Output control system and output control method

Abstract

To make an appropriate period in which a toilet training should be started be grasped.SOLUTION: An output control system includes: acquisition means for acquiring state information showing a state of a physical function of an infant and action information showing the infant's action; determination means for determining timing of starting a toilet training for prompting an excretion action in a toilet, on the basis of the state information and the action information; and output control means for making output information, information based on a determination result by the determination means, be output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an output control system. and Output Control Method By law Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques have been proposed for toilet training, which trains children to use the toilet independently. For example, techniques have been proposed to support caregivers such as parents in toilet training their children. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2011-526520 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not necessarily allow a caregiver to know the appropriate time to start toilet training. For example, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, a first absorbent article including an indicator related to one readiness goal related to the child's wetness characteristics is used for a child who has not yet been toilet trained, and information about a second absorbent article having a toilet training function not present in the first absorbent article is provided to a caregiver. Then, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, when the child reaches the readiness goal, a caregiver is advised to switch from the first absorbent article to the second absorbent article.

[0005] As such, the above-mentioned conventional technologies are intended to assist caregivers in determining when to switch to the next stage of toilet training equipment to advance toilet training, but they do not necessarily help caregivers understand the appropriate time to start toilet training.

[0006] The output control system according to the present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to enable a child to know the appropriate time to start toilet training. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The output control system of the present application is characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring status information indicating the state of an infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, a judgment means for determining the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet based on the status information and the behavioral information, and an output control means for outputting output information which is information based on the judgment result by the judgment means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to let a child know the appropriate time to start toilet training. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall view of the output control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination process included in the output control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of output information displayed on the display screen of the terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the output control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the output control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0011] An output control system characterized by having an acquisition means for acquiring status information indicating the state of an infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, a judgment means for determining the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet based on the status information and the behavioral information, and an output control means for outputting output information based on the judgment result by the judgment means.

[0012] Such an output control system acquires status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, determines the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet based on the status information and behavioral information, and outputs output information based on the determination results, thereby enabling the infant to effectively grasp the appropriate time to start toilet training.

[0013] The output control system also acquires, as the status information, status information indicating the status of the excretory function of the infant.

[0014] According to such an output control system, status information indicating the state of an infant's excretory function is obtained as status information, which can be used as an indicator of whether or not the excretory function is developing, thereby making it possible to accurately determine the timing to start toilet training.

[0015] The output control system also acquires information on the amount of excrement produced by the infant or information on the interval between excretion of the infant as status information indicating the status of the infant's excretory function.

[0016] Such an output control system obtains status information indicating the state of an infant's excretory function, such as information regarding the amount of excrement produced by the infant or information regarding the interval between excretion, thereby enabling highly accurate assessment of the development of the excretory function and thereby enabling accurate determination of the timing to start toilet training.

[0017] The output control system also acquires, as the status information, status information indicating the status detected by a detection device attached to an item worn by the infant, or status information input by the infant's caregiver.

[0018] Such an output control system can effectively collect status information from multiple sources, by obtaining status information indicating the status detected by a detection device attached to an item worn by the infant, or status information input by the infant's caregiver.

[0019] The output control system also acquires, as the behavioral information, behavioral information indicating behavior detected by a specified detection device installed in the vicinity of the infant, or behavioral information input by the infant's caregiver.

[0020] Such an output control system can effectively collect behavioral information from multiple sources, by obtaining behavioral information indicating behavior detected by a specified detection device installed in the vicinity of the infant, or behavioral information input by the infant's caregiver.

[0021] Furthermore, when the output control system determines that a predetermined condition is met based on the state information, it determines that it is time to start toilet training.

[0022] According to this type of output control system, if it is determined that certain conditions are met based on the status information, it is determined that it is time to start toilet training.Therefore, if the child's physical functions have already developed to the point where they can control their own excretion at this point, it can be determined that it is time to start toilet training, thereby providing support to ensure that toilet training starts smoothly.

[0023] The output control system also determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether the state indicated by the state information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0024] According to this type of output control system, the timing to start toilet training is determined based on whether the state indicated by the status information satisfies specified conditions, so that if the child's physical functions have already developed to the point where they can control their own excretion at this point, it can be determined that it is time to start toilet training, thereby providing support to ensure a smooth start to toilet training.

[0025] The output control system also determines that the time to start toilet training is a future time when the state indicated by the state information is estimated to satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0026] According to such an output control system, the timing to start toilet training is determined to be a future time when the state indicated by the status information is estimated to meet specified conditions, so that the time to start toilet training can be determined (estimated) to be a time when the child's physical functions will have developed to the point where the child will be able to control excretion on their own, thereby providing support to ensure a smooth start to toilet training.

[0027] Furthermore, when the output control system determines that the infant satisfies a predetermined condition based on the behavioral information, it determines that it is time to start toilet training.

[0028] According to this type of output control system, if it is determined that an infant or toddler meets certain conditions based on behavioral information, it is determined that it is time to start toilet training.Therefore, if the infant's mind is currently developed to the point where they are aware of the importance of being able to relieve themselves, it can be determined that it is time to start toilet training, thereby providing support to ensure that toilet training begins smoothly.

[0029] The output control system also determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies the condition that the infant is capable of acting in response to perception.

[0030] Such an output control system determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies the condition that they are able to act in response to their perceptions, making it possible to determine whether or not the infant's mind has developed to the point where they are aware of the importance of using the toilet on their own, thereby enabling the timing to start toilet training to be determined with high accuracy.

[0031] The output control system also determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies the condition that the infant is capable of communicating with others.

[0032] Such an output control system determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant or toddler meets the condition of being able to communicate with others, making it possible to determine whether or not the infant's mind has developed to the point where they are aware of the importance of using the toilet on their own, thereby making it possible to determine with high accuracy the timing to start toilet training.

[0033] The output control system also determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies the condition that the infant is capable of performing a predetermined action on his or her own.

[0034] Such an output control system determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant or toddler meets the condition that they are able to perform a specified action on their own, making it possible to determine whether or not the infant's mind has developed to the point where they are aware of the importance of using the toilet on their own, thereby making it possible to determine with high accuracy the timing to start toilet training.

[0035] The output control system also determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies the condition that the infant has a heightened sense of purpose regarding toileting.

[0036] Such an output control system determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant or toddler meets the condition that they have a heightened sense of purpose regarding using the toilet. This makes it possible to determine whether or not the infant's mind has developed to the point where they are aware of the importance of using the toilet on their own, thereby enabling the timing to start toilet training to be determined with high accuracy.

[0037] Furthermore, the output control system determines, based on the behavioral information, a future time when the infant is estimated to meet a predetermined condition as the timing to start toilet training.

[0038] According to such an output control system, the timing to start toilet training is determined based on behavioral information as a future time when the infant or toddler is estimated to meet certain conditions, so that the time to start toilet training can be determined (estimated) as a time when the infant's mind will have developed to the point where they will be aware of the importance of using the toilet on their own, thereby providing support to ensure a smooth start to toilet training.

[0039] In addition, if the output control system determines that a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the status information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information, it determines that it is time to start toilet training.

[0040] According to such an output control system, if it is determined that a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the status information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information, it is determined that it is time to start toilet training.Therefore, it can be determined that it is time to start toilet training only when both the body and mind are sufficiently mature to begin toilet training, thereby making it possible to determine the timing to start toilet training with greater accuracy.

[0041] Furthermore, when the determination means determines that it is time to start toilet training, the output control system outputs guidance information informing the child of the start of toilet training as the output information.

[0042] According to such an output control system, when the judgment means determines that it is time to start toilet training, guidance information informing the user about the start of toilet training is output as output information, so that the user can understand that it is now okay to start toilet training.

[0043] In addition, when the determination means determines that it is time to start toilet training, the output control system outputs recommendation information as the output information, which recommends the use of a specified application related to toilet training.

[0044] According to such an output control system, when the judgment means determines that it is time to start toilet training, the output information is recommendation information that recommends the use of a specified application related to toilet training, thereby allowing the application for toilet training to be used effectively.

[0045] In addition, when the judgment means determines that it is not the time to start toilet training, the output control system outputs reference information that serves as a reference for when to start toilet training, based on either the state indicated by the status information or the state indicated by the behavioral information, and on the future time that is estimated to meet specified condition information.

[0046] According to this type of output control system, if the judgment means determines that it is not the right time to start toilet training, reference information is output to serve as a reference for when toilet training should begin, based on the future time when it is estimated that the infant will meet certain conditions, thereby resolving the user's question, "If I shouldn't start toilet training now, when should I start?"

[0047] In addition, when the judgment means determines that it is not the time to start toilet training, the output control system outputs strategy information that indicates strategies for enabling the infant to satisfy specified condition information.

[0048] According to this type of output control system, when the judgment means determines that it is not the right time to start toilet training, strategy information is output that shows measures for making the infant or young child meet the specified condition information, thereby helping to resolve the user's concern that "I don't know what to do to ensure a smooth start to toilet training."

