MOBILE BODY, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to a mobile body, an information processing device, and an information processing method, configured so that a patient can easily receive remote medical treatment. The mobile body comprises: a movement control unit that controls movement on the basis of the demands of the patient; a communication control unit that controls communication with a medical practitioner terminal, which is an information processing terminal of a medical practitioner performing the remote medical treatment; and a medical treatment control unit that controls the remote medical treatment with the information processing terminal. The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a system for performing remote medical treatment.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a mobile object, an information processing device, and an information processing method, and in particular to a mobile object, an information processing device, and an information processing method suitable for use in remote medical care. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a system for matching at-home patients with nurses has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Moreover, in recent years, research has been conducted into telemedicine, which would enable patients to receive medical examinations and treatment remotely from the comfort of their own homes, without doctors or nurses having to visit them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-45668 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, depending on the type of telemedicine, patients may not be able to receive telemedicine if they do not have the necessary equipment.

[0006] The present technology was developed in light of these circumstances, and makes it easier for patients to receive remote medical care. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A mobile object according to a first aspect of the present technology is a mobile object used for remote medical care, predictionBased on this, the system is equipped with a mobile control unit that controls the movement of the mobile body before providing remote medical care to a patient, a communication control unit that controls communication with a medical professional terminal which is an information processing terminal of the medical professional providing remote medical care, and a medical control unit that controls the remote medical care between the medical professional terminal and the mobile body.

[0008] The information processing method according to the first aspect of the present technology includes: a mobile object used for remote medical care, the mobile object being configured to receive a patient's demand for the mobile object; prediction Based on this, the movement of the mobile body is controlled before providing remote medical care to the patient, communication with a medical professional terminal which is an information processing terminal of the medical professional providing the remote medical care is controlled, and remote medical care is controlled between the medical professional terminal and the mobile body.

[0009] An information processing device according to a second aspect of the present technology, a demand prediction unit that predicts a demand from patients for a mobile object used in remote medical care; and a scheduling unit that sets a destination or a route for the mobile object based on the demand prediction from patients for the mobile object; A selection unit that selects a medical professional to be introduced to a patient; Information indicating a destination or route of the moving object; and Information on medical professionals to whom patients are referred The above and a communication control unit that controls transmission to the mobile unit.

[0010] In a first aspect of the present technology, a patient's demand for a mobile device to be used for remote medical care is prediction Based on this, the movement of the mobile body is controlled before providing remote medical care to a patient, communication with a medical professional terminal, which is an information processing terminal of the medical professional providing the remote medical care, is controlled, and remote medical care is controlled between the medical professional terminal.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present technology, A demand of a patient for a mobile object used for remote medical care is predicted, and a destination or a route of the mobile object is set based on the predicted demand of the patient for the mobile object; The medical provider to whom the patient will be referred is selected, Information indicating a destination or route of the moving object; and Information on medical professionals to whom patients are referred The above Transmission to the mobile unit is controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a remote medical system to which the present technology is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server. [Diagram 3]2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing unit realized by a processor of the server. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing terminal; [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of the external configuration of vehicles constituting a medical cart and a pharmacy cart. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a medical cart. [Figure 7] 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing unit realized by a processor of the medical cart. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a pharmacy cart. [Figure 9] 13 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing unit realized by a processor of the pharmacy cart. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of a server. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of an organizing process. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a medical professional matching process. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a pharmacist matching process. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a medical cart. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a medical cart. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a remote medical care execution process. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a remote medical care execution process. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a remote medical control process. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a process of a pharmacy cart. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a remote medication preparation execution process. [Figure 21]13 is a flowchart for explaining details of a remote medication preparation execution process. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a remote medication control process. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of medical professional matching processing. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of a pharmacist matching process. [Diagram 25] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing modified examples of the appearance of vehicles constituting a medical cart and a pharmacy cart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present technology will be described in the following order. 1. Embodiment 2. Variations 3.Other

[0014] <<1. Preferred embodiment>> First, an embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] <Example of remote medical system 1 configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a remote medical system 1 to which the present technology is applied.

[0016] The remote medical system 1 is a system that provides remote medical services. Specifically, the remote medical system 1 is a system that enables medical professionals (medical staff) to provide remote medical care and remote prescriptions to patients.

[0017] Telemedicine is, for example, a service in which a medical professional performs various medical procedures on a patient remotely using communication technology. The medical procedures that can be provided by the telemedicine system 1 are not necessarily limited to those prescribed by law, etc., but include various procedures that contribute to health promotion, medicine, health care, nursing care, etc. Specifically, for example, they include medical examinations, treatments, medical consultations, health consultations, medication instructions, drug prescriptions, counseling, therapy, etc.

[0018] Remote dispensing is a service in which, for example, a pharmacist, a medical professional, remotely prepares medicine and provides it to a patient, as well as providing medication instructions.

[0019] Furthermore, in this technology, a medical professional is someone who provides remote medical care or remote prescriptions to a patient, and is not necessarily limited to a person who has a national license, such as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, nurse, or public health nurse. Also, a medical professional does not necessarily have to work at a specific medical institution such as a hospital or pharmacy, and may be, for example, a freelancer or a person waiting at home.

[0020] As mentioned above, medical professionals include pharmacists, but below, when distinguishing pharmacists from other medical professionals, the term pharmacist will be used instead of medical professionals.

[0021] In addition, in the present technology, a patient is a person who receives remote medical care or remote medication services, and does not necessarily have to suffer from an illness or injury that requires treatment, but may be a healthy person.

[0022] The remote medical system 1 includes a server 11, a patient DB (database) 12, a medical DB (database) 13, medical practitioner terminals 14-1 to 14-m, medical carts 15-1 to 15-n, pharmacy carts 16-1 to 16-p, patient terminals 17-1 to 17-q, and a network 31. The server 11, the patient DB (database) 12, the medical DB (database) 13, medical practitioner terminals 14-1 to 14-m, medical carts 15-1 to 15-n, pharmacy carts 16-1 to 16-p, and patient terminals 17-1 to 17-q are connected to each other via the network 31 and can communicate with each other.

[0023] In the following, when there is no need to individually distinguish between medical professional terminals 14-1 through 14-m, medical carts 15-1 through 15-n, pharmacy carts 16-1 through 16-p, and patient terminals 17-1 through 17-q, they will simply be referred to as medical professional terminal 14, medical cart 15, pharmacy cart 16, and patient terminal 17, respectively.

[0024] The server 11 performs overall control of the remote medical system 1. For example, the server 11 predicts the demands of patients and organizes the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16. For example, the server 11 performs matching between medical professionals and patients based on the patient DB 12, the medical DB 13, etc., and performs processing to introduce appropriate medical professionals to patients.

[0025] The patient DB 12 is a database that stores information about patients who use the remote medical system 1. For example, the patient DB 12 stores personal information and medical information of the patients.

[0026] A patient's personal information includes, for example, name, age, sex, nationality, address, contact information, health insurance card number, etc.

[0027] The medical information of a patient includes, for example, a medical record, a medical history, a surgical history, a hospitalization history, a medication history, a medical checkup result, allergy information, etc. Note that the medical history, the surgical history, the hospitalization history, the medication history, etc. may be included in the medical record.

[0028] The medical DB 13 stores medical provider information on medical providers who can perform remote medical care or remote medication using the remote medical system 1, and medical institution information on medical institutions available to patients.

[0029] The medical professional information includes, for example, information about each medical professional, such as a facial photograph, profile, specialty (e.g., medical department), career, schedule, etc. The medical professional profile includes, for example, name, age, sex, nationality, contact information, affiliated medical institution, fluent languages, etc. Information about the medical professional's career includes, for example, work history, number of surgeries performed in the past, books, articles in related newspapers, magazines, websites, etc., papers, etc.

[0030] Medical institution information includes, for example, the name, address, contact information, reception hours, consultation hours, information about affiliated medical professionals, medical fields that can be handled (e.g., medical departments, etc.), size, facilities, etc. of each medical institution.

[0031] The medical professional terminal 14 is an information processing terminal used by each medical professional to provide remote medical care or remote medication. There is no particular limit to the type of the medical professional terminal 14 as long as it can be used to provide remote medical care or remote medication. For example, the medical professional terminal 14 is configured as a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc.

[0032] For example, multiple medical professionals may share one medical professional terminal 14, or one medical professional may use multiple medical professional terminals 14. There is no particular restriction on where the medical professional terminal 14 is installed. For example, the medical professional terminal 14 may be installed in a medical institution such as a hospital or pharmacy, may be installed in the medical professional's home, or may be carried around by the medical professional.

[0033] The medical cart 15 is equipped with medical devices used for remote medical care and is used for each patient to receive remote medical care.

[0034] The pharmacy cart 16 includes a dispensing device used for remote dispensing of medication and is utilized for each patient to receive remote medication.

[0035] The medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16 can move unmanned by automatic driving or remote control (remote driving).

[0036] The patient terminal 17 is, for example, an information processing terminal used to request the dispatch of the medical cart 15 or the pharmacy cart 16. A plurality of patients may share one patient terminal 17, or a single patient may share a plurality of patient terminals 17. Furthermore, the type of the patient terminal 17 is not particularly important as long as it can be used to request the dispatch of the medical cart 15 or the pharmacy cart 16. For example, the patient terminal 17 is configured by a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc.

[0037] <Server 11 configuration example> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 11 of the remote medical system 1 of FIG.

[0038] The server 11 includes a processor 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, a recording medium 114, an input / output interface 115, an input unit 116, an output unit 117, and a communication unit 118. The processor 111, the ROM 112, the RAM 113, the recording medium 114, the input / output interface 115, and the communication unit 118 are connected to each other via a bus 131.

[0039] The processor 111 is configured by, for example, one or more processors configured by an arithmetic circuit such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), various processing circuits, etc. The processor 111 controls the entire server 11.

[0040] The ROM 112 stores, for example, programs used by the processor 111, control data such as calculation parameters, and the like.

[0041] The RAM 113 temporarily stores, for example, the programs executed by the processor 111, data used in the processing of the processor 111, and the like.

[0042] The recording medium 114 is configured by a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. The recording medium 114 stores various programs, applications, data, etc. The recording medium 114 may be detachable from the server 11.

[0043] The input / output interface 115 connects, for example, an input unit 116 and an output unit 117. The input / output interface 115 is configured with, for example, a USB terminal, a DVI terminal, an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal, various processing circuits, and the like.

[0044] The input unit 116 includes, for example, various input devices and is used to input various data, instructions, etc. The types and number of input devices included in the input unit 116 are not particularly limited, and a touch panel, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc. may be used as necessary.

[0045] The output unit 117 includes various output devices capable of outputting one or more of visual information, auditory information, and tactile information, for example. The types and number of output devices included in the output unit 117 are not particularly limited, and a display device, a speaker, a light-emitting device, a vibration element, etc. may be used as necessary.

[0046] The communication unit 118 includes one or more communication devices, and communicates with other devices in the remote medical system 1 via the network 31 using a predetermined communication method. Any wired or wireless communication method can be adopted for the communication unit 118. The communication unit 118 may also be compatible with a plurality of communication methods.

[0047] In the following description of the server 11, the input / output interface 115 and the bus 131 will be omitted. For example, when the processor 111 and the output unit 117 exchange data via the bus 131 and the input / output interface 115, the descriptions of the bus 131 and the input / output interface 115 will be omitted, and it will be described that the processor 111 and the output unit 117 exchange data.

[0048] <Configuration example of information processing unit 151> FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing unit 151 which is part of the functions realized by the processor 111 of the server 11 executing a predetermined control program.

[0049] The information processing unit 151 includes an analysis unit 161 , a selection unit 162 , a demand forecasting unit 163 , a scheduling unit 164 , and a communication control unit 165 .

[0050] The analysis unit 161 analyzes the patient's condition based on the patient DB 12, the medical DB 13, the information received from the medical cart 15, the information received from the pharmacy cart 16, the information received from the patient terminal 17, and the like. The analysis unit 161 also selects a remote medical procedure required for the patient based on the analysis result of the patient's condition. Furthermore, the analysis unit 161 determines whether or not remote medical care and remote medication can be provided to the patient. Furthermore, if the analysis unit 161 determines that remote medical care and remote medication cannot be provided, it creates an alternative plan and transmits alternative plan information indicating the created alternative plan to the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16 via the network 31.

[0051] The selection unit 162 performs matching processing between patients and medical practitioners based on at least one of the patient DB 12, the medical DB 13, the equipment of the medical cart 15, the equipment of the pharmacy cart 16, the schedule of each medical practitioner, and the patient's condition, desired conditions, etc., and selects a medical practitioner to be introduced to the patient. The selection unit 162 transmits information indicating the medical practitioner to be introduced to the medical cart 15 or the pharmacy cart 16 used by each patient. For example, the selection unit 162 transmits information about a medical practitioner who performs remote medical care and is to be introduced to the patient, to the medical cart 15 where the patient receives remote medical care. Also, for example, the selection unit 162 transmits information about a pharmacist who is a medical practitioner who performs remote medication and is to be introduced to the patient, to the medical cart 15 where the patient receives remote medication.

[0052] The demand prediction unit 163 collects various information from each medical professional terminal 14, each medical cart 15, each pharmacy cart 16, and other servers not shown via the network 31 and the communication unit 118, and predicts patient demand for the medical carts 15 and pharmacy carts 16 based on the collected information.

