 also acquires hormone information on each of a plurality of different female hormones as the female hormone. In such a case, the estimation unit 132, which will be described later, estimates physical information indicating the female's physical condition to the user based on the hormone information on each of the plurality of different female hormones.

[0161] The acquisition unit 131 also acquires hormone information on female hormones detected from the breath of the user by a predetermined detection means. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires hormone information on female hormones detected from the breath of the user by a detection means provided in a terminal device owned by the user as the predetermined detection means. For example, the acquisition unit 131 also acquires hormone information on each of the female hormones detected from the breath of the user by a plurality of detection means having different combinations of detectable female hormones as the predetermined detection means.

[0162] The acquisition unit 131 may further acquire hormone information, which is information on female hormones detected from the breath of another user different from the user to be processed and whose predetermined information is similar to that of the user to be processed. For example, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire hormone information similar to the hormone information corresponding to the user to be processed from among the hormone information corresponding to the other user. In such a case, the estimation unit 132 described later estimates physical information indicating the physical condition of a woman with respect to the user to be processed based on the hormone information corresponding to the other user. Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 estimates physical information indicating the physical condition of a woman with respect to the user to be processed based on the hormone information corresponding to the user to be processed and the hormone information corresponding to the other user.

[0163] In addition, the acquisition unit 131 registers the acquired hormone information for each user in association with identification information that identifies the external application so that the acquired hormone information can be used in an external application that estimates physical information indicating a woman's physical condition.

[0164] 5, the app AP1 is capable of estimating physical information (actual values ​​indicating a menstrual cycle) of an "estimation target #1" (e.g., a menstrual cycle). Therefore, in this example, the acquisition unit 131 associates "hormone information #1" corresponding to the user U1 with the app ID "AP1" that identifies the app AP1 and registers them in the linkage information storage unit 123 so that the app AP1 can estimate physical information of the "estimation target #1."

[0165] (Regarding the estimation unit 132) The estimation unit 132 estimates physical information indicating a female physical condition for the user based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the estimation unit 132 estimates physical information related to the user's menstruation based on the hormone information. In this case, the estimation unit 132 estimates information related to the user's menstruation based on information based on the hormone content, which is the amount of female hormones contained in the user's breath, and menstrual information indicating the user's menstrual cycle.

[0166] (Modification (1) by the Acquisition Unit 131 and the Estimation Unit 132) In addition, the estimation unit 132 may estimate physical information indicating a female physical condition for a user based on the hormone information and the user information by combining the hormone information with user information about the user. This point will be described using the example of FIG. 1.

[0167] When the acquisition unit 131 acquires the content information corresponding to the user U1 from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10, it further acquires physical condition information corresponding to the user U1 from the user information storage unit 121. The estimation unit 132 identifies a hormone pattern indicating a change over time in the hormone content from a predetermined time back to the present (e.g., the most recent week) based on the content information accumulated so far in the hormone information storage unit 122 and the content information acquired this time. Then, the estimation unit 132 compares the identified hormone pattern with the menstrual cycle (past menstrual cycle) indicated by the physiological information of the user U1, thereby estimating the menstrual cycle, the next menstrual day, and the next ovulation day of the user U1.

[0168] Here, for example, a state such as "feeling unwell and irritated" is highly likely to be a sign that menstruation is approaching. Therefore, for example, when the physical condition information of user U1 indicates such a state, the information processing device 100 advances the next menstruation day estimated as described above by a predetermined number of days, and sets the advanced menstruation day as the menstruation day to be output to user U1.

[0169] The estimation unit 132 may also correct the hormone pattern based on the physical condition and mental state (emotion) of the user U1 indicated by the physical condition information. In this case, the estimation unit 132 compares the corrected hormone pattern with the menstrual cycle (past menstrual cycle) indicated by the physiological information of the user U1, thereby estimating the menstrual cycle, the date of the next menstruation, and the date of the next ovulation of the user U1.

[0170] The acquisition unit 131 may further acquire a status history corresponding to the user U1 from the user information storage unit 121. Here, for example, it may be known that there is a tendency for "voice to become higher" as the ovulation period approaches. Therefore, for example, when such a tendency is obtained from the voice state (loudness, intonation, etc.) indicated in the status history of the user U1, the next menstrual period day estimated as described above is corrected, and the corrected menstrual period day is set as the menstrual period day to be output to the user U1.

[0171] According to such information processing system 1, since not only information obtained from exhaled breath (content information) but also user information related to the user to be processed is used, it is possible to further improve the estimation accuracy of physical information.

[0172] (Modification (2) by the Acquisition Unit 131 and the Estimation Unit 132) Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 may estimate the timing to replace sanitary products (for example, napkins or liners) based on the user information relating to the user acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0173] For example, when the acquisition unit 131 further acquires physical condition information corresponding to the user U1 from the user information storage unit 121, it is assumed that the physical condition information includes information indicating the current amount of vaginal discharge of the user U1 or information indicating the current amount of menstrual blood of the user U1. In such a case, the estimation unit 132 estimates the timing to replace the sanitary treatment product based on the information. The estimation unit 132 also causes the output unit 133 to output information indicating the estimated replacement timing.

[0174] According to such an information processing system 1, leakage from sanitary treatment products can be prevented.

[0175] (Modification (3) by the Acquisition Unit 131 and the Estimation Unit 132) The estimation unit 132 may compare the hormone information before and after the user uses the drug, and estimate predetermined information regarding the drug used by the user based on the comparison result. This point will be described using an example of FIG. 1.

[0176] For example, the acquisition unit 131 refers to the medication history corresponding to the user U1 in the user information storage unit 121. Then, the acquisition unit 131 acquires hormone information before and after the user U1 uses (administers) a drug (hereinafter referred to as "drug MD1") indicated in the medication history from the hormone information storage unit 122. Then, the estimation unit 132 compares the hormone information before and after the user U1 uses the drug MD1, and estimates whether or not the drug MD1 is effectively acting on the user U1 based on the comparison result.

[0177] For example, the estimation unit 132 compares the hormone content (e.g., the hormone content of the same female hormone) before and after user U1 uses drug MD1, and estimates whether or not the drug MD1 is acting effectively on user U1 based on whether or not the difference in hormone content exceeds a predetermined value.

[0178] Then, the estimation unit 132 outputs the estimation result to the output unit 133. For this reason, the output unit 133, which will be described later, performs a process of outputting information based on a comparison result obtained by comparing hormone information before and after the user uses a drug, out of the hormone information.

[0179] When the estimation unit 132 estimates that the drug MD1 is not acting effectively on the user U1, the estimation unit 132 may estimate other drugs that may be acting effectively, and output drug information indicating the estimated other drugs to the output unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 132 may estimate other drugs that may be acting effectively based on physical condition information corresponding to the user U1. As one example, the estimation unit 132 may estimate other drugs by comparing the physical condition information corresponding to the user U1 with a database in which physical conditions (or diseases) and drugs effective for these physical conditions are associated with each other.

[0180] According to such an information processing system 1, it is possible to effectively support the user so that the physical condition of the user can be improved.

[0181] (Regarding output unit 133) The output unit 133 outputs the physical information estimated by the estimation unit 132. The output unit 133 generates an estimation result screen on which the physical information estimated by the estimation unit 132 is displayed as an estimation result. Then, the output unit 133 distributes the generated estimation result screen to the terminal device 10 of the user so that the generated estimation result screen is displayed on the terminal device 10.

[0182] As described in the variation of the information processing according to the embodiment, the output unit 133 may output physical information indicating a physical condition of the woman according to the context of the user, among the physical conditions of the woman. The output unit 133 may further output information based on a comparison result obtained by comparing the hormone information before and after the user uses a drug, among the hormone information.

[0183] Furthermore, when it is determined (analyzed) that the user is in a predetermined physical or mental state based on the user's physical condition information, the output unit 133 may output information that can improve the physical or mental state to the user's terminal device 10. For example, when the user is in a state of "feeling unwell and irritable," which is a sign that menstruation is approaching, the output unit 133 outputs recommendation information that recommends the use of supplements that calm the mental state, or recommendation information that recommends the use of the latest sanitary care products.

[0184] (Regarding output control unit 134) The information processing device 100 can obtain a hormone pattern indicating a change in hormone content over time by continuously detecting female hormones by periodically blowing breath toward the sensor. Therefore, the user needs to periodically blow breath toward the sensor, but may not be accustomed to such an action and may forget to do so. For this reason, the output control unit 134 outputs, to the terminal device 10, guidance content for inducing the action of exhaling breath toward the terminal device 10 equipped with the sensor.

[0185] Specifically, the output control unit 134 outputs guidance content for inducing the user to exhale to the terminal device 10 owned by the user and equipped with a predetermined detection means (sensor) for detecting female hormones so that female hormones can be detected from the user's breath. More specifically, the output control unit 134 outputs guidance content for inducing the user to exhale toward the terminal device 10 (the predetermined detection means equipped in the terminal device 10) as guidance content.

[0186] In addition, the output control unit 134 outputs the guidance content at a predetermined timing in each predetermined period. For example, the output control unit 134 outputs the guidance content at a predetermined timing (for example, at 7:00, 13:00, and 19:00) in 24 hours of one day.

[0187] Also, for example, the output control unit 134 outputs, as the guidance content, guidance content whose output, which has been started and continued up to that point, is stopped when it is determined that the action of exhaling toward the terminal device 10 has been performed. More specifically, the output control unit 134 outputs, as the guidance content, audio content whose output is stopped when a response is made by speech using the terminal device 10. This point will be described in more detail using the user U1 as an example.

[0188] For example, when the output control unit 134 detects that it is 7 o'clock while managing time with a timer, it forcibly outputs an alarm sound at a predetermined volume to the terminal device 10 of the user U1. This alarm sound is not stopped unless a response is made by speaking using the terminal device 10. The reason why such a condition is set for stopping the alarm sound is that when speaking using the terminal device 10, the user naturally blows breath toward the terminal device 10, and as a result, the user can be induced to exhale unintentionally, and female hormones can be detected from the breath in a natural way and at a predetermined timing.

[0189] For this reason, the output control unit 134 continues to forcibly output an alarm sound at a predetermined volume to the terminal device 10. Then, while the alarm sound is being output, the output control unit 134 determines whether or not a response has been made by speaking using the terminal device 10, based on whether or not a speech voice has been detected via the terminal device 10. Then, when the output control unit 134 determines that a response has been made by speaking using the terminal device 10, it controls the terminal device 10 to stop the alarm sound that has been output so far.

