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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of providing information that may be useful for a user suffering from light incontinence.SOLUTION: A disclosed information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires measurement data from a light incontinence detection means that is provided to an absorbent article that is wearable by the user; a storage unit that stores measurement data while associating with the user; and an analysis processing unit that generates symptom analysis result related to the light incontinence of the user based on the measurement data. The analysis processing unit may generate symptom analysis results based on the measurement data of multiple absorbent articles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

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

[0002] There is known a system that proposes a user's care schedule by comparing the relationship between the user's total urination volume and the urine absorption capacity of an absorbent article, using an absorbent article provided with a urination sensor capable of measuring the spread of urine using impedance. [PRIOR ART DOCUMENT] [PATENT DOCUMENT]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-206381 [SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology assumes that a person requiring nursing care is the wearer (user) of the absorbent article, and it is difficult to provide useful information for users suffering from mild incontinence.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to enable provision of information that can be useful for users suffering from mild incontinence. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] In one aspect, an information processing apparatus is provided, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires measurement data from a mild incontinence detection means provided in an absorbent article wearable by a user; a storage unit that stores the measurement data in association with the user; and an analysis processing unit that generates a symptom analysis result related to the user's mild incontinence based on the measurement data. [Effect of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure will enable the provision of information that may be useful to users suffering from mild incontinence. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the system configuration of an information transmission system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view showing an example of an absorbent article with a light incontinence detection device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a server hardware configuration. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram showing examples of various functions of the user terminal and the server. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the data transmitted from the user terminal to the server. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of measurement data. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data in the user data storage unit. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the measurement data storage unit. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of survey response information. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram of the method for calculating individual absorption amounts based on measurement data. [Figure 12] This is an example of information regarding a mild incontinence event. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of data in the analysis result storage unit. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a user terminal screen displaying total absorption information. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a user terminal screen illustrating an example of the analysis results. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a user terminal screen displaying information recommending a medical consultation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, each example will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the system configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing an example of an absorbent article 7 with light urinary incontinence detection means.

[0011] As described below, the information processing system 1 has a function of notifying the result of symptom analysis related to the user's light urinary incontinence based on measurement data for the absorbent article 7 worn by the user (hereinafter, also referred to as a "symptom analysis notification function").

[0012] The information processing system 1 includes a user terminal 21, a server 31, and a measurement device 41.

[0013] The user terminal 21 and the server 31 are communicably connected via a network 4.

[0014] The network 4 may include the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wireless communication network, a wired network, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0015] The user terminal 21 is a terminal owned by the user. The user terminal 21 has a communication function. The user terminal 21 is, for example, a mobile terminal; in this case, the user terminal 21 is, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a tablet terminal, but may also be a wearable terminal (e.g., a smartwatch, etc.). Furthermore, the user terminal 21 may also be a fixed terminal (e.g., a personal computer).

[0016] Note that, typically, there may be multiple (a large number of) users, but the processing of the user terminal 21 for each user is substantially the same. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the term "user" refers to a certain single user (e.g., a user suffering from light urinary incontinence).

[0017] The measuring device 41 is associated with the absorbent article 7. The absorbent article 7 is arbitrary, but a pad for light incontinence is preferred. There are several types of pads for light incontinence, and various types of pads for light incontinence may be provided. The pad for light incontinence contains an absorbent material in its inner layer, such as cotton pulp, synthetic pulp, or a superabsorbent polymer, and is capable of absorbing liquid.

[0018] The measuring device 41 includes a sensing unit 410 and a communication module 420.

[0019] The sensing unit 410 is provided integrally with the absorbent article 7 as a means for detecting light incontinence. The sensing unit 410 detects changes in state caused by light incontinence. The sensing unit 410 may be an electrode made of a conductive material (e.g., conductive ink) and may be provided in the inner layer of the absorbent article 7 (e.g., the layer closer to the non-skin side). In this embodiment, as an example, the sensing unit 410 has the form of two linear shapes extending longitudinally on both sides of the center in the width direction of the absorbent article 7, as shown in Figure 2. That is, the sensing unit 410 includes a pair of linear electrodes.

[0020] When urination occurs in the region between the pair of linear electrodes in the absorbent article 7, a change in the ease with which current flows through the pair of linear electrodes occurs as a result of the urination. In this way, measurement data related to the state change caused by the urination absorbed by the absorbent article 7 can be obtained via the sensing unit 410.

