Display control method, program, and information processing device

Abstract

We provide new technologies to facilitate the transition between daily life and treatment. [Solution] In a display control method for controlling the display of a display device, the display device displays a screen to a user who has logged into a patient system with predetermined user identification information, and when the computer controls the display of the display device to change the display screen depending on whether or not the user's medical appointment schedule information for today is stored in the database, the computer controls the display of the display device to display a first screen containing the medical appointment schedule information of the user with the user identification information when the medical appointment schedule information for today is stored in the database, and to display a second screen, which is different from the first screen and contains personal memo information entered by the user with the user identification information, when the medical appointment schedule information for today is not stored in the database.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control method, a program, and an information processing apparatus for providing a user interface.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, software for supporting disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, so-called digital therapeutics, has been provided. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for comprehensively supporting user health care, treatment, and examination. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a server that determines the health state of each user and outputs information including a graph of test result data, a graph of body temperature and menstrual data, and a message according to the health state of each user to the user's terminal. In addition, as a screen for displaying the user's own information, a screen for displaying a To Do column or the like in units of one day of the current date of the calendar is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, with the progress of cancer medicine, early detection, and treatment, the survival rate of patients has improved, and the aspect of living with cancer while undergoing treatment has become stronger. In addition, due to the progress of medicine, cancer treatment is not only carried out in the hospital but also increasingly carried out on an outpatient basis. In outpatient cancer treatment, anti-cancer drug treatment, radiation therapy, etc. are often carried out every two to three weeks and continued for a certain period. During the period of continuous treatment, effects on the body such as pain due to side effects may also occur. Especially when carrying out outpatient treatment while living daily life, it is difficult to control the mood due to the mixture of daily life and treatment, and there are quite a few patients who suffer from mental pain because of this.

[0005] Once treatment begins, the amount of work required increases, disrupting daily life and leading to anxiety about treatment, financial worries, and other forms of instability in both treatment and daily life. In such circumstances, the blurring of lines between treatment and daily life can make it difficult to control one's mood and circumstances, causing significant emotional distress. Therefore, skillfully switching between treatment and daily life is key to enriching both and achieving a balance between treatment and daily life.

[0006] In the user interface described in Patent Document 1, a screen displaying tasks to be done is shown every day, regardless of whether or not there is treatment scheduled for that day, making it difficult to encourage the user to switch between daily life and treatment.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a new technology that facilitates the transition between daily life and treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a display control method for controlling the display of a display device, wherein the display device displays a screen to a user who has logged into a patient system with predetermined user identification information, and when the computer controls the display of the display device to change the display screen depending on whether or not the user's current hospital visit schedule information is stored in the database, the computer controls the display of the display device to display a first screen containing the user's current hospital visit schedule information when the current hospital visit schedule information is stored in the database, and to display a second screen, which is different from the first screen and contains personal memo information entered by the user, when the current hospital visit schedule information is not stored in the database. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new technology that facilitates the transition between daily life and treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of an information processing terminal. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the application screen 20. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the screen for entering new information. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing screen 40 of the application. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the screen for entering a new appointment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a database. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of a flowchart. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing screen 60 of the application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described by listing them. The present invention has, for example, the following configuration.

[0012] [Item 1] In a display control method for controlling the display of a display device, The aforementioned display device displays a screen to a user who has logged into the patient system with predetermined user identification information. Computers When controlling the display of the display device to change the display screen depending on whether or not the user's current medical appointment schedule information is stored in the database, If the information regarding the patient's medical appointment schedule is stored in the database, the first screen containing the patient's medical appointment schedule information is displayed. When the information on the hospital visit schedule for today is not stored in the database, on a screen different from the first screen, display a second screen that includes the information on the user's personal memo input by the user of the user identification information. A display control method characterized by controlling the display of the display device. [Item 2] On the first screen, display information about other registered users. The method according to item 1, wherein on the second screen, information about other registered users is not displayed. [Item 3] The method according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the total number of registered users of the system who will visit the hospital today is displayed on the first screen. [Item 4] The method according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that an image of a character representing the registered users of the system who will visit the hospital today is displayed on the first screen. [Item 5] The method according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the patient is a cancer patient. [Item 6] The method according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the information to be displayed on the first screen can be selected from the memo information. [Item 7] The method according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the computer determines the presence or absence of information on the hospital visit schedule for today of the user of the predetermined user identification information stored in the database. [Item 8] It is possible to switch from the first screen to the second screen by the user's selection, The method according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that it is possible to switch from the second screen to the first screen by the user's selection. [Item 9] A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Item 10] In an information processing device, The system includes a processing unit that controls the display of a display device that shows a screen to a user who has logged in to the patient system with predetermined user identification information. The aforementioned processing unit, When controlling the display of the display device to change the display screen depending on whether or not the user's current medical appointment schedule information is stored in the database, If the information regarding the patient's medical appointment schedule is stored in the database, the first screen containing the patient's medical appointment schedule information is displayed. If the information regarding the hospital visit schedule for the current day is not stored in the database, a second screen will be displayed, which is different from the first screen and contains the user's personal memo information entered by the user's user identification information. An information processing apparatus characterized by controlling the display of the aforementioned display device.

