Call system, call program, and call method

Abstract

To provide a call system, a call program, and a call method capable of preventing occurrence of a situation where comparatively many patients wait in standing states for payment of medical expenses.SOLUTION: A call system is provided with: a person information acquisition unit 1 which acquires information indicating a completed person being a patient D whose calculation of medical expense has been completed; a display unit 3 which performs call display for calling the completed person; and a display control unit 2 which controls display contents of the display unit 3 on the basis of information acquired by the person information acquisition unit 1. When a prescribed condition is satisfied, the display control unit 2 suppresses increase of object persons being completed persons which are object of call by the call display.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a calling system, a calling program, and a calling method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a call system (referred to as a "call display device" in Patent Document 1) that calls patients whose medical expenses have been calculated. In this call system, a reception number corresponding to a patient whose medical expenses have been calculated is displayed on a display. By looking at the display, the patient recognizes that the calculation of their medical expenses has been completed, and pays the medical expenses using a medical expense payment machine (referred to as an "ATM" in Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-143967 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the call system described in Patent Document 1, if many reception numbers are displayed on the display, it is expected that many patients will line up in front of the medical fee payment machine. As a result, many patients will have to stand in line for a relatively long time in order to pay at the medical fee payment machine.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a calling system, a calling program, and a calling method that can avoid a situation in which a relatively large number of patients have to stand and wait to pay medical fees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The call system of the present disclosure comprises a person information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a completed person, who is a patient for whom medical expenses have been calculated, a display unit that displays a call to call the completed person, and a display control unit that controls the display content of the display unit based on the information acquired by the person information acquisition unit, and when a predetermined condition is met, the display control unit suppresses an increase in the number of target persons who are completed people who are the target of a call by the call display.

[0007] The call program of the present disclosure is a call program that causes a computer to realize a person information acquisition function that acquires information indicating a completed person, who is a patient for whom medical expenses calculation has been completed, a display function that displays a call to call the completed person, and a display control function that controls the display content by the display function based on the information acquired by the person information acquisition function, and when a predetermined condition is met, the display control function suppresses an increase in the number of target persons who are completed people who are the target of being called by the call display.

[0008] The calling method according to the present disclosure is a calling method in a calling system, and includes a person information acquisition step of acquiring information indicating a completed person, who is a patient for whom medical expenses have been calculated; a display step of displaying a call to call the completed person; and a display control step of controlling the display content by the display step based on the information acquired by the person information acquisition step, and when a predetermined condition is met, the display control step suppresses an increase in the number of target persons who are completed people who are the target of a call by the call display.

[0009] According to this configuration, when a predetermined condition is met, the increase in the number of target persons is suppressed. As a result, by appropriately setting the predetermined condition, only a relatively small number of patients who have completed medical fee calculations will be called. Specifically, if there are 10 patients whose medical fee calculations have been completed, for example, only five of them will be called. This means that fewer patients will be waiting in line to pay their medical fees compared to a configuration in which all patients whose medical fee calculations have been completed are always called.

[0010] Therefore, this configuration can prevent a situation in which a relatively large number of patients have to stand and wait to pay their medical fees.

[0011] Furthermore, the image capturing apparatus may be configured to include a first setting unit that sets a first threshold value, and the display control unit may be configured to suppress an increase in the number of target persons when the number of target persons reaches the first threshold value.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the number of target persons reaches the first threshold, other completed persons are less likely to be called, which prevents a large number of patients from waiting in line to pay medical fees.

[0013] Furthermore, the medical fee payment machine may be provided, and the call display may be a display for calling the target person to the medical fee payment machine, and the first setting unit may be configured to set the first threshold value based on the state of the medical fee payment machine.

[0014] This configuration allows the first threshold to be set to a relatively small value when the medical fee payment machine is malfunctioning (e.g., out of change, etc.). In this way, this configuration makes it easy to appropriately control the number of patients lining up at the medical fee payment machine in response to changes in the processing capacity of the medical fee payment machine.

[0015] Furthermore, the medical fee payment machine may be configured to include a remaining time acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the remaining time until operation of the medical fee payment machine stops, and the first setting unit may be configured to set the first threshold value based on the information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit.

[0016] This configuration allows the first threshold to be set to a value corresponding to the number of patients the medical fee payment machine can process before it stops operating, preventing a situation in which more patients than the machine can process are lined up.

[0017] Furthermore, the display control unit may be capable of causing the display unit to display a counter to call the completed person to a payment counter to pay medical expenses, and the display control unit may be configured to call, by the counter display, patients among the completed people who are not the target people when the first threshold value is set based on information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit.

[0018] This configuration allows the number of completing persons who can process payments by the medical fee payment machine before the operation of the medical fee payment machine stops to be called to the medical fee payment machine, and the remaining completing persons to be called to the payment counter. This makes it possible to appropriately allocate completing persons to the medical fee payment machine and the payment counter.

[0019] Furthermore, the system may be configured to include a related information acquisition unit that acquires medical related information, which is information regarding the medical treatment of the completed person, and the first setting unit may set the first threshold value based on the medical related information.

[0020] The time required for a person to pay medical fees (for example, operating the medical fee payment machine and exchanging money) varies depending on the medical treatment of that person. For example, if a person visits multiple medical departments, the time required for that person to pay medical fees tends to be relatively long. If each person takes a relatively long time to pay medical fees, the progress of the waiting line for payment of medical fees will be relatively slow.

[0021] On the other hand, if the payment amount of a person who has completed the medical treatment is 0 yen, the time required for that person to pay the medical fee tends to be relatively short. If the time required for each person to pay the medical fee is relatively short, the waiting line for payment of the medical fee will move forward relatively quickly.

[0022] According to this configuration, the first threshold can be set based on the predicted time required for each person to pay the medical fee, thereby realizing a configuration in which the first threshold is set to an appropriate value according to the progress of the waiting line.

[0023] Furthermore, the device may be equipped with a medical fee payment machine, and the display control unit may be configured to at least partially release the suppression of the increase in the number of target persons when a state in which medical fees are not paid at the medical fee payment machine continues for a predetermined period of time or more while the increase in the number of target persons is being suppressed.

[0024] When a patient whose medical fee calculation has been completed is called, the patient may not immediately pay the medical fee (for example, because they have gone to the bathroom). Therefore, even if the number of target persons reaches the first threshold, there may be a situation where there are no patients who have actually paid the medical fee or who are waiting in line to pay. In this case, it is expected that there will be a situation where no one is using the medical fee payment machine, even though there are people who have completed the calculation but have not yet become target persons.

[0025] According to this configuration, if no payment is made at the medical fee payment machine for a predetermined period of time, the restriction on the increase in the number of target persons is at least partially lifted. As a result, if a situation occurs in which a completed person who has not yet become a target person exists but no one is using the medical fee payment machine, a configuration can be realized in which the new completed person is added to the list of people to be called. This makes it easier to resolve the situation in which a completed person who has not yet become a target person exists but no one is using the medical fee payment machine.

[0026] Furthermore, the display control unit may be configured to add one completed person to the target persons each time payment of medical expenses for one person is completed while the increase in the target persons is being suppressed.

[0027] This configuration makes it easier to smoothly process medical fees while avoiding a situation in which a relatively large number of patients have to stand and wait to pay their medical fees.

[0028] Furthermore, the device may include a photographing unit that photographs patients waiting in line to pay medical fees, a quantity recognition unit that recognizes the number of patients waiting in line based on the photographing results by the photographing unit, and a second setting unit that sets a second threshold, and the display control unit may be configured to suppress an increase in the number of target persons when the number of patients recognized by the quantity recognition unit is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0029] According to this configuration, when the number of patients waiting in the waiting line is equal to or greater than the second threshold, it becomes difficult for other completed persons to be called in. This makes it difficult for a large number of patients to wait in line to pay medical fees.

