Information transmission system, information processing apparatus, information transmission method, and program

Abstract

To transmit a medication related information group while preventing leakage of personal information with a simple method.SOLUTION: An information transmission system transmits medication related information on persons who take medicine from a first information processing apparatus 510 in a first facility to a second information processing apparatus 300 in a second facility. The first information processing apparatus has a code image creation unit that creates a code image 551 obtained by encoding a medication related information group including medication related information for a plurality of persons who take medicine, and an image forming unit 520 that forms the code image created by the code image creation unit on a recording medium 550 conveyed from the first facility to the second facility. The second information processing apparatus has an imaging unit 310 that picks up the code image on the recording medium conveyed from the first facility to the second facility, and an information acquisition unit that acquires the medication related information group from the picked-up image picked up by the imaging unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information transmission system, an information processing device, an information transmission method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an information transmission system is known that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device in a first facility to a second information processing device in a second facility.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that transmits prescription items (medication-related information) from the patient's location to a dispensing pharmacy by sending the patient's email using the patient's mobile phone (first information processing device) to a terminal (second information processing device) at the dispensing pharmacy. In this system, a QR code (registered trademark) on the prescription is photographed using the camera unit of the mobile phone, and an email message is created using predetermined prescription email format data and prescription items (such as the patient's insurer number, patient name, patient date of birth, and drug name and quantity) obtained from the photographed information of the QR code. When the email sent from the mobile phone is received at the dispensing pharmacy's terminal, a pharmacist at the dispensing pharmacy refers to the email displayed on the display unit of the terminal and dispenses medication in advance before the patient arrives. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there have been cases where a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients is transmitted in bulk from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility. In such cases, with conventional systems, it has been difficult to easily realize the transmission of the group of medication-related information while preventing the leakage of personal information included in the medication-related information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an information transmission system that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility, wherein the first information processing device has a code image generation unit that generates a code image that encodes a group of medication-related information including medication-related information about multiple medication recipients, and an image formation unit that forms the code image generated by the code image generation unit on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility, and the second information processing device has an imaging unit that captures the code image on the recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility, and an information acquisition unit that acquires the group of medication-related information from the captured image captured by the imaging unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when transmitting a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients, it is possible to transmit the group of medication-related information in a simple manner while preventing the leakage of personal information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an entire medication support system that uses an information transmission system in an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A is a front view of a main part of a medication dispensing device that constitutes a medication support system according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3] (a) is a plan view of a single drug package, (b) is a side view of the drug package in (a) as seen from the direction of arrow A, (c) is a side view of a drug package combination, and (d) is a diagram showing the general shape of a pack continuum. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a medication tray used in the medication support system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a dispensing box held in the medication tray. [Figure 6] (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge used in the medication dispensing device, and (b) is a bottom view of (a). [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing the main components related to the process of creating and printing a code image obtained by encoding a database file in an information processing device of a dispensing pharmacy according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a prescription. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the database file. [Figure 10] 6A and 6B are explanatory views showing an example of a code image creation screen displayed on the display of the information processing apparatus. [Figure 11] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display of the information processing device at the dispensing pharmacy that is executing a specific application program, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display of a personal computer at a nursing facility that is executing the same specific application program. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main components related to the process of acquiring a database file from a code image printed on a recording medium in a personal computer at a nursing home according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a database file extraction screen displayed on the display of the personal computer. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the process flow from encrypting a database file on an information processing device at a dispensing pharmacy to decrypting (decrypting) the encryption on a computer at a nursing facility and restoring the database file. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the use of the ID of a care facility as an encryption key for encryption and decryption. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example of an information transmission system is described that transmits a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility. More specifically, database data (database files) that is a group of medication-related information is transmitted from an information processing system at a dispensing pharmacy, which is the first facility, to a medication distribution system at a nursing facility, which is the second facility. The information transmission system of this embodiment is used, for example, in a medication support system that supports medication assistants such as nurses and caregivers in hospitals, nursing facilities, etc. when preparing and dispensing medication.

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the entire medication support system that uses the information transmission system of this embodiment. The medication support system of this embodiment is mainly composed of an information processing system 500 installed in a facility such as a dispensing pharmacy (here, a dispensing pharmacy), and a medication dispensing system consisting of a medication dispensing device 200 and a computer 300 installed in a facility where medication users are present, such as a hospital or nursing home (here, a nursing home).

[0010] The information processing system 500 of the dispensing pharmacy functions as a first information processing device, and is configured by communicably connecting an information processing device 510 constituted by a personal computer or the like and a printer 520 serving as an image forming device (image forming unit). The information processing system 500 of the dispensing pharmacy also includes a receipt computer 530, and the information processing device 510 is also communicably connected to the receipt computer 530.

[0011] The information processing device 510, like a typical desktop PC, includes input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), and a touch panel, a display device such as a display, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, storage devices such as a RAM, a ROM, and an SSD, and a communication device for communicating with external devices (such as a printer 520 and devices communicably connected via a communication line). The information processing device 510 functions as a label creation unit that generates label creation information for creating labels 18, 36 to be attached to medicines and medicine storage units from a prescription information file containing acquired medication-related information. The information processing device 510 also functions as a code image generation unit that generates a coded image of a medication schedule file (database file), which is a group of medication-related information, from a prescription information file containing acquired medication-related information.

[0012] The printer 520 has the function of creating labels 18, 36 and printing a code image 551 on a recording medium 550 based on label creation information and code image information generated by the information processing device 510, and the image formation method thereof is not particularly limited. Unprinted label material is set as a recording material in the printer 520, and the printer 520 prints a print image specified by print data as label creation information transmitted from the information processing device 510 onto the label material. The printer 520 also has the recording medium 550, unprinted on which a code image 551 obtained by encoding a database file is printed, set, and prints the code image 551 specified by the print data transmitted from the information processing device 510 onto the recording medium 550.

[0013] A hospital or nursing facility submits prescription information to a dispensing pharmacy, including medication-related information such as prescription (paper or electronic) information (type of medication, timing of administration, etc.) and information about the recipient (name of the nursing facility where the recipient resides, floor where the recipient resides, etc.) (Step 1). As a result, a data file of the prescription information (prescription information file) is stored in the receipt computer 530 of the dispensing pharmacy. An information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy extracts only the necessary information from this prescription information file and prints labels 18, 36 using a printer 520 (Step 2).

[0014] The labels 18, 36 of this embodiment display a code image that encodes at least a portion of the information extracted from the prescription information file (extracted information) and a non-code image that allows a human to visually recognize the information content, such as a character string or a symbol (mark) that indicates at least a portion of the information extracted from the prescription information file (extracted information). The code image may be a one-dimensional code image such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code image such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a three-dimensional code image. However, this embodiment will be described using an example of a two-dimensional code image. Furthermore, the labels 18, 36 may display only a code image or only a non-code image.