[0013] <Details of the embodiment> In this embodiment, as an example, an information processing system for providing an application (software) intended for users who are suffering from an illness will be described. Illnesses include various diseases, symptoms, disorders, injuries, poisonings, and abnormalities, and in this embodiment, a system specifically for cancer patients will be described.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a diagram of the information processing system in this embodiment. This system comprises information processing terminals (information processing devices) 1 and 2, and a server (information processing device) 3. These are connected by a network 4. Information processing terminal 1 is used by a user A, and information processing terminal 2 is used by another user B. In addition to information processing terminals 1 and 2, multiple other information processing terminals used by multiple other users may be connected to network 4. Hereafter, items common to each information processing terminal will not be explicitly referred to as "information processing terminals" without specifying reference numbers.

[0015] In this system, the server controls and manages the data, while the application (client) on the information processing terminal displays that data. On the server side (backend), data is managed in a database, API endpoints are provided, data updates and calculations are performed, data is sent to the client, the display of the application screen is controlled, and security is controlled. On the client side (application), requests are sent to the server's API, the data received from the server is displayed on the screen, a user interface (UI) is provided, and temporary data caching is performed.

[0016] The information processing terminal has user-facing application programs installed. These programs are installed by downloading them from a server connected to the information processing terminal via network 4. The information processing terminal transmits information entered by the user to server 3 via network 4. The information processing terminal also receives (acquires) information output by server 3 via network 4 and displays information (images) based on the received information.

[0017] Next, we will explain the configuration of the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal has a computer, such as a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or a tablet. The information processing terminal displays the medical visit screen (described later) or the daily life screen on a display device (display screen) using installed applications.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a diagram of the information processing terminal's configuration. The information processing terminal includes a processing unit 11, memory 12, storage 13, communication unit 14, input unit 15, and display unit 16. These are electrically connected to each other via a bus 17. The bus 17 is commonly connected to all of the above components and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0019] The processing unit 11 is a computing device that controls the operation of the entire information processing terminal, controls the transmission and reception of data between each part, and performs information processing necessary for program execution and authentication processing. The processing unit 11 includes a computing device such as a CPU, GPU, or FPGA, and executes programs stored in the storage 13 and loaded into the memory 12 to perform various information processing described later.

[0020] The memory 12 (storage unit) includes a main memory composed of a volatile storage device such as DRAM, and an auxiliary memory composed of a non-volatile storage device such as flash memory or an HDD. The memory 12 is used as a work area for the processing unit 11, and also stores the BIOS and various setting information that are executed when the information processing terminal 1 is started up.

[0021] Storage 13 (storage medium) stores various programs of the application. A database containing data used for each process is built on storage 13.

[0022] The communication unit 14 connects the information processing terminal 1 to the network 4. The communication unit 14 communicates with external devices directly or via a network access point using methods such as wired LAN, wireless LAN, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, registered trademark), infrared communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark), short-range or contactless communication. The input unit 15 is an information input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel.

[0023] The display unit (display device) 16 includes a display that shows information calculated by the processing unit 11 or information received from an external source by the communication unit 14. An organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like can be used as the display. The display unit 16 provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays various types of information on its display surface. The display unit 16 is not limited to being integrated with the information processing terminal; it may also be a display device provided separately from the information processing terminal and connected to it.

[0024] Next, the configuration of Server 3 will be described. Server 3 includes a computer having a processing unit, memory (storage unit), storage (storage medium), and communication unit. Each unit is electrically connected to the others via a bus. By executing installed software programs, Server 3 controls the display of the display device to show either a medical appointment screen or a daily screen depending on whether or not the user's current medical appointment schedule information, which is a predetermined user identification information, is stored in the database.

[0025] The processing unit is a computing device that controls the overall operation of server 3, controls the transmission and reception of data between each part, and performs information processing necessary for program execution and authentication. The processing unit includes a computing device such as a CPU, GPU, or FPGA, and executes programs stored in storage and loaded into memory to perform various information processing described later. The memory of server 3 includes main memory composed of volatile storage devices such as DRAM, and auxiliary storage composed of non-volatile storage devices such as flash memory or HDD. The memory is used as a work area for the processing unit. The memory and storage of server 3 store various programs. In addition, a database storing data used for each process may be built in this storage, or it may be configured to be connectable to a separate database server.

[0026] The communication unit of server 3 connects server 3 to network 4. The communication unit communicates with external devices directly or via network access points using various communication methods. This communication unit receives information transmitted from information processing terminals 1 and 2 via network 4. The received information is stored in memory and used for information processing performed by the processing unit, or stored in storage. Server 3 receives (acquires) information transmitted by the information processing terminals via network 4, performs various information processing based on the received information, and stores the information in memory or storage. Furthermore, in response to requests from the information processing terminals, server 3 controls the communication unit to transmit the results of the information processing, or the information stored in memory or storage, to the information processing terminals.

