Medicine Receipt System

Abstract

To enable reliable delivery of articles to a user who is a delivery target.SOLUTION: A medicine receiving system includes: acquisition means for acquiring information indicating that explanation concerning a medicine has been conducted for a user; and control means for unlocking a storage space where the medicine is stored. Unlocking conditions for unlocking the storage space by the control means include acquisition of the information indicating that the explanation concerning the medicine has been conducted for the user, by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine receiving system and a locker device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a prescription drug sales system that, when purchasing drugs using an electronic prescription and electronic commerce, checks whether authentication information used to authenticate a user matches the patient information contained in the prescription, in order to prevent the drug from being sold to a purchaser who is not related to the patient for whom the prescription is intended, and controls the execution of the drug sales process according to the results of the check. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5801015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to enable reliable delivery of medicines to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 includes an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating that an explanation about a medicine has been given to a user, and a control means for unlocking a storage space in which the medicine is stored. a notification means for notifying a user terminal carried by a user of an authentication code; and an authentication means for performing authentication using the authentication code by a user operation. Equipped with 、 The information indicating that an explanation about medicines has been given to a user is acquired by the acquisition means as an unlocking condition for the control means to unlock the storage space. and success of authentication using the authentication code by a user operation. A pharmaceutical receiving system including: The invention described in claim 2 is a pharmaceutical receipt system described in claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the authentication code on condition that the acquisition means has acquired information indicating that an explanation about the pharmaceutical has been given to the user. The invention described in claim 3 is the pharmaceutical receipt system described in claim 2, further comprising a payment means for performing payment processing of the amount to be paid when receiving the pharmaceutical, the payment means being provided in the user terminal, and the authentication code being notified to the user, further on the condition that the payment processing has been performed. Claim 4 The invention described in The locker further includes a payment means for performing a payment process for an amount to be paid when receiving the medicine, and the unlocking condition further includes that the payment process has been performed by the payment means, a locker device including a plurality of storage boxes as the storage space, the payment means being provided in the locker device; 1 The pharmaceutical receipt system described herein is as follows. Claim 5 The invention described in the above description of the pharmaceutical product is as follows: Owned by the user The pharmaceutical receipt system according to claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical receipt is carried out through a display unit of a user terminal. Claim 6 The invention described in the above is a method for acquiring information indicating completion of dispensing of medicines stored in the storage space or completion of storing the medicines in the storage space. 2 The method further comprises: 2 On condition that the acquiring means acquires the information indicating the completion, Owned by the user The medicine receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the notification is sent to a user terminal. Claim 7 The invention described in The medicine is a prescription medicine prescribed based on an electronic prescription, obtaining information indicating that the prescription drug has been removed from the storage space; 3 obtaining means for obtaining information indicating that the prescribed drug has been taken out; 3 and a canceling means for executing a process for canceling the electronic prescription on the condition that the electronic prescription has been acquired by the acquiring means. 1 The pharmaceutical receipt system described herein is as follows. Claim 8 The present invention provides a method for notifying a user that the user needs to receive the explanation regarding the medicine before the storage space is controlled to be unlocked. 2 The pharmaceutical receiving system of claim 1, further comprising a notification means. The invention described in claim 9 is a pharmaceutical receiving system comprising an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating that an explanation about pharmaceuticals has been given to a user, a control means for unlocking a storage space in which pharmaceuticals are stored, and an authentication means for authenticating a user who unlocks the storage space, wherein the unlocking conditions for the control means to unlock the storage space include the information indicating that an explanation about pharmaceuticals has been given to the user being acquired by the acquisition means and successful authentication by the authentication means, and further the unlocking conditions for the control means to unlock the storage space do not include operations by a pharmacist or other store staff. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably deliver medicines to users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a prescription drug receiving system used in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a locker device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external configuration of a centralized management unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a centralized management unit. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management server installed in a dispensing pharmacy or the like. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process flow when a user who uses a prescription drug receiving service retrieves prescription drugs from a locker device outside the business hours of a dispensing pharmacy. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the process flow when a user who uses a prescription drug receiving service retrieves prescription drugs from a locker device outside the business hours of a dispensing pharmacy. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of the process flow when a user who uses a prescription drug receiving service retrieves prescription drugs from a locker device outside the business hours of a dispensing pharmacy. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a prescription drug receiving system used in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management server installed in a dispensing pharmacy or the like. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process flow in a case where a third party who has been requested by a user to pick up a prescribed drug removes the prescribed drug from a locker device outside the business hours of the dispensing pharmacy. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a pharmaceutical sales system used in embodiment 3. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a purchase information input terminal. [Figure 14] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a purchase information input terminal. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a ticket required when receiving a Category 1 OTC drug. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process flow when a Category 1 drug purchased outside the pharmacy's business hours is removed from a locker device. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram illustrating the transition of the screen displayed on the display operation unit of the ticket vending machine outside business hours. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Embodiment 1> <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a prescription drug receiving system 1 used in the first embodiment. The prescription drug receiving system 1 shown in Figure 1 is composed of a locker system 10 operated by a dispensing pharmacy, a terminal 20 used by a user who utilizes the prescription drug receiving service (hereinafter also referred to as the "prescription drug receiving service") outside the dispensing pharmacy's business hours, and the Internet 30 which enables communication between these. The prescription medicine in this embodiment refers to a medicine dispensed by a pharmacist based on a prescription. The locker system 10 in this embodiment is an example of an item receiving system. The terminal 20 is an example of a user terminal. It should be noted that the prescription drug receiving system 1 including the terminal 20 may be used as an example of an article receiving system.

[0009] In this embodiment, the locker system 10 is composed of a locker device 100 used for delivery of dispensed medicines, a management server 200 that manages the delivery of dispensed medicines using the locker device 100, and a LAN (=Local Area Network) 300 that connects these. The LAN 300 is connected to the Internet 30 via a router or the like (not shown). In the case of Fig. 1, the terminal 20 is a terminal belonging to Person A. For this reason, Person A's prescription medicines are stored in one of the storage boxes 110 constituting the locker device 100. The prescription medicines here are an example of an item to be handed over. However, the items stored in the storage box 110 are not limited to prescription drugs. In other words, the locker device 100 can also be used for receiving and delivering items other than prescription drugs.

[0010] In the prescription drug delivery system 1 shown in FIG. 1, only one user terminal 20 is illustrated, but this is for convenience of explanation, and in reality, a plurality of terminals 20 are connected. 1, a smartphone is assumed as the terminal 20, but the terminal 20 is not limited to a smartphone. For example, the terminal 20 may be a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal, or may be a stationary terminal such as a desktop computer. For example, a smartphone has a touch panel consisting of a display such as a liquid crystal display and a touch sensor, an imaging camera, a fingerprint sensor, a GPS sensor, a CPU, a semiconductor memory, a battery, etc. In the case of this embodiment, the imaging camera can be used to acquire a facial image of a user during authentication. Also, the fingerprint sensor can be used to acquire a fingerprint of a user during authentication. That is, the imaging camera and the fingerprint sensor are used as examples of an acquisition means. Also, the touch panel is an example of a display means.

[0011] The locker system 10 in this embodiment is installed within the premises of a dispensing pharmacy or a drugstore adjacent to a dispensing pharmacy (hereinafter referred to as "dispensing pharmacy, etc."). However, the locker device 100 and the management server 200 do not have to be located on the same premises. The locker device 100 may be installed, for example, inside a train station, inside or in front of a convenience store, or inside or in front of a commercial facility that is open until late at night. When the locker device 100 and the management server 200 are located on different premises, the locker device 100 and the management server 200 are connected, for example, via the Internet 30. When the locker device 100 and the management server 200 are connected via the Internet 30, encrypted communication is used for communication between the locker device 100 and the management server 200. For example, https (=hypertext transfer protocol secure) communication is used.

