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

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present application is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires childcare information pertaining to childcare; and a provision unit that, on the basis of the childcare information acquired by the acquisition unit, provides information pertaining to sanitary articles used by a user who performs childcare (for example, information for proposing the use of a prescribed sanitary article, and information on a coupon usable for the prescribed sanitary article in a prescribed electronic commerce service or a campaign pertaining to the prescribed sanitary article) to the user.

Description

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

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a technique for providing information on absorbent articles suitable for a user. One example of such a technique is a technique for acquiring a usage history including information on the type of absorbent article used by the user and the state of the absorbent article after use for each of a plurality of usage scenarios, acquiring characteristics related to the user's excrement for each usage scenario based on the usage history for each of the plurality of usage scenarios, and presenting to the user suggested information on the use of the absorbent article according to the usage scenario based on the characteristics for each usage scenario.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-96158

[0004] However, the above-mentioned techniques cannot be said to be able to provide information about appropriate sanitary products to users who are raising children.

[0005] For example, the above-mentioned conventional technology merely presents users with suggested information regarding the use of absorbent articles according to the usage situation, and cannot be said to be able to provide information regarding appropriate sanitary products to users who are raising children.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide information on appropriate sanitary products to users who are raising children.

[0007] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires childcare information related to childcare, and a provision unit that provides information to a user about sanitary products used by the user who is raising a child based on the childcare information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide information about appropriate sanitary products to users who are raising children.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a sanitary product information database 32 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration.

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

[0011] Aspect 1 is characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires childcare information related to childcare, and a provision unit that provides information to a user about sanitary products used by the user who is raising a child based on the childcare information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0012] Here, for example, if a postpartum user resumes menstruation due to weaning of an infant or other reasons and continues to use the sanitary products they used before giving birth, problems may arise. For example, if the amount of menstrual blood increases compared to before giving birth and the sanitary products they used before giving birth continue to be used, menstrual blood leakage may occur. Also, since the skin becomes more sensitive after giving birth than before, continuing to use the sanitary products they used before giving birth may cause skin irritation.

[0013] In such cases, users need to choose the appropriate sanitary product for their postpartum period from the wide variety of sanitary products available. However, it can be difficult for users to choose the appropriate sanitary product while also taking care of childcare, housework, returning to work, etc.

[0014] Therefore, according to aspect 1, for example, based on childcare information (for example, information indicating whether or not the user has weaned), it is possible to provide information about sanitary products that can prevent problems that may occur after menstruation resumes to users who are likely to resume menstruation after giving birth, thereby providing information about appropriate sanitary products to users who are raising children.

[0015] In addition, in aspect 2, in aspect 1, information about sanitary products is provided in accordance with the childcare situation indicated by the childcare information.

[0016] In this case, when an infant, who is the target of care, starts crawling and follows the user, it may be difficult to find the time to change sanitary products. Furthermore, even when the user is able to go out with the infant, it may be difficult to change sanitary products while caring for the infant. Furthermore, if the infant has started menstruating while bathing, there is a risk of menstrual blood leaking during or after bathing. Furthermore, if the infant has started menstruating while toilet training, it may be a significant burden for the user to clean up after toilet training failures while also caring for their own menstrual problems.

[0017] Therefore, according to Aspect 2, for example, when an infant starts crawling or when going out with an infant, it is possible to provide information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used (worn) for long periods of time. Also, when a user bathes with an infant, it is possible to provide information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood during and after bathing. Also, when toilet training an infant, it is possible to provide information about sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual blood leakage and rough skin. In other words, according to Aspect 2, it is possible to provide information about sanitary products that are appropriate for each child-rearing situation.

[0018] In addition, in aspect 3, in aspect 1 or 2, information about sanitary products is provided at a timing when the childcare situation indicated by the childcare information satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0019] According to aspect 3, for example, if a user is faced with a situation where childcare duties may make it difficult for her to change sanitary products or to deal with menstrual problems, information about sanitary products that can deal with these situations can be provided in advance, making it possible to provide information about sanitary products that are appropriate for the childcare situation at the appropriate time.

[0020] In addition, in aspect 4, in addition to aspects 1 to 3, physiological information relating to the user's menstruation is acquired, and information about sanitary products used by the user is provided based on the childcare information and the physiological information.