[0053] The organizing unit 164 organizes the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16 based on at least one of the predicted results of patient demand, the position and state of each medical cart 15, the position and state of each pharmacy cart 16, and the patient's request (demand from the patient) received from the patient terminal 17. For example, the organizing unit 164 gives instructions such as a patrol route and dispatch to each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16.

[0054] The communication control unit 165 controls the communication processing by the communication unit 118 .

[0055] <Configuration example of information processing device 201> Fig. 4 shows a configuration example of an information processing device 201 capable of configuring each medical professional terminal 14 and each patient terminal 17 of the remote medical system 1. In the figure, the parts corresponding to the server 11 in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals with the last two digits.

[0056] The information processing device 201 has a similar configuration to the server 11, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] <Configuration example of vehicle 301> Fig. 5 shows an example of the external configuration of a vehicle 301 constituting the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16. Fig. 5 shows an example of the external configuration of the vehicle 301 when viewed diagonally from the front left.

[0058] The vehicle 301 is a moving body that can move unmanned by automatic driving or remote control.

[0059] It should be noted that a person may be aboard the vehicle 301 when the vehicle 301 is moving. Furthermore, the vehicle 301 may be capable of being driven by a driver.

[0060] An example of the vehicle 301 is an electric vehicle such as an electric cart that is driven by a motor. Note that the vehicle 301 according to this embodiment is not limited to an electric vehicle.

[0061] A display unit 311F, a display unit 311L, a display unit 311R (not shown), and a display unit 311B (not shown) are provided on the front, left side, right side, and rear of the vehicle 301. The display units 311F to 311B are each configured with a thin display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL panel.

[0062] Furthermore, cameras 312F, 312L, 312R (not shown), and 312B (not shown) are provided on the front, left side, right side, and rear of the vehicle 301, respectively. Camera 312F mainly captures images of the front of the vehicle 301. Camera 312L mainly captures images of the left side of the vehicle 301. Camera 312R mainly captures images of the right side of the vehicle 301. Camera 312B mainly captures images of the rear of the vehicle 301.

[0063] The types and specifications of the cameras 312F to 312B are not particularly limited. For example, the cameras 312F to 312B may be configured as stereo cameras.

[0064] A space is provided inside the vehicle 301 where a patient can receive remote medical care or remote medication. The space is equipped with, for example, a camera for photographing the patient, a microphone for collecting the patient's voice, an information processing terminal for remote communication and information processing, a desk, a chair, and a medical device or medication preparation device. In addition, the space is preferably a closed space isolated from the outside in order to protect the security and privacy of the patient.

[0065] <Example of medical cart 15 configuration> Fig. 6 shows a configuration example of the medical cart 15 of the remote medical system 1 of Fig. 1, which is composed of the vehicle 301 of Fig. 5. The medical cart 15 includes a processor 411, a ROM 412, a RAM 413, a recording medium 414, a drive unit 415, an input / output interface 416, an input unit 417, an output unit 418, a communication unit 419, a group of sensors 420, a battery 421, a medical processing unit 422, and a bus 431. The processor 411, the ROM 412, the RAM 413, the recording medium 414, the drive unit 415, the input / output interface 416, the communication unit 419, the group of sensors 420, the battery 421, and the medical processing unit 422 are connected to each other via the bus 431.

[0066] The processor 411 is configured with, for example, one or more processors configured with an arithmetic circuit such as an MPU, various processing circuits, etc. The processor 411 controls the medical cart 15 as a whole.

[0067] The ROM 412 stores, for example, programs used by the processor 411, control data such as calculation parameters, and the like.

[0068] The RAM 413 temporarily stores, for example, programs executed by the processor 411, data used in the processing of the processor 411, and the like.

[0069] The recording medium 414 is configured by a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. The recording medium 414 stores various programs, applications, data, etc. The recording medium 414 may be detachable from the medical cart 15.

[0070] The drive unit 415 includes various devices (or mechanisms) related to the movement of the medical cart 15, such as a power source such as a motor, wheels, a transmission for transmitting the power generated by the power source to the wheels, and a brake mechanism.

[0071] The input / output interface 416 connects, for example, an input unit 417 and an output unit 418. The input / output interface 416 is configured with, for example, a USB terminal, a DVI terminal, an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal, various processing circuits, and the like.

[0072] The input unit 417 includes, for example, various input devices, and is used for driving and operating the medical cart 15, as well as inputting various data, instructions, etc. The types and number of input devices included in the input unit 417 are not particularly limited. For example, the input unit 417 includes a game controller including a directional key, buttons, and a stick-shaped device, a controller including a steering wheel, a shift lever, an accelerator pedal, and a brake pedal, a touch panel, buttons, switches, etc.

[0073] The output unit 418 includes various output devices capable of outputting one or more of visual information, auditory information, and tactile information. For example, the output unit 418 includes display devices such as the display units 311F and 311B that display images toward the inside or outside of the vehicle 301. The types and number of output devices included in the output unit 418 are not particularly limited, and a display device, a speaker, a light-emitting device, a vibration element, or the like may be used as necessary.

[0074] The communication unit 419 includes one or more communication devices, and communicates with other devices in the remote medical system 1 via the network 31 using a predetermined communication method. Any wired or wireless communication method can be adopted for the communication unit 419. The communication unit 419 may also be compatible with multiple communication methods.

[0075] The sensor group 420 includes various sensors for detecting the state of the medical cart 15. For example, the sensor group 420 includes a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a sensor for detecting the number of motor revolutions or the rotation speed of the wheels.

[0076] Also, for example, the sensor group 420 includes various sensors for detecting external information. For example, the sensor group 420 includes imaging devices such as the above-mentioned cameras 312F to 312B. The imaging devices include, for example, a ToF (Time Of Flight) camera, a stereo camera, a monocular camera, an infrared camera, etc. Also, for example, the sensor group 420 includes an environmental sensor for detecting weather or climate, and a surrounding information detection sensor for detecting surrounding objects. The environmental sensor includes, for example, a raindrop sensor, a fog sensor, a sunlight sensor, a snow sensor, etc. The surrounding information detection sensor includes, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), a sonar, etc.

[0077] Further, for example, the sensor group 420 includes various position sensors for detecting the current position. For example, the sensor group 420 includes a GNSS receiver that receives a GNSS signal from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite.

[0078] For example, the sensor group 420 includes various sensors for detecting information about the inside of the medical cart 15. For example, the sensor group 420 includes an imaging device that captures images of the inside of the medical cart 15, a microphone that collects sounds from the inside of the medical cart 15, and the like.

[0079] The communication unit 419 includes one or more communication devices, and communicates with other devices in the remote medical system 1 via the network 31 using a predetermined communication method. Any wired or wireless communication method can be adopted for the communication unit 419. The communication unit 419 may also be compatible with multiple communication methods.

[0080] The battery 421 is an internal power source provided in the medical cart 15. Each device in the medical cart 15 that is driven by electricity is driven, for example, by power supplied from the battery 421. Note that the medical cart 15 can also be driven by power supplied from an external power source.

[0081] The medical processing unit 422 includes various medical devices and performs various medical procedures. For example, the medical processing unit 422 includes a medical robot that performs remote surgery, examination, treatment, measurement, etc. For example, the medical processing unit 422 includes a measuring device that measures the patient's condition, such as blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, height, weight, chest circumference, and physical build.

[0082] It should be noted that all of the medical devices included in the medical processing unit 422 do not necessarily have to be remotely operable, and may be devices that are directly operated by nurses or patients, such as a thermometer, a blood pressure gauge, and an injection.

[0083] Furthermore, the types of medical devices provided in the medical processing unit 422 may differ for each medical cart 15.

[0084] <Configuration example of the information processing unit 451> FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing unit 451 which is a part of the functions realized by the processor 411 of the medical cart 15 executing a predetermined control program.

[0085] The information processing unit 451 includes an observation unit 461 , a medical control unit 462 , a movement control unit 463 , an output control unit 464 , and a communication control unit 465 .

[0086] The observation unit 461 observes the inside and surroundings of the medical cart 15 based on the sensor data supplied from the sensor group 420. For example, the observation unit 461 observes a patient inside the medical cart 15. Also, for example, the observation unit 461 observes people around the medical cart 15, detects the patient's demand for the medical cart 15, and generates and updates a health condition map.

[0087] The health condition map is a map that indicates the number, proportion, distribution, etc. of healthy and unhealthy people based on the results of checking the health conditions of people around the medical cart 15 while the medical cart 15 is moving.

[0088] The medical control unit 462 controls medical practice by the medical cart 15 (medical processing unit 422). For example, the medical control unit 462 controls remote medical care between the medical practitioner terminal 14. Also, for example, the medical control unit 462 controls access to medical information of each patient in the patient DB 12.

[0089] The movement control unit 463 controls the movement of the medical cart 15 by controlling the drive unit 415 based on the patient's needs, etc.

[0090] The output control unit 464 controls the output of various information by the output unit 418 .

[0091] The communication control unit 465 controls the communication processing by the communication unit 419 .

[0092] <Example of Pharmacy Cart 16 configuration> Fig. 8 shows a configuration example of the pharmacy cart 16 of the remote medical system 1 of Fig. 1, which is composed of the vehicle 301 of Fig. 5. In the figure, the parts corresponding to the medical cart 15 of Fig. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] Compared to the medical cart 15, the pharmacy cart 16 has the same components as the medical cart 15, including a processor 411, a ROM 412, a RAM 413, a recording medium 414, a drive unit 415, an input / output interface 416, an input unit 417, an output unit 418, a communication unit 419, a group of sensors 420, a battery 421, and a bus 431, but differs in that the pharmacy cart 16 has a medication processing unit 511 instead of the medical processing unit 422.

[0094] The drug preparation processing unit 511 is connected to the bus 431. The drug preparation processing unit 511 includes various drug preparation devices used for preparation of drugs, and executes processes related to preparation of drugs. For example, the drug preparation processing unit 511 includes a drug preparation robot that prepares drugs remotely.

[0095] It should be noted that all of the drug preparation devices included in the drug preparation processing unit 511 do not necessarily have to be remotely operable, and may be directly operated by, for example, a pharmacist or a patient.

[0096] In addition, the type of medication preparation device provided in the medication preparation processing unit 511 may be different for each pharmacy cart 16.

[0097] In the following description of the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16, the input / output interface 416 and the bus 431 will be omitted. For example, when the processor 411 and the output unit 418 exchange data via the bus 431 and the input / output interface 416, the descriptions of the bus 431 and the input / output interface 416 will be omitted, and it will be described that the processor 411 and the output unit 418 exchange data.

[0098] <Configuration example of the information processing unit 551> FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing unit 551 which is part of the functions realized by the processor 411 of the pharmacy cart 16 executing a predetermined control program.

[0099] The information processing unit 551 includes an observation unit 561 , a medication control unit 562 , a movement control unit 563 , an output control unit 564 , and a communication control unit 565 .

[0100] The observation unit 561 observes the inside and surroundings of the pharmacy cart 16 based on the sensor data supplied from the sensor group 420. For example, the observation unit 561 observes patients inside the pharmacy cart 16. Also, for example, the observation unit 561 observes people around the pharmacy cart 16 to detect patients' demand for the pharmacy cart 16.

[0101] The medication control unit 562 controls the medication preparation action by the pharmacy cart 16 (medication preparation processing unit 511). For example, the medication control unit 562 controls remote medication preparation between the medical practitioner terminal 14. Also, for example, the medication control unit 562 controls access to the medical information of each patient in the patient DB 12.

[0102] The movement control unit 563 controls the drive unit 415 to control the movement of the pharmacy cart 16 .

[0103] The output control unit 564 controls the output of various information by the output unit 418 .

[0104] The communication control unit 565 controls the communication processing by the communication unit 419 .

[0105] <Remote medical system 1 processing> Next, the processing of the remote medical system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0106] <Server 11 processing> First, the process executed by the server 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0107] This process starts, for example, when the power of the server 11 is turned on and ends when the power is turned off.

[0108] In step S1, the communication unit 118 starts communication. That is, under the control of the communication control unit 165, the communication unit 118 connects to the network 31 and starts communication with other devices in the remote medical system 1 as necessary.

[0109] In step S2, the organization unit 164 determines whether or not to update the organization of the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16. If it is determined that the organization of the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16 is to be updated, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0110] The timing for updating the composition of the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16 is set arbitrarily. For example, the composition is updated periodically (e.g., once a day, etc.). For example, the composition is updated when an event occurs that significantly changes the demand of patients (e.g., an epidemic of a disease (e.g., influenza, etc.), bad weather, or a disaster (e.g., typhoon, earthquake, fire, etc.)). For example, the composition is updated when the state of the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16 changes (e.g., when the number of operating medical carts 15 and pharmacy carts 16 changes, when remote medical care of a certain medical cart 15 ends, when remote dispensing of a certain pharmacy cart 16 ends, etc.).

[0111] In step S3, the server 11 performs an editing process, and then the process proceeds to step S4.

[0112] Here, the editing process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0113] In step S51, the demand forecasting unit 163 performs demand forecasting.

[0114] Specifically, the demand prediction unit 163 collects various information used to predict patient demand for the medical carts 15 and pharmacy carts 16 from each medical professional terminal 14, each medical cart 15, each pharmacy cart 16, each patient terminal 17, and other servers not shown, via the network 31 and the communication unit 118.

[0115] For example, the demand forecasting unit 163 collects health condition maps from each medical cart 15. For example, the demand forecasting unit 163 collects information on events (e.g., disease epidemics, weather, disasters, etc.) that cause fluctuations in patient demand. For example, the demand forecasting unit 163 collects information indicating the current location and status of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16.

