Processing apparatus, processing program, processing method, and processing system

Abstract

To provide a processing apparatus, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system configured to manage an article more efficiently.SOLUTION: A processing apparatus is equipped with at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to: in a storage apparatus disposed in a space that a user can visit and configured to store one or more articles, receive a selection of at least one article to be used by the user from among at least a part of the articles the use of which is restricted by locking the storage apparatus; update, when the storage apparatus is unlocked, a storage status of the at least one selected article; and execute processing to generate storage status information to be transmitted to an administrator who manages the one or more articles in accordance with the updated storage status.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system configured to perform processing related to one or more items stored in a storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] A processing system for efficiently providing items such as medicines to users has been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a virtual medicine delivery service system having an operation terminal equipped with a display unit, an operation unit, and a control unit, and a service server connected to the operation terminal so as to be able to transmit and receive information and equipped with a control unit, wherein the control unit of the operation terminal performs a virtual medicine box display process for displaying on the display unit a virtual medicine box corresponding to at least one virtual medicine so as to virtually contain the virtual medicine, a take-out instruction receiving process for receiving a take-out instruction from a user via the operation unit in order to virtually take out a desired virtual medicine from the virtual medicine box, and a process for receiving the take-out instruction as an instruction signal for delivering the medicine corresponding to the virtual medicine instructed to be taken out by the take-out instruction, and a virtual take-out process, triggered by the receipt of the take-out instruction in the take-out instruction receiving process, virtually taking out the virtual placement medicine instructed to be taken out in the take-out instruction from the virtual medicine box and displaying quantity information of the virtual placement medicine associated with the virtual medicine box on the display unit while decreasing the quantity information in accordance with the virtual take-out, and the control unit of the service server executes a notification receiving process, receiving the notification from the operation terminal, and a command sending process, triggered by the receipt of the notification in the notification receiving process, sending a delivery command to deliver the placement medicine corresponding to the virtual placement medicine instructed to be taken out in the take-out instruction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-026907 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, in consideration of the above-described techniques, the present disclosure aims to provide a processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system that are capable of managing items more efficiently through various embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided "a processing device having at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute processing to receive a selection of at least one item that the user wishes to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device, in a storage device installed in a space accessible to a user and configured to store one or more items, to update the storage status of the selected at least one item when the storage device is unlocked, and to generate storage status information that is notified to a manager who manages the one or more items according to the updated storage status."

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a processing program that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to function in a storage device that is installed in a space accessible to a user and configured to store one or more items, to accept a selection of at least one item that the user wishes to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device, update the storage status of the selected at least one item when the storage device is unlocked, and generate storage status information that is notified to a manager who manages the one or more items according to the updated storage status.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a "processing method executed by at least one processor, the processing method including the steps of: in a storage device installed in a space accessible to a user and configured to store one or more items, accepting a selection of at least one item that the user wishes to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device; updating the storage status of the selected at least one item upon unlocking the storage device; and generating storage status information to be notified to a manager who manages the one or more items according to the updated storage status."

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the system is "a processing system including the processing device described above and a storage device that is installed in a space accessible to a user and is configured to be able to store one or more items, and that is configured to be able to unlock and release restrictions on use by the user when the processing device allows use of at least one of the one or more items." [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system that enable more efficient management of items.

[0010] It should be noted that the above effects are merely illustrative for the sake of convenience and are not limiting. In addition to or instead of the above effects, any effect described in this disclosure or an effect obvious to a person skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a configuration of a storage device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a block diagram showing the configuration of a storage device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram conceptually illustrating a user management table stored in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram conceptually illustrating an article management table stored in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a diagram conceptually showing a storage equipment management table stored in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed by the processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed by the processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed by the processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 1. Overview of Processing System 1 The processing system 1 according to the present disclosure is used to perform processing related to one or more items stored in a storage device. For example, the processing system 1 may include: Processing to allow the use of items whose use by the user is restricted and remove the restrictions Processing for managing the storage status of each item stored in the storage device and notifying the manager who manages each item of storage status information It is used to perform the following:

[0013] Specifically, the processing system 1 is installed in a space accessible to the user and configured to store one or more items. The processing system 1 accepts the selection of at least one item that the user desires to use from among a portion of items whose use by the user is restricted by being locked in a storage device. The processing system 1 then determines whether to permit use of the selected item based on determination information, such as attribute information and response information, associated with the user. If the processing system 1 permits use of the selected item based on the result of the determination, it unlocks the storage device, allowing the user to lift the restriction on use. In this way, even if the use of an item whose use is restricted by being stored in a locked storage device is permitted, the processing system 1 unlocks the storage device to lift the restriction. This enables more efficient management of user use restrictions.

[0014] As an example, such a processing system 1 may be used by a business such as a company to provide pharmaceuticals (e.g., over-the-counter pharmaceuticals) as part of employee benefits to its employees and other users. However, such pharmaceuticals cannot be provided without limit, and certain restrictions must be placed on their provision and use. On the other hand, having a dedicated pharmacist or other such person on full-time duty to provide such pharmaceuticals places a heavy burden on the business. In such cases, such items can be stored in a lockable storage device, which can be unlocked and used only when a previously authorized user approaches the storage device. This reduces the management burden on the business and allows users who wish to use the items to efficiently obtain them.

[0015] Furthermore, the processing system 1 accepts the selection of at least one item that the user wishes to use from among a portion of items that are restricted from use by the user by being locked in a storage device installed in a space accessible to the user and configured to store one or more items. Then, when the storage device is unlocked, the processing system 1 updates the storage status of the selected item and generates storage status information that is notified to the manager who manages the item according to the updated storage status. In this way, the processing system 1 notifies the manager of storage status information according to the status of the items stored in the storage device. This enables more efficient management of the items stored in the storage device.

[0016] As an example, such a processing system 1 may be used by a business such as a company to provide pharmaceuticals (e.g., over-the-counter drugs), cosmetics, quasi-drugs, sweets, and the like as part of employee benefits offered to employees and other users. However, in the case of these items, having staff on-site to manage their sales is a significant burden for the business. In such cases, these items are stored in a storage device, and storage status information according to the storage status of each item (e.g., information notifying the replenishment of inventory or information notifying the replenishment of items likely to be in high demand) is provided to the manager at any time. This reduces the burden of managing the items for the business and enables users who wish to use the items to obtain them efficiently.

[0017] In this disclosure, the term "item" refers to any item that can be stored in a storage device. Examples of such items include durable goods that can be used many times and for a long period of time, non-durable goods that can be used infrequently and for a short period of time, semi-durable goods that can be used multiple times and for a period of time that is not as long as durable goods but longer than non-durable goods, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, preferred examples of such items include non-durable goods, semi-durable goods, or combinations thereof, and more preferred examples include the following items or combinations thereof: Foods such as grains, seafood, meat, dairy products, eggs, vegetables, seaweed, fruits, oils and fats, seasonings, confectioneries, cooked foods, beverages or alcoholic beverages, · Furniture and household supplies such as household consumables, Household products such as air fresheners, deodorizers, or simple hand warmers Clothing such as stockings or underwear, Health-maintaining inoculation products such as medicines, nutritional supplements, health supplements, functional foods, health-promoting foods, specified health foods, or special-purpose foods, or health consumables such as adult diapers, baby diapers, or sanitary products, etc. Educational items such as textbooks and learning materials Consumable stationery, toys, cut flowers, pet food, pet supplies, garden plants, batteries, newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials, as well as other cultural and recreational items Other items such as bath soap, facial soap, shampoo, toothpaste, hair styling products, cosmetics, or tobacco

[0018] Furthermore, such an article is preferably an article whose use by the user is restricted. Such an article whose use by the user is restricted does not necessarily have to be restricted by regulations such as laws in the real world, but it is sufficient that its use is restricted or has the potential to be restricted by practice or social convention. Examples of articles whose use by the user is restricted include medicines, health consumables, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco, among the above-mentioned articles.

[0019] Furthermore, in this disclosure, a "user" may refer to any person who wishes to use the items stored in a storage device. A typical example is a person who belongs to a specific business or visits a facility managed by a specific business, but the person does not necessarily have to belong to a specific business, and may be any person. A "manager" may refer to any person who manages the items stored in a storage device. A typical example is a person who belongs to the business where the storage device is installed, but the person does not necessarily have to belong to a specific business, and may be an external person. Furthermore, the terms "user" and "manager" are merely terms used to distinguish between the above meanings, and the user and the manager may be the same person. Furthermore, the terms "user" and "manager" may each refer to a single specific person, or a group of multiple people.

[0020] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the terms "user terminal device" and "administrator terminal device" simply mean a terminal device that can be used by a user or an administrator. Therefore, for example, if a user and an administrator use the same terminal device, the terminal device can function as both a user terminal device and an administrator terminal device.

