Information processing system, information processing method, and control program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system that can clearly indicate the necessity and effect of products to users by data and further increase the users' willingness to purchase the products.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a storage unit that stores zinc content of average hair according to age; a measurement data acquisition unit that analyzes a user's hair and acquires measured zinc content; an age determination unit that determines an age or age category corresponding to the measured zinc content in the user's hair based on the measured zinc content in the user's hair and information on the zinc content of the average hair according to age in the storage unit; and an information output unit that outputs information about zinc age of hair, including information on the determined age or age category. The information processing system assists in checking zinc-containing status of the user's hair.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and information processing method that assist users in checking the zinc content of their hair, and a control program for causing a computer to function as the information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Compositions for improving hair quality and compositions for hair growth containing zinc have been provided to impart firmness and body to hair, as well as excellent texture and softness (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] However, even if users who purchase such zinc-containing products can sense some of the effects intuitively, they have no way of verifying the effects or even whether they actually need them. Depending on the situation of each user, they may find it difficult to motivate themselves to purchase the product, or even if they do purchase it, they may not continue to purchase it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-24988 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-104319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above situation, the present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a system that can clearly show users the necessity and effectiveness of a product through data, thereby further increasing users' desire to purchase the product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention includes the following inventions. (1) An information processing system that assists in checking the zinc content of a user's hair, comprising: a memory unit that stores the average zinc content of hair according to age; a measurement data acquisition unit that analyzes the user's hair and acquires the measured zinc content; an age determination unit that determines the age or age category corresponding to the measured zinc content of the user's hair based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair and the information on the average zinc content of hair according to age stored in the memory unit; and an information output unit that outputs information related to the zinc age of the hair, including information on the determined age or age category.

[0007] (2) An information processing system as described in (1), which is provided with a ratio calculation unit that extracts the average zinc content for a specified young age or age group from the memory unit and calculates the ratio of the measured zinc content of the user's hair to the average zinc content, and the information output unit outputs information on the calculated ratio as information regarding the zinc age of the hair.

[0008] (3) An information processing system as described in (1) or (2), comprising a user information input unit for inputting user information including the age of the user, and a graph generation unit for generating a graph showing the change in average hair zinc content or values corresponding to said content with age based on information on the average hair zinc content according to the age, and adding to the graph an indication of the position on the graph corresponding to the measured zinc content of the user's hair, and the information output unit outputs the generated graph as information regarding the zinc age of the hair.

[0009] (4) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (3), comprising a problem information input unit for inputting information on a user's hair-related problems, and an advice data generation unit for generating care advice for the user regarding zinc deficiency or zinc maintenance in hair based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair or the determined zinc age of the user and the problem information, wherein the information output unit outputs the generated advice data together with information regarding the zinc age of the hair.

[0010] (5) An information processing system described in any of (1) to (4), comprising an order processing unit that receives requests from users to check the zinc content of their hair, and a sample acquisition management unit that manages the sending and receiving of return envelopes for acquiring the user's hair.

[0011] (6) The information processing system according to (5), wherein the return envelope is provided together with a zinc-containing hair care product.

[0012] (7) An information processing method executed by a system having a memory unit that stores the average zinc content of hair according to age, the information processing method including: a measurement data acquisition step of analyzing a user's hair to obtain the measured zinc content; an age determination step of determining the age or age category corresponding to the measured zinc content of the user's hair based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair and the information on the average zinc content of hair according to age stored in the memory unit; and an information output step of outputting information regarding the zinc age of hair, including information on the determined age or age category.

[0013] (8) A control program for causing a computer to function as an information processing system described in any one of (1) to (6), the control program causing the computer to function as the measurement data acquisition unit, the age determination unit, and the information output unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention as described above, the user's hair is analyzed to obtain the measured zinc content, and information regarding the zinc age of the user's hair is provided based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair and information regarding the average zinc content of hair according to age. This makes it possible to clearly show the user the necessity and effectiveness of the product through data, further increasing the user's desire to purchase the product.

[0015] In particular, by providing the ratio of the measured zinc content of the user's hair to the average zinc content for a given young age or age group, the user can be given a clearer understanding of their zinc age status.

[0016] In addition, by generating a graph showing the average hair zinc content or the change in values corresponding to that content with age, and adding to the graph a display of the position on the graph corresponding to the measured zinc content of the user's hair, the user can more clearly understand the state of their zinc age.

[0017] Furthermore, when providing advice to a user on hair care regarding zinc deficiency or zinc maintenance based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair, or the determined zinc age of the user, and information on concerns, it is possible to more directly suggest the purchase of a product to a user in need of care.

