Information management system and control program

Abstract

To easily distribute a photograph from a family to a care object persons being in a facility.SOLUTION: An information management device 1 includes a reception part 121 for receiving photograph data transmitted through access by a user of third-class identification information by the access through a network, and a data generation part 111 for generating print data to be used by a printer 50 of a facility of first-class identification information, and the print data is obtained by attaching a user name of the third-class identification information of a transmission source and additional information of a care object person name corresponding to second-class identification information related to the third-class identification information to the print data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management system and a control program, and more particularly to an information management system and a control program for handling events that take place in a facility that provides care to care recipients. [Background technology]

[0002] In facilities that provide care for people receiving care (hereafter referred to as nursing homes), staff are not only busy caring for the care recipients, but also with various miscellaneous tasks. These tasks include answering phone calls from the family members of the care recipients to inquire about the care recipients' status. In response to such inquiries, staff must interrupt their regular work to look up the information needed to answer, or, if their regular work cannot be interrupted, they must make another call once their regular work is temporarily finished. This creates a problem of increased burden on staff in responding to inquiries. On the other hand, the family members of the care recipients are hesitant to call to inquire, in order to avoid being a hindrance to the staff, which leads to the problem of not being able to obtain the information they need.

[0003] In recent years, chat services using mobile terminals such as smartphones have become widespread. In addition, chat services include chatbot systems that automatically respond using an automatic dialogue program using AI (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] By applying a chatbot system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to solve problems related to inquiries from the family of a care recipient. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-3533 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In nursing homes and other facilities, there is a demand for providing residents with photos to update them on the status of their families. However, if residents cannot use devices such as smartphones, the photos must be handed over to them by staff, which places a heavy burden on the staff. In particular, there is a problem in that photos received from family members must be correctly distributed to the family members receiving care, which is time-consuming to manage.

[0007] In light of this situation, this application aims to provide care recipients in facilities with information from their families. Printed information on current events and related information The present invention aims to provide an information management system and a control program that can easily distribute the above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0009] (1) a storage unit that stores first type identification information of a facility, second type identification information of a care recipient in the facility, third type identification information associated with the second type identification information, and information on the room in the facility where the care recipient resides; a receiving unit that receives photographic data transmitted by a user of the third type of identification information through access via a network; a data generating unit that generates print data to be used by a printing device in the facility of the first type of identification information, the print data being the photo data with additional information indicating information on a sender and a recipient; Equipped with The information of the sender is the user name of the third type of identification information, An information management system in which the distribution information is the name of the care recipient corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information and information about the room where the care recipient lives.

[0010] (2) An information management system as described in (1) above, wherein the room information further includes the facility name or the unit name indicating the location of the room of the care recipient.

[0011] (3) An information management system as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein the data generation unit generates the printing data by including in the additional information a message from the user of the third type of identification information accepted by the acceptance unit.

[0012] (4) An information management system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the data generation unit generates the print data by arranging the photo data so as to align the orientation of the photo with the direction of the text of the additional information.

[0013] (5) A print instruction unit is further provided that, upon receiving a print instruction from an operator of the facility, causes the printing device of the facility of the first type of identification information to print on a print medium using the print data; An information management system described in any of (1) to (4) above, wherein the print instruction unit accepts the print instruction through an operation screen that displays an image based on the photo data, along with the user name of the sender based on the third type of identification information, and the name of the person being cared for corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information.

[0014] (6) An information management system as described in (5) above, in which the operation screen displays a list of multiple photo data, and the list display includes information on the printing history of each of the photo data onto a print medium, or the distribution history of the print medium to the care recipient.

[0015] (7) The user of the third type of identification information is a family member of the care recipient, the accepting unit accepts the photo data from a user of the third type of identification information through a chat app; An information management system described in any of (1) to (6) above, which notifies the user of the third type of identification information that the photo data has been printed on a print medium or that the print medium has been distributed to the person being cared for in response to a message sent via the chat app from the user of the third type of identification information.