[0021] According to aspect 4, for example, information about sanitary products can be provided based on physiological information indicating that the user's period has resumed after childbirth, thereby making it possible to provide information about appropriate sanitary products in accordance with the resumption of menstruation.

[0022] In addition, in aspect 5, in aspect 4, the physiological information indicating the sanitary products used by the user before giving birth is obtained, and information regarding the sanitary products that the user will use after giving birth is provided based on the sanitary products indicated by the physiological information.

[0023] According to aspect 5, for example, it is possible to provide information about sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual leakage or rough skin than the sanitary products that the user used before giving birth, thereby providing information about appropriate sanitary products.

[0024] In addition, in aspect 6, in addition to aspect 4 or 5, information about childcare is provided to the user based on the childcare information and the physiological information.

[0025] According to aspect 6, for example, a user's menstrual period can be predicted based on menstrual information, and at the time when menstruation is predicted to begin, information such as suggestions to avoid burdensome childcare or suggestions to consult with a partner can be provided to the user, thereby supporting users who are raising children to deal with menstruation appropriately.

[0026] In addition, in aspect 7, in aspects 1 to 6, the childcare information indicating the nonwoven fabric products used by the childcare subject is acquired, and information regarding the sanitary products used by the user is provided in accordance with changes in the nonwoven fabric products used by the childcare subject.

[0027] According to this aspect 7, for example, when it is determined that the infant will be weaned and the user's period will resume due to a change in the size of diapers or the like used by the infant being cared for, information about sanitary products suitable for postpartum menstruation can be provided, thereby making it possible to provide information about appropriate sanitary products at the appropriate time.

[0028] In addition, in aspect 8, in aspects 1 to 7, the childcare information indicating whether the childcare subject has weaned or not is acquired, and when the childcare subject has weaned, information regarding sanitary products used by the user is provided.

[0029] According to this aspect 8, for example, information about sanitary products can be provided to users whose infants have weaned and who are likely to resume their periods, so that information about appropriate sanitary products can be provided at the appropriate time.

[0030] In addition, in aspect 9, in aspects 1 to 8, the childcare situation is estimated based on the childcare information, and information about sanitary products used by the user is provided according to the estimated situation.

[0031] According to Aspect 9, for example, it is possible to provide information on sanitary products that reduce the burden of changing sanitary products during childcare and menstrual problems depending on the childcare situation, such as whether the infant being cared for is crawling or not, whether toilet training has started or not, and the infant's characteristics (e.g., wanting to go outside), and therefore it is possible to provide information on appropriate sanitary products.

[0032] In addition, in aspect 10, in aspect 9, based on the childcare information, it is estimated whether the childcare subject has weaned, and if it is estimated that the childcare subject has weaned, information about sanitary products used by the user is provided.

[0033] According to aspect 10, for example, information about sanitary products can be provided to a user whose infant has been weaned and who is likely to resume menstruation, thereby providing information about appropriate sanitary products at an appropriate time.

[0034] In addition, in aspect 11, in aspect 9 or 10, information about sanitary products used by the user is provided at a time when the childcare situation satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0035] According to this aspect 11, for example, if the estimated childcare situation is one in which it is difficult for the user to change sanitary products or to deal with problems caused by menstruation, information about sanitary products that can deal with these situations can be provided in advance, so that information about appropriate sanitary products according to the childcare situation can be provided at the appropriate time.

[0036] An example of a form for implementing an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program are not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0037] [Embodiment] [1. Example of Information Processing] Information processing implemented by an information processing device or the like according to this embodiment will be described using FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an information processing device 10, which is an example of an information processing device according to the present application, and a user terminal 100. The information processing device 10 and the user terminal 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see, for example, FIG. 2 ) via a wired or wireless connection so as to be able to communicate with each other. Here, the network N is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include multiple information processing devices 10 and multiple user terminals 100.

[0038] The information processing device 10 is a server device that controls information processing, which will be described later. In the example of Fig. 1, the information processing device 10 manages childcare information related to childcare of a user's childcare target (infant), and provides information about sanitary products used by the user based on the childcare information.

[0039] The user terminal 100 is an information processing device used by a user. The user terminal 100 may be realized, for example, by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The user terminal 100 displays information delivered by the information processing device 10 using a web browser or an application. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 100 is a smartphone used by a user.

