Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Information Processing Program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device for specifying a most suitable wearing article for a user.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to the present application includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires user information related to a user; a first identification unit that identifies, on the basis of the user information, a type of wearing article that is an article worn by the user; a second acquisition unit that acquires body type information related to a body type of the user; and a second identification unit that identifies, on the basis of the body type information, size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article identified by the first identification unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for proposing absorbent articles based on ADL (Activities of Daily Living) has been known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above conventional technology only proposes absorbent articles based on ADL, and there are cases where it is limited in meeting the diverse needs of users. There is room for improvement in this regard.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to specify the optimal wearing article for the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present application includes a first acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding a user, a first specification unit that specifies the type of a wearing article, which is an article worn by the user, based on the user information, a second acquisition unit that acquires body shape information regarding the body shape of the user, and a second specification unit that specifies the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article specified by the first specification unit based on the body shape information.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to identify the most suitable wearing article for the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] From the descriptions in this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following matters become clear.

[0010] A first acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding a user, a first specification unit that specifies the type of a wearable article, which is an article worn by the user, based on the user information, a second acquisition unit that acquires body shape information regarding the body shape of the user, and a second specification unit that specifies the size of the wearable article belonging to the type of wearable article specified by the first specification unit based on the body shape information. The information processing apparatus is characterized by comprising these components.

[0011] According to such an information processing apparatus, for example, user information such as gender, age, living situation, physical condition, and the user who uses wearable articles such as diapers, sanitary products, light incontinence liners, and light incontinence pads is acquired. Then, based on such user information, the information processing apparatus specifies the brand of the wearable article as the type of the wearable article. Thereby, the information processing apparatus can specify the appropriate type of wearable article for the user.

[0012] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus acquires body shape information obtained by analyzing an image of the user's body. Then, based on such body shape information, the information processing apparatus specifies the size of the wearable article belonging to the brand of the wearable article. In this way, since the information processing apparatus utilizes the body shape information obtained by analyzing an image of the user's body, for example, measurement unevenness, measurement errors, etc. when manually measuring using a measuring tape or the like can be reduced. Thereby, the information processing apparatus can specify the size of the wearable article with higher accuracy.

[0013] For example, in the case of wearing articles such as diapers, sanitary products, mild incontinence liners, mild incontinence pads, etc., it is often difficult for users to make a selection based on their preferences. Also, due to the combination of the brand of the wearing article and the size of the wearing article belonging to the brand of the wearing article, the number of wearing articles proposed to the user is likely to be very large. In this case, the user needs to select a wearing article that suits themselves from among a plurality of wearing articles. However, for the user, it is often the case that the determination of whether a wearing article suits themselves or not cannot be clearly made without actually using it, and there are cases where the user cannot easily identify the optimal combination of the wearing article and the size of the wearing article. Therefore, after identifying the type of the wearing article, the information processing device identifies the size of the wearing article belonging to such a type, thereby identifying a more appropriate wearing article for the user. Thereby, the information processing device can identify the optimal wearing article for the user.

[0014] Also, the information processing device acquires, as the user information, life information regarding the user's living situation, and identifies the type of the wearing article according to the life information.

[0015] According to such an information processing device, since the type of the wearing article is identified according to the life information, the type of the optimal wearing article for the user can be identified.

[0016] Also, the information processing device acquires, as the user information, physical information regarding the user's body, and identifies the type of the wearing article according to the physical information.

[0017] According to such an information processing device, since the type of the wearing article is identified according to the physical information, the type of the optimal wearing article for the user can be identified.

[0018] In addition, the information processing device acquires, as the user information, information regarding whether or not the wearable item is used by the user or information regarding whether or not the wearable item is used by the user being cared for by the caregiver, and specifies the type of the wearable item according to the information regarding whether or not the wearable item is used by the user or the information regarding whether or not the wearable item is used by the user being cared for by the caregiver.

[0019] According to such an information processing device, since the type of the wearable item is specified according to the information regarding whether or not the wearable item is used by the user or the information regarding whether or not the wearable item is used by the user being cared for by the caregiver, the type of the wearable item optimal for the user can be specified.

[0020] In addition, the information processing device specifies the brand of the wearable item as the type of the wearable item.

[0021] According to such an information processing device, since the brand of the wearable item is specified as the type of the wearable item, the type of the wearable item optimal for the user can be specified.

[0022] In addition, the information processing device acquires the user information via a predetermined message application.

[0023] According to such an information processing device, since the user information is acquired via a predetermined message application, various types of information for specifying the type of the wearable item optimal for the user can be acquired.

[0024] In addition, after the type of the wearable item is specified, the information processing device specifies the size of the wearable item belonging to the type of the wearable item according to the body shape information.

[0025] According to such an information processing apparatus, after the type of the wearing article is specified, the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article is specified according to the body shape information, so that the optimal wearing article for the user can be specified.