[0016] (8) a first type of identification information for the facility, a second type of identification information for a care recipient at the facility, a third type of identification information associated with the second type of identification information, and the location of the care recipient within the facility; A control program for controlling an information management system having a storage unit that stores room information, a step (a) of receiving, via a network, photographic data transmitted by a user of the third type of identification information; and (b) generating print data to be used in a printing device in the facility of the first type of identification information, the print data being the photo data to which additional information indicating the sender and recipient has been added; The information of the sender is the user name of the third type of identification information, The distribution information is the name of the care recipient corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information and information about the room where the care recipient lives. A control program that causes a computer to execute a process.

[0017] (9) A control program as described in (8) above, wherein the room information further includes the facility name or the unit name indicating the location of the room of the care recipient.

[0018] (10) in the step (a), accepting a message from a user of the third type of identification information; The control program according to (8) or (9) above, wherein in the step (b), the print data is generated with the message included in the additional information.

[0019] (11) A control program according to any one of (8) to (10) above, wherein in step (b), the photo data is arranged so that the orientation of the photo matches the direction of the text of the additional information, and the print data is generated.

[0020] (12) The process further comprises: (c) receiving a print instruction from an operator of the facility; and (d) receiving the print instruction of the step (c) and causing the printing device of the facility of the first type of identification information to print on a print medium using the print data; A control program described in any of (8) to (11) above, wherein in step (c), the printing instruction is accepted through an operation screen that displays an image based on the photographic data, along with the user name of the sender based on the third type of identification information, and the name of the person being cared for corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information.

[0021] (13) A control program as described in (12) above, in which a list of multiple photo data is displayed on the operation screen, and the list display includes information on the printing history of each of the photo data onto a print medium or the distribution history of the print medium to the care recipient.

[0022] (14) The user of the third type of identification information is a family member of the care recipient, In the step (a), the photo data is received from a user of the third type of identification information through a chat application; A control program described in any of (8) to (13) above, wherein the processing further includes a step (e) of notifying the user of the third type of identification information that the photo data has been printed on a print medium or that the print medium has been distributed to the person being cared for, in response to a message from the user via the chat app. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The information management system of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores first-type identification information of a facility, second-type identification information of a care recipient at the facility, and third-type identification information associated with the second-type identification information, a reception unit that receives photo data transmitted via a network through access by a user of the third-type identification information, and a data generation unit that generates print data to be used by a printing device at the facility of the first-type identification information, the print data including additional information added to the photo data, the user name of the sender of the third-type identification information, and the name of the care recipient corresponding to the second-type identification information associated with the third-type identification information. This allows photos from family members to be easily distributed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management server. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID list. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ID list. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information management system and a photo printing process according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of an operation screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an operation screen displayed on a mobile terminal. [Figure 8] This is an example of a photo print. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an information management system and a photo printing process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a part of a photo printing process. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of an operation screen displayed on a terminal device, which displays a list of photo data. [Figure 13]10 is an example of an operation screen displayed on a mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0026] (Overall composition) 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information management system 1 according to this embodiment, and the information management system 1 is configured with a management server 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the management server 10.

[0027] The information management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described using an example in which a care facility manages content for care recipients at a nursing home and responds to the care recipients' families. However, the scope of application of this embodiment is not limited to nursing homes. Care facilities include not only nursing homes but also hospitals and facilities that provide childcare services, such as kindergartens and nursery schools. Care recipients include care recipients, hospitalized patients, and kindergarten or nursery school children, and care includes nursing care, nursing care, and care for infants and young children. Care records as content include care record sheets (care record sheets) that record these care actions, such as nursing care record sheets, nursing record sheets (medical charts, life records), and communication notebooks for infants and young children's families recorded by childcare staff.

[0028] In addition, care recipients in a facility include caregivers who are admitted to a nursing facility, patients who are hospitalized in a hospital, and children or infants who are admitted to a kindergarten or nursery school.

[0029] 1, a management server 10 and multiple terminal devices 30 and 40 are connected to each other for communication via a network. The network is a communication line such as a public telephone network or a data communication network. Some networks may use a wired LAN or a wireless LAN (for example, a LAN conforming to the IEEE802.11 standard).

