JP7833729B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

In recent years, in addition to "in-person treatment," where patients visit the hospital and receive treatment face-to-face with a doctor, "telemedicine" has become a common method of medical care in hospitals. This method allows patients to receive consultations without physically visiting a medical institution, using communication devices between doctors and patients. In telemedicine, medical equipment is installed at the patient's home or a designated location, and vital data obtained from the equipment is transmitted via communication to a doctor in a remote location. The doctor then makes a diagnosis based on this data.

One form of telemedicine involves an information processing system, also known as a telemedicine booth, telemedicine box, or telemedicine kiosk, equipped with medical devices and video conferencing equipment at a designated location, enabling real-time video consultations between patients and doctors. This allows for not only conversational consultations via communication devices, but also consultations using medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors and stethoscopes, enabling more detailed examination of symptoms.

However, with the information processing systems described above, appropriate medical care cannot be provided unless specific medical equipment corresponding to the medical specialty is available in the remote consultation booth.

Therefore, there is a need for a reservation support system that allows patients to pre-select the medical equipment installed in the remote consultation booth and reserve an appropriate booth equipped with the necessary medical equipment for their treatment.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-8931

The problem that the embodiments of this invention aim to solve is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can realize an information processing system capable of supporting the reservation of remote medical consultation booths.

In one embodiment, the information processing device comprises a storage unit and a search processing unit. The storage unit stores information regarding remote medical consultation booths for remote consultations, information regarding medical equipment associated with the remote medical consultation booths, and information regarding consultation cases. The search processing unit obtains consultation conditions entered by the user from a user terminal and, based on the information stored in the storage unit, outputs information regarding candidate remote medical consultation booths corresponding to the consultation conditions to the user terminal.

Figure 1 is an external view illustrating a remote medical consultation booth included in the information processing system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of medical booth information according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of medical device information according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device of a medical device according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device of a user terminal according to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing information about medical booths by the server according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing information related to medical case information by the server according to the embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing information related to the search for a medical examination booth by the server according to this embodiment.

(Embodiment)
(Example configuration)
The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In each drawing, the same reference numeral is used for identical components whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.
Figure 1 is an external view illustrating a remote medical consultation booth included in the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.
A telemedicine booth is a facility enclosed on all four sides by walls, making it difficult for conversations to be overheard and ensuring patient privacy during consultations. A telemedicine booth is also called a consultation booth or simply a booth. Inside the booth, there are chairs, desks, medical equipment for measurements, and communication devices for communicating with a doctor outside the booth. For example, multiple consultation booths may be set up in each area, such as a city or town. Patients make a reservation in advance to receive a telemedicine consultation at a consultation booth and enter the reserved booth at the scheduled time. The patient communicates with the doctor via video call or other means using the communication device inside the consultation booth, and uses medical equipment to measure biometric data based on the doctor's instructions. The measurement data from the medical equipment can be viewed in real time on medical equipment used by the doctor. The doctor can then conduct a consultation based on the measurement data. Each consultation booth may be set up in a hospital, or it may be used by multiple doctors from multiple hospitals.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment.
The information processing system 100 includes a server 1, medical equipment 4, a user terminal 5, and at least one remote medical consultation booth. The remote medical consultation booth includes a remote medical consultation support device 2 and a communication device 3. The server 1, the remote medical consultation support device 2, the communication device 3, the medical equipment 4, and the user terminal 5 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the network consists of one or more networks from among various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network. The remote medical consultation support device 2 and the communication device 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network. The network is a LAN, etc. The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The remote medical consultation support device 2 is connected to at least one medical device so as to be able to communicate with each other. The remote medical consultation support device 2 and at least one medical device 251-1 to 251-m are directly connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless. The telemedicine support device 2 and at least one medical device 251-1 to 251-m may be connected by, for example, LAN, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, etc. The information processing system 100 may also refer to a system including a server 1, the telemedicine support device 2, communication equipment 3, physician's equipment 4, user terminal 5, and at least two of the medical devices 251-1 to 251-m.

Server 1 is an electronic device that collects and processes data. This electronic device includes a computer. Server 1 is freely connected to the telemedicine support device 2, communication device 3, physician's equipment 4, and user terminal 5 via a network. Server 1 receives various data from the telemedicine support device 2, communication device 3, physician's equipment 4, and user terminal 5, and outputs various data to the telemedicine support device 2, communication device 3, physician's equipment 4, and user terminal 5. Server 1 may also be a server used in a cloud service.