[0021] In the present disclosure, a "storage device" may be any device capable of storing items. Preferably, such a storage device has an area that can be locked or unlocked to restrict the use of at least some of the items.

[0022] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a storage device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of storage device 300, which is an example of a storage device. According to FIG. 1A, storage device 300 is a box-shaped device formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and all but one of its six sides are covered by a box member 360. Storage device 300 also has an opening 350 formed on one side (e.g., the front) that is not covered by a wall material. A slidable storage body 340 is inserted into opening 350 from the front.

[0023] The storage body 340 has a box-like shape with an opening on the top side. Therefore, the storage body 340 can store one or more items in its interior 330. The storage body 340 is slidable relative to the box member 360 from the opening 350 in the depth direction or in the opposite direction, but the sliding is restricted by the locking / unlocking device 320. Specifically, when the storage body 340 is locked in a fully inserted state from the box member 360 by the locking / unlocking device 320, the withdrawal of the storage body 340 is restricted, and the use of the items stored therein is restricted. On the other hand, when the locking / unlocking device 320 is released, the restriction on the storage body 340 is lifted. This allows a user to withdraw the storage body 340, and the restriction on the use of the items stored therein is lifted.

[0024] The storage equipment 300 includes a control device 310 for controlling the locking / unlocking device 320 of the storage equipment 300 by communicating with the processing device 100 etc. The detailed configuration of the control device 310 will be described later.

[0025] Such a storage unit 300 is installed in a space accessible to the user. That is, the user can actually pick up and acquire the items stored in the storage unit 300 by visiting the installation location of the storage unit 300. Examples of such spaces include houses, office buildings, apartment buildings, stores, commercial facilities, and public facilities. Furthermore, the space does not have to be indoors and can also be outdoors.

[0026] Note that the storage device 300 shown in FIG. 1A is merely an example and is not limited to this configuration. As described above, the one or more items can include various items other than those whose use by the user is restricted. Therefore, the storage device 300 can be configured to include a first area configured to store items whose use by the user is restricted among the multiple items stored therein, and a second area configured to store other items whose use by the user is not restricted. That is, the first area can be restricted from use by the locking / unlocking device 320 shown in FIG. 1A. Such a storage device 300 can be realized by stacking multiple combinations of box members 360 and storage bodies 340, some of which are restricted by the locking / unlocking device 320 and the remaining parts are not restricted by the locking / unlocking device 320. Alternatively, such a storage device 300 can be realized by dividing the storage body 340 into multiple areas, restricting the opening and closing of some of the areas by the locking / unlocking device 320 and not restricting the opening and closing of the remaining parts. In this way, the storage device 300 can adopt either configuration.

[0027] 2. Configuration of Processing System 1 1B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 1B, the processing system 1 includes at least a processing device 100, a user terminal device 200-1, an administrator terminal device 200-2, and a storage device 300, which are communicatively connected via a wired or wireless network. The processing device 100 is used to remove restrictions on the use of items stored in the storage device 300 and manage the storage status of the items based on various information received from the user terminal device 200-1, the administrator terminal device 200-2, etc.

[0028] In the present disclosure, the processing device 100 may be any device capable of performing the processing executed by the processing device 100. That is, various devices, such as an on-premise server device, a cloud server device, a smartphone, a tablet device, a laptop PC, and a desktop PC, can be used as the processing device. Also, any of the terminal devices 200, such as the user terminal device 200-1 and the administrator terminal device 200-2, can function as the processing device 100. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the storage and processing performed by the processing device 100 may be distributed to other terminal devices, other server devices, etc. That is, the processing device 100 is not limited to being configured in a single housing, but also includes a combination of the various devices exemplified above.

[0029] (A) Configuration of the Processing Device 100 FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 2A, the processing device 100 includes a processor 111, a memory 112, and a communication interface 113. These components are electrically connected to one another via control lines and data lines. The processing device 100 does not need to include all of the components shown in FIG. 2A; some components may be omitted, or other components may be added. For example, an external memory, a database device, a server device, or the like connected in a communicable manner as a memory may be used. Furthermore, some processing may be distributed and executed by other processing devices, including other server devices. In other words, the processing device 100 is not limited to a single device, but may be distributed across multiple devices depending on the information handling and processing load.

[0030] The processor 111 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the processing system 1 based on a processing program stored in the memory 112. The processor 111 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may also be combined with a GPU, FPGA, etc. as appropriate.

[0031] The processor 111 executes a process for permitting the use of an item whose use by a user is restricted and lifting the restriction, based on a processing program stored in the memory 112. Specifically, the processor 111 executes, based on the processing program stored in the memory 112, "a process for accepting a selection of at least one item that a user desires to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device, in the storage device 300 that is installed in a space accessible to the user and configured to store one or more items," "a process for determining whether or not to permit the use of at least one item based on determination information associated with the user," and "a process for unlocking the storage device 300 and enabling the user to lift the restriction on use, if the result of the determination is that the use of at least one item is permitted."

[0032] Furthermore, the processor 111 executes a process for managing the storage status of each item stored in the storage device and for notifying a manager who manages each item of storage status information, based on a processing program stored in the memory 112. Specifically, the processor 111 executes, based on the processing program stored in the memory 112, "a process for accepting a selection of at least one item that a user desires to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device 300, in the storage device 300 that is installed in a space accessible to the user and configured to store one or more items," "a process for updating the storage status of the selected at least one item when the storage device 300 is unlocked," and "a process for generating storage status information to be notified to a manager who manages one or more items according to the updated storage status."

[0033] The memory 112 is composed of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. In addition to the program, the memory 112 stores various information stored in a user management table, an item management table, a storage device management table, etc. This information does not need to be constantly stored in the memory 112 within the processing device 100, but may be stored in a database device installed remotely. In this case, the database device is also included in the memory 112.

[0034] The memory 112 also stores instructions and commands for various controls of the processing system 1 according to this embodiment as processing programs. Specifically, the memory 112 stores programs for the processor 111 to execute such functions as "accepting the selection of at least one item that a user desires to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device 300, which is installed in a space accessible to the user and configured to store one or more items," "determining whether or not to permit use of the at least one item based on determination information associated with the user," and "if the result of the determination is that use of the at least one item is permitted, unlocking the storage device 300 to enable the user to release the restriction on use."

[0035] In addition, memory 112 stores programs for processor 111 to execute, for example, "a process of accepting the selection of at least one item that a user wishes to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking storage device 300, in storage device 300 that is installed in a space accessible to the user and configured to store one or more items," "a process of updating the storage status of at least one selected item when storage device 300 is unlocked," and "a process of generating storage status information to be notified to a manager who manages one or more items according to the updated storage status."

[0036] The communication interface 113 functions as a notification unit for transmitting and receiving various information between the user terminal device 200-1, the administrator terminal device 200-2, the storage device 300, and other processing devices connected via a wired or wireless network. Examples of the communication interface 113 include a wired communication connector such as USB or SCSI, a wireless communication transmitting / receiving device such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LTE wideband wireless communication, or an infrared wireless communication, and various connection terminals for a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board.

[0037] (B) Configuration of the terminal device 200 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 200 used as a user terminal device 200-1 or an administrator terminal device 200-2. Note that while FIG. 1B shows one user terminal device 200-1 and one administrator terminal device 200-2, it goes without saying that multiple terminal devices of each type may be included in the processing system 1. Also, FIG. 2B shows the terminal device 200 as an example of the user terminal device 200-1 and the administrator terminal device 200-2, but the user terminal device 200-1 and the administrator terminal device 200-2 do not need to have the same configuration as each other and may each have different configurations.

[0038] The terminal device 200 includes a processor 211, a memory 212, an input interface 213, an output interface 214, and a communication interface 215. These components are electrically connected to one another via control lines and data lines. Note that the terminal device 200 does not need to include all of the components shown in FIG. 2B; it is possible to omit some of the components or add other components.

[0039] The processor 211 functions as a control unit that controls the other components of the terminal device 200 based on a program stored in the memory 212. The processor 211 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may also be combined with a GPU, FPGA, or the like as appropriate.

[0040] When functioning as the user terminal device 200-1, the processor 211 executes, based on the programs stored in the memory 212, the following processes: “a process of accepting an instruction input by a user via the input interface 213 and inputting at least one of the user's attribute information and response information,” “a process of outputting at least one of the input attribute information and response information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215,” “a process of receiving, from the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215, recommendation information for recommending the use of at least one of one or more articles based on determination information associated with the user,” “a process of outputting the received recommendation information via the output interface 214,” “a process of accepting an instruction input by the user via the input interface 213 and selecting at least one article desired to be used from one or more articles stored in the storage device 300,” and “a process of sending a use request for the at least one selected article to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215.”

