Information generating device, information generating method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information generating device according to the present invention comprises an acquisition unit and a reduction amount estimation unit. The acquisition unit acquires commodity identification information with which a health improvement product, that is an article or service for improving a person's health condition, can be identified. The reduction amount estimation unit generates reduction amount information relating to an estimated value of the reduction amount in necessary expenditures when a subject lives from a first age to a second age in a case in which the subject uses the health improvement product indicated by the commodity identification information.

Description

Information generating device, information generating method, and recording medium

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

[0002] As people's lifespans increase, the importance of designing a life plan is increasing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information processing device that performs the following processes. First, the information processing device predicts the future health assets of a subject, including physical functions and / or cognitive functions. The information processing device also predicts the future economic assets of the subject. Then, based on the prediction results of the subject's health assets and economic assets, the information processing device generates information about options that the subject can select. Examples of the information about options include information indicating the prediction results of economic assets for each option and information recommending actions that the subject should take for each option.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 170375

[0004] When designing a life plan, it is important to ensure that necessary living expenses can be covered in the future. However, necessary living expenses can vary greatly depending on a person's health condition. In recent years, there are multiple products and services available to improve health conditions. For this reason, it is desirable to provide information that can be used as a reference when selecting products and services to be used by people considering their life plans.

[0005] The information generating device of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition, and a reduction amount estimation means for generating reduction amount information regarding an estimated amount of reduction in expenditures required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product identified by the product identification information.

[0006] The information generation method of the present disclosure involves a computer acquiring product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition, and generating savings information regarding an estimated amount of savings in expenditures required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product identified by the product identification information.

[0007] The program in the present disclosure has a computer equipped with: an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition; and a reduction amount estimation means for generating reduction amount information regarding an estimated amount of reduction in expenditures required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product identified by the product identification information.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide information that can be used as a reference when selecting goods and services to be used by people considering their life plans.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage environment of an information generating device according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information generating device; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the information generating device; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a communication device; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information generating device; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a communication device; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a communication device; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a communication device; FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the information generating device; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information generating device.

[0010] Hereinafter, in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In addition, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the information generating device 10 is used together with the communication device 20. The information generating device 10 generates information that serves as a reference when a subject selects a health-improving product to be used from a plurality of products or services for improving health status, and transmits this information to the communication device 20. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned products or services will be referred to as health-improving products, and the above-mentioned information will be referred to as reference information.

[0012] Health improvement products are intended to improve at least one of nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental state or mental health, and social activity. For example, health improvement products may be foods such as nutritional supplements or functional foods, or may be products such as sleep aids or health equipment. Health improvement products may also be services that are expected to prevent disease. Examples of such services include services that support exercise, such as programs offered at fitness gyms, services that provide programs to improve mental state or mental health, and services that provide opportunities to communicate with others.

[0013] If a person continues to use a health improvement product, their health condition is expected to improve compared to if they do not use the health improvement product. If their health condition improves, it is expected that at least one of medical expenses, nursing care expenses, food expenses, and housing expenses will decrease, and therefore the amount of expenses necessary for the person to live will decrease. Note that health condition can refer to physical health condition, mental state, or both.

[0014] As described above, the reference information is information that serves as a reference when selecting a health improvement product that a certain subject should use. A first example of the reference information is to provide examples of health improvement products that the subject should use. A second example of the reference information is information regarding an estimated amount of savings in the amount of expenditure necessary for the subject to live if the subject uses a certain health improvement product. Note that the reference information is not limited to these and may also include other information.

[0015] The information generating device 10 transmits, for example, the reference information to the communication device 20 for display. In this case, a person selecting a health improvement product, for example, a subject or a relative of the subject, selects the health improvement product while recognizing the reference information displayed on the communication device 20.

[0016] The information generating device 10 can use the information stored in the storage unit 30. The storage unit 30 stores various types of information and application programs that the information generating device 10 uses when generating reference information.

[0017] Furthermore, when the information generating device 10 generates reference information, it may acquire information about the user. In this case, the information generating device 10 acquires this information from, for example, the communication device 20. The communication device 20 may acquire this information through input from the user, or may acquire this information from a sensor included in the communication device 20 or a sensor communicating with the communication device 20.

[0018] 2, the information generating device 10 includes an expenditure estimating unit 120, an income estimating unit 130, a ratio acquiring unit 140, and a setting unit 150. In this example, the information generating device 10 generates, as at least a part of the reference information, information indicating examples of health-improving products that should be used by the subject.

[0019] The expenditure estimation unit 120 calculates an estimated expenditure, which is an estimate of the amount of expenditure necessary for the subject to live from the first age to the second age. The estimated expenditure includes, for example, food expenses, furniture and clothing expenses, communication expenses, housing expenses, utility expenses, and entertainment expenses. If the subject has children or is expecting to have children, the estimated expenditure also includes expenses necessary for raising the children, such as education expenses. In other words, the expenditure estimation unit 120 calculates the estimated expenditure so as to include all expenses necessary for the subject to live from the first age to the second age. A detailed example of the processing performed by the expenditure estimation unit 120 will be described later.

