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

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present application is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that, on the basis of an action related to wearing of an absorptive article (for example, a diaper) by a wearing subject (for example, an elderly person), acquires physical information pertaining to the body of the wearing subject; and a provision unit that, on the basis of the physical information acquired by the acquisition unit, provides proposal information pertaining to the proposal of a method for the wearing subject to wear the absorptive article.

Description

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

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for providing various types of information about absorbent articles to users. One example of such a technique is a technique for selecting a method of wearing an absorbent article to be suggested to a user based on the physical condition of the user, and suggesting the selected method of wearing the absorbent article to the user.

[0003] Patent No. 7063879

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques are not always able to propose an appropriate method for wearing an absorbent article depending on the wearer's actions regarding wearing the absorbent article.

[0005] For example, the above-mentioned conventional technologies merely suggest wearing methods based on the range of motion of the user's lower limb joints or trunk, and do not necessarily suggest an appropriate method for wearing an absorbent article depending on the wearer's movements related to wearing the absorbent article.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to propose an appropriate method for wearing an absorbent article depending on the wearer's actions regarding wearing the absorbent article.

[0007] The information processing device of the present application is characterized by having an acquisition unit that acquires physical information about the body of a wearer based on actions related to the wearer wearing an absorbent article, and a provision unit that provides suggested information regarding suggested methods for the wearer to wear the absorbent article based on the physical information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an appropriate method for wearing the absorbent article can be suggested depending on the wearer's actions regarding wearing the absorbent article.

[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 flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the correspondence between hand and foot positions and diaper wearing styles. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a wearing object information database 31 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a wearing style database 32 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 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 physical information about the body of a wearer based on the wearer's actions related to wearing the absorbent article, and a provision unit that provides suggested information regarding a method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article based on the physical information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0012] A wearer of an absorbent article such as a diaper (e.g., a care recipient) may become unable to move their body and be unable to put on the absorbent article by themselves. In such cases, they may give up on putting on the absorbent article by themselves, or may become angry or depressed at themselves for not being able to do so, or may feel guilty towards the caregiver. In such cases, the wearer's motivation to act may decrease, which may lead to a decrease in the will to live.

[0013] Furthermore, there is a serious shortage of caregivers who provide care for those who wear absorbent articles, and the workload per person is increasing. Therefore, if the wearer can put on absorbent articles by themselves, it will be a great help in improving the work efficiency of caregivers.

[0014] Therefore, according to Aspect 1, an appropriate method (way of putting on) the absorbent article can be suggested in accordance with the wearer's movements related to putting on the absorbent article. As a result, a way of putting on the absorbent article that enables the wearer to put on the absorbent article by themselves can be suggested based on the state of the wearer's physical movements, making it possible for the wearer to put on the absorbent article by themselves, giving the wearer a sense of joy from the sense of accomplishment of being able to put on the absorbent article by themselves, and improving the wearer's self-esteem, which in turn can improve their motivation to take action and their motivation to live.

[0015] Furthermore, by enabling the wearer to put on the absorbent article by themselves, the caregiver can devote the time that would have been spent helping the wearer put on the absorbent article to other tasks, thereby improving work efficiency.Furthermore, the caregiver can see the wearer feeling happy at being able to put on the absorbent article by themselves, which can improve the motivation of the caregiver.

[0016] In addition, in the second aspect, in the first aspect, the physical information indicating the positions of the hands and feet of the wearer is acquired.

[0017] For example, when suggesting how to wear an absorbent article based on information such as the wearer's range of motion, it is necessary to measure the wearer's range of motion using a goniometer or the like. However, in such cases, there may be variations in the operation of the caregiver or the like who measures using the goniometer or the like, which may result in a lack of accuracy. Furthermore, due to the specific body shapes of elderly people (e.g., default posture due to kyphosis, contracture, etc.) and the way they wear clothing (e.g., wearing loose clothing), it is very difficult to measure the range of motion of elderly people using a goniometer or the like. Therefore, according to Aspect 2, it is possible to suggest an appropriate way to wear an absorbent article based on physical information indicating, for example, the positions of the wearer's hands and feet, thereby making it possible to suggest a highly accurate way to wear the absorbent article.