[0041] Furthermore, when the processor 211 functions as the administrator terminal device 200-2, it executes, based on the programs stored in the memory 212, the following processes: "a process of sending a registration request for a newly installed storage device 300 to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215," "a process of accepting instructions input by the administrator via the input interface 213 and inputting setting information for the installed storage device 300," "a process of sending the setting information input via the communication interface 215 to the processing device 100," and "a process of receiving storage status information indicating the storage status of one or more items stored in the storage device 300 from the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215."

[0042] The memory 212 is composed of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The memory 212 stores instructions and commands for various controls of the processing system 1 according to this embodiment as programs.

[0043] Specifically, when functioning as the user terminal device 200-1, the memory 212 stores programs to be executed by the processor 211, such as “a process of accepting an instruction input by a user via the input interface 213 and inputting at least one of the user's attribute information and response information,” “a process of outputting at least one of the input attribute information and response information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215,” “a process of receiving, from the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215, recommendation information for recommending the use of at least one of one or more articles based on determination information associated with the user,” “a process of outputting the recommended information received via the output interface 214,” “a process of accepting an instruction input by a user via the input interface 213 and selecting at least one article desired to be used from one or more articles stored in the storage device 300,” and “a process of sending a use request for the at least one selected article to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215.”

[0044] Furthermore, when the memory 212 functions as the administrator terminal device 200-2, it stores programs to be executed by the processor 211, such as "a process of sending a registration request for a newly installed storage device 300 to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215," "a process of accepting instructions input by the administrator via the input interface 213 and inputting setting information for the installed storage device 300," "a process of sending the setting information input via the communication interface 215 to the processing device 100," and "a process of receiving storage status information indicating the storage status of one or more items stored in the storage device 300 from the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215."

[0045] The input interface 213 functions as an input unit that accepts instruction input from a user or administrator to the terminal device 200. Examples of the input interface 213 include physical key buttons and a touch panel having an input coordinate system corresponding to the display coordinate system of the display. In the case of a touch panel, icons are displayed on the display, and the operator selects each icon by inputting an operation via the touch panel. The method for detecting the operation input of the subject using the touch panel may be any method, such as a capacitive method or a resistive method. The input interface 213 does not always need to be physically provided on the terminal device 200, and may be connected as needed via a wired or wireless network. Therefore, in addition to the above, a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone for voice input, a camera for gesture input, etc. can also be used as the input interface 213.

[0046] The output interface 214 functions as an output unit for outputting various information received from the processing device 100, etc. An example of the output interface 214 is a display, but the output interface 214 is not limited to this and may be composed of other liquid crystal panels, organic EL displays, plasma displays, speakers for audio output, light-emitting devices such as LEDs, vibrating devices, printers, etc. Also, a display does not have to be provided, and for example, an interface for connecting to a display or the like connectable to the processing device 100 via a wired or wireless network can also function as the output interface 214 for outputting display data to the display or the like.

[0047] The communication interface 215 functions as a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the processing device 100, other terminal devices 200, and storage device 300. Examples of the communication interface 215 include a connector for wired communication such as USB or SCSI, a transmitting and receiving device for wideband wireless communication such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LTE, a transmitting and receiving device for short-range or contactless wireless communication such as infrared or NFC, and various connection terminals for printed circuit boards or flexible circuit boards.

[0048] (C) Storage device 300 FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage apparatus 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the storage apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 1A. According to FIG. 2C, the storage apparatus 300 includes at least a control device 310 including a processor 311, a memory 312, and a communication interface 313, and a locking / unlocking device 320. These components are electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. Note that the storage apparatus 300 does not need to include all of the components illustrated in FIG. 2C; some components may be omitted, or other components may be added. Furthermore, the control device 310 may be any device capable of transmitting locking or unlocking information for locking or unlocking the storage apparatus 300 to the locking / unlocking device 320, and does not need to be installed inside the storage apparatus 300. For example, a single control device 310 may be installed remotely and communicatively connected to the locking / unlocking device 320 for multiple storage apparatuses 300.

[0049] The processor 311 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the processing system 1 based on a processing program stored in the memory 312. The processor 311 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may also be combined with a GPU, FPGA, etc. as appropriate. The processor 311 executes processing for controlling the locking and unlocking of the storage device 300 based on the processing program stored in the memory 312. Specifically, the processor 311 executes the following processes based on the processing programs stored in the memory 312: "a process of acquiring user authentication information from the user terminal device 200-1 via the communication interface 313," "a process of outputting the acquired authentication information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 313," "a process of receiving unlocking information for unlocking the storage device 300 via the communication interface 313," "a process of processing the received unlocking information and transmitting the unlocking information to the locking / unlocking device 320 via the communication interface 313," and "a process of generating locking information based on the detection of insertion of the storage main body 340 into the box member 360 and transmitting the generated locking information to the locking / unlocking device 320 via the communication interface 313."

[0050] The memory 312 is composed of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The memory 312 stores instructions and commands for various controls of the processing system 1 according to this embodiment as processing programs. Specifically, the memory 312 stores processing programs for the processor 311 to execute, for example, "a process of acquiring user authentication information from the user terminal device 200-1 via the communication interface 313," "a process of outputting the acquired authentication information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 313," "a process of receiving unlocking information for unlocking the storage device 300 via the communication interface 313," "a process of processing the received unlocking information and transmitting the unlocking information to the locking / unlocking device 320 via the communication interface 313," and "a process of generating locking information based on detection of insertion of the storage main body 340 into the box member 360 and transmitting the generated locking information to the locking / unlocking device 320 via the communication interface 313."

[0051] The communication interface 313 functions as a communication unit for transmitting and receiving various information between the processing device 100, the user terminal device 200-1, the administrator terminal device 200-2, and the locking / unlocking device 320, which are connected via a wired or wireless network. Examples of the communication interface 313 include a wired communication connector such as USB or SCSI, a transmitting / receiving device for wideband wireless communication such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or LTE, a short-range or contactless wireless communication such as NFC, and various connection terminals for printed circuit boards or flexible circuit boards.

[0052] Although the detailed configuration of the locking / unlocking device 320 is not shown, it includes an electronic lock for restricting the storage main body 340 from being pulled out from the box member 360.

[0053] 3. Various information used in processing in the processing system 1 3A to 3C show various tables that store information that is stored in the processing device 100 or a database device and that is sent to and received from other devices as the processing progresses. This information is updated and stored as the processing progresses.

[0054] (A) User management table information FIG. 3A is a diagram conceptually illustrating a user management table stored in a processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 3A, the user management table stores authentication information, attribute information, response information, item information, provision history information, consultation history information, and the like, in association with user ID information. "User ID information" is information unique to each user for identifying each user. For example, user ID information is generated each time a new user is registered by the user or an administrator. Note that the user ID information may be any information that can identify the user as described above, and various information such as the user's name, nickname, or social media account may be used.

[0055] "Authentication information" is information used to authenticate a user. Examples of authentication information include biometric information of the user, a password or passcode preset by the user, a password or passcode temporarily assigned to the user, and a combination of these. Furthermore, user ID information can also be used as authentication information if it is sufficient to identify a user as a legitimate user of the service provided by the processing system 1.

[0056] "Attribute information" is information indicating the attributes of each user, and at least a portion of this information can be used as judgment information when determining whether or not the user is permitted to use an item. Examples of attribute information include name, nickname, age, height, weight, sex, company, department, attendance record, family members living together, and place of residence. The attribute information is input, for example, via input interface 213 of user terminal device 200-1, and is stored by receiving it from user terminal device 200-1 via communication interface 113.

[0057] "Response information" is information indicating the responses to questions posed to each user, and at least a portion of this information can be used as determination information when determining whether or not the user is permitted to use the product. Examples of such response information include the presence or absence of allergies and their details, drinking frequency and drinking history, smoking frequency and smoking history, exercise frequency, whether or not there is a menstrual period, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, medical history, medication status, the presence or absence of underlying diseases and their details, body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, vaccination history, and combinations thereof. The response information is input to user terminal device 200-1 via input interface 213-2 and is stored by receiving it from user terminal device 200-1 via communication interface 113.

[0058] At least a portion of the "item information" can be used as determination information when determining whether or not a user is permitted to use an item. For example, if the user is permitted to use OTC drug A among the items stored in the storage device 300 installed at the business to which the user belongs, information identifying OTC drug A is stored. The item information is reset when the user actually visits and unlocks the storage device 300, as if the user has acquired the item. In addition, each time the user requests a new item and its use is permitted as a result of the determination, information identifying the new item is stored in the item information.