[0030] Furthermore, the medical fee payment machine may be provided, and the call display may be a display for calling the target person to the medical fee payment machine, and the second setting unit may be configured to set the second threshold value based on the state of the medical fee payment machine.

[0031] This configuration allows the second threshold to be set to a relatively small value, for example, when the medical fee payment machine is malfunctioning (e.g., out of change, etc.). In this way, this configuration makes it easy to appropriately control the number of patients lining up at the medical fee payment machine in response to changes in the processing capacity of the medical fee payment machine.

[0032] Furthermore, the medical fee payment machine may be configured to include a remaining time acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the remaining time until operation of the medical fee payment machine stops, and the second setting unit may be configured to set the second threshold value based on the information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit.

[0033] This configuration allows the second threshold to be set to a value corresponding to the number of patients the medical fee payment machine can process before it shuts down, preventing a situation in which more patients than the machine can process are lined up.

[0034] Furthermore, the display control unit may be capable of causing the display unit to display a counter to call the completed person to a payment counter to pay medical expenses, and the display control unit may be configured to call, by the counter display, patients among the completed people who are not the target people when the second threshold is set based on information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit.

[0035] This configuration allows the number of completing persons who can process payments by the medical fee payment machine before the operation of the medical fee payment machine stops to be called to the medical fee payment machine, and the remaining completing persons to be called to the payment counter. This makes it possible to appropriately allocate completing persons to the medical fee payment machine and the payment counter.

[0036] Furthermore, the system may be configured to include a related information acquisition unit that acquires medical related information, which is information regarding the medical treatment of the completed person, and the second setting unit may set the second threshold value based on the medical related information.

[0037] The time required for a person to pay medical fees (for example, operating the medical fee payment machine and exchanging money) varies depending on the medical treatment of that person. For example, if a person visits multiple medical departments, the time required for that person to pay medical fees tends to be relatively long. If each person takes a relatively long time to pay medical fees, the progress of the waiting line for payment of medical fees will be relatively slow.

[0038] On the other hand, if the payment amount of a person who has completed the medical treatment is 0 yen, the time required for that person to pay the medical fee tends to be relatively short. If the time required for each person to pay the medical fee is relatively short, the waiting line for payment of the medical fee will move forward relatively quickly.

[0039] According to this configuration, the second threshold can be set based on the predicted time required for each person to pay the medical fee, which allows the second threshold to be set to an appropriate value according to the progress of the waiting line.

[0040] Furthermore, the display control unit may be configured to increase the number of target persons when the amount of patients recognized by the amount recognition unit is less than the second threshold value.

[0041] When a patient whose medical fee calculation has been completed is called, the patient may not pay the medical fee immediately (for example, because they have gone to the bathroom). As a result, even if the number of target persons reaches the second threshold, the number of patients waiting in line to pay may not reach the second threshold. In this case, the number of patients waiting in line may fall below an appropriate level, which may result in a situation where payment of medical fees does not proceed smoothly (for example, there may be a period of time when no patients are waiting in line and no one is using the medical fee payment machine).

[0042] According to this configuration, when the number of patients waiting in line is less than the second threshold, the number of target persons increases. As a result, the number of patients waiting in line tends to be appropriate, which makes it easier to smoothly process medical expenses.

[0043] Furthermore, the medical fee payment machine may be provided, and the medical fee payment machine may be configured to accept payment of medical fees for the target person, but not accept payment of medical fees for the completed person who is not the target person.

[0044] If the payment machine is configured to accept payments for completed persons who have not yet been called, it is possible that such completed persons will be in a waiting queue to pay, resulting in a relatively large number of patients waiting in the waiting queue.

[0045] This configuration makes it easy to prevent a situation in which a patient who has not yet been called is waiting in line to pay, which makes it easy to prevent a situation in which a relatively large number of patients are waiting in line. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment, illustrating the overall configuration of a calling system. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a calling system according to a second embodiment (the same applies to FIGS. 13 and 14). [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a first display control flow. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of an exclusion flow. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a target person who has completed payment of medical expenses is excluded from the call targets. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example in which a target person who has completed payment of medical expenses is excluded from the call targets. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a setting flow. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a first threshold value is set based on information acquired by a status acquisition unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the scheduled start time of maintenance of the first payment machine is displayed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a first threshold value is set based on remaining coin amount information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an exit display. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which an amount display and a call code are displayed. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a classification display. [Figure 14] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a calling system according to a third embodiment (the same applies to FIGS. 17 to 18). [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of an imaging unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of installation of the imaging unit. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of a second display control flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, a calling system A in this embodiment includes a person information acquiring unit 1, a display control unit 2, and a display unit 3.

[0049] The person information acquisition unit 1 acquires calculation completion information. The calculation completion information is information indicating a completed person. A completed person is a patient D whose medical expenses have been calculated. In other words, the call system A is equipped with a person information acquisition unit 1 that acquires information indicating a completed person, who is a patient D whose medical expenses have been calculated.

[0050] Although not particularly limited, the personal information acquisition unit 1 may be configured, for example, to periodically communicate with a predetermined computer (not shown) to acquire calculation completion information from the computer. The computer may be configured to store the calculation completion information. The calculation completion information stored in the computer may be information input by a hospital staff member or the like, or may be automatically generated information.

[0051] The display unit 3 can display a call message to call the completed person to process the transaction. While not particularly limited, the display unit 3 may be, for example, a known display (monitor) device. While not particularly limited, in the example shown in FIG. 1 , five transaction numbers and a message are displayed as the call message. The message prompts the target person corresponding to the displayed transaction number to make payment using the medical fee payment machine 4 (in other words, calls the target person to process the transaction). In other words, the call message is a display for calling the target person to the medical fee payment machine 4. The target person is the completed person who is the target of a call by the call message. Furthermore, the medical fee payment machine 4 may or may not be included in the call system A.

[0052] In this way, the call system A is equipped with a display unit 3 that displays a call message to call the person who has completed the transaction. The number of transaction numbers displayed as the call message may be any number. Furthermore, instead of the transaction number, other information that identifies the target person (for example, a name or symbol) may be displayed as the call message.

[0053] The medical fee payment machine 4 is configured to accept payment of medical fees from patient D. Patient D can use the medical fee payment machine 4 to process payments (pay medical fees in cash or by credit card).

[0054] The display control unit 2 acquires calculation completion information from the person information acquisition unit 1. Then, the display control unit 2 is configured to control the display content by the display unit 3 based on the calculation completion information. For example, the display control unit 2 causes the display unit 3 to display a call based on the calculation completion information. That is, the call system A includes the display control unit 2 that controls the display content by the display unit 3 based on the information acquired by the person information acquisition unit 1.

[0055] The display control unit 2 is configured to suppress an increase in the number of target persons when a predetermined condition is satisfied. This predetermined condition is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, that the number of target persons reaches a predetermined number.

[0056] That is, in the call system A, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display control unit 2 suppresses an increase in the number of target persons who are completed persons to be called by the call display.

[0057] For example, Figure 1 shows ten patients D, numbered from the first patient D1 to the tenth patient D10. The first patient D1 to the tenth patient D10 are assigned accounting numbers "001" to "010", respectively. In this example, the "predetermined condition" is assumed to be "the number of target persons reaches five."

[0058] As shown in the table at the bottom of Figure 1, in this example, of the ten patients D, it is assumed that medical fee calculations have been completed only for the first patient D1 to the eighth patient D8. Also, it is assumed that five accounting numbers, "001" to "005," are displayed as call displays. In other words, at this time, of the ten patients D, only five, the first patient D1 to the fifth patient D5, are the target individuals. Therefore, these five patients D are standing and waiting in line E to pay their medical fees at the medical fee payment machine 4.

[0059] The waiting line E for paying medical fees may or may not include patient D (first patient D1 in the example shown in FIG. 1) who is processing the bill at the medical fee payment machine 4 or payment counter 5 (see FIG. 2). Also, the waiting line E may be a line for paying medical fees at the payment counter 5.