[0012] <Locker device configuration> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of locker device 100. Locker device 100 shown in Fig. 2 is composed of 32 storage boxes 110 and a centralized management unit 120 that manages locking and unlocking of storage boxes 110. Storage boxes 110 are an example of storage spaces. Each storage box 110 is a space divided into individual rooms and is used to store prescription drugs and other items. Each storage box 110 is provided with a locking mechanism 110A. The operation of the locking mechanism 110A is managed by the centralized management unit 120. In the case of the locker device 100 shown in Fig. 2, all of the storage boxes 110 have the same volumetric capacity. However, the locker device 100 may be configured with a combination of storage boxes 110 having different volumes.

[0013] The centralized management unit 120 is a computer-based device that is operated by users who receive prescription drugs. The centralized management unit 120 is communicatively connected to each of the locking mechanisms 110A, and controls the locking mechanisms 110A to be in a locked or unlocked state. The centralized management unit 120 is communicably connected to the management server 200 (see FIG. 1), and controls the lock mechanism 110A of the storage box 110 in which the prescription medicine is stored to an unlocked state when a user who comes to pick up the prescription medicine satisfies the conditions for receipt. When the lock mechanism 110A is controlled to an unlocked state, the user can open the door of the storage box 110 and take out the prescription medicine.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the centralized management unit 120. As shown in FIG. 3, a display operation unit 121, a speaker 122, a code reader 123, a card reader 124, a printer 125, a bill processing unit 126A, a coin insertion slot 126B, a coin return slot 126C, and an authentication information reader 127 are arranged on the front surface of the centralized management unit 120. These are used as interfaces for the user. The display operation unit 121 is configured with, for example, a touch panel. The contents of operations required of the user and information to be provided to the user are displayed on the display operation unit 121. The display operation unit 121 is also used to accept operations by the user. The speaker 122 is used to output, by voice, the contents of operations required of the user and information to be provided to the user.

[0015] The code reader 123 is used to read and input an authentication code issued for receiving a prescription drug. The authentication code in this embodiment serves as an unlocking key for the storage box 110. The authentication code is an example of second identification information. For example, if the authentication code is a graphic pattern, the code reader 123 reads the authentication code displayed on the terminal 20 or printed on a paper such as a receipt using an imaging camera. The graphic pattern may be, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR (=Quick Response) code (registered trademark) or a one-dimensional code such as a barcode.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, if the authentication code is a character string such as a password or a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code, the code reader 123 is used to accept input of the character string using hard keys or soft keys. However, it is also possible to adopt a method of reading the password or PIN code with an imaging camera. The code reader 123 is an example of a second acquisition means.

[0017] The card reader 124 is used for electronic payments using cards on which electronic money information is recorded or credit cards. The printer 125 is used to print receipts recording payment receipts and dispensed prescription drugs. The bill processing unit 126A, the coin insertion slot 126B, and the coin return slot 126C are used for settlement with cash. In the following, the bill processing unit 126A, the coin insertion slot 126B, and the coin return slot 126C are collectively referred to as the money processing unit 126 (see FIG. 4). The authentication information reader 127 is used to read information used for authenticating the recipient. In the case of this embodiment, examples of information used for authenticating the recipient include biometric information, details written on an official identification card, a membership number issued by a dispensing pharmacy, and a QR code issued by a dispensing pharmacy for receiving prescription drugs.

[0018] Authentication using biometric information includes authentication using face images, voiceprints, fingerprints, and veins. Official identification cards used for authentication include driver's licenses, health insurance cards, and basic resident registration cards. An imaging camera may be used to read information from official identification cards, or an IC card reader capable of reading data from an IC chip embedded in the identification card may be used. An imaging camera or a QR code reader is used to read membership numbers and QR codes issued by dispensing pharmacies, etc. However, the membership number issued by the dispensing pharmacy or the like can also be entered using hard keys or soft keys provided on the centralized management unit 120 . The authentication information reader 127 used to read biometric information is an example of an acquisition means. Also, the authentication information reader 127 used to read authentication information other than biometric information is an example of a second acquisition means. Information other than biometric information read by the authentication information reader 127 is an example of second identification information. The above-mentioned code reader 123 may also be used to read authentication information other than the biometric information.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the centralized management unit 120. As shown in FIG. The centralized management unit 120 shown in Figure 4 has a display operation unit 121, a speaker 122, a code reader 123, a card reader 124, a printer 125, a currency processing unit 126, an authentication information reader 127, a communication unit 128, a memory unit 129, and a control unit 130. The communication unit 128 is used for communication with the management server 200 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 129 is composed of, for example, a hard disk device or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The storage unit 129 stores information (hereinafter referred to as "storage management data") used to manage the storage of items in the storage box 110. The storage management data includes, for example, information that uniquely identifies the storage box 110, a number attached to the door of the storage box 110, information indicating whether the box is in use or vacant, and an authentication code used to unlock the box if it is in use.

[0020] The control unit 130 is a computer that controls the entire locker device 100, and is composed of a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), ROM (=Read Only Memory), and RAM (=Random Access Memory), all of which are not shown. Through the execution of programs, the control unit 130 functions as a storage management unit 130A, an explanatory video playback unit 130B, an item removal management unit 130C, an item deposit processing unit 130D, a lock control unit 130E, and a payment processing unit 130F. The storage management unit 130A is a functional unit that manages the status of the storage box 110. When a change occurs in the information related to the status or management of the storage box 110, the storage management unit 130A updates the storage management data 129A. In addition, the storage management unit 130A transmits the availability of the storage box 110 shown in the storage management data 129A to the management server 200. The status of the storage box 110 includes "empty", "storing", and "out of order".

[0021] The explanatory video playback unit 130B is a functional unit for playing explanatory videos regarding prescription drugs that are required when receiving prescription drugs. Current laws and regulations require a pharmacist to provide an explanation when handing over a prescription drug. In this embodiment, in order to realize handing over of prescription drugs outside the business hours of a dispensing pharmacy, a pharmacist may provide an explanation via videophone, or a video in which a pharmacist explains a prescription drug (hereinafter referred to as an "explanatory video") may be played back as a means to replace the explanation by a pharmacist in the dispensing pharmacy. The explanatory video playback section 130B displays the playback image of the explanatory video on the display operation section 121 provided in the centralized management unit 120. The display operation section 121 on which the explanatory video is displayed is an example of a display means. However, it is also possible to play back images of prescription drug instructions instead of the instruction video.

[0022] The item removal management unit 130C is a functional unit that manages whether or not prescription drugs and the like can be removed from the storage box 110. The item removal management unit 130C is used, for example, to determine whether or not a read or input authentication code matches an authentication code required to unlock the storage box 110 in which the user's prescription drugs are stored. If the authentication code assigned to the storage box 110 matches the authentication code read or entered through the code reader 123, the item removal management unit 130C instructs the lock control unit 130E to unlock the corresponding storage box 110.

[0023] On the other hand, if the authentication code assigned to the storage box 110 does not match the authentication code read or entered through the code reader 123, the item removal management unit 130C displays on the display operation unit 121 a message indicating that the authentication codes do not match. Furthermore, when the user inputs authentication information required to take out a prescribed drug at the locker device 100, the article take-out management unit 130C transmits the input authentication information to the management server 200 (see FIG. 1) and receives the result of the authentication.

[0024] The item deposit processing unit 130D is a functional unit that executes processing associated with depositing items such as prescription drugs. In the present embodiment, when the item deposit processing unit 130D detects the storage of prescription drugs in an empty storage box 110, it associates information that uniquely identifies the storage box 110 in which the prescription drugs are stored and a number attached to the door of the storage box 110 with information that identifies a user corresponding to the stored prescription drugs and an authentication code used for unlocking, and registers the information in the memory unit 129 as storage management data 129A. The lock control unit 130E is a functional unit that controls the locking and unlocking of the storage box 110 by transmitting a lock command or an unlock command to the lock mechanism 110A. The payment processing unit 130F is a functional unit that executes payments by cash or electronic payments.