[0190] When speech is made using the terminal device 10, the sensor SN1 detects the breath naturally exhaled by the user U1 at this time, thereby detecting the female hormone FHx from the detected breath. The sensor SN1 also calculates the amount of the female hormone FHx contained in the detected breath (hormone content), and the terminal device 10 transmits content information indicating the hormone content calculated by the sensor SN1 to the information processing device 100. The output control unit 134 also performs similar output control at each predetermined timing.

[0191] The information processing device 100 may forcibly output a ringtone instead of outputting an alarm sound to the terminal device 10. The ringtone is not stopped unless a speech response to the ringtone is made using the terminal device 10. The reason why such a condition is set for stopping the ringtone is that when a speech response is made to the ringtone, the user naturally blows breath toward the terminal device 10, and as a result, the user can be induced to exhale unintentionally, and female hormones can be detected from the breath in a natural manner and at a predetermined timing.

[0192] For this reason, the output control unit 134 continues to forcibly output the ringtone to the terminal device 10. Then, while the ringtone is being output, the output control unit 134 determines whether or not a speech response to the ringtone has been made, based on whether or not a speech voice has been detected via the terminal device 10. Then, when the output control unit 134 determines that a speech response to the ringtone has been made, it controls the terminal device 10 to stop the ringtone that has been output.

[0193] When a speech response to a ringtone is made using the terminal device 10, the sensor SN1 detects the breath naturally exhaled by the user U1 at this time, and detects the female hormone FHx from the detected breath. The sensor SN1 also calculates the amount of the female hormone FHx contained in the detected breath (hormone content), and the terminal device 10 transmits content information indicating the hormone content calculated by the sensor SN1 to the information processing device 100. The output control unit 134 also performs similar output control at each predetermined timing.

[0194] So far, an example has been shown in which the output control unit 134 causes the terminal device 10 to output an alarm sound or a ringtone as guidance content that is not stopped unless a response is made by speech. However, the output control unit 134 may also cause the terminal device 10 to output screen blocking content that is removed from the screen when breath is blown toward the screen of the terminal device 10 as guidance content. This point will be described in more detail using the user U1 as an example.

[0195] For example, when the output control unit 134 detects that it is 7 o'clock while managing time with a timer, it causes the terminal device 10 of the user U1 to display screen blocking content on the display screen, blocking the information displayed on the display screen and making it unrecognizable. This screen blocking content is designed to move outside the display screen in response to the breath being blown onto the display screen. This setting is made so that the sensor SN1 can reliably detect female hormones in a natural manner and at a predetermined timing.

[0196] For this reason, the output control unit 134 causes the terminal device 10 to continue displaying the screen blocking content on the display screen. The output control unit 134 then determines whether or not breath has been blown onto the display screen while the screen blocking content is being displayed on the display screen. For example, the output control unit 134 can determine whether or not breath has been blown onto the display screen based on whether or not the sensor SN1 detects breath. When the output control unit 134 determines that breath has been blown onto the display screen, it controls the terminal device 10 to move the screen blocking content outside the display screen according to the strength (wind pressure) of the breath and the flow direction of the breath.

[0197] Moreover, the sensor SN1 detects the breath blown against the display screen, thereby detecting the female hormone FHx from the detected breath. The sensor SN1 also calculates the amount of the female hormone FHx contained in the detected breath (hormone content), and the terminal device 10 transmits content information indicating the hormone content calculated by the sensor SN1 to the information processing device 100. The output control unit 134 also performs similar output control at each predetermined timing.

[0198] As described above, the output control unit 134 outputs, to the terminal device 10, guidance content for inducing the user to exhale so that female hormones can be detected from the user's breath. According to such an information processing system 1, it is possible to induce the user to exhale unintentionally, and to detect female hormones from the breath in a natural way and at a predetermined timing.

[0199] In addition, a dialogue agent system may be installed in the user's terminal device 10. Therefore, when a predetermined timing arrives, the output control unit 134 may control the dialogue agent system to have a dialogue with the user, thereby inducing a speech response from the user to the dialogue agent system. In this way, the output control unit 134 may perform any output control, not limited to the above example, as long as it can induce the action of exhaling so that female hormones can be detected from the breath in a natural manner and at a predetermined timing.

[0200] Furthermore, when the user performs an action to respond to the output control as described above, the output control unit 134 may provide the user with information corresponding to the action of responding. For example, the output control unit 134 provides predetermined reward information (for example, points, coupons, discount information, etc.) as information corresponding to the action of responding. For example, when the output control unit 134 determines that a speech response to an incoming call has been performed, it causes discount information regarding a predetermined sanitary treatment product to be output by an automated voice over the phone. Also, for example, when the output control unit 134 determines that breath has been blown onto the display screen to remove screen blocking content, it provides points or coupons that can be used when purchasing a predetermined sanitary treatment product.

[0201] (About the analysis unit 135) The analysis unit 135 analyzes the mental or physical state of the user. For example, when the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about the user, the analysis unit 135 analyzes the mental or physical state of the user based on the acquired user information. Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 estimates physical information indicating a female physical state for the user based on the analysis result by the analysis unit 135 and hormone information. This point will be described using the example of FIG. 1.

[0202] When the acquisition unit 131 acquires the content amount information corresponding to the user U1 from the sensor SN1 via the terminal device 10, the acquisition unit 131 further acquires physical condition information or condition history corresponding to the user U1 from the user information storage unit 121.

[0203] The estimation unit 132 identifies a hormone pattern indicating a change over time in the hormone content from a predetermined time back to the present (e.g., the most recent week) based on the content information accumulated up to now in the hormone information storage unit 122 and the content information acquired this time. Then, the estimation unit 132 compares the identified hormone pattern with the menstrual cycle (past menstrual cycle) indicated by the physiological information of the user U1, thereby estimating the menstrual cycle, the day of the next menstruation, and the day of the next ovulation of the user U1.

[0204] Furthermore, the analysis unit 135 analyzes the physical and mental states (emotions) of the user U1 based on the physical condition information or the condition history. For example, the analysis unit 135 analyzes that the user U1 is in a state of "feeling unwell and irritable" based on the physical condition information or the condition history. Since such a state is highly likely to be a sign that the start of menstruation is approaching, the estimation unit 132 advances the next menstrual day estimated as described above by a predetermined number of days, and sets the advanced menstrual day as the menstrual day to be output to the user U1.

[0205] Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 may correct the hormone pattern based on the state indicated by the analysis result by the analysis unit 135. In this case, the estimation unit 132 compares the corrected hormone pattern with the menstrual cycle (past menstrual cycle) indicated by the physiological information of the user U1, thereby estimating the menstrual cycle, the day of the next menstruation, and the day of the next ovulation of the user U1.

[0206] According to such information processing system 1, since not only information obtained from exhaled breath (content information) but also user information related to the user to be processed is used, it is possible to further improve the estimation accuracy of physical information.

[0207] (Regarding authentication unit 136) The authentication unit 136 authenticates the identity of the user based on the components detected from the breath of the user. The authentication unit 136 also executes a predetermined process according to the authentication result. For example, the application AP has an authentication function that uses the components contained in the breath of the user as a key. In such a case, the user causes the sensor SN1 to detect the components contained in the user's breath. The user also causes the information processing device 100 to register a pair of component information indicating the detected components and the user ID as correct answer data for unlocking the application AP. The information processing device 100 stores this correct answer data in a predetermined storage unit.

[0208] In this state, for example, assume that user U1 launches application AP from his / her terminal device 10. Then, terminal device 10 displays a screen showing text information such as "Blow into your mouth to unlock." Here, user U1 blows breath toward sensor SN1. When sensor SN1 detects the breath, it detects components contained in the detected breath. Furthermore, terminal device 10 transmits component information indicating the detected components and a user ID for identifying user U1 to information processing device 100.

[0209] When the authentication unit 136 receives the component information and the user ID, it compares the received combination of the component information and the user ID with the correct answer data and judges whether or not there is correct answer data that matches the received combination of the component information and the user ID. If it is judged that there is correct answer data that matches the received combination of the component information and the user ID, the authentication unit 136 authenticates the identity of the user U1 and controls the terminal device of the user U1 to unlock the application AP.

[0210] When the terminal device 10 receives control to release the lock from the authentication unit 136, it controls various functions of the application AP (for example, a browsing function that allows browsing of various types of physical information) from an unavailable state to an available state.

[0211] According to such an information processing system 1, personal information can be protected from being known to others.

[0212] (About learning section 137) The learning unit 137 performs machine learning on the relationship between the hormone information and the menstrual cycle, and creates a learning model. For example, the learning unit 137 performs machine learning on the relationship between the hormone information, which is information on female hormones detected from the breath of the user, and the menstrual cycle of the user, for each user, and creates a model corresponding to each user. For example, the learning unit 137 performs machine learning on the relationship between the content information, which indicates the content of female hormones in the breath of the user, detected from the breath of the user, and the menstrual cycle of the user, for each user, and creates a model corresponding to each user.

[0213] In addition, the learning unit 137 may create a model corresponding to each female hormone detected from the user's breath by performing machine learning on the relationship between content information indicating the content of the female hormone in the breath and the menstrual cycle.

[0214] In addition, the learning unit 137 may create a model corresponding to a user by using content information indicating the content of female hormones in the breath detected from the user's breath and content information corresponding to another user (similar user) who is different from the user and has similar specified information to the user.

[0215] Furthermore, the learning unit 137 learns a model so that when hormone information (content information) to be processed is input, physical information relating to physiology is output for the user from whom this hormone information was acquired.

[0216] Therefore, the estimation unit 132 may estimate physiological physical information using a model created by the learning unit 137. In the example of Fig. 1, the estimation unit 132 inputs the content information currently acquired by the acquisition unit into a model created by machine learning using the content information of the user U1 up to now. Then, the estimation unit 132 estimates the physical information output from the model as the physical information of the user at the present time.

[0217] (Regarding the presentation unit 138) The presentation unit 138 presents the user with predetermined information related to the detection of female hormones. For example, the presentation unit 138 identifies a detection means (sensor) capable of detecting a female hormone corresponding to a physical condition that the user to be processed wishes to measure among the physical conditions of women. Then, the presentation unit 138 presents the user to be processed with suggestion information that suggests the user to use the identified detection means. This point will be described using the example of FIG. 1, where the user to be processed is an arbitrary user Ux.

[0218] As described above, even for women, the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure may differ depending on the context (e.g., attribute state, behavior state, interest state, etc.). For this reason, the presentation unit 138 estimates the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure among the physical conditions of women, based on the context of the user Ux who is the processing target user.

[0219] For example, the presentation unit 138 estimates the context of the user Ux. Then, the presentation unit 138 estimates the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure among the physical conditions of the woman based on the estimated context. Note that the context estimation may be performed by the estimation unit 132.