[0018] In addition, in aspect 3, in aspect 1 or 2, the proposed information is provided which indicates the order in which the wearer should put their feet through the absorbent article when wearing the absorbent article.

[0019] According to the third aspect, for example, it is possible to suggest putting the feet through the absorbent article in the appropriate order, and therefore it is possible to suggest the appropriate way to wear the article.

[0020] In addition, in Aspect 4, in Aspect 3, the suggestion information is provided that suggests that one of the legs of the wearer, which has lower mobility, be put through the absorbent article first.

[0021] Here, when a wearer tries to put on an absorbent article by himself, he or she may first put the foot that is easier to move through the absorbent article, and then try to put the foot that is more difficult to move through the absorbent article. However, the process of putting the second foot through the absorbent article is more difficult than the process of putting the first foot through the absorbent article. Therefore, a situation may arise in which the wearer has to perform the more difficult process using the foot that is more difficult to move. Therefore, according to Aspect 3, for example, it is possible to suggest putting the foot that is more difficult to move through the absorbent article first, thereby easing the difficulty of putting on the absorbent article.

[0022] In addition, in aspect 5, in aspects 1 to 4, the proposed information is provided regarding a method proposed for the foot with lower mobility of the feet of the wearer.

[0023] According to this aspect 5, for example, it is possible to suggest a way of wearing the shoes depending on which of the left or right foot is more difficult to move, and therefore it is possible to suggest an appropriate way of wearing the shoes.

[0024] In addition, in aspect 6, in aspects 1 to 5, the proposed information indicating an operation to be performed on the absorbent article when the wearer wears the absorbent article is acquired.

[0025] According to aspect 6, for example, it is possible to suggest operations that will make it easier for the wearer to put on the absorbent article (for example, how to hold or spread the absorbent article), thereby reducing the difficulty of putting on the absorbent article.

[0026] In addition, in aspect 7, in aspects 1 to 6, related information regarding the physical mobility of the wearer is further acquired, and the suggested information is provided based on the physical information and the related information.

[0027] According to aspect 7, for example, it is possible to suggest how to wear the absorbent article depending on whether or not the wearer has paralysis and the degree of paralysis, and therefore it is possible to suggest an appropriate way to wear the article.

[0028] In addition, in aspect 8, in aspects 1 to 7, article information regarding an absorbent article worn by the wearer is further acquired, and the suggestion information is provided based on the body information and the article information.

[0029] According to aspect 8, for example, it is possible to suggest how to wear the absorbent article depending on the size and stretch of the absorbent article to be worn by the wearer, thereby making it possible to suggest an appropriate way to wear the absorbent article.

[0030] In addition, in aspect 9, in addition to aspects 1 to 8, equipment information regarding the equipment used by the wearer when wearing the absorbent article is obtained, and the suggested information is provided based on the physical information and the equipment information.

[0031] According to aspect 9, for example, it is possible to suggest how to wear the absorbent article depending on the footrest used by the wearer when wearing the absorbent article and the height of the place where the wearer sits, thereby making it possible to suggest an appropriate way to wear the absorbent article.

[0032] In addition, aspect 10 is information for identifying physical information about the body of the wearer based on the actions of the wearer related to wearing the absorbent article, and information indicating suggested information regarding a proposed method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article is output to a specified medium in correspondence with the physical information.

[0033] According to this aspect 10, for example, information such as a tool for identifying physical information and how to wear the absorbent article corresponding to the identified physical information can be output onto a predetermined medium (for example, the packaging of the absorbent article or a booklet packed together with the absorbent article), thereby improving convenience.

[0034] Furthermore, aspect 11 is a system for implementing a method of providing suggested information regarding a method for a wearer to wear an absorbent article based on physical information about the body of the wearer that is based on actions related to the wearer wearing the absorbent article, and the system includes a management means for managing information about the wearer and an instruction means for indicating information to the wearer for obtaining the suggested information.

[0035] According to such an eleventh aspect, for example, it is possible to suggest an appropriate way to wear an absorbent article in accordance with the wearer's movements in relation to wearing the absorbent article.

