JP2004342129A - Information distribution system based on menses data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution system for providing valuable personal information via a computer in a timely manner based on female menses data. <P>SOLUTION: This distribution system is realized by comprising: a phase identification means for identifying the phase in a menses cycle based on menses date of a user; a retrieval means for retrieving personal information from phase classification information and profile classification information stored in an information database by using the phase identified by the phase identification means as a retrieval term; and a distribution means for distributing the retrieved personal information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention generally relates to an information distribution system that distributes information based on menstrual data using a computer. The information based on the menstrual data to be distributed is selected based on personal data including menstrual data collected from the user via a computer network.

  The Internet has evolved rapidly over the past few years and is known to be a very useful tool for obtaining, providing (providing), or both, various types of information. Many people or companies who want to provide certain information have a website, which is made accessible to Internet users via the Internet. Internet users visit a website and choose a website by entering a website address, for example, consumer product companies have their own website, which provides information about the product And provide other information as well. Consumers can obtain necessary or desired information about these products by accessing websites via the Internet.

  These companies expect their users to return to your website repeatedly. The reason is that consumers can get relevant and timely information about their products, thereby resulting in increased motivation to repurchase the products. For example, the applicant, The Procter & Gamble Company, has an Internet website at the address http://www.pg.com/. This website provides information about the product, such as feminine hygiene products, baby care products, laundry, household care products, hair care products, cosmetics, and the like.

  Feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners and tampons (hemostatic plugs) are devices used by women during the menstrual cycle. These products are designed to absorb, but impregnate, liquids and other emissions from the human body and to keep the body and clothing from fouling. It is well known that women who use feminine hygiene products have an average menstrual cycle of approximately once every 28 days. A woman's physical (physical) and mental state changes daily during her menstrual cycle. These changes in state are truly personal and dependent on the woman.

  Traditionally, women generally monitor the number of days since the first day since the last menstruation, so that the person is able to monitor her daily, weekly, and / or month-long future activities. You can make a plan. Since the person's physical and mental state depends on the days in the menstrual cycle, the person is appropriate and favorable to help better manage his cycle and improve his quality of life I want to choose an activity.

  In 1990, the population of menstruating women was about 60,000,000 in the United States, about 30,000,000 in Japan, and about 1,500,000,000 worldwide. On average every 20 days, these women (except for those who have no menstruation due to pregnancy or other reasons) will send their menstrual cycle. It is known that the physical and mental state of a woman during a lunar cycle depends on the phase in which the woman is located. It is also known that physical and mental status is affected for women by hormone levels during their menstrual cycle. Therefore, activities during the menstrual cycle are preferably managed appropriately. Examples of such activities include pregnancy planning, PMS (premenstrual syndrome (from ovulation to before menstruation (when basal body temperature is high)), frustration and sagging, etc. , Physical discomfort.)), Countermeasures, product purchasing plans, health improvement information, etc. However, usually women are completely unaware of their current phase within the menstrual cycle. Therefore, women cannot obtain advice or appropriate information regularly at the right time. As a result, women tend to be unable to manage their activities properly and efficiently during the menstrual cycle, due to lack of information and lack of adequate and timely access.

  For example, many women have experienced PMS, which is manifested by mood changes, sleep disturbances, and low sexual impulses. Most women are unaware that this condition is associated with their menstrual cycle. Scientific studies show that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are associated with PMS signs. In particular, it is said that vitamin B6 and calcium supplementation can be taken to reduce or avoid the effects of PMS. If a woman is informed of the date that she will experience PMS and receives advice on how to reduce / avoid the effects of PMS, she can better manage her menstrual cycle .

  In view of the above, there is a need for a distribution system that provides valuable personalized information in a timely manner via a computer based on women's menstrual data. There is also a need for a system using an Internet website, which can encourage repeated visits by the website and / or communication via email (email).

  A first invention is an information distribution system for distributing information for individuals based on menstrual data, which classifies phase classification information classified by a phase in a menstrual cycle of a woman and profile data including age data. An information database that stores profile classification information, a phase specifying unit for specifying a phase in a menstrual cycle based on the menstrual data of each user, and a phase specified by the phase specifying unit as a search term. A search unit for searching for personal information from the phase classification information and the profile classification information stored in the information database, and a distribution unit for distributing the searched personal information.

  A second invention is characterized in that the distribution timing is distributed before the start of the phase specified by the phase specifying means.

