Information processing device and program

Abstract

To reduce the risk of inappropriate prescription of medicines.SOLUTION: A prescription confirmation device 3 includes: a character information acquisition unit 311 which acquires medicine character information JP [1] showing a medicine name character string LM [1] and a prescription content character string LN [1] from a prescription reader 1 which recognizes a character string representing a name of a medicine Md [1] described in a prescription as the medicine name character string LM [1] and recognizes a character string representing a prescription content of the medicine Md [1] described in the prescription as the prescription content character string LN [1]; a medicine information acquisition unit 312 which acquires medicine information JY related to the medicine name character string LM [1] as specific medicine information from a medicine database server 7 storing a plurality of pieces of the medicine information JY corresponding to a plurality of medicines which may be described in the prescription; a prescription content determination unit 313 which determines whether or not the prescription content of the medicine Md [1] represented by the prescription content character string LN [1] meets a method of use of the medicine shown by the specific medicine information; and a determination result output unit 314 which outputs information based on a result of determination by the prescription content determination unit 313.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A technology has been proposed for recognizing character strings written on a prescription by character recognition processing that recognizes characters included in an image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-120020 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technology, there is a risk that a character string written on a prescription may be misrecognized, resulting in a prescription being prescribed based on the misrecognized character string.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of the problems to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that makes it possible to reduce the risk of inappropriate prescription of medications compared to conventional technologies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a character information acquisition unit that acquires first character information indicating the first name string and the first content string from a recognition unit that recognizes a character string indicating the name of a first drug written on a prescription as a first name string through a character recognition process that recognizes characters included in an image, and recognizes a character string indicating the prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription as a first content string; a drug information acquisition unit that acquires drug information related to the first name string as specific drug information from a memory unit that stores multiple pieces of drug information corresponding to multiple drugs that may be written on the prescription; a judgment unit that judges whether the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content string is compatible with the usage method of the drug indicated by the specific drug information; and an output unit that outputs information based on the result of the judgment by the judgment unit.

[0007] In addition, an information processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it includes an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information indicating an image of a prescription, a recognition unit that recognizes a character string indicating the name of a first drug written on the prescription as a first name string based on the image information, and recognizes a character string indicating the prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription as a first content string, a drug information acquisition unit that acquires drug information related to the first name string as specific drug information from a memory unit that stores multiple drug information corresponding to multiple drugs that may be written on the prescription, a judgment unit that judges whether the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content string is compatible with the method of use of the drug indicated by the specific drug information, and an output unit that outputs information based on the result of the judgment by the judgment unit.

[0008] In addition, a program according to a third aspect of the present invention causes a processor to function as: a character information acquisition unit that acquires first character information indicating the first name string and the first content string from a recognition unit that recognizes a character string indicating the name of a first drug written on a prescription as a first name string through a character recognition process that recognizes characters contained in an image, and recognizes a character string indicating the prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription as a first content string; a drug information acquisition unit that acquires drug information related to the first name string as specific drug information from a memory unit that stores multiple pieces of drug information corresponding to multiple drugs that may be written on the prescription; a judgment unit that judges whether the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content string is compatible with the usage method of the drug indicated by the specific drug information; and an output unit that outputs information based on the result of the judgment by the judgment unit.

[0009] Furthermore, a program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor to function as an image information acquisition unit that acquires image information indicating an image of a prescription, a recognition unit that recognizes a string indicating the name of a first drug written on the prescription as a first name string based on the image information, and recognizes a string indicating the prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription as a first content string, a drug information acquisition unit that acquires drug information related to the first name string as specific drug information from a memory unit that stores multiple drug information corresponding to multiple drugs that may be written on the prescription, a judgment unit that judges whether the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content string is compatible with the method of use of the drug indicated by the specific drug information, and an output unit that outputs information based on the result of the judgment by the judgment unit. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of prescribing an inappropriate drug, as compared with the conventional techniques. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of a prescription recognition system Sys according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of the operation of the prescription recognition system Sys. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a prescription image GS. [Figure 4] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a prescription content display image GH. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prescription reading device 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the prescription reading device 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prescription checking device 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the prescription checking device 3. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medicine database server 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a medicine database server 7. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of prescription information JSS. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of the data configuration of prescription character information JS. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a medicine list information table TBL7. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the prescription checking device 3. [Figure 15] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the prescription checking device 3. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the prescription checking device 3. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the prescription checking device 3. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of a prescription recognition system Sys-B according to a first modified example. [Figure 19] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prescription checking device 3B. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of a prescription recognition system Sys-C according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 21] 1 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of the operation of the prescription recognition system Sys-C. [Figure 22] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prescription reading device 1C. FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a character recognition device 9. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the character recognition device 9. [Diagram 25] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a prescription content display image GH according to Modification Example 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the dimensions and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. In addition, the embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention, and therefore various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited.

[0013] [A. Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] <1. Overview of the prescription recognition system> 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a prescription recognition system Sys according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, an overview of the prescription recognition system Sys will be described with reference to FIG.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the prescription recognition system Sys includes a prescription reading device 1, a prescription checking device 3, a terminal device 5, and a medicine database server 7.

[0016] Among these, the prescription reading device 1 recognizes characters written on a prescription issued by a doctor. The prescription confirmation device 3 (an example of an "information processing device") confirms the recognition result in the prescription reading device 1. The terminal device 5 includes a display unit 50, and displays the confirmation result in the prescription confirmation device 3 on the display unit 50. Note that, in the present embodiment, as an example, the terminal device 5 is connected to the prescription confirmation device 3 via a network NW, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect. The terminal device 5 may be directly connected to the prescription confirmation device 3. The drug database server 7 can communicate with the prescription confirmation device 3 via the network NW, and provides various information to the prescription confirmation device 3 in response to a request from the prescription confirmation device 3.

[0017] In this way, the prescription recognition system Sys is a system in which, for example, the prescription reading device 1 recognizes the contents of a prescription issued by a doctor, the prescription confirmation device 3 confirms whether the result of the recognition of the prescription by the prescription reading device 1 is appropriate, and then the terminal device 5 presents the recognition result of the contents of the prescription to a pharmacist or the like. Hereinafter, the process of recognizing the contents of the prescription and confirming the contents of the prescription by the prescription recognition system Sys is referred to as a prescription confirmation process.

[0018] <2. Operation of the prescription recognition system> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, an example of an outline of the operation of the prescription recognition system Sys when the prescription recognition system Sys performs a prescription confirmation process will be described.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of the operation of the prescription recognition system Sys when the prescription recognition system Sys performs a prescription confirmation process.

[0020] 2, when the prescription confirmation process is started, first, the prescription reading device 1 executes a prescription imaging process (S1). Here, the prescription imaging process is a process of imaging a prescription issued by a doctor and generating prescription image information JGS indicating a prescription image GS obtained as a result of the imaging.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a prescription image GS.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the prescription image GS includes a plurality of writing areas A. Specifically, the prescription image GS includes a writing area A1 in which information on public expenses is written, a writing area A2 in which information on insurance is written, a writing area A3 in which information on the patient is written, a writing area A4 in which information on the medical institution is written, and a writing area A5 in which information on the prescribed drug is written. Each writing area A includes one or more writing columns. Each writing column includes an item name KM, which is the name of the item written in the writing column, and a writing content KS written in the writing column. Here, the writing content KS is written by the doctor, for example, at the timing when the doctor prescribes the drug to the patient. The item name KM is, for example, a name predetermined by the Medical Practitioners Act or the like. In this embodiment, the prescription that the prescription recognition system Sys can handle is not limited to a prescription having a format represented by the prescription image GS illustrated in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the prescription recognition system Sys can handle any prescription having a format specified in the Medical Practitioners Act, etc.

[0023] 3, information about a drug prescribed by a doctor is written in the writing area A5. Specifically, the writing area A5 has written contents KS related to the name of the drug prescribed by the doctor (hereinafter referred to as written name AM), written contents KS related to the dosage of the drug prescribed by the doctor (hereinafter referred to as written dosage AQ), and written contents KS related to the period of taking the drug prescribed by the doctor (hereinafter referred to as written period AR).