[0036] [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 terminal device 100. The information processing device 10 and the terminal device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see, for example, FIG. 5 ) so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless connection. 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 terminal devices 100.

[0037] The information processing device 10 is an information processing device that controls information processing, which will be described later, and is realized, for example, by a server device, a cloud system, etc. In the example of Fig. 1 , the information processing device 10 provides a suggestion service related to suggestions on how to wear an absorbent article (diaper).

[0038] The information processing device 10 may have a function as a web server that provides a website related to the proposed service. The information processing device 10 may also be a device that distributes information to the terminal device 100 to be displayed on an application related to the proposed service (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "proposed app") installed on the terminal device 100. The information processing device 10 may also be a server that distributes the application data itself.

[0039] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the terminal device 100. Here, the control information is described 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 proposed application itself distributed from the information processing device 10 may be regarded as the control information.

[0040] The terminal device 100 is an information processing device used by a caregiver who provides care to a person (care recipient) who is wearing an absorbent article. The terminal device 100 is realized, for example, by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. The terminal device 100 displays information distributed by the information processing device 10, etc., using a web browser or an application. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal device 100 is a smartphone used by the caregiver.

[0041] The terminal device 100 may be an information processing device used by the care recipient himself / herself. For example, the owner of the terminal device 100 is the care recipient, and the terminal device 100 is normally used by the care recipient, but may be used by a caregiver when implementing the embodiment described below.

[0042] The information processing performed by the information processing device 10 and the terminal device 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 . In the following description, it is assumed that the terminal device 100 is used by a caregiver (caregiver M1) identified by a caregiver ID "UID#1." In the following description, the terminal device 100 may be considered to be the same as the caregiver M1. In other words, in the following description, the caregiver M1 may also be considered to be the terminal device 100.

[0043] In the following description, it is assumed that a caregiver M1 is caring for a wearer (wearer U1) identified by a wearer ID "UID#1."

[0044] In the following description, it is assumed that the proposed application is pre-installed on the terminal device 100.

[0045] In the following description, "hand" refers to the fingertips of the upper limbs, and "foot" refers to the fingertips of the lower limbs.

[0046] First, the wearer U1 performs actions related to putting on a diaper (hereinafter, may be referred to as "wearing actions") (step S1). For example, the caregiver M1 launches a proposed app installed on the terminal device 100, performs an operation to measure (photograph) physical information related to the wearer U1's body, and instructs the wearer U1 to perform the wearing actions presented by the proposed app. The wearer U1 then performs the instructed wearing actions. As a specific example, the wearer U1 sits on a chair, table, bed, toilet, etc., and performs the wearing actions by raising his or her legs (hip flexion), leaning forward (trunk flexion), bringing his or her right hand and right foot closer together, and bringing his or her left hand and left foot closer together.

[0047] The wearer U1 may perform the wearing action of leaning forward without lifting his / her foot, bringing his / her right hand and right foot closer together, and bringing his / her left hand and left foot closer together. The wearer U1 may also perform the wearing action of lifting his / her foot without leaning forward, bringing his / her right hand and right foot closer together, and bringing his / her left hand and left foot closer together. The wearer U1 may also perform the wearing action of lifting his / her foot without lifting his / her foot and bringing his / her right hand and right foot closer together, and bringing his / her left hand and left foot closer together, without lifting his / her foot and leaning his / her body forward.

[0048] Next, the caregiver M1 takes an image of the wearer U1 performing the wearing action using the terminal device 100 (step S2). For example, the caregiver M1 takes an image #1 (e.g., a still image or a moving image) of the wearer U1 performing the wearing action via the proposed app. Note that steps S1 and S2 may be performed simultaneously in parallel.

[0049] Next, the information processing device 10 acquires physical information of the wearer U1 from the terminal device 100 (step S3). For example, the information processing device 10 acquires image #1 as the physical information.

[0050] Next, the information processing device 10 determines how the wearer U1 should put on the diaper based on the physical information (step S4). For example, the information processing device 10 determines how the wearer U1 should put on the diaper by himself.