[0015] In this embodiment, the labels 18, 36 created by the information processing system 500 are attached to the cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 arranged in the nursing facility and the dispensing box 34 set in the medication dispensing tray 30 (step 3). The labels 18, 36 of this embodiment are attached to the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34 by being attached to predetermined locations on the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34, respectively. Note that the labels 18, 36 may also be attached by a method other than attaching, such as by being stored in a label storage section provided in a predetermined location on the cartridge 10 or the dispensing box 34.

[0016] The labels 18, 36 are not limited to those attached to the cartridge 10 of the medication dispensing device 200 or the dispensed box 34 of the medication dispensing tray 30, but can be applied to a wide range of objects and uses.

[0017] At the dispensing pharmacy, a pharmacist stores the medicine corresponding to the prescription information affixed to the label 18 created by the information processing system 500 in the cartridge 10 to which the label 18 is affixed (step 4). Here, a combination of single-drug package packs 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "drug packs"), which are drug packs each containing a single drug package, is stored in a stacked state within the cartridge 10. Here, "stored in a stacked state" means that the packs 2 are stored in a substantially horizontal position or in a flat state.

[0018] The cartridge 10 containing the medicine (the combination of medicine packs 2) is delivered (transported) to the nursing care facility together with the dispensing box 34 having the label 36 corresponding to the same prescription information (Step 5). The cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34 transported to the nursing care facility are then set in the medication dispensing device 200 located at the nursing care facility (Step 6).

[0019] In addition, in the information processing system 500 of the dispensing pharmacy, the information processing device 510 creates a database file including a medication schedule from the prescription information file stored in the receipt computer 530, and stores the database file in the memory unit of the information processing device 510 (Step 11). This database file is data used to control the medication dispensing device 200 installed in the nursing facility.

[0020] The information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy encodes the created database file to create a code image 551, which is printed by the printer 520 (step 13). At this time, in order to strengthen prevention of leakage of personal information about multiple medication recipients included in the database file, the database file may be encrypted (step 12), and the encrypted database file may be encoded to create the code image 551, which is then printed by the printer 520 (step 13).

[0021] The code image 551 obtained by encoding the database file may be a one-dimensional code image such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code image such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a three-dimensional code image. In this embodiment, an example of a two-dimensional code image will be described.

[0022] In this embodiment, the recording medium on which the code image 551 encoding the database file is printed may be, for example, the item itself transported from the dispensing pharmacy to the nursing facility, or an accessory attached to the item. An example of printing the code image 551 on the item itself is printing it on the cartridge 10 or the dividing box 34 transported from the dispensing pharmacy to the nursing facility, or on their packaging. An example of printing the code image 551 on an accessory is printing it on an accessory document such as a delivery note for the cartridge 10 or the dividing box 34.

[0023] In this way, the recording medium 550 on which the code image 551 encoding the database file is printed is delivered (transported) to the care facility together with the cartridge 10 and the subdivision box 34 (step 5). Of course, the recording medium 550 on which the code image 551 is printed may be transported by mail or the like separately from the transported items such as the cartridge 10 and the subdivision box 34.

[0024] Furthermore, the code image 551 printed on the recording medium 550 delivered to the nursing facility is read (imaged) by the code scanner 310, which is an imaging unit connected to the personal computer 300 located in the nursing facility. As a result, the personal computer 300 reads and acquires the database file encoded by the code image 551 from the read code image information (captured image) (step 14). If the database file is encrypted, the personal computer 300 decrypts it and acquires it. Then, the personal computer 300 sends the acquired database file to the medication dispensing device 200 (step 15).

[0025] As will be described later, the medication dispensing device 200 uses a database file to automate the process of extracting medication from each cartridge 10 prepared for each recipient and storing it in each dispenser box 34 for the corresponding recipient. Each dispenser box 34 containing the medication is set on the medication dispensing tray 30 by the medication dispensing device 200 (step 7), and a medication assistant carries the medication dispensing tray 30 to the recipient's location and assists the recipient in administering the medication from each dispenser box 34 (step 8).

[0026] FIG. 2(a) is a front view that schematically shows the main configuration of the main part of the medicine dispensing device 200, and FIG. 2(b) is a side view that schematically shows the side configuration of FIG. 2(a). In Figure 2, the left-right or horizontal direction (also the width direction) of the medication dispensing device 200 is the X direction, the front-back or depth direction is the Y direction, and the up-down or vertical direction (also the vertical direction) is the Z direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the main parts of the medication dispensing device 200 include a cartridge 10, also called a first storage section, a cartridge tray 20, also called a second storage section, a drawer section 80, a medication dispensing tray 30 as a medication container holder, a carriage 50, also called an extraction section, a transport section 90, and first entrance / exit section 41 to fourth entrance / exit section 44.

[0028] A plurality of cartridges 10 are set in the drawer section 80 via cartridge trays 20, one provided at the top and one provided in the center of the main body frame 199 of the medication dispensing device 200. The cartridge trays 20 are configured to be able to position and store a plurality of cartridges 10, and are provided integrally with the drawer section 80. The cartridge trays 20 are configured to hold at least one cartridge 10. In the example of FIG. 2, 4 x 5 = 20 cartridges 10 are placed and held in one drawer section 80 (cartridge tray 20). Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the drawer section 80 may be referred to as the cartridge tray 20. The cartridges 10 are configured to be detachable from the cartridge trays 20.

[0029] Each of the multiple cartridges 10 is placed and stored within a lattice-like partitioned side wall and bottom wall of the cartridge tray 20. The bottom wall of the cartridge tray 20 corresponding to each cartridge 10 is formed with a rectangular through-opening 21 for removing the pack from below the cartridge 10 by utilizing the elasticity or free deformation of the pack, as will be described later in the operation.

[0030] The drawer section 80 is configured to be able to position and hold the cartridge tray 20. A pair of slide rails 81 are attached to the outer walls of the drawer section 80, and main body rails are arranged on the main body frame 199 so as to be able to fit with the slide rails 81 of the drawer section 80. With this fitting configuration between the main body rails and the slide rails 81, the drawer section 80, in which the cartridge tray 20 is stored and held, can be pulled out from the main body frame 199.

[0031] The medication tray 30 is a medication dispensing means that places a specific pack transferred by the transfer unit 90, and functions as a medication container holder that holds a dispensing box 34 as a medication storage unit that can store one or more medication packs. As shown in FIG. 2, two medication dispensing trays 30 are arranged in the top drawer unit 80, above the cartridges 10 attached to the cartridge tray 20. Hereinafter, the installation location of the medication dispensing tray 30 (meaning the location where the packs are handed over to the medication dispensing tray 30 to be automatically dispensed) will be referred to as the medication dispensing unit 29.

