Indicator device, indicator method, and indicator program

Abstract

To deliver a sanitary article suitable for a user.SOLUTION: An instruction device includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring sanitary information related to use of a sanitary article by a user; a selection unit for selecting one or a plurality of sanitary articles proposed to the user based on the sanitary information; and an instruction unit for giving an instruction for delivering at least one sanitary article among sanitary articles selected by the selection unit to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an instruction device, an instruction method, and an instruction program. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for improving the quality of life (QOL: Quality Of Life) of a user by providing information related to sanitary products. As an example of such a technique, there is known a technique for delivering physical advice to a user based on the user's menstrual history. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 WO01 / 39584 Publication Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technique still has room for improving the user's quality of life.

[0005] For example, when the user is a young woman, it may be considered that the user is unfamiliar with handling sanitary products. In such a case, the user cannot select a sanitary product that is optimal for the user themselves, which may cause discomfort or leakage during use. In addition, there are cases where the user forgets to purchase sanitary products, or cases where the user avoids purchasing sanitary products in stores.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to deliver sanitary products suitable for a user. Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The instruction device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires physiological information relating to the use of sanitary products by a user; a selection unit that selects one or more sanitary products to propose to the user based on the physiological information; and an instruction unit that issues an instruction to deliver at least one of the sanitary products selected by the selection unit to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the system, sanitary products tailored to the user can be delivered. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a system provided according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information providing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of information registered in the user database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of information registered in the underwear database according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of information registered in the sanitary product database according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of instruction processing performed by the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings:

[0011] An instruction device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires physiological information regarding the use of sanitary products by a user; a selection unit that selects one or more sanitary products to propose to the user based on the physiological information; and an instruction unit that issues an instruction to deliver at least one of the sanitary products selected by the selection unit to the user.

[0012] Such a guidance device, for example, delivers sanitary products selected based on the user's physiological information regarding their use of sanitary products, thus enabling the user to use the most suitable products. Furthermore, because the guidance device delivers sanitary products selected based on physiological information, it can encourage younger users who are unfamiliar with menstruation to use the correct size sanitary products, thereby improving the user's quality of life.

[0013] Furthermore, the instruction device provides instructions to deliver sanitary products to the user at predetermined intervals, preventing the user from forgetting to purchase them. Additionally, since the device delivers sanitary products selected based on the user's menstrual cycle information, the user no longer needs to purchase them at a store. As a result, the instruction device can improve the user's quality of life.

[0014] Furthermore, the instruction device issues instructions to deliver a quantity of sanitary products to the user based on physiological information. For example, if the physiological information includes data such as the amount of sanitary products the user uses, the number of sanitary products the user possesses, and the number of sanitary products the user has used, the device can manage the user's inventory of sanitary products based on this information. As a result, the burden on users to manage their inventory of sanitary products and to go shopping for them is reduced, improving the user's quality of life.

[0015] Furthermore, the instruction device estimates the start date of the user's menstrual period and instructs the delivery of sanitary products to the user a predetermined number of days before that date. As a result, users can stock up on sanitary products before they need them. This prevents users from running out of sanitary products when their period begins, thereby improving their quality of life.

[0016] Further, the instruction device notifies the user of one sanitary product selected based on physiological information, and issues an instruction to deliver the sanitary product to the user when the user consents to the delivery of the sanitary product. If the user does not consent to the delivery of the sanitary product, the instruction device selects another sanitary product different from the one previously proposed to the user. As a result, a sanitary product more suited to the user's preference can be delivered, and the quality of the user's life can be improved.

[0017] Further, the instruction device notifies the user of a plurality of sanitary products selected based on physiological information, and issues an instruction to deliver the sanitary product selected by the user to the user, whereby a sanitary product more suited to the user's preference can be delivered, and the quality of the user's life can be improved.

[0018] Further, the instruction device issues an instruction to select and deliver a sanitary product that fits the user's body based on physiological information including physical information indicating the user's physical characteristics (height, weight, body shape, hip circumference dimension, etc.), whereby displacement and twisting of the sanitary product can be prevented, and as a result, leakage and the like caused by the sanitary product not fitting the user's body can be prevented, and the quality of the user's life can be improved.

[0019] Further, the instruction device issues an instruction to select and deliver a sanitary product that matches the user's attributes based on physiological information including attribute information indicating the user's attributes, whereby for example, a sanitary product having an appropriate shape and absorption function can be delivered to a student who often exercises in club activities and the like. Further, the instruction device issues an instruction to select and deliver a sanitary product suitable for the user based on attribute information that is information indicating the user's age, for example, whereby a sanitary product having a shape, appearance and function corresponding to the user's age can be selected. As a result, the quality of the user's life can be improved.

[0020] Furthermore, since the instruction device instructs selection and delivery of a sanitary product suitable for the user's behavior based on physiological information including behavior information indicating the user's behavior, for example, an appropriate sanitary product can be delivered according to the user's amount of exercise, travel schedule, exercise schedule, and the like. Further, for example, the instruction device can select a sanitary product with a high absorption capacity during time periods when replacement is difficult (for example, daytime with many classes, time periods of club activities, nighttime, etc.), and can select a sanitary product with a low absorption capacity but less discomfort during time periods when replacement is easy. As a result, the quality of life of the user can be improved.

[0021] Furthermore, since the instruction device instructs selection and delivery of a sanitary product suitable for the user's preference based on physiological information including preference information indicating the user's preference, for example, the sanitary product can be delivered according to the user's preferences regarding the appearance such as the user's preferred design, color, and illustration tendency, and the user's preferences regarding the functions of the sanitary product such as issues the user values (wanting to prevent menstrual leakage, preferring easy-to-handle products, preferring low-priced products, good wearing comfort, good skin feel, wanting to be particular about product materials, etc.), whereby the quality of life of the user can be improved.

[0022] Furthermore, the instruction device selects and delivers sanitary products based on physiological information, including usage information indicating the user's use of sanitary products. For example, the instruction device selects sanitary products based on usage information including information indicating the results of using sanitary products, and by providing feedback based on the user's experience each time sanitary products are delivered, it can deliver sanitary products that are more suitable for the user. Also, the instruction device selects sanitary products based on usage information including information on whether or not the sanitary products functioned properly, and if the sanitary products are not suitable for the user, it can deliver sanitary products that are estimated to be more suitable for the user. Furthermore, the instruction device selects sanitary products based on usage information including evaluation information indicating the user's evaluation of sanitary products, and can deliver sanitary products that are estimated to be more highly rated by the user based on the trend of user evaluations. Furthermore, the instruction device selects sanitary products based on usage information including information on the underwear the user wears during menstruation, and can deliver sanitary products that match the size and shape of the underwear, or sanitary products that match the function of underwear such as sanitary shorts. As a result, the instruction device can improve the user's quality of life.

