Locker device

Abstract

To provide a locker device capable of receiving a prescription drug in a state where the patient compliance instruction is surely received.SOLUTION: Disclosed is locker device 1 which includes a plurality of locker boxes 32 capable of being locked and in which a prescription drug is housed in the locker box 32. This device includes a control part 32 which acquires an unlocking permission signal indicating that the patient compliance instruction for the prescription drug is received from a pharmacist and unlocks the locker box 32 using the unlocking permission signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locker device that can be used to receive prescribed prescription drugs.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a doctor has prescribed a prescription in advance to a pharmacy or the like and the patient picks up the medicine at a specified time.

[0003] In addition, in Patent Document 1, a doctor on the hospital 3 side makes a prescription for a necessary drug after making a diagnosis, and the prescription is transmitted as electronic data to the pharmacy server 6 of the pharmacy 5 together with the patient's identification number. At the pharmacy 5, the drug is prepared according to the prescription and placed in the drug vending machine 9 closest to the patient's home 1, and the patient goes to the drug vending machine 9 to pick up the drug after the specified date and time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A pharmacist is obliged to provide medication guidance to a patient by means such as face-to-face communication. However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the patient may receive the medicine without receiving medication guidance.

[0006] In such Patent Document 1, if a patient goes to a pharmacy to receive medication guidance, the advantages of using a medicine vending machine will be lost. Also, when using a videophone or the like for medication guidance, the medicine vending machine side cannot determine whether the medication guidance has been completed. Therefore, if medicine is put into the medicine vending machine before receiving the medication guidance, the medicine can be received without receiving the medication guidance. On the other hand, if medicine is put into the medicine vending machine after receiving the medication guidance, there will be a loss of time, and there may be cases where the patient cannot receive the medicine promptly.

[0007] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a locker device that can receive a prescription drug in a state where the medication guidance has been surely received.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The invention made to solve the above problems includes a pharmacy system that makes a reservation request for a locker when receiving prescription information regarding the dispensing of a prescription drug, and a locker device that locks the locker box when receiving the reservation request and uses second unlocking information indicating the recipient of the prescription drug included in the prescription information for unlocking the locker box. When the prescription information indicates split dispensing or a refill prescription and satisfies a predetermined condition, the locker box is unlocked only with the second unlocking information. When the prescription information indicates split dispensing or the refill prescription and does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the locker box is not unlocked only with the second unlocking information. This is a characteristic of the locker system.

[0009] Also, the predetermined condition can be characterized by being the number of times of dispensing the prescription drug based on the prescription information.

[0010] Also, the predetermined condition can be characterized by being the period of dispensing the prescription drug based on the prescription information.

[0011] In addition, the locker device may be a locker system characterized by including a first acquisition unit that acquires first unlocking information, which is information indicating that medication guidance has been received from a pharmacist regarding the prescription drug, and an unlocking control unit that unlocks the locker box using the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information when the predetermined conditions are not satisfied.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] As described above, the present invention unlocks the locker box based on the first unlocking information, which is information indicating that medication guidance has been received from a pharmacist regarding the prescription drug. Therefore, the prescription drug can be received in a state where the medication guidance has been surely received.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system having a locker device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The system shown in FIG. 1 includes a locker device 1, a locker management system 50, a pharmacy system 60, a patient terminal device 70, and a pharmacy terminal device 80. The locker device 1 of the present embodiment is used for receiving prescription drugs dispensed based on a prescription form transmitted in advance from a user such as a patient. Therefore, the locker device 1 is limited to storing prescription drugs (including attached documents such as medicine instructions).

[0016] The locker device 1 and the locker management system 50 can communicate with each other via, for example, a communication line. Also, the locker management system 50 and the pharmacy system 60 can communicate with each other via, for example, the Internet. Also, the pharmacy system 60 and the patient terminal device 70 can communicate with each other via a mobile phone line network, the Internet, or the like. Also, the pharmacy system 60 and the pharmacy terminal device 80 can communicate with each other via a mobile phone line network, the Internet, or the like.

[0017] The locker device 1 is installed, for example, inside or outside a pharmacy store, or in a facility (such as a station, hospital, etc.) around the store. As shown in FIG. 2, the locker device 1 includes a centralized control device 2 and a locker unit 3. The centralized control device 2 includes an operation display unit 21, a code reader 22, an IC card reader / writer 23, a printer 24, a bill processing unit 25, a coin processing unit 26, a speaker / microphone 27, a control unit 28, a communication interface 29, and a camera 2A.

[0018] The operation display unit 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)) for displaying information to the user and a touch panel. Also, when making a call using the videophone described later, the other party (pharmacist) is displayed on the operation display unit 21. The operation display unit 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)) for displaying information to the user and a touch panel. Also, when making a call using the videophone described later, the other party (pharmacist) is displayed on the operation display unit 21.

[0019] The code reader 22 reads codes such as one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional barcodes such as QR codes (registered trademarks). In the following description, the code read by the code reader 22 will be described as a QR code (registered trademark), but will be simply abbreviated as a code except for some parts. Also, in this embodiment, the code reader 22 is described as being provided in the locker device 1, but a terminal device such as a smartphone may be made to function as a code reader, and the read information may be transmitted to the locker management system 50 via the locker device 1 or directly.

[0020] The IC card reader / writer 23 performs non-contact data reading and writing on an IC card by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. In this embodiment, it is used for payment of the price when receiving a prescription drug.

[0021] The printer 24 prints and issues a receipt or the like on which information identifying the processing content corresponding to each operation and the locker box 32 used is written. The bill processing unit 25 processes the bills inserted from a bill insertion unit (not shown) and performs refund from a refund opening (not shown) accordingly. The coin processing unit 26 processes the coins inserted from a coin insertion unit (not shown) and performs refund from a refund opening (not shown) accordingly.

