Advice system, advice method, advice program, and advice device

Abstract

An advice system (1) provides advice relating to the life of a subject to the subject. The advice system (1) comprises a measurement device (11) that measures advanced glycation end products of the subject, and an advice device (50) that outputs advice information indicating advice on the basis of a measurement result of the advanced glycation end products acquired from the measurement device (11). The advice device (50) identifies timing information enabling identification of the timing at which the measurement result was obtained, estimates a factor that affects the measurement result on the basis of the timing information, and outputs advice information on the basis of the factor.

Description

Advice system, advice method, advice program, and advice device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an advice system, an advice method, an advice program, and an advice device that provide advice regarding life.

[0002] As one of the substances that cause aging, advanced glycation end products (AGEs: Advanced Glycation End products, hereinafter also referred to as "AGEs") are mentioned. AGEs is a general term for a plurality of compounds, and is produced by the reaction of sugar and protein binding and undergoing oxidation, condensation, and dehydration. AGEs mainly accumulate in the body due to various factors such as eating habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, inflammation against fever or injury, and stress. The accumulation of AGEs is considered to cause lifestyle diseases (for example, diabetes, dementia, etc.) or age-related diseases.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2022 / 185554) discloses a health management system that measures AGEs of a subject using an AGEs measuring device. In the health management system of Patent Document 1, a plurality of test items other than AGEs are tested, and advice regarding the health status of the subject can be provided based on both the measurement result of AGEs and the measurement results of the plurality of test items.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 185554

[0005] Since AGEs is a numerical value affected by the various factors described above, when only AGEs is tested as a test item, it is difficult to identify what factors are causing the fluctuations in AGEs. In a situation where the factors causing the fluctuations in AGEs cannot be identified, appropriate improvement items to be pointed out cannot be appropriately identified, and thus appropriate advice may not be provided to the subject. If inappropriate advice is provided to the subject, the subject may lose motivation for their own health management.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that provides appropriate advice depending on the factors that have affected the changes in AGEs.

[0007] The advice system described herein is an advice system that provides advice to a person being measured regarding their lifestyle. The advice system comprises a measuring device that measures the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) of a person being measured, and an advice device that outputs advice information based on the measurement results of AGEs obtained from the measuring device. The advice device identifies time information that allows for the identification of the time when the measurement results were obtained, estimates factors that may affect the measurement results based on the time information, and outputs advice information based on the factors.

[0008] The advice method described herein is an advice method that provides advice to a subject regarding their lifestyle. The advice method comprises the steps of: obtaining the measurement results of the subject's advanced glycation end products as a process to be executed by a computing device; identifying time information that allows for the identification of the time when the measurement results were obtained; estimating factors that may affect the measurement results based on the time information; and outputting advice information that provides advice based on the factors.

[0009] The advice program described herein is an advice program that provides advice to a subject regarding their lifestyle. The advice program causes a computing device to perform the following steps: acquire the measurement results of the subject's advanced glycation end products; identify time information that can identify the time when the measurement results were obtained; estimate factors that affect the measurement results based on the time information; and output advice information that provides advice based on the factors.

[0010] The advice device described herein is an advice device that provides advice to a person being measured regarding their lifestyle. The advice device comprises a computing device and a communication device that is communicably connected to the computing device. The communication device acquires the measurement results of the person being measured for advanced glycation end products, the computing device identifies time information that allows it to identify the time when the measurement results were obtained, estimates factors that may affect the measurement results based on the time information, and outputs advice information that provides advice based on the factors.

[0011] According to this disclosure, appropriate advice can be given depending on the factors that have influenced the changes in AGEs.

[0012] This is a diagram showing the advice system according to this embodiment. This is a diagram showing the configuration of the advice device according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram for explaining the user identification information table stored by the advice device according to this embodiment. This is a diagram for explaining the browsing information table stored by the advice device according to this embodiment. This is a diagram for explaining the factor table stored by the advice device according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram showing a flowchart of the advice processing performed by the advice device according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram showing an example of a comprehensive analysis screen for the measurement results of AGEs measured on January 3, 2025. This is a diagram showing an example of a comprehensive analysis screen for the measurement results of AGEs measured on June 15, 2024. This is a diagram showing an example of a comprehensive analysis screen for the measurement results of AGEs measured on August 1, 2024. This is a diagram showing an example of a comprehensive analysis screen for the measurement results of AGEs measured on March 20, 2024. This is a diagram showing the configuration of the advice device according to Embodiment 2. This is a diagram for explaining the factor table stored by the advice device according to Embodiment 2. This is a diagram showing a flowchart of the advice processing performed by the advice device according to Embodiment 2. This is a diagram showing an example of a comprehensive analysis screen for the measurement results of AGEs measured on January 2, 2025. This figure shows the configuration of the advice device according to Embodiment 3. This figure illustrates the factor table stored by the advice device according to Embodiment 3. This figure shows a flowchart of the advice processing performed by the advice device according to Embodiment 3. This figure shows an example of a comprehensive analysis screen for the measurement results of AGEs of a subject with user ID "U2" measured on January 11, 2025.