[0023] Furthermore, the instruction device selects and delivers sanitary products based on physiological information, including the number of sanitary products the user possesses or the number of sanitary products the user has used. This allows for the delivery of the appropriate quantity of sanitary products to the user at the appropriate time when they are needed, thereby improving the user's quality of life.

[0024] Furthermore, the instruction device selects and delivers sanitary products suitable for the user based on the user's physiological information and the physiological information of others with similar physiological information. For example, it can deliver sanitary products to the user that have been used by others with similar physical characteristics and have not shifted or bunched up, thereby improving the user's quality of life.

[0025] Below, an example of an embodiment for implementing the instruction device, instruction method, and instruction program (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the instruction device, instruction method, and instruction program are not limited by this embodiment. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0026] [Embodiment] [1. An example of the system provided] First, an example of a provisioning system according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a provisioning system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the provisioning system includes an information provisioning device 10, which is an example of an instruction device, and an information provisioning device 210 at the distribution center 200. The system includes a terminal device 100 used by user U. The system may have any number of information providing devices 10 and terminal devices 100. The information providing device 10 may perform the processing described later with any number of terminal devices 100. This system provides a subscription service for sanitary products in which the user pays a predetermined usage fee at regular intervals (for example, monthly) and sanitary products are delivered to the user regularly. The usage fee may be uniform regardless of the user, but there may also be multiple fee structures (for example, a regular member fee and a premium member fee which is higher than the regular member fee).

[0027] Information providing devices 10 and 210 are information processing devices that perform instruction processing, and are implemented, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. For example, information providing device 10 communicates with information providing device 210 and terminal device 100 via a network N (see, for example, Figure 2), which includes various mobile communication systems such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (Generation) including LTE-Advanced (a type of LTE), and 5G (which will be standardized in the future), various wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or various wired communication networks. However, the processing in information providing device 10 and information providing device 210 may be performed by a single information processing device.

[0028] Terminal device 100 is a terminal device used by user U, and is implemented by a PC (Personal Computer), server device, smart television, smartphone or tablet or other smart device, and is a portable terminal device that can communicate with information provision device 10 via network N. Furthermore, terminal device 100 may have a screen such as an LCD display with touch panel functionality, and may have the ability to accept various operations on content distributed from information provision device 10, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling, using a finger or stylus.

[0029] [1-1. About feminine hygiene products] Here, if user U is female, the information providing device 10 executes a process to instruct the delivery of feminine hygiene products that are presumed to be appropriate for the user, as an example of instruction processing. Here, feminine hygiene products refer to various products related to women's menstruation, and specific examples include panty liners for discharge, sanitary napkins and tampons for menstrual blood, but the embodiment is not limited to these. For example, feminine hygiene products may be incontinence pads, and may be of the type that is attached to various types of underwear, or may be underwear type or sheet type. Also, feminine hygiene products may be diapers, menstrual cups, etc. In the following example, the process of instructing the delivery of sanitary napkins for absorbing menstrual blood is illustrated as an example of feminine hygiene products, but the items to be delivered may be consumer goods including feminine hygiene products.

[0030] Such sanitary products vary depending on the wearer's growth, physical condition, and usage circumstances. For example, a woman's menstrual flow varies depending on the time of menstruation, activity level, and whether the product is used at night or during the day. Therefore, it is desirable to use sanitary products with appropriate size, absorbency, and other functions according to the user's menstrual pattern (whether or not menstrual flow is heavy, whether or not they are very active, etc.).

[0031] Furthermore, if the size of the sanitary product does not fit the user's body type, or if the user is very active, the sanitary product may bunch up or shift, or it may not adhere properly to the user's body, potentially leading to leakage of menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, and other secretions. For this reason, it is advisable for users to choose sanitary products according to their body type and activity level.

[0032] However, some users do not choose the appropriate menstrual products. For example, if the user is a young person such as a middle school, high school, or university student, they may not have had their first period yet, or it may not have been long since they started menstruating, and as a result they are not used to handling menstrual products, there is a high possibility of leakage. To give a more specific example, if the user is not used to the feel of wearing menstrual products, they may put the product in the wrong position or carelessly put on a product that is too large, resulting in gaps between the product and the user's body, or causing it to shift or bunch up, which is a high possibility of leakage.

[0033] Furthermore, some young users continue to use the same sanitary products their mothers use, but these products are often not the right size for the user. Also, young users tend to be more physically active than their parents due to classes, club activities, etc. In addition, the time it takes to change a sanitary product (the time from putting it on to changing it) varies depending on age and occupation. For example, students may have longer changing times due to class schedules, and different occupations have different times when it is possible to change products due to factors such as the ease of taking breaks. For these reasons, young people who are physically active and tend to have longer changing times are more likely to experience shifting or distortion of sanitary products, increasing the likelihood of leakage.

[0034] Thus, when secretions leak, they can adhere to underwear, clothing, and bedding such as sheets, making the washing and hand-washing process a source of stress for users. Furthermore, discomfort caused by sanitary products shifting or bunching, and the inability to perform normal activities due to worrying about leaks, also tend to be sources of stress for users. Additionally, using nighttime sanitary products during the day can cause them to protrude from the user's underwear, leading to self-consciousness and potential stress.

[0035] To reduce the stress associated with using such menstrual products and improve the quality of life for users, it is desirable to use them in an appropriate manner. For example, by selecting menstrual products that are suitable for the user and using them in the correct manner, it is possible to prevent bunching and shifting, reduce the possibility of leakage, and as a result reduce user stress and improve the quality of life for users.

[0036] Furthermore, for users with little experience using sanitary products, such as younger users, it is considered beneficial to help them become accustomed to the correct sensation of using sanitary products, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage and improving their quality of life. Therefore, to improve the quality of life for younger users, it is considered effective not only to suggest the correct sanitary products and proper usage, but also to motivate them to use such products.

[0037] Furthermore, while menstrual products are needed regularly, they are not used daily, so people often forget to buy them. This is especially true for younger users, who are not yet accustomed to menstruation and therefore do not have the habit of regularly purchasing menstrual products, leading to frequent forgetting. Also, in cases where a child uses their parent's menstrual products, they often do not accurately know how much each other is using, and the supply of menstrual products may run low without the person realizing it.