[0220] For example, the presentation unit 138 estimates the attribute "female, 12 years old" and the behavioral status "has searched for sanitary products" as the context of the user Ux. This situation suggests that the user Ux "has not yet had her first menstruation, but is beginning to become interested in sanitary products in preparation for that." Therefore, in this example, the presentation unit 138 estimates the "first menstrual day" as the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure. For example, the presentation unit 138 can estimate the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure based on a predetermined rule base (association between the context and the physical condition that the user indicating this context may wish to measure).

[0221] Next, the presentation unit 138 identifies, for example, from among external sensors, a sensor capable of detecting a female hormone for estimating the date of the "first menstruation" of the user Ux. For example, for each piece of sensor information indicating an external sensor, the presentation unit 138 can identify the sensor according to a rule base in which the female hormone detectable by the sensor indicated by the sensor information is associated with an estimation target indicating what physical condition can be estimated from the female hormone.

[0222] Here, if the presentation unit 138 identifies the sensor SN3 as a sensor capable of detecting female hormones for estimating the date of the "first menstruation", it presents suggested information to the user Ux, suggesting that the sensor SN3 be used. For example, the presentation unit 138 generates content displaying suggested information such as "If you want to know the date of the first menstruation, we recommend that you use the sensor SN3" and delivers the generated content to the terminal device 10 of the user Ux.

[0223] In the above example, the display unit 138 estimates the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure among the physical conditions of the woman based on the context of the user U1. However, the display unit 138 may estimate the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure by having the user Ux specify the physical condition that the user Ux wishes to measure among the physical conditions of the woman.

[0224] According to such an information processing system 1, it is possible to suggest to the user that they use a detection means specialized in detecting the female hormones corresponding to the physical condition that the user wishes to measure, thereby making it possible to more accurately estimate the user's condition with respect to the physical condition that the user wishes to measure.

[0225] (Modification (1) by the presentation unit 138) If the breath is not blown to the sensor in an appropriate manner, the sensor may not be able to detect female hormones from the breath. Also, if the breath is not blown to the sensor in an appropriate manner, the sensor may not be able to detect the breath at all. For this reason, the presentation unit 138 may present manner information indicating the correct manner in which the breath should be blown, such as how the breath should be blown.

[0226] Specifically, the presenting unit 138 presents manner information indicating the correct manner in which the breath should be blown against a predetermined detection means (sensor) that detects female hormones, based on whether or not the information on the breath of the user satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, when the predetermined detection means fails to detect the female hormone, the presenting unit 138 presents manner information indicating the correct manner in which the breath should be blown, based on whether or not the information on the breath of the user satisfies a predetermined condition. This point will be described using the user U1 as an example.

[0227] For example, if the sensor SN1 detects the breath of the user U1 but is unable to detect a female hormone from the detected breath, or if the female hormone is detected but the amount detected is less than a predetermined reference value, it determines that it has failed to detect the female hormone. If the sensor SN1 determines that it has failed to detect the female hormone, it notifies the information processing device 100 of a detection failure report. In addition to the detection failure report, the sensor SN1 further notifies the information processing device 100 of information (information related to the user's breath) indicating at least one of the breath temperature, breath humidity, and breath strength (breath air pressure) of the breath detected at this time.

[0228] For example, the sensor SN1 notifies the information processing device 100 of a detection failure report and information related to the exhaled breath via the terminal device 10 of the user U1. Here, it is assumed that the sensor SN1 notifies temperature information indicating the exhaled breath temperature as the information related to the user's exhaled breath.

[0229] When the display unit 138 receives the failure report and the temperature information, the display unit 138 judges whether the temperature indicated by the temperature information satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, in order for the sensor SN1 to detect a female hormone in an amount greater than a predetermined reference value, it is necessary for the sensor SN1 to blow breath having a predetermined temperature or higher. In this case, the display unit 138 judges whether the breath temperature indicated by the temperature information is equal to or greater than the predetermined temperature.

[0230] If the presenting unit 138 determines that the breath temperature indicated by the temperature information is not equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, it determines that the detection failure was caused by the low breath temperature. The presenting unit 138 then distributes to the terminal device 10 of the user U1 mode information indicating the correct mode for blowing the breath, which indicates the mode in which the breath should be blown in order to increase the breath temperature.

[0231] Also, it is assumed that the sensor SN1 notifies the information processing device 100 of humidity information indicating the humidity of the breath as information relating to the breath of the user.

[0232] When the display unit 138 receives the detection failure report and the humidity information, the display unit 138 judges whether the humidity indicated by the humidity information satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, in order for the sensor SN1 to detect a female hormone in an amount greater than a predetermined reference value, it is necessary for the sensor SN1 to blow breath having a predetermined humidity or more. In this case, the display unit 138 judges whether the breath humidity indicated by the humidity information is equal to or greater than the predetermined humidity.

[0233] If the presenting unit 138 determines that the breath humidity indicated by the humidity information is not equal to or higher than the predetermined humidity, it determines that the detection failure was caused by low breath humidity. The presenting unit 138 then distributes to the terminal device 10 of the user U1, as mode information indicating the correct mode for blowing the breath, the mode information indicating in what mode the breath should be blown in order to increase the breath humidity.

[0234] Also, it is assumed that the sensor SN1 notifies the information processing device 100 of wind pressure information indicating the wind pressure of the exhaled breath as information relating to the exhaled breath of the user.

[0235] When the display unit 138 receives the detection failure report and the wind pressure information, the display unit 138 judges whether the wind pressure indicated by the wind pressure information satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, in order for the sensor SN1 to detect a female hormone in an amount greater than a predetermined reference value, the breath must be blown with a strength equal to or greater than a predetermined wind pressure. In this case, the display unit 138 judges whether the breath wind pressure indicated by the wind pressure information is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0236] If the presenting unit 138 determines that the breath wind pressure indicated by the wind pressure information is not equal to or greater than the predetermined wind pressure, it determines that the detection failure was caused by the breath wind pressure being too weak. The presenting unit 138 then delivers to the terminal device 10 of the user U1 mode information indicating the correct mode for blowing the breath, which indicates the mode in which the breath should be blown in order to increase the breath wind pressure.

[0237] In addition, the presentation unit 138 may present behavior information indicating the correct behavior when blowing breath toward a specified detection means that detects female hormones, based on whether or not the positional relationship between the user and the sensor satisfies a specified condition.

[0238] For example, it is assumed that the terminal device 10 of the user U1 has an in-camera function. In this case, the presentation unit 138 acquires an image captured by the in-camera from the terminal device 10, and estimates the positional relationship (distance) between the user U1 and the terminal device 10 based on the acquired captured image. Then, the presentation unit 138 determines whether the estimated distance is shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0239] Then, when the presentation unit 138 determines that the distance between the user U1 and the terminal device 10 is not shorter than a predetermined distance, it delivers behavior information to the terminal device 10 of the user U1, which indicates the correct behavior when blowing breath, instructing the user to get closer to the terminal device 10 and blow breath.

[0240] According to such an information processing system 1, an appropriate method for causing the detection means to effectively detect female hormones can be presented to the user, thereby preventing repeated detection failures and improving detection accuracy.

[0241] (Modification (2) by the presentation unit 138) For example, some users may dislike the action of blowing their breath toward the terminal device 10 in an environment where they may be seen by others, such as when they are out and about, at work, or in other public facilities. Furthermore, such users may wish to blow their breath toward the terminal device 10 in a space where privacy is ensured.

[0242] For this reason, when the presentation unit 138 determines based on the user's location information that the user is located in a place suitable for detecting female hormones, the presentation unit 138 presents suggestion information proposing to perform an operation related to the detection of female hormones at that place. For example, the presentation unit 138 determines based on the user's location information whether the user is located in a place where privacy can be ensured (for example, a home, a toilet, or other private space). Then, when the presentation unit 138 determines that the user is located in a place where privacy can be ensured, the presentation unit 138 presents suggestion information proposing to perform an operation related to the detection of female hormones at that place.

[0243] According to such an information processing system 1, the operation relating to the detection of female hormones can be performed in a calm and shameless state.

[0244] Furthermore, when the presenting unit 138 determines that the user is located in a place where privacy can be ensured, the presenting unit 138 estimates a place where privacy can be ensured within a predetermined range from the current location based on the user's location information. The presenting unit 138 may then suggest that the user move to the estimated location and perform an operation related to the detection of female hormones.

[0245] (Modification (3) by the presentation unit 138) The presentation unit 138 may present to the user to be processed information corresponding to the estimation result by the estimation unit 132, the information being related to another user different from the user to be processed for whom the estimation result was estimated. For example, the presentation unit 138 may present to the user to be processed information related to another user different from the user to be processed for whom the estimation result was estimated, who is in a state of estimation result similar to the estimation result. This point will be described using an arbitrary user Ux as an example.

[0246] For example, it is assumed that the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user Ux may be pregnant as physical information indicating the physical condition of the woman based on hormone information, which is information on female hormones detected from the breath of the user Ux. In this case, the presentation unit 138 identifies other users who are estimated to be pregnant among other users other than the user Ux, and acquires information on the identified other users. For example, the presentation unit 138 acquires information indicating what preparations the other users are making for childbirth and information indicating how the other users are dealing with worries about childbirth. Then, the presentation unit 138 presents the acquired information to the user Ux.

[0247] According to such an information processing system 1, it is possible to support the user so that the user can eliminate anxiety or worries about the estimated physical information.

[0248] (Modification (4) by the presentation unit 138) The presentation unit 138 may present to the user of interest information, which is information according to the estimation result by the estimation unit 132 and is based on the location information of the user of interest from which the estimation result is estimated. This point will be described using an arbitrary user Ux as an example.

[0249] For example, it is assumed that the estimation unit 132 estimates that the user Ux may be pregnant as physical information indicating the female's physical condition based on hormone information, which is information about female hormones detected from the breath of the user Ux. In this case, the presentation unit 138 acquires information on childbirth and childcare assistance provided by the local government in the area where the user Ux lives. The presentation unit 138 then presents the acquired information to the user Ux.

[0250] According to such an information processing system 1, it is possible to support the user so that the user can eliminate anxiety or worries about the estimated physical information.

[0251] 9. Terminal Device Configuration Next, the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the terminal device 10 has a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, a detection unit 14, and an application control unit 15.

[0252] (Regarding communication section 11) The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the information processing device 100, for example.

[0253] (Regarding input unit 12 and output unit 13) The input unit 12 is an input device that accepts various operations from a user. For example, the input unit 12 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, etc. The output unit 13 is a display device for displaying various information. For example, the output unit 13 is realized by a liquid crystal display, etc. Note that, when a touch panel is adopted in the terminal device 10, the input unit 12 and the output unit 13 are integrated. Also, the output unit 13 corresponds to, for example, a display screen of the terminal device 10.

