Medical system, method for controlling medical system, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for enabling a doctor to efficiently perform medical examination by confirming the preparation circumstances in the medical examination of a patient to be examined after a patient under medical examination at present.SOLUTION: This system is provided with a CPU113 for acquiring the patient information of a second patient to be examined after a first patient who is currently examined, a CPU133 for judging the preparation conditions in the examination of the second patient by using a photographic image photographed by an imaging device 140 on the patient side disposed so as to photograph the second patient, and a display part 111 for displaying the preparation conditions in the examination of the second patient during the examination of the first patient on the basis of the patient information of the second patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical treatment system, a method for controlling the medical treatment system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, due to social circumstances, online medical consultations have been increasing at an accelerating rate. Unlike traditional face-to-face consultations, online consultations do not involve patients being present at the hospital, making it difficult for doctors to grasp the patient's preparation status when they are about to begin the consultation. Furthermore, online consultations are often scheduled for 30-minute intervals, meaning that patients may leave their seats once they are ready for their consultation, or may join the consultation in the middle of their scheduled time slot.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that, when an incoming call from the other party in a video conference is detected, determines the presence status of the user of the terminal and executes an operation to call the user if the user is absent. Also, Patent Document 2 describes a technology that has scheduled participants and holding conditions for each video conference, analyzes images of the participants, and executes permission to start the conference if the participation status satisfies the holding conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-311512 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-171119 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, in online medical consultations where the patient is not nearby, the doctor's preparation status for the medical consultation can only be known once the doctor starts the call, so even if the doctor makes the effort to call, the patient may not be ready for the consultation. In Patent Document 1, if the other party is not available during a video conference call, the other party's preparation status (such as presence status) cannot be confirmed before the call. In Patent Document 2, the conference can be started only if the conditions for holding the video conference are met, but the preparation status of the participants (such as presence status) cannot be confirmed before the conference starts.

[0006] In other words, conventional technology has the problem that it is difficult for doctors to provide medical care efficiently because it is not possible to check in advance the preparation status of the patient who will be treated after the patient currently being treated.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a system that enables doctors to provide medical treatment efficiently by enabling them to check in advance the preparation status for the treatment of the patient who will be treated after the patient they are currently treating. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The medical treatment system of the present invention includes an acquisition means for acquiring patient information of a second patient who will be treated after a first patient who is currently being treated, a determination means for determining the readiness status of the second patient for medical treatment using an image captured by an imaging device arranged to photograph the second patient, and a display means for displaying the readiness status of the second patient during medical treatment of the first patient based on the patient information of the second patient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to check in advance the preparation status for the treatment of a patient (second patient) who will be treated after the patient (first patient) currently being treated, thereby enabling doctors to provide treatment efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a medical treatment system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a treatment order table of patients treated by a doctor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in a control method for a doctor's PC in the medical system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in a control method for a patient-side PC in the medical system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of a captured image obtained by capturing an image in step S312 of FIG. 3B. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen including a preparation status for medical treatment of a patient, which is displayed on a display unit of a PC on the doctor's side according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen including a preparation status for medical treatment of a patient, which is displayed on a display unit of a PC on the doctor's side according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen including a preparation status for medical treatment of a patient, which is displayed on a display unit of a PC on the doctor's side according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen including a preparation status for medical treatment of a patient, which is displayed on a display unit of a PC on the doctor's side according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5E] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen including a preparation status for medical treatment of a patient, which is displayed on a display unit of a PC on the doctor's side according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a processing method for searching for a patient by controlling an imaging device on the patient side as a method for controlling a PC on the patient side in the medical examination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing an example of a voice notification state in which a patient is notified by voice from an imaging device on the patient side in the medical examination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a processing method for displaying the preparation status for medical treatment of the next patient as a method for controlling a PC on the doctor's side in the medical treatment system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] A flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for a method of controlling a patient's PC in the medical system of the first embodiment, which is a processing method for checking the patient's presence status from the time preparations for the patient's medical treatment are completed until the treatment begins. [Figure 9B] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a processing method for checking whether a patient has left his / her seat until he / she returns, as a method for controlling a patient-side PC in the medical care system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for a processing method for confirming whether a patient is a patient eligible for medical treatment using a My Number card as a method for controlling a patient-side PC in the medical treatment system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a processing method executed as a method for controlling a patient-side PC in a medical system according to the first embodiment, after preparations for medical treatment for the patient have been completed and before the medical treatment begins. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in the flowchart shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method for processing an interview and an image of an affected area when a patient is returning for a follow-up visit, as a method for controlling a PC on the patient side, in the medical system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 shows the first embodiment and is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen including the preparation status for a patient's medical treatment, which is displayed on the display unit of the doctor's PC, and shows the state before the medical treatment order is changed. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 shows the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including the preparation status for a patient's medical treatment displayed on the display unit of the doctor's PC, showing the state after the medical treatment order has been changed. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 illustrates a second embodiment, showing an example of the overall layout of a clinic and an example of the layout of a waiting room in the clinic. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a medical treatment system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in a control method for a doctor's PC in a medical system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 illustrates the second embodiment and shows an example of a display screen including the patient's presence status (preparation status) during medical treatment, which is displayed on the display unit of the doctor's PC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0013] In the first embodiment, a medical treatment system is described that allows a doctor at a hospital or clinic to check in advance the preparation status for online medical treatment of patients located away from the hospital or clinic when the doctor treats patients in order (or may only examine them). In the first embodiment, it is assumed that there is a mixture of patients who visit the hospital or clinic for face-to-face medical treatment and patients who are located away from the hospital or clinic for online medical treatment (telemedicine). Furthermore, when an online medical treatment is performed, the doctor and patient communicate using images (video) and audio. Point-to-point communication using images (video) and audio is a known technology, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a medical treatment system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the medical treatment system 100-1 includes a doctor-side PC (doctor-side information processing device) 110, a doctor-side imaging device 120, a patient-side PC (patient-side information processing device) 130, and a patient-side imaging device 140.

[0015] The doctor's PC 110 is a PC (information processing device) operated by a doctor. The doctor's PC 110 includes a display unit 111, an operation unit 112, a CPU 113, a primary storage unit 114, a secondary storage unit 115, a communication unit 116, and an audio unit 117.

[0016] In the doctor's PC 110, the CPU 113 controls the overall operation of the doctor's PC 110 and performs various processes. The secondary storage unit 115 is a storage unit such as a hard disk, and stores programs and various information for the CPU 113 to execute various processes, as well as various information (including images) obtained by the CPU 113 executing various processes. The primary storage unit 114 is a storage unit such as a RAM that temporarily stores information and is used for the CPU 113's work, and stores, for example, programs read from the secondary storage unit 115 and executed by the CPU 113. The display unit 111 displays various information (including images) under the control of the CPU 113. The operation unit 112 is a component for accepting operation inputs from the user, i.e., the doctor. The communication unit 116 communicates with the patient's PC 130 and the doctor's imaging device 120. The audio unit 117 is a component for inputting and outputting audio when the doctor and the patient communicate and for outputting audio notifications to the doctor. The audio unit 117 may be provided in the imaging device 120 on the doctor's side.

[0017] The doctor-side imaging device 120 is an imaging device for capturing an image of a doctor when the doctor performs online medical treatment (telemedicine) with a patient. The doctor-side imaging device 120 includes an optical system 121, an imaging element 122, a CPU 123, a primary storage unit 124, a secondary storage unit 125, and a communication unit 126.