  In the third invention, the timing of the delivery is one day before the first day of the menstrual phase, the last day of the menstrual phase, the first day of the ovulatory phase, the last day of the ovulatory phase, the first day of the previous phase of the menstrual period, and / or the menstrual phase. On the last day.

  A fourth invention is characterized in that the user can specify the distribution timing and / or the number of distributions during the menstrual cycle for the distribution timing.

  This specification uses the terms "comprise," "include," and "contain," but these terms do not affect the end result. This means that an element or a step can be added. These terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

  As used herein, the term "feminine hygiene products" refers to disposable absorbent articles used by women for menstrual protection (catamenial protection). Such products include sanitary napkins, tampons, interlabial products, incontinence devices, and pantiliners. The term "disposable" is used herein to describe an absorbent article that is not intended to be laundered, subjected to other remedial measures, or reused as an absorbent article. (In other words, discarded after a single use, and preferably those intended to be discarded in a manner that is compatible with the environment.) "Article" refers to a device that absorbs and exfoliates body exudates and, more specifically, is placed inside, on, or near the wearer's body. For absorbing and impregnating various exudates released from the body.

  Here, "user (user)" refers to a person who has access to the information distribution system of the present invention and is interested in knowing information controlled by women's menstrual data. In general, the user is the same person as the woman, but the user can be different from the woman, for example, her husband, her friend, or her parent. And so on.

  Computers have been used to process and provide data or information for several years. One typical style of use of such a computer is an "autonomous (stand-alone) computer". Generally, an autonomous computer is not connected to a computer network, but merely provides data or information to a user directly operating the computer. A typical style for the use of other such computers is called a "server computer". The server computer is connected to the computer network and is accessible from a remotely located client computer. Where the client computer is generally in the form of a desktop computer, the client computer may be a laptop computer or may take the form of a mobile device. The server computer provides data or information in response to a request transmitted from a remotely located user device. Such a request is sent to a server computer via a computer network. Here, the term "computer network" refers to a network in which at least two, preferably many, computers are connected via communication lines. Preferred examples of the computer network include a local area network (LAN), the Internet, and variants of the Internet such as a WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) network or a mobile telephone network such as i-mode®. Is included.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of an information distribution system 200, which is one of preferred embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the information distribution system 200 includes a database server 202, a distribution server 206, and a web server 208. These servers 202, 204, 206, and 208 can be configured by either a single computer or a plurality of computers connected by a communication cable. Database server 202 includes an information database or storage means (not shown) in which data or information is stored, which is processed or managed by system 200. The same applies to personal data of the user and requests input by the user. The database server 202 manages certain information and personal data, including changes to information and data stored in the information database made by the user. The program server 204 executes data processing in accordance with the program stored therein, and the target is various data or information stored in the database server 202, based on personal information input by the user. When executed, information (hereinafter referred to as “personalized information”) is prepared, and the information is distributed to the user. The distribution server 206 manages incoming and outgoing e-mails (hereinafter referred to as “e-mails”) and data transferred by the user. The server 206 receives the e-mail and the data and interfaces with the database server 202 to store and / or modify the data, and to plan the e-mail and send it out, It interfaces with the program server 204 and the database server 202. Web server 208 acts as a network interface, which connects system 200 to client device 230 via computer network 220.

  The client device 230 typically includes input means (eg, a keyboard or touch keys) to input personal data or requests to be sent to the system 200 and output means (eg, a printer, display such as a CRT). , And / or speakers) to provide information to be transferred from the system 200 to the user. Preferably, client device 230 includes a computer chip. In a preferred embodiment, the computer network is the Internet and / or a mobile telephone network (eg, i-mode®).

  Thus, depending on the network used by the user and / or their preferences, the client device 230 is a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a portable computer, a mobile phone, a watch, It may be a personal digital assistant (PDA) or the like.

  In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the information distribution system 200 is connected to a computer network 220 and provides information to users via it. Alternatively, the information distribution system 200 may be in the form of an autonomous computer, which is not connected to any computer network, but only through an output means provided on the information distribution system 200 I will provide a. Such output means may include a printer, a display (eg, a CRT) and / or a speaker.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of information of the information distribution system 200 shown in FIG.

