Product provisioning system and product provisioning determination device

Abstract

To provide a goods providing system for pharmaceuticals preventing health damage.SOLUTION: A goods providing system comprises: ingredient information extraction means of extracting ingredient information on pharmaceuticals selected by a user; and providing determination means of determining whether to provide the pharmaceuticals on the basis of history information on the pharmaceuticals associated with the user and provided in the past, and the ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means. The providing determination means is configured to, when determining that the pharmaceuticals including specific ingredient information are provided more than the prescribed number within a prescribed period, determine not to provide the pharmaceuticals. Further, the providing determination means is configured to, when determining that the pharmaceuticals including ingredients serving as a contraindication combination are provided in the prescribed period, determine not to provide the pharmaceuticals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical product providing system for preventing health damage. [Background Art]

[0002] In recent years, various products have been provided from vending machines, improving user convenience.

[0003] Furthermore, depending on the products stored in the vending machine (e.g., pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco, etc.), products cannot be provided unless the user obtains approval and confirmation from a sales manager or the like in advance.

[0004] For example, when providing pharmaceuticals as products from a vending machine, a pre-installed vending machine (drug supply device, vending apparatus) is used to conduct an interview with a pharmacist via a video conference system or the like, and when the user decides to purchase a pharmaceutical recommended by the pharmacist in the interview, there are known sales systems and sales methods in which the pharmaceutical is dispensed from the vending machine in accordance with the operation and instruction of the pharmacist (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-109414 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-114932 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, there is a risk that some pharmaceuticals may cause health damage if their ingredients are misused beyond the appropriate dosage, or that combinations of their ingredients with those of other pharmaceuticals (cautions and contraindications) may cause health damage. Therefore, preventing the provision of pharmaceuticals that may cause health damage is a crucial issue.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and to provide a pharmaceutical product supply system that prevents health damage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the product provision system of the present invention includes a user identification means for identifying a user, an ingredient information extraction means for extracting ingredient information about a pharmaceutical product selected by the user, and a history of pharmaceutical products previously provided to the user identified by the user identification means, and the ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, which provides pharmaceutical products. Permission to provide Providing determination means and A health damage prevention determination means that determines whether a drug containing a cautionary ingredient, associated with predetermined ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, has been provided during a specific period, based on the history information of pharmaceuticals previously provided to a user identified by the user identification means, and an image display means that displays an image. Equipped with 、 When the image display means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing a cautionary ingredient has been provided during a specific period, it displays a cautionary note. The provision determination means determines that if the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the first ingredient of concern has been provided during a specified period, it will not permit the provision of the pharmaceutical product, and determines that if the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the second ingredient of concern has been provided during a specified period, it will permit the provision of the pharmaceutical product. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] Furthermore, the product provision determination device of the present invention comprises: user identification means for identifying a user; ingredient information extraction means for extracting ingredient information about a pharmaceutical product selected by the user; provision determination means for determining whether to permit the provision of a pharmaceutical product based on historical information of pharmaceutical products previously provided to the user identified by the user identification means and the ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means; health damage suppression determination means for determining whether a pharmaceutical product containing a cautionary ingredient associated with predetermined ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means was provided during a specific period, based on determination information obtained by referencing the historical information of pharmaceutical products previously provided to the user by an external server to determine whether a pharmaceutical product containing a cautionary ingredient associated with predetermined ingredient information was provided during a specific period; and image display means for displaying an image. When the image display means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing a cautionary ingredient has been provided during a specific period, it displays a cautionary note. The provision determination means is characterized in that, if the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the first ingredient of concern has been provided during a specified period, it determines that it will not permit the provision of the pharmaceutical product, and if the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the second ingredient of concern has been provided during a specified period, it determines that it will permit the provision of the pharmaceutical product.

[0010] Furthermore, the product provision determination device of the present invention comprises: user identification means for identifying a user; ingredient information extraction means for extracting ingredient information about a pharmaceutical product selected by the user; provision determination means for determining whether to permit the provision of a pharmaceutical product based on historical information of pharmaceutical products previously provided to the user identified by the user identification means and ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means; health damage prevention determination means for determining whether a pharmaceutical product containing a cautionary ingredient associated with predetermined ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means has been provided during a specific period, based on historical information of pharmaceutical products previously provided to the user identified by the user identification means; and image display means for displaying an image. When the image display means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing a cautionary ingredient has been provided during a specific period, it displays a cautionary note. The provision determination means is characterized in that, if the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the first ingredient of concern has been provided during a specified period, it determines that it will not permit the provision of the pharmaceutical product, and if the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the second ingredient of concern has been provided during a specified period, it determines that it will permit the provision of the pharmaceutical product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the provision of pharmaceuticals that may cause health damage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] It is an example of a perspective view when the door of the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is closed. [Figure 2] It is an example of a perspective view when the door of the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is open. [Figure 3] It is an example of a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of a side view of the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] It is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the product provision system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is an example of a sequence diagram showing processing transitions at the time of reservation reception in the product provision system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] It is an example of a sequence diagram showing processing transitions at the time of reservation pickup in the product provision system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] It is an example of a flowchart showing main control processing of the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] It is an example of a flowchart showing product replenishment confirmation processing of the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] It is an example of a flowchart showing health hazard suppression processing for OTC drugs in the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] It is an example of a flowchart showing product provision processing of the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] It is an example of a display screen displayed on the terminal display unit of the user terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] It is an example of a first display screen displayed on the display unit when picking up a reserved product in the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] It is an example of a second display screen displayed on the display unit when picking up a reserved product in the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] It is an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit when a replenishment operation is performed in the product provision processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] This is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing transitions during reservation acceptance in the product provision system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] This is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing transitions during reserved pickup of a product in the product delivery system according to Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, not all of the configurations and operations described in each embodiment are necessarily essential to the configurations and operations of the present invention.

[0015] In this embodiment, the direction facing the user when operating the product dispensing device is referred to as "front," and the direction opposite to the front is referred to as "rear." Also, in this embodiment, the vertical direction / height direction of the product dispensing device is referred to as the "up / down direction," and the horizontal direction / width direction of the product dispensing device is referred to as the "left / right direction."

[0016] [Embodiment 1] The product supply system 1 and product supply processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will now be described. The product supply processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is a product supply processing device capable of supplying pharmaceuticals as products. In particular, the product supply processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 is a product supply processing device capable of supplying pharmaceuticals of various sizes, and is a product supply processing device that can supply pharmaceuticals to users without subjecting them to excessive impact.

[0017] Furthermore, the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes two types of product dispensing processing devices: a first product dispensing processing device 100A (a so-called vending machine) equipped with a payment unit used for paying for products, and a second product dispensing processing device 100B installed inside a store such as a convenience store and not equipped with a payment unit. Furthermore, without distinguishing between the first product dispensing processing device 100A and the second product dispensing processing device 100B, when describing common components and control contents for either the first product dispensing processing device 100A or the second product dispensing processing device 100B, the term "product dispensing processing device 100" is used.

[0018] [External configuration of the product dispensing and processing device] First, the external configuration of the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is an example of a perspective view of the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 with the door 3 closed, and Figure 2 is an example of a perspective view of the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1 with the door 3 open. Figure 3 is an example of a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the side view of the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 1(a) is an example of a perspective view when the door 3 of the first product dispensing processing device 100A is closed, and Figure 1(b) is an example of a perspective view when the door 3 of the second product dispensing processing device 100B is closed.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1(a), a door 3 is provided on the front of the housing 2 of the first product dispensing processing device 100A. When the door 3 is opened, the replenisher performs tasks such as replenishing pharmaceuticals and collecting payments for pharmaceuticals.

[0021] The front side of door 3 is equipped with a touchscreen consisting of a display unit 10 that displays information such as drug descriptions and code information such as QR codes (registered trademarks), and an operation input unit 11 that accepts user selection operations.

[0022] Furthermore, a product dispensing opening 12 is provided on the front of door 3 for the user to take out the medicines they have purchased. A hinged opening door 13 is located in front of and above this product dispensing opening 12 to prevent dust, sand, and insects from entering.

[0023] In this embodiment, the product dispensing opening 12 is located slightly towards the center of the door 3. This allows the user to retrieve purchased medicines in a stable posture without having to bend their back or knees. The product dispensing opening 12 may also be located at the bottom or top of the door 3.

[0024] Furthermore, a speaker 19 for outputting sound and other signals, and an external camera 20 for photographing the user are provided at the upper front portion of door 3.

[0025] Furthermore, the front of the door 3 of the first product dispensing processing device 100A is equipped with a payment unit consisting of a coin insertion unit 14 for accepting coins, a bill validator unit 15 for accepting banknotes, and a card payment unit 16 for receiving card information. In addition, a receipt printer 17 for printing receipts and a change dispenser 18 for dispensing change are provided.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1(b), the second product dispensing device 100B, like the first product dispensing device 100A, has a door 3 on the front of its housing 2. On the front side of the door 3 are a display unit 10, an operation input unit 11, a product dispensing outlet 12, a speaker 19, and an external camera 20. However, unlike the first product dispensing device 100A, the second product dispensing device 100B does not have a payment unit (coin insertion unit 14, bill validator unit 15, card payment unit 16, receipt printer 17, change dispensing outlet 18). Pharmaceuticals dispensed from the second product dispensing device 100B will be accounted for at the store where the second product dispensing device 100B is installed.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, both the first product dispensing processing device 100A and the second product dispensing processing device 100B have multiple storage sections 30 inside, each containing a separate storage section for each type of pharmaceutical product P, and partitioned by multiple storage lanes R1 to R4 in the left-right direction and multiple storage stages D1 to D10 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, it is possible to provide 40 storage sections 30 partitioned by four storage lanes R1 to R4 and ten storage stages D1 to D10, but the number of storage lanes and storage stages can be freely changed as appropriate. For example, there may be six storage lanes and six storage stages.

[0028] Each of the multiple storage compartments 30 is formed to have substantially the same structure, and is arranged so that its width and length are aligned with the width and front-to-back directions of the product dispensing device 100, respectively. Furthermore, each storage compartment 30 is removable from the product dispensing device 100, and can store pharmaceuticals of various sizes according to their respective sizes.

[0029] For example, as shown in Figure 2, by removing the storage section 30 partitioned by the third storage lane R3 and the sixth storage stage D6, a drug Ph with a high vertical height can be stored in the storage section 30 partitioned by the third storage lane R3 and the seventh storage stage D7. Also, a wide drug Pw can be stored across two storage sections 30, such as the two storage sections 30 partitioned by the first storage lane R1 and the second storage lane R2, and the fifth storage stage D5. In this way, the product dispensing processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide drugs of various sizes according to the size of the drug.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, each storage unit 30 is equipped with a conveyor 31 for transporting the pharmaceutical product P stored in the storage unit 30 forward, and a pusher 32 for pushing the pharmaceutical product P placed on the conveyor 31 forward. If the pharmaceutical product P is stored across multiple storage units 30, multiple conveyors 31 will be driven simultaneously.

[0031] Furthermore, inside the product dispensing processing device 100, there is an elevator 40 positioned between the door 3 and the multiple storage compartments 30, and configured to move up and down along the vertical direction of the product dispensing processing device 100. The elevator 40 receives the pharmaceuticals transported from the storage compartments 30 and transports the received pharmaceuticals to the product dispensing outlet 12.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the elevator 40 is formed in a rectangular tube shape with open edges on both ends in the front-rear direction of the product dispensing processing device 100. More specifically, the elevator 40 is formed in a rectangular tube shape and comprises a tray 41 on which pharmaceuticals transported from the storage unit 30 can be placed, a flat ceiling plate 42 positioned opposite to and above the tray 41, and side plates 43 provided on both ends in the left-right direction of the tray 41 and the ceiling plate 42, connecting the tray 41 and the ceiling plate 42.

[0033] The length of tray 41 in the left-right direction is greater than the width spanning all storage lanes R1 to R4 in the left-right direction, allowing wide pharmaceutical products Pw stored across multiple storage lanes to be placed on tray 41. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, tray 41 is gently sloped forward, allowing pharmaceutical products transported on tray 41 to slide down into the product dispensing opening 12, making it easy for the user to retrieve the dispensed pharmaceutical products from the product dispensing opening 12.

[0034] The vertical length of the side panel 43 is approximately the same as the height H spanning two adjacent storage stages in the vertical direction, allowing taller pharmaceutical products Ph stored across the two storage stages to be placed on the tray 41.

[0035] Furthermore, an internal camera 21 for photographing the storage unit 30 is mounted on the ceiling panel 42. As shown in Figure 3, an opening 42a is formed in the mounting area of ​​the ceiling panel 42 on which the internal camera 21 is mounted, and is inclined downwards toward the storage unit 30. Through this opening 42a, the internal camera 21 can photograph the storage unit 30, which is located opposite the elevator 40, and the pharmaceuticals stored in the storage unit 30.

[0036] In this embodiment, the internal camera 21 is mounted on the ceiling panel 42, but the installation location of the internal camera 21 is not limited to the ceiling panel 42, as long as the internal camera 21 can photograph the pharmaceuticals stored in the storage unit 30.