[0254] (Regarding the detection unit 14) The detection unit 14 is one of the detection means (sensors) that detects specific components from the breath of the user and is built into the terminal device 10. For example, the detection unit 14 detects a specific female hormone from the breath of the user. More specifically, the detection unit 14 determines whether the breath has been detected, and if it is determined that the breath has been detected, detects the specific female hormone from the detected breath. In addition, the detection unit 14 calculates the hormone content, which is the amount of the detected female hormone contained in the detected breath, and outputs content information indicating the calculated hormone content to the terminal device 10.

[0255] In addition, there are multiple types of detection means (sensors) that detect specific components from the breath of a user, each of which has a different combination of detectable female hormones among multiple different female hormones. For example, of the seven different female hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, inhibin, testosterone, and androstenedione, the sensor SN2 can detect three female hormones, estrogen, progesterone, and LH, while the sensor SN3 can detect four female hormones, FSH, inhibin, testosterone, and androstenedione. In this way, the sensors SN2 and SN3 are different detection means and have different combinations of detectable female hormones.

[0256] In addition, the detection means may be of a type that is built into the terminal device 10, such as the detection unit 14, a type that is external to the terminal device 10, or a type that is used separately from the terminal device 10 but transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 10 via short-range wireless communication.

[0257] (About the application control unit 15) The application control unit 15 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like executing various programs (e.g., a terminal program corresponding to the application AP) stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 10 using the RAM as a working area. The application control unit 15 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0258] As shown in Fig. 6, the application control unit 15 has an acquisition unit 15a, a reception unit 15b, and a display control unit 15c, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the application control unit 15 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 6, and may be other configurations as long as they perform information processing described below. Also, the connection relationship between the processing units included in the application control unit 15 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 6, and may be other connection relationships.

[0259] (Regarding the acquisition unit 15a) The acquiring unit 15a acquires hormone information related to the female hormone detected by the detecting unit 14. For example, the acquiring unit 15a acquires, as the hormone information, content information indicating the hormone content, which is the amount of the female hormone contained in the exhaled breath, detected by the detecting unit 14, from the detecting unit 14. Furthermore, when the acquiring unit 15a acquires the hormone information from the detecting unit 14, it transmits the acquired hormone information to the information processing device 100.

[0260] (Regarding the reception unit 15b) The receiving unit 15b receives physical information that is estimated based on the hormone information acquired by the acquiring unit 15a and indicates the physical condition of the female user. Specifically, the receiving unit 15b receives physical information that is estimated by the estimating unit 132 of the information processing device 100 based on the hormone information acquired by the acquiring unit 15a and that is output by the output unit 133 of the information processing device 100.

[0261] (Regarding the display control unit 15c) Display control unit 15c displays the physical information accepted by accepting unit 5b. For example, display control unit 15c controls output unit 13 to display the physical information accepted by accepting unit 5b.

[0262] 10. Processing Procedure Next, the procedure of information processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of information processing according to the embodiment.

[0263] First, the acquisition unit 131 determines whether or not content information indicating the amount of female hormone contained in the breath of a user (user to be processed) has been acquired from the terminal device 10 of the user (user to be processed) as a result of the detection unit 14 detecting the female hormone from the breath of the user (step S101). While the acquisition unit 131 determines that the content information cannot be acquired (step S101; No), it waits until it can be determined that the content information has been acquired.

[0264] On the other hand, when it is determined that the acquisition unit 131 has acquired the content information (step S101; Yes), the estimation unit 132 determines whether a sufficient amount of content information corresponding to the user to be processed has been accumulated for the estimation process (step S102).

[0265] When the estimation unit 132 determines that a sufficient amount of content information corresponding to the user to be processed has been accumulated for the estimation process (step S102; Yes), it determines that a sufficient amount of content information has been accumulated to obtain a hormone pattern, and identifies a hormone pattern corresponding to the user to be processed based on the content information associated with the user to be processed in the hormone information storage unit 122 (step S201a).

[0266] Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of the user to be processed from the user information storage unit 121 (Step S202a).

[0267] Then, the estimation unit 132 compares the hormone pattern identified in step S201a with the menstrual cycle indicated by the menstrual information acquired in step S202a, thereby estimating physical information related to female menstruation for the user to be processed (step S205).

[0268] Furthermore, the output unit 133 outputs the content indicating the physical information estimated by the estimation unit 132 as the estimation result to the terminal device 10 of the user to be processed (step S206).

[0269] On the other hand, if the estimation unit 132 determines that the amount of accumulated content information corresponding to the user to be processed is not sufficient for the estimation process (step S102; No), it determines that the amount of accumulated content information is not sufficient to obtain a hormone pattern, and identifies similar users who are other users whose specified information is similar to that of the user to be processed (step S202b).

[0270] Next, the estimation unit 132 identifies a hormone pattern corresponding to the user to be processed based on the content information associated with similar users in the hormone information storage unit 122 and the content information corresponding to the user to be processed (step S203b).

[0271] Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of the user to be processed from the user information storage unit 121 (Step S204b).

[0272] Then, the estimation unit 132 compares the hormone pattern identified in step S203b with the menstrual cycle indicated by the menstrual information acquired in step S204b, thereby estimating physical information related to female menstruation for the user to be processed (step S205).

[0273] Furthermore, the output unit 133 outputs the content indicating the physical information estimated by the estimation unit 132 as the estimation result to the terminal device 10 of the user to be processed (step S206).

[0274] 11. Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the information processing device 100 estimates physical information indicating a female physical condition for a user based on hormone information (e.g., the hormone content in the user's breath) regarding hormones (e.g., female hormones) detected from the user's breath.

[0275] However, the information processing device 100 may acquire component information, which is information on organic compounds detected from the breath of the user, and estimate physical information indicating a female physical condition for the user based on the acquired component information. For example, the information processing device 100 acquires component information, which is information on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detected from the breath of the user, and estimates information on the user's physiology based on the component information.

[0276] Here, some volatile organic compounds are affected by hormone balance, and the amount of the compound in the breath or in the body increases or decreases. For example, some volatile organic compounds are affected by hormone balance, and the amount of the compound in the breath or in the body increases or decreases depending on the hormone balance that changes with the menstrual cycle. For example, it is known that the amount of acetone decreases in response to the decrease in the amount of estrogen during ovulation. It is also known that the amount of isoprene increases in response to the acceleration of the rate of hormone synthesis during ovulation. It is also known that the amount of dimethyl sulfide decreases during the non-menstrual period in subjects who have taken oral contraceptives (synthetic progesterone).

[0277] Therefore, for example, the information processing device 100 acquires component information, which is information on a specific component detected from the breath of the user, i.e., a specific volatile organic compound (e.g., acetone, isoprene, dimethyl sulfide, etc.) detected from the breath of the user. As an example, the information processing device 100 acquires, as the component information, component information indicating the component amount, which is the amount of this specific volatile organic compound contained in the breath of the user.

[0278] This point will be described using the example of Figure 1. Here, acetone is taken as an example of a volatile organic compound, and the sensor SN1 is a sensor capable of detecting acetone contained in exhaled breath.

[0279] For example, when user U1 blows his / her breath toward sensor SN1 provided in terminal device 10 (step S1), sensor SN1 detects acetone from the blown breath and calculates the acetone content (amount of component), which is the amount of acetone contained in the breath (step S2).

[0280] When the terminal device 10 acquires the component amounts calculated by the sensor SN1, the terminal device 10 transmits component information indicating the component amounts to the information processing device 100 (step S3). Then, the information processing device 100 acquires the component information from the terminal device 10 (step S4) and stores the acquired component information in, for example, a predetermined storage unit.

[0281] Next, the information processing device 100 judges whether or not sufficient component information has been accumulated for the estimation process (step S5). For example, the information processing device 100 judges whether or not sufficient component information has been accumulated to obtain a component pattern. As described above, the acetone content decreases in response to a decrease in the estrogen content, so that the component pattern can be essentially interpreted as the hormone pattern described in FIG. 1.

[0282] For example, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 has determined that sufficient component information has been accumulated to obtain a component pattern. In this case, the information processing device 100 identifies a component pattern corresponding to the user U1, acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of the user U1, and compares these to estimate information regarding menstruation (step S6a). For example, the information processing device 100 identifies a component pattern indicating a change over time in the amount of components from a predetermined time going back to the present to the present (e.g., the most recent week) for the user U1, based on the component information accumulated up to now and the component information acquired this time. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of the user U1 from the user information storage unit 121.

[0283] Then, the information processing device 100 compares the identified component pattern with the menstrual cycle (past menstrual cycle) indicated by the acquired menstrual information, thereby estimating the menstrual cycle, the day of the next menstruation, and the day of the next ovulation of the user U1.

[0284] Next, the information processing device 100 outputs an inference result screen showing the inference result by the inference process in step S6 to the terminal device 10 of the user U1 (step S7). In addition, the terminal device 10 displays the inference result screen received from the information processing device 100 (step S8).

[0285] As described above, the information processing device 100 estimates information related to the user's physiology based on component information, which is information (e.g., information indicating the VOC content in the breath) on specific VOCs (e.g., VOCs that are easily affected by hormone balance) detected from the breath of the user. According to such an information processing device 100, not only the hormones in the breath of the user but also the VOCs in the breath of the user can be used in estimating physical information indicating, for example, the physical condition of a woman, so that the information for estimation can be increased. As a result, for example, when the detection of hormones by a sensor is insufficient, the information processing device 100 can compensate for this insufficiency by shifting to detection of VOCs, or conversely, can realize a more accurate estimation process by combining hormones and VOCs.

[0286] [12. Other variations] Various variations of the embodiment have been described so far. However, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment may be implemented in various other forms in addition to the variations described so far. Therefore, other variations of the information processing system 1 will be described below.

[0287] [12-1. About sensors] In the above embodiment, it has been explained that there are three types of sensors that detect female hormones from the user's breath: a type that is built into the terminal device 10 (particularly a smartphone), a type that is attached externally to the terminal device 10, and a small, stand-alone type that is capable of short-range wireless communication with the terminal device 10.

[0288] However, for example, considering that many people are wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic, it may also be effective to use a sensor that is compatible with a mask (i.e., a sensor for a mask) that can detect components useful for estimating a woman's physical condition from the user's breath (e.g., female hormones and volatile organic compounds, described below).