[0021] The method for detecting bodily fluids (urine) related to light incontinence in the sensing unit 410 is arbitrary, and instead of or in addition to the method utilizing changes in electrical characteristics as described above, a method for detecting changes in moisture or odor may be used. In the following, the measured values ​​related to the measurement data are measured values ​​related to an arbitrary parameter that correlates with the amount of urine excreted. In this embodiment, as an example, the parameter related to the measured value is assumed to be a parameter whose magnitude (hereinafter also referred to as the "measured value" level) increases with increasing urine excretion volume.

[0022] The communication module 420 is electrically connected to the sensing unit 410. For example, the communication module 420 may be connected to the sensing unit 410 via a connector 412 or wiring 414.

[0023] The communication module 420 has a communication function and transmits the above-mentioned measurement data obtained via the sensing unit 410 to the server 31. In this embodiment, the measuring device 41 transmits the measurement data etc. to the server 31 via the user terminal 21, but the measurement data etc. may be transmitted to the server 31 without going through the user terminal 21.

[0024] Server 31 may be formed by one or more server computers. Server 31 generates symptom analysis results related to the user's light incontinence based on the user's measurement data transmitted from the measuring device 41.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of server 31.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 3, the server 31 includes a control unit 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a drive device 104, a network interface unit 106, and an input unit 107.

[0027] The control unit 101 is an arithmetic unit that executes programs stored in the main memory unit 102 and the auxiliary memory unit 103. It receives data from the input unit 107 and the storage device, performs calculations and processing on it, and then outputs it to the storage device or other devices.

[0028] The main memory unit 102 is a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as the operating system (OS), which is the basic software executed by the control unit 101, and application software (hereinafter sometimes simply abbreviated as "app" or "application").

[0029] The auxiliary storage unit 103 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores data related to applications, etc.

[0030] The drive device 104 reads a program from the recording medium 105, for example, a flexible disk, and installs it into the storage device.

[0031] The recording medium 105 stores a predetermined program. The program stored on this recording medium 105 is installed on the server 31 via the drive device 104. The installed predetermined program becomes executable by the server 31.

[0032] The network interface unit 106 is an interface with user terminals 21 and the like that are connected via network 4.

[0033] The input unit 107 includes a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, number inputs, and various function keys, as well as a mouse or touchpad.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 3, the various processes described below can be implemented by having the server 31 execute the program. Alternatively, the program can be recorded on the recording medium 105, and the server 31 can read the recording medium 105 on which the program is recorded to implement the various processes described below. The recording medium 105 can be of various types. For example, the recording medium 105 may be a recording medium that records information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, flexible disk, or magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM or flash memory.

[0035] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the user terminal 21.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 4, the user terminal 21 includes a control unit 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a drive device 204, a network I / F unit 206, an input unit 207, and an output device 208.

[0037] The control unit 201 is an arithmetic unit that executes programs stored in the main memory unit 202 and the auxiliary memory unit 203. It receives data from the input unit 207 and the memory device, performs calculations and processing on it, and then outputs it to the memory device or other devices.

[0038] The main memory unit 202 is a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as the OS and applications, which are the basic software executed by the control unit 201.

[0039] The auxiliary storage unit 203 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD that stores data related to applications, etc.

[0040] The drive device 204 reads a program from the recording medium 205, for example, a flexible disk, and installs it into the storage device.

[0041] The recording medium 205 stores a predetermined program. The program stored on this recording medium 205 is installed on the user terminal 21 via the drive device 204. The installed predetermined program becomes executable by the user terminal 21.

[0042] The network interface unit 206 is an interface with a server 31 or the like connected via network 4. The network interface unit 206 may also include an interface with the measuring device 41. The connection between the user terminal 21 and the measuring device 41 may be a wired connection via a network different from network 4, or it may be a connection via network 4. For example, the measuring device 41 may be connected to the user terminal 21 using wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth®.

[0043] The input unit 207 includes a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, numeric inputs, and various function keys, as well as a mouse or touchpad. Alternatively, the input unit 207 may be implemented by a touch panel provided on the display device of the output device 208.

[0044] The output device 208 may include display devices such as liquid crystal displays and organic EL displays, as well as audio output devices such as speakers.

[0045] In the example shown in Figure 4, the various processes described below can be implemented by having the user terminal 21 execute a program (application). Alternatively, the program can be recorded on a recording medium 205, and the user terminal 21 can read this recording medium 205 to implement the various processes described below. Various types of recording media can be used for the recording medium 205. For example, the recording medium 205 may be a recording medium that records information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk, or magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM or flash memory.

[0046] Next, referring to Figure 5 and subsequent figures, we will explain the configuration example of the information processing system 1 described above in order.

[0047] In the following, server 31 implements an example of an information processing device, but as will be described later, a single user terminal 21 may implement an example of an information processing device, or server 31 and user terminal 21 may cooperate to implement an example of an information processing device.