[0059] "Provision history information" is information indicating the history of items provided to a user, and at least a portion of this information can be used as judgment information when determining whether or not to allow the user to use the item. Such provision history information includes, for example, information identifying the item provided to the user, information indicating the time of provision, and information indicating the quantity. When a user actually visits the storage equipment 300 and unlocks the storage equipment 300 to obtain an item, the above information regarding the obtained item is newly accumulated as provision history information.

[0060] "Consultation history information" is information indicating the history of consultations a user has had with an administrator or a person seeking advice about an item or their own condition, and at least a portion of this information can be used as judgment information when determining whether or not to allow the user to use the item. In the present disclosure, various consultations can be conducted in chat format using a chatbot as a consultant, as shown in FIG. 8D, for example. The consultation history information includes information indicating the history and duration of chats (conversations) between the user and the chatbot. Note that the chatbot is merely an example, and conversation histories with real administrators or people seeking advice can also be used as consultation history information. Such consultation history information can be used to obtain information about currently prevalent diseases by analyzing the content of the chats (conversations).

[0061] The various types of information listed in FIG. 3A are examples of information stored in association with the user ID information of the user, and may naturally include other information.

[0062] (B) Information in the item management table FIG. 3B is a diagram conceptually illustrating an item management table stored in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 3B, item information, contraindication information, and the like are stored in association with condition information. "Condition information" is information indicating a condition that a user may be in. For example, examples of such condition information include information indicating various subjective symptoms and physical findings that appear in the body, such as joint pain, muscle pain, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, chills, sweating, cough, sore throat, runny nose / nasal congestion, swelling, itching, inflammation, rash, dryness, and combinations thereof.

[0063] "Item information" is information that indicates items that are associated with each piece of condition information and are recommended for use in that condition. Examples of such item information include OTC drug A, OTC drug B, OTC drug C, and OTC drug D stored in the storage device 300 in association with the condition information of "abdominal pain," OTC drug A, OTC drug D, OTC drug E, and quasi-drug A stored in association with the condition information of "headache," and OTC drug F, quasi-drug B, and cosmetic A stored in association with the condition information of "itching."

[0064] "Contraindication information" is information stored in association with each item information stored in association with each condition information, and indicates contraindications for using each recommended item. For example, contraindication information associated with OTC drug A includes information such as "Do not use by pregnant users," "Do not take simultaneously with OTC drug B," and "Do not use by users with a history of hypertension," while contraindication information associated with cosmetics A includes information such as "Do not use by infants." This contraindication information is referenced when generating recommendation information for recommending items to users.

[0065] The various types of information listed in FIG. 3B are examples of information stored in association with the state information, and naturally, other information may be included.

[0066] (C) Storage equipment management table information 3C is a diagram conceptually illustrating a storage equipment management table stored in the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 3C, business information, location information, stored item information, provided item information, and the like are stored in association with storage equipment ID information.

[0067] The "storage device ID information" is information for identifying each storage device with information unique to each storage device. For example, the storage device ID information is generated each time an administrator requests the registration of a new storage device.

[0068] "Business information" is information that identifies the business that provides the space in which the storage device is installed. Examples of business information include the name of the business and ID information assigned to each business. Although business information is used here, if the entity managing the storage device 300 is other than a business (for example, a home, a school, a national or local government, or an individual), information to identify them is used.

[0069] "Location information" is information that indicates the location where the storage device is installed. Examples of such location information include coordinate information such as latitude and longitude, building name, address, floor number, department name, business name, area name, and combinations thereof.

[0070] "Stored item information" is information indicating the items stored in each storage device and the maximum storage capacity of each stored item. This information is used to manage the inventory status of each item. An example of stored item information is information such as 10 OTC drug A, 5 OTC drug B, 15 OTC drug C, 10 OTC drug D, 5 OTC drug E, 8 OTC drug F, 5 quasi-drug A, 10 quasi-drug B, and 5 cosmetics A, which are associated with storage device ID information "L1." This information is stored for each storage device ID information.

[0071] "Provided item information" is information indicating the items provided to the user and the quantity of the items. The provided item information, together with the stored item information, is used to manage the inventory status of each item. A user actually visits each storage device 300 and unlocks it to obtain the items, and information indicating the obtained items, the quantity, and the time are newly stored as provided item information.

[0072] The various types of information listed in FIG. 3C are examples of information stored in association with storage device ID information, and may naturally include other information.

[0073] 4. Processing sequence executed by processing system 1 4A to 4C are diagrams showing processing sequences executed by the processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a processing sequence when a user newly registers for a service provided by the processing system 1 (new user registration processing), and a processing sequence when recommended information is output to the user (recommended information output processing). FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a processing sequence when a user requests to use an item (use request processing), and a processing sequence when the user attempts to acquire an item from a storage equipment 300 (item acquisition processing). FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a processing sequence when a new storage equipment 300 is installed (new storage equipment installation processing), and a processing sequence when inventory information, which is one piece of storage status information for the storage equipment 300, is generated (storage status information generation processing).

[0074] (A) New user registration process First, the new user registration process will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 accepts a user's instruction input via the input interface 213 as necessary, downloads an application program for using the service provided by the processing system 1, and installs it in the user terminal device 200-1 (S11). Note that this process can be skipped if the application program for using the service is already installed. Once the application program is installed in the user terminal device 200-1, the processor 211 outputs an attribute information input screen for inputting the user's attribute information via the output interface 214. Then, the processor 211 accepts a user's instruction input via the input interface 213 on the attribute information input screen and inputs the user's attribute information (S12). Examples of the attribute information input here include the user's name, nickname, the company to which the user belongs, and the department to which the user belongs. Once the attribute information is input, the processor 211 transmits a registration request (T11) to register the user as a new user of the service provided by the processing system 1, along with the input attribute information via the communication interface 215.

[0075] When the processor 111 of the processing device 100 receives the attribute information and the registration request via the communication interface 113, it generates user ID information for newly identifying the user (S13). The processor 111 stores each piece of received attribute information in a user management table in association with the user ID information (S14). After storing the attribute information, the processor 111 generates question information for an initial interview with the user based on the attribute information (S15). The question information may be generated by referencing a question management table in which one or more pieces of question information are stored in advance in association with attribute information such as the business and department. For example, a business that provides a large number of pharmaceuticals may store questions to be asked when providing pharmaceuticals, while a business that frequently works overtime may store questions to be asked when providing snacks such as sweets. When the question information is generated, the processor 111 transmits the generated question information (T12) via the communication interface 113 to the user terminal device 200-1 that transmitted the registration request.

[0076] When processor 211 of user terminal device 200-1 receives the question information via communication interface 215, it outputs an answer input screen via output interface 214. Then, processor 211 accepts an instruction input from the user on the answer input screen via input interface 213, and inputs the user's attribute information and answer information (S16).

[0077] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of an answer input screen 10 output when answer information is input in S16 of FIG. 4A. According to FIG. 8A, the answer input screen 10 includes each piece of question information extracted as a question and an input field for the user to input the answer. Specifically, the answer input screen 10 includes question information 11 related to a plurality of attributes for prompting the user to input additional attribute information and the answer input field. For example, the question information 11 includes a question related to age, which is one piece of attribute information, and the answer input field; a question related to gender, which is another piece of attribute information, and the answer input field; and a question related to weight, which is another piece of attribute information, and the answer input field.

[0078] The answer input screen 10 also includes question information 12 and answer input fields for allowing the user to input answers to the medical interview items. The question information 11 includes, for example, questions about the presence or absence of allergies and their contents, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions, questions about the frequency of drinking alcohol, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions, questions about the frequency of smoking, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions, questions about the frequency of exercise, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions, questions about the presence or absence of menstruation, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions, questions about pregnancy or breastfeeding, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions, questions about medical history, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions, and questions about medication status, which are one piece of answer information, and answer input fields for those questions.

[0079] The user can input attribute information or answer information into each answer input field via the input interface 213. The input is performed, for example, by selecting from a plurality of preset options or by the user inputting arbitrary text information.

[0080] The answer input screen 10 further includes a send icon 14 and a back icon 15. When the input interface 213 accepts an instruction input to the send icon 14 by the user, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 transmits the input attribute information and answer information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215. Furthermore, when the input interface 213 accepts an instruction input to the back icon 15, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 processes the output interface 214 to output the screen immediately before the answer input screen 10.

[0081] Returning to Figure 4A again, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 accepts user instruction input via the input interface 213 on the answer input screen 10 described in Figure 8A, and when attribute information and answer information are input, it transmits the input attribute information and answer information (T13) together with user ID information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215.

[0082] The processor 111 of the processing device 100 stores the attribute information and response information in the user management table in association with the user ID information received together via the communication interface 113 (S17). This completes the processing sequence.

