Patent Publication Number: US-2020294650-A1

Title: Computer, information processing method, and network system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following disclosure relates to a technique for acquiring a mental or physical state of a subject, and more particular relates to a computer, an information processing method, and network system technology for acquiring information regarding the trend of a mental or physical state of a subject. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Generally, techniques for obtaining the mental or physical state of a subject are known. For example, in JP 2004-213169 A (PTL 1), a health management system is disclosed. According to PTL 1, this health management system includes a management server, and users such as diabetes patients access the management server from a user terminal such as a personal computer via the Internet. In response to this access, the management server presents a questionnaire checklist with four categories of emotion, motivation (willingness), depression (low spirits), and stress on the user terminal. The user inputs responses to the questionnaire according to the implementation procedure for the checklist. The management server processes the response inputs and stores the results of this processing in a database. Accordingly, the user can access the database and learn the evaluation (questionnaire result) determined by the management server. However, in order to avoid presenting a questionnaire list of all the categories on the same day, the management server performs inquiries at timings deemed appropriate based on the priority level of each category. 
     In addition, in JP 2005-293130 A (PTL 2), a beauty salon support system is disclosed. According to PTL 2, a usage record storage unit that stores usage record information for customers is referenced, a status of a customer is obtained based on the usage record of the customer, proposal information corresponding to the status is extracted from a proposal information storage unit that stores proposal information for customers, and the proposal information is output. 
     Also, in NPL 1, Janet Yamada, “Hair Cortisol as a Potential Biologic Marker of Chronic Stress in Hospitalized Neonates,” Neonatology, KARGER issued on Mar. 14, 2007, it is described that cortisol in hair may be measured as a biomarker of newborn stress. 
     In addition, in NPL 2, Evan Russell et. al, “Hair cortisol as a biological marker of chronic stress Current status future directions and unanswered questions,” Psychoneuroendocrinology (2012) 37, 589-601, a technique for measuring cortisol in hair is disclosed. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         PTL 1: JP 2004-213169 A 
         PTL 2: JP 2005-293130 A 
       