[0030] In the following description, a facility (care facility) is assigned a first type of identification ID (first type of identification information), a resident (care recipient) of the facility is assigned a second type of identification ID (second type of identification information), and a family member of the resident is assigned a third type of identification ID (third type of identification information), and these first to third type of identification IDs are managed by management server 10. Hereinafter, the first to third type of identification IDs will be simply referred to as first to third type IDs, and also referred to as facility ID, care recipient ID, and family ID, respectively. Furthermore, terminal device 30 uses the first type ID (facility ID), and terminal device 40 uses the third type ID (family ID) to access the services of management server 10.

[0031] Terminal devices 301, 302, ... 30n (hereinafter collectively referred to as terminal device 30, and the same applies to terminal device 40) are terminal devices for each nursing care facility and are usually installed inside the nursing care facility. Here, a care recipient is a person who is admitted to a nursing care facility and is cared for on a daily basis by care staff (hereinafter simply referred to as staff). Terminal devices 401, 402 are terminals used by the family of the care recipient and are portable terminal devices such as PCs or smartphones. Family members are basically registered by the management company of the nursing care facility upon application from the care recipient or their family. Family members may also include relatives or other related parties, including non-blood relatives, who are registered in advance by the care recipient, etc.

[0032] The management server 10 is a robot server (hereinafter also referred to as a "BOT server") that provides services for managing the contents of the nursing care facility and managing messages. Details of the management server 10 and the first to third type IDs managed by the management server 10 will be described later.

[0033] (Management Server 10) As shown in FIG. 2, management server 10 includes control unit 11, communication unit 12, first storage unit 13, and second storage unit 14. First storage unit 13 and second storage unit 14 are so-called databases. First storage unit 13 and second storage unit 14 may be incorporated into management server 10 as shown in FIG. 2, or may include a CPU, memory, communication unit, etc. and be configured independently of management server 10. Furthermore, the entire management server 10 may be a cloud server virtually constructed by multiple servers located on a network such as the Internet.

[0034] (1st storage unit 13) The first storage unit 13 manages content related to nursing care facilities. The content as related information may include an ID list, nursing care information (care information), event information, and a reservation list.

[0035] The "ID list" includes information on the first to third type IDs and their mutual correspondence. FIGS. 3 and 4 are examples of ID lists stored in the first storage unit 13. Referring to FIG. 3, table 61 describes the correspondence between first type IDs (facility IDs), facility names, and locations. Table 62 describes the correspondence between second type IDs (care recipient IDs), names, and room numbers. Table 63 describes third type IDs (family IDs), names, contact information, and attributes. Referring to FIG. 4, table 64 describes the correspondence between first type IDs and second type IDs. Table 64 also describes unit names ("1F East"). A unit here refers to a care recipient unit to which multiple care recipients who are in a common area, such as the same floor, belong, and a staff unit to which multiple staff members who are in charge of these care recipient units belong. Table 65 describes the correspondence between second type IDs and third type IDs. Each third type ID corresponds to one second type ID. That is, the third type ID and the second type ID have a 1:1 or many:1 relationship. In this way, the first storage unit 13 stores the mutual correspondence relationships between the first type ID to the third type ID. Note that the items in these tables are merely examples, and any of the items may be omitted, or other items may be added.

[0036] The first storage unit 13 stores related information. This related information includes additional information such as photo data (photo image data) sent from a user with a third-type ID to a care recipient with a second-type ID, and a short message (described later) to be added to the photo. The related information may also include image data obtained by scanning a care record sheet (hereinafter referred to as "scanned image data") and care information (care information). The related information is information received through access using a first-type ID (facility ID) and is stored in association with the first-type ID and / or second-type ID. The care information may include information related to care detected from text data obtained by character recognition processing of the scanned image data of the care record sheet. Furthermore, the related information may include information related to care keyed in (manually entered) into the terminal device 30 by a staff member, staff leader, or facility manager (hereinafter simply referred to as "staff, etc.") who provides care to a care recipient at a care facility.

[0037] (Second storage unit 14) The second storage unit 14 manages messages related to accesses made by third-type IDs (family IDs) and the like. Message histories are included in the management. Message histories are managed for each third-type ID. These will be described later.