[0049] [Embodiment] Below, an example of a form for implementing an output control system, an output control method, a terminal program, a terminal device, and an information processing method (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the output control system, the output control method, the terminal program, the terminal device, and the information processing method are not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0050] 1. Overview of Output Control Processing According to the Embodiment First, an overview of the output control process according to the embodiment will be described based on the premise. For example, toilet training, which allows a child to relieve themselves in the toilet, is considered extremely important in child-rearing. However, many parents do not know when to start toilet training. If they start at a commonly known time, they may end up scolding their child when toilet training does not go well, which can lead to a vicious cycle of parenting stress leading to further scolding. Furthermore, the child may also develop a dislike of the toilet, further hindering toilet training.

[0051] One possible reason why toilet training does not go well is that the child's body and mind have not yet reached a mature state to the point where they can "act independently to a certain extent to achieve their goals." In other words, if it is possible to determine when both the body and mind have reached maturity, and toilet training can begin at this point, the child will smoothly understand that using the toilet is important. This will encourage the child to try to go to the toilet on their own, which will result in a higher likelihood of toilet training progressing smoothly. However, in the hectic nature of child-rearing, it is difficult for caregivers (e.g., parents) to identify signs of maturity and determine how much a child has matured.

[0052] The output control system according to the embodiment is an idea for solving such problems, and effectively determines the time when both the body and mind have matured from the viewpoints of the child's body and behavior, and presents the determined time to the caregiver, thereby enabling the caregiver to understand the appropriate time to start toilet training. Specifically, the output control system according to the embodiment acquires status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, and determines the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet based on the acquired status information and behavioral information. Then, output information based on the determination result is output to, for example, a terminal device owned by the caregiver.

[0053] 2. Output Control System According to the Embodiment Prior to describing the output control process according to the embodiment, an output control system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of the output control process according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the output control system 1 according to the embodiment includes a terminal device 10 (a terminal device is also an example) and an output control device 100 (an example of an output control device). The terminal device 10 and the output control device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (shown in the appendix) so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication. Note that the output control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a plurality of output control devices 100.

[0054] The output control system 1 according to the embodiment also includes various types of detection devices, such as a detection device attached to an item worn by an infant or a predetermined detection device installed near an infant. Examples of these will be described later.

[0055] 3. Terminal Program and Terminal Device According to the Embodiment The terminal program according to the embodiment is a terminal program for causing a terminal device 10 (for example, a terminal device 10 owned by a user who is a caregiver of an infant) to execute an input receiving procedure for receiving from a user input of behavioral information indicating the behavior of an infant, and a receiving procedure for receiving from the output control device 100 output information, which is information based on a determination result determined based on status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and the behavioral information, and which indicates the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet. Note that a caregiver is a user who is in a position to care for an infant, and in the following embodiments, the term "caregiver" includes concepts such as "guardian" or "parent."

[0056] Furthermore, the terminal program is implemented as a dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as "application AP") that performs processing of transmitting information received as input from a user to the output control device 100, and receiving and displaying information from the output control device 100 regarding the timing to start toilet training determined by the output control processing by the output control device 100. For this reason, when the application AP is installed in the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment, the terminal device 10 has an input receiving unit that receives input of behavioral information indicating the behavior of an infant, and a receiving unit that receives from the output control device 100 output information that is information based on the determination result determined by the output control device 100 based on the physical information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and the behavioral information, and that indicates the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion behavior in the toilet.

[0057] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 will be described as being a smartphone.

[0058] [4. Output control device] The output control device 100 according to the embodiment mainly performs the process of determining the timing to start toilet training based on status information and behavior information acquired from various detection devices and the terminal device 10, among the output control processes performed by the output control system 1, and causes the terminal device 10 to output output information based on the determination result. The output control device 100 is realized by a server device, a cloud system, or the like.

[0059] [5. Example of output control processing] An example of the output control process according to the embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 1. The terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a terminal device used by a user U1 and has an application AP installed. FIG. 1 also shows a diaper DP1 as an example of an article worn by the child CH1 (an example of an infant) of the user U1. Therefore, the user U1 is the caregiver (e.g., a parent) of the child CH1. In the following embodiment, the excretory act will be described as "urination" and the excrement as "urine."

[0060] Although not shown, the diaper DP1 is provided with an indicator that changes color in an area that comes into contact with excrement (particularly urine) (the color changes in response to a specific component contained in urine).Instead of such an indicator, the diaper DP1 may be provided with a dedicated tester coated with a reagent that reacts to a specific component contained in urine.

[0061] 1, a diaper sensor SN1 (an example of a detection device) is attached to the diaper DP1. The diaper sensor SN1 has an excretion detection function for detecting excretion in the diaper D1, a function for acquiring (calculating) various information related to the detected excretion, and a transmission function for transmitting the acquired information.

[0062] In this state, the diaper sensor SN1 determines whether or not urination has occurred in the diaper DP1 by using its urination detection function (step S1).

[0063] In addition, when the diaper sensor SN1 determines that urination has occurred by detecting urine using the urination detection function, it acquires (calculates) various information related to the urine by detecting state changes associated with the detected urine (step S2).

[0064] For example, the diaper sensor SN1 acquires information about the amount of urine (an example of information about the amount of excrement from an infant). As one example, the diaper sensor SN1 calculates the amount of urine excreted in one urination act based on the change in weight of the diaper DP1 before and after urination, and acquires the calculated amount of urine as information about the amount of urine. The diaper sensor SN1 also detects urine diffused onto the indicator. The diaper sensor SN1 may then calculate the amount of urine excreted in one urination act based on the amount of urine diffused onto the indicator, and acquire the calculated amount of urine as information about the amount of urine. The diaper sensor SN1 may also calculate the amount of urine excreted in one urination act based on the color change time (the time from the start to the end of color change) of the indicator that changes color in response to urine, and acquire the calculated amount of urine as information about the amount of urine.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, the diaper sensor SN1 acquires information relating to urination intervals (an example of information relating to an infant's excretion intervals). As an example, the diaper sensor SN1 detects the date and time at which urine is detected as the urination date and time at which the urination act was performed, and thereby acquires the detected urination date and time as information relating to the urination interval.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the diaper sensor SN1 acquires information about urine components that indicate the state of excretory functions (e.g., renal functions of the bladder, kidneys, etc.). As an example, the diaper sensor SN1 detects the urine components of excreted urine from the color change of an indicator caused by contact with urine (the color change of the indicator in response to specific components contained in urine or urine concentrations such as urine specific gravity). Furthermore, the diaper sensor SN1 calculates the component amounts, which are the contents of the urine components in the urine, based on the detected urine components and the urine volume calculated previously, and acquires the calculated component amounts (urine component amounts) as information about the urine components.

[0067] Here, the amount of urine, urination interval, and amount of urine components are information that serve as indicators of the state (level of ability, level of growth) of excretory function (e.g., renal function of the bladder, kidneys, etc.). For example, the larger the amount of urine or the longer the urination interval, the more developed the bladder's function of storing urine is. Furthermore, since the amount of urine components (e.g., urine specific gravity, which is an indicator of the state of renal function such as renal failure) shows the same value as that of an adult, it indicates that renal function has developed and the child is able to control urination.

[0068] Furthermore, the state of the bladder (an example of a physical function) (level of ability, level of growth) is an indicator of whether urine can be stored, and the state of kidney function (an example of a physical function) (level of ability, level of growth) is an indicator of whether excretion can be controlled, so they are indicators for estimating whether an infant's body has matured enough to begin toilet training. For this reason, urine volume, urination interval, and amount of urine components can be said to be the state of an infant's physical function, and data indicating these can be said to be status information that indicates the state of an infant's physical function.

[0069] Next, the diaper sensor SN1 transmits the status information acquired in step S2 to the terminal device 10 of the user U1 (step S3). In other words, the terminal device 10 acquires the status information from the diaper sensor SN1. For example, the diaper sensor SN1 may transmit the status information acquired in response to a urination act to the terminal device 10 each time it detects urine corresponding to this urination act, or may transmit status information for a predetermined number of urination acts together to the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the diaper sensor SN1 may transmit status information for each urination act performed within a predetermined period together to the terminal device 10.

[0070] Then, when the terminal device 10 acquires the status information from the diaper sensor SN1, it stores the acquired status information as a urination history (excretion history) in a predetermined storage unit (step S4).

[0071] Here, in step S3, the terminal device 10 acquires status information indicating the status detected by the detection device attached to the article worn by the infant. However, the terminal device 10 may also accept input of status information from the user. In the example of FIG. 1, the user U1 can visually recognize the color of the indicator. Therefore, the terminal device 10 may accept input of color information (an example of status information) indicating the color of the indicator after the color change from the user U1. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may also accept input of a captured image (an example of status information) of the indicator after the color change from the user U1. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 can store the status information received by such input in a predetermined storage unit, including the urination history.