[0025] <Management Server Configuration> FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the management server 200 installed in a dispensing pharmacy or the like. The management server 200 is a device that realizes a prescription drug receiving service outside the business hours of a dispensing pharmacy in cooperation with the locker device 100 (see FIG. 1). The management server 200 shown in FIG. 5 includes a display operation unit 201, a communication unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a control unit 204. The display operation unit 201 is composed of an input device and a display used for operation by pharmacists and other staff at the dispensing pharmacy. The input device may be, for example, a keyboard or a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal. The display may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0026] The communication unit 202 is used for communication with the locker device 100 (see FIG. 1). The storage unit 203 is composed of, for example, a hard disk device or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The storage unit 203 includes a database (hereinafter referred to as "user DB") 203A that stores information on users who use the prescription drug receiving service, a database (hereinafter referred to as "prescription DB") 203B that stores information on prescriptions received from users, a database (hereinafter referred to as "explanatory video DB") 203C that stores explanatory videos on prescription drugs, a database (hereinafter referred to as "collection destination DB") 203D that stores the user's desired pick-up location, date and time, etc., a database (hereinafter referred to as "authentication information DB") 203E that stores information used to authenticate users who use the prescription drug receiving service, a database (hereinafter referred to as "payment information DB") 203F that stores information on prescription drug payment, and a database (hereinafter referred to as "progress DB") 203G that stores information on the progress of the prescription drug receiving service.

[0027] The user DB 203A stores, for example, the user's name, sex, address, and membership number issued by a dispensing pharmacy or the like. The prescription DB203B stores the name of a user using the prescription drug receiving service, image data of the prescription, and information on the prescribed drug, linked to, for example, a reception number issued upon receipt of the prescription. In the explanatory video DB203C, explanatory videos recorded by a pharmacist are stored in a linked state in association with, for example, a reception number issued when a prescription is received. However, the explanatory videos do not have to be recorded for each prescription, and may be recorded for each prescribed drug. In this case, the explanatory videos are read out for each prescribed drug listed on the prescription. The collection location DB203D stores, for example, the user's desired collection location, the user's desired collection date and time, information identifying the locker device 100 (see Figure 1), information identifying the storage box 110 (see Figure 3) in which the prescribed drug is stored, and the number attached to the door of the storage box 110, all of which are associated with a reception number issued when the prescription is received.

[0028] The authentication information DB203E stores, for example, authentication information registered in advance by a user who uses the prescription drug receiving service. The authentication information here is information used to authenticate that the recipient is the user himself / herself, and includes, for example, a membership number issued by a dispensing pharmacy, etc., a health insurance card number, image data of the health insurance card, a driver's license number, image data of the driver's license, a basic resident registration card number, image data of the basic resident registration card, a QR code or other authentication code issued by a dispensing pharmacy for receiving prescription drugs, and biometric information of the user. The user's biometric information includes face image data, voiceprint waveform data, fingerprint pattern data, and vein pattern data. The authentication information DB203E in the present embodiment is an example of a storage unit that stores the biometric information of the user as registration information. Moreover, the authentication information stored in the authentication information DB203E is an example of registration information. Moreover, the face image data is an example of face information.

[0029] The payment information DB 203F stores, for example, the amount to be paid when receiving a prescription drug, whether payment has been made, and if payment has been made, the date and time of payment, the method of payment, and the like. The progress DB203G stores, for example, in association with the reception number issued when a prescription is received, the reception time, the date and time the prescription was completed, the name of the pharmacist who dispensed the medicine, the date and time the prescription was stored in the storage box 110, the name of the person who stored the prescription in the storage box 110, whether the authentication process has been completed, whether the explanation regarding the prescription has been completed, whether the payment process has been completed, whether the notification of the unlocking procedure has been completed, and whether the prescription has been removed.

[0030] The control unit 204 is a computer that controls the entire locker device 100, and is composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). Through execution of a program, the control unit 204 functions as a prescription data receiving unit 204A, a progress management unit 204B, a prescription completion notifying unit 204C, a recipient authentication unit 204D, an explanation end confirmation unit 204E, a payment processing unit 204F, an unlocking procedure notifying unit 204G, and a removal recording unit 204H.

[0031] The prescription data receiving unit 204A is a functional unit that receives image data of a prescription sent by a user who uses the prescription drug receiving service, for example, from the terminal 20 (see FIG. 1). When the prescription data receiving unit 204A receives the image data of the prescription, it issues a reception number and associates the image data of the prescription with the issued reception number and stores it in the prescription DB 203B. When receiving the prescription drug receiving service, information such as the user's name, desired pick-up location, and desired pick-up date and time is also received. However, the image data of the prescription can also be read by a scanner installed at the storefront of the dispensing pharmacy. When the prescription is received at the storefront of the dispensing pharmacy, the user's name, the desired place to receive the prescribed drug, and the desired date and time of receipt are also input via the display operation unit 201 at the storefront.

[0032] The progress management unit 204B is a functional unit that manages the progress status for reception numbers for which the withdrawal of prescription drugs has not been recorded. The progress management unit 204B cooperates with other functional units and the centralized management unit 120 (see FIG. 2) to record changes in progress in the progress DB 203G. The prescription completion notification unit 204C is a functional unit that notifies the user of the completion of dispensing of the prescription by the pharmacist. The notification to the user is executed, for example, after the prescription drug is completely stored in the locker device 100 (see FIG. 2). In the case of this embodiment, the notification of the completion of the prescription drug includes an explanatory video, a pick-up location, a notification of the payment amount, a payment method, etc.

[0033] Recipient authentication unit 204D is a functional unit that authenticates the user who is the recipient. In this embodiment, recipient authentication unit 204D executes a two-stage authentication process to prevent fraudulent acts caused by impersonation. The two-stage authentication process refers to authentication that combines two or more types of authentication information for authentication. For example, a combination of face image authentication and authentication by matching driver's license numbers, and a combination of driver's license number authentication and authentication by matching vein pattern data are used. Note that the combinations shown are merely examples, and any combination of authentication information registered in the authentication information DB 203E can be used. In this embodiment, the combination of information to be used for authentication is instructed to the user by a personal authentication application executed on the terminal 20 (see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the recipient authentication unit 204D considers the authentication of the user to be successful only if the authentication of both types of authentication information is successful. In other words, if the authentication of either one of them fails, the authentication of the user is considered to have failed. However, this does not exclude authentication using one type of authentication information. Recipient authentication unit 204D here is an example of authentication means.

[0034] The explanation end confirmation unit 204E is a functional unit that confirms the end of viewing of the explanation video displayed on the display of the terminal 20 (see Figure 1) used by the user who uses the prescription drug receiving service or on the display operation unit 121 (see Figure 4) of the centralized management unit 120 (see Figure 4). For example, when an operation of a confirmation button displayed after the playback of the explanatory video is ended is detected, the explanation end confirmation unit 204E confirms that the user has finished viewing the explanatory video. This is because, in the case of the prescription drug receiving system 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment, one of the conditions for the user to take out a prescribed drug is that the user receives an explanation from a pharmacist. The terminal 20 that displays the explanatory video is also an example of a display means that displays information about the item that is the subject of delivery.

[0035] Alternatively, the end of viewing the explanatory video can be detected by detecting the end of playback of the explanatory video, for example. Furthermore, when the pharmacist has explained the prescribed medicine via videophone, the pharmacist inputs the end of the explanation via the display operation unit 201 . Also, when the pharmacist has already explained the prescribed medicine to the customer at the counter of the dispensing pharmacy, the end of the explanation is inputted through the display operation unit 201 . In addition, when the instructions are provided by a pharmacist, the end of viewing the instruction video is detected through the operation of a confirmation button that is displayed after the playback of the instructions is completed.

[0036] The payment processing unit 204F is a functional unit that registers payments for prescription drugs in the payment information DB 203F. Payment processing may be performed by a POS terminal or the like installed at the storefront of the dispensing pharmacy, or may be performed through a card reader 124 (see FIG. 4) or a currency processing unit 126 (see FIG. 4) provided in the centralized management unit 120 (see FIG. 2) of the locker device 100 (see FIG. 2). The payment process can also be performed by providing a payment institution with a credit card number or the like notified by the user. In this embodiment, the completion of the payment process is one of the conditions required for receiving the prescription drug.