[0038] [1-2. Overview of Instruction Processing] Therefore, the information provider 10 executes the following instruction processing. First, the information provider 10 acquires physiological information regarding the user's use of sanitary products. Then, based on the physiological information, the information provider 10 selects sanitary products to suggest to the user. Based on physiological information, which includes information such as physical information indicating the user's physical characteristics, attribute information indicating the user's attributes, behavioral information indicating the user's actions, preference information indicating the user's preferences, usage information indicating the user's use of sanitary products, the number of sanitary products the user possesses, or the number of sanitary products the user has used, the information provider 10 instructs the user to select and deliver sanitary products suitable for the user. For example, the information provider 10 acquires preference information indicating the user's preferences regarding sanitary products and physical information indicating the user's body type, selects sanitary products that match the user's preferences from among sanitary products that match the user's body type, and delivers the selected sanitary products to the user. The information provider 10 may also select sanitary products according to the pricing system. Specifically, the information provider 10 may select sanitary products suitable for the user based on physical information, etc., and deliver higher quality and more expensive sanitary products to members who pay a higher fee (premium member fee). The information provider 10 may also determine whether or not the usage fee has been paid, and if the usage fee has not been paid, it may decide not to deliver. Furthermore, for members who pay a higher fee, added value may be added, such as a wider variety of sanitary products to choose from (more types of sanitary napkins, or the option to choose not only napkins but also tampons and menstrual cups), instructions to select and deliver not only products used during menstruation (napkins and tampons) but also liners and other products used for care during the non-menstrual period, and products that can be used together with sanitary products (for example, clothing such as panties and trousers, or food such as herbal medicine or snacks) to be selected and delivered together with the sanitary products.

[0039] Here, user preferences regarding menstrual products include not only preferences for functional attributes such as how the product feels to wear, its texture, whether it has wings or not, and whether it is for nighttime use, but also attributes related to appearance, such as patterns and colors on the product. Furthermore, preferences regarding menstrual products are a concept that includes user preferences for various functions of menstrual products that address issues that users consider important (e.g., wanting to prevent menstrual leakage, wanting easy-to-use products, wanting inexpensive products, wanting a good fit, wanting to be particular about the material of the product, wanting menstrual products with specific shapes such as embossing, wanting products that don't make noise when opened, wanting easy disposal after use, wanting to be portable, etc.), as well as user preferences related to actions that correspond to the functions of menstrual products, such as the user's plans and desired activities (e.g., wanting to travel, wanting to stay overnight somewhere, wanting to exercise, etc.). For example, the information providing device 10 receives preference information indicating the user's preferences regarding menstrual products and physical information indicating the user's body type. In such cases, the information provision device 10 delivers sanitary products that are suitable for the user's body type and that meet the user's preferences in terms of functionality or appearance.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, if preference information indicates that the user desires to go out for an extended period, that is, if it indicates behaviors corresponding to the functions of sanitary products, the information provider 10 will select sanitary products suitable for the user's desired behavior from among sanitary products that fit the user's body type, i.e., sanitary products suitable for extended periods of time (e.g., those that do not require frequent changes, have a good fit), or sanitary products with cute packaging. As a result of this processing, the information provider 10 can motivate young users to use sanitary products that are suitable for them, thereby improving the user's quality of life. Various preferences regarding sanitary products may be indicated by preference information entered by the user, or they may be estimated based on the user's purchase history or behavioral history.

[0041] Furthermore, such user preferences may be permanent or temporary. For example, preferences regarding the appearance of sanitary products may be permanent or continue for a relatively long period, while preferences regarding issues that users consider important, users' plans, desired activities, and corresponding functions may be specified each time a plan or action is taken. The preference information used by the information providing device 10 shall represent these various preferences.

[0042] For users, especially younger users with little experience using sanitary products, it can be difficult to understand the differences between various types of sanitary products and to determine what criteria to use when choosing them. Therefore, the information provision device 10 can select the characteristics of sanitary products that are desired based on the user's preferences, such as the user's schedule, desired activities, and appearance-related attributes (for example, sanitary products suitable for long outings that require less frequent changes and have a comfortable fit), thereby delivering sanitary products that are suitable for the user and improving the user's quality of life. Furthermore, user preferences regarding the appearance and function of sanitary products, as well as various behaviors that may be related to sanitary products, will develop into unique trends as the user continues to use sanitary products. By selecting sanitary products based on these preferences, the information provision device 10 can deliver not only sanitary products that the user wants to continue using, but also sanitary products that correspond to the activities the user wants to perform, thereby improving the user's quality of life.

[0043] Furthermore, behavioral information, including the user's exercise level, refers to information that indicates how much the user moves on a daily basis. For example, the information provider 10 receives behavioral information from the user, such as the average daily walking distance and running distance. The information provider 10 may also receive information such as the sports the user plays, such as tennis or soccer, the duration of each sport, or the content of the club activities the user belongs to. In such cases, the information provider 10 selects a sanitary product with functions corresponding to the exercise level indicated by the behavioral information from among sanitary products that suit the user's body type. For example, the information provider 10 can calculate an exercise level score indicating the user's exercise level from the type and duration of the sports the user plays, and select a sanitary product with functions corresponding to the exercise level score from among sanitary products that suit the user's body type. For example, if the exercise level score exceeds a predetermined threshold, the information provider 10 can select a sanitary product with enhanced functions to prevent bunching and shifting, such as a sanitary product with adhesive or a sanitary product with wings. As a result of this processing, the information providing device 10 can prevent shifting or distortion caused by the user's movements, reduce the possibility of leakage, and thereby improve the user's quality of life.

[0044] Furthermore, the information provider 10 may select sanitary products that are suitable for the user's body type, the user's activity level, and the user's preferences. As a result of this processing, the information provider 10 can prevent leakage and encourage the use of sanitary products that are less likely to leak, thereby further improving the user's quality of life.

[0045] Furthermore, usage information indicating the user's use of sanitary products includes information showing the results of using the sanitary products, information on whether the sanitary products functioned appropriately, or evaluation information showing the user's evaluation of the sanitary products. Specifically, usage information includes information such as whether leakage occurred, whether shifting or bunching occurred, how comfortable the product was to wear, and whether the user liked the design or feel. This information is obtained through checkboxes that allow the user to select yes or no, provided by an application installed on the terminal device 100. In addition, information such as the frequency (every time, once every few months, several times a year) and severity (how much underwear, sheets, etc. were soiled) of shifting or leakage, how much the user wants to improve the problem, at what time of day shifting or leakage occurs, whether there are rashes or skin problems, and the severity, duration, frequency, and symptoms (redness, itchiness, pain) of rashes or skin problems. The information providing device 10 delivers sanitary products selected based on the usage information and, by repeatedly receiving feedback on the user's experience, can deliver more appropriate sanitary products to the user, thereby improving the user's quality of life. Furthermore, if problems such as shifting or leaking do not improve even after providing feedback, the information provider 10 can be made more likely to identify appropriate sanitary products by, for example, increasing the amount of information input. Also, if problems such as shifting or leaking do not improve even after providing feedback multiple times (for example, three or more times), human support from someone familiar with sanitary products may be provided. With human support, for example, by directly hearing about specific symptoms such as shifting or leaking from the user, it is possible to suggest more appropriate sanitary products and provide support on the correct use of sanitary products.