[0037] Furthermore, inside the product dispensing processing device 100, there is a barrier shelf 50 that is positioned opposite the product retrieval opening 12, behind the elevator 40, and in the vertical direction of the storage unit 30, and is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side of the product dispensing processing device 100.

[0038] The barrier shelf 50 has a flat barrier section 51 parallel to the vertical direction of the product dispensing processing device 100 and a flat shelf section 52 perpendicular to the vertical direction of the product dispensing processing device 100, and a control board 53 used for controlling the product dispensing processing device 100 is mounted on the shelf section 52.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the elevator 40 waits in a standby position between the product dispensing opening 12 and the barrier shelf 50 before dispensing pharmaceuticals.

[0040] When the elevator 40 is in standby position, the barrier portion 51 is configured to close the rear opening edge of the elevator 40 so that at least goods cannot pass through the gap between the rear opening edge of the elevator 40 and the barrier portion 51. As a result, when the elevator 40 is in standby position, even if someone tries to reach in through the product dispensing port 12 of the product dispensing processing device 100 and illegally remove goods, the elevator 40 is formed in a rectangular tube shape, with the tray 41 and ceiling plate 42 acting as walls in the vertical direction, the side plates 43 acting as walls in the horizontal direction, and the barrier portion 51 acting as a wall in the rear direction, thus preventing the illegal removal of goods.

[0041] Furthermore, since the control board 53 is placed on the shelf portion 52 of the barrier shelf 50, the limited space inside the product dispensing processing device 100 can be effectively utilized. In addition, because the barrier shelf 50 is located approximately in the center of the product dispensing processing device 100 in the vertical direction, the control board 53 can be protected even if the product dispensing processing device 100 is submerged in water.

[0042] Furthermore, regarding the drive of the elevator 40, since the standby position of the elevator 40 is located slightly towards the center (approximately the center) of the storage stages D1 to D10 in the vertical direction, the distance from the standby position to the storage stage D of the storage unit 30 where the pharmaceuticals to be provided are stored can be shortened, and the speed of providing the pharmaceuticals can be improved.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a shutter mechanism 90 is provided on the back of the door 3, above the product dispensing opening 12, to open and close the opening / closing door 13 which is pivotally supported by the product dispensing opening 12.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the first product dispensing processing device 100A, a money information input / output unit 60 is provided on the back of the door 3, which is connected to the coin insertion unit 14, the bill validator unit 15, the card payment unit 16, the receipt printer 17, and the change dispensing outlet 18, and which inputs and outputs money information, card information, and change information.

[0045] Unlike the first product provision processing device 100A, the second product provision processing device 100B does not have a payment unit, and therefore does not have a monetary information input / output unit 60.

[0046] [Internal structure of the product delivery system] Next, we will describe the internal configuration of the product delivery system in which a user selects a pharmaceutical product using a terminal device 200 and the pharmaceutical product is delivered via a product delivery processing device 100. Figure 4 is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of the product delivery system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the product provision system 1 according to Embodiment 1 consists of a plurality of product provision processing devices 100 (first product provision processing device 100A and second product provision processing device 100B), a user terminal device 200 operated by the user, a server 300 that performs various processing, and a plurality of pharmacist terminal devices 340 operated by the pharmacist responsible for providing the pharmaceuticals. The server 300 is connected to the product provision processing devices 100, the user terminal devices 200, and the pharmacist terminal devices 340 so that they can communicate with each other via a public network.

[0048] The first product dispensing processing device 100A includes at least a display unit 10, an operation input unit 11, a speaker 19, an external camera 20, an internal camera 21, a conveyor 31, an elevator 40, a money information input / output unit 60, a control unit 70, a communication unit 80, a storage unit 81, and a shutter mechanism 90. In this embodiment, the control unit 70, the communication unit 80, and the storage unit 81 are mounted on a control board 53 (see Figure 3).

[0049] The conveyor 31 includes a belt drive unit 34 consisting of a motor that drives the belt on which the pharmaceuticals are placed, and a belt position sensor 35 for determining the position of the belt.

[0050] The elevator 40 includes a lifting drive unit 44 consisting of a motor that raises and lowers the elevator 40 in the vertical direction, and an elevator sensor 45 for determining the position of the elevator 40.

[0051] The shutter mechanism 90 includes an opening / closing drive unit 91 consisting of a motor that opens and closes an opening / closing door 13 pivotally supported at the product dispensing opening 12, and a shutter sensor 92 for determining the open / closed state of the opening / closing door 13.

[0052] The control unit 70 consists of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes a predetermined control program stored in the memory unit 81 to perform various controls for providing pharmaceuticals.

[0053] The control unit 70 is connected to the operation input unit 11, the belt position sensor 35, and the elevator sensor 45 via input ports (not shown) of the control board 53, and is configured to receive various types of information from these devices. The control unit 70 is also connected to the display unit 10, the belt drive unit 34, and the lifting drive unit 44 via output ports (not shown) of the control board 53, and is configured to receive various types of information from these devices. Furthermore, the control unit 70 is connected to the external camera 20, the internal camera 21, the money information input / output unit 60, and the communication unit 80 via input / output ports (not shown) of the control board 53, and is configured to receive and receive various types of information from these devices.

[0054] The communication unit 80 consists of a communication module that establishes a communication state between the first product provision processing device 100A and the server 300 (product provision server 310, described later) to enable mutual communication, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0055] The memory unit 81 consists of a non-volatile memory storage device, and stores control programs and temporary information for the control unit 70 to perform various controls.

[0056] The second product dispensing processing device 100B, like the first product dispensing processing device 100A, includes a display unit 10, an operation input unit 11, a speaker 19, an external camera 20, an internal camera 21, a conveyor 31 (belt drive unit 34, belt position sensor 35), an elevator 40 (lifting drive unit 44, elevator sensor 45), a control unit 70, a communication unit 80, and a storage unit 81. However, unlike the first product dispensing processing device 100A, the second product dispensing processing device 100B does not have a payment unit, and therefore does not have a monetary information input / output unit 60.

[0057] The user terminal device 200 consists of terminal devices such as personal computers, tablets, and smartphones, and is a terminal device operated by the user. The user terminal device 200 includes at least a terminal control unit 201, a terminal storage unit 202, a terminal input unit 203, a terminal display unit 204, and a code reading unit 205.

[0058] The terminal control unit 201 consists of a processor such as a CPU and performs various controls in response to user operations. In particular, the terminal control unit 201 accesses the server 300 (product provision server 310, described later) and controls the product provision server 310 to select pharmaceuticals.

[0059] The terminal memory unit 202 consists of read-write non-volatile flash memory and stores various types of information received from the product supply server 310.

[0060] The terminal input unit 203 consists of input units such as a keyboard and a touch panel, and can input information related to user operations.

[0061] The terminal display unit 204 consists of an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is capable of displaying images in response to user operations or images received from the product provision server 310.

[0062] The code reading unit 205 is a code reader capable of reading code information displayed on the display unit 10 of the product dispensing processing device 100 and analyzing the read code information.

[0063] Server 300 consists of a product provision server 310, a pharmacist server 320, and a database storage unit 330.

[0064] The product provision server 310 is a server that processes information for providing pharmaceuticals and is connected to the product provision processing device 100, the user terminal device 200, the pharmacist server 320, and the database storage unit 330. The product provision server 310 communicates with the user terminal device 200 to select pharmaceuticals based on operational instructions from the user terminal device 200, and to transmit map information indicating the location of the product provision processing device 100 to the user terminal device 200. The product provision server 310 also authorizes the product provision processing device 100 to provide pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, the product provision server 310 instructs the pharmacist server 320 to perform approval by a pharmacist.

[0065] The pharmacist server 320 is a server that processes information related to the pharmacist terminal device 340 and is connected to the product provision server 310, the database storage unit 330, and the pharmacist terminal device 340. The pharmacist server 320 monitors the number of accesses to the pharmacist terminal device 340, allows pharmacists to approve transactions using the pharmacist terminal device 340, and pays incentives to the pharmacist terminal device 340.

[0066] The database storage unit 330 consists of large-capacity storage devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SDDs), optical disk drives, and magnetic tape devices, and stores various information for providing pharmaceuticals. Specifically, the database storage unit 330 stores various information for providing pharmaceuticals, including "pharmaceutical information," "reserved product information," "provided product information," and "user images" associated with the user's unique information, location information, product inventory count, storage unit provision status (storage unit provision permission status, storage unit provision suspension status), sample replenishment product images associated with the product provision processing device, and pharmacist's unique information.

[0067] In this embodiment, "pharmaceutical information" includes the classification of various pharmaceuticals (Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 pharmaceuticals), information on the ingredients contained in each pharmaceutical, combinations of ingredients that are contraindicated for concomitant use, combinations of ingredients that require caution when concomitant use, and sample product images of each pharmaceutical. Furthermore, "reserved product information" includes the reserved pharmaceuticals, the number of reserved items, the reservation completion date, and unique information of the pharmacist who conducted the consultation. Furthermore, "provided product information" includes the provided pharmaceuticals, the number of items provided, the provision date, and unique information of the product provision processing device that provided the product.

[0068] In this embodiment, the product provision server 310 and the pharmacist server 320 are configured separately, but the functions of the pharmacist server 320 may be integrated into the product provision server 310, resulting in a single server configuration. Furthermore, the servers may be divided more precisely according to function, resulting in a configuration of three or more servers.

[0069] The pharmacist terminal device 340 consists of terminal devices such as personal computers, tablets, and smartphones, and is operated by pharmacists.

[0070] Furthermore, the pharmacist terminal device 340 has an identity authentication function that uses biometric authentication, such as a camera, to verify whether the user is a pharmacist who has been registered in advance. This identity authentication function performs identity authentication each time a pharmacist logs into the pharmacist terminal device 340, or when a pharmacist performs various approval tasks. This prevents approval actions from being performed by anyone other than a qualified pharmacist.

[0071] [Product delivery system sequence diagram] Next, the processing transitions of the product provision system 1 will be explained. Figure 5 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing transitions of the product provision system according to Embodiment 1 when a reservation is received, and Figure 6 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing transitions of the product provision system according to Embodiment 1 when a reservation is received.

[0072] The sequence diagrams shown in Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the processing of the user terminal device 200, the product provision processing device 100, the server 300 (product provision server 310 and pharmacist server 320), and the pharmacist terminal device 340, in order from left to right. Note that the elements of step S in the processes described below are illustrated in an exemplary order and are not limited to the specific order shown. Therefore, the order can be changed in the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6, as long as it does not result in inconsistencies in the processing results. This is also true for Figures 7-10, 15, and 16, which will be discussed later.

[0073] (Sequence of steps when taking reservations) This section describes the case where a user selects pharmaceuticals as reserved items using the user terminal device 200.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, when a user logs in to the product provision server 310, the user terminal device 200 performs a product selection login process (step S1). In this product selection login process, user-specific information such as a password is first sent to the product provision server 310.

[0075] When the product provision server 310 receives user-specific information from the user terminal device 200, it performs user authentication processing (step S31). In this user authentication process, it is determined whether the user's unique information received from the user terminal device 200 is the same as the user's unique information registered in the database storage unit 330. Then, user authentication result information indicating whether the received user's unique information is the registered user's unique information is sent to the user terminal device 200. Furthermore, if the received user's unique information is the user's unique information that has been registered in advance, user authentication is considered successful, the received user's unique information is registered as the unique information of the user currently accessing the system, and the communication status between the product provision server 310 and the user terminal device 200 is established.

[0076] When the user terminal device 200 receives user authentication result information indicating that user authentication was successful, it performs a reserved product determination process to determine that the pharmaceutical product to be provided by the product provision processing device 100 is a reserved product (step S2). In this reserved product determination process, the user selects a drug by name or by symptoms, and the drug provided by the product supply processing device 100 is determined to be the reserved product.

[0077] After the reserved product is determined, the user terminal device 200 performs a specific reserved product determination process to determine whether the reserved product is a specific pharmaceutical product (step S3). This specific reserved product determination process determines whether the reserved product is a specific pharmaceutical product (for example, a Category 1 pharmaceutical product). If it is determined that the reserved product is a specific pharmaceutical product, the process proceeds to step S4, the medical interview request process. If it is determined that the reserved product is not a specific pharmaceutical product but a regular pharmaceutical product (for example, an over-the-counter (OTC) drug such as a Category 2 or Category 3 pharmaceutical product), the process proceeds to step S6, the regular reserved product confirmation process, without performing steps S4 and S5.

[0078] Furthermore, if the user terminal device 200 determines that the reserved product is a specific drug, it processes a consultation request to have the user conduct a consultation with a pharmacist regarding the specific drug (step S4). In this consultation request processing, the reserved product information for the specific medicine that has been determined to be a reserved product, consultation request information requesting a consultation with a pharmacist, etc., are sent to the product provision server 310.

[0079] When the product provision server 310 receives reserved product information, medical consultation request information, etc., it forwards the reserved product information, medical consultation request information, etc. to the pharmacist server 320.

[0080] When the pharmacist server 320 receives reserved product information, medical consultation request information, etc. via the product provision server 310, it performs a medical consultation acceptance start process to accept medical consultations from pharmacists (step S32). In this consultation registration start process, consultation registration information is sent to all pharmacist terminal devices 340 to notify them that a user consultation is available.