[0037] The unlocking procedure notification unit 204G is a functional unit that notifies the user of the procedure for unlocking the storage box 110 (see FIG. 2) in which the prescription drug is stored. The unlocking procedure notification unit 204G in this embodiment transmits a notification to the user after confirming the completion of the payment. In the present embodiment, an authentication code required for unlocking is notified. However, in addition to the authentication code, the notification may also include, for example, the location where the locker system 10 (see FIG. 1) in which the prescription drugs are stored is installed, or the number on the door of the storage box 110 in which the prescription drugs are stored. The removal recording section 204H is a functional section that records the removal of prescribed medicines in the progress DB 203G in cooperation with the item removal management section 130C (see FIG. 4) of the centralized management unit 120 (see FIG. 4).

[0038] <Prescription drug receipt procedure> A specific example of the flow of receiving a prescription drug using prescription drug receiving system 1 (see FIG. 1) in this embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, the recipient is the user himself.

[0039] <Example 1> 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process flow when a user who uses the prescription drug receiving service takes out a prescription drug from the locker device 100 outside the business hours of a dispensing pharmacy. Note that the symbol S in the diagram indicates a step. First, the user transmits prescription data (hereinafter referred to as "prescription data") from the terminal 20 to the management server 200 (step 1). If the prescription issued by the medical institution is paper, the user captures an image of the prescription with the imaging camera of the terminal 20 and transmits the image data obtained by capturing the image to the management server 200 as prescription data. If the prescription issued by the medical institution is electronic data (i.e., an electronic prescription is issued), the terminal 20 transmits the issued electronic prescription to the management server 200.

[0040] On the screen used to accept prescription data, the management server 200 also accepts the user's desired pick-up location, pick-up date and time, etc. Furthermore, if the user has not visited a dispensing pharmacy, image data of the health insurance card and the like are also notified together with the prescription data to management server 200. The same applies to other flows described below. When the management server 200 accepts the prescription data (step 2), it notifies the terminal 20 of the acceptance of the prescription data. The management server 200 that accepts the prescription data issues a reception number and manages the subsequent progress.

[0041] When the pharmacist has completed dispensing the prescription drug, the management server 200 records the completion of dispensing the prescription drug (step 3). With the recording of the completion of dispensing the prescription drug, the information in the progress DB 203G is updated. Thereafter, when the prescribed medicine is stored in the storage box 110 (see FIG. 2) by an employee of the dispensing pharmacy or the like, the management server 200 records the storage of the prescribed medicine (step 4). With the recording of the storage of the prescribed medicine, the information in the progress DB 203G is updated. When the prescription drug is stored, the management server 200 notifies the user's terminal 20 of the prescription drug's explanatory video, the pick-up location, the payment amount, etc. (Step 5). As described above, instead of the explanatory video, the prescription drug's instruction manual may be notified. Also, instead of the explanatory video data file, the address on the network where the explanatory video specific to the user is stored may be notified.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the terminal 20 receives an explanatory video or the like related to a prescription drug from the management server 200, the terminal 20 starts up an identity authentication application (step 6). The identity authentication application is pre-installed in the terminal 20 that uses the prescription drug receiving service. The terminal 20 requests the user to input biometric information through execution of the identity authentication application. The user follows the instructions displayed on the display screen of the terminal 20 to capture, for example, an image of his or her face. The face image is an example of biometric information. The captured face image is transmitted to the management server 200 through encrypted communication. In addition, the identity authentication application in this embodiment also requests the user to input authentication information other than biometric information. For example, input of a driver's license number or the like is requested. The terminal 20 also transmits the driver's license number or the like input by the user to the management server 200. The driver's license number or the like is an example of second identification information different from biometric information.

[0043] The management server 200 that has received the biometric information such as the face image executes the process of personal authentication (step 7). As described above, the personal authentication is executed by matching the authentication information received from the terminal 20 with the authentication information registered in advance. If the user authentication is successful, the management server 200 notifies the terminal 20 of the success of the authentication. This notification enables the user to view the explanatory video. Viewing the explanatory video here is an example of the user checking information about the item. Upon receiving the notification of successful authentication, the terminal 20 launches the viewing application (step 8). Then, the terminal 20 starts playing an instruction video about the prescription drug.

[0044] When the user has completed viewing of the explanatory video, the terminal 20 notifies the management server 200 of the completion of viewing (step 9). As described above, the completion of viewing is notified, for example, by the user operating a confirmation button displayed on the terminal 20 after the user has completed viewing of the explanatory video. The management server 200, which has received the notification that viewing of the instructional video has been completed, starts the payment process (step 10). The payment process uses the payment method desired by the user. In the case of Fig. 6, the credit card number, etc. is provided from the terminal 20 to the management server 200. When the payment process is completed, the management server 200 notifies the locker device 100 of the number of the storage box 110 for which the payment has been completed. The management server 200 may also notify the locker device 100 of the reception number issued when the prescription is received.

[0045] Furthermore, the management server 200 notifies the terminal 20 of an authentication code to be used for receiving the prescribed medicine (step 11). If an authentication code is generated at this point, the management server 200 notifies the locker device 100 of the generated authentication code. Thereafter, the user moves to the locker device 100 designated as the receiving location. The locker device 100 receives from the user the number of the storage box 110 in which the prescribed medicine is stored (step 12). The number here is the number attached to the door of the storage box 110. However, the operation performed by the user may be limited to issuing an instruction to receive the prescribed medicine.

[0046] Next, the locker device 100 checks the authentication code entered by the user (step 13). If the authentication code is correct, the locker device 100 unlocks the corresponding storage box 110 (step 14). Thereafter, the locker device 100 confirms that the prescribed medicine has been removed from the storage box 110, and notifies the management server 200 of the removal of the prescribed medicine. The prescription is collected, for example, by dropping it into a collection box installed in the storage box 110 from which the prescribed medicine was removed or in the vicinity of the locker device 100. In the case of an electronic prescription, after receiving a notification from the locker device 100 that the prescribed drug has been removed, the management server 200 executes a process to cancel the electronic prescription.

[0047] By following the above procedure, the user can receive his / her prescription even when the pharmacy is closed, which is expected to improve the user's satisfaction with the pharmacy. In addition, by utilizing the prescription drug pickup service, pharmacies can avoid extending their business hours, which in turn helps to reduce labor costs, thereby improving working conditions and cutting operational costs. In addition, it is possible to create an opportunity for users to stop by a drug store or the like in which the locker device 100 is installed. As a result, the drug store or the like in which the locker device 100 is installed can expect to increase sales due to "impulse purchases" by users. In this embodiment, the management server 200 starts the payment process after receiving a notification that the viewing of the explanatory video has been completed, but the timing of executing the payment process is not limited to this. For example, the payment process may be executed when the pharmacy accepts the prescription. Specifically, the user may pay with a credit card or electronic money when transmitting prescription data from the terminal 20 to the management server 200. Also, when the prescription is accepted at a pharmacy store, the payment process may be executed on the spot. In these cases, the fee for the prescribed drug can be collected reliably. In addition, prescription paper may be collected in a collection box provided near the locker device 100. Incidentally, when an electronic prescription is transmitted to the management server 200, the management server 200 may execute a process for confirming receipt of the electronic prescription, or when the prescribed drug is taken out, the identification information such as a QR code included in the electronic prescription may be read to execute a process for confirming receipt. In this way, by collecting the original prescription paper and executing a process for canceling the electronic prescription, it is possible to prevent duplicate prescriptions of prescribed drugs.

[0048] <Example 2> 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of the process flow when a user who uses the prescription drug receiving service takes out a prescription drug from the locker device 100 outside the business hours of the dispensing pharmacy. In FIG. 7, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the case of Example 1, after the payment process is completed, an authentication code required to unlock the storage box 110 (see FIG. 2) is issued and notified to the user, whereas in the case of Example 2, when the user comes to the locker device 100 to pick up the item, re-authentication is performed and the notification of the authentication code is omitted. 7, when viewing of the explanatory video for the prescribed medicine is completed and the subsequent payment process is also completed, the user inputs the number of the storage box 110 in which the prescribed medicine is stored into the display operation unit 121 (see FIG. 4) of the locker device 100, which is the pick-up location. The number of the storage box 110 was notified to the user at the time of the notification in step 5.