[0083] In this way, by obtaining in advance the attribute information and response information that are used as part of the judgment information when determining whether or not to allow the user to use the item, subsequent processing can be carried out more smoothly and efficiently.

[0084] (B) Recommended information output process Next, an example of the recommended information output process will be described. The recommended information is information for recommending to a user the use of at least one item among one or more items stored in the storage equipment 300. Referring to FIG. 4A, the processor of the processing device 100 receives, for example, a request from the administrator terminal device 200-2 via the communication interface 113 to extract users to whom the recommended information is to be sent. The extraction request includes information such as "users to whom health consumables are recommended" or "users to whom cosmetics such as sunscreen are recommended." Based on the received extraction request, the processor 111 references the determination information (e.g., attribute information and response information) in the user management table to extract users to whom the recommended products are to be sent (S21). Specifically, the processor 111 references the attribute information and response information in the user management table to extract, for example, users whose menstrual cycles are approaching. Furthermore, the processor 111 references the attribute information and response information in the user management table to extract, for example, users belonging to an age group that frequently uses sunscreen. Note that the extraction method and recommended product information described above are merely examples, and other methods and recommended product information may also be used.

[0085] When one or more users are extracted as described above, the processor 111 of the processing device 100 transmits a list of the extracted users to the administrator terminal device 200-2 via the communication interface 113. Furthermore, when the processor 111 receives from the administrator terminal device 200-2 via the communication interface 113 a selection result for a user to whom recommendation information is to be sent from the list and recommended product information indicating a recommended product, the processor 111 generates recommendation information to be sent to the user selected as the target of transmission (S22). The recommendation information includes recommended product information indicating the recommended product and a message encouraging the user to use the product. When the recommendation information is generated, the processor 111 transmits the recommendation information (T21) to the user terminal device 200-1 of the user who is the target of recommendation via the communication interface 113.

[0086] When the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 receives the recommended information via the communication interface 215, it outputs the received recommended information via the output interface 214 (S23).

[0087] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a recommended information output screen 20 output in S23 of FIG. 4A. According to FIG. 8B, the recommended information output screen 20 includes a chat-style output screen, and the recommended information sent from the administrator is displayed in a chat box 21. Specifically, the chat box 21 displays text stating, "It's almost time to purchase health consumable product A. If you are considering purchasing it, please proceed to purchase from the service menu." The text includes information identifying the recommended product, health consumable product A, and other wording to encourage the user to use it.

[0088] The recommended information output screen 20 further includes an icon 22 for asking a question, an icon 23 for requesting use of an item, and an icon 24 for providing information on how to use the item. When the input interface 213 accepts an instruction input by the user to the icon 22, it becomes possible to have various consultations in chat format with the chatbot as the consultant. Furthermore, when the input interface 213 accepts an instruction input by the user to the icon 23, the process proceeds to a use request process for requesting use of the recommended item. Furthermore, when the input interface 213 accepts an instruction input by the user to the icon 24, access is made to a site or the like that compiles information on how to use the recommended item.

[0089] This completes the processing sequence.

[0090] In this way, by providing the user with recommendation information that includes information specifying the product recommended for use, the user can smoothly select the desired product from a large number of products.

[0091] Typical examples of products recommended by the recommended information output process include products that are used periodically, such as health consumables, and products that are used more frequently during certain seasons or at certain times, such as cosmetics. In the example of FIG. 4A, the recommended information output process is executed by receiving a user extraction request from the administrator terminal device 200-2. However, instead of this, in the case of products that are used periodically or that are used more frequently at certain times, the processor 111 may periodically refer to determination information such as attribute information and response information to extract users who have reached the end of their usage cycle or users who belong to an age group with a high usage frequency, and transmit recommended information to the extracted users.

[0092] (C) Use Request Processing Next, an example of a use request process will be described. This process sequence is initiated when a user requests the use of at least one of one or more items stored in the storage equipment 300. As shown in FIG. 4B, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 accepts a command input from the user via the input interface 213 and starts an application program for a service provided by the processing system 1 (S31). Although not specifically shown here, when the application program is started, a user authentication process using user ID information and authentication information may be performed between the processing device 100 and the user terminal device 200-1.

[0093] The processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 acquires a list of items stored in the storage device 300 that the user can visit in advance via the communication interface 215, by referring to the user's attribute information (e.g., the company to which the user belongs) and the company information or location information and stored item information in the storage device management table. In this embodiment, the storage device 300 can restrict the user's use of stored items by locking the storage device 300. Therefore, the list includes one or more items that are subject to this restriction.

[0094] Processor 211 outputs the list of the acquired items via output interface 214, and also accepts instructions input by the user via input interface 213, and selects one or more items desired to be used and the desired amount from the list (S32). Note that although the case where selection is made from the list has been described here, selection may also be made from recommended information output screen 20 as shown in FIG. 8B.

[0095] Here, FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 30a output in S32 of FIG. 4B. According to FIG. 8C, the item selection screen 30a includes a list 31 of items stored in the storage equipment 300 acquired in S32 of FIG. 4B. Specifically, the list 31 includes a list of items X1 to X7 stored in the storage equipment 300, as well as a selection button for selecting one of the items corresponding to each item. That is, by receiving an instruction input to a selection button by the user via the input interface 213 (in the example of FIG. 8C, an instruction input to the selection button for item X2 is received), the item corresponding to the selection button is selected as the item desired to be used.

[0096] The product selection screen 30a also includes supplemental information 32, including the effects, dosage, precautions, and a link to where to obtain package inserts for the selected product. This supplemental information is information that is pre-stored in association with each product in a product management table (not shown), and is referenced when the user finally determines the product they wish to use. Note that while the supplemental information 32 shown here is for OTC drugs, the content and type of supplemental information displayed may naturally differ depending on the product.

[0097] The item selection screen 30a also includes a selection area 33 for selecting a desired amount of the selected item. That is, the desired amount of the selected item can be selected by receiving a user's instruction input into the selection area 33 via the input interface 213. Note that if the amount that can be provided at one time for each item is predetermined, the selection area 33 may be omitted.

[0098] The item selection screen 30a further includes a send icon 34 and a back icon 35. When the input interface 213 accepts an instruction input to the send icon 34 by the user, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 transmits an item use request including the selected item and quantity to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215. Also, when the input interface 213 accepts an instruction input to the back icon 35, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 processes the output interface 214 to output the screen immediately before the item selection screen 30a.

[0099] In this way, by allowing the user to select the product they wish to use from the list of products included in the product selection screen 30a, the user can more efficiently select the product.

[0100] Returning to Figure 4B, once the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 has selected one or more items to be used and the desired quantity, it sends an item use request (T31) including at least the items and quantities via the communication interface 215, along with user ID information.

[0101] When the processor 111 of the processing device 100 receives and accepts an item use request via the communication interface 113, it determines whether or not to permit the use of one or more items desired by the user (S33). Specifically, the processor 111 determines whether or not to permit the use of the item desired by the user based on determination information such as attribute information, response information, provision history information, and consultation history information associated with the user ID information in the user management table. Then, if the processor 111 determines as a result of this determination that the use of the item desired by the user is permitted, it stores information for identifying the item in the item information in the user management table (S34). The processor 111 transmits permission information (T32) indicating that use has been permitted to the user terminal device 200-1 that transmitted the item use request via the communication interface 113.

[0102] When processor 211 of user terminal device 200-1 receives the permission information via communication interface 215, it outputs the received permission information via output interface 214 (S35). This completes the processing sequence.

[0103] In this way, by determining whether or not to allow the use of an item desired by the user based on the determination information, it becomes possible to more appropriately manage the item, such as by preventing excessive use of the item.

[0104] In the above-described use request process, the case where a desired item is selected using the item selection screen 30a shown in Fig. 8C has been described. However, the desired item can also be selected in a chat format instead of using the item selection screen 30a.

[0105] Fig. 8D is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the user terminal device 200-1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 8D is a diagram showing an example of an item selection screen 30b output in S32 of Fig. 4B, which is displayed in place of the item selection screen 30a shown in Fig. 8C.

[0106] 8D, the item selection screen 30b includes chat boxes that display the contents of chats (conversations) corresponding to the administrator and the user, respectively. That is, in the example of FIG. 8D, the user can select a desired item while consulting with a chatbot, an administrator, a consultant, or a combination of these in a chat format.

[0107] As shown in Figure 8D, for example, the administrator may send a message saying, "Please tell me your current condition." In response to this, the user may enter a message saying, "I have a stomachache." Thereafter, similar conversations may be held between the administrator and the user any number of times.