[0038] (Control unit 11) The control unit 11 is composed of a processor (CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)) that executes various types of arithmetic processing, and a memory. The control unit 11 controls the entire management server 10 based on a control program stored in the memory. The control unit 11 also functions as a data generation unit 111. The data generation unit 111 generates data for printing based on the photo data and additional information. The format of this data for printing may be, for example, PDF format data.

[0039] This additional information includes the user name (e.g., Mr. x1) of the user (family member) of the sender's third-type ID, and the name of the care recipient (e.g., Mr. A) corresponding to the second-type identification information related to this third-type ID. In addition to the user name and the name of the care recipient, the additional information may also include information such as the address, contact information, and room information in the facility (e.g., Room 101).

[0040] The data generation unit 111 also determines the image orientation of the photo data sent by the user (family member), and generates print data by arranging the photo data in accordance with the determined orientation and the orientation of the text in the additional information. For example, if the text is horizontal on an A4-sized sheet of paper (as shown in FIG. 8, which will be described later, when the text is arranged so that the short side of the A4 size (A4R) is the top and bottom and the characters are read), the photo in the photo data is arranged vertically if it is a portrait image, and arranged horizontally if it is a landscape image. The orientation of the photo data is determined from the photo data (JPEG, TIFF format, etc.) sent by the user (family member). For example, the data generation unit 111 can determine this by referencing the Exif information (particularly the Orientation value) embedded in the photo data. The size and orientation of the output paper (print medium) (e.g., A4 landscape or A4 portrait (also called A4R)) may be default settings, or may be set for each facility in association with the first type ID and registered in the first storage unit 13. For example, nursing facility X is set to A4 landscape, and nursing facility Y is set to B6 portrait. The orientation of the text is determined according to the size and orientation settings of the paper. Also, for example, the size and position of the placement area for the photo data, excluding the placement area for the additional information on the paper, are fixed, and the magnification of the photo image based on the photo data is set so that it is maximized within that placement area.

[0041] The control unit 11 has a message response function (chat function) and transmits and receives interactive messages when accessed by the terminal device 40 using a third-type ID (family ID). The control unit 11 analyzes messages keyed into the terminal device 40 from family members using the third-type ID, or message contents obtained by converting voice data input through voice input into text. The control unit 11 then transmits (provides) to the terminal device 40, the source of the message, electronic data (related information) such as a response to the message contents or file data related to the second-type ID, such as event information, care record information, scanned image data of a care record sheet, etc., corresponding to the message contents. This file data can be generated from data such as scanned image data of a care record sheet stored in the first storage unit 13.

[0042] This message response function may be realized by a rule base in which questions and their answers are prepared in advance. In this case, a screen displaying multiple menus (for example, Figure 6 described below) may be presented, and the response may be made based on an item selected from the menu. Message history may also be managed for each type 3 ID and reflected in the response. Alternatively, part or all of this response function may be realized by AI using a trained model such as a neural network. Part or all of these functions may be realized by using a BOT platform provided by a commercial operator.

[0043] (Communications Department 12) The communication unit 12 has a function of communicating with other devices via the network. The communication unit 12 functions as a reception unit 121 and a transmission unit 122. The reception unit 121 receives access from other devices via the network. The control unit 11 performs authentication processing in cooperation with the reception unit 121. In the authentication processing, the user is permitted to log in (access) to the services provided by the management server 10 using credential information such as an ID (first type ID, third type ID, or other user ID) and a password. In response to the access, the transmission unit 122 transmits and provides related information, which will be described later.

[0044] (First embodiment) (Photo printing process) Next, the photo printing process performed by the information management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the BOT function of the management server 10 and the printing process by the terminal device. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are examples of operation screens displayed on the mobile terminal (terminal device 402).

[0045] (Step S1) 5, a chat application (messaging application) is running on the terminal device 402. A user (family member) with a third-type ID who uses this terminal device 402 selects the "Send Photo" menu for uploading photos from multiple menus displayed on the operation screen d41 in FIG.