[0060] In the state shown in FIG. 1, the above-mentioned "predetermined condition" is satisfied, so the display control unit 2 suppresses an increase in the number of target persons. More specifically, the display control unit 2 prohibits an increase in the number of target persons. As a result, although three patients D, the sixth patient D6 to the eighth patient D8, are completed persons, the display control unit 2 does not add these three patients D to the target persons. In other words, the accounting numbers "006" to "008" are not displayed on the display unit 3. Therefore, these three patients D are waiting while seated in their chairs.

[0061] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The display control unit 2 may be configured to delay the increase in the number of target persons when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a new patient D becomes a completed person, the display control unit 2 may add the patient D to the target persons after a predetermined time has elapsed since the patient D became a completed person). Prohibiting the increase in the number of target persons and delaying the increase in the number of target persons are both specific examples of "suppressing the increase in the number of target persons."

[0062] According to the configuration described above, when a predetermined condition is met, the increase in target persons is suppressed. As a result, by appropriately setting the predetermined condition, only a relatively small number of patients D will be called out of the patients D whose medical expenses have been calculated. Specifically, if there are 10 patients D whose medical expenses have been calculated, for example, only five of them will be called out. As a result, fewer patients D will be waiting in line E to pay their medical expenses, compared to a configuration in which all patients D whose medical expenses have been calculated are always called out.

[0063] Therefore, the above-described configuration can prevent a situation in which a relatively large number of patients D have to stand and wait in order to pay their medical fees.

[0064] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description of the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The configuration other than the parts described below is the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the first embodiment.

[0065] [Overall configuration of the call system] As shown in FIG. 2, the call system A includes a display unit 3, a medical fee payment machine 4, and a payment window 5.

[0066] More specifically, the call system A includes a first payment machine 41 and a second payment machine 42. Both the first payment machine 41 and the second payment machine 42 are medical fee payment machines 4. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Any number of medical fee payment machines 4 may be provided.

[0067] Furthermore, the call system A includes a first window 51 and a second window 52. Both the first window 51 and the second window 52 are payment windows 5. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Any number of payment windows 5 may be provided.

[0068] Hospital staff are stationed at payment counter 5. The staff at payment counter 5 accept payment of medical fees from Patient D. Patient D can complete accounting procedures (pay medical fees in cash or by credit card) at payment counter 5.

[0069] The call system A also includes a management computer 6, a calculation input unit 7, and a display management device 8. In this embodiment, the person information acquisition unit 1 and the display control unit 2 are included in the display management device 8.

[0070] The calculation input unit 7 is configured to accept input of the calculation contents or calculation results of the medical expenses for patient D. Although not particularly limited, input to the calculation input unit 7 may be performed by, for example, hospital staff.

[0071] When an input is made to the calculation input unit 7, the calculation input unit 7 automatically generates calculation completion information corresponding to the patient D corresponding to the input. Then, the calculation input unit 7 sends the calculation completion information to the calculation storage unit 10 in the management computer 6. The calculation storage unit 10 stores the calculation completion information.

[0072] The person information acquisition unit 1 acquires the calculation completion information from the calculation storage unit 10. Although not particularly limited, the person information acquisition unit 1 may be configured to acquire the calculation completion information from the calculation storage unit 10 by, for example, periodically communicating with the management computer 6.

[0073] The display control unit 2 acquires the calculation completion information from the person information acquisition unit 1. Then, based on the calculation completion information, the display control unit 2 controls the display content on the display unit 3. As a result, the display unit 3 performs a call display (see FIG. 5).

[0074] [First display control flow] The call system A is configured to perform a call display in accordance with the first display control flow shown in Fig. 3. The first display control flow is repeatedly executed at regular time intervals.

[0075] When the first display control flow starts, the process of step S01 is first executed. In step S01, the display control unit 2 determines whether the number of target persons is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0076] Here, the first threshold value is a threshold value set by a first setting unit 11 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, the first setting unit 11 is included in the display management device 8. Although not particularly limited, the first setting unit 11 may set the first threshold value based on a manual operation input (for example, input of a value by a hospital staff member). In particular, the first threshold value may be a manually input value.

[0077] In this way, the call system A includes the first setting unit 11 that sets the first threshold value.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 2, the first setting unit 11 sends the set first threshold to the display control unit 2. The display control unit 2 also stores the current number of target persons. Although not particularly limited, the number of target persons is initially set to 0. The display control unit 2 makes the determination in step S01 of FIG. 3 by comparing the first threshold with the current number of target persons.

[0079] If the number of target persons is less than the first threshold value ("No" in step S01 of FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S02. If the number of target persons is equal to or greater than the first threshold value ("Yes" in step S01 of FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S03.

[0080] In step S02, the display control unit 2 increases the number of target persons. More specifically, the display control unit 2 selects one patient D from among patients D who are completed persons but are not target persons, based on the calculation completion information described above, and adds the selected patient D to the target persons. This increases the number of target persons by one.

[0081] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The number of target persons increased in step S02 may be any number equal to or greater than two. Furthermore, if there is no patient D who is a completed person but not a target person when the process proceeds to step S02, the process of step S02 may be skipped.

[0082] Also, although not particularly limited, when selecting patient D as described above, the display control unit 2 may select the patient D who became a completed person earliest among the patients D who are completed persons but are not target persons.

[0083] After step S02, this first display control flow ends for the time being.

[0084] In step S03, the display control unit 2 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the medical fee payment was made at each medical fee payment machine 4. This "predetermined time" may be set to any time (period).

[0085] The determination in step S03 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 2, the call system A includes a payment information acquisition unit 9. The payment information acquisition unit 9 acquires first payment information.

[0086] The first payment information is information indicating the patient D who paid the medical fee at each medical fee payment machine 4 and the time when the medical fee was paid. Although not particularly limited, the payment information acquisition unit 9 may acquire the first payment information from each medical fee payment machine 4.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 2, the payment information acquisition unit 9 sends the first payment information to the display control unit 2. Based on the first payment information, the display control unit 2 makes the determination in step S03 in Fig. 3 by comparing the time when the medical fee was last paid at any of the medical fee payment machines 4 with the current time.

[0088] For example, if the above-mentioned "predetermined time" is set to 5 minutes, the time when the medical fee was last paid at the first payment machine 41 is 10:10, and the time when the medical fee was last paid at the second payment machine 42 is 10:20, and the current time is 10:24, the result will be "No" in step S03 of Figure 3. On the other hand, if the current time is 10:26 in this case, the result will be "Yes" in step S03 of Figure 3.

[0089] If the state in which the medical fee payment has not been made at each medical fee payment machine 4 continues for a predetermined time or more ("Yes" in step S03 of FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S04. If the state in which the medical fee payment has not been made at each medical fee payment machine 4 continues for a predetermined time or more ("No" in step S03 of FIG. 3), this first display control flow ends for the time being.

[0090] In step S04, the display control unit 2 sends a predetermined signal to the first setting unit 11 (see FIG. 2). The signal indicates that the first threshold needs to be increased. Upon receiving the signal, the first setting unit 11 increases the first threshold. Then, the first setting unit 11 sends the increased first threshold to the display control unit 2. Thereafter, the first display control flow ends for the time being.

[0091] With the configuration described above, steps S01 and S02 are repeated until the number of target persons reaches the first threshold. As a result, the number of target persons increases. When the number of target persons reaches the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S03 without proceeding to step S02. As a result, step S02 is not executed, and the increase in the number of target persons by the display control unit 2 is suppressed.

[0092] In this way, when the number of target persons reaches the first threshold, the display control unit 2 suppresses an increase in the number of target persons. Note that the number of target persons reaching the first threshold is a specific example of a "predetermined condition" according to the present disclosure.