[0027] Next, we will explain user registration. User A can register for this system using information processing terminal 1. First, user A installs the application on information processing terminal 1. Then, when user A launches the application for the first time, information processing terminal 1 displays a user registration screen (page) on its display. On the user registration screen, user A enters information to identify the user, such as email address and password. Depending on the purpose, user A can also enter information that represents the user's characteristics and attributes, such as medical condition and age. The processing unit of information processing terminal 1 acquires the user information entered by user A and controls the communication unit to send the acquired information to server 3. The communication unit sends the information to server 3 via network 4.

[0028] Server 3 receives user information entered by user A via network 4. At this time, server 3 can automatically create a user ID for user identification. Server 3 checks the user information for errors, and if there are no errors, it saves the user information to memory or a database and registers the user. If there are errors, server 3 sends an error notification to information processing terminal 1. When information processing terminal 1 receives an error notification, it displays an error message and prompts user A to correct the user information. Email addresses and user IDs are unique information used to identify individuals in various information processing and information transmission / reception processes, so it is necessary to register them without duplication.

[0029] When Server 3 automatically creates a user ID, it stores the user information entered by User A in memory or storage, generates a unique ID number for User A, and registers User A as a user. Server 3 notifies Information Processing Terminal 1 that user registration is complete and controls the communication unit to send the generated ID to Information Processing Terminal 1 used by User A. Information Processing Terminal 1 stores the user ID received from Server 3 in its memory.

[0030] Next, the login process will be explained. Users who have completed user registration launch the application on the information processing terminal and log in by entering their user ID, email address and other user identification information, and password on the login screen. In response to the user's actions, the information processing terminal sends the entered user identification information and password, the information processing terminal's device information (device-specific identifier), application version information, and network information such as the IP address to server 3. Server 3 compares the received user ID and other identification information and password with the user information stored in the database. If the information entered by the user is correctly matched and authenticated, server 3 sends an authentication success response to the information processing terminal. Upon successful authentication, server 3 controls the display unit of the information processing terminal to display a predetermined screen and information.

[0031] Next, we will describe the application screen (graphical user interface (GUI)) displayed by a display device that shows information provided by an information processing terminal running an application. Here, a screen is a visually recognizable image displayed on the display surface (an area composed of multiple pixels) of a display device, and the same screen includes images that are moved and displayed within the display surface by scrolling and swiping, regardless of the size of the display surface of the display unit. In screen design, the display area is defined for each type and item of information stored in the database, so even if the content of the information displayed in the same display area on the screen differs from day to day, for example, if the type of information is the same, each screen displayed each day can be said to be the same screen. On the other hand, different screens are created independently as separate screens in screen design, and each screen displays a type of information unique to that screen. In screen design, each screen may be assigned a unique ID, number, or name to distinguish each of multiple screens.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the everyday application screen 20 (second screen) displayed by the display device. On screen 20, the user can input memo information such as text and images. The information processing terminal displays the memo information, such as text and images, entered by the user logged in to that terminal on screen 20. The memo is information entered by the user themselves and is not shared with others. Screen 20 does not display information about other registered users. Within the screen displayed to a user logged in with predetermined user identification information, information about users with user identification information other than the predetermined user identification information is not displayed. Screen 20 is used as a screen to display information about the user themselves (their internal world).

[0033] Screen 20 in Figure 3 displays information 21 and information 22 entered and saved by the user. Information 21 includes the text (characters and symbols) entered by the user, image A, and the date on which this information was entered. Information 22 includes image B and the date on which image B was entered. A new entry button 23 is also displayed on screen 20.

[0034] Screen 20 displays a new input button 23. When the new input button 23 is tapped or clicked (selected) by the user, the information processing terminal notifies the server 3 that the new input button 23 has been operated, and the server 3 instructs the information processing terminal to display the input field. Once the information processing terminal displays the input field, the user can enter text (characters, symbols), images, etc. into the input field.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the input field screen 30. Screen 30 displays a text input field 31 and an image input field 32. In the text input field 31, the user can enter things like notes about hospital visits, test results, questions for doctors and nurses, events in daily life, impressions, thoughts, feelings, anxieties, and musings. By selecting the photo icon 33, the information processing terminal displays images stored in the terminal's memory, and the user can select an image from the displayed images and input it into the image input field 32. The user can also select the camera icon 34 to take a picture using the camera connected to the information processing terminal. Images taken by the user are input into the image input field 32. Images entered into the image input field can also be deleted. In screen 30, the date field 35 allows the user to enter the date, such as the current date.

[0036] Screen 30 displays a save button 36, a cancel button 37, and a "deposit" button 38. When the user selects either the save button 36 or the "deposit" button 38, the information processing terminal notifies the server 3, retrieves the entered text, image, and date (time) information, and sends it to the server 3. The server 3 receives the information sent from the information processing terminal and stores it in an external database such as the server 3. After storing the information in the database, the server 3 controls the display of the information processing terminal's screen to return from screen 30 to screen 20. If the user selects the cancel button 37, the information processing terminal notifies the server 3, the information processing terminal does not send the information entered by the user to the server 3, and the server 3 controls the display of the information processing terminal's screen to return from screen 30 to screen 20, ending the user's input.