[0049] When the locker device 100 receives the number of the storage box 110 (step 12), it executes the personal authentication process (step 21). The contents of the personal authentication executed in step 21 may be the same as the contents of the personal authentication executed in step 7, or may be different. In this embodiment, the locker device 100 authenticates the individual using biometric information, that is, a facial image and fingerprint pattern data. If a facial image is one example of biometric information, the fingerprint pattern data is one example of second biometric information. In this embodiment, the personal authentication process by the locker device 100 is executed in cooperation with the management server 200. For example, the acquired face image and fingerprint information are transmitted to the management server 200, and authentication is executed by the recipient authentication unit 204D (see FIG. 5). Note that the face image and fingerprint information does not need to be the acquired image itself, but may be feature data extracted from the acquired image. The transmitted data is encrypted.

[0050] The result of the authentication is sent from the recipient authentication unit 204D to the locker device 100. If the authentication is successful, the locker device 100 unlocks the corresponding storage box 110 (step 14). In the case of this embodiment, since it is possible to confirm that the recipient is the user through personal authentication, input of the authentication code is omitted. However, it is also possible to additionally request input of the authentication code. If input of the authentication code is also requested, the authentication code is notified to the user after execution of the payment process. When removal of the prescribed medicine from the storage box 110 is confirmed, the locker device 100 notifies the management server 200 of the removal of the prescribed medicine. In the case of an electronic prescription, after receiving a notification from the locker device 100 that the prescribed drug has been removed, the management server 200 executes a process to cancel the electronic prescription. By following the above procedure, the user can receive his / her prescription even when the pharmacy is closed.

[0051] <Example 3> 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of the process flow when a user who uses the prescription drug receiving service takes out a prescription drug from the locker device 100 outside the business hours of the dispensing pharmacy. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are used to denote parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6. In the above-mentioned examples 1 and 2, the user uses the terminal 20 to perform identity authentication and view the explanatory video, whereas in example 3, the user who comes to pick up the prescription drug performs identity authentication and views the explanatory video, etc., at the locker device 100. In the case of Example 3, the processes in steps 1 to 3 are the same as those in Examples 1 and 2. When the receipt of the prescribed medicine by an employee of the dispensing pharmacy or the like is recorded (step 4), the management server 200 notifies the terminal 20 and the locker device 100 of the pick-up location, the payment amount, etc. (step 31).

[0052] The user who has received the notification moves to the locker device 100, which is the pick-up location, at a convenient time and operates the display operation unit 121 (see FIG. 4) to perform an operation to pick up the prescribed medicine. At this time, the locker device 100 detects the operation to pick up the prescribed medicine (step 32). The locker device 100, which detects the receipt operation of the prescribed medicine, reads the recipient's biometric information, etc. through the authentication information reader 127 (see FIG. 4) (step 33). The read biometric information, etc. is transmitted from the locker device 100 to the management server 200. The biometric information, etc. is transmitted to the management server 200 in an encrypted state. The management server 200 executes the personal authentication process (step 7). If the personal authentication is successful, the management server 200 notifies the locker device 100 of the success of the authentication. This notification makes it possible for the locker device 100 to play the instruction video.

[0053] Upon receiving notification of successful authentication, the locker device 100 activates the explanatory video playback unit 130B (see FIG. 4) and plays the explanatory video (step 34). When the locker device 100 detects that the user has completed viewing the explanatory video (step 35), it proceeds to payment processing (step 36). The payment processing uses the payment method desired by the user. The locker device 100 in this embodiment allows payment by both electronic payment and cash. When the payment process is completed, the locker device 100 notifies the management server 200 of the completion information. For example, the number of the storage box 110 for which the notification has been completed or the reception number issued upon receipt of the prescription is notified to the management server 200. Note that the completion of viewing may be detected when a display such as "I understand the explanation" is touched on the display unit after the user has viewed the explanatory video.

[0054] The locker device 100 also checks the authentication code entered by the user (step 37). If the authentication code is correct, the locker device 100 unlocks the corresponding storage box 110 (see FIG. 2) (step 38). Thereafter, when the locker device 100 confirms that the prescribed medicine has been removed from the storage box 110, it notifies the management server 200 that the prescribed medicine has been removed. By following the above procedure, the user can receive his / her prescription even when the pharmacy is closed.

[0055] <Embodiment 2> <System configuration> Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a prescription drug receiving system 1A used in the embodiment 2. In Fig. 9, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the first embodiment, the recipient who collects the prescribed drug is assumed to be the person to whom the prescription was issued, but in this embodiment, the recipient is assumed to be a third party who receives a request from the person to collect the prescribed drug. For this reason, terminal 20A of person B, who is requested to receive the prescription by person A, to whom the prescription was issued, is added to Fig. 9. Terminal 20A here is an example of a second user terminal. Also, person B is an example of a second user. The management server 200A used in this embodiment has an additional function of systematically recording that the prescription medicine has been handed over from person B, who receives the prescription medicine on behalf of the person, to person A. The configuration of the locker device 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a management server 200A installed in a dispensing pharmacy, etc. In Fig. 10, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The management server 200A, which is a device that realizes a prescription drug pickup service outside the business hours of a dispensing pharmacy by working in cooperation with the locker device 100 (see Figure 9), has a display operation unit 201, a communication unit 202, a memory unit 203, and a control unit 204. A function unique to this embodiment is the personal receipt record unit 204I provided in the control unit 204. The personal receipt record unit 204I is a functional unit that receives and records a notification from the personal terminal 20 of Mr. B, who received the prescription drug on his / her behalf, that the prescription drug has been received. Access to the management server 200A is performed, for example, by reading a QR code printed on the prescription, or by reading a QR code printed on a receipt issued when the prescription drug is received, or by reading a QR code printed on a receipt included with the prescription drug. It should be noted that as long as it can be confirmed that the record is of receipt by person A, the notification does not have to come from terminal 20.

[0057] In this embodiment, if there is no record of the person receiving the prescription drug by the person receiving record unit 204I, the use of the service of requesting a third party to receive the prescription drug (hereinafter referred to as the "third-party prescription drug receiving service") from the next time onwards will be restricted. Furthermore, when third-party receipt services for prescription drugs are restricted, requests for receipt by any third party may be restricted, not just to third parties who have received the prescription drugs. In this embodiment, even if the third-party prescription drug receipt service is restricted, the patient's own use of the prescription drug receipt service is not restricted, but it is possible to set it so that the patient's own use of the prescription drug receipt service is also restricted.

[0058] In this embodiment, the records by the personal receipt record unit 204I are referenced by the prescription data receiving unit 204A and are used to determine whether or not a third-party receipt service for prescription drugs is available when the prescription is received. The conditions for restricting the third-party receipt service for prescription drugs may be determined by the system operator or a pharmacy or the like that uses the system. A condition for restricting the third-party receipt service for prescription drugs may be, for example, when there is at least one failure to record receipt from the patient. In this case, the period for which the use of the service is restricted may be indefinite, but the period for which the use of the service is restricted may be, for example, six months from the date and time of use of the service when the failure to record receipt occurred. The date and time of use here may be, for example, the date and time when the prescription was accepted, or the date and time when the acceptance period for records of receipt from the patient expires. Another condition that may limit the use of third-party prescription drug pickup services is if the number of unrecorded pickups from the patient within a predetermined period of time exceeds an upper limit.

[0059] <Prescription drug receipt procedure> A specific example of the flow of receiving a prescribed drug using the prescription drug receiving system 1A (see FIG. 9) in this embodiment will be described below. The recipient in this embodiment is a third party who has received a request from the user himself / herself. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a process flow in a case where a third party who has been requested by the user to receive a prescribed drug takes out the prescribed drug from the locker device 100 outside the business hours of the dispensing pharmacy. In FIG. 11, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As a prerequisite for using the third-party receipt service for prescription drugs, the information required for authenticating the third party requested by the user to collect the drug is registered in advance in the authentication information DB203E (see Figure 5) of the memory unit 203 constituting the management server 200A.

