Recommendation method, recommendation device, program, and recommendation system

Abstract

Provided are a recommendation method, a recommendation device, a program, and a recommendation system which make it possible to propose a proper response to a symptom of an individual. The present invention is a recommendation method performed by a recommendation device comprising a processor, said recommendation method comprising: a symptom reception step for receiving, with the processor, input of a symptom of a user; an output step for searching a database in which information including a treatment method for each symptom is classified and outputting related information for alleviating the symptom; and a physical condition reception step for requesting input of a physical condition of the user after an estimated time has elapsed since the related information has been output, according to estimated time information, which indicates a time until an effect takes place and which has been obtained by searching the database per treatment method for efficacy information including the estimated time information.

Description

Recommendation method, recommendation device, program, and recommendation system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recommendation method, a recommendation device, a program, and a recommendation system.

[0002] In recent years, with the rise in health awareness and the need to reduce medical costs and improve patients' quality of life (QOL), people are no longer just relying on traditional medical care, where people only go to the hospital once they realize they have an illness, but are instead being encouraged to take responsibility for their own health from the pre-illness stage onwards and treat minor physical ailments themselves through self-medication. This is the idea of ​​managing your health with an awareness of your health by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and rest, and being mindful of your physical condition on a daily basis, which leads to maintaining health, preventing, improving, and preventing the worsening of lifestyle-related diseases, and ultimately extending healthy lifespans, while also saving on medical costs and having social benefits such as reducing the excessive burden on medical institutions and medical professionals.

[0003] In recent social circumstances, it is recommended to use supplements and over-the-counter medicines to treat even mild physical ailments. Furthermore, it is important for patients to visit a medical institution early while symptoms are still mild.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine for supplying supplements that blends ingredients by asking about the patient's health condition and by building a database of ingredient blends based on the results of each interview in advance, in order to help patients maintain their health through daily self-help efforts.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-276148

[0006] By the way, with self-medication, individuals lead health-conscious lives, but when they feel unwell due to subjective symptoms, they take supplements or over-the-counter medicines, and if the symptoms improve after taking these medicines, they try to improve their condition by taking care of themselves.

[0007] However, when symptoms do not improve with supplements or over-the-counter medications, it is preferable for individuals to visit a medical institution, but in such cases, they do not know what to do.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a recommendation method, a recommendation device, a program, and a recommendation system that can suggest appropriate responses to individual symptoms.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the recommendation method of the present disclosure is a recommendation method executed by a recommendation device equipped with a processor, and includes: a symptom reception step in which the processor receives input of a user's symptoms; an output step in which the processor searches a database in which information including countermeasures for each symptom is classified and outputs related information for alleviating the symptoms; and a health condition reception step in which the processor requests input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has elapsed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until an effect appears for each countermeasure.

[0010] In addition, the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, further includes a first generation step in which, if the remedy is included as one of the remedy methods, the processor generates a first QR code indicating the remedy as part of the related information, and a second generation step in which, if a health condition reception result for the user's health condition is obtained, the processor generates a second QR code indicating the remedy and its effect.

[0011] In addition, the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, further includes a recommendation step in which the processor recommends a next potential treatment related to the user's physical condition and the symptoms according to the physical condition reception result of the user's physical condition.

[0012] Furthermore, the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, further includes a behavioral history acquisition step in which the processor acquires a behavioral history of the user after outputting the related information.

[0013] In addition, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the estimated time information includes a plurality of estimated times, and the health condition reception step switches the content of the request for input of the user's health condition for each of the plurality of estimated times.

[0014] In addition, the recommendation method according to the present disclosure executes the above disclosure by including, in the processor, a symptom reception step of receiving input of the user's symptoms, an output step of outputting related information for alleviating the symptoms, a health condition reception step of receiving input of the user's health condition after outputting the related information, and a recommendation step of recommending medical institutions related to the health condition and the symptoms.

[0015] Furthermore, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the recommendation device is capable of accessing a knowledge database composed of at least a plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information relating to each of a plurality of over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased externally, efficacy information and ingredient information for each of the plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information, and medical department information and medical procedure information for each of a plurality of medical institutions, the output step searches the knowledge database for the over-the-counter drug information related to the symptoms and outputs it, and the recommendation step searches the knowledge database to recommend the medical institution.

[0016] In the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the output step searches for over-the-counter drug information related to the symptom from among the plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information and outputs the searched information.

[0017] In addition, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the processor further executes a behavior history acquisition step of acquiring a behavior history of the user after outputting the over-the-counter drug information.