[0018] In the doctor-side imaging device 120, the CPU 123 controls the overall operation of the doctor-side imaging device 120 and performs various processes. The secondary storage unit 125 is a storage unit such as a hard disk, and stores programs and various information for the CPU 123 to execute various processes, as well as various information (including images) obtained by the CPU 123 executing various processes. The primary storage unit 124 is a storage unit such as a RAM that temporarily stores information and is used for the CPU 123's work, and stores, for example, programs read from the secondary storage unit 125 and executed by the CPU 123. The optical system 121 is composed of, for example, a lens, a shutter, an aperture, etc., and focuses light from a subject on the image sensor 122 with an appropriate amount and timing. The image sensor 122 converts the light focused through the optical system 121 into an image. The communication unit 126 communicates with the doctor-side PC 110.

[0019] The patient-side PC 130 is a PC (information processing device) operated by the patient. The patient-side PC 130 includes a display unit 131, an operation unit 132, a CPU 133, a primary storage unit 134, a secondary storage unit 135, and a communication unit 136.

[0020] In the patient-side PC 130, the CPU 133 controls the overall operation of the patient-side PC 130 and performs various processes. The secondary storage unit 135 is a storage unit such as a hard disk, and stores programs and various information for the CPU 133 to execute various processes, as well as various information (including images) obtained by the CPU 133 executing the various processes. The primary storage unit 134 is a storage unit such as a RAM that temporarily stores information and is used for the CPU 133's work, and stores, for example, programs read from the secondary storage unit 135 and executed by the CPU 133. The display unit 131 displays various information (including images) under the control of the CPU 133. The operation unit 132 is a component for receiving operation inputs from the patient, who is the user. The communication unit 136 communicates with the doctor-side PC 110 and the patient-side imaging device 140.

[0021] The patient-side imaging device 140 is an imaging device for capturing an image of a patient when a doctor performs online medical treatment (telemedicine) with the patient. The patient-side imaging device 140 includes an optical system 141, an imaging element 142, a CPU 143, a primary storage unit 144, a secondary storage unit 145, a communication unit 146, and an audio unit 147.

[0022] In the patient-side imaging device 140, the CPU 143 controls the overall operation of the patient-side imaging device 140 and performs various processes. The secondary storage unit 145 is a storage unit such as a hard disk, and stores programs and various information for the CPU 143 to execute various processes, as well as various information (including images) obtained by the CPU 143 executing the various processes. The primary storage unit 144 is a storage unit such as a RAM that temporarily stores information and is used for the CPU 143's work, and stores, for example, programs read from the secondary storage unit 145 and executed by the CPU 143. The optical system 141 is composed of, for example, a lens, a shutter, an aperture, etc., and focuses light from a subject on the image sensor 142 with an appropriate amount and timing. The image sensor 142 converts the light focused through the optical system 141 into an image. The communication unit 146 communicates with the patient-side PC 130. The audio unit 147 is a component that inputs and outputs audio when a patient and a doctor communicate with each other, and outputs audio notifications to the patient. The audio unit 147 may be provided in the PC 130 on the patient side.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment and shows an example of a medical treatment order table 210 for patients for whom a doctor provides medical care (or may provide only medical examinations). The medical treatment order table 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 is maintained as a system within a hospital to manage the order of patients' medical treatment. The medical treatment order table 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 has the order, name, medical treatment type, and reception / appointment time set for each patient. In the medical treatment order table 210 illustrated in FIG. 2, patient information 211 is patient information for a patient (first patient) currently being treated. Patient information 212 to 215 are patient information for patients (second patients) who will be treated after the patient (first patient) currently being treated. Specifically, patient information 212 is patient information for a patient who will be treated next after the patient in the patient information 211. Patient information 213 is patient information for a patient who will be treated next after the patient in the patient information 212. Patient information 214 is patient information for a patient who will be treated next after the patient in the patient information 213. Furthermore, patient information 215 is patient information of a patient who will receive medical treatment next to the patient in patient information 214 .

[0024] Next, we will explain the process in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment, in which the preparation status for the next patient's treatment is displayed while the doctor is currently treating the patient (first patient), allowing the doctor to check the preparation status for the next patient's treatment.

[0025] Fig. 3A is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the control method of the doctor-side PC 110 in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3B is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the control method of the patient-side PC 130 in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the flowcharts shown in Figs. 3A and 3B assumes that when medical treatment for the currently treated patient (first patient) begins, the preparation status for medical treatment for the next patient is displayed so that the doctor can check it.

[0026] First, in step S301 of FIG. 3A, the CPU 113 of the doctor's PC 110 acquires patient information about the next patient to be treated. For example, if the current medical situation is as shown in the medical order table 210 of FIG. 2, the CPU 113 acquires patient information 212 about the patient to be treated after the patient currently being treated. The patient information acquired here is information necessary to confirm the preparation status for online medical treatment (remote medical treatment). In other words, the patient information includes information about the patient's PC 130 and the patient's imaging device 140, which are used to communicate with the patient to be treated by image (video) and audio, and personal information (including, for example, a facial image and My Number information) for determining whether the patient is the person scheduled for treatment. For example, authentication using the facial image included in the patient information can be performed to determine whether the patient is the person in question.

[0027] Next, in step S302 of FIG. 3A, the CPU 113 of the doctor's PC 110 transmits a request to confirm the patient's preparation status to the patient's PC 130 via the communication unit 116. At this time, the destination of the confirmation request is determined based on the information about the patient's PC 130 included in the patient information acquired in step S301 of FIG. 3A. Furthermore, in addition to the request to confirm the patient's preparation status, the CPU 113 also transmits information necessary for the patient's PC 130 to perform identity verification. The information necessary for this identity verification is the above-mentioned facial image and feature amounts based on the facial image. Next, the patient's PC 130 will be described.

[0028] In step S311 of FIG. 3B, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 receives a request to confirm the patient's preparation status from the doctor's PC 110 via the communication unit 136.

[0029] 3B, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 executes image capture by the patient-side imaging device 140. At this time, the CPU 133 executes image capture by transmitting an image capture instruction to the patient-side imaging device 140 via the communication unit 136.

[0030] Subsequently, in step S313 of FIG. 3B, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines whether or not a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained by the imaging in step S312.

[0031] In step S313 of FIG. 3B, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has not been detected from the captured image obtained by the shooting in step S312 (S313 / No), the process proceeds to step S314. 3B, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the CPU 133 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S314 / No) in step S314 of FIG. 3B, the process returns to step S312, and image capturing continues.

[0032] Furthermore, in step S313 of FIG. 3B, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained by the shooting in step S312 (S313 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S315. 3B, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 determines whether the face in the detected face area is that of a patient being treated. This determination in step S315 is made by comparing the face image, etc. transmitted from the doctor's PC 110 in step S302 in FIG. 3A with the face area detected from the captured image.

[0033] When the process of step S315 in Fig. 3B is completed, the process proceeds to step S316. Also, when the CPU 133 determines in step S314 in Fig. 3B that a predetermined time has elapsed (S314 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S316. 3B, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines the preparation status for the patient's medical treatment. Specifically, in this embodiment, if the person shown in the captured image matches the patient who is the target of medical treatment, the CPU 133 determines that the preparation status for the patient's medical treatment is complete. On the other hand, if the person shown in the captured image does not match the patient who is the target of medical treatment, the CPU 133 determines that the preparation status for the patient's medical treatment is not complete.