[0022] The speaker / microphone 27 has a speaker and a microphone. The speaker / microphone 27 outputs, for example, guidance voice or the like from the speaker part. Also, the speaker part outputs the voice of the other party (pharmacist) during a call by a videophone described later. The microphone part acquires the voice of the user (patient) during a call by a videophone described later.

[0023] The control unit 28 is a unit including a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device such as a memory, which is communicably connected to each component of the operation display unit 21, the code reader 22, the IC card reader / writer 23, the printer 24, the bill processing unit 25, the coin processing unit 26, the speaker / microphone 27, the communication interface 29, and the camera 2A, and controls the entire locker device 1.

[0024] Also, the control unit 28 has a database or the like for managing the usage status of the locker box 32. The control unit 28 updates the management information of this database or the like as needed, or outputs it to the locker management system 50. Also, this management information may be updated based on an instruction from the locker management system 50. That is, the control unit 28 functions as a management unit for managing the usage status of each of the plurality of locker boxes. Note that the usage status is a reservation or the empty status of the locker, and it may be managed in consideration of future usage prediction and reservation status.

[0025] The communication interface 29 is an interface (I / F) device for communicating with the locker management system 50.

[0026] The camera 2A is provided near the operation display unit 21 of the locker device 1. The camera 2A can image at least the range including the face of a user who performs operations such as locking and unlocking in the locker device 1. The camera 2A images the user (patient) during a call using a videophone described later.

[0027] The locker unit 3 includes a plurality of locker boxes 32. Further, the locker unit 3 is provided with a buzzer 31. The buzzer 31 emits a warning sound or the like based on an instruction from the control unit 28 when a predetermined operation is performed on the locker box 32 belonging to the locker unit 3 in a predetermined state. Note that the buzzer 31 may be provided not only in units of the locker unit 3 but also in units of the locker box 32.

[0028] As is well known, the locker box 32 is provided with a door that can be opened and closed. A handle or the like is provided on the door. Further, the locker box 32 includes a lock unit 33 as shown in FIG. 2. The lock unit 33 is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the door, and includes an electric lock 34, a door open / close switch 35, and a push button switch 36.

[0029] The electric lock 34 is a mechanism for regulating the opening and closing of the door, and locks or unlocks the door based on the states of the door open / close switch 35 and the push button switch 36, or in response to an instruction from the centralized control device 2 (control unit 28).

[0030] The door open / close switch 35 is a switch (SW) for determining the open / closed state of the door, and can be configured, for example, by a micro switch provided in the electric lock 34. When the door open / close switch 35 is turned ON / OFF, information indicating that it has been turned ON / OFF is output to the control unit 28.

[0031] The push button switch 36 is a button-type switch (SW) that is pressed when temporarily locking the door in a closed state. When pressed, a signal notifying the control unit 28 that it has been pressed is output.

[0032] The locker management system 50 is a system that manages the reservation status, usage status, etc. of the locker device 1, and is installed in a management company or the like that manages the locker device 1. The locker management system 50 is usually communicably connected to a plurality of locker devices 1 and manages those locker devices 1. Further, the locker management system 50 has a database or the like for managing the usage status, reservation status, etc. of the connected locker devices 1, and is sequentially updated based on information from the locker devices 1.

[0033] The pharmacy system 60 is a system that performs predetermined services for the pharmacy side that dispenses medicine based on membership registration and registered members and prescriptions when using the locker device 1 to use functions such as receiving medicine, and is installed in the facilities of a predetermined business operator. Note that the pharmacy system 60 and the locker management system 50 may be installed in the same facility. Also, they may be constructed on the same device (server).

[0034] The patient terminal device 70 is a terminal that accesses the services operated in the pharmacy system 60, is a terminal possessed by a member (patient), and is composed of, for example, a smartphone or the like.

[0035] The pharmacy terminal device 80 is installed in the pharmacy and is composed of, for example, a personal computer or the like. The pharmacy terminal device 80 functions as a terminal device when a pharmacist conducts medication guidance with a patient by videophone, as will be described later.

[0036] Next, the operation of the system having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram from locker reservation to medicine receipt among the patient terminal device 70, the pharmacy system 60, and the locker management system 50 (locker device 1).

[0037] First, the user activates, for example, an app installed on the patient terminal device 70 and performs an operation indicating the desire to receive a prescription drug by means of a locker, and inputs prescription information, the desired pickup location (the location of the locker device 1), the desired pickup date and time, and so on. Then, in addition to the input prescription information, desired pickup location, desired pickup date and time, etc., the user's member ID is transmitted to the pharmacy system 60 (T101).

[0038] The pharmacy system 60 receives the desired pickup location, desired pickup date and time, member ID, etc. transmitted from the patient terminal device 70, requests a locker reservation from the locker management system 50, and starts dispensing based on the prescription information (T102). The request for locker reservation includes the ID, size, start time of use, end time of use, member code corresponding to the member ID, etc. of the desired locker.

[0039] When the locker management system 50 receives a locker reservation request from the pharmacy system 60, it registers the reservation request in a database or the like that it manages, and causes the locker box 32 that is empty in the designated locker device 1 to be locked to secure the reserved portion (T103).

[0040] Then, the locker device 1 generates a password for the pharmacy and contacts (transmits) it to the pharmacy system 60 via the locker management system 50 (T104). This password for the pharmacy is used when storing the dispensed prescription drug in the locker box 32, as will be described later.

[0041] When the dispensing is completed, the pharmacist at the pharmacy (pharmacy system 60) delivers (ships) the prescription drug to the designated locker device 1 (T105). Then, the delivery work such as storing the prescription drug is performed at the designated locker device 1 (T106). The password for the pharmacy transmitted in T104 is used during this delivery work.