[0024] In addition, when a doctor prescribes a plurality of types of drugs, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of written names AM corresponding to the plurality of types of drugs one-to-one, a plurality of written doses AQ corresponding to the plurality of types of drugs one-to-one, and a plurality of written periods AR corresponding to the plurality of types of drugs one-to-one are written in the writing area A5. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of types of drugs prescribed by the doctor is M. Here, the value M is a natural number of 1 or more. In addition, hereinafter, the m-th drug among the M types of drugs prescribed by the doctor may be referred to as drug Md[m]. Here, the variable m is a natural number satisfying 1≦m≦M. In addition, hereinafter, the written name AM corresponding to the drug Md[m] is referred to as the written name AM[m], the written dose AQ corresponding to the drug Md[m] is referred to as the written dose AQ[m], and the written period AR corresponding to the drug Md[m] is referred to as the written period AR[m]. In addition, below, a description including a described dose AQ[m] and a described period AR[m] may be referred to as a described usage method AN[m].

[0025] Note that Fig. 3 illustrates an example in which M = 3. That is, Fig. 3 illustrates an example in which a doctor prescribes three types of medicines. In FIG. 3, of the three types of drugs Md[1] to Md[3] prescribed by the doctor, the listed name AM[1] corresponding to the drug Md[1] is "Vitamin AAA 100 mg," the listed dose AQ[1] corresponding to the drug Md[1] is "3 tablets at a time, 3 times a day," and the listed period AR[1] corresponding to the drug Md[1] is "10 days' supply," the listed name AM[2] corresponding to the drug Md[2] is "Mineral BBB 150 mg," the listed dose AQ[2] corresponding to the drug Md[2] is "1 tablet at a time, 3 times a day," and the listed period AR[2] corresponding to the drug Md[2] is "10 days' supply," the listed name AM[3] corresponding to the drug Md[2] is "Calcium CCC 50 mg," and the listed dose AQ[3] corresponding to the drug Md[2] is "7 tablets at a time." This is an example of a case where the prescribed period AR[3] corresponding to the drug Md[2] is "70 days' supply."

[0026] Let us return to the explanation of Figure 2. 2, the prescription reading device 1 executes a character recognition process (S2) after executing a prescription imaging process in step S1. Here, the character recognition process is a process of recognizing characters included in the prescription image GS indicated by the prescription image information JGS generated in the prescription imaging process in step S1, and generating prescription character information JS indicating the recognition result.

[0027] In addition, prescription text information JS includes drug name text information JM[1] to JM[M], prescription dose text information JQ[1] to JQ[M], and prescription period text information JR[1] to JR[M] (see Figures 4 and 12 described below). Here, the drug name character information JM[m] is information indicating the drug name character string LM[m], which is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] of the drug Md[m] prescribed by the doctor in the prescription image GS. The prescription dose character information JQ[m] is information indicating the prescription dose character string LQ[m], which is the recognition result of the written dose AQ[m] of the drug Md[m] prescribed by the doctor in the prescription image GS. The prescription period character information JR[m] is information indicating the prescription period character string LR[m], which is the recognition result of the written period AR[m] of the drug Md[m] prescribed by the doctor in the prescription image GS. Hereinafter, the information consisting of the prescription dose character information JQ[m] and the prescription period character information JR[m] may be referred to as prescription content character information JN[m]. Hereinafter, the character string indicated by the prescription content character information JN[m] may be referred to as prescription content character string LN[m]. Hereinafter, the information consisting of the drug name character information JM[m] and the prescription content character information JN[m] may be referred to as drug character information JP[m]. As is clear from the above explanation, the prescription character information JS includes drug character information JP[1] to JP[M].

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the prescription reading device 1 transmits the prescription character information JS generated in step S2 to the prescription checking device 3 (S3).

[0029] Next, the prescription confirmation device 3 acquires the prescription character information JS transmitted from the prescription reading device 1 in step S3, and transmits the drug name character information JM[1] to JM[M] contained in the acquired prescription character information JS to the drug database server 7 (S4).

[0030] The drug database server 7 stores multiple pieces of drug information JY that correspond one-to-one to multiple types of drugs that may be written on a prescription. Here, the "multiple types of drugs that may be written on a prescription" may be, for example, all types of drugs that actually exist in the world, all types of drugs that are available in Japan, or all types of drugs that may be prescribed at a medical institution to which the doctor who issued the prescription belongs. Then, when the drug database server 7 acquires the drug name text information JM[1] to JM[M] read by the prescription reading device 1, it transmits one or more pieces of drug information JY corresponding to each drug name text information JM[m] to the prescription confirmation device 3 (S5).

[0031] Details will be described later in FIG. 13, but the drug information JY includes drug name information JYM relating to the name of the drug, drug usage method information JYS relating to how to use the drug, and concomitant drug information JYH relating to contraindicated drugs for concomitant use with the drug. Here, the drug name information JYM is information indicating the drug name YM, which is the name of the drug corresponding to the drug information JY. The drug usage method information JYS is information indicating the usage method of the drug corresponding to the drug information JY, and includes upper limit dosage information JYQ indicating the upper limit dosage YQ, which is the upper limit of the dosage of the drug, and upper limit period information JYR indicating the upper limit period YR, which is the upper limit of the usage period of the drug. The concomitant drug information JYH includes contraindicated drug information JYK indicating the drug ID of contraindicated drug YK for the drug corresponding to the drug information JY, and drug with caution information JYC indicating the drug ID of drug with caution YC for the drug corresponding to the drug information JY.

[0032] 2, the prescription checking device 3 acquires one or more pieces of drug information JY transmitted from the drug database server 7 in step S5. In the following, the drug information JY transmitted from the drug database server 7 in step S5 may be referred to as "specific drug information."

[0033] Then, when the prescription checking device 3 acquires one or more pieces of drug information JY corresponding to the drug name text information JM[1] to JM[M] from the drug database server 7, it executes a dosage determination process (S6). Here, the dosage determination process (an example of a "first determination process") is a process for determining whether or not the prescribed dosage of the drug recognized from the prescription in the character recognition process (S2) is appropriate in light of the upper limit dosage YQ indicated in the drug information JY acquired from the drug database server 7. Specifically, in the dosage determination process of step S6, the prescription confirmation device 3 determines whether or not the prescribed dosage character string LQ[m] included in the prescription character information JS generated in the character recognition process (S2) represents a dosage equal to or less than the upper limit dosage YQ indicated in the drug information JY acquired from the drug database server 7.

[0034] Furthermore, when the prescription checking device 3 acquires one or more pieces of drug information JY corresponding to the drug name text information JM[1] to JM[M] from the drug database server 7, it executes a period determination process (S7). Here, the period determination process is a process for determining whether or not the prescription period of the drug recognized from the prescription in the character recognition process is appropriate in light of the upper limit period YR indicated in the drug information JY acquired from the drug database server 7. Specifically, in the dosage determination process in step S6, the prescription confirmation device 3 determines whether or not the prescription period character string LR[m] included in the prescription character information JS generated in the character recognition process represents a period equal to or less than the upper limit period YR indicated in the drug information JY acquired from the drug database server 7.

[0035] Furthermore, when the prescription checking device 3 acquires one or more pieces of drug information JY corresponding to the drug name text information JM[1] to JM[M] from the drug database server 7, it executes a combination use determination process (S8). Here, the concomitant use determination process (an example of a "second determination process") is a process for determining whether or not the combination of multiple drugs written on a prescription is appropriate in light of the concomitant drug information JYH indicated in the drug information JY acquired from the drug database server 7, when multiple drugs are written on the prescription. Specifically, in the concomitant use determination process of step S7, the prescription confirmation device 3 determines that the multiple drugs written on the prescription do not include a combination of multiple drugs that are contraindicated for concomitant use, and that the multiple drugs written on the prescription do not include a combination of multiple drugs that require caution when used in combination.

[0036] Then, the prescription checking device 3 executes a dosage determination process (S6), a period determination process (S7), and a combination use determination process (S8), and then executes a prescription content display process (S9). Here, the prescription content display process is a process of displaying a prescription content display image GH on the display unit 50. Specifically, in the prescription content display process of step S8, the prescription confirmation device 3 generates display image information JGH indicating the prescription content display image GH based on the prescription character information JS generated in the character recognition process (S2), the determination result in the dose determination process (S6), the determination result in the period determination process (S7), and the determination result in the combination use determination process (S8).