[0046] Furthermore, the information provision device 10 issues instructions to deliver sanitary products to the user periodically (at predetermined intervals), preventing the user from forgetting to purchase them. In addition, the user can be aware of the timing of their menstrual period through the delivery of sanitary products. Moreover, for users who are reluctant to purchase sanitary products in stores, delivery eliminates the need for them to buy them in stores, thus improving their quality of life.

[0047] The instructions given by the information provider 10 to deliver periodically (at predetermined intervals) may, for example, be on a fixed date each month, or they may be a predetermined number of days before the predicted menstrual period, which is timed to coincide with the predicted timing of the next menstrual period (the information provider 10 may predict this from past menstrual information, or the information provider 10 may obtain the predicted timing from other services or other information processing devices). In other words, as long as deliveries are made at certain intervals, the delivery intervals do not have to be constant.

[0048] [1-3. An example of instruction processing] An example of instruction processing will be explained below using Figure 1. For example, terminal device 100 provides a menstrual management service that manages information about the user's menstrual cycle and delivers sanitary products at the appropriate time (step S1). For example, terminal device 100 has an application pre-installed for providing the menstrual management service, and manages and provides information about the user's menstrual cycle. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, terminal device 100 provides the user with information such as a calendar indicating whether or not menstruation is occurring, the predicted next menstrual period, the scheduled delivery date and quantity of sanitary products, and a history of physical discomfort that occurs during menstruation, such as abdominal pain. Note that terminal device 100 may also provide such menstrual management services by cooperating with information provision device 10 or a predetermined external server (not shown). Note that the menstrual management service can provide users with any content, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0049] Here, the terminal device 100 acquires product information for the sanitary products that the user will use (step S2). Then, user U will use the sanitary products D1 (step S3). Note that the terminal device 100 may acquire the product information for the sanitary products D1 before user U uses them, or it may acquire the product information for the sanitary products D1 after user U uses them.

[0050] For example, the terminal device 100 has various cameras and takes pictures of the appearance of the sanitary products D1 in response to the user U's operation. Here, the appearance of the sanitary products D1 may be, for example, the appearance of a package containing multiple sanitary products, or the appearance of the individual sanitary products packaged inside such a package. The terminal device 100 may also take pictures of the appearance of the sanitary products D1 through the functions of an application for providing menstrual management services, or through the functions of other applications.

[0051] Here, the sanitary product D1 is assigned a 2D barcode QR1 that indicates product information, such as the product name and lot number, which is necessary to identify the sanitary product D1. As a result, the terminal device 100 can identify the sanitary product D1 used by user U by taking a picture of the sanitary product D1. Note that product information does not necessarily have to be obtained from the 2D barcode; for example, product information may be identified by performing image analysis on an image of the package or individually wrapped sanitary product D1.

[0052] Next, the terminal device 100 receives physiological information input from the user U (step S4). For example, the terminal device 100 receives various types of information from the user U via a predetermined application or the like.

[0053] Here, physiological information includes information such as physical information indicating the physical characteristics of user U, attribute information indicating the attributes of user U, behavioral information indicating user U's actions, preference information indicating user U's tastes, usage information indicating the usage status of sanitary products by user U, the number of sanitary products that user U possesses, or the number of sanitary products that user U has used. When inputting physiological information, user U may input it by operating the terminal device 100, or it may be acquired by analyzing image information captured by a camera or the like, as in the input of product information for sanitary product D1.

[0054] Then, the information providing device 10 acquires physiological information, which includes various types of information such as physical information, attribute information, behavioral information, preference information, and usage information, along with product information, via the terminal device 100 (step S5).

[0055] Next, the information provider 10 selects sanitary products based on physiological information (step S6). For example, the information provider 10 selects sanitary products from the selected products that have an appearance and function that suits user U's preferences, or sanitary products that have a function that suits user U's activity level, based on the weight, height, hip size, and underwear dimensions and function indicated by the physiological information. For example, the information provider 10 may select sanitary products with an absorption amount corresponding to user U's activity level score, or sanitary products that have a function to prevent shifting or bunching. The information provider 10 may select one sanitary product, or it may select multiple sanitary products. Furthermore, if the information provider 10 selects multiple sanitary products, it may select sanitary products with different functions. For example, the information provider 10 may select daytime sanitary products and nighttime sanitary products, or sanitary products recommended for use during exercise and sanitary products recommended for use at times other than exercise. The information provider 10 may also select sanitary products based on user U's physiological information and the physiological information of other people with similar physiological information. For example, the information provider 10 may select sanitary products that have been used and highly rated by other users with similar body types to user U. As a result, if young users are unable to select appropriate sanitary products, the information provider 10 can select sanitary products that are more suitable for user U. Alternatively, the information provider 10 may select sanitary products used by other users with similar physiological information to user U, or the information provider 10 may provide user U with information on sanitary products used by other users with similar physiological information to user U via the terminal device 100, and the information provider 10 may decide which sanitary products to deliver based on user U's selection.

[0056] Here, the information provider 10 notifies user U of the selected sanitary products (step S7). If only one sanitary product is selected, user U chooses whether or not to accept the delivery of this product. If user U does not accept the delivery of this product, user U is notified of a different sanitary product, and this notification is repeated until user U accepts. If multiple sanitary products are selected, user U chooses which sanitary products they wish to have delivered. However, if the desired product is not among the multiple sanitary products, user U may request suggestions for other sanitary products. User U may also request delivery of multiple sanitary products with different functions (daytime and nighttime, products for use during exercise and products for use at other times, liners, etc.). User U may also specify the quantity of sanitary products to be delivered and the delivery date. The information provider 10 may estimate the start date of user U's menstruation based on menstrual information and make this notification a predetermined number of days before that date.

[0057] Then, the information provider 10 instructs the information provider 210 at the distribution center 200 to deliver the sanitary products that user U has approved or selected to the user (step S8). For example, the information provider 10 transmits information to the information provider 210 to identify the selected sanitary product D2, such as the product name and lot number. The information provider 10 may also estimate the day when user U's menstruation will begin based on the menstrual information and instruct the delivery of the sanitary products to the user a predetermined number of days before that day. The information provider 10 may also estimate the quantity of sanitary products that user U will use during their menstrual period based on the menstrual information and instruct the delivery of the estimated quantity of sanitary products to the user. Note that sanitary products D1 and D2 may be the same product, or they may be different products. Furthermore, if the sanitary product D2 is the same as sanitary product D1, the information providing device 10 may deliver a sufficient quantity of sanitary product D2 that is estimated to be used by the user. If the sanitary product D2 is different from sanitary product D1, it may deliver a small amount of sanitary product D2 until the user decides which sanitary product to use. The information providing device 10 may also transmit information such as how to use the sanitary product D2 to be delivered and the reason for selecting sanitary product D2 to the user U via the terminal device 100, in accordance with the delivery instructions. The information providing device 10 may also give instructions to deliver the sanitary product selected in step S6 without giving the notification in step S7.