[0060] In this embodiment, the user transmits prescription data and a request for receipt by a third party from the terminal 20 to the management server 200A (step 41). At this stage, information identifying the third party who will receive the prescribed drug on the user's behalf is also transmitted from the terminal 20 to the management server 200A. In the present embodiment, when the management server 200A receives the prescription data (step 2), it notifies the terminal 20 of the receipt of the prescription data. The management server 200A that receives the prescription data issues a reception number and manages the subsequent progress. Next, the management server 200A executes the settlement process (step 42). In the case of Fig. 11, the settlement process is assumed to be electronic settlement. However, if the user visits a dispensing pharmacy, payment by cash is also possible.

[0061] When the payment process is completed, the terminal 20 starts the viewing application (step 8) and starts playing the explanatory video about the prescription drug. After that, when the user has finished viewing the explanatory video, the terminal 20 notifies the management server 200A of the completion of viewing (step 9). Note that the completion of viewing may be detected when the user touches a display such as "I understand the explanation" displayed on the display unit after viewing the explanatory video. In the case of this embodiment, since the person visiting the locker device 100 is a third party requested by the user, the process required of the user who transmitted the prescription data is executed in the first half of the processing procedure.

[0062] When the pharmacist has completed dispensing the prescription, the management server 200A records the completion of dispensing the prescription (step 3). In the case of Fig. 11, the recording of the completion of dispensing the prescription is performed after the notification of the completion of viewing, but dispensing by the pharmacist and viewing of the explanatory video by the user are actually performed independently. Therefore, the order of steps 9 and 3 is arbitrary. Furthermore, when the prescribed medicine is stored in the storage box 110 (see FIG. 2) by an employee of the dispensing pharmacy or the like, the management server 200A records the storage of the prescribed medicine (step 4).

[0063] When the prescription drug becomes available for collection, the management server 200A notifies the third party's terminal 20A, which receives the prescription drug on behalf of the user, of the collection location, authentication code, etc. (step 43). Note that it is possible to adopt a mechanism for transmitting the authentication code required for picking up the prescription drug to the user's own terminal 20, or to adopt a mechanism for transmitting the code to both the user's own terminal 20 and the third party's terminal 20A. In addition, in the case where the information on the pick-up location and the authentication code is notified only to the user himself / herself, the information on the pick-up location and the authentication code is transmitted from the user himself / herself to a third party.

[0064] When the third party who will receive the prescribed medicine on behalf of the patient moves to the locker device 100, which is the receiving location, the third party operates the display operation unit 121 (see FIG. 4) to perform an operation for receiving the prescribed medicine. At this time, the locker device 100 detects the operation for receiving the prescribed medicine (step 44). The locker device 100, which detects the prescription drug receiving operation, reads the recipient's biometric information, etc. through the authentication information reader 127 (see FIG. 4) (step 45). The recipient here is the third party designated by the user in step 41. Therefore, the locker device 100 reads the biometric information of the third party designated by the user as the recipient's biometric information. When multiple pieces of biometric information are requested, multiple pieces of biometric information of the third party are read, and when biometric information and information other than biometric information are requested, the third party's biometric information and information other than biometric information are read.

[0065] The read biometric information, etc. is transmitted from the locker device 100 to the management server 200A. The management server 200A performs personal authentication by comparing the received biometric information, etc. with biometric information of a third party that has been registered in advance (step 7). If the user authentication is successful, the management server 200A notifies the locker device 100 of the success of the authentication. In this embodiment, upon receiving the notification of successful authentication, the locker device 100 checks the authentication code entered by the recipient (step 46).

[0066] If the authentication code entered by the recipient is correct, the locker device 100 unlocks the corresponding storage box 110 (step 47). Thereafter, the locker device 100 confirms removal of the prescribed medicine from the storage box 110, and notifies the management server 200A of the removal of the prescribed medicine. When the management server 200A receives the notification of the removal of the prescribed drug, it goes into a state of waiting for notification of the record of receipt of the prescribed drug from the user himself / herself.

[0067] The user who has received the prescription drug from the third party transmits from the terminal 20 to the management server 200A a notification that the prescription drug has been received from the third party (step 48). In this embodiment, the management server 200A prevents impersonation by the third party who received the prescription by combining the notification with identification information unique to the terminal 20 used in the notification that the prescription drug has been received from the third party. From the viewpoint of preventing impersonation, personal authentication may also be requested in the process of step 48. Thereafter, the management server 200A records the receipt by the principal (step 49). This record is recorded in, for example, the progress DB 203G (see FIG. 5). Once the patient's receipt is recorded, the progress management that began with the receipt of the prescription data is completed.

[0068] Through the above steps, a user can receive his / her prescription drugs through a third party even when the pharmacy is closed. In the case of Fig. 11, the payment process is performed by the user himself / herself, but it is also possible for a third party who receives the prescription drug to perform the payment process at the locker device 100. In that case, the payment process may be performed, for example, when authentication of the third party who is the recipient is completed. In this embodiment, the management server 200 starts the payment process after receiving a notification that the viewing of the explanatory video has been completed, but the timing of executing the payment process is not limited to this. For example, the payment process may be executed when the pharmacy accepts the prescription. Specifically, the user may pay with a credit card or electronic money when transmitting prescription data from the terminal 20 to the management server 200. Also, when the prescription is accepted at a pharmacy store, the payment process may be executed on the spot. In these cases, the fee for the prescribed drug can be collected reliably. In addition, prescription paper may be collected in a collection box provided near the locker device 100. Incidentally, when an electronic prescription is transmitted to the management server 200, the management server 200 may execute a process for confirming receipt of the electronic prescription, or when the prescription drug is taken out, the management server 200 may execute a process for confirming receipt by reading identification information such as a QR code included in the electronic prescription. In this way, by collecting the original prescription drug paper and executing a process for canceling the electronic prescription, it is possible to prevent duplicate prescriptions of prescription drugs.

[0069] <Embodiment 3> In the above-described embodiment, prescription drugs were assumed to be items that could be picked up outside of business hours, but in this embodiment, a system is described that enables the outside-hours sale of Class 1 pharmaceuticals, which require an explanation from a pharmacist at the time of purchase. Currently, those who wish to purchase Category 1 pharmaceuticals must visit a pharmacy during its business hours. However, due to the diversification of working styles, some people find it difficult to stop by a pharmacy during its business hours. Some stores are open until late at night, but compared to these business hours, the hours that pharmacists are on-site are limited and the pharmacy's business hours are set short. For this reason, the current sales format is causing inconvenience to some potential buyers, and is also causing pharmacies to lose sales opportunities. Therefore, in this embodiment, a system that enables the sale of Category 1 pharmaceuticals even outside the pharmacy's business hours will be described.

[0070] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a drug sales system 1B used in the embodiment 3. In Fig. 12, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The pharmaceutical sales system 1B shown in Figure 12 is composed of a locker device 100 for storing Class 1 pharmaceuticals, a purchase information input terminal 400, a terminal 500 operated by a pharmacist, and the Internet 30 that enables communication between these. The purchase information input terminal 400 in this embodiment is not only used for the sale of Category 1 OTC drugs, but is also used for the sale of Category 2 OTC drugs and Category 3 OTC drugs.

[0071] The pharmaceutical sales system 1B shown in Fig. 12 is an example of a system configuration in which a purchase information input terminal 400 and a locker device 100 are separately provided. However, all of the functions described below may be integrated into one device. An example of this type of device is a vending machine. This embodiment also uses the locker device 100 used in the embodiments 1 and 2. As described above, the locker device 100 is also equipped with a payment function and a function for receiving explanations from a pharmacist, but in this embodiment, payment for the first-category pharmaceutical product and explanations from the pharmacist are performed via the purchase information input terminal 400. In this way, in the case where a terminal for paying the fee and receiving an explanation from a pharmacist is provided separately from the locker device 100, it is also possible to use a user's terminal 20 (see Figure 1), such as a smartphone, instead of the purchase information input terminal 400.