[0018] In addition, by providing a return envelope along with the zinc-containing hair care product to obtain a hair sample from the user and measure the zinc content, the zinc content measurement service can be provided to more conscious users, and the product can be promoted to more promising users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an explanation sheet. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a form for entering user information and questionnaire responses. [Figure 4] (a) shows information on the zinc content of hair that has been measured in the past and stored, and (b) shows the information that has been calculated and stored as an average value for each age group (age category). [Figure 5] (a) shows a table showing the trends in average zinc content by age group and the ratio of the values for each age group to the values for people in their 20s (the "decrease rate"), and (b) shows a table showing the values for users A, B, and C. [Figure 6] A graph showing trends by age group based on the data in Figure 5(a) and positioning the numbers for specific users. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the advice content that is determined and selected based on the zinc content of the user's hair and whether or not they have any concerns. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result report. [Figure 9] A diagram explaining the zinc age determination results for users ("customers") A to C, the rate of decrease from the average for people in their 20s, and a graph showing the zinc age calculation. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is composed of one or more information processing devices each including a processing device 10, a storage means 11, and a communication control unit 12, and is configured to determine the zinc age of a user's hair and assist in checking the zinc content status. Specifically, the information processing system 1 is a computer device including the processing device 10 at its core, a storage means 11, input means such as a pointing device, keyboard, or touch panel, and a display means such as a display. Such an information processing device is a dedicated / general-purpose computer, such as a server computer, installed in a store selling hair care products, a company that manufactures / sells the products, a company that outsources the work, or a company that measures the zinc content of hair.

[0022] The processing device 10 is mainly composed of a CPU such as a microprocessor, and has a storage unit consisting of RAM and ROM (not shown) in which programs defining the procedures of various processing operations and processing data are stored. The storage means 11 consists of a memory or hard disk inside or outside the information processing system 1. Some or all of the contents of the storage unit may be stored in the memory or hard disk of another computer connected to the information processing system 1 for communication.

[0023] The processing device 10 functionally comprises an order processing unit 10a that receives and processes requests from users to check the zinc content status of their hair, a sample acquisition management unit 10b that manages information on sending and receiving return envelopes containing users' hair samples, a user information input unit 10c that inputs and processes user information, a measurement data acquisition unit 10d that acquires the user's zinc content, an age determination unit 10e that determines the age or age category corresponding to the user's zinc content, a ratio calculation unit 10f that calculates the ratio of the user's zinc content to the average value for a specified age or age category, a graph generation unit 10g that displays the user's zinc content in a graph, an advice data generation unit 10h that generates advice for the user based on information about the user's zinc content, and an information output unit 10i that outputs information about the zinc age of the user's hair, and these processing functions are realized by the above program.

[0024] The storage means 11 includes an average zinc content storage unit 11a that stores the average zinc content of hair according to age, an order information storage unit 11b that stores order information processed by the order processing unit 10a, and a user information storage unit 11c that stores various user information input by the user information input unit 10c. The order information storage unit 11b includes a sample management information storage unit 111, and the user information storage unit 11c includes a measurement data storage unit 112 that stores measurement data acquired and processed by the measurement data acquisition unit 10d, a judgment and calculation result storage unit 113 that stores the results of judgment by the age determination unit 10e and the calculation results by the ratio calculation unit 10f, and a graph and encouragement generation data storage unit 114 that stores graph data generated by the graph generation unit 10g and advice data generated by the advice data generation unit 10i.

[0025] The order processing unit 10a receives a request to check the zinc content of hair, which is input from a user's smartphone or personal computer, and stores and manages the request as order information in the order information storage unit 11b. The user's input is typically input via a website or other means, such as through an application field for a sample (e.g., a one-week trial product) of a zinc-incorporating hair care product, such as a shampoo that supplies zinc to hair. While a product sample is used here, the actual product may be used instead of a sample.

[0026] The product sample sent to the user in response to the application will include a return envelope for the user to put the user's hair sample in and send to a specified address, an instruction sheet (guide) 2 that describes how to collect the hair sample and the shipping procedure, as exemplified in Figure 2, and a form 3 to fill out, as exemplified in Figure 3, with basic user information such as the user's name, sex, date of birth, age, contact information, etc., the condition of the user's hair at the time the hair sample was collected (when it was colored, permed, bleached, used color rinse, etc., when it was taken supplements, etc.), and a questionnaire about other lifestyle habits and concerns about the hair and scalp. Instead of including the instruction sheet 2 and form 3, the user may be able to enter the information directly online.