[0289] Here are some examples of the types of mask sensors available. Mask sensors are broadly divided into two types: those that are built into the mask, and those that are retrofitted to the mask. In the former case, it is expected that the sensor will be sold commercially as a mask with a built-in sensor. In the latter case, the user will retrofit the mask. The following will focus on retrofit type mask sensors.

[0290] First, the mask sensor detects the components in the breath of the user, so it must detect the breath of the user as a prerequisite. For this reason, the mask sensor is designed to be attached inside the mask in order to effectively detect the breath.

[0291] However, when the mask sensor is attached inside the mask, there is a risk that the detection accuracy will decrease due to the sensor unit (sensing element) that actually detects the components touching the face, etc. For this reason, the mask sensor is configured and shaped so that it can be attached later to, for example, a part of the user's face that is difficult to touch, among various parts of the mask. Specifically, the mask sensor may have a clip so that it can be clamped to the mask, or may have a Velcro (registered trademark) or adhesive part so that it can be attached to the mask. In addition, the mask sensor may have a pin so that it can penetrate the mask and be pinned.

[0292] The mask sensor may be shaped so that it can be inserted into the mask along the ear straps, or it may be in the form of a thin membrane so that it can be inserted between the pleats. Some masks have pockets for inserting filters or gels, so the mask sensor may be shaped so that it can be inserted into such pockets.

[0293] In addition, it is preferable that the mask sensor can be attached in a manner that makes it difficult for others to notice that it is attached to the mask, or that it has a shape that makes it difficult for others to notice that it is attached to the mask. In addition, it is preferable that the mask sensor is small and thin so that its weight and size do not burden the user. For example, it is preferable that the mask sensor is as thin as or thinner than a commercially available disposable mask, and is like a chip of several centimeters square.

[0294] Although specific examples of configurations that a retrofit type mask sensor may have have been shown above, the type of mask that the mask sensor targets is not limited. For example, the type of mask that the mask sensor targets may be any of a pleated type, a three-dimensional type, and a cloth mask.

[0295] [12-2. Components to be detected] In the above embodiment, the components to be detected are various hormones (particularly female hormones). For example, in the above embodiment, the components to be detected are various hormones such as progesterone, LH (luteinizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), inhibin, testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, estrogen, kisspeptin, androstenedione. However, the components to be detected are not limited to these hormones, and may be specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in the breath of the user.

[0296] For example, some VOCs are useful for estimating the physical condition of women. Specifically, it is known that some VOCs are correlated with female hormones. More specifically, it is known that some VOCs increase or decrease in amount (e.g., amount in the body or content in the breath) in correlation with increases or decreases in the amount of female hormones (e.g., amount in the body or content in the breath).

[0297] Examples of VOCs that show a correlation with female hormones include acetone, isoprene, dimethyl sulfide, and ammonia. These VOCs are components that increase and decrease with the menstrual cycle (influenced by hormones). For example, it is known that acetone in breath increases during the follicular phase and decreases during ovulation, and it is suggested that this is due to the increase and decrease in plasma estrogen levels. It is also known that isoprene in breath increases during ovulation, and it is suggested that this is due to high plasma estrogen levels. It is also known that dimethyl sulfide in breath is derived from the intake of progesterone and decreases during the non-menstrual phase when oral contraceptives are taken. It is also known that ammonia in breath decreases during ovulation, and it is suggested that this is due to the decrease in plasma estrogen and the low plasma progesterone levels.

[0298] 12-3. Information Processing According to the Embodiment According to the above, the information processing according to the embodiment (for example, the estimation process for estimating the physical condition of a woman) can be realized by changing the detection target component from female hormones to VOCs having a correlation with the female hormones. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 (information processing device 100) detects hormones contained in the breath of a user, and estimates information related to the user's physiology based on information based on the amount of the detected hormone and physiological information indicating the user's menstrual cycle.

[0299] However, the information processing system 1 (information processing device 100) can also detect VOCs (e.g., at least one of acetone, isoprene, dimethyl sulfide, and ammonia) contained in the breath of the user, and estimate information related to the user's physiology based on information based on the amount of the detected VOCs and physiological information indicating the user's menstrual cycle. This point will be described using the example of Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to a modified example.

[0300] [12-4. An example of information processing] In the example of Fig. 8, an example is shown in which the sensor performing detection is a mask sensor. Also, for this reason, the example of information processing shown in Fig. 8 is common to the example of Fig. 1 except that the detection medium is a mask sensor and the components to be detected are VOCs. Therefore, the contents that overlap with the explanation of Fig. 1 will be simplified.

[0301] Fig. 8 shows a state where sensor SN10, which is an example of a retrofit type mask sensor, arrives at a disposable mask of user U1. According to the example of Fig. 8, sensor SN10 is attached, for example, to one of the circled positions in the mask. For example, in order to minimize the effect of humidity or condensation in the mask on detection accuracy, sensor SN10 is preferably attached to a position slightly shifted from the position where the nose touches, outside the corners of the mouth (between the nose and upper lip), slightly above the chin, etc.

[0302] 8, the sensor SN10 is capable of detecting any one of the VOCs described above. For example, the sensor SN10 is capable of conceptually detecting "VOCx" (e.g., acetone) as the any one VOC. On the other hand, the sensor SN10 may be configured to detect multiple VOCs by having sensing elements specialized for detecting each of the multiple VOCs.

[0303] In the example of FIG. 8, the sensor SN10 detects VOCx from exhaled breath when breathing is performed through a mask, and calculates (detects) the amount of detected VOCx contained in the exhaled breath (VOC content) (step S21).

[0304] Next, the terminal device 10 acquires content information indicating the VOC content from the sensor SN10, and transmits the acquired content information to the information processing device 100 (step S22). For example, if the sensor SN10 has a near-infrared communication function, the user U1 holds the sensor SN10 over the terminal device 10 to cause mutual communication between the sensor SN10 and the terminal device 10. In this case, the terminal device 10 acquires content information from the sensor SN10, and transmits the acquired content information to the information processing device 100.

[0305] In addition to VOCs, the sensor SN10 may be configured to detect biological information such as temperature inside the mask (body temperature), humidity inside the mask, information that quantifies the odor inside the mask (odor score), vocalization information that indicates the vocalization of the user U1, etc. In such a case, the terminal device 10 further acquires biological information from the sensor SN10 and transmits content information linked to the biological information to the information processing device 100.

[0306] Then, the information processing device 100 acquires the content amount information from the terminal device 10 (step S23). Furthermore, the information processing device 100 stores the acquired content amount information in the hormone information storage unit 122b (FIG. 9).

[0307] In addition, since VOCx is a component related to female hormones, it can be said that the sensor SN10 detects VOCs (or the VOC content) as information related to hormones, and the information processing device 100 acquires content information indicating the VOC content as information related to hormones.

[0308] Next, the information processing device 100 judges whether or not a sufficient amount of content information has been accumulated for the estimation process (step S24). For example, the information processing device 100 estimates physiological physical information using a component pattern that indicates a change over time in the VOC content from a predetermined retroactive time to the present (for example, the most recent week). For this reason, it is necessary that a sufficient amount of content information is accumulated to obtain a component pattern by detecting VOCx periodically within this period. For this reason, the information processing device 100 performs the judgment process of step S24.

[0309] Here, for example, the content of VOCx correlates with the content of the corresponding female hormone, and therefore the component pattern can be interpreted as substantially the hormone pattern described in FIG.

[0310] Next, the information processing device 100 estimates physical information related to the female's physiology according to the determination result in step S24 (step S25). Step S25 will be described separately for a case where sufficient content information has been accumulated for the estimation process (step S25a) and a case where sufficient content information has not been accumulated for the estimation process (step S25b).

[0311] In step S25a, the information processing device 100 identifies a component pattern corresponding to the user U1 based on the content information associated with the user U1 in the hormone information storage unit 122b. For example, the information processing device 100 identifies a component pattern indicating a change over time in the VOC content from a predetermined time back to the present (e.g., the most recent week) based on the content information accumulated so far and the content information acquired this time. In addition, the information processing device 100 acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of the user U1 from the user information storage unit 121.

[0312] The information processing device 100 then compares the identified component pattern with the menstrual cycle (past menstrual cycle) indicated by the acquired menstrual information, to estimate the menstrual cycle, the date of the next menstrual period, and the date of the next ovulation of the user U1. The menstrual cycle is made up of a menstrual cycle in which menstruation, the follicular phase, the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase are repeated, and the basal body temperature and the content of VOCx also change according to the changes over time within the menstrual cycle. Therefore, the information processing device 100 estimates the menstrual cycle, the date of the next menstrual period, and the date of the next ovulation of the user U1 based on such relationships.

[0313] On the other hand, in step S25b, the information processing device 100 identifies other users in order to supplement the missing content amount information with content amount information of other users different from the user U1. For example, the information processing device 100 identifies similar users who are other users having predetermined information similar to that of the user U1.

[0314] For example, the information processing device 100 identifies, among other users different from user U1, other users who have similar stress values ​​compared to user U1 as similar users. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may identify, among other users different from user U1, other users who have similar attribute information (age, gender, etc.) compared to user U1 as similar users. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may identify, among other users different from user U1, other users who have similar physiological information (menstrual cycle, basal body temperature pattern showing changes in basal body temperature over time, etc.) compared to user U1 as similar users.

[0315] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may identify other users who have a similar relationship between the current point in the menstrual cycle of user U1 (such as the 14th day of a 28-day cycle) and the VOC content indicated by the content information obtained this time as similar users. In other words, the information processing device 100 may identify other users who have similar VOC information compared to user U1 as similar users.

[0316] After identifying similar users in this way, the information processing device 100 identifies a component pattern indicating a change over time in VOC content from a predetermined retroactive time to the present (e.g., the most recent week) based on the content information of the identified similar users. The information processing device 100 also acquires physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of user U1 from the user information storage unit 121. The information processing device 100 then compares the identified component pattern with the menstrual cycle indicated by the acquired physiological information, thereby estimating user U1's menstrual cycle, the date of the next menstruation, and the date of the next ovulation.

[0317] Next, the information processing device 100 outputs an estimation result screen showing the estimation result obtained by the estimation process in step S25 to the terminal device 10 of the user U1 (step S26). For example, the information processing device 100 distributes the estimation result screen showing the estimation result obtained by the estimation process in step S25 to the terminal device 10 of the user U1 so that the estimation result screen is displayed on the terminal device 10. For example, the information processing device 100 generates an estimation result screen C1 as shown in FIG. 8 based on the estimation result. Then, the information processing device 100 distributes the generated estimation result screen C1 to the terminal device 10.

[0318] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 displays the estimation result screen received from the information processing device 100 (step S27). Specifically, the terminal device 10 controls display so that the estimation result screen C1 is displayed on the display screen (corresponding to the output unit 13 in FIG. 6).