[0026] Further, the information processing apparatus acquires corrected body shape information in which the body shape information is corrected according to the type of the wearing article, and specifies the size of the wearing article according to the corrected body shape information.

[0027] According to such an information processing apparatus, the optimal wearing article for the user can be specified in order to specify the size of the wearing article according to the corrected body shape information.

[0028] Further, the information processing apparatus acquires body shape information estimated based on an image in which the body shape of the user is photographed.

[0029] According to such an information processing apparatus, various information for specifying the optimal wearing article for the user can be acquired in order to acquire the body shape information estimated based on the image in which the body shape of the user is photographed.

[0030] Further, the information processing apparatus notifies the user or the user of information regarding the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article.

[0031] According to such an information processing apparatus, information regarding the optimal wearing article for the user can be notified in order to notify the user or the user of information regarding the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article.

[0032] Further, the information processing apparatus notifies the user or the user of information regarding the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article.

[0033] According to such an information processing apparatus, information regarding the optimal wearing article for the user can be notified in order to notify the user or the user of information regarding the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article.

[0034] In addition, the information processing apparatus notifies the user or the wearer of body shape information regarding the body shape of the wearer, together with information regarding the size of the wearing article.

[0035] According to such an information processing apparatus, since the body shape information regarding the wearer is notified to the user or the wearer together with the information regarding the size of the wearing article, it is possible to notify information regarding an optimal wearing article for the wearer.

[0036] In addition, the information processing apparatus notifies the user or the wearer of information regarding the purchase of a wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article.

[0037] According to such an information processing apparatus, since the information regarding the purchase of a wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article is notified to the user or the wearer, it is possible to notify information regarding an optimal wearing article for the wearer.

[0038] Hereinafter, an example of a mode (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") for implementing an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the information processing program are not limited by this embodiment. In addition, in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0039] [Embodiment] [1. An example of information processing shown by the information processing apparatus] An example of the information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 identifies the type of a product (an example of a wearable article) based on an answer to a question notified on a chat. Then, an example will be described in which the information processing apparatus 100 acquires body size information of a user who uses the product from the external server 20 and identifies the size of the product belonging to the type of the product based on such body size information.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 1, it is assumed that a predetermined message application is pre-installed in the terminal device 10 used by the user. In this case, the terminal device 10 can transmit and receive messages on a chat using the predetermined message application. Here, the user referred to herein is a caregiver who cares for a user who uses a wearable article. That is, the user may be a care recipient. Note that the user who uses the terminal device 10 may be a caregiver or a user who uses a wearable article.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 receives a chat from the terminal device 10 via a predetermined message application (step S1). In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 can transmit and receive messages on a chat with the terminal device 10 via the predetermined message application. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 receives a message request in response to an operation from the user for a message displayed on the chat.

[0043] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies a question on the chat (step S2). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies, as a question, a question regarding the physical condition of the user, a question regarding the situation of urine leakage, a question regarding the subject who uses the product, a question regarding the usage scene of the product, and the like.

[0044] Then, the information processing apparatus 100 receives an answer to the question on the chat (step S3). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 receives an answer to each question in a form of selecting an option notified together with the question.

[0045] Here, with reference to FIG. 2, the order of questions will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a question according to an embodiment. Note that the content described with reference to FIG. 2 corresponds to the processes of steps S2 to S3 in FIG. 1.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies, as question Q1, a question regarding the user's physical condition. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies, for example, a question such as "Please select the one closest to the use of diapers" together with options such as "Can walk", "Can stand", "Can sit", "Often spend time sleeping". Then, the information processing apparatus 100 receives the option selected by the user as an answer to question Q1. Here, it is assumed that "Can sit" is selected by the user.

[0047] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies, as question Q2, a question regarding the situation of urine leakage. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies, for example, a question such as "Please select the situation when urine leakage occurs" together with options such as "The underwear gets wet", "The pants get wet", "The amount of urine leakage at one time is about the amount of one urination". Then, the information processing apparatus 100 receives the option selected by the user as an answer to question Q2. Here, it is assumed that "The pants get wet" is selected by the user.

[0048] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies, as question Q3, a question regarding the subject who uses the product. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 notifies, for example, a question such as "Who uses the diapers?" together with options such as "Myself", "Others". Then, the information processing apparatus 100 receives the option selected by the user as an answer to question Q3. Here, it is assumed that "Others" is selected by the user.

[0049] Subsequently, the information processing device 100 notifies a question regarding the usage scenario of the product as question Q4. In this case, the information processing device 100 notifies options such as "not wetting underwear or clothes with urine" and "being able to be used easily or simply" along with a question such as "Please select what you particularly value when choosing diapers". Then, the information processing device 100 accepts the option selected by the user as an answer to question Q4. Here, it is assumed that "not wetting underwear or clothes with urine" has been selected by the user.