    
     Non Patent Literature 
     
         
         NPL 1: Janet Yamada, “Hair Cortisol as a Potential Biologic Marker of Chronic Stress in Hospitalized Neonates,” Neonatology, KARGER, Mar. 14, 2007. 
         NPL 2: Evan Russell et. al, “Hair cortisol as a biological marker of chronic stress Current status future directions and unanswered questions,” Psychoneuroendocrinology (2012) 37, 589-601. 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     There is demand for a technique that makes it easier than before to acquire information regarding the trend of the mental or physical state of a subject. The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and has an object of providing a computer, an information processing method, and a network system capable of acquiring information relating to the trend of a mental or physical state of a subject more easily than before. 
     Solution to Problem 
     According to an aspect of the invention, provided is a computer including: a memory configured to store first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject, and second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject, the specimen being different in acquisition time from the strand of hair; and a processor configured to generate a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     Preferably, the computer further includes a communication interface. The processor acquires the first data and the second data from another device via the communication interface. 
     Preferably, the computer further includes a communication interface. The processor is configured to acquire the first data from a first other device via the communication interface and acquire the second data from a second other device via the communication interface. 
     Preferably, the second data is obtained from a strand of hair acquired from the subject, the strand of hair being different in acquisition time from the strand of hair. 
     Preferably, the second data is obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject other than a strand of hair, the specimen being different in acquisition time from the strand of hair. 
     Preferably, the processor is configured to generate a future state of the subject based on data acquired from a subject other than the subject. 
     Preferably, the processor is configured to generate advice for the future state. 
     Preferably, the processor is configured to: transmit, to the subject when a first predetermined condition is satisfied, information including the trend via the communication interface, and transmit, to a predetermined institution such as a police station, a prosecutor&#39;s office, a courthouse, or a hospital when a second predetermined condition is satisfied, information including the trend via the communication interface. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, an information processing method in a computer is provided. The information processing method includes: acquiring, by a processor, first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject; acquiring, by the processor, second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject, the specimen being different in acquisition time from the strand of hair; and generating, by the processor, a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     According to still another aspect of the invention, provided is a network system including: a device configured to acquire first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject and second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject, the specimen being different in acquisition time from the strand of hair; and a computer configured to: receive the first data and the second data from the device, and generate a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention, provided is a network system including: a first device configured to acquire first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject; a second device configured to acquire second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject, the specimen being different in acquisition time from the strand of hair; and a computer configured to: receive the first data from the first device, receive the second data from the second device, and generate a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     As described above, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a computer, an information processing method, and a network system capable of acquiring information relating to the trend of a mental or physical state of a subject more easily than before. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of a network system  1  according to an embodiment 1. 
         FIGS. 2A to 2C  are images illustrating merging of analysis result data of stress at a plurality of time periods, according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server  100  according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 4  is an image diagram illustrating a user database  121  according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 5  is an image diagram illustrating an analysis database  122  according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating information processing in the server  100 , according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an analysis device  200 , according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a smartphone  300  that serves as an electronic device according to the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 9  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 2. 
         FIG. 10  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 3. 
         FIGS. 11A to 11D  are images illustrating merging of analysis result data of stress at a plurality of time periods, according to the embodiment 3. 
         FIG. 12  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 4. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating information processing in the server  100 , according to the embodiment 4. 
         FIG. 14  is an image diagram illustrating the user database  121  according to an embodiment 5. 
         FIG. 15  is an image diagram illustrating the analysis database  122  according to the embodiment 5. 
         FIG. 16  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 6. 
         FIG. 17  is a first image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 7. 
         FIG. 18  is a second image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to the embodiment 7. 
         FIG. 19  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 8. 
         FIG. 20  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 9. 
         FIG. 21  is an image diagram illustrating the user database  121  according to the embodiment 4. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Accordingly, a detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 
     Embodiment 1 
     Overall Configuration and Operation Overview of Network System 
     First, the overall configuration and operation overview of a network system  1  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to an embodiment 1. 
     First, the overall configuration of the network system  1  according to the present embodiment will be described. The network system  1  according to the present embodiment primarily includes a server  100 , an analysis device  200  capable of communicating with the server  100 , a smartphone  300  that serves as a user terminal capable of communicating with the server  100 , and a printer  400 . Hereinafter, the operation overview of the network system  1  according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     (1) As an example, on Jan. 1, 2016, a user, who is a subject, visits a barber shop or a beauty salon. The barber acquires a strand of hair  99  from the subject that is cut at a predetermined distance from the hair root. The barber inserts the acquired strand of hair of the subject into an envelope  98 , for example, and sends the envelope  98  to a laboratory, for example, by mail. 
     (2) At the laboratory, various analyses are performed on the received strand of hair. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the analysis device  200  examines the trend of numerical values indicating the magnitude of the stress of the subject by measuring the cortisol of each part of a strand of hair that was cut at a distance of 1 cm from the hair root. On average, as hair grows 1 cm per month, it is possible to acquire the trend of stress until approximately Dec. 1, 2015 from a strand of hair cut at a distance of 1 cm from the hair root. However, the object and method of the analyses by the analysis device  200  are not limited hereto. 