[0020] The first age is, for example, the current age of the subject, but may also be specified by a user of the information generating device 10, for example, the subject. In this case, the user specifies, for example, an age that is older than the current age of the subject as the first age. This specification is made, for example, by inputting into the communication device 20.

[0021] The second age is, for example, an age based on a generally published average life expectancy. In this case, the storage unit 30 pre-stores information indicating the second age, and the expenditure estimation unit 120 uses this information. However, the second age may be specified by a user of the information generating device 10, for example, a subject. In this case, the user may specify an age higher than the average life expectancy, or may specify an age lower than the average life expectancy. This specification is also made, for example, by inputting information into the communication device 20.

[0022] The income estimation unit 130 calculates an estimated income, which is an estimate of the income that the subject is expected to earn from the first age to the second age. The income estimation unit 130 calculates the estimated income using, for example, the subject's annual income and age. A detailed example of the processing performed by the income estimation unit 130 will be described later.

[0023] The ratio acquisition unit 140 acquires a set value of the ratio between the first profit, which is the profit obtained from the financial product, and the second profit, which is the profit obtained from the health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition. Hereinafter, this ratio will be referred to as the set ratio. The second profit is based on, for example, the amount of reduction in at least one of medical expenses, nursing care expenses, food expenses, and housing expenses resulting from the use of the health improvement product. The set ratio is input to the information generation device 10 by a user of the information generation device 10, for example, a subject, via the communication device 20.

[0024] The setting unit 150 uses the estimated expenditure amount, estimated income amount, and set ratio to set at least one of a financial portfolio, which is a recommended portfolio of financial products, and a health portfolio, which is a recommended portfolio of health improvement products. The financial portfolio indicates, for example, a combination of multiple financial products and the ratio of their investment amounts. The health portfolio indicates health improvement products that the subject should use. The health portfolio indicates, for example, a combination of multiple health improvement products. However, the health portfolio may be composed of only one health improvement product. The health portfolio may also further include the timing at which the subject should start using the health improvement product.

[0025] If the estimated expenditures are greater than the estimated incomes, the subject needs to take some measures to close or reduce the gap. Examples of such measures include asset management using financial products, improving employment income, and reducing expenditures by improving health. The set ratio can also be regarded as information specifying the contribution balance between these two measures. The setting unit 150 then sets at least one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio so as to satisfy the set ratio.

[0026] As an example, when the estimated expenditures are greater than the estimated income, the setting unit 150 calculates the difference between the estimated expenditures and the estimated income. The setting unit 150 then prorates this difference using a set ratio and sets at least one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio using the result of this proration. For example, if the set ratio indicates that "the first profit is A% and the second profit is '100-A'%, the setting unit 150 sets a financial portfolio such that the first profit is equal to or greater than "difference x A / 100". The setting unit 150 also sets a health portfolio such that the second profit is equal to or greater than "difference x (100-A) / 100".

[0027] In addition, when setting at least one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio, the adoption record of the financial product or health improvement product may be taken into consideration, or the actual interest rate of the financial product or the actual improvement effect of the health improvement product may be used. As an example, when there are multiple similar financial products, the setting unit 150 may prioritize selecting a financial product with a high adoption record or a high actual interest rate. Furthermore, when there are multiple health improvement products for improving the same symptom, the setting unit 150 may prioritize selecting a financial product with a high adoption record or a high improvement effect. In addition, the improvement effect of the health improvement product is indicated by, for example, a second profit.

[0028] If the setting unit 150 is unable to set a financial portfolio that satisfies the above conditions, it may transmit information indicating this to the communication device 20. Also, if the setting unit 150 is unable to set a health portfolio that satisfies the above conditions, it may transmit information indicating this to the communication device 20. In this case, the user of the information generating device 10 inputs the revised setting ratios to the information generating device 10 via the communication device 20. The information generating device 10 then repeats the above process again.

[0029] The information generating device 10 shown in Fig. 2 operates, for example, as shown in Fig. 3. First, the expenditure estimating unit 120 calculates estimated expenditures. The income estimating unit 130 calculates estimated income (step S10). Next, the ratio acquiring unit 140 acquires a set ratio (step S20). The setting unit 150 then sets at least one of a financial portfolio and a health portfolio using the estimated expenditures, estimated income, and set ratio (step S30).

[0030] After step S30 in FIG. 3 , the information generating device 10 transmits, for example, information about the set portfolio to the communication device 20. The communication device 20 displays, for example, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 4 on its display. In this example, the setting unit 150 of the information generating device 10 sets both a financial portfolio and a health portfolio, and the screen displayed by the communication device 20 includes an area 202 displaying the financial portfolio, an area 204 displaying the first benefit, an area 206 displaying the health portfolio, and an area 208 displaying the second benefit. By viewing this screen, a user of the information generating device 10 can confirm each of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio, and can also confirm the monetary benefits of each portfolio.