[0093] 3, if the determination is "Yes," the first threshold is increased (step S04). As a result, when the first display control flow is next executed, the number of target persons is less than the first threshold ("No" in step S01), and the number of target persons increases (step S02). That is, the increase in the first threshold partially cancels the suppression of the increase in the number of target persons.

[0094] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. If the determination in step S03 of Fig. 3 is "Yes," the suppression of the increase in target persons may be completely canceled. For example, if the determination in step S03 of Fig. 3 is "Yes," all completed persons may be added to the target persons without making the determination in step S01 thereafter.

[0095] In this way, when the display control unit 2 is suppressing the increase in the number of target persons, if the state in which medical fees are not paid at the medical fee payment machine 4 continues for more than a predetermined time, the display control unit 2 at least partially releases the suppression of the increase in the number of target persons.

[0096] [Exclusion flow] The call system A is configured to exclude patient D, whose medical expenses have been paid, from the call targets in accordance with the exclusion flow shown in Figure 4. The exclusion flow is executed repeatedly at regular intervals. The exclusion flow may be executed simultaneously with the first display control flow described above, or may be executed during a period when the first display control flow is not being executed.

[0097] When the exclusion flow starts, first, the process of step S11 is executed. In step S11, the display control unit 2 determines whether any of the target persons has completed payment of the medical fee.

[0098] The determination in step S11 will be described in detail. The payment information acquisition unit 9 (see FIG. 2) acquires second payment information. The second payment information is information indicating the patient D who paid the medical fee at each payment window 5 and the time when the medical fee was paid. Although not particularly limited, the second payment information may be information entered by a staff member at each payment window 5.

[0099] 2, the payment information acquisition unit 9 sends the second payment information to the display control unit 2. The display control unit 2 makes the determination in step S11 in FIG. 4 based on the above-mentioned first payment information and second payment information.

[0100] In this embodiment, if any of the target persons pays the medical fee at the medical fee payment machine 4 or the payment window 5, the determination in step S11 of FIG. 4 is "Yes." However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. A configuration in which a determination in step S11 of FIG. 4 is "Yes" may be adopted only when any of the target persons pays the medical fee at the medical fee payment machine 4. In other words, if none of the target persons pays the medical fee at the medical fee payment machine 4, the determination in step S11 of FIG. 4 may be "No" even if any of the target persons pays the medical fee at the payment window 5.

[0101] If any of the target persons has completed payment of the medical expenses ("Yes" in step S11 of FIG. 4), the process proceeds to step S12. If none of the target persons has completed payment of the medical expenses ("No" in step S11 of FIG. 4), this exclusion flow ends for the time being.

[0102] In step S12, the display control unit 2 excludes the target person (patient D) who has completed payment of the medical fee from the call targets, and then this exclusion flow ends for the time being.

[0103] As an example of a case where a target person who has completed payment of medical expenses is excluded from the call targets by this exclusion flow, the example shown in Figure 5 will be explained. In this example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 5, eight patients D are complete persons. The accounting numbers of these eight patients D are "001" to "008".

[0104] In this example, the first threshold is set to five people. Therefore, of the eight patients D, only five are target persons. The accounting numbers of the five patients D are "001" to "005." Therefore, accounting numbers "001" to "005" are displayed on the display unit 3. In this state, the number of target persons has reached the first threshold ("Yes" in step S01 of FIG. 3). Therefore, the display control unit 2 suppresses an increase in the number of target persons.

[0105] Here, it is assumed that patient D with accounting number "001" has completed payment of medical fees using the medical fee payment machine 4 ("Yes" in step S11 of FIG. 4). In this case, patient D is excluded from the target persons (step S12 of FIG. 4). As a result, as shown in the vertical center of FIG. 5, accounting number "001" is no longer displayed on the display unit 3. At this time, patient D is also excluded from the completed persons. Therefore, in this state, the number of completed persons is seven, and the number of target persons is four.

[0106] Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the display control unit 2 has a target person storage unit (not shown) that stores target persons. The display control unit 2 may be configured to delete information about patient D who has completed payment of medical expenses from the target person storage unit, thereby excluding the patient D from the target persons.

[0107] Furthermore, although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the display control unit 2 has a completed person storage unit (not shown) that stores completed persons. The display control unit 2 may be configured to delete information about patient D who has completed payment of medical expenses from the completed person storage unit, thereby excluding the patient D from the completed persons.

[0108] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Patient D, who has completed payment of medical expenses, does not need to be excluded from the completers.

[0109] In the state shown in the vertical center of FIG. 5, the number of target persons is less than the first threshold value ("No" in step S01 of FIG. 3). Therefore, the display control unit 2 adds one target person (step S02 of FIG. 3). In the example shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the completed person (patient D) corresponding to transaction number "006" is added to the target persons. As a result, transaction number "006" is newly displayed on the display unit 3, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5.

[0110] In the state shown in the lower part of Fig. 5, the number of target persons has reached the first threshold value ("Yes" in step S01 of Fig. 3), so the display control unit 2 resumes suppressing an increase in the number of target persons.

[0111] In this way, in a state where an increase in the number of target persons is being suppressed, the display control unit 2 adds one new completed person to the target persons every time payment of medical expenses for one person is completed.

[0112] As another example of a case where target persons who have completed payment of medical expenses are excluded from the call targets by this exclusion flow, the example shown in Figure 6 will be described. In this example, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6, eight patients D are complete persons. The accounting numbers of these eight patients D are "001" to "008".

[0113] In this example, the first threshold is set to 5 people. Therefore, only 5 out of 8 patients D are target persons. The accounting numbers of these 5 patients D are "001" to "005".

[0114] In this example, unlike the example shown in Figure 5, the accounting number displayed on the call display of the display unit 3 is only the largest number among the accounting numbers corresponding to each target person. Also, in this example, the words "To the number" are always displayed on the call display. This means that the person who has completed the transaction whose accounting number is equal to or less than the largest number will be called.

[0115] Therefore, in the state shown in the upper part of Fig. 6, the transaction number "005" is displayed on the display unit 3. In this state, the number of target persons has reached the first threshold value ("Yes" in step S01 of Fig. 3). Therefore, the display control unit 2 suppresses an increase in the number of target persons.

[0116] Here, it is assumed that patient D with accounting number "001" has completed payment of medical expenses using the medical expense payment machine 4 ("Yes" in step S11 of FIG. 4). In this case, patient D is excluded from the target persons (step S12 of FIG. 4). At this time, patient D is also excluded from the completed persons. Therefore, in this state, there are seven completed persons and four target persons. However, as shown in the vertical center of FIG. 6, in this example, unlike the example shown in FIG. 5, the content displayed on the call display does not change at this point. This is because the largest number among the accounting numbers corresponding to each target person has not changed.

[0117] In the state shown in the vertical center of FIG. 6, the number of target persons is less than the first threshold value ("No" in step S01 of FIG. 3). Therefore, the display control unit 2 increases the number of target persons by one (step S02 of FIG. 3). In the example shown in FIG. 6, at this time, the completed person (patient D) corresponding to transaction number "006" is added to the target persons. As a result, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the transaction number displayed on the display unit 3 changes to "006."

[0118] In the state shown in the lower part of Fig. 6, the number of target persons has reached the first threshold value ("Yes" in step S01 of Fig. 3), so the display control unit 2 resumes suppressing an increase in the number of target persons.

[0119] [Acceptance of medical fee payments] As shown in FIG. 2, the display control unit 2 sends information indicating the current target person to each medical fee payment machine 4. Each medical fee payment machine 4 is configured to accept payment of medical fees by patient D indicated by the information. Furthermore, when a patient D (completed person) other than patient D indicated by the information attempts to pay medical fees (for example, when a patient's patient card is inserted into the medical fee payment machine 4), each medical fee payment machine 4 will reject the payment of medical fees by that patient D (for example, display a message on the screen indicating that the payment of medical fees will not be accepted).

[0120] In this way, the medical fee payment machine 4 accepts payment of medical fees for the target person, and does not accept payment of medical fees for the completed person who is not the target person.