[0040] The information processing realized by the information processing device 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, it is assumed that user terminal 100-1 is used by user U1, who is the mother of infant B1. In the following description, it is assumed that user terminal 100-2 is used by user U2, who is the father of infant B1. In the following description, it is sometimes assumed that user terminal 100-1 is the same as user U1, and user terminal 100-2 is the same as user U2. In other words, in the following description, user U1 can be read as user terminal 100, and user U2 can be read as user terminal 100-2.

[0041] In addition, in the following explanation, it is assumed that users U1 and U2 are using an application (hereinafter referred to as the "childcare app") for managing childcare records for infant B1, which is pre-installed on user terminals 100-1 and 100-2, and that they are recording (registering) childcare information regarding various childcare activities performed for infant B1 in the childcare app.

[0042] It should be noted that the person who takes care of infant B1 is not limited to the mother and father of infant B1, but may also be, for example, the guardian of infant B1, such as a brother or sister, grandparents, relatives, a housekeeper, etc. Furthermore, childcare information regarding various types of childcare provided to infant B1 may be recorded in a childcare app pre-installed on a terminal device used by each guardian.

[0043] In the following explanation, it is assumed that user U1 uses an application (hereinafter referred to as a "menstrual management app") for managing information related to menstruation that is pre-installed on user terminal 100-1 in order to facilitate planning for purchasing absorbent articles (such as sanitary products) and planning activities by predicting changes in her physical condition and psychological state related to menstruation, and that various types of menstrual information are recorded in this menstrual management app.

[0044] The information processing device 10 may be a device that distributes information to the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2 to be displayed in applications related to childcare apps, menstrual management apps, and other various services installed on the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2. The information processing device 10 may also be a server that distributes the application data itself.

[0045] The information processing device 10 may also function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2. Here, the control information is written in, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Note that the application itself distributed from the information processing device 10 may also be considered as control information.

[0046] First, users U1 and U2 take care of infant B1 (step S1). For example, users U1 and U2 perform childcare tasks such as breastfeeding infant B1, feeding infant food, changing diapers, and bathing infant B1.

[0047] Next, users U1 and U2 record childcare information about the childcare they provided to infant B1 in the childcare app (step S2). For example, users U1 and U2 record childcare information indicating the details of the childcare they provided to infant B1 and the dates and times of the childcare in the childcare app. The childcare information may also include, for example, attribute information of the infant being cared for (age in months, age, date of birth, sex, developmental status such as crawling, rolling over, weaning, etc.).

[0048] Next, the information processing device 10 acquires the childcare information recorded in the childcare app from the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2 (step S3). Next, the information processing device 10 estimates the childcare status of infant B1 based on the childcare information acquired from the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2 (step S4). For example, the information processing device 10 estimates whether infant B1 has weaned based on the childcare information. As a specific example, the information processing device 10 estimates that infant B1 has weaned if infant B1 has stopped being breastfed.

[0049] 1, assume that the information processing device 10 estimates that infant B1 has weaned. In this case, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products that prevent postpartum menstrual problems to user U1, who is estimated to resume menstruation due to weaning (step S5). For example, the information processing device 10 may provide information suggesting the use of sanitary products that absorb menstrual blood at a rate above a predetermined threshold or that are gentle on the skin (e.g., sanitary products made from organic materials or cloth sanitary products (e.g., cloth napkins or absorbent shorts)), coupons that can be used for these sanitary products in a predetermined e-commerce service, information about campaigns related to these sanitary products (e.g., campaigns offering free samples), and information about discounts on these sanitary products. To give specific examples, the information processing device 10 provides information on sanitary products that absorb more menstrual blood than the sanitary products used by user U1 before giving birth (for example, sanitary products indicated by the menstrual information recorded by user U1 in a menstrual management app, etc.), sanitary products that last longer than the sanitary products used by user U1 before giving birth, and sanitary products that are less irritating to the skin than the sanitary products used by user U1 before giving birth.

[0050] The information processing device 10 may obtain information indicating that infant B1 has weaned from the user terminal 100-1 or 100-2 via a childcare app or the like. When the information indicating that infant B1 has weaned is obtained, the information processing device 10 may provide information about sanitary products to the user U1. The information indicating that infant B1 has weaned may also be obtained as childcare information. This information may also be obtained, for example, via a web page displayed on the browser of the user terminal 100, rather than via a childcare app.