  In step 301, a user enters personal data about a woman (generally the same person as the user). Personal data includes profile data and menstrual data. The profile data includes a woman's name, email address, age, weight, height, underwear dimensions, pregnancy history, family, nationality, occupation, interests, hobbies, and the like. Menstrual data includes menstrual cycle data, amount of menstrual bleeding, commonly used sanitary products, number of sanitary products commonly used in the menstrual phase, fouling experience, past menstrual cycle regularity, pregnancy history, etc. Contains. Preferably, the menstrual cycle data further includes the first date of the menstrual phase in the current menstrual cycle, the first day of the menstrual phase in the previous menstrual cycle, and the average duration of the menstrual phase.

  The menstrual cycle data may further include a phase date in the current menstrual cycle, a phase date in the past menstrual cycle (one or more times), and a duration of each phase in the menstrual cycle.

  As is generally known, women occasionally experience changes in the duration of their menstrual cycle. Some women also have an irregular menstrual cycle. For example, a woman usually has a 28-day menstrual cycle, which can change to 30 days. In another example, the normal menstrual phase is five days, but this can change to three days. In a preferred embodiment, such changes within the menstrual cycle are accounted for by the system. To do so, a correction process for the menstrual data is provided in the system, which is called the "adjustment process". This adjustment process can be performed via email, website, or other known means of communication (eg, telephone). This adjustment process is preferably performed by a user visiting a website. This is preferred because users are given the opportunity to access the latest information provided on the website. Such up-to-date information may be any information that would benefit the user, such as information on new products, information on the use of suitable products, and the like.

  All personal data already entered by the user can be modified by the same person via an adjustment process, which is in step 301. After the adjustment process, the system distributes information based on the modified data.

  The user may also enter at this stage 301 anytime or at any time and in any manner in which he wishes to receive information from the system 200 (hereinafter a delivery request). For example, if the user wants to receive the information immediately, a request is made at this stage 301. The distribution request and its effect will be described later in detail.

  In step 302, personal data and distribution requests are sent to system 200 via network 202 and stored there. Specifically, database server 202 receives and stores personal data and distribution requests via web server 208.

  In step 303, the program server 204 identifies the woman's current and future menstrual phases and cycles, along with significant menstrual days and their dates. This specification is performed based on menstrual data included in the personal data. The identification can be performed according to any algorithm known to those skilled in the art. The preferred process (or algorithm) for this identification will be described in detail below. The resulting data or information is also stored in the database server 202.

  In step 304, the program server 204 performs data processing on the data or information stored in the information database, which is based on personal data and provides personalized information to be distributed to the user. To do. The data processing includes at least means for retrieving information from the database server 202 or storage means and / or means for generating information defining at least one phase of the menstrual cycle. Data processing for individuals will be described in detail later. Personalized information is also stored in the database server 202.

  In step 305, distribution server 206 sends the personalized information to at least one client server 230, which was specified based on the user's distribution request. If the delivery request indicates that the user wants to receive the information immediately, the delivery server 206 sends out the personalized information immediately. On the other hand, if the distribution request indicates that the user wants to receive the personalized information at a specified (or desired) timing, the distribution server 206 complies with the request. In the preferred embodiment, some such designated (or desired) timing is responsive to a phase within the menstrual cycle specified by program server 204. Separating predetermined information into parts pieces, distributing them appropriately, and delivering them to users in a timely manner helps users or women to easily learn information and manage their own lives.

  The normal reproductive year for women is the monthly rhythmic change in the rate of female hormone secretion and the response in the ovary and reproductive organs, as well as in other parts of the woman's mental and physical health. Change. This rhythmic pattern is generally known and is called a “menstrual cycle”. It is also generally known that the menstrual cycle is about 28 days. However, this is quite personal and can vary from person to person within the range of about 14 to about 36 days. In a preferred embodiment, the menstrual cycle is divided into five phases, "menstruation (menstruation, menstrual period)", "pre-ovulation (pre-ovulation)", "ovulation (ovulation)", "post-ovulation (post-ovulation)". , And “pro-menstruation (before menstrual period)”. However, in other embodiments, the menstrual cycle can be considered divided into more than five phases or less than five phases. For example, it can be considered as including two phases of a menstrual phase and an ovulation phase. Instead, it can be considered to include three phases: a menstrual phase, an ovulation phase, and a pre-menstrual phase. These phases within the menstrual cycle are characterized by the levels of female hormones and their effects on women's body and mind.