[0081] When the pharmacist terminal device 340 receives information about a patient consultation from the pharmacist server 320, it is notified that there is a patient consultation scheduled.

[0082] When a pharmacist wants to conduct a medical interview with a user, the pharmacist terminal device 340 first performs a pharmacist login process to log in to the pharmacist server 320 (step S51). In this pharmacist login process, the pharmacist's identity is first authenticated using biometric authentication such as a camera installed in the pharmacist terminal device 340. If the authentication is successful, the pharmacist's unique information is sent to the pharmacist server 320.

[0083] When the pharmacist server 320 receives pharmacist-specific information from the pharmacist terminal device 340, it performs pharmacist authentication processing to authenticate the received pharmacist-specific information (step S33). In this pharmacist authentication process, it is determined whether the received pharmacist's unique information matches the pharmacist's unique information registered in the database storage unit 330. If the received pharmacist's unique information matches the registered pharmacist's unique information, the pharmacist's authentication is considered successful. Then, pharmacist authentication result information indicating the pharmacist's authentication result is transmitted to the pharmacist terminal device 340. Furthermore, upon successful pharmacist authentication, the received pharmacist's unique information is registered as the unique information of the currently accessing pharmacist, and the number of accesses by the currently accessing pharmacist is updated in the pharmacist server 320.

[0084] When the pharmacist terminal device 340 receives pharmacist authentication result information from the pharmacist server 320 indicating that the pharmacist authentication was successful, it can apply for a user consultation as described later.

[0085] The pharmacist terminal device 340 performs a medical interview request process when a user requests a medical interview (step S52). In this medical interview application process, the pharmacist's identity is authenticated using biometric authentication such as a camera mounted on the pharmacist terminal device 340. If the authentication is successful, the medical interview application information and the pharmacist's unique information are sent to the pharmacist server 320.

[0086] When the pharmacist server 320 receives the medical interview application information and the pharmacist's unique information, it performs a medical interview distribution process (step S34) to determine whether or not to allow the medical interview application from any of the pharmacist terminal devices 340. In this consultation distribution process, the pharmacist terminal device 340 that first sent consultation request information to the pharmacist server 320 is granted permission to submit a consultation request (on a first-come, first-served basis), and communication is established between the pharmacist terminal device 340, the pharmacist server 320, and the user terminal device 200. This reduces the waiting time while waiting for a pharmacist to participate in the user's consultation. In addition, consultation request result information, indicating whether or not the consultation request from the pharmacist terminal device 340 was granted, is sent to the pharmacist terminal device 340.

[0087] The user terminal device 200 performs a medical interview process with the pharmacist terminal device 340, with which communication has been established (step S5). In this medical interview process, the user answers questions from the pharmacist via text-based means such as chat or voice conversation, and transmits the information of the answered questions to the pharmacist server 320.

[0088] The pharmacist server 320 performs a medical questionnaire transmission process (step S35) to transmit the medical questionnaire content from the user terminal device 200. In this questionnaire transmission process, questionnaire information indicating the content of the questionnaire submitted by the user is sent to the pharmacist terminal device 340 that authorized the user's application for the questionnaire.

[0089] When a pharmacist performs an operation on the questionnaire results based on the content of the questionnaire from the user, the pharmacist terminal device 340 performs a first pharmacist approval process, which involves sending first approval result information indicating the questionnaire results to the pharmacist server 320 (step S53). In this pharmacist-first approval process, when a pharmacist performs an approval operation to approve a specific drug, the first approval information is sent to the pharmacist server 320 as first approval result information. When a pharmacist performs a rejection operation to not approve a specific drug, the first rejection information is sent to the pharmacist server 320 as first approval result information.

[0090] When the pharmacist server 320 receives the first approval result information from the pharmacist terminal device 340, it performs the first incentive payment process (step S36). In this first incentive payment process, the unit price of the incentive is first set based on the current number of pharmacist accesses. Then, a payment process is carried out to pay the first incentive, which is a portion of the set unit price (for example, 50%), to the pharmacist who approved a specific drug. This first incentive is either sent as electronic money to the pharmacist terminal device 340 or transferred to the pharmacist's bank account. Furthermore, the pharmacist server 320 forwards the first approval result information received from the pharmacist terminal device 340 to the product provision server 310.

[0091] Here, it is desirable to set a higher incentive rate during times when pharmacist access is low, such as late at night or on holidays, and a lower incentive rate during times when pharmacist access is high, such as during the daytime or on weekdays. This allows for automatic control of the incentive rate during times of low access, enabling stable approval work by pharmacists during late at night or on holidays.

[0092] Furthermore, a portion of the incentive will be paid to the pharmacist who first sends the medical consultation request information to the pharmacist server 320 and approves a specific drug.

[0093] When the product provision server 310 receives the first approval result information from the pharmacist terminal device 340 via the pharmacist server 320, it performs the process of confirming the specific reserved product (step S37). In this specific reserved product confirmation process, when the first approval information is received as the first approval result information, the specific drug that has been decided as a reserved product is confirmed, and when the first rejection information is received as the first approval result information, the information of the specific drug that has been decided as a reserved product is discarded.

[0094] If the user terminal device 200 determines that the drug selected as a reserved item is a regular drug and not a specific drug, it performs a regular reserved item confirmation process to confirm that the drug selected as a reserved item is a regular drug (step S6). However, if the drug selected as a reserved item is determined to be a specific drug, the regular reserved item confirmation process is not performed. In this reservation result processing, the reservation product information, user-specific information, etc., that have been determined as reserved products are sent to the product provision server 310.

[0095] The product provision server 310 performs a reserved product registration process to register the information of the confirmed reserved products in the database storage unit 330 (step S38). In this reserved product registration process, the registration information for reserved products (reserved medicine, reservation quantity, reservation completion date, and unique information of the pharmacist who conducted the consultation) is registered in the database storage unit 330, associated with the user's unique information.

[0096] After the product provision server 310 has completed the reserved product registration process, it performs a location information extraction process to extract the location information of the product provision processing device 100 that can provide the reserved product (step S39). In this location information extraction process, information about the product provision processing device 100 stored in the database storage unit 330 is referenced to extract unique information of product provision processing devices that have stock of the reserved product and whose storage unit 30 storing the reserved product is in a storage unit provision permission state. Then, location information associated with the extracted unique information of the product provision processing device is extracted and transmitted to the user terminal device 200. In this way, since the location information of product provision processing devices 100 that have stock of the product and are in a storage unit provision permission state is extracted, the chances of not being able to receive the reserved medicine because the product provision processing device 100 is sold out or provision has been suspended when the user tries to pick up the reserved medicine can be reduced. Furthermore, in the location information extraction process, the registration information of the reserved product registered in the reserved product registration process is transmitted to the user terminal device 200.

[0097] When the user terminal device 200 receives registration information for reserved products and location information of the product provision processing device 100 from the product provision server 310, it performs a reservation result list display process that displays the registration information for reserved products and the location information of the product provision processing device 100 (step S7). In this reservation result list display process, the registration information of the received reserved products is first stored in the terminal storage unit 202. Then, based on the registration information of the reserved products and the location information of the product dispensing device 100, an explanatory image showing the registration information of the reserved products and a location information image showing the location of the product dispensing device are displayed on the terminal display unit 204. The explanatory image allows the user to confirm which medicines have been reserved, and the display of the location information image allows the user to understand where to go to receive the medicines from the product dispensing device 100.

[0098] (Sequence of events when picking up a reservation) Next, we will explain the case where the user receives the reserved product from the product delivery processing device 100.

[0099] As shown in Figure 6, the product provision processing device 100 is performing a waiting process to receive operations from users, etc. (step S11). In this waiting process for receiving orders, the type of operation from the user is determined, and if the user performs an operation to receive the reserved product, the process moves to the authentication code information display process (step S12).

[0100] When the user requests to receive a reserved product, the product delivery processing device 100 performs authentication code information display processing (step S12). In this authentication code information display process, the authentication code information is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100. This "authentication code information" includes reservation connection information (URL) for connecting to the product provision server 310, unique information of the product provision processing device, and reservation product retrieval instruction information for calling the registration information of the reserved product stored in the terminal storage unit 202 of the user terminal device 200.

[0101] When the user terminal device 200 sees the authentication code information displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100, it performs an authentication code information reading process (step S8). In this authentication code information reading process, the authentication code information displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100 is read, the read authentication code information is analyzed, and the analyzed authentication code analysis information (reservation connection information, product provision processing device unique information, reserved product call instruction information, etc.) is obtained. Then, based on the reserved product call instruction information included in the authentication code analysis information, the registration information of the reserved product stored in the terminal storage unit 202 is retrieved.

[0102] After obtaining authentication code analysis information, the user terminal device 200 performs the reservation registration information transmission process (step S9). In this reservation registration information transmission process, the system accesses the product provision server 310 based on the reservation connection information included in the authentication code analysis information, and transmits the registration information of the reserved product, the user's unique information, the unique information of the product provision processing device included in the authentication code analysis information, etc., to the product provision server 310.

[0103] When the product provision server 310 receives registration information for reserved products, user-specific information, product provision processing device-specific information, etc. from the user terminal device 200, it performs a destination distribution process (step S41). In this delivery destination distribution process, the registration information of the reserved product, the user's unique information, etc., is transmitted to the product delivery processing device 100, which has unique information of the received product delivery processing device.

[0104] When the product provision processing device 100 receives registration information for reserved products, user-specific information, etc. from the product provision server 310, it performs product grade determination processing (step S13). This product grade determination process uses the registration information of the reserved product to determine whether the reserved medicine is a "medicine requiring special attention."

[0105] The term "medicines requiring caution" is not limited to the specific drugs mentioned above (for example, Category 1 drugs), but also includes over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that may cause health damage if their ingredients are misused beyond the appropriate dosage, or drugs that may cause health damage due to the combination of their ingredients with those of other drugs (cautionary use / contraindicated use). In short, it refers to drugs that may cause health damage in a broader sense than the specific drugs mentioned above.

[0106] If the product supply processing device 100 determines in the product grade determination process that the reserved medicine is a medicine requiring special attention, it proceeds to the OTC medicine target determination process in step S14. If it determines that the reserved medicine is not a medicine requiring special attention, it proceeds to the product supply confirmation process in step S18 without performing the processes in steps S14 to S16.

[0107] If the product supply processing device 100 determines that the reserved medicine is a medicine requiring special attention, it performs an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine determination process (step S14). In this OTC drug applicability determination process, it is determined whether or not an OTC drug is subject to health damage prevention measures. If it is determined that the OTC drug is subject to health damage prevention measures, the process proceeds to step S15, the OTC drug health damage prevention process. If it is determined that the OTC drug is not subject to health damage prevention measures, the process proceeds to step S16, the user image capture process.

[0108] If the product dispensing processing device 100 determines that an OTC drug is subject to health damage prevention measures, it performs health damage prevention processing on the OTC drug (step S15). This process for preventing health damage from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs includes an abuse prevention determination process that determines whether a predetermined number of drugs containing the ingredient information of the drug being offered have been provided within a predetermined period, and a contraindication prevention determination process that determines whether the ingredient information of the drug being offered and past ingredient information constitute a contraindicated combination or a cautionary combination. Details of this process for preventing health damage from OTC drugs will be described later with reference to Figure 9.

[0109] If the product dispensing processing device 100 determines that the reserved medicine is a medicine that requires special attention, it performs a user imaging process by using the external camera 20 to photograph the user (step S16).

[0110] When the product provision processing device 100 detects a user being photographed by the external camera 20, it performs a provision request process (step S17). In this provision application process, the pharmacist is required to submit a provision application information to the product provision server 310, along with user images captured by the external camera 20 and user-specific information.

[0111] When the product provision server 310 receives the provision request information, user image, user-specific information, etc., it extracts the registration information of the reserved product associated with the user-specific information, and sends the extracted registration information of the reserved product, along with the provision request information, registration information of the reserved product, user image, user-specific information, etc. received from the product provision processing device 100, to the pharmacist server 320.

[0112] When the pharmacist server 320 receives registration information for reserved products, application information for provision, user images, user-specific information, etc. via the product provision server 310, it performs a provision approval acceptance process (step S42). In this provision approval acceptance process, if the pharmaceutical product included in the registration information of the reserved product is a specific pharmaceutical product, the unique information of the pharmacist who conducted the interview included in the registration information of the reserved product is extracted, and provision approval acceptance information notifying the pharmacist terminal device 340 that has the unique information of the interviewing pharmacist is sent. In addition, in the provision approval acceptance process, if the pharmaceutical product included in the registration information of the reserved product is not a specific pharmaceutical product (i.e., it is a regular pharmaceutical product requiring caution), provision approval acceptance information is sent to all pharmacist terminal devices 340.

[0113] When the pharmacist terminal device 340 receives approval information from the pharmacist server 320, it is notified that there is an approval process to be performed regarding the provision of pharmaceuticals.