[0032] The carriage 50 is an ejection section for ejecting a specific pack from the cartridge 10, and functions as an ejection means. The transport section 90 functions as a transport means for transporting the pack removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 .

[0033] The first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 function as entrance / exit means for the storage means that allows the cartridge 10 and the cartridge tray 20 to enter and exit the main body frame 199 via the drawer section 80. The cartridge 10 is inserted and set in the main body frame 199 through the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42, respectively. The doors of the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 are opened, and the drawer section 80 equipped with the cartridge tray 20 is pulled out toward the user, and the cartridge 10 or cartridge tray 20 is then attached or detached.

[0034] The third entrance / exit section 43 and the fourth entrance / exit section 44 function as entrance / exit means for the medication dispensing means that allows each of the two medication dispensing trays 30 arranged side by side on the top shelf of the medication dispensing device 200 to move in and out of the main body frame 199. The third entrance / exit section 43 and the fourth entrance / exit section 44 are provided so that a pack can be removed immediately after being placed in the medication dispensing tray 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "set" or "inserted").

[0035] In the medication dispensing device 200 of this embodiment, two medication dispensing trays 30 are arranged, and a medication dispensing tray is arranged for each medication taking timing, such as morning, noon, evening, before bed, etc. A third entrance / exit section 43 and a fourth entrance / exit section 44 for the medication dispensing tray are also provided for each medication dispensing tray, so that it is possible to remove another medication dispensing tray even while a medication dispensing operation is being performed on another medication dispensing tray.

[0036] At the bottom of the medication dispensing device 200, there is provided an evacuation section 40 for evacuating a pack removed from the cartridge 10 when the pack should not be placed on the medication dispensing tray 30 (for example, if it is the wrong pack).

[0037] Next, an overview of the single-dose drug pack (medicine pack) will be explained. Fig. 3(a) is a plan view showing a typical configuration of a single single-dose drug pack, Fig. 3(b) is a side view of the single-dose drug pack of Fig. 3(a) as seen from the direction of arrow A in the figure, Fig. 3(c) is a side view of a combined pack in which single-dose drug packs are stacked, and Fig. 3(d) is a diagram showing a typical configuration of a continuous pack. Note that the drug is not shown in Fig. 3(b) and Fig. 3(c).

[0038] The form of the medicine pack includes a single single-drug package pack 2, and a pack assembly 2A in which multiple single-drug package packs 2 (two in Figure 3(c)) are stacked in a stacking direction and joined together, for example by stapling.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3(a), one single-dose medicine pack 2 is made of, for example, a resin film, and contains medicine 3 such as capsules or tablets packed in a bag. The single-dose medicine pack 2 has a bag portion 2a that covers the medicine 3, and a crimped portion 4, which is formed by crimping or welding three sides shown by hatching in the figure. The side facing the bag portion 2a is usually folded in half, with the medicine 3 sandwiched between the folded sides, and the crimped portion 4 forms a leak-preventing portion that prevents the medicine 3 from leaking from the bag portion 2a. The medicine 3 in one single-dose medicine pack 2 is usually a unit for one dose for a patient.

[0040] The single-dose drug packs 2 are created (packaged) by a drug packaging machine installed in a pharmacy or other facility. The packaging paper (packaging sheet) used to package the outer packaging is a long rolled sheet that is folded and overlapped, with the drug 3 to be taken sandwiched between the sheets. The three sides of the drug 3 other than the fold are sealed and divided into multiple doses by a crimping section 4, forming a continuous sheet of single-dose drug packs 2 for the required number of doses. This continuous sheet of single-dose drug packs is called a "continuous pack." The continuous pack 1 shown in Figure 3(d) is a strip of multiple single-dose drug packs 2 (three doses in the example shown). The pack series 1 is a general form that is usually provided and sold at pharmacies etc. to users (including those who actually take the drugs in the single-dose drug packs, and the caregivers and supporters who assist and support them in taking the drugs, as well as staff at various nursing homes and medical facilities (a concept that includes pharmacists, nurses, caregivers, and medication supporters)). For the sake of simplicity, the following explanation illustrates one pack containing drugs of the same form (capsules, tablets, etc.), but it goes without saying that different drugs may be used in one pack depending on the user's use and purpose, etc.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3(c), a combined pack 2A may also be used. The combined pack 2A may be a combination of multiple (two shown in Fig. 3(c)) single-dose drug packs 2 fastened together at the center of the three crimped portions 4 on each side by a staple 8 (see Fig. 3(c)), or may be a combination of tape or a combination of a Chinese herbal medicine pack or a PTP (Press-Through-Pack) packaging sheet.

[0042] First medication-related information, such as the name of the recipient and the timing of administration, is attached to the surface of the bag portion 2a of the single-dose medication pack 2. In the pack 2 shown in FIG. 3, the first medication-related information includes medication-related information 6a, which represents the name of the recipient who will be taking the medication 3 in the pack 2 as a character string; medication-related information 6b, which represents the time (dose timing) to take the medication 3 as a character string; and medication-related information 6c, which represents the recipient's name and the dose timing as a two-dimensional code image such as a QR code (registered trademark). While the pack 2 shown in FIG. 3 includes the medication-related information 6a and 6b as character strings and the medication-related information 6c as a two-dimensional code image, only one of these may be attached, or an RFID tag or the like, which is used to read tag information using a barcode or short-range wireless communication, may also be used. Alternatively, a label including the medication-related information 6a, 6b, and 6c may be printed by a printer 520 and attached to the surface of the bag portion 2a of the single-dose medication pack 2.

[0043] Other examples of first medication-related information include the type of medication (including the medication shape) and number of tablets contained in pack 2, and information imprinted on the medication itself. The first medication-related information may be acquired and used individually, or multiple pieces of information may be acquired and used in combination. For example, if you only want to confirm who is taking the medication, you only need to know the name of the person taking the medication. If you want to prevent forgetting to take an important medication, you can confirm the name of the person taking the medication together with the number of tablets and the shape of the medication in the pack. In other words, medication-related information includes at least one piece of information from the name of the person taking the medication, the time to take the medication in the pack (medication timing), and the type and number of tablets of the medication prescribed in the pack.

[0044] Next, the medication tray 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the medication tray 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 4, the medication tray 30 has partition walls 31, which are partition members serving as a plurality of partitions for arranging specific packs, and each partition is divided by four upright partition walls 31. The 20 compartments 33 formed on the medication tray 30 can be expressed as elements of a matrix consisting of five columns in the X direction (row feed direction) and four rows in the Y direction (character feed direction). As a result, each of the 20 compartments 33 on the medication tray 30 can be uniquely identified by the elements and addresses of the 5-column, 4-row matrix.