[0042] When the delivery work of the locker device 1 is completed, it sends a storage completion notice to the pharmacy system 60 via the locker management system 50 (T107). Further, the locker device 1 generates a personal identification number for the patient and contacts (sends) it to the pharmacy system 60 via the locker management system 50 (T108). This personal identification number for the patient is used when the patient (user) receives the prescription drug as described later, and corresponds to the second unlocking information indicating that the patient is the recipient of the prescription drug. Then, this personal identification number for the patient is sent to the patient terminal device 70 via the pharmacy system 60.

[0043] Note that the personal identification number for the patient does not have to be a character string such as a numeric string, and may be a code such as a QR code (registered trademark). Alternatively, an IC card such as a medical examination ticket may be used as the personal identification number for the patient. In the case of an IC card, it is not necessary to generate a personal identification number in the locker device 1, and the information stored in the IC card is sent to the locker device 1 based on the member information possessed by the pharmacy system 60, and this information is collated with the information of the IC card possessed by the patient read from the IC card reader / writer 23. In short, the second unlocking information may be any information indicating the recipient of the prescription drug.

[0044] When the delivery work of the prescription drug is completed as described above and the personal identification number for the patient is sent, a videophone call is made from the pharmacy system 60 to the patient terminal device 70 to provide medication guidance by a pharmacist (T109). In this step, the pharmacist makes a videophone call from the pharmacy terminal device 80 to the patient terminal device 70. At this time, the telephone number etc. of the patient terminal device 70 are acquired based on the member information registered in the pharmacy system 60. When the call is made from the pharmacy terminal device 80, a videophone call can be made to the patient terminal device 70 via the pharmacy system 60. Note that the pharmacy terminal device 80 and the patient terminal device 70 may be directly connected and a call may be made without going through the pharmacy system 60.

[0045] When the pharmacist's medication guidance is completed, an unlock permission signal is sent from the pharmacy system 60 to the locker device 1 (T110). The unlock permission signal is a signal (information) indicating that the pharmacist has received the medication guidance and corresponds to the first unlock information. In this step, when the medication guidance is completed and the videophone call is ended, a button or the like for confirming whether the medication guidance is completed is displayed on the display screen of the pharmacy terminal device 80 or the like. Then, when the pharmacist clicks the button or the like, an unlock permission signal is sent from the pharmacy terminal device 80 via the pharmacy system 60, and the unlock permission signal is sent from the pharmacy system 60 to the locker device 1 via the locker management system 50. Note that this button or the like is an example, and it is not particularly limited as long as it is a means for the pharmacist to input to the system that the medication guidance has been completed.

[0046] The patient (patient terminal device 70) who receives the prescription drug goes to the locker device 1 and inputs the personal identification number for the patient received (T111). When the personal identification number for the patient is input, if the locker device 1 has already received the unlock permission signal corresponding to the personal identification number (designated locker box 32), the designated locker box (BOX) 32 is unlocked (T112). Then, the patient can receive the prescription drug.

[0047] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are modified examples of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when the patient terminal device 70 makes a videophone call.

[0048] In FIG. 4, T101 to T106 are the same as in FIG. 3. Following T106, when the storage of the prescription drug is completed, the locker device 1 generates a receipt preparation completion notice and a personal identification number for the patient and sends them to the pharmacy system 60 via the locker management system 50 (T207). Then, the receipt preparation completion notice and the personal identification number for the patient are also sent to the patient terminal device 70 via the pharmacy system 60.

[0049] When the delivery operation of the prescription drug is completed as described above and the PIN for the patient is transmitted, a videophone call is made from the patient terminal device 70 to the pharmacy system 60 for medication guidance by the pharmacist (T208). In this step, the patient makes a videophone call from the patient terminal device 70 to the pharmacy terminal device 80 via the pharmacy system 60. At this time, the phone number etc. of the pharmacy terminal device 80 (pharmacy system 60) may be preset in the application or included in the reception preparation completion notice. When the patient terminal device 70 makes a call, a videophone call can be made to the pharmacy terminal device 80 via the pharmacy system 60.

[0050] Then, when the medication guidance by the pharmacist is completed, an unlocking permission signal is transmitted from the pharmacy system 60 to the locker device 1 (T209). In this step, similar to T110, when the medication guidance is completed and the videophone call is ended, a button etc. indicating that the medication guidance is completed is displayed on the display screen etc. of the pharmacy terminal device 80. Then, when the pharmacist clicks on that button etc., an unlocking permission signal is transmitted from the pharmacy terminal device 80 via the pharmacy system 60, and that unlocking permission signal is transmitted from the pharmacy system 60 to the locker device 1 via the locker management system 50.

[0051] The patient (patient terminal device 70) who receives the prescription drug goes to the locker device 1 and inputs the PIN for the patient received (T210). When the PIN for the patient is input, if the locker device 1 has already received an unlocking permission signal corresponding to the PIN (designated locker box 32), the designated locker box (BOX) 32 is unlocked (T211). Then, the patient can receive the prescription drug.

[0052] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram when receiving medication guidance at the locker device 1.

[0053] In Fig. 5, T101 to T106 are the same as in Fig. 3. Following T106, when the storage of prescription drugs is completed, the locker device 1 generates a personal identification number (PIN) for the patient and transmits it to the pharmacy system 60 via the locker management system 50 (T308). Then, the patient's PIN is also transmitted to the patient terminal device 70 via the pharmacy system 60.

[0054] The patient (patient terminal device 70) who receives the prescription drugs goes to the locker device 1 and enters the patient's PIN received during the prescription drug receiving operation (T309). In this case, since the unlocking permission signal has not been received, the locker device 1 notifies the pharmacist to receive medication guidance and makes a video call to the pharmacy system 60 using the operation display unit 21, the speaker / microphone 27, and the camera 2A so that the pharmacist can provide medication guidance (T310).