[0114] When a pharmacist wishes to perform approval work regarding the provision of pharmaceuticals, the pharmacist login process (step S51) described above is performed on the pharmacist terminal device 340, and the pharmacist authentication process (step S33) described above is performed on the pharmacist server 320. Furthermore, when the pharmacist terminal device 340 receives pharmacist authentication result information from the pharmacist server 320 indicating that the pharmacist's authentication was successful, it can apply for approval work regarding the provision of pharmaceuticals.

[0115] The pharmacist terminal device 340 performs the application process for approval of the provision of pharmaceuticals when an application for approval of the provision of pharmaceuticals is to be submitted (step S54). In this provision approval application process, the pharmacist's identity is authenticated using biometric authentication such as a camera mounted on the pharmacist terminal device 340. If the authentication is successful, the provision approval application information and the pharmacist's unique information are sent to the pharmacist server 320.

[0116] When the pharmacist server 320 receives the application for approval of provision and the pharmacist's unique information, it performs a provision approval distribution process (step S44) to determine whether or not to allow the approval work application from any of the pharmacist terminal devices 340. In this provision approval distribution process, if the pharmaceutical product included in the registration information of the reserved product is a specific pharmaceutical product, the unique information of the pharmacist who received the information is used to authorize the pharmacist terminal device 340 corresponding to the unique information of the pharmacist who conducted the consultation included in the registration information of the reserved product to submit an approval request. In addition, in the provision approval distribution process, if the pharmaceutical product included in the registration information of the reserved product is a regular pharmaceutical product requiring attention, the pharmacist terminal device 340 that first sent the provision approval request information to the pharmacist server 320 is authorized to submit an approval request. The provision approval request result information, indicating whether or not the approval request from the pharmacist terminal device 340 was authorized, is then sent to the pharmacist terminal device 340, and the registration information of the reserved product, user image, unique user information, etc. are sent to the pharmacist terminal device 340 that authorized the approval request.

[0117] The pharmacist terminal device 340 receives registration information for reserved products, user images, user-specific information, etc., allowing the pharmacist to verify the registration information for reserved products, user images, etc., and perform approval work related to the provision of pharmaceuticals.

[0118] When a pharmacist performs an operation to approve the provision of a drug, the pharmacist terminal device 340 performs a second pharmacist approval process, which involves sending second approval result information indicating the approval result to the pharmacist server 320 (step S55). In this pharmacist second approval process, when an approval operation is performed to approve the provision of a drug, the second approval information is sent to the pharmacist server 320 as second approval result information. When a denial operation is performed to deny the provision of a drug, the second denial information is sent to the pharmacist server 320 as second approval result information. Upon receiving the second approval result information, the pharmacist server 320 then forwards the second approval result information to the product provision server 310.

[0119] In this embodiment, the system is configured to perform the second pharmacist approval process even when the pharmaceutical product included in the registration information for the reserved product is a regular over-the-counter (OTC) drug requiring special attention. However, it is also possible to configure the system to perform the second pharmacist approval process only when the pharmaceutical product included in the registration information for the reserved product is a specific type of drug (for example, a Class 1 drug). In this configuration, when the pharmaceutical product included in the registration information for the reserved product is a regular drug, the processes described in steps S17, S42, etc., above do not need to be performed.

[0120] When the product provision server 310 receives the second approval result information from the pharmacist terminal device 340 via the pharmacist server 320, it performs the provision approval result reflection process (step S45). In this approval result reflection process, the second approval result information is transmitted to the product provision processing device 100.

[0121] The product provision processing device 100 performs product confirmation processing (step S18) when it receives second approval result information from the product provision server 310 when the reserved medicine is a medicine that does not require caution, or when the reserved medicine is a medicine that requires caution. In this product confirmation process, if the reserved medication is one that does not require special attention, the medication included in the registration information for the reserved product will be confirmed as the medication to be provided. Furthermore, in the process of confirming the provision of goods, if the reserved medicine is a medicine that requires special attention, and if a second approval information indicating pharmacist approval is received as the second approval result information, the medicine included in the registration information of the reserved goods will be confirmed as the medicine to be provided. If a second denial information indicating pharmacist denial is received as the second approval result information, the provision of the medicine will not be confirmed, and provision prohibition information will be set to prohibit the provision of the reserved goods.

[0122] The product provision processing device 100, once it has determined which pharmaceutical product to provide, performs a product provision process to provide the determined pharmaceutical product to the user (step S19). Once the product provision process has completed and the pharmaceutical product has been provided to the user, it transmits completion information indicating that the reserved product has been provided, along with the user's unique information, to the product provision server 310. Details of this product provision process will be described later using Figure 10.

[0123] When the product provision server 310 receives product provision completion information, etc., from the product provision processing device 100, it performs product provision completion processing (step S46). In this product delivery completion process, information about the delivered products (delivered medicine, quantity, delivery date, and unique information of the product delivery processing device) is registered in the database storage unit 330, associated with the user's unique information. Furthermore, the product delivery server 310 transfers the delivery completion information to the pharmacist server 320.

[0124] When the pharmacist server 320 receives information such as completion of provision from the product provision server 310, it performs the second incentive payment process (step S47). In this second incentive payment process, if it is a specific pharmaceutical product, a payment process is performed to pay the pharmacist who performed the approval work for the provision of the pharmaceutical product the second incentive, which is the remaining amount (for example, 50%) of the unit price of the incentive set in the first incentive payment process in step S36, either by sending the second incentive as electronic money to the pharmacist terminal device 340 or by transferring it to the pharmacist's bank account. Furthermore, in the second incentive payment process, if it is a regular pharmaceutical product requiring attention (OTC drug), a payment process is performed to pay a third incentive that is lower than the second incentive for the specific pharmaceutical product.

[0125] Thus, when a user selects a specific medicine as a reserved item, the system is configured so that a portion of the incentive is paid to the pharmacist at the time of approval through a consultation after the selection of the reserved item, and the remaining amount of the incentive is paid when the product is provided by the product provision processing device 100. Therefore, even if a user selects a reserved item but cancels it and the product is not actually provided by the product provision processing device 100, a portion of the incentive is still paid at the time of approval through a consultation, which encourages pharmacists to actively perform approval work and improves the utilization rate of the product provision system 1.

[0126] Once the product supply processing device 100 has completed the supply of pharmaceuticals to the user through the product supply processing, it performs inventory quantity calculation processing (step S20). In this inventory calculation process, the inventory quantity of pharmaceuticals stored in the storage unit 30 is calculated, and the calculated inventory quantity information and the unique information of the product provision processing device are transmitted to the product provision server 310.

[0127] When the product supply server 310 receives information such as the number of items in stock from the product supply processing device 100, it performs an inventory update process (step S48). In this inventory update process, the inventory count is updated in association with the unique information of the received product supply processing device and stored in the database storage unit 330.

[0128] The processing performed by the user terminal device 200, product provision processing device 100, server 300 (product provision server 310 and pharmacist server 320), and pharmacist terminal device 340 in the sequence diagram above is an example of typical processing, and many other processes are performed to fulfill numerous other functions.

[0129] For example, the product supply server 310 transmits sample product images and sample replenishment product images of pharmaceuticals to the product supply processing device 100 for pattern matching, which will be described later.

[0130] [Product supply processing control processing] Next, the details of the control process of the product dispensing processing device 100 will be described. Figure 7 is an example of a flowchart showing the main control process of the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0131] (Main control processing of the product dispensing device) The main control process of the product dispensing processing device 100 shown in Figure 7 is a process that is performed when power is supplied to the product dispensing processing device 100.

[0132] As shown in Figure 7, in step S101, the control unit 70 performs a power interruption recovery process. In this power interruption recovery process, various information is initialized, communication confirmation is performed with the product supply server 310, and necessary information is obtained from the product supply server 310. In this embodiment, ingredient information contained in various pharmaceuticals, sample product images of various pharmaceuticals, and a sample replenished product image when the product has been correctly replenished in the storage unit 30 are obtained from the product supply server 310 and stored in the storage unit 81. When this process is completed, the process moves to step S102.

[0133] In step S102, the control unit 70 performs a waiting process to receive operations from the user and product replenishment operations from the replenisher. This reception waiting process corresponds to the reception waiting process (step S11) shown in Figure 6. It involves displaying a reception display screen on the display unit 10 to receive user input, and waiting for input from the user or product replenishment operations from the replenishment staff. Once input from the user or product replenishment operations is received, the process moves to step S103.

[0134] In step S103, the control unit 70 determines whether or not it has received a request from the replenisher to start product replenishment. Examples of a request from the replenisher to start product replenishment include opening the door 3, releasing the lock that was holding the door 3 closed, or the replenisher entering a replenishment start password or the like into the operation input unit 11. If the control unit 70 determines that it has received a request from the replenisher to start product replenishment, it moves the process to step S104. If it determines that it has not received a request from the replenisher to start product replenishment, it moves the process to step S106.

[0135] In step S104, the control unit 70 determines whether or not it has received a notification from the replenisher that the product replenishment process is complete. Examples of a product replenishment completion notification from the replenisher include closing the door 3, locking the door 3 in a closed state, or the replenisher entering a replenishment completion password or the like into the operation input unit 11. If the control unit 70 determines that it has received a notification from the replenisher to end product replenishment, it moves the process to step S105. If it determines that it has not received a notification from the replenisher to end product replenishment, it waits until it receives a notification from the replenisher to end product replenishment.

[0136] In step S105, the control unit 70 performs a product replenishment confirmation process to verify whether the replenishment work was performed correctly by the replenisher. Details of this product replenishment confirmation process will be described later with reference to Figure 8. After this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0137] In step S106, the control unit 70 determines whether or not it has received a request from the user to pick up the reserved product. If the control unit 70 determines that it has received a request from the user to receive the reserved product, it moves the process to step S107. If it determines that it has not received a request from the user to receive the reserved product, it moves the process to step S115.

[0138] In step S107, the control unit 70 performs an authentication code information display process to display the authentication code information. This authentication code information display process corresponds to the authentication code information display process (step S12) shown in Figure 6, and displays the authentication code information on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100. When this process is completed, the process moves to step S108.

[0139] In step S108, the control unit 70 determines whether or not it has received registration information for reserved products and user-specific information from the product provision server 310. If the control unit 70 determines that it has received the registration information for the reserved product and the user's unique information, it moves the process to step S109. If it determines that it has not received the registration information for the reserved product and the user's unique information, it waits until it receives the registration information for the reserved product and the user's unique information.

[0140] In step S109, the control unit 70 determines from the registration information of the reserved product whether or not the reserved medicine is a medicine that requires special attention. This process in step S109 corresponds to the product grade determination process (step S13) shown in Figure 6. If the control unit 70 determines that the reserved drug is a drug requiring special attention, it moves the process to step S110; if it determines that the reserved drug is not a drug requiring special attention, it moves the process to step S117.

[0141] In step S110, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the OTC drug is subject to the requirement for preventing health damage. This process in step S110 corresponds to the OTC drug target determination process (step S14) shown in Figure 6. If the control unit 70 determines that the drug is subject to the requirement for suppressing health damage, it moves the process to step S111; if it determines that the drug is not subject to the requirement for suppressing health damage, it moves the process to step S112.

[0142] In step S111, the control unit 70 performs a process to suppress health damage from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. This process in step S111 corresponds to the process to suppress health damage from OTC drugs (step S15) shown in Figure 6. Details of this process to suppress health damage from OTC drugs will be described later with reference to Figure 9. After this process is completed, the process moves to step S112.

[0143] In step S112, the control unit 70 performs a user image capture process, which involves capturing an image of the user using the external camera 20. This process in step S112 corresponds to the user image capture process (step S16) shown in Figure 6. This user capture process involves capturing the user using the external camera 20 and acquiring the captured user image. Once this process is complete, the process moves to step S113.

[0144] In step S113, the control unit 70 performs the provision request processing. This processing in step S113 corresponds to the provision request processing (step S17) shown in Figure 6. This application process sends the application information, user image, user-specific information, etc., to the product provision server 310. Once this process is complete, the process moves to step S114.

[0145] In step S114, the control unit 70 determines whether or not it has received the second approval result information from the product provision server 310. If the control unit 70 determines that it has received the second approval result information, it moves the process to step S117. If it determines that it has not received the second approval result information, it waits until it receives the second approval result information.

[0146] In step S115, the control unit 70 determines whether or not it has received a purchase order from the user. If the control unit 70 determines that it has received a purchase order from the user, it moves the process to step S116; if it determines that it has not received a purchase order from the user, it returns the process to step S102.

[0147] In step S116, the control unit 70 performs a product selection process to select a drug, either by selecting a drug name or by selecting a drug based on symptoms, in response to the user's product selection operation. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S117.

[0148] In step S117, the control unit 70 performs a product confirmation process to determine which pharmaceutical product to be provided. This product confirmation process is also the process that corresponds to the product confirmation process (step S18) shown in Figure 6. This product confirmation process, when it receives a purchase order from a user (step S115), performs a product confirmation process to confirm the selected pharmaceutical product in response to the user's product confirmation order. The product confirmation process, when a user confirms receipt of a reserved product (step S106), confirms the reserved medicine as the medicine to be provided if the reserved medicine is a medicine that does not require special attention (step S109), in response to the user's confirmation of the product. Also, when a user confirms receipt of a reserved product, if the reserved medicine is a medicine that requires special attention, and a second approval information indicating pharmacist approval is received as the second approval result information, the product is confirmed as the medicine to be provided in response to the user's confirmation of the product. If a second denial information indicating pharmacist denial is received as the second approval result information, the product is not confirmed as the medicine to be provided, and a provision prohibition information prohibiting the provision of the product is set. Once this process is complete, the process moves to step S118.