[0051] Here, the procedure of the information processing executed by the information processing device 10 in steps S3 and S4 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the information processing executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0052] First, the information processing device 10 acquires physical information representing image #1. The information processing device 10 may further acquire related information relating to the physical mobility of the wearer U1 (e.g., the degree of hip flexion, the degree of trunk flexion, etc.). For example, the caregiver M1 inputs related information about the wearer U1, indicating parts of the wearer U1's body that are paralyzed, affected by illness, or affected by injury (in other words, parts of the body with low mobility), into the proposed app. Then, the information processing device 10 acquires the related information about the wearer U1 from the terminal device 100 via the proposed app.

[0053] The information processing device 10 may further acquire product information related to the diaper worn by the wearer U1. For example, the caregiver M1 inputs product information about the wearer U1, which indicates the type of diaper worn by the wearer U1, into the suggestion app. Then, the information processing device 10 acquires the product information about the wearer U1 from the terminal device 100 via the suggestion app.

[0054] The information processing device 10 may further acquire facility information related to the facility used by the wearer U1 when putting on the diaper. For example, the caregiver M1 inputs facility information of the wearer U1, which indicates the height of the place where the wearer U1 will sit (e.g., a chair, a table, a bed, a toilet, etc.) when the wearer U1 puts on the diaper, into the proposal app. Then, the information processing device 10 acquires the facility information of the wearer U1 from the terminal device 100 via the proposal app. Note that if the wearer U1 uses a footrest to put on the diaper, the information processing device 10 may acquire facility information indicating the height of the footrest.

[0055] Next, the information processing device 10 identifies the positions of the hands and feet of the wearer U1 when the wearing action is performed based on image #1. For example, the information processing device 10 identifies the height of the right foot of the wearer U1 from the floor, the height of the left foot from the floor, the distance between the right hand and right foot, whether the right hand and right foot are in contact with each other, the distance between the left hand and left foot, whether the left hand and left foot are in contact with each other, etc. when the wearing action is performed.

[0056] Next, the information processing device 10 determines which foot to put on the diaper first based on the mobility relationship determined based on the identified hand and foot positions. For example, if the right hand and right foot of the wearer U1 are in contact but the left hand and left foot are not in contact (in other words, if the left foot has lower mobility), the information processing device 10 determines to put on the left foot first. Also, if the left hand and left foot of the wearer U1 are in contact but the right hand and right foot are not in contact (in other words, if the right foot has lower mobility), the information processing device 10 determines to put on the right foot first. Also, if the right hand and right foot of the wearer U1 are not in contact, the left hand and left foot are not in contact, and the distance between the right hand and right foot is shorter than the distance between the left hand and left foot (in other words, if the left foot has lower mobility), the information processing device 10 determines to put on the left foot first.

[0057] The information processing device 10 may determine which leg to put the diaper on first based on information related to the wearer U1. For example, if the wearer U1 has paralysis in the right leg, the information processing device 10 determines that the right leg should be put on the diaper first.

[0058] That is, the information processing device 10 determines that the leg with the smaller range of motion should be put into the diaper first.

[0059] 2, it is assumed that the left foot of the wearer U1 is to be put on the diaper first. In this case, the information processing device 10 determines how to put on the left foot (hereinafter, this may be referred to as "how to put on the left foot") based on the positions of the left hand and left foot when the wearer U1 performs the putting action and the physical condition (e.g., mobility) estimated from those positions.

[0060] Here, a method for determining the left foot wearing style will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a graph showing the correspondence between the positions of the hands and feet and the way the diaper is worn.

[0061] The graph shown in FIG. 3 is a graph (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "correspondence graph") showing the correspondence between hand and foot positions and four types of diaper putting styles (first to fourth putting styles). For example, the vertical axis of the correspondence graph represents the hand position (e.g., height from the floor) when putting on the diaper, and the horizontal axis represents the foot position when putting on the diaper. Each of four regions (plot areas) on the correspondence graph corresponds to one of the first to fourth putting styles. The information processing device 10 then plots the positions of the left hand and left foot of the wearer U1 when putting on the diaper on the correspondence graph, and determines the putting style associated with the plotted region as the left foot putting style. In other words, one of the first to fourth putting styles is determined depending on the relationship between the positions of the left hand and left foot when putting on the diaper.