     (3) The analysis device  200  transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the trend of past stress obtained from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (4) Thereafter, the user who is the subject visits a barber shop or a beauty salon on Mar. 1, 2016, for example. The barber acquires a strand of hair from the subject that is cut at a predetermined distance from the hair root. The barber sends the acquired strand of hair of the subject to the laboratory by mail, for example. 
     (5) At the laboratory, the analysis device  200  performs various analyses on the received strand of hair. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the analysis device  200  examines the trend of numerical values indicating the magnitude of the stress of the subject by measuring the cortisol of each part of a strand of hair that was cut at a distance of 1 cm from the hair root. From the strand of hair cut at a distance of 1 cm from the hair root this time, it is possible to acquire the trend of stress until approximately Feb. 1, 2016. However, the object and method of the analyses by the analysis device  200  are not limited hereto. 
     (6) The analysis device  200  transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the trend of past stress obtained from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (7) Based on the trend of the stress acquired from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 from the analysis device  200  and the trend of the stress acquired from the strand of hair of the same subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 from the analysis device  200 , the server  100  combines these trends to generate a trend of the stress of the subject over a longer term. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2C , based on the time period when the strand of hair was acquired the previous time and the time period when the strand of hair was acquired this time, the server  100  connects the two trends of the intensity of the stress to generate a trend of the stress intensity over a longer term. 
     (8) The server  100  transmits the generated data indicating the trend of stress over the long term to the smartphone  300  that serves as the user terminal of the subject. Alternatively, (8-1) the server  100  prints information indicating the generated trend of stress over the long term, and (8-2) a person responsible mails the printed material, for example, to the home of the subject. 
     In this way, subjects can more easily confirm trends of stress over a longer term than before. 
     Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the network system  1  for implementing such functionality will be described in detail. 
     Hardware Configuration of Server  100   
     First, one aspect of the hardware configuration of the server  100  that constitutes the network system  1  will be described. Note that  FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server  100  according to the present embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the server  100  includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)  110 , a memory  120 , a display  130 , an operation unit  140 , and a communication interface  160  as primary components. 
     The CPU  110  controls each unit of the server  100  by executing a program stored in the memory  120 . More particularly, the CPU  110  executes the various processes to be described below by executing a program stored in the memory  120  and referring to various data. 
     The memory  120  is realized by various Random Access Memories (RAM), various Read-Only Memories (ROM), flash memories, or the like. It should be noted that the memory  120  may also be realized by a storage medium or the like used through an interface, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) (registered trademark) memory, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc (BD), a Solid State Drive (SD), a memory card, a hard disk, an Integrated Circuit (IC) card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), an Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) or the like. 
     The memory  120  stores programs to be executed by the CPU  110 , data generated by execution of the programs by the CPU  110 , input data, a database used for the services according to other embodiments, and the like. For example, the memory  120  stores a user database  121  and an analysis database  122 . The memory  120  may store data indicating the analysis results indicating the state of a subject as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  or  FIG. 2B , or may store data indicating a long-term trend generated from the analysis results indicating the state of the subject as illustrated in  FIG. 2C . 
       FIG. 4  is an image diagram illustrating the user database  121  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 4 , the user database  121  stores, for each user, a user ID, a user name, an address, and a contract address of the user, for example. It should be noted that the user database  121  may additionally store telephone information, date of birth, gender, and the like for each user. 
       FIG. 5  is an image diagram illustrating an analysis database  122  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 5 , the analysis database  122  stores, for each analysis, an analysis ID, a user ID, an acquisition date of a specimen or analysis result, and a storage address of analysis result data. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , the display  130  outputs text and images based on a signal from the CPU  110 . 
     The operation unit  140  receives a command from a user and inputs the command to the CPU  110 . Note that the display  130  and the operation unit  140  may constitute a touch panel. 
     The communication interface  160  transmits data from the CPU  110  to electronic devices via the Internet, a router, a base station, or the like. Conversely, the communication interface  160  receives data from electronic devices via the Internet, a router, a base station or the like, and delivers the data to the CPU  110 . 
     Information Processing in Server  100   
     Next, information processing in the server  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . Note that  FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating information processing in the server  100 , according to the present embodiment. 
     Upon receiving data from the analysis device  200  via the communication interface  160 , the CPU  110  of the server  100  executes the following processes. The CPU  110  acquires the user ID from the received data (Step S 102 ). 
     The CPU  110  reads the analysis result data from the received data. The CPU  110  stores the analysis results in the memory  120 , and stores the user ID and acquisition date in association with each other in the analysis database  122  (Step S 104 ). It should be noted that although the analysis results described here differ depending on the service provided by the server  100 , the analysis results are data indicating the mental or physical state of a subject with respect to one time, a plurality of times, or a predetermined period. 
     For example, in the case of a server  100  that provides a stress information provision service, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , information including a trend of the intensity of stress at a time period corresponding to the length from the hair root, which was generated from the amount of cortisol in each part of a strand of hair of a subject, may be acquired as the analysis results. 
     However, the CPU  110  may store the analysis data in a database of the memory of another device via the communication interface  160 . 
     The CPU  110  references the analysis database  122  to determine whether or not past data for a target user is stored (Step S 106 ). In the case that past data for the target user is not stored (NO in Step S 106 ), the CPU  110  executes the processes starting from Step S 110 . 
     In the case that past data for the target user is stored (YES in Step S 106 ), the CPU  110  combines the data acquired this time and the past data to generate long-term trend data (Step S 108 ). For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2C , with respect to strands of hair obtained at multiple time periods from subjects having the same user ID, the CPU  110  generates information indicating the trend of stress over a longer term based on the time period when each of the plurality of strands of hair were collected, as well as the data indicating the trend of the stress intensity over a time period corresponding to the length from the hair root of the plurality of strands of hair. 