[0050] In this way, the information processing device 100 accepts answers such as "able to sit", "degree of wetting of pants", "others than myself", and "not wetting underwear or clothes with urine" as answers to each of questions Q1 to Q4.

[0051] Returning to the description of FIG. 1. The information processing device 100 specifies the type of the product based on the answers (step S4). For example, the information processing device 100 specifies the brand of the product based on answers such as "able to sit", "degree of wetting of pants", "others than myself", and "not wetting underwear or clothes with urine" as answers to each of questions Q1 to Q4. Here, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 specifies "Healthy Diapers" as the brand of the product.

[0052] Subsequently, the information processing device 100 notifies information regarding the type of the product on the chat (step S5). For example, the information processing device 100 notifies a message in which products belonging to "Healthy Diapers" are displayed.

[0053] Then, the information processing device 100 notifies information for transitioning to content for photographing the user's body shape along with a message such as "Let's photograph the user's body shape" on the chat. Here, it is assumed that the user has performed a predetermined operation on the information for transitioning to the content for photographing the user's body shape and has transitioned to the content for photographing the user's body shape.

[0054] Subsequently, the terminal device 10 transmits an image of the user's body shape to the external server 20 (step S6). For example, the user operates the terminal device 10 to take a picture of the user. Then, the terminal device 10 takes pictures of the front and side of the user while the user is wearing clothes. In addition, the terminal device 10 transmits images of the front and side of the user to the external server 20. At this time, the terminal device 10 may transmit a plurality of front and side images to the external server 20.

[0055] Then, the external server 20 analyzes the received images using conventional techniques such as image analysis to generate the user's body shape information. For example, the external server 20 generates three-dimensional body shape information such as a human model of the user based on the received front and side images.

[0056] Subsequently, the information processing device 100 acquires the user's body shape information from the external server 20 (step S7). For example, the information processing device 100 acquires information characterizing the body shape from the body shape information from the external server 20. To give a more specific example, the information processing device 100 acquires information regarding the waist, around the groin (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the crotch), the thickness of the thighs, around the hips, etc., which are the locations where the product and the user's body part come into contact when using the product.

[0057] Then, the information processing device 100 specifies the size of the product belonging to the product type based on the body shape information (step S8). For example, assume that the user's waist size is 82 cm. In this case, the information processing device 100 specifies the size of the diaper belonging to "Healthy Diaper" as the L size based on the waist size in the body shape information.

[0058] Subsequently, the information processing device 100 notifies information about the product on the chat (step S9). For example, the information processing device 100 notifies, as information about the product, information about the product type such as "Healthy Diaper", information about the size such as the L size, and information for transitioning to the content for purchasing the product or an image of the product.

[0059] In the prior art, based on the ADL, only absorbent articles were proposed, and it was sometimes limited to meet the various needs of users. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment acquires user information regarding the user, and specifies the type of the wearing article based on such user information. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the body size information of the user, and specifies the size of the wearing article belonging to the specified type of the wearing article based on such body size information. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can specify the optimal wearing article for the user.

[0060] 〔2. Example of Chat Screen〕 Next, the chat screen will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the chat screen according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the transmission and reception of messages in the chat between the chatbot and the user will be described. Note that the chat screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the terminal device 10.

[0061] First, as shown in the chat screen C20, the chatbot transmits a message such as "Are you having trouble choosing adult urinary care products or disposable diapers? By answering a few simple questions, we will propose the optimal products and sizes! To provide you with the most suitable information, please answer the following 4 questions first" as a message regarding "Recommended Product Diagnosis". Subsequently, the chatbot transmits a message such as "Are you the one using urinary care products or diapers?" as a question and "Myself" and "Someone other than myself" as answer options. In this way, the terminal device 10 receives the answer to the question shown in FIG. 2 (step S21).

[0062] Also, as shown in the chat screen C21, the chatbot sends a message regarding whether the user has used the product. In response, the user sends a message saying "Yes (A / B)". Subsequently, the chatbot sends a message such as "Thank you for your reply. Now, I would like to ask you some questions about your physical condition and urine leakage. First, please tap 'Recommended Product Diagnosis' from the menu." As a result, the terminal device 10 further receives an answer to the question shown in FIG. 2 (step S22).

[0063] Then, as shown in the chat screen C22, the chatbot sends information MA221 regarding the type of product specified based on the answer to the question, along with the message "As a result of the diagnosis, the recommended Product C is as follows." In this way, the terminal device 10 displays the information MA221 regarding the type of product (step S23).