[0031] At least one of the area 202 displaying the financial portfolio, the area 204 displaying the first profit, the area 206 displaying the health portfolio, and the area 208 displaying the second profit may not be displayed. For example, the area 204 displaying the first profit and the area 208 displaying the second profit may not be displayed. Alternatively, only at least one of the area 202 displaying the financial portfolio and the area 204 displaying the first profit may be displayed, or only at least one of the area 206 displaying the health portfolio and the area 208 displaying the second profit may be displayed. When displayed on a display, the size and arrangement of the displayed items may be changed depending on the size of the display to be displayed. The font size of each item may be increased or decreased. Such size change processing may be performed within a predetermined range. Changing the arrangement includes, for example, displaying the display items vertically when the width of the display to be displayed is not suitable for displaying the display items horizontally. The size of the display to be displayed does not necessarily have to be obtained from the display, but may also be determined by referring to a value arbitrarily set by the user.

[0032] According to the examples shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the information generating device 10 sets at least one of a financial portfolio and a health portfolio using a set ratio. The set ratio indicates a set value of the ratio between a first profit, which is a profit obtained from a financial product, and a second profit, which is a profit obtained from a health improvement product, which is a product or service that improves a person's health condition. Therefore, a user of the information generating device 10 can confirm what at least one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio will be if the current set ratio is followed. For example, a user of the information generating device 10 can confirm how the financial portfolio will be affected by the set ratio. Furthermore, a user of the information generating device 10 can confirm how the health portfolio will change depending on the set ratio. By checking these, a user of the information generating device 10 can select a health improvement product that the subject should use.

[0033] 5, the information generating device 10 may include an acquiring unit 110 and a reduction amount estimating unit 160. In this example, the information generating device 10 generates, as at least a part of the reference information, information on an estimated reduction in the amount of expenditure necessary for the subject to live, assuming that the subject uses a certain health-improving product.

[0034] The acquisition unit 110 acquires product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product. For example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires information indicating a health improvement product selected by a user of the information generating device 10 via the communication device 20. At this time, the acquisition unit 110 may cause the communication device 20 to display information indicating multiple health improvement products as options. In this case, the user of the communication device 20 selects a specific health improvement product on this screen and transmits information indicating the selection result to the information generating device 10. The acquisition unit 110 treats this information as information indicating the health improvement product selected by the user of the information generating device 10.

[0035] The savings estimation unit 160 generates savings information regarding an estimated savings in the amount of expenditures required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age when the subject uses the health improvement product or service indicated by the product identification information. The savings information may represent an integrated value of the estimated savings from the first age to the second age, or may represent a trend in the estimated savings from the first age to the second age. This trend may represent an individual annual savings, or may represent an integrated value of the savings up to that year.

[0036] As described above, if the subject's health condition improves, it is expected that at least one of the subject's medical expenses, nursing care expenses, food expenses, and housing expenses will be reduced. The reduction amount estimation unit 160, for example, estimates the degree of improvement in the subject's health condition when using a health improvement product and uses this degree of improvement to estimate the amount of reduction in at least one of the medical expenses, nursing care expenses, food expenses, and housing expenses. The reduction amount estimation unit 160 then generates reduction amount information using this reduction amount. As an example, the reduction amount estimation unit 160 includes this reduction amount in the reduction amount information. Furthermore, when the reduction amount estimation unit 160 estimates the amount of reduction for each of the medical expenses, nursing care expenses, food expenses, and housing expenses, it includes at least one of information indicating these individually and information indicating their total value in the reduction amount information. A detailed example of the processing performed by the reduction amount estimation unit 160 will be described later.

[0037] The information generating device 10 shown in Fig. 5 operates, for example, as shown in Fig. 6. First, the acquisition unit 110 of the information generating device 10 acquires product specification information (step S110). Next, the reduction amount estimation unit 160 generates reduction amount information (step S120).

[0038] After step S120 in FIG. 6 , the information generating device 10 transmits the savings information to the communication device 20. The communication device 20 displays, for example, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 on its display. In this example, the savings information includes information indicating the selected health improvement product and information indicating the trend in the cumulative savings. An example of the information indicating the health improvement product is the name of the health improvement product. An example of the information indicating the trend in the savings is a graph in which the horizontal axis represents age and the vertical axis represents the cumulative savings up to that age. In other words, the savings information shown in FIG. 7 includes information that can identify the amount of savings in the expenditures required to live from a first age to a third age that is lower than the second age.

[0039] 5, 6, and 7, the information generating device 10 calculates an estimated value of the amount of expenditure reduction that would occur if the subject uses the selected health improvement product. Therefore, the user of the information generating device 10 can refer to this estimated value to select the health improvement product that the subject should use.

[0040] Next, another example configuration of the information generating device 10 will be described. The information generating device 10 illustrated in Fig. 8 includes an acquisition unit 110, an expenditure estimation unit 120, an income estimation unit 130, a ratio acquisition unit 140, a setting unit 150, a reduction estimation unit 160, a financial asset estimation unit 170, and an output unit 180. Of these, the acquisition unit 110, the expenditure estimation unit 120, the income estimation unit 130, the ratio acquisition unit 140, the setting unit 150, and the reduction estimation unit 160 each have at least the functions described using Figs. 2 to 7.

[0041] The acquisition unit 110 acquires various types of information used by the information generating device 10. Examples of this information and acquisition methods are as follows.