[0051] Furthermore, if user U1 permits user U2 to receive information about sanitary products, the information processing device 10 may provide user U2 with information about sanitary products.

[0052] Next, user U1 uses the information provided in step S5 (step S6). For example, user U1 purchases the sanitary products suggested for use, purchases sanitary products using the provided coupon, or applies for a campaign.

[0053] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment provides information about sanitary products that prevent postpartum menstrual problems to a user whose period resumes after giving birth due to the weaning of a childcare subject. This allows the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment to provide information about appropriate sanitary products to users who are raising children.

[0054] 2. Other Processing Examples The above-described processing is merely an example, and the information processing device 10 may perform various processing using various information. In this regard, examples are listed below.

[0055] 1, the information processing device 10 may provide information about sanitary products to a user U1 whose menstruation has resumed after giving birth, based on childcare information. For example, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products according to the childcare situation indicated by the childcare information or the childcare situation estimated based on the childcare information.

[0056] 2-2. Providing Information on Sanitary Products Depending on the Childcare Situation In the example of FIG. 1 , the information processing device 10 may provide the user U1 with information on sanitary products depending on the childcare situation of the infant B1 indicated by the childcare information. For example, if the infant B1 is crawling, the information processing device 10 provides information on sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for long periods of time (e.g., sanitary products that absorb menstrual blood at a rate above a predetermined threshold, or sanitary products of a predetermined type (e.g., winged type, pants type, menstrual absorbent sheet, etc.)). Furthermore, if the infant B1 is toilet training, the information processing device 10 provides information on sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual blood leakage or skin irritation. Furthermore, if the infant B1 and the user U1 start bathing together, the information processing device 10 provides information on sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when bathing (e.g., tampons, menstrual absorbent sheets, menstrual cups, etc.).

[0057] Note that information about sanitary products may be provided when the childcare situation of infant B1 indicated by the childcare information satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for a long period of time when infant B1 starts crawling. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual blood leakage and rough skin when infant B1 begins toilet training. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when bathing (for example, tampons, menstrual absorbent sheets, menstrual cups, etc.) when infant B1 and user U1 start bathing together.

[0058] 1, the information processing device 10 may provide information about sanitary products to user U1 based on the user U1's physiological information and childcare information about infant B1. For example, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products of the type corresponding to the sanitary products used by user U1 before giving birth (e.g., winged type, wingless type, shorts type, tampon, menstrual blood absorbent sheet, absorbent shorts, menstrual cup, etc.). Furthermore, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products according to the childcare situation of infant B1 when user U1 starts childcare of infant B1 at a time when the childcare situation of infant B1 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0059] The information processing device 10 may also provide user U1 with information related to childcare based on the childcare information and physiological information. For example, the information processing device 10 estimates when user U1's menstruation will begin based on user U1's physiological information, and provides user U1 with information suggesting that user U1 avoid burdensome childcare activities (e.g., toilet training or going out with infant B1) during the estimated period, or information suggesting that user U2 consult with user U2 about childcare during that period. The information processing device 10 may also provide user U2 with information suggesting that user U1 take care of infant B1 during user U1's menstruation period.

[0060] 2-4. Providing Information in Response to Changes in Nonwoven Fabric Products Used by a Childcare Subject In the example of FIG. 1 , the information processing device 10 may acquire childcare information indicating the nonwoven fabric products used by infant B1 and provide information about sanitary products used by user U1 in response to changes in the nonwoven fabric products indicated by the childcare information. For example, when the diaper size used by infant B1 reaches a predetermined threshold or greater and it is estimated that infant B1 is weaned, the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information about sanitary products that prevent postpartum menstrual problems. Furthermore, when infant B1 begins wearing pants-type diapers (in other words, when infant B1 begins crawling and becomes more active, making it difficult for user U1 to change sanitary products), the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood, even when used for long periods of time without the need for changing the sanitary products.