[0027] The sample acquisition management unit 10b sends product samples to users in response to orders, and stores information such as receipt of return envelopes containing hair samples from users in the sample management information storage unit of the order information storage unit 11b. Information can be entered by the person in charge at the institution that receives the user's product samples.

[0028] Based on the contents of the entry form 3 shown in FIG. 3, which was sent by the user together with the return envelope for the hair sample, the user information input unit 10c inputs basic user information such as the user's name, sex, date of birth, age, contact information, the condition of the user's hair at the time the hair sample was taken (time of coloring, perming, bleaching, use of color rinse, etc., time of taking supplements, etc.), and other information such as a questionnaire about lifestyle habits and concerns about hair and scalp, and stores the information in the user information storage unit 11c based on the input.

[0029] When the user directly inputs these information on the Web, the information can be directly stored in the user information storage unit 11c based on the input. In particular, with regard to the processing of the survey result information about worries (the worry information input unit 101), it is preferable that the user inputs the information on the Web at any time and stores it directly, in addition to processing the information entered by the person in charge based on the contents of the worry entry field 30 of the entry form 3.

[0030] The measurement data acquisition unit 10d receives the return envelope containing the user's hair sample, analyzes the hair sample inside, and the measurement institution or other company personnel that measures the zinc content inputs data on the measured zinc content, which is the analysis result, and stores the data in the measurement data storage unit 112 of the user information storage unit 11c based on the input. Note that various known methods can be used to analyze the zinc content, such as X-ray fluorescence analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

[0031] The age determination unit 10e determines the age or age category corresponding to the zinc content of the user based on the zinc content of the user's hair stored in the measurement data memory unit 112 and the information on the average zinc content of hair according to age stored in the average zinc content memory unit 11a.

[0032] Here, the information on the average hair zinc content in the average zinc content memory unit 11a is information on the zinc content (here referred to as "Zn intensity," but the index may differ depending on the measuring device, etc., as long as it is comparable data of the same index indicating the zinc content) of the hair of a number of people that have been measured in the past and stored and managed, for example, as shown in Figure 4(a), and information that has been calculated and stored by calculating average values for each generation (age category) from the accumulated data, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0033] The age determination unit 10e determines the user's age category, which is referred to as "zinc age," by classifying the user as "20s" if the user's zinc content is higher than the average for people in their 30s; "30s" if the user's zinc content is lower than the average for people in their 30s but higher than the average for people in their 40s; "40s" if the user's zinc content is lower than the average for people in their 40s but higher than the average for people in their 50s; and "50s or older" if the user's zinc content is lower than the average for people in their 50s. The determination method is not limited to this example. In this example, the user is classified into 20s, 30s, etc., but other categories such as under 20, 21-25, 26-30, 31+, 2000s, 2010s, etc., are also acceptable.

[0034] For example, as shown in Figure 9, in the case of User A, who is 22 years old and has a zinc measurement value (Zn intensity) of 32.7, this value is below the average value (35.1) for people in their 50s shown in Figure 4(b), so the zinc age is determined to be "over 50." Similarly, in the case of User B, who is 47 years old and has a zinc measurement value (Zn intensity) of 37.1, this value is below the average value (37.3) for people in their 30s shown in Figure 4(b) but higher than the average value (36.5) for people in their 40s, so the zinc age is determined to be "30s." Similarly, in the case of User C, who is 34 years old and has a zinc measurement value (Zn intensity) of 40.2, this value is higher than the average value (37.3) for people in their 30s shown in Figure 4(b), so the zinc age is determined to be "20s."

[0035] The ratio calculation unit 10f extracts the average zinc content of a predetermined young age or age group from the average zinc content storage unit 11a, for example, the average zinc content of "37.6" (in the example of Figure 4(b)) for people in their twenties, which is the peak of zinc content, and calculates the ratio of the measured zinc content of the user's hair to the average zinc content. Specifically, for example, User A has a zinc content of 32.7, and the ratio, assuming the average zinc content of people in their twenties is 100%, is 87.0%. Similarly, User B has a zinc content of 37.1, and the ratio is 98.7%. User C has a zinc content of 40.2, and the ratio is 107%.

[0036] The graph generating unit 10g generates a graph that directly or indirectly shows the change in hair zinc content with age based on the information on the average hair zinc content in the average zinc content memory unit 11a, and also generates a graph that positions and displays the user's zinc content data on the graph.