[0046] (Step S2) As shown on the operation screen d42 in Fig. 6, the management server 10 transmits a message m2 for requesting a photo sending form as a response to a message m1 issued from the mobile terminal (terminal device 402) by selecting the "Send Photo" menu. This message m2 (and messages m3 and m4, which will be described later) is an example of a notification message automatically sent by the BOT function of the control unit 11. The user (family member) operates the "Send Photo Form" button displayed on the operation screen d42. In response to the operation of this button, the management server 10 transmits the photo sending form to the terminal device 402.

[0047] (Step S3) On the operation screen d43 in FIG. 7, the user can select a photo (photo data) stored in the terminal device 402 or the like by operating the photo selection button b1. At this time, it is also possible to select multiple photos up to a predetermined number. Furthermore, by operating the input field a1, the user can use the displayed input keys to input a short message (hereinafter referred to as a "short message"). After selecting a photo, the user operates a send button (not shown), and the terminal device 402 transmits the selected photo data to the management server 10. At this time, if a message has been entered in the input field a1, this short message is also transmitted. Upon completion of the input, the management server transmits a transmission confirmation message, as shown on the operation screen d44 in FIG. 7.

[0048] (Step S4) The data generation unit 111 of the management server 10 references the ID list (tables 61-65) and generates print data to be printed on a printing device in the facility where the care recipient corresponding to the third-type ID of the sender in step S3 is located. This print data is data in which additional information has been added to the photo data received in step S3. This additional information includes the user name (e.g., Mr. x1) of the user (family member) of the sender's third-type ID and the name of the care recipient (e.g., Mr. A) corresponding to the second-type identification information related to this third-type ID. Furthermore, if a message was sent in step S3, this message is included in the additional information.

[0049] (Step S5) The transmitting unit 122 of the management server 10 transmits the print data to the terminal device 30 in the facility. The first type ID of this terminal device 30 is the first type ID of the facility where the care recipient with the second type ID corresponding to the user with the third type ID of the sender (step S3) is located (hereinafter simply referred to as the "first type ID corresponding to the third type ID").

[0050] (Steps S6 and S7) The terminal device 30 outputs a print instruction to the printing device 50 at the facility. This print instruction may be issued automatically by the terminal device 30. For example, it may be issued immediately, triggered by the reception of the print data in step S5. Alternatively, it may be issued by an operation on the terminal device 30 by a staff member or the like. The printing device 50 executes printing in response to this. This print instruction includes a print job generated from the print data received in step S5. This printing device 50 is located within the facility and executes printing on a print medium such as paper using, for example, an electrophotographic or inkjet method based on the print data.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows an example of the photo printed on a printing medium in step S7. The printout includes the photo image of the photo data sent by the family in step S3 and additional information. The additional information includes information about the sender (Mr. X1) and recipient (Mr. A, Room 101), such as "From Mr. X1 to Mr. A, Room 101." A short message ("I went on a factory tour with Taro.") is also printed as additional information. As is clear from FIG. 8, the print data generated by the data generation unit 111 aligns the image direction of the photo data with the text direction (horizontal) of the additional information. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, a portrait image photo is printed vertically.

[0052] As described above, the information management system according to this embodiment includes a receiving unit that receives photo data transmitted via a network through access by a user with third-type identification information, and a data generating unit that generates print data for use by a printing device in a facility with first-type identification information, the print data including additional information such as the sender's user name with third-type identification information and the name of a care recipient corresponding to the second-type identification information associated with the third-type identification information. Because the sender (user name) and recipient (care recipient name) are printed as additional information, facility staff who receive the printed material can easily identify the recipient by checking the printed additional information. A short message ("I went on a factory tour with Taro") is also printed as additional information. Because the short message and sender (user name) are printed, even if the care recipient receiving the printed material is an elderly person with dementia, they can recall the content and family names by checking the printed content.

[0053] Furthermore, since the orientation can be optimized by printing vertically if the photo data is a vertical image, or horizontally if it is a horizontal image, the print size can be made relatively large within the surface of the printing medium (within the paper), making it easy to recognize even for elderly care recipients with poor eyesight.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 8, in addition to the photo image and additional information, the print data also includes a date and file number (photo data ID) to make it easier for staff to manage and distribute.In addition, the print data may also include the facility name and unit name so that unfamiliar staff can know the location of the person being cared for.