[0018] In addition, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the behavioral history is a purchase history or medication history of over-the-counter drugs according to the over-the-counter drug information, and the health condition reception step displays information on a display unit prompting the user to input their health condition after a predetermined time has elapsed after purchasing the over-the-counter drug, and receives the input of their health condition.

[0019] In addition, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the recommendation step classifies the physical condition into a plurality of categories, and searches the knowledge database for medical institutions related to the classification results, the symptoms, the over-the-counter drug information, and the behavioral history, and recommends them.

[0020] In addition, the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, further executes a transmission control step in which, after the processor makes the recommendation, it accepts input of a degree of satisfaction with the over-the-counter drug information and transmits the degree of satisfaction to the knowledge database, and the knowledge database updates the over-the-counter drug information recommended according to symptoms based on the degree of satisfaction with the effectiveness of the over-the-counter drug information.

[0021] Further, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the recommendation step searches the knowledge database to recommend the medical institution that has testing equipment and facilities related to the symptom.

[0022] In addition, the recommendation method according to the present disclosure further includes a step in which the processor creates a first medical interview code including at least the symptoms and the related information, and the output step outputs the related information and the first medical interview code to a display unit. This medical interview code may be information indicating the remedial drug selected as a result of the interview or the drug itself in that category, and may be displayed as a QR code. This QR code can be presented at a pharmacy and used to purchase the drug from the pharmacy's inventory. In the recommendation method according to the present application, when a remedial drug is included as a remedial drug, a first QR code indicating the remedial drug is generated as part of the remedial-related information.

[0023] In addition, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the behavioral history acquisition step further acquires vital information of the user at predetermined intervals, the creation step creates a second medical questionnaire code including at least the symptoms, the physical condition, the behavioral history, and the vital information, and the recommendation step displays the second medical questionnaire code on a display unit.

[0024] In addition, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, the recommendation step searches the knowledge database and makes an appointment for a consultation at the medical institution.

[0025] In addition, in the recommendation method according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the output step requests and outputs the over-the-counter drug information related to the symptoms from a generation AI that lists at least multiple over-the-counter drug information related to each of multiple over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased externally, efficacy information and ingredient information for each of the multiple over-the-counter drug information, and the over-the-counter drug information or medical institution that is best suited to the symptoms from among the medical department information and medical procedure information for each of multiple medical institutions, and the recommendation step requests and recommends the medical institution related to the physical condition and the symptoms from the generation AI.

[0026] In addition, the recommendation device according to the present disclosure includes a symptom receiving unit that receives input of a user's symptoms, an output control unit that searches a database in which information including countermeasures for each symptom is classified and outputs related information for alleviating the symptoms, and a health condition receiving unit that requests input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has elapsed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until an effect appears for each countermeasure.

[0027] In addition, the program according to the present disclosure causes a recommendation device having a processor to execute a symptom reception step of receiving input of a user's symptoms, an output step of searching a database in which information including coping methods is classified for each symptom and outputting related information for alleviating the symptoms, and a health condition reception step of requesting input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has elapsed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until an effect appears for each coping method.

[0028] Furthermore, the recommendation system according to the present disclosure is a recommendation system comprising a recommendation device and a medical system capable of communicating with the recommendation device via a network, wherein the medical system comprises a database in which related information for alleviating symptoms, including countermeasures for each symptom, is classified, and the recommendation device comprises a symptom reception unit that receives input of a user's symptoms, an output control unit that searches the database for and outputs the related information, and a health condition reception unit that requests input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has elapsed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until an effect appears for each of the countermeasures.

[0029] The present invention has the effect of being able to propose appropriate measures for individual symptoms.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recommendation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of temporal information recorded by a temporal information recording unit of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a medical system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of knowledge data registered in a knowledge DB of a medical system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a pharmacy system according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an overview of processing executed by a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a display unit of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an overview of screen transitions displayed by a mobile terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an overview of screen transitions displayed by a mobile terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an overview of screen transitions displayed by a mobile terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an overview of screen transitions displayed by a mobile terminal after a predetermined time has elapsed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of an image displayed on a doctor terminal owned by a doctor. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an overview of processing executed by a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. 12 and 13 are flowcharts illustrating an outline of a process executed by a medical system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the figures referred to in the following description merely show a rough outline of the shape, size, and positional relationship to the extent that the contents of the present disclosure can be understood. In other words, the present disclosure is not limited to only the shape, size, and positional relationship exemplified in each figure. Furthermore, in the following description, a mobile phone will be used as an example of a recommendation device, but tablet terminal devices, personal computers, and the like can also be applied in addition to mobile phones.