[0042] The acquisition unit 110 acquires personal information of the subject. The personal information includes lifestyle data that can identify the subject's lifestyle. The personal information includes, for example, at least one of the following items:

[0043] (1-1) At least one of age, gender, height, weight, dietary content and / or calorie intake, exercise habits, sleep state, stress level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, presence and type of medical history, presence and type of allergies, drug use status, vital signs, and results of regular health checkups. Among these, at least one of dietary content and calorie intake, exercise habits, sleep state, stress level, smoking status, and alcohol consumption status are examples of lifestyle data, i.e., data that can identify the subject's lifestyle. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire data generated by a sensor worn by the subject and use this data to calculate at least one of exercise habits, sleep state, stress level, and vital signs. The sensor may be, for example, at least one of a sensor and a camera built into a smartphone, or a sensor built into an object worn by the subject, such as a watch (e.g., a smartwatch), glasses (e.g., smart glasses), shoes, shoe insoles, or clothing. Vital signs include, for example, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, and blood oxygen saturation. Naturally, the acquisition unit 110 may calculate any one of the examples of vital information. (1-2) Family medical history. (1-3) Medical data. It is preferable that the medical data include both the subject's medical data and the family's medical data. (1-4) Asset status. For example, at least one of current total assets, annual income, savings, investment products invested in, investment goals, and risk tolerance. It is noted that risk tolerance indicates the degree of risk that the subject can tolerate when managing their assets. It is noted that the asset status may include the subject's current occupation.

[0044] The acquisition unit 110 acquires at least a part of this information, for example, by having the user input it via the communication device 20. The acquisition unit 110 may also acquire at least a part of this information from an external database. The acquisition unit 110 may then associate this information with the subject and store it in the storage unit 30.

[0045] The expenditure estimation unit 120 calculates the estimated expenditure required for the subject to live from a first age to a second age, using the personal information of the subject acquired by the acquisition unit 110. For example, the expenditure estimation unit 120 calculates the estimated expenditure using the age, family structure, and lifestyle data of the subject acquired by the acquisition unit 110. This estimated expenditure includes expenses necessary for normal life, such as food expenses, furniture and clothing expenses, communication expenses, housing expenses, utility expenses, and entertainment expenses.

[0046] The expenditure estimation unit 120 also calculates a disease score for at least one disease, indicating the likelihood that the subject has that disease. The disease score is an example of disease risk. Diseases for which the disease score is calculated include, but are not limited to, at least one of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia. The disease score is calculated using personal information, such as lifestyle data, and a machine learning model. As described above, lifestyle data includes, for example, at least one of dietary content and calorie intake, exercise habits, sleep status, stress level, smoking status, and drinking status. These affect disease risk. If the expenditure estimation unit 120 detects a disease whose disease score is equal to or greater than a reference value, the expenditure required for treatment of that disease is added to the estimated expenditure.

[0047] The expenditure estimation unit 120 may also calculate the estimated expenditure using a machine learning model with the disease score as an explanatory variable and the estimated expenditure as a target variable. Here, the machine learning model is implemented, for example, by a neural network. The neural network includes multiple artificial neurons and has synapses connecting the neurons. Each synapse has a weight. Upon receiving an input, such a neural network performs calculations using the weights associated with each synapse and produces an output according to the input. A model representing the connection relationship between neurons and synapses is stored in memory, for example, in the form of software. Alternatively, the model may be implemented as a dedicated circuit. Similarly, the weights of each synapse are stored in memory in the form of software. Alternatively, a circuit representing the weights may be implemented in a dedicated circuit. Note that when constructing a machine learning model consisting of multiple models, all of the models do not necessarily need to be stored in the same memory. There are a variety of models using such neural networks, and a machine learning model may be implemented by adopting or replacing a wide variety of models, such as a Transformer, a convolutional neural network (CNN), or a recurrent neural network (RNN).

[0048] The income estimation unit 130 calculates the estimated income that the subject is expected to earn from the first age to the second age. In this case, the income estimation unit 130 uses, for example, the subject's current age, current total assets, annual income, savings, and investment products in which the subject has invested. The income estimation unit 130 may also use the subject's current occupation or place of employment when calculating the estimated income. In this case, the income estimation unit 130 can calculate the estimated income based on the average annual income of the occupation or place of employment, etc.

[0049] As described above, the ratio acquiring unit 140 acquires the set ratio. The set ratio is input to the information generating device 10 by a user of the information generating device 10, for example, a subject, via the communication device 20, for example.

[0050] As described above, the setting unit 150 uses the estimated expenditure amount, estimated income amount, and set ratio to set at least one of a financial portfolio, which is a recommended portfolio of financial products, and a health portfolio, which is a recommended portfolio of health improvement products.

[0051] When setting a financial portfolio, the setting unit 150 performs, for example, the following processing. First, if the estimated expenditure is greater than the estimated income, the setting unit 150 calculates the difference between the estimated expenditure and the estimated income. Then, by dividing this difference proportionally using a set ratio, the setting unit 150 calculates the profit to be obtained from the financial product. Then, the setting unit 150 sets the financial portfolio so that this profit can be obtained. At this time, the setting unit 150 may use, for example, an estimated interest rate for each financial product.