[0149] In step S118, the control unit 70 performs a product provision process to provide the confirmed pharmaceutical product from the storage unit 30. This product provision process corresponds to the product provision process (step S19) shown in Figure 6, and will be described in detail later using Figure 10. After this process is completed, the process moves to step S119.

[0150] In step S119, the control unit 70 performs an inventory calculation process to calculate the number of pharmaceuticals stored in the storage unit 30. This inventory calculation process corresponds to the inventory calculation process (step S20) shown in Figure 6. This inventory calculation process calculates the inventory of the provided medicine by subtracting the number of medicines provided from the inventory of the medicines provided before providing them. When the inventory of a medicine becomes zero, the display unit 10 displays a "sold out" message for that medicine. After this process is completed, the process moves to step S120.

[0151] In step S120, the control unit 70 performs inventory information transmission processing to send information on the number of pharmaceuticals in stock and unique information of the product supply processing device to the product supply server 310. As a result, the product supply server 310 can store the inventory number in the database storage unit 330 in association with the received unique information of the product supply processing device, and can grasp the inventory numbers of multiple product supply processing devices 100. When this process is completed, the process returns to step S102.

[0152] Although not shown in the diagram, in addition to the main control process shown in Figure 7, the control process of the product provision processing device 100 also includes receive interrupt processing, which is performed by receiving various information from the product provision server 310.

[0153] (Product replenishment confirmation process for product dispensing equipment) Next, we will describe the details of the product replenishment confirmation process of the product dispensing processing device 100. Figure 8 is an example of a flowchart showing the product replenishment confirmation process of the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0154] As shown in Figure 8, in step S121, the control unit 70 performs a replenishment elevator drive process in which the lifting drive unit 44 moves the elevator 40 to a position opposite one of the storage stages D1 to D10. In this replenishment elevator drive process, the elevator 40 is moved to a position opposite to the storage stage D that has not been photographed by the internal camera shooting process described later, so that it moves in the order of from the uppermost storage stage D1 to the lowermost storage stage D10 (top to bottom) or from the lowermost storage stage D10 to the uppermost storage stage D1 (bottom to top). Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S122.

[0155] In step S122, the control unit 70 performs a replenishment internal camera imaging process, which involves using the internal camera 21 to image the storage unit 30. In this replenishment internal camera shooting process, the internal camera 21 photographs all storage lanes R1 to R4 in storage stage D facing the elevator 40, and obtains images of the replenished products in storage stage D. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S123.

[0156] In step S123, the control unit 70 performs a replenishment pattern matching determination process. In this replenishment pattern matching determination process, a pattern matching is performed between the image of the replenished product captured by the internal camera shooting process during replenishment described above and a sample image of the replenished product when the product is correctly replenished in the storage unit 30 in the storage stage D, to determine whether or not an incorrect product has been replenished. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S124.

[0157] In step S124, the control unit 70 determines whether or not pattern matching (replenishment pattern matching determination process) has been completed for all storage stages D1 to D10. If the control unit 70 determines that pattern matching has been completed for all storage stages D1 to D10, it moves the process to step S126. If it determines that pattern matching has not been completed for all storage stages D1 to D10, it returns the process to step S121.

[0158] In this way, by repeatedly performing the processes from steps S121 to S124, images of the replenished products are acquired for all storage stages D1 to D10, and pattern matching is performed for all storage stages D1 to D10.

[0159] In step S126, the control unit 70 performs a replenishment pattern matching display process. In this replenishment pattern matching display process, first, the photographed replenishment product images for all storage stages D1 to D10 are combined to generate an overall photographed replenishment product image. Then, the judgment result (normal / matching error) from the replenishment pattern matching judgment process is displayed on the display unit 10, and the overall photographed replenishment product image and the overall sample replenishment product image are displayed on the display unit 10 for comparison. When this process is completed, the process moves to step S127.

[0160] In this embodiment, the system is configured to generate an overall image of the product to be refilled from the images of the product to be refilled for all storage stages D1 to D10 captured by the internal camera 21. However, the internal camera 21 may capture all storage units 30 at once, and the image captured at once may be used as the overall image of the product to be refilled.

[0161] In step S127, the control unit 70 determines whether or not an incorrect product has been determined to have been replenished by the replenishment pattern matching determination process, that is, whether or not there is a matching error. If the control unit 70 determines that there is a matching error, it moves the process to step S128; if it determines that there is no matching error, it moves the process to step S129.

[0162] In step S128, the control unit 70 performs a partial provision prohibition process to prohibit the provision of goods from the storage unit 30 that has a matching error. In this partial supply prohibition process, the supply of products from the storage unit 30 where an incorrect product has been replenished is stopped based on the replenishment pattern matching determination process. Once this process is complete, the process moves to step S129.

[0163] In this way, when a replenisher performs the replenishment of pharmaceuticals, the software determines whether the correct pharmaceuticals have been replenished into the storage unit 30 through a replenishment pattern matching judgment process. If the wrong product is replenished, the provision of pharmaceuticals from that storage unit 30 is prohibited. This prevents the replenishment of incorrect pharmaceuticals due to assumptions or misunderstandings by the replenisher, and prevents the provision of incorrect pharmaceuticals.

[0164] In step S129, the control unit 70 determines whether or not it has received a confirmation operation for one storage stage D in which the person replenishing the product has confirmed that the photographed product image and the sample product image correspond to each other. If the control unit 70 determines that it has received a confirmation operation for one storage stage D, it moves the process to step S130. If it determines that it has not received a confirmation operation for one storage stage D, it waits until it receives a confirmation operation.

[0165] In step S130, the control unit 70 performs check data storage processing to store the storage stage D for which the confirmation operation has been received. In this check data storage process, check data is stored in association with the storage stage D that received the confirmation operation, and the display unit 10 displays that the storage stage D that received the confirmation operation has been checked. When this process is completed, the process moves to step S131.

[0166] In step S131, the control unit 70 determines whether or not check data for all storage stages D1 to D10 has been stored. If the control unit 70 determines that check data has been stored for all storage stages D1 to D10, it moves the process to step S132. If it determines that check data has not been stored for all storage stages D1 to D10, it returns the process to step S129.

[0167] In this way, by repeatedly performing the processes from steps S129 to S131, the replenisher visually checks each storage shelf D1 to D10 against the photographed replenishment product image and the sample replenishment product image, thereby preventing the replenisher from replenishing the wrong product.

[0168] In steps S129 to S131, the replenisher's verification operation was configured to check each horizontal storage tier D one by one, but it may also be configured to check each vertical storage lane R for all storage lanes R1 to R4. Furthermore, the replenisher's verification operation may be configured to check each product one by one, or to check all products at once.

[0169] In step S132, the control unit 70 performs a total inventory information transmission process to calculate and transmit the total inventory of pharmaceuticals replenished in all storage units 30. In this total inventory information transmission process, the inventory count of pharmaceuticals replenished in all storage units 30 is calculated, and the calculated inventory count and the unique information of the product provision processing device are sent to the product provision server 310. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S133.

[0170] In step S133, the control unit 70 performs product authorization processing to permit the provision of the product. In this product authorization process, the display unit 10 displays a message indicating that the replenishment of the medicine has been completed, and authorizes the provision of the product. Note that the storage unit provision suspension state set by the partial provision prohibition process (step S128) is not released during the product authorization process. When this process is completed, the current product replenishment confirmation process is finished.

[0171] Thus, in the product replenishment confirmation process of this embodiment, when the replenisher performs the replenishment work of pharmaceuticals, the software performs a first-stage check by a replenishment pattern matching determination process to determine whether the pharmaceuticals have been correctly replenished in the storage unit 30. A second-stage manual check (double check) is then performed by the replenisher checking each storage stage D one by one. This prevents the incorrect pharmaceuticals from being replenished in the storage unit 30 and prevents health damage caused by taking the wrong pharmaceuticals.

[0172] (Treatment to prevent health damage from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs) Next, we will describe the details of the health damage suppression process for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the product dispensing processing device 100. Figure 9 is an example of a flowchart showing the health damage suppression process for OTC drugs in the product dispensing processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0173] As shown in Figure 9, in step S141, the control unit 70 performs an ingredient information extraction process to extract ingredient information from the pharmaceuticals included in the registration information of the reserved product. In this ingredient information extraction process, the ingredient information contained in various pharmaceuticals stored in the memory unit 81 is referenced, and ingredient information is extracted from the pharmaceuticals included in the registration information of the reserved product. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S142.

[0174] In step S142, the control unit 70 determines, based on the ingredient information of the extracted pharmaceutical product, whether or not it contains any specific ingredients that require caution when taking it. If the control unit 70 determines that the drug contains a specific ingredient, it proceeds to step S143. If it determines that the drug does not contain a specific ingredient, it terminates the health damage prevention process for the OTC drug.

[0175] In step S143, the control unit 70 performs server check request processing. In this server check request process, user-specific information, drug ingredient information, and product provision processing device-specific information are sent to the product provision server 310. Once this process is complete, the process moves to step S144.

[0176] Here, when the product provision server 310 receives user-specific information, ingredient information of the pharmaceuticals to be provided, and product provision processing device-specific information from the product provision processing device 100, it refers to the history information of pharmaceuticals previously provided that is associated with the user-specific information, performs abuse prevention judgment processing and contraindication prevention judgment processing, and transmits the respective judgment results to the product provision processing device 100 that has the product provision processing device-specific information that received the product provision processing device.

[0177] In the abuse prevention determination process, the history information of pharmaceuticals provided during a predetermined period, associated with the user's unique information, is referenced to determine whether a predetermined number or more of pharmaceuticals containing the ingredient information of the pharmaceuticals to be provided were provided within the predetermined period. If it is determined that a predetermined number or more of pharmaceuticals containing the ingredient information of the pharmaceuticals to be provided were provided within the predetermined period, "ingredient abuse information" is sent to the product provision processing device 100. If it is determined that a predetermined number or more of pharmaceuticals containing the ingredient information of the pharmaceuticals to be provided were not provided within the predetermined period, "normal use information" is sent to the product provision processing device 100.

[0178] In the contraindication prevention determination process, past ingredient information is extracted from pharmaceuticals provided during a specific period associated with the user's unique information. This information is then referenced to contraindication combinations of various ingredient information that are contraindicated for concomitant use, and it is determined whether the ingredient information of the provided pharmaceutical and the past ingredient information constitute a contraindication combination. If it is determined that a contraindication combination exists, "Contraindication Information" is sent to the product provision processing device 100. If it is determined that no contraindication combination exists, "No Contraindication Information" is sent to the product provision processing device 100. Furthermore, the system also refers to information on cautionary combinations of various ingredients that require caution when used together, and determines whether the ingredient information of the drug being offered and past ingredient information constitute a cautionary combination. If it is determined that a cautionary combination exists, "contraindication caution information" is sent to the product dispensing device 100. If it is determined that no cautionary combination exists, "no caution information" is sent to the product dispensing device 100.

[0179] Returning to the processing of the product provision processing device 100, in step S144, the control unit 70 determines whether or not to provide products containing a predetermined number or more of a specific ingredient within a predetermined period, based on the information transmitted from the product provision server 310. Specifically, by receiving "ingredient abuse information" from the product provision server 310, it determines to provide products containing a predetermined number or more of a specific ingredient within a predetermined period, and by receiving "normal usage information" from the product provision server 310, it determines not to provide products containing a predetermined number or more of a specific ingredient within a predetermined period. If the control unit 70 determines that it will provide a predetermined number or more of products containing a specific ingredient within a predetermined period, it moves the process to step S148. If it determines that it will not provide a predetermined number or more of products containing a specific ingredient within a predetermined period, it moves the process to step S145.

[0180] In step S145, the control unit 70 determines whether or not to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that are contraindicated during a specific period, based on the information transmitted from the product provision server 310. Specifically, upon receiving "contraindication information" from the product provision server 310, it determines to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that are contraindicated during a specific period, and upon receiving "no contraindication information" from the product provision server 310, it determines not to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that are contraindicated during a specific period. If the control unit 70 determines that it will provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that are contraindicated during a specific period, it moves the process to step S148. If it determines that it will not provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that are contraindicated during a specific period, it moves the process to step S146.

[0181] In step S146, the control unit 70 determines whether or not to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that constitute a cautionary combination during a specific period, based on the information transmitted from the product provision server 310. Specifically, it determines to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that constitute a cautionary combination during a specific period if it receives "contraindication warning information" from the product provision server 310, and determines not to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that constitute a cautionary combination during a specific period if it receives "no warning information" from the product provision server 310. If the control unit 70 determines that it will provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that constitute a cautionary combination during a specific period, it moves the process to step S147. If it determines that it will not provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that constitute a cautionary combination during a specific period, it terminates the health damage prevention process for the OTC pharmaceutical product in question.