[0064] Subsequently, as shown in the chat screen C23, the chatbot sends information R231 for measuring body shape information, such as the message "To prevent troubles such as leakage, it is important to choose a size that fits your body. Let's do a size diagnosis for the recommended product!" In the example of FIG. 3, the information R231 for measuring body shape information further includes usage examples such as "Basic Information Input", "Take a Photo with Smartphone", "Diagnosis Result", and information for transitioning to content for photographing the body shape, such as "Start Size Diagnosis". As a result, the terminal device 10 displays the information for transitioning to the content for photographing the user's body shape.

[0065] In this way, the terminal device 10 can identify the type of product and the size of the product while communicating with the user. As a result, the terminal device 10 can identify the optimal product for the user.

[0066] [3. Example of Chat Screen] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a chat screen for products that do not require size specification will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen according to an embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the same explanations as those in FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0067] In the example of FIG. 4, assume that the product is a mild incontinence liner. First, as shown in the chat screen C30, the terminal device 10 receives an answer to the question shown in FIG. 2 (step S31).

[0068] Subsequently, as shown in the chat screen C31, the terminal device 10 further receives an answer to the question shown in FIG. 2 (step S32).

[0069] Then, as shown in the chat screen C32, the chatbot transmits information MA321 regarding the product specified based on the answer to the question, together with "As a result of the diagnosis, the recommended Product C is as follows". In this way, the terminal device 10 displays the information MA321 regarding the product.

[0070] In this way, when the product does not require size specification while communicating with the user, the terminal device 10 does not perform size specification of the product. Thereby, since the terminal device 10 executes a specific process according to the product, usability can be improved. For example, in the case of the above-mentioned mild incontinence liner, since the size is determined by the absorption amount rather than the body shape, body shape measurement is not required. Therefore, the terminal device 10 can provide information regarding the product without performing body shape measurement for users who do not require body shape measurement by separately executing the process of providing information regarding the product and the process of acquiring user information and the body shape measurement.

[0071] [4. Configuration of Information Processing System] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, an external server 20, and an information processing device 100. The terminal device 10, the external server 20, and the information processing device 100 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly via a network N. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 5 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10, a plurality of external servers 20, and a plurality of information processing devices 100.

[0072] The terminal device 10 according to the embodiment is an information processing device used by a user who accesses content such as web content displayed on a browser and content for an application. Further, the terminal device 10 has a camera function and can capture an object with an in-camera or an out-camera.

[0073] For example, the terminal device 10 is a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. Note that the terminal device 10 may be a smart speaker, a wearable device, or the like.

[0074] The external server 20 according to the embodiment is an information processing device that provides various information, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system. For example, the external server 20 analyzes an image in which the body shape of the user photographed by the user is displayed, and provides the analysis result to the information processing device 100.

[0075] Further, the external server 20 may function as a database server. For example, the external server 20 receives the analysis result obtained by analyzing the image in which the body shape of the user is displayed via a predetermined message application pre-installed in the terminal device 10, and stores such analysis result in a predetermined storage unit. Then, the external server 20 provides such analysis result to the information processing device 100. Note that, in addition to the analysis result of the above image, the external server 20 may provide various types of information. For example, the external server 20 may store any information as long as it is information characterizing the body shape of the user. Then, the external server 20 may provide the information characterizing the body shape of the user to the information processing device 100.

[0076] The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment is an information processing device capable of communicating with various devices via a network N such as the Internet, and is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system. For example, the information processing device 100 is communicably connected to other various devices via the network N.

[0077] [5. Configuration of Information Processing Device] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0078] (Regarding the communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. Then, the communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from other various devices.

[0079] (Regarding the storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 120 includes a user information storage unit 121, a body shape information storage unit 122, and a product information storage unit 123.

[0080] (Regarding the user information storage unit 121) The user information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment stores various types of information regarding the user. Here, FIG. 6 shows an example of the user information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the user information storage unit 121 has items such as "user ID (Identifier)" and "user information". For example, "user information" has items such as "gender", "age", "living situation", "physical condition", and "users who use the product".

[0081] "User ID" is an identifier for identifying the user. "Gender" is information regarding the gender of the user associated with the "user ID". "Age" is information regarding the age of the user associated with the "user ID".

[0082] "Living situation" is information regarding the living situation of the user associated with the "user ID". For example, the living situation includes information on whether the user lives alone or lives with family, and information on whether the user uses day services or nursing facilities.

[0083] "Physical condition" is information regarding the physical condition of the user associated with the "user ID". For example, physical condition includes information on whether the user can walk alone and information regarding ADL. Note that information regarding ADL includes information on the regularity of getting up and going to bed, changing clothes, grooming hair, washing the face, eating, excretion, taking a bath, and other daily activities around oneself. In addition, information regarding ADL includes information on movement actions such as walking conditions indoors or outdoors. Further, information regarding ADL may further include information on actions when doing housework, actions when using transportation, and the like, in addition to information on daily activities around oneself and movement actions.