[0108] An example of the item use request process via the item selection screen 30b in Fig. 8D is performed as follows. For example, the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 inputs each message shown in Fig. 8D by accepting an instruction input by the user via the input interface 213. The processor 211 transmits each input message to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215.

[0109] When the processor 111 of the processing device 100 receives each message via the communication interface 113, it stores the message together with the message sent from the administrator in the consultation history information. The processor 111 also extracts condition information indicating the user's condition (for example, "abdominal pain" in the example of FIG. 8D) by performing natural language analysis on each message stored as the consultation history information (determination information). The processor 111 then refers to the item management table to identify item information associated with the extracted condition information. The processor 111 generates recommendation information including the identified item information and a message encouraging the user to use the item. After the recommendation information is generated, the processor 111 transmits the recommendation information to the user terminal device 200-1 of the user who is the recommendation target via the communication interface 113.

[0110] When processor 211 of user terminal device 200-1 receives the recommended information via communication interface 215, it outputs the received recommended information (e.g., FIG. 8B) via output interface 214. Then, when processor 211 receives an instruction input to an icon (e.g., icon 23 in FIG. 8B) by the user requesting use of an item via input interface 213, processor 211 generates an item use request in the same manner as T31 in FIG. 8B and transmits the item use request to processing device 100 via communication interface 215. Subsequent processing is performed in the same manner as in FIG. 4B.

[0111] In this way, by providing the user with recommended information including information specifying the product recommended for use, the user can smoothly select the desired product from a large number of products. Furthermore, by generating the recommended information through consultation with the user in a chat format, the recommended information can be generated more efficiently.

[0112] (D) Item Acquisition Processing Next, an example of an item acquisition process will be described. This process sequence is a process sequence from when a user who is authorized to use an item visits a space where the storage equipment 300 is installed and actually acquires the item from the storage equipment 300. As shown in FIG. 4B, the processor 311 of the storage equipment 300 acquires authentication information from the user terminal device 200-1 via the communication interface 313 (S41). Specifically, the processor 311 receives the authentication information from the user terminal device 200-1, which is located close to the storage equipment 300, via the communication interface 313 by non-contact wireless communication. The authentication information can be any of biometric information, a passcode, a password, user ID information, or a combination thereof. Here, a case where user ID information is used as authentication information will be described. Upon receiving the user ID information, the processor 311 transmits the user ID information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 313 as authentication information (T41).

[0113] When the processor 111 of the processing device 100 receives the user ID information via the communication interface 113, it refers to the user management table and references the item information associated with the user ID information. The item information is information indicating the items that the user is currently authorized to use. Therefore, the processor 111 determines whether the user is authorized to use the items based on whether information indicating any item is stored in the item information (S42). If the processor 111 determines that the user is authorized to use the items, it generates unlocking information for unlocking the storage equipment 300 (S43). The processor 111 transmits the generated unlocking information (T42) to the storage equipment 300 that transmitted the authentication information via the communication interface 113.

[0114] When the processor 311 of the storage device 300 receives the unlocking information via the communication interface 313, it processes the received unlocking information to convert it into an electrical signal that can be read by the electronic lock, and transmits the processed unlocking information to the locking / unlocking device 320. As a result, the storage device 300 unlocks the electronic lock of the locking / unlocking device 320 (S44). Once the locking / unlocking device 320 is unlocked, the storage main body 340 of the storage device 300 can be pulled out. This releases the user from restrictions on the use of items. The user slides out the storage main body 340 to retrieve the desired item stored inside 330.

[0115] When the user acquires the desired item from the storage device 300, he or she reinserts the storage main body 340 into the box member 360. When the processor 311 of the storage device 300 detects the insertion using a sensor (not shown) installed in the storage device 300 (S45), it generates locking information and causes the locking / unlocking device 320 to lock the storage device 300 again (S46). Furthermore, when the storage device 300 is unlocked as described above, the processor 311 generates a provision completion notice indicating that the item has been successfully acquired, and transmits the provision completion notice (T43) together with the user ID information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 313.

[0116] When the processor 111 of the processing device 100 receives the provision completion notification via the communication interface 113, it refers to the user management table and updates the user management table by resetting the item information associated with the user ID information (deleting information identifying the item acquired from the item information) (S47). In addition, the processor 111 transmits a provision completion notification (T44) indicating that the item has been successfully acquired to the user terminal device 200-1 of the user identified by the user ID information via the communication interface 113.

[0117] When the processor 211 of the user terminal device 200-1 receives the provision completion notification via the communication interface 215, it outputs the received provision completion notification via the output interface 214 (S48). This completes the processing sequence.

[0118] In this way, the user is given permission to use the item in advance, and the storage unit 300 is unlocked and the user can obtain the item only when the user visits the storage unit 300. This allows for more appropriate management of the use of the item.

[0119] In the above-mentioned item acquisition process, when the storage device 300 acquires the authentication information, the processing device 100 determines whether the user is authorized to use the device based on the authentication information, and generates unlocking information according to the result. However, instead of this, it is also possible to issue an unlocking key in advance and use it to generate unlocking information in the storage device 300.

[0120] For example, if it is determined in S34 of Fig. 4B that the use of the item desired by the user is permitted, information for identifying the item is stored in the item information of the user management table, and permission information is generated. At this time, the processor 111 of the processing device 100 issues a unique unlocking key (which may be a predetermined unique unlocking key or an unlocking key generated for each process) to the locking / unlocking device 320 of the storage device 300 in which the item is stored. Then, the processor 111 transmits the issued unlocking key together with the permission information to the user terminal device 200-1 via the communication interface 113.

[0121] Next, a user visits the space where the storage equipment 300 is installed to acquire an item. At this time, the processor 311 of the storage equipment 300 receives an unlocking key from the user terminal device 200-1, which is located close to the storage equipment 300, by non-contact wireless communication via the communication interface 313. If the unlocking key stored in advance in association with the locking / unlocking device 320 of the storage equipment 300 matches the received unlocking key, the processor 311 determines that the user of the user terminal device 200-1 is authorized to use the item, and generates unlocking information. Subsequent processing is the same as that from S44 onwards in FIG. 4B.

[0122] Here, the storage device 300 receives the unlocking key via non-contact wireless communication, but the processor 311 may obtain the unlocking key by having the user input the unlocking key (code or password) via an input interface or the like.

[0123] In this way, by issuing an unlocking key in advance, communication with the processing device 100 can be simplified, enabling more efficient processing.

[0124] (E) New installation process of storage equipment 300 Next, an example of a new installation process for a storage equipment 300 will be described. This process sequence is performed when a new storage equipment 300 is installed in a predetermined space. As shown in FIG. 4C, the processor 211 of the administrator terminal device 200-2 receives an instruction input from the administrator via the input interface 213 and generates a registration request for the storage equipment 300, including business information identifying the business that newly installed the storage equipment 300 (S61). The processor 211 then transmits the generated registration request (T61) to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 215.

[0125] When the processor 111 of the processing device 100 receives the registration request via the communication interface 113, it generates storage device ID information for newly identifying the storage device 300 (S62). The processor 111 stores the business information in the storage device management table in association with the generated storage device ID information. The processing device 100 also transmits an initial setting request (T62) together with the storage device ID information via the communication interface 113 to the administrator terminal device 200-2 that transmitted the registration request.

[0126] When the processor 211 of the manager terminal device 200-2 receives the initial setting request via the communication interface 215, it outputs an initial setting screen (not shown) via the output interface 214. Then, the processor 211 accepts instructions input from the manager via the input interface 213 on the initial setting screen and inputs stored item information (S63). The stored item information includes information identifying one or more items stored in the storage equipment 300 and information indicating the maximum storage capacity thereof. The processor 211 also accepts instructions input from the manager via the input interface 213 on the initial setting screen and inputs location information (S64). The location information is information indicating the location where the storage equipment 300 is installed. The processor 211 transmits the stored item information and location information input via the communication interface 215 to the processing device 100 as setting information (T63) together with the storage equipment ID information.

[0127] The processor 111 of the processing device 100 stores the setting information (stored item information and location information) in the user management table in association with the user ID information received together via the communication interface 113 (S65). This completes the processing sequence.

[0128] In this way, when a new storage equipment 300 is installed, the manager can appropriately manage each item by registering the items to be stored as stored item information in advance.