[0013] This embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated in principle.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> [Configuration of the Advice System] The advice system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the advice system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the advice system 1 comprises an AGEs measuring device 11 for measuring the AGEs of a person being measured, an advice device 50, and a display device 30. The person being measured includes healthy individuals, individuals suspected of having lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes or age-related diseases, individuals who have already developed lifestyle-related diseases or age-related diseases, and elderly people using nursing care facilities.

[0015] The AGEs measuring device 11 non-invasively measures the AGEs of a person being measured. Among the various compounds contained in AGEs, some have the property of emitting fluorescence when irradiated with specific light. The AGEs measuring device 11 measures the AGEs of a person being measured by utilizing the properties of such compounds. Specifically, the AGEs measuring device 11 receives the fluorescence excited by light irradiated onto the person's skin using a photodetector, and measures the degree of AGE accumulation based on the intensity of the received fluorescence.

[0016] Since AGEs can change over a period of one to several weeks, the subject measures their AGEs at a frequency of, for example, once every week or several weeks. The AGE measurement results obtained by the AGEs measuring device 11 are transmitted to the advice device 50 as subject data. The AGE measurement results obtained by the AGEs measuring device 11 include, for example, the intensity of the fluorescence received by the AGEs measuring device 11 and a value converted from the degree of AGE accumulation to a score. The AGE measurement results may also include a corrected value obtained by correcting the intensity of the fluorescence received by the AGEs measuring device 11 and the value converted from the degree of AGE accumulation to a score.

[0017] Furthermore, the AGEs measuring device 11 transmits timestamp information indicating the date on which the AGEs measurement results were obtained to the advice device 50. In the example of Embodiment 1, the timestamp information includes only the month and day. The timestamp information may also include the year, month, and day, or it may include the year, month, and day plus the time. In other words, the timestamp information only needs to indicate the timing at which the AGEs measurement results were obtained.

[0018] In this manner, the advice device 50 acquires the measurement results of the subject's AGEs obtained by the AGEs measuring device 11 as subject data, and also acquires the date on which the AGEs measuring device 11 measured the subject's AGEs.

[0019] The display device 30 is owned or used by the user. The display device 30 is an information terminal that can communicate with the advice device 50 via a network, such as a desktop PC, laptop PC, smartphone, smartwatch, wearable device, and tablet PC. By using the display device 30 to directly or indirectly access the advice device 50, the user can obtain various types of information, such as the advice information described later, stored in the advice device 50.

[0020] A user is a user of the services provided by Advice System 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "Information Provision Service"). Specifically, a user may be the person being measured or a supporter. Alternatively, a user may be a family member, relative, or other person related to the person being measured (for example, an acquaintance) who has been granted permission to view the measurement results of the person being measured by the person being measured or their supporter.

[0021] Supporters are individuals who support the person being measured and include staff at care facilities, social workers at care facilities, doctors at hospitals or clinics, nurses at hospitals or clinics, and instructors or nutrition advisors at fitness gyms.

[0022] The advice device 50 is managed by the service provider that provides the information provision service. The service provider may also be the manufacturer of the AGEs measuring device 11 that leases the AGEs measuring device 11 to users such as those being measured or supporters. The advice device 50 functions as a cloud computer and communicates with both the AGEs measuring device 11 and the display device 30.

[0023] Here, the AGEs measurement values ​​in the subject data can fluctuate depending on various factors such as dietary habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, inflammation, and stress. For example, when the current AGEs measurement value has changed from the previous AGEs measurement value, the advice device 50 cannot determine what factors caused the change in the AGEs measurement value based solely on the AGEs measurement value.

[0024] Generally, the rhythm of a subject's lifestyle is not always constant, but is influenced by the food culture, climate, and social customs of the region where they live. In other words, a subject's lifestyle usually varies from time to time. To give a concrete example from the perspective of regional food culture, the types of food that can be harvested change with the seasons throughout the year in each region. Therefore, the types of food a subject consumes are not always constant throughout the year, but often vary depending on the season. Globally, there are many regions that hold festivals during seasons of abundant food harvests, and people who participate in such festivals may eat more elaborate meals than they would at normal times when no festival is taking place.

[0025] The eating habits of those measured can also be influenced by other cultural factors. For example, in Western countries, there is a culture of enjoying lavish meals with family during the Christmas holidays in late December, or traveling and having more extravagant meals than usual. In Japan, many people enjoy meals with their families during the New Year's holidays from January 1st to 3rd. Such seasonal events often have a significant impact on the lifestyle habits of those measured, and it is difficult to avoid the influence of these seasonal events. In other words, it is common for each person measured to have periods when it is difficult to avoid changes in their lifestyle habits.

[0026] If advice, including suggestions to improve eating habits, is given to subjects during a period when it is difficult to avoid the aforementioned changes in eating habits, subjects may lose motivation to manage their own health and their receptiveness to advice may decrease.

[0027] Therefore, in the advice system 1 according to this embodiment, the advice device 50 of Embodiment 1 identifies the period in which the measurement results were obtained based on the date on which the AGEs measurement values ​​were obtained. Based on the identified period, the advice device 50 estimates the factors that affect the fluctuations in the AGEs measurement values, and is configured to generate advice information regarding the lifestyle of the person being measured based on the estimated factors and the AGEs measurement values ​​obtained by the AGEs measuring device 11.