[0032] [Overview of Recommendation System] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a recommendation system according to one embodiment. The recommendation system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes a mobile terminal 10 that functions as a recommendation device, a medical system 20, a pharmacy system 30, and a payment server 40. The mobile terminal 10, the medical system 20, the pharmacy system 30, and the payment server 40 are connected to each other via a network N100 so that they can communicate bidirectionally. This network N100 is composed of, for example, an internet network or a mobile phone network. A user U1 uses the mobile terminal 10 to access the medical system 20, the pharmacy system 30, and the payment server 40.

[0033] [Functional Configuration of Mobile Terminal] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 10. The mobile terminal 10 shown in Fig. 2 accepts input of a user's symptoms, outputs related information for alleviating the symptoms, and after outputting the related information, accepts input of the user's physical condition and recommends medical institutions related to the physical condition and the user's symptoms. The mobile terminal 10 shown in Fig. 2 includes a communication unit 11, a sensor group 12, an input unit 13, a display unit 14, a recording unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0034] Under the control of the control unit 16, the communication unit 11 transmits various information to the medical system 20, the pharmacy system 30, and the payment server 40 via the network N100, and receives various information from the medical system 20, the pharmacy system 30, and the payment server 40. The communication unit 11 also receives vital signs and health information related to the user's health status from an external sensor, such as a smart tray or a weighing scale, that is connected to the mobile terminal 10 via Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® communication, and outputs the information to the control unit 16. Here, vital signs include blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood oxygen level, heart rate, pulse rate, body temperature, etc. Health information includes uric acid level, weight, blood glucose level, etc. Under the control of the control unit 16, the communication unit 11 also receives environmental information about the mobile terminal 10 from an external weather server (not shown) and outputs the information to the control unit 16. Here, the environmental information includes weather information (sunny, cloudy, etc.), temperature, humidity, warnings (for example, dry weather warnings and migraine warnings), alerts, etc. The communication unit 11 is configured using a communication module.

[0035] The sensor group 12 acquires various information related to the user of the mobile terminal 10, such as vital sign information, step count information, and sleep information, and outputs the information to the control unit 16. The sensor group 12 is configured using, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, an acceleration sensor, a blood glucose level sensor such as a pulse oximeter, a humidity sensor, a direction sensor, and a gyro sensor.

[0036] The input unit 13 receives various inputs in response to external operations and outputs them to the control unit 16. The input unit 13 is configured using buttons, switches, a touch panel, and the like.

[0037] The display unit 14 displays various information related to the mobile terminal 10 under the control of the control unit 16. The display unit 14 is configured using a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent display (OLED), or the like.

[0038] Recording unit 15 records various information related to mobile terminal 10. Recording unit 15 has a program recording unit 151 that records various programs executed by mobile terminal 10, a time information recording unit 152 that records time information related to the user of mobile terminal 10, a payment information recording unit 153 that manages the payment server 40 for electronic payments such as two-dimensional codes, the type of electronic payment, the balance, etc., and a mobile terminal identification information recording unit 154 that records identification information for identifying mobile terminal 10. Recording unit 15 is configured using volatile memory, non-volatile memory, a memory card, an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0039] 3 is a diagram showing an example of temporal information recorded by the temporal information recording unit 152. As shown in FIG. 3, the temporal information K1 records temporal information about the user of the mobile terminal 10. Specifically, the temporal information K1 includes the user's lifestyle habits, preferences, whether or not they drink alcohol, whether or not they smoke, their behavioral history, their body temperature, whether or not they take medication, their purchase history, sensor detection results, environmental information, and search history. For example, the temporal information K1 stores November 1st, the number of steps of 10,021, a body temperature of 36°, and the weather as rain, all of which are associated with each other.

[0040] Returning to Figure 2, we will continue to explain the configuration of the mobile terminal 10. The control unit 16 is implemented using a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory that is a temporary storage area used by the processor. The control unit 16 also includes an acquisition unit 161, a symptom reception unit 162, an output control unit 163, a behavioral history acquisition unit 164, a physical condition reception unit 165, a recommendation unit 166, a transmission control unit 167, a creation unit 168, and a settlement unit 169.

[0041] The acquisition unit 161 acquires the detection results detected by the sensor group 12. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 161 acquires payment information when the user pays for the product via the payment server 40, and records the payment information in the payment information recording unit 153.