[0116] The states of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 may be, for example, performing remote medical care or remote prescription, making rounds, waiting, or moving to a patient.

[0117] The demand forecasting unit 163 predicts that areas where many people gather or where many people are unwell are areas where there will be high demand for the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16. For example, areas where there will be high demand for the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16 are office areas during the day on weekdays, in front of train stations at night, residential areas on weekends, schools where classes have been closed, areas with many elderly people, etc. Furthermore, for example, the demand forecasting unit 163 predicts that areas where there will be high demand for the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16 are areas where disasters have occurred, areas where diseases are prevalent, areas where bad weather or seasonal changes are occurring, etc.

[0118] In step S52, the organization unit 164 organizes the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16. For example, the organization unit 164 sets the placement or circulation route of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 based on the current position and state of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16, as well as the demand forecast. In other words, the organization unit 164 sets the placement or circulation route of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 so that more medical carts 15 and pharmacy carts 16 are gathered in areas with higher patient demand.

[0119] In step S53, the scheduling unit 164 instructs the placement locations or the circulation route to the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16. Specifically, the scheduling unit 164 generates information including the placement locations of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 (hereinafter referred to as dispatch instruction information) or information including the circulation route (hereinafter referred to as circulation route instruction information).

[0120] For example, the vehicle dispatch instruction information may include not only the deployment location, but also, for example, the route to the deployment location, the time to start deployment, and the like.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the tour route instruction information may include not only the tour route, but also, for example, the time to travel the tour route, the target arrival time at each point on the route, and the like.

[0122] The scheduling unit 164 transmits dispatch instruction information or tour route instruction information to each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 via the communication unit 118 and the network 31 .

[0123] In response to this, each medical cart 15 starts traveling along the route in step S205 of FIG. 14, which will be described later, and starts moving to the placement location in step S207.

[0124] Furthermore, each pharmacy cart 16 starts traveling along its route in step S403 of FIG. 19, which will be described later, and starts moving to its placement location in step S405.

[0125] Then, the compilation process ends.

[0126] In this process, it is not necessary to set the locations or routes of all medical carts 15 and pharmacy carts 16. For example, it is possible to set the locations or routes of only the medical carts 15 and pharmacy carts 16 whose locations or routes need to be set or changed.

[0127] Returning to FIG. 10, on the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the composition of the medical carts 15 and the pharmacy carts 16 is not to be updated, the process of step S3 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0128] In step S4, the scheduling unit 164 determines whether or not dispatch of the medical cart 15 has been requested. For example, when the scheduling unit 164 receives information for requesting dispatch of the medical cart 15 (hereinafter referred to as medical cart dispatch request information) transmitted by a patient or the like (including, for example, a patient's representative) using the patient terminal 17 via the network 31 and the communication unit 118, the scheduling unit 164 determines that dispatch of the medical cart 15 has been requested, and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0129] The medical cart dispatch request information includes, for example, the patient's personal information (e.g., name, age, sex, nationality, address, contact information, health insurance card number, etc.), the patient's condition (e.g., physical condition, illness, extent of injury, etc.), dispatch location, desired time, etc. In addition, for example, the patient's biological information (e.g., body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, etc.) measured by the patient terminal 17 (e.g., smartphone) may be included in the medical cart dispatch request information as the patient's condition.

[0130] Also, for example, the patient may be able to request the dispatch of a medical cart 15 by voice call.

[0131] In step S5, the server 11 dispatches the medical cart 15.

[0132] Specifically, the scheduling unit 164 selects a medical cart 15 to be dispatched. For example, the scheduling unit 164 selects a medical cart 15 that is located near the dispatch location and can provide suitable remote medical care to the patient at the desired time. The scheduling unit 164 generates information instructing dispatch to the dispatch location (hereinafter referred to as medical cart dispatch instruction information). Under the control of the communication control unit 165, the communication unit 118 transmits the medical cart dispatch instruction information to the selected medical cart 15 via the network 31. In this way, the dispatch destination of the medical cart 15 is specified based on the patient's demand.

[0133] The medical cart dispatch instruction information includes, for example, the patient's personal information, the patient's condition, the dispatch location, the appointment time, etc. The appointment time does not necessarily have to be the same as the patient's desired time, and may be set to a time different from the desired time depending on, for example, the operating status of each medical cart 15. Also, for example, the route to the dispatch location may be included in the medical cart dispatch instruction information.

[0134] In response to this, the medical cart 15 instructed to be dispatched starts moving to the dispatch location in step S207 in FIG. 14, which will be described later.

[0135] The process then proceeds to step S6.

[0136] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that dispatch of the medical cart 15 has not been requested, the process of step S5 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0137] In step S6, the scheduling unit 164 determines whether or not a request has been made to dispatch the pharmacy cart 16. For example, when the scheduling unit 164 receives information for requesting the dispatch of the pharmacy cart 16 (hereinafter referred to as pharmacy cart dispatch request information) transmitted by a patient or the like (including, for example, a patient's representative) using the patient terminal 17 via the network 31 and the communication unit 118, the scheduling unit 164 determines that the dispatch of the pharmacy cart 16 has been requested, and the process proceeds to step S7.

[0138] The pharmacy cart dispatch request information includes, for example, the patient's personal information (eg, name, age, sex, nationality, address, contact information, health insurance card number, etc.), prescription data, dispatch location, desired time, etc.

[0139] Also, for example, a patient may be able to request the dispatch of a pharmacy cart 16 via voice call.

[0140] In step S7, the server 11 dispatches the pharmacy cart 16.

[0141] Specifically, the scheduling unit 164 selects a pharmacy cart 16 to be dispatched. For example, the scheduling unit 164 selects a pharmacy cart 16 that is located near the dispatch location and can compound medicine to be provided to the patient at the desired time. The scheduling unit 164 generates information instructing dispatch to the dispatch location (hereinafter referred to as pharmacy cart dispatch instruction information). Under the control of the communication control unit 165, the communication unit 118 transmits the pharmacy cart dispatch instruction information to the selected pharmacy cart 16 via the network 31. In this way, the dispatch destination of the pharmacy cart 16 is specified based on the patient's demand.

[0142] The pharmacy cart dispatch instruction information includes, for example, the patient's personal information, prescription data, dispatch location, reservation time, etc. The reservation time does not necessarily have to be the same as the patient's desired time, and may be set to a time different from the desired time depending on, for example, the operating status of each pharmacy cart 16. In addition, for example, the pharmacy cart dispatch instruction information may include the route to the dispatch location.

[0143] In response to this, the pharmacy cart 16 instructed to be dispatched starts moving to the placement location in step S405 of FIG. 19, which will be described later.

[0144] The process then proceeds to step S8.

[0145] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that dispatch of the pharmacy cart 16 has not been requested, the process of step S7 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S8.

[0146] In step S8, the selection unit 162 determines whether or not the provision of remote medical care has been requested.

[0147] For example, when a patient using a medical cart 15 requests the provision of remote medical care, the medical cart 15 (hereinafter referred to as the target medical cart 15) transmits remote medical care request information to request the provision of remote medical care in step S251 of Figure 16 described below.

[0148] Then, when the selection unit 162 receives remote medical care request information via the network 31 and the communication unit 118, it determines that the provision of remote medical care has been requested, and the process proceeds to step S9.

[0149] The remote medical request information includes, for example, the patient's personal information (e.g., name, age, sex, nationality, address, contact information, health insurance card number, etc.), the patient's condition (e.g., physical condition, illness, extent of injury, etc.), the patient's requests, the details of the medical equipment in the noted medical cart 15, etc. The patient's requests include the desired conditions of the medical professional providing remote medical care, the desired content of the remote medical care, etc. The desired conditions of the medical professional include, for example, the medical professional's age, sex, years of service, specialty (e.g., medical department, etc.), nationality, and languages ​​that can be used. The desired content of the remote medical care includes, for example, the examination method, treatment method, budget, etc.

[0150] In step S9, the server 11 performs a medical professional matching process, and then the process proceeds to step S10.

[0151] Here, the medical provider matching process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0152] In step S101, the server 11 acquires medical information of a patient.

[0153] Specifically, in step S252 in FIG. 16 described later, the attention medical cart 15 performs a process of permitting access to medical information in the patient DB 12 of a patient who will receive remote medical care.

[0154] In response to this, the analysis unit 161 reads out the medical information of the patient from the patient DB 12 via the communication unit 118 and the network 31.

[0155] In step S102, the analysis unit 161 analyzes the patient's condition. For example, the analysis unit 161 analyzes the patient's physical condition, medical condition, injury, etc., based on the condition reported by the patient and the acquired medical information, etc. Furthermore, the analysis unit 161 selects a remote medical treatment required for the patient based on the analysis result.

[0156] In step S103, the selection unit 162 searches for medical practitioners. Specifically, the selection unit 162 accesses the medical DB 13 via the communication unit 118 and the network 31, and searches for medical practitioners who are currently available and can perform the remote medical procedure required for the patient. In step S106, which will be described later, if the patient requests a referral to another medical practitioner, the medical practitioners who have been referred to so far are excluded from the search. Furthermore, the selection unit 162 calculates the matching rate between each of the searched medical practitioners and the patient's desired conditions, and determines that medical practitioners with a matching rate equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold are medical practitioners who can be introduced to the patient.

[0157] In step S104, the analysis unit 161 judges whether or not remote medical care can be provided. For example, if the analysis unit 161 can perform the remote medical care required for the patient using the medical device of the attention medical cart 15, and the remote medical care is not contrary to the patient's wishes, and a medical professional who can be introduced to the patient is searched for, the analysis unit 161 judges that remote medical care can be provided, and the process proceeds to step S105.

[0158] In step S105, the selection unit 162 introduces medical professionals. For example, the selection unit 162 selects a predetermined number of medical professionals to be introduced to the patient, from among the medical professionals searched for in the process of step S103 who can be introduced to the patient, in descending order of matching rate with the patient's desired conditions. Then, the selection unit 162 generates medical professional introduction information including information about the selected medical professionals. The communication unit 118 transmits the medical professional introduction information to the noted medical cart 15 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 165.

[0159] The medical professional introduction information includes, for example, a photograph of the medical professional, information regarding the medical professional's face, profile, specialty, career, etc., or a uniform resource locator (URL) of a website where information about the medical professional can be obtained.

[0160] Furthermore, the number of medical professionals to be referred is optional and may be set by the patient, for example.

[0161] In step S106, the selection unit 162 determines whether or not a referral to another medical professional has been requested.

[0162] For example, if a patient requests introduction of another medical professional, the attention medical cart 15 transmits medical professional re-introduction request information for requesting introduction of another medical professional in step S259 of FIG. 16 described later.

[0163] Then, when the selection unit 162 receives medical professional re-introduction request information via the network 31 and the communication unit 118, it determines that an introduction to another medical professional has been requested, and the process returns to step S102.

[0164] The medical practitioner re-introduction request information includes, for example, the patient's personal information, the patient's condition, and the patient's requests. This information has already been sent from the attention medical cart 15 to the server 11 by the remote medical request information, but it can be changed by the patient, etc., as appropriate, for example, to convey the patient's condition or requests in more detail, or to change the search conditions for medical practitioners.

[0165] Thereafter, the processes of steps S102 to S106 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S104 that remote medical care is not possible, or until it is determined in step S106 that a referral to another medical professional has not been requested.

[0166] On the other hand, in step S106, if the selection unit 162 determines that a referral to another medical professional has not been requested, for example, if the patient selects the referred medical professional or does not receive remote medical care, the medical professional matching process ends.

[0167] Also, in step S104, for example, if the analysis unit 161 cannot perform the remote medical treatment required for the patient using the medical device of the focused medical cart 15, or if the remote medical treatment required for the patient is contrary to the patient's wishes, or if no medical professional that can be referred to the patient is found, the analysis unit 161 determines that remote medical care cannot be provided, and processing proceeds to step S107.

[0168] In step S107, the server 11 proposes an alternative.

[0169] For example, the analysis unit 161 generates alternative plan information indicating an alternative plan depending on the reason why remote medical care cannot be provided. For example, when the remote medical care required for the patient cannot be performed using the medical device of the focused medical cart 15, the analysis unit 161 generates alternative plan information proposing a nearby medical facility that can perform the medical care. For example, when the remote medical care required for the patient is contrary to the patient's wishes, the analysis unit 161 generates alternative plan information proposing a remote medical care that is contrary to the patient's wishes. For example, when a medical practitioner that can be introduced to the patient is not found, the analysis unit 161 generates alternative plan information proposing a time period when a medical practitioner that can be introduced to the patient is available, or a nearby medical institution where a medical practitioner that can be introduced to the patient is available.

[0170] The communication unit 118 transmits the alternative information to the attention medical cart 15 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 165 .

[0171] The medical provider matching process then ends.

[0172] Returning to FIG. 10, on the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the provision of remote medical care has not been requested, the process of step S9 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S10.

[0173] In step S10, the selection unit 162 determines whether or not the provision of remote medication has been requested.

[0174] For example, when a patient using a pharmacy cart 16 requests the provision of remote medication, the pharmacy cart 16 (hereinafter referred to as the pharmacy cart 16 of interest) transmits remote medication request information to request the provision of remote medication in step S451 of Figure 20 described below.

[0175] Then, when the selection unit 162 receives remote medication request information via the network 31 and the communication unit 118, it determines that provision of remote medication has been requested, and the process proceeds to step S11.