[0058] Then, based on the information from the information providing device 10, the information provider 210 identifies the sanitary product D2 using information to identify the product, i.e., a two-dimensional barcode QR2 or the like indicating the product information, and delivers the sanitary product D2 to the user U (step S9). The distribution center 200 is, for example, a distribution center that handles the delivery and inventory management of sanitary products, but it may also be a store that sells sanitary products or a factory that produces sanitary products.

[0059] Subsequently, user U uses the sanitary product D2 and transmits information such as whether leakage occurred, whether shifting or bunching occurred, how comfortable it felt, and whether they liked the design and texture to the information provider 10 via the terminal device 100. This allows the information provider 10 to deliver sanitary products that are more suitable for user U. Sanitary products that are delivered but not used due to defects or other reasons may be returned by the user to the distribution center 200 for recycling.

[0060] As a result of this processing, the information provision device 10 can deliver sanitary products to user U that are selected according to user U's body type, activity level, and preferences, thereby preventing leakage from sanitary products and improving user U's quality of life. Furthermore, because the information provision device 10 delivers sanitary products, user U will not forget to buy them, thus improving user U's quality of life.

[0061] [2. An example of a functional configuration] The following describes an example of a functional configuration for realizing the instruction processing described above. The following description will first outline the functional configuration of the information providing device 10, and then describe an example of the processing performed by the functional configuration of the information providing device 10.

[0062] [2-1. Overview of the Functional Configuration of the Information Provisioning Device 10] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information providing device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the information providing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0063] The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the terminal device 100. For example, the communication unit 20 is implemented by a communication circuit or the like.

[0064] The storage unit 30 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs, and various data for executing output processing are registered therein. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 30 has a user database 31, an underwear database 32, and a sanitary product database 33 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "each database 31-33").

[0065] The following describes an example of the information registered in each database 31-33, using Figures 3-5.

[0066] The user database 31 registers information about each user. For example, Figure 3 shows an example of the information registered in the user database according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the user database 31 registers information with items such as user ID (Identifier), management information, usage history, physical information, attribute information, behavioral information, preference information, and usage information. In addition to the information shown in Figure 3, various other types of information about users may be registered in the user database 31.

[0067] Here, "User ID" is an identifier used to identify a user. "Management Information" refers to various types of information related to the menstrual management service, such as menstrual history, predicted next menstrual period, and information registered in a calendar. "Usage History" refers to the history of menstrual products indicated by the product information received from the user, that is, information indicating the history of menstrual products previously used by the user indicated by the associated User ID. "Physical Information" refers to information indicating the user's physical characteristics, such as height and weight. "Attribute Information" refers to information indicating the user's attributes, such as age, occupation, and whether or not they are a student. "Behavioral Information" refers to information indicating the user's behavior, such as the user's exercise level, exercise, travel, and business trip plans. "Preference Information" refers to information regarding the user's preferences. "Usage Information" refers to information about the menstrual products the user is currently using, as well as information indicating the results and evaluation of the menstrual products, such as whether or not there is shifting, bunching, or leakage.

[0068] For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, information such as user ID "UID#1", management information "Management Information#1", usage history "Product#1", physical information "Physical Information#1", attribute information "Attribute Information#1", behavioral information "Behavioral Information#1", preference information "Preference Information#1", and usage information "Usage Information#1" is registered. This information indicates that the various information related to the menstrual management service of the user indicated by user ID "UID#1" (hereinafter referred to as "User#1") is the management information "Management Information#1". This information also indicates that the menstrual products used by User#1 are "Product#1", the height and weight indicated by "Physical Information#1", and the age and occupation indicated by "Attribute Information#1". Furthermore, this information indicates that User#1 performs the behavior indicated by "Behavioral Information#1" and has various preferences indicated by "Preference Information#1" (for example, the appearance of menstrual products, issues that are important to them, etc.). Furthermore, this information indicates that user #1 is using sanitary products as shown in "Usage Information #1".

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 3, conceptual values ​​such as "Management Information #1," "Product #1," "Physical Information #1," "Attribute Information #1," "Behavioral Information #1," "Preference Information #1," and "Usage Information #1" were listed. However, in reality, the user database 31 will register various data used in the menstrual management service, numerical or string values ​​to identify menstrual products, numerical values ​​indicating height, weight, hip size, and age, numerical or string values ​​indicating the daily schedule, numerical or string values ​​indicating preferences, etc.

[0070] The underwear database 32 stores information about underwear. For example, Figure 4 shows an example of information stored in the underwear database according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the underwear database 32 stores information such as underwear ID, stated size, waist circumference, hip circumference, inseam, and manufacturer. In addition to the information shown in Figure 4, the underwear database 32 may also store any other information about underwear, such as the function, material, pattern, and color of the underwear.

[0071] "Underwear ID" is an identifier used to identify the underwear. "Displayed Size" is the size assigned to the underwear, for example, information indicating the corresponding hip size. "Waist Circumference" is the actual measurement of the waist portion of the underwear, "Hip" is the actual measurement of the hip portion of the underwear, and "Inseam" is the actual measurement of the inseam portion of the underwear. "Manufacturer" is information indicating the manufacturer of the underwear.

[0072] For example, in the example shown in Figure 4, information such as underwear ID "Underwear #1", stated size "120", waist circumference "119", hips "120", inseam "10", and manufacturer "Manufacturer #1" is registered. This information indicates that the underwear indicated by underwear ID "Underwear #1" has a stated size of "120", an actual waist circumference of "119" centimeters, an actual hip size of "120" centimeters, an actual inseam of "10" centimeters, and is manufactured by the manufacturer indicated by "Manufacturer #1".

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 4, conceptual values ​​such as "Underwear #1" and "Manufacturer #1" were recorded. However, in reality, the underwear database 32 will register strings and numbers that identify the underwear, strings and numbers that indicate the manufacturer, and so on.

[0074] The sanitary product database 33 stores information related to sanitary products. For example, Figure 5 shows an example of the information stored in the sanitary product database according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the sanitary product database 33 stores information such as product ID, product name, size, absorbency, and function. In addition to the information shown in Figure 5, the sanitary product database 33 may also store information such as price, inventory at each store, and appearance such as pattern and color.