[0072] Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 receives input of a captured image (an example of status information) of the indicator after the color change, the terminal device 10 may detect urine components based on the color change shown in the captured image under the control of the application AP. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may calculate the component amount, which is the content of the urine component in the urine, based on the detected urine components and the urine volume calculated by the diaper sensor SN1. Therefore, the application AP is an application having a function of detecting a change in the color of the indicator by analyzing the captured image and identifying the urine components based on the detected color change.

[0073] In this state, suppose that user U1 wants to know the timing (period) to start toilet training child CH1 and launches application AP. Then, the terminal device 10 transmits a request for delivery of an input screen to the output control device 100. The input screen is a screen for receiving input of behavioral information indicating the behavior of the infant from the user. Furthermore, upon receiving the request for delivery of the input screen, the output control device 100 delivers the input screen corresponding to the delivery request to the terminal device 10. Then, the terminal device 10 displays the input screen received from the output control device 100 on the display screen (output unit 13 in FIG. 5 ).

[0074] FIG. 1 shows an example of such an input screen, input screen C1. The input screen C1 can be said to be a screen for receiving input of behavioral information indicating the behavior of child CH1 from user U1. Six questions are provided on input screen C1 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the input screen C1 shown in FIG. 1 provides questions such as, "Can child CH1 put on and take off clothes by themselves?" (question Q1), "Can child urinate when prompted?" (question Q2), "Can child urinate when prompted?" (question Q3), "Can child talk to siblings (or friends)?" (question Q4), "Can child walk and open doors by themselves?" (question Q5), and "Are you worried about the toilet (or potty)?" (question Q6). For example, user U1 can answer each question with "yes" or "no."

[0075] The answers to these six questions are used to determine whether an infant meets the behavioral conditions for deciding when to start toilet training. These behavioral conditions are also used as an indicator of whether an infant's mental maturity is progressing.

[0076] For example, the response information to questions Q2 and Q3 is used as a basis for determining whether or not an infant satisfies the "condition for being able to act according to perception" (condition 1). For example, if user U1 inputs response information indicating "yes" to either question Q2 or question Q3 via input screen C1, the output control device 100 determines that child CH1 satisfies the "behavioral condition for being able to act according to perception."

[0077] Furthermore, for example, the response information to questions Q3 and Q4 is used as a basis for determining whether or not the infant satisfies the "behavioral condition that communication with others is possible" (condition 2). For example, if user U1 inputs response information indicating "yes" to either question Q3 or question Q4 via input screen C1, output control device 100 determines that the behavior of child CH1 satisfies the "behavioral condition that communication with others is possible."

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the response information to questions Q1, Q2, and Q5 is used as a basis for determining whether or not the infant satisfies the "behavioral condition that the infant is capable of performing a predetermined behavior on his / her own" (condition 3). For example, if user U1 inputs response information indicating "yes" to any of questions Q1, Q2, or Q5 via input screen C1, the output control device 100 determines that child CH1 satisfies the "behavioral condition that the infant is capable of performing a predetermined behavior on his / her own."

[0079] Furthermore, for example, the response information to questions Q4 and Q6 is used as a basis for determining whether or not the infant satisfies the "behavioral condition that indicates an increased sense of purpose regarding toilet excretion" (condition 4). For example, if user U1 inputs response information indicating "yes" to either question Q4 or question Q6 via input screen C1, the output control device 100 determines that child CH1 satisfies the "condition that indicates an increased sense of purpose regarding infant excretion in the toilet."

[0080] Furthermore, from the above, the answer information indicating the answers to the questions given on the input screen C1 can essentially be said to be behavioral information indicating the behavior of an infant or toddler. For example, the answer information indicating the answer to question Q1 is based on whether or not child CH1 can "put on and take off clothes by himself," and therefore can be said to be behavioral information indicating the behavior of child CH1. Furthermore, the answer information indicating the answer to question Q2 is based on whether or not child CH1 can "go to the bathroom by himself when prompted," and therefore can be said to be behavioral information indicating the behavior of child CH1.

[0081] Furthermore, the answer information showing the answer to question Q3 is based on whether or not child CH1 is able to "indicate the intention to go to the toilet," and therefore can be considered behavioral information showing the behavior of child CH1. Furthermore, the answer information showing the answer to question Q4 is based on whether or not child CH1 behaves in a way that "siblings (or friends) act concerned that they are potty trained," and therefore can be considered behavioral information showing the behavior of child CH1.

[0082] Furthermore, the answer information showing the answer to question Q5 can be considered behavioral information showing the behavior of child CH1 because it is based on whether or not child CH1 can "walk and open the door by himself / herself." Furthermore, the answer information showing the answer to question Q6 can be considered behavioral information showing the behavior of child CH1 because it is based on whether or not child CH1 behaves as if he / she is "concerned about the toilet (or potty)."

[0083] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 accepts input of behavioral information indicating the behavior of the infant via the input screen (step S5). Specifically, the terminal device 10 accepts input of behavioral information indicating the behavior of the child CH1 via the input screen C1. For example, the terminal device 10 accepts input of answer information indicating answers to questions regarding the behavior of the infant via the input screen C1, as an example of such behavioral information.

[0084] In addition to accepting input of behavioral information from a user by presenting an input screen to the user, the terminal device 10 may also accept input of photographed images of an infant. Since the photographed images show the behavior of an infant, the photographed images can essentially be considered an example of behavioral information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, a user U1 can input photographed images of a child CH1 via the input screen C1. Furthermore, the photographed images may be photographed by a camera included in the terminal device 10, or may be photographed by a device other than the terminal device 10 (for example, a video camera).

[0085] The terminal device 10 may also receive behavior information indicating behavior of an infant detected by a predetermined detection device. An example of the predetermined detection device is a smart speaker (or a baby monitor) installed near an infant. For example, a smart speaker SMP having a photographing function and a sound collection function is present near the child CH1, and the smart speaker SMP detects the behavior (movements and sounds) of the child CH1 by photographing and collecting sound.

[0086] In this case, the terminal device 10 accepts the input of behavioral information by dynamically acquiring behavioral information indicating the behavior of the child CH1 detected by the smart speaker SMP through communication with the smart speaker SMP. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 accepts the input of behavioral information by receiving behavioral information transmitted from the smart speaker SMP in response to an operation by the user U1. Furthermore, the infant's behavior can also be input from measurement information of a sensor worn by the infant (which may be a bracelet, an anklet, or the like that comes into direct contact with the infant's skin, or may be attached to an item worn by the infant, such as clothing, underwear, or a bag, or may be replaced by the sensor SN1). For example, the infant's distance to a beacon installed in the toilet, the time spent in the toilet, whether the infant changes clothes, etc. In this case, the terminal device 10 accepts the input of behavioral information by receiving the behavioral information transmitted from the sensor.

[0087] Next, the terminal device 10 transmits the status information that has been accumulated so far and the behavioral information received as input from the user U1 or various detection devices to the output control device 100 (step S6). In other words, the output control device 100 acquires the status information and the behavioral information from the terminal device 10. Note that, according to the example of FIG. 1, the diaper sensor SN1 may transmit the status information directly to the output control device 100 instead of transmitting it to the terminal device 10. Similarly, the smart speaker SMP or a sensor worn by an infant may transmit the behavioral information directly to the output control device 100 instead of transmitting it to the terminal device 10. For this reason, the terminal device 10 does not necessarily need to transmit the input emotional information and the status information that has been accumulated so far together in response to the input of the behavioral information, as shown in FIG. 1, and the behavioral information and the status information may be transmitted separately to the output control device 100 at any timing.

[0088] Furthermore, the output control device 100 registers the status information in the status information storage unit 121 and the behavioral information in the behavioral information storage unit 122. For example, the output control device 100 associates identification information (user ID) identifying a target user (user U1 in the example of FIG. 1) who is requesting notification of the timing to start toilet training with status information corresponding to this user (status information of this user's child), and registers the associated information in the status information storage unit 121. Furthermore, the output control device 100 associates identification information (user ID) identifying a target user (user U1 in the example of FIG. 1) who is requesting notification of the timing to start toilet training with behavioral information corresponding to this user (behavioral information of this user's child), and registers the associated information in the behavioral information storage unit 122.

[0089] The output control device 100 then calculates the average urine volume, average urination interval, and average component amounts based on the status information acquired in step S6 (step S7). Specifically, based on the status information acquired in step S6, the output control device 100 calculates the current average urine volume of child CH1, the current average urination interval of child CH1, and the current average component amounts of child CH1. Note that the average urine volume calculated here can also be considered information about the urine volume, and therefore can be interpreted as status information indicating the state of the physical function (bladder). Note that the average urination interval can also be considered information about the urination interval, and therefore can be interpreted as status information indicating the state of the physical function (bladder). Note that the average component amounts are information about the urine components, and therefore can be interpreted as status information indicating the state of the physical function (bladder). Note that the output control device 100 may estimate the urine volume, urine interval, and component amounts from this single excretion by comparing them with the previous urination history, or may calculate the average urine volume, average urination interval, average component amounts, etc. for multiple excretions within a predetermined period as described above.