[0061] 2-5. Estimation of Childcare Status In the example of FIG. 1 , the information processing device 10 may estimate the childcare status of infant B1 based on the childcare information and provide information about sanitary products used by user U1 according to the estimated status. For example, if it is estimated based on the childcare information that infant B1 has started crawling, the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for long periods of time without the need for replacement. Furthermore, if it is estimated based on the childcare information that infant B1 is toilet training, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual blood leakage and skin irritation. Furthermore, if it is estimated based on the childcare information that infant B1 and user U1 have started bathing together, the information processing device 10 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when bathing. Furthermore, if it is estimated based on the childcare information that infant B1's personality is "likes going out," the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for long periods of time without the need for replacement.

[0062] In addition, the information processing device 10 may provide user U1 with information about sanitary products appropriate to each situation, such as when it is estimated that infant B1 has started crawling, when it is estimated that infant B1 will be toilet trained, when infant B1 and user U1 are bathing together, or when user U1 goes out with infant B1.

[0063] 1, the information processing device 10 may acquire childcare information about the infant B1 and physiological information about the user U1 from sources other than a childcare app or a menstrual management app. For example, the information processing device 10 may acquire the childcare information and physiological information through SNS advertisements.

[0064] 3. Configuration of Information Processing Device Next, the configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0065] (Regarding the communication unit 20) The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N via a wired or wireless connection, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 100, etc.

[0066] (Regarding the storage unit 30) The storage unit 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in Fig. 2, the storage unit 30 has a user information database 31 and a sanitary product information database 32.

[0067] (Regarding the user information database 31) The user information database 31 stores various types of information related to users. Here, an example of information stored in the user information database 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 31 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the user information database 31 has items such as "user ID," "infant ID," "infant information," "childcare information," and "menstrual information."

[0068] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Infant ID" indicates identification information for identifying an infant being cared for by the user. "Infant information" indicates information about an infant, such as the gender, age in months, weight, height, and size of each body part of the infant. "Childcare information" indicates information about the childcare provided by the user for the infant, such as the type of childcare provided, the date and time of the childcare, and attribute information of the infant being cared for. "Menstrual information" indicates information about the user's menstruation, such as the start date of menstruation, the amount of menstrual blood, and the sanitary products used (for example, type and size).

[0069] That is, Figure 3 shows an example in which an infant who is the subject of care of a user identified by a user ID "UID#1" is identified by an infant ID "BID#1", and the infant information of the infant is "Infant Information #1", the childcare information is "Childcare Information #1", and the physiological information of the user is "Physiological Information #1".

[0070] (Regarding the sanitary product information database 32) The sanitary product information database 32 stores various information related to sanitary products. An example of the information stored in the sanitary product information database 32 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the sanitary product information database 32 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 4, the sanitary product information database 32 has items such as "sanitary product ID," "material information," "absorption capacity," "length," and "type information."

[0071] "Sanitary Product ID" indicates identification information for identifying the sanitary product. "Material Information" indicates the material used in the sanitary product. "Absorption Capacity" indicates the absorption capacity of the sanitary product. "Length" indicates the length of the sanitary product. "Type Information" indicates the type (category) of the sanitary product, and stores information indicating the type, such as winged type, wingless type, shorts type, tampon, menstrual blood absorption sheet, absorbent shorts, menstrual cup, etc.

[0072] That is, Figure 4 shows an example in which the material information of a sanitary product identified by the sanitary product ID "SID#1" is "material information #1", the absorption capacity is "absorption capacity #1", the length is "length #1", and the type information is "type information #1".

[0073] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 10 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 40 is also a controller, and is realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has an acquisition unit 41, an estimation unit 42, and a provision unit 43, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0074] (Regarding the Acquisition Unit 41) The acquisition unit 41 acquires childcare information related to childcare. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the acquisition unit 41 acquires childcare information related to the childcare provided by users U1 and U2 to infant B1 from user terminals 100-1 and 100-2, and stores the information in the user information database 31.

[0075] 1, the acquisition unit 41 acquires physiological information related to the user's menstruation from the user terminal 100-1, the physiological information recorded by the user U1 in a menstruation management app or the like, and stores the information in the user information database 31.

[0076] The acquisition unit 41 may also acquire physiological information indicating the sanitary products that the user used before giving birth. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the acquisition unit 41 acquires physiological information indicating the sanitary products that the user U1 used before giving birth.

[0077] The acquisition unit 41 may also acquire child care information indicating nonwoven fabric products used by a child care subject. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the acquisition unit 41 acquires child care information indicating nonwoven fabric products used by an infant B1.