     The CPU  110  references the user database  121 , and generates transmission data that includes information on the trend of the mental or physical state of the subject based on the analysis data received this time for the target user (Step S 110 ). Alternatively, the CPU  110  references the user database  121 , and generates transmission data that includes information on the long-term trend of the mental or physical state of the subject based on the trend data generated this time for the target user (Step S 110 ). 
     The CPU  110  transmits the transmission data via the communication interface  160  (Step S 112 ). The CPU  110  waits for the next data. 
     Hardware Configuration of Analysis Device  200   
     Next, one aspect of the hardware configuration of the analysis device  200  that constitutes the network system  1  will be described. Note that  FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the analysis device  200 , according to the present embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the analysis device  200  includes a CPU  210 , a memory  220 , a display  230 , an operation unit  240 , a communication interface  260 , and an analysis unit  290  as primary components. 
     The CPU  210  controls each unit of the analysis device  200  by executing a program stored in the memory  220  or an external storage medium. 
     The memory  220  is realized by various RAMs, various ROMs, or the like. The memory  220  stores programs to be executed by the CPU  210 , data generated by execution of the programs by the CPU  210 , data received from the server  100 , data input via the operation unit  240 , and the like. For example, the memory  220  stores the analysis results in association with the user ID. 
     The display  230  outputs characters, images, and the like based on a signal from the CPU  110 . 
     The operation unit  240  is realized by a button, a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like, receives a command from a user, and inputs this command to the CPU  210 . 
     The communication interface  260  exchanges data with other devices by wired communication or wireless communication. For example, the CPU  210  transmits data indicating the analysis results obtained by the analysis unit  290 , together with the user ID for this analysis and the date and time when the specimen was collected, to the server  100  via the communication interface  260 . 
     The analysis unit  290  executes an analysis process of the specimen of the subject based on, for example, a signal from the CPU  210  or reception of a command from a person responsible via another route. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , when measuring the stress of a subject, the analysis unit  290  measures the amount of cortisol in each part of a strand of hair. Then, based on this measurement result, the analysis unit  290  or the CPU  210  generates information including the trend of stress at a time period corresponding to the length from the hair root. 
     More particularly, based on the amount of cortisol in each part of the strand of hair, the analysis unit  290  measures the degree of stress of the subject at time periods corresponding to each part. Then, the measured values of the strand of hair at portions farther from the hair root are determined to be farther in the past from the time of cutting. If it is assumed that hair grows by 1 cm per month, stress values are obtained as follows. In the case that a strand of hair is cut at a location 1 cm from the hair root, the analysis unit  290  acquires stress values from one month before the time of cutting based on the amount of cortisol in the cut portion. The analysis unit  290  acquires stress values from two months before the time of cutting based on the amount of cortisol at a location 1 cm from the cut portion. The analysis unit  290  acquires stress values from three months before the time of cutting based on the amount of cortisol at a location 2 cm from the cut portion. 
     It should be noted that, in the case where a strand of hair is cut at a location 2 cm from the hair root, the analysis unit  290  acquires stress values from two months before the time of cutting based on the amount of cortisol in the cut portion. The analysis unit  290  acquires stress values from three months before the time of cutting based on the amount of cortisol at a location 1 cm from the cut portion. The analysis unit  290  acquires stress values from four months before the time of cutting based on the amount of cortisol at a location 2 cm from the cut portion. 
     Hardware Configuration of Smartphone  300  as User Terminal 
     Next, one aspect of a hardware configuration in which the smartphone  300  serves as the user terminal that constitutes the network system  1  will be described. Note that  FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the smartphone  300  that serves as an electronic device according to the present embodiment. It should be noted that the user terminal is not limited to the smartphone  300 , and may be a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a game machine, a wrist watch, or the like. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , the smartphone  300  includes a CPU  310 , a memory  320 , a display  330 , an operation unit  340 , and a communication interface  360  as primary components. 
     The CPU  310  controls each unit of the smartphone  300  by executing a program stored in the memory  320 . 
     The memory  320  is realized by various RAMs, various ROMs, or the like. The memory  320  stores programs to be executed by the CPU  310 , data generated by execution of the programs by the CPU  310 , data received from the server  100 , data input via the operation unit  340 , information for identifying the user of the user terminal, and the like. 
     For example, the memory  320  stores identification information for the smartphone  300 , and a user ID and password for the stress information provision service. In addition, the memory  320  stores the analysis results received by the CPU  310  via the communication interface  360 . 
     The display  330  displays images and text based on data from the CPU  310 . The operation unit  340  is constituted by a pointing device, a switch, or the like, and inputs various commands from a user to the CPU  310 . Note that the user terminal may have a touch panel that includes the display  330  and the operation unit  340 . 
     The communication interface  360  transmits data from the CPU  310  to the server  100  via the Internet, a router, or the like. Conversely, the communication interface  360  receives data from the server  100  via the Internet, a router, or the like, and delivers the data to the CPU  310 . 
     Embodiment 2 
     In the embodiment 1, the server  100  is configured to receive the same type of data for a plurality of time periods from one analysis device  200 , and generate information indicating a long-term trend from the data. The present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment, however. 
       FIG. 9  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 9 , the network system  1  according to the present embodiment primarily includes a server  100 , a first analysis device  200  capable of communicating with the server  100 , a second analysis device  200 B capable of communicating with the server  100 , a third analysis device  200 C capable of communicating with the server  100 , a smartphone  300  that serves as a user terminal capable of communicating with the server  100 , and a printer  400 . 