[0042] The symptom receiving unit 162 receives input of the user's symptoms by the user inputting the symptoms via the input unit 13 .

[0043] The output control unit 163 searches a knowledge database 242 of the medical system 20, which will be described later, based on the user's symptoms input by the symptom receiving unit 162, to search for related information for recovering from or getting better than the user's symptoms, and outputs the searched information to the display unit 14. Furthermore, the output control unit 163 searches a database in which information including coping methods is categorized by symptom for related information for recovering from the user's symptoms input by the symptom receiving unit 162, and outputs the searched information.

[0044] The behavioral history acquisition unit 164 acquires a behavioral history indicating whether the user purchased any of the multiple over-the-counter drugs displayed as related information by the output control unit 163, based on the mobile terminal identification information linked to the mobile terminal 10 from the medical system 20 or the pharmacy system 30 via the network N100. Furthermore, the behavioral history acquisition unit 164 acquires the user's behavioral history after the output control unit 163 outputs the related information, based on the mobile terminal identification information linked to the mobile terminal 10 from the medical system 20 or the pharmacy system 30 via the network N100.

[0045] The physical condition receiving unit 165 determines whether a predetermined time, for example, three days, has passed since the display unit 14 displayed a plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information as related information. The physical condition receiving unit 165 also requests the user to input their physical condition after the estimated time has passed since the output control unit 163 output the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching a knowledge database 242 of the medical system 20 described below for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until the effect of each method of treatment appears.

[0046] The recommendation unit 166 displays the results of medical institutions corresponding to the symptoms, physical condition, and related information obtained by searching the knowledge database 242 on the display unit 14. In addition, the recommendation unit 166 recommends the next candidate measures related to the user's physical condition and the user's symptoms, in accordance with the physical condition reception result of the user's physical condition received by the physical condition reception unit 165.

[0047] The transmission control unit 167 notifies the medical system 20 via the network N100 that a reservation for the medical institution selected by the user via the input unit 13 has begun.

[0048] The creation unit 168 creates a medical interview code for a medical institution, including the user's symptoms and other information. The medical interview code includes the user's name, contact information (the phone number of the mobile device 10), the user's date of birth, the user's gender, and other information such as the user's hourly body temperature for a predetermined number of days that a doctor can use as a reference during an examination, as well as the user's subjective symptoms, whether the user has purchased and taken a rhinitis medication, and whether the symptoms have not improved with the rhinitis medication. Here, the medical interview code is configured using a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, such as a QR Code (registered trademark). When a remedy selected by the user includes a remedy, the creation unit 168 creates (generates) a second QR code that is different from the first QR code (medical interview code) indicating the remedy and the effect of taking the remedy (obtained based on information obtained when further medical interview information and a health condition reception result are acquired). As a result, if a pharmacy or medical institution has a system that can present and read this second QR code, the pharmacy can recommend another remedy. As a result, doctors can obtain more information than what patients can verbally or in writing, and can make diagnoses and provide treatment that take into account the effectiveness of medication.

[0049] The payment unit 169 connects to the payment server 40 through the network N100 to make a payment for the over-the-counter medicine desired by the user using a two-dimensional code, a three-dimensional code, or electronic money.

[0050] [Configuration of Medical System] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the medical system 20. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the medical system 20. The medical system 20 shown in Fig. 4 includes a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, a recording unit 24, and a server control unit 25.

[0051] Under the control of the server control unit 25, the communication unit 21 receives various information from the mobile terminal 10, medical terminals used by external doctors, pharmacist terminals used by external pharmacists, dispensing pharmacy terminals used in dispensing pharmacies, pharmacy terminals used in pharmacies and drug stores, etc., via the network N100, and transmits various information to the mobile terminal 10. The communication unit 21 is configured using a communication module, etc.

[0052] The recording unit 24 records various information executed by the medical system 20. The recording unit 24 has a program recording unit 241 that records various programs executed by the medical system 20, and a knowledge database 242 (hereinafter simply referred to as "knowledge DB 242").

[0053] The knowledge DB 242 stores various types of knowledge corresponding to the patient's symptoms and condition in a systematized and organized manner. Specifically, the knowledge DB 242 stores symptoms, which are registered or accumulated elements, in association with related information indicating the relevance of these symptoms. Here, the related information includes information regarding causes corresponding to the patient's symptoms and condition, related medical institutions, treatment methods, testing equipment, testing facilities, medical devices, ingredient information, effect information, specialists, medical departments, side effects, dosage and administration, doctors at related medical institutions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, traditional remedies, and the patient's medical history.