[0045] The medication tray 30 has a bottom wall 32 on which the medication packs 2 are placed in each compartment 33. The medication tray 30 is configured so that the corresponding packs 2 can be stored in each compartment 33 defined by the partition walls 31 and the common bottom wall 32, thereby enabling the packs 2 to be managed separately from other packs (other people's packs).

[0046] In the medication tray 30 shown in Figure 4, the "Floor A After Lunch Medication Tray" displayed on the front outer wall indicates that this is a medication tray to which medication packs to be taken after lunch are distributed to multiple residents (medication recipients) residing on the same floor A in a nursing home, for example.

[0047] The medication tray 30 of this embodiment has a dispensing box 34 set in each compartment 33 as a removable medicine container. The dispensing box 34 stores packs 2 each containing medicine to be taken after lunch for a total of 20 people, for example, Mr. A to Mr. T, who are residents of a nursing home or the like. That is, the medication tray 30 of this embodiment holds packs 2 via the dispensing box 34 in each compartment 33 separated by a partition wall 31.

[0048] Note that the dispensing box 34 may not be used to dispense the packs 2 into the medication tray 30. In this case, each compartment 33 functions as a medicine container, and the packs 2 are stored directly in each compartment 33.

[0049] Next, the subdivision box 34 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the dispenser box 34 held in the medication tray 30. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, each dispensing box 34 is prepared for each resident (user) and stores the corresponding resident's single-dose medication pack 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the single-dose medication pack 2 of Person A, who takes medication after lunch, is dispensed and stored in a dispensing box 34 to which the text information "Person A, Lunchtime" (first medication-related information) is added.

[0050] The dispensing box 34 in this embodiment is configured as a box-shaped container structure made of a material (such as a plastic material) such as plastic or paper. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the dispensing box 34 has a transparent structure 35 in the shape of a hollow cube or hollow rectangular parallelepiped with an open top, and the internal space of the structure 35 functions as a medicine storage section in which the packs 2 are stored.

[0051] Furthermore, in the dispensing box 34 of this embodiment, the rear wall of the structure 35 is formed higher than the front wall and both side walls. A label 36 displaying text information 6a, 6b saying "Mr. A, Daytime" and a two-dimensional code image 6c, which is a code image, is attached to the upper part of the rear wall of the structure 35. The medication is dispensed by the medication dispensing device 200 described above so that the medication information displayed on this label 36, such as the name of the recipient and the timing of administration, matches the resident (medicine recipient) and timing of administration corresponding to the single-dose medication pack 2 stored in the dispensing box 34.

[0052] As a specific example, the label 36 of the small-item box 34 displays the text information "Mr. A, Lunchtime" and a two-dimensional code image 6c that encodes information associated with (linked to) the information "Mr. A, Lunchtime." In this case, the information included (encoded) in the two-dimensional code image 6c may be, for example, the text information "Mr. A" and "Lunchtime" displayed on the label 36, or may be identification information such as a unique ID of the small-item box 34. When the information included in the two-dimensional code image 6c is identification information such as a unique ID, the information included in the two-dimensional code image 6c and the information on the label 36 on which the two-dimensional code image 6c is displayed are associated with (linked to) each other by referring to a database or the like that associates the identification information with the text information on the label 36, "Mr. A" and "Lunchtime."

[0053] The information of the two-dimensional code image 6c on the label 36 attached to each dispensing box 34 is read, for example, by the code reader 67 of the carriage 50. At this time, for example, by associating (linking) the coordinates of the X and Y positions, which are the position information of the carriage 50, with the information of the two-dimensional code image 6c (the name of the person taking the medicine, the timing of taking the medicine), it becomes possible to distribute the pack 2 taken out of the cartridge 10 to the appropriate dispensing box 34.

[0054] If each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30 is assigned to each resident (medicine recipient), the label 36 including the two-dimensional code image 6c may be attached to each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30, rather than to each subdivision box 34. In other words, the compartments 33 in the medication tray 30 may be assigned to each recipient at the same medication timing, and if a specific recipient does not take medication at a specific medication timing, it is also possible to prevent the pack 2 for that specific recipient from being placed at that specific medication timing.

[0055] In another example, the multiple compartments 33 of the medication tray 30 may be allocated according to the timing of medication administration for each recipient. Specifically, the multiple compartments 33 may be allocated according to the timing of administration of the packs 2, i.e., morning, midday, evening, and before bedtime, and for each recipient. In such an example, the medication tray 30 can be managed by floor or by room where multiple recipients reside, and the packs 2 for that day (or several days) can be distributed to the medication tray 30 in advance.

[0056] According to the above example, by allocating each section to a medication timing, such as morning, noon, evening, before bed, etc., it is possible to prevent mistakes in the timing of medication for each recipient. The configuration example of the medication distribution tray 30 is not limited to the above example, and various examples can be considered in combination with the medication recipient and the timing of medication.

[0057] Next, the cartridge 10 will be described. FIG. 6(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge, and FIG. 6(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 6(a). In the longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 6(a), in order to simplify the drawing, the pack 2 is shown schematically, omitting the illustration of the crimping portion 4 (see Figure 3) of the pack 2 stored in the cartridge 10. Furthermore, the cross-sectional hatching of the support portions (right support portion 12, left support portion 13, etc.) is also omitted.

[0058] The cartridge 10 is mainly composed of a case portion 11, a lid portion 14, a pack removal opening 17, a movable plate 16, a pack attitude maintaining portion 15, and a right support portion 12 and a left support portion 13 as support portions.

[0059] The case 11 has the function of storing a plurality of packs 2 or a pack assembly 2A (hereinafter, the pack 2 will be used as a representative). The case 11 is formed integrally or separately using, for example, resin. The lid 14 has the function of allowing the pack 2 to be inserted. The pack removal opening 17 is formed in the lower part or bottom of the case 11, and is an opening for removing the pack 2 from the cartridge 10, and has the function of allowing the pack 2 to pass through when it is removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50.

[0060] The movable plate 16 has the function of preventing the packs 2 from tipping over, and of moving the lowest pack 2 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17 after the first pack of the maximum number of packs 2 that can be stored in the case section 11 has been removed. The pack posture maintaining section 15 has the function of maintaining the posture of the packs 2. The right support section 12 and the left support section 13 also have the function of supporting or holding the packs 2 in the case section 11.

[0061] In this embodiment, the removal portion of the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 is provided at the lower or bottom portion within the cartridge 10. That is, the removal portion is configured to include a right support portion 12 and a left support portion 13 as support portions or support members that support the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 at multiple points, and a pack removal opening 17.

[0062] When the carriage 50 is used to remove the pack 2 from the cartridge 10, the right support portion 12 and the left support portion 13 are configured to allow the pack 2 to pass through. On the other hand, when the pack 2 is not being removed from the cartridge 10, the right support portion 12 and the left support portion 13 are configured to restrict the passage of the pack 2 so that a plurality of packs 2 are stored and held within the case portion 11.