[0034] 3B, CPU 133 of patient-side PC 130 transmits information indicating the preparation status for medical treatment of the patient determined in step S316 to doctor-side PC 110 via communication unit 136. When the processing of step S317 ends, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3B ends.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a captured image obtained by capturing an image in step S312 of FIG. 3B. Specifically, the captured image 410 shown in FIG. 4(a) is an image showing the face of the patient (name: Suzuki Jiro) in the patient information 212 who is the patient to be treated. When the captured image 410 shown in FIG. 4(a) is obtained, it is determined in step S316 of FIG. 3B that preparations for the patient's medical treatment are complete. Furthermore, the captured image 420 shown in FIG. 4(b) is an image showing the face of a patient other than the patient to be treated. When the captured image 420 shown in FIG. 4(b) is obtained, it is determined in step S316 of FIG. 3B that preparations for the patient's medical treatment are not complete. Furthermore, the captured image 430 shown in FIG. 4(c) is an image in which no face is shown. When the captured image 430 shown in FIG. 4(c) is obtained, it is determined in step S313 of FIG. 3B that a face area has not been detected.

[0036] Here, we return to the explanation of the patient's PC 130. In step S303 of FIG. 3A, the CPU 113 of the doctor's PC 110 receives information indicating the preparation status of the patient's medical treatment transmitted from the patient's PC via the communication unit .

[0037] 3A, CPU 113 of PC 110 on the doctor's side displays the information indicating the preparation status for medical treatment of the patient received in step S303 on display unit 111. When the processing of step S304 ends, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3A ends.

[0038] 5A to 5E show the first embodiment and are diagrams showing an example of a display screen including the preparation status for medical treatment of a patient, which is displayed on the display unit 111 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side.

[0039] Specifically, display screen 510 shown in FIG. 5A displays the preparation status of patients in the order of treatment by the doctor (or may only examine them). Display screen 510 shown in FIG. 5A sets the order, name, treatment type, reception / appointment time, preparation status (corresponding to the above-mentioned "preparation status for patient treatment"), waiting time, and medical record / call for each patient. In display screen 510 shown in FIG. 5A, patient information 511 is patient information for the patient currently being treated (first patient). Patient information 512 to 515 is patient information for patients (second patients) who will be treated after the patient currently being treated (first patient). Specifically, patient information 512 is patient information for the patient who will be treated next after the patient in patient information 511. Patient information 513 is patient information for the patient who will be treated next after the patient in patient information 512. Patient information 514 is patient information for the patient who will be treated next after the patient in patient information 513. Furthermore, patient information 515 is patient information of the patient who will be treated next to the patient in patient information 514 .

[0040] In the display screen 510 shown in FIG. 5A, the preparation status in the patient information 512 is marked "○," indicating that preparation for the treatment of the patient is complete. The patient information 512 also indicates that the waiting time after preparation is complete is four minutes. The waiting time here is calculated based on the difference between the time when the preparation status was received in step S303 of FIG. 3A and the current time. The patient information 513 also indicates that the treatment type is face-to-face treatment. In the case of face-to-face treatment, since the patient has visited the hospital, it is determined that preparation for the treatment of the patient is complete, and the preparation status in the patient information 513 is marked "○." The preparation status in the patient information 514 is marked "×," indicating that preparation for the treatment of the patient is not complete. The preparation status in the patient information 515 is marked "unconfirmed," indicating that the preparation status for the treatment of the patient has not yet been confirmed. That is, the display screen 510 shown in FIG. 5A displays information indicating whether or not preparation for the treatment of at least the second patient is complete in the preparation status column.

[0041] Furthermore, in the display screen 510 shown in FIG. 5A, the rightmost column of each patient information 511-515 includes a "Medical Record" button and a "Call" button. A doctor or other user can display the patient's medical record by pressing the "Medical Record" button. The "Call" button is only displayed for patients undergoing online medical consultation. A doctor or other user can begin online medical consultation (telemedicine) with the patient by pressing the "Call" button. As shown in FIG. 5A, the display unit 111 of the doctor's PC 110 displays the patient's medical preparation status, allowing the doctor to confirm the patient's preparation status before beginning the online medical consultation. This reduces the waste of medical time by calling a patient who is not ready for medical treatment. In the above description, the doctor begins displaying the next patient's medical preparation status for confirmation when the current patient's medical treatment begins. However, the doctor may also confirm the status after a predetermined time has elapsed since the current patient's medical treatment began. In addition, the timing for starting to display the preparation status for the treatment of the next patient may be controlled according to the predicted treatment time of the patient currently being treated (first patient).Furthermore, when treatment of the currently being treated patient begins, not only the preparation status for the treatment of the next (next) patient but also the preparation status for the treatment of the next or third patient may be displayed so that the doctor can check it.

[0042] Next, a process of searching for a patient by performing PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) operation on the patient-side image capture device 140 when it is determined that preparations for medical treatment of the patient are not complete will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a processing method for searching for a patient by controlling the patient-side image capture device 140 as a control method for the patient-side PC 130 in the medical treatment system 100-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] First, in step S601 in Fig. 6, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 determines whether preparations for medical treatment of the patient are complete. This determination is the same as the determination in step S316 in Fig. 3B.

[0044] In step S601 of FIG. 6, if the CPU 133 determines that preparations for medical treatment of the patient are not complete (S601 / No), the process proceeds to step S602. When the process proceeds to step S602 in FIG. 6, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 controls the patient-side imaging device 140 by PTZ operation to change the imaging direction and magnification so as to capture an image of a range different from the previous range.

[0045] Next, in step S603 of FIG. 6, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 captures an image using the patient-side imaging device 140 whose PTZ was operated in step S602.

[0046] Subsequently, in step S604 of FIG. 6, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines whether or not a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained in step S602.

[0047] In step S604 of FIG. 6, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained by the shooting in step S603 (S604 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S605. 6, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 determines whether the face in the detected face area is that of a patient who is the subject of medical treatment. This determination in step S605 is made by comparing the face image, etc. transmitted from the doctor's PC 110 in step S302 in FIG. 3A with the face area detected from the captured image.

[0048] Next, in step S606 of Fig. 6, CPU 133 of patient-side PC 130 determines the preparation status of the patient for medical treatment. The specific processing in step S606 of Fig. 6 is the same as step S316 of Fig. 3B, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] 6, CPU 133 of patient-side PC 130 transmits information indicating the preparation status for medical treatment of the patient determined in step S606 to doctor-side PC 110 via communication unit 136. When the processing of step S607 ends, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0050] Also, in step S604 of FIG. 6, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has not been detected from the captured image obtained by the shooting in step S603 (S604 / No), the process proceeds to step S608. 6, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the CPU 133 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S608 / No) in step S608 of Fig. 6, the process returns to step S602, and the processes from step S602 onward are performed again.