[0182] In step S147, the control unit 70 sets a warning data for concomitant use on the display unit 10, indicating that caution should be exercised when the currently provided drug is used in combination with ingredients of previously provided drugs. Once this process is complete, the health damage prevention process for the current OTC drug is terminated. Note that even if the warning data for concomitant use is set, the drug will still be provided as described later.

[0183] Furthermore, when providing pharmaceuticals containing ingredients that require caution in combination during a specific period, a notice will be displayed stating that caution should be exercised when combining the currently provided pharmaceutical with ingredients from previously provided pharmaceuticals. This allows for alerting users and preventing health problems.

[0184] In step S148, the control unit 70 performs a supply suspension process to stop the supply of pharmaceuticals if it is providing products containing a predetermined number or more of a specific ingredient within a predetermined period, or if it is providing pharmaceuticals containing ingredients that constitute a cautionary combination within a predetermined period. In this supply suspension process, supply prohibition information is set to prohibit the supply of the product. When this process is completed, the health damage prevention process for the current OTC pharmaceutical is terminated.

[0185] Thus, if a certain number or more of products containing a specific ingredient are provided within a predetermined period, the provision of the medicine will be suspended. This helps prevent abuse by users of medicines with the same active ingredient and prevents health damage. In particular, the abuse prevention determination process determines whether a certain number or more of medicines containing the ingredient information of the provided medicine have been provided within a predetermined period. Therefore, it does not limit the determination to the same medicine, nor does it distinguish between original drugs and generic drugs. This allows for more appropriate prevention of abuse by users of medicines with the same active ingredient and provides stronger protection against health damage.

[0186] Furthermore, if the medication being offered this time is contraindicated for use with any of the ingredients of medications previously offered, the provision of the medication will be stopped, thus preventing health damage caused by such contraindications.

[0187] (Product provision processing by product provision processing device) Next, we will describe the details of the product provision process of the product provision processing device 100. Figure 10 is an example of a flowchart showing the product provision process of the product provision processing device according to Embodiment 1.

[0188] As shown in Figure 10, in step S151, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the information to be prohibited from being provided has been set. If the control unit 70 determines that information to be prohibited from being provided has been set, it moves the process to step S152; otherwise, it moves the process to step S153.

[0189] In step S152, the control unit 70 performs a drug error display process to display on the display unit 10 that the provision of the drug is prohibited. In this drug error display process, based on information resulting from the setting of prohibited provision information (secondary denial information indicating pharmacist's denial, ingredient abuse information, and contraindication information), the display unit 10 displays a message indicating that the provision of the drug is prohibited. When this process is completed, the current product provision process is terminated.

[0190] In step S153, the control unit 70 performs elevator forward drive processing to move the elevator 40 to a position facing the storage unit 30. In this elevator forward drive process, the position of storage stage D of the storage unit 30 where the pharmaceuticals to be provided are stored is calculated, and the elevator 40 is moved to the calculated position of storage stage D by the lifting drive unit 44. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S154.

[0191] In step S154, the control unit 70 performs an internal camera imaging process to photograph the pharmaceutical product to be provided, which is stored in the storage unit 30, using the internal camera 21. In this internal camera imaging process, the internal camera 21 photographs the pharmaceutical products to be provided, which are stored in the storage unit 30 facing the elevator 40, and obtains product images of the pharmaceutical products to be provided. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S155.

[0192] In step S155, the control unit 70 performs a pattern matching determination process. In this pattern matching determination process, the acquired product image is pattern-matched with the sample product image when the correct product is stored in the storage unit 30 to determine whether or not an incorrect pharmaceutical product is stored. Once this process is complete, the process moves to step S156.

[0193] In step S156, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the pattern matching determination process has determined that an incorrect drug is stored, that is, whether or not there is a matching error. If the control unit 70 determines that there is a matching error, it moves the process to step S157; if it determines that there is no matching error, it moves the process to step S159.

[0194] In step S157, the control unit 70 performs a supply error display process, which displays on the display unit 10 that the medicine to be supplied is incorrectly stored and therefore the medicine cannot be supplied. After this process is completed, the process moves to step S158.

[0195] In step S158, the control unit 70 performs a partial provision prohibition process to prohibit the provision of goods from the storage unit 30 that has a matching error. In this partial dispensing prohibition process, a storage unit dispensing stop state is set, which stops the dispensing of products from the storage unit 30 containing the incorrect medicine, based on the pattern matching judgment process. As a result, the dispensing of products from the storage unit 30 containing the incorrect medicine will continue to be stopped. Then, the elevator 40 is returned to the position facing the product retrieval opening 12 by the lifting drive unit 44. Once this process is completed, the product dispensing process for this time is finished.

[0196] In this way, even when pharmaceuticals are provided, the pattern matching judgment process checks immediately beforehand whether the wrong pharmaceutical is stored in the storage unit 30, preventing the provision of incorrect products. Furthermore, when pharmaceuticals are replenished, a double check is performed to ensure that the wrong pharmaceutical is not replenished in the storage unit 30. However, even if the wrong pharmaceutical is replenished deep inside the storage unit 30, it is possible to detect that the wrong pharmaceutical is stored in the storage unit 30 just before providing the pharmaceutical, allowing for more accurate and correct pharmaceutical provision.

[0197] Furthermore, even if the pattern matching judgment process determines that an incorrect drug is stored in the storage unit 30, the product dispensing device 100 will not stop dispensing all products. Instead, it will stop dispensing the drug from the storage unit 30 containing the incorrect drug. This allows the device to continue dispensing products from the storage unit 30 that has been correctly replenished with the drug, thereby suppressing a decrease in the operational rate of the product dispensing device 100.

[0198] This is because the internal camera 21 photographs the pharmaceuticals to be provided that are stored in the storage unit 30. If the internal camera 21 were to photograph the pharmaceuticals placed on the tray 41 and perform pattern matching between the image of the pharmaceuticals on the tray 41 and the sample product image, then in the event of a matching error, the elevator 40 would have to be stopped or the product dispensing opening 12 would have to be closed, thus halting the dispensing of all products by the product dispensing processing device 100.

[0199] In the first product supply processing device 100A, in step S159, the control unit 70 performs a payment confirmation process for the purchase price. In this purchase payment confirmation process, the purchase price of the medicine to be provided is calculated, and the payment from the user is confirmed via the money information input / output unit 60. If the payment from the user is sufficient to cover the purchase price, the process moves to step S160 to provide the medicine to the user. If the payment from the user exceeds the purchase price, the change is calculated and the calculated change is discharged into the change dispenser 18.

[0200] Furthermore, since the second product dispensing processing device 100B installed in a store such as a convenience store does not have a payment unit, the above-mentioned purchase payment confirmation process is not performed, and the process moves to step S160. As described above, for pharmaceuticals dispensed from the second product dispensing processing device 100B, accounting processing will be carried out at the store where the second product dispensing processing device 100B is installed.

[0201] In step S160, the control unit 70 performs a conveyor drive process to drive the conveyor 31. In this conveyor drive process, the belt drive unit 34 provided on the conveyor 31 of the storage unit 30, where the pharmaceuticals to be supplied are stored, is driven to transport the pharmaceuticals stored in the storage unit 30 to the elevator 40. Through this conveyor drive process, the pharmaceuticals stored in the storage unit 30 are placed on the tray 41 of the elevator 40. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S161.

[0202] In step S161, the control unit 70 performs elevator return drive processing to move the elevator 40 to a position opposite the product dispensing opening 12 using the lifting drive unit 44. Once this process is completed, the process moves to step S162.

[0203] In step S162, the control unit 70 performs a product dispensing opening process, which involves opening the opening / closing door 13 using the opening / closing drive unit 91. This product dispensing opening process allows the user to receive the pharmaceuticals provided by the product dispensing device 100 from the product dispensing opening 12. Once this process is complete, the process moves to step S163.

[0204] In step S163, the control unit 70 performs a provision display process to display on the display unit 10 that the provision of the pharmaceutical product has been completed. In this product delivery display process, if drug interaction warning data is set, upon completion of drug delivery, the display unit 10 displays a warning that the drug being delivered should not be used in combination with ingredients of previously delivered drugs. If drug interaction warning data is not set, the display unit 10 displays a message indicating that the drug delivery has been completed successfully. Once this process is finished, the product delivery process for this product is terminated.

[0205] In this embodiment, the product provision server 310 is configured to perform the abuse prevention determination process and the contraindication prevention determination process. However, the product provision processing device 100 may be configured to obtain information on previously provided pharmaceuticals associated with the user's unique information from the product provision server 310, and then perform the abuse prevention determination process and the contraindication prevention determination process.

[0206] [User terminal display screen] An example of a display screen shown on the terminal display unit 204 of the user terminal device 200 described above will now be explained. Figure 11 is an example of a display screen shown on the terminal display unit of the user terminal device according to Embodiment 1.

[0207] Figure 11(a) is an example of a product selection display screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 204 of the user terminal device 200 when the user terminal device 200 selects a pharmaceutical product as a reserved product (step S2, etc.).

[0208] As shown in Figure 11(a), the product selection screen displays at least two buttons: a first button image for the user to select a purchase route for directly selecting and purchasing pharmaceuticals, and a second button image for the user to select a purchase route for purchasing pharmaceuticals by selecting symptoms. The user determines the purchase route for pharmaceuticals by touching either the first or second button image, narrows down the pharmaceuticals based on various selection information, and then confirms the narrowed-down pharmaceuticals as reserved items.

[0209] Figure 11(b) is an example of a reservation confirmation screen displayed on the terminal display unit 204 of the user terminal device 200 when the user decides on a reservation item (step S2, etc.).

[0210] As shown in Figure 11(b), the reservation confirmation screen displays information about the medicine selected as the reservation item, a "Yes" button image to confirm the reservation, and a "No" button image to cancel the reservation. Furthermore, if the medicine selected as the reservation item is a specific type of medicine (for example, a Category 1 medicine), a transition image to a consultation with a pharmacist will be displayed to inform the user that a consultation with a pharmacist will be conducted (for example, the text "Category 1 medicines require pharmacist approval, and a Q&A with a pharmacist will be conducted"). The user confirms the reservation item by touching the "Yes" button image, and if the medicine selected as the reservation item is a specific type of medicine, a consultation with a pharmacist will be conducted.

[0211] Figure 11(c) shows an example of a medical interview display screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 204 of the user terminal device 200 when a pharmacist is conducting a medical interview with a user (step S5, etc.).

[0212] As shown in Figure 11(c), the medical interview display screen shows the content of the pharmacist's conversation and the user's conversation in text-based format, such as chat. In this embodiment, the system is configured to use text-based format such as chat, but the conversation may also be conducted using only voice or video call. The pharmacist will approve a specific drug through the pharmacist terminal device 340 based on the medical interview with the user.

[0213] Figure 11(d) shows an example of a reservation result list display screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 204 of the user terminal device 200 after a pharmacist has approved a specific drug, the product supply server 310 has received registration information for the reserved product and location information for the product supply processing device, and the reservation result list display processing (step S7) has been performed.

[0214] As shown in Figure 11(d), the reservation results list display screen shows an explanatory image indicating the registration information of the reserved product, and, based on the current location information of the user terminal device 200, a map image of the surrounding area is displayed along with an image of the location information of the product delivery processing device 100 where the reserved product can be received (for example, a star mark). The user can view the location information image and move to the location of the product delivery processing device 100 where the reserved product can be received.

[0215] In addition to the location information image of the product delivery processing device 100 where reserved products can be received, the number of reserved products stored in that product delivery processing device 100 may also be displayed. In this configuration, the product delivery server 310 only needs to send the location information of the product delivery processing device 100, as well as the inventory information of that product delivery processing device 100, to the user terminal device 200.

[0216] [Display screen for product dispensing device] An example of a display screen shown on the display unit 10 of the product dispensing processing device 100 described above will be explained.

[0217] (Screen displayed when picking up a reservation) First, with reference to Figures 12 and 13, the display screen shown on the display unit 10 when receiving a reserved product in the product delivery processing device 100 will be described. Figures 12 and 13 are examples of the display screen shown on the display unit 10 when receiving a reserved product in the product delivery processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0218] Figure 12(a) is an example of a reception display screen displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100 when it is performing a reception waiting process to accept user operations (steps S11 and S102).

[0219] As shown in Figure 12(a), the reception display screen shows a purchase operation image to accept the user's order to purchase a product, and a pickup operation image to accept the user's order to pick up a reserved product. The user purchases a product by touching the purchase operation image, and picks up a reserved product by touching the pickup operation image.

[0220] Figure 12(b) is an example of the authentication code display screen that is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product delivery processing device 100 when a user performs an operation to receive a reserved product (steps S12 and S103).

[0221] As shown in Figure 12(b), the authentication code display screen displays authentication code information such as a QR code. The user reads the authentication code information displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100 using the user terminal device 200 and accesses the product provision server 310.

[0222] Figure 12(c) is an example of the approval status display screen shown on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100 when the user terminal device 200 accesses the product provision server 310 based on authentication code information and the pharmacist is performing the approval process for the reserved product (step S55).