[0055] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. In the first embodiment described above, the information management system 1 was configured with a management server 10, but an information management system 1b in a second embodiment described below is configured with a management server 10 and a terminal device 30b. In addition, a list of photo data is displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 30b to make it easier for staff and others to manage.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information management system 1b and photo printing processing in the second embodiment, and Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a terminal device 30b. As shown in Fig. 9, the information management system 1b is made up of a management server 10 and a terminal device 30b. The configuration of the management server 10 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0057] (Terminal device 30) 10, the terminal device 30b includes a control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35. The terminal device 30b has the same configuration as the terminal device 30 of the first embodiment.

[0058] (control unit 31) The control unit 31 is composed of a CPU that executes various types of arithmetic processing, and a memory. The control unit 31 controls the entire terminal device 30 based on a control program stored in the memory. In the second embodiment, the control unit 31 also functions as a data generation unit 311 and a print instruction unit 312. The data generation unit 311 has the same function as the data generation unit 111 in the first embodiment, and generates data for printing based on photo data and additional information. This data for printing may be, for example, data in PDF format, or data in a raster format compatible with the printing device 50. The print instruction unit 312 accepts print instructions from a user (such as a staff member) and sends a print job to the printing device 50 connected to the terminal device 30b.

[0059] (Other configurations) The communication unit 32 has a function of communicating with other devices via a network. The storage unit 33 is a memory and may store an ID list and photo data. The display unit 34 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information such as a list of photo data, as will be described later. The input unit 35 is equipped with a keyboard, numeric keypad, mouse, etc., and is used to input various information.

[0060] (Photo printing process in the second embodiment) (Steps S11 to S13) This process directly corresponds to steps S1 to S3 of the printing process (FIG. 5) in the first embodiment described above. That is, the management server 10 accepts photo data from the terminal device 402 used by a user (family member) with a third type ID.

[0061] (Step S14) The management server 10 references the ID list stored in the first storage unit 13 and generates additional information. This additional information includes the user name (e.g., Mr. x1) of the user (family member) of the sender's third-type ID and the name of the care recipient (e.g., Mr. A) corresponding to the second-type identification information related to this third-type ID. If a message was sent in step S13, this message is included in the additional information. Note that part of the generation of this additional information may be performed on the terminal device 30b side. For example, the terminal device 30b side holds part of the ID list (e.g., part of tables 62 to 65), and uses this ID list to generate additional information such as the user name and the name of the care recipient. The management server 10 then transmits the photo data and additional information to the facility of the first-type ID corresponding to the sender's third-type ID.

[0062] (Step S15) The data generation unit 311 of the terminal device 30b stores the photo data and additional information received in step S14 in the storage unit 33, and displays a list of the photo data stored in the storage unit 33.

[0063] The processing from step S15 onwards will be described below with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a diagram showing part of the photo printing processing, and steps S151 to S154 in Figure 11 correspond to the processing in step S15 in Figure 9.

[0064] (Step S151) Here, the control unit 31 displays a list of the photo data stored in the memory unit 33 on the display unit 34. FIG. 12 is an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit 34 of the terminal device 30b, which is an operation screen 341 for accepting a print instruction. As shown in FIG. 12, for each photo data arranged vertically, columns for distribution status, reception date and time, distribution completion date and time, room name, user name (name of care recipient), requester name (user name of family member), thumbnail image of the photo data, message, and operation (print button) are provided horizontally. These data are additional information and the like added to the photo data transmitted from the management server 10 in step S14. The reception date and time is the time when step S13 was performed. Photo data with a distribution status of "Not yet" is data that has never been printed since it was received. Once the photo data has been printed, the distribution status is changed to "Completed."

[0065] (Step S152) The print instruction unit 312 accepts print instructions from facility staff or the like (operators). Here, staff or the like can issue print instructions for photo data by operating the print button in the "Operation" column. For example, staff or the like can issue print instructions for the photo data in the top row by operating the print button b11 on the operation screen 341 of FIG. 12. Note that operating the print button b11 may transition to a print preview screen, and operating the confirm button on this preview screen may issue print instructions.