[0048] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing examples of various functions (various functions related to the symptom analysis notification function) of the user terminal 21 and the server 31. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of data transmitted from the user terminal 21 to the server 31. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of measurement data. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of data in the user data storage unit 312. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of data in the measurement data storage unit 320. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of questionnaire response information. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the method for calculating individual absorption amounts based on measurement data. Figure 12 is an explanation of an example of light incontinence event information. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of data in the analysis result storage unit 322. In Figure 8, etc., "***" in the table indicates that some information is present, and "···" is an abbreviation indicating that there may be a series of similar entries.

[0049] The user terminal 21 includes a measurement data acquisition unit 210, a measurement data transmission unit 212, a behavior-related information generation / transmission unit 213, a questionnaire response transmission unit 214, a symptom analysis result output unit 215, a medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 216, and a notification processing unit 218. Each function from the measurement data acquisition unit 210 to the notification processing unit 218 can be realized by the control unit 201 of the user terminal 21, as shown in Figure 4, executing a program in a storage device (e.g., auxiliary storage unit 203). In the following, as an example, the user terminal 21 is assumed to have a dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as "symptom analysis application A") installed, and the functions from the measurement data acquisition unit 210 to the notification processing unit 218 are realized by the control unit 201 of the user terminal 21 executing symptom analysis application A. The user shall perform initial registration such as a user ID when downloading symptom analysis application A to the user terminal 21. The symptom analysis application A may be in the form of a web application instead of a native application installed on the user terminal 21.

[0050] The measurement data acquisition unit 210 acquires the above-mentioned measurement data from the measurement device 41. In Figure 7, time is plotted on the horizontal axis and the measurement level (magnitude of the measurement) of the measurement data is plotted on the vertical axis, schematically showing the pattern of change in the measurement level (time-series waveform). The measurement data may be, for example, time-series data as shown in Figure 7, or it may be feature data extracted from said time-series data.

[0051] The measurement data transmission unit 212 transmits the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 210 to the server 31. In this case, the measurement data transmission unit 212 may transmit the measurement data linked to the user ID. The measurement data may be transmitted to the server 31 without any processing such as processing, or it may be transmitted to the server 31 after processing such as compression.

[0052] The upper part of Figure 6 shows an explanatory diagram of transmission data 600, an example of data sent from the user terminal 21 to the server 31, illustrating various types of information that may be included in the transmission data 600. In this case, the transmission data includes user ID, pad ID, type information (labeled "pad type" in Figure 6), measurement data, time information, behavior-related information, and external environment information.

[0053] The pad ID may be an ID assigned to each absorbent article 7 at the user terminal 21, and a new pad ID is issued each time the absorbent article 7 is replaced.

[0054] The type information represents the type of absorbent item 7 currently being worn (one type out of several types of products). The type of absorbent item 7 may be obtained by the user terminal 21 when a new absorbent item 7 is attached, by the user terminal 21 reading a two-dimensional barcode that may be attached to the new absorbent item 7, or it may be entered by the user. Alternatively, the type of absorbent item 7 may be registered in advance (see product information in Figure 8). In this case, the type information of the absorbent item 7 does not need to be included in the transmitted data. The time information represents the time when the measurement data was acquired. The measurement data may be time-series data as shown in Figure 7, in which case the time information may represent the start and end times of the measurement data. Behavior-related information will be described later.

[0055] The measurement data transmission unit 212 may transmit the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 210 via the measuring device 41 to the server 31 in real time, or it may store the measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 210 via the measuring device 41 in a predetermined storage area and then transmit the measurement data to the server 31 offline.

[0056] As mentioned above, it is also possible to modify the system so that the measuring device 41 transmits measurement data to the server 31. In such a modification, the measurement data acquisition unit 210 and the measurement data transmission unit 212 may be omitted.

[0057] The behavior-related information generation / transmission unit 213 generates behavior-related information relating to the user and transmits the generated behavior-related information to the server 31. The behavior-related information is information related to the user's actions while wearing the absorbent article 7. The behavior-related information may include movement history, information identifying destinations, and time spent at locations. For example, the behavior-related information may be generated based on location information and acceleration information acquired by various sensors (e.g., location sensors based on GPS (Global Positioning System), acceleration sensors, etc.) provided on the user terminal 21. In this case, the behavior-related information may include the history of the user terminal 21's location information, the manner in which the location information changes (e.g., speed of movement), etc. The behavior-related information may also include posture information representing the user's posture (standing, sitting, supine, etc.).