[0075] "Product ID" is an identifier used to identify menstrual products. "Product Name" is information indicating the product name. "Size" is information indicating the dimensions of each part of the menstrual product. "Absorption Capacity" is information indicating the amount of secretions that the menstrual product can absorb. "Function" is information indicating various functions of the menstrual product, such as whether it is for nighttime or daytime use, whether it has wings, or whether it has a sealing function. In addition, although not shown in the diagram, other information may be managed, such as "Change Time," which indicates the recommended time interval for changing during normal use, and "Product Type," which indicates the form of the menstrual product (e.g., napkin, liner, panty type, tampon, menstrual cup, etc.).

[0076] For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, the sanitary product database 33 registers information such as product ID "product #1", product name "product name #1", size "size #1", absorption capacity "absorption capacity #1", and function "function #1" in association with each other. This information indicates that the sanitary product indicated by product ID "product #1" has the product name "product name #1", has the dimensions indicated by "size #1", has the absorption capacity "absorption capacity #1", and has the various functions indicated by "function #1".

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 5, conceptual values ​​such as "Product Name #1," "Size #1," "Absorption Capacity #1," and "Function #1" are listed. However, in reality, the sanitary product database 33 will register strings indicating the product name, numerical values ​​indicating the size, numerical values ​​indicating the absorption capacity, and numerical values ​​and strings indicating various functions.

[0078] Returning to Figure 2, let's continue the explanation. The control unit 40 is, for example, an arithmetic processing unit for executing various processes. It is realized by executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an output program) stored in a predetermined storage device (for example, the storage unit 30) using RAM as the working area, using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), for example. Alternatively, the control unit 40 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 2, the control unit 40 includes an acquisition unit 41, an estimation unit 42, a selection unit 43, an instruction unit 44, and a notification unit 45, and executes the instruction processing described below.

[0080] [2-2. Regarding Instruction Processing] The following describes an example of the instruction processing flow using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the instruction processing flow executed by the information providing device according to the embodiment. For example, the acquisition unit 41 determines whether or not it is a predetermined processing timing (step S101), and if it is not a predetermined processing timing (step S101: No), it waits until the predetermined processing timing. Then, if it is a predetermined processing timing (step S101: Yes), the acquisition unit 41 acquires physiological information from the terminal device 100 (step S102).

[0081] For example, the acquisition unit 41 acquires physical information as physiological information, which indicates the user's physical characteristics such as height and weight. The acquisition unit 41 may also acquire attribute information, such as the user's age, as physiological information. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 41 may acquire preference information, which indicates the user's preferences regarding sanitary products, or behavioral information, such as the user's exercise level, as physiological information. For example, the acquisition unit 41 acquires at least one of the following as preference information: the user's preferences regarding the appearance of sanitary products, the user's preferences regarding the function of sanitary products (i.e., the problems the user is concerned with), or the user's preferences regarding behaviors that correspond to the function of sanitary products (e.g., travel). The acquisition unit 41 may also acquire usage information, such as usage results. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 41 may acquire product information, which indicates the sanitary products used by the user. The acquisition unit 41 then registers the various types of acquired information in the respective databases 31 to 33.

[0082] Here, in addition to the information described above, the acquisition unit 41 may further acquire time information indicating the time the user wears sanitary products.

[0083] The estimation unit 42 performs various estimations based on the physiological information acquired by the acquisition unit 41. For example, the estimation unit 42 estimates the day the user's menstruation begins, the duration of their menstruation, and the quantity of sanitary products the user uses, based on the physiological information.

[0084] Next, the selection unit 43 selects a sanitary product to suggest to the user based on physiological information (step S103). For example, the selection unit 43 refers to the sanitary product database 33 and selects a sanitary product of a recommended size based on the user's hip size and recommended underwear size. The selection unit 43 may also select a sanitary product that satisfies the user's preferences, or it may select a sanitary product with features such as absorbency and shift prevention based on the amount of exercise indicated by the user's behavioral information. In other words, the selection unit 43 selects a sanitary product to suggest to the user based on physical information, attribute information, behavioral information, preference information, or usage information.

[0085] To give a more specific example, the selection unit 43 may estimate the recommended size of sanitary products based on the user's hip size indicated by the physical information, and select a sanitary product from among those of the estimated size. Alternatively, the selection unit 43 may estimate sanitary products that match the size and shape of the user's underwear, and select a sanitary product that matches the estimated size. Furthermore, if the attribute information indicates that the user is a student, the selection unit 43 may estimate that the user is very active, and therefore may select sanitary products with high absorbency or products that prevent bunching and shifting.

[0086] Furthermore, if the amount of exercise indicated by the activity information exceeds a predetermined threshold, the selection unit 43 may select a sanitary product with high absorbency or a sanitary product that has a function to prevent bunching and shifting. In other words, the selection unit 43 may estimate the function of a recommended sanitary product based on the activity information and select a sanitary product that has the estimated function. Also, if the activity information indicates an activity that corresponds to the function of a sanitary product (for example, travel or an activity that the user wants to do), the selection unit 43 may select a sanitary product that has a function estimated to be appropriate when performing such an activity. In other words, the selection unit 43 may select a sanitary product not only based on the actual amount of exercise performed, but also based on the exercise or activity that the user wants to do.

[0087] Furthermore, if the preference information indicates a preference regarding the appearance of sanitary products, the selection unit 43 may select sanitary products that have colors, patterns, materials, and functions corresponding to the preferences indicated by the preference information. Also, for example, if the preference information indicates the user's preference regarding the function of sanitary products (i.e., a problem the user is concerned about), the selection unit 43 may select sanitary products that have functions corresponding to such preferences (i.e., sanitary products that have functions to solve the user's problem).

[0088] The selection unit 43 may also select sanitary products that correspond to the functions of the underwear worn by the user, as indicated by the user information. For example, the selection unit 43 identifies the functions of the underwear estimated by the estimation unit 42 to be suitable for the user. The selection unit 43 may then select sanitary products of a size that does not interfere with the functions of the underwear, or it may exclude sanitary products with functions that do not match the functions of the underwear from the selection. For example, if the underwear is water-repellent to prevent leakage, the selection unit 43 may select sanitary products with fixing functions such as wings, rather than sanitary products with adhesive functions such as seals.

[0089] Furthermore, if the usage information indicates that the sanitary product did not function properly, the selection unit 43 may, for example, select a sanitary product to suggest to the user from among sanitary products other than the one recently used by the user, based on the physical information and preference information or behavioral information.

[0090] Furthermore, the selection unit 43 may select a sanitary product to suggest to the user based on information about the time of day the user uses sanitary products. For example, if the user indicates that they use sanitary products during the day, the selection unit 43 may select a daytime sanitary product, and if the user indicates that they use sanitary products at night, the selection unit 43 may select a nighttime sanitary product from among the sanitary products that suit the user's body type, regardless of the size of the user's underwear, etc.