[0037] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a prescription content display image GH.

[0038] As exemplified in FIG. 4, the prescription content display image GH displays item names KM included in each writing area A of the prescription image GS. In addition, the prescription content display image GH displays the described content character string KN, which is the recognition result of the character recognition process (S2) of the described content KS included in each described area A of the prescription image GS. In this embodiment, as described above, the described content character string KN corresponding to the described name AM is called the drug name character string LM, the described content character string KN corresponding to the described dose AQ is called the prescribed dose character string LQ, and the described content character string KN corresponding to the described period AR is called the prescribed period character string LR.

[0039] In addition, the prescription content display image GH displays a dosage attention mark MK1 according to the determination result in the dosage determination process in step S6. Specifically, in the dosage determination process, when the prescription dosage character string LQ[m] included in the prescription character information JS indicates a dosage greater than the upper limit dosage YQ indicated by the drug information JY, the prescription confirmation device 3 displays the dosage attention mark MK1 at a position related to the prescription dosage character string LQ[m] corresponding to the drug Md[m] related to the drug name character string LM[m]. Note that FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the dosage attention mark MK1 is displayed at a position corresponding to the prescription dosage character string LQ[3].

[0040] In addition, the prescription content display image GH displays a period attention mark MK2 according to the determination result in the period determination process in step S7. Specifically, in the dosage determination process, when the prescription period character string LR[m] included in the prescription character information JS indicates a period longer than the upper limit period YR indicated by the drug information JY, the prescription confirmation device 3 displays the period attention mark MK2 at a position related to the prescription period character string LR[m] corresponding to the drug Md[m] related to the drug name character string LM[m]. Note that FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the period attention mark MK2 is displayed at a position corresponding to the prescription period character string LR[3].

[0041] In addition, the prescription content display image GH displays a combination use warning mark MK3 according to the determination result in the combination use determination process in step S8. Specifically, in the dosage determination process, when the drug corresponding to the drug name string LM[1] to LM[M] includes a drug YK that is contraindicated for combination with the drug corresponding to the drug name string LM[m], or when the drug corresponding to the drug name string LM[1] to LM[M] includes a drug YC that requires caution when combined with the drug corresponding to the drug name string LM[m], the prescription confirmation device 3 displays the combination use warning mark MK3 at a position related to the drug name string LM[m]. Note that FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the combination use warning mark MK3 is displayed at a position corresponding to the drug name string LM[1] and a position corresponding to the drug name string LM[3].

[0042] In addition, the prescription content display image GH displays a confirmation button KTB for confirming the content displayed in the content character string KN. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the prescription confirmation device 3 includes an input unit 35 for inputting various information. An operator who operates the prescription confirmation device 3 can correct the contents of the written content character string KN using the input unit 35. In addition, the operator who operates the prescription confirmation device 3 can confirm the contents of the written content character string KN by pressing a confirmation button KTB using the input unit 35.

[0043] Note that Figure 4 illustrates an example in which the prescription reading device 1 misrecognizes the written name AM[1] in the character recognition process, and while the written name AM[1] displayed on the prescription image GS is "Vitamin AAA 100 mg," the drug name string LM[1] corresponding to the written name AM[1] is "Vitamin DDD 100 mg."

[0044] As described above, according to the prescription confirmation device 3 of this embodiment, when a drug is about to be prescribed in a manner that does not conform to the intended use of the drug due to erroneous recognition of characters on the prescription in the character recognition process, an error in the description of the prescription issued by a doctor, etc., a dosage attention mark MK1, a period attention mark MK2, a combination attention mark MK3, etc. are issued in the prescription content display image GH displayed on the display unit 50. Therefore, according to the prescription confirmation device 3 of this embodiment, the risk of prescribing a drug in a manner that does not conform to the intended use of the drug can be reduced compared to a manner in which a drug is prescribed based on the recognition result of the prescription image GS by the prescription reading device 1.

[0045] <3. Functions of the prescription recognition system> Hereinafter, functions of the prescription reading device 1, the prescription checking device 3, and the medicine database server 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the prescription reading device 1.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 5, the prescription reading device 1 includes a control unit 11 that controls each part of the prescription reading device 1, a memory unit 12 that stores various information, a communication unit 13 that performs communication with an external device outside the prescription reading device 1, and an imaging unit 14 for capturing an image of the prescription.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control unit 11 includes an image information acquisition unit 111 and a character recognition unit 112. Among these, the image information acquisition unit 111 causes the imaging unit 14 to execute a prescription imaging process (S1). Specifically, the image information acquisition unit 111 controls the imaging unit 14 to image the prescription with the imaging unit 14, and acquires prescription image information JGS indicating the prescription image GS obtained as a result of the imaging from the imaging unit 14. In addition, the character recognition unit 112 executes a character recognition process (S2). Specifically, the character recognition unit 112 recognizes characters included in the prescription image GS indicated by the prescription image information JGS, and generates prescription character information JS indicating the recognition result. Various methods can be applied to the character recognition by the character recognition unit 112, and as one example, a method using optical character recognition (OCR) can be applied.

[0049] As illustrated in Figure 5, the memory unit 12 stores a learning model NN, prescription information JSS, prescription image information JGS acquired by the image information acquisition unit 111 from the imaging unit 14, prescription character information JS generated by the character recognition unit 112, and a control program PG1 for controlling each part of the prescription reading device 1.

[0050] Among these, the learning model NN is, for example, a multi-layer neural network, and is a learning model that learns the relationship between an image including characters and the characters included in the image. In this embodiment, the character recognition unit 112 recognizes the characters included in the prescription image GS using the learning model NN. As a result, as an example of this embodiment, the character recognition unit 112 and the storage unit 12 configure an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-OCR. In addition, when there are multiple types of prescriptions that can be the target of the prescription imaging process (step S1) and the character recognition process (step S2) by the prescription reading device 1, the storage unit 12 stores multiple prescription information JSS that corresponds one-to-one to the multiple types of prescriptions. The prescription information JSS will be described later.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the prescription reading device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the prescription reading device 1 includes a processor 1001 that controls each part of the prescription reading device 1, a storage device 1002 that stores various information, a communication device 1003 for communicating with an external device outside the prescription reading device 1, and an imaging device 1004 for capturing an image of the prescription.

[0053] Of these, the storage device 1002 includes one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a working area for the processor 1001, and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) that stores various information such as the control program PG1, and provides the function of the storage unit 12. The processor 1001 is configured to include, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs). The processor 1001 executes a control program PG1 stored in the storage device 1002 and operates according to the control program PG1 to function as the control unit 11. The processor 1001 may be configured to include hardware such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) in addition to the one or more CPUs, or in place of a part or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, a part or all of the control unit 11 realized by the processor 1001 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP. In addition, the communication device 1003 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the prescription reading device 1 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of the communication unit 13. The imaging device 1004 is hardware for capturing an image of a prescription by optical means, such as a camera or an image scanner, and provides the function of the imaging unit 14 .

[0054] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the prescription checking device 3.

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the prescription confirmation device 3 includes a control unit 31 that controls each part of the prescription confirmation device 3, a memory unit 32 that stores various information, a communication unit 33 that performs communication with an external device outside the prescription confirmation device 3, and an input unit 35 for accepting operations by a user of the prescription confirmation device 3.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 31 includes a text information acquisition unit 311, a drug information acquisition unit 312, a prescription content determination unit 313, and a determination result output unit 314. Among these, the character information acquisition unit 311 acquires prescription character information JS from the prescription reading device 1. Moreover, the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires one or more pieces of drug information JY from the drug database server 7. Moreover, the prescription content determination unit 313 (an example of a "determination unit") executes a dosage determination process, a period determination process, and a combination use determination process. Moreover, the determination result output unit 314 (an example of an "output unit") executes a prescription content display process.

[0057] As illustrated in Figure 7, the memory unit 32 stores prescription character information JS acquired by the character information acquisition unit 311 from the prescription reading device 1, one or more pieces of drug information JY acquired by the drug information acquisition unit 312 from the drug database server 7, and a control program PG3 for controlling each part of the prescription confirmation device 3.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the prescription checking device 3. As shown in FIG.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the prescription confirmation device 3 includes a processor 3001 that controls each part of the prescription confirmation device 3, a storage device 3002 that stores various information, a communication device 3003 for communicating with an external device outside the prescription confirmation device 3, and an input device 3005 for accepting operations by a user of the prescription confirmation device 3.