[0319] [12-5. About the memory unit] Next, the hormone information storage unit 122b will be described. The hormone information storage unit 122b stores various information related to female hormones.

[0320] An example of the hormone information storage unit 122b according to the modified example is shown in Fig. 9. The hormone information storage unit 122b shown in Fig. 9 corresponds to the example of Fig. 8. In the example of Fig. 9, the hormone information storage unit 122b has items such as "user ID", "history ID", "date and time information", "temperature", "humidity", "odor score", "vocal information", "content information", "various priorities", and "estimated result".

[0321] In the example of Fig. 9, the hormone information storage unit 122b stores various information corresponding to the example of Fig. 8. However, the hormone information storage unit 122b also describes the hormone information storage unit 122 shown in Fig. 4 in more detail, and the target sensor may be a sensor provided in the terminal device 10 (for example, the sensor SN1 in Fig. 1) instead of a mask sensor, and the target component may be a female hormone instead of a VOC. Therefore, the following description of the hormone information storage unit 122b can be applied to the example of Fig. 1, for example.

[0322] "User ID" indicates identification information (identifier) ​​that identifies a user or a terminal device 10 owned by a user. "History ID" indicates identification information that identifies a set of "temperature," "humidity," "odor score," "vocal information," and "content information" detected at the date and time indicated by "date and time information" as one record (one history). "Date and time information" indicates the date and time when the corresponding information ("temperature," "humidity," "odor score," "vocal information," and "content information") was detected.

[0323] "Temperature" indicates the temperature inside the mask detected by sensor SN10 at the date and time indicated by "Date and Time Information." Note that "Temperature" may include not only the temperature inside the mask, but also the body temperature of the user wearing the mask (the user indicated by "User ID"). "Humidity" indicates the humidity inside the mask detected by sensor SN10 at the date and time indicated by "Date and Time Information." "Odor Score" indicates numerical information on the odor detected by sensor SN10 at the date and time indicated by "Date and Time Information."

[0324] The "vocalization information" is information indicating whether the user vocalized at the date and time indicated by the "date and time information." By using the "vocalization information," the information processing device 100 can distinguish whether the corresponding "content information" indicates the amount of VOCs contained in the breath due to nasal breathing, or whether the corresponding "content information" indicates the amount of VOCs contained in the breath due to mouth breathing.

[0325] The "content information" is information indicating the amount of VOCs contained in the breath of the user and detected from the breath of the user by the sensor SN10.

[0326] "Various importance levels" indicates various importance levels (priorities) weighted for "content information" according to the target items. Target items include breathing type such as nasal breathing or mouth breathing, time period such as morning time, daytime time, or night time, the user's exercise status, and the user's tooth brushing status. A specific example of weighting is explained below.

[0327] (Weighting according to type of breathing) First, weighting according to the type of breathing will be described. Weighting here refers to calculating the importance depending on whether the "content information" indicates the amount of VOCs contained in the breath due to nasal breathing or the "content information" indicates the amount of VOCs contained in the breath due to mouth breathing.

[0328] For example, it is assumed that it has been determined from experience that the amount of VOCs contained in breath from nose breathing is lower in detection accuracy than the amount of VOCs contained in breath from mouth breathing because many impurities are mixed in, and that it is better to reduce the proportion of the number (e.g., the number of records) used in the estimation process, or that it is better not to use it at all in the estimation process. It is also assumed that it has been determined from experience that breath from mouth breathing is similar to saliva and is more suitable for detecting VOCs.

[0329] In this case, the information processing device 100 determines, based on the "vocal information", whether the corresponding "content information" indicates the amount of VOCs contained in the breath due to nasal breathing or the amount of VOCs contained in the breath due to mouth breathing. Then, the information processing device 100 calculates a higher importance for the "content information" corresponding to mouth breathing between the "content information" corresponding to nasal breathing and the "content information" corresponding to mouth breathing. Furthermore, according to such importance calculation, the information processing device 100 can perform estimation processing by mixing the "content information" corresponding to nasal breathing and the "content information" corresponding to mouth breathing in a ratio according to the importance, or perform estimation processing using only the "content information" corresponding to mouth breathing.

[0330] The weighting to calculate the importance according to the type of breathing may be performed by, for example, the estimation unit 132. On the other hand, such weighting may be performed on the sensor SN10 side. For example, when the sensor SN10 detects an exhalation and a voice, it determines that the exhalation is due to mouth breathing, and calculates the importance according to the mouth breathing. Then, the sensor SN10 can transmit the importance to the information processing device 100 by linking the importance to the content information indicating the amount of VOC contained in the exhalation. Also, for example, when the sensor SN10 cannot detect an exhalation and a voice, it determines that the exhalation is due to nasal breathing, and calculates the importance according to the nasal breathing. Then, the sensor SN10 can transmit the importance to the information processing device 100 by linking the importance to the content information indicating the amount of VOC contained in the exhalation.

[0331] (Weighting according to time period type) Next, weighting according to the type of time period will be described. Weighting here refers to calculating the importance of the "content information" according to whether it was detected in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

[0332] For example, the sensor SN10 is set to detect VOCs every day in a specific time period in the morning (e.g., between 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00), in a specific time period in the afternoon (e.g., between 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00), and in a specific time period in the evening (e.g., between 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00). In such a case, the information processing device 100 can obtain a component pattern that indicates the change over time in the "content information."

[0333] In this state, for example, the information processing device 100 calculates the importance of the "content information" for each time period for each user from whom the content information was obtained (user U1 in the example of FIG. 8), based on the component pattern obtained from the "content information" corresponding to that user. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the importance from the perspective of the stability of changes in the VOC content. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a higher importance for a time period in which the change in the VOC content is more stable.

[0334] For example, the information processing device 100 may analyze the component pattern of user U1 and calculate an analysis result that the change in the VOC content during a specific time period in the morning tends to be stable, while the change in the VOC content during a specific time period in the afternoon tends to vary slightly. Also, for example, the information processing device 100 may calculate an analysis result that the change in the VOC content during a specific time period in the evening tends to vary even more.

[0335] In this case, the information processing device 100 calculates the highest importance for the "content information" in a specific time period in the morning when the change in the VOC content is most stable, calculates a medium importance for the "content information" in a specific time period in the day when the change in the VOC content is more or less variable, and calculates the lowest importance for the "content information" in a specific time period in the evening when the change in the VOC content is more or less variable.

[0336] According to such importance calculation, the information processing device 100 can select the more stable "content information" among the stored information as true data and mainly use this true data for estimation processing, thereby improving the estimation accuracy. Also, for example, the information processing device 100 can mix the "content information" for each time period in a ratio according to the importance and perform estimation processing, or perform estimation processing using only the "content information" with the highest importance.

[0337] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can perform personalized weighting according to the user's situation as in the above example, but may also perform weighting based on various empirical rules. For example, in menstruation prediction, which estimates physical information (e.g., menstrual status) indicating a woman's physical condition, if it has been determined from experience that using the VOC content in the morning hours is more effective in improving estimation accuracy, the information processing device 100 calculates a higher importance for "content information" in a specific time period in the morning.

[0338] Also, for example, it is assumed that it has been determined through experience that the "content amount information" considered to be more strongly affected by stress at work or the like is the "content amount information" in the evening time period, and the "content amount information" considered to be less affected by stress is the "content amount information" in the morning time period. In such a case, the information processing device 100 can calculate a higher importance for the "content amount information" in a specific time period in the morning.

[0339] Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 100 can calculate the stress value of each user from whom the content amount information was obtained (user U1 in the example of FIG. 8), and calculate a higher importance for a time period showing a lower stress value.

[0340] Note that the weighting of calculating the importance according to the type of time period may be performed by, for example, the estimation unit 132. On the other hand, such weighting may be performed on the sensor SN10 side.

[0341] (Weighting according to exercise status) Next, weighting according to the user's exercise status will be described. For example, when making various estimations regarding the physical status, it is preferable to use data obtained when the user is at rest. This is because, for example, data obtained while the user is engaged in vigorous exercise or immediately thereafter may temporarily show values ​​different from normal values ​​due to changes in vital signs caused by exercise, and if such data is used for estimation, the accuracy of the estimation may decrease. On the other hand, depending on the estimation content, there are cases where it is better to use data obtained while the user is engaged in vigorous exercise or immediately thereafter, or where such data is better to completely exclude. In consideration of these points, the weighting here refers to correcting the VOC content of the VOC detected while the user is exercising to the VOC content at rest. Also, the weighting here refers to calculating the importance according to the purpose of use of the "content information."

[0342] For example, the information processing device 100 can determine whether or not the "content information" corresponds to the VOCs detected when the user is exercising, based on predetermined sensor information linked to the "content information." In addition, the information processing device 100 can correct the "content information" determined to correspond to the VOCs detected when the user is exercising, to the "content information" at rest, based on the amount of exercise at that time.

[0343] For example, the predetermined sensor information associated with the "content information" includes position information derived from the GPS of the terminal device 10, body movement information derived from the acceleration sensor of the terminal device 10, and temperature change inside the mask. Therefore, the information processing device 100 identifies the "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected while the user is exercising based on these pieces of information. Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 can identify the "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected while the user is exercising, it calculates the amount of exercise based on the information at the time when the VOC was detected (position information, body movement information, temperature change inside the mask). Then, the information processing device 100 corrects the VOC content indicated by the "content information" according to the calculated amount of exercise, and determines the corrected VOC content as the VOC content at rest. By performing such correction, the information processing device 100 can prevent, for example, the "content information" during exercise from being used as is in the estimation process, thereby preventing the estimation accuracy from decreasing.

[0344] Sensor information (for example, position information, body movement information (acceleration information, angular acceleration information, etc.), temperature information, etc.) may be managed together with each item in Fig. 9. For example, the hormone information storage unit 122b may further have an item of "sensor information" in addition to items such as "user ID", "history ID", "date and time information", "temperature", "humidity", "odor score", "vocalization information", "content information", "various priorities", and "estimated results".

[0345] The calculation of importance according to the purpose of use will be described. For example, suppose that the purpose of use is to perform processing using "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected while the user is exercising or immediately after the user is exercising. In such a case, when performing this processing, the information processing device 100 calculates a higher weight value for the "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected while the user is exercising.

[0346] On the other hand, suppose that there is a purpose of use to exclude "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected while the user is engaged in vigorous exercise or before and after the exercise, and to perform processing using only "content information" at rest. In such a case, when performing this processing, the information processing device 100 calculates a higher weight value for the "content information" at rest, thereby excluding "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected while the user is exercising from the information to be used.