[0062] The information processing device 10 may determine multiple wearing styles as the left foot wearing style. For example, if the positions of the left hand and left foot of the wearer U1 when putting on a diaper are plotted at point P1 on the correspondence graph, the third wearing style may be determined as the first left foot wearing style (in other words, the most appropriate left foot wearing style for the wearer U1), and the fourth wearing style associated with the area closest to point P1 may be determined as the second left foot wearing style (in other words, the next most appropriate left foot wearing style for the wearer U1 after the first left foot wearing style). In other words, if the positions of the hands and feet are plotted within a predetermined range from the boundary line of an area on the correspondence graph, the information processing device 10 may determine multiple wearing styles adjacent to the boundary line as wearing styles for the wearer to put on a diaper by themselves.

[0063] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may determine how to wear the left foot based on related information of the wearer U1, product information, facility information, etc. For example, the information processing device 10 may determine how to wear the left foot using a correspondence graph corresponding to related information of the wearer U1, product information, facility information, etc.

[0064] 3 is merely an example, and the type of wearing style to be determined depending on the relationship between the hand and foot positions can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, any number of wearing styles can be set, not just four. Furthermore, the size and shape of the area associated with each wearing style can also be set arbitrarily.

[0065] 2, the explanation will be continued. Next, the information processing device 10 determines the wearing style when putting the right foot into the diaper (hereinafter, may be referred to as "right foot wearing style") based on the positions of the right hand and right foot when the wearing action was performed, the body condition estimated from the positions, and the determined left foot wearing style. For example, the information processing device 10 plots the positions of the right hand and right foot when the wearer U1 performs the wearing action on a correspondence graph associated with the left foot wearing style, and determines the wearing style associated with the plotted area as the right foot wearing style.

[0066] The information processing device 10 may determine a plurality of right foot wearing styles. For example, the information processing device 10 may determine a first right foot wearing style that is the most appropriate right foot wearing style for the wearer U1, and a second right foot wearing style that is next most appropriate after the first right foot wearing style.

[0067] The information processing device 10 may also determine how to wear the shoe on the right foot based on related information about the wearer U1, product information, facility information, and the like.

[0068] Continuing the explanation, returning to FIG. 1 , the information processing device 10 then provides the terminal device 100 with suggestion information regarding suggestions on how to put on a diaper (step S5). For example, the information processing device 10 provides, via a suggestion app, information suggesting that the left foot should be put on first, as well as suggestion information indicating how to put on the diaper with the left foot and how to put on the diaper with the right foot. Then, the caregiver M1 provides guidance to the wearer U1 on how to put on the diaper based on the provided suggestion information.

[0069] An example of information displayed on the terminal device 100 by the proposed application in the above-described process will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0070] 4, the terminal device 100 displays a screen C1 for capturing an image of the wearable target U1 performing a wearing action in steps S1 and S2. For example, the terminal device 100 displays the screen C1 including an area AR11 displaying the details of the wearing action and an area AR12 displaying an image captured by the terminal device 100 itself.

[0071] When an operation indicating that the photographing is completed is received from the caregiver M1, the terminal device 100 displays a screen C2. For example, the terminal device 100 displays the screen C2 including an area AR21 that displays the current physical condition of the wearer U1 and a button 21 for instructing the display of suggested information based on the image photographed on the screen C1.

[0072] When the caregiver M1 presses the button B21, the terminal device 100 displays a screen C3 that displays suggested information. For example, the terminal device 100 displays the screen C3 that includes an area AR31 that displays text information indicating how to put on the shoes on the left foot or the right foot, a video, or the like.

[0073] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment acquires physical information about the body of the wearer based on the wearer's actions related to putting on the diaper, and provides suggestion information about how the wearer should wear the diaper based on the physical information. This allows the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment to suggest an appropriate way to wear the absorbent article in accordance with the wearer's actions related to putting on the absorbent article.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 1, the information processing device 10 may provide any information as suggested information regarding how to put on a diaper. For example, the information processing device 10 may provide suggested information indicating how to handle the diaper (e.g., holding it with one hand, holding it with both hands, spreading the diaper out), how to lift the feet, how to use equipment such as a footrest, etc.