[0055] When the medication guidance by the pharmacist is completed, an unlocking permission signal is transmitted from the pharmacy system 60 to the locker device 1 (T311). In this step, similar to T110, when the medication guidance is completed and the video call is terminated, a button or the like indicating that the medication guidance is completed is displayed on the display screen of the pharmacy terminal device 80. Then, when the pharmacist clicks the button or the like, an unlocking permission signal is transmitted from the pharmacy terminal device 80 to the pharmacy system 60, and the unlocking permission signal is transmitted from the pharmacy system 60 to the locker device 1 via the locker management system 50.

[0056] When the locker device 1 receives the unlocking permission signal, since the patient's PIN has already been entered, the designated locker box (BOX) 32 is unlocked (T312). Then, the patient can receive the prescription drugs.

[0057] Next, the operations of the locker device 1 and the pharmacy terminal device 80 during the execution of the above sequence will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the locker device 1.

[0058] First, when the patient (user) operates the operation display unit 21 of the locker device 1 and wishes to receive a locker, the patient selects the locker box 32 (reserved locker) specified at that time (S101).

[0059] Next, the patient is made to input a password (patient's password), and the control unit 28 authenticates it (S102). If the authentication fails (S102; no), the control unit 28 gives an error notification via the operation display unit 21, the speaker / microphone 27, etc. (S103) and ends the flowchart.

[0060] On the other hand, if the authentication is successful (S102; yes), the control unit 28 determines whether or not a unlocking permission signal corresponding to the password has been received (S104). If the unlocking permission signal has been received (S104; yes), the control unit 28 unlocks the lock unit 33 of the corresponding locker box 32 (S105). If the unlocking permission signal has not been received (S104; no), the control unit 28 notifies via the operation display unit 21 etc. that medication guidance has not been given (step S106). That is, when an unlocking operation is performed from the operation unit when the first acquisition unit has not acquired the first unlocking information, a notification is given that the medication guidance has not been completed.

[0061] That is, in the present embodiment, when the unlocking permission signal has been received and the authentication by the patient's password is successful, the locker box 32 is unlocked. That is, the locker box 32 is unlocked using the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information.

[0062] Next, the control unit 28 allows the patient to select whether to receive medication guidance later or to receive it on the spot (S107). In the present embodiment, the above two medication guidance methods are displayed on the operation display unit 21 so that the patient can select. If it is selected to receive the medication guidance later (S107; later), the control unit 28 displays information such as the pharmacy's phone number and location on the operation display unit 21 (S108), ends the flowchart, and the locker box 32 is not unlocked.

[0063] On the other hand, if a user selects to receive in-person medication guidance, the control unit 28 makes a video call to the pharmacy system 60 via the locker management system 50 using the operation display unit 21, the speaker / microphone 27, and the camera 2A for a video call. Then, a call with the pharmacist connected to the pharmacy terminal device 80 is started from the pharmacy system 60 (S109). That is, the operation display unit 21, the speaker / microphone 27, and the camera 2A function as a call unit capable of making a video and voice call with the outside, and when the notification unit notifies that the medication guidance is not completed, the medication guidance can be provided via the call unit.

[0064] Next, the control unit 28 determines whether the call has ended normally (S110). Ending normally means, for example, when the medication guidance is completed. If the call is ended during the medication guidance, it is not considered to have ended normally. This determination can be made, for example, when an end operation of the call is performed from the pharmacy terminal device 80. That is, when the medication guidance is completed, it can be determined that the medication guidance is completed by the pharmacist performing an operation to end the call.

[0065] If the call has ended normally (S110; yes), the control unit 28 determines whether a unlocking permission signal corresponding to the call (prescription) has been received (S111). If the unlocking permission signal has been received (S111; yes), the locking unit 33 of the corresponding locker box 32 is unlocked (S105). On the other hand, if the unlocking permission signal has not been received (S111; no), the flowchart ends, and the locker box 32 remains locked.

[0066] On the other hand, if the call has not ended normally in S110 (S110; no), the operation display unit 21 etc. notifies (S112) to make a call again after some time has passed, and the flowchart ends, and the locker box 32 remains locked.

[0067] Next, the operation of the pharmacy terminal device 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. First, it is determined whether there is a connection request for a videophone from the patient terminal device 70 or the locker device 1 (S201). If not (S201; no), it waits until there is a connection request.

[0068] If there is a connection request for a videophone (S201; yes), medication guidance is provided through a videophone call, and it is determined whether to permit unlocking (S202). The unlocking permission is performed by the pharmacist operating the pharmacy terminal device 80 as described above. If the unlocking permission is not granted (S202; no), the flowchart ends, and the unlocking permission signal is not transmitted. When the unlocking permission is not granted, for example, it is the case where the call ends before the completion of the medication guidance as described above.

[0069] On the other hand, if the unlocking is permitted (S202; yes), an unlocking permission signal is transmitted (S203), and the flowchart ends.

[0070] According to the present embodiment, in the locker device 1 including a plurality of lockable locker boxes 32 in which prescription drugs are stored, a control unit 28 is provided that acquires an unlocking permission signal, which is information indicating that the pharmacist has received medication guidance for the prescription drugs, and unlocks the locker box 32 using at least the unlocking permission signal. By doing so, even if the pharmacist immediately ships the prescription drugs after receiving the prescription, the locker box 32 will not be unlocked unless the medication guidance is received, so that the prescription drugs can be received in a state where the medication guidance has been reliably received.

[0071] In addition, the locker device 1 acquires a personal identification number for the patient indicating that the person is the recipient of the prescription drugs, and the control unit 28 unlocks the locker box 32 when it has acquired the personal identification number for the patient in addition to the unlocking permission signal. By doing so, the possibility of someone else receiving the prescription drugs can be reduced.