[0063] As described above, the right support part 12 and the left support part 13 are support parts that support or hold the pack 2 in the cartridge 10, and are also provided immovably so that the removal operation of the pack 2 from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 can be stabilized. The right support part 12 and the left support part 13 are fixed members that are fixed or secured to the bottom wall inner surface 11e of the right bottom wall end and the left bottom wall end of the pack removal opening 17, respectively.

[0064] The pack removal opening 17 has the function of passing the suction pad 52 of the carriage 50 to remove the pack 2, and also has the function of passing the removed pack 2 and the suction pad 52. In other words, the pack removal opening 17 and the right bottom wall end and the left bottom wall end that are provided to surround the pack removal opening 17 function as pack removal passages.

[0065] In the cartridge 10 in Figure 6, a position 52' (hereinafter also referred to as the "suction pad position") at which the suction pad 52 suctions a pack 2 stored in the cartridge 10 is indicated by a circular, two-dot chain line in Figure 6(b). The right support portion 12 and the left support portion 13 support the pack 2 in the cartridge 10 so that the pack 2 in the cartridge 10 does not fall through the pack removal opening 17. When the lowest pack 2 in the cartridge 10 is removed while being sucked by the suction pad 52, the suction pad 52 is positioned to suck the pack 2 at two suction pad positions in the Y direction near both ends of the right support portion 12. When the lowest pack 2 is removed from the cartridge 10 by the suction pad 52, the two suction pads 52 pass near both ends of the right support portion 12 in the Y direction and suck and hold the pack 2.

[0066] The pack orientation maintaining portion 15 is made of sponge rubber with appropriate elasticity. The movable plate 16 is made of, for example, resin or metal. The pack orientation maintaining portion 15 and the movable plate 16 also properly maintain the orientation of the multiple packs 2 stored in the case portion 11 (as shown in FIG. 6(a) , they maintain the orientation of the packs 2 in an orderly, approximately horizontal state along the Z direction). To fulfill this function, the movable plate 16 is configured to descend downward in the Z direction within the case portion 11 by its own weight, thereby reliably moving at least one pack 2 remaining in the case portion 11 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6(a), a long groove 11a is formed in the side wall of the case portion 11, extending in the Z direction with a predetermined width in the X direction. A flanged shaft 16a is provided at one end of the movable plate 16, protruding from the long groove 11a. The movable plate 16 can maintain the position of the packs 2 in the Z direction by guiding the shaft 16a along the long groove 11a in the Z direction. In Figure 6, the packs 2 in the cartridge 10 are stacked in a substantially horizontal position, and the drug-enclosed portion on the left side of the figure is stored in a bulging position, but the detailed state of these packs 2 is omitted.

[0068] The packs 2 are set into the case 11 in order from the pack removal openings 17 on the right support part 12 and the left support part 13 side upwards. The timing for refilling the cartridge 10 with packs 2 may be, for example, when a user (resident) is examined at a nursing facility or the like (usually every two weeks) or when the packs 2 in the cartridge 10 run out. If there are packs 2 remaining in the cartridge 10 when refilling, refilling is performed following the remaining packs 2. Setting the packs 2 into the cartridge 10 and refilling the packs 2 are usually performed by staff at a nursing facility or the like, but this does not necessarily apply if the storage part is configured as a cartridge and this is done automatically.

[0069] The lid portion 14 is intended to enable staff at care facilities and the like to insert and remove the packs 2 stored in the cartridge 10, and as shown in Figure 6(a), it is formed long in the Z direction of the case portion 11 and has a predetermined opening width.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6(b), the types of packs 2 in the cartridge 10 are categorized by timing of administration, such as a 14-day supply of medication to be taken in the afternoon for person A. Therefore, if person A also takes medication in the morning, evening, and before bedtime in addition to the afternoon, a total of four cartridges 10 are required. The example is not limited to the above, and a single cartridge 10 may be used for each medication recipient (person), and the packs may be arranged in the order of morning → afternoon → evening → before bedtime → morning → afternoon → evening, etc. for the first day, moving upward from the pack removal opening 17, which is the direction in which the packs are removed from the cartridge 10.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, a label 18 displaying a two-dimensional code image 6c is attached to the bottom surface of the left support portion 13 near the pack removal opening 17. A code reader 67 mounted on the carriage 50 reads the two-dimensional code image 6c on this label 18. This makes it possible to obtain medication-related information for the medicine packs (pack 2, pack combination 2A, etc.) stored in the cartridge 10.

[0072] Next, the information processing device 510 constituting the information processing system 500 of the dispensing pharmacy will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main components of an information processing device 510 related to the process of creating and printing a code image 551 obtained by encoding a database file. The information processing device 510 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 511 , a storage unit 512 , a database creation unit 513 , a code image generation unit 514 , and a setting processing unit 515 .

[0073] The acquisition unit 511 acquires medication-related information including prescription information. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 511 acquires a prescription 100 for a medication recipient as shown in FIG. 8 by having a nursing facility provide the prescription 100, and an operator or the like inputs the prescription information written on the prescription 100 using an input device of the information processing device 510. The acquired prescription information is registered in a prescription information file of the receipt computer 530 of the dispensing pharmacy. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the prescription 100 includes the name, date of birth, age, medical institution, doctor's name, drug name, issue date, expiration date, etc. of the patient who is the medication recipient. The acquisition unit 511 may also read electronic data (prescription information file) including prescription information from a storage medium or receive it via a communication network, and acquire the prescription information from the received prescription information file.

[0074] The acquisition unit 511 also acquires patient information (e.g., the name of the nursing care facility, the floor on which the patient resides, etc.) that is information about the medication recipient held by the pharmacy as medication-related information. The acquired patient information is registered in a prescription information file in the receipt computer 530 together with the above-mentioned prescription information. As a result, the prescription information and patient information that are medication-related information are registered in the prescription information file in a state where they are associated with each other.

[0075] The storage unit 512 stores data necessary for the processing operation of the information processing device 510. In particular, the storage unit 512 of this embodiment stores a setting file (setting data) for switching the operation of an application program (computer program) executed by the computer of the information processing device 510, as will be described later.

[0076] The database creation unit 513 creates, for each nursing facility, a database file that describes the medication schedules of multiple medication recipients residing in the nursing facility from the registered prescription information file. The database file for each nursing facility created by the database creation unit 513 is used to control the medication dispensing device 200 installed in each nursing facility.

[0077] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a database file. The database file shown in Figure 9 is database data showing a medication schedule that summarizes the medication dates and timings (in the example of Figure 9, daytime, evening, before bed, and morning) of each recipient (resident of the nursing facility). The medication timings marked with a "○" in the column for each recipient in this medication schedule indicate the medication timings of that recipient. Note that in this example, a one-week medication schedule (from January 15th to January 21st in the example of Figure 9) is listed, but this can be less than one week or more than one week. Furthermore, the number of recipients listed in the medication schedule can be any number, as long as it is two or more.