[0223] As shown in Figure 12(c), the approval status screen indicates that the pharmacist is approving the reserved product and that the status is pending.

[0224] Figure 12(d) is an example of the product confirmation display screen displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100 when the pharmacist has finished the approval process for the reserved product and has received second approval information indicating the pharmacist's approval as second approval result information from the product provision server 310 (steps S18 and S117).

[0225] As shown in Figure 12(d), the product confirmation screen displays information about the pharmaceutical product to be offered, a "Yes" button image to confirm the offered pharmaceutical product, and a "No" button image to cancel the offered pharmaceutical product. The user confirms the offered pharmaceutical product by touching the "Yes" button image, and the product provision processing device 100 performs the product provision processing (steps S19 and S118) to provide the pharmaceutical product.

[0226] Figure 13(a) is an example of a normal provision completion display screen that is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing device 100 by the provision display processing (step S163) when a drug is provided and no data for cautionary use with other drugs has been set.

[0227] As shown in Figure 13(a), the screen indicating successful delivery completion displays a delivery completion image (for example, the text "Please pick up your product from the product dispenser") that notifies the user that the medicine has been delivered.

[0228] Figure 13(b) shows an example of a warning message screen displayed on the display unit 10 of the product dispensing device 100 when the drug is provided, after the dispensing display processing (step S163) has been performed, with the data for warnings regarding concomitant use set up.

[0229] As shown in Figure 13(b), on the notification screen, in addition to the notification image, a notification image is displayed that caution should be exercised regarding the combined use of the currently provided drug with the ingredients of previously provided drugs (for example, the text "Please be careful when combining ingredient A of drug ABC provided this time with ingredient B of drug Z").

[0230] Figure 13(c) is an example of a supply error display screen that is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product supply processing device 100 by the supply error display process (step S157) when a pharmaceutical product is not supplied due to a matching error during the supply process.

[0231] As shown in Figure 13(c), the supply error display screen shows a supply prohibition image (for example, the text "This medicine cannot be provided") indicating that the medicine cannot be provided, along with an error notification image (for example, the text "No matching medicine was found") indicating a matching error. In addition, the supply error display screen also shows a first response image corresponding to the matching error (for example, the text "We ask that you change the vending machine you are purchasing from").

[0232] Figure 13(d) is an example of an abuse prevention display screen that is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product dispensing processing device 100 by the drug error display processing (step S152) when a drug is not provided due to abuse prevention measures when dispensing a drug.

[0233] As shown in Figure 13(d), the abuse prevention display screen displays an abuse prevention notification image (for example, the text "To prevent abuse of specific ingredients") along with the image of the product being prohibited from being provided. In addition, the abuse prevention display screen also displays a second response image that addresses abuse prevention (for example, the text "Please consult with a pharmacist at a pharmacy before purchasing").

[0234] Figure 13(e) is an example of a contraindication display screen that is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product dispensing processing device 100 by the drug error display processing (step S152) when a drug is not provided due to a contraindication for concomitant use.

[0235] As shown in Figure 13(e), the contraindication display screen displays a contraindication notification image along with the image of the drug being prohibited (for example, the text "Component A of drug ABC and component C of drug X are contraindicated for concomitant use"). In addition, the contraindication display screen also displays a second corresponding image corresponding to the contraindication (for example, the text "Please consult with a pharmacist at a pharmacy before purchasing").

[0236] (Screen displayed during replenishment) Next, with reference to Figure 14, the display screen shown on the display unit 10 when replenishment work is performed in the product dispensing processing device 100 will be described. Figure 14 is an example of the display screen shown on the display unit 10 when replenishment work is performed in the product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0237] Figure 14(a) is an example of a judgment result display screen that is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product supply processing device 100 when the replenisher's drug replenishment work is completed and the replenishment pattern matching display process is performed (step S126).

[0238] As shown in Figure 14(a), the judgment result display screen shows the judgment image of the judgment result from the pattern matching judgment process during replenishment (for example, the text "Pattern Matching: Normal"), and the overall photographed replenishment product image and the overall sample replenishment product image are displayed in comparison. The replenisher can understand the judgment result from the pattern matching judgment process during replenishment by looking at the judgment result display screen.

[0239] Furthermore, the judgment result display screen shows confirmation operation instructions (for example, "Compare the sample image with the photographed image and check (touch) each section of the photographed image") prompting the replenisher to confirm that the photographed product image in each storage section D corresponds to the sample product image in the storage section D. The replenisher will then confirm that each section D of the photographed product image corresponds to the storage section D of the sample product image, and touch the storage section D of the photographed product image once confirmation is complete.

[0240] Fig. 14(b) is an example of the in-check display screen displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing apparatus 100 when the storage row D1, which is the uppermost row of the photographed supplementary product image, is confirmed by the supplier (step S130).

[0241] As shown in Fig. 14(b), on the in-check display screen, when the storage row D1 of the photographed supplementary product image is touched by the supplier, it is determined that a confirmation operation for confirming that the storage row D1 of the photographed supplementary product image corresponds to the storage row D1 of the sample supplementary product image has been received, the background color of the storage row D1 of the photographed supplementary product image is changed, and a check mark is displayed on the right side of the storage row D1 of the photographed supplementary product image.

[0242] Fig. 14(c) is an example of the checked display screen displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing apparatus 100 when all storage rows D of the photographed supplementary product image are confirmed by the supplier (step S130).

[0243] As shown in Fig. 14(c), on the checked display screen, the background color of all storage rows D of the photographed supplementary product image is changed, and a check mark is displayed on the right side of all storage rows D of the photographed supplementary product image. In addition, on the checked display screen, a check completion notification image (for example, the text "Supplementary check completed") that notifies that the check of all storage rows D of the photographed supplementary product image has been completed is displayed.

[0244] Fig. 14(d) is an example of the replenishment work completion display screen displayed on the display unit 10 of the product provision processing apparatus 100 when the check of all storage rows D of the photographed supplementary product image is completed and the pharmaceutical replenishment work of the supplier is completed (step S133).

[0245] As shown in Fig. 14(d), on the replenishment work completion display screen, a replenishment work completion notification image (for example, the text "Thank you for your replenishment work") that notifies the supplier that the pharmaceutical replenishment work has been completed is displayed.

[0246] As described above, in this embodiment, when a user selects a specific product (a specific medicine) as a reserved product from the user terminal device 200, the user terminal device 200 conducts a consultation with the person in charge (pharmacist) regarding the specific product, and once the person in charge approves the specific product, the location information of the product provision processing device 100 that can provide the reserved product is displayed on the user terminal device 200. Therefore, the user terminal device 200 allows for interviews with the person in charge, making it easier to protect the user's privacy. At the same time, the user can find out where to go to pick up their reserved product using the product delivery processing device 100, improving the convenience of product delivery.

[0247] Furthermore, as a product provision processing device 100 capable of providing reserved products, a product provision processing device is extracted that has a sufficient inventory of products corresponding to the reserved product and whose storage unit 30, which stores the products corresponding to the reserved product, is in a storage unit provision permission state. This reduces the chances that a customer may be unable to receive their reserved product because it is sold out or unavailable at the product provision processing device 100.

[0248] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user selects a reserved product from the user terminal device 200, the product provision processing device 100 that will receive the reserved product is not selected. When the user receives the reserved product from the product provision processing device 100, the user terminal device 200 reads the authentication code information displayed on the product provision processing device 100 and transmits the registration information of the reserved product to the product provision server 310. The product provision server 310 transfers the registration information of the reserved product to the product provision processing device 100, and the product provision processing device 100 authorizes the provision of the reserved product based on the registration information of the reserved product. Therefore, when a user selects a reserved product from the user terminal device 200, they can receive the reserved product from any product provision processing device 100 that is capable of providing the reserved product, thus improving the convenience of product provision. Furthermore, since reserved products are not determined in advance, the product provision processing device 100 can reduce the burden of processes that would otherwise be required to secure reserved products (such as stockout control by subtracting reserved products, cancellation of reserved products due to the reservation deadline, and inventory management processes), and can also suppress the loss of opportunities to provide products to third parties due to stockouts caused by securing reserved products, thereby maintaining the operation of product provision.

[0249] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a user selects a specific product (a specific pharmaceutical product) as a reserved product from the user terminal device 200, the first approval process by the person in charge (the first pharmacist approval process in step S53) is performed, and when the user receives the reserved product from the product provision processing device 100, the second approval process by the person in charge (the second pharmacist approval process in step S55) is also performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user receiving a reserved product from the product delivery processing device 100 from impersonating the user who selected the reserved product from the user terminal device 200 and receiving the reserved product.

[0250] Furthermore, the system is configured such that the person in charge receives a portion of the incentive when they complete the first approval process (first incentive payment process in step S36), and the remaining amount of the incentive is paid when the reserved product is provided by the product provision processing device 100 after the person in charge completes the second approval process (second incentive payment process in step S47). Therefore, even if a user decides to reserve an item but then cancels the reservation and the item is not actually provided by the product delivery processing device 100, a portion of the incentive is paid when the first approval process is performed. As a result, the cancellation of a reserved item does not render the approval work of the person in charge completely useless, encouraging the person in charge to actively perform approval work and improving the operating rate of the product delivery system 1.

[0251] Furthermore, the first approval process by the person in charge is carried out by the person who first sent the medical questionnaire application information to the pharmacist server 320 (a first-come, first-served basis). Therefore, the waiting time for the person in charge to participate in the user's consultation can be reduced, and the operating rate of product delivery system 1 can be further improved.

[0252] Furthermore, the unit price of the incentive paid to the person in charge is set based on the number of times the person in charge accesses server 300. The unit price of the incentive is set higher during times when the number of accesses by the person in charge is low, such as late at night or on holidays, and lower during times when the number of accesses by the person in charge is high, such as during the day or on weekdays (step S36). This allows for automatic control of incentive rates during off-peak hours, ensuring stable approval processes by supervisors during late-night and holiday hours, and further improving the operational efficiency of product provision system 1.

[0253] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the replenishment of pharmaceuticals is performed by the replenisher, pattern matching is performed between the photographed image of the replenished product and the sample image of the replenished product (step S123) to determine whether the correct pharmaceuticals have been replenished in the storage unit 30. If the wrong product has been replenished, the provision of pharmaceuticals from the storage unit 30 is prohibited (steps S127, S128). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the incorrect medication from being restocked due to the restocker's assumptions or misunderstandings, and to prevent the provision of the wrong medication. This will prevent health damage caused by taking the wrong medication.

[0254] Furthermore, when pattern matching is performed between the photographed replenishment product image and the sample replenishment product image, the result of the pattern matching between the photographed replenishment product image and the sample replenishment product image is displayed on the display unit 10 of the product supply processing device 100, along with a comparison of the photographed replenishment product image and the sample replenishment product image (step S126, display screen in Figure 14). In addition, a confirmation operation is performed to allow the replenisher to confirm that each storage stage D of the photographed replenishment product image corresponds to each storage stage D of the sample replenishment product image (steps S129 to S131, display screen in Figure 14). Therefore, the first stage of the software checks whether the correct medicine has been replenished in the storage unit 30 by pattern matching, and the second stage of the manual check (double check) is performed by the person replenishing the medicine checking each storage stage D one by one. This prevents the wrong medicine from being replenished in the storage unit 30 and prevents the wrong medicine from being provided. As a result, health damage caused by taking the wrong medicine can be prevented.

[0255] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the product dispensing processing device 100 dispenses a pharmaceutical product, it performs pattern matching between the dispensed product image and the sample product image (step S155) to determine whether the correct pharmaceutical product is stored in the storage unit 30. If the wrong pharmaceutical product is stored, it prohibits the dispensing of the pharmaceutical product from the storage unit 30 (steps S156, S158). Therefore, when providing pharmaceuticals, it is possible to check immediately beforehand whether the wrong pharmaceutical is stored in the storage unit 30, thereby preventing the provision of the wrong pharmaceutical. This prevents health damage caused by taking the wrong pharmaceutical. In addition, when pharmaceutical replenishment is performed, a double check is also performed to ensure that the wrong pharmaceutical is not replenished in the storage unit 30. However, even if the wrong pharmaceutical is replenished deep inside the storage unit 30, it is possible to discover that the wrong pharmaceutical is stored in the storage unit 30 immediately before providing the pharmaceutical, allowing for more accurate and correct pharmaceutical provision.

[0256] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when a replenisher performs the replenishment of pharmaceuticals, or when the product dispensing processing device 100 determines through pattern matching that an incorrect pharmaceutical is stored in the storage unit 30, the product dispensing processing device 100 does not stop dispensing all products, but rather stops dispensing the pharmaceutical from the storage unit 30 where the incorrect pharmaceutical is stored. Therefore, it is possible to continue providing products from the storage unit 30 where pharmaceuticals are correctly stored, and to suppress a decline in the operational rate of product provision.