[0052] Furthermore, when setting a health portfolio, the setting unit 150 performs, for example, the following process. First, if the estimated expenditure is greater than the estimated income, the setting unit 150 calculates the difference between the estimated expenditure and the estimated income. Then, by dividing this difference proportionally using a set ratio, the setting unit 150 calculates the profit to be obtained from the health improvement product. Then, the setting unit 150 sets the health portfolio so that this profit can be obtained.

[0053] For example, it may be known in advance how much a disease risk will be reduced by using a health improvement product. In this case, the setting unit 150 can use the degree of reduction in the disease score to calculate the benefit for each health improvement product, i.e., the amount of reduction in estimated expenditure. For example, the setting unit 150 calculates a disease score assuming the use of the health improvement product, and uses this disease score to calculate an estimated expenditure using a method similar to that of the expenditure estimation unit 120. The setting unit 150 then determines the difference between this estimated expenditure and the estimated expenditure calculated by the expenditure estimation unit 120 as the amount of reduction in estimated expenditure.

[0054] Furthermore, it may be known in advance how the use of a health improvement product will change the personal information, such as lifestyle data, used to calculate the disease score. In this case, the setting unit 150 may correct the disease risk using the changed personal information, and calculate the benefit, i.e., the estimated expenditure reduction amount, for each health improvement product using the disease risk before and after the correction. Note that after the use of the health improvement product begins, the disease score may be updated sequentially using the changed personal information.

[0055] The setting unit 150 then sets a combination of health improvement products, i.e., a health portfolio, so that the benefits to be obtained from the health improvement products can be obtained.

[0056] As described above, the savings estimation unit 160 generates savings information regarding the estimated expenditure reduction amount required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product indicated by the product identification information. The savings estimation unit 160 calculates the estimated expenditure reduction amount using, for example, a method similar to that used by the setting unit 150. In this case, the savings estimation unit 160 can also acquire lifestyle data of the subject and generate savings information using this lifestyle data. In this way, the accuracy of the savings information is increased.

[0057] When a health portfolio is set, the savings estimation unit 160 preferably calculates the amount of savings in estimated expenditures when the subject uses the health improvement products shown in the health portfolio. When the health portfolio includes multiple health improvement products, the savings estimation unit 160 calculates the amount of savings in estimated expenditures when each of these multiple health improvement products is used. The savings estimation unit 160 generates savings information using a value obtained by adding up these multiple savings. The savings information may be this value.

[0058] The reduction amount estimation unit 160 preferably generates the reduction amount information using the cost required for the subject to use the health improvement product identified by the product identification information. In this case, the reduction amount estimation unit 160, for example, calculates the cost required to use the health improvement product and calculates the estimated expenditure reduction amount by subtracting this calculated cost from the value calculated using the same method as the setting unit 150. In this way, the accuracy of the estimated expenditure reduction amount is increased. The reduction amount estimation unit 160 calculates the cost required to use the health improvement product by, for example, multiplying the unit price per predetermined period (e.g., unit price per year) by the period (e.g., number of years) for which the health improvement product will be used.

[0059] The financial asset estimation unit 170 generates information regarding the transition of the subject's financial assets or the transition of investment profits from those assets between the first age and the second age. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as financial asset information. The financial asset estimation unit 170 generates the financial asset information using, for example, estimated interest rates and investment amounts of financial products in which the subject has invested. Note that the financial asset estimation unit 170 may be part of the function of the income estimation unit 130. This is because the transition of financial assets or the transition of investment profits from those assets affects the estimated income amount. In this case, the income estimation unit 130 calculates the estimated income amount using the financial asset information generated by the financial asset estimation unit 170.

[0060] The financial asset estimation unit 170 may generate financial asset information when applying the financial portfolio set by the setting unit 150. In this case, the financial asset estimation unit 170 may generate the changed financial asset information every time the financial portfolio is changed.

[0061] The output unit 180 generates and outputs information to be displayed on the communication device 20. For example, the output unit 180 outputs at least one of an estimated expenditure amount, an estimated income amount, a financial portfolio, a health portfolio, savings information, and financial asset information, and displays it on the communication device 20. The output unit 180 also displays an input screen on the communication device 20 to allow the user of the information generating device 10 to input various pieces of information.

[0062] Examples of information that the output unit 180 causes the communication device 20 to display are the information described with reference to FIG. 4 and the information described with reference to FIG.

[0063] The output unit 180 may further transmit, to the communication device 20, information for causing the communication device 20 to display at least one of the screens shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the savings information and financial asset information are displayed on the same screen. In the example shown in this figure, the savings information is a graph showing how the cumulative savings from health improvement products changes with age. The financial asset information is a graph showing how the investment profits from financial assets change with age. The financial asset information may also show the total amount of financial assets instead of the investment profits from financial assets. In this example, the horizontal axis of the savings information and the horizontal axis of the financial asset information are the same. This makes it easier for users of the information generating device 10 to view the savings from health improvement products and the investment profits from financial assets on the same level, thereby making it easier to recognize the benefits of using health improvement products. Furthermore, when displaying graphs on the display in this manner, upon receiving a request to select a portion of the graph, the output unit 180 may display age and financial asset information corresponding to the selected position along with the graph. Similarly, the output unit 180 may display age and savings information corresponding to the selected position. Furthermore, the output unit 180 may display information obtained from a corresponding position in one graph based on a position selected in the other graph. For example, when a position representing age 30 is selected on a graph showing how investment profits from financial assets change with age, the output unit 180 displays information on the amount of savings at age 30 on a graph showing how the cumulative value of savings from health improvement products changes with age.