[0058] The behavior-related information generation / transmission unit 213 may generate external environment information in addition to behavior-related information and transmit the generated external environment information to the server 31. The external environment information is information about the external environment surrounding the user and may include temperature, humidity, weather, etc. The external environment information may be obtained based on various sensors installed in the user terminal 21 or external data (for example, weather information available from the outside). In a modified example, the external environment information may be obtained on the server 31 side. This is because the server 31 can identify the surrounding environment of a user based on behavior-related information pertaining to that user and weather information available from the outside.

[0059] The questionnaire response transmission unit 214 generates response information for a predetermined questionnaire based on user input when the application of an absorbent item 7 is completed (for example, when application is completed due to replacement), and transmits the generated response information to the server 31. The predetermined questionnaire may be a questionnaire about the user's experience with the absorbent item 7 used this time. The predetermined questionnaire may be a questionnaire about stuffiness, rash, leakage to underwear, odor, shifting, curling, excess capacity (excess capacity relative to the indicated absorption guideline of the absorbent item 7), etc.

[0060] The lower part of Figure 6 shows an explanatory diagram of transmission data 602, an example of data transmitted from the questionnaire response transmission unit 214 of the user terminal 21 to the server 31, illustrating various information that may be included in the transmission data 602. The response information to the prescribed questionnaire may be transmitted to the server 31 along with the user ID and the pad ID related to the absorbent item 7 used, as shown in Figure 6.

[0061] The symptom analysis result output unit 215 outputs (notifies) the symptom analysis results or various related information transmitted from the server 31, as described later. The symptom analysis results, etc., may be output via the output device 208. An example of how to output the symptom analysis results, etc., will be described later with reference to Figure 15.

[0062] When the medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 216 receives an output instruction for medical consultation recommendation information transmitted from the server 31, as described later, it outputs the medical consultation recommendation information in response to the output instruction. The medical consultation recommendation information may be output via the output device 208. The medical consultation recommendation information is information intended to encourage the user to seek medical attention at a medical institution. The medical consultation recommendation information may be information that directly recommends seeking medical attention, or information that indirectly recommends seeking medical attention. For example, information that indirectly recommends seeking medical attention may be information that describes the user's reduced activity level due to mild incontinence. An example of how to output the medical consultation recommendation information will be described later with reference to Figure 16.

[0063] When the notification processing unit 218 receives an output instruction for notification information transmitted from the server 31, as described later, it responds to the output instruction by issuing various notifications. The various notification information may be output via the output device 208. An example of how to output various notifications will be described later with reference to Figure 14.

[0064] Server 31 includes a user data management unit 310, a user data storage unit 312, a measurement data acquisition unit 314, a storage processing unit 316, a light incontinence event detection unit 317, a light incontinence event information generation unit 318, a total absorption amount information generation unit 319, a measurement data storage unit 320, an analysis processing unit 321, an analysis result storage unit 322, a notification generation unit 324, and a medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 326.

[0065] The functions of the user data management unit 310, measurement data acquisition unit 314, storage processing unit 316, light incontinence event detection unit 317, light incontinence event information generation unit 318, total absorption amount information generation unit 319, analysis processing unit 321, notification generation unit 324, and medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 326 can be realized by the control unit 101 of the server 31 shown in Figure 3 executing a program in the storage device (e.g., main memory unit 102). The user data storage unit 312, measurement data storage unit 320, and analysis result storage unit 322 can be realized by the storage device of the server 31 shown in Figure 3 (e.g., auxiliary storage unit 103).

[0066] The user data management unit 310 manages various basic information relating to each user of the information processing system 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the user data management unit 310 manages (generates and updates) user data in the user data storage unit 312. For example, when a new user is initially registered, the user data management unit 310 adds various basic information relating to the new user to the user data in the user data storage unit 312. The user data management unit 310 also updates and changes various basic information relating to registered users.

[0067] The user data storage unit 312 stores user data for each user of the information processing system 1. In the example shown in Figure 8, the user data in the user data storage unit 312 includes the username, authentication information, age, gender, product information, etc., in a manner that is associated with the user ID. The product information may be information representing the type of absorbent material 7 used by the user (one type out of several types of products). The authentication information may include information such as the password used when logging into the symptom analysis application A.

[0068] The measurement data acquisition unit 314 receives the transmission data 600 (see Figure 6) sent from the user terminal 21 described above, and acquires the measurement data contained in the transmission data 600. The measurement data acquisition unit 314 may perform preprocessing on the received measurement data for calculation by the analysis processing unit 321, which will be described later. Such preprocessing may include filtering.