[0090] Next, the output control device 100 determines the timing to start toilet training based on the state information and behavior information (step S8). Specifically, the output control device 100 determines the timing to start toilet training based on "the current average urine volume of child CH1, the current average urination interval of child CH1, and the current average component amount of child CH1" (state information) and behavior information AC#CH1 of child CH1.

[0091] Here, the determination process for determining the timing to start toilet training, which is performed in steps S7 to S8 and is performed in the output control process according to the embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the determination process included in the output control process according to the embodiment.

[0092] Before describing an example of the determination process, we will first explain each storage unit included in the output control device 100. Specifically, we will explain the state information storage unit 121, the behavior information storage unit 122, and the condition information storage unit 123. In the example of Fig. 2, the state information storage unit 121 has items such as "user ID," "history ID," "date and time," "urine volume," "urine interval," and "component amount."

[0093] "User ID" is identification information that identifies the user to be processed. "History ID" indicates identification information that identifies a set of "date and time," "urine volume," "urination interval," and "component volume" corresponding to one urination act as the urination history for that one urination act. "Date and time" indicates the date and time when each urination act was performed.

[0094] "Urine volume" indicates the amount of urine excreted in one urination act. For example, in the example of the state information storage unit 121 shown in FIG. 2, a urine volume "UO11" is associated with a history ID "LID11" and a date and time "DAY11." This example shows an example in which the urine volume "UO11" is calculated as the amount of urine excreted in a urination act on the date and time "DAY11."

[0095] The "urination interval" indicates the interval from the previous urination act to the next urination act. For example, the "urination interval" is calculated based on the "date and time" indicated in the immediately preceding urination history and the "date and time" indicated in the current urination history. For example, in the example of the state information storage unit 121 shown in FIG. 2, a urination interval "UIV11" is associated with the history ID "LID11" and the date and time "DAY11". Also, the example of the state information storage unit 121 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which urination occurred on the date and time "DAY12" before the date and time "DAY11". For this reason, the time interval between the date and time "DAY11" and the date and time "DAY12" is calculated as the urination interval "UIV11".

[0096] The "amount of component" indicates the content in urine of a specific component contained in urine, or the concentration of urine, such as urine specific gravity. For example, in the example of the state information storage unit 121 shown in FIG. 2, a component amount "CP11" is associated with a history ID "LID11" and a date and time "DAY11." This example shows a case where the urine discharged during urination on the date and time "DAY11" contains a urine component "CP11." Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates the "amount of component" being calculated by the diaper sensor SN1, it may also be calculated by the output control device 100. For example, the output control device 100 can calculate the "amount of component" based on change information indicating how the indicator has changed due to urine (e.g., a color change in an indicator containing a reagent or information on the diffusion of urine in the indicator) obtained from the diaper sensor SN1.

[0097] 2, the behavioral information storage unit 122 includes items such as a “user ID” and “behavioral information.” The “user ID” is identification information for identifying a user to be processed. The “behavioral information” is behavioral information indicating the behavior of a child (infant) of a user identified by the “user ID” as a caregiver. As described in FIG. 1, such “behavioral information” includes, in addition to response information entered by a user via an input screen, photographed images of the user's child's appearance (behavior) and behavioral information (photographed images and audio information) indicating behavior detected by a detection device (such as a smart speaker, a baby monitor, or a sensor SN1) installed near the child (or attached to the child). The example of the behavioral information storage unit 122 shown in FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an example in which the output control device 100 acquires “AC♯CH1” as behavioral information of child CH1 corresponding to user U1.

[0098] Next, the condition information storage unit 123 will be described. The condition information storage unit 123 includes a state condition storage unit 123-1 that stores conditions for the state indicated by the state information as condition information. The condition information storage unit 123 also includes a behavioral condition storage unit 123-2 that stores conditions that serve as indicators for estimating whether the infant's mind is maturing (conditions that use behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior as a basis for judgment) as condition information.

[0099] In the example of the state condition storage unit 123-1 shown in FIG. 2, the threshold condition "CIF1" is associated with the "average urine volume." With this association, the output control device 100 performs a determination process of determining the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the "average urine volume" exceeds the threshold condition "CIF1" (i.e., whether or not the "average urine volume" satisfies the threshold condition "CIF1"). Also, in the example of the state condition storage unit 123-1 shown in FIG. 2, the threshold condition "CIF2" is associated with the "average urination interval." With this association, the output control device 100 performs a determination process of determining the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the "average urination interval" exceeds the threshold condition "CIF2" (i.e., whether or not the "average urination interval" satisfies the threshold condition "CIF2").

[0100] 2, the threshold condition "CIF3" is associated with the "average component amount." With this association, the output control device 100 performs a determination process to determine the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the "average component amount" exceeds the threshold condition "CIF3" (i.e., whether or not the "average component amount" satisfies the threshold condition "CIF3"). Also, with the example of the state condition storage unit 123-1 shown in FIG. 2, the threshold condition "SC1" is associated with the "physical maturity." With this association, the output control device 100 performs a determination process to determine the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the "physical maturity" exceeds the threshold condition "SC1" (i.e., whether or not the "physical maturity" satisfies the threshold condition "SC1").

[0101] Next, in the example of the behavioral condition storage unit 123-2 shown in FIG. 2, the four "behavioral conditions" described in FIG. 1 and a threshold condition "SC2" for "mental maturity" are stored. As a result, the output control device 100 determines whether or not the infant (behavior or state) satisfies the "condition that it is possible to act according to perception" based on behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, and determines the timing to start toilet training based on the determination result. Also, the output control device 100 determines whether or not the infant (behavior or state) satisfies the "condition that it is possible to communicate with others" based on behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, and determines the timing to start toilet training based on the determination result.

[0102] The output control device 100 also determines whether or not the infant (behavior or state) satisfies the "condition that the infant is able to perform a predetermined behavior on its own" based on behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, and determines the timing to start toilet training according to the determination result. The output control device 100 also determines whether or not the infant (behavior or state) satisfies the "condition that the infant has a heightened sense of purpose in using the toilet" based on behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, and determines the timing to start toilet training according to the determination result.

[0103] In addition, the output control device 100 performs a judgment process to determine the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the "mental maturity" exceeds the threshold condition "SC2" (i.e., whether or not the "mental maturity" satisfies the threshold condition "SC2").

[0104] Up to this point, the respective storage units of the output control device 100 and an overview of the determination process have been explained using Fig. 2. An example of the determination process for determining the timing to start toilet training will be explained below. Specifically, following the example of Fig. 1, an example of status information and behavior information corresponding to child CH1 of user U1 will be used for the explanation.

[0105] First, the output control device 100 calculates the current "average urine volume" of the child CH1 using the "urine volume" for a predetermined period among the "urine volume" stored as the urination history in association with the user ID "U1" in the state information storage unit 121. In the example of Fig. 2, the output control device 100 calculates the average urine volume "NO1".

[0106] Furthermore, the output control device 100 calculates the current "average urination interval" of the child CH1 by using the "urination interval" for a predetermined period among the "urination intervals" stored as the urination history in association with the user ID "U1" in the state information storage unit 121. In the example of Fig. 2, the output control device 100 calculates the average urination interval "NU1".

[0107] Furthermore, the output control device 100 calculates the current "average component amount" of the child CH1 using the "component amount" for a predetermined period among the "component amounts" stored as the urination history in association with the user ID "U1" in the state information storage unit 121. In the example of Fig. 2, the output control device 100 calculates the average component amount "NP1".

[0108] Next, the output control device 100 refers to the state condition storage unit 123-1 and determines whether the average urine volume "NO1" exceeds the threshold condition "CIF1" (i.e., whether the average urine volume "NO1" satisfies the threshold condition "CIF1"). The output control device 100 also determines whether the average urination interval "NU1" exceeds the threshold condition "CIF2" (i.e., whether the average urination interval "NU1" satisfies the threshold condition "CIF2"). The output control device 100 also determines whether the average component amount "NP1" exceeds the threshold condition "CIF3" (i.e., whether the average component amount "NP1" satisfies the threshold condition "CIF3").

[0109] Then, the output control device 100 calculates (scores) the physical maturity level according to the determination results of these three patterns of determination processing using the status information. For example, the output control device 100 calculates a higher value of the physical maturity level as the status indicated by the status information satisfies more threshold conditions. The higher the physical maturity level, the more mature the baby's body can be said to be.

[0110] For example, if all of the threshold conditions "CIF1," "CIF2," and "CIF3" are satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates a physical maturity of "60." Also, for example, if any two of the threshold conditions "CIF1," "CIF2," and "CIF3" are satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates a physical maturity of "40." Also, for example, if only one of the threshold conditions "CIF1," "CIF2," and "CIF3" is satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates a physical maturity of "20." Also, for example, if all of the threshold conditions "CIF1," "CIF2," and "CIF3" are not satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates a physical maturity of "0." In the example of FIG. 2, the output control device 100 conceptually calculates a physical maturity of "SM1."