Server 1 can implement a web conferencing service that provides video communication between the medical device 4 and the communication device 3. Server 1 can also implement a telemedicine service between the telemedicine support device 2, the communication device 3, the medical device 4, and the user terminal 5. An example configuration of Server 1 will be described later.

The remote medical consultation support device 2 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. The remote medical consultation support device 2 is a device installed in the medical consultation booth. For example, the remote medical consultation support device 2 may be a PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, or tablet device. "Participant" may be read as "user" or "person." An example configuration of the remote medical consultation support device 2 will be described later.

Communication device 3 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. Communication device 3 is a device installed in the medical examination booth. Communication device 3 is, for example, a device used by a patient receiving telemedicine. For example, communication device 3 may be a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. "Patient" may be read as "user" or "person." An example configuration of communication device 3 will be described later.

Medical device 4 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. Medical device 4 is, for example, a device used by a physician performing telemedicine. For example, medical device 4 is a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. "Physician" may be read as "healthcare worker," "user," or "person." Medical device 4 is installed in a location different from the examination booth. The location where the examination booth is installed is an example of a first base. The location where medical device 4 is installed is an example of a second base. A second base is, for example, a medical institution such as a hospital.

User terminal 5 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. User terminal 5 is, for example, a device used by a patient receiving telemedicine. The user of user terminal 5 makes a reservation for a telemedicine booth via user terminal 5. For example, user terminal 5 may be a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. "Patient" may be read as "user" or "person."

This section describes an example configuration for Server 1.
Server 1 is an electronic device that includes a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14. Each component of Server 1 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Figure 2, the interface is labeled "I/F".

The processor 11 is the central part of the server 1. The processor 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 11 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 11 loads programs pre-stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. These programs cause the processor 11 of the server 1 to implement or execute the various parts described later. By executing the programs loaded into the main memory 12, the processor 11 performs various operations.

Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of server 1. Main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of server 1. Main memory 12 includes both non-volatile and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or programs. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 11. For example, main memory 12 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, main memory 12 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. Main memory 12 stores programs.

The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the aforementioned program, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing of the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the aforementioned program. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an example of a storage unit.

The auxiliary storage device 13 stores information related to the medical examination booth. This information related to the medical examination booth is also called medical examination booth information or booth information. Booth information will be described below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of medical examination booth information according to an embodiment.
Booth information includes information such as the booth name, booth ID, and location. The booth name is a unique name assigned to each medical booth. For example, the booth name may be "Booth A,""BoothB," etc. The booth ID is unique identification information assigned to each medical booth. The location indicates the location information of the medical booth. The location information may be, for example, the address of the location where the medical booth is installed. The location information may also be the coordinates on a map of the location where the medical booth is installed. The location information only needs to be information that can identify the location of the medical booth. For example, the booth name "Booth A" is associated with the booth ID "0001" and the location "XX Prefecture, YY City...". Booth information may be set in advance when the medical booth is installed. Booth information may be set or updated by location information output from electronic devices such as the remote medical support device 2 installed in the medical booth.

The auxiliary storage device 13 stores information related to medical devices. This information related to medical devices is also called medical device information. The information related to medical devices will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of medical device information according to this embodiment.
Information regarding medical devices includes device information for medical devices associated with each treatment booth. This information includes the booth ID and device information, etc. The booth ID indicates the booth ID of the treatment booth where the medical device is installed. The booth ID is information that identifies the treatment booth where the medical device is installed. The device information includes information about at least one medical device installed in the same treatment booth. The device information is information that identifies the medical device. The device information includes information indicating the type of medical device. Examples of medical device types include electrocardiographs, blood pressure monitors, digital stethoscopes, pulse oximeters, slit lamps, otoscopes, etc. Information indicating the type of medical device may include the model number, name, or number of the medical device. The device information may also include medical device identification information. Medical device identification information is unique identification information assigned to each medical device. For example, booth ID "0001" is associated with the device information "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope, blood glucose meter". This indicates that the medical booth with booth ID "0001" is equipped with a blood pressure monitor, a digital stethoscope, and a blood glucose meter. Information regarding medical devices may be pre-configured when the medical booth is set up. Information regarding medical devices may be configured or updated using information that identifies medical devices, such as information output from electronic devices such as the remote medical consultation support device 2 installed in the medical booth.