  There are five types of female hormones, and these hormones primarily control the physical and mental status of women during the menstrual cycle. In other words, estrogen hormone (ESH), progesterone (Progesterone) hormone (PGH), lutenidine (Lutenizing) hormone, relaxing hormone (LHRH), holicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and Lutenidine hormone (LH). Estrogen hormones are responsible for regulating and maintaining female sexual development and reproductive means. The progesterone hormone is responsible for preparing the baby for pregnancy. Retenidin releasing hormone is responsible for releasing rutenidine hormone. Holicle stimulating hormone is responsible for ovulation stimulation. Rutenidine hormone is responsible for ovulation stimulation.

  FIG. 3 is a typical female biorhythm diagram. FIG. 3 assumes that the woman has 28 days during the menstrual cycle. The changes in each hormone level are shown in FIG. 3 by the curves ESH, PGH, FSH, and LH.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the menstrual cycle is considered to have the following five phases. That is, a menstrual phase (MS), a pre-ovulatory phase (PR), an ovulatory phase (OV), a post-ovulatory phase (PO), and a pre-menstrual phase (PM). The number of days in the menstrual phase and the preovulatory phase is variable, but the number of days for the ovulatory phase, and the number of days in the postovulatory phase and the premenstrual phase are constant.

  The menstrual period is the phase in which the vaginal discharge of blood and dead cells from the uterus by a woman through the vagina occurs almost monthly, from adolescence to menopause. Immediately before menstruation, estrogen and progesterone levels fall, and holicle stimulating hormone is released from the pituitary gland. The falling progesterone breaks the endometrium and menstruation begins. Menstruation is the outflow of bloody fluid from the vagina. Some ova begin to mature in the ovaries. This phase is generally between days 1 and 7 during the 28-day menstrual cycle.

  After the menstrual phase is completed, the preovulatory phase begins. During the preovulatory phase, the ovum grows and matures, and the ovaries produce large amounts of estrogen. When estrogen reaches a certain "high" level, the body stimulates the rutenidine hormone to trigger ovulation. This phase is generally between days 8 and 14 during the 28-day menstrual cycle.

  Ovulation is the phase in which mature ova are released from the ovaries. High levels of estrogen prepare the body for pregnancy. This phase is generally between days 13 and 15 during the 28-day menstrual cycle. The ovulation phase is sometimes considered to be a one-day or shorter event, but is considered a three-day phase.

  After ovulation is the phase that comes after ovulation, where the body is ready to accept a fertilized egg. This phase is generally between days 15 and 21 of the 28-day menstrual cycle.

  The premenstrual phase is the phase that comes after the postovulatory phase and before the menstrual period. Women tend to experience PMS. This phase is generally between day 22 and day 28 in the 28-day menstrual cycle. If the egg is not fertilized, it breaks down and lowers estrogen and progesterone levels. The lining of the uterus breaks and the menstrual period begins.

  Suppose a woman is currently in the nth menstrual cycle CY (n), and the menstrual cycle data entered by the user is the date of the first day of the menstrual phase MSF (n) in the current menstrual cycle CY (n). , The first day of the menstrual period in the previous menstrual cycle CY (n-1), and the average duration AM for the menstrual phase. Based on the menstrual data, the system identifies, through data processing (or calculation), the days and dates in the woman's current and future menstrual cycles. The resulting data or information includes the days and dates of the menstrual cycle, the number and days of each phase within the menstrual cycle, and other significant days and dates within the menstrual cycle.

  FIG. 4 is a cycle chart (cycle chart) for a woman who has three consecutive menstrual cycles CY (n-1), CY (n), and CY (n + 1). As shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that today is a certain day in the cycle CY (n). Each cycle CY (n-1), CY (n), CY (n + 1) has a menstrual phase MS, a preovulatory phase PR, an ovulatory phase OV, a postovulatory phase PO, and a premenstrual phase PM. ing.

Based on the MSF (n), MSF (n-1) and the average duration AM of the menstrual cycle date entered by the user, the system 200 determines the cycle length CL and the menstrual period in the next cycle CY (n + 1). The first day of the phase MSF (n + 1) is calculated by the following formula:
CL = MSF (n) -MSF (n-1) (1)
MSF (n + 1) = FD (n) + CL (2)
The first day for the premenstrual phase PMF (n) and within the current cycle CY (n) is given by the following formula:
PMF (n) = MSF (n + 1) -7 (3)
The first day POF (n) of the post-ovulation phase and in the current cycle CY (n) is given by the following formula:
POF (n) = PMF (n) -7 (4)
The first day of the ovulation phase, OVF (n), in the current cycle CY (n) is given by the following equation:
OVF (n) = POF (n) -2 (5)
The first day PRF (n) of the preovulatory phase and in the current cycle CY (n) is given by the following formula:
PRF (n) = MSF (n) + AM + 1 (6)
The full day of each phase is simply obtained one day before the first day of the next phase. The result is all days and dates for all phases in the current menstrual cycle CY (n). Similarly, the future days and dates of the phases in the future menstrual cycle CY (n + 1, 2,...) Can be obtained and identified.