[0065] The effects achieved by using a health improvement product may be visualized based on actual values ​​and estimated values. The example shown in FIG. 10 is a screen displaying the actual value of the expenditure reduction amount after starting to use the health improvement product, along with the reduction amount information. The actual value here is, for example, an amount calculated based on the disease score calculated after starting to use the health improvement product. This can be considered an example in which the information generating device 10 visualizes the effects of the health improvement product as a numerical value. In other words, the screen shown in FIG. 10 is an example of a method for visualizing the effects achieved by using a health improvement product. The reduction amount information indicates the expected reduction in expenditure amount by using the health improvement product. For example, the reduction amount estimation unit 160 acquires personal information of the subject after starting to use the health improvement product, calculates the latest disease risk value using this personal information, and then calculates the latest estimated expenditure amount using this latest disease risk value using a method similar to that of the expenditure estimation unit 120. The reduction amount estimation unit 160 then determines the difference between the estimated expenditure amount used when generating the reduction amount information and the latest estimated value as the actual expenditure reduction amount. This process may be repeated at predetermined intervals, for example, once a month. The estimated value does not necessarily have to be the most recent estimated value. For example, the output unit 180 may continue to display estimated values ​​estimated over a certain period. An example of such a period is a period before the user begins using a health improvement product. However, the period is not limited to the example shown, and the output unit 180 may display estimated values ​​for any period designated by the user.

[0066] The screen shown in FIG. 10 may additionally display information indicating the actual value of financial asset management. Furthermore, the output unit 180 may also display information regarding profit margins and profit and loss on the display. The profit margin is, for example, the ratio of the actual value of the expenditure reduction amount to the expenditure paid for using health improvement products. Naturally, the profit margin may be expressed as a percentage based on the calculation results. Furthermore, the information regarding profit and loss is, for example, the difference between the actual value of the expenditure reduction amount and the reduction amount information. If the actual value of the expenditure reduction amount exceeds the reduction amount information, the output unit 180 may display the difference between the actual value of the expenditure reduction amount and the reduction amount information on the display in a manner indicating a profit. On the other hand, if the actual value of the expenditure reduction amount is lower than the reduction amount information, the output unit 180 may display the difference between the actual value of the expenditure reduction amount and the reduction amount information on the display in a manner indicating a loss. The indication of a profit or loss can be achieved, for example, by changing the display color or by adding a specific symbol or character. Examples of specific symbols include, but are not limited to, "+" and "-".

[0067] The above-mentioned methods for visualizing the effects are merely examples, and at least one of them may be adopted, or a combination of a plurality of them may be displayed.

[0068] When a health portfolio has been set, the reduction amount information on the screens shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is reduction amount information when health improvement products are used as indicated in the health portfolio.

[0069] 11 includes a field 200 showing a financial portfolio and a health portfolio, an input field 212 for allowing a user to input a set ratio, and a button 214 for applying the set ratio input in the input field 212. When information indicating the set ratio is input into the input field 212 and then the button 214 is selected, the communication device 20 transmits the set ratio input into the input field 212 to the information generating device 10. The information generating device 10 generates a financial portfolio and a health portfolio using the transmitted set ratio. The information generating device 10 then causes the communication device 20 to display the field 200. The generated financial portfolio and health portfolio are displayed in the field 200.

[0070] Furthermore, when the set ratio entered in input field 212 is updated and button 214 is subsequently selected, communication device 20 also transmits the updated set ratio to information generating device 10. Information generating device 10 then updates the financial portfolio and health portfolio using the transmitted set ratio, and causes communication device 20 to display the updated financial portfolio and health portfolio in field 200. Here, information generating device 10 may update only one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio and display only this one in field 200. In other words, when the set ratio is changed by the subject, setting unit 150 of information generating device 10 resets at least one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio.

[0071] The information generating device 10 shown in Fig. 8 operates, for example, as shown in Fig. 12. First, the acquisition unit 110 acquires personal information of the subject (step S110). Then, the expenditure estimation unit 120 calculates a disease score using at least a portion of the personal information (step S120), and calculates an estimated expenditure using this disease score and at least a portion of the personal information (step S130). Furthermore, the income estimation unit 130 calculates an estimated income using at least a portion of the personal information (step S140).

[0072] The setting unit 150 also acquires a set ratio (step S150). This process may be performed simultaneously with step S110. The setting unit 150 then sets at least one of a financial portfolio and a health portfolio (step S160).

[0073] Next, the reduction amount estimation unit 160 generates reduction amount information when the subject uses the health improvement products shown in the health portfolio (step S170). Then, the output unit 180 generates a screen to be displayed on the communication device 20 and transmits it to the communication device 20 (step S180). Here, as described above, an example of the screen generated by the output unit 180 is at least one of the screens shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10.