[0078] The acquisition unit 41 may also acquire childcare information indicating whether or not the childcare subject has weaned. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the acquisition unit 41 acquires childcare information indicating whether or not the infant B1 has weaned.

[0079] In the above description, the acquiring unit 41 acquires information from the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the acquiring unit 41 may acquire information such as childcare information and menstrual information stored in other server devices or other information processing devices. The information stored in these other server devices or other information processing devices may be stored in advance by the users U1 and U2 in other server devices or other information processing devices (for example, information input by the users U1 and U2 may be stored in other server devices or other information processing devices via a service separate from the service related to the childcare app or menstrual management app). The acquiring unit 41 may acquire information by receiving information transmitted from the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2, or by transmitting an information acquisition request to the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2 and receiving information transmitted from the user terminals 100-1 and 100-2.

[0080] (Regarding the estimation unit 42) The estimation unit 42 estimates the childcare situation based on the childcare information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the estimation unit 42 refers to the user information database 31 and estimates the childcare situation of infant B1 based on the childcare information of infant B1. To give a specific example, the estimation unit 42 estimates whether infant B1 has started crawling. The estimation unit 42 also estimates whether toilet training is being carried out for infant B1. The estimation unit 42 also estimates whether infant B1 and user U1 have started bathing together. The estimation unit 42 also estimates the characteristics of infant B1 (for example, "likes going out").

[0081] The estimation unit 42 may also estimate whether the childcare subject has weaned based on the childcare information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the estimation unit 42 estimates whether the infant B1 has weaned based on the childcare information of the infant B1.

[0082] (Regarding the provision unit 43) The provision unit 43 provides information about sanitary products used by users who are raising children to users based on the childcare information acquired by the acquisition unit 41. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the provision unit 43 provides user U1 with information about sanitary products that prevent problems that occur during menstruation after childbirth.

[0083] The provider 43 may also provide information about sanitary products depending on the childcare situation indicated by the childcare information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, when infant B1 is crawling, the provider 43 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for a long period of time. When infant B1 is toilet training, the provider 43 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual blood leakage and rough skin. When infant B1 and user U1 start bathing together, the provider 43 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when bathing.

[0084] The provider 43 may also provide information about sanitary products when the childcare situation indicated by the childcare information satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the provider 43 provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for a long period of time when the infant B1 starts crawling. The provider 43 also provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual blood leakage and rough skin when the infant B1 starts toilet training. The provider 43 also provides information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when bathing when the infant B1 and user U1 start bathing together.

[0085] The providing unit 43 may also provide information about sanitary products used by the user based on the childcare information and menstrual information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 43 provides information about sanitary products of the type corresponding to the sanitary products used by user U1 before giving birth. Furthermore, when user U1 starts childcare of infant B1 at a timing when the childcare situation of infant B1 satisfies a predetermined condition, the providing unit 43 provides information about sanitary products according to the childcare situation of infant B1.

[0086] Furthermore, the providing unit 43 may provide information about sanitary products to be used by the user after giving birth, based on the sanitary products indicated by the menstrual information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 43 provides information about sanitary products that absorb more menstrual blood than the sanitary products used by the user U1 before giving birth, sanitary products that last longer than the sanitary products used by the user U1 before giving birth, and sanitary products that are less irritating to the skin than the sanitary products used by the user U1 before giving birth.

[0087] The providing unit 43 may further provide information related to childcare to the users based on the childcare information and menstrual information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the providing unit 43 estimates the time when user U1's menstruation will start, and provides user U1 with information suggesting that user U2 avoid burdensome childcare activities during the estimated time, or information suggesting that user U2 consult with user U2 about childcare during that time. The providing unit 43 also provides user U2 with information suggesting that user U1 take care of infant B1 during the time when user U1's menstruation will start.

[0088] The provider 43 may also provide information about sanitary products used by the user in response to changes in the nonwoven fabric products used by the childcare subject. For example, in the example of Figure 1, when the size of the diaper used by infant B1 reaches a predetermined threshold or more and it is estimated that infant B1 is due to weaning, the provider 43 provides user U1 with information about sanitary products that prevent postpartum menstrual problems. Furthermore, when infant B1 begins to wear pants-type diapers, the provider 43 provides user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for long periods of time without the need for changing the sanitary products.