  As an example, the first day of MSF (n) in the menstrual period phase of the current menstrual cycle CY (n) is May 1, and the first day of the menstrual phase in the previous menstrual cycle CY (n-1) is April. One day, and the average duration for the menstrual phase is 5 days. According to equation (1), the system calculates the cycle length CL, which is 30 days. The system also calculates the first day for the menstrual phase MSF (n + 1) in the next cycle CY (n + 1) according to equation (2), which is May 31. The system further calculates the first day for the premenstrual phase PMF (n) in the current cycle CY (n) according to equation (3), which is May 24. The system further calculates, according to equation (4), the first day POF (n) of the post-ovulation phase in the current cycle CY (n), which is May 17. The system further calculates, according to equation (5), the first day of the ovulation phase OVF (n) in the current cycle CY (n), which is May 15. The system further calculates the first day PRF (n) of the post-ovulation phase in the current cycle CY (n) according to equation (6), which is May 6. As a result, the system obtains the following dates: May 31-June 4 the menstrual phase of the next menstrual cycle; May 24-30 May the pre-menstrual phase; and May 17 Post-ovulation phase from May 23 to May; ovulation phase from May 15 to May 17. Next, the system calculates the date of the menstrual phase, ie, May 1-5. The difference between May 15 and May 5 is calculated as the preovulatory phase, ie, May 6-15.

  The above calculations are based on the following assumptions: (a) The total length for a menstrual cycle is the sum of the number of days in the menstrual period, pre-ovulation, ovulation, post-ovulation and pre-menstruation phases. (B) The total number of days for the post-ovulation phase and the pre-menstrual phase is 14 days. Due to the calculation, the post-ovulation phase is fixed at 7 days, and the pre-menstrual phase is fixed at 7 days. (C) The ovulation phase is fixed at 3 days. One day overlaps with the premenstrual phase and the other day overlaps with the post-ovulation phase. Ovulation is likely to occur on the second day of the three-day phase. (D) The menstrual period and the number of days in the preovulatory phase are variable.

  The future phases and menstrual cycle determined in the manner described above are merely predictions, in other words, there is a possibility of a change from the predictions. Preferably, the possibility of such a change is taken into account by the system and based on the user's corrections to previously entered menstrual data, the history of past menstrual cycles, and other menstrual related data. It is more accurate prediction.

  Personalized information is selected by the system 200 by selectively retrieving information from an information database provided in the database server 202 shown in FIG. This information database contains various types of information, which are considered valuable to the user. Certain information in the information database can be classified according to the menstrual cycle (hereinafter referred to as "phase classified information") and also classified according to at least some of the profile data in the personal data. (Hereinafter referred to as "profile classified information"). The predetermined information is classified by adding a search term to each piece of information. The phase classification information includes physical information, mental information, activity information, and lifestyle information. The profile classification information includes age, menstrual bleeding, product type, height / weight, etc. Personalized information was selected from the information database by this system based on profile data and menstrual data.

  Physical information includes information relating to the female body. Physical information includes human biological information, which describes a possible or known physical condition. Examples of biological system information include reproductive system information, digestive system information, urinary system information, endocrine system information, circulatory system information, nervous system information, and the like.

  Mental information includes any information related to the woman's mind. Mental information includes emotional, metaphysical, and mental information. Emotional information is information related to a person's feeling or mood. Mental information is information related to sacred and / or religious matters. Metaphysical information is information related to fictitious, fantastic, foreboding, intuitive, supernatural and paranormal.

  Phase changes within the menstrual cycle tend to affect a woman's mental status. For example, during menstruation and during the menstrual phase, estrogen and progesterone levels fall in women. Low levels of estrogen decrease serotonin production, which has led to a change in mood. During the pre-menstrual period and / or during the menstrual phase, women become more comfortable and emotional. Based on these facts, personalized advice (advice) prepared in advance and stored in the storage means will inform the woman about the physical condition in which the woman is currently located. And / or attempt to give advice on addressing emerging problems. For example, if a woman is identified as being in the menstrual phase, she is advised to relax herself and take an aromatherapy procedure that focuses internally. Such advice is selected from an information database stored in the storage means of the system.