[0037] Memo information (text, images, etc.) that the user saves to the database by selecting the save button 36 or the "deposit" button 38 is displayed on screen 20. Memo information that the user saves to the database by selecting the "deposit" button 38 is also displayed on screen 40, which will be described later. Server 3 stores information indicating that the "deposit" button 38 was selected, corresponding to the memo information stored in the database. Memo information saved to the database by selecting the save button 36 can later be saved to the database by the user selecting the "deposit" button 38. Conversely, memo information saved to the database by selecting the "deposit" button 38 can later be deleted from the database by the user by unchecking or re-selecting the "deposit" button, or by storing information in the database indicating that the "deposit" button 38 was not selected.

[0038] When displaying screen 20, server 3 searches for memo information previously entered by users and stored in external devices such as server 3. For example, when displaying screen 20, server 3 searches for memo information previously entered by user A and stored in the database. To identify whose memo information it is, server 3 obtains the user identification information of logged-in user A from the information processing terminal. Information processing terminal 1 may also send device information along with the user identification information to server 3. In response to the information from information processing terminal 1, server 3 searches the database for memo information previously entered and stored by user A on screen 30, using the user identification information as a search criterion. Server 3 sends the memo information previously entered and stored by user A, extracted by the search, to information processing terminal 1. Information processing terminal 1 receives the memo information from server 3 and displays it on screen 20.

[0039] By viewing the memo information displayed on screen 20, the user can use screen 20 daily as a diary or memo pad. The information processing terminal displays on screen 20 the text, images, and date information previously entered by the user, separated by input unit, that is, each time the information is saved by selecting the save button 36 or the "deposit" button 38. For example, as shown in Figure 3, on screen 20, information 21 previously entered and saved by the user and information 22 previously entered and saved by the user at a different time are displayed side by side.

[0040] As described above, Server 3 searches for memo information using user identification information and sends the memo information linked to the user identification information to the information processing terminal. Therefore, the information processing terminal will not acquire memo information of a user other than the user logged into that terminal and display it on screen 20. For example, on screen 20 displayed by information processing terminal 1, where user A is logged in, memo information entered by user A will be displayed, but memo information entered by user B on information processing terminal 2 will not be displayed. Conversely, on screen 20 displayed by information processing terminal 2, where user B is logged in, memo information entered by user B will be displayed, but memo information entered by user A on information processing terminal 1 will not be displayed.

[0041] Thus, with this system, memo information entered by user A is not shared with user B. Therefore, user A does not need to worry about their personal information that they do not want others to know, or information they want to keep to themselves, being shared with other registered users. They can record their thoughts with peace of mind and store the data in this system. In particular, users suffering from cancer often have feelings that they cannot resolve, such as the fear of death and anxiety about treatment, and feelings that have nowhere to go. Therefore, by using screens 20 and 30 as a place where users can quietly express such thoughts, feelings, and anxieties—a space for their inner world (a space separated from the outside world)—it can help alleviate the user's mental stress. In particular, it can alleviate the mental suffering experienced by people living with cancer.

[0042] Furthermore, the information processing terminal application can be configured to not share information, such as inputting information from other applications within the information processing terminal where the user is logged in, or outputting information to other applications, except for importing photographic images. This allows screen 20 to be provided as a more closed environment, an internal space.

[0043] Screen 20 displays a menu bar 24. When the user selects the menu bar 24, the information processing terminal notifies the server 3, and the server 3 instructs the information processing terminal to display the menu image on screen 20. The menu image displays various menus, and the user can select to switch to a screen for medical appointments, such as screen 40 described later, which displays appointment schedules.

[0044] Figure 5 shows the medical appointment screen 40 (first screen) of the application displayed by the display device. On screen 40, the user can check their medical appointment schedule for the day. The information processing terminal displays the information about the medical appointment for the day that the user entered on screen 40. Screen 40 also displays information about other registered users. Screen 40 is a screen that represents the relationship and connection with the outside world, such as medical institutions. Here, medical appointments include going to medical institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and medical offices, as well as receiving online medical consultations from medical institutions.

[0045] In Figure 5, screen 40 has an area 41 that displays the total number of registered users who have an appointment to visit a hospital today. Server 3 obtains today's date, searches the database for users with appointments scheduled for today, and calculates the total number of users with appointments scheduled for today. Server 3 then sends the total number of users with appointments scheduled for today to the information processing terminal. Since the user of the information processing terminal where screen 40 is displayed has an appointment scheduled for today, that user is included in the total number.

[0046] On screen 40, the user can check their scheduled hospital visit for the day. The information processing terminal displays the information about the day's hospital visit that the user has entered on screen 40. Screen 40 has an area 42 that displays the day's schedule entered and saved by the user. Server 3 retrieves the information about the day's hospital visit for the user logged into the information processing terminal from the database and sends it to the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal displays the information about the day's hospital visit for the user on screen 40. The day's schedule area 42 displays the date and time entered by the user, title (hospital name), list of items to bring, memo (free-form text field), etc. Within the screen displayed to users logged in with predetermined user identification information, the hospital visit schedule of the user with that user identification information is displayed.