[0111] The output control device 100 also refers to the behavior condition storage unit 123-2, and determines whether or not the child CH1 satisfies the "condition that the child CH1 is capable of acting according to perception" (condition 1) based on the behavior information AC#CH1 indicating the behavior of the child CH1. The output control device 100 also determines whether or not the child CH1 satisfies the "condition that the child CH1 is capable of communicating with others" (condition 2) based on the behavior information AC#CH1 indicating the behavior of the child CH1. The output control device 100 also determines whether or not the child CH1 satisfies the "condition that the child CH1 is capable of performing a predetermined behavior on its own" (condition 3) based on the behavior information AC#CH1 indicating the behavior of the child CH1. The output control device 100 also determines whether or not the child CH1 satisfies the "condition that the child CH1 has a heightened sense of purpose in using the toilet" (condition 4) based on the behavior information AC#CH1 indicating the behavior of the child CH1.

[0112] Then, the output control device 100 calculates (scores) the mental maturity level according to the determination results of these four patterns of determination processing using the behavioral information. For example, the output control device 100 calculates a higher value of mental maturity as the child CH1 satisfies more conditions 1 to 4. It can be said that the higher the mental maturity level, the more mentally mature the infant is.

[0113] For example, when all of Condition 1 to Condition 4 are satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates an emotional maturity of "60." When any three of Condition 1 to Condition 4 are satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates an emotional maturity of "45." When any two of Condition 1 to Condition 4 are satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates an emotional maturity of "30." When only one of Condition 1 to Condition 4 is satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates an emotional maturity of "15." When none of Condition 1 to Condition 4 are satisfied, the output control device 100 calculates an emotional maturity of "0." In the example of FIG. 2, the output control device 100 conceptually calculates an emotional maturity of "SM2."

[0114] Next, the output control device 100 calculates an overall maturity level that comprehensively indicates the degree of maturity of both the body and mind by multiplying the physical maturity level "SM1" by the mental maturity level "SM2." Although not shown in FIG. 2, a threshold condition is also set for this overall maturity level. Therefore, if the output control device 100 determines that the current overall maturity level exceeds the threshold condition, that is, if the output control device 100 determines that the overall maturity level satisfies the threshold condition, it determines that it is now time to start toilet training for child CH1.

[0115] On the other hand, if the output control device 100 determines that the current overall maturity level does not exceed the threshold condition, i.e., that the overall maturity level does not satisfy the threshold condition, it determines that it is not now time to start toilet training for child CH1. If the output control device 100 determines that it is not now time to start toilet training, it determines the future timing for starting toilet training.

[0116] For example, the output control device 100 determines that the time to start toilet training is a future time when the state of child CH1 is estimated to satisfy a predetermined condition. This point will be explained assuming that the average urine volume of child CH1 does not satisfy the threshold condition "CIF1." For example, the output control device 100 references the state information storage unit 121 and generates a urine volume change curve that shows how the urine volume has changed (increased) over time, and estimates from this curve at what point in the future the urine volume will satisfy the threshold condition "CIF1." The output control device 100 then determines that the time when the urine volume is estimated to satisfy the threshold condition "CIF1" is the future time to start toilet training.

[0117] Although detailed description will be omitted, the output control device 100 also generates a urination interval change curve that corresponds to changes over time for the urination interval.The output control device 100 can determine the future timing for starting toilet training by estimating from this curve at what point in the future the urination interval will satisfy the threshold condition "CIF2."The output control device 100 also generates a component amount change curve that corresponds to changes over time for the component amounts.The output control device 100 can determine the future timing for starting toilet training by estimating from this curve at what point in the future the component amounts will satisfy the threshold condition "CIF2."

[0118] Furthermore, the output control device 100 may determine, based on the behavioral information of the child CH1, a future time when the child CH1 is estimated to satisfy a predetermined condition as the timing to start toilet training. Regarding this point, it is assumed that the child CH1 is determined not to satisfy condition 3 based on the behavioral information. For example, suppose there is a growth curve (a statistical curve) in which the percentage of infants who can "dress and undress themselves" is plotted for each age (e.g., 3 years and 1 month, 3 years and 2 months, etc.). Furthermore, suppose that the growth curve indicates that 80% of infants can "dress and undress themselves" at 3 years and 10 months of age. Here, for example, if the child CH1 is "3 years and 4 months old," the output control device 100 estimates that four months from now, when the child CH1 becomes "3 years and 10 months old," the child CH1 will also be "able to dress and undress themselves" (i.e., will satisfy condition 3). The output control device 100 then determines this four-month point as the future timing to start toilet training.

[0119] Although condition 3 has been used as an example, determining the future timing for starting toilet training using such a growth curve can be applied to all of conditions 1 to 4.

[0120] An example of the determination process performed by the output control device 100 has been described using Fig. 2. Returning to Fig. 1 again, when the output control device 100 determines the timing to start toilet training as described in Fig. 2, it outputs output information that is information based on the determination result of the determination process (step S9). Specifically, based on the timing to start toilet training determined for child CH1, the output control device 100 outputs output information based on this timing. For example, the output control device 100 transmits the output information to the terminal device 10 so that the output information is displayed by the terminal device 10.

[0121] For example, if the output control device 100 determines that it is now time for child CH1 to start toilet training, it outputs, as output information, guidance information IF1-1 that provides guidance on starting toilet training. Furthermore, if the output control device 100 determines that it is now time for child CH1 to start toilet training, it outputs, as output information, recommendation information IF1-2 that recommends the use of a predetermined application related to toilet training. For example, the output control device 100 generates resultant content C21 that displays the guidance information IF1-1 and the recommendation information IF1-2, and distributes the generated resultant content C21 to the terminal device 10 so that it is displayed.

[0122] On the other hand, if the output control device 100 determines that it is not currently time for child CH1 to start toilet training, it outputs warning information IF2-1 as output information indicating that it is not currently time to start toilet training.

[0123] Furthermore, if the output control device 100 determines that it is not currently time to start toilet training for the child CH1, it outputs reference information IF2-21 that serves as a reference for determining when to start toilet training, based on a future time when it is estimated that the child CH1 will meet a predetermined condition. Note that the future time here refers to a future time when it is estimated that the state of the child CH1 will meet a predetermined condition (threshold condition), or a future time determined based on the behavioral information of the child CH1 when it is estimated that the child CH1 will meet a predetermined condition (behavioral condition). The determination of such a future time has already been explained in FIG. 2, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0124] Furthermore, if the output control device 100 determines that it is not yet time for child CH1 to start toilet training, it outputs measure information IF2-22 that indicates measures for child CH1 to meet predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions here refer to the "threshold conditions" or "behavioral conditions" described in FIG. 2.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, the output control device 100 generates result content C22 in which warning information IF2-1, reference information IF2-21, and measure information IF2-22 are displayed, and distributes the generated result content C22 to the terminal device 10 so that it is displayed.

[0126] Here, Fig. 3 shows an example of output information displayed on the display screen of the terminal device 10. Fig. 3(a) shows output information when the output control device 100 determines that it is currently time for child CH1 to start toilet training. On the other hand, Fig. 3(b) shows output information when the output control device 100 determines that it is not currently time for child CH1 to start toilet training.

[0127] 3(a), the result content C21 displays guidance information IF1-1 in the form of a character CA speaking. The guidance information IF1-1 displays guidance according to the determination result, such as "Your body and mind seem to be growing! Let's start toilet training!!" By controlling the output of the guidance information in this way, the output control device 100 can let the user know that it is now okay to start toilet training.

[0128] Furthermore, the result content C21 displays recommendation information IF1-2. The recommendation information IF1-2 indicates that it is recommended to use a predetermined application ("Easy Toilet") for toilet training. The recommendation information IF1-2 also includes a link LN to the predetermined application. If the business corresponding to the output control device 100 according to the embodiment is business T, the application recommended here may be a toilet training application developed by business T. For example, even if a toilet training application is available, the user may be dissatisfied with the inability to effectively use the application because they do not know when to start toilet training. Therefore, by controlling the output of such guidance information, the output control device 100 allows the toilet training application to be effectively used.

[0129] 3(b), the result content C22 displays warning information IF2-1 in the form of a character CA speaking to the child. The warning information IF2-1 displays a warning based on the judgment result, such as "It may be too early to start toilet training."

[0130] Furthermore, the result content C22 displays reference information IF2-21. The reference information IF2-21 displays, as advice, information indicating a future time (e.g., four months from now) when the state of the child CH1 is estimated to satisfy a predetermined condition (threshold condition), or information indicating a future time (e.g., four months from now) determined based on the behavioral information of the child CH1 when the child CH1 is estimated to satisfy a predetermined condition (behavioral condition). The reference information IF2-21 also displays, as advice, information based on the behavioral conditions 1 to 4 that the child CH1 has not satisfied. For example, the reference information IF2-21 provides advice on when to start toilet training from the perspective of the behavior required to satisfy the behavioral conditions 1 to 4 that the child CH1 has not satisfied. By controlling the output of the reference information in this way, the output control device 100 can resolve the user's question, "If I shouldn't start toilet training now, when should I start?"