The auxiliary memory device 13 stores information related to medical cases. This information includes information about medical devices associated with the medical case. It also includes information such as the medical case ID, medical case name, and medical device information. The medical case ID is unique identification information assigned to each medical case. The medical case name is information that identifies a medical case. A medical case includes information such as the medical specialty, procedure name, and treatment method. A medical case only needs to contain information for classifying the medical devices necessary for treatment. Medical specialties include, for example, internal medicine, pediatrics, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, surgery, orthopedics, etc. A medical case may also include information such as initial consultation and follow-up consultation. A medical case may also include information that identifies the attending physician, such as the name of the attending physician. Information about medical devices indicates the medical devices necessary for each medical case. This information may include the type of medical device, the name of the medical device, etc. For example, if the medical case is "internal medicine," the information indicating the medical devices may include "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope." Information regarding medical cases is information that links each medical case with information indicating the medical equipment necessary for the treatment of that case. Information regarding medical cases may be pre-configured by the administrator, etc. Information regarding medical cases may be configured or updated based on information entered by the physician via the physician's device 4. Information regarding medical equipment is also called medical equipment information.

The auxiliary storage device 13 can store user information. User information is information about the user (patient) using the examination booth. User information includes user identification information. User identification information is unique identification information assigned to each user to individually identify them. User information includes information about the user's location. This includes information such as the user's current location and address. This information may also include information about the location of examination booths previously used by the user. User information may also include the user's medical history information. This medical history information may include information such as hospital visit history, examination booth usage history, attending physician's name, and prescribed medications. User information may also include measurement data from medical devices. This medical device measurement data may be updated based on information output from devices such as the remote medical support device 2. The auxiliary storage device 13 may update user information based on updates to patient location information, medical history information, measurement data, etc.

The auxiliary storage device 13 may include map information. The map information is map information relating to existing general maps showing the state of objects distributed on the ground surface. The map information may also include location information for each medical booth. The map information may be pre-stored in the auxiliary storage device 13, or it may be downloaded from a server (not shown) to server 1 via the network. The map information may be updated as needed.

The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that connect the server 1 to other electronic devices via a network, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

Furthermore, the hardware configuration of Server 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. Server 1 may, as appropriate, omit or modify the above-described components and add new components.

The various components implemented in the aforementioned processor 11 will now be described.
The processor 11 implements the acquisition unit 110, the memory control unit 111, the search processing unit 112, and the reservation processing unit 113. Each part implemented in the processor 11 can also be called a function. Each part implemented in the processor 11 can also be said to be implemented in the control unit which includes the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires information about the medical booth from the remote medical support device 2 installed in the medical booth via the communication interface 14. The acquisition unit 110 can acquire booth information whenever the booth information is updated.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires information about medical devices from the remote medical consultation support device 2 installed in the consultation booth via the communication interface 14. The acquisition unit 110 can acquire information about medical devices whenever the information about the medical devices is updated.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires information about medical cases from the physician's equipment 4 via the communication interface 14. The acquisition unit 110 can acquire information about medical cases whenever the information is updated.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires user information from the user terminal 5 via the communication interface 14. The acquisition unit 110 can acquire user information whenever the user information is updated.

The memory control unit 111 stores the information acquired by the acquisition unit 110 in the auxiliary storage device 13. The memory control unit 111 stores information related to the examination booth, information related to medical equipment, and information related to the examination case. The memory control unit 111 stores the information related to the examination booth in association with the information related to medical equipment. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores information related to the examination booth, information related to medical equipment, and information related to the examination case. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the information related to the examination booth in association with the information related to medical equipment.

The memory control unit 111 stores user information in the auxiliary storage device 13.

The search processing unit 112 performs a search for examination booths. The search processing unit 112 obtains the examination conditions selected by the user from the user terminal 5. The examination conditions include conditions related to the examination case. For example, the examination conditions include the name of the examination case. The examination conditions may also include the name of the attending physician. The examination conditions may also include information regarding the user's location.

The search processing unit 112 searches for candidate medical booths according to the medical treatment conditions based on the information about medical booths, medical equipment, and medical case information stored in the auxiliary storage device 13. The search processing unit 112 outputs information about candidate medical booths to the user terminal 5. The information about candidate medical booths is information that can identify a medical booth corresponding to the candidate. For example, the information about candidate medical booths is the medical booth ID of the medical booth corresponding to the candidate.

For example, if the user selects "Internal Medicine" as the treatment condition, the search processing unit 112 retrieves medical device information associated with the "Internal Medicine" treatment case based on the information regarding the treatment case. Based on the information regarding the medical device, the search processing unit 112 identifies the treatment booth containing the medical device indicated by the retrieved medical device information. The search processing unit 112 retrieves the identified treatment booth as a candidate treatment booth. The search processing unit 112 may also retrieve information regarding the candidate treatment booth based on the information regarding the treatment booth.