[0072] Also, when an unlocking operation is performed while the unlocking permission signal is not received by the operation display unit 21, a notification indicating that the medication guidance has not been completed is issued. By doing so, when an operation to receive items is performed on the locker device 1 without receiving the medication guidance, it is possible to prompt the user to receive the medication guidance.

[0073] In addition, the locker device 1 can make a video and voice call with the outside using a videophone via the operation display unit 21, the speaker / microphone 27, and the camera 2A. When a notification indicating that the medication guidance has not been completed is issued, the medication guidance can be provided by the videophone. By doing so, even when an operation to receive items is performed on the locker device 1 without receiving the medication guidance, it is possible to receive the medication guidance on the spot, improving convenience.

[0074] (Second Embodiment) Next, the locker device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] In this embodiment, the system configuration and the configuration of the locker device 1 are the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the operation of the locker device 1 is different. The locker device 1 in this embodiment supports split dispensing. Split dispensing means dispensing drugs for long-term administration by dividing the administration period indicated on the prescription. In this case, for example, in T101 in FIG. 3 and the like, when prescribing for the second and subsequent times, the same prescription information as before is transmitted. Then, the pharmacy system 60 can recognize that it is split dispensing by receiving the same prescription information. Of course, it is also possible to analyze the content of the prescription information to identify that it is split dispensing.

[0076] The operation of the locker device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 8. First, S301 to S303 in FIG. 8 are the same as S101 to S103 in FIG. 6.

[0077] When S303 is yes, the control unit 28 increments the dispensing count n by 1. The initial value of this dispensing count n is "0", which is set for each prescription. Therefore, when the same prescription information is transmitted at T101, the dispensing count is accumulated from the previous count.

[0078] Next, the control unit 28 evaluates the dispensing count n for a specific prescription. When the condition 1 < n < a predetermined number is satisfied (S305; yes), the corresponding locker box 32 is unlocked without an unlock permission signal (S307). The predetermined number is a natural number of 3 or more, which is a value preset by the pharmacy side, and can be, for example, the number of divisions of a divided dispensing, or a number adjusted according to the timing of following up on medication even in the case of a divided dispensing period. For example, when the predetermined number is set to "3", medication follow-up and medication guidance will be received at the third dispensing after the first time. In this case, since the above conditions are satisfied at the second dispensing for the prescription, the prescription drug can be received without receiving medication guidance. That is, when the prescription is a divided dispensing and satisfies the predetermined conditions, the locker box 32 is unlocked using the second unlocking information, and when the prescription is a divided dispensing and does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the locker box 32 is unlocked using the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information.

[0079] Here, the first time means the first time in one prescription. Therefore, even for the same prescription drug, if it is by a different prescription, the dispensing count is not accumulated. This dispensing count n functions as a storage unit that stores the receipt history of prescriptions. Also, the predetermined number can be set for each prescription or for each patient.

[0080] Note that even in the case of a divided dispensing, medication guidance is required for the first time, and medication guidance can be made unnecessary from the second time onwards. Therefore, in the locker device 1 of the present embodiment, the determination of whether it is a substantially divided dispensing is made based on the numerical value of the dispensing count n set for each prescription at the time of evaluation of S305. Also, information on whether it is a divided dispensing grasped by the pharmacy system 60 may be acquired.

[0081] On the other hand, when the condition of 1 < n < a predetermined number is not satisfied (S305; no), the control unit 28 determines whether or not a unlocking permission signal corresponding to the password has been received (S306). When the unlocking permission signal has been received (S306; yes), the control unit 28 unlocks the corresponding locker box 32 (S307). The cases of executing S305; no, S306, and S307 are the cases of receiving prescription drugs under medication guidance as in the first embodiment. That is, when the prescription is not dispensed in portions, the locker box 32 is unlocked using the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information.

[0082] In the above description, the predetermined number is set as a natural number of 3 or more. However, by setting it to a numerical value such as "1" or "2", it is also possible to receive medication guidance every time even in the case of dispensed in portions. That is, it may be set so as not to satisfy the predetermined condition every time. That is, even in the case of dispensed in portions, when the pharmacist determines it is necessary, it may be set to provide medication guidance at the time of each dispensing. In this embodiment, in the case of dispensed in portions, the necessity of medication guidance can be freely set by the pharmacy (pharmacist or doctor).

[0083] When the unlocking permission signal corresponding to the password has not been received (S306; no), the control unit 28 notifies that no medication guidance has been provided by the operation display unit 21 or the like (step S308). S309 to S314 thereafter are the same as S107 to S112 in FIG. 6.

[0084] According to this embodiment, in a locker device 1 including a plurality of lockable locker boxes 32 in which prescription drugs are stored, a control unit 28 acquires an unlocking permission signal which is information indicating that the pharmacist has received medication guidance for the prescription drug, and a personal identification number for the patient indicating that the patient is the recipient of the prescription drug. Further, when the prescription is not divided dispensing, the control unit 28 unlocks the locker box 32 using the unlocking permission signal and the personal identification number for the patient. When the prescription is divided dispensing and satisfies the condition of 1 < number of dispensing times n < predetermined number, the control unit 28 unlocks the locker box 32 using the personal identification number for the patient. When the prescription is divided dispensing and does not satisfy the condition of 1 < number of dispensing times n < predetermined number, the control unit 28 unlocks the locker box 32 using the unlocking permission signal and the personal identification number for the patient.

[0085] By doing so, it becomes possible to cope with divided dispensing. Therefore, when medication guidance is not required for divided dispensing, it can be unlocked only with the patient's personal identification number, improving convenience.

[0086] Also, by setting the condition of 1 < number of dispensing times n < predetermined number, it is also possible to cope with medication follow-up during divided dispensing.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the necessity of the unlocking permission signal is determined by the number of times, but it may be determined by the period. For example, instead of the number of dispensing times n, an elapsed time t is set. This elapsed time t may be, for example, the elapsed time since the first receipt and can be configured by a timer or the like included in the control unit 28. Then, instead of the predetermined number, a predetermined period is set, and when the condition of elapsed time t < predetermined period is satisfied, it may be unlocked only with the personal identification number for the patient.