[0074] The timing at which the output unit 180 outputs the above-mentioned screen, for example, the timing at which the output unit 180 displays the above-mentioned screen on a display of the communication device 20, may be any of the following. For example, when the reduction amount estimation unit 160 generates the reduction amount information, the output unit 180 may display a screen on the display showing the effects obtained by using the health improvement product based on the actual value and the estimated value in response to the generation of the reduction amount information. Furthermore, the output unit 180 may display this screen on the display in response to receiving a request to display the reduction amount information generated by the reduction amount estimation unit 160.

[0075] The output unit 180 may also generate a screen to be displayed on the display based on information indicating the position where the effects obtained by using the health improvement product are to be displayed or information indicating the size of the display indicating the effects. The information indicating the position where the effects are to be displayed or the information indicating the size of the display indicating the effects may be, for example, a preset value set by the user, or may be specified by the user in response to a request to display the screen. Examples of display positions include, but are not limited to, the center, upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right of the screen. The information indicating the size of the display indicating the effects may be specified as a percentage of the display area of ​​the display, or may be a range specified by coordinates. This information may also be information selected from options such as the entire screen, large, medium, or small. In this case, the specific size value corresponding to each option may be preset or may be set by the user. This setting may be indicated as a percentage of the entire screen, or may be indicated using information regarding coordinates.

[0076] The processes shown in steps S150 to S180 may be repeated. In other words, the information generating device 10 may perform the processes of steps S160 to S180 every time the set ratio is updated (step S150).

[0077] Furthermore, in step S160, if at least one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio cannot be set, information indicating this is sent to the communication device 20. The communication device 20 displays a screen indicating this. The user of the information generating device 10 then updates the set ratios via the communication device 20. The information generating device 10 sets the financial portfolio and the health portfolio using the updated set ratios.

[0078] Once a financial portfolio and a health portfolio that the user of the information generating device 10 has generated are satisfactory to the user, the user inputs information into the communication device 20 to store the financial portfolio and the health portfolio in the storage unit 30. The communication device 20 then transmits information indicating that this input has been made to the information generating device 10. Upon receiving this information, the information generating device 10 stores the financial portfolio and the health portfolio in the storage unit 30. The subject then makes investments in accordance with the financial portfolio and uses health improvement products in accordance with the health portfolio. The information generating device 10 may perform application processing to make investments in accordance with the financial portfolio, or may perform application processing to use health improvement products in accordance with the health portfolio.

[0079] Thereafter, the information generating device 10 may periodically perform the processes shown in steps S110 to S130 to generate information indicating changes in the estimated expenditure amount and display it on the communication device 20, or may display the screen shown in Figure 10 on the communication device 20.

[0080] When the information generating device 10 periodically repeats the processes shown in steps S110 to S130, for example, when the acquisition unit 110 of the information generating device 10 repeatedly acquires the subject's lifestyle data and the expenditure estimation unit 120 repeatedly calculates the estimated expenditure, the expenditure estimation unit 120 can calculate a change in the estimated expenditure. This change indicates whether the health improvement products shown in the health portfolio are producing an effect.

[0081] If the change in estimated expenditure does not satisfy the standard, for example, if the reduction in estimated expenditure is equal to or less than the standard value, it is possible that at least one of the health improvement products included in the current health portfolio is not suitable for the subject and is inappropriate. In this case, it is preferable that the setting unit 150 performs processing to reset the health portfolio.

[0082] Furthermore, if a health improvement product is used for a certain period of time, its effectiveness may gradually decrease. In this case, the reduction in estimated expenditures will also gradually decrease. Therefore, if the reduction in estimated expenditures was initially equal to or greater than the reference value but at some point in time the reduction falls below the reference value, it is preferable that the setting unit 150 perform processing to reset the health portfolio at or after that time.

[0083] As a process for resetting the health portfolio, the setting unit 150 may reset the health portfolio by repeating the processes shown in steps S110 to S160, and display information indicating the health portfolio after the reset on the communication device 20 via the output unit 180.

[0084] Furthermore, as a process for resetting the health portfolio, the setting unit 150 may cause the communication device 20 to display a predetermined screen via the output unit 180. The predetermined screen includes information indicating that the current health portfolio may be inappropriate and urging the user to reset the health portfolio. In this way, the user of the information generating device 10 can recognize that it would be better to reset the health portfolio. The user then transmits instruction information to the information generating device 10 via the communication device 20 to reset the health portfolio. The information generating device 10 then performs the process shown in FIG. 12 again, for example.

[0085] The information generating device 10 may repeat the process shown in Fig. 12 at a predetermined timing, for example, when the subject undergoes a health check and the results are released.

[0086] The information generating device 10 has, as a hardware configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0087] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0088] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0089] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0090] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and includes a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information generating device 10 (e.g., the acquisition unit 110, the expenditure estimation unit 120, the income estimation unit 130, the ratio acquisition unit 140, the setting unit 150, the reduction estimation unit 160, the financial asset estimation unit 170, and the output unit 180). The processor 1020 loads and executes each of these program modules into the memory 1030, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 may also function as a memory unit (e.g., the memory unit 30) that stores various information. The program modules may be recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium for recording the program module may include a non-transitory tangible medium usable by the computer 1000, and the program code readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020) may be embedded in the medium.