[0091] The selection unit 43 may select one sanitary product or multiple sanitary products based on the physiological information.

[0092] The notification unit 45 then notifies the user of the selected sanitary products (step S104). Specifically, if the selection unit 43 selects one sanitary product, the notification unit 45 notifies the user of the selected sanitary product, and the user chooses whether or not to accept delivery of that product. If the selection unit 43 selects multiple sanitary products, the notification unit 45 notifies the user of the multiple selected sanitary products, and the user chooses the sanitary product they wish to have delivered from among them. The notification unit 45 may also notify the user of combinations of multiple types of sanitary products, such as daytime sanitary products and nighttime sanitary products, and the user may choose the sanitary product they wish to have delivered from among these combinations.

[0093] The instruction unit 44 issues an instruction to deliver the sanitary products selected by the user to the user (step S105). The instruction unit 44 issues an instruction to the information provision device 210 at the distribution center 200 to deliver the sanitary products selected by the user to the user. This instruction includes not only the product name and lot number of the sanitary products to be delivered, but also information such as the delivery date and quantity.

[0094] [3. Regarding variations in processing] The following describes variations of the above-mentioned processes. Note that the output processes described below may be performed individually or in any combination.

[0095] [3-1. Regarding the delivery address for sanitary products] In the description above, the information provision device 10 delivered sanitary products suited to the user to the user. However, the embodiments are not limited to this.

[0096] For example, if the user is young, their parents may purchase sanitary products. In such cases, the information provider 10 may deliver sanitary products to the user's parents. For example, the information provider 10 may deliver sanitary products selected based on user U's physical information to user U's mother. When sanitary products are delivered to user U's parents in this way, appropriate advice can be provided to user U by the parents, who are presumed to be more familiar with menstruation than user U. This can be expected to improve communication between parents and children, for example, during adolescence.

[0097] Furthermore, if user U1 and user U2 have a parent-child relationship, the information provider 10 may appropriately change the delivery timing based on the combination of user U1's usage volume and product used, and user U2's usage volume and product used. For example, if user U1 and user U2 are using the same product, and user U1's menstrual period is predicted to start on the 20th of the month, and user U2's menstrual period is predicted to start on the 22nd of the month, the information provider 10 may decide to deliver a quantity of sanitary products that user U2 is expected to use, before user U1's menstrual period begins.

[0098] [3-2. Regarding the selection of feminine hygiene products] In the above explanation, the information provider 10 selected sanitary products based on various physical information. However, the information provider 10 may also select appropriate sanitary products for the user using any combination other than those described above. For example, as appropriate sanitary products, it may provide products that are less likely to shift, bunch up, or leak, or it may provide products that are easy to use and convenient, or inexpensive. Furthermore, the sanitary products are not limited to so-called winged napkins, but are also liners, tampons, panty-type products, menstrual cups, and other products that collect menstrual blood, and their shape, material, and method of use are not particularly limited. The characteristics of sanitary products differ depending on their shape and material. For example, panty-type products are convenient because they only need to be worn, but their size makes them bulky to carry, while napkins and liners can be stored compactly, but they need to be properly attached to the panties. It is difficult for users to select appropriate sanitary products based on their own wishes, plans, lifestyle, and environment, even after understanding these characteristics, so providing information on appropriate sanitary products through the information provider 10 is very beneficial to users.

[0099] Furthermore, the information provider 10 may select appropriate sanitary products for the user based on the information from the sanitary management service provided to the user. For example, if the presence or absence of leakage has been registered in the sanitary management service, the information provider 10 may estimate from this information whether the sanitary products being used by user U are appropriate.

[0100] Furthermore, the information provider 10 may estimate the user's menstrual period via the menstrual management service and select menstrual products with functions corresponding to the estimated menstrual period. For example, the information provider 10 obtains the previous menstrual period from the menstrual management service and estimates the next menstrual period from the obtained period. Alternatively, the information provider 10 identifies when the current menstrual period started from the menstrual management service. The information provider 10 also estimates the average menstrual period of user U.

[0101] Here, menstrual flow tends to be heavier from the beginning to the middle of the menstrual period, and lighter from the middle to the end. Therefore, the information provider 10 may, for example, deliver a thin, comfortable sanitary product with low absorbency if it is before the menstrual period, or in the beginning or end of the menstrual period, and deliver a sanitary product with higher absorbency if it is in the middle of the menstrual period.

[0102] Furthermore, the information provider 10 may suggest not only menstrual products such as napkins, but also, for example, panty liners for vaginal discharge. For example, the information provider 10 may estimate the period during which the user secretes vaginal discharge from various information obtained through the menstrual management service, and when the estimated period is approaching, it may select panty liners of a size that corresponds to the user's body type as a suggested item.

[0103] [3-3. Regarding the inventory management function] Furthermore, the information provider 10 may estimate the number of sanitary products owned by the user and deliver a quantity of sanitary products corresponding to the estimated inventory. For example, the information provider 10 identifies the contents and number of sanitary products purchased by the user from the product information, and estimates the number of sanitary products owned by the user based on the date and time the product information was registered and information obtained from the menstrual management service. The information provider 10 may then deliver sanitary products in a size appropriate to the user's body type when the estimated inventory falls below a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the information provider 10 may manage the user's inventory based on information such as the quantity of sanitary products purchased by the user, the date and time of purchase, and the menstrual cycle, and deliver sanitary products accordingly. As described above, if multiple users are using the same product, such as user U1 and user U2 using it as parent and child, the inventory threshold and delivery date may be determined by considering each user's predicted menstrual days and usage.

[0104] [3-5. Others] Furthermore, all or part of the processes described above as being performed automatically may be performed manually. Also, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information illustrated.

[0105] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown. Moreover, each component may be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating all or part of it in any unit, depending on various loads and usage conditions. In addition, the processes described above may be combined and executed as appropriate, within a non-contradictory range.

[0106] [4. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information providing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device cache 1040, a secondary storage device memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0107] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 and memory 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations, such as RAM. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is implemented as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, etc.

[0108] The output IF1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010 that output various types of information, such as monitors and printers. This interface may be implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, and scanners. This interface may be implemented using USB, for example.

[0109] For example, the input device 1020 may be implemented by a device that reads information from optical recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), PDs (Phase Change Rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the input device 1020 may be implemented by an external storage medium such as a USB memory stick.

[0110] The network IF1080 has the function of receiving data from other devices via network N and sending it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also transmitting data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0111] Here, the arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, if the computer 1000 functions as an information providing device 10, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 will realize the functions of the control unit 40 by executing the program loaded onto the cache 1040.