  Activity information is any information related to women's activities. Activity information includes regular (eg, daily, weekly, monthly) activity information, diet activity information, health activity information, physical and physical information, physical fitness information, diagnostic information, and the like. Periodic activities mean activities that are required to be performed at regular intervals. For example, self-chest tests must be performed regularly during the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Dieting activities can be defined as activities related to human eating and drinking. For example, women can take vitamin B6 and address the vitamin deficiencies associated with PMS signs. Health information includes information related to physical and mental states. The physical appearance contains information about the person's appearance. Fitness information is related information for improving the physical condition of the body. For example, if a woman is in the preovulatory phase, she is recommended to do strenuous exercise, because her energy levels are high in this phase. In another example, if a woman is in the post-ovulatory phase, she is advised to eat chocolate, which contains a large amount of magnesium and is needed to metabolize the estrogen from which it was made. It depends. In another example, if a woman is in the preovulatory phase, she is encouraged to drink green tea and balance her fluid levels in her body. In another example, if a woman is in the ovulation phase, she tends to look and feel best. In this phase, the woman is encouraged to take care of her appearance and use opportunities to increase her respect for her. In another example, given that a woman is in the menstrual phase, she is advised to supplement her iron to address menstrual blood loss.

  Lifestyle information is information that helps women better manage their menstrual cycle. Lifestyle information, this will improve the daily life and lifestyle of women. Lifestyle information includes information related to life stage, menstrual pain or discomfort, beauty, self-confidence, self-esteem, marriage or romance, and constellation. For example, when a woman is in menopause, she tends to lose herself or feel feminine. Thus, the information to be provided to the woman preferably includes advice that attempts to increase her self-esteem and address aging. In another example, if a woman is in the preovulatory phase, it is known that she tends to have a good mood and becomes more sociable. The information to be given to this person is to concentrate on building relationships with that person's spouse, close friends and friends. In yet another example, if a woman is after ovulation, she tends to be in a condition of increased skin oiliness. The information that will be given to that person is that they often wash their face to prevent acne from their faces.

  The profile classification information includes information related to age, menstrual bleeding, product type, height / weight, and the like. Age information is classified into several age groups. Women's menstrual cycle, physical and mental attributes change with age. For example, when a woman is in menopause, she tends to feel less or less feminine. Accordingly, the information to be provided to the person preferably includes advice on trying to increase self-esteem and address aging. Menstrual bleeding information is classified as heavy, moderate, or light. Different information can be prepared based on the woman's menstrual bleeding. For example, a woman with heavy bleeding can be alerted to purchase a sanitary napkin specifically designed for heavy bleeding, providing better protection against fouling. Product type information is classified into pads and tampons. For example, a woman who is using a tampon includes a note that the tampon needs to be changed every eight hours for those classified by tampon in product type information. Height / weight information is used to advise menstrual products, diet and physical information to women. For example, for women with relatively large weights and heights, height / weight information with a longer sanitary napkin is recommended.

  Table 1 shows a preferred structure of the predetermined information.

  As shown in Table 1, the predetermined information has a matrix structure, where each piece of information PI (1) to PI (N) has a search term RT1 to RTm, which is used in the search operation. In other words, the predetermined information PI (1) to PI (N) are categorized by attributes corresponding to the search terms RT1 to RTm. Most attributes entered by the user as personal data can be used for search terms RT1-RTm. Preferred search terms or attributes are age, weight, height, underwear dimensions, pregnancy history, family, nationality, occupation, interests, hobbies, menstrual bleeding, those commonly used in menstrual products, and commonly used during the menstrual phase Includes the number of menstrual products that are in use, fouling experience, regularity of past menstrual cycles, pregnancy history, and duration of each phase of the menstrual cycle. The total number m of search terms is at least 10, preferably at least 20, and more preferably at least 40. It is considered that the larger the total number of m, the better, because more appropriate information can be retrieved from the predetermined information PI (1) to PI (N).

  Preferably, the total number N of the predetermined information that can be retrieved individually is at least 1,000, more preferably at least 10,000. The larger the number, the better for the total number N, because more appropriate information can be retrieved from the predetermined information PI (1) to PI (N).