[0069] When the memory processing unit 316 receives the transmission data 600 (see Figure 6) sent from the user terminal 21 as described above, it may store the transmission data 600 in the measurement data storage unit 320.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 9, the data in the measurement data storage unit 320 includes, for each pad ID, type information (labeled "pad type" in Figure 9), measurement data, time information, behavior-related information, and total absorption amount information. Of the data in the measurement data storage unit 320, data or information other than the total absorption amount information may correspond to the same data or information in the transmitted data 600, and the total absorption amount information is generated by the total absorption amount information generation unit 319, which will be described later.

[0071] Furthermore, when the memory processing unit 316 receives the transmission data 602 (see Figure 6) sent from the user terminal 21 described above, it may store the transmission data 602 (hereinafter referred to as "questionnaire response information") in the measurement data storage unit 320. In the example shown in Figure 10, the questionnaire response information includes, for each pad ID, stuffiness, rash, leakage into underwear, odor, shifting, peeling, remaining capacity relative to the indicated absorption guideline, and reason for replacement. Note that the remaining capacity relative to the indicated absorption guideline may be based on the user's visual judgment.

[0072] Furthermore, when the analysis processing unit 321, which will be described later, generates symptom analysis results related to the user's mild incontinence (for example, calculated values ​​of predetermined parameters, which will be described later), the memory processing unit 316 stores the symptom analysis results in the analysis result storage unit 322. The symptom analysis results will be described later in relation to the analysis processing unit 321.

[0073] The light incontinence event detection unit 317 detects the absorption event of bodily fluids in the absorbent article 7 based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 320. In this specification, it is assumed that the absorption event of bodily fluids in the absorbent article 7 is caused by a light incontinence event of the user, and therefore, hereafter, the absorption event will also be referred to as a light incontinence event.

[0074] Incidentally, the measurement data exhibits unique changes corresponding to the fluid (urine) caused by a mild incontinence event. The mild incontinence event detection unit 317 can detect a mild incontinence event based on these changes. For example, in the case of the measurement data shown in Figure 7, the measured value level related to the measurement data shows a unique change for each mild incontinence event, as shown in Figure 7. Specifically, when a mild incontinence event occurs, it rises sharply, then decreases, and converges to a value with relatively little fluctuation. At this time, the converged value is significantly larger than the value before the mild incontinence event occurred. In this way, the measured value level related to the measurement data increases with each mild incontinence event, accompanied by a sharp rise peak. In this case, the mild incontinence event detection unit 317 can detect a mild incontinence event based on the sharp rise peak.

[0075] When the light incontinence event detection unit 317 detects a light incontinence event, the light incontinence event information generation unit 318 generates light incontinence event information related to that event. In the example shown in Figure 12, the light incontinence event information includes, for each light incontinence event ID, a pad ID, date and time information, location information, external environment information, individual absorption amount information, absorption location information, and behavior information.

[0076] In this case, the pad ID corresponds to the pad ID assigned to the absorbent item 7 used during the light incontinence event, the date and time information and location information represent the date and time and location (e.g., home, outing, or workplace) of the light incontinence event, and the external environment information represents the external environment at the time of the light incontinence event. The pad ID, date and time information, location information, and external environment information may correspond to the corresponding information in the transmitted data 600 described above.

[0077] The individual absorption amount information represents the amount of body fluid absorbed by absorbent item 7 for each light incontinence event (hereinafter also referred to as "individual absorption amount").

[0078] Incidentally, the measurement data undergoes unique changes depending on the amount of body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 7 (the amount of liquid (urine) resulting from a light incontinence event). Therefore, the individual absorption amount can be calculated based on the measurement data. In other words, the measurement level related to the measurement data shows unique changes for each light incontinence event. The light incontinence event information generation unit 318 can calculate the amount of body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 7 based on these changes. Figure 7 shows the timing of light incontinence events from EVT11 to EVT15.

[0079] Specifically, when a mild incontinence event occurs, as shown in Figure 7, the measured value level related to the measurement data rises sharply, then decreases, and converges to a relatively stable value. At this point, the converged value is significantly larger than the value before the mild incontinence event occurred. In this way, the measured value level related to the measurement data increases with each mild incontinence event, accompanied by a sharp rise and peak.

[0080] The pattern of increase in the measured value level for each light incontinence event correlates with the amount of body fluid absorbed in each light incontinence event (i.e., the amount of body fluid caused by light incontinence). Such a correlation can be derived for each type of absorbent article 7 based on the test results. The light incontinence event information generation unit 318 may calculate the individual absorption amount for each light incontinence event based on such a correlation. Note that the correlation may differ for each type of absorbent article 7, so it may be adapted for each type of information.