     (1) As an example, on Jan. 1, 2016, a user, who is a subject, visits a barber shop or a beauty salon. The barber acquires a strand of hair from the subject that is cut at a predetermined distance from the hair root. The barber sends the acquired strand of hair of the subject to a laboratory by mail, for example. (2) At the laboratory, various analyses are performed on the received strand of hair. (3) The analysis device  200  transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the trend of past stress obtained from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (4) Thereafter, if the user, who is the subject, goes to a police station on Mar. 1, 2016, for example, an officer may acquire a strand of hair of the subject cut at a predetermined distance from the hair root. (5) Using the second analysis device  200 B, the officer performs various analyses on the received strand of hair. (6) The second analysis device  200 B transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the trend of past stress obtained from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (7) Thereafter, if the user, who is the subject, goes to a hospital on May 1, 2016, for example, a person responsible may acquire a strand of hair of the subject cut at a predetermined distance from the hair root. (8) Using the third analysis device  200 C, the person responsible performs various analyses on the received strand of hair. (9) The third analysis device  200 C transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the trend of past stress obtained from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on May 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (10) Based on the trend of the stress of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 from the analysis device  200 , the trend of the stress of the same subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 from the second analysis device  200 B, and the trend of the stress of the same subject that was acquired on May 1, 2016 from the third analysis device  200 C, the server  100  combines these trends to generate a trend of the stress of the subject over a longer term. 
     (11) The server  100  transmits the generated data indicating the trend of stress over the long term to the smartphone  300  that serves as the user terminal of the subject. Alternatively, (11-1) the server  100  prints information indicating the generated trend of stress over the long term, and (11-2) the person responsible mails the printed material to, for example, the home of the subject. 
     In this way, subjects can more easily confirm trends of stress over a longer term than before. 
     Note that, as one aspect of the hardware configuration of the server  100  and the information processing in the server  100  are the same as those of the embodiment 1, a description thereof will not be repeated here. Naturally, in Step S 102  of  FIG. 6 , the CPU  110  of the server  100  receives data from the analysis device  200 , the second analysis device  200 B, or the third analysis device  200 C via the communication interface  160 . 
     In addition, as one aspect of the hardware configuration of the analysis device  200  and one aspect of the hardware configuration of the smartphone  300  serving as the user terminal are the same as those of the embodiment 1, a description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     Embodiment 3 
     In the embodiments 1 and 2, the server  100  is configured to receive the same type of data for a plurality of time periods from one or a plurality of analysis devices  200  to  200 C, and generate information indicating a long-term trend from the data. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, however. 
       FIG. 10  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 10 , the network system  1  according to the present embodiment primarily includes a server  100 , a first analysis device  200  capable of communicating with the server  100 , a second analysis device  200 B capable of communicating with the server  100 , a third analysis device  200 C capable of communicating with the server  100 , a smartphone  300  that serves as a user terminal capable of communicating with the server  100 , and a printer  400 . 
     Particularly in the present embodiment, at least one of the first analysis device  200 , the second analysis device  200 B, or the third analysis device  200 C analyzes a specimen different from the other devices. Alternatively, at least one of the first analysis device  200 , the second analysis device  200 B, or the third analysis device  200 C has the same specimen as an analysis target as the other devices, but the analysis method is different. 
     Note that, in the present embodiment, the analysis device  200  acquires the trend of past stress by analyzing the strand of hair. The second analysis device  200 B and the third analysis device  200 C acquire current stress values by analyzing blood, saliva, or the like. 
     Naturally, specimens analyzed by the analysis devices  200  to  200 C are not limited to blood, saliva, or the like. 
     (1) As an example, on Jan. 1, 2016, a user, who is a subject, visits a barber shop or a beauty salon. The barber acquires a strand of hair from the subject that is cut at a predetermined distance from the hair root. The barber sends the acquired strand of hair of the subject to a laboratory by mail, for example. (2) At the laboratory, various analyses are performed on the received strand of hair. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11A , the analysis device  200  examines the trend of a numerical value that indicates the magnitude of the stress of the subject by measuring the cortisol of each part of a strand of hair that was cut at a distance of 1 cm from the hair root. (3) The analysis device  200  transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the trend of past stress obtained from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (4) Thereafter, if the user, who is the subject, goes to a police station on Feb. 1, 2016, for example, an officer draws blood from the subject. (5) Using the second analysis device  200 B, the officer performs various analyses on the blood. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11B , the second analysis device  200 B examines numerical values indicating the magnitude of the stress of the subject by measuring the cortisol of the blood. (6) The second analysis device  200 B transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the stress at that point in time obtained from the blood of the subject that was acquired on Feb. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (7) Thereafter, if the user, who is the subject, goes to a hospital on Mar. 1, 2016, for example, a person responsible draws blood from the subject. (8) Using the third analysis device  200 C, the person responsible performs various analyses on the blood. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11C , the third analysis device  200 C examines numerical values indicating the magnitude of the stress of the subject by measuring the cortisol of the blood. (9) The third analysis device  200 C transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the stress at that point in time obtained from the blood of the subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (10) Based on the trend of the stress of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 from the analysis device  200 , the stress information for the same subject that was acquired on Feb. 1, 2016 from the second analysis device  200 B, and the stress information for the same subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 from the third analysis device  200 C, the server  100  combines these trends to generate a trend of the stress of the subject over a longer term. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11D , based on the time period when the strand of hair was acquired and the time period when the blood was drawn, the server  100  connects the multiple stress trends or stress values to generate a trend of the stress over a longer term. 
     (11) The server  100  transmits the generated data indicating the trend of stress over the long term to the smartphone  300  that serves as the user terminal of the subject. Alternatively, (11-1) the server  100  prints information indicating the generated trend of stress over the long term, and (11-2) the person responsible mails the printed material to, for example, the home of the subject. 
     In this way, subjects can more easily confirm trends of stress over a longer term than before. 
     Note that, as one aspect of the hardware configuration of the server  100 , the information processing in the server  100 , one aspect of the hardware configuration of the analysis device  200 , and one aspect of the hardware configuration of the smartphone  300  that serves as the user terminal are the same as those of the embodiments 1 and 2, a description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     Embodiment 4 
     In the embodiments 1 to 3, the server  100  is configured to receive the same or different types of data for a plurality of time periods from one or a plurality of analysis devices  200  to  200 C, and generate information indicating a long-term trend from the data. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, however. 