The search processing unit 112 may further narrow down the list of candidate medical booths to display on the user terminal 5 based on information regarding the user's location and the location information of the medical booths.

The search processing unit 112 outputs information regarding potential treatment booths to the user terminal 5 via the communication interface 14.

The reservation processing unit 113 performs the reservation processing for the medical booth. The reservation processing unit 113 obtains information from the user terminal 5 regarding the medical booth selected by the user from among the candidate medical booths. For example, the user selects a medical booth to reserve from among the candidate medical booths displayed on a display device (not shown) on the user terminal 5. Based on the user's selection operation, the reservation processing unit 113 obtains information regarding the selected medical booth. The selected medical booth is also called the selected medical booth. The reservation processing unit 113 identifies the selected medical booth and performs the reservation processing. The reservation processing can be implemented using known technologies. The reservation processing unit 113 may output a notification indicating the completion of the reservation to the user terminal 5.

An example configuration of the telemedicine support device 2 will be described.
The telemedicine support device 2 is an electronic device that includes a processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, communication interface 24, input/output interface 25, display device 26, speaker 27, and input device 28. Each component of the telemedicine support device 2 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

The processor 21 is the central component of the telemedicine support device 2. The processor 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the telemedicine support device 2. The processor 21 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 11 described above. The processor 21 performs various operations by executing programs pre-stored in the main memory 22 or auxiliary storage device 23.

Main memory 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of the telemedicine support device 2. Main memory 22 is an element that constitutes the computer of the telemedicine support device 2. Main memory 22 has the same hardware configuration as main memory 12 described above. Main memory 22 stores programs.

The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the telemedicine support device 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 is an element that constitutes the computer of the telemedicine support device 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 13 described above. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the program described above.

The auxiliary storage device 23 stores information about medical devices. The medical device information includes the booth ID and medical device information. The medical device information may also include identification information of the medical device. It may also include the measurement status of the medical device. This includes information indicating the status before measurement begins, after measurement begins, during measurement, before measurement ends, and after measurement ends. The medical device information may be updated according to the installation status of the medical device in the examination booth. The medical device information may also be updated according to the measurement status of the medical device.

The auxiliary storage device 23 stores measurement data from medical devices. The measurement data is stored linked to the identification information of the medical device. The measurement data may include the identification information of the examination booth. The measurement data may also include the identification information of the patient. The measurement data may also include the identification information of the physician's device 4 to which the measurement data is transmitted. The measurement data may be updated each time a measurement is taken by the medical device.

The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that enable the remote medical care support device 2 to communicate with other devices via a network, according to a predetermined communication protocol.

The input/output interface 25 is an interface for connecting the telemedicine support device 2 to external devices. The external devices include at least one medical device 251-1 to 251-m (where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1). Medical devices 251-1 to 251-m include, for example, electrocardiographs, blood pressure monitors, digital stethoscopes, pulse oximeters, slit lamps, and otoscopes. Medical devices 251-1 to 251-m have communication functions and output measurement data to the telemedicine support device 2.

The display device 26 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processor 21. For example, the display device 26 may be a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display.

Speaker 27 is a device capable of outputting sound under the control of processor 21. Speaker 27 is an example of an output device.

The input device 28 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the telemedicine support device 2. For example, the input device 28 includes a built-in microphone 281 capable of inputting voice, and a built-in camera 282 capable of acquiring image data of the shooting range. The input device 28 may also include a keyboard or touch panel.

Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the telemedicine support device 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. The telemedicine support device 2 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

An example configuration of communication device 3 will be described.
The communication device 3 is an electronic device that includes a processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, communication interface 34, input/output interface 35, and input device 38. Each component of the communication device 3 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output.

The processor 31 is the central component of the communication device 3. The processor 31 is an element that constitutes the computer of the communication device 3. The processor 31 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 11 described above. The processor 31 performs various operations by executing programs pre-stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33.

Main memory 32 corresponds to the main memory portion of the communication device 3. Main memory 32 is an element that constitutes the computer of the communication device 3. Main memory 32 has the same hardware configuration as the main memory 12 described above. Main memory 32 stores programs.

The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the communication device 3. The auxiliary storage device 33 is an element that constitutes the computer of the communication device 3. The auxiliary storage device 33 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 13 described above. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores the program described above.