[0091] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information generating device 10 to various input / output devices.

[0092] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information generating device 10 to a network. This network is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may connect to the network wirelessly or by wire. The information generating device 10 may communicate with the communication device 20 via the network interface 1060.

[0093] The information generating device 10 may be realized by a plurality of devices each having the configuration shown in FIG.

[0094] As described above, according to this embodiment, the information generating device 10 includes a ratio acquiring unit 140 and a setting unit 150. The ratio acquiring unit 140 acquires a set ratio, i.e., a set value of the ratio between a first profit, which is a profit obtained from a financial product, and a second profit, which is a profit obtained from a health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition. The setting unit 150 sets at least one of a financial portfolio and a health portfolio using the set ratio. This allows a user of the information generating device 10 to check what at least one of the financial portfolio and the health portfolio will look like if the current set ratio is followed. While checking this, the user of the information generating device 10 can select a health improvement product that the subject should use.

[0095] The information generating device 10 also includes a savings estimation unit 160. The savings estimation unit 160 calculates an estimate of the expenditure reduction amount that will occur if the subject uses the health improvement product selected by the user of the information generating device 10. Therefore, the user of the information generating device 10 can select the health improvement product that the subject should use by referring to this estimate.

[0096] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0097] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show a sequence of steps (processes), the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the sequence shown in the flowcharts. In each embodiment, the order of steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0098] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. An information generating device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information capable of identifying a health-improving product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition; and a reduction estimation means for generating reduction information relating to an estimated reduction in the amount of expenses required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health-improving product identified in the product identification information. 2. The information generating device described in above 1, wherein the reduction information includes information capable of identifying a reduction in the amount of expenses required for a subject to live from the first age to a third age that is lower than the second age. 3. The information generating device described in above 1 or 2, wherein the reduction estimation means generates the reduction information using the amount of reduction in at least one of medical expenses, nursing care expenses, food expenses, and housing expenses resulting from the subject's use of the health-improving product. 4. 4. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above, wherein the health improvement product is intended to improve at least one of nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental state or health, and social activity. 5. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 above, comprising: financial asset estimation means for generating financial asset information relating to a change in financial assets or a change in investment profits therefrom of the subject between the first age and the second age; and output means for outputting information for displaying the savings information and the financial asset information on the same screen. 6. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 above, wherein the savings estimation means generates the savings information using the cost required for the subject to use the health improvement product identified by the product specification information. 7. The information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 above, wherein the savings estimation means acquires lifestyle data capable of identifying details of the subject's lifestyle, and generates the savings information using the lifestyle data.8. An information generating method in which a computer acquires product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product that is an item or service that improves a person's health condition, and generates savings information regarding an estimated amount of savings in the amount of expenses required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product indicated in the product identification information. 9. A program in which a computer has: an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product that is an item or service that improves a person's health condition, and savings estimation means for generating savings information regarding an estimated amount of savings in the amount of expenses required for the subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product indicated in the product identification information. 10. A recording medium having the program described in 9 recorded thereon.

[0099] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8, 9, and 10 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 8, 9, and 10, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0100] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-020645, filed February 14, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0101] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information generating device 20 Communication device 110 Acquisition unit 120 Expenditure amount estimation unit 130 Income amount estimation unit 140 Ratio acquisition unit 150 Setting unit 160 Reduction amount estimation unit 170 Financial assets estimation unit 180 Output unit

Claims

1. An information generating device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition; and a reduction amount estimation means for generating reduction amount information regarding an estimated amount of reduction in expenditures required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product identified by the product identification information.

2. An information generating device according to claim 1, wherein the reduction amount information includes information that can identify the reduction amount of expenses required to live from the first age to a third age that is lower than the second age.

3. An information generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reduction amount estimation means generates the reduction amount information using the reduction amount of at least one of medical expenses, nursing care expenses, food expenses, and housing expenses resulting from the subject's use of the health improvement product.

4. An information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the health improvement product is intended to improve at least one of nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental state or mental health, and social activity.

5. An information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: a financial asset estimation means for generating financial asset information relating to the trend of financial assets or the trend of investment profits from said financial assets between said first age and said second age of said subject; and an output means for outputting information for displaying said reduction amount information and said financial asset information on the same screen.

6. An information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reduction amount estimation means generates the reduction amount information using the cost required for the subject to use the health improvement product indicated by the product identification information.

7. An information generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reduction amount estimation means acquires lifestyle data that can identify the lifestyle details of the subject person, and generates the reduction amount information using the lifestyle data.

8. An information generation method in which a computer acquires product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition, and generates savings information regarding an estimated amount of savings in expenditures required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product identified by the product identification information.

9. A recording medium storing a program that provides a computer with: an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information capable of identifying a health improvement product, which is an item or service that improves a person's health condition; and a reduction amount estimation means for generating reduction amount information regarding an estimated amount of reduction in expenditures required for a subject to live from a first age to a second age if the subject uses the health improvement product identified by the product identification information.

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