[0121] [Medical information] As shown in FIG. 2, the management computer 6 has a medical care storage unit 12. The medical care storage unit 12 stores medical care-related information. The medical care-related information is information related to the medical care of the completed person. The medical care-related information may be, for example, the amount of medical care fees, or information indicating the details of the medical examination (for example, whether or not the patient visited multiple departments).

[0122] Although not particularly limited, the medical care-related information may be input by a hospital staff member, i.e., the medical care storage unit 12 may be configured to store the medical care-related information input by a hospital staff member.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 2, the display management device 8 has a related information acquisition unit 13. The related information acquisition unit 13 acquires medical care related information from the medical care storage unit 12. The related information acquisition unit 13 sends the acquired medical care related information to the first setting unit 11. The first setting unit 11 sets a first threshold value based on the received medical care related information.

[0124] For example, the first setting unit 11 may set the first threshold to a larger value as the number of completers whose medical expenses are 0 yen increases. Also, the first setting unit 11 may set the first threshold to a smaller value as the number of completers who have visited multiple departments increases. Also, the first setting unit 11 may calculate a predicted value of the time required for each completer to pay the medical expenses based on the medical care-related information, and set the first threshold based on the predicted value.

[0125] In this way, the call system A includes a related information acquisition unit 13 that acquires medical care related information, which is information related to the medical care of the completed person. Also, the first setting unit 11 sets the first threshold value based on the medical care related information.

[0126] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the management computer 6 has a memory unit that stores medical treatment-related information in order to send the medical treatment-related information from the management computer 6 to the medical treatment fee payment machine 4, the memory unit can be used as the medical treatment memory unit 12.

[0127] [Setting the first threshold based on remaining time] The call system A is configured to set the first threshold based on the status of the medical fee payment machine 4 according to the setting flow shown in Figure 7. The setting flow is executed repeatedly at regular intervals. The setting flow may be executed simultaneously in parallel with the first display control flow and the exclusion flow described above, or may be executed during a period when the first display control flow and the exclusion flow are not being executed.

[0128] When the setting flow starts, first, the process of step S21 is executed. In step S21, the display control unit 2 determines whether the current time has passed a predetermined time. If the current time has passed the predetermined time ("Yes" in step S21 of FIG. 7), the process proceeds to step S22. If the current time has not passed the predetermined time ("No" in step S21 of FIG. 7), this setting flow is temporarily terminated.

[0129] The "predetermined time" is not particularly limited, but may be set, for example, to one hour before a specific timing related to payment of medical fees (for example, the time when the medical fee payment machine 4 undergoes maintenance or when the hospital closes).

[0130] In step S22, the first setting unit 11 sets a first threshold value. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the display management device 8 has a status acquisition unit 14 (corresponding to the "remaining time acquisition unit" according to the present disclosure). The status acquisition unit 14 is configured to acquire remaining time information from each medical fee payment machine 4 in step S22 of FIG. 7 (see FIG. 2). The remaining time information is information indicating the remaining time until the operation of each medical fee payment machine 4 is stopped (for example, due to maintenance or the end of a consultation at the hospital).

[0131] The status acquisition unit 14 sends the acquired remaining time information to the first setting unit 11. The first setting unit 11 sets a first threshold value based on the received remaining time information. At this time, the first setting unit 11 may set the first threshold value to a smaller value as the remaining time indicated by the remaining time information becomes shorter. Alternatively, the first setting unit 11 may set the first threshold value to the number of people for whom the medical fee payment machine 4 is expected to be able to process payments within the remaining time indicated by the remaining time information.

[0132] As described above, the call system A includes a status acquisition unit 14 that acquires information indicating the remaining time until the medical fee payment machine 4 stops operating. The first setting unit 11 sets a first threshold value based on the status of the medical fee payment machine 4. More specifically, the first setting unit 11 sets the first threshold value based on the information acquired by the status acquisition unit 14. The information acquired by the status acquisition unit 14 (the remaining time until the medical fee payment machine 4 stops operating) is a specific example of the status of the medical fee payment machine 4.

[0133] After step S22, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the display unit 3 starts a counter display under the control of the display control unit 2. The counter display is a display for calling the completed person to the payment counter 5 to pay the medical expenses.

[0134] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 8, the display control unit 2 is configured to be able to simultaneously display a call display and a teller display on the display unit 3. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the call display is displayed on the upper part of the display unit 3, and the teller display is displayed on the lower part of the display unit 3.

[0135] In the example shown in Figure 8, five accounting numbers and a message are displayed as a counter display. The content of the message is to prompt the person who completed the transaction corresponding to the displayed accounting number to make payment at the payment counter 5 (in other words, to call them to the accounting process). In the example shown in Figure 8, the payment counter 5 is called the "accounting counter."

[0136] In step S23 of Fig. 7, the counter display as shown in Fig. 8 is started. At this time, the display control unit 2 calls, through the counter display, patients D who are not target persons among the completed persons. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 8, eight patients D are completed persons. The accounting numbers of the eight patients D are "101" to "108".

[0137] In this example, the first threshold is set to three people based on the remaining time information described above. Therefore, of the eight patients D, only three are target persons. The accounting numbers of these three patients D are "101" to "103." Therefore, the accounting numbers "101" to "103" are displayed in the call display at the top of the display unit 3.

[0138] At this time, the five completed persons (patient D) corresponding to accounting numbers "104" to "108" are not target persons. Therefore, the display control unit 2 calls up these five completed persons (patient D) through the counter display. As a result, accounting numbers "104" to "108" are displayed in the counter display at the bottom of the display unit 3.

[0139] In this way, the display control unit 2 can cause the display unit 3 to display a window to call the completed person to the payment window 5 to pay the medical expenses. Furthermore, when the first threshold is set based on the information acquired by the status acquisition unit 14, the display control unit 2 calls the patient D, who is not a target person among the completed people, by displaying a window.

[0140] Furthermore, when the first threshold is set based on the information acquired by the status acquisition unit 14, the display control unit 2 may call up all patients D who are not target persons among the completed persons by displaying at the counter, or may call up only a portion of patients D who are not target persons among the completed persons by displaying at the counter.

[0141] After step S23, this setting flow ends for the time being.

[0142] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In step S23 of Fig. 7, a display such as that shown in Fig. 9 may be displayed. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the scheduled start time of maintenance of the first payment machine 41 is displayed in the call display at the top of the display unit 3. Note that operation of the first payment machine 41 will be stopped due to the maintenance. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the first payment machine 41 is called "payment machine 1." Other points are the same as those in the example shown in Fig. 8, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] [Display based on remaining coins] The status acquisition unit 14 shown in Figure 2 is configured to be able to acquire remaining coin information from each medical fee payment machine 4. The remaining coin information is information that indicates the remaining amount of coins stored in the medical fee payment machine 4. The remaining coin information may also indicate the remaining amount for each type of coin (for example, 500 yen coins, 100 yen coins, etc.). The remaining amount of coins stored in the medical fee payment machine 4 is a specific example of the status of the medical fee payment machine 4.

[0144] The status acquisition unit 14 sends the acquired coin remaining amount information to the first setting unit 11. The first setting unit 11 sets a first threshold value based on the received coin remaining amount information. The first setting unit 11 may set the first threshold value to a smaller value as the remaining amount of coins stored in the medical fee payment machine 4 decreases.

[0145] The first setting unit 11 may be configured to set the first threshold based on the remaining coin amount information only when the remaining amount of coins stored in the medical fee payment machine 4 is a predetermined amount or less (in other words, when change is about to run out). Furthermore, the remaining amount of coins stored in the medical fee payment machine 4 being a predetermined amount or less and the first threshold being set based on the remaining coin amount information are specific examples of "predetermined conditions" according to the present disclosure. That is, the display control unit 2 may suppress an increase in the number of target persons when the remaining amount of coins stored in the medical fee payment machine 4 is a predetermined amount or less, or may suppress an increase in the number of target persons when the first threshold is set based on the remaining coin amount information.