[0037] For example, Figure 5(a) is a table showing the transition of average zinc content by age group and the ratio of the value for each age group to the average value for people in their 20s ("decrease rate"), and Figure 5(b) is a table showing the values for the above-mentioned users A, B, and C. Figure 6 is a graph created based on the data in Figure 5(a) showing the transition by age group and positioning the values for specific users. Note that the graph does not directly show the zinc content data, but indirectly shows it as "hair zinc age" (using an index corresponding to (proportional to) the zinc content itself).

[0038] The advice data generating unit 10h generates care advice for the user regarding zinc deficiency or zinc maintenance in hair based on the measured zinc content or zinc age of the user's hair and the information on the concerns acquired from the user. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, advice contents 41 to 44 that can be selected depending on the amount of zinc content and whether or not there is a concern are prepared in advance, and the advice data generating unit 10h determines and selects advice contents suitable for the user from the four advice contents 41 to 44 in Fig. 7 depending on the zinc content of the user's hair and whether or not there is a concern.

[0039] In this example, advice is provided based on the measurement results and the content of the worries, but it is of course possible to provide advice based on only one of the pieces of information. In addition, it is also a preferred example that the advice data generation unit 10h has a machine learning mechanism and makes a decision by referring to the learning results of the machine learning mechanism. The learning method of the machine learning mechanism can be any method, such as deep learning using a neural network.

[0040] The information output unit 10i outputs information about the zinc age of hair, including information about the determined age or age category. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, this information may be output as a measurement result report 5 and presented to the user (sent to the user's terminal, or via email, etc.). The report 5 includes a display unit 51 displaying information about the age or age category (in this example, zinc age) determined by the age determination unit 10e, a display unit 52 displaying the ratio calculated by the ratio calculation unit 10f, a display unit 53 displaying a graph generated by the graph generation unit 10g, and a display unit 54 displaying advice generated by the advice data generation unit 10h. It also includes a display unit 55 displaying academic explanations about the necessity of zinc (e.g., the amount of zinc in hair decreases with age, causing a loss of firmness and strength), the fact that most zinc ingested orally is excreted and therefore difficult to reach the hair, a display unit 56 introducing and suggesting hair care products that can replenish zinc, and a display unit 57 explaining how to obtain them. It is also preferable to send the user emails or other information suggesting suitable products at predetermined intervals.

[0041] In addition, it is also a preferred example to prepare multiple types of hair care products that replenish zinc, and to provide examples of products for the user based on one or both of the measured zinc content or zinc age of the user's hair and the information on the user's concerns. For example, it is preferable to recommend a volume-increasing agent to a user with a low zinc content in hair and concerns about volume, to recommend a hair growth agent to a user with concerns about hair loss or thinning hair regardless of the zinc content, or to recommend a set of shampoo and hair growth agent to a user with a low zinc content in hair and concerns about dandruff or dry scalp.

[0042] The above explanation has been given for the case where a user applies for a product sample and at the same time applies for the zinc age check service, but the present invention is not limited to such a case, and it is of course also possible to carry out a "zinc age of hair" check for users who are regular subscribers (when the user's basic information has already been obtained).

[0043] In other words, users who have already purchased zinc supplemental hair care products will be given the benefit of regular zinc age checks. This will allow changes in the zinc age of the user's hair to be understood over time, and comparisons with past zinc concentration information will be possible. This will allow users to see the effects of using the hair care product in data, giving them the opportunity to continue purchasing the product, and will also increase the amount of data accumulated, allowing for feedback in product development.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure performed by the information processing system 1 of this embodiment.

[0045] First, when a request for checking the zinc content of hair is input from a user's smartphone or personal computer, the order processing unit 10a accepts this and stores and manages it as order information in the order information storage unit 11b (S101). In response to the application, a product sample containing a credit envelope, an explanation sheet (guide) 2, and a fill-in form 3 is sent to the user, and the sample acquisition management unit 10b manages the sending of the product sample in the sample management information storage unit (S102).

[0046] When the hair sample is received from the user in a return envelope, the sample acquisition management unit 10b manages the receipt of the hair sample in the sample management information storage unit 10. The zinc content of the hair sample is measured by the zinc measuring device (S103).

[0047] The user information input unit 10c receives the information on the entry form 3 sent by the user together with the return envelope and stores the information in the user information storage unit 11c based on the input (S104). The measurement data acquisition unit 10d receives the data on the measured zinc content and stores the data in the measurement data storage unit 112 of the user information storage unit 11c based on the input (S105).

[0048] Next, the age determination unit 10e determines the age or age category corresponding to the zinc content of the user based on the information on the zinc content of the user's hair and the average zinc content of hair according to age (S106).Furthermore, the ratio calculation unit 10f calculates the ratio of the measured zinc content of the user's hair to the average zinc content (S107).