[0131] Furthermore, the measure information IF2-22 advises the user U1 on what measures to take in order to satisfy a predetermined condition (a "threshold condition" or an "action condition"). By controlling the output of such measure information, the output control device 100 can help resolve the user's concern that "I don't know what to do to ensure a smooth start to toilet training."

[0132] As explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the output control system 1 according to the embodiment is composed of a terminal device 10 and an output control device 100 (which may also include various detection devices such as a diaper sensor and a smart speaker). The output control system 1 acquires status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior, and determines the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet based on the acquired status information and behavioral information. For example, the output control system 1 determines whether it is the right time to start toilet training at the current time when a request for notification of the timing to start toilet training is received, based on the status information and behavioral information.

[0133] If the output control system 1 determines that it is now time to start toilet training, it displays output information (FIG. 3(a)) corresponding to this determination result on the terminal device 10. On the other hand, if the output control system 1 determines that it is not now time to start toilet training, it determines (estimates) the future time when toilet training should begin, and displays output information (FIG. 3(b)) corresponding to this determination result on the terminal device 10.

[0134] Such an output control system 1 allows users (caregivers) to effectively understand the appropriate time to start toilet training. Furthermore, by effectively allowing users to understand the appropriate time to start toilet training, the output control system 1 allows toilet training to proceed smoothly, thereby effectively reducing the user's stress in child-rearing.

[0135] [6. Output control processing variations] The output control system 1 according to the above embodiment may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment, so other embodiments of the output control system 1 will be described below.

[0136] [6-1. Balance between status information and behavioral information] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the output control device 100 calculates physical maturity based on whether the state indicated by the state information satisfies a threshold condition, and calculates mental maturity based on whether the infant satisfies a behavioral condition from the perspective of behavioral information. Also, an example was shown in which the output control device 100 determines whether it is time to start toilet training based on whether the overall maturity of the physical maturity and mental maturity satisfies a threshold.

[0137] In this type of assessment process, a situation may occur in which, although the physical maturity level is extremely low, the mental maturity level is very high, and as a result, the overall maturity level meets the threshold, leading to the assessment that it is time to start toilet training. This means that the child's body is not yet mature enough to start toilet training, but it is determined that it is time to start training, suggesting that even if toilet training is started, it will not be successful.

[0138] Therefore, the output control device 100 according to the embodiment determines that it is time to start toilet training only when a balance is achieved between the state indicated by the status information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information, more specifically, a balance between the body and mind. Specifically, the output control device 100 determines that it is time to start toilet training when it determines that a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the status information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information. More specifically, the output control device 100 determines that it is time to start toilet training when the physical state indicated by the status information meets a predetermined condition and the infant's state based on the behavior information meets a predetermined condition, thereby achieving a relationship in which both the physical state indicated by the status information and the infant's state based on the behavior information meet a given predetermined condition. This point will be explained using the example of FIG. 2.

[0139] 2, a threshold condition "SC1" is set for "physical maturity." Therefore, the output control device 100 determines whether or not the physical maturity SM1 exceeds the threshold condition SC1, and if it determines that it does not exceed the threshold condition SC1, it determines that it is not yet time to start toilet training at this point in time, no matter how high the mental maturity SM2 is.

[0140] 2, a threshold condition "SC2" is set for "mental maturity." Therefore, the output control device 100 determines whether or not the mental maturity SM2 exceeds the threshold condition SC2, and if it determines that it does not exceed the threshold condition SC2, it determines that it is not yet time to start toilet training at this point in time, no matter how high the physical maturity SM1 is.

[0141] On the other hand, if the output control device 100 determines that the physical maturity level SM1 exceeds the threshold condition SC1 and that the mental maturity level SM2 exceeds the threshold condition SC2, it determines that a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the status information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information. Then, if the output control device 100 determines that a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the status information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information, it finally determines whether it is time to start toilet training using an overall maturity level obtained by multiplying the physical maturity level "SM1" and the mental maturity level "SM2," as described in Figure 2.

[0142] In this way, when it is determined that a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the state information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information, the output control device 100 determines that it is time to start toilet training. As a result, the output control system 1 according to the embodiment can determine that it is time to start toilet training only when both the body and mind are sufficiently mature to start toilet training, and therefore can determine the timing to start toilet training with higher accuracy.

[0143] [6-2. Output statistical information] For example, a user who has determined that it is not the right time to start toilet training may be worried that their child is slow to potty train, while many other children can relieve themselves. For this reason, when the output control device 100 determines that it is not the right time to start toilet training, it may display statistical information such as the diaper use rate by age, along with comment information such as "There are many children of the same age who use diapers." Furthermore, when the output control device 100 determines that it is not the right time to start toilet training, it may display statistical information such as the percentage of children who have started toilet training by age, along with comment information such as "There are many children who started toilet training later than your child."

[0144] [7. Configuration of output control device] Next, an output control device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the output control device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the output control device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0145] (Regarding the communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from, for example, the terminal device 10 and the detection device.

[0146] (Regarding the storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 120 has a state information storage unit 121, a behavior information storage unit 122, and a condition information storage unit 123.

[0147] (Regarding the control unit 130) The control unit 130 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the output control device 100 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 130 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 130 has a distribution unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a calculation unit 133, a determination unit 134, and an output control unit 135, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 4, and may have other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationship between the processing units included in the control unit 130 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 4, and may be other connection relationships.

[0149] (About Distribution Unit 131) The distribution unit 131 distributes various types of information. For example, when the distribution unit 131 receives a distribution request, it distributes information corresponding to the received distribution request to the source of the distribution request. In the example of Fig. 1, when the distribution unit 131 receives a distribution request for an input screen from the terminal device 10, it distributes the input screen corresponding to the received distribution request to the terminal device 10.

[0150] (Regarding the acquisition unit 132) The acquisition unit 132 acquires status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior. For example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, for each infant (for each user (caregiver) of the infant), status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, as status information, status information indicating the state of the infant's excretory function. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires, as status information indicating the state of the infant's excretory function, information on the amount of excreta by the infant or information on the infant's excretion interval. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire, as status information indicating the state of the infant's excretory function, information on specific components contained in the infant's excreta.

[0151] The acquisition unit 132 acquires, as the status information, status information indicating a status detected by a detection device attached to an article worn by the infant, or status information input by the infant's caregiver. The acquisition unit 132 also acquires, as the behavior information, behavior information indicating a behavior detected by a predetermined detection device installed in the vicinity of the infant, or behavior information input by the infant's caregiver.

[0152] Also, for example, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire the status information via the user's terminal device 10, or may acquire the status information directly from a detection device attached to an article worn by the infant. Also, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire the behavior information from the user's terminal device 10, or may acquire the behavior information from a predetermined detection device installed in the vicinity of the infant.

[0153] (Regarding the calculation unit 133) The calculation unit 133 performs various calculations based on the status information. For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates, for each excretion act, the amount of excrement (urine amount) discharged in the excretion act, the excretion interval (urination interval) at the time of the excretion act, and the amount of a specific component (urine component) contained in the excretion in the excretion act, based on the status information for each excretion act acquired by the acquisition unit 132. Furthermore, for example, the calculation unit 133 calculates the average excretion amount (average urination amount), the average excretion interval (average urination interval), and the average content based on the excretion history (urination history associated with the user ID in the status information storage unit 121).

[0154] (Regarding the determination unit 134) The determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet based on the state information and the behavior information. For example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion in the toilet based on the state information calculated by the calculation unit 133 and the behavior information acquired by the acquisition unit 132.

[0155] For example, when the determination unit 134 determines that a predetermined condition is met based on the status information, it determines that it is time to start toilet training. For example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether the status indicated by the status information meets the predetermined condition. Also, for example, the determination unit 134 determines that the time to start toilet training is a future time when the status indicated by the status information is estimated to meet the predetermined condition.

[0156] Furthermore, when the determination unit 134 determines that the infant satisfies a predetermined condition based on the behavioral information, it determines that it is time to start toilet training. For example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies a condition that the infant is capable of acting according to perception. For example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies a condition that the infant is capable of communicating with others.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the infant satisfies a condition that the infant is capable of performing a predetermined behavior by itself. The predetermined behavior may be any behavior, but examples include behaviors such as "taking off and putting on clothes by yourself," "going to the bathroom by yourself," "walking by yourself," and "opening the door by yourself."

[0158] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether or not the condition that the infant has a heightened sense of purpose regarding toilet excretion is met.

[0159] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 134 determines, based on the behavioral information, a future time when it is estimated that the infant will meet a predetermined condition as the timing to start toilet training.