The communication interface 34 includes various interfaces that connect the communication device 3 to other devices via a network, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

The input/output interface 35 is an interface for connecting the communication device 3 to external devices. The external devices include a display device 351-1, a camera 351-2, a microphone 351-3, and a speaker 351-4. The display device 351-1 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processor 31. For example, the display device 351-1 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The camera 351-2 is a device capable of acquiring shooting data within the shooting range under the control of the processor 31. The microphone 351-3 is a device capable of inputting audio under the control of the processor 31. The speaker 351-4 is a device capable of outputting audio under the control of the processor 31.

The input device 38 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the communication device 3. For example, the input device 38 includes a keyboard or a touch panel.

Furthermore, the hardware configuration of communication device 3 is not limited to the configuration described above. Communication device 3 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

Medical device 4 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. Medical device 4 is, for example, a device used by a physician performing telemedicine. For example, medical device 4 is a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. "Physician" may be read as "healthcare worker," "user," or "person." Medical device 4 is installed, for example, in a location different from the examination booth. The location where the examination booth is installed is also called the first base. The location where medical device 4 is installed is also called the second base. The second base is, for example, a medical institution such as a hospital.

The physician's device 4 acquires information about the medical case entered by the physician. The physician's device 4 outputs the medical case information to the server 1.

User terminal 5 is an electronic device capable of communicating with other electronic devices. User terminal 5 is, for example, a device used by a patient reserving a medical booth. For example, user terminal 5 is a PC, smartphone, or tablet device. The user of user terminal 5 logs in to the medical booth reservation service provided by server 1 and searches for a medical booth to reserve. The user of user terminal 5 inputs medical conditions to narrow down the desired medical booth. User terminal 5 outputs the medical conditions to server 1. User terminal 5 retrieves medical booth candidates from server 1 based on the medical conditions. User terminal 5 displays the medical booth candidates on a display device (not shown). The user of user terminal 5 selects a medical booth they wish to reserve from the candidates. User terminal 5 outputs information about the selected medical booth to server 1. User terminal 5 may also receive a reservation completion notification from server 1.

This section describes the images displayed on the display device when a physician inputs information about a medical case via the physician's device 4. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device of the physician's device 4 according to this embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a configuration image for setting up a medical case. The configuration image includes a medical case input area for entering a medical case, and a medical device input area for entering medical devices necessary for the medical treatment. The medical case input area is an area that displays medical cases entered by a physician via text input or selection input using an input device. Selection input indicates, for example, the operation of selecting a medical case from a medical case list. A medical case is, for example, "Internal Medicine (First Visit)". The medical device input area is an area that displays medical devices entered by a physician via selection input using an input device. Selection input indicates, for example, the operation of selecting a medical device corresponding to a medical case from a medical device list. The medical device corresponding to a medical case indicates the medical device necessary for the medical treatment of the medical case. The medical device input area may include the names of multiple medical devices and checkboxes. The multiple medical device names displayed in the medical device input area may differ depending on the entered medical case. The multiple medical device names displayed in the medical device input area may also be multiple pre-configured medical device names. The multiple medical device names displayed in the medical device input area may be updated each time the medical device information is updated. The medical device input area may also include a text input area. The settings image may include a save button for saving the treatment case and its corresponding medical device.

This section describes the images displayed on the display device when a user makes a reservation for a medical examination booth via the user terminal 5. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device of the user terminal 5 according to this embodiment.

Figure 6 shows a reservation image for reserving a medical booth using the medical booth reservation service. The reservation image includes a medical condition input area for entering medical conditions for a medical case, and a medical booth candidate display area for displaying medical booth candidates according to the medical conditions. The medical condition input area is an area that displays the medical conditions entered by the user via text input or selection input via an input device. Selection input indicates an operation to select medical conditions from, for example, a list of medical conditions. Medical conditions are, for example, "first visit (internal medicine)". The medical booth candidate display area is an area that displays medical booth candidates as search results obtained by searching for medical booths based on the medical conditions. Search results include, for example, map information. Map information may be displayed based on information about the user's location. Map information includes location information of medical booth candidates. Medical booth candidates may be displayed on the map in a selectable manner. The user selects the desired medical booth from the medical booth candidates displayed on the map. Based on the user's selection of a medical booth, the user terminal 5 may display a reservation button. The user can reserve the corresponding medical booth by selecting the reservation button. Search results are not limited to map display. The search results should include information that can identify potential treatment booths. The search results may also include location information for potential treatment booths.