[0146] Fig. 10 shows an example in which the first threshold is set based on remaining coin information. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the first threshold is set to four people. Therefore, four transaction numbers are displayed on the call display at the top of the display unit 3. The call display also includes a message indicating that a specific coin is low in amount, and a message urging the target person to use a credit card or coins.

[0147] In this example, the counter display at the bottom of the display unit 3 includes a first display 31 and a second display 32. The first display 31 is a display for calling the completing person (patient D) to the first counter 51. The first display 31 includes the transaction number and a message urging the completing person (patient D) corresponding to the transaction number to go to the first counter 51. The second display 32 is a display for calling the completing person (patient D) to the second counter 52. The second display 32 includes the transaction number and a message urging the completing person (patient D) corresponding to the transaction number to go to the second counter 52. In FIG. 10, the first counter 51 is referred to as "Counter 1," and the second counter 52 is referred to as "Counter 2."

[0148] The counter display in Figure 10 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2, the management computer 6 has a call destination memory unit 15. The call destination memory unit 15 stores call destination information. The call destination information is information about the call destination of patient D. The call destination information includes first information and second information. The first information is information indicating whether the call destination is the medical fee payment machine 4, the first counter 51, or the second counter 52. The second information is information indicating the reason for determining the call destination (for example, whether there is an unpaid bill or a delivery document, etc.).

[0149] Although not particularly limited, the call destination information may be input by a hospital staff member, that is, the call destination storage unit 15 may be configured to store the call destination information input by a hospital staff member.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 2, the display control unit 2 acquires call destination information from the call destination storage unit 15. The display control unit 2 controls the display content of the display unit 3 based on the acquired call destination information. As a result, the display control unit 2 causes the display unit 3 to display, as a call display, the accounting number corresponding to patient D, whose call destination is the medical fee payment machine 4. The display control unit 2 also causes the display unit 3 to display, as a first display 31, the accounting number corresponding to patient D, whose call destination is the first counter 51, as shown in FIG. 10. The display control unit 2 also causes the display unit 3 to display, as a second display 32, the accounting number corresponding to patient D, whose call destination is the second counter 52, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0151] The process performed at the first counter 51 and the process performed at the second counter 52 may be different from each other. For example, accounting (payment of medical fees) may be performed at the first counter 51, and documents may be handed over at the second counter 52.

[0152] Although not particularly limited, the call destination for a patient D (completed person) who can be handled by the medical fee payment machine 4 may be determined to be the medical fee payment machine 4, and the call destination for a patient D (completed person) who cannot be handled by the medical fee payment machine 4 may be determined to be the payment counter 5. In this case, a patient D (completed person) who can be handled by the medical fee payment machine 4 will be called by a call display, and a patient D (completed person) who cannot be handled by the medical fee payment machine 4 will be called by a counter display.

[0153] [Exit display] As shown in Fig. 11, the display control unit 2 can display an exit display 33 on the display unit 3. The exit display 33 is a display for encouraging a patient to leave the hospital (for example, go home) without paying the medical fee. The exit display 33 includes an accounting number and a message encouraging the patient (patient D) corresponding to the accounting number to leave the hospital (for example, go home) without paying the medical fee. The exit display 33 will be described in detail below.

[0154] In this embodiment, the medical care-related information includes information indicating the amount of medical care fees and whether or not a medication was prescribed. As shown in FIG. 2, the display control unit 2 acquires the medical care-related information from the medical care storage unit 12. The display control unit 2 controls the display content on the display unit 3 based on the acquired medical care-related information. As a result, the display control unit 2 causes the display unit 3 to display, as an exit display 33, the accounting number corresponding to a completed patient (patient D) whose medical care fee is 0 yen and who has not been prescribed medication, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0155] In the example shown in FIG. 11, a call display is displayed in the upper part of the display unit 3, and an exit display 33 is displayed in the lower part of the display unit 3.

[0156] [Amount display and call code] The display control unit 2 can cause the display unit 3 to display a call display and a counter display as shown in Fig. 12. This call display includes a display showing the amount of medical fees. In addition, this counter display includes a display showing the reason for determining the call destination. The display shown in Fig. 12 will be described below.

[0157] As described above, the display control unit 2 acquires medical care-related information from the medical care storage unit 12. The display control unit 2 controls the display content of the display unit 3 based on the acquired medical care-related information. As a result, the display control unit 2 causes a call display to be displayed at the top of the display unit 3, as shown in FIG. 12. In the call display, an amount display 34 indicating the amount of medical care fees corresponding to a target person is displayed adjacent to the accounting number corresponding to the target person. The amount display 34 is displayed for each target person (each accounting number).

[0158] In the example shown in Figure 12, each amount display 34 displayed adjacent to the accounting numbers "001," "002," "004," and "006" is an overall display 35. The overall display 35 is a display that shows the total amount of medical expenses.

[0159] Additionally, each amount display 34 displayed adjacent to the accounting numbers "011," "012," and "016" is a partial display 36. A partial display 36 is a display that shows only some of the digits of the medical fee amount in numbers. In this embodiment, the partial display 36 shows only the last three digits of the medical fee amount (the portion paid with coins) in numbers.

[0160] In the example shown in Figure 12, the medical fee for patient D, corresponding to accounting number "014," is 0 yen. Therefore, the partial display 36 (amount display 34) corresponding to patient D is not displayed. In this way, by not displaying the amount display 34, it may be possible to indicate that the medical fee is 0 yen (free).

[0161] 2 stores the call destination information. The second information included in the call destination information is information indicating the reason for determining the call destination (for example, whether there is an unpaid amount or whether there is a delivery document).

[0162] The display control unit 2 then acquires the call destination information from the call destination storage unit 15. The display control unit 2 controls the display content on the display unit 3 based on the acquired call destination information. As a result, the display control unit 2 causes a counter display to be performed at the bottom of the display unit 3, as shown in FIG. 12. In the counter display, a call code 37 corresponding to patient D is displayed adjacent to the accounting number corresponding to that patient D. The call code 37 indicates the reason for determining the call destination. The call code 37 is displayed for each patient D (each accounting number).

[0163] For example, a call code 37 of "C03" indicates that the call destination has been determined to be the payment counter 5 because there is an outstanding balance for patient D. Also, a call code 37 of "C04" indicates that the call destination has been determined to be the payment counter 5 because there is a delivery document for patient D.

[0164] The display control unit 2 can also cause the display unit 3 to display a call message and a counter message as shown in Fig. 13. This call message includes a message indicating the amount of medical fees. The counter message also includes a call code 37. The display shown in Fig. 13 will be described below.

[0165] As described above, the display control unit 2 acquires medical care-related information from the medical care storage unit 12. The display control unit 2 controls the display content of the display unit 3 based on the acquired medical care-related information. As a result, the display control unit 2 causes a call display to be displayed at the top of the display unit 3, as shown in FIG. 13. The call display includes a category display 38. The category display 38 is a display showing the amount of medical care fees corresponding to each target person. In other words, the category display 38 is the amount display 34.

[0166] In the example shown in Fig. 13, an accounting number and an amount range display are displayed at the top of the display unit 3 as category display 38. In category display 38, each accounting number is displayed in a different display format depending on the amount of medical fees. More specifically, in category display 38, each accounting number is displayed in a different display format depending on the range to which the amount of medical fees belongs.

[0167] For example, in the example shown in Figure 13, accounting number "001" is hatched. This indicates that the medical fee amount corresponding to accounting number "001" falls within the range of 5,001 yen to 10,000 yen. Furthermore, accounting number "002" is hatched. This indicates that the medical fee amount corresponding to accounting number "002" falls within the range of 0 yen to 999 yen.