[0257] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the product dispensing processing device 100 provides pharmaceuticals, it determines whether or not to provide products containing a predetermined number or more of a specific ingredient within a predetermined period (step S144). If it determines that it will provide products containing a predetermined number or more of a specific ingredient within a predetermined period, it stops providing pharmaceuticals (step S148). Therefore, if a certain number of pharmaceuticals containing the same active ingredient are to be provided within a specified period, the provision of the pharmaceuticals will be stopped. This helps prevent abuse by users of pharmaceuticals containing the same active ingredient and prevents health damage. In particular, it is possible to more effectively prevent abuse by users of pharmaceuticals containing the same active ingredient and prevent health damage without being limited to the same pharmaceutical or distinguishing between original drugs and generic drugs.

[0258] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the product dispensing processing device 100 provides a pharmaceutical product, it determines whether or not to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that are contraindicated during a specific period (step S145). If it determines that it will provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that are contraindicated during a specific period, it stops providing the pharmaceutical product (step S148). Therefore, if the drug being provided this time has a contraindication with any ingredient in a drug previously provided, the provision of the drug will be stopped, thus preventing health damage caused by contraindications.

[0259] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the product dispensing processing device 100 provides a pharmaceutical product, it determines whether or not to provide a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that would be a cautionary combination during a specific period (step S146). If it determines that a pharmaceutical product containing ingredients that would be a cautionary combination during a specific period should be provided, it issues a warning to be careful about the combined use of the pharmaceutical product being provided with ingredients from pharmaceutical products provided in the past (steps S147, S152). Therefore, because a warning will be issued regarding the potential for concomitant use of the newly provided medication with any previously provided medications, it will be possible to prevent health problems from occurring as a result of this new medication.

[0260] To put it another way, in this embodiment, when a user decides on a specific medicine as a reserved product, a "first check" is performed to ensure that the medicine selected by the user is appropriate through approval by a pharmacist. When the medicine is replenished by a replenisher, a "second check" is performed to ensure that it is the correct medicine through pattern matching between the photographed image of the replenished product and the sample image of the replenished product, as well as a "third check" performed by the replenisher's confirmation operation. When the medicine is provided, a "fourth check" is performed to ensure that it is the correct medicine through pattern matching between the image of the provided product and the sample image. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent health damage caused by taking the wrong medicine for the user's medical condition.

[0261] Furthermore, when providing pharmaceuticals, a "fifth check" is performed to prevent abuse by users of pharmaceuticals containing the same active ingredient, a "sixth check" is performed to determine whether the pharmaceutical is contraindicated for concomitant use with ingredients of previously provided pharmaceuticals, and a "seventh check" is performed to determine whether caution is required for concomitant use with ingredients of previously provided pharmaceuticals. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent health damage caused by taking pharmaceuticals.

[0262] Note that, in Embodiment 1, when a user receives a pre-order product (pharmaceutical) from the product provision processing device 100, the configuration is such that the product provision processing device 100 displays authentication code information, and the user terminal device 200 reads the authentication code information, whereby the pharmaceutical is provided from the product provision processing device 100. However, when a user receives a pre-order product (pharmaceutical) from the product provision processing device 100, the configuration may also be such that the user terminal device 200 displays code information, and the product provision processing device 100 reads the code information, whereby the pharmaceutical is provided from the product provision processing device 100.

[0263] [Embodiment 2] The product provision system 1 and product provision processing device 100 according to Embodiment 2 are configured such that when a user receives a pre-order product (pharmaceutical) from the product provision processing device 100, the user terminal device 200 displays approval code information, and the product provision processing device 100 reads the approval code information, whereby the pharmaceutical is provided from the product provision processing device 100. The product provision system 1 and product provision processing device 100 according to Embodiment 2 are described below.

[0264] The external configuration of the product dispensing processing device 100 and the internal configuration of the product dispensing system 1 according to Embodiment 2 are the same as the external configuration of the product dispensing processing device 100 (see Figures 1 to 3) and the internal configuration of the product dispensing system 1 (see Figure 5) according to Embodiment 1. The product dispensing system 1 and product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 2 differ in some processing content compared to the product dispensing system 1 and product dispensing processing device 100 according to Embodiment 1. When describing the processing of Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals and numbers are used for processing that is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and detailed explanations of such processing are omitted.

[0265] [Sequence diagram of the product supply system in Embodiment 2] Figure 15 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing transitions when a reservation is received in the product provision system according to Embodiment 2, and Figure 16 is an example of a sequence diagram showing the processing transitions when a reservation is received in the product provision system according to Embodiment 2.

[0266] (Sequence for reservation acceptance in Embodiment 2) As shown in Figure 15, once the product provision server 310 has completed the reserved product registration process (see step S38), it performs the approval code information transmission process (step S201). In this authorization code information transmission process, authorization code information and other data are sent to the user terminal device 200. This "authentication code information" includes reservation connection information (URL) for connecting to the product provision server 310, user-specific information, and registration information for reserved products (reserved medicine, reservation quantity, reservation completion date, and specific information of the pharmacist who conducted the consultation).

[0267] When the user terminal device 200 receives approval code information, etc., from the product provision server 310, it performs the approval code acquisition process (step S202). In this authorization code acquisition process, the received authorization code information is stored in the terminal storage unit 202.

[0268] (Sequence for receiving reservations in Embodiment 2) As shown in Figure 16, the product provision processing device 100 is performing a waiting process to receive operations from users, etc. (step S203). In this waiting process for receiving orders, the type of operation from the user is determined, and if the user performs an operation to receive the reserved product, the process moves to the approval code information reading process (step S205).

[0269] The user terminal device 200 reads the approval code information stored in the terminal storage unit 202 and performs an approval code information display process to display the approval code information on the terminal display unit 204 (step S204).

[0270] When the user requests to receive a reserved product, the product delivery processing device 100 performs an approval code information reading process (step S205). In the authorization code information reading process, the authorization code information displayed on the terminal display unit 204 of the user terminal device 200 is read, the read authorization code information is analyzed, and the analyzed authorization code analysis information (reservation connection information, user-specific information, registration information of reserved products, etc.) is obtained.

[0271] When the user image capture process in step S16 is performed, the product provision processing device 100 performs the provision request process (step S206). In this provision request process, the registration information of the reserved product, provision request information, user image, user-specific information, etc., are sent to the product provision server 310.

[0272] Thus, with the product provision system 1 and product provision processing device 100 according to Embodiment 2, the user can determine the reserved product (pharmaceutical) using the user terminal device 200 and receive the reserved product (pharmaceutical) from the product provision processing device 100. Furthermore, Embodiment 2 can achieve the same functions and effects as Embodiment 1.

[0273] [Other variations]

[0274] In Embodiments 1 and 2, the product dispensing processing device 100 is configured to dispense pharmaceuticals as products, but it may also dispense products such as alcohol and tobacco. When dispensing products such as alcohol and tobacco, the pharmacist who would be responsible for sales if the product were a pharmaceutical will take over as the sales manager.

[0275] Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the product dispensing processing device 100 is not equipped with a refrigerator, but it may be equipped with a refrigerator and configured to adjust the temperature inside the product dispensing processing device 100 to an appropriate level.

[0276] In Embodiments 1 and 2, payment for the purchase price of the goods is made via the money information input / output unit 60 provided in the first product provision processing device 100A when it is the first product provision processing device 100A, and when it is the second product provision processing device 100B, the accounting processing is performed at the store where the second product provision processing device 100B is installed. However, the system may be configured so that online payment is made in advance at the user terminal device 200 before the user receives the reserved product from the product delivery processing device 100.

[0277] In Embodiments 1 and 2, when the product dispensing processing device 100 dispenses a pharmaceutical product, it takes a photograph of the pharmaceutical product to be dispensed, performs pattern matching between the photographed dispensed product image and a sample product image, and is configured to prohibit the dispensing of the pharmaceutical product from the storage unit 30 if the wrong pharmaceutical product is stored there (steps S155, S156, S158, etc.). However, the product dispensing processing device 100 may be configured to take a picture of the next product to be dispensed after dispensing the pharmaceutical product, perform pattern matching between the photographed product image and the sample product image, and if the wrong pharmaceutical product is stored, prohibit the dispensing of the pharmaceutical product from the storage unit 30. In other words, pattern matching should be performed when the device is operational and able to dispense products, except when a replenishment worker is performing replenishment work to replenish the storage unit 30.

[0278] In Embodiments 1 and 2, when a user selects a reserved product from the user terminal device 200, the pharmacist's first approval (pharmacist's first approval process in step S53) is performed, and when the user receives the reserved product from the product provision processing device 100, the pharmacist's second approval (pharmacist's second approval process in step S55) is also performed. However, when a user receives the reserved product from the product provision processing device 100, the pharmacist's second approval is not required.

[0279] In Embodiments 1 and 2, if the pharmaceutical product selected as a reserved item is a regular pharmaceutical product (for example, a Class 2 or Class 3 pharmaceutical product), the system is configured to provide the regular pharmaceutical product without requiring the approval of a pharmacist. However, even if the medication designated as a reserved item is a regular medication, the system may be configured so that a pharmacist performs a simple check and the regular medication is provided only upon the pharmacist's approval.

[0280] In Embodiments 1 and 2, the second product dispensing processing device 100B has a storage unit 30 for storing products and is configured to be installed inside a store such as a convenience store. However, the second product provision processing device 100B may be configured to store products within the retail store without having a storage unit 30 for storing products, and to perform various processes with the user terminal device 200 and server 300 (such as confirmation of reserved products and pharmacist authentication) without performing product provision processing. In other words, the second product provision processing device 100B may be replaced with a POS terminal (self-checkout or semi-self-checkout) installed in front of the cash register of a retail store such as a convenience store.

[0281] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments, including variations, can be adapted to apply the technologies of each other.

[0282] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to embodiments of the present invention without departing from the claims.

[0283] The terms used herein and in the claims should be interpreted as non-limiting. For example, the term “includes” should be interpreted as “not limited to what is described as included.” The term “equipped” should be interpreted as “not limited to what is described as equipped.” The term “possess” should be interpreted as “not limited to what is described as possessing.” [Explanation of symbols]

[0284] 1. Product Delivery System 30 Storage section 100 Product Dispensing Processing Devices 100A First Product Dispensing Processing Device 100B Second Product Dispensing Processing Device 200 User terminal devices 300 servers 310 Product Provider Server 320 Pharmacist Server 330 Database Storage Unit 340 Pharmacist terminal device R1~R4 Storage Lanes D1~D10 Storage Stages

Claims

1. User identification means for identifying a user, A component information extraction means for extracting component information about a drug selected by the user, A provision determination means that determines whether to authorize the provision of a drug based on the history information of previously provided drugs associated with the user identified by the user identification means and the ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, A health damage prevention determination means that determines whether or not a drug containing a cautionary ingredient, associated with predetermined ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, was provided during a specific period, based on the history information of pharmaceuticals previously provided to a user identified by the user identification means, Image display means for displaying an image, Equipped with, The aforementioned image display means is If the aforementioned health damage prevention determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing a noteworthy ingredient has been provided for a specific period, a cautionary note will be displayed. The provision determination means is If the health damage prevention determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the first ingredient of concern was provided during a specific period, it is determined that permission not be granted to provide the pharmaceutical product. If the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the second ingredient requiring attention was provided during a specific period, then the provision of the pharmaceutical product is permitted. A product delivery system characterized by the following features.

2. User identification means for identifying a user, A component information extraction means for extracting component information about a drug selected by the user, A provision determination means that determines whether to authorize the provision of a drug based on the history information of previously provided drugs associated with the user identified by the user identification means and the ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, A health damage prevention determination means determines whether a drug containing a cautionary ingredient, which is associated with predetermined ingredient information, was provided during a specific period, based on determination information obtained by referencing the history information of drugs previously provided to the user by an external server, and based on determination information obtained by referencing the history information of drugs previously provided to the user by an external server, the health damage prevention determination means determines whether a drug containing a cautionary ingredient, which is associated with predetermined ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, was provided during a specific period. Image display means for displaying an image, Equipped with, The aforementioned image display means is If the aforementioned health damage prevention determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing a noteworthy ingredient has been provided for a specific period, a cautionary note will be displayed. The provision determination means is If the health damage prevention determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the first ingredient of concern was provided during a specific period, it is determined that permission not be granted to provide the pharmaceutical product. If the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the second ingredient requiring attention was provided during a specific period, then the provision of the pharmaceutical product is permitted. A product provision determination device characterized by the following features.

3. User identification means for identifying a user, A component information extraction means for extracting component information about a drug selected by the user, A provision determination means that determines whether to authorize the provision of a drug based on the history information of previously provided drugs associated with the user identified by the user identification means and the ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, A health damage prevention determination means that determines whether or not a drug containing a cautionary ingredient, associated with predetermined ingredient information extracted by the ingredient information extraction means, was provided during a specific period, based on the history information of pharmaceuticals previously provided to a user identified by the user identification means, Image display means for displaying an image, Equipped with, The aforementioned image display means is If the aforementioned health damage prevention determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing a noteworthy ingredient has been provided for a specific period, a cautionary note will be displayed. The provision determination means is If the health damage prevention determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the first ingredient of concern was provided during a specific period, it is determined that permission not be granted to provide the pharmaceutical product. If the health damage suppression determination means determines that a pharmaceutical product containing the second ingredient requiring attention was provided during a specific period, then the provision of the pharmaceutical product is permitted. A product provision determination device characterized by the following features.

Images