[0347] Note that the weighting, ie, the calculation of the importance according to the exercise situation, may be performed by, for example, the estimation unit 132. On the other hand, such weighting may be performed on the sensor SN10 side.

[0348] (Weighting based on tooth brushing status) Next, weighting according to the user's tooth brushing status will be described. Weighting here refers to calculating the importance of the "content information" according to the timing of tooth brushing when it was detected. For example, when making various inferences regarding physical conditions, it is preferable to use data obtained when there is less odor in the mouth, so as not to use data obtained when eating, drinking, or smoking. This is because odor components in the mouth may adversely affect the detection accuracy of VOCs and the detection accuracy of the content of detected VOCs. Therefore, weighting here refers to calculating the importance of the "content information" according to whether it indicates the amount of VOCs detected when there is less odor in the mouth (for example, after brushing teeth).

[0349] For example, the information processing device 100 can determine, based on predetermined sensor information linked to the "content information," whether or not the information corresponds to a VOC detected after brushing teeth.

[0350] For example, the predetermined sensor information linked to the "content information" is the "odor score" detected by the odor detection function (odor sensor) of the sensor SN10. Therefore, the information processing device 100 identifies the "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected after brushing teeth based on the change in the score indicated by the "odor score." Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 is able to identify the "content information" indicating the content of VOCs detected after brushing teeth, it calculates a higher weighting value for the identified "content information."

[0351] For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a higher importance for the "content amount information" after brushing teeth than for the "content amount information" at a timing other than after brushing teeth.

[0352] According to such importance calculation, the information processing device 100 can perform estimation processing by mixing the "content information" after brushing the teeth and the "content information" at other times in a ratio according to the importance, or can perform estimation processing using only the "content information" after brushing the teeth.

[0353] Note that the weighting to calculate the importance according to the tooth brushing situation may be performed, for example, by the estimation unit 132. On the other hand, such weighting may be performed on the sensor SN10 side.

[0354] [12-6. Separation of outside air and exhaled air] For example, outside air also flows into the mask. For this reason, it is necessary to separate the outside air from the exhaled air so that the outside air is not recognized as exhaled air and information about the components contained in the outside air is not accumulated. For example, the sensor SN10 can determine whether the air in the mask is exhaled air or not based on a change in humidity in the mask. For example, when the sensor SN10 detects that the humidity in the mask exceeds a predetermined threshold, it determines that the air in the mask has changed to exhaled air (air derived from exhaled air) due to the user's breathing. Then, when it is determined that the air in the mask has changed to exhaled air, the sensor SN10 detects VOCs contained in the air in the mask (i.e., exhaled air). According to such a detection method, for example, when the outside air flows into the mask, the sensor SN10 can prevent the sensor SN10 from erroneously recognizing that breathing has occurred and thereby detecting the components contained in the outside air and preventing the noise components from being accumulated in the information processing device 100.

[0355] The above detection method described as being performed by the sensor SN10 may be performed by the information processing device 100. For example, the information processing device 100 judges whether the "content information" is information indicating the content of a component contained in the exhaled breath or information indicating the content of a component contained in the outside air based on the "humidity" linked to the "content information" in the hormone information storage unit 122b. For example, when the "humidity" linked to the "content information" exceeds a predetermined value, the information processing device 100 judges that the "content information" is information indicating the content of a component contained in the exhaled breath.

[0356] [12-7. Sensor charging according to data collection status] In addition, if the sensor SN10 is rechargeable, it may reduce power consumption by switching to a power-saving mode when data necessary for the estimation process has been collected. For example, the sensor SN10 may reduce power consumption by switching to a power-saving mode when content information necessary for the estimation process has been collected.

[0357] For example, suppose collection conditions are set to detect VOCs during specific times in the morning (e.g., 8:00, 9:00, 10:00), specific times in the afternoon (e.g., 1:00, 2:00, 3:00), and specific times in the evening (e.g., 7:00, 8:00, 9:00), and collect content information for each of these times.

[0358] In this case, when sensor SN10 detects VOCs in the 8 o'clock hour according to the timer function and then calculates the amount of the detected VOCs, it stops the detection operation and switches to the power saving mode. When sensor SN10 recognizes that it is now the 9 o'clock hour according to the timer function, it switches to the detection mode and detects VOCs and calculates the amount of the detected VOCs. When sensor SN10 detects VOCs and calculates the amount of the VOCs contained in the vehicle in the 9 o'clock hour, it stops the detection operation and switches back to the power saving mode. In other words, sensor SN10 repeats this detection cycle according to the time period. This allows sensor SN10 to use the charging power efficiently.

[0359] Another example of the collection condition is the number of breaths per time period. For example, the collection condition is set so that VOCs are detected during a specific number of breaths (e.g., two breaths) in a specific time period in the morning (e.g., 8:00, 9:00, 10:00), a specific time period in the afternoon (e.g., 1:00, 2:00, 3:00), and a specific time period in the evening (e.g., 7:00, 8:00, 9:00).

[0360] In this case, when the sensor SN10 recognizes that it is now 8 o'clock according to the timer function, it transitions to a detection mode. Then, the sensor SN10 detects VOCs contained in the exhaled air for each breath until two breaths are taken, and calculates the amount of the detected VOCs. Then, when the sensor SN10 has completed the detection of two breaths, it stops the detection operation and transitions to a power saving mode. That is, the sensor SN10 repeats such a detection cycle according to the time period. This allows the sensor SN10 to use the charging power efficiently.

[0361] In the above example, the sensor SN10 itself dynamically changes the mode to reduce power consumption, but the information processing device 100 may change the mode by controlling the sensor SN10. For example, assume that wireless communication is possible between the information processing device 100 and the sensor SN10. In this case, when the information processing device 100 recognizes that it is now 9 o'clock, it controls the sensor SN10 to perform VOC detection and VOC inclusion calculation. Furthermore, when the VOC detection and VOC inclusion calculation by the sensor SN10 are completed, the information processing device 100 controls the sensor SN10 to transition to a power saving mode.

[0362] [12-8. Determine whether a mask is being worn and what is inside the mask] As described above, the information processing device 100 can also obtain the temperature, humidity, and odor score inside the mask, and can therefore determine the mask wearing status, such as whether the user is currently wearing or removing the mask, based on this information. Furthermore, when the user is wearing a mask, the information processing device 100 can determine the odor status (odor score) inside the mask. Furthermore, such a determination may be made on the sensor SN10 side.

[0363] The information processing device 100 may also control the data used in the estimation process based on the determination result regarding the wearing status of the mask. For example, the information processing device 100 determines, based on at least one of the temperature, humidity, and odor score inside the mask, content information derived from the detection of the sensor SN10 when the user removes the mask as information not to be used in the estimation process. For example, the information processing device 100 determines, based on at least one of the temperature, humidity, and odor score inside the mask, content information derived from the breath of the user after eating, drinking, or smoking as information not to be used in the estimation process. This allows the information processing device 100 to prevent the VOC content detected in a situation with low detection accuracy from being taken into account in the estimation process, thereby improving the estimation accuracy.

[0364] [12-9. Sensor removal warning] As described above, the sensor SN10 can also obtain the temperature, humidity, and odor score inside the mask, and if it determines based on this information that the user is currently removing the mask, it may output an alert to the effect that the device has not been removed from the mask. For example, if the sensor SN10 determines that the user is currently removing the mask because the humidity of the surrounding environment is lower than a predetermined value, and if it recognizes that the mask is not being charged, it outputs an alert to prompt the user to remove the mask and charge it.

[0365] When the sensor SN10 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 10 by short-range communication, an alert may be output via the terminal device 10. This can prevent the user from forgetting to remove the sensor SN10 from the mask and discarding it as is.

[0366] [12-10. Providing information related to physical conditions] As described above, the analysis unit 135 analyzes the mental or physical state of the user. For example, when the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about the user, the analysis unit 135 analyzes the mental or physical state of the user based on the acquired user information. Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 estimates physical information indicating a female physical state for the user based on the analysis result by the analysis unit 135 and the hormone information. Thus, the estimation unit 132 can estimate various female physical states, and therefore, when the estimation result indicates an abnormality in the physical state, provides the estimation result together with suggested information proposing a remedy.

[0367] For example, when the analysis result by the analysis unit 135 indicates an abnormality in hormone balance, the estimation unit 132 can estimate a disease causing the abnormality in hormone balance. As an example, when the analysis result by the analysis unit 135 indicates a decrease in female hormones related to bone density, the estimation unit 132 estimates a disease causing a decrease in bone density. For example, the estimation unit 132 estimates menopausal disorder when the user's age corresponds to menopause, and estimates a disease other than menopausal disorder when the user's age is younger.

[0368] In addition, the presentation unit 138 presents to the estimation unit 132, together with the estimated disease, suggested information suggesting countermeasures for the disease (e.g., early visit to a medical institution, points to inform the doctor when visiting, nearby medical institutions and medical departments to visit, etc.).

[0369] By providing such information, the information processing device 100 can support early detection of diseases and appropriate medical treatment.

[0370] [12-11. Providing information on hormone status (1)] Some female hormones can be indicators of stress. For this reason, for example, the analysis unit 135 can analyze the stress state based on the hormone balance of the female hormones that are indicators of stress. Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 can estimate, for example, the need for a break from the stress state indicated by the analysis result. Therefore, when it is estimated that there is a need for a break, the presentation unit 138 presents suggestion information that suggests taking a break.

[0371] Also, some female hormones can be indicators of concentration. For this reason, for example, the analysis unit 135 can analyze the concentration state based on the hormone balance of female hormones that are indicators of concentration. Also, the estimation unit 132 can estimate a more appropriate timing for concentrating on something, for example, from the concentration state indicated by the analysis result. Therefore, the presentation unit 138 presents that there is a high possibility of concentrating on the task at the estimated timing.

[0372] By providing such information, the information processing device 100 can advise the user on the timing to take a break and the timing to concentrate, thereby supporting the user in improving work efficiency.

[0373] [12-12. Providing information on hormone status (2)] It is known that skin troubles are likely to occur under conditions where hormone balance is disturbed, such as excessive secretion of sebum and easy clogging of pores. For this reason, the estimation unit 132 can estimate the timing when skin troubles are likely to occur in the future based on the hormone balance (hormonal pattern) of the user. Therefore, the presentation unit 138 presents suggested information that suggests taking care of the skin at the estimated timing. Also, for example, the presentation unit 138 presents skin care measures to be taken at the estimated timing. As an example, the presentation unit 138 presents a message to refrain from wearing nonwoven fabric products (for example, sanitary products such as masks and napkins) at the estimated timing, and an appropriate wearing time for the nonwoven fabric products. Also, the presentation unit 138 can present product information indicating nonwoven fabric products that are appropriate for skin troubles.