[0084] "User who uses the product" is information regarding whether the user who uses the product is a user or a care recipient. For example, "user who uses the product" is information regarding whether the user purchases the product by oneself or the caregiver who cares for the user purchases the product.

[0085] For example, in FIG. 6, "U1" identified by the user ID has a gender of "SE1", an age of "OL1", a living condition of "LI1", a physical condition of "PC1", and a user who uses the product of "CG1". Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6, the gender and the like are represented by abstract codes such as "SE1", but the gender and the like may be numerical values, character strings, file formats including information regarding gender, or the like.

[0086] In addition, for the user who uses the product, as a flag, "0" may be stored when the user purchases the product by oneself, and "1" may be stored when the caregiver who cares for the user purchases the product.

[0087] (Regarding the body shape information storage unit 122) The body shape information storage unit 122 according to the embodiment stores various information regarding the body shape of the user. Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of the body shape information storage unit 122 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the body shape information storage unit 122 has items such as "user ID", "waist", "leg girth", "thigh thickness", and "weight information".

[0088] The "user ID" is an identifier for identifying a user. The "waist" is information regarding the length around the abdomen of the user associated with the "user ID". The "crotch" is information regarding the length around the groin of the user associated with the "user ID".

[0089] The "thigh thickness" is information regarding the length around the thigh of the user associated with the "user ID". The "weight information" is a value indicating the weight corresponding to each of the waist, crotch, and thigh thickness associated with the "user ID".

[0090] For example, in FIG. 7, "U1" identified by the user ID has a waist of "PW1", a crotch of "PG1", a thigh thickness of "PT1", and weight information of "WE1". In the example shown in FIG. 7, the waist, etc. are represented by abstract symbols such as "PW1", etc., but the waist, etc. may be a numerical value, a file format including information regarding the waist, or the like. Note that the items stored in the body shape information storage unit 122 may include around the hips, etc. in addition to the above example.

[0091] (Regarding the product information storage unit 123) The product information storage unit 123 according to the embodiment stores various information regarding products. Here, FIG. 8 shows an example of the product information storage unit 123 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the product information storage unit 123 has items such as "product ID", "type", "product", and "size".

[0092] The "product ID" is an identifier for identifying a product. The "type" is information regarding the type of the product associated with the "product ID". The "product" is information regarding the product associated with the "product ID". The "size" is information regarding the size of the product associated with the "product ID".

[0093] For example, in FIG. 8, “M1” identified by the product ID has a type of “UA1”, a product of “AR1”, and a size of “PD1”. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the type and the like are represented by abstract symbols such as “UA1”, but the type and the like may be a numerical value, a character string, a file format including information related to the type, or the like.

[0094] (Regarding control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by various programs (an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the information processing apparatus 100 being executed with the RAM as a work area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. Further, the control unit 130 is a controller and is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0095] As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 130 includes a reception unit 131, a notification unit 132, a first acquisition unit 133, a first specification unit 134, a second acquisition unit 135, and a second specification unit 136, and realizes or executes the functions and operations of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and may be any other configuration as long as it performs the information processing described later. Also, the connection relationship of each processing unit included in the control unit 130 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in FIG. 5, and may be any other connection relationship.

[0096] (Regarding reception unit 131) The reception unit 131 receives various information and various requests. Specifically, the reception unit 131 receives a chat from the terminal device 10 via a predetermined message application. In this case, the reception unit 131 can send and receive messages with the terminal device 10 in a chat via a predetermined message application. For example, the reception unit 131 receives a message request according to an operation from the user for a message displayed in the chat.

[0097] Also, the reception unit 131 receives an answer to a question in the chat. For example, the reception unit 131 receives an answer to each question in a form of selecting an option notified together with the question. Then, the reception unit 131 stores the received answer in the user information storage unit 121.

[0098] (Regarding the notification unit 132) The notification unit 132 notifies various information. Specifically, the notification unit 132 notifies a message in the chat. For example, the notification unit 132 notifies a question in the chat. To give a more specific example, the notification unit 132 notifies, as a question, a question regarding the user's physical condition, a question regarding the situation of urine leakage, a question regarding the subject using the product, a question regarding the usage scenario of the product, etc.

[0099] Also, the notification unit 132 notifies the user of information regarding the product belonging to the product type. For example, the notification unit 132 notifies the terminal device 10 of information regarding the product type such as "healthy diaper" and information regarding the size such as L size, and information for transitioning to content for purchasing the product or an image of the product, as information regarding the product stored in the product information storage unit 123.

[0100] (Regarding the first acquisition unit 133) The first acquisition unit 133 acquires various information. For example, the first acquisition unit 133 acquires user information such as the user's gender, age, living situation, physical condition, and the subject using the product from the user information storage unit 121.