[0176] The remote dispensing request information includes, for example, the patient's personal information (e.g., name, age, sex, nationality, address, contact information, health insurance card number, etc.), the patient's condition (e.g., physical condition, illness, injury, etc.), the patient's request, prescription data, the contents of the dispensing equipment of the noted pharmacy cart 16, etc. The patient's request includes the desired conditions of the pharmacist who will perform the remote dispensing, the desired content of the remote dispensing, etc. The desired conditions of the pharmacist include, for example, the pharmacist's age, sex, years of service, nationality, languages ​​they can use, etc. The desired content of the remote dispensing includes, for example, the availability of generic drugs, the budget, etc.

[0177] In step S11, the server 11 performs a pharmacist matching process, and then the process returns to step S2, and the processes from step S2 onwards are executed.

[0178] Here, the pharmacist matching process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0179] In step S151, the server 11 acquires medical information of the patient.

[0180] Specifically, in step S452 in FIG. 20 described later, the target pharmacy cart 16 performs a process of permitting access to the medical information of the patient who will receive remote medication in the patient DB 12.

[0181] In response to this, the analysis unit 161 reads out the medical information of the patient from the patient DB 12 via the communication unit 118 and the network 31.

[0182] The medical information of the patient includes, for example, the patient's medical history, allergy information, etc. Note that, for example, access to the patient's chart is prohibited because it is not necessary for dispensing medicine.

[0183] In step S152, the selection unit 162 searches for a pharmacist. Specifically, the selection unit 162 accesses the medical DB 13 via the communication unit 118 and the network 31, and searches for a pharmacist who is currently available. Note that, in step S155 described later, if the patient requests the introduction of another pharmacist, the pharmacists who have been introduced so far are excluded from the search. Furthermore, the selection unit 162 calculates the matching rate of each of the searched pharmacists with the patient's desired conditions, and determines pharmacists whose matching rate is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold as pharmacists that can be introduced to the patient.

[0184] In step S153, the analysis unit 161 determines whether or not remote dispensing is possible. For example, when the analysis unit 161 is able to compound medicine based on prescription data using the medicine compounding processing unit 511 of the target pharmacy cart 16 and a pharmacist who can be introduced to the patient is found, the analysis unit 161 determines that remote dispensing is possible, and the process proceeds to step S154.

[0185] In step S154, the selection unit 162 introduces a pharmacist. For example, the selection unit 162 selects a predetermined number of pharmacists to be introduced to the patient from among the pharmacists who can be introduced to the patient searched for in the process of step S152, in descending order of matching rate with the patient's desired conditions. Then, the selection unit 162 generates pharmacist introduction information including information on the selected pharmacists. The communication unit 118 transmits the pharmacist introduction information to the noted pharmacy cart 16 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 165.

[0186] The pharmacist introduction information may include, for example, a photo of the pharmacist's face, profile, specialty, career, or other information, or a URL of a website where information about the pharmacist can be obtained.

[0187] Furthermore, the number of pharmacists to be introduced is optional and may be set by the patient, for example.

[0188] In step S155, the selection unit 162 determines whether or not a request for introduction of another pharmacist has been made.

[0189] For example, if a patient requests a referral to another pharmacist, the noted pharmacy cart 16 transmits pharmacist re-referral request information for requesting a referral to another pharmacist in step S459 of FIG. 20 described later.

[0190] Then, when the selection unit 162 receives pharmacist re-introduction request information via the network 31 and the communication unit 118, it determines that an introduction to another pharmacist has been requested, and the process returns to step S152.

[0191] The pharmacist re-referral request information includes, for example, the patient's personal information, the patient's condition, and the patient's requests. Although this information has already been transmitted from the noted pharmacy cart 16 to the server 11 by the remote dispensing request information, it may be modified by the patient, etc., as appropriate, for example, to provide more detailed information about the patient's condition or requests, or to change the search conditions for a pharmacist.

[0192] Thereafter, the processes of steps S152 to S155 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S153 that remote dispensing is not possible, or until it is determined in step S155 that a referral to another pharmacist has not been requested.

[0193] On the other hand, in step S155, if the selection unit 162 determines that a referral to another pharmacist has not been requested, for example, if the patient selects the referred pharmacist or does not receive remote medication dispensing, the pharmacist matching process ends.

[0194] Also, in step S153, for example, if the analysis unit 161 is unable to compound the medicine based on the prescription data using the medicine compounding processing unit 511 of the target pharmacy cart 16, or if a pharmacist who can be referred to the patient is not found, it determines that remote medicine compounding is not possible, and processing proceeds to step S156.

[0195] In step S156, the server 11 proposes an alternative.

[0196] For example, the analysis unit 161 generates alternative plan information indicating an alternative plan depending on the reason for not performing remote medical care. For example, when the analysis unit 161 cannot compound medicine based on prescription data using the medicine compounding processing unit 511 of the noted pharmacy cart 16, it generates alternative plan information proposing a nearby pharmacy that can compound the medicine. For example, when a pharmacist that can be introduced to the patient is not found, the analysis unit 161 generates alternative plan information proposing a time period when a pharmacist that can be introduced to the patient is available or a nearby pharmacy where a pharmacist that can be introduced to the patient is available.

[0197] The communication unit 118 transmits the alternative information to the noted pharmacy cart 16 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 165 .

[0198] The pharmacist matching process then ends.

[0199] Returning to FIG. 10, on the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that provision of remote medication is not requested, the process returns to step S2, and the processes from step S2 onwards are executed.

[0200] <Processing of Medical Cart 15> Next, the processing executed by the medical cart 15 in response to the processing of the server 11 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 14 and FIG.

[0201] This process begins, for example, when power for the electrical equipment of the medical cart 15 is turned on and ends when power is turned off.

[0202] In step S201, the communication unit 419 starts communication. That is, under the control of the communication control unit 465, the communication unit 419 connects to the network 31 and starts communication with other devices in the remote medical system 1 as necessary.

[0203] In step S202, the medical cart 15 starts observing the surroundings.

[0204] For example, the cameras 312F to 312B of the medical cart 15 capture images of the surroundings of the medical cart 15, and start processing to provide the obtained surrounding images to the processor 411 or store them in the RAM 413 or the recording medium 414.

[0205] The observation unit 461 starts observing the surroundings of the medical cart 15 based on the surrounding image. For example, the observation unit 461 starts a process of estimating the health conditions of people around the medical cart 15 based on their complexions, expressions, movements, and the like.

[0206] In step S203, the observation unit 461 starts updating the health condition map. Specifically, the observation unit 461 starts updating the health condition map indicating the number, ratio, distribution, etc. of healthy and unhealthy people based on the estimated health conditions of people around the medical cart 15. In addition, the communication unit 419 starts a process of transmitting the health condition map to the server 11 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 465 as necessary.

[0207] In step S204, the mobile control unit 463 determines whether or not a tour route has been instructed. When the mobile control unit 463 receives the tour route instruction information transmitted by the server 11 in the process of step S53 in Fig. 11 via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, the mobile control unit 463 determines that a tour route has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S205.

[0208] In step S205, the medical cart 15 starts traveling. Specifically, the movement control unit 463 starts a process of controlling the driving unit 415 so as to travel along the route indicated in the travel route instruction information. In addition, when a target arrival time is set for each waypoint on the travel route, the movement control unit 463 starts a process of controlling the driving unit 415 so that the medical cart 15 reaches each waypoint at the set target arrival time.

[0209] The process then proceeds to step S206.

[0210] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that a tour route has not been instructed, the process of step S205 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S206.

[0211] In step S206, the movement control unit 463 determines whether or not a destination has been specified. When the movement control unit 463 receives, via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, the medical cart dispatch instruction information transmitted by the server 11 in the process of step S5 in Fig. 10 described above, or the vehicle allocation instruction information transmitted by the server 11 in the process of step S53 in Fig. 11 described above, the movement control unit 463 determines that a destination has been specified, and the process proceeds to step S207.

[0212] In step S207, the medical cart 15 starts moving to the destination. Specifically, the movement control unit 463 sets the dispatch location indicated in the medical cart dispatch instruction information or the dispatch location indicated in the dispatch instruction information as the destination. Then, the movement control unit 463 starts a process of controlling the driving unit 415 so that the medical cart 15 moves to the destination. Also, when a route to the destination is instructed, the movement control unit 463 starts a process of controlling the driving unit 415 so that the medical cart 15 moves along the instructed route. Furthermore, when a target arrival time of each waypoint on the route is set, the movement control unit 463 starts a process of controlling the driving unit 415 so that the medical cart 15 arrives at each waypoint at the set target arrival time. Also, when a reservation time is set, the movement control unit 463 starts a process of controlling the driving unit 415 so that the medical cart 15 arrives at the destination by the set reservation time.

[0213] The process then proceeds to step S208.

[0214] On the other hand, in step S206, if neither the medical cart dispatch instruction information nor the vehicle allocation instruction information has been received, the movement control unit 463 determines that a destination has not been specified, the process of step S207 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S208.

[0215] In step S208, the movement control unit 463 determines whether the medical cart 15 has arrived at the destination. Specifically, when a destination is set, the movement control unit 463 detects the current position of the medical cart 15 based on sensor data from the position sensor included in the sensor group 268. Then, when the current position of the medical cart 15 matches the destination, the movement control unit 463 determines that the medical cart 15 has arrived at the destination, and the process proceeds to step S209.

[0216] Here, the destination is a dispatch location, a vehicle allocation location, or a transport location, which will be described later.

[0217] In step S209, the medical cart 15 stops under the control of the movement control unit 463.

[0218] The process then proceeds to step S210.

[0219] On the other hand, in step S208, if the current position of the medical cart 15 does not match the destination, or if the destination has not been set, the movement control unit 463 determines that the medical cart 15 has not arrived at the destination, the processing of step S209 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S210.

[0220] In step S210, the observation unit 461 determines whether or not there is a person who needs remote medical care. When the observation unit 461 determines, as a result of observing the periphery of the medical cart 15, that there is a person who needs remote medical care around the medical cart 15, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0221] Here, a person who needs remote medical care is, for example, a person whose health condition is obviously poor and who is presumed to need some kind of urgent medical treatment.

[0222] In step S211, the movement control unit 463 determines whether or not a patient is being transported. If it is determined that a patient is not being transported, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0223] In step S212, similarly to the process in step S209, the medical cart 15 stops. As a result, the medical cart 15 stops near a person who is a target of remote medical care, that is, a person who has been determined to require remote medical care.

[0224] Also, for example, the output unit 418, under the control of the output control unit 464, guides the person determined to require remote medical care by using images, audio, or the like, to get on the medical cart 15. Then, the person determined to require remote medical care can receive remote medical care by getting on the stopped medical cart 15.

[0225] The process then proceeds to step S213.

[0226] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S211 that the patient is being transported, the process of step S212 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S213. That is, if the patient is being transported to a nearby medical institution, home, or the like by the process of step S267 described later, the transport of the patient is given priority.

[0227] Also, if it is determined in step S210 that there is no person who requires remote medical care, the processes of steps S211 and S212 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S213.

[0228] In step S213, the observation unit 461 determines whether or not the medical cart 15 has been stopped by a person in the vicinity. For example, when the observation unit 461 detects a person making a gesture to stop the medical cart 15 as a result of observing the surroundings of the medical cart 15, it determines that the medical cart 15 has been stopped by a person in the vicinity, and the process proceeds to step S214.

[0229] In step S214, the movement control unit 463 determines whether or not a reservation has been made. If it is determined that a reservation has not been made, the process proceeds to step S215.

[0230] In step S215, it is determined whether or not a patient is being transported, similarly to the process in step S211. If it is determined that a patient is not being transported, the process proceeds to step S216.

[0231] In step S216, similar to the process in step S209, the medical cart 15 stops. This causes the medical cart 15 to stop near the person who is to receive remote medical care, i.e., the person who stopped the medical cart 15 or the person accompanying the person. Then, the person who stopped the medical cart 15 or the person accompanying the person gets on the stopped medical cart 15, making it possible to receive remote medical care.

[0232] The process then proceeds to step S217.

[0233] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S215 that the patient is being transported, the process of step S216 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S217. That is, the transport of the patient is given priority, and the medical cart 15 does not respond to a passerby's call to stop it.

[0234] Also, if it is determined in step S214 that a reservation has been made, the processes of steps S215 and S216 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S217. For example, if a request to dispatch the medical cart 15 has already been made, it is determined that a reservation has been made, and the process proceeds to step S217. In other words, the medical cart 15 gives priority to the reservation, and does not respond to calls from people nearby.

[0235] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S213 that the user has not been stopped by anyone in the vicinity, the processes in steps S214 to S216 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S217.

[0236] In step S217, the medical control unit 462 determines whether or not to perform remote medical care. For example, when the patient performs an operation to receive remote medical care via the input unit 417, the medical control unit 462 determines that remote medical care is to be performed, and the process proceeds to step S218.

[0237] In step S218, the medical cart 15 performs remote medical care execution processing, and then the process returns to step S204, and the processes from step S204 onwards are executed.

[0238] The remote medical care execution process will now be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0239] In step S251, the medical control unit 462 requests the provision of remote medical care. Specifically, the medical control unit 462 generates the remote medical care request information described above. The communication unit 419 transmits the remote medical care request information to the server 11 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 465.

[0240] In step S252, the medical control unit 462 permits access to the patient's medical information in the patient DB12.