[0072] The pharmacist terminal 500 operated by a pharmacist is provided at the headquarters of the pharmacy, etc. The pharmacist terminal 500 is operated by a pharmacist who is stationed at the headquarters, etc., to provide explanations about first-category pharmaceuticals and prescription drugs outside the business hours of the pharmacy. 12, a camera 501 is attached to the top of the display screen of a pharmacist terminal 500. A headset 502 worn by a pharmacist is connected to the pharmacist terminal 500 via a cable. An earphone and a microphone are attached to the headset 502. The voice and image of the pharmacist explaining the contents of the medicine are transmitted from the pharmacist terminal 500 to the purchase information input terminal 400 via the Internet 30. On the other hand, the voice and image of the intended purchaser operating the purchase information input terminal 400 are transmitted from the purchase information input terminal 400 via the Internet 30 to the terminal 500 operated by the pharmacist. The pharmacist terminal 500 here is also used in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0073] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of purchase information input terminal 400. Purchase information input terminal 400 shown in Fig. 13 has a vertically long box shape, and display operation unit 401 is disposed at the upper front surface thereof. The display operation unit 401 is composed of, for example, a touch panel. The display operation unit 401 displays buttons for selecting the medicine to be purchased, a video of a pharmacist explaining the contents of the medicine to a person who wishes to purchase a first-class pharmaceutical product, a check screen for requesting confirmation of the pharmacist's explanation, a screen for payment, etc. Of course, the display operation unit 401 is also used for inputting operations by the person who wishes to purchase. In the case of purchase information input terminal 400 shown in FIG. 13, the display unit and the operation unit are integrated into display operation unit 401, but the display unit and the operation unit can also be provided separately.

[0074] Provided below the display operation unit 401 are a coin insertion slot 402, a bill insertion slot 403, a cancellation button 404, a receipt or ticket take-out slot 405, a bill withdrawal slot 406, a coin return slot 407, and a card reader 408. In addition, a camera 409 for capturing an image of a person who wishes to purchase a Category 1 drug is installed on the top surface of the box-shaped purchasing information input terminal 400. In the case of Fig. 13, the camera 409 is installed on the top surface of the purchasing information input terminal 400, but it is also possible to attach it to the periphery of the operation display unit 401. The purchasing information input terminal 400 may be in the form of, for example, a ticket vending machine.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the purchase information input terminal 400. As shown in FIG. The purchase information input terminal 400 shown in Figure 14 has a display operation unit 401, a cancel button 404, a speaker 410, a card reader 408, a printer 411, a currency processing unit 412, a camera 409, a communication unit 413, a memory unit 414, and a control unit 415. Incidentally, the cancel button 404 is used to cancel a deposit. The speaker 410 is used to output the voice of a pharmacist explaining about the first-category pharmaceutical products. Card reader 408 is used for electronic payments using cards that record electronic money information or credit cards. Card reader 408 in this embodiment also supports payments using smartphones. The printer 411 is used to print receipts that are copies of payments, tickets with QR codes printed on them for removing purchased medicines, etc. Receipts and tickets printed by the printer 411 are ejected from the ejection port 405 (see FIG. 13).

[0076] The currency processing unit 412 manages the operation of the coin insertion slot 402 , the bill insertion slot 403 , the bill withdrawal slot 406 , and the coin return slot 407 . The communication unit 413 is used for communication with a pharmacist terminal 500 (see FIG. 12) operated by a pharmacist. The storage unit 414 is configured with, for example, a hard disk device or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The storage unit 414 stores data related to the payment process, etc. The control unit 415 is a computer that controls the entire purchase information input terminal 400, and is composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM (not shown). The control unit 415 functions as an after-hours sales management unit 415A and a payment processing unit 415B through the execution of a program.

[0077] The after-hours sales management unit 415A is a function that is activated outside the business hours of the pharmacy. When the after-hours sales management unit 415A receives an application to purchase a Class 1 OTC drug through the display operation unit 401 outside the business hours of the pharmacy, it manages a series of processes for selling the Class 1 OTC drug. Specifically, it executes a process to establish communication with the pharmacist terminal 500 (see FIG. 12) operated by the pharmacist, a process to request the prospective purchaser to confirm the pharmacist's explanation, a process to transfer to the payment process, and the like. The after-hours sales management unit 415A may be provided with a function for inquiring about the stock of the Category 1 medical product to be purchased in the locker device 100 (see FIG. 12). The payment processing unit 415B executes payment by cash or electronic payment. Specifically, when payment is completed, the payment processing unit 415B causes the printer 411 to output a receipt or ticket.

[0078] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a ticket 600 required when receiving a Category 1 OTC drug. In the case of the ticket 600 shown in Fig. 15, the name of the retailer is printed on the top line, and the issue date and time 602 is printed on the line below that. Furthermore, information 603 about the purchased Category 1 OTC drug is printed on the line below the issue date and time 602, and on the line further below that, a QR code 604 that can be read by the locker device 100 (see Fig. 12) in which the purchased Category 1 OTC drug is stored is printed. The code required for receipt may be a barcode or a character string. In addition, the ticket 600 shown in FIG. 15 has printed thereon a message 605 explaining the operations required to receive the Category 1 OTC drug.

[0079] An example of the processing operation executed by the drug sales system 1B will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of processing when a Category 1 drug purchased outside the business hours of a pharmacy is taken out of the locker device 100. Note that the symbol S in the diagram indicates a step. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the screen displayed on the display operation unit 401 (see FIG. 13) of the purchase information input terminal 400 (see FIG. 13) outside business hours.

[0080] In this embodiment, the purchasing information input terminal 400 is not in operation during the pharmacy's business hours. Therefore, the purchasing information input terminal 400 determines whether the current time is outside business hours (step 51). As long as a negative result is obtained in step 51, the purchase information input terminal 400 repeats the same determination. If a positive result is obtained in step 51, the purchase information input terminal 400 displays an image of the drug for sale in the form of a button on the display operation unit 401 (step 52). The display here corresponds to screen 700 in FIG. 17. On screen 700, operation content 701 required of the prospective purchaser and images 702 of pharmaceutical products available for sale are arranged. In the case of FIG. 17, there are six pharmaceutical images. Of course, the number of pharmaceutical images 702 displayed is just an example. Furthermore, if the number of pharmaceutical products available for sale is greater than the number that can be displayed on screen 700, the displayed pharmaceutical images can be changed using a scroll bar. Furthermore, in order to reduce the number of pharmaceutical images displayed, the display may be switched by symptoms or by pharmaceutical classification.

[0081] Next, the purchase information input terminal 400 determines whether or not a medicine has been selected on the screen of the display operation unit 401 (step 53). While a negative result is obtained in step 53, the purchase information input terminal 400 waits for the intended purchaser to select a medicine. If a positive result is obtained in step 53, the purchase information input terminal 400 judges whether the selected drug is a Category 1 drug or not (step 54). Note that if only Category 1 drugs are handled, the process of step 54 can be skipped. If a negative result is obtained in step 54 , the purchase information input terminal 400 proceeds to the payment processing in step 59 . If a positive result is obtained in step 54, the purchase information input terminal 400 notifies the user that an explanation from a pharmacist is required for the purchase, and confirms the user's intention to purchase (step 55). If the user's intention to purchase is confirmed, the purchase information input terminal 400 transitions to a process of calling a terminal operated by a pharmacist. On the other hand, if the user's intention to purchase is not confirmed, the purchase information input terminal 400 returns to displaying the screen 700.

[0082] To confirm the intention to purchase, a screen 710 in Fig. 17 is used. The screen 710 displays a sentence 711 including an explanation that a pharmacist's explanation is required to purchase the selected medicine, and an inquiry about the intention to purchase. The screen 710 also displays a button 712 to be operated when purchasing, and a button 713 to be operated when canceling the purchase. When operation of button 712 is detected, the display on display operation section 401 switches to screen 720. Screen 720 displays a message 721 indicating that a pharmacist is being called. At the time of connection, information such as the name of the Category 1 OTC drug to be purchased is also sent to the pharmacist's terminal 500. Eventually, the display on the display operation unit 401 switches to the screen 730 of the pharmacist in charge.