[0078] The code image generation unit 514 encodes the database file created by the database creation unit 513 to create a code image 551. Information about the code image 551 created by the code image generation unit 514 is sent as print data from the information processing device 510 to the printer 520. The printer 520 prints the code image 551 specified by the print data on the recording medium 550.

[0079] In this embodiment, there are cases where the amount of information in the database file created by the database creation unit 513 exceeds the upper limit of the amount of information that can be encoded as a code image. In such cases, the database file may be divided into two or more pieces of data to create two or more code images.

[0080] 10(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a code image creation screen displayed on the display of the information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy. The computer of the information processing device 510 executes a specific application program stored in the storage unit 512. At this time, the computer of the information processing device 510 reads out a setting file stored in the storage unit 512, and performs processing operations on the dispensing pharmacy side (mainly processing operations of the code image generation unit 514) in accordance with the contents of the setting file.

[0081] More specifically, in this embodiment, the specific application program stored in memory 512 is a program package including a pharmacy-side application as a first program that enables the computer of information processing device 510 located in the dispensing pharmacy (first facility) to function as code image generation unit 514, and a nursing facility-side application as a second program that enables the computer of personal computer 300 located in the nursing facility (second facility) to function as an information acquisition unit (described later). The computer of information processing device 510 executes the pharmacy-side application included in the specific application program in accordance with the contents of the setting file stored in memory 512.

[0082] When the computer of the information processing device 510 executes the pharmacy-side application, an operation screen such as that shown in Figure 10(a) is displayed. An operator such as a staff member of the dispensing pharmacy uses this operation screen to operate the input device of the information processing device 510 to load the target database file into the pharmacy-side application. As a result, the computer of the information processing device 510 creates a code image 551 that encodes the loaded database file in accordance with the contents of the pharmacy-side application, and the processing result is displayed on the display as shown in Figure 10(b).

[0083] The setting processor 515 performs setting processing to add or change the setting file (setting data) stored in the storage unit 512 in accordance with a predetermined setting instruction. The setting file has an item such as "For Pharmacy" prepared therein, and when the specific application program is executed, if this item is "true", the pharmacy-side application is started, and if this item is "false", the nursing facility-side application is started.

[0084] By using such a configuration file, in the information transmission system of this embodiment, the pharmacy side application (first program) used by the information processing device 510 located in the dispensing pharmacy (first facility) and the nursing facility side application (second program) used by the personal computer 300 located in the nursing facility (second facility) can be distributed in the same program package, thereby increasing convenience.

[0085] Furthermore, at the time of installation, the installer sets the contents of the configuration file using the functions of the setting processing unit 515, eliminating the need for the user to switch between the pharmacy-side application and the nursing facility-side application. As a result, when the specific application program is executed on the information processing device 510 at the dispensing pharmacy, only the function menu of the pharmacy-side application is displayed, as shown in FIG. 11(a), and the function menu of the nursing facility-side application is not displayed. Also, when the specific application program is executed on the PC 300 at the nursing facility, only the function menu of the nursing facility-side application is displayed, as shown in FIG. 11(b), and the function menu of the pharmacy-side application is not displayed.

[0086] With this, while the application programs used by the information processing device 510 at the pharmacy and the computer 300 at the nursing facility are the same, only the function menus required for each are displayed on the information processing device 510 and the computer 300, making operation easier for the worker.

[0087] Next, the personal computer 300 that constitutes the medication distribution system of the nursing care facility will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the main components of the personal computer 300 related to the process of acquiring a database file from a code image 551 printed on a recording medium 550. The personal computer 300 of this embodiment includes a code scanner 310 as an imaging unit, a storage unit 312, an information extraction unit 313 as an information acquisition unit, a communication unit 314, and a setting processing unit 315.

[0088] The code scanner 310 functions as an imaging unit that captures the code image 551 on the recording medium 550 that has been transported from the pharmacy to the nursing care facility. The imaging unit that captures the code image 551 is not limited to the code scanner 310, and a camera or a device with a camera (such as a smartphone) that is communicably connected to the personal computer 300 via a wired or wireless connection may also be used.

[0089] The storage unit 312 stores data necessary for the processing operations of the personal computer 300. In particular, the storage unit 312 of this embodiment stores a setting file (setting data) for switching the operation of an application program (computer program) executed by the computer of the personal computer 300.

[0090] The information extraction unit 313 functions as an information acquisition unit that acquires, from the image captured by the code scanner 310, a database file encoded by the code image 551. The information extraction unit 313 may be provided as a function of the code scanner 310.

[0091] 13(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a database file extraction screen displayed on the display of the personal computer 300 in the nursing care facility. The computer of the personal computer 300 executes a specific application program stored in the storage unit 312. At this time, the computer of the personal computer 300 reads out the setting file stored in the storage unit 312, and performs processing operations on the nursing care facility side (mainly the processing operations of the information extraction unit 313) in accordance with the contents of the setting file.

[0092] More specifically, in this embodiment, the specific application program stored in the storage unit 312 is a program package that includes a pharmacy-side application as a first program that enables the computer of the information processing device 510 located in the dispensing pharmacy (first facility) to function as the code image generation unit 514, and a nursing facility-side application as a second program that enables the computer of the personal computer 300 located in the nursing facility (second facility) to function as an information acquisition unit described below. The personal computer 300 executes the nursing facility-side application included in the specific application program in accordance with the contents of the setting file stored in the storage unit 312.

[0093] When the computer of the personal computer 300 executes the nursing facility-side application, an operation screen such as that shown in FIG. 13(a) is displayed. Using this operation screen, a worker such as a staff member of the nursing facility uses the code scanner 310 of the personal computer 300 to capture a code image 551 on a recording medium 550 that has been delivered from a dispensing pharmacy to the nursing facility. The captured image information of the code image 551 captured by the code scanner 310 is read into the nursing facility-side application. As a result, the computer of the personal computer 300 extracts and acquires the database file encoded by the code image 551 from the read captured image information in accordance with the contents of the nursing facility-side application. As a result, the contents of the acquired database file are displayed on the display of the personal computer 300, as shown in FIG. 13(b).

[0094] The setting processor 315 performs setting processing to add or change the setting file (setting data) stored in the storage unit 312 in accordance with a predetermined setting instruction. As described above, the setting file has an item such as "For Pharmacy," and when the specific application program is executed, if this item is "true," the pharmacy-side application is started, and if this item is "false," the nursing facility-side application is started.

[0095] The communication unit 314 transmits the database file extracted (acquired) by the information extraction unit 313 to the medication dispensing device 200. As a result, the medication dispensing device 200 executes a processing operation of extracting medication from each cartridge 10 prepared for each medication recipient and storing the medication in each dispensing box 34 for the corresponding medication recipient, in accordance with the medication schedule described in the received database file.