[0160] Furthermore, the determination unit 134 determines that it is time to start toilet training when it determines that a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the state information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information. For example, as described with reference to Figure 2, the determination unit 134 determines that it is time to start toilet training when a predetermined relationship is satisfied between the state indicated by the state information and the behavior indicated by the behavior information and the overall maturity level calculated from the physical maturity level and the mental maturity level is about a predetermined value.

[0161] (Regarding output control unit 135) The output control unit 135 outputs output information that is information based on the determination result by the determination unit 134. For example, when the determination unit 134 determines that it is time to start toilet training, the output control unit 135 outputs guidance information that provides guidance to start toilet training as the output information. For example, when the determination unit 134 determines that it is currently time to start toilet training, the output control unit 135 outputs guidance information that provides guidance to start toilet training as the output information.

[0162] Furthermore, when the determination unit 134 determines that it is time to start toilet training, the output control unit 135 outputs, as output information, recommendation information that recommends the use of a predetermined application related to toilet training. For example, when the determination unit 134 determines that it is currently time to start toilet training, the output control unit 135 outputs, as output information, recommendation information that recommends the use of a predetermined application related to toilet training.

[0163] Furthermore, when the determination unit 134 determines that it is not the right time to start toilet training, the output control unit 135 outputs reference information that serves as a reference for determining when to start toilet training, based on a future time when it is estimated that the infant will meet certain conditions. Furthermore, for example, when the determination unit 134 determines that it is not the right time to start toilet training, the output control unit 135 outputs measure information that indicates measures for making the infant meet the certain conditions.

[0164] For example, the output control unit 135 generates result content C21 in a manner as shown in Fig. 3(a) based on the determination result by the determination unit 134, and displays the result content C21 by distributing the generated result content C21 to the terminal device 10. Furthermore, for example, the output control unit 135 generates result content C22 in a manner as shown in Fig. 3(b) based on the determination result by the determination unit 134, and displays the result content C22 by distributing the generated result content C22 to the terminal device 10.

[0165] 8. Configuration of terminal device Next, a terminal device 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0166] (Regarding Communication Section 11) The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from, for example, the output control device 100 and the detection device.

[0167] (Regarding input unit 12 and output unit 13) The input unit 12 is an input device that accepts various operations from a user. For example, the input unit 12 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, etc. The output unit 13 is a display device that displays various information. For example, the output unit 13 is realized by a liquid crystal display, etc. Note that if a touch panel is adopted in the terminal device 10, the input unit 12 and the output unit 13 are integrated. Furthermore, the output unit 13 corresponds to, for example, a display screen of the terminal device 10.

[0168] (Regarding the control unit 14) The control unit 14 is realized by a CPU, an MPU, or the like executing various programs (for example, a terminal program corresponding to an application AP) stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 10 using the RAM as a work area. The control unit 14 is also realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0169] As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 14 has an input accepting unit 14a, an acquiring unit 14b, a transmitting unit 14c, a receiving unit 14d, and a display control unit 14e, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 14 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 5, and may be other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below. Furthermore, the connection relationship between the processing units included in the control unit 14 is not limited to the connection relationship shown in Fig. 5, and may be other connection relationships.

[0170] The input accepting unit 14a accepts input of behavioral information indicating the behavior of an infant. For example, the input accepting unit 14a accepts input of behavioral information from a user via an input screen C1 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the input accepting unit 14a accepts input of behavioral information in the form of answers to questions via the input screen C1 shown in FIG. 1. The input accepting unit 14a may also accept input of captured images or audio information indicating the behavior of an infant. The input accepting unit 14a may also accept input of behavioral information indicating behavior detected by a predetermined detection device installed in the vicinity of the infant.

[0171] (Regarding the acquisition unit 14b) The acquisition unit 14b acquires status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior. For example, the acquisition unit 14b acquires, for each infant (for each user (caregiver) of the infant), status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions and behavioral information indicating the infant's behavior. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 14b acquires, as status information, status information indicating the state of the infant's excretory function. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 14b acquires, as status information indicating the state of the infant's excretory function, information on the amount of excreta by the infant or information on the infant's excretion interval. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 14b may acquire, as status information indicating the state of the infant's excretory function, information on specific components contained in the infant's excreta.

[0172] Acquiring unit 14b acquires, as status information, status information indicating a status detected by a detecting device attached to an article worn by the infant, or status information input by the infant's caregiver. Also, for example, acquiring unit 14b acquires, as behavior information, behavior information indicating a behavior detected by a predetermined detecting device installed around the infant, or behavior information input by the infant's caregiver.

[0173] (Regarding the transmitting unit 14c) The transmission unit 14c transmits the state information and behavior information acquired by the acquisition unit 14b to the output control device 100. In addition, the transmission unit 14c can also transmit a request for delivery of an input screen to the output control device 100 in response to an operation by the user.

[0174] (Regarding the receiving unit 14d) The receiving unit 14d receives output information, which is information based on a determination result determined based on the status information and the behavior information and indicates the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion behavior in the toilet, from the output control device 100. The receiving unit 14d can also receive other information (e.g., an input screen) distributed from the output control device 100.

[0175] (Regarding the display control unit 14e) The display control unit 14e controls the output unit 13 to output (display) various information on the output unit 13. For example, the display control unit 14e causes the output unit 13 to display the output information received by the receiving unit 14d.

[0176] [9. Processing Procedure] Next, the procedure of the output control process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the output control process according to the embodiment.

[0177] First, the acquisition unit 132 determines whether it is time to perform a determination process for determining the timing to start toilet training (step S101). For example, the acquisition unit 132 determines whether it is time to perform the determination process based on whether it has been able to acquire information indicating a request for the determination process from the terminal device 10 of the user. For example, the acquisition unit 132 determines whether it is time to perform the determination process based on whether it has been able to acquire status information and behavior information from the terminal device 10. Note that, in a case where the acquisition unit 132 periodically acquires status information directly from a detection device attached to an article worn by an infant (for example, a diaper), it may determine whether it is time to perform the determination process based on whether it has been able to acquire behavior information from the terminal device 10.

[0178] While the acquisition unit 132 determines that it is not time to perform the determination process (step S101; No), it waits until it can determine that it is time to perform the determination process. On the other hand, when the acquisition unit 132 determines that it is time to perform the determination process (step S101; Yes), the calculation unit 133 performs a calculation process using the status information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 and stored in the status information storage unit 121 (step S102). For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates an average value of the status information based on the status information acquired by the acquisition unit 132. For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates an average urine volume, an average urination interval, and an average amount of a component. Note that the calculation unit 133 does not necessarily have to calculate an average value, and may calculate, for example, a median urine volume, a median urination interval, or a median amount of a component.

[0179] Furthermore, the determination process may use a urination history corresponding to a specific date and time from the urination history. For example, the acquisition unit 132 may acquire the urine volume, urination interval, and component amount indicated in the latest urination history from the state information storage unit 121 so that these are used in the determination process, and output these to the determination unit 134 so that they are used in the determination process. In this case, the calculation process by the calculation unit 133 is not necessary.

[0180] Next, the determination unit 134 executes a determination process to determine the timing to start toilet training based on the status information (e.g., the average value of the status information) and the behavior information (step S103). For example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training based on whether the status indicated by the status information satisfies a predetermined condition (a threshold condition stored in the status condition storage unit 123-1). Also, for example, the determination unit 134 determines the timing to start toilet training based on the determination result of whether the infant (behavior or state) satisfies a predetermined condition (a behavior condition stored in the behavior condition storage unit 123-2) based on the behavior information.

[0181] For example, the determination unit 134 determines whether or not it is time to start toilet training at the current point in time when it is determined that the determination process should be performed (the current point in time when a request for the determination process is received from the user).

[0182] Then, when the determination unit 134 determines that it is time to start toilet training (step S104; Yes), the output control unit 135 causes the terminal device 10 to output output information based on the determination result that it is time to start toilet training (S201). For example, the output control unit 135 generates result content that displays guidance information that guides the user to start toilet training and recommendation information that recommends the use of a predetermined application related to toilet training, and transmits this to the terminal device 10.

[0183] On the other hand, if the judgment unit 134 determines that it is not time to start toilet training (step S104; No), it estimates a future time when toilet training should start, and judges that the estimated time is the time to start toilet training (step S301).

[0184] In this case, the output control unit 135 causes the terminal device 10 to output output information based on the determination result that it is not yet time to start toilet training (S301). For example, the output control unit 135 causes the terminal device 10 to output reference information that serves as a reference for when to start toilet training, based on the future time estimated in step S301. Furthermore, for example, the output control unit 135 causes the terminal device 10 to output strategy information that indicates strategies for helping an infant or toddler meet predetermined conditions. For example, the output control unit 135 generates result content in which the reference information and strategy information are displayed, and transmits this to the terminal device 10.

[0185] [10. Modifications] The information processing according to the above embodiment may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment, and other embodiments will be described below.

[0186] [10-1. Application Operation] The terminal device 10 may perform the following process under the control of the application AP. For example, the terminal device 10 accepts input of a captured image (an example of status information) of the diaper DP1, in which the indicator is included. For example, when the camera is activated by the user (caregiver), the terminal device 10 can assist the user in capturing an image of the diaper DP1 in which the indicator is included, by displaying a captured image screen on which an image for aligning the reading position is superimposed.