       FIG. 12  is an image diagram illustrating the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 12 , the network system  1  according to the present embodiment primarily includes a server  100 , a first analysis device  200  capable of communicating with the server  100 , a second analysis device  200 B capable of communicating with the server  100 , a third analysis device  200 C capable of communicating with the server  100 , a smartphone  300  that serves as a user terminal capable of communicating with the server  100 , a printer  400 , and a database  700 . 
     In the present embodiment, data regarding trends of the physical or mental states of a plurality of subjects, illness data corresponding to these trends, advice data such as prevention methods corresponding to these illnesses, and the like are stored in a database  700  that stores mass data. However, the mass data stored in the database  700  may be stored in other devices such as the server  100 . In addition, the mass data is not limited to an embodiment in which the mass data is stored in a single computer, but may also be stored in the cloud, for example. 
     (1) to (3) For example, the analysis device  200  transmits data indicating the trend of the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the trend of past stress obtained from the strand of hair of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (4) to (6) Thereafter, the second analysis device  200 B transmits data indicating the stress of the subject to the server  100 , for example. The server  100  stores the stress at that point in time obtained from the blood of the subject that was acquired on Feb. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (7) to (9) Subsequently, the third analysis device  200 C transmits data indicating the stress of the subject to the server  100 . The server  100  stores the stress at that point in time obtained from the blood of the subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 in a database. 
     (10) Based on the trend of the stress of the subject that was acquired on Jan. 1, 2016 from the analysis device  200 , the stress information for the same subject that was acquired on Feb. 1, 2016 from the second analysis device  200 B, and the stress information for the same subject that was acquired on Mar. 1, 2016 from the third analysis device  200 C, the server  100  combines these trends to generate a trend of the stress of the subject over a longer term. 
     (11) Based on the acquired trends of the physical or mental state of the subject, the server  100  acquires, for example, data on illnesses corresponding to these trends by referencing the database  700 . 
     (12) By referencing the database  700 , the server  100  acquires advice data and the like such as prevention methods corresponding to the illness data. 
     (13) The server  100  transmits generated data indicating the trend of stress over the long-term, data indicating illnesses with a high contraction likelihood, and data indicating advice such as prevention methods of these illnesses to the smartphone  300  that serves as a user terminal of the subject. Alternatively, (13-1) the server  100  prints this information, and (13-2) a person responsible mails the printed material to, for example, the home of the subject. 
     In this way, subjects can more easily confirm trends of stress over a longer term than before. 
     Note that, as one aspect of the hardware configuration of the server  100 , one aspect of the hardware configuration of the analysis device  200 , and one aspect of the hardware configuration of the smartphone  300  that serves as the user terminal are the same as those of the embodiments 1 and 2, a description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     In the following, information processing in the server  100  according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 13 . Note that  FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating information processing in the server  100 , according to the present embodiment. 
     Upon receiving data from the analysis devices  200  to  200 C via the communication interface  160 , the CPU  110  of the server  100  executes the following processes. The CPU  110  acquires a user ID from the received data (Step S 102 ). 
     The CPU  110  reads the analysis result data from the received data. The CPU  110  stores the analysis results in the memory  120 , and stores the user ID and acquisition date in association with each other in the analysis database  122  (Step S 104 ). It should be noted that although the analysis results described here differ depending on the service provided by the server  100 , the analysis results are data indicating the mental or physical state of a subject with respect to one time, a plurality of times, or a predetermined period. 
     However, the CPU  110  may store the analysis data in a database of the memory of another device via the communication interface  160 . 
     The CPU  110  references the analysis database  122  to determine whether or not past data for a target user is stored (Step S 106 ). In the case that past data for the target user is not stored (NO in Step S 106 ), the CPU  110  executes the processes starting from Step S 110 . 
     In the case that past data for the target user is stored (YES in Step S 106 ), the CPU  110  combines the data acquired this time and the past data to generate long-term trend data (Step S 108 ). 
     The CPU  110  references the database  700  and reads data regarding illnesses corresponding to the long-term trend data (Step S 122 ). For example, the CPU  110  matches long-term trend data generated this time with a plurality of long-term trend data stored in the database  700 , and identifies illnesses corresponding to data having a high degree of conformance. The CPU  110  reads advice data and the like such as prevention methods corresponding to the illnesses (Step S 124 ). 
     The CPU  110  references the user database  121 , and generates transmission data that includes information regarding the trends of the mental or physical state of the subject, information regarding illnesses for which the subject has a high contraction likelihood, and information regarding advice such as prevention methods with respect to these illnesses (Step S 110 ). 
     The CPU  110  transmits the transmission data via the communication interface  160  (Step S 112 ). The CPU  110  waits for the next data. 
     It should be noted that, in cases where predetermined conditions regarding the attributes of the user acting as the subject, attributes of the user to whom the information is notified, the type of the illnesses, the type of advice, or the like are satisfied, the CPU  110  may transmit the various types of information mentioned above. 
     For example, the CPU  110  may receive information from the subject, their family, or the like indicating whether or not information notifications are requested or information indicating whether or not information notifications are permitted, and may store these designations in the user database  121  in association with the user ID of the subject. Alternatively, the CPU  110  may receive information regarding the information notification destination from the subject, their family, or the like, and may store this designation in the user database  121  in association with the user ID of the subject. Put differently, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the user database  121  according to the present embodiment stores a presence/absence for notification permissions, notification destination addresses, and the like for each user. 
     Then, as in the following Table 1, according to determination criteria based on the consenter of the analysis result notification and the analysis result notification destination, the CPU  110  references the user database  121 , determines whether or not to transmit the transmission data, transmits the transmission data to the subject when a first condition is satisfied, and transmits the transmission data to a predetermined institution such as a police station, a prosecutor&#39;s office, a courthouse, a hospital, or the like when a second condition is satisfied. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Notification Destination of Result 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 B. Notification to Person other 
               