[0049] The graph generating unit 10g generates a graph showing the change in zinc content in hair with age and positions the user's zinc content data on the graph (S108). The advice data generating unit 10h generates care advice for the user regarding zinc deficiency or zinc maintenance in hair based on the measured zinc content or zinc age of the user's hair and the information on the user's concerns (S109).

[0050] The information output unit 10i creates and displays a report including information on the age or age category determined by the age determination unit 10e (zinc age in this example), the ratio calculated by the ratio calculation unit 10f, the graph generated by the graph generation unit 10g, and the advice content generated by the advice data generation unit 10h (S110).

[0051] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, instead of configuring the processing device using software processing by a computer, it is preferable to configure part or all of it using hardware processing circuits. In this case, an artificial intelligence processing circuit can be used as the machine learning mechanism, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Information Processing Systems 2 Instruction sheet 3. Form 5. Measurement result report 10 Processing equipment 10a Order Processing Department 10b Sample Acquisition Management Department 10c User information input section 10d Measurement data acquisition section 10e Age Determination Section 10f Ratio calculation section 10g Graph generation section 10h Advice data generator 10i Information output section 10i Advice data generation unit 11 Memory means 11a Average zinc content memory section 11b Order information storage section 11c User information storage unit 12 Communication control section 30 fields to fill in 41-44 Advice 51~57 Display section 101 Worry Information Input Section 111 Sample management information storage unit 112 Measurement data storage unit 113 Judgment / calculation result storage unit 114 Graph and Graph Generation Data Storage Unit

Claims

1. a memory unit that stores the average zinc content of hair according to age; a measurement data acquisition unit that analyzes the user's hair and acquires the measured zinc content; an age determination unit that determines the age or age category corresponding to the measured zinc content of the user's hair based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair and the information on the average zinc content of hair according to age stored in the memory unit; An information output unit that outputs information about the zinc age of hair, including information about the determined age or age category; a user information input unit for inputting user information including the age of the user; a graph generating unit that generates a graph showing the change in the average hair zinc content or a value corresponding to the content with age based on the information on the average hair zinc content according to age, and adds to the graph an indication of the position on the graph corresponding to the measured user's hair zinc content; The graph generating unit generates a graph that displays the position on the graph of the zinc age corresponding to the zinc content without directly showing the zinc content data of the user, The information output unit outputs the generated graph as information regarding the zinc age of the hair, An information processing system that assists users in checking the zinc content of their hair.

2. A ratio calculation unit is provided which extracts an average zinc content for a predetermined young age or age group from the memory unit and calculates a ratio of the measured zinc content in the user's hair to the average zinc content, The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the information output unit outputs information on the calculated ratio as information on the zinc age of hair.

3. A problem information input unit for inputting information about a user's hair-related problems; and an advice data generation unit that generates advice on care for the user regarding zinc deficiency or zinc maintenance in hair based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair or the determined zinc age of the user and the information on the user's worries, The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the information output unit outputs the generated advice data together with information about the zinc age of hair.

4. A product information sheet for a plurality of types of zinc supplement products, The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system displays products for the user based on one or both of the measured zinc content of the user's hair or the determined zinc age of the user and information on hair concerns obtained from the user.

5. an order processing unit that receives a request from a user to check the zinc content of hair; a sample acquisition management unit that manages sending and receiving of return envelopes for acquiring the user's hair; The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

6. 6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the return envelope is provided together with a zinc-containing hair care product.

7. An information processing method executed by a system having a memory unit that stores average hair zinc content according to age, comprising: a measurement data acquisition step for analyzing the user's hair to obtain a measured zinc content; an age determination step for determining an age or age category corresponding to the measured zinc content of the user's hair based on the measured zinc content of the user's hair and the information on the average zinc content of hair according to age stored in the memory unit; An information output step of outputting information regarding the zinc age of hair, including information on the determined age or age category; a user information input step of inputting user information including the age of the user; and a graph generation step of generating a graph showing the change in average hair zinc content or a value corresponding to said content with age based on the information on the average hair zinc content according to age, and adding to said graph an indication of the position on said graph corresponding to the measured user's hair zinc content, the graph generation step generates a graph that displays a position on the graph of zinc age corresponding to zinc content without directly showing the zinc content data of the user; The information processing method includes outputting the generated graph as information about the zinc age of the hair in the information output step.

8. A control program for causing a computer to function as the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control program causes the computer to function as the measurement data acquisition unit, the age determination unit, the information output unit, the user information input unit, and the graph generation unit.

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