[0129] (F) Storage status information generation processing Next, an example of the storage status information generation process will be described. This process sequence is a process related to the generation of storage status information for notifying the manager of the storage status indicating the state of the stored items. Therefore, an example of the storage status is as follows: The inventory status of each item stored in the storage device 300; Whether a specific item is stored in the storage device 300; The number of each item stored in the storage device 300 provided; and combinations thereof Examples include:

[0130] In addition, an example of storage status information is: Information for encouraging the manager to store items stored in the storage equipment 300 whose inventory has fallen below a predetermined threshold; Information for encouraging new storage of items in the storage equipment 300 when an increase in demand is predicted based on demand forecasts for items not stored in the storage equipment 300; Information for encouraging the storage of items in the storage equipment 300 beyond its maximum storage capacity when an increase in demand is predicted based on a demand forecast regarding the items stored in the storage equipment 300; Statistical information on the quantity of items stored in the storage device 300 that has been acquired by the user so far; and combinations thereof Examples include:

[0131] As described above, the storage status information includes various pieces of information. Therefore, the process flow for generating the information differs depending on the content of the information to be generated. Here, we will explain a case where information is generated as storage status information to prompt the manager to store items stored in the storage equipment 300 whose inventory has fallen below a predetermined threshold. This information is generated each time an item is acquired by a user from the storage equipment 300. Therefore, steps S71 to S76 up to the time the user acquires an item are the same as steps S41 to S46 shown in FIG. 4B. Therefore, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0132] When the storage device 300 is unlocked, the processor 311 of the storage device 300 generates a notification of completion of delivery indicating that the item has been successfully acquired, and transmits the notification of completion of delivery (T43) to the processing device 100 via the communication interface 313 together with the storage device ID information.

[0133] When the processor 111 of the processing device 100 receives the provision completion notification via the communication interface 113, it refers to the storage device management table and updates the provided item information associated with the storage device ID information (S77). Specifically, the processor 111 stores information indicating the provided items and their quantity included in the provision completion notification in the provided item information, and also stores the time when the provision completion notification was received in the provided item information.

[0134] When the storage equipment management table is updated, the processor 111 of the processing device 100 reads out the stored item information and provided item information associated with the storage equipment ID information and determines whether or not there is stock (S78). If the stock of an item in the storage equipment 300 falls below a predetermined threshold, the processor 111 generates information for prompting the manager to newly store the item, and transmits the information as storage status information to the manager terminal device 200-2 via the communication interface 113.

[0135] When the processor 211 of the manager terminal device 200-2 receives the storage status information via the communication interface 215, it outputs the received storage status information via the output interface 214 (S79). This completes the processing sequence.

[0136] In this way, by generating storage status information indicating the stock status of the items stored in the storage equipment 300 every time an item is provided, the manager can manage the inventory more quickly.

[0137] 5. Processing flow executed by the processing device 100 5 to 7 are diagrams showing processing flows executed by the processing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a processing flow executed by the processing device 100 in the use request processing of S31 to S35 in FIG. 4B. FIG. 6 shows a processing flow executed by the processing device 100 in the item acquisition processing of S41 to S48 in FIG. 4B. FIG. 7 shows a processing flow executed by the processing device 100 in the storage status information generation processing of S71 to S79 ​​in FIG. 4C. Each processing flow is mainly performed by the processor 111 of the processing device 100 by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 112.

[0138] (A) Processing flow for usage request processing First, the processing flow of the use request processing will be described. This processing flow is initiated when a user requests the use of at least one of one or more items stored in the storage equipment 300. Therefore, the processor 111 receives an item use request together with user ID information via the communication interface 113 (S111). The item use request may specify the item and the quantity the user desires to use, for example, on the item selection screen 30a shown in FIG. 8C, or it may specify the item the user desires to use, for example, on the item selection screen 30b shown in FIG. 8D (in the case of consultation). Therefore, the processor 111 determines whether the item the user desires to use is specified in the item use request (S112).

[0139] When the desired item is identified, the processor 111 determines whether to permit the user to use the desired item (S113). Specifically, the processor 111 reads each piece of determination information, such as attribute information, response information, provision history information, and consultation history information, associated with the user ID information in the user management table. The processor 111 also references the item management table to read contraindication information associated with the desired item. The processor 111 then determines whether the use of the item is prohibited by the contraindication information based on the determination information. For example, if the user desires to use OTC drug A, the processor 111 reads the contraindication information "prohibited for use by pregnant users," "prohibited for simultaneous use with OTC drug B," and "prohibited for use by users with a history of hypertension." The processor 111 then references information indicating pregnancy or breastfeeding status, provision history information, and medical history, respectively, among the determination information associated with the user ID information, and determines whether the item corresponds to the contraindication information. The processor 111 does not permit the use of the OTC drug A if any one of the above contraindication information is met, and permits the use of the OTC drug A if none of the above contraindication information is met.

[0140] The processor 111 determines whether the use of the item desired by the user is permitted in S113 (S114), and if permitted, updates the user management table (S115). Specifically, the processor 111 stores information for identifying the item permitted for use in the item information of the user management table. The processor 111 then transmits permission information, including the fact that use is permitted, to the user terminal device 200-1 that transmitted the item use request via the communication interface 113 (S116).

[0141] Note that if processor 111 determines in S112 that the user's desired item has not been specified, or if use of the user's desired item is not permitted in S114, it can recommend another item. Therefore, if processor 111 determines in S112 that the user's desired item has not been specified, it selects an item to recommend to the user (S117). Specifically, processor 111 extracts status information indicating the user's status by natural language analysis of each message stored as consultation history information, which is one piece of determination information. Then, processor 111 identifies item information associated with the status information by referring to the item management table. In this way, processor 111 selects an item to recommend to the user.

[0142] Furthermore, if the use of the item desired by the user is not permitted in S114, processor 111 selects another item to recommend to the user. Specifically, processor 111 refers to the item management table to identify the status information associated with the item desired by the user. Then, processor 111 identifies item information of an item that does not correspond to any of the taboo information from among the other items associated with the identified status information. In this way, processor 111 selects an item to recommend to the user.

[0143] Next, the processor 111 generates recommendation information that includes the product information identified in the above process and a message to encourage the user to use the product. After the recommendation information is generated, the processor 111 transmits the recommendation information to the user terminal device 200-1 of the user who is the target of the recommendation via the communication interface 113 (S118).

[0144] This completes the processing flow.

[0145] (B) Processing flow for item acquisition Next, the processing flow of the item acquisition process will be described. This processing flow is a processing flow when a user who is permitted to use an item visits a space where the storage equipment 300 is installed and actually acquires an item from the storage equipment 300. Therefore, the processor 111 receives authentication information from the storage equipment 300 via the communication interface 113 (S211). Note that although either type of authentication information can be used, the case where user ID information is used will be described here.

[0146] When the processor 111 receives the authentication information, it refers to the user management table (S212). Then, the processor 111 determines whether information on any of the items permitted for use is stored in the item information associated with the received user ID information in the user management table (S213). If the result of the determination indicates that information on the items permitted for use is stored, the processor 111 generates unlocking information for unlocking the storage equipment 300 and transmits the generated unlocking information to the storage equipment 300 via the communication interface 113 (S214).

[0147] After transmitting the unlocking information, the processor 111 checks whether an interrupt signal corresponding to the acquisition of a provision completion notification from the storage equipment 300 has been received (S215). If the interrupt signal has been received, the processor 111 refers to the user management table and updates the user management table by resetting the item information associated with the user ID information (deleting information identifying the acquired item from the item information) (S216). Then, the processor 111 transmits a provision completion notification indicating that the item has been successfully acquired to the user terminal device 200-1 of the user identified by the user ID information via the communication interface 113 (S217).

[0148] In S213, if no information about an item whose use is permitted is stored, it is possible that the user has mistakenly come to acquire the item. Therefore, the processor 111 generates a notice of unavailability indicating that use of the item stored in the storage device 300 is not permitted, and transmits the notice of unavailability to the storage device 300 via the communication interface 113. In this case, since no unlocking information is sent, the storage device 300 remains locked, and the state in which use of the item desired by the user is restricted is maintained.

[0149] This completes the processing flow.

[0150] (C) Processing flow for generating storage status information Next, the processing flow of the storage status information generation processing will be described. This processing flow is a processing flow when information is generated as storage status information to prompt the manager to store items stored in the storage equipment 300 whose inventory has fallen below a predetermined threshold. Specifically, this processing flow is a processing flow that starts upon receiving a provision completion notice from the storage equipment 300 indicating that the user has successfully acquired the item. Therefore, the same processing as S211 to S215 in FIG. 6 is executed until the provision completion notice is received.

[0151] 7, when processor 111 receives the provision completion notification via communication interface 113, it refers to the storage device management table and updates the provided item information associated with the storage device ID information (S311). Specifically, processor 111 stores information indicating the provided items and their quantity included in the provision completion notification in the provided item information, and also stores the time when the provision completion notification was received in the provided item information.