[0060] Of these, the storage device 3002 includes either or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a working area for the processor 3001, and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PG3, and provides the function of a storage unit 32. The processor 3001 is configured to include, for example, one or more CPUs. The processor 3001 executes a control program PG3 stored in the storage device 3002 and operates according to the control program PG3 to function as the control unit 31. The processor 3001 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU, a DSP, or an FPGA in addition to the one or more CPUs, or in place of a part or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, a part or all of the control unit 31 realized by the processor 3001 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP. In addition, the communication device 3003 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the prescription checking device 3 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of the communication unit 33. The input device 3005 includes one or more devices such as a keyboard, a touch panel, and a mouse, and provides a function as an input unit 35 that accepts operations of the prescription check device 3 by the user.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medicine database server 7. As shown in FIG.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the drug database server 7 includes a control unit 71 that controls each part of the drug database server 7, a memory unit 72 that stores various information, and a communication unit 73 that performs communication between the drug database server 7 and an external device located outside the drug database server 7. Of these, the memory unit 72 stores a drug list information table TBL7 which stores multiple pieces of drug information JY that correspond one-to-one to multiple types of drugs that may be written on a prescription, and a control program PG7 for controlling each part of the drug database server 7. In addition, the control unit 71 acquires drug information JY from the drug list information table TBL7 in response to a request from the prescription checking device 3, and controls the communication unit 73 to transmit the acquired drug information JY to the prescription checking device 3.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the medicine database server 7. As shown in FIG.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the drug database server 7 includes a processor 7001 that controls each part of the drug database server 7, a storage device 7002 that stores various information, and a communication device 7003 for communicating with an external device located outside the drug database server 7.

[0065] Of these, the memory device 7002 includes one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a working area for the processor 7001 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PG7, and provides the function of a memory unit 72. The processor 7001 includes, for example, one or more CPUs. The processor 7001 executes a control program PG7 stored in the storage device 7002 and operates in accordance with the control program PG7, thereby functioning as the control unit 71. The communication device 7003 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the medicine database server 7 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of the communication unit 73 . In addition, the drug database server 7 communicates with external devices, etc. via either a wired network or a wireless network or both using the communication device 7003, and obtains the latest drug information JY from the external devices, etc. to update the drug list information table TBL7.

[0066] <4. Data present in the prescription recognition system> Hereinafter, various data present in the prescription recognition system Sys will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of prescription information JSS. Here, prescription information JSS is information about the format of a prescription.

[0068] 11, the prescription information JSS has a plurality of records that correspond one-to-one to a plurality of contents KS of the prescription. Each record of the prescription information JSS has an item ID, item name information JKM, item name position information, and content position information.

[0069] Among these, the item ID is information for identifying each of the described contents KS from among the multiple described contents KS on a prescription. Also, the item name information JKM is information indicating the item name KM corresponding to the described contents KS. Also, the item name position information is information indicating the display position (e.g., the coordinates of the start point and the coordinates of the end point) of the item name KM corresponding to the described contents KS on a prescription. Also, the described contents position information is information indicating the display position (e.g., the coordinates of the start point and the coordinates of the end point) of the described contents KS on a prescription.

[0070] 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of prescription character information JS. Note that, as described above, prescription character information JS is information indicating the recognition result of a prescription image GS obtained by capturing an image of a prescription.

[0071] 12, the prescription character information JS has a plurality of records that correspond one-to-one to a plurality of content character strings KN recognized from the prescription by the character recognition process (step S2). Each record of the prescription character information JS has an item ID, item name information JKM, content information JKN, and similarity information.

[0072] Among these, the description content information JKN is information indicating the description content character string KN, which is the result of recognizing the description content KS corresponding to the item ID by character recognition processing. As described above, when the description content character string KN is the drug name character string LM[m], the description content information JKN indicating the description content character string KN is referred to as drug name character information JM[m], when the description content character string KN is the prescription dose character string LQ[m], the description content information JKN indicating the description content character string KN is referred to as prescription dose character information JQ[m], and when the description content character string KN is the prescription period character string LR[m], the description content information JKN indicating the description content character string KN is referred to as prescription period character information JR[m]. And, as described above, information including the drug name character information JM[m], prescription dose character information JQ[m], and prescription period character information JR[m] is referred to as drug character information JP[m]. In addition, Figure 12 illustrates an example in which the written name AM[1] shown in Figure 3 is "Vitamin AAA 100 mg," while the drug name string LM[1], which is the written content string KN corresponding to the written name AM[1], is "Vitamin DDD 100 mg."

[0073] The similarity information is information indicating the similarity between the character string represented as the description content KS and the description content character string KN. In other words, when the similarity indicated by the similarity information is high, there is a high possibility that the character string represented as the description content KS and the description content character string KN, which is the result of recognizing the character string represented as the description content KS by character recognition processing, match.

[0074] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the medicine list information table TBL7.

[0075] 13, the medicine list information table TBL7 has a plurality of records corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of types of medicines that may be written on a prescription. Each record of the medicine list information table TBL7 includes a medicine ID and medicine information JY.

[0076] Here, the drug ID is information for identifying each type of drug from among multiple types of drugs that may be written on a prescription. Moreover, as described above, drug information JY is information including drug name information JYM, drug usage method information JYS, and concomitant drug information JYH. Moreover, drug name information JYM is information indicating drug name YM, as described above. Moreover, drug usage method information JYS is information including upper limit dosage information JYQ indicating upper limit dosage YQ and upper limit period information JYR indicating upper limit period YR, as described above. Moreover, concomitant drug information JYH is information including contraindicated drug information JYK indicating contraindicated drug YK and concomitant drug information JYC indicating drug with caution YC. In addition, the drug information JY may be information provided by, for example, a pharmaceutical company that produces the drug corresponding to the drug information JY.

[0077] 2, if there is a drug name YM that matches the drug name character string LM[m] indicated by the drug name character information JM[m], the drug database server 7 transmits the drug information JY corresponding to the drug name YM as specific drug information to the prescription confirmation device 3. In other words, if there is a drug name YM that matches the drug name character string LM[m] indicated by the drug name character information JM[m] in step S5, the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires the drug information JY corresponding to the drug name YM as specific drug information. On the other hand, in step S5, when there is no drug name YM that matches the drug name string LM[m] indicated by the drug name text information JM[m], the drug database server 7 transmits, as specific drug information, each of one or more pieces of drug information JY corresponding to the drug name YM whose similarity with the drug name string LM[m] is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity among the multiple drug information JY to the prescription confirmation device 3. In other words, in step S5, when there is no drug name YM that matches the drug name string LM[m] indicated by the drug name text information JM[m], the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires, as specific drug information, each of one or more pieces of drug information JY corresponding to the drug name YM whose similarity with the drug name string LM[m] is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity among the multiple drug information JY. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the drug name character string LM[1] recognized by the prescription reading device 1 is "vitamin DDD 100 mg", but there is no drug name YM that matches "vitamin DDD 100 mg" among the multiple drug names YM shown in FIG. 13. The prescription confirmation device 3 acquires multiple drug names YM whose similarity to the drug name character string LM[1] "vitamin DDD 100 mg" is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity from the drug list information table TBL7, for example, in descending order of similarity to the drug name character string LM[1] "vitamin DDD 100 mg". In this embodiment, it is assumed that the similarity between the drug name character string LM[1] "vitamin DDD 100 mg" and the drug name YM "vitamin AAA 100 mg" is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity. In this embodiment, the similarity between the drug name string LM[1] "Vitamin DDD 100 mg" and the drug name YM "Protein DDD 80 mg" is a predetermined similarity or more. In this embodiment, in the drug list information table TBL7, there is no drug name YM other than "Vitamin AAA 100 mg" and "Protein DDD 80 mg" whose similarity with the drug name string LM[1] "Vitamin DDD 100 mg" is a predetermined similarity or more. As a result, the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires each of the drug information JY corresponding to "Vitamin AAA 100 mg" and the drug information JY corresponding to "Protein DDD 80 mg" whose similarity with "Vitamin DDD 100 mg" is a predetermined similarity or more as specific drug information corresponding to the drug name string LM[1].