[0241] The method of permitting access to the patient's medical information in the patient DB 12 is not particularly limited. For example, the medical control unit 462 issues a one-time password for accessing the patient's medical information. Under the control of the communication control unit 465, the communication unit 419 transmits the one-time password to the server 11 via the network 31. Then, the server 11 becomes able to access the patient's medical information in the patient DB 12 using the received one-time password.

[0242] In step S253, the medical control unit 462 determines whether or not a medical professional has been introduced. If it is determined that a medical professional has not been introduced, the process proceeds to step S254.

[0243] In step S254, the medical control unit 462 determines whether or not an alternative plan has been proposed. If it is determined that an alternative plan has not been proposed, the process returns to step S253.

[0244] Thereafter, the processes of steps S253 and S254 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S253 that a medical professional has been introduced, or until it is determined in step S254 that an alternative plan has been proposed.

[0245] On the other hand, in step S254, if the medical control unit 462 receives the alternative information sent by the server 11 in the processing of step S107 in FIG. 12 described above via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, it determines that an alternative has been proposed, and the processing proceeds to step S255.

[0246] In step S255, the medical cart 15 presents the alternative. Specifically, the output unit 418 outputs at least one of visual information and audio information for notifying the alternative indicated in the alternative information under the control of the output control unit 464. For example, a screen indicating the alternative is displayed on the output unit 418, or a sound indicating the alternative is output from the output unit 418.

[0247] The process then proceeds to step S260.

[0248] On the other hand, in step S253, if the medical control unit 462 receives medical professional referral information sent from the server 11 in step S105 of Figure 12 described above via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, it determines that a medical professional has been referred, and processing proceeds to step S256.

[0249] In step S256, the medical cart 15 presents information on the referred medical practitioner. For example, under the control of the output control unit 464, the output unit 418 displays a screen showing information on the medical practitioner indicated in the medical practitioner referral information.

[0250] In step S257, the medical control unit 462 determines whether or not the referred medical professional has been selected. If it is determined that the referred medical professional has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S258.

[0251] In step S258, the medical control unit 462 judges whether or not to request the introduction of another medical professional. For example, when the patient performs an operation to request the introduction of another medical professional via the input unit 417, the medical control unit 462 judges that the introduction of another medical professional is requested, and the process proceeds to step S259.

[0252] In step S259, the medical cart 15 requests the introduction of another medical professional. Specifically, the medical control unit 462 generates the above-mentioned medical professional re-introduction request information. The communication unit 419 transmits the medical professional re-introduction request information to the server 11 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 465.

[0253] Thereafter, the process returns to step S253, and the processes from step S253 onwards are executed.

[0254] On the other hand, in step S258, if no operation is performed to request the introduction of another medical professional, the medical control unit 462 determines that the introduction of another medical professional is not requested, and the process proceeds to step S260. This is the case where a referred medical professional is not selected and the introduction of another medical professional is not requested.

[0255] In step S260, the medical control unit 462 prohibits access to the patient's medical information in the patient DB12.

[0256] The telemedicine execution process then ends.

[0257] On the other hand, in step S257, for example, if the patient performs an operation to select the referred medical professional via the input unit 417, the medical control unit 462 determines that the referred medical professional has been selected, and the processing proceeds to step S261.

[0258] As a result, for example, if one medical professional is referred, that medical professional is selected, and if two or more medical professionals are referred, the desired medical professional is selected from among them.

[0259] In step S261, the medical cart 15 starts communication with the selected medical practitioner. Specifically, the communication unit 419 starts communication with the medical practitioner terminal 14 of the selected medical practitioner via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 465.

[0260] For example, under the control of the communication control unit 465, the communication unit 419 starts transmitting images and audio of the patient to the medical professional terminal 14, and starts receiving images and audio of the medical professional from the medical professional terminal 14. This allows the patient and the medical professional to start remote communication using each other's images and audio.

[0261] In step S262, the medical control unit 462 determines whether or not remote control data of a medical device has been received.

[0262] For example, when a medical professional remotely controls a medical device provided in the medical processing unit 422 of the medical cart 15, the medical professional inputs a remote control instruction to the medical professional terminal 14. Then, in step S303 of FIG. 18 described later, the medical professional terminal 14 generates remote control data indicating the operation content by remote control and transmits it to the medical cart 15.

[0263] Then, when the medical control unit 462 determines that remote operation data has been received from the medical professional terminal 14 via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, the process proceeds to step S263.

[0264] In step S263, the medical control unit 462 controls the operation of the medical device included in the medical processing unit 422 based on the remote operation data. This makes it possible to provide remote medical care to the patient using the medical device.

[0265] The process then proceeds to step S264.

[0266] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S262 that the remote operation data of the medical device has not been received, the process of step S263 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S264.

[0267] In step S264, the medical control unit 462 determines whether or not prescription data has been received.

[0268] For example, when a medical professional issues a prescription to a patient based on the results of remote medical care, the medical professional inputs the prescription data into the medical professional terminal 14. Then, the medical professional terminal 14 transmits the input prescription data to the medical cart 15 in step S305 of FIG. 18, which will be described later.

[0269] Then, if the medical control unit 462 determines that the prescription data has been received from the medical provider terminal 14 via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, the process proceeds to step S265.

[0270] In step S265, the medical cart 15 saves the prescription data. For example, the medical control unit 462 stores the prescription data in the recording medium 414. Also, for example, the communication unit 419, under the control of the communication control unit 465, transmits the prescription data to the patient terminal 17 of the patient via the network 31 and stores it therein.

[0271] The process then proceeds to step S266.

[0272] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S264 that the prescription data has not been received, the process of step S265 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S266.

[0273] In step S266, the movement control unit 463 determines whether or not a command to transport the patient has been issued.

[0274] For example, if a medical professional determines, as a result of remote medical care for a patient, that the patient should be transported to a medical institution or home, the medical professional inputs an instruction to transport the patient into the medical professional terminal 14. Then, in step S307 of FIG. 18, which will be described later, the medical professional terminal 14 generates transport instruction information for instructing the transport of the patient and transmits it to the medical cart 15.

[0275] Then, when the movement control unit 463 receives the transport instruction information via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, it determines that the transport of the patient has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S267.

[0276] The transport instruction information includes, for example, the patient's personal information (e.g., name, age, sex, nationality, address, contact information, health insurance card number, etc.), the patient's condition (e.g., physical condition, medical condition, extent of injury, etc.), the transport location (e.g., medical institution or home, etc.), and identification information of the medical cart 15 being used by the patient.

[0277] In step S267, the medical cart 15 starts transporting the patient.

[0278] For example, when a medical institution is set as the transport destination in the transport instruction information, the travel control unit 463 accesses the medical DB 13 via the communication unit 419 and the network 31, and searches for a medical institution that can accept the patient near the medical cart 15. Then, the travel control unit 463 sets the searched medical institution as the destination.

[0279] For example, a medical professional may designate a specific medical institution as the transport location.

[0280] Also, for example, when the home is set as the transport destination in the transport instruction information, the movement control unit 463 sets the patient's home as the destination.

[0281] Then, the movement control unit 463 starts the process of controlling the driving unit 415 so that the medical cart 15 moves to the destination.

[0282] The process then proceeds to step S268.

[0283] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S266 that the patient's transportation has not been instructed, the process of step S267 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S268.

[0284] In step S268, it is determined whether or not the destination (in this case, the delivery location) has been reached, similarly to the process in step S208 in Fig. 14. If it is determined that the destination has been reached, the process proceeds to step S269.

[0285] In step S269, the medical cart 15 stops, similarly to the process in step S209 of FIG.

[0286] The process then proceeds to step S270.

[0287] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S268 that the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, the process of step S269 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S270.

[0288] In step S270, the medical control unit 462 determines whether or not to end the remote medical care. If it is determined that the remote medical care is not to be ended, the process returns to step S262.

[0289] Thereafter, the processes of steps S262 to S270 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S270 that the telemedicine is to be ended.

[0290] As a result, for example, a medical professional can use the medical professional terminal 14 to remotely operate the medical devices of the medical cart 15 as necessary, and can perform medical examinations, treatment, medical consultations, health consultations, prescriptions for medicines, counseling, therapy, etc. on the patient. In addition, the patient can be transported to a nearby medical institution or to his / her home, etc., as necessary.

[0291] On the other hand, in step S270, for example, if the patient performs an operation to end the remote medical treatment via the input unit 417, the medical control unit 462 determines that the remote medical treatment is to be ended. Then, the medical control unit 462 generates remote medical treatment end information to notify the end of the remote medical treatment. Under the control of the communication control unit 465, the communication unit 419 transmits the remote medical treatment end information to the medical practitioner terminal 14 of the medical practitioner via the network 31. Then, the process proceeds to step S271.

[0292] Also, for example, in step S308 of Figure 18 described below, when a medical professional inputs an instruction to end the provision of remote medical care into the medical professional terminal 14, the medical professional terminal 14 generates remote medical care provision end information to notify the medical cart 15 of the end of the provision of remote medical care.

[0293] Then, in step S270, if the medical control unit 462 receives remote medical provision end information from the medical practitioner terminal 14 via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, it determines to end the remote medical care, and the process proceeds to step S271.

[0294] In step S271, the medical cart 15 ends communication with the medical practitioner. That is, under the control of the communication control unit 465, the communication unit 419 cuts off communication with the medical practitioner terminal 14 of the medical practitioner who performed remote medical care.

[0295] In step S272, similar to the process in step S260, access to the patient's medical information is prohibited.

[0296] The telemedicine execution process then ends.

[0297] Returning to FIG. 15, on the other hand, if it is determined in step S217 that remote medical care is not to be performed, the process returns to step S204, and the processes from step S204 onwards are executed.

[0298] <Remote medical control processing> Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 18, a remote medical control process executed by the medical professional terminal 14 of the medical professional corresponding to the remote medical execution process of the medical cart 15 in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 will be described.

[0299] In step S301, the medical professional terminal 14 starts communication with the patient. Specifically, the communication unit 218 starts communication with the medical cart 15 used by the patient via the network 31 in response to the processing of the medical cart 15 in step S261 of FIG. 17 described above.

[0300] In step S302, the processor 211 determines whether or not a medical device of the medical cart 15 has been remotely controlled.

[0301] For example, when a medical professional remotely controls a medical device provided in the medical processing unit 422 of the medical cart 15, the medical professional inputs an instruction for remote control via the input unit 216. Then, when the processor 211 detects the input of an instruction for remote control, it determines that the medical device of the medical cart 15 has been remotely controlled, and the process proceeds to step S303.

[0302] In step S303, the medical professional terminal 14 transmits remote operation data of the medical device of the medical cart 15. Specifically, the processor 211 generates the above-mentioned remote operation data and transmits it to the medical cart 15 via the communication unit 218 and the network 31.

[0303] The process then proceeds to step S304.

[0304] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the medical device of the medical cart 15 is not being remotely controlled, the process of step S303 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S304.

[0305] In step S304, the processor 211 determines whether or not prescription data has been input.

[0306] For example, when a medical professional issues a prescription to a patient based on the results of remote medical care, the medical professional inputs the prescription data into the medical professional terminal 14 via the input unit 216. Then, when the processor 211 determines that the prescription data has been input, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0307] In step S305, the processor 211 transmits the prescription data to the medical cart 15 via the communication unit 218 and the network 31.

[0308] The process then proceeds to step S306.

[0309] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the prescription data has not been input, the process of step S305 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S306.

[0310] In step S306, the processor 211 determines whether or not to instruct transportation of the patient.

[0311] For example, when a medical professional instructs the medical cart 15 to transport a patient, the medical professional inputs the instruction to transport the patient via the input unit 216. Then, when the processor 211 detects the input of the instruction to transport the patient, it determines that the instruction to transport the patient is to be given, and the process proceeds to step S307.

[0312] In step S307, the medical professional terminal 14 instructs the transportation of the patient. Specifically, the processor 211 generates the above-mentioned transportation instruction information and transmits it to the medical cart 15 via the communication unit 218 and the network 31.

[0313] The process then proceeds to step S308.

[0314] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that the patient transportation is not to be instructed, the process of step S307 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S308.

[0315] In step S308, the processor 211 determines whether or not to end the telemedicine. If it is determined that the telemedicine is not to end, the process returns to step S302.

[0316] Thereafter, the processes of steps S302 to S308 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S308 that the telemedicine is to be ended.

[0317] On the other hand, in step S308, for example, if the medical practitioner performs an operation to end the provision of remote medical care via the input unit 216, the processor 211 determines that the remote medical care is to be ended. Then, the processor 211 generates the above-mentioned remote medical care provision end information and transmits it to the patient's medical cart 15 via the communication unit 218 and the network 31. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0318] Also, for example, when the processor 211 receives remote medical consultation end information transmitted by the medical cart 15 in the processing of step S270 in Figure 17 described above via the network 31 and the communication unit 218, it determines to end the remote medical care, and the processing proceeds to step S309.

[0319] In step S309, the medical professional terminal 14 ends communication with the patient. That is, the communication unit 218 cuts off communication with the medical cart 15 of the patient to whom remote medical care has been provided.

[0320] The remote medical control process then ends.

[0321] <Pharmacy Cart 16 Processing> Next, the process executed by the pharmacy cart 16 in response to the process of the server 11 in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0322] This process begins, for example, when power for the electrical components of the pharmacy cart 16 is turned on and ends when power is turned off.

[0323] In steps S401 to S403, the same processes as those in steps S201 to S203 of the medical cart 15 in FIG. 14 are performed.