[0088] Also, there is a refill prescription similar to divided dispensing. A refill prescription is one in which the same drug can be received multiple times on one prescription. The above-described embodiment may be applied not only to divided dispensing but also to refill prescriptions, and refill prescriptions are included in the divided dispensing in the claims.

[0089] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the unlock permission signal was transmitted from the pharmacy terminal device 80 to the locker device 1 via the pharmacy system 60. However, it may be transmitted not to the locker device 1 but to the patient terminal device 70. In that case, for example, it may be information such as a password indicating unlock permission. And when the patient goes to the locker device 1, both the patient's password and the password indicating unlock permission may be input. That is, as long as the locker device 1 can acquire the first unlocking information, the route does not matter.

[0090] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Note that the same parts as those in the above-described first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0091] In this embodiment, the operation of the entire system is slightly different. FIG. 9 shows a sequence diagram from the hope of receiving a locker to the receipt of medicine in the system including the locker device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0092] In FIG. 9, the patient terminal device is the patient terminal device 70, the pharmacy system is the pharmacy system 60, the pharmacy terminal is the pharmacy terminal device 80, the locker system is the locker management system 50, and the locker device is the locker device 1, respectively.

[0093] In FIG. 9, first, the user starts an application or the like installed in the patient terminal device 70 and performs an operation indicating the desire to receive a prescription medicine by a locker, and inputs prescription information, the desired receiving location, the desired receiving date and time, etc., in the same manner as T101 in FIG. 5. Then, in addition to the input prescription information, the desired receiving location, the desired receiving date and time, etc., the user's membership ID is transmitted to the pharmacy system (T301).

[0094] In the pharmacy system, it receives prescription information, the desired collection location, the desired collection date and time, the member ID, etc. transmitted from the patient terminal device 70, gives a dispensing instruction to the pharmacy terminal (T302), and gives a reservation instruction to the locker management system 50 (T303). The dispensing instruction also includes information such as prescription information and the desired date and time of medication guidance. The reservation instruction includes, similar to T102 in FIG. 5, the ID of the desired locker, size, start time of use, end time of use, member code corresponding to the member ID, etc.

[0095] In the locker management system 50, when it receives a locker reservation request from the pharmacy system 60, it registers the reservation request in its own managed database, etc., and generates a QR code (registered trademark) for locking and gives a locking instruction to the locker device 1 (T304).

[0096] In the locker device 1, in response to the locking instruction from the locker management system 50, it locks and secures the locker box 32 for storing prescription drugs, etc., and transmits a locking completion notice to the locker management system 50 (T305). When the locker management system 50 receives the locking completion notice, it transmits a reservation completion notice to the pharmacy system 60 (T306). This reservation completion notice includes a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking when storing prescription drugs, etc.

[0097] In the pharmacy, dispensing is started (T307), and when dispensing is completed, a dispensing completion notice is transmitted to the pharmacy system 60 (T308). In the pharmacy system 60, when it receives the dispensing completion notice, it issues a label with a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking printed on it (T309), and it is printed from the pharmacy terminal device 80. This label is pasted on, for example, prescription drugs or a bag for putting prescription drugs, etc.

[0098] Next, using the pharmacy terminal device 80, the pharmacist gives medication guidance (T310). The medication guidance is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment by connecting the pharmacy terminal device 80 and the patient terminal device 70 via a communication line, for example, by videophone. And when the medication guidance is completed, a medication guidance completion notice is transmitted to the pharmacy system 60 (T311).

[0099] In the pharmacy system 60, when receiving a notification of completion of medication guidance, a unlocking permission signal as the first unlocking information is transmitted to the locker management system 50 (T312). The locker management system 50 that has received the unlocking permission signal transmits the unlocking permission signal to the box (T313).

[0100] After the completion of the medication guidance, the pharmacist unlocks the locker box 32 using a label printed with a QR code (registered trademark) for unlocking, stores the dispensed medicine, etc., and then locks it again (T314, T315). When the locking is completed, a locking completion notification is transmitted from the locker box 32 to the locker management system 50. The locker management system 50 generates a QR code (registered trademark) for receiving and transmits it to the locker device 1 and the pharmacy system (T316, T317). Note that the QR code (registered trademark) for receiving is transmitted to the pharmacy system 60 included in the notification of completion of deposit.

[0101] In the pharmacy system 60, when receiving a notification of completion of deposit, a delivery preparation completion notification including a QR code (registered trademark) for receiving is transmitted to the patient terminal device 70 (T318). When the patient terminal device 70 receives the delivery preparation completion notification, the patient (the owner of the patient terminal device 70, etc.) goes to the locker device 1 and unlocks the locker box 32 using the QR code (registered trademark) for receiving included in the delivery preparation completion notification (T319).

[0102] In the locker device 1, when the locker is unlocked and the prescription medicine, etc. is taken out, a take-out completion notification is transmitted to the locker management system 50 (T320). The locker management system 50 that has received the take-out completion notification transmits a delivery completion notification to the pharmacy system 60 (T321).

[0103] Next, FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the operation of the pharmacy system 60 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether there is a prescription request (S401). If there is no prescription request (S401; no), this step is repeated. The presence or absence of a prescription request can be determined by the notification of the desire to receive a prescription medicine locker from the patient terminal shown in FIG. 9 or by the reception at the pharmacy counter, etc. as in the past.