[0047] Screen 40 displays a button 44 for adding an appointment, a record button 45 for viewing all records, a deposited post 46, a new entry button 47, and a menu bar 48. When the user selects the add appointment button 44, the information processing terminal displays screen 50 for adding a new appointment. The information processing terminal notifies server 3 in response to the user's selection of the add appointment button 44, and server 3 sends the information on screen 50 to the information processing terminal so that screen 50 can be displayed on the terminal's display unit.

[0048] Figure 6 shows screen 50 for entering a new appointment. Screen 50 displays a field 51 for entering the date of the new appointment, a field 52 for entering the title (name) of the appointment, a field 53 for entering a checklist of items to bring, etc., and a field 54 for entering notes as a free-text field. The user can enter the name of the hospital to be visited in the title field or the free-text field, or enter the details of the examination, the name of the medical department, etc. in the free-text field. When the user has finished entering information in these fields and wishes to save it, they select the save button 55. When the user selects the save button 55, the information processing terminal sends the appointment information entered by the user to the server 3, and the server 3 stores that information in the database. The server 3 then controls the display of the information processing terminal screen to return from screen 50 to screen 40.

[0049] On screen 50, if the user wishes to stop entering information, they select the cancel button 56. When the user selects the cancel button 56, the information processing terminal notifies the server 3, and the server 3 controls the display so that the information processing terminal's screen returns from screen 50 to screen 40. Even if the user has entered information in each field on screen 50, if the user selects the cancel button 56, the information entered by the user in each field on screen 50 will not be stored in the database.

[0050] Figure 7 shows an example of a database. The database has fields for event number, user ID, date, title, list, and memo. Multiple information sets are stored, with each set containing this information. Each time the user enters information on screen 50 and selects the save button 55, server 3 assigns an event number to the information received from the information processing terminal. When the user selects the save button 55, the information processing terminal sends the user ID along with the information entered by the user to server 3. Server 3 retrieves this information and stores it in the database, item by item.

[0051] When Server 3 displays the total number of registered users scheduled to visit a hospital today on screen 40, it obtains today's date, searches the database for a dataset containing today's date, and counts the number of user IDs in the retrieved dataset, removing duplicates. The counted number is then calculated as the total number of users scheduled to visit a hospital today.

[0052] In recent years, advances in medical treatment have led to an increase in outpatient cancer treatment, in addition to hospitalization. Outpatient cancer treatment involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy every two to three weeks, but patients may experience physical effects such as pain due to side effects during these visits. Furthermore, some people find it difficult to accept bad test results or poor treatment outcomes, making it painful to receive test results and other information. As a result, many patients experience significant emotional distress during outpatient visits. On screen 40, users can see the total number of users scheduled for outpatient visits today, allowing them to see others in similar situations, feel the presence of others, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and support their motivation to attend appointments. In this way, screen 40 can help alleviate the emotional stress experienced by users who tend to feel isolated. In particular, it can help alleviate the emotional distress faced by people living with cancer.

[0053] When the user selects the record button 45, the information processing terminal displays a screen containing records of appointments previously entered by the user. The information processing terminal notifies the server 3 in response to the user tapping or clicking the record button 45. Upon receiving the notification, the server 3 obtains user identification information from the information processing terminal and searches the database using the user identification information to retrieve information on all appointments previously entered by the user. The server 3 sends information on all appointments previously entered by the user to the information processing terminal, and also sends information from the screen to the information processing terminal so that the screen can be displayed on the terminal's display unit.

[0054] Post 46 displays information (text, images, etc.) stored in an external database such as Server 3 when the user selects the "Deposit" button 38 on screen 30. The memo information that the user has stored in the database by selecting the "Deposit" button 38 is associated with information indicating that the "Deposit" button 38 was selected. Therefore, when displaying post 46, Server 3 searches for memo information that has been previously entered by the user and stored in an external device such as Server 3, and that contains information indicating that the "Deposit" button 38 was selected (deposited information). When searching, Server 3 obtains the user identification information of the logged-in user A from the information processing terminal 1 to identify whose memo information it is. The information processing terminal 1 may also send device information to Server 3 along with the user identification information. In response to the information from the information processing terminal 1, Server 3 searches the database for deposited memo information that was previously entered and stored by User A, using the user identification information as a search criterion. Server 3 sends the deposited memo information extracted by the search to the information processing terminal 1. Information processing terminal 1 receives the memo information from server 3 and displays it in post 46.

[0055] When the user selects the new input button 47, screen 30 is displayed on the information processing terminal, allowing the user to input various information as described above. Information stored in the database, such as server 3, by the user selecting the "Deposit" button 38 on screen 30 is displayed in post 46. After storing the information in the database, server 3 controls the display on the information processing terminal screen to return from screen 30 to screen 40. Also, if the user selects the cancel button 37 on screen 30, the display control on the information processing terminal screen returns from screen 30 to screen 40.