  Search terms RT1-RTm are used by the system to search for information to be sent as personalized information. The search terms RT1 to RTm correspond to the respective attributes, and the attributes are used to search for information from predetermined information IP (1) to IP (N). For example, terms RT1-RTm correspond to the following attributes, respectively: age or age range, phase within menstrual cycle, bleeding level, type of phase classification information (ie, physical information, mental information, activity). Information, and lifestyle information). Table 2 shows an example of a structure having such an attribute.

  In this example, the search terms for age include the following age groups: under 10 years, 10-15 years, 16-19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-years. 39 years old, 40-44 years old, and over 45 years old. The search terms for a phase include the following phases. Menstrual phase (MS), pre-ovulatory phase (PR), ovulatory phase (OV), post-ovulatory phase (PO), and pre-menstrual phase (PM). Search terms for bleeding include the following bleeding levels: light, moderate, and heavy. The search terms for type include the following types of information: physical information, mental information, activity information, and lifestyle information.

  A preferred means for selecting information from the predetermined information is a data processing operation relating to data retrieval for the predetermined information. Preferably, the search means selects information based on menstrual data or profile data. The search for the predetermined information can be performed using any of the search terms RT1 to RTm. In the preferred embodiment, the phases identified by the system are used as search terms for the first search operation. Preferably, multiple hits (eg, more than 10 hits) are obtained by one search operation. The system is to select one piece of information by repeating the search operation by using different search terms from those already used in the previous search. In order to repeat such a search operation, it is preferable that the search terms RT1 to RTm have a priority, and this order indicates the order of the search terms to be used for the search. The priority for such search terms is determined by the system or can be specified by the user. In the preferred embodiment, the priorities for the search terms are specified by the user via a distribution request process. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the system can select one piece of information from a plurality of hits by random selection, where one piece of information is selected by the system at will. Preferably, the system keeps a record and records which information has already been sent to the user. Based on this record, the system avoids sending the same information repeatedly to the same user in a short period of time (eg, six months).

  In the example of Table 2, assuming that the personal data shown in Table 3 has been input by the user, the repetitive operation is performed as follows.

  The first search operation is performed in consideration of the number of the predetermined information already sent to the same person. Since the predetermined information numbers 1, 2, 3, and 6 have already been sent in this example, the predetermined information numbers 4 and 5 are left for further search operations. The system then performs a second search operation using the specified phase. If the system identifies the next phase of women as pre-menstrual (PM), a second search operation is performed using pre-menstrual (PM). As a result, the predetermined information number 5 is searched. This predetermined information is sent to the user as personal information.

  A woman averages about 400 menstrual cycles during her life. In a preferred embodiment, the system is designed to provide or distribute personalized information on a regular basis, broadly, for these 400 (or more) menstrual cycles. Dividing predetermined information or known information into parts pieces and dividing them appropriately and delivering them to the user in a timely manner helps the user or woman to learn the information easily, Try to manage your life.

  The personal information includes menstrual cycle information and recommendation information. Menstrual cycle information is information about when (ie, what month and on what day) a woman transitions to which phase during her menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle information includes at least a meaningful date for the menstrual period, that is, the first day of the menstrual period phase in the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle information may include such information for both the future and the past. Even better, the menstrual cycle information further includes the length and date (ie, duration) for the premenstrual phase, the preovulatory phase, the ovulatory phase, and / or the premenstrual phase. In a preferred embodiment, the menstrual cycle information includes a biorhythm chart, which indicates a change in the biorhythm of the female body. A preferred example of the biorhythm chart is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the biorhythm chart is to show changes in the levels of at least one, and preferably all five hormones, for the menstrual cycle, in other words estrogen hormone (ESH), progesterone hormone (PGH) , Rutenidine hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and rutenidine hormone (LH).

  In a preferred embodiment, the system includes means for generating information, which defines at least one phase of the menstrual cycle. Preferably, the information defining at least one phase of the menstrual cycle (hereinafter referred to as "phase related information") is at least two dates and at least dates within the menstrual cycle. These two dates can be chosen from all dates in the menstrual cycle. Preferably, the at least two dates include the first day of the menstrual phase and the first day of the ovulation phase. Alternatively, the phase related information may be a day selected from the dates in the pre-ovulation phase, the ovulation phase, the post-ovulation phase, and the pre-menstrual phase. The phase-related information may be in any form, provided that it indicates at least a menstrual date in a calendar date (CD) or a menstrual date in a menstrual cycle date (MD). Is shown in FIG. 3 as an example.