[0054] 5 is a diagram showing an example of knowledge data registered in the knowledge DB 242. As shown in FIG. 5, in the knowledge DB 242, for the symptom: nasal congestion, multiple pieces of related information indicating a relationship with the nasal congestion are stored in association with each other. For example, in the related information Q1, for candidate disease 1 "cold," "resistance" and "infection" are stored as causes, "internal medicine" is stored as related medical institutions, "cold medicine A," "cold medicine B," and "cold medicine C" are stored as treatments, and ingredient information and effect information are stored in association with each other. Similarly, for candidate disease 2 "hay fever," "pollen" is stored as a cause, "allergy" is stored as related medical institutions, and "rhinitis medicine A," "rhinitis medicine B," and "rhinitis medicine C" are stored as treatments, and ingredient information and effect information are stored in association with each other.

[0055] Here, each of rhinitis medications A to C contains ingredients such as antihistamines that work to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, and the fact that the same ingredients are also included in cold medicines is stored (registered) in related information Q1 to Qn (n = 2 or more). Each of cold medicines A to C always contains antipyretic and analgesic ingredients that work to relieve fever, chills (chills), headache, muscle pain, joint pain, etc., and also contains ingredients that work on nasal symptoms and allergic symptoms, as well as other ingredients that work on coughs and phlegm. In other words, each of rhinitis medications A to C is formulated with ingredients specialized for nasal symptoms, while cold medicines are formulated with ingredients that address a variety of symptoms, including nasal symptoms and systemic cold symptoms.

[0056] Furthermore, patients and those taking medicines typically experience cold symptoms for about one week to ten days, and related information Q1 stores the duration until a cold is cured, depending on the severity of the individual symptoms, such as the causative virus or pollen. Specifically, related information Q1 stores the average duration of cold symptoms, which is seven to ten days. Furthermore, depending on the symptoms, in the case of a cough, related information Q1 stores (registers) as knowledge data that the symptoms last for about two to three weeks after the onset of the cold. Cold symptoms peak on the second or third day (48 to 72 hours) after onset and, in most cases, subside within one week to ten days. However, if symptoms do not improve after one week, there may be another underlying illness. Therefore, related information Q1 registers as knowledge data information related to relevant medical institutions (hospital names and addresses, specialties, and whether or not they have specialists) to indicate the need to consult a doctor. The related information Q is merely an example, and for each symptom, information related to related medical institutions, treatment methods, ingredient information, effect information, specialists, medical departments, side effects, dosage and use, doctors at related medical institutions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, traditional remedies, and patient medical history information is registered in association with the symptom. Here, the medical history information includes the patient's medical history and current underlying diseases, such as diabetes, anemia, and high blood pressure.

[0057] Furthermore, as efficacy information, information on the improvement effect of the treatment for the symptom or disease, as well as success information including the symptom and the estimated time until the effect appears for each proposed treatment are recorded as one of the items. This information can be searched in the knowledge DB 242, and estimated time information can be obtained, such as whether a specific treatment was effective or whether side effects will occur. After outputting related information for improving the user's physical condition based on this information, next guidance can be provided based on the user's physical condition after the estimated time has elapsed when the treatment was performed. Furthermore, if side effects occur, this can serve as a clue to immediately discontinue the treatment. In addition to manually entering physical condition information, when determining effectiveness by referring to data from a mobile device or other device, information on which device and what information is required to determine whether the treatment was effective or not can be recorded in the "Effective Information" field of the knowledge DB 242.

[0058] 4, the configuration of the medical system 20 will be described. The server control unit 25 includes an acquisition unit 251, a search unit 252, a determination unit 253, and a communication control unit 254.

[0059] The acquisition unit 251 acquires various information for updating the knowledge DB 242 via the communication unit 21 and the network N100, and updates the state in which various knowledge corresponding to the patient's symptoms and condition in the knowledge DB 242 is systematized and organized.

[0060] The search unit 252 searches the knowledge DB 242 for relevant information related to the user's symptoms, based on the user's symptoms received from the mobile terminal 10 .

[0061] The determination unit 253 determines whether or not there has been an input communication of the user's symptoms from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21.

[0062] The communication control unit 254 transmits to the mobile terminal 10 the search result of the related information related to the user's symptoms searched from the knowledge DB 242 by the search unit 252 .

[0063] [Configuration of Pharmacy System] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of pharmacy system 30. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of pharmacy system 30. Pharmacy system 30 shown in Fig. 6 includes a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, an output unit 33, a reading unit 34, a recording unit 35, and a pharmacy control unit 36.