[0089] In addition, the providing unit 43 may provide information about sanitary products to be used by a user when the childcare subject has weaned. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 43 provides information about sanitary products that prevent troubles that may occur during menstruation after giving birth to a user U1 whose period is expected to resume after weaning.

[0090] The providing unit 43 may also provide information about sanitary products used by the user depending on the situation estimated by the estimation unit 42. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , if it is estimated that infant B1 has started crawling, the providing unit 43 provides the user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for a long period of time without the need for a change. If it is estimated that infant B1 is toilet training, the providing unit 43 provides the user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to cause problems such as menstrual blood leakage and rough skin. If it is estimated that infant B1 and user U1 have started bathing together, the providing unit 43 provides the user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for a long period of time without the need for a change. If it is estimated that infant B1's personality is "likes going out," the providing unit 43 provides the user U1 with information about sanitary products that are less likely to leak menstrual blood even when used for a long period of time without the need for a change.

[0091] Furthermore, the providing unit 43 may provide information about sanitary products used by a user when it is estimated that a childcare subject has weaned. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, when it is estimated that an infant B1 has weaned, the providing unit 43 provides information about sanitary products that prevent troubles that occur during menstruation after giving birth to a user U1 who is estimated to resume menstruation due to weaning.

[0092] The providing unit 43 may also provide information about sanitary products used by the user at times when the childcare situation satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 43 provides information about sanitary products according to each situation, such as when it is estimated that infant B1 has started crawling, when it is estimated that infant B1 will be toilet trained, when infant B1 and user U1 take a bath together, when user U1 goes out with infant B1, etc.

[0093] The providing unit 43 may also provide information regarding the provision of sanitary products to the user based on the childcare information. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the providing unit 43 provides user U1 with campaign information regarding the provision of sample sanitary products, such as sanitary products that absorb menstrual blood at a rate equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or sanitary products that are gentle on the skin. Here, when information indicating that user U1 wishes to receive sample products (in other words, application for the campaign) is acquired via the user terminal 100, the providing unit 43 may decide to provide (deliver) to user U1 the sanitary products indicated in the campaign information.

[0094] The providing unit 43 may provide various information regarding the provision of sanitary products to the user. For example, if it is estimated that the childcare subject has weaned, the providing unit 43 provides information regarding the provision of sanitary products (such as trial products) that prevent postpartum menstrual problems as a campaign to celebrate the childcare subject's weaning. As a specific example, the providing unit 43 provides information regarding the provision of sanitary products that prevent postpartum menstrual problems as a weaning celebration campaign, along with a message about weaning (for example, a positive congratulatory message about weaning, such as "Congratulations on weaning"). Then, when information indicating that user U1 wishes to receive sanitary products is acquired via the user terminal 100, the providing unit 43 decides to deliver the sanitary products indicated in the weaning celebration campaign to the user.

[0095] The providing unit 43 may also determine to deliver sanitary products identified based on the childcare information to the user. For example, when the acquiring unit 41 acquires, as childcare information, information indicating that the user has weaned via the user terminal 100, the providing unit 43 may determine to deliver sanitary products to the user that prevent postpartum menstrual problems. Here, information about the user necessary for delivery (e.g., the user's address, the size of the sanitary products, etc.) may be acquired together with the childcare information, or information stored or managed in advance may be acquired. The information about the user may be stored or managed by the information processing device 10 in its own storage unit (e.g., the user information database 31), or may be stored or managed by another information processing device or an information processing device that provides various service applications other than the childcare app and the menstrual management app. The acquiring unit 41 may acquire the information from a storage unit or management unit of the information processing device 10 or another information processing device based on information identifying the user.

[0096] As described above, by delivering sanitary products to users whose childcare partner has stopped breastfeeding, it becomes easier for users to obtain sanitary products while raising children, and by actually using the products, users can decide whether they should continue to purchase them, making it easier for them to select sanitary products that are more suitable for them.