  In an alternative preferred embodiment, the phase related information includes information associated with the phase identified by the system. In a more preferred embodiment, the phase related information is a biorhythm chart, which is combined with the phases identified by the system. FIG. 3 shows a preferred example of such a biorhythm chart.

  The recommendation information is information that is retrieved from predetermined information by a search operation and that is distributed to the user as a recommendation.

  The distribution of personalized information from this system can be by any of the known methods of communication. Preferably, the manner of distribution is selected by the user in the data entry stage 301 shown in FIG. In the preferred embodiment, the delivery method is email. The email address is also entered by the user in a data entry stage 301. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the distribution of the information is performed on a website, for example, personalized information is shown on the website. If preferred by the user, a letter describing the personalized information may be sent to the user by mail or facsimile.

  Personal information can be presented in any form. Preferably, the display (instruction) format is selected by the data entry step 301 shown in FIG. In a preferred embodiment, the personalized information may be presented in a text format or a web enabled format. Preferred web-enabled formats include Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) format, Compact HTML (CHTML) format, Extensible Markup Language (XML) format, Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML) format, and so on. . Preferred formats for the personalized information to be indicated (displayed) include plain text, link addresses, graphics, videos (pictures), tables, links, lists, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the menstrual cycle information is provided in graphics or video, such as in a calendar format, wherein all phases of the menstrual cycle are marked in the calendar. Similarly, the format for the indication of advisory information is determined by the system or, if appropriate, selected by the user or determined and selected depending on the content of the information to be delivered. You.

  The timing of the delivery of personalized information from the system to the user corresponds to the phase specified by the system and can be determined by the system or preferably specified by the user. Corresponding to the phases specified by the system, the system delivers personalized information to the user according to the timing. Preferably, the timing of the distribution is chosen by the user in the data entry stage 301 shown in FIG. The preferred timing of the delivery is at an automatic time interval, for example, days such as 1 to 3 days, before the start of the monthly phase.

  In a preferred embodiment, the timing of delivery is one day before the first day of the menstrual phase, the last day of the menstrual phase, the first day of the ovulatory phase, the last day of the ovulatory phase, the first day of the premenstrual phase, and / or the first day of the menstrual phase. Specified on the last day. For example, the system distributes personalized information one day before the start of the menstrual phase, and then distributes personalized information 28 days later if no adjustment is required. The timing of the distribution may be predetermined by the system, but shall be able to be changed by the user as desired. In a preferred embodiment, the frequency and / or number of distributions of personalized information during the monthly cycle can be specified or requested by the user.

  In a preferred embodiment, the user can request the delivery of the information immediately, ie instantly (hereinafter "instant advice"). This instant advice can be provided to the user via email or on a website (or by mail or facsimile if required). After the user emails a request for instant advice to the system along with his personal data, the system processes the request. Upon completing the data processing, the system instantly delivers personalized information via email. Alternatively, the user enters personal data and clicks a button to seek instant advice on a website. The system prepares personalized information on the website in an instant response to this request.

  It will be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and that various modifications or changes may be suggested to one skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. .

1 is a configuration diagram of an information distribution system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the information distribution system shown in FIG. Biorhythm diagram of a woman's menstrual cycle on the 28th. A cycle diagram showing the menstrual cycle of three continuing women.

Claims (4)

An information distribution system for distributing information for individuals based on menstrual data,
An information database that stores phase classification information classified by phases in the menstrual cycle of a woman and profile classification information that classifies profile data including age data,
Phase identification means for identifying a phase in a menstrual cycle based on the menstrual data of each user;
Search means for searching for personal information from the phase classification information and the profile classification information stored in the information database, using the phase specified by the phase specifying means as a search term,
Distribution means for distributing the searched personal information,
The information distribution system, wherein the distribution unit responds to the phase specified by the phase specifying unit at the timing of distribution of the personal information.   2. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution timing is distributed before the start of the phase specified by the phase specifying unit.   The delivery timing is one day before the first day of the menstrual phase, the last day of the menstrual phase, the first day of the ovulatory phase, the last day of the ovulatory phase, the first day of the previous menstrual phase, and / or the last day of the menstrual phase. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein:   The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution timing is such that a user can designate a distribution frequency and / or a distribution number during a monthly cycle.

Images