[0187] When the terminal device 10 receives an input of a captured image, it performs image analysis on the received captured image to detect a color change (color reaction) in the indicator containing the reagent due to excrement (urine).

[0188] The terminal device 10 then detects urine components from the detected color change results (color change results of the indicator in response to specific components contained in urine or urine concentration such as urine specific gravity) and area, and calculates the "component amount," which is the content of the urine component in the urine, based on the detected urine component and the urine volume calculated by the diaper sensor SN1. The terminal device 10 can also calculate the "urination interval" by obtaining the "date and time" when urination was detected from the diaper DP1. In such a case, the terminal device 10 can obtain a urination history consisting of, for example, the "date and time," "urine volume," "urination interval," and "component amount," without communicating with the output control device 100.

[0189] Furthermore, since the urination history is calculated and stored on the terminal device 10 side in this manner, communication with the output control device 100 is not required, so, for example, the user can record the urination history on his / her own terminal device 10 and can quickly view the urination history even when the communication environment is unstable.

[0190] In the above example, the terminal device 10 calculates the urine volume using the diaper sensor SN1, and acquires information indicating the calculated urine volume. However, the terminal device 10 may also perform image analysis on the received captured image to calculate the area of ​​the portion where color has changed due to a color reaction, and estimate the urine volume based on the calculated area. In such a case, the terminal device 10, under the control of the app AP, can obtain a urination history consisting of "date and time," "urine volume," "urination interval," and "amount of components" using only its own functions, eliminating the need to acquire various information from the sensor SN1. Therefore, in such a case, the diaper sensor SN1 does not necessarily need to be provided on the diaper DP1.

[0191] [10-2. Terminal Device Configuration] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may have some or all of the functions described as being possessed by the control unit 130 of the output control device 100. With such a configuration, a user having the terminal device 10 can check the determination result as to whether it is time to start toilet training without waiting for communication between the output control device 100 and the terminal device 10.

[0192] [10-3. Determining the start date] Furthermore, the timing to start toilet training may be determined by combining information obtained through absorbent articles (e.g., status information indicating the state of the infant's physical functions, such as urine volume, urination intervals, and urine component amount) with information about the infant (behavioral information, physical information, information about excretion, etc.) input by the user into the terminal device 10. In this way, by combining information obtained from products used by infants on a daily basis with information input by the user (the caregiver of the infant), it becomes possible to determine the timing to start toilet training more accurately than when using only one piece of information alone.

[0193] [10-4. Detection equipment] Furthermore, the diaper sensor SN1, which is a detection device, may be placed on the diaper DP1 so as to come into direct contact with the baby's skin, or it may be placed on the diaper DP1 so as not to come into direct contact with the baby's skin. In the latter case, the diaper sensor SN1 may be placed on the baby's clothing, on the exterior of the diaper DP1, or embedded within the diaper DP1, so that there is a medium such as cloth or nonwoven fabric between the baby's skin and the diaper sensor SN1. In this way, when the diaper sensor SN1 is placed on the diaper DP1 so as not to come into direct contact with the baby's skin, condition information can be obtained without touching the baby's skin, so information about the baby can be obtained while minimizing the impact on the skin of babies, who are more susceptible to rashes and the like than adults.

[0194] [11. Other] Of the above processes, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Furthermore, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically using known methods. Furthermore, the information, including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, may be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown.

[0195] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown. Furthermore, all or part of each component may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, each of the processes described above may be executed in appropriate combinations within a range that does not contradict each other.

[0196] [12. Hardware Configuration] The output control device 100 and terminal device 10 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 7, for example. The output control device 100 will be described below as an example. Fig. 7 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 is connected to a calculation device 1030, a cache 1040, a memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 via a bus 1090.

[0197] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 or memory 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, etc., and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache such as a RAM that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, etc.

[0198] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and may be realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), etc. On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc., and may be realized by a USB, etc.

[0199] For example, the input device 1020 may be realized by a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The input device 1020 may also be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0200] The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also a function of transmitting data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0201] Here, the arithmetic device 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic device 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the output control device 100, the arithmetic device 1030 of the computer 1000 executes the program loaded onto the cache 1040 to realize the function of the control unit 40. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 1. Output control system 10 Terminal Equipment 12 Input section 13 Output section 14a Input reception section 14b Acquisition part 14c Transmitter 14d Receiving unit 14e Display control unit 100 Output control device 120 Storage section 121 Status information storage unit 122 Behavior information storage unit 123 Condition information storage unit 130 Control Unit 131 Distribution Department 132 Acquisition Department 133 Calculation Unit 134 Judgment section 135 Output control section

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring first index information serving as an index indicating the developmental state of the infant's excretory function and second index information serving as an index indicating the infant's mental maturity; a calculation means for calculating a first score indicating a degree of physical maturity depending on whether the first index information satisfies a judgment condition for judging a degree of physical maturity, and for calculating a second score indicating a degree of mental maturity depending on whether the second index information satisfies a judgment condition for judging a degree of mental maturity; a determination means for determining the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion behavior in the toilet based on whether or not an overall score obtained by multiplying the first score and the second score exceeds a threshold; an output control means for outputting output information based on the determination result by the determination means; An output control system comprising:

2. The acquisition means acquires, as the first index information, first index information detected by a detection device attached to an article worn by the infant or first index information input by a caregiver of the infant.

2. The output control system according to claim 1.

3. The acquiring means acquires, as the second indicator information, second indicator information dynamically determined based on behavior detected by a predetermined detecting device installed in the vicinity of the infant, or second indicator information determined by a caregiver of the infant based on the behavior of the infant.

3. The output control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the acquiring means acquires, as the first index information, information on the amount of excrement from the infant, the components of the excrement from the infant, or information on the excretion interval of the infant, The calculation means calculates a first score indicating the degree of physical maturity depending on whether information on the amount of excrement from the infant, the components of the excrement from the infant, or the information on the excretion interval of the infant satisfies the judgment condition.

4. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

5. When the current first index information does not satisfy the judgment condition, the calculation means identifies a future time when the first index information will satisfy the judgment condition based on a relationship between a predicted future time-dependent change of the first index information and the judgment condition, and calculates the first score at the identified future time; the determination means determines whether the future timing is a timing to start toilet training based on the first score at the future timing; When it is determined that the future timing is the timing to start toilet training, the output control means outputs information about the future timing as reference information for determining when to start toilet training.

5. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The calculation means calculates the second score based on whether the second index information satisfies a condition that the person is able to act according to their perception, as a judgment condition for judging the degree of mental maturity.

6. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The calculation means calculates the second score based on whether the second index information satisfies a condition that the person is able to communicate with others, as a judgment condition for judging the degree of emotional maturity.

7. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The calculation means calculates the second score based on whether the second index information satisfies a condition that the person is able to perform a predetermined action by themselves, as a judgment condition for judging the degree of mental maturity.

8. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

9. The calculation means calculates the second score based on whether the second index information satisfies a condition that the child has a heightened sense of purpose regarding toileting, as a judgment condition for judging the degree of mental maturity.

9. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

10. When the current second index information does not satisfy the judgment condition, the calculation means identifies a future time when the second index information will satisfy the judgment condition based on a relationship between the growth curve corresponding to the second index information and the judgment condition, and calculates the second score at the identified future time. the determination means determines whether the future timing is a timing to start toilet training based on the second score at the future timing; When it is determined that the future timing is the timing to start toilet training, the output control means outputs information about the future timing as reference information for determining when to start toilet training.

10. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

11. When the determination means determines that the overall score exceeds a threshold, it determines that it is time to start toilet training.

11. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

12. When the determining means determines that it is time to start toilet training, the output control means outputs guidance information for informing the child about starting toilet training as the output information.

12. The output control system according to claim 1, wherein:

13. When the determining means determines that it is time to start toilet training, the output control means outputs, as the output information, recommendation information that recommends the use of a predetermined application related to toilet training.

13. The output control system according to claim 12.

14. The output control means outputs strategy information indicating a strategy for making the overall score exceed a threshold value when the determination means determines that it is not time to start toilet training.

3. The output control system according to claim 2.

15. An output control method executed by an output control device, an acquiring step of acquiring first index information serving as an index indicating the developmental state of the infant's excretory function and second index information serving as an index indicating the infant's mental maturity state; a calculation means for calculating a first score indicating a degree of physical maturity depending on whether the first index information satisfies a judgment condition for judging a degree of physical maturity, and for calculating a second score indicating a degree of mental maturity depending on whether the second index information satisfies a judgment condition for judging a degree of mental maturity; a determination step of determining the timing to start toilet training to encourage excretion behavior in the toilet based on whether or not an overall score obtained by multiplying the first score and the second score exceeds a threshold; an output control step of outputting output information that is information based on the determination result in the determination step; An output control method comprising:

Images