[0097] In addition, when it is decided to deliver sanitary products, a message about weaning may be delivered along with the sanitary products. Weaning and the resumption of menstruation may be perceived as a positive event or a nuisance depending on the user. Therefore, for example, when accepting input from a user requesting sanitary products, such as in a "weaning celebration campaign," a decision may be made to accept childcare information (e.g., information indicating that the child has weaned) as information to be used when delivering sanitary products as a celebration, and deliver a positive message about weaning (e.g., a congratulatory message such as "congratulations on weaning") to the user along with the sanitary products. Furthermore, along with input of childcare information indicating the child's developmental status, such as crawling, rolling over, and weaning, information about the user's impression of the childcare information (e.g., "I'm happy that the child is crawling," "It's a hassle to wean and resume menstruation," "Toilet training seems difficult," etc.) may be acquired, and a decision may be made to deliver a message corresponding to that impression along with the sanitary products (e.g., a positive message such as "Congratulations on crawling," a congratulatory message such as "It must be hard to resume menstruation," or an encouraging message such as "Good luck with toilet training").

[0098] This allows users to receive messages from others that correspond to their own child-rearing situations, leading to more positive feelings about using sanitary products appropriately.

[0099] 4. Information Processing Procedure Next, the procedure of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0100] 5, the information processing device 10 determines whether or not childcare information related to childcare has been acquired (step S101). If the childcare information has not been acquired (step S101; No), the information processing device 10 waits until the childcare information has been acquired. On the other hand, if the childcare information has been acquired (step S101; Yes), the information processing device 10 provides the user with information about sanitary products used by the user who is raising a child, based on the childcare information (step S102), and ends the process.

[0101] 5. Modifications The information processing device 10 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment.

[0102] [5-1. Processing Mode] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above text and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown.

[0103] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0104] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0105] 6. Hardware Configuration The information processing device 10 and the user terminal 100 in the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and is connected to a calculation device 1030, a cache 1040, a memory 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 via a bus 1090.

[0106] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 and memory 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache, such as a RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is a memory realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or the like.

[0107] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and may be realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, and scanner, and is realized by, for example, a USB.

[0108] For example, the input device 1020 may be realized by a device that reads information from an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The input device 1020 may also be realized by an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0109] The network IF 1080 has a function of receiving data from other devices via the network N and sending it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also a function of transmitting data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0110] Here, the arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 10, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 executes the program loaded onto the cache 1040 to realize the function of the control unit 40.

[0111] The embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the Disclosure of the Invention section. Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means," "circuit," etc.

[0112] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Information processing device 20 Communication unit 30 Storage unit 31 User information database 32 Sanitary product information database 40 Control unit 41 Acquisition unit 42 Estimation unit 43 Provision unit 100 User terminal

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires childcare information relating to childcare; and a provision unit that provides a user with information regarding sanitary products used by the user who is childcare based on the childcare information acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the providing unit provides information about sanitary products according to the child-rearing situation indicated by the child-rearing information.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the providing unit provides information about sanitary products at a timing when the childcare situation indicated by the childcare information satisfies a predetermined condition.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit further acquires physiological information regarding the user's menstruation, and the provision unit provides information regarding sanitary products used by the user based on the childcare information and the physiological information.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the menstrual information indicating the menstrual products used by the user before giving birth, and the provision unit provides information regarding the menstrual products that the user will use after giving birth based on the menstrual products indicated by the menstrual information.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the providing unit further provides the child-rearing information to the user based on the child-rearing information and the physiological information.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the childcare information indicating nonwoven fabric products used by a childcare subject, and the provision unit provides information regarding sanitary products used by the user in response to changes in the nonwoven fabric products used by the childcare subject.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the childcare information indicating whether the childcare subject has weaned from breastfeeding, and the provision unit provides information regarding sanitary products used by the user when the childcare subject has weaned from breastfeeding.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an estimation unit that estimates the child-rearing situation based on the child-rearing information, and wherein the provision unit provides information regarding sanitary products used by the user in accordance with the situation estimated by the estimation unit.

10. The information processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the estimation unit estimates whether the subject has weaned based on the childcare information, and the provision unit provides information regarding sanitary products used by the user when it is estimated that the subject has weaned.

11. The information processing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the providing unit provides information regarding sanitary products used by the user at a time when the childcare situation satisfies a predetermined condition.

12. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring childcare information relating to childcare; and a provision step of providing information to a user regarding sanitary products used by the user who is raising a child based on the childcare information acquired by the acquisition step.

13. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute an acquisition step of acquiring childcare information related to childcare, and a provision step of providing information to a user about sanitary products used by the user who is raising a child based on the childcare information acquired by the acquisition step.

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