[0112] As an alternative method for providing this embodiment, a dedicated application may be installed on the terminal device 100, and the program installed on the information providing device 10 and the application installed on the terminal device 100 may work together to provide the embodiment to the user. For example, the application on the terminal device 100 causes the terminal device 100 to perform processes such as acquiring product information for sanitary products used by the user, displaying an input screen for entering physical information, receiving input, and transmitting product information and physical information to the information providing device 10. On the other hand, the program on the information providing device 10 causes the information providing device 10 to perform an acquisition process to acquire product information and physical information from the terminal device 100, and an instruction process to select appropriate sanitary products for the user based on the physical information.

[0113] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 may be equipped with a general-purpose browser and connected to the information providing device 10 via the general-purpose browser of the terminal device 100 to provide this embodiment to the user. For example, the information providing device 10 may deliver web content for accepting input of physical information and web content for acquiring product information to the terminal device 100, and realize the above-described processing by acquiring physical information and product information via the web content.

[0114] The notification unit 45 of the information providing device 10 may, for example, transmit screen information to be displayed on the terminal device 100 to the terminal device 100, and the terminal device 100 may display the screen information using its display function to notify the user. Alternatively, the notification unit 45 may transmit information regarding sanitary products to the terminal device 100, and the terminal device 100 may generate and display screen information.

[0115] Alternatively, user input may be obtained by the terminal device 100 transmitting the information entered via the input function of the terminal device 100 to the information providing device 10, which then acquires the information.

[0116] Alternatively, all the functions of the information provision device 10 may be integrated into the terminal device 100. That is, the information provision device 10 may be configured to have a display unit for displaying information to the user and an input receiving unit for receiving input from the user.

[0117] [5. Effects] As described above, the information provider 10 delivers appropriate sanitary products to the user based on physiological information regarding the user's use of sanitary products. For example, the information provider 10 delivers sanitary products that are the right size for the user based on the user's physical characteristics. The information provider 10 also delivers sanitary products that may motivate the user to use them, based on the user's preferences. Furthermore, the information provider 10 delivers sanitary products that have functions to prevent bunching, shifting, and leakage, depending on the user's activity level.

[0118] As a result of this processing, the information provider 10 suggests to the user the use of sanitary products that are suitable for the user's body type and activity level, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage and improving the user's quality of life. Furthermore, the information provider 10 can motivate young users who are unfamiliar with sanitary products to use appropriate products, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage and improving the user's quality of life. In addition, the information provider 10 delivers sanitary products, preventing users from forgetting to buy them and improving the user's quality of life.

[0119] The embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, these are illustrative examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in various forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" used above can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 10, 210 Information provision device 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31. User Database 32 Underwear Database 33 Menstrual Products Database 40 Control Unit 41 Acquisition Department 42 Estimation part 43 Selection Section 44 Instruction section 45 Notification Department 100 terminal devices 200 Distribution Centers

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires information obtained from a physiological management service used by a user, including information about the user's physical condition, Based on the information obtained from the aforementioned menstrual management service, a selection unit selects a product that can be used in conjunction with one or more menstrual products, and which is of a different type from menstrual products, and is proposed to the user. An instruction unit gives instructions to deliver to the user at least one product from among the products selected by the selection unit that the user has accepted or selected. An indicator device characterized by having the following features.

2. The instruction unit issues an instruction to deliver at least one sanitary product from the products selected by the selection unit to the user at predetermined intervals. The indicator device according to feature 1.

3. It has an estimation unit that estimates the day when the user's menstruation will begin, based on information obtained from the aforementioned menstrual management service. The instruction unit instructs the user to deliver at least one product that the user has accepted or selected from the products selected by the selection unit, on a delivery date based on the date the user's menstrual cycle is estimated to begin by the estimation unit. An indicator device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The selection unit further selects one or more sanitary products to propose to the user based on the information obtained from the sanitary management service. It has an estimation unit that estimates the number of sanitary products held by the user based on information obtained from the aforementioned sanitary management service, The instruction unit issues an instruction to deliver at least one of the sanitary products selected by the selection unit to the user, based on the inventory quantity estimated by the estimation unit. An indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The selection unit selects one sanitary product to propose to the user, The selection unit has a notification unit that notifies the user of the sanitary product selected by the selection unit, The instruction unit issues an instruction to deliver the sanitary products selected by the selection unit to the user if the user agrees to the delivery of the sanitary products selected by the selection unit. The indicator device according to feature 4.

6. If the user does not accept the delivery of the sanitary product selected by the selection unit, the selection unit will select a different sanitary product from the one proposed to the user. The indicator device according to feature 5.

7. The selection unit selects a plurality of sanitary products to propose to the user, The selection unit has a notification unit that notifies the user of the sanitary product selected by the selection unit, The instruction unit issues an instruction to deliver to the user the sanitary product selected by the user from among the multiple sanitary products selected by the selection unit. The indicator device according to feature 4.

8. The information obtained from the aforementioned physiological management service includes physical information that indicates the physical characteristics of the user. An indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The information obtained from the aforementioned physiological management service includes attribute information indicating the user's attributes. An indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The information obtained from the aforementioned physiological management service includes behavioral information indicating the user's actions. An indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The information obtained from the physiological management service includes preference information indicating the user's preferences. An indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The information obtained from the aforementioned menstrual management service includes usage information showing the user's use of menstrual products. An indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aforementioned usage information includes information showing the results of using sanitary products. The indicator device according to feature 12.

14. The aforementioned usage information includes information regarding whether or not the sanitary product functioned properly. The indicator device according to feature 12.

15. The aforementioned usage information includes evaluation information indicating the user's evaluation of the sanitary products. The indicator device according to feature 12.

16. The information obtained from the aforementioned menstrual management service includes the number of menstrual products the user possesses or the number of menstrual products the user has used. An indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The information obtained from the aforementioned physiological management service includes physical information indicating the physical characteristics of the user. The selection unit selects one or more sanitary products to propose to the user, which are products that have been used and highly rated by other people with a body type similar to the body type indicated by the physical information. The indicator device according to feature 4.

18. An instruction method performed by an instruction device, An acquisition step of information obtained from a physiological management service used by a user, which includes information about the user's physical condition, Based on the information obtained from the aforementioned menstrual management service, a selection step is made to select a product that can be used in conjunction with one or more menstrual products, which is of a different type from menstrual products, and which is proposed to the user. An instruction step in which instructions are given to deliver to the user at least one product that the user has accepted or selected from the products selected in the selection step. An instruction method characterized by including

19. A procedure for obtaining information obtained from a physiological management service used by a user, including information about the user's physical condition, A selection procedure for selecting a product that can be used in conjunction with one or more sanitary products, which are of a different type from sanitary products, based on information obtained from the aforementioned menstrual management service, An instruction procedure which provides instructions to deliver to the user at least one product that the user has accepted or selected from the products selected in the selection procedure. A program that instructs a computer to execute a command.

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