[0028] Specifically, when the advice device 50 acquires subject data, it stores the acquired subject data together with previously acquired subject data. Based on a table that associates date information and time information, the advice device 50 identifies the time period in which the AGEs measurement value was obtained from the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained. The advice device 50 determines what kind of influence the identified time period may have on the fluctuations of the AGEs measurement value, and provides advice based on that determination.

[0029] The advice device 50 stores the subject data and the advice information generated based on the subject data as viewable information that can be viewed by users such as the subject, supporters, and viewers. The advice information includes advice on at least one of the subject's eating habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, and mental health.

[0030] When a user requests browsing information using the display device 30, the advice device 50 outputs the browsing information to the display device 30 in response to the request from the display device 30. The display device 30 then displays the browsing information obtained from the advice device 50.

[0031] As a result, the advice device 50 can estimate, based on the date the AGEs measurement was obtained, what kind of influence the fluctuations in AGEs might have occurred during that period, in addition to the AGEs measurement value. Based on the estimated time information, the advice device 50 can generate advice information and provide appropriate advice to the subject or supporter. Even a supporter with poor counseling skills can provide advice to the subject that is less likely to lower their motivation, thus avoiding a decrease in the subject's receptiveness to the advice.

[0032] [Configuration of the Advice Device] The configuration of the advice device 50 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the advice device 50 comprises a calculation unit 510, a storage device 520, and a communication device 530.

[0033] The arithmetic unit 510 is a computer (arithmetic entity) that performs various processes according to various programs. The arithmetic unit 510 includes, for example, at least one of the following: CPU (Central Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and MPU (Multi Processing Unit). Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 510 may include volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The arithmetic unit 510 may also be composed of processing circuits.

[0034] The storage device 520 includes non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 520 stores various programs and data, including an advice program 521 executed by the arithmetic unit 510, user identification information 522 referenced by the arithmetic unit 510, browsing information 523 viewable by the user using the display device 30, pre-prepared advice information 524, and timing information 525 for estimating factors that may affect fluctuations in AGEs, and date information 526 associated with the timing information 525.

[0035] The storage device 520 may include volatile memory such as DRAM and SRAM, and non-volatile memory such as ROM and flash memory. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 510 may be equipped with a media reader (not shown). The arithmetic unit 510 may receive a removable disk, which is a storage medium, using the media reader, and acquire various programs and data from the removable disk, such as an advice program 521, user identification information 522, advice information 524, timing information 525, and date information 526.

[0036] The advice program 521 defines various commands to be executed in order to generate advice information based on the subject data acquired via the communication device 530.

[0037] The user identification information 522 includes information about the user, such as the user ID, password, and username. The advice device 50 can identify the user using the user identification information 522.

[0038] The browsing information 523 includes subject information, which includes information about the person being measured; AGEs information, which includes information about the AGEs measurement value of the person being measured obtained from the AGEs measuring device 11; date information; and advice information based on time information.

[0039] The advice information 524 includes multiple types of advice regarding the subject's lifestyle and is stored in the storage device 520 in a selectable format according to the content of the subject's data. The computing device 510 selects at least one piece of advice from the multiple types of advice included in the advice information 524 based on the subject's data and includes it in the browsing information 523. The advice regarding the subject's lifestyle includes, for example, advice regarding the subject's eating habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, and mental health.

[0040] The communication device 530 receives subject data from the AGEs measuring device 11 via wired or wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication device 530 transmits browsing information to the display device 30 via wired or wireless communication.

[0041] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the user identification information table stored by the advice device 50 according to this embodiment. The advice device 50 stores user identification information 522 using the user identification information table in Figure 3.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the user identification information table stores various information about the user, such as the user ID, password, and username, as user identification information 522. Each user who uses the information provision service is identified by the user identification information 522. For example, the first user is assigned the user ID "U1", and the second user is assigned the user ID "U2".

[0043] Of the user identification information 522, the user ID, password, and username are entered by each user from the display device 30. The display device 30 outputs the entered user identification information 522 to the advice device 50. The advice device 50 stores the user identification information 522 obtained from the display device 30 in the storage device 520 by storing it in the user identification information table.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a browsing information table stored in the advice device 50 according to the present embodiment. The advice device 50 stores browsing information 523 using the browsing information table of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the browsing information table stores various types of information that can be browsed by the user, such as measured person information, AGEs information, date information, and advice information, in association with the user ID. Hereinafter, using the factor table, specifying the timing information 525 based on the date when the measurement result was obtained will be described.

[0045] [Example of Timing Information] An example of the timing information 525 in the advice system 1 will be described while referring to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a factor table stored in the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 1. The advice device 50 stores the timing information 525 and the date information 526 using the factor table of FIG. 5.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the factor table of Embodiment 1 stores various types of information such as date information 526, timing information 525, factors, advice information at the time of AGEs deterioration, advice information at the time of AGEs improvement, and user ID, in association with each other. In the example of FIG. 5, the various types of information are stored in one table, but they may be stored separately in a plurality of tables.