[0081] Furthermore, the individual absorption amount for each mild incontinence event may be calculated based on a machine learning model that takes the values ​​of predetermined parameters as input. The machine learning model may be either a supervised or unsupervised model. For example, the machine learning model can also use artificial intelligence to calculate the individual absorption amount for each mild incontinence event by inputting measurement data or its features. In the case of artificial intelligence, this can be achieved by implementing a convolutional neural network obtained through machine learning. In machine learning, for example, the weights of the convolutional neural network may be learned using measurement data such that the error related to the individual absorption amount for each mild incontinence event is minimized.

[0082] The behavioral information describes the manner in which mild incontinence occurred. The behavioral information may be based on the user's perception, such as "a trickle" or "a fairly large amount (a gush)." In this case, the behavioral information may be generated based on the transmitted data 602 (questionnaire response information) described above. Alternatively, the behavioral information may be generated according to the calculated value of the individual absorption amount, without relying on the questionnaire response information from the user. For example, in the case of a mild incontinence event where the calculated value of the individual absorption amount is smaller than a predetermined threshold, behavioral information representing a relatively small amount of mild incontinence may be associated with it, and in the case of a mild incontinence event where the calculated value of the individual absorption amount is larger than a predetermined threshold, behavioral information representing a relatively large amount of mild incontinence may be associated with it.

[0083] The total absorption amount information generation unit 319 calculates the cumulative value of the amount of body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 7 for each pad ID based on the measurement data in the measurement data storage unit 320, and generates (updates) total absorption amount information representing the cumulative value. Specifically, the total absorption amount information generation unit 319 calculates the cumulative value of the amount of body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 7 by accumulating the individual absorption amounts calculated by the light incontinence event information generation unit 318 for each pad ID. That is, when the light incontinence event detection unit 317 detects a light incontinence event based on the measurement data in the measurement data storage unit 320, the total absorption amount information generation unit 319 calculates the cumulative value of the absorption amount by accumulating the individual absorption amount calculated by the light incontinence event information generation unit 318 for that light incontinence event with the previous value (initial value is 0).

[0084] Furthermore, if the measurement data is updated at a relatively short update cycle, the light incontinence event detection unit 317 can detect light incontinence events in a relatively short time, so the total absorption amount information generation unit 319 can update the total absorption amount information shown in Figure 9 at a relatively short update cycle. In this case, the total absorption amount information shown in Figure 9 can effectively represent the cumulative amount of body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article 7 at the present time. Figure 11 schematically shows the measurement data 1008 shown in Figure 7, with time on the horizontal axis and the measured value level related to the measurement data on the vertical axis, along with a time series 1010 of the cumulative absorption amount with the vertical axis being the absorption amount. In Figure 11, the timing of the occurrence of light incontinence events is shown from EVT 11 to EVT 15.

[0085] The analysis processing unit 321 generates symptom analysis results for each user related to mild incontinence based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 320. The symptom analysis results differ from the diagnosis of the user's mild incontinence symptoms (for example, a definitive diagnosis made by a doctor), but may include analysis results that assist in the diagnosis. The symptom analysis results may include statistical analysis results based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 320. For example, the symptom analysis results may include the frequency of mild incontinence events, the average absorption amount per mild incontinence event (amount of leakage due to mild incontinence), etc.

[0086] In this embodiment, the analysis processing unit 321 calculates the values ​​of predetermined parameters related to the user's mild incontinence symptoms based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 320.

[0087] The specified parameters are arbitrary parameters that can be used to analyze the user's symptoms of mild incontinence, and multiple parameters may be set. The specified parameters may be, for example, the interval (time interval) between mild incontinence events, the number of mild incontinence events, the total amount absorbed per day, the amount absorbed per mild incontinence event (amount of urine), the number of times absorbent items 7 are changed, the number of absorbent items 7 used during a specific time period (e.g., at night), or similar.

[0088] The predetermined parameter preferably includes a statistical value of the predetermined parameter. For example, the predetermined parameter may be a statistical value such as a moving average over a specific period for the interval between the aforementioned light incontinence events. Such a statistical value can be derived using measurement data related to multiple absorbent articles 7 (i.e., multiple pad IDs).

[0089] The analysis processing unit 321 may preferably calculate the values ​​of predetermined parameters based on measurement data for each period of the same attribute. The attribute of the period may be a seasonal attribute, such as winter or summer. Alternatively, the attribute of the period may be an attribute based on external environmental information. In this case, the attribute of the period may include periods of low temperature, periods of high temperature, periods of sunny weather, etc. Alternatively, the attribute of the period may be an attribute based on behavioral information. In this case, the attribute of the period may include periods of time spent at home, periods of time spent out, periods of time at work, periods of time commuting, periods of time doing housework, etc. This allows for the generation of symptom analysis results for each attribute of the period.