[0051] Also, in step S608 of FIG. 6, if the CPU 133 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (S608 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609 of FIG. 6 , the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 communicates with the patient-side imaging device 140 via the communication unit 136, and notifies the patient of the start of medical treatment via the audio unit 147 of the patient-side imaging device 140. In this embodiment, since the patient-side imaging device 140 is provided with the audio unit 147, the CPU 133 sends an instruction to the patient-side imaging device 140 via the communication unit 136, thereby causing the patient-side imaging device 140 to notify the patient of the start of medical treatment via audio. The CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 that performs the processing of step S609 constitutes a notification means. Note that this embodiment can also be applied in a form in which the audio unit 147 is provided in the patient-side PC 130, in which case the patient-side PC 130 notifies the patient of the start of medical treatment via audio. When the processing of step S609 is completed, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a voice notification state in which the patient is notified by voice from the imaging device 140 on the patient side in the medical examination system 100-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Specifically, the audio notification state 710 shown in Fig. 7(a) shows an example of a state in which the patient's imaging device 140 notifies the patient by audio that medical treatment is about to begin (or that medical examination is about to begin). That is, the audio notification state 710 shown in Fig. 7(a) shows an example of the processing of step S609 in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 7(a), by notifying the patient by audio that medical treatment is about to begin, the patient can be notified that medical treatment is about to begin even if the patient has forgotten that online medical treatment is about to begin and is in a location other than where the patient's imaging device 140 is located.

[0054] Here, we return to the explanation of FIG. In step S601 of FIG. 6, if the CPU 133 determines that preparations for medical treatment of the patient are complete (S601 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S610. 6, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 communicates with the patient-side imaging device 140 via the communication unit 136, and notifies the patient to wait by voice from the audio unit 147 of the patient-side imaging device 140. When the processing of step S610 ends, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ends. An audio notification state 720 shown in FIG. 7(b) illustrates an example of a state in which the patient-side imaging device 140 notifies the patient to wait by voice. That is, the audio notification state 720 shown in FIG. 7(b) illustrates an example of the processing of step S610 in FIG. 6.

[0055] In the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, by performing PTZ operation (S602) of the imaging device 140 on the patient side and audio notification (S609 etc.), it becomes possible to search for the patient when the patient cannot be found.

[0056] Next, a process for displaying and confirming the preparation status for the medical treatment of the next patient when it is determined that the preparation for the medical treatment of the patient is not complete will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of a processing method for displaying the preparation status for the medical treatment of the next patient as a control method of the doctor's PC 110 in the medical treatment system 100-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0057] In step S801 of FIG. 8, CPU 113 of PC 110 on the doctor's side acquires patient information of the next patient to be treated, similar to step S301 of FIG. 3A.

[0058] Next, in step S802 of FIG. 8, CPU 113 of PC 110 on the doctor's side transmits a request to confirm the patient's preparation status to PC 130 on the patient's side via communication unit 116, similar to step S302 of FIG. 3A.

[0059] Next, in step S803 of FIG. 8, the CPU 113 of the doctor's PC 110 receives information indicating the preparation status for the patient's medical treatment sent from the patient's PC 130 via the communication unit 116, similar to step S303 of FIG. 3A.

[0060] Subsequently, in step S804 of FIG. 8, the CPU 113 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side displays on the display unit 111 the information indicating the preparation status for medical treatment of the patient received in step S803.

[0061] Next, in step S805 of FIG. 8, the CPU 113 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side determines whether preparations for medical treatment of the patient are complete.

[0062] In step S805 of FIG. 8, if the CPU 113 determines that preparations for medical treatment of the patient are not complete (S805 / No), the process proceeds to step S806. 8, the CPU 113 of the doctor's PC 110 acquires the patient information of the next patient to be treated. Then, the process returns to step S802, and the processes from step S802 onward are performed for the next patient to be treated acquired in step S806.

[0063] Furthermore, in step S805 of FIG. 8, if the CPU 113 determines that preparations for medical treatment of the patient are complete (S805 / Yes), the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0064] 7(c) shows an example of a state in which the patient is notified by voice from the patient-side imaging device 140 that the patient's medical treatment (order of treatment) is being advanced. If the patient is not ready to receive treatment for a scheduled patient, the system prompts the patient to prepare for the next patient's treatment, as shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0065] Next, we will explain what happens when a patient temporarily leaves their desk after it has been determined that preparations for the patient's medical treatment are complete.When conducting online medical treatment (remote medical treatment), patients often receive treatment at home, so there is a high possibility that they will temporarily leave their desk for some reason after preparations for the treatment are complete.Therefore, to allow the doctor to know when the patient has left their desk or returned from an absence, the patient's presence status can be displayed and confirmed as part of the patient's medical treatment preparation status even after preparations for the treatment are complete.

[0066] Figure 9A is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for a control method of the patient's PC 130 in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment, in which the patient's presence status is confirmed between the completion of preparations for medical treatment and the start of the treatment.

[0067] First, in step S901 of FIG. 9A, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines whether or not medical treatment for the patient has begun.

[0068] In step S901 of FIG. 9A, if the CPU 133 determines that medical treatment for the patient has not started (S901 / No), the process proceeds to step S902. When the process proceeds to step S902 in FIG. 9A, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 waits for a predetermined time.

[0069] Next, in step S903 of FIG. 9A, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 causes the patient-side imaging device 140 to capture an image.

[0070] 9A, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines whether a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained in step S903. Since the process in FIGS. 3A and 3B above has confirmed whether the patient is ready for medical treatment, if the patient remains seated, a face area will be detected.

[0071] In step S904 of FIG. 9A, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained by the shooting in step S903 (S904 / Yes), the process returns to step S902 and the processes from step S902 onwards are performed again.

[0072] Also, in step S904 of FIG. 9A, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has not been detected from the captured image obtained in step S903 (S904 / No), it determines that the patient has left the room and proceeds to step S905. When the process proceeds to step S905 in FIG. 9A, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 transmits a notice of absence to the doctor's PC 110 via the communication unit 136.

[0073] When the processing of step S905 in FIG. 9A is completed, or when the CPU 133 determines in step S901 in FIG. 9A that medical treatment for the patient has begun (S901 / Yes), the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9A is completed.

[0074] In the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9A, even after preparations for medical treatment of the patient are completed, it becomes possible to check on the doctor's PC 110 whether the patient has left his / her seat. Note that, in step S904 of Fig. 9A, it is determined only whether or not a face area has been detected in the captured image, but it may also be determined whether the patient is a target patient for medical treatment using a face image or the like, as in the process of step S313 of Fig. 3B.

[0075] Here, the display screen 520 shown in FIG. 5B includes the order, name, medical treatment type, reception / appointment time, preparation status (corresponding to the above-mentioned "preparation status for patient medical treatment"), and notes for each patient. In the display screen 520 shown in FIG. 5B, patient information 521 is the patient information for the patient currently receiving medical treatment (first patient). Patient information 522 is the patient information for the patient (second patient) who will receive medical treatment after the patient currently receiving medical treatment (first patient). In the display screen 520 shown in FIG. 5B, the preparation status for the patient information 522 is "Away from Desk." Furthermore, the notes for the patient information 522 indicate that preparation for the patient's medical treatment was completed at 9:55, but that the patient was away from their desk at 9:58. If the patient is away from their desk, the doctor cannot begin online medical treatment. Therefore, displaying the display screen 520 on the display unit 111 can prevent the doctor from wasting time.

[0076] FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a processing method for checking whether a patient has left his / her seat and then returned thereto, as a control method of the patient-side PC 130 in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment.

[0077] First, in step S911 of FIG. 9B, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 waits for a predetermined time.

[0078] Next, in step S912 of FIG. 9B, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 causes the imaging device 140 on the patient side to capture an image.

[0079] Subsequently, in step S913 of FIG. 9B, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 determines whether or not a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained by the imaging in step S912.

[0080] In step S913 of FIG. 9B, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has not been detected from the captured image obtained in S912 (S913 / No), the patient is away from his / her seat, so the process returns to step S911 and repeats the process from step S911 onwards.