[0101] (Regarding the first specific part 134) The first specific part 134 identifies the type of product worn by the user based on the user information. For example, the first specific part 134 identifies the type of product based on the user information stored in the user information storage part 121. To give a more specific example, the first specific part 134 identifies "Healthy Diapers" as the brand of the product based on the user information such as "can sit", "degree of wetting of trousers", "others than me", and "underwear or clothes not getting wet with urine" received as answers to each of the questions Q1 to Q4 shown in FIG. 2.

[0102] (Regarding the second acquisition part 135) The second acquisition part 135 acquires various information. For example, the second acquisition part 135 acquires the body shape information of the user from the external server 20. In this case, the second acquisition part 135 acquires, from the external server 20, the information characterizing the body shape among the body shape information. To give a more specific example, the second acquisition part 135 acquires information regarding the waist, hem, thigh thickness, hip circumference, etc., which are the parts where the product comes into contact with the user's body when using the product. Then, the second acquisition part 135 stores the acquired body shape information in the body shape information storage part 122.

[0103] (Regarding the second specific part 136) The second specific part 136 identifies the size of the product belonging to the type of product identified by the first specific part based on the body shape information. For example, assume that the user's waist size is 82 cm. In this case, the second specific part 136 identifies the size of the diaper belonging to "Healthy Diapers" as the L size based on the waist size among the body shape information.

[0104] [6. Processing procedure] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the information processing procedure executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 9, the reception unit 131 receives a chat (step S101). Specifically, the reception unit 131 receives a chat (message) from the terminal device 10 in which a predetermined message application is installed. For example, when the reception unit 131 is not receiving a chat (step S101; No), it waits until a chat is received.

[0106] On the other hand, when the reception unit 131 receives a chat (step S101; Yes), the first acquisition unit 133 acquires user information (step S102). Then, the first specification unit 134 specifies the type of product based on the user information acquired by the first acquisition unit 133 (step S103).

[0107] Then, the second acquisition unit 135 acquires the body size information of the user from the external server 20 (step S104). Further, the second specification unit 136 specifies the size of the product belonging to the type of product specified by the first specification unit 134 based on the body size information acquired by the second acquisition unit 135 (step S105).

[0108] Then, the notification unit 132 notifies the user of information regarding the product belonging to the type of product (step S106). Specifically, the notification unit 132 notifies the terminal device 10 on the chat of information regarding the product belonging to the type of product.

[0109] 〔7. Modification Example〕 The information processing apparatus 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, other embodiments of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described.

[0110] 〔7-1. Product〕 In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the product is a diaper, a sanitary product, a mild incontinence liner, or a mild incontinence pad has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the product may be a sanitary shorts or the like. Further, the product may be a combination of each product. For example, the product may be a combination of a diaper and a urine collection pad. In this case, the diaper is an object for which the size identification process is executed. Further, the urine collection pad is not an object for which the size identification process is executed. At this time, after executing the size identification process for the diaper, the information processing apparatus 100 may continuously execute the type identification process for the urine collection pad. Thereby, since the information processing apparatus 100 can consider that the user uses a combination of a diaper and a urine collection pad, it is possible to use a product that is more optimal for the user.

[0111] 〔7-2. Question〕 In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the notification unit 132 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment notifies each question has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the notification unit 132 may notify a question other than the questions shown in FIG. 2.

[0112] To give a more specific example, the notification unit 132 may notify questions regarding "whether to purchase the diapers used by oneself or the diapers used by others", "who is assumed to change the diapers", "the gender of the person using the diapers", "the age of the person using the product", and "the type and brand of the diapers currently being used".

[0113] Further, the notification unit 132 may notify so that the question content and the question order are changed depending on whether the user purchases the product himself or herself or the user purchases the product for the user. For example, when the user purchases the product for the user, the notification unit 132 may further notify a question such as "How much time can be allocated for care?"

[0114] In addition, when it is predicted that the degree of care need of the user is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, or when no response can be received, the notification unit 132 may notify a message such as "We are very sorry. There is a possibility that we cannot answer the content in this service. We are very sorry, but please call 0120-XXX-XXX. For inquiries by email, please go here. https: / / xxx.xxxx.jp / xx". Further, the notification unit 132 may notify questions with the order of questions changed according to the gender obtained from the response. Further, the notification unit 132 may notify questions according to the gender obtained from the response. For example, since women usually use absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, they are used to wearing absorbent articles under their clothes, while men are not used to wearing absorbent articles under their clothes. Therefore, when proposing a mild incontinence liner or the like, it is possible to be understood by telling women "a specification feeling similar to that of a sanitary napkin", while it may be difficult for men to understand, so it is desirable to ask questions in a different expression.