[0076] 1 , the information processing device 10 may output information to be printed on a predetermined medium, such as a tool for identifying physical information and information on how to wear a diaper corresponding to the identified physical information, to a predetermined device (e.g., a printing device, a terminal device used by an administrator who manages the printing device, etc.). For example, the information processing device 10 outputs information to be printed on a diaper package or a booklet packed together with an absorbent article in the package. To give a specific example, the information processing device 10 outputs a tool for identifying physical information, information indicating the putting-on action when identifying the physical information (e.g., text or images showing the steps of the putting-on action, or a QR code (registered trademark) showing a video of the putting-on action), and information indicating how to wear a diaper corresponding to the identified physical information (e.g., text or images showing the steps of the putting-on action, or a QR code showing a video of the putting-on action).

[0077] In such a case, the caregiver M1 uses a tool to identify the physical information of the wearer U1. Then, by referring to the wearing instructions associated with the physical information, the caregiver M1 provides the wearer U1 with instructions on how to wear the diaper. For example, the caregiver M1 reads a QR code showing a moving image of the putting-on action using the terminal device 100 and transmits information (e.g., a URL) indicated by the QR code to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 then outputs to the terminal device 100 a moving image of the putting-on action corresponding to the information transmitted from the terminal device 100. The caregiver M1 also reads a QR code showing the putting-on action associated with the physical information using the terminal device 100 and transmits the information indicated by the QR code to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 then outputs to the terminal device 100 a moving image of the putting-on action corresponding to the information transmitted from the terminal device 100.

[0078] 2-3. Information for Obtaining Suggested Information In the example of FIG. 1 , the information processing device 10 may provide information (e.g., the positions of the hands and feet of the wearer U1 based on physical information) for obtaining suggested information (i.e., how to put on a diaper) to the wearer U1 or the caregiver M1. For example, the wearer U1 or the caregiver M1 possesses a predetermined medium (e.g., a document) on which a correspondence between the positions of the hands and feet and how to put on a diaper is output. The information processing device 10 also manages the physical information of the wearer U1 acquired from the terminal device 100 in a storage unit of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 then provides the wearer U1 and the caregiver M1 with the positions of the hands and feet of the wearer U1 based on the physical information via a suggestion app. The wearer U1 and the caregiver M1 then determine that the diaper wearing style associated with the positions of the hands and feet displayed via the suggestion app on the medium is a style for the wearer U1 to put on a diaper by themselves.

[0079] [2-4. Hands and Feet] In the example of FIG. 1, "hands" refer to the fingertips of the upper limbs, and "feet" refer to the fingertips of the lower limbs, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, "hands" may refer to elbows or wrists. "Feet" may refer to knees or ankles. In other words, any part of the body may be used as long as the physical condition can be estimated.

[0080] 3. Configuration of Information Processing Device Next, the configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0081] (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 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 100, etc.

[0082] (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. 5 , the storage unit 30 has a wearing target information database 31 and a wearing style database 32.

[0083] (About the wearable object information database 31) The wearable object information database 31 stores various information related to a wearable object. Here, an example of information stored in the wearable object information database 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the wearable object information database 31 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, the wearable object information database 31 has items such as "wearable object ID," "body information," "related information," "item information," and "equipment information."

[0084] "Target ID" indicates identification information for identifying the target wearer. "Physical information" indicates information related to the target wearer's body, and for example, information such as an image of the target wearer when performing the putting-on action is stored. "Related information" indicates information related to the target wearer's physical mobility, and for example, information such as paralyzed parts of the target wearer's body, parts affected by illness, or parts affected by injury is stored. "Item information" indicates information related to the absorbent article worn by the target wearer, and for example, information indicating the type of absorbent article is stored. "Facility information" indicates information related to the equipment used by the target wearer when wearing the absorbent article, and for example, information indicating the height of the place where the target wearer sits when wearing the absorbent article, and information such as the height of the footrest used by the target wearer when wearing the absorbent article is stored.

[0085] That is, Figure 6 shows an example in which the physical information of the wearer identified by the wearer ID "UID#1" is "Physical Information #1", the related information is "Related Information #1", the item information is "Item Information #1", and the equipment information is "Equipment Information #1".