[0374] As described above, the information processing device 100 can determine the mask wearing status, such as whether the user is currently wearing or removing the mask, based on the temperature and humidity inside the mask. Thus, the information processing device 100 can estimate, for example, how long the user has been wearing the mask continuously. Therefore, when the user has been wearing the mask for a predetermined period of time at a time when a problem is likely to occur, the presentation unit 138 can suggest removing the mask, thereby preventing skin problems caused by, for example, sweating inside the mask.

[0375] By providing such information, the information processing device 100 can effectively reduce the risk of skin troubles such as skin rashes being aggravated.

[0376] [12-13. Providing information on hormone status (3)] Furthermore, the analysis unit 135 can analyze whether or not the hormone balance is in order based on the hormone balance. Therefore, when the analysis result indicates that the hormone balance is disturbed, the presentation unit 138 presents advice on a diet suitable for improving the hormone balance. For example, the presentation unit 138 can provide advice on the optimal time to eat a meal, the optimal meal contents (for example, a menu with low salt and oil, a menu that allows a balanced intake of vitamins and proteins), etc.

[0377] By providing such information, the information processing device 100 can give an awareness of how lifestyle habits should be changed in order to stabilize hormone balance.

[0378] [12-14. Providing information on exercise] Furthermore, the estimation unit 132 may identify days suitable for exercise and days not suitable for exercise based on the menstrual cycle. For example, the estimation unit 132 estimates days suitable for exercise and days not suitable for exercise based on the content of female hormones (or VOCs) detected by the sensor, the menstrual cycle estimated based on the menstrual information, the next menstrual day, and the next ovulation day. Therefore, the presentation unit 138 presents suggestion information that suggests to refrain from exercising and to rest on days not suitable for exercise. By providing such information, the information processing device 100 can make the user recognize in advance when not to exercise based on the association between the menstrual cycle and exercise.

[0379] [12-15. Providing information on exercise] When estimating the day of ovulation, the estimation unit 132 may increase the accuracy of estimating the day of ovulation by combining the body temperature detected by the sensor. If the body temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the sensor may output an alert, for example, notifying the user of a suspected cold. The sensor here may be a mask sensor (sensor SN10) or a sensor (sensor SN1) provided in the terminal device 10.

[0380] [12-16. Collecting breath using multiple items] In the above-described embodiment, a form has been described in which the user's breath is collected using a sensor mounted on the terminal device 10 or a wearable article such as a mask that is worn on the face (hereinafter referred to as an exhaled breath collecting article), but multiple exhaled breath collecting articles may also be combined.

[0381] For example, if a mask is not worn every day, it may not be possible to collect information on the breath every day. In such a case, the breath may be collected by the terminal device 10. For example, the user may select the article to collect the breath, or when one or more sensors mounted on a plurality of breath collecting articles detect collection of breath, the information processing device 100 may determine that collection of breath with other breath collecting articles is unnecessary, or may estimate the breath collecting article used by the user from the user's schedule information, etc. This can prevent unnecessary reminders such as a notification from the terminal device 10 that breath is not being collected even though breath is being collected with a mask, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[0382] Also, for example, the terminal device 10 is always carried nearby, but the collection of exhaled breath is short (exhaled breath is not always blown into the terminal device 10). On the other hand, a mask is limited in the scene of use when going out, but it is possible to continuously collect exhaled breath. Therefore, in order to make the most of the characteristics of each exhaled breath collecting article, the information processing device 100 may change the subject to be analyzed, the analysis method, logic, etc., according to the type of exhaled breath collecting article that collected the exhaled breath (for an analysis subject that needs to collect and analyze exhaled breath continuously for a predetermined period of time, information of exhaled breath collected by a mask is used, and for an analysis subject that needs to collect and analyze exhaled breath every day, information of exhaled breath collected by the terminal device 10 is used, etc.).

[0383] [13. Others] 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.

[0384] 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.

[0385] [14. Hardware Configuration] Moreover, the information processing device 100 and the terminal device 10 according to the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 10, for example. The information processing device 100 will be described below as an example. Fig. 10 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.

[0386] 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.

[0387] 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.

[0388] 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.

[0389] 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.

[0390] 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]

[0391] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Terminal Equipment 12 Input section 13 Output section 14 Detection section 15 Application control section 15a Acquisition part 15b Reception 15c Display control unit 100 Information processing device 120 Storage section 121 User information storage unit 122 Hormone information storage unit 123 Linkage information storage unit 130 Control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Estimation Department 133 Output section 134 Output control section 135 Analysis Department 136 Authentication Department 137 Learning Department 138 Presentation section

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring hormone information detected by a predetermined sensor that detects hormone-related substances contained in the user's saliva from the user's breath; an estimation means for estimating physical information indicating a physical condition of a woman to the user based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition means; an output means for outputting the physical information estimated by the estimation means; An information processing system comprising:

2. The acquiring means acquires hormone information detected by the predetermined sensor that detects volatile organic compounds contained in saliva from exhaled breath as substances related to the hormone.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring means acquires hormone information relating to each of a plurality of different hormones as the hormone; The estimation means estimates physical information indicating a physical condition of a woman to the user based on hormone information regarding each of a plurality of different hormones.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

4. The acquiring means acquires hormone information regarding hormones detected from the breath of the user by a predetermined detecting means.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system for processing a data.

5. The acquisition means acquires hormone information regarding each of the hormones detected from the breath of the user by a plurality of detection means each having a different combination of detectable hormones as the predetermined detection means.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. The acquisition means acquires hormone information regarding hormones detected from the breath of the user by a detection means provided in a terminal device owned by the user as the predetermined detection means.

6. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein:

7. The acquisition means acquires, as the hormone information, hormone information indicating a hormone content, which is the amount of the hormone contained in the breath of the user.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system for processing a data.

8. The estimation means estimates, as the physical information, physical information related to the physiology of the user based on the hormone information.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system for processing a data.

9. The estimation means estimates information related to the physiology of the user based on information based on a hormone content, which is the amount of the hormone contained in the breath of the user, and physiological information indicating the menstrual cycle of the user.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. The acquisition means further acquires hormone information, which is information regarding hormones detected from the breath of another user other than the user to be processed, the other user having predetermined information similar to that of the user to be processed; The estimation means estimates physical information indicating a female physical condition for the processing target user based on hormone information corresponding to the other users.

10. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a computer-readable medium.

11. The acquiring means acquires hormone information similar to hormone information corresponding to the processing target user from among the hormone information corresponding to the other users.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10.

12. The output means outputs physical information indicating a physical condition of the woman according to a context of the user.

12. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a computer-readable medium.

13. The device further includes an output control means for outputting guidance content for inducing the user to exhale so that the hormone can be detected from the user's breath to a terminal device owned by the user and equipped with a predetermined detection means for detecting the hormone.

13. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

14. The output control means outputs, as the guidance content, guidance content for guiding the user to perform the action toward the terminal device.

14. The information processing system according to claim 13.

15. The output control means outputs, as the guidance content, guidance content whose output has been continued since it was started, when it is determined that the action has been performed.

15. The information processing system according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The output control means outputs, as the guidance content, a voice content whose output is stopped when a response is made by speech using the terminal device.

16. The information processing system according to claim 15.

17. The output control means outputs, as the guidance content, a screen blocking content that is removed from the screen when breath is blown toward the screen of the terminal device.

15. The information processing system according to claim 13 or 14.

18. The output control means outputs the guidance content at a predetermined timing in each predetermined period.

18. The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the information processing system is a computer-readable medium.

19. The acquiring means further acquires user information relating to the user, The estimation means estimates physical information indicating a female physical condition for the user based on the hormone information and the user information.

19. The information processing system according to claim 1,

20. The method further comprises: analyzing means for analyzing a mental state or a physical state of the user based on the user information acquired by the acquiring means; The estimation means estimates physical information indicating a physical condition of a woman to the user based on the analysis result by the analysis means and the hormone information.

20. The information processing system according to claim 19.

21. The acquiring means acquires information regarding a drug used by the user as the information regarding the user, The output means further outputs, from the hormone information, information based on a comparison result obtained by comparing hormone information before and after the user uses the drug.

21. The information processing system according to claim 19 or 20.

22. The method further comprises: providing a display unit for displaying predetermined information regarding the detection of the hormone to the user.

22. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system comprises:

23. The presenting means identifies a detection means capable of detecting a hormone corresponding to a physical condition that the user wishes to measure among the female physical conditions, and presents suggestion information suggesting the use of the identified detection means.

23. The information processing system according to claim 22.

24. The presenting means presents manner information indicating a correct manner in which to blow the breath toward a predetermined detection means for detecting the hormone, based on whether or not the information on the breath of the user satisfies a predetermined condition.

24. The information processing system according to claim 22 or 23.

25. When the predetermined detection means fails to detect the hormone, the presenting means presents the behavior information based on whether or not information about the breath of the user satisfies a predetermined condition.

25. The information processing system according to claim 24.

26. When it is determined that the user is located in a place suitable for detecting the hormone based on the location information of the user, the presenting means presents suggestion information proposing to perform an operation related to the detection of the hormone at the place.

26. The information processing system according to claim 22, wherein the information processing system is a computer-readable medium.

27. The acquiring means registers the acquired hormone information for each user in association with identification information for identifying the external application that estimates physical information indicating a female's physical condition, so that the acquired hormone information can be used in the external application.

27. The information processing system according to claim 1,

28. The acquiring means acquires hormone information which is information regarding female hormones detected from the breath of the user.

28. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system comprises:

29. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring hormone information detected by a predetermined sensor that detects hormone-related substances contained in the user's saliva from the user's breath; an estimation step of estimating physical information indicating a physical condition of a woman to the user based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition step; an output step of outputting the physical information estimated by the estimation step; 13. An information processing method comprising:

30. An acquisition step of acquiring hormone information detected by a predetermined sensor that detects hormone-related substances contained in the user's saliva from the user's breath; a receiving step of receiving physical information estimated based on the hormone information acquired by the acquiring step, the physical information indicating a physical condition of a female user; a display control step of displaying the physical information received by the reception step; A terminal program for causing a terminal device to execute the above.

31. A detection unit that detects hormone-related substances contained in the saliva of a user from the breath using a predetermined sensor; an acquisition unit that acquires hormone information from a substance related to the hormone detected by the detection unit; a reception unit that receives physical information estimated based on the hormone information acquired by the acquisition unit, the physical information indicating a physical condition of a female user; a display control unit that displays the physical information received by the receiving unit; A terminal device comprising:

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