[0115] 〔7-3. Weight〕 In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the second specifying unit 136 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment specifies the size of a product belonging to the type of product specified by the first specifying unit based on the body shape information, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second acquisition unit 135 may acquire corrected body shape information in which the body shape information is corrected according to the type of product, and the second specifying unit 136 may specify the size of the product according to the corrected body shape information.

[0116] To give a more specific example, the second acquisition unit 135 acquires information regarding the waist stored in the body shape information storage unit 122 and information regarding the weight for the waist, and calculates a value obtained by multiplying the value of the waist by the weight as the corrected body shape information. Then, the second specifying unit 136 may specify the size of the product based on such corrected body shape information. Thereby, the second specifying unit 136 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can specify the optimal product size for the user.

[0117] 〔7-4. Notification target〕 In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the notification unit 132 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment notifies the user of information regarding products belonging to the product type, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the notification unit 132 may notify the user of information regarding products belonging to the product type. In this case, for the products used by the user himself / herself, the information processing apparatus 100 specifies the product type and the product size by using the terminal device 10. As a result, for example, a user who does not receive care can consider products that are optimal for himself / herself.

[0118] 〔7-5. Evaluation of Products〕 Furthermore, the notification unit 132 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may notify a message for receiving an evaluation of the proposed product after a predetermined period. For example, the notification unit 132 may notify information regarding options that allow the evaluation of the product to be selected on a five-point scale, together with a message such as "Please let us know your evaluation of the product proposed on X month Y day". Note that the evaluation of the product does not necessarily have to be limited to five levels. For example, the product may be evaluated by any value.

[0119] In addition to the evaluation of the product, the notification unit 132 may notify a message that regularly asks the user about problems, requests, etc. As a result, the notification unit 132 can encourage the continuous use of the service. In addition, the notification unit 132 can improve the quality of the service provided by regularly communicating with the user. In addition, since appropriate products can be selected according to changes in the user's or the user's body and environment, the user or the user can continue to use the optimal product.

[0120] 〔7-6. Information Regarding Products〕 Furthermore, the notification unit 132 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may notify information regarding a product including body shape information. For example, the notification unit 132 may notify information regarding the user's waist, instep, thigh thickness, and hip circumference together with information regarding the product belonging to the product type. To give a more specific example, the notification unit 132 may notify information such as that the user's waist is "82 cm", the instep is "53 cm", the thigh thickness is "54 cm", and the hip circumference is "93 cm" together with information regarding the product belonging to the product type.

[0121] Also, the notification unit 132 may notify information regarding a product including information for transitioning to product-specific content on which a product description is displayed.

[0122] 〔7-7. Message Content〕 Furthermore, the notification unit 132 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may notify a message with the content of the message changed based on user information. For example, the notification unit 132 may notify a message with the font or style of the message changed according to the gender or age. To give a more specific example, when the user is an elderly person, the notification unit 132 may notify a message using a firm expression.

[0123] Also, the notification unit 132 may notify a message with the information of the content of the message changed according to the gender or age. To give a more specific example, when the user is an elderly person, the notification unit 132 may notify a message specifying the operation procedure in detail. On the other hand, when the user is a young person, since it is presumed that the user can easily handle the situation without specifying the operation procedure in detail, the notification unit 132 may notify a message briefly showing the main points of the operation procedure. Thereby, since the notification unit 132 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can notify an appropriate message according to the user information, the easiness of answering by the user or the user is improved, and by making it easier to use the service, the user or the user can consider the optimal product.

[0124] [7-8. Body measurement] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may store, in association with each other, a user who desires to perform a body measurement in advance and a user who does not desire to perform a body measurement. In this case, when the user is a user who desires to perform a body measurement, the notification unit 132 does not notify information for transitioning to content for photographing the user's body shape. That is, only the specific process for specifying the type of the product is executed.

[0125] On the other hand, when the user is a user who desires to perform a body measurement, the notification unit 132 notifies information for transitioning to content for photographing the user's body shape. That is, the specific process for specifying the type of the product and the specific process for specifying the size of the product are executed.

[0126] Note that the notification unit 132 may notify information for transitioning to content for inputting body shape information. Further, the notification unit 132 may notify information for transitioning to content for inputting body shape information and content for photographing the user's body shape.

[0127] [7-9. Processing when there is no applicable size] Furthermore, when there is no size of a corresponding product, such as when the user's body shape is too large, the notification unit 132 of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment may notify the type of a product similar to such a product. Then, the second specifying unit 136 specifies the size of a product belonging to the type of such a similar product. Then, the notification unit 132 may notify information about a product including the size of a product belonging to the type of such a similar product. Thereby, since a product suitable for the user's body shape is proposed, troubles such as omissions can be reduced.