[0047] In Embodiment 1, the timing information 525 is information indicating the season when the measurement result was obtained. The season in the present embodiment is not limited to the climatic spring, summer, autumn, winter, rainy season, and dry season, but is a season in the cultural aspect, and includes, for example, the above-mentioned New Year's Day, Christmas, and the like. The content of the timing information 525 can be changed according to various properties such as the place of residence, age, gender, occupation, or religion of the measured person to be measured. In the example of Embodiment 1, an example of the timing information 525 when providing advice to a measured person living in Japan is shown. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the timing information 525 includes information such as "New Year's Day", "Bon Festival", "Autumn of Appetite", "Christmas", "Rainy Season", "Summer", "Winter", "Busy Season", and the like.

[0048] For each period included in the period information 525, a corresponding date is associated as date information 526. As shown in FIG. 5, the date information 526 includes information such as "January 1st to January 3rd", "August 13th to August 16th", "October 1st to November 30th", "December 15th to December 31st", "June 1st to June 30th", "July 1st to August 31st", "December 1st to February 28th (29th in a leap year)", "March 1st to March 31st", and the like.

[0049] Furthermore, for each period included in the period information 525, factors that can affect the variation of AGEs are associated. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the factors stored are "eating habits", "exercise habits", "sleep habits", and "stress".

[0050] Focusing on the period of "New Year's Day" in the factor table, "New Year's Day" is the period from January 1st to January 10th, and it is shown that eating habits are likely to be disrupted. Similarly, "Obon" is the period from August 13th to August 16th, and it is shown that eating habits are likely to be disrupted. Obon is a Japanese culture and, like New Year's Day, is a time to enjoy meals with family.

[0051] "Autumn of Appetite" is the period from October 1st to November 30th. Since it is a season blessed with abundant food in Japan, it is shown that more luxurious food is likely to be provided than usual and eating habits are likely to be disrupted. "Christmas" is the period of December 24th, and it is shown that eating habits are likely to be disrupted.

[0052] "Rainy Season" is the period from June 1st to June 30th. In Japan, it is the rainy season and outdoor exercise is restricted, so the opportunity for exercise decreases, indicating that AGEs may vary. "Summer" is the period from July 1st to August 31st. In Japan, it is a season with high temperatures, and it is shown that it is difficult to fall asleep due to the heat and the quality of sleep decreases. "Winter" is the period from December 1st to February 28th (29th). In Japan, it is a season with low temperatures, and it is shown that it is difficult to sleep soundly due to the cold and the quality of sleep decreases.

[0053] "New Year's Day," "Obon Festival," "Autumn Appetite," "Christmas," "Rainy Season," "Summer," and "Winter" are seasons that can affect the general Japanese population, and therefore no user is associated with any user ID. On the other hand, "busy season" is a period set for each user, and is associated with a user ID. In other words, the date information 526 associated with the "busy season" is generated by the date information being pre-entered by the person being measured or a supporter. In the example in Figure 5, the "busy season" for the person being measured with user ID "U1" is from March 1st to March 31st, and since the workplace of the person being measured with user ID "U1" is busy during this period, it is shown that the person being measured is likely to experience increased stress.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, each period included in the period information 525 is associated with advice information for when AGEs worsen and advice information for when AGEs improve. The advice information for when AGEs worsen includes the text of the advice displayed when the AGEs measurement result has worsened compared to the previous measurement result. The advice information for when AGEs improve includes the text of the advice displayed when the AGEs measurement result has improved compared to the previous measurement result.

[0055] Both the advice information for when AGEs worsen and the advice information for when AGEs improve include wording that suggests the associated time information 525. In the advice information for when AGEs worsen, it is preferable to include wording that aligns with the factors associated with the time information 525 and the worsening caused by those factors, rather than wording that simply requests improvement for the worsening measurement results. Here, aligning wording is not a statement that negates the person being measured, but rather a statement that encourages acceptance of the factors themselves, which were difficult to avoid. For example, if the measurement results obtained during the "New Year's" period were worse than the previous measurement results, the advice information for when AGEs worsen could include wording such as, "The New Year's period is a time when eating habits tend to change. New Year's specific eating habits may be influencing AGEs," or "The New Year's period is a time when eating habits tend to change, so accept the worsening of AGEs due to the New Year's period and aim for improvement at the next measurement." Note that the factor table in Figure 5 may also include advice information for cases where there was neither worsening nor improvement.

[0056] [Processing of the Advice Device] The processing of the advice device 50 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the advice processing performed by the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 1. The processing steps shown in Figure 6 (hereinafter abbreviated as "S") are realized by the arithmetic unit 510 executing the advice program 521.

[0057] As shown in Figure 9, the advice device 50 obtains the AGEs measurement value and the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained from the AGEs measuring device 11 (S1). Based on the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained, the advice device 50 identifies the timing information (S2). That is, the advice device 50 determines whether or not the date information 526 corresponding to the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained is stored in the factor table in Figure 5.

[0058] For example, if the date on which the AGEs measurement was obtained is January 2nd, the advice device 50 identifies that it is the "New Year's" period. In another example, if the date on which the AGEs measurement was obtained is June 10th, the advice device 50 identifies that it is the "rainy season" period. In yet another example, if the date on which the AGEs measurement was obtained is a date not stored as date information 526, such as April 1st, the advice device 50 identifies that the date on which the AGEs measurement was obtained was not a period that could affect the fluctuations of AGEs.