[0090] Alternatively, the analysis processing unit 321 may calculate predetermined parameter values ​​based on measurement data for each period during which absorbent articles 7 of the same type are used. This allows for the generation of symptom analysis results for each type of absorbent article 7.

[0091] Furthermore, the analysis processing unit 321 may generate analysis results that show the trend of the calculated values ​​of predetermined parameters (for example, the pattern of change over time). For example, if the predetermined parameter is the interval between light incontinence events, the analysis results may further show trends such as whether the interval is getting shorter or longer. In this case, the analysis processing unit 321 may preferably analyze the user's light incontinence trends based on the calculated values ​​of the predetermined parameters for each period of the same attribute as described above. This allows for trend analysis for each period attribute, thereby increasing the reliability of the symptom analysis results.

[0092] Furthermore, the analysis processing unit 321 may analyze (determine) for each user whether the change in the calculated value of a predetermined parameter is showing an improving trend, based on the history of the calculated value of the predetermined parameter. Also, the analysis processing unit 321 may classify the symptoms of mild incontinence into levels for each user based on the calculated value of one or more predetermined parameters. For example, if the predetermined parameter is the number of mild incontinence events per day, the analysis processing unit 321 may classify the symptoms of mild incontinence into levels such that the level increases as the number of mild incontinence events per day increases. Similarly, if the predetermined parameter is the total absorption amount per day, the analysis processing unit 321 may classify the symptoms into levels such that the level increases as the total absorption amount per day increases.

[0093] In this embodiment, as an example, the analysis processing unit 321 determines a state level on a scale of 100 (between 1 and 100) based on the calculated values ​​of various predetermined parameters for each day. A higher state level may indicate a greater degree of distress due to mild incontinence. The various predetermined parameters used to determine the state level may be any one or more combinations of the predetermined parameters described above.

[0094] In this manner, when the analysis processing unit 321 generates symptom analysis results related to the user's mild incontinence (for example, calculated values ​​of predetermined parameters), the storage processing unit 316 stores the symptom analysis results in the analysis result storage unit 322. Figure 13 shows an example of symptom analysis results for one user. In Figure 13, the upper part shows an example of symptom analysis results by date, and the lower part shows an example of symptom analysis results by period.

[0095] The timing of the generation of symptom analysis results by the analysis processing unit 321 is arbitrary and may be periodic or irregular. For example, the generation of symptom analysis results by the analysis processing unit 321 may be performed daily, or it may be performed each time measurement data is acquired.

[0096] The notification generation unit 324 sends output instructions for various notification information to the user terminal 21 of the corresponding user, based on the data in the measurement data storage unit 320. In this case, the notification processing unit 218 of the user terminal 21 issues various notifications in response to the output instructions. The notification of various notification information may be push-type or pull-type. Furthermore, in order to enhance the security of handling various notification information, access (viewing) of various notification information may be made possible on the condition that the user's authentication information is verified.

[0097] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an output method for total absorption amount information, which is an example of various notification information, and shows an example of the screen on the display unit 2081, which serves as the output device 208 of the user terminal 21.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 14, the total absorption amount information is represented by a display that mimics the remaining capacity of a battery. In this case, the remaining capacity of the battery may represent the margin (reserve capacity relative to the indicated absorption guideline) of the absorption amount of the absorbent material 7. That is, the display of the remaining capacity of the battery may change in a manner that decreases as the total absorption amount of the total absorption amount information increases. In this way, by notifying the total absorption amount information using a display that does not suggest or evoke light incontinence, it is possible to provide a reassuring notification for users suffering from light incontinence. In other words, it is possible to provide a notification that is not a problem even if it is seen by someone else.

[0099] While the example shown in Figure 14 is a notification of total absorption information, notifications using displays that do not suggest or evoke light incontinence may also be applied to other types of notifications.

[0100] Furthermore, the notification generation unit 324 may notify the user of the symptom analysis results based on the data in the analysis result storage unit 322. Specifically, the notification generation unit 324 transmits the symptom analysis results or various related information to the user terminal 21 of the corresponding user. In this case, the symptom analysis result output unit 215 of the user terminal 21 outputs (notifies) the symptom analysis results or various related information. The notification of symptom analysis results, etc., may be push-type or pull-type. In addition, in order to enhance the security of handling the symptom analysis results or various related information, access (viewing), etc., of the symptom analysis results or various related information may be made possible on the condition that the user verifies their authentication information.

[0101] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a method for outputting symptom analysis results, and shows an example of the screen on the display unit 2081, which serves as the output device 208 of the user terminal 21.