[0128] Note that any prior art may be used for the selection process of selecting similar products executed by the notification unit 132. Further, the notification unit 132 may execute the selection process based on the similarity of the values indicated by the ADL of users using similar products. For example, the notification unit 132 may select such similar products when the ADL of a user using similar products is less than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the notification unit 132 does not select such similar products when the ADL of a user using similar products is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0129] 〔7-10. Others〕 Among the above-described processes, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed may be performed manually. Also, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be automatically performed by known methods. In addition, regarding the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0130] Also, each component of each illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure. Also, each component may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit in whole or in part according to various loads and usage situations.

[0131] Also, the above-described processes may be appropriately combined and executed within a non-contradictory range.

[0132] Also, the "section, module, unit" described above can be read as "means", "circuit", etc. For example, the first acquisition unit can be read as the first acquisition means or the first acquisition circuit.

[0133] 〔8. Hardware Configuration〕 Further, the terminal device 10, the external server 20, and the information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by, for example, a computer 1000 configured as shown in FIG. 10. 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 an arithmetic unit 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.

[0134] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 and the memory 1050 and programs read from the input device 1020, etc., and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache that primarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various operations, such as a RAM. Further, the memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various operations 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.

[0135] 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 and a printer, and may be realized by a connector of a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), 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, a keyboard, and a scanner, and is realized by, for example, USB or the like.

[0136] 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), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or 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. Further, the input device 1020 may be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0137] The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also sending data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0138] Here, the arithmetic unit 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 unit 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 unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the function of the control unit 130 by executing the program loaded onto the cache 1040.

[0139] As described above, the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, these are examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting from the aspects described in the column of the disclosure of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0140] N Network 1 Information processing system 10 Terminal device 20 External server 100 Information processing device 110 Communication unit 120 Storage unit 121 User information storage unit 122 Body shape information storage unit 123 Product information storage unit 130 Control unit 131 Reception unit 132 Notification unit 133 First acquisition unit 134 First identification unit 135 Second acquisition unit 136 Second identification unit

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires user information regarding a user; A first specification unit that specifies the type of the wearing article, which is an article worn by the user, based on the user information; A second acquisition unit that acquires body type information regarding the body type of the user; A second specification unit that specifies the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article specified by the first specification unit based on the body type information; A notification unit that notifies the user or the user of information regarding the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article; and the notification unit notifies the user or the user of a message for receiving an evaluation of the wearing article after a predetermined period from when the information regarding the wearing article is notified. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The first acquisition unit acquires life information regarding the living situation of the user as the user information, and the first specification unit specifies the type of the wearing article according to the life information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The first acquisition unit acquires body information regarding the body of the user as the user information, and the first specification unit specifies the type of the wearing article according to the body information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The first acquisition unit acquires information regarding whether the wearing article is used by the user or information regarding whether the wearing article is used by the user cared for by the caregiver as the user information, and the first specification unit specifies the type of the wearing article according to the information regarding whether the wearing article is used by the user or the information regarding whether the wearing article is used by the user cared for by the caregiver. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. The first specification unit specifies the brand of the wearing article as the type of the wearing article. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The first acquisition unit acquires the user information via a predetermined message application. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The second specification unit specifies the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article according to the body type information after the type of the wearing article is specified by the first specification unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that...

8. The second acquisition unit acquires corrected body shape information obtained by correcting the body shape information according to the type of the wearing article, The second specification unit specifies the size of the wearing article according to the corrected body shape information The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that...

9. The second acquisition unit acquires body shape information estimated based on an image in which the body shape of the user is photographed The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that...

10. The notification unit notifies the user or the user of information regarding the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that...

11. The notification unit notifies the user or the user of the body shape information regarding the body shape of the user together with the information regarding the size of the wearing article The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that...

12. The notification unit notifies the user or the user of information regarding the purchase of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that...

13. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: a first acquisition step of acquiring user information regarding a user; a first specification step of specifying the type of a wearing article, which is an article worn by the user, based on the user information; a second acquisition step of acquiring body shape information regarding the body shape of the user; a second specification step of specifying the size of the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article specified in the first specification step based on the body shape information; and a notification step of notifying the user or the user of information regarding the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article, wherein the notification step notifies the user or the user of a message for receiving an evaluation of the wearing article after a predetermined period from when the information regarding the wearing article is notified. The information processing method, characterized in that...

14. a first acquisition procedure of acquiring user information regarding a user; a first specification procedure of specifying the type of a wearing article, which is an article worn by the user, based on the user information; a second acquisition procedure of acquiring body shape information regarding the body shape of the user; A second specifying procedure for specifying the size of a wearing article belonging to the type of wearing article specified by the first specifying procedure based on the body shape information; A notification procedure for notifying the user or the user of information regarding the wearing article belonging to the type of the wearing article; Causing a computer to execute; The notification procedure is as follows: After a predetermined period after notifying the information regarding the wearing article, a message for receiving an evaluation of the wearing article is notified to the user or the user. An information processing program characterized by the above.

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