[0059] Next, the advice device 50 estimates the factors that influence the fluctuation of AGEs based on the identified time information (S3). For example, if the period of "New Year's Day" is identified in step S2, the advice device 50 estimates "eating habits" as a factor. Also, if the period of "rainy season" is identified in step S2, the advice device 50 estimates "exercise habits" as a factor. Furthermore, if it is identified in step S2 that the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained was not a period that could influence the fluctuation of AGEs, the advice device 50 estimates that there were no factors that could influence the fluctuation of AGEs.

[0060] The advice device 50 generates advice information based on factors that may affect the estimated fluctuations in AGEs (S4). The advice device 50 stores the advice information as browsing information 523 in the storage device 520 (S5). As a result, the advice device 50 can allow the user to view the advice information by outputting the advice information stored as browsing information 523 to the display device 30 in response to a request from the display device 30.

[0061] [Example of display of browsing information] An example of the display of browsing information 523 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Figures 7 to 10 show an example of the display screen of the display device 30 according to Embodiment 1.

[0062] When a user runs an application program to use the information provision service using the display device 30, the display device 30 displays a login screen (not shown) on the display 390. When the user enters a user ID and password on the login screen, the display device 30 outputs the user ID and password to the advice device 50. When the advice device 50 authenticates the user based on the user ID and password, the display device 30 displays a comprehensive analysis screen 35 for viewing the comprehensive analysis results on the display 390, as shown in Figure 7.

[0063] The comprehensive analysis screen 35 includes the measurement date 350, an image 351 showing the AGEs score corresponding to the comprehensive analysis result, and an image 352 showing advice regarding at least one of the following: eating habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, and mental health. The advice device 50 calculates a score corresponding to the comprehensive analysis result shown in image 351 based on the AGEs measurement result. In the examples in Figures 7 to 10, the AGEs score is shown as "0.51," and each example shows a worsening of the previous measurement result. In this way, the user can view the advice information provided to the person being measured using the display device 30.

[0064] Figure 7 shows an example of the comprehensive analysis screen 35 for the AGEs measurement results measured on January 3, 2025. The advice device 50 refers to the factor table and identifies that January 3, 2025, falls within the "New Year's holiday" period. As shown in Figure 7, image 352 shows the aforementioned advice information regarding the worsening of AGEs, corresponding to the "New Year's holiday" period. In other words, image 352 uses the term "New Year's holiday" to display text suggesting that January 3, 2025, is a time when eating habits are likely to be disrupted.

[0065] Thus, even though the New Year period is a time when it is difficult to avoid changes in eating habits, the advice system 1 does not take this into consideration and generates advice such as, "Your AGEs levels have worsened. Identify the factors causing the worsening and make improvements," thereby preventing the subject from losing motivation. In other words, the advice system 1 can provide appropriate advice to the subject based on the AGEs measurement results and the date on which the measurement results were obtained, taking into account the factors that affect the fluctuations in AGEs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, factors that affect the fluctuations in AGEs can be estimated without using other sensors that acquire the subject's health information, such as sleep sensors and activity trackers, thereby reducing the cost of the advice system 1 and mitigating the burden on the subject that would otherwise be incurred by using multiple sensors.

[0066] Figure 8 shows an example of the comprehensive analysis screen 35 for the AGEs measurement results measured on June 15, 2024. The advice device 50 refers to the factor table and identifies that June 15, 2024, falls within the "rainy season." As shown in Figure 8, image 352 displays advice information for when AGEs worsen, corresponding to the "rainy season." Specifically, image 352 displays text suggesting that June 15, 2024, is a time when exercise habits are likely to be disrupted.

[0067] Figure 9 shows an example of the comprehensive analysis screen 35 for AGEs measurement results measured on August 1, 2024. The advice device 50 refers to the factor table and identifies that August 1, 2024, falls within the "summer" period. As shown in Figure 9, image 352 displays advice information for when AGEs worsen, corresponding to the "summer" period. Specifically, image 352 displays text suggesting that August 1, 2024, is a time when exercise habits are likely to be disrupted.

[0068] Figure 10 shows an example of the comprehensive analysis screen 35 for AGEs measurement results measured on March 20, 2024. The advice device 50 refers to the factor table and identifies March 20, 2024 as a "busy period". As shown in Figure 10, image 352 shows advice information for when AGEs worsen, corresponding to the "busy period". In other words, image 352 shows text suggesting that March 20, 2024 is a time when stress is likely to increase.

[0069] <Variations> The above example mainly explained the advice information when AGEs worsen. If the measurement result is better than the previous measurement result, the advice information may include a message indicating that the improvement occurred despite it being a time when AGEs tend to fluctuate. For example, if the measurement result obtained during the "New Year" period is better than the previous measurement result, the advice information for AGEs improvement may include a message such as, "Despite it being the New Year, a time when eating habits tend to change, your AGEs have improved! Please continue your efforts in managing your health."