[0056] Users who have finished their hospital visit for the day can select the "New Input" button 47 to enter the results of their examination and tests as a memo on screen 30, and have the information stored in a database such as server 3. Users who have finished their hospital visit for the day can also select the "Add Appointment" button 44 to register information about their next appointment. On screen 50 for adding a new appointment, users can enter information about their next appointment, as well as the results of their examination and tests for the day in the memo field 54, and have this information stored in a database such as server 3. The information entered in the memo field 54 is displayed in the appointment display area 42 on screen 40.

[0057] Screen 40 has a button 43 that says "Today's schedule is complete." Button 43 is provided for the user to select when they have completed an task (event) displayed in the Today's Schedule area 42. When the user selects button 43, the screen displays a screen asking whether to add the next appointment. Depending on the user's selection, the screen either adds the next appointment and returns to screen 40, or returns to screen 40 without adding an appointment. The next screen 40 displayed does not show today's schedule, but shows future appointments if any. The information processing terminal notifies server 3 according to the selection of button 43, and server 3 controls the display to switch the display on the information processing terminal's screen.

[0058] Screen 40 displays a menu bar 48. When the user selects menu bar 48, the information processing terminal notifies server 3, and server 3 instructs the information processing terminal to display menu images on screen 40. Various menus are displayed on the menu images, and the user can switch to screens such as the aforementioned screen 20 based on their selection.

[0059] Screen 40 does not display the names, IDs, hospital names, or departments of other registered users who have scheduled appointments for today. If the system displayed the names of other registered users, and those users passed away at some point in the future, their appointments would no longer be registered, and their names would no longer be displayed. This could cause sadness for the user and negatively impact their mental state. In particular, if a registered user is a terminally ill cancer patient, it is preferable not to display their name on the information processing terminal used by other registered users. Displaying hospital names could also be a source of mental stress for the user, as they might become aware of the presence of others attending the same hospital. Unlike the technology described in Patent Document 1, this system does not indicate similarities with the attributes of specific users for use in making decisions or selections regarding treatment, etc.

[0060] Considering that users may feel burdened by communicating with specific individuals, this system may choose not to provide a communication tool with other registered users or a function for sharing user information with other registered users. Therefore, screen 40 does not provide a strong connection to the outside world, but rather can be provided as a space for a loose connection to the outside world by displaying the number of people visiting the hospital today. By using screen 40 as a space for a loose connection to the outside world, users can utilize it to alleviate their mental stress and experience a healing effect.

[0061] Next, we will explain the method of controlling the screen display after the user has launched an application on the information processing terminal. Figure 8 shows a flowchart. First, the information processing terminal launches an application in response to the user's operation. When the application is launched, the login process is performed using predetermined user identification information, either through user input or automatic processing by this system. After the login process is completed, server 3 obtains today's date and determines whether the logged-in registered user has any appointments for today (S11). Therefore, server 3 searches the database for the user's appointments for today, which are linked to the logged-in registered user's user identification information.

[0062] If the search results show that the user logged in with that user identification information has no appointments for today, server 3 controls the display of the information processing terminal logged in with that user identification information to display the screen 20 described above as the daily screen (S12).

[0063] If the logged-in user has appointments for today, the display control of the information processing terminal's display unit will show a screen asking about changes to today's appointments, for example, a screen displaying information such as "Is today's doctor's appointment on schedule?", and the system will determine whether today's doctor's appointment is on schedule based on the user's response (S13). If the user responds that today's appointment is on schedule on the screen asking about changes to today's appointments, screen 40 will be displayed as the doctor's appointment screen. Server 3 receives the information that the appointment is on schedule from the information processing terminal, decides to display screen 40 on the information processing terminal's display unit, and sends the information for screen 40 to the information processing terminal. The information processing terminal displays screen 40 on the display unit's display surface (S14).

[0064] Screen 40 displays the user's own appointment schedule for the day, allowing them to focus on their appointment by checking what to do at the hospital and what to bring. Screen 40 also shows the number of registered users who are going to the hospital today, allowing users to see others in similar situations, feel supported by the presence of others, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and encourage their motivation to attend appointments. Furthermore, Screen 40 displays previously posted messages, allowing users to organize their thoughts about their appointments. In this way, by reviewing the information displayed on Screen 40, users can mentally prepare for their appointments, create an environment conducive to focusing on their treatment, and organize their feelings.

[0065] On the screen asking about changes to today's schedule, if the user responds that it is not as scheduled, Server 3 displays a screen containing the originally stored medical appointment for today, in response to that response. The user reviews this screen and either deletes the appointment, edits the appointment, or selects the back button, after which Server 3 displays screen 40 on the display unit (S15). If the user selects the back button, Server 3 displays screen 40 on the display unit. If the user selects to edit the appointment, Server 3 displays a screen for editing the medical appointment on the display unit, and the user selects the save button after finishing editing the appointment. If the user selects the save button, Server 3 displays screen 40 on the display unit. However, if the appointment is no longer for today, today's appointment will not be displayed on screen 40, and the edited appointment will be displayed. If the user selects to delete the appointment, Server 3 displays screen 40 on the display unit with today's appointment deleted. If there are future appointments, those will be displayed on screen 40.