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 15, the status level for each specific period is shown by a bar graph. The screen on the display unit 2081 may have a user interface 1500 that allows the user to change the specific period. The screen on the display unit 2081 may be configured so as not to include any displays or information that suggest light incontinence or urination. This makes it possible to provide reassuring notifications (displays) for users suffering from light incontinence.

[0103] The medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 326 outputs medical consultation recommendation information to the corresponding user via the user terminal 21 based on the values ​​of one or more predetermined parameters calculated by the analysis processing unit 321. For example, the medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 326 outputs medical consultation recommendation information to a corresponding user when the state level derived for a user exceeds a predetermined threshold level (e.g., 75).

[0104] For example, the medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 326 may output medical consultation recommendation information by sending an instruction to output medical consultation recommendation information to the user terminal 21 of the corresponding user. In this case, the medical consultation recommendation output processing unit 216 of the user terminal 21 responds to the instruction to output medical consultation recommendation information and outputs the medical consultation recommendation information to the corresponding user.

[0105] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for outputting information recommending medical consultation, and shows an example of the screen on the display unit 2081, which serves as the output device 208 of the user terminal 21.

[0106] In the example shown in Figure 16, a modal window W10 is output to the display unit 2081 in the form of a push notification. The modal window W10 may include a message such as "We recommend you visit a medical institution!" as well as a button B21 that allows access to a medical institution for making an appointment. For example, when the user operates button B21, the screen of the display unit 2081 may transition to an appointment screen for a designated medical institution (for example, a medical institution close to the address registered in advance), or it may transition to a consultation screen with a designated advisor (for example, a chat screen).

[0107] This method of outputting information recommending medical consultation allows users suffering from mild incontinence to recognize when they should seek medical attention and to easily make an appointment via button B21. This reduces the burden on users caused by mild incontinence.

[0108] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the measurement data and symptom analysis results for each user may be used as anonymous user data with consideration for privacy for research at medical institutions, or for the development of absorbent articles 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Information Processing System 4 Network 7 Absorbent articles 21 User terminals 31 Servers 41 Measuring device 210 Measurement data acquisition unit 212 Measurement data transmission unit 213 Action-related information generation / transmission unit 214 Questionnaire Response Submission Section 215 Symptom analysis result output section 216 Medical Examination Recommendation Output Processing Unit (Example of a recommendation information output unit) 218 Notification Processing Unit 310 User Data Management Department 312 User data storage unit 314 Measurement data acquisition unit 316 Memory Processing Unit 317 Light Incontinence Event Detection Unit 318 Light Incontinence Event Information Generation Department 319 Total Absorption Amount Information Generation Unit 320 Measurement data storage unit 321 Analysis Processing Unit 322 Analysis result storage unit 324 Notification generator 326 Medical Examination Recommendation Output Processing Unit (Example of a recommendation information output unit) 410 Sensing Unit 412 connector 414 Wiring 420 Communication Module

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires measurement data from a light incontinence detection means provided on an absorbent article that can be worn by the user, A storage unit that stores the measurement data in association with the user, The system includes an analysis processing unit that generates symptom analysis results related to the user's mild incontinence based on the aforementioned measurement data. The symptom analysis result is an information processing device that classifies the symptoms of mild incontinence into levels based on the calculated values ​​of one or more predetermined parameters calculated based on the measurement data.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification processing unit for notifying the user of the symptom analysis results.

3. A total absorption amount information generation unit that generates total absorption amount information representing the cumulative value of the amount of body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article based on the measurement data, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a notification processing unit that notifies the user of a margin relative to the absorption amount of the absorbent article based on the total absorption amount information generated by the total absorption amount information generation unit.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification by the notification processing unit is a notification by means of a display that does not suggest or evoke light incontinence.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification processing unit further notifies the user of the symptom analysis results.

6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the analysis processing unit generates the symptom analysis result based on the measurement data relating to a plurality of absorbent articles.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a recommendation information output unit that outputs a recommendation information prompting the user to seek medical attention at a medical institution based on the measurement data.

8. An acquisition unit that acquires measurement data from a light incontinence detection means provided on an absorbent article that can be worn by the user, A storage unit that stores the measurement data in association with the user, The system includes an analysis processing unit that generates symptom analysis results related to the user's mild incontinence based on the aforementioned measurement data. The symptom analysis results are an information processing device that generates a trend related to the user's mild incontinence based on the calculated values ​​of predetermined parameters calculated based on the measurement data for each period of the same attribute.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the attribute is an attribute based on behavior-related information relating to the user's actions.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a notification processing unit for notifying the user of the symptom analysis results.

11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a storage processing unit that stores the symptom analysis results together with the measurement data, in association with each user.

12. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the symptom analysis results include statistical values ​​of calculated predetermined parameters related to mild incontinence.

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