[0152] Next, processor 111 reads out the stored item information and provided item information associated with the storage device ID information and determines whether or not there is inventory (S312). Specifically, processor 111 adds up the quantity of items provided from the provided item information since the last time inventory was replenished to the present, and calculates the current inventory amount of the item by subtracting the calculated quantity from the maximum storage capacity of the item. Processor 111 then determines whether the inventory amount has fallen below a predetermined threshold. Note that the threshold may be set for each storage device 300, or may be set for each item stored in the storage device 300.

[0153] If the processor 111 determines in S312 that the inventory of items in the storage equipment 300 has fallen below the predetermined threshold, it generates information to prompt the manager to store the items again, and transmits this information as storage status information to the manager terminal device 200-2 via the communication interface 113 (S313). On the other hand, if the processor 111 determines in S312 that the inventory of items in the storage equipment 300 has not fallen below the predetermined threshold, it generates statistical information including the total number of items, and transmits this information as storage status information to the manager terminal device 200-2 via the communication interface 113 (S314).

[0154] This completes the processing flow.

[0155] The above describes the process of generating storage status information to prompt the manager to store items stored in the storage equipment 300 whose inventory has fallen below a predetermined threshold. Various other types of storage status information are also generated, such as information generated based on demand forecasts and statistical information.

[0156] For example, information generated based on demand forecasts is generated as follows. Demand forecasts can also be generated based on various information stored in the user management table shown in FIG. 3A and various information stored in the storage equipment management table. The processor 111 reads the business, department, and attendance status of each user from the attribute information, and identifies the business or department to which the user belongs, whose increase rate of overtime hours over a specified period is higher than a predetermined threshold. For such business or department, an increase in demand for snacks and other items eaten during overtime is predicted. Therefore, the processor 111 generates information for the manager terminal device 200-2 used by the manager of the storage equipment 300 installed at the business or department to encourage the manager to store items such as snacks in the storage equipment 300.

[0157] The processor 111 also stores in advance the peak season or the period immediately before a peak season for seasonal diseases (e.g., hay fever, seasonal influenza, etc.). Naturally, when this season arrives, increased demand for masks, antipyretics, sterilizing liquid, disinfectant, etc. is predicted. Therefore, the processor 111 generates information for the manager terminal device 200-2 used by each manager of each storage equipment 300 managed in the storage equipment management table to encourage the storage of items such as masks, antipyretics, sterilizing liquid, disinfectant, etc. in the storage equipment 300.

[0158] The processor 111 also accesses infectious disease epidemic information provided by each connected local government via the communication interface 113 to obtain information on diseases that are currently epidemic or predicted to become epidemic in the future. If these diseases become epidemic, it is expected that demand for masks, antipyretics, sterilizing liquid, disinfectant, etc. will increase. Therefore, the processor 111 generates information for the manager terminal device 200-2 used by each manager of each storage equipment 300 managed in the storage equipment management table to encourage the storage of items such as masks, antipyretics, sterilizing liquid, disinfectant, etc. in the storage equipment 300.

[0159] The processor 111 also reads each consultation history information and extracts status information indicating the condition of each user. If the rate of increase in users complaining of specific symptoms (e.g., headache or stomachache) is higher than a predetermined threshold, the processor 111 identifies the business or department to which the users complaining of these symptoms belong. For such business or department, an increase in demand for gastrointestinal medicines, antipyretics, and other items is predicted. Therefore, the processor 111 generates information for the manager terminal device 200-2 used by the manager of the storage device 300 installed in the business or department to encourage the manager to store items such as gastrointestinal medicines and antipyretics in the storage device 300.

[0160] When generating this information based on the demand forecast, the processor 111 refers to the stored item information in the storage equipment management table, and if the items for which storage is encouraged have already been stored, the processor 111 generates information to temporarily allow storage in excess of the maximum storage capacity and encourage storage in excess of the maximum storage capacity in the storage equipment 300. In addition, if the items for which storage is encouraged have not yet been stored, the processor 111 generates information to encourage new storage in the storage equipment 300.

[0161] Furthermore, for example, statistical information on the quantity of items acquired by users is generated as follows: Processor 111 reads the supply history information from the user management table and compiles information identifying the items provided to users and the time of provision. Specifically, for each business information in the storage equipment management table, processor 111 extracts users who have the business information as attribute information. For each extracted user, processor 111 extracts information on items provided during a specified period from the supply history information. Then, processor 111 generates statistical information on the quantity of each item provided by a certain business during a specified period by accumulating the amount provided of the same item.

[0162] In addition, if the amount of each item provided in a specified period exceeds a predetermined threshold for each item, the processor 111 generates information to warn that the amount used is increasing or to indicate that demand is increasing.

[0163] The above statistical information is merely an example, and it is possible to generate statistical information for each department to which the employee belongs, or for a period divided into any unit such as a day, a week, a month, or a year.

[0164] Such information and statistical information generated based on demand forecasts is generated by processing of a processor at predetermined intervals and transmitted to the manager terminal device 200-2.

[0165] As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system that can more efficiently provide articles to users.

[0166] 6. Variations As described above, the processing system 1 shown in Figures 1 to 8D determines whether or not to permit the use of an item desired by a user based on the determination information associated with the user. However, in addition to this, a new payment function may be added, and in addition to the above determination, whether or not to permit use may be determined based on the determination result of whether or not payment has been completed. Such a payment function can be realized by various methods, such as electronic payment using credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, etc., methods using various tokens or point cards, or methods using legal tender.

[0167] 1 to 8D has been described on the assumption that the storage equipment 300 is installed in a business space. However, instead of or in addition to this, the storage equipment 300 may be installed in a space managed by a home, a school, a national or local government, or an individual.

[0168] 1 to 8D, the various pieces of information stored in the user management table are acquired by inputting them into the user terminal device 200-1. However, instead of or in addition to this, the information may be input into the administrator terminal device 200-2, or may be acquired from medical interview information or findings information stored in a medical record device or medical interview device managed by a medical institution or the like.

[0169] As described above, in the processing system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8D, a case has been described in which demand forecasting is possible by the processor 111 processing various information such as attribute information. However, the processor 111 can also forecast demand by inputting various information into a trained demand forecasting model that has been generated in advance using various types of learning information that can be used for demand forecasting, such as attribute information, and actual measured demand values ​​as training data. In addition, a general-purpose model such as a large-scale language model can also be used as the trained demand forecasting model.

[0170] The processes and procedures described herein can be realized not only by those explicitly described in the embodiments, but also by software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the processes and procedures described herein can be realized by implementing logic corresponding to the processes in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, magnetic disks, and optical storage. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented as computer programs and executed by various computers, including processing devices and server devices.

[0171] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Furthermore, although various information described herein is described as being stored in a single memory or storage unit, such information may be stored in multiple memories within a single device or multiple memories distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1 Processing System 100 Processing equipment 200-1 User terminal device 200-2 Administrator terminal device 300 Storage Device 310 Control device 320 Locking and unlocking device 330 Internal 340 Storage unit 350 aperture 360 Box material

Claims

1. A processing device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor: In a storage device that is installed in a space accessible to a user and configured to store one or more items, a selection of at least one item that the user wishes to use is accepted from among at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device, updating the storage status of the at least one selected item when the storage device is unlocked; generating storage status information to be notified to a manager who manages the one or more items according to the updated storage status; a processing unit configured to perform processing for:

2. The processing device of claim 1 , wherein the selection of the at least one item is performed by a user terminal device available to the user.

3. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage status information is information for prompting storage of any of the one or more items in the storage device.

4. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage status information is information for prompting the storage device to store other items different from the one or more items stored in the storage device.

5. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage status information is generated based on the storage status as well as a demand forecast for any of the one or more items.

6. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage status information is information indicating a usage record of any one of the one or more items stored in the storage device.

7. The processing device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more items are non-durable goods.

8. The processing device of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the restricted-use items are pharmaceutical products.

9. When executed by at least one processor, In a storage device that is installed in a space accessible to a user and configured to store one or more items, a selection of at least one item that the user wishes to use is accepted from among at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device, updating the storage status of the at least one selected item when the storage device is unlocked; generating storage status information to be notified to a manager who manages the one or more items according to the updated storage status; A processing program that causes the at least one processor to function in such a manner.

10. A processing method executed by at least one processor, comprising: In a storage device installed in a space accessible to a user and configured to store one or more items, a step of accepting a selection of at least one item that the user wishes to use from at least some of the items whose use by the user is restricted by locking the storage device; updating the storage status of the at least one selected item when the storage device is unlocked; generating storage status information to be notified to a manager who manages the one or more items according to the updated storage status; A processing method comprising:

11. The processing device according to claim 1 ; a storage device that is installed in a space accessible to a user and configured to store one or more items, and that is configured to be unlocked to release restrictions on use by the user when the processing device permits use of at least one of the one or more items; A processing system comprising:

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