[0081] Also, in step S913 of FIG. 9B, if the CPU 133 determines that a face area has been detected from the captured image obtained in S912 (S913 / Yes), the patient has returned from leaving his seat, and the process proceeds to step S914. When the process proceeds to step S914 in FIG. 9B, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 transmits a notification of return from absence to the doctor's PC 110 via the communication unit 136.

[0082] When the process of step S914 in FIG. 9B is completed, the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9B ends.

[0083] The processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 9B makes it possible to confirm on the doctor's PC 110 that a patient has returned after leaving his / her seat. Note that, in step S913 of Fig. 9B, it is determined only whether or not a face area has been detected in the captured image, but it may also be determined whether or not the patient is a target patient for medical treatment using a face image, as in the processing of step S313 of Fig. 3B.

[0084] In the above description, an example has been described in which a comparison is made with a facial image to confirm whether a person included in a photographed image is a patient to be treated in the patient-side PC 130. As another example, a form in which a patient-side PC 130 uses a My Number card to confirm whether the person is a patient to be treated can also be applied to this embodiment.

[0085] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of a processing method for confirming whether a patient is a patient who should be treated using a My Number card as a control method for the patient-side PC 130 in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 determines whether a patient is a patient who should be treated by photographing the My Number card. Note that authentication using a My Number card can also be performed by reading information from an IC card using an IC card reader, but in this embodiment, authentication is performed using a photographed image of the My Number card.

[0086] First, in step S1001 of Fig. 10, CPU 133 of patient-side PC 130 captures an image of the front side of the My Number card using patient-side imaging device 140. Here, a guidance message is displayed on display unit 131 so that the patient holds the front side of their My Number card over patient-side imaging device 140.

[0087] Subsequently, in step S1002 of FIG. 10, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 detects a face area from the image (front side) of the my card obtained by the photographing in step S1001.

[0088] 10, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 determines whether the patient is a patient to be treated, using the face area of ​​the My Bar card image (front side) detected in step S1002. This determination is made by comparing the person information (face image) included in the patient information transmitted from the doctor's PC 110 with the face area of ​​the My Bar card image (front side) detected in step S1002.

[0089] 10, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 captures an image of the back side of the My Number card using the patient-side imaging device 140. Here, a guidance message is displayed on the display unit 131 so that the patient holds the back side of their My Number card over the patient-side imaging device 140.

[0090] Next, in step S1005 of FIG. 10, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 detects the My Number area from the My Number card image (back side) obtained by the photographing in step S1004.

[0091] Next, in step S1006 of FIG. 10, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 uses OCR to analyze the My Number from the My Number area detected in step S1005.

[0092] 10, CPU 133 of patient-side PC 130 uses the My Number information obtained as a result of the analysis in step S1006 to determine whether the patient is a patient to be treated. This determination is made by comparing the personal information (My Number information) included in the patient information transmitted from doctor-side PC 110 with the My Number information obtained as a result of the analysis in step S1006. When the processing in step S1007 ends, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0093] In the process of the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, it is possible to determine whether a patient is scheduled for medical treatment by photographing the My Number card. In this embodiment, the facial image on the front side of the My Number card and the My Number on the back side are used to determine whether the patient is a target of medical treatment, but it is also possible to determine whether the patient is a target of medical treatment using only one of them.

[0094] Next, an example will be described in which, after preparations for medical treatment of a patient have been completed and before the medical treatment begins, a medical interview of the patient, an image of the affected area, and vital information are acquired.

[0095] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a processing method executed as a control method for the patient-side PC 130 in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment, after preparations for medical treatment for the patient are completed and before the medical treatment starts. Note that the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 11 is assumed to be automatically started after preparations for medical treatment for the patient are completed.

[0096] First, in step S1101 of FIG. 11, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 conducts a medical interview with the patient.

[0097] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. Specifically, Fig. 12(a) shows a state 1210 during the medical interview in step S1101 of Fig. 11. In the state 1210 during the medical interview shown in Fig. 12(a), the CPU 133 displays the contents of the medical interview on the display unit 131, and the patient P answers the medical interview using the operation unit 132.

[0098] Next, in step S1102 of Fig. 11, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 executes an image capture of the patient's affected area using the patient-side imaging device 140. Fig. 12(b) shows a state 1220 in which the affected area is being imaged in step S1102 of Fig. 11. In the state 1220 in which the affected area is being imaged shown in Fig. 12(b), the CPU 133 displays a live view image of the affected area of ​​the patient P captured by the patient-side imaging device 140 on the display unit 131, making it easier for the patient P to image the affected area. At this time, the timing for releasing the shutter of the patient-side imaging device 140 may be a countdown system, or may be set at a timing of the patient P's choosing using the operation unit 132.

[0099] 11, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 captures a facial image of the patient using the patient-side imaging device 140. The facial image is captured in the same manner as the affected area image capture in step S1102 of FIG.

[0100] Next, in step S1104 of FIG. 11, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 analyzes the facial image captured in step S1103 to acquire vital information of the patient. Here, the vital information is assumed to be information such as blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature that is useful for medical treatment. Note that the method of acquiring vital information from a facial image is a known technique, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. FIG. 12(c) shows a vital information acquisition state 1230 in steps S1103 and S1104 of FIG. 11. In the vital information acquisition state 1230 shown in FIG. 12(c), a facial image of patient P is captured by the patient-side imaging device 140, and vital information acquired by analyzing the facial image is displayed on the display unit 131.

[0101] 11, the CPU 133 of the patient-side PC 130 transmits the patient interview results, the affected area image, and the vital sign information obtained in steps S1101 to S1104 to the doctor-side PC 110 via the communication unit 136. When the processing of step S1105 ends, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0102] 11, the patient's interview results, images of the affected area, and vital information are all transmitted to the doctor's PC 110 in step S1105, but each piece of information may be transmitted separately when it is acquired. The CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 that performs the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 constitutes an execution means.

[0103] Display screen 530 shown in Fig. 5C is an example of a display screen displayed on display unit 111 of doctor-side PC 110 after the flowchart shown in Fig. 11 is completed. Display screen 530 shown in Fig. 5C has set for each patient the order, name, medical treatment type, reception / appointment time, preparation status (corresponding to the above-mentioned "preparation status for patient medical treatment"), and remarks. In display screen 530 shown in Fig. 5C, patient information 531 is patient information for the patient (first patient) currently being treated. Patient information 532 is patient information for the patient (second patient) who will be treated after the patient (first patient) currently being treated.

[0104] 5C, it can be seen that the medical interview has been completed and imaging of the affected area is being carried out in patient information 532, as indicated by the remarks. In addition, on display screen 530 shown in FIG. 5C, the doctor, who is the user, can press button 533 to check the results of the medical interview, imaging of the affected area, vital signs, etc.

[0105] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for processing the medical interview and imaging of the affected area when the patient is returning for a follow-up visit as a control method of the patient-side PC 130 in the medical examination system 100-1 according to the first embodiment. When the patient is returning for a follow-up visit, the contents of the medical interview and imaging of the affected area are changed so that the progress since the previous visit can be understood.

[0106] Fig. 13(a) shows a state 1310 during an interview when patient P is returning for a follow-up visit. In the state 1310 during an interview when patient P is returning for a follow-up visit shown in Fig. 13(a), the CPU 133 displays on the display unit 131 the contents of the interview to confirm the progress since the previous visit.