[0070] Furthermore, in the example described above, the advice device 50 identified the time based on the date, but the user may directly input information indicating the time into the AGEs measuring device 11. In this case, the advice system 1 can identify the time when the measurement results were obtained without acquiring the date. To give a more specific example, for instance, at the time when the person being measured measures AGEs, the supporter may input to the AGEs measuring device 11 that it is a "busy season."

[0071] Furthermore, if the date on which the measurement results were obtained corresponds to multiple periods, the advice information for each period may be displayed. For example, for measurement results obtained on August 15th, both "eating habits," which corresponds to the Obon festival, and "sleep habits," which corresponds to the summer, may be displayed. Alternatively, periods may be assigned a priority in advance, and only the advice information corresponding to periods with a priority higher than a predetermined threshold may be displayed. For example, the shorter the period of the corresponding date information 526, the higher the priority may be associated with it. This can prevent a decrease in the opportunity to display advice information associated with shorter periods.

[0072] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the time period is determined based on the date on which the measurement results were obtained. In Embodiment 2, a configuration is described in which the time period is determined based on the location of the AGEs measuring device 11, in addition to the date on which the measurement results were obtained.

[0073] Figure 11 shows the configuration of the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 2. Note that in the advice system 1A of Embodiment 2, the description of the configuration that overlaps with the advice system 1 of Embodiment 1 will not be repeated. As shown in Figure 11, the storage device 520 in the advice system 1A according to Embodiment 2 further includes location information 527A.

[0074] The advice device 50 obtains the date on which the measurement results were obtained and the location of the AGEs measuring device 11 from the AGEs measuring device 11. The location of the AGEs measuring device 11 can be obtained, for example, by connecting the AGEs measuring device 11 to a dedicated line for information provision services. Specifically, the advice device 50 can determine the location of the AGEs measuring device 11 based on which path of the dedicated line the data was received from the AGEs measuring device 11.

[0075] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the factor table stored by the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 12, the factor table of Embodiment 2 stores various types of information, such as date information 526, location information 527A, timing information 525, factors, advice information when AGEs deteriorate, and advice information when AGEs improve, in relation to each other.

[0076] In Embodiment 2, the time information 525 is information indicating the weather when the measurement results were obtained. Weather includes weather information such as sunny, rainy, cloudy, and snowy, and may also include temperature and humidity. The advice system 1A of Embodiment 2 identifies the weather conditions at the time the measurement results were obtained, based on the date the measurement results were obtained and the location of the AGEs measuring device 11.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12, the time information 525 is associated with the location information 527A and the date information 526. In the advice system 1A, the time information 525, location information 527A, and date information 526 shown in Figure 12 can be generated by accessing a public weather information database or the like.

[0078] In the example in Figure 12, it is shown that it is raining in Osaka on January 1, 2025, and sunny in Tokyo on January 1, 2025. Similarly, it is shown that it is raining in Osaka on January 2, 2025, and sunny in Tokyo on January 2, 2025. Furthermore, when the time information 525 in Embodiment 2 is "rainy," "exercise habits" is associated with the time information 525 as a factor. Generally, when the weather is "rainy" or "snowy," it becomes difficult for the subject to exercise outdoors, so opportunities for exercise tend to decrease. Therefore, periods of "rainy" or "snowy" weather are periods when AGEs are likely to fluctuate.

[0079] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the advice processing performed by the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 13, the advice device 50 obtains the AGEs measurement value, the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained, and the location of the AGEs measurement device 11 from the AGEs measurement device 11 (S1A). Based on the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained and the location of the AGEs measurement device 11, the advice device 50 identifies the time information (S2A). For example, if the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained is January 2nd and the location of the AGEs measurement device 11 is "Osaka", the advice device 50 identifies that it is "rainy". Steps S3 onward are the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation will not be repeated.

[0080] Figure 14 shows an example of the comprehensive analysis screen 35 for the measurement results of AGEs measured on January 2, 2025. The advice device 50 refers to the factor table and determines whether the number of days with weather conditions that could reduce exercise opportunities in a predetermined period prior to January 2, 2025 is greater than a predetermined number. For example, the advice device 50 determines whether it rained for three or more days in the week prior to January 2, 2025. If the advice device 50 determines, for example, that it rained for three or more days in the week prior to January 2, 2025, it determines that the measurement results were obtained during a period of rain.

[0081] In the example in Figure 14, advice is shown for the case where the advice device 50 identifies that the measurement result was obtained during a "rainy" period. As shown in Figure 14, Image 352 shows the aforementioned advice information regarding the worsening of AGEs, corresponding to the "rainy" period. Specifically, Image 352 uses the term "rain" to show text suggesting that January 2, 2025, is a time when exercise habits are likely to decline.

[0082] Thus, even in the advice system 1A of Embodiment 2, despite it being a rainy season when it is difficult to avoid fluctuations in exercise habits, advice information such as "AGEs levels have worsened. Identify the factors causing the deterioration and take steps to improve them" can be generated, preventing the subject from losing motivation. In other words, the advice system 1A can also provide appropriate advice to the subject based on the AGEs measurement results, the date on which the measurement results were obtained, and the location of the AGEs measuring device 11, taking into account the factors that affect the fluctuations in AGEs.