[0324] In step S404, the movement control unit 563 determines whether or not a destination has been specified. When the movement control unit 563 receives, via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, the pharmacy cart dispatch instruction information transmitted by the server 11 in the process of step S7 in Fig. 10 described above or the vehicle allocation instruction information transmitted by the server 11 in the process of step S53 in Fig. 11 described above, the movement control unit 563 determines that a destination has been specified, and the process proceeds to step S405.

[0325] In step S405, the medical cart 15 starts moving to the destination through a process similar to that in step S207 of FIG.

[0326] The process then proceeds to step S406.

[0327] On the other hand, in step S404, if the movement control unit 563 has not received either the pharmacy cart dispatch instruction information or the vehicle allocation instruction information, it determines that a destination has not been specified, the processing of step S405 is skipped, and the processing proceeds to step S406.

[0328] In step S406, it is determined whether or not the destination has been reached by the same process as in step S208 for the medical cart 15 in Fig. 14. If it is determined that the destination has been reached, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0329] Here, the destination is a dispatch location or a vehicle allocation location.

[0330] In step S407, the pharmacy cart 16 stops under the control of the movement control unit 563.

[0331] The process then proceeds to step S408.

[0332] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 that the vehicle has not arrived at the destination, the process of step S407 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S408.

[0333] In step S408, it is determined whether or not the patient has been stopped by a person nearby, by the same process as in step S213 of the medical cart 15 in Fig. 15. If it is determined that the patient has been stopped by a person nearby, the process proceeds to step S409.

[0334] In step S409, the movement control unit 563 determines whether or not a reservation has been made. If it is determined that a reservation has not been made, the process proceeds to step S410.

[0335] In step S410, similar to the process in step S407, pharmacy cart 16 stops. As a result, pharmacy cart 16 stops near the person for whom remote medication is to be dispensed, i.e., the person who stopped pharmacy cart 16 or the person accompanying the person. Then, the person who stopped pharmacy cart 16 or the person accompanying the person gets into pharmacy cart 16 that has stopped, making it possible to receive remote medication.

[0336] The process then proceeds to step S411.

[0337] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S409 that a reservation has been made, the process of step S410 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S411. For example, if a request to dispatch pharmacy cart 16 has already been made, it is determined that a reservation has been made and the process proceeds to step S411. In other words, pharmacy cart 16 gives priority to the reservation and does not respond to calls from people nearby.

[0338] If it is determined in step S408 that the user has not been stopped by anyone in the vicinity, steps S409 and S410 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S411.

[0339] In step S411, the dispensing control unit 562 determines whether or not to perform remote dispensing. For example, when the patient performs an operation to receive remote dispensing via the input unit 417, the dispensing control unit 562 determines that remote dispensing is to be performed, and the process proceeds to step S412.

[0340] In step S412, the pharmacy cart 16 performs a remote medication preparation execution process, and then the process returns to step S402, and the processes from step S402 onwards are executed.

[0341] Here, the remote medication preparation execution process will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 20 and FIG.

[0342] In step S451, the dispensing control unit 562 requests the provision of remote dispensing. Specifically, the dispensing control unit 562 generates the above-mentioned remote dispensing request information. The communication unit 419 transmits the remote dispensing request information to the server 11 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 565.

[0343] In step S452, the medication dispensing control unit 562 permits access to the patient's medical information in the patient DB 12 by the same process as in step S252 of the medical cart 15 in FIG.

[0344] In step S453, the medication preparation control unit 562 determines whether or not a pharmacist has been introduced. If it is determined that a pharmacist has not been introduced, the process proceeds to step S454.

[0345] In step S454, the dispensing control unit 562 determines whether an alternative plan has been proposed. If it is determined that an alternative plan has not been proposed, the process returns to step S453.

[0346] Thereafter, the processes of steps S453 and S454 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S453 that a pharmacist has been introduced, or until it is determined in step S454 that an alternative plan has been proposed.

[0347] On the other hand, in step S454, if the dispensing control unit 562 receives the alternative information sent by the server 11 in the processing of step S156 in Figure 13 described above via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, it determines that an alternative has been proposed, and the processing proceeds to step S455.

[0348] In step S455, the pharmacy cart 16 presents the alternative. Specifically, the output unit 418 outputs at least one of visual information and audio information for notifying the user of the alternative indicated in the alternative information under the control of the output control unit 564. For example, a screen indicating the alternative is displayed on the output unit 418, or audio indicating the alternative is output from the output unit 418.

[0349] The process then proceeds to step S460.

[0350] On the other hand, in step S453, if the dispensing control unit 562 receives the pharmacist referral information sent from the server 11 via the network 31 and the communication unit 419 in step S154 of Figure 13 described above, it determines that a pharmacist has been referred, and processing proceeds to step S456.

[0351] In step S456, the pharmacy cart 16 presents information about the introduced pharmacist. For example, under the control of the output control unit 564, the output unit 418 displays a screen showing information about the pharmacist shown in the pharmacist introduction information.

[0352] In step S457, the dispensing control unit 562 determines whether or not the introduced pharmacist has been selected. If it is determined that the introduced pharmacist has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S458.

[0353] In step S458, the dispensing control unit 562 determines whether or not to request the introduction of another pharmacist. For example, when the patient performs an operation to request the introduction of another pharmacist via the input unit 417, the dispensing control unit 562 determines that the introduction of another pharmacist is requested, and the process proceeds to step S459.

[0354] In step S459, the pharmacy cart 16 requests the introduction of another pharmacist. Specifically, the medication preparation control unit 562 generates the above-mentioned pharmacist re-introduction request information. The communication unit 419 transmits the pharmacist re-introduction request information to the server 11 via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 565.

[0355] Thereafter, the process returns to step S453, and the processes from step S453 onwards are executed.

[0356] On the other hand, in step S458, if the operation to request the introduction of another pharmacist is not performed, the dispensing control unit 562 determines that the introduction of another pharmacist is not requested, and the process proceeds to step S460. This is the case where the introduced pharmacist is not selected and the introduction of another pharmacist is not requested.

[0357] In step S460, the medication dispensing control unit 562 prohibits access to the patient's medical information in the patient DB 12 by the same process as in step S260 of the medical cart 15 in FIG.

[0358] The remote dispensing process then ends.

[0359] On the other hand, in step S457, for example, if the patient performs an operation to select a referred pharmacist via the input unit 417, the dispensing control unit 562 determines that the referred pharmacist has been selected, and processing proceeds to step S461.

[0360] Thereby, for example, if one pharmacist is introduced, that pharmacist is selected, and if two or more pharmacists are introduced, a desired pharmacist is selected from among them.

[0361] In step S461, the pharmacy cart 16 starts communication with the selected pharmacist. Specifically, the communication unit 419 starts communication with the medical professional terminal 14 of the selected pharmacist via the network 31 under the control of the communication control unit 565.

[0362] For example, under the control of the communication control unit 565, the communication unit 419 starts transmitting the image and voice of the patient to the medical professional terminal 14, and starts receiving the image and voice of the pharmacist from the medical professional terminal 14. This allows the patient and the pharmacist to start remote communication using each other's image and voice.

[0363] In step S462, the medication preparation control unit 562 determines whether or not remote operation data of the medication preparation device has been received.

[0364] For example, when a pharmacist remotely operates a drug preparation device provided in the drug preparation processing unit 511 of the pharmacy cart 16, the pharmacist inputs an instruction to remotely operate the drug preparation device to the medical practitioner terminal 14. Then, in step S503 of FIG. 22 described later, the medical practitioner terminal 14 generates remote operation data indicating the operation content by remote operation and transmits it to the pharmacy cart 16.

[0365] Then, if the medication preparation control unit 562 determines that remote operation data has been received from the medical practitioner terminal 14 via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, the process proceeds to step S463.

[0366] In step S463, the medication preparation control unit 562 controls the operation of the medication preparation device included in the medication preparation processing unit 511 based on the remote operation data.

[0367] Processing then proceeds to step S464.

[0368] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S462 that the remote operation data of the medication dispensing device has not been received, the process of step S463 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S464.

[0369] In step S464, the medication control unit 562 determines whether or not to end the remote medication. If it is determined that the remote medication is not to be ended, the process returns to step S462.

[0370] Thereafter, the processes of steps S462 to S464 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S464 that the remote medication is to be ended.

[0371] As a result, for example, a pharmacist uses the medical professional terminal 14 to remotely operate the drug preparation device of the pharmacy cart 16 as needed, compounding medicine based on the patient's prescription data, and providing the compounded medicine to the patient. In addition, the pharmacist can, for example, consult with the patient and provide medication instructions as needed.

[0372] On the other hand, in step S464, for example, if the patient performs an operation to end remote dispensing via the input unit 417, the dispensing control unit 562 determines to end remote dispensing. Then, the dispensing control unit 562 generates remote dispensing execution end information to notify the end of remote dispensing. Under the control of the communication control unit 565, the communication unit 419 transmits the remote dispensing execution end information to the medical practitioner's medical practitioner terminal 14 via the network 31. Then, the process proceeds to step S465.

[0373] On the other hand, for example, in step S504 of Figure 22 described below, when the pharmacist inputs an instruction to end the provision of remote medication into the medical professional terminal 14, the medical professional terminal 14 generates remote medication provision end information to notify the end of the provision of remote medication, and transmits it to the pharmacy cart 16.

[0374] Then, in step S464, if the dispensing control unit 562 receives remote dispensing provision end information from the medical practitioner terminal 14 via the network 31 and the communication unit 419, it determines to end the remote dispensing, and the process proceeds to step S465.

[0375] In step S465, the pharmacy cart 16 ends communication with the pharmacist. That is, under the control of the communication control unit 565, the communication unit 419 disconnects communication with the medical professional terminal 14 of the pharmacist who performed the remote preparation.

[0376] In step S466, similar to the process in step S460, access to the patient's medical information is prohibited.

[0377] The remote dispensing process then ends.

[0378] Returning to FIG. 19, on the other hand, if it is determined in step S411 that remote medication is not to be performed, the process returns to step S402, and the processes from step S402 onwards are executed.

[0379] <Remote medication control processing> Next, with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 22, a remote medication dispensing control process executed by the medical professional terminal 14 of the pharmacist in response to the remote medication dispensing execution process of the pharmacy cart 16 in FIGS. 20 and 21 will be described.

[0380] In step S501, the medical professional terminal 14 starts communication with the patient. Specifically, the communication unit 218 starts communication with the pharmacy cart 16 used by the patient via the network 31 in response to the processing of the pharmacy cart 16 in step S261 of FIG. 20 described above.

[0381] In step S502, the processor 211 determines whether a remote operation of the medication dispensing device of the pharmacy cart 16 has been performed.

[0382] For example, when a pharmacist remotely operates a drug preparation device provided in the drug preparation processing unit 511 of the pharmacy cart 16, the pharmacist inputs an instruction for remote operation via the input unit 216. Then, when the processor 211 detects the input of an instruction for remote operation, it determines that the drug preparation device of the pharmacy cart 16 has been remotely operated, and the process proceeds to step S503.

[0383] In step S503, the medical professional terminal 14 transmits remote operation data of the medication preparation device of the pharmacy cart 16. Specifically, the processor 211 generates the above-mentioned remote operation data and transmits it to the pharmacy cart 16 via the communication unit 218 and the network 31.

[0384] The process then proceeds to step S504.

[0385] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the medication dispensing device of the pharmacy cart 16 is not being remotely operated, the process of step S503 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S504.

[0386] In step S504, the processor 211 determines whether or not to end the remote medication. If it is determined that the remote medication is not to be ended, the process returns to step S502.

[0387] Thereafter, the processes of steps S502 to S504 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S504 that the remote medication is to be ended.

[0388] On the other hand, in step S504, for example, if the pharmacist performs an operation to end the remote dispensing via the input unit 216, the processor 211 determines to end the remote dispensing. Then, the processor 211 generates remote dispensing provision end information to notify the end of the remote dispensing, and transmits it to the patient's pharmacy cart 16 via the communication unit 218 and the network 31. After that, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0389] Also, for example, when the processor 211 receives remote dispensing execution completion information transmitted by the pharmacy cart 16 in the processing of step S464 in Figure 21 described above via the network 31 and the communication unit 218, it determines to end the remote dispensing, and the processing proceeds to step S505.

[0390] In step S505, the medical professional terminal 14 ends communication with the patient. That is, the communication unit 218 disconnects communication with the pharmacy cart 16 of the patient who provided the remote medication.

[0391] The remote dispensing control process then ends.

[0392] In this way, patients can receive appropriate remote medical care from appropriate medical professionals and can receive appropriate remote medication from appropriate pharmacists.

[0393] In addition, the patient can receive remote medical care and remote prescription without preparing special equipment, etc. Furthermore, the medical cart 15 can be equipped with more advanced medical devices than those in the patient's home, etc., so the patient can receive more advanced remote medical care (e.g., image analysis, precise measurement, etc.).

[0394] Furthermore, by moving the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16 close to the patient, the patient can receive medical or drug services without having to travel far. For example, even patients who have difficulty moving around can easily receive medical or drug services.

[0395] In addition, when a patient wishes to receive remote medical care or remote prescription, a medical professional or pharmacist who can handle the request is searched for and introduced to the patient, thereby reducing the patient's waiting time.

[0396] Furthermore, since a private space is secured within the medical cart 15, the patient can receive remote medical care or remote prescription without worrying about those around him / her. Also, the patient's privacy is protected.

[0397] <<2. Modifications>> Below, a modification of the above-described embodiment of the present technology will be described.

[0398] <Modifications on the method of matching patients with medical professionals and pharmacists> The above-mentioned method of matching patients with medical professionals and pharmacists is one example, and can be modified.