[0086] (About the wearing style database 32) The wearing style database 32 stores various information regarding the correspondence between the positions of the wearer's hands and feet and the method (wearing style) for the wearer to wear the absorbent article. Here, an example of information stored in the wearing style database 32 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the wearing style database 32 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7, the wearing style database 32 has items such as "wearing style ID," "target information," and "wearing style information."

[0087] "Wearing style ID" indicates identification information for identifying the wearing style. "Target information" indicates information about the wearer to whom the wearing style indicated by the "Wearing style ID" is proposed, and stores, for example, information indicating the positions of the wearer's hands and feet. "Wearing style information" indicates information about the steps for wearing the shoes, and stores, for example, information such as text information and images showing the wearing style.

[0088] That is, FIG. 7 shows an example in which the target information of the wearing style identified by the wearing style ID "WID#1" is "target information #1" and the wearing style information of that wearing style is "wearing style information #1."

[0089] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by 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, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in FIG. 5 , the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has an acquisition unit 41, a provision unit 42, an output unit 43, a management unit 44, and an instruction unit 45, and realizes or executes the functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0090] (Regarding the Acquisition Unit 41) The acquisition unit 41 acquires physical information about the body of a wearer U1 based on the wearer's actions related to putting on the absorbent article. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the acquisition unit 41 acquires physical information based on the wearer U1's actions related to putting on the diaper, and stores the information in the storage unit 30.

[0091] The acquisition unit 41 may also acquire physical information indicating the positions of the hands and feet of the wearer. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the acquisition unit 41 acquires an image #1 indicating the positions of the hands and feet of the wearer U1 as physical information.

[0092] The acquisition unit 41 may further acquire related information related to the mobility of the body of the wearer. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the acquisition unit 41 acquires related information related to the mobility of the body of the wearer U1 and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0093] The acquisition unit 41 may further acquire article information related to an absorbent article worn by the wearer. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the acquisition unit 41 acquires article information related to a diaper worn by the wearer U1 and stores the information in the storage unit 30.

[0094] The acquisition unit 41 may further acquire facility information related to the facility used when the wearer U1 puts on the absorbent article. For example, in the example of FIG. 1 , the acquisition unit 41 acquires facility information related to the facility used when the wearer U1 puts on the diaper, and stores the facility information in the storage unit 30.

[0095] (Regarding the providing unit 42) The providing unit 42 provides proposal information relating to a proposal of a method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article, based on the physical information acquired by the acquiring unit 41. For example, in the example of Fig. 1 , the providing unit 42 refers to the storage unit 30, and determines, based on the physical information, a way for the wearer U1 to put on the diaper by himself, and provides proposal information relating to a proposal of the determined way of putting on the diaper to the terminal device 100.

[0096] Furthermore, the providing unit 42 may provide suggestion information indicating the order in which the wearer should put their legs through the absorbent article when putting on the absorbent article. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 42 provides suggestion information suggesting that the wearer put their left leg through the diaper first.

[0097] Furthermore, the providing unit 42 may provide suggestion information suggesting that one of the legs of the wearer, which has lower mobility, be put through the absorbent article first. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 42 provides suggestion information suggesting that the left leg, which has lower mobility, be put through the diaper first.

[0098] The providing unit 42 may also provide suggestion information regarding a suggestion of a method according to the foot with lower mobility of the target foot. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 42 provides suggestion information regarding a suggestion of a right-foot wearing style determined based on a left-foot wearing style.

[0099] The providing unit 42 may also acquire suggestion information indicating operations to be performed on the absorbent article when the wearer U1 puts on the absorbent article. For example, in the example of Fig. 1 , the providing unit 42 provides suggestion information indicating operations to be performed on the diaper when the wearer U1 puts on the diaper.

[0100] The providing unit 42 may provide suggested information based on the physical information and related information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 42 provides suggested information regarding a suggested way of wearing a diaper determined based on the physical information and related information of the wearer U1.

[0101] The providing unit 42 may provide the suggested information based on the physical information and the article information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 42 provides the suggested information regarding a suggested way of wearing the diaper determined based on the physical information and the article information of the wearer U1.