[0104] If there is a prescription request in S401 (S401; yes), it is determined whether the locker pickup is desired (S402). Whether the locker pickup is desired or not can be determined by whether the prescription request is a notification of the desire to pick up prescription drugs from the patient terminal device 70. If the locker pickup is not desired (S402; no), a dispensing request is made to the pharmacist (S403), and it is determined whether there is a delivery completion notification (S404). If the delivery completion notification has not been received (S404; no), S404 is repeated until the delivery completion notification is received.

[0105] When the delivery of drugs and the like is performed at the pharmacy counter or the like, for example, a delivery completion notification is transmitted from the pharmacy terminal device 80. Then, when the delivery completion notification is received, the flowchart ends (S404; yes).

[0106] On the other hand, if the locker pickup is desired in S402 (S402; yes), a dispensing request is made to the pharmacist (S405), and it is determined whether the dispensing is completed (S406). Whether the dispensing is completed can be determined by the presence or absence of the dispensing completion notification of T308 in FIG. 9. If the dispensing is not completed (S406; no), S406 is repeated. If the dispensing is completed (S406; yes), it is determined whether the medication guidance is completed (S407). Whether the medication guidance is completed can be determined by the presence or absence of the medication guidance completion notification of T311 in FIG. 9. If the medication guidance is not completed (S407; no), S408 is repeated.

[0107] If the medication guidance is completed (S407; yes), an electronic key generation permission signal is transmitted (S408). This electronic key generation permission signal corresponds to the unlocking permission signal of T312 in FIG. 9, indicates that the medication guidance has ended, and is a signal that permits the generation (T316) of a QR code (registered trademark) for receiving the prescription drugs and the like for the patient to receive. In this embodiment, the QR code (registered trademark) is described as the electronic key, but of course, other electronic keys may be used.

[0108] Next, it is determined whether the storage of prescription drugs, etc. has been completed (S409). Whether the storage of prescription drugs, etc. has been completed can be determined by whether the deposit completion notice of T317 in FIG. 9 has been received. If the storage of prescription drugs, etc. has not been completed (S409; no), S409 is repeated.

[0109] If the storage of prescription drugs, etc. has been completed (S409; yes), the electronic key is transmitted to the patient terminal (S410). This step corresponds to T318 in FIG. 9. Then, it is determined whether the transfer completion notice (T321) has been received from the locker management system 50 (S411). If the transfer completion notice has not been received (S411; no), S411 is repeated until it is received. When the transfer completion notice is received, the flowchart ends (S411; yes).

[0110] According to the present embodiment, since the electronic key such as the QR code (registered trademark) at the time of storing prescription drugs, etc. is generated by the pharmacy system 60, on the locker side, it is not necessary to generate the electronic key. In addition, by generating the electronic key in the pharmacy system 60, the processing on the locker side can be simplified, and it is also easy to modify from the existing locker system.

[0111] In addition, since the QR code (registered trademark) is printed as a label, it can be easily handled even if one is not familiar with the operation of the device, etc.

[0112] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The same parts as those in the first to third embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] In this embodiment, the operation of the entire system is slightly different. A sequence diagram from the hope of receiving the locker to the receipt of prescription drugs, etc. in the system including the locker device 1 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. 11.

[0114] In FIG. 11, the patient terminal device represents the patient terminal device 70, the pharmacy system represents the pharmacy system 60, the pharmacy terminal represents the pharmacy terminal device 80, and the locker represents the locker management system 50 and the locker device 1 (mainly the locker device 1). Also, it is assumed that the pharmacy terminal device 80 of the present embodiment is composed of a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal that can be carried around.

[0115] In FIG. 11, first, similar to T101 in FIG. 5, the user activates an application or the like installed in the patient terminal device 70 and performs an operation indicating the desire to receive the prescribed medicine by the locker, and inputs prescription information, the desired receiving location, the desired receiving date and time, etc. Then, in addition to the input prescription information, the desired receiving location, the desired receiving date and time, etc., the user's membership ID is transmitted to the pharmacy system (T401).

[0116] In the pharmacy system, the prescription information, the desired receiving location for receiving, the desired receiving date and time, the membership ID, etc. transmitted from the patient terminal device 70 are received, and an electronic key is generated to perform locker registration (T402). The electronic key is electronic information for unlocking the locker such as the QR code (registered trademark) described in the third embodiment, and is transmitted to the locker management system 50 for registration for unlocking. Also, the electronic key generated in T402 is communicated (transmitted) to the pharmacy terminal device 80 (T403). The electronic key transmitted in T403 is used when storing (depositing) the dispensed prescribed medicine or the like in the locker box 32.

[0117] Next, the pharmacy system 60 makes a dispensing request to the pharmacy terminal device 80 (T404). The dispensing request also includes information such as prescription information and the desired date and time for medication guidance. Then, using the pharmacy terminal device 80, the pharmacist provides medication guidance (T405). The medication guidance is performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment by connecting the pharmacy terminal device 80 and the patient terminal device 70 via a communication line, for example, by a videophone. And when the medication guidance is completed, a medication guidance completion notice is transmitted to the pharmacy system 60 (T406). Note that the dispensing may start when the dispensing request is received, or may start after the medication guidance.

[0118] When a dispensing completion notice is sent from the pharmacy terminal device 80 to the pharmacy system 60 (T407), the pharmacy system 60 transmits an unlocking permission signal as first unlocking information to the locker device 1 via the locker management system 50 (T408). As is clear from FIG. 11, since the fact that dispensing is completed means that the medication guidance is also completed, in this embodiment, the first unlocking information is transmitted at this timing.

[0119] Then, a pharmacist or the like goes to the locker device 1 with the pharmacy terminal device 80 and unlocks it (T409). Unlocking is performed using the electronic key received at T403. Specifically, a QR code (registered trademark) may be displayed and read by the code reader 22, or when the pharmacy terminal device 80 has an IC card function, unlocking may be performed using the IC card reader / writer 23. Alternatively, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

[0120] When the unlocking operation is performed on the locker device 1, the door of the locker box 32 is opened and prescription drugs and the like are stored (T410). After storing the prescription drugs and the like and closing the door and locking it, a storage completion notice is sent from the locker device 1 to the pharmacy system 60 via the locker management system 50.