[0399] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the medical professional matching process in step S9 of FIG.

[0400] In step S601, similar to the process in step S101 of FIG. 12 described above, medical information of the patient is acquired.

[0401] In step S602, the patient's condition is analyzed, similar to the process in step S102 of FIG. 12 described above.

[0402] In step S603, the analysis unit 161 judges whether or not remote medical care can be provided. For example, if the analysis unit 161 can perform the remote medical treatment required for the patient using the medical processing unit 422 of the attention medical cart 15 and the remote medical treatment does not go against the patient's wishes, the analysis unit 161 judges that remote medical care can be provided, and the process proceeds to step S604.

[0403] In step S604, the server 11 asks each medical professional to provide remote medical care. Specifically, the selection unit 162 generates remote medical care provision inquiry information for asking each medical professional to take charge of remote medical care, and transmits the information to the medical professional terminal 14 of each medical professional via the network 31.

[0404] The remote medical care provision inquiry information includes, for example, information similar to the remote medical care request information described above.

[0405] In response to this, for example, when a medical professional is able to provide remote medical care, the medical professional inputs that the medical professional is able to provide remote medical care to the medical professional terminal 14. Then, the medical professional terminal 14 generates remote medical care provision information indicating that the medical professional is able to provide remote medical care, and transmits the information to the server 11.

[0406] The selection unit 162 receives remote medical care provision information from the medical provider terminal 14 of each medical provider who can provide remote medical care, via the network 31 and the communication unit 118.

[0407] The remote medical provision information includes, for example, a photograph of the medical practitioner, a profile, a specialty, and information about the career, etc.

[0408] In step S605, the selection unit 162 selects medical practitioners to be introduced from among the medical practitioners who responded. For example, the selection unit 162 selects a predetermined number of medical practitioners to be introduced to the patient from among the medical practitioners who responded in the processing of step S604, in descending order of matching rate with the patient's desired conditions.

[0409] In step S606, the selection unit 162 determines whether or not remote medical care can be provided. If there is a medical professional to whom the patient can be referred, the selection unit 162 determines that remote medical care can be provided, and the process proceeds to step S607.

[0410] In step S607, similar to the process in step S105 of FIG. 12, a medical professional is introduced.

[0411] In step S608, it is determined whether or not a referral to another medical professional has been requested, similarly to the process of step S608 in Fig. 12. If it is determined that a referral to another medical professional has been requested, the process returns to step S602.

[0412] Thereafter, the processing of steps S602 to S608 is repeated until it is determined in step S603 or step S606 that remote medical care is not possible, or until it is determined in step S608 that a referral to another medical professional has not been requested.

[0413] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S608 that a referral to another medical professional has not been requested, the medical professional matching process ends.

[0414] Furthermore, in step S606, if there is no medical professional to whom the patient can be referred, it is determined that remote medical care cannot be provided, and the process proceeds to step S609.

[0415] Furthermore, in step S603, if the remote medical treatment required for the patient cannot be performed using the medical processing unit 422 of the medical cart 15 of interest, or if the remote medical treatment is contrary to the patient's wishes, it is determined that remote medical treatment cannot be provided, and processing proceeds to step S609.

[0416] In step S609, an alternative is proposed, similar to the process in step S107 of FIG.

[0417] The medical provider matching process then ends.

[0418] In this manner, each medical professional is asked whether or not it is possible to provide remote medical care to the patient, and the patient can be referred to a medical professional who responds.

[0419] For example, medical professionals who respond may be introduced to the patient on a first-come, first-served basis.

[0420] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the pharmacist matching process in step S11 of FIG.

[0421] In step S651, similar to the process in step S151 of FIG. 13 described above, medical information of the patient is acquired.

[0422] In step S652, the server 11 asks each pharmacist to provide remote dispensing. Specifically, the selection unit 162 generates remote dispensing offer request information for asking each pharmacist to take charge of remote dispensing, and transmits the remote dispensing request information to the medical professional terminal 14 of each pharmacist via the network 31.

[0423] The remote medication provision inquiry information includes, for example, information similar to the remote medication request information described above.

[0424] In response to this, for example, when a pharmacist is able to provide remote medication, the pharmacist inputs that remote medication can be provided to the medical practitioner terminal 14. Then, the medical practitioner terminal 14 generates remote medication provision availability information indicating that remote medication can be provided, and transmits it to the server 11.

[0425] The selection unit 162 receives remote dispensing availability information from the medical professional terminal 14 of each pharmacist who can provide remote dispensing via the network 31 and the communication unit 118.

[0426] The remote medication provision information includes, for example, a photo of the pharmacist, a profile, information about the career, etc.

[0427] In step S653, the selection unit 162 selects pharmacists to be introduced from among the pharmacists who responded in the process of step S652. For example, the selection unit 162 selects a predetermined number of pharmacists to be introduced to the patient, in descending order of matching rate with the patient's desired conditions, from among the pharmacists who responded in the process of step S652.

[0428] In step S654, the selection unit 162 determines whether or not remote dispensing is possible. If there is a pharmacist to whom the patient can be referred, the selection unit 162 determines that remote dispensing is possible, and the process proceeds to step S655.

[0429] In step S655, a pharmacist is introduced, similar to the process in step S154 of FIG.

[0430] In step S656, it is determined whether or not a referral to another pharmacist has been requested, similarly to the process in step S155 of Fig. 13. If it is determined that a referral to another pharmacist has been requested, the process returns to step S652.

[0431] Thereafter, the processes of steps S652 to S656 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S654 that remote dispensing is possible, or until it is determined in step S656 that a referral to another pharmacist has not been requested.

[0432] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S656 that a referral to another pharmacist has not been requested, the pharmacist matching process ends.

[0433] Furthermore, in step S654, if there is no pharmacist to which the patient can be referred, it is determined that remote dispensing is not possible, and the process proceeds to step S657.

[0434] In step S657, alternatives are proposed, similar to the process in step S156 of FIG.

[0435] The pharmacist matching process then ends.

[0436] In this manner, each pharmacist is asked whether or not it is possible to provide remote medical care to the patient, and the pharmacist who responds can be introduced to the patient.

[0437] For example, a pharmacist who responds may be introduced to the patient on a first-come, first-served basis.

[0438] Also, for example, the selection unit 162 of the server 11 may collect evaluations of each patient regarding each medical professional, and present the collected evaluations to the patient as one of the selection conditions for the medical professional.

[0439] Furthermore, for example, a patient may be able to select multiple medical professionals and receive remote medical care from multiple medical professionals. This allows the patient to receive opinions on diagnosis, treatment methods, etc. from multiple medical professionals.

[0440] Also, for example, if a patient is receiving remote medical care for the second or subsequent time, the medical practitioner who previously provided remote medical care to the patient may be preferentially introduced to the patient.Similarly, for example, if a patient is receiving remote medication for the second or subsequent time, the pharmacist who previously provided remote medication to the patient may be preferentially introduced to the patient.

[0441] Furthermore, the method of selecting a medical professional to be introduced may be changed depending on the patient's condition. For example, if the patient suffers from a mental illness, the same medical professional as before may be preferentially introduced. For example, if the patient suffers from a minor illness such as a cold, the patient may be preferentially introduced to a medical professional who can provide remote medical care as soon as possible.

[0442] Also, for example, if a patient coming from a foreign country has travel medical insurance, the patient may be preferentially referred to medical professionals who are eligible for that medical insurance.

[0443] Furthermore, the remote medical fee for each medical practitioner may be set to a variable rate. For example, the remote medical fee for a popular medical practitioner or a medical practitioner with a high evaluation may be set to be higher.

[0444] For example, the telemedical care fee may be set higher during busy periods and busy times, and lower during slow periods and quiet times.Furthermore, for example, telemedical care may be provided preferentially to patients who pay more for telemedical care during busy times.

[0445] Also, for example, a pharmacist may be introduced to a patient based only on whether or not remote medication dispensing is available at the patient's desired time, without taking into account the patient's desired conditions.

[0446] Furthermore, for example, the compatibility between a patient and a medical professional or pharmacist may be estimated, and the medical professional or pharmacist may be introduced to the patient based on the result.

[0447] Also, for example, for patients who are expected to require a long period of remote medical care (for example, patients receiving treatment for mental illness), medical professionals who have more time may be preferentially referred to the patient.

[0448] <Modifications of Medical Cart 15 and Pharmacy Cart 16> For example, remote medical care may be provided while the medical cart 15 is moving. For example, remote medical care may be provided to a patient while the medical cart 15 is transporting the patient to a destination (e.g., a medical institution, a home, etc.).

[0449] Also, for example, the type of available remote medical care may be changed between when the medical cart 15 is stopped and when it is moving. For example, while the medical cart 15 is stopped, a medical interview and measurement of vital signs such as pulse rate may be performed, and while the medical cart 15 is moving, treatment for mental illness may be performed.

[0450] Furthermore, not only the interior of the medical cart 15 but also the exterior may be utilized effectively.

[0451] For example, patient reception may occur outside of the medical cart 15 .

[0452] For example, a medical professional may use images from cameras 312F to 312B external to the medical cart 15 to perform a simple examination of the patient remotely, and if it is determined that further medical treatment is required, the patient may be guided into the vehicle to receive more advanced remote medical treatment.

[0453] For example, a life-sized trainer may be displayed on the display unit 311F of the medical cart 15, and health checks, exercise guidance, and the like may be performed.

[0454] In addition, not only the interior of pharmacy cart 16 but also the exterior may be utilized effectively.

[0455] For example, a dispensed medicine may be explained using a display unit on the outside of the pharmacy cart 16. This reduces the time that the patient spends in the pharmacy cart 16, thereby reducing the waiting time of other patients.

[0456] Furthermore, for example, drugs available for sale may be displayed on a display unit on the exterior of the pharmacy cart 16, and drugs may be sold.

[0457] Also, for example, a nurse may be stationed at each medical cart 15 to assist with remote medical care at the medical cart 15.

[0458] Furthermore, for example, using VR (Virtual Reality) technology, a virtual medical professional may appear within the patient's field of vision in the medical cart 15 and perform remote medical care. Similarly, a virtual pharmacist may appear within the patient's field of vision in the pharmacy cart 16 and perform remote medication.

[0459] Furthermore, the vehicle 301 constituting the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16 is only one example, and other types of vehicles can be used.

[0460] For example, Fig. 25 shows an example of the exterior configuration of a vehicle 601 that can be used for the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16. Fig. 25 shows an example of the exterior configuration of the vehicle 601 when viewed diagonally from the front left.

[0461] The front, left side, right side, and back of vehicle 601 are provided with display unit 611F, display unit 611L, display unit 611R (not shown), and display unit 611B (not shown), respectively, similar to vehicle 301 in FIG.

[0462] Similarly to vehicle 301, vehicle 601 is provided with cameras 612F, 612L, 612R (not shown), and 612B (not shown) on the front, left side, right side, and rear, respectively.

[0463] Vehicle 601 is different from vehicle 301 in that it has a completely enclosed space inside. This provides stronger protection for the privacy and security of patients, allowing users to use vehicle 601 (medical cart and pharmacy cart) with greater peace of mind.

[0464] Furthermore, the mobile object for providing remote medical care or remote medication is not limited to the cart-type vehicle described above, and other types of vehicles may also be applied.

[0465] Furthermore, the mobile object providing remote medical care or remote medication is not limited to a vehicle, but may be another type of mobile object.

[0466] In addition, the mobile vehicle that provides remote medical care or remote medication may be a type of mobile vehicle driven by a driver.

[0467] <Modifications regarding virus protection, etc.> For example, the medical processing unit 422 of the medical cart 15 may be provided with an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit. Then, for example, after the patient gets off the medical cart 15, the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit may irradiate the inside and surroundings of the medical cart 15 with ultraviolet rays to remove various viruses. This makes it possible to prevent secondary infection of various infectious diseases in the medical cart 15.

[0468] Also, for example, the medical processing unit 422 may be provided with a disinfectant spraying unit that sprays disinfectant around the medical cart 15. And, for example, the disinfectant spraying unit may spray disinfectant around the medical cart 15 in a large space with no people around. This allows, for example, unmanned disinfection using a high concentration disinfectant.

[0469] Similarly, for example, the medicine preparation processing unit 511 of the pharmacy cart 16 may be provided with an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit and a disinfectant spraying unit to perform the same processing.

[0470] For example, the sensor group 420 of the medical cart 15 may include an infrared sensor that measures a patient's temperature outside the medical cart 15. Similarly, the sensor group 420 of the pharmacy cart 16 may include an infrared sensor that measures a patient's temperature outside the pharmacy cart 16, for example.

[0471] Also, for example, the infrared sensor of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 may measure the body temperatures of an unspecified number of people in the vicinity. This allows the temperature of people in a place where people gather, such as a station, to be taken all at once. Then, for example, the observation unit 461 of each medical cart 15 and the observation unit 561 of each pharmacy cart 16 may detect abnormal people suspected of being infected with a virus, etc., based on the measurement results of the body temperatures of the people in the vicinity.

[0472] In response to this, for example, the analysis unit 161 of the server 11 may receive the detection results of abnormal persons from each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16, and construct a database showing the detection results of abnormal persons in each region (e.g., the distribution and trends of abnormal persons, etc.).

[0473] For example, when a patient is infected with a certain virus, the communication unit 419 of the medical cart 15 may communicate with the patient terminal 17 of the patient (hereinafter, referred to as an infected person) under the control of the communication control unit 465 to acquire behavior history data indicating the behavior history of the infected person. For example, the behavior history data includes the schedule and movement route of the infected person in the past.