[0102] The providing unit 42 may provide the suggested information based on the physical information and the facility information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the providing unit 42 provides the suggested information regarding a suggested way of wearing the diaper determined based on the physical information and the facility information of the wearer U1.

[0103] (Regarding the output unit 43) The output unit 43 outputs to a predetermined medium information for identifying physical information about the body of a wearer based on the wearer's actions related to putting on the absorbent article, and information indicating proposal information related to a proposal for a method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article, in association with the physical information. For example, in the example of Fig. 1 , the output unit 43 outputs a tool for identifying the physical information, information indicating the putting actions used to identify the physical information, and information indicating how to put on a diaper corresponding to the identified physical information.

[0104] (Regarding the management unit 44) The management unit 44 manages various types of information. For example, the management unit 44 manages information about the wearer. To give a specific example, the management unit 44 stores and manages physical information about the wearer in the storage unit 30.

[0105] (Regarding the instruction unit 45) The instruction unit 45 provides the wearer with information for obtaining suggested information. For example, the instruction unit 45 provides the wearer with the positions of the wearer's hands and feet based on the body information via a suggestion app. The instruction unit 45 may also provide the wearer with information for obtaining suggested information to a caregiver of the wearer.

[0106] 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. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0107] 8, the information processing device 10 determines whether or not physical information about the body of the wearer has been acquired (step S101). If the physical information has not been acquired (step S101; No), the information processing device 10 waits until the physical information is acquired. On the other hand, if the physical information has been acquired (step S101; Yes), the information processing device 10 provides, based on the physical information, suggestion information about a method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article (step S102), and ends the process.

[0108] 5. Modifications The information processing device 10 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment.

[0109] [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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0112] 6. Hardware Configuration The information processing device 10 and the terminal device 100 in the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 9, for example. Fig. 9 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing system 10 Information processing device 20 Communication unit 30 Storage unit 31 Wearing object information database 32 Wearing style database 40 Control unit 41 Acquisition unit 42 Provision unit 43 Output unit 44 Management unit 45 Instruction unit 100 Terminal device

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires physical information about the body of a wearer based on the wearer's actions related to wearing an absorbent article; and a provision unit that provides suggested information about a method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article based on the physical information acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the physical information indicating the positions of the hands and feet of the wearer.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the providing unit provides the suggested information indicating the order in which the wearer should put their feet through the absorbent article when wearing the absorbent article.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the providing unit provides the suggestion information suggesting that the foot with lower mobility of the wearer's foot be put through the absorbent article first.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the providing unit provides the proposal information regarding a proposal of a method according to the foot with lower mobility of the wearer's feet.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the providing unit acquires the suggested information indicating operations to be performed on the absorbent article when the wearer wears the absorbent article.

7. The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit further acquires related information regarding the physical mobility of the wearer, and the provision unit provides the suggested information based on the physical information and the related information.

8. The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit further acquires product information regarding absorbent products worn by the wearer, and the provision unit provides the suggested information based on the physical information and the product information.

9. The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition unit further acquires equipment information regarding equipment used by the wearer when wearing the absorbent article, and the provision unit provides the suggested information based on the physical information and the equipment information.

10. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring physical information about the body of a wearer based on actions related to wearing an absorbent article by the wearer; and a provision step of providing suggested information regarding a suggested method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article based on the physical information acquired by the acquisition step.

11. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute an acquisition procedure for acquiring physical information about the body of a wearer based on the wearer's actions related to wearing an absorbent article, and a provision procedure for providing suggested information about a method for the wearer to wear the absorbent article based on the physical information acquired by the acquisition procedure.

12. An output device characterized by having an output unit that outputs to a specified medium information for identifying physical information about the body of a wearer based on the wearer's actions related to wearing an absorbent article, and information indicating suggested information related to suggested methods for the wearer to wear the absorbent article, in association with the physical information.

13. A system for implementing a method of providing suggested information regarding a method for a wearer to wear an absorbent article based on physical information about the body of the wearer that is based on actions related to the wearer wearing the absorbent article, the system comprising: a management means for managing the information about the wearer; and an instruction means for indicating to the wearer information for obtaining the suggested information.

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