[0078] Hereinafter, the number of specific drug information corresponding to the drug name string LM[m] is referred to as "Qm pieces". Hereinafter, the value Qm is a natural number equal to or greater than 1. Hereinafter, the Qm pieces of specific drug information corresponding to the drug name string LM[m] are referred to as drug information JY[m][1] to JY[m][Qm]. Hereinafter, the qm-th piece of specific drug information among the Qm pieces of specific drug information corresponding to the drug name string LM[m] is referred to as drug information JY[m][qm]. Hereinafter, the value qm is a natural number satisfying 1≦qm≦Qm. Hereinafter, among the various information and various values ​​stored in the drug list information table TBL7, the information included in the drug information JY[m][qm] or the value indicated by the information included in the drug information JY[m][qm] is suffixed with [m][qm]. For example, Figures 12 and 13 show a case where there are two pieces of specific drug information corresponding to the drug name string LM[1] (="Vitamin DDD 100 mg"): drug information JY[1][1] corresponding to the drug name YM[1][1] (="Vitamin AAA 100 mg") and drug information JY[1][2] corresponding to the drug name YM[1][2] (="Protein DDD 80 mg"), i.e., a case where "Qm=2".

[0079] <5. Operation of prescription confirmation device> Hereinafter, the operation of the prescription checking device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0080] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the prescription checking device 3 when the dosage determination process shown in step S6 of FIG. 2 is executed.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the dosage determination process is started, the prescription content determination section 313 sets the variable m to "1" (S101). Next, the prescription content determination section 313 sets the variable qm to "1" (S103).

[0082] Next, the prescription content determination section 313 determines whether or not the prescribed dose represented by the prescribed dose character string LQ[m] is equal to or less than the upper limit dose YQ[m][qm] (S105). When the result of the determination in step S105 is positive, the prescription content determination section 313 determines whether or not the variable qm satisfies "qm=Qm" (S107). Then, if the result of the determination in step S107 is negative, the prescription content determination section 313 adds "1" to the variable qm (S109), and the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S107 is positive, the prescription content determination section 313 advances the process to step S113. If the result of the determination in step S105 is negative, the determination result output unit 314 outputs the dosage irregularity notification information IF1[m] (S111) and proceeds to step S113. By outputting the dosage irregularity notification information IF1[m], the determination result output unit 314 displays a dosage warning mark MK1 at a position corresponding to the prescribed dosage character string LQ[m] in the prescription content display image GH. When the dosage irregularity notification information IF1[m] is output, the determination result output unit 314 may change the display mode, such as the character color or font, of the prescribed dosage character string LQ[m] compared to when the dosage irregularity notification information IF1[m] is not output.

[0083] Next, the prescription content determination section 313 determines whether the variable m satisfies "m=M" (S113). Then, if the result of the determination in step S113 is negative, the prescription content determination section 313 adds "1" to the variable m (S115), and the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S113 is positive, the control unit 31 ends the dose determination process.

[0084] In this way, according to the dosage determination process (step S6) of this embodiment, if the accuracy of the recognition of the written name AM[m] by the character recognition process (step S2) is low and the drug name string LM[m], which is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] by the prescription reading device 1, is an inaccurate drug name, the Qm pieces of upper limit dosage information JYQ[m][1] to JYQ[m][Qm] corresponding to all drug names YM[m][1] to YM[m][Qm] that can be inferred from the drug name string LM[m], which is the recognition result of the written name AM[m], are used to determine whether the prescribed dosage indicated by the prescribed dosage string LQ[m] inferred from the written dosage AQ[m] written on the prescription is appropriate or not. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is an error in the drug name string LM[m], which is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] by the prescription reading device 1, it is possible to prevent excessive prescription of the drug corresponding to the written name AM[m]. In addition, according to this embodiment, if a doctor or the like makes an input error on a prescription and the drug Md[m] corresponding to the drug name string LM[m] does not accurately represent the name of the drug that should be prescribed to the patient, the Qm pieces of upper limit dose information JYQ[m][1] to JYQ[m][Qm] corresponding to all drug names YM[m][1] to YM[m][Qm] that can be inferred from the drug name string LM[m] are used to determine whether the prescribed dose indicated by the prescribed dose string LQ[m] inferred from the written dose AQ[m] written on the prescription is appropriate. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is an error in the description of the written name AM[m] on the prescription, such as an input error on the prescription by a doctor, it is possible to prevent the drug corresponding to the written name AM[m] from being over-prescribed.

[0085] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the prescription confirmation device 3 when the period determination process shown in step S7 in Fig. 2 is executed. The process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 15 is the same as the process shown in the flowchart in Fig. 14, except that the process in step S205 is executed instead of the process in step S105, and the process in step S211 is executed instead of the process in step S111.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 15, in the period determination process, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines whether the prescription period represented by the prescription period character string LR[m] is equal to or less than the upper limit period YR[m][qm] (S205). Also, when the result of the judgment in step S205 is negative, the judgment result output unit 314 outputs the period irregularity notification information IF2[m] (S211). By outputting the period irregularity notification information IF2[m], the judgment result output unit 314 displays a period warning mark MK2 at a position corresponding to the prescription period character string LR[m] in the prescription content display image GH. When the period irregularity notification information IF2[m] is output, the judgment result output unit 314 may change the display mode, such as the character color or font, of the prescription period character string LR[m] compared to when the period irregularity notification information IF2[m] is not output. The other steps are similar to the dose determination process shown in FIG. 14, and therefore will not be described.

[0087] In this way, according to the period determination process of this embodiment, if the accuracy of the recognition of the written name AM[m] by the character recognition process is low and the drug name character string LM[m] that is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] by the prescription reading device 1 is an inaccurate drug name, the prescription period indicated by the prescription period character string LR[m] inferred from the written dose AQ[m] written on the prescription is determined to be appropriate or not using Qm pieces of upper limit period information JYR[m][1] to JYR[m][Qm] corresponding to all drug names YM[m][1] to YM[m][Qm] that can be inferred from the drug name character string LM[m] that is the recognition result of the written name AM[m]. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is an error in the drug name character string LM[m] that is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] by the prescription reading device 1, it is possible to prevent the drug corresponding to the written name AM[m] from being prescribed beyond the upper limit period. In addition, according to this embodiment, if there is an input error on the prescription by a doctor or the like, and the drug corresponding to the drug name string LM[m] does not accurately represent the name of the drug that should be prescribed to the patient, the Qm pieces of upper limit period information JYR[m][1] to JYR[m][Qm] corresponding to all drug names YM[m][1] to YM[m][Qm] that can be inferred from the drug name string LM[m] are used to determine whether the prescription period indicated by the prescription period string LR[m] inferred from the written dose AQ[m] written on the prescription is appropriate. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is an error in the description of the written name AM[m] on the prescription, such as an input error on the prescription by a doctor, it is possible to prevent the drug corresponding to the written name AM[m] from being prescribed beyond the upper limit period.

[0088] 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the prescription checking device 3 when the combination use determination process shown in step S8 of FIG. 2 is executed.

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the combination use determination process is started, the prescription content determination unit 313 sets the variable m to "1" (S301). Next, the prescription content determination unit 313 sets the variable qm to "1" (S303). The prescription content determination unit 313 also sets the variable n to "1" (S305). The prescription content determination unit 313 also sets the variable qn to "1" (S307).

[0090] Then, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines whether all of the contraindicated drugs YK[m][qm] indicated by the contraindicated drug information JYK[m][qm] are inconsistent with the drugs represented by the drug name string LM[n][qn] (S309). If the result of the judgment in step S309 is positive, the prescription content judgment unit 313 judges whether all of the drugs with caution YC[m][qm] indicated in the drug with caution information JYC[m][qm] do not match the drugs represented by the drug name string LM[n][qn] (S311).

[0091] If the result of the judgment in step S309 is negative, or if the result of the judgment in step S311 is negative, the judgment result output unit 314 outputs the combination fraud notification information IF3[m] (S313), and the process proceeds to step S333. By outputting the combination fraud notification information IF3[m], the judgment result output unit 314 displays a combination warning mark MK3 at a position corresponding to the drug name character string LM[m] in the prescription content display image GH. When the combination fraud notification information IF3[m] is output, the judgment result output unit 314 may change the display mode, such as the character color or font, of the drug name character string LM[m] compared to when the combination fraud notification information IF3[m] is not output.