[0066] On screen 40, if the user selects the "Today's schedule is complete" button 43, the screen display control is performed so that the user is taken to a screen asking whether to register the next schedule. On the screen asking whether to register the next schedule, for example, a "Register Schedule (Yes)" button and a "No" button are displayed. If the user selects the "Register Schedule" button, the aforementioned schedule registration screen 50 is displayed. Once the schedule is entered and saved on screen 50, screen 40 is displayed in the display area. If the "No" button is selected, screen 40 is displayed in the display area. On the next screen 40 displayed, today's schedule is not shown, and if there are future schedules, future schedules are displayed.

[0067] If the user launches the information processing terminal application multiple times on a day when they have a scheduled hospital visit, the second and subsequent launches will not display a screen asking about changes to today's schedule, but will instead display screen 40. Furthermore, when the user selects the menu bar 48 on screen 40, various menus will be displayed, allowing the user to switch to screens such as the aforementioned screen 20.

[0068] For many patients, hospital visits can be mentally distressing. Therefore, if the display control is set to show a to-do list or a screen displaying information about hospital visits and treatment every day, regardless of whether a hospital visit is scheduled or not, it can cause mental distress. In this embodiment, the display control is set to show the hospital visit screen on days when a hospital visit is scheduled, and the daily life screen on days when a hospital visit is not scheduled. This creates an environment where the user can focus on their hospital visits on scheduled days, and on days when a hospital visit is not scheduled, they can step away from hospital visits and use the daily life screen to organize their thoughts, record things, and create an environment different from hospital visits. In other words, it is possible to encourage the user to switch between their daily life (internal world) and treatment (external world). By skillfully switching between treatment and daily life, the user can enrich both and balance treatment and daily life.

[0069] (Other Example 1) This system allows users to create a character during registration. Information processing terminal 1 displays a character generation screen on its display unit, and user A sends a character generation request to server 3. Upon receiving the character generation request from information processing terminal 1, server 3 creates an image of the user's character and either sends the generated image to information processing terminal 1 or stores it in a database linked to the user ID. Information processing terminal 1 displays the character image generated by server 3 on its display unit, allowing user A to confirm the character they will use within the application. The character image can consist of images of any creation, such as a human, animal, plant, or imaginary creature. Preferably, the character should be an image that evokes a sense of closeness or comfort in the user. The character may also be a character representation of the user (themselves), i.e., an avatar.

[0070] Similar to User A, User B can also register and generate a character image using the information processing terminal 2 that User B uses. A user ID and character image are generated for each user being registered. The character image may be different for each user, the same for all users, or different for only some users.

[0071] In this embodiment, screen 40 displays the total number of users scheduled to visit a hospital today (including the present day) and their characters to represent the connection to the outside world. On screen 40, an area for displaying character images is provided near the area displaying the number of users scheduled to visit a hospital today. The characters used are those created by server 3 during user registration. For example, it is possible to display character images for the total number of users scheduled to visit a hospital today. The characters include not only the user's own character but also other characters. These other characters may be those of other registered users, or, if the number is small, the character of the system administrator. Server 3 transmits the character image information stored in the database to the information processing terminal according to the calculated total number of users scheduled to visit a hospital today, and performs display control to display it on the information processing terminal's display unit. The information processing terminal receives the character information and displays it on its display unit.

[0072] By displaying the user's own character and other characters, it's possible to create the impression that the user isn't alone. This can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and encourage them to attend appointments. Furthermore, displaying a sufficient number of characters, corresponding to the total number of users scheduled for appointments, can further enhance this effect.

[0073] (Another example 2) Figure 9 shows another example of a medical appointment screen (first screen), specifically application screen 60 displayed by the display device. Screen 60 is typically displayed after the user selects the "Today's appointments are complete" button 43. Screen 60 has an area 61 that displays the total number of users registered in this system who have appointments scheduled for today. In Figure 8, area 61 displays 13 people as the number of people having appointments today. The user of the information processing terminal on which screen 60 is displayed does not have any appointments scheduled for today, so that user is not included in the total.

[0074] Screen 60 has an area 62 for displaying characters. The characters used are those created by Server 3 during user registration. In the example of Screen 60, five characters are displayed because there are many people who have appointments today. Server 3 sends character information to the information processing terminal so that it can display as many characters as can be displayed on Screen 60, according to the calculated total number of users who have appointments today. The number of characters displayed does not necessarily match the total number of users who have appointments today, but the number of characters displayed may increase as the total number of users with appointments increases. The information processing terminal receives the character information and displays it on the display unit. In the example of Screen 60, along with the characters, images 63 representing the outside world are displayed, such as playground equipment, benches, streetlights, trees, and flowers. By displaying natural environments or public objects along with the characters, an image of the outside world, including nature and people, can be provided, making the image of the outside world more impressive to the user and providing a healing effect. Therefore, the user can feel connected to the outside world.