[0066] (Step S153) The control unit 31 acquires from the storage unit 33 additional information of the photo data corresponding to the print instruction.

[0067] (Step S154) The data generation unit 311 generates print data by adding the additional information acquired in step S153 to the photo data corresponding to the print instruction.

[0068] (Steps S16 and S17) The print instruction unit 312 of the terminal device 30b outputs a print instruction to the printer 50. In response to this, the printer 50 executes printing. This print instruction includes the print job generated from the print data generated in step S154.

[0069] (Step S18) The control unit 31 updates the list. Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 12, if the distribution status column is "Not yet" it is changed to "Completed." For example, in Fig. 12, if the print button b11 is operated and printing of the photo data is completed, the area a11 is updated to "Completed."

[0070] At this time, the terminal device 30b sends a message to the management server 10 informing it that the distribution status of the print data has been updated to "Done." This sent data includes the photo data ID. The management server 10 can identify the user with the third type ID that sent the print data from the photo data ID.

[0071] (Step S19) The management server 10 sends a notification to the user of the third type ID that the photo data has been distributed. FIG. 13 is an example of an operation screen displayed on the mobile terminal. The operation screen d45 shown in FIG. 13 is a screen displayed on the terminal device 402 in response to the processing of step S19. A notification of message m4 is displayed in response to the processing of step S19. Note that messages m1 and m2 directly correspond to the messages on the operation screen d42 of FIG. 6, and message m3 corresponds to the operation screen d44 of FIG. 7 described above, and is a response sent in response to the photo data transmission processing in step S13 of FIG. 9.

[0072] As described above, the information management system 1 according to the second embodiment uses an operation screen that displays a list of multiple photo data (photo data) as the operation screen for receiving print instructions. Staff can check a print preview and issue print instructions with a single click of the print button b11 on this operation screen. This operation also enables automatic printing with additional information such as a message.

[0073] In addition, by managing the print history or distribution history and displaying that information on the operation screen or notifying the user, staff etc. can easily manage the distribution of received photo data, and by notifying family members of that, the family members can avoid the trouble of making inquiries for confirmation and the staff members' response for that purpose can be saved.

[0074] The configurations of the information management systems 1 and 1b described above are the main configurations described in order to explain the features of the above-described embodiments, but are not limited to the above configurations and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations of general information management systems and management servers are not excluded.

[0075] (Other variations) For example, the first and second embodiments may be used together. For example, the first embodiment may be applied in a certain facility, and the second embodiment may be applied in relation to another facility. In this case, the data generation unit is provided in each of the management server 10 and the terminal device 30. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, an example is shown in which, when printing of photo data is completed, distribution of the photo by staff or the like to the care recipient (user name) is considered to be completed, thereby managing the distribution history. However, the printing history and distribution history may be managed separately. For example, printing marks the photo as having been printed, and a button is provided on the operation screen for receiving notification from staff or the like that the photo has been distributed, and the distribution status is managed by marking the photo as having been distributed in response to that operation.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, an example was described in which the management server 10 has a BOT function, but this function may be omitted. For example, a management server 10 without a BOT function may be placed locally in a facility. Then, a user with a third-type ID sends photo data by email or the like to a predetermined address associated with the first-type ID. The management server 10 automatically adds additional information generated by referencing the ID list to the received photo data and prints it on a local printing device.

[0077] The means and methods for performing various processes in the information management systems 1 and 1b according to the above-described embodiments can be implemented by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The programs can be provided, for example, by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or can be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the programs recorded on the computer-readable recording medium are typically transferred to and stored in a storage unit such as a hard disk. The programs can also be provided as standalone application software or can be incorporated into the device's software as a function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] (First embodiment) 1 Information Management System 10 Management Server 11 Control section 111 Data Generation Unit 12 Communications Department 121 Reception 122 Transmitter 13 First storage unit (for content management) 14 Second memory unit (for message management) 30, 301, 302, 30n Terminal equipment (for facilities) 40, 401, 402 Terminal equipment (for family use) 50 Printing device (Second embodiment) 1b Information Management System 10 Management Server 30b Terminal equipment 31 Control Unit 311 Data Generation Unit 312 Print instruction section 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Input section

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores first type identification information of a facility, second type identification information of a care recipient in the facility, third type identification information associated with the second type identification information, and information on a room in the facility where the care recipient resides; a receiving unit that receives related information transmitted by a user of the third type of identification information through access via a network; a data generating unit that generates print data to be used by a printing device in the facility of the first type of identification information, the print data being print data to which additional information indicating information on a recipient identified based on the third type of identification information that is a sender of the related information is added to the related information; Equipped with An information management system in which the distribution information is the name of the care recipient corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information and information about the room where the care recipient lives.