[0168] 13, the accounting number displayed on the display unit 3 indicates the target of the call and also indicates the amount of the medical fee. In addition, in the classification display 38, each accounting number may be displayed in a different color depending on the amount of the medical fee. Color is a specific example of the "display mode" described above.

[0169] In addition, in the classification display 38, the amount range display displayed below the transaction number indicates the correspondence between the display mode of the transaction number and the amount range.

[0170] 13, a counter display is displayed at the bottom of the display unit 3. In the counter display, a call code 37 is displayed, similar to the example shown in FIG.

[0171] The display control unit 2 may be configured to acquire preference information indicating each patient D's preference regarding the amount display 34. Furthermore, the display control unit 2 may be configured to determine, based on the preference information, whether to display the amount display 34, and whether to display the entire display 35, the partial display 36, or the section display 38 as the amount display 34. The preference information may be information input by the patient D, or may be information input by a hospital staff member or the like based on the patient D's preference.

[0172] As explained above, the amount display 34 is not limited to displaying the medical fee amount itself. The amount display 34 may be a display showing only some digits of the medical fee amount in numbers, or a display showing the range to which the medical fee amount belongs.

[0173] Each functional unit included in the management computer 6 and the display management device 8, and the payment information acquisition unit 9 may be a physical device such as a microcomputer, or may be a functional unit in software. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a program corresponding to each functional unit is stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and the program is loaded into a CPU and executed, thereby executing a process corresponding to each functional unit.

[0174] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description of the third embodiment will focus on the differences from the first or second embodiment. The configuration other than the parts described below is the same as that of the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those of the first or second embodiment.

[0175] 14, in this embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, a second setting unit 21 is provided instead of the first setting unit 11. Also, unlike the second embodiment, a photographing unit 22 and an amount recognition unit 23 are provided. The second setting unit 21 and the amount recognition unit 23 are included in the display management device 8.

[0176] [Photographing unit and quantity recognition unit] 15, the photographing unit 22 photographs a patient D waiting in line E for payment of medical fees. That is, the call system A is equipped with a photographing unit 22 that photographs a patient D waiting in line E for payment of medical fees. Although not particularly limited, the photographing unit 22 may be a known camera.

[0177] In this embodiment, the waiting line E is a so-called "fork-type" line, as shown in Figure 15. In the example shown in Figure 15, a first patient D1 is making a payment at a first payment machine 41, and a second patient D2 is making a payment at a second payment machine 42. Three patients D, the third patient D3 to the fifth patient D5, are lined up in a row.

[0178] 15, the imaging unit 22 is attached to the wall or ceiling of the hospital. The imaging unit 22 is installed so that each patient D performing payment processing at each medical fee payment machine 4 and each patient D lined up in a row are within its imaging range.

[0179] However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. As shown in FIG.

[0180] The waiting line E for payment of medical fees may or may not include patients D (first patient D1 and second patient D2 in the example shown in FIG. 15) (first patient D1 in the example shown in FIG. 16) who are undergoing payment processing at the medical fee payment machine 4 or payment counter 5. In other words, the imaging unit 22 may be configured to capture images of only patients D in line (third patient D3 to fifth patient D5 in the example shown in FIG. 15) (second patient D2 to fifth patient D5 in the example shown in FIG. 16) other than patients D who are undergoing payment processing at the medical fee payment machine 4 or payment counter 5.

[0181] 14, the imaging results obtained by the imaging unit 22 are sent to the quantity recognition unit 23. The quantity recognition unit 23 recognizes the quantity of patients D waiting in line E based on the imaging results obtained by the imaging unit 22. Specifically, the "quantity" of patients D may be the number of people, or an index indicating the length or congestion level of the waiting line E. The index may be, for example, a numerical value, or may be a three-level classification such as "quick", "normal", and "crowded".

[0182] Although not particularly limited, the quantity recognition unit 23 may be configured to recognize the quantity of patients D waiting in the waiting line E by performing known image recognition processing or the like on the photographing results (images) obtained by the photographing unit 22.

[0183] In this way, the call system A includes a quantity recognition unit 23 that recognizes the quantity of patients D waiting in the waiting queue E based on the imaging results obtained by the imaging unit 22. As shown in FIG. 14 , the recognition results obtained by the quantity recognition unit 23 are sent to the display control unit 2.

[0184] [Second display control flow] The call system A in this embodiment is configured to perform a call display in accordance with a second display control flow shown in Fig. 17, instead of the first display control flow shown in Fig. 3. The second display control flow is repeatedly executed at regular time intervals.

[0185] When the second display control flow starts, first, the process of step S31 is executed. In step S31, the display control unit 2 determines whether the number of patients D waiting in the waiting queue E is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0186] Here, the second threshold value is a threshold value set by the second setting unit 21 (see FIG. 14). Although not particularly limited, the second setting unit 21 may set the second threshold value based on a manual operation input (for example, input of a value by a hospital staff member).

[0187] In this way, the call system A includes the second setting unit 21 that sets the second threshold value.

[0188] 14, the second setting unit 21 sends the set second threshold to the display control unit 2. The display control unit 2 compares the second threshold with the recognition result by the amount recognition unit 23 to make the determination in step S31 in FIG.

[0189] Although not particularly limited, if the recognition result by the quantity recognition unit 23 is a number of people, the second threshold may be a value indicating a predetermined number of people. Also, if the recognition result by the quantity recognition unit 23 is an index indicating the length of the waiting line E or the degree of congestion, the second threshold may be a threshold related to the index (for example, a numerical value or a category). For example, if the recognition result by the quantity recognition unit 23 is a three-level category of "quiet," "normal," and "crowded," the second threshold may be the category of "crowded."

[0190] If the number of patients D waiting in the waiting queue E is less than the second threshold value ("No" in step S31 of FIG. 17), the process proceeds to step S32. If the number of patients D waiting in the waiting queue E is equal to or greater than the second threshold value ("Yes" in step S31 of FIG. 17), the second display control flow is temporarily terminated.

[0191] In step S32, similarly to step S02 (see FIG. 3) in the second embodiment described above, the display control unit 2 increases the number of target persons. Although not particularly limited, the number of target persons is 0 in the initial state.

[0192] In this way, the display control unit 2 increases the number of target persons when the amount of the patient D recognized by the amount recognition unit 23 is less than the second threshold. After step S32, this second display control flow ends for the time being.

[0193] With the configuration described above, steps S31 and S32 are repeated until the number of patients D waiting in queue E reaches the second threshold. As a result, the number of target persons increases. Then, when the number of patients D waiting in queue E reaches the second threshold, the process does not proceed to step S32. As a result, step S32 is not executed, and the increase in target persons by the display control unit 2 is suppressed.

[0194] In this way, the display control unit 2 suppresses an increase in the number of target persons when the amount of patient D recognized by the amount recognition unit 23 is equal to or greater than the second threshold. Note that the amount of patient D recognized by the amount recognition unit 23 being equal to or greater than the second threshold is a specific example of a "predetermined condition" according to the present disclosure.

[0195] The calling system A of this embodiment may be configured to execute the exclusion flow shown in FIG. 4, similarly to the second embodiment.

[0196] [Second threshold] The second setting unit 21 has the same function as the first setting unit 11 of the second embodiment. That is, among the descriptions of the second embodiment described above, the description regarding the first setting unit 11 setting the first threshold value also applies to the setting of the second threshold value by the second setting unit 21, unless a contradiction arises.

[0197] In particular, the call system A in this embodiment is configured to set the second threshold based on the status of the medical fee payment machine 4, following a flow similar to the setting flow shown in Fig. 7. That is, the second setting unit 21 sets the second threshold based on the status of the medical fee payment machine 4. More specifically, the second setting unit 21 sets the second threshold based on information acquired by the status acquisition unit 14.

[0198] Furthermore, the call system A in this embodiment is configured to call, by displaying at the counter, a patient D who is not a target person among the completed persons, in accordance with a flow similar to the setting flow shown in Fig. 7. That is, when the second threshold is set based on the information acquired by the status acquisition unit 14, the display control unit 2 calls, by displaying at the counter, a patient D who is not a target person among the completed persons.