               
                   
                 A. Notification to Subject 
                 than Subject 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Person who 
                 Subject 
                 Intention declaration or consent 
                 Intention declaration or 
               
               
                 wishes 
                   
                 from subject is required 
                 consent from subject is 
               
               
                 for/consents 
                   
                   
                 required 
               
               
                 to analysis 
                 Person other than 
                 When consent of the subject and 
                 assuming consent from the 
               
               
                 result 
                 subject (Note 1) 
                 a request from a person other 
                 subject, 
               
               
                 notifications 
                   
                 than the subject are received, 
                 send notification to the person 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 other than subject based on 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 the request from the person 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 other than the subject. (Note 2, 3) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 (Note 1) 
               
               
                 1. Doctors, hospitals, child consultation centers, specialists such as police officer and prosecutor, beauty salons, and 2. remote family members can be considered. 
               
               
                 (Note 2) 
               
               
                 However, these do not apply when there are special circumstances as the following. 
               
               
                 In cases where the subject is a minor, has dementia or the like, or otherwise cannot make decisions for him/herself. (Possible only by the determination of a guardian) 
               
               
                 Mental assessment or evidence examination by police, prosecution, judicial system, or the like. (Consent of the subject is unnecessary) 
               
               
                 (Note 3) 
               
               
                 Providing information to doctors (such as psychiatrists), or guardianship by remote family members are considered. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Embodiment 5 
     In the embodiments 1 to 4, the server  100  is configured to identify the subject of data from one or a plurality of analysis devices  200  to  200 C based on a user ID. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, however. For example, a subject may be identified using a public ID such as a My Number, a license number, a passport number, or the like instead of the user ID. 
     For example, the memory  120  of the server  100  stores the user database  121  of  FIG. 14  and the analysis database  122  of  FIG. 15  in place of the user database  121  of  FIG. 4  and the analysis database  122  of  FIG. 5 . 
     More particularly,  FIG. 14  is an image diagram illustrating the user database  121  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 14 , the user database  121  stores, for each user, a user ID, a user name, an address, a contact address of the user, and a public ID. Embodiments in which the user ID itself is not used are also possible. 
       FIG. 15  is an image diagram illustrating the analysis database  122  according to the present embodiment. With reference to  FIG. 5 , the analysis database  122  stores, for each analysis, an analysis ID, a public ID, an acquisition date, and a storage address. 
     In this way, the server  100 , the analysis devices  200  to  200 C, and the smartphone  300  can use the public ID and exchange data to identify the subjects. For example, upon receiving data from the analysis devices  200  to  200 C via the communication interface  160 , the CPU  110  of the server  100  reads a public ID from the received data (Step S 102 ). Also, the CPU  210  of the analysis devices  200  to  200 C transmits data indicating the analysis results, the public ID of the subject, and the acquisition date and time to the server  100 , for example. 
     Note that, as the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system  1 , one aspect of the hardware configuration of the server  100 , the information processing in the server  100 , one aspect of the hardware configuration of the analysis device  200 , and one aspect of the hardware configuration of the smartphone  300  that serves as the user terminal are the same as those of the embodiments 1 to 3, a description thereof will not be repeated here. 
     Embodiment 6 
     In the embodiments 1 to 5, a business model for cutting hair in a barber shop or beauty salon is included. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, however. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , a business model may also be utilized in which a user, who is a subject, has a colleague, a friend or the like cut his or her hair at a predetermined location from the hair root at an office, at home, or the like, and mails this strand of hair to an analysis center. It should be noted that, naturally, a user who is a subject may cut their hair by themselves. 
     Embodiment 7 
     In the embodiments 1 to 6, the analysis device  200  is disposed at a place different from the barber shop or beauty salon, and also at a different place from the server  100 , such as at an analysis center, for example. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, however. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the analysis device  200  may be disposed in a barber shop or a beauty salon. Alternatively, the analysis device  200  is not limited to police stations and hospitals, but may be located in other places such as offices, nursing homes, schools, fitness gyms, game centers, and the like. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , for example, the analysis device  200  may be disposed in the same place as the server  100 , such as in the same building as the server  100  or the same room as the server  100 . 
     Embodiment 8 
     In the embodiments 1 to 7, although the business model includes the analysis device  200  and corresponding steps for analyzing specimens from barber shops, beauty salons, or both, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , a barber shop or a beauty salon need not be included in the network system  1  in the first place. Also, naturally, the network system  1  need not include the analysis device  200  for analyzing specimens sent by mail from barber shops, beauty salons, or offices. 
     Embodiment 9 