[0107] Fig. 13(b) shows a state 1320 in which an image of the affected area is being captured when the patient P is being examined again. In the state 1320 in which an image of the affected area is being captured when the patient P is being examined again shown in Fig. 13(b), the CPU 133 displays a message on the display unit 131 prompting the user to capture an image of the affected area in the same way as the previous time.

[0108] 12 and 13, by changing the contents of the medical interview and the photographing of the affected area depending on whether the patient P is visiting for the first time or a return visit, it becomes possible to make it easier for the doctor to provide medical care. Note that this embodiment also includes a form in which, when the patient P is visiting for a return visit, vital information corresponding to FIG. 12(c) is acquired and displayed on the display unit 131.

[0109] Here, the patient's physical condition can be known from the interview results and vital signs. If there is a patient who is in very poor health, it is best to start medical treatment on that patient first. This will be explained using Figures 14A and 14B.

[0110] FIG. 14A shows an example of a display screen 1410 showing the preparation status of a patient's medical treatment displayed on the display unit 111 of the doctor's PC 110 according to the first embodiment, which shows the state before the order of medical treatment is changed. The display screen 1410 shown in FIG. 14A includes the order, name, medical treatment type, reception / appointment time, preparation status (corresponding to the "preparation status of patient's medical treatment" described above), waiting time, and notes for each patient. In the display screen 1410 shown in FIG. 14A, patient information 1411 is the patient information of the patient currently being treated (first patient). Patient information 1412 to 1414 are the patient information of the patient (second patient) who will be treated after the patient currently being treated (first patient). Specifically, patient information 1412 is the patient information of the patient who will be treated next after the patient in the patient information 1411. Furthermore, patient information 1413 is the patient information of the patient who will be treated next after the patient in the patient information 1412. Furthermore, patient information 1414 is patient information of the patient who will receive medical treatment next after the patient in patient information 1413. Furthermore, it is indicated that the preparations for medical treatment have been completed for the patient in patient information 1413 and that the patient is currently being interviewed. Here, suppose that the medical interview, imaging of the affected area, and acquisition of vital information for the patient in patient information 1413 have been completed, but the physical condition of the patient in patient information 1413 is very poor. In such a case, it is preferable to move this patient up in the order of medical treatment.

[0111] FIG. 14B illustrates an example of a display screen 1420, which shows the preparation status of a patient's medical treatment and is displayed on the display unit 111 of the doctor's PC 110 according to the first embodiment, and represents the state after the medical treatment order has been changed. In the display screen 1420 shown in FIG. 14B, patient information 1421 corresponds to patient information 1411 in FIG. 14A, and patient information 1422 corresponds to patient information 1413 in FIG. 14A. In the display screen 1420 shown in FIG. 14B, patient information 1423 corresponds to patient information 1412 in FIG. 14A, and patient information 1424 corresponds to patient information 1414 in FIG. 14A. In the display screen 1420 shown in FIG. 14B, it can be seen that the patient's medical treatment order in the patient information 1422 has been moved up by one position compared to the display screen 1410 shown in FIG. 14A. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the medical treatment order of a patient can be dynamically changed according to the patient's physical condition.

[0112] We now turn to a description of Figures 5D and 5E. The above explanation mainly focused on a method for displaying the preparation status of a patient's medical treatment on the doctor's PC 110. Display screen 540 shown in FIG. 5D displays, for each patient, the order, name, medical treatment type, reception / appointment time, preparation status (corresponding to the above-mentioned "preparation status of patient's medical treatment"), current waiting time, previous waiting time, and current stress level. In display screen 540 shown in FIG. 5D, patient information 541 is the patient information of the patient currently being treated (first patient). Patient information 542 to 544 is the patient information of the patients (second patients) who will be treated after the patient currently being treated (first patient). In FIG. 5D, the patient (second patient) in patient information 542 is the first patient to be treated after the patient (first patient) in patient information 541, and the patient (second patient) in patient information 543 is the second patient to be treated after the patient in patient information 542. Furthermore, in FIG. 5D, the patient in patient information 544 (second patient) is the third patient to be treated after the patient in patient information 542. Specifically, the display screen 540 shown in FIG. 5D shows an example in which the "previous waiting time" and "current stress level" are additionally displayed. In this case, the previous waiting time in the online medical consultation is stored in the medical system 100-1 (e.g., secondary storage unit 115), and the stored previous waiting time is displayed. In addition, the current stress level is acquired as one of the vital information items described above. By displaying such "previous waiting time" and "current stress level," the doctor can grasp the situation of the patient waiting for medical treatment in more detail.

[0113] In the above explanation, when the doctor begins treatment for the current patient, the doctor starts displaying the preparation status for the next patient and the patient after that, allowing the doctor to check the patient's preparation status. Here, other examples of when to start displaying the preparation status for a patient's treatment will be explained. For example, a patient undergoing online treatment for the first time may not be familiar with using the equipment and may take a long time to prepare for treatment. Therefore, for a first-time patient, the confirmation display of the preparation status for treatment is started earlier than for a returning patient. If the preparation for treatment is not completed within a predetermined time after the confirmation display of the preparation status for treatment begins, the audio unit 147 can provide a follow-up audio notification to the patient to inform them of the start of treatment.

[0114] Next, an example will be described in which the timing for displaying the preparation status for the next patient's treatment is controlled by predicting the treatment time of the current patient. The treatment time for a patient varies greatly depending on the type of illness the patient has. Therefore, the timing for displaying the preparation status for the next patient's treatment can be changed depending on the type of illness. For example, in the case of a mild cold, such as observation of the progress of a cold, the treatment time is expected to be short, and the timing for displaying the preparation status for the next patient's treatment is advanced. In addition, in the case of a disease such as chickenpox, where the entire body needs to be examined, the treatment time is expected to be long, and the timing for displaying the preparation status for the next patient's treatment is delayed. Furthermore, the past treatment times of patients may be stored in the medical system 100-1 (e.g., the secondary storage unit 115), and the timing for displaying the preparation status for the next patient's treatment may be set based on the average of the past treatment times.

[0115] The display screen 550 shown in FIG. 5E includes, for each patient, the order, name, treatment type, reception / appointment time, preparation status (corresponding to the above-mentioned "patient treatment preparation status"), treatment history, average treatment time, and symptom summary. In the display screen 550 shown in FIG. 5E, patient information 551 is the patient information of the patient currently being treated (first patient). Patient information 552 to 554 is the patient information of the patient (second patient) who will be treated after the currently being treated patient (first patient). Specifically, the display screen 550 shown in FIG. 5E additionally displays "treatment history," "average treatment time" which is the average time of past treatments, and "symptom summary." By setting the timing for checking and displaying the next patient's treatment preparation status based on this information, it becomes possible to check the patient's treatment preparation status at an appropriate time.

[0116] In the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment described above, the CPU 113 of the doctor's PC 110 acquires patient information for a second patient who will be treated after the first patient currently being treated. The CPU 113 that performs the process of acquiring the patient information for the second patient constitutes an acquisition unit. Furthermore, in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment, the CPU 133 of the patient's PC 130 determines the preparation status for the medical treatment of the second patient using an image captured by the patient's imaging device 140 positioned to capture the second patient. The CPU 133 that performs the process of determining the preparation status for the medical treatment of the second patient constitutes a determination unit. Furthermore, in the medical system 100-1 according to the first embodiment, the display unit 111 of the doctor's PC 110 displays the preparation status for the medical treatment of the second patient based on the patient information of the second patient during the medical treatment of the first patient, under the control of the CPU 113. The display unit 111 that performs the process of displaying the preparation status for the medical treatment of the second patient constitutes a display unit. With this configuration, doctors can check in advance the preparation status for the treatment of a patient (second patient) who will be treated after the patient (first patient) they are currently treating, enabling them to provide treatment efficiently.