[0083] After this, a conversational explanation of the drug is given between the intended purchaser at the purchase information input terminal 400 and the pharmacist at the pharmacist terminal 500. When the explanation of the drug is finished or at the timing of confirmation, the pharmacist asks the intended purchaser at the purchase information input terminal 400 to confirm the explanation of the drug. This operation is monitored by the pharmacist terminal 500. When communication with the purchase information input terminal 400 is started, the pharmacist terminal 500 shown in Fig. 16 determines whether or not the pharmacist has instructed to display a check screen (step 56). As long as a negative result is obtained in step 56, the pharmacist terminal 500 repeats the same determination. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 56, the pharmacist terminal 500 requests the purchase information input terminal 400 to display a check screen (step 57).

[0084] The purchase information input terminal 400, which has received a request from the pharmacist terminal 500, displays a check screen 740 on the display operation unit 400. In the case of the check screen 740 shown in Fig. 17, three items 741 are displayed for confirmation. A check box is provided for each item. Since the check screen 740 shown in Fig. 17 has not yet been checked, the check boxes are blank. Additionally, the check screen 740 also displays a description 742 requesting the user to check a check box. The check screen 740 may be prepared on the purchase information input terminal 400 side, or may be transmitted from the pharmacist terminal 500 to the purchase information input terminal 400 each time an explanation is given. Whether or not all of the check boxes have been checked is monitored in the purchase information input terminal 400. In other words, the purchase information input terminal 400 determines whether or not the checks have been completed (step 58).

[0085] As long as a negative result is obtained in step 58, the purchase information input terminal 400 repeats the same determination. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 58, the purchase information input terminal 400 executes the payment process (step 59). When the payment process is completed, the purchase information input terminal 400 prints out a ticket or the like and outputs it to the outlet 405 (see FIG. 13) (step 60). Thereafter, the purchaser brings the printed ticket to the locker device 100 and has it read by the code reader 123 (see FIG. 4). That is, the locker device 100 reads the QR code (step 61). This QR code contains information such as the name of the purchased Category 1 OTC drug. The locker device 100 unlocks the storage box 110 storing the Category 1 pharmaceutical product read from the QR code (step 62).

[0086] When the purchaser removes the purchased Category 1 drug from the unlocked storage box 110, the entire purchasing process is completed. Through the above procedure, a potential purchaser can purchase Class 1 OTC drugs at a time that is convenient for them, even outside the pharmacy's business hours. This not only increases convenience for potential purchasers, but is also expected to be beneficial for the store that installs the locker device 100 where customers can pick up Class 1 OTC drugs, in terms of attracting customers. In addition, pharmacies do not need to extend their business hours, which reduces labor costs and increases sales opportunities. Although the above-mentioned pharmaceutical sales system 1B does not include a procedure for authenticating the purchaser of the first-class pharmaceutical product, it is possible to identify the purchaser by combining the input of the membership number and the reading of the membership card. Of course, it is also possible to include a procedure for authenticating the purchaser as in the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the operation outside the business hours of the pharmacy has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to outside the business hours. For example, it may be the case that the pharmacist is absent. In this case, instead of determining whether the current time is outside the business hours, it is determined whether the pharmacist is absent. This determination may be based on the pharmacist's shift schedule, or a specific operation may be performed by the pharmacist or another employee. It may also be the time period when the pharmacist is on-site. In addition, in this embodiment, the ticket is output by the printer 411, but this is not limiting. For example, the purchase information input terminal 400 and the locker device 100 may be connected via a network, and when the purchaser completes payment, the corresponding locker may be automatically unlocked. Furthermore, in the case of a vending machine-like configuration in which the purchase information input terminal 400 and the locker device 100 are integrated, the corresponding medicine may be dispensed from a dispenser once the purchaser has completed payment.

[0087] <Other embodiments> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-mentioned embodiment. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-mentioned embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0088] For example, in the above-described embodiment, authentication processing for the user himself / herself and authentication processing for the third party receiving the prescription medicine on his / her behalf are performed by management server 200 (see FIG. 1) or management server 200A (see FIG. 9), but these authentication processes may also be performed within locker device 100. When the authentication processing is performed within locker device 100, biometric information and the like used for authentication regarding the user himself / herself and the third party receiving the prescription medicine on his / her behalf can be transmitted in advance from management server 200 or the like to locker device 100. When authentication of the user himself / herself has been completed, locker device 100 erases the biometric information and the like used for authentication from the device.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the case where the locker system 10 (see FIG. 1, etc.) is operated by a dispensing pharmacy has been described, but the management server 200, etc. may be provided on a cloud network, and the dispensing pharmacy, etc. may be a user of the cloud service. In addition, the installer of the locker device 100 does not have to be a dispensing pharmacy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1, 1A... prescription drug receiving system, 1B... pharmaceutical sales system, 10... locker system, 20, 20A... terminal, 30... Internet, 100... locker device, 110... storage box, 120... centralized management unit, 200, 200A... management server, 204A... prescription data receiving unit, 204B... progress management unit, 204C... prescription completion notification unit, 204D... recipient authentication unit, 204E... explanation end confirmation unit, 204F... payment processing unit, 204G... unlocking procedure notification unit, 204H... removal recording unit, 204I... personal receipt recording unit

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring information indicating that an explanation regarding a medicine has been given to a user; a control means for unlocking a storage space in which the medicines are stored; A notification means for notifying a user terminal possessed by a user of the authentication code; an authentication means for performing authentication using the authentication code by a user operation; Equipped with The unlocking conditions for the control means to unlock the storage space include the information indicating that an explanation about medicines has been given to a user being acquired by the acquisition means, and successful authentication using the authentication code by a user operation. Medicine receiving system.

2. The notification means notifies the user of the authentication code on condition that the information indicating that an explanation regarding a medicine has been given to the user has been acquired by the acquisition means. The pharmaceutical receiving system according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a payment means for processing the payment of the amount to be paid when receiving the medicine, The payment means is provided in the user terminal, The authentication code is notified to the user on the further condition that the payment process has been completed. The pharmaceutical receiving system according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a payment means for processing the payment of the amount to be paid when receiving the medicine, The unlocking condition further includes that a payment process has been performed by the payment means, The locker device further includes a plurality of storage boxes as the storage space, The payment means is provided in the locker device. The pharmaceutical receiving system according to claim 1.

5. The explanation regarding the medicine is given through a display unit of a user terminal carried by the user. The pharmaceutical receiving system according to claim 1.

6. The storage device further includes a second acquisition means for acquiring information indicating completion of dispensing of the medicine stored in the storage space or completion of storing the medicine in the storage space, On condition that the second acquisition means has acquired the information indicating the completion, information regarding receipt of the medicine is notified to a user terminal carried by the user. The pharmaceutical receiving system according to claim 1.

7. The pharmaceutical is a prescription drug prescribed based on an electronic prescription, a third acquiring means for acquiring information indicating that the prescribed drug has been removed from the storage space; and a canceling means for executing a process for canceling the electronic prescription on condition that the third acquiring means acquires information indicating that the prescription drug has been taken out. The pharmaceutical receiving system according to claim 1.

8. The device further includes a second notification means for notifying a user that the user needs to receive the explanation regarding the medicine before the storage space is controlled to be unlocked. The pharmaceutical receiving system according to claim 1.

9. An acquisition means for acquiring information indicating that an explanation regarding a medicine has been given to a user; a control means for unlocking a storage space in which the medicines are stored; an authentication means for authenticating a user who unlocks the storage space; Equipped with an unlocking condition for the control means to unlock the storage space includes that the information indicating that an explanation about a medicine has been given to a user is acquired by the acquisition means, and that authentication by the authentication means is successful; Furthermore, the unlocking conditions under which the control means unlocks the storage space do not include operations by a pharmacist or other store clerk. Medicine receiving system.

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