(Example of operation)
The procedure for processing by the information processing system 100 will be explained below.
In the following explanation, which primarily focuses on Server 1, you may substitute Server 1 with Processor 11.
The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing information related to medical booth information by the server 1 according to this embodiment.

The following process shall be initiated each time a medical examination booth is installed. Alternatively, the process may be initiated each time medical equipment is installed or replaced within the examination booth. The process may also be performed periodically at predetermined intervals. These predetermined intervals may be, for example, one day, one week, or one month.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires information about the medical booth from the remote medical support device 2 (ACT 1). The remote medical support device 2 outputs the information about the medical booth to the server 1. The remote medical support device 2 may output information about the medical booth to the server 1 each time the information about the medical booth is updated. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire information about the medical booth each time the information about the medical booth is updated.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires information about medical devices from the telemedicine support device 2 (ACT 2). The telemedicine support device 2 outputs the information about medical devices to the server 1. The telemedicine support device 2 may output information about medical devices to the server 1 each time the information about medical devices is updated. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire information about medical devices each time the information about medical devices is updated.

The memory control unit 111 stores information regarding the examination booth and medical equipment in the auxiliary memory device 13 (ACT2). The auxiliary memory device 13 stores the information regarding the examination booth and medical equipment in association with each other.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for processing medical case information by Server 1 according to this embodiment.

The following process shall be initiated each time a medical case is created. Alternatively, the following process may be initiated each time a medical case is updated.

The acquisition unit 110 acquires information about medical cases from the medical device 4 (ACT 11). In ACT 11, for example, the medical device 4 acquires information about medical cases based on input operations by the physician using the medical device 4. The medical device 4 outputs the information about medical cases to the server 1. The acquisition unit 110 acquires information about medical cases and the corresponding medical devices based on input operations by the physician using the medical device 4. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire information about medical cases each time the information about medical cases is updated.

The memory control unit 111 stores information related to the medical case in the auxiliary storage device 13 (ACT 12). The auxiliary storage device 13 stores information related to the medical case.

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for processing information related to the search for a medical examination booth by Server 1 according to this embodiment.

The following process assumes that a user on user terminal 5 logs in to the medical booth reservation service provided by server 1 and reserves a medical booth. The user on user terminal 5 enters the medical conditions for searching for a medical booth, following the reservation image shown in Figure 6. The user on user terminal 5 may also select medical conditions from a list of medical conditions.

The search processing unit 112 obtains treatment conditions from the user terminal 5 (ACT 21). In ACT 21, for example, the user terminal 5 outputs the treatment conditions selected by the user to the server 1. The search processing unit 112 obtains the treatment conditions based on the user's input operations on the user terminal 5. The search processing unit 112 may also obtain user information from the user terminal 5. The treatment conditions may include user information.

The search processing unit 112 searches for candidate treatment booths based on treatment conditions (ACT 22). In ACT 22, for example, the search processing unit 112 obtains candidate treatment booths corresponding to the treatment conditions based on treatment booth information, medical equipment information, and treatment case information stored in the auxiliary storage device 13.

For example, let's consider the case where the user selects "Initial Consultation (Internal Medicine)." The search processing unit 112 refers to information about the consultation case and obtains medical equipment information associated with the consultation case "Initial Consultation (Internal Medicine)." The medical equipment information associated with the consultation case "Initial Consultation (Internal Medicine)" is, for example, "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope." The search processing unit 112 refers to the consultation booth information and the medical equipment information to search for consultation booths where the "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope" is installed. The search processing unit 112 obtains consultation booths where the "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope" is installed as consultation booth candidates.

The search processing unit 112 may acquire candidate medical booths based on the location information of the medical booths and the user's location. For example, the search processing unit 112 may acquire medical booths that are close to the user's current location from among the medical booths that meet the medical conditions, based on the user's current location information. The search processing unit 112 may acquire medical booths that are close to the user's current location from among the medical booths that meet the medical conditions, based on the user's address, based on the user's address. The search processing unit 112 may acquire medical booths that have been used in the past from among the medical booths that meet the medical conditions, based on the user's medical history information, as candidate medical booths. The search processing unit 112 may acquire candidate medical booths based on the medical conditions and further narrow down the acquired candidate medical booths based on the location information of the medical booths and the user's location information.