     In the embodiments 1 to 8, the network system  1  includes the server  100 , the analysis devices  200  to  200 C, and the smartphone  300 . However, the roles of all or a portion of one of these devices may be shared by a plurality of devices, or one device may carry out all or a part of the roles of this plurality of devices. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the analysis device  200  may be constituted by an analysis device  200 X that primarily performs analysis, and a server  200 Y that collects the analysis results and transmits the analysis results to the server  100 . 
     Conversely, the analysis device  200  may carry out part of the role of the server  100 , or the server  100  may carry out part of the role of the analysis device  200 . 
     OTHER APPLICATION EXAMPLES 
     It is needless to say that the present disclosure can also be applied to cases where the above-described embodiments are achieved by supplying a program to a system or a device. Also, it is possible to attain the effects of the present disclosure by supplying a storage medium (or a memory) that stores a program implemented as software for achieving the present disclosure to a system or a device, and having a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium. 
     In this case, the program code read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium that stores this program code constitutes the present disclosure. 
     In addition, it is needless to say that by executing the program code read by the computer, not only are the functions of the above-described embodiments realized, but cases in which an operating system (OS) or the like operating on a computer performs part of or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by this processing are also included. 
     Further, it is needless to say that cases are also included in which, after the program code read out from the storage medium is written in another storage medium provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or in a function expansion unit connected to the computer, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part of or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by this processing. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the embodiments 1 to 9 described above, provided is a computer  100  including: a memory  120  configured to store first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject and second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject at a different acquisition time from that of the strand of hair; and a processor  110  configured to generate a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     Preferably, the computer  100  further includes a communication interface  160 . The processor  110  acquires the first data and the second data from the other device  200  via the communication interface  160 . 
     Preferably, the computer  100  further includes a communication interface  160 . The processor  110  is configured to acquire the first data from a first other device  200 ,  200 Y via the communication interface  160 , and acquire the second data from a second other device  200 B,  200 C via the communication interface  160 . 
     Preferably, the second data is obtained from a strand of hair acquired from the subject at a different acquisition time from that of the strand of hair. 
     Preferably, the second data is obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject other than a strand of hair at a different acquisition time from that of the strand of hair. 
     Preferably, the processor  110  is configured to generate a future state of the subject based on data  700  acquired from a subject other than the subject. 
     Preferably, the processor  110  is configured to generate advice for the future state. 
     Preferably, the processor  110  is configured to: transmit, to the subject when a first predetermined condition is satisfied, information including the trend via the communication interface  160 , and transmit, to a predetermined institution such as a police station, a prosecutor&#39;s office, a courthouse, or a hospital when a second predetermined condition is satisfied, information including the trend via the communication interface  160 . 
     In the embodiments 1 to 9 described above, an information processing method in the computer  100  is provided. The information processing method includes: acquiring, by a processor  110 , first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject; acquiring, by the processor  110 , second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject at a different acquisition time from that of the strand of hair; and generating, by the processor  110 , a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     In the embodiments 1 to 9 described above, provided is a network system  1  including: a device  200  configured to acquire first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject and second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject at a different acquisition time from that of the strand of hair; and a computer  100  configured to: receive the first data and the second data from the device  200 , and generate a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     In the embodiments 2 to 9 described above, a network system  1  is provided, the network system  1  including: a first device  200  configured to acquire first data obtained from a strand of hair acquired from a subject; a second device  200 B,  200 C configured to acquire second data obtained from a specimen acquired from the subject at a different acquisition time from that of the strand of hair; and a computer  100  configured to: receive the first data from the first device  200 , receive the second data from the second device  200 B,  200 C, and generate a trend of a mental or physical state of the subject based on the first data and the second data. 
     The embodiments disclosed here are to be understood as being in all ways exemplary and in no ways limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined not by the foregoing descriptions but by the appended claims, and is intended to include all changes equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           1  Network system 
           100  Server 
           110  Processor (CPU) 
           120  Memory 
           121  User database 
           122  Analysis database 
           130  Display 
           140  Operation unit 
           160  Communication interface 
           200  First analysis device 
           200 B Second analysis device 
           200 C Third analysis device 
           200 X Analysis device 
           200 Y Server 
           210  Processor 
           220  Memory 
           230  Display 
           240  Operation unit 
           260  Communication interface 
           290  Analysis unit 
           300  Smartphone 
           310  Processor (CPU) 
           320  Memory 
           330  Display 
           340  Operation unit 
           360  Communication interface 
           380  Speaker 
           400  Printer 
           700  Mass database