[0117] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment, matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only matters different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0118] In the second embodiment, a medical treatment system will be described that allows a doctor to check the presence status of patients in the waiting room in advance as a preparation status for medical treatment when the patient visits a hospital or clinic and a doctor and the patient have a face-to-face medical treatment. At hospitals or clinics, there is often a long time between reception and the start of the actual medical treatment (face-to-face medical treatment), and patients often temporarily leave the hospital to take care of other matters. From the patient's perspective, there are cases where they do not know when their medical treatment will start, and it is possible that the patient will not return by the time the treatment starts. Therefore, by making it possible to check the presence status of patients who have visited the hospital and been registered and are in the waiting room as a preparation status for medical treatment, doctors can provide medical treatment more efficiently.

[0119] FIG. 15 illustrates a second embodiment, showing an example of the overall layout of a clinic and an example of the layout of a waiting room within the clinic. Specifically, FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of the overall layout of a clinic 1500, and FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a waiting room 1510 within the clinic 1500. The clinic 1500 shown in FIG. 15(a) is provided with a waiting room 1510 where patients who have visited and checked in wait for their appointments, and examination room 1 (1520) and examination room 2 (1530) where patients receive their appointments (here, examinations). The waiting room 1510 shown in FIG. 15(b) is provided with benches for patients who have visited and checked in to sit in, as well as an imaging device 1511 for photographing the patients. In this embodiment, the imaging device 1511 is used to check the presence or absence of patients in the waiting room.

[0120] In the second embodiment, the patient in examination room 1 (1520) or examination room 2 (1530) corresponds to the patient currently being treated (first patient), and the patient in waiting room 1510 corresponds to the patient who will be treated after the first patient (second patient).

[0121] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a medical examination system 100-2 according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 16, the same components as those shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 16, the medical examination system 100-2 includes a doctor's PC (doctor's information processing device) 110 and an imaging device 140 on the patient's side.

[0123] The doctor's PC 110 shown in Fig. 16 is installed in examination room 1 (1520) or examination room 2 (1530) shown in Fig. 15(a). The patient's imaging device 140 shown in Fig. 16 corresponds to the imaging device 1511 shown in Fig. 15(b).

[0124] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the control method of the doctor's PC 110 in the medical system 100-2 according to the second embodiment. The processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 17 is performed whenever the clinic 1500 is open. Furthermore, when a patient who has visited the clinic has finished checking in, the CPU 113 of the doctor's PC 110 acquires the patient information of the patient who has already been checked in. The patient information acquired here can be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0125] First, in step S1701 of FIG. 17, the CPU 113 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side executes image capture by the imaging device 140 on the patient's side.

[0126] 17, the CPU 113 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side detects a face area from the captured image obtained in step S1701. Unlike the first embodiment, there may be multiple patients in the waiting room 1510, and therefore multiple face areas may be detected.

[0127] 17, the CPU 113 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side estimates a person from the face area detected in step S1702. Here, since person estimation is required for admitted patients, the people to be estimated are also admitted patients.

[0128] 17, the CPU 113 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side determines whether the admitted patient is present in the waiting room 1510. That is, here, the CPU 113 determines that the patient is present if the patient is included in the photographed image, and determines that the patient is absent if the patient is not included in the photographed image.

[0129] 17, the CPU 113 of the PC 110 on the doctor's side displays information indicating the patient's presence status (preparation status) in medical treatment determined in step S1704 on the display unit 111. When the processing of step S1705 ends, the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0130] FIG. 18 illustrates a second embodiment and shows an example of a display screen 1810 including the presence status (preparation status) of patients in medical treatment, which is displayed on the display unit 111 of the doctor's PC 110. Specifically, the display screen 1810 shown in FIG. 18 displays the presence status of patients in medical treatment according to the order of treatment of patients for whom the doctor will treat (or may only examine). The display screen 1810 shown in FIG. 18 sets the order, name, reception time, presence status, and notes for each patient. In the display screen 1810 shown in FIG. 18, patient information 1811 is the patient information of the patient (first patient) currently being treated. Patient information 1812 to 1815 are the patient information of patients (second patients) who will be treated after the patient (first patient) currently being treated. Specifically, patient information 1812 is the patient information of the patient who will be treated next after the patient in the patient information 1811. Furthermore, patient information 1813 is the patient information of the patient who will be treated next after the patient in the patient information 1812. Furthermore, patient information 1814 is patient information of a patient who will receive medical treatment next to the patient in the patient information 1813. Furthermore, patient information 1815 is patient information of a patient who will receive medical treatment next to the patient in the patient information 1814.

[0131] The patient in patient information 1814 shown in FIG. 18 left his / her seat at 9:48, while the other patients are present in the waiting room 1510. The time when the patient left his / her seat is displayed as the time when the patient's presence determination changed to absence determination in the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17. Furthermore, the patient in patient information 1813 shown in FIG. 18 left his / her seat at 9:42, but returned to his / her seat at 9:48 and returned (present). Note that absence and return are determined using the same procedure as in the first embodiment.

[0132] 15(b), depending on the size of the waiting room 1510, an imaging device 1511 with a PTZ function may be applied to capture and monitor the waiting room 1510 by operating the PTZ. Also, multiple imaging devices 1511 may be used to capture and monitor the waiting room 1510.

[0133] According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, it is possible to check in advance the presence status of a patient (second patient) who will be treated after the patient (first patient) currently being treated, as a preparation status for the treatment, thereby enabling doctors to provide treatment efficiently.