[0474] In response to this, for example, the organization unit 164 of the server 11 may receive behavior history data of the infected person from the medical cart 15, and set the placement locations and patrol routes of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 based on the behavior history data of the infected person. For example, the organization unit 164 may identify a priority medical area based on the behavior history data of the infected person, and prioritize placement or patrol of the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16 in the priority medical area. Note that the priority medical area includes, for example, an area where there is a risk of an outbreak of an infectious disease cluster or an area where there may be a close contact with an infected person.

[0475] For example, the server 11 may receive the behavior history data from the patient terminal 17 of the infected person without going through the medical cart 15.

[0476] Also, for example, the observation unit 461 of the medical cart 15 may identify a priority medical area based on the behavioral history data of the infected person, and the movement control unit 463 may set a destination and route based on the priority medical area and control the movement of the medical cart 15.

[0477] For example, the observation unit 461 of the medical cart 15 may detect the number of people around the medical cart 15 and the mask wearing rate by performing image recognition on a surrounding image captured around the medical cart 15. Similarly, the observation unit 561 of the pharmacy cart 16 may detect the number of people around the pharmacy cart 16 and the mask wearing rate by performing image recognition on a surrounding image captured around the pharmacy cart 16.

[0478] In response to this, the analysis unit 161 of the server 11 may receive detection results of the number of people in the vicinity and the mask wearing rate from each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16, estimate the population density and mask wearing rate of each area based on the received detection results, and generate an infection risk map showing the infection risk of a predetermined virus. In addition, for example, the organization unit 164 of the server 11 may set the placement locations and patrol routes of each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 based on the infection risk map. For example, the organization unit 164 may prioritize placement or patrol of the medical carts 15 and pharmacy carts 16 in areas with a high infection risk.

[0479] For example, the observation unit 461 of each medical cart 15 may generate a surrounding infection risk map based on the number of people in the vicinity and the mask wearing rate. Then, the movement control unit 463 of each medical cart 15 may set a destination and a route based on the surrounding infection risk map and control the movement of the medical cart 15.

[0480] Similarly, for example, the observation unit 561 of each pharmacy cart 16 may generate a surrounding infection risk map based on the number of people in the vicinity and the mask wearing rate. Then, the movement control unit 563 of each pharmacy cart 16 may set a destination and route based on the surrounding infection risk map and control the movement of the pharmacy cart 16.

[0481] <Modifications regarding the configuration of the remote medical system 1> The configuration of the remote medical system 1 described above is one example, and can be modified.

[0482] For example, part of the processing of the server 11 may be performed by the medical professional terminal 14, the medical cart 15, or the pharmacy cart 16.

[0483] For example, the processing of the selection unit 162 of the server 11 may be performed by the medical cart 15 and the pharmacy cart 16. For example, the medical cart 15 may select a medical professional to introduce to the patient based on one or more of the patient's condition, desired conditions, etc. Similarly, the pharmacy cart 16 may select a pharmacist to introduce to the patient based on one or more of the patient's condition, desired conditions, etc.

[0484] For example, the medical cart 15 may analyze the patient's condition and select an appropriate telemedical intervention or determine whether an appropriate telemedical intervention can be provided.

[0485] Also, for example, each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 may autonomously set their own placement location and route while communicating and coordinating with each other. For example, the pharmacy cart 16 may move close to the medical cart 15 when the remote medical care of the medical cart 15 ends.

[0486] Additionally, each medical cart 15 and each pharmacy cart 16 may perform forecasts of patient needs.

[0487] Furthermore, it is not necessary to separate medical cart 15 and pharmacy cart 16, and a single cart may be used to perform both remote medical care and remote medication preparation.

[0488] <Other Modifications> In the above explanation, an example has been given in which the patient DB 12 stores the patient's medical records, but for example, the patient may store his or her own medical record in the patient terminal 17 and carry it around. In this case, for example, when the patient is in the medical cart 15 or the pharmacy cart 16, the patient's medical record in the patient terminal 17 may be made accessible. This allows medical personnel or pharmacists to view the patient's medical record only when the patient is in the medical cart 15 or the pharmacy cart 16, and the patient's personal information is protected.

[0489] Also, for example, when the medical cart 15 detects a person who is presumed to be wandering due to dementia or who is presumed to be in poor health, it may be configured to call out to that person.

[0490] Furthermore, for example, a demand forecast for pharmacy carts 16 may be made based on the expiration dates of distributed medicines.

[0491] <<3.Other>> The above-mentioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed in a computer. Here, the computer includes a computer built into dedicated hardware, and a general-purpose personal computer, for example, capable of executing various functions by installing various programs.

[0492] The program executed by the computer can be provided by being recorded on a removable medium such as a package medium (for example, the recording medium 114 in FIG. 2, the recording medium 214 in FIG. 4, the recording medium 414 in FIG. 6, or the recording medium 414 in FIG. 8). The program can also be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting.

[0493] In addition, the program executed by the computer may be a program in which processing is performed chronologically in the order described in this specification, or it may be a program in which processing is performed in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0494] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same case. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate cases and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single case, are both systems.

[0495] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0496] For example, the present technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0497] Furthermore, each step described in the above flow chart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

[0498] Furthermore, when a single step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in the single step can be executed by a single device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0499] <Examples of configuration combinations> The present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0500] (1) A movement control unit that controls movement based on the needs of the patient; A communication control unit that controls communication with a medical professional terminal that is an information processing terminal of a medical professional who performs remote medical care; a medical control unit that controls remote medical care between the medical staff terminal and the medical staff terminal; A mobile body comprising: (2) An output control unit that controls the output of information regarding medical professionals to be introduced to patients In addition, The communication control unit controls communication between the medical practitioner terminal and a medical practitioner selected from the referred medical practitioners. A moving body as described in (1) above. (3) The communication control unit controls reception of information about a medical professional from an information processing device that selects a medical professional to be introduced to the patient based on at least one of the patient's condition and desired conditions. A moving body as described in (2) above. (4) A selection unit that selects a medical professional based on at least one of the patient's condition and desired conditions. The moving body according to (1) above further comprises: (5) The movement control unit controls movement to a designated destination based on the demand of the patient. A moving body according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The movement control unit controls movement of a designated route based on the demand of the patient. A moving body according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The communication control unit controls reception of patient behavior history data from a patient terminal which is an information processing terminal of the patient; The movement control unit controls movement based on the action history data. A moving body according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) An observation unit that observes the surroundings and detects the needs of the patient. In addition, The movement control unit controls movement based on the detected demand of the patient. A moving body according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The observation unit detects a person who is a target of remote medical care, The movement control unit controls the vehicle to stop near the detected person. A moving body as described in (8). (10) Medical devices used in remote medical care In addition, The medical control unit controls the medical device based on remote operation data from the medical professional terminal. A moving body according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) The medical control unit controls access to medical information of patients receiving remote medical care. A moving body according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) A medication dispensing device for use in remote medication dispensing; A medication control unit that controls the medication device based on remote operation data from the medical professional terminal; The moving body according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising: (13) The moving body, Controlling movement based on patient demand; Controlling communication with the medical practitioner terminal, which is the information processing terminal of the medical practitioner who performs remote medical care; Controlling remote medical care between the medical staff terminal and the medical staff terminal Information processing methods. (14) A selection unit that selects a medical professional to be introduced to a patient; A communication control unit that controls transmission of information about a medical professional to be introduced to the patient to a mobile device used by the patient; An information processing device comprising: (15) The selection unit selects a medical professional to be introduced to the patient based on at least one of the patient's condition and desired conditions. The information processing device according to (14). (16) The selection unit selects a medical professional who will perform remote medical care on the patient, The communication control unit controls the transmission of information about the medical professional to the mobile body where the patient receives remote medical care. The information processing device according to (14) or (15). (17) The selection unit selects a pharmacist, who is a medical professional who performs remote dispensing of medication for the patient, The communication control unit controls the transmission of information about the medical practitioner to the mobile body where the patient receives remote medication. 17. The information processing device according to any one of (14) to (16). (18) A planning unit that sets a destination or a route of the moving body In addition, The communication control unit controls transmission of information indicating a destination or a route of the mobile object to the mobile object. 18. The information processing device according to any one of (14) to (17). (19) Demand forecasting department to forecast patient demand In addition, The scheduling unit sets a destination or a route of the moving object based on the predicted demand of the patient. The information processing device according to (18). (20) The communication control unit controls reception of patient behavior history data from a patient terminal, which is an information processing terminal of the patient, or the mobile body; The planning unit sets a destination or a route of the moving object based on the action history data. The information processing device according to (18) or (19).

[0501] It should be noted that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0502] 1 Remote medical system, 11 Server, 12 Patient DB, 13 Medical DB, 14-1 to 14-m Medical personnel terminal, 15-1 to 15-n Medical cart, 16-1 to 16-p Pharmacy cart, 17-1 to 17-q Patient terminal, 111 Processor, 118 Communication unit, 151 Information processing unit, 161 Analysis unit, 162 Selection unit, 163 Demand forecast unit, 164 Organization unit, 201 Information processing terminal, 211 Processor, 218 Communication unit, 301 Vehicle, 411 Processor, 415 Drive unit, 418 Output unit, 419 Communication unit, 420 Sensor group, 422 Medical processing unit, 451 Information processing unit, 461 Observation unit, 462 Medical control unit, 463 Movement control section, 464 output control section, 465 communication control section, 511 medication processing section, 551 information processing section, 561 observation section, 562 medication control section, 563 movement control section, 564 output control section, 565 communication control section

Claims

1. In mobile devices used for remote medical care, a movement control unit that controls movement of the mobile body before providing remote medical care to a patient based on a demand prediction of the patient for the mobile body; A communication control unit that controls communication with a medical professional terminal that is an information processing terminal of a medical professional who performs remote medical care; a medical control unit that controls remote medical care between the medical staff terminal and the medical staff terminal; A mobile body comprising:

2. An output control unit that controls the output of information regarding medical professionals to be introduced to patients In addition, The communication control unit controls communication between the medical practitioner terminal and a medical practitioner selected from the referred medical practitioners. The moving body according to claim 1 .

3. The communication control unit controls reception of information about medical professionals from an information processing device that selects a medical professional to be introduced to the patient based on at least one of the patient's condition and desired conditions. The moving body according to claim 2.

4. A selection unit that selects a medical professional based on at least one of the patient's condition and desired conditions. The moving body according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. The movement control unit controls the movement of the moving object to a destination specified based on the demand forecast. The moving body according to claim 1 .

6. The destination includes a dispatch location or placement location of the mobile object based on the demand forecast. The moving body according to claim 5.

7. The movement control unit controls the movement of the moving object along a route designated based on the demand forecast. The moving body according to claim 1 .

8. The communication control unit controls reception of patient behavior history data from a patient terminal which is an information processing terminal of the patient; The movement control unit controls the movement of the moving object based on the action history data. The moving body according to claim 1 .

9. An observation unit that observes the surroundings and detects the patient's demand for the moving object. In addition, The movement control unit controls the movement of the moving object based on the detected demand. The moving body according to claim 1 .

10. The observation unit detects a person who is a target of remote medical care, The movement control unit controls the vehicle to stop near the detected person. The moving body according to claim 9.

11. a demand prediction unit for predicting a demand for the moving object by patients; The moving body according to claim 1 , further comprising:

12. Medical devices used in remote medical care In addition, The medical control unit controls the medical device based on remote operation data from the medical professional terminal. The moving body according to claim 1 .

13. The medical control unit controls access to medical information of patients receiving remote medical care. The moving body according to claim 1 .

14. A medication dispensing device for use in remote medication dispensing; A medication control unit that controls the medication device based on remote operation data from the medical professional terminal; The moving body according to claim 1 , further comprising:

15. The movement control unit controls the movement of the moving body to a destination of the patient based on a result of the remote medical treatment of the patient. The moving body according to claim 1 .

16. Mobile devices used in remote medical care include: Controlling the movement of the mobile body before providing telemedicine to the patient based on a demand prediction of the patient for the mobile body; Controlling communication with the medical practitioner terminal, which is the information processing terminal of the medical practitioner who performs remote medical care; Controlling remote medical care between the medical staff terminal and the medical staff terminal Information processing methods.

17. A demand prediction unit that predicts patients' demand for mobile objects used in remote medical care; A scheduling unit that sets a destination or a route of the moving object based on a demand forecast of patients for the moving object; A selection unit that selects a medical professional to be introduced to a patient; A communication control unit that controls transmission of information indicating a destination or route of the mobile body and information regarding a medical professional to be introduced to the patient to the mobile body; An information processing device comprising:

18. The selection unit selects a medical professional to be introduced to the patient based on at least one of the patient's condition and desired conditions. The information processing device according to claim 17.

19. The selection unit selects a medical professional who will perform remote medical care for the patient, The communication control unit controls the transmission of information about medical professionals to the mobile body where the patient receives remote medical care. The information processing device according to claim 17.

20. The selection unit selects a pharmacist, who is a medical professional who performs remote dispensing of medication for a patient, The communication control unit controls the transmission of information about the pharmacist to the mobile unit where the patient receives the remote medication. The information processing device according to claim 17.

21. The communication control unit controls reception of patient behavior history data from a patient terminal, which is an information processing terminal of the patient, or the mobile body; The planning unit sets a destination or a route of the moving object based on the action history data. The information processing device according to claim 17.

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