[0092] 17, when the result of the judgment in step S311 is positive, the prescription content judgment unit 313 judges whether the variable qn satisfies "qn = Qn" (S321). Here, the value Qn is the number of specific drug information corresponding to the drug name character string LM[n]. Then, if the result of the determination in step S321 is negative, the prescription content determination section 313 adds "1" to the variable qn (S323), and the process proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S321 is positive, the prescription content determination section 313 advances the process to step S325.

[0093] Next, the prescription content determination section 313 determines whether the variable n satisfies "n=M" (S325). Then, if the result of the determination in step S325 is negative, the prescription content determination section 313 adds "1" to the variable n (S327), and the process proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S325 is positive, the prescription content determination section 313 advances the process to step S329.

[0094] Next, the prescription content determination section 313 determines whether the variable qm satisfies "qm=Qm" (S329). Then, if the result of the determination in step S329 is negative, the prescription content determination section 313 adds "1" to the variable qm (S331), and the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S329 is positive, the prescription content determination section 313 advances the process to step S333.

[0095] Next, the prescription content determination section 313 determines whether the variable m satisfies "m=M" (S333). Then, if the result of the determination in step S333 is negative, the prescription content determination section 313 adds "1" to the variable m (S335), and the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S333 is positive, the control unit 31 ends the combination use determination process.

[0096] In this way, according to the combination determination process of this embodiment, if the accuracy of the recognition of the written name AM[m] by the character recognition process is low and the drug name character string LM[m] that is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] by the prescription reading device 1 is an inaccurate drug name, the Qm pieces of combined drug information JYH[m][1] to JYH[m][Qm] corresponding to all drug names YM[m][1] to YM[m][Qm] that can be inferred from the drug name character string LM[m] that is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] are used to determine whether the drug combination described in the prescription is appropriate. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is an error in the drug name character string LM[m] that is the recognition result of the written name AM[m] by the prescription reading device 1, it is possible to prevent the prescription of a drug with an inappropriate drug combination. In addition, according to the combination determination process of this embodiment, if a doctor or the like makes an input error on a prescription and the drug Md[m] corresponding to the drug name string LM[m] does not accurately represent the name of the drug that should be prescribed to the patient, the Qm pieces of combined drug information JYH[m][1] to JYH[m][Qm] corresponding to all drug names YM[m][1] to YM[m][Qm] that can be inferred from the drug name string LM[m] are used to determine whether the combination of drugs described on the prescription is appropriate. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is an error in the description of the name AM[m] on the prescription, such as an input error on the prescription by a doctor, it is possible to prevent a drug from being prescribed with an inappropriate combination of drugs.

[0097] <6. Conclusion of the embodiment> As described above, in this embodiment, the prescription confirmation device 3 (an example of an "information processing device") recognizes the described name AM[1] (an example of a "character string indicating the name of the first drug") of the drug Md[1] (an example of a "first drug") described on the prescription as the drug name string LM[1] (an example of a "first name string") by character recognition processing that recognizes characters included in an image, and recognizes the described usage AN[1] (an example of a "character string indicating the prescription contents of the first drug") of the drug Md[1] described on the prescription as the prescription content string LN[1] (an example of a "first content string"), and reads the drug name string LM[1] and the prescription content string LN[1] from the prescription reading device 1 having the character recognition unit 112 (an example of a "recognition unit") that recognizes the described usage AN[1] (an example of a "character string indicating the prescription contents of the first drug") of the drug Md[1] described on the prescription as the prescription content string LN[1] (an example of a "first content string"). The prescription information acquisition unit 312 includes a character information acquisition unit 311 that acquires drug character information JP[1] (an example of "first character information") indicating N[1], a drug information acquisition unit 312 that acquires drug information JY related to the drug name string LM[1] as specific drug information from a drug database server 7 having a memory unit 72 that stores multiple pieces of drug information JY corresponding to multiple drugs that may be written on a prescription, a prescription content judgment unit 313 (an example of a "judgment unit") that judges whether the prescription content of the drug Md[1] indicated by the prescription content string LN[1] is compatible with the method of use of the drug indicated by the specific drug information, and a judgment result output unit 314 (an example of an "output unit") that outputs information based on the result of the judgment by the prescription content judgment unit 313.

[0098] That is, according to this embodiment, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines whether the prescription content of the drug Md[1] indicated by the prescription content character string LN[1] recognized from the prescription by character recognition processing conforms to the drug usage indicated by the drug information JY acquired as specific drug information from the drug database server 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which a drug is prescribed according to the result recognized from the prescription by character recognition processing, it is possible to suppress the possibility that a drug is prescribed in a mode that does not conform to the original drug usage due to misrecognition of characters in the character recognition processing or an error in the description of the prescription issued by a doctor.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the prescription describes the prescribed dose AQ[1] of the drug Md[1] as the prescription content of the drug Md[1], and each of the multiple drug information JY stored in the memory unit 72 includes upper limit dose information JYQ (an example of "dosage information") indicating the upper limit dose YQ of the drug corresponding to the drug information JY. The prescription content determination unit 313 performs a dose determination process (an example of a "first determination process") to determine whether the prescribed dose of the drug Md[1] indicated by the prescription content string LN[1] is equal to or less than the upper limit dose YQ indicated by the upper limit dose information JYQ included in the specific drug information, and the determination result output unit 314 outputs dosage irregularity notification information IF1[1] (an example of "information indicating that there is an error in the prescription content of the first drug described on the prescription") if the determination result in the dose determination process is negative.

[0100] That is, according to this embodiment, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines whether or not the prescribed dose of the drug Md[1] indicated by the prescription content character string LN[1] recognized from the prescription by character recognition processing is equal to or less than the upper limit dose YQ indicated by the drug information JY acquired from the drug database server 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which a drug is prescribed according to the result recognized from the prescription by character recognition processing, it is possible to reduce the possibility of over-prescribing the drug Md[1] due to misrecognition of characters in the character recognition processing or errors in the contents of the prescription issued by a doctor.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, the prescription is described with a written name AM[2] (an example of a "name of a second drug") for the drug Md[2] (an example of a "second drug"). The character recognition unit 112 recognizes the written name AM[2] for the drug Md[2] described on the prescription as a drug name string LM[2] (an example of a "second name string") through character recognition processing. The character information acquisition unit 311 acquires drug character information JP[2] (an example of "second character information") indicating the drug name string LM[2] from the prescription reading device 1 equipped with the character recognition unit 112. Each of the multiple pieces of drug information JY stored in the storage unit 72 is a character string of the drug corresponding to the drug information JY. The prescription content determination unit 313 performs a combination determination process (an example of a "second determination process") that determines, based on the combination drug information JYH included in the specific drug information, that a drug having a name related to the drug name string LM[2] is not included in either the contraindicated drug YK or the drug YC that must be used with caution for use with the drug Md[1], and if the determination result in the combination determination process is negative, the determination result output unit 314 outputs combination fraud notification information IF3[m] (an example of "information indicating that there is an error in the prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription")

[0102] That is, according to this embodiment, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines that a drug having a name related to the drug name string LM[2] is not included in either the contraindicated drug YK or the drug YC that should be used with caution with the drug Md[1]. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a drug from being prescribed due to an inappropriate drug combination, compared to a case where a drug is prescribed according to the result of recognition by character recognition processing from a prescription.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if there is drug information JY including a drug name YM that matches the drug name string LM[1] among the multiple drug information JY stored in the memory unit 72, the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires the drug information JY as specific drug information, and if there is no drug information JY including a drug name YM that matches the drug name string LM[1] among the multiple drug information JY stored in the memory unit 72, the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires each of one or more drug information JY including a drug name YM whose similarity with the drug name string LM[1] is a predetermined level or more as specific drug information.