[0199] As in the second embodiment, the second setting unit 21 sets the second threshold value based on medical care-related information. As in the second embodiment, the call system A of this embodiment may be capable of displaying the display contents shown in Figures 5, 6, and 8 to 13 on the display unit 3.

[0200] [Other embodiments] (1) The functions of the components in the above embodiment may be configured as a call program that causes a computer to realize them. For example, the functions of the components in the above embodiment may be configured as a call program that causes a computer to realize a personal information acquisition function corresponding to the personal information acquisition unit 1, a display function corresponding to the display unit 3, and a display control function corresponding to the display control unit 2.

[0201] (2) The call method may be configured to perform the operations performed by each component in the above embodiment in one or more steps. For example, the call method may be configured to include a person information acquisition step corresponding to the person information acquisition unit 1, a display step corresponding to the display unit 3, and a display control step corresponding to the display control unit 2.

[0202] (3) The call system A does not need to be equipped with the medical fee payment machine 4. In this case, the call display may be a display for calling the target person to the payment window 5.

[0203] (4) The call system A does not need to have a payment counter 5.

[0204] (5) The related information acquisition unit 13 does not have to be provided.

[0205] (6) The status acquisition unit 14 does not have to be provided.

[0206] (7) A time management unit (not shown) may be provided to manage, for each patient D, the target elapsed time, which is the time elapsed since the accounting number was displayed on the display unit 3 (in other words, the time the patient became a target person). In this case, if the target elapsed time of the patient D reaches a predetermined time before the patient D pays the medical expenses, the patient D may be excluded from the target persons. When the patient D is excluded from the target persons, another patient D (completed person) is newly added to the target persons according to the first display control flow shown in FIG. 3 (step S02). In other words, excluding the patient D from the target persons corresponds to "at least partially canceling the suppression of the increase in target persons" according to the present disclosure. In this configuration, the display control unit 2 may further be configured to cause the display unit 3 to display an excluded target display that calls the patient D excluded from the target persons for accounting processing when the target elapsed time reaches a predetermined time. The excluded target display may be the same display style as the call display, or may be a display style different from the call display.

[0207] Furthermore, in the case where the above-described time management unit is provided, the first threshold may be configured to increase by one person when the target elapsed time of one patient D reaches a predetermined time before the patient D makes payment of the medical fee. When the first threshold is increased by one person, one new completed person is added to the target persons (step S02 in FIG. 3). In other words, increasing the first threshold by one person corresponds to "at least partially canceling the suppression of the increase in target persons" according to the present disclosure.

[0208] (8) The display control unit 2 may be configured to suppress an increase in the number of target persons when some of the medical fee payment machines 4 (e.g., two of three medical fee payment machines 4) are out of operation. The fact that some of the medical fee payment machines 4 are out of operation is a specific example of a "predetermined condition" according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the fact that the medical fee payment machines 4 are out of operation is a specific example of the state of the medical fee payment machines 4.

[0209] (9) The display control unit 2 may be configured to suppress an increase in the number of target persons when all medical fee payment machines 4 are out of operation. The fact that all medical fee payment machines 4 are out of operation is a specific example of a "predetermined condition" according to the present disclosure. In this configuration, the display control unit 2 may prohibit an increase in the number of target persons when all medical fee payment machines 4 are out of operation. The display control unit 2 may also be configured to call all completed persons by displaying them at the counter when all medical fee payment machines 4 are out of operation.

[0210] The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies hereinafter) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, unless a contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0211] The present disclosure is applicable to a call system, a call program, and a call method for calling a patient. [Explanation of symbols]

[0212] 1: Person information acquisition section 2: Display control section 3: Display section 4: Medical fee payment machine 5: Payment counter 11: First setting section 13: Related information acquisition section 14: Status acquisition unit (remaining time acquisition unit) 21: Second setting section 22: Photography Department 23:Quantity recognition part A: Call system D: Patient E: Waiting line

Claims

1. a person information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a completed person who is a patient whose medical expenses have been calculated; a display unit that displays a call to call the person who has completed the task; a display control unit that controls display content by the display unit based on the information acquired by the person information acquisition unit, A call system in which, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display control unit suppresses an increase in the number of target persons who are the completed persons to be called by the call display.

2. a first setting unit that sets a first threshold value; The call system according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit suppresses an increase in the number of target persons when the number of target persons reaches the first threshold value.

3. Equipped with a medical fee payment machine, the call display is a display for calling the target person to the medical fee payment machine, The call system according to claim 2 , wherein the first setting unit sets the first threshold value based on a state of the medical fee payment machine.

4. a remaining time acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the remaining time until the operation of the medical fee payment machine stops, The call system according to claim 3 , wherein the first setting unit sets the first threshold value based on information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit.

5. the display control unit is capable of causing the display unit to display a window for calling the completed person to a payment window for payment of medical expenses, The call system described in claim 4, wherein when the first threshold is set based on information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit, the display control unit calls patients among the completed persons who are not the target persons by displaying the counter information.

6. a related information acquisition unit that acquires medical care related information that is information about the medical care of the completed person; The call system according to claim 2 , wherein the first setting unit sets the first threshold value based on the medical care-related information.

7. Equipped with a medical fee payment machine, The call system according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit at least partially cancels the suppression of the increase in the number of target persons when a state in which payment of medical fees at the medical fee payment machine is not made continues for a predetermined period of time or more while the increase in the number of target persons is being suppressed.

8. The call system according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit adds one completed person to the list of target persons each time payment of medical expenses for one person is completed while suppressing the increase in the number of target persons.

9. A photography department takes pictures of patients waiting in line to pay their medical fees; a quantity recognition unit that recognizes the quantity of patients waiting in the waiting line based on the imaging result by the imaging unit; a second setting unit that sets a second threshold value, The call system according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit suppresses an increase in the number of target persons when the number of patients recognized by the number recognition unit is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

10. Equipped with a medical fee payment machine, the call display is a display for calling the target person to the medical fee payment machine, The call system according to claim 9 , wherein the second setting unit sets the second threshold value based on a state of the medical fee payment machine.

11. a remaining time acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the remaining time until the operation of the medical fee payment machine stops, The call system according to claim 10 , wherein the second setting unit sets the second threshold value based on information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit.

12. the display control unit is capable of causing the display unit to display a window for calling the completed person to a payment window for payment of medical expenses, The call system described in claim 11, wherein when the second threshold is set based on information acquired by the remaining time acquisition unit, the display control unit calls patients among the completed persons who are not the target persons by displaying the counter.

13. a related information acquisition unit that acquires medical care related information that is information about the medical care of the completed person; The call system according to claim 9 , wherein the second setting unit sets the second threshold value based on the medical care-related information.

14. The call system according to claim 9 , wherein the display control unit increases the number of target persons when the amount of patients recognized by the amount recognition unit is less than the second threshold.

15. Equipped with a medical fee payment machine, The call system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the medical fee payment machine accepts payment of medical fees for the target person and does not accept payment of medical fees for the completed person who is not the target person.

16. a person information acquisition function for acquiring information indicating a completed person who is a patient for whom calculation of medical expenses has been completed; a display function for displaying a call to call the person who has completed the task; a display control function that controls display content by the display function based on information acquired by the person information acquisition function, When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display control function is a call program that suppresses an increase in the number of target persons who are the completed persons who are the target of a call by the call display.

17. A calling method in a calling system, comprising: a person information acquisition step of acquiring information indicating a completed person who is a patient for whom calculation of medical expenses has been completed; a display step of displaying a call display for calling the completion person; a display control step of controlling the display content in the display step based on the information acquired in the person information acquisition step, A call method in which, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display control step suppresses an increase in the number of target persons who are the completed persons to be called by the call display.

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