[0075] On screen 60, the user can check their upcoming hospital visits. The information processing terminal displays the hospital visit schedule entered by the user on screen 60. Screen 60 has an area 64 that displays the schedule entered and saved by the user. The schedule area 64 displays the date and time entered by the user, title (hospital name), list of items to bring, memo (free-form text field), etc. In the example of screen 60, there are no appointments registered by the user for today, so today's schedule is not displayed. A button 66 for adding an appointment is displayed on screen 60. The method for entering appointment information is as described in the explanation of screen 50 shown in Figure 6. Screen 60 displays a record button 67 for viewing all records, deposited posts 68 and 69, a new entry button 70, and a menu bar 71, which are the same as those on screen 40.

[0076] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, but the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are essential components of this disclosure. Also, features shown in each embodiment are applicable to other embodiments insofar as they do not contradict each other.

[0077] The display control of the display unit described above can also be performed by an information processing terminal on which the program is installed, or by sending and receiving information via a network or cable with other information processing devices. Furthermore, the various information processing operations described above can be performed by one or more information processing devices on which the program is installed, such as cloud services or distributed computers. Server 3 may be configured on-premises, in the cloud, or as a virtual server or container within the cloud.

[0078] The total number of registered users scheduled to visit a hospital today, displayed on screen 40 of the information processing terminal used by a user logged in with a predetermined user identification information, includes that user because their hospital visit for today is stored in the database. However, even if a user's hospital visit for today is stored in the database, that user does not have to be included in the total. In other words, the total may only count other registered users.

[0079] Furthermore, while the number of people displayed today is shown, it is not limited to today; it can also be set to include a specific time period, such as this morning, a designated time slot including the current time, the current time, this week, this month, or this year. In addition, the patient's actions to be counted can include not only hospital visits but also participation in patient gatherings or cancer-related events. In that case, the database should store the schedule of participation in patient gatherings or cancer-related events and use it for searching.

[0080] In the above embodiment, cancer patients were specifically envisioned as users, but people with various diseases, symptoms, disabilities, injuries, addictions, or abnormalities, not limited to cancer, can also be used and registered as users. Furthermore, the system can be constructed for people who are raising children or providing care. The number of connections displayed could, for example, show the number of people scheduled for rehabilitation today, or the number of people currently breastfeeding, on the information processing terminal screen, and a character image could also be displayed on that screen. Childcare, disabilities, and other situations can sometimes cause significant emotional distress, similar to hospital visits. This system can provide new technology to alleviate this emotional distress and facilitate the transition between daily life and other activities.

[0081] Furthermore, by controlling the display to show a screen (image) for screen transitions during the transition between screens, screen transitions, such as the transition to the medical appointment screen, can be made more effective.

[0082] In the above embodiment, when displaying post 46 on the medical visit screen 40, memo information containing information indicating that the "Deposit" button 38 was selected (deposited information) was displayed. However, the means of selection are not limited to this, and other means may be used. Any means that allows the user to select to display memo information previously entered on the medical visit screen is acceptable. For example, any button or checkbox that is displayed on post 46 when selected, such as a checkbox labeled "Save for medical visit day," is acceptable, and it is not limited to the "Deposit" button. If the user does not select to display memo information entered on the medical visit screen, display control is performed so that the memo information is not displayed on the medical visit screen.

Claims

1. In a display control method for controlling the display of a display device, The aforementioned display device displays a screen to a user who has logged into the patient system with predetermined user identification information. Computers When controlling the display of the display device to change the display screen depending on whether or not the user's current medical appointment schedule information is stored in the database, If the information regarding the patient's medical appointment schedule is stored in the database, the first screen containing the patient's medical appointment schedule information is displayed. If the information regarding the hospital visit schedule for the day is not stored in the database, a second screen will be displayed, which is different from the first screen and contains the user's personal memo information entered by the user's user identification information. A display control method characterized by controlling the display of the aforementioned display device.

2. On the aforementioned first screen, information about other registered users is displayed. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that information about other registered users is not displayed on the second screen.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first screen displays the total number of registered users of the system who are receiving medical treatment today.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first screen displays an image of a character representing a registered user of the system who is currently receiving medical treatment.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the patient is a cancer patient.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is possible to select which information from the memo information to be displayed on the first screen.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer determines whether or not there is information about the user's current medical appointment schedule stored in the database for the predetermined user identification information.

8. The user can switch from the first screen to the second screen at their discretion. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the user can switch from the second screen to the first screen at their discretion.

9. A program for causing a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. In an information processing device, The system includes a processing unit that controls the display of a display device that shows a screen to a user who has logged in to the patient system with predetermined user identification information. The aforementioned processing unit, When controlling the display of the display device to change the display screen depending on whether or not the user's current medical appointment schedule information is stored in the database, If the information regarding the patient's medical appointment schedule is stored in the database, the first screen containing the patient's medical appointment schedule information is displayed. If the information regarding the hospital visit schedule for the day is not stored in the database, a second screen will be displayed, which is different from the first screen and contains the user's personal memo information entered by the user's user identification information. An information processing apparatus characterized by controlling the display of the aforementioned display device.

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