[0104] That is, according to this embodiment, the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires one or more pieces of drug information JY corresponding to one or more drug names YM that can be inferred from the drug name character string LM[1] that is the recognition result of the described name AM[1]. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the accuracy of the recognition of the described name AM[1] by the character recognition process is low and the drug name character string LM[1] that is the recognition result of the described name AM[1] by the prescription reading device 1 is an inaccurate drug name, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the drug will be prescribed in a manner that does not conform to the original method of use of the drug.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the drug information acquisition unit 312 acquires multiple specific drug information corresponding to multiple drug information JY from the memory unit 72, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines whether the prescription content of drug Md[1] indicated by the prescription content string LN[1] is compatible with each of the multiple drug usage methods indicated by the multiple specific drug information, and when the drug information acquisition unit 312 determines that the prescription content of drug Md[1] is not compatible with at least one of the multiple drug usage methods indicated by the multiple specific drug information, the determination result output unit 314 outputs information that there is an error in the prescription content of drug Md[1] written on the prescription.

[0106] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the accuracy of the recognition of the written name AM[1] by the character recognition process is low and the drug name character string LM[1] that is the recognition result of the written name AM[1] by the prescription reading device 1 is an inaccurate drug name, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the drug will be prescribed in a manner that is not consistent with the drug's original usage method.

[0107] <7. Variations> Each of the above embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other. In the modified examples exemplified below, the elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the embodiment will be appropriately omitted by using the symbols referenced in the above explanation.

[0108] <Variation 1> In the above-described embodiment, the image information acquisition unit 111 and the character recognition unit 112 are provided outside the prescription confirmation device 3, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, one or both of the image information acquisition unit 111 and the character recognition unit 112 may be provided in the prescription confirmation device 3.

[0109] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an overview of the prescription recognition system Sys-B according to this modification.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the prescription recognition system Sys-B is configured in the same manner as the prescription recognition system Sys of the embodiment, except that it is equipped with a prescription confirmation device 3B instead of the prescription confirmation device 3 and does not have a prescription reading device 1.

[0111] FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the prescription checking device 3B.

[0112] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the prescription confirmation device 3B is configured in the same manner as the prescription confirmation device 3 of the embodiment, except that it has a control unit 31B instead of the control unit 31, a memory unit 32B instead of the memory unit 32, and an imaging unit 14. Of these, control unit 31B is configured in the same manner as control unit 31 according to the embodiment, except that control unit 31B includes image information acquisition unit 111 instead of character information acquisition unit 311 and includes character recognition unit 112. In addition, the memory unit 32B is configured in the same manner as the memory unit 32 of the embodiment, except that it stores a learning model NN, prescription information JSS, and prescription image information JGS, and that it stores a control program PG3B instead of the control program PG3. The hardware configuration of the prescription checking device 3B is similar to the hardware configuration of the prescription checking device 3 according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8. In this modification, the processor 3001 executes a control program PG3B stored in the storage device 3002 and operates according to the control program PG3B, thereby functioning as the control unit 31B.

[0113] As described above, in this modified example, the prescription confirmation device 3B (an example of an "information processing device") includes an image information acquisition unit 111 that acquires prescription image information JGS (an example of "image information") indicating a prescription image GS, which is an image of a prescription, and a character recognition unit 112 (an example of a "recognition unit") that recognizes the written name AM[1] of the drug Md[1] written on the prescription as a drug name string LM[1] (an example of a "first name string") and recognizes the written usage AN[1] of the drug Md[1] written on the prescription as a prescription content string LN[1] (an example of a "first content string") based on the prescription image information JGS. The prescription information acquisition unit 312 acquires, as specific drug information, drug information JY related to the drug name string LM[1] from a drug database server 7 having a memory unit 72 that stores multiple pieces of drug information JY corresponding to multiple drugs that may be written on a prescription, a prescription content determination unit 313 (an example of a "determination unit") that determines whether the prescription content of the drug Md[1] indicated by the prescription content string LN[1] is compatible with the method of use of the drug indicated by the specific drug information, and a determination result output unit 314 (an example of an "output unit") that outputs information based on the result of the determination made by the prescription content determination unit 313.

[0114] That is, according to the modified example, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines whether or not the prescription content of the drug Md[1] indicated by the prescription content character string LN[1] recognized from the prescription by the character recognition process conforms to the drug usage indicated by the drug information JY acquired as specific drug information from the drug database server 7. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the drug is prescribed in a manner that does not conform to the original drug usage due to misrecognition of characters in the character recognition process or errors in the contents of the prescription issued by the doctor, as compared to a mode in which the drug is prescribed according to the result recognized from the prescription by the character recognition process.

[0115] <Variation 2> In the above-described embodiment and modification 1, the case where the medicine list information table TBL7 is provided outside the prescription confirmation device 3 (or the prescription confirmation device 3B) is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. The medicine list information table TBL7 may be stored in, for example, the storage unit 32 (or the storage unit 32B) included in the prescription confirmation device 3 (or the prescription confirmation device 3B).

[0116] <Variation 3> In the above-described embodiment and modified examples 1 and 2, the prescription content determination unit 313 determines that the drugs listed on the prescription do not include a combination of drugs that should be used with caution, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The prescription content determination unit 313 only needs to determine that the drugs listed on the prescription do not include a combination of drugs that should be used with caution.

[0117] <Variation 4> In the above-described embodiment and modification 3, the case where the character recognition process is executed in the prescription reading device 1 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. For example, the character recognition process may be executed in a device other than the prescription reading device 1.

[0118] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an outline of the prescription recognition system Sys-C according to this modification.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the prescription recognition system Sys-C is configured in the same manner as the prescription recognition system Sys of the embodiment, except that it is equipped with a prescription reading device 1C instead of a prescription reading device 1, and that it is equipped with a character recognition device 9.

[0120] FIG. 21 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of the operation of the prescription recognition system Sys-C when the prescription recognition system Sys-C performs a prescription confirmation process.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 21, when a prescription confirmation process is executed in the prescription recognition system Sys-C according to this modified example, the prescription reading device 1C executes a prescription imaging process (S1). Next, the prescription reading device 1C transmits the prescription image information JGS generated in the prescription imaging process in step S1 to the character recognition device 9 (S11). Then, the character recognition device 9 executes character recognition processing for recognizing characters included in the prescription image GS indicated by the prescription image information JGS based on the prescription image information JGS supplied from the prescription reading device 1C (S2). Thereafter, the character recognition device 9 transmits the prescription character information JS generated in step S2 to the prescription checking device 3 (S3). The processing from step S4 onwards is similar to that of the prescription recognition system Sys according to the embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a prescription reading device 1C.

[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 22, the prescription reading device 1C is configured in the same manner as the prescription reading device 1 of the embodiment, except that it has a control unit 11C instead of the control unit 11, and a memory unit 12C instead of the memory unit 12. Of these, the control unit 11C is configured in the same manner as the control unit 11 according to the embodiment, except that the control unit 11C does not include the character recognition unit 112. In addition, the memory unit 12C is configured in the same manner as the memory unit 12 of the embodiment, except that it does not store the network NW, prescription information JSS, and prescription character information JS, and that it stores the control program PG1C instead of the control program PG1. The hardware configuration of the prescription reading device 1C is similar to the hardware configuration of the prescription reading device 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6. In this modification, the processor 1001 executes a control program PG1C stored in the storage device 1002 and operates according to the control program PG1C, thereby functioning as a control unit 11C.

[0124] FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the character recognition device 9. As shown in FIG.

[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 23, the character recognition device 9 includes a control unit 91 that controls each part of the character recognition device 9, a memory unit 92 that stores various information, and a communication unit 93 that performs communication with an external device located outside the character recognition device 9. Of these, the control unit 91 includes a character recognition unit 112 . In addition, the memory unit 92 stores the above-mentioned learning model NN, prescription information JSS, prescription image information JGS supplied from the prescription reading device 1C, the above-mentioned prescription character information JS, and a control program PG9 for controlling each part of the character recognition device 9.

[0126] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the character recognition device 9. As shown in FIG.

[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the character recognition device 9 includes a processor 9001 that controls each part of the character recognition device 9, a storage device 9002 that stores various information, and a communication device 9003 for communicating with an external device located outside the character recognition device 9.