[0134] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

[0135] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely illustrative examples of the implementation of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0136] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. [Configuration 1] an acquisition means for acquiring patient information of a second patient who will be treated after the first patient who is currently being treated; a determination means for determining a readiness status for medical treatment of the second patient using an image captured by an imaging device arranged to capture an image of the second patient; a display means for displaying the preparation status of the second patient during medical treatment of the first patient based on the patient information of the second patient; A medical treatment system comprising: [Configuration 2] The second patient includes at least a patient who will be treated next after the first patient. 2. The medical system according to claim 1, [Configuration 3] The determination means compares the face area detected from the photographed image with a face image included in the patient information of the second patient to further determine whether the patient is the second patient. 3. The medical treatment system according to configuration 1 or 2. [Configuration 4] The imaging device further photographs the My Number card, The determination means compares a face area detected from an image of the My Number card obtained by photographing the My Number card with a face image included in the patient information of the second patient to further determine whether the patient is the second patient. 3. The medical treatment system according to configuration 1 or 2. [Configuration 5] The imaging device further photographs the My Number card, The determination means compares the My Number area detected from the My Number card image obtained by photographing the My Number card with the My Number information included in the patient information of the second patient to further determine whether the patient is the second patient. 3. The medical treatment system according to configuration 1 or 2. [Configuration 6] The display means displays, as the preparation status of the second patient, information indicating at least whether or not the second patient is prepared for medical treatment. 6. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. [Configuration 7] When the determination means determines that the second patient is not ready as the readiness state, the direction and magnification of the imaging by the imaging device are changed and the imaging device is made to perform the imaging. 7. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. [Configuration 8] The system further includes a notification unit that notifies the second patient to prepare for medical treatment when the determination unit determines that the second patient is not ready. 8. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, [Configuration 9] The notification means issues the notification by voice. 9. The medical system according to configuration 8, [Configuration 10] The second patient includes at least a first preparatory patient who will be treated next to the first patient and a second preparatory patient who will be treated next to the first preparatory patient, When the determination means determines that the first preparation patient is not ready as the preparation state, For the second preparation patient, the patient information is acquired by the acquisition means, the preparation status is determined by the determination means, and the preparation status is displayed by the display means. 10. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, [Configuration 11] The determination means, after determining that the readiness status of the second patient is "ready," further determines whether the second patient has left the room and returned from the room; The display means further displays information indicating the departure and return of the second patient. 11. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. [Configuration 12] When the determination means determines that the readiness status of the second patient is "ready," The apparatus further includes an execution means for executing at least one of interviewing the second patient, photographing the affected area of ​​the second patient using the imaging device, and acquiring vital information of the second patient using the photographed image. 12. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 11. [Configuration 13] The execution means executes the at least one of the above steps based on the results of a previous medical examination when the medical examination of the second patient is a return visit. 13. The medical system according to claim 12, [Configuration 14] the second patient comprises a plurality of patients; and changing the order of medical treatment for the plurality of patients according to the result of the execution by the execution means. 14. The medical system according to configuration 12 or 13, [Configuration 15] The display means starts displaying the preparation status of the second patient at the timing when medical treatment for the first patient begins. 15. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Configuration 16] The display means controls a timing to start displaying the preparation status of the second patient depending on whether the medical treatment of the second patient is a first visit or a repeat visit. 15. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Configuration 17] The display means controls a timing to start displaying the preparation status of the second patient according to a predicted treatment time of the first patient. 15. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Configuration 18] The display means further displays the waiting time of the second patient at the previous consultation, or the average consultation time in the past for the first patient and the second patient. 18. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 17. [Configuration 19] The second patient is a patient who receives online medical care. 19. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 18. [Configuration 20] The second patient is a patient who has visited the hospital and has already been admitted, the determination means determines an attendance status as the preparation status for medical treatment of the second patient using the captured image; The display means displays the presence status of the second patient during medical treatment of the first patient. 19. The medical treatment system according to any one of configurations 1 to 18. [Configuration 21] The display means further displays the time when the second patient switched from being present to being absent and the time when the second patient switched from being absent to being present upon returning. 21. The medical system according to configuration 20. [Method 1] an acquisition step of acquiring patient information of a second patient who will be treated after the first patient who is currently being treated; a determining step of determining a readiness status for medical treatment of the second patient using an image captured by an imaging device arranged to capture an image of the second patient; a display step of displaying the readiness status of the second patient during medical treatment of the first patient based on the patient information of the second patient; A method for controlling a medical treatment system, comprising: [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the medical treatment system described in any one of configurations 1 to 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 100: medical treatment system, 110: doctor's PC, 111: display unit, 112: operation unit, 113: CPU, 114: primary storage unit, 115: secondary storage unit, 116: communication unit, 117: audio unit, 120: doctor's imaging device, 121: optical system, 122: image sensor, 123: CPU, 124: primary storage unit, 125: secondary storage unit, 126: communication unit, 130: patient's PC, 131: display unit, 132: operation unit, 133: CPU, 134: primary storage unit, 135: secondary storage unit, 136: communication unit, 140: patient's imaging device, 141: optical system, 142: image sensor, 143: CPU, 144: primary storage unit, 145: secondary storage unit, 146: communication unit, 147: audio unit

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring patient information of a second patient who will be treated after a first patient who is currently being treated; a determination means for determining a preparation status for medical treatment of the second patient using an image captured by an imaging device arranged to capture an image of the second patient; a display means for displaying the preparation status of the second patient during medical treatment of the first patient based on the patient information of the second patient; A medical treatment system comprising:

2. The second patient includes at least a patient who will be treated next after the first patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

3. The determination means compares the face area detected from the photographed image with a face image included in the patient information of the second patient to further determine whether the patient is the second patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

4. The imaging device further photographs the My Number card, The determination means compares a face area detected from an image of the My Number card obtained by photographing the My Number card with a face image included in the patient information of the second patient to further determine whether the patient is the second patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

5. The imaging device further photographs the My Number card, The determination means compares the My Number area detected from the My Number card image obtained by photographing the My Number card with the My Number information included in the patient information of the second patient to further determine whether the patient is the second patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

6. The display means displays, as the preparation status of the second patient, information indicating at least whether or not the second patient is prepared for medical treatment. The medical system according to claim 1 .

7. When the determination means determines that the second patient is not ready as the readiness state, the direction and magnification of the imaging by the imaging device are changed and the imaging device is caused to perform the imaging. The medical system according to claim 1 .

8. The system further includes a notification unit that notifies the second patient to prepare for medical treatment when the determination unit determines that the second patient is not ready. The medical system according to claim 1 .

9. The notification means issues the notification by voice. The medical system according to claim 8 .

10. The second patient includes at least a first preparation patient who will receive medical care after the first patient and a second preparation patient who will receive medical care after the first preparation patient, When the determination means determines that the first preparation patient is not ready as the preparation state, the acquisition means acquires the patient information, the determination means determines the preparation state, and the display means displays the preparation state for the second preparation patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

11. The determination means, after determining that the readiness status of the second patient is "ready," further determines whether the second patient has left the room and returned from the room; The display means further displays information indicating the departure and return of the second patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

12. The system further includes an execution unit that, when the determination unit determines that the second patient is ready as the readiness status, executes at least one of interviewing the second patient, photographing the affected area of ​​the second patient with the imaging device, and acquiring vital information of the second patient using the photographed image. The medical system according to claim 1 .

13. The execution means executes the at least one of the above-mentioned steps based on the results of the previous medical examination when the medical examination of the second patient is a return visit. The medical system according to claim 12 .

14. the second patient comprises a plurality of patients; and changing the order of medical treatment for the plurality of patients according to the result of the execution by the execution means. The medical system according to claim 12 .

15. The display means starts displaying the preparation status of the second patient at the timing when medical treatment for the first patient begins. The medical system according to claim 1 .

16. The display means controls a timing to start displaying the preparation status of the second patient depending on whether the medical treatment of the second patient is a first visit or a repeat visit. The medical system according to claim 1 .

17. The display means controls a timing to start displaying the preparation status of the second patient according to a predicted treatment time of the first patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

18. The display means further displays the waiting time of the second patient at the previous consultation or the average consultation time in the past for the first patient and the second patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

19. The second patient is a patient who receives online medical care. The medical system according to claim 1 .

20. The second patient is a patient who has visited the hospital and has already been admitted, the determination means determines an attendance status as the preparation status for medical treatment of the second patient using the captured image; The display means displays the presence status of the second patient during medical treatment of the first patient. The medical system according to claim 1 .

21. The display means further displays the time when the second patient switched from being present to being absent and the time when the second patient switched from being absent to being present upon returning. The medical system according to claim 20.

22. an acquisition step of acquiring patient information of a second patient who will be treated after the first patient who is currently being treated; a determining step of determining a readiness status for medical treatment of the second patient using an image captured by an imaging device arranged to capture an image of the second patient; a display step of displaying the preparation status of the second patient during medical treatment of the first patient based on the patient information of the second patient; A method for controlling a medical treatment system, comprising:

23. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the medical treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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