[0083] [Embodiment 3] In Embodiment 1, an example was described in which the timing was determined based on the date on which the measurement results were obtained. In Embodiment 3, a configuration is described in which the timing is determined based on the date on which the measurement results were obtained, as well as on the subject's medical interview.

[0084] Figure 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 3. Note that in the advice system 1B of Embodiment 3, the description of the configuration that overlaps with the advice system 1 of Embodiment 1 will not be repeated. As shown in Figure 15, the storage device 520 in the advice system 1B according to Embodiment 3 further includes medical interview information 527B. The medical interview information 527B is data indicating the condition of the person being measured, which is input into the AGEs measuring device 11, and is stored in association with the timing at which the person being measured inputs the medical interview content and the user ID of the person being measured.

[0085] The questionnaire information collected as questionnaire information 527B includes, for example, information about inflammation such as a cold or injury, information about stress checks, information about smoking, and information about alcohol consumption, as well as information about the person being measured or their supporter reporting on the questionnaire. The questionnaire information collected as questionnaire information 527B may be written on the questionnaire form or entered using the display device 30.

[0086] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the factor table stored by the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 16, the factor table of Embodiment 3 stores various types of information, such as date information 526, user ID, medical history information 527B, timing information 525, factors, advice information when AGEs worsen, and advice information when AGEs improve, in relation to each other.

[0087] In Embodiment 3, the timing information 525 indicates the timing of the subject's condition, which may affect the fluctuations in AGEs. As shown in Figure 16, the timing information 525 is associated with the medical interview information 527B and the date information 526. In Embodiment 3, the timing information 525 is determined according to the content of the medical interview information. For example, if the medical interview information suggests that the subject has suffered a physical injury, "injury" is entered into the timing information 525, and "inflammation," which is a contributing factor, is associated with "injury" and stored. Also, if the medical interview information suggests that the subject has symptoms such as a cold, "cold" is entered into the timing information 525, and "inflammation," which is a contributing factor, is associated with "cold" and stored.

[0088] The method for inputting the timing from the medical questionnaire content may involve a medical or nursing care specialist reading the questionnaire content, assessing the subject's condition, and then inputting timing information such as "cold" or "injury." Alternatively, the questionnaire content may be fed into a large-scale language model to assess the subject's condition. Or, a supporter may review the questionnaire content entered by the subject and input into the AGEs measuring device 11 that the subject's condition at that time could affect the fluctuations of AGEs.

[0089] In the example in Figure 16, the questionnaire data entered by the subject with user ID "U1" on January 1st and 10th, 2025, does not suggest that the subject's condition was influencing the fluctuations of AGEs. Therefore, no data was entered for either the timing information or the contributing factor. On the other hand, the questionnaire data entered by the subject with user ID "U2" on January 1st and 11th, 2025, suggests that the subject was injured during that period. Therefore, "injury" was entered as the timing information, and "inflammation" was entered as the contributing factor.

[0090] Figure 17 is a flowchart of the advice processing performed by the advice device 50 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 17, the advice device 50 obtains the AGEs measurement value, the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained, and the contents of the medical interview from the AGEs measuring device 11 (S1B). In step S1B, the advice device 50 stores the date on which the measurement result was obtained and the contents of the medical interview in association with the user ID.

[0091] The advice device 50 identifies timing information based on the date on which the AGEs measurement value was obtained and the contents of the medical interview (S2B). For example, if the contents of the medical interview are input to a large-scale language model to determine whether the person is injured or has a cold, and the large-scale language model outputs that the contents of the medical interview suggest that the person is injured, the advice device 50 identifies "injury" as timing information. Steps S3 onward are the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation will not be repeated.

[0092] Figure 18 shows an example of the comprehensive analysis screen 35 for the AGEs measurement results of a subject with user ID "U2" measured on January 11, 2025. In the example in Figure 18, the advice device 50 refers to the factor table and identifies that January 11, 2025, is the time when the subject suffered an injury. As shown in Figure 18, image 352 shows advice information regarding the worsening of AGEs corresponding to the time of injury. That is, image 352 shows text suggesting that the AGEs worsened due to the injury.

[0093] Thus, even in the advice system 1B of Embodiment 3, when a subject who is unable to avoid fluctuations in AGEs is injured, advice information such as "Your AGEs levels have worsened. Identify the factors causing the worsening and take corrective action" is generated, which can prevent the subject from losing motivation. In other words, the advice system 1B can provide appropriate advice to the subject based on the AGEs measurement results, the date on which the measurement results were obtained, and the contents of the medical interview, taking into account the factors that affect the fluctuations in AGEs.

[0094] [Aspects] The above-described exemplary embodiments will be understood by those skilled in the art to be specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0095] (Section 1) An advice system according to one embodiment is an advice system that provides advice to a person being measured regarding their lifestyle. The advice system comprises a measuring device that measures the advanced glycation end products of a person being measured, and an advice device that outputs advice information based on the measurement results of the advanced glycation end products obtained from the measuring device. The advice device identifies time information that allows for the identification of the time when the measurement results were obtained, estimates factors that affect the measurement results based on the time information, and outputs advice information based on the factors.