[0128] Of these, the memory device 9002 includes either or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a working area for the processor 9001 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PG9, and provides the function of a memory unit 92. The processor 9001 is configured to include, for example, one or more CPUs. The processor 9001 executes a control program PG9 stored in the storage device 9002 and operates in accordance with the control program PG9 to function as the control unit 91. The processor 9001 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU, a DSP, or an FPGA in addition to the one or more CPUs, or in place of a part or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, a part or all of the control unit 91 realized by the processor 9001 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP. The communication device 9003 is hardware for communicating with an external device that exists outside the character recognition device 9 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of the communication unit 93 .

[0129] In this modification, for example, the prescription reading device 1C and the terminal device 5 may be installed in a pharmacy. In addition, in this modification, for example, the prescription reading device 1C may be directly connected to the terminal device 5 without going through the network NW. In addition, in this modification, for example, the character recognition device 9, the prescription confirmation device 3, and the medicine database server 7 may be a server device capable of communicating with the terminal device 5 via the Internet (an example of the network NW). In addition, in this modification, some or all of the character recognition device 9, the prescription confirmation device 3, and the medicine database server 7 may be integrally configured as the same server device.

[0130] <Variation 5> In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 4, the drug use method information JYS may include lower limit dosage information JYQ2 indicating a lower limit dosage YQ2 that is a lower limit value of the dosage of the drug corresponding to the drug information JY. In this case, the prescription content determination unit 313 may determine in step S105 of the dosage determination process whether the prescription dosage represented by the prescription dosage character string LQ[m] is equal to or less than the upper limit dosage YQ[m][qm] and equal to or more than the lower limit dosage YQ2[m][qm]. Then, in step S111, the determination result output unit 314 may output dosage irregularity notification information IF1[m] if the result of the determination in step S105 is negative.

[0131] <Variation 6> In the above-described embodiment and modifications 1 to 5, the drug use method information JYS may include lower limit period information JYR2 indicating the lower limit period YR2, which is the lower limit of the use period of the drug corresponding to the drug information JY. In this case, the prescription content determination unit 313 may determine in step S205 of the period determination process whether the prescription period represented by the prescription period character string LR[m] is equal to or less than the upper limit period YR[m][qm] and equal to or more than the lower limit period YR2[m][qm]. Then, in step S211, the determination result output unit 314 may output period irregularity notification information IF2[m] if the result of the determination in step S205 is negative.

[0132] <Variation 7> In the above-described embodiment and modified examples 1 to 6, when the drug name character string LM[m] indicated by the prescription character information JS acquired by the character information acquisition unit 311 from the prescription reading device 1 does not exist in the drug list information table TBL7, the determination result output unit 314 may output the name invalidity notification information IF4[m] indicating that the drug name character string LM[m] is an invalid name. Specifically, when the drug name character string LM[m] indicated by the prescription character information JS acquired by the character information acquisition unit 311 from the prescription reading device 1 does not match any of the drug names YM indicated by the drug information JY acquired by the drug information acquisition unit 312 from the drug list information table TBL7 corresponding to the drug name character string LM[m], the determination result output unit 314 may output the name invalidity notification information IF4[m]. Then, when the incorrect name notification information IF4[m] is output, the judgment result output unit 314 may display a name absence mark MK4 at a position corresponding to the drug name string LM[m] in the prescription content display image GH, as illustrated in Figure 25. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1... prescription reading device, 3... prescription confirmation device, 5... terminal device, 7... drug database server, 11... control unit, 31... control unit, 111... image information acquisition unit, 112... character recognition unit, 311... character information acquisition unit, 312... drug information acquisition unit, 313... prescription content determination unit, 314... determination result output unit, Sys... prescription recognition system.

Claims

1. a character information acquisition unit that acquires first character information indicating the first name string and the first content string from a recognition unit that recognizes a character string indicating the name of a first drug written on a prescription as a first name string and a character string indicating a prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription as a first content string by a character recognition process that recognizes characters included in an image; A drug information acquisition unit that acquires, as specific drug information, drug information related to the first name character string from a storage unit that stores a plurality of drug information corresponding to a plurality of drugs that may be written on the prescription; A determination unit that determines whether or not the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content character string is compatible with the usage method of the drug indicated by the specific drug information; an output unit that outputs information based on a result of the determination by the determination unit; Equipped with The drug information acquisition unit When the plurality of pieces of drug information stored in the storage unit include drug information having a name that matches the first name character string, the drug information is acquired as the specific drug information, When there is no drug information including a name that matches the first name character string among the plurality of drug information stored in the storage unit, each of one or a plurality of drug information including a name having a similarity to the first name character string that is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity is acquired as the specific drug information.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

2. The prescription describes the dosage of the first drug as the prescription content of the first drug, Each of the plurality of pieces of drug information stored in the storage unit includes dosage information indicating an upper limit of a dosage of a drug corresponding to the drug information, The determination unit performs a first determination process to determine whether or not the dose of the first drug indicated by the first content character string is equal to or less than an upper limit of the dose indicated by the dosage information included in the specific drug information; The output unit outputs information indicating that there is a defect in the prescription content of the first drug described in the prescription when the determination result in the first determination process is negative.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

3. The prescription includes a name of a second drug; The recognition unit recognizes a character string indicating the name of the second drug written on the prescription as a second name character string by the character recognition process, the character information acquisition unit acquires second character information indicating the second name character string from the recognition unit; Each of the plurality of pieces of drug information stored in the storage unit includes concomitant use information regarding drugs that are contraindicated for concomitant use and drugs that require caution when used in combination with a drug corresponding to the drug information, The determination unit performs a second determination process to determine whether or not a drug having a name related to the second name character string is included in either a drug contraindicated for use in combination with the first drug or a drug requiring caution in use in combination with the first drug, based on concomitant use information included in the specific drug information; The output unit outputs information indicating that there is a defect in the prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription when the determination result in the second determination process by the determination unit is negative.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

4. The determination unit is When the drug information acquisition unit acquires a plurality of specific drug information corresponding to the plurality of drug information from the storage unit, it determines whether or not the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content character string is compatible with each of the usage methods of the plurality of drugs indicated by the plurality of specific drug information; The output unit is When the determination unit determines that the prescription content of the first drug does not conform to at least one of the drug usage methods indicated by the plurality of specific drug information, the determination unit outputs information indicating that there is a defect in the prescription content of the first drug described in the prescription.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is a computer.

5. an image information acquiring unit that acquires image information indicating an image of a prescription; A recognition unit that recognizes a character string indicating the name of a first drug written on the prescription as a first name character string based on the image information, and recognizes a character string indicating the prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription as a first content character string; A drug information acquisition unit that acquires, as specific drug information, drug information related to the first name character string from a storage unit that stores a plurality of drug information corresponding to a plurality of drugs that may be written on the prescription; A determination unit that determines whether or not the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content character string is compatible with the usage method of the drug indicated by the specific drug information; an output unit that outputs information based on a result of the determination by the determination unit; Equipped with The drug information acquisition unit When the plurality of pieces of drug information stored in the storage unit include drug information having a name that matches the first name character string, the drug information is acquired as the specific drug information, When there is no drug information including a name that matches the first name character string among the plurality of drug information stored in the storage unit, each of one or a plurality of drug information including a name having a similarity to the first name character string that is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity is acquired as the specific drug information.

23. An information processing apparatus comprising:

6. The processor, a character information acquisition unit that acquires first character information indicating the first name string and the first content string from a recognition unit that recognizes a character string indicating the name of a first drug written on a prescription as a first name string and a character string indicating a prescription content of the first drug written on the prescription as a first content string by a character recognition process that recognizes characters included in an image; A drug information acquisition unit that acquires, as specific drug information, drug information related to the first name character string from a storage unit that stores a plurality of drug information corresponding to a plurality of drugs that may be written on the prescription; A determination unit that determines whether or not the prescription content of the first drug indicated by the first content character string is compatible with the usage method of the drug indicated by the specific drug information; an output unit that outputs information based on a result of the determination by the determination unit; Function as a The drug information acquisition unit When the plurality of pieces of drug information stored in the storage unit include drug information having a name that matches the first name character string, the drug information is acquired as the specific drug information, When there is no drug information including a name that matches the first name character string among the plurality of drug information stored in the storage unit, each of one or a plurality of drug information including a name having a similarity to the first name character string that is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity is acquired as the specific drug information. A program characterized by:

Images