[0096] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing from when the database file is encrypted by the information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy to when the encryption is released (decrypted) by the personal computer 300 of the nursing facility to restore the database file. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram when the ID of a care facility (second facility identification information) is used as an encryption key for encryption and decryption.

[0097] As a preliminary preparation, the ID (encryption key) of each facility is registered in the pharmacy-side application executed on the information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy, and the ID (encryption key) of each facility is registered in the nursing facility-side application executed on the computer 300 of each nursing facility.

[0098] In the information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy, first, the data of the database file created by the database creation unit 513 is converted into plain text (e.g., JSON code) (S1). Thereafter, for example, when an operator operates an input device of the information processing device 510 to instruct selection of a nursing care facility that uses the database file, the information processing device 510 encrypts the plain text using the ID of the instructed nursing care facility as an encryption key (S2). Then, the information processing device 510 encodes the encrypted data and performs a process of generating a number of code images corresponding to the data size (amount of information) of the data (S3). Thereafter, the information processing device 510 prints the generated code image 551 on the recording medium 550 by the printer 520 (S4). The recording medium 550 on which the code image 551 is printed is transported (shipped) to the nursing care facility (S5).

[0099] The code image 551 printed on the recording medium 550 delivered to the nursing facility is read (imaged) by the code scanner 310 of the personal computer 300 at the nursing facility, and the data encoded by the code image 551 is read (S6). The personal computer 300 then decrypts the read data using the ID of the nursing facility as an encryption key and decrypts it (S7). After that, when reading of all code images 551 is completed (Yes in S8), the personal computer 300 performs a process of integrating the decrypted data of each read code image and restoring the database file (S9). The database file thus obtained is sent from the personal computer 300 to the medication dispensing device 200.

[0100] In this way, by encrypting the data encoded by the code image 551, only the personal computer 300 at the facility corresponding to the encryption key can restore and obtain the database file from the code image 551. Therefore, even if the recording medium 550 on which the code image 551 is printed is accidentally transported to a facility other than the facility in question and falls into the hands of a third party, the third party cannot restore the database file. This prevents the medication schedule (including the personal information of the medication recipient) described in the database file from being leaked to third parties, improving security.

[0101] The above description is merely an example, and each of the following aspects provides unique effects. [First aspect] The first aspect is an information transmission system that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device (e.g., information processing device 510) in a first facility (e.g., a dispensing pharmacy) to a second information processing device (e.g., a personal computer 300) in a second facility (e.g., a nursing facility), wherein the first information processing device has a code image generation unit 514 that generates a code image 551 that encodes a group of medication-related information (e.g., a database file) including medication-related information about multiple medication recipients, and an image formation unit (e.g., a printer 520) that forms the code image generated by the code image generation unit on a recording medium 550 transported from the first facility to the second facility, and the second information processing device has an imaging unit (e.g., a code scanner 310) that captures the code image on the recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility, and an information acquisition unit (e.g., an information extraction unit 313) that acquires the group of medication-related information from the captured image captured by the imaging unit. In recent years, there are cases where a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients is transmitted in bulk from a first information processing device in a first facility to a second information processing device in a second facility. For example, there are cases where medication-related information for multiple medication recipients who visit a hospital is transmitted from the hospital (first facility) to a pharmacy (second facility), and cases where medication-related information for multiple medication recipients is transmitted in bulk from a pharmacy (first facility) to a facility (second facility) where the multiple medication recipients reside. When using conventional systems to send medication-related information for multiple medication recipients via email, the cumbersome task of sending emails individually to each recipient is required. Furthermore, conventional systems allow recipients to access the medication-related information simply by viewing the content of the email. Therefore, in order to prevent the leakage of personal information contained in the medication-related information, the system is forced to operate in a cumbersome manner, with only a limited number of designated individuals (those authorized to handle the medication-related information) handling the emails. In this aspect, a code image generating unit generates a code image encoding a medication-related information group including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients in a first information processing device at a first facility, and an image forming unit forms the generated code image on a recording medium. The recording medium on which the code image is formed in this manner is transported from the first facility to a second facility. Then, in a second information processing device at the second facility, an imaging unit captures the code image on the transported recording medium, and an information acquiring unit acquires the medication-related information group from the captured image. According to this aspect, the medication-related information group can be transmitted by a simple method of forming a code image on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility and reading the medication-related information group from the code image. Moreover, even if a person views the code image on the recording medium, the medication-related information encoded by the code image cannot be recognized. Therefore, even if a third party other than a specified few handles the recording medium, leakage of personal information contained in the medication-related information can be prevented, and a simple operation that allows third parties to handle the recording medium can be adopted. Therefore, when transmitting a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients, it is possible to transmit the group of medication-related information in a simple manner while preventing the leakage of personal information.

[0102] [Second mode] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the group of medication-related information includes medication schedule information indicating medication schedules for the multiple medication recipients at the first facility or the second facility. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily communicate medication schedules to multiple recipients while preventing leakage of personal information contained in the medication schedules.

[0103] [Third aspect] The third aspect is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the recording medium is an accompanying document (e.g., a delivery note) that is transported together with the item being transported from the first facility to the second facility. This eliminates the need to prepare a recording medium separate from the accompanying documents that are transported along with the items being transported from the first facility to the second facility, making it possible to realize a simpler method.

[0104] [Fourth aspect] A fourth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to third aspects, the code image generation unit in the first information processing device generates a code image that encodes the medication-related information group after encrypting the medication-related information group, and the information acquisition unit in the second information processing device decodes information read from the captured image captured by the imaging unit to acquire the medication-related information group. According to this aspect, even if a recording medium on which a code image is formed falls into the hands of a third party and the third party reads information from the code image, the third party cannot obtain the medication-related information group encoded by the code image unless the information is decoded, thereby achieving higher security.

[0105] [Fifth mode] The fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the code image generation unit generates a code image that encodes a group of medication-related information after encrypting it using second facility identification information for identifying the second facility as an encryption key. According to this aspect, encryption and decryption can be performed in a simple manner.

[0106] [Sixth aspect] A sixth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to fifth aspects, the code image generation unit in the first information processing device performs a process of generating the code image by having a computer constituting the first information processing device execute a first program, and the information acquisition unit in the second information processing device decodes information read from the captured image by having a computer constituting the second information processing device execute a second program to acquire the group of medication-related information, and the first program and the second program are included in the same program package. This improves convenience because the same program package can be distributed and installed to the first information processing device in the first facility and the second information processing device in the second facility.