[0096] (Paragraph 2) In the advice system described in Paragraph 1, the factors include at least one of the following: eating habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, inflammation, and stress.

[0097] (Clause 3) In the advice system described in paragraph 1 or 2, the advice device outputs different advice information depending on the measurement results.

[0098] (Article 4) In the advice system described in any of Articles 1 to 3, the time information is information indicating the season in which the measurement results were obtained.

[0099] (Article 5) In the advice system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 4, the advice device acquires date information on which the measurement results were obtained and identifies time information based on the date information.

[0100] (Paragraph 6) In the advice system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 5, the advice device acquires location information indicating the location of the measuring device and identifies timing information based on the location information.

[0101] (Section 7) In the advice system described in Section 6, the time information is information indicating the weather when the measurement results were obtained.

[0102] (Clause 8) In the advice system described in any of paragraphs 1 to 3, the advice device acquires interview information indicating the condition of the person being measured, and identifies timing information based on the interview information.

[0103] (Paragraph 9) In the advice system described in any of Paragraphs 1 to 7, if the measurement results are deteriorating, the advice device shall include the cause and wording that is consistent with the deterioration of the measurement results in the advice information.

[0104] (Clause 10) An advice method relating to one embodiment is an advice method for providing advice to a person being measured regarding the person's lifestyle, comprising the steps of: obtaining the measurement results of the person being measured's advanced glycation end products as a process to be executed by a computing device; identifying time information that can identify the time when the measurement results were obtained; estimating factors that affect the measurement results based on the time information; and outputting advice information that provides advice based on the factors.

[0105] (Clause 11) An advice program according to one embodiment is an advice program that provides advice to a person being measured regarding the person's lifestyle, and causes a computing device to perform the steps of: acquiring the measurement results of the person being measured for advanced glycation end products; identifying time information that can identify the time when the measurement results were obtained; estimating factors that affect the measurement results based on the time information; and outputting advice information that provides advice based on the factors.

[0106] (Clause 12) An advice device according to one embodiment is an advice device that provides advice to a person being measured regarding the person's lifestyle, comprising a computing device and a communication device connected to the computing device in a communicative manner, wherein the communication device acquires the measurement results of the person being measured for advanced glycation end products, the computing device identifies time information that can identify the time when the measurement results were obtained, estimates factors that affect the measurement results based on the time information, and outputs advice information that provides advice based on the factors.

[0107] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included.

[0108] 1, 1A, 1B Advice system, 11 Measurement device, 30 Display device, 35 Comprehensive analysis screen, 50 Advice device, 526 Date information, 350 Measurement date, 351, 352 Image, 390 Display, 510 Processing unit, 520 Storage device, 521 Advice program, 522 User identification information, 523 Browsing information, 524 Advice information, 525 Timing information, 527A Location information, 527B Medical interview information, 530 Communication device.

Claims

1. An advice system that provides advice to a person being measured regarding the lifestyle of the person being measured, comprising: a measuring device for measuring the person being measured's advanced glycation end products; and an advice device that outputs advice information indicating the advice based on the measurement results of the advanced glycation end products obtained from the measuring device, wherein the advice device identifies time information that allows for the identification of the time when the measurement results were obtained, estimates factors that influence the measurement results based on the time information, and outputs the advice information based on the factors.

2. The advice system according to claim 1, wherein the factors include at least one of eating habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, inflammation, and stress.

3. The advice system according to claim 1, wherein the advice device outputs different advice information according to the measurement results.

4. The advice system according to claim 1, wherein the time information is information indicating the season in which the measurement result was obtained.

5. The advice system according to claim 1, wherein the advice device acquires date information on which the measurement results were obtained and identifies the time information based on the date information.

6. The advice system according to claim 1, wherein the advice device acquires location information indicating the location of the measuring device and identifies the timing information based on the location information.

7. The advice system according to claim 6, wherein the time information is information indicating the weather when the measurement result was obtained.

8. The advice system according to claim 1, wherein the advice device acquires interview information indicating the condition of the person being measured, and identifies the timing information based on the interview information.

9. The advice system according to claim 1, wherein the advice device includes the factors and wording that is consistent with the deterioration of the measurement results in the advice information when the measurement results are deteriorating.

10. An advice method for providing advice to a person being measured regarding the person's lifestyle, comprising the steps of: obtaining measurement results of the person being measured for advanced glycation end products; identifying time information that allows for the identification of the time when the measurement results were obtained; estimating factors that influence the measurement results based on the time information; and outputting advice information indicating the advice based on the factors.

11. An advice program that provides advice to a person being measured regarding the person's lifestyle, the advice program causing a computing device to perform the following steps: acquire measurement results of the person being measured for advanced glycation end products; identify time information that can identify the time when the measurement results were obtained; estimate factors that affect the measurement results based on the time information; and output advice information indicating the advice based on the factors.

12. An advice device that provides advice to a person being measured regarding the person's lifestyle, comprising: a computing device; and a communication device connected to the computing device in a communicative manner, wherein the communication device acquires the measurement results of the person being measured for advanced glycation end products; the computing device identifies time information that allows it to identify the time when the measurement results were obtained; estimates factors that affect the measurement results based on the time information; and outputs advice information indicating the advice based on the factors.

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