2. The information management system according to claim 1 , wherein the additional information added to the print data by the data generating unit further includes information about a sender.

3. 3. The information management system according to claim 2, wherein the information about the sender is a user name of the third type of identification information.

4. The information management system according to claim 1 , wherein the room information further includes a facility name or a unit name indicating the location of the room of the care recipient.

5. The related information includes a message; 5. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the data generation unit generates the print data including the message from the user of the third type of identification information received by the reception unit.

6. The related information includes photographic data, 6. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the data generation unit generates the print data including the photo data from the user of the third type of identification information received by the reception unit.

7. The related information includes photographic data, Further, a print instruction unit is provided that, upon receiving a print instruction from an operator of the facility, causes the printing device of the facility associated with the first type of identification information to print on a print medium using the print data; An information management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the print instruction unit accepts the print instruction through an operation screen that displays an image based on the photo data, along with the user name based on the sender's third type of identification information, and the name of the care recipient corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information.

8. The information management system of claim 7, wherein the operation screen displays a list of multiple photo data, and the list includes information on the printing history of each of the photo data onto a printed medium or the distribution history of the printed medium to the care recipient.

9. The related information includes photographic data, a user of the third type of identification information is a family member of the care recipient; the accepting unit accepts the photo data from a user of the third type of identification information through a chat app; An information management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, which notifies the user of the third type of identification information that the photo data has been printed on a print medium or that the print medium has been distributed to the person being cared for in response to a message from the user via the chat app.

10. A control program for controlling an information management system including a storage unit that stores first type identification information of a facility, second type identification information of a care recipient in the facility, third type identification information associated with the second type identification information, and information on a room in the facility where the care recipient resides, (a) receiving related information transmitted by a user of the third type of identification information through a network access; and (b) generating print data to be used by a printing device in the facility of the first type of identification information, the print data being print data to which additional information indicating information on a recipient identified based on the third type of identification information that is a sender of the related information is added to the related information, The distribution information is a name of a care recipient corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information and information about the room where the care recipient lives. A control program that causes a computer to execute a process.

11. 11. The control program according to claim 10, wherein the additional information added in said step (b) further includes information about a sender.

12. 12. The control program according to claim 11, wherein the information on the sender is a user name of the third type of identification information.

13. The control program according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the room information further includes a facility name or a unit name indicating the location of the room of the care recipient.

14. The related information includes a message; 14. The control program according to claim 10, wherein in the step (b), the print data including the message is generated.

15. The related information includes photographic data, 15. The control program according to claim 10, wherein in the step (b), the print data is generated to include the photograph data.

16. The related information includes photographic data, The process may further include: (c) receiving a print instruction from an operator of the facility; and (d) receiving the print instruction of the step (c) and causing the printing device of the facility of the first type of identification information to print on a print medium using the print data; A control program as described in any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein in step (c), the printing instruction is accepted through an operation screen that displays an image based on the photographic data, along with the user name of the sender based on the third type of identification information, and the name of the person being cared for corresponding to the second type of identification information related to the third type of identification information.

17. The control program of claim 16, wherein the operation screen displays a list of multiple photo data, and the list includes information on the printing history of each of the photo data onto a printed medium or the distribution history of the printed medium to the care recipient.

18. The related information includes photographic data, a user of the third type of identification information is a family member of the care recipient; In the step (a), the photo data is received from a user of the third type of identification information through a chat application; A control program as described in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the processing further includes a step (e) of notifying the user of the third type of identification information that the photo data has been printed on a print medium or that the print medium has been distributed to the person being cared for in response to a message from the user via the chat app.

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