For example, let's consider the case where the user selects "First Visit (Internal Medicine)" as the medical treatment condition. The medical equipment information associated with the "First Visit (Internal Medicine)" case is, for example, "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope." The search processing unit 112 searches for medical booths where "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope" is installed, as described above, and acquires the relevant medical booths as medical booth candidates. The search processing unit 112 may further narrow down the medical booth candidates to those whose location information is close to the user's current location. The search processing unit 112 may then acquire the narrowed-down medical booths as medical booth candidates.

The search processing unit 112 may obtain candidate medical booths located near the user's current location or address, based on the location information of the medical booths and the user's location, and further narrow down the obtained candidate medical booths based on the medical treatment conditions.

For example, let's consider a case where the user selects "First Visit (Internal Medicine)" as the medical treatment condition. The medical equipment information associated with the "First Visit (Internal Medicine)" case is, for example, "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope." The search processing unit 112 obtains candidate medical booths close to the user's current location based on the location information of the medical booths. The search processing unit 112 may further narrow down the candidates to those equipped with "blood pressure monitor, digital stethoscope." The search processing unit 112 may then obtain the narrowed-down medical booths as candidate medical booths.

The search processing unit 112 may prioritize candidate examination booths based on information regarding the user's location. The search processing unit 112 may also prioritize candidate examination booths based on the user's medical history information.

The search processing unit 112 outputs information about the candidate medical booths to the user terminal 5 (ACT 23). In ACT 23, for example, the search processing unit 112 outputs the booth name, identification information, and location information of the candidate medical booths to the user terminal 5. The search processing unit 112 may also output map information including the location information of the candidate medical booths to the user terminal 5. The user terminal 5 displays the information about the candidate medical booths on a display device. For example, the user terminal 5 displays a map showing the locations of the candidate medical booths on the display device. Alternatively, the user terminal 5 may display the information about the candidate medical booths as text information on the display device. The user of the user terminal 5 selects a medical booth to reserve from the candidate medical booths.

The reservation processing unit 113 acquires information about the selected treatment booth from the user terminal 5 (ACT 24). In ACT 24, for example, the reservation processing unit 113 acquires information about the selected treatment booth based on the user's selection operation on the user terminal 5.

The reservation processing unit 113 completes the reservation based on the acquired information about the selected treatment booth (ACT 25). In ACT 25, for example, the reservation processing unit 113 sets the user's reservation for the selected treatment booth. The reservation processing unit 113 may also output a notification indicating the completion of the reservation to the user terminal 5.

In this example, Server 1 can store information about medical equipment installed in the examination booths and store information about the necessary medical equipment for each examination case set by the physician. The physician can set the necessary medical equipment information according to the examination case via the physician's device 4. Therefore, Server 1 can identify examination booths that meet the physician's requirements. Server 1 can identify examination booths equipped with the necessary medical equipment according to the desired examination content specified by the patient. Server 1 can provide the patient with information about examination booths that meet the requirements of the physician performing the examination, according to the patient's desired examination content. The patient can reserve an appropriate examination booth according to the desired examination content via the user terminal 5. In this way, the information processing system 100 can support the reservation of remote examination booths according to the examination content.

(Other embodiments)
In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the medical booth includes a telemedicine support device 2 and a communication device 3, but it is not limited to this. The medical booth may include either the telemedicine support device 2 or the communication device 3. If the medical booth does not include the communication device 3 but includes the telemedicine support device 2, the telemedicine support device 2 may perform the functions of the communication device 3. If the medical booth does not include the telemedicine support device 2 but includes the communication device 3, the communication device 3 may perform the functions of the telemedicine support device 2.

The information processing system may be implemented as a single device, such as Server 1, or as multiple devices with distributed functions.

The embodiments described above may apply not only to the apparatus but also to the methods performed by the apparatus. The embodiments described above may also apply to a program capable of causing the apparatus's computer to perform various functions. The embodiments described above may also apply to a recording medium for storing the program. The embodiments described above may apply not only to the system but also to the methods performed by multiple elements included in the system.

A processing circuit includes one or more circuits that implement multiple processes through multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

Each of the one or more circuits constituting a processing circuit executes one or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of a single circuit, that single circuit executes all of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits executes a portion of the multiple processes. This portion may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be contained within a single device or distributed across multiple devices.

The program may be transferred while stored on the device, or it may be transferred without being stored on the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary, tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium capable of storing a program and readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card; its form is not restricted.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the above description is merely illustrative in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, specific configurations depending on the embodiment may be appropriately adopted when implementing the present invention.