[0107] [Seventh aspect] A seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the sixth aspect, the code image generation unit executes the first program included in the program package by a computer of the first information processing device according to setting data of the program package, the information acquisition unit executes the second program included in the program package by a computer of the second information processing device according to setting data of the program package, and the first information processing device and the second information processing device each have a rewriting unit (e.g., setting processing unit 515, 315) that rewrites the setting data. According to this, it is possible to rewrite the setting data of the first information processing device and the second information processing device so that the first program and the second program required for each information processing device are executed. Therefore, even though the programs (program package) used by the first information processing device and the second information processing device are the same, it is possible to execute only the functions (functions of the first program and the second program) required for each of the first information processing device and the second information processing device without requiring user operation.

[0108] [Eighth aspect] An eighth aspect is an information processing device, characterized in that it is used as the first information processing device in the information transmission system of any one of the first to seventh aspects. By using this type of information processing device, it is possible to transmit a group of medication-related information containing medication-related information for multiple medication recipients in a simple manner while preventing the leakage of personal information.

[0109] [Ninth aspect] A ninth aspect is an information processing device, characterized in that it is used as the second information processing device in the information transmission system of any one of the first to seventh aspects. By using this type of information processing device, it is possible to transmit a group of medication-related information containing medication-related information for multiple medication recipients in a simple manner while preventing the leakage of personal information.

[0110] [Tenth aspect] A tenth aspect is an information transmission method for transmitting medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility, wherein the first information processing device executes a code image generation process for generating a code image that encodes a medication-related information group including medication-related information about multiple medication recipients, and an image formation process for forming the code image generated in the code image generation process on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility, and the second information processing device executes an imaging process for capturing an image of the code image on the recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility, and an information acquisition process for acquiring the medication-related information group from the captured image captured by the imaging process. According to this aspect, when transmitting a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients, it is possible to transmit the group of medication-related information in a simple manner while preventing the leakage of personal information.

[0111] [Eleventh aspect] An eleventh aspect is a program executed by a computer of a first information processing device in an information transmission system that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility, characterized in that the program causes the computer to execute a code image generation process that generates a code image that encodes a group of medication-related information including medication-related information about multiple medication recipients, and an image formation process that causes an image forming unit to form the code image generated in the code image generation process on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility. According to this aspect, when transmitting a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients, it is possible to transmit the group of medication-related information in a simple manner while preventing the leakage of personal information.

[0112] [12th aspect] A twelfth aspect is a program executed on a computer of a second information processing device in an information transmission system that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility, characterized in that the program causes the computer to execute an information acquisition process of acquiring a group of medication-related information from an image obtained by capturing, with an imaging unit, a code image formed on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility and encoding the group of medication-related information including medication-related information about a plurality of medication recipients. According to this aspect, when transmitting a group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients, it is possible to transmit the group of medication-related information in a simple manner while preventing the leakage of personal information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 2: Single-dose drug pack 3: Drugs 6a, 6b: Text information 6c: 2D code image 10: Cartridge 18: Label 20: Cartridge tray 30: Medication tray 34: Small box 36: Label 50: Carriage 52: Suction pad 67: Code reader 80: Drawer section 90: Transfer section 100: Prescription 200: Medicine distribution device 300: PC 310: Code scanner 312: Storage section 313: Information extraction section 314: Communications Department 315: Setting processing section 500: Information Processing Systems 510: Information processing device 511: Acquisition Department 512: Storage section 513: Database Creation Department 514: Code image generation unit 515: Setting processing section 520: Printer 530: Receipt computer 550: Recording media 551: Code image [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0114] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-137443

Claims

1. An information transmission system that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility, The first information processing device includes a code image generating unit that generates a code image by encoding a medication-related information group including medication-related information for a plurality of recipients; an image forming unit that forms the code image generated by the code image generating unit on a recording medium that is transported from the first facility to the second facility, The second information processing device an imaging unit that captures a code image on the recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility; An information transmission system characterized by comprising an information acquisition unit that acquires the medication-related information group from an image captured by the imaging unit.

2. 2. The information transmission system according to claim 1, An information transmission system characterized in that the group of medication-related information includes medication schedule information indicating medication schedules for the multiple medication recipients at the first facility or the second facility.

3. 3. The information transmission system according to claim 1, An information transmission system, wherein the recording medium is an attached document transported together with an item transported from the first facility to the second facility.

4. 3. The information transmission system according to claim 1, the code image generation unit in the first information processing device generates a code image obtained by encoding the medication-related information group after encrypting the medication-related information group; An information transmission system characterized in that the information acquisition unit in the second information processing device decodes information read from an image captured by the imaging unit to acquire the medication-related information group.

5. 5. The information transmission system according to claim 4, The information transmission system is characterized in that the code image generation unit generates a code image that encodes a group of medication-related information after encrypting it using second facility identification information for identifying the second facility as an encryption key.

6. 3. The information transmission system according to claim 1, the code image generating unit in the first information processing device performs a process of generating the code image by causing a computer constituting the first information processing device to execute a first program; the information acquisition unit in the second information processing device decodes the information read from the captured image by a computer configuring the second information processing device executing a second program, and acquires the medication-related information group; An information transmission system characterized in that the first program and the second program are included in the same program package.

7. 7. The information transmission system according to claim 6, the code image generation unit executes the first program included in the program package by a computer of the first information processing device in accordance with setting data of the program package; the information acquisition unit executes the second program included in the program package by a computer of the second information processing device in accordance with setting data of the program package; The information transmission system is characterized in that the first information processing device and the second information processing device each have a rewriting unit that rewrites the setting data.

8. 3. An information processing device used as the first information processing device in the information transmission system according to claim 1.

9. 3. An information processing device used as the second information processing device in the information transmission system according to claim 1.

10. 1. An information transmission method for transmitting medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device at a first facility to a second information processing device at a second facility, comprising: In the first information processing device, a code image generating step of generating a code image obtained by encoding a medication-related information group including medication-related information for a plurality of medication recipients; an image forming step of forming the code image generated in the code image generating step on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility; In the second information processing device, an imaging step of imaging a code image on the recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility; and an information acquisition step of acquiring the medication-related information group from the captured image taken in the imaging step.

11. A program executed by a computer of a first information processing device in an information transmission system that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device in a first facility to a second information processing device in a second facility, a code image generating step of generating a code image obtained by encoding a medication-related information group including medication-related information for a plurality of medication recipients; and an image forming step of causing an image forming unit to form the code image generated in the code image generating step on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility.

12. A program executed by a computer of a second information processing device in an information transmission system that transmits medication-related information about a medication recipient from a first information processing device in a first facility to a second information processing device in a second facility, A program characterized by causing the computer to execute an information acquisition process of acquiring a group of medication-related information from an image obtained by capturing, with an imaging unit, a code image formed on a recording medium transported from the first facility to the second facility and encoding the group of medication-related information including medication-related information for multiple medication recipients.

Images