[0121] When receiving the storage completion notice from the locker management system 50, the pharmacy system 60 generates an electronic key and performs locker registration (T411). The electronic key in T411 is for the patient to receive. This electronic key is also transmitted to the locker device 1 via the locker management system 50 for unlocking registration and is also transmitted to the patient terminal device 70 (T412).

[0122] Then, the patient goes to the locker device 1 with the patient terminal device 70 and unlocks it (T413). Unlocking is performed using the electronic key received at T412. Specifically, similar to T409, a QR code (registered trademark) may be displayed and read by the code reader 22, or when the patient terminal device 70 has an IC card function, unlocking may be performed using the IC card reader / writer 23. Short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used.

[0123] Then, when the locker box 32 is unlocked and the patient receives the prescribed medicine or the like, a withdrawal completion notice is sent to the pharmacy system 60 (T414).

[0124] Next, FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the operation of the pharmacy system 60 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, first, it is determined whether there is a prescription request (S501). If there is no prescription request (S501; no), this step is repeated. If there is a prescription request in S501 (S501; yes), it is determined whether the patient wishes to receive the medicine using the locker (S502). If the patient does not wish to receive the medicine using the locker (S502; no), a dispensing request is made to the pharmacist (S503), and it is determined whether there is a delivery completion notice (S504). If the delivery completion notice has not been received (S504; no), S504 is repeated until the delivery completion notice is received. On the other hand, when the delivery completion notice is received, the flowchart ends (S504; yes). S501 to S504 are the same as S401 to S404 in FIG. 10.

[0125] On the other hand, if the patient wishes to receive the medicine using the locker in S502 (S502; yes), an electronic key is generated (S505), and an instruction to lock the locker device 1 is given via the locker management system 50 (S506). These steps correspond to T402 in FIG. 11.

[0126] The pharmacy system 60 makes a dispensing request to the pharmacist (S507). This step corresponds to T404 in FIG. 11. Then, it is determined whether the medication guidance has been completed (S508). The completion of the medication guidance can be determined by the presence or absence of a medication guidance completion notice sent in T406 in FIG. 11. If the medication guidance has not been completed (S508; no), S508 is repeated until the medication guidance is completed.

[0127] If the medication guidance has been completed (S508; yes), it is determined whether the dispensing has been completed (S509). The completion of the dispensing can be determined by the presence or absence of a dispensing completion notice sent in T407 in FIG. 11. If the dispensing has not been completed (S509; no), S509 is repeated until the dispensing is completed.

[0128] When dispensing is completed (S509; yes), a unlock permission signal is transmitted to the locker device 1 via the locker management system 50 (S510). This step corresponds to T408 in FIG. 11. Then, it is determined whether the storage of prescription drugs, etc. is completed (S511). Completion of drug storage can be determined by the presence or absence of a storage completion notice transmitted at T410 in FIG. 11. If the storage is not completed (S511; no), S511 is repeated until the storage is completed.

[0129] When the accommodation of prescription drugs, etc. is completed (S511; yes), an electronic key is generated and transmitted to the locker device 1 and the patient terminal (S512). This step corresponds to T411 and T412 in FIG. 11. Then, it is determined whether the withdrawal of prescription drugs, etc. is completed (S513). Completion of drug withdrawal can be determined by the presence or absence of a withdrawal completion notice transmitted at T414 in FIG. 11. If the withdrawal is not completed (S513; no), S513 is repeated until the withdrawal is completed. If the withdrawal is completed (S513; yes), the flowchart ends.

[0130] According to this embodiment, since the electronic key such as a QR code (registered trademark) at the time of storing prescription drugs, etc. is generated by the pharmacy system 60, on the locker side, it is not necessary to generate the electronic key. Also, by generating the electronic key in the pharmacy system 60, the processing on the locker side can be simplified, and it is easy to modify from the existing locker system.

[0131] In addition, since the electronic key is directly authenticated by the locker as electronic data, printing, etc. is not required, and operations such as printing and pasting can be omitted. Therefore, mistakes such as misreading the printed QR code (registered trademark) can also be prevented.

[0132] Also, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. That is, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications in accordance with conventionally known knowledge without departing from the gist of the present invention. As long as the configuration of the locker device of the present invention is still provided even by such modifications, of course, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0133] 1 Locker device 21 Operation control unit (operation unit, notification unit, call unit) 27 Speaker / microphone (call unit) 28 Control unit (first acquisition unit, second acquisition unit, unlocking control unit, storage unit) 2A Camera (call unit) 32 Locker box

Claims

1. a pharmacy system that, upon receiving prescription information for dispensing a prescription drug, makes a locker reservation request; a locker device that locks a locker box when the reservation request is received, and uses second unlocking information, which indicates a recipient of the prescription drug included in the prescription information, to unlock the locker box; Equipped with When the prescription information indicates that the prescription is a divided prescription or a refill prescription and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the locker box is unlocked using only the second unlocking information, When the prescription information indicates that the prescription is for divided medication or a refill prescription and does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the locker box is not unlocked by the second unlocking information alone. Locker system.

2. The predetermined condition is: The number of times the prescription drug is dispensed based on the prescription information. The locker system of claim 1 .

3. The predetermined condition is: a period of time for dispensing the prescription drug based on the prescription information; The locker system of claim 1 .

4. The rocker device is A first acquisition unit that acquires first unlocking information which is information indicating that a pharmacist has given medication instructions regarding the prescribed drug; and an unlocking control unit that unlocks the locker box using the first unlocking information and the second unlocking information when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.

4. A locker system according to claim 2 or 3.

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