In short, this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Moreover, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

(Note)
The above-described embodiments may be represented as follows:
(1) A storage unit that stores information relating to a remote medical consultation booth for conducting remote medical consultations, information relating to medical equipment associated with the remote medical consultation booth, and information relating to medical consultation cases.
A search processing unit that obtains medical treatment conditions entered by the user from the user terminal and outputs information regarding remote medical treatment booth candidates corresponding to the medical treatment conditions to the user terminal based on the information stored in the storage unit,
An information processing device equipped with the following features.
(2) The information relating to the medical case includes information relating to the medical device associated with the medical case.
(1) The information processing device described in (1).
(3) The information relating to the telemedicine booth includes location information of the telemedicine booth,
The aforementioned medical treatment conditions include information regarding the user's location,
The search processing unit outputs information regarding candidate remote medical consultation booths that correspond to the medical consultation conditions to the user terminal, based on the location information of the remote medical consultation booth and the location information of the user.
(1) The information processing device described in (1).
(4) The telemedicine support device outputs information regarding the telemedicine booth for conducting telemedicine to the server,
The remote medical support device outputs information regarding the medical equipment associated with the remote medical booth to the server,
The medical equipment outputs information about the medical case to the server,
The user terminal outputs the medical conditions entered by the user to the server,
The server outputs information regarding candidate remote medical booths corresponding to the medical conditions to the user terminal, based on the information regarding the remote medical booth, the information regarding the medical equipment, and the information regarding the medical case.
The user terminal displays information regarding the candidate remote medical consultation booth,
An information processing method comprising the following:
(5) The computer of the information processing device that stores information about a remote medical consultation booth for conducting remote medical consultations, information about medical equipment associated with the remote medical consultation booth, and information about medical cases,
A function to retrieve medical treatment conditions entered by the user from the user terminal,
A function that outputs information regarding remote medical consultation booth candidates corresponding to the medical consultation conditions to the user terminal based on stored information,
A program that can execute [this action].

1…Server, 2…Remote medical consultation support device, 3…Communication equipment, 4…Medical equipment, 5…User terminal, 11…Processor, 12…Main memory, 13…Auxiliary storage device, 14…Communication interface, 21…Processor, 22…Main memory, 23…Auxiliary storage device, 24…Communication interface, 25…Input/output interface, 26…Display device, 27…Speaker, 28…Input device, 31…Processor, 32…Main memory, 33…Auxiliary storage device, 34…Communication interface, 35…Input/output interface, 38…Input device, 100…Information processing system, 110…Acquisition unit, 111…Memory control unit, 112…Search processing unit, 113…Reservation processing unit, 251-1 to 251-m…Medical equipment, 281…Microphone, 282…Camera, 351-1…Display device, 351-2…Camera, 351-3…Microphone, 351-4…Speaker.

Claims (4)

A storage unit that stores information about a remote medical consultation booth for conducting remote medical consultations, information about medical devices associated with the remote medical consultation booth, and information about a medical consultation case including information about medical devices associated with the consultation case ,
A search processing unit that obtains medical conditions, including conditions related to medical cases entered by the user, from the user terminal, and outputs information regarding remote medical consultation booth candidates corresponding to the medical conditions to the user terminal based on the information stored in the storage unit,
An information processing device equipped with the following features. The information relating to the telemedicine booth includes location information of the telemedicine booth,
The aforementioned medical treatment conditions include information regarding the user's location,
The search processing unit outputs information regarding candidate remote medical consultation booths that correspond to the medical consultation conditions to the user terminal, based on the location information of the remote medical consultation booth and the location information of the user.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The telemedicine support device outputs information about the telemedicine booth for conducting telemedicine to the server,
The remote medical support device outputs information regarding the medical equipment associated with the remote medical booth to the server,
The medical device outputs information about the medical case, including information about the medical device associated with the medical case, to the server.
The user terminal outputs medical conditions, including the conditions related to the medical case entered by the user, to the server.
The server outputs information regarding candidate remote medical booths corresponding to the medical conditions to the user terminal, based on the information regarding the remote medical booth, the information regarding the medical equipment, and the information regarding the medical case.
The user terminal displays information regarding the candidate remote medical consultation booth,
An information processing method comprising the following: A computer in an information processing device that stores information about a remote medical consultation booth for conducting remote medical consultations, information about medical equipment associated with the remote medical consultation booth, and information about a medical consultation case including information about medical equipment associated with the consultation case,
A function to retrieve medical conditions , including conditions related to medical cases entered by the user, from the user terminal,
A function that outputs information regarding remote medical consultation booth candidates corresponding to the medical consultation conditions to the user terminal based on stored information,
A program that can execute [this action].