[0064] Under the control of the pharmacy control unit 36, the communication unit 31 transmits various information to the mobile terminal 10, the medical system 20, and the payment server 40 via the network N100, and receives various information from the mobile terminal 10, the medical system 20, and the payment server 40.

[0065] Input unit 32 receives various inputs in response to external operations and outputs them to pharmacy control unit 36. Input unit 32 is configured using buttons, switches, a touch panel, and the like.

[0066] Output unit 33 displays information such as a two-dimensional code, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), read by reading unit 34 (described later) under the control of pharmacy control unit 36. Output unit 33 is configured using a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0067] The reading unit 34 is configured using a reader or the like that can read two-dimensional codes, and outputs information read from the two-dimensional code to the pharmacy control unit 36 ​​.

[0068] Recording unit 35 records various information related to pharmacy system 30. Recording unit 35 has a program recording unit 351 that records various programs executed by pharmacy system 30, and a purchase recording unit 352 that records purchase information that associates the purchase and inventory of each product with purchaser information (gender, age, etc.).

[0069] The pharmacy control unit 36 ​​is implemented using a processor having hardware such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a central processing unit (CPU), and a memory that serves as a temporary storage area used by the processor. The pharmacy control unit 36 ​​also includes an acquisition unit 361, a settlement unit 362, and a communication control unit 363.

[0070] The acquisition unit 361 acquires a QR code (first QR code) of the medical interview code displayed on the display unit 14 of the mobile terminal 10 read by the reading unit 34, and determines whether or not the purchase is for an over-the-counter drug based on the QR code of the acquired medical interview code. This QR code may be a summary of the medical interview result, or may be information indicating the remedy searched for or selected by the user as a result of the medical interview result.

[0071] The payment unit 362 determines whether the user's mobile terminal 10 has paid for the over-the-counter drug by electronic payment, and provides the over-the-counter drug if it determines that the user's mobile terminal 10 has paid for the over-the-counter drug by electronic payment. Such information can be behavioral information.

[0072] The communication control unit 363 transmits to the medical system 20 the patient information (i.e., the user of the mobile terminal 10) contained in the QR code of the medical interview code acquired by the acquisition unit 361, the provided medication (over-the-counter medication), and the date and time. In this case, if a remedial medication is included as a remedial measure selected by the user, a second QR code is generated that indicates the remedial medication and the effect of taking the remedial medication (obtained according to information obtained when further medical interview information and health status reception results are acquired), unlike the first QR code indicating the remedial medication. This allows the pharmacy or medical institution to recommend yet another remedial medication if it has a system capable of presenting and reading this second QR code. As a result, doctors can obtain information beyond what patients provide verbally or in writing, enabling them to diagnose and treat patients based on the effects of the remedial medication.

[0073] [Overview of Mobile Terminal Processing] Next, an overview of the processing executed by the mobile terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an overview of the processing executed by the mobile terminal 10. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit 14 of the mobile terminal 10. In FIG. 7, from the top, (a) shows the timing of body temperature (thermometer) detection by the sensor group 12, (b) shows the timing of input information, (c) shows the timing of search to the knowledge DB 242, (d) shows the timing of purchase at a pharmacy, and (e) shows the timing of payment by the mobile terminal 10. Note that FIG. 7 describes a case where the user of the mobile terminal 10 experiences discomfort in the nose on November 2nd.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 7 , the mobile terminal 10 measures body temperature using the sensor group 12 at predetermined intervals, for example, every 24 hours. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7 (b), if the user experiences nasal discomfort due to a stuffy nose, runny nose, or a runny nose that won't stop on November 2nd, the user inputs their symptoms via the input unit 13 on November 3rd, for example. In this case, the symptom receiving unit 162 receives the input of the user's symptoms via the input unit 13. As shown in Fig. 8 , the symptom receiving unit 162 receives "my nose won't stop running" input into input cell R1 via the input unit 13 as the user's symptoms.

[0075] Based on the user's symptoms input by the symptom receiving unit 162, the output control unit 163 then searches the knowledge DB 242 of the medical system 20 via the network N100 for related information for recovering from or improving the user's symptoms, and outputs the searched information to the display unit 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the output control unit 163 searches the knowledge DB 242 for a plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information related to each of a plurality of over-the-counter drugs related to the user's symptoms as related information, and outputs the searched information to the display unit 14. In this case, as shown in image P1 in FIG. 8 , the output control unit 163 causes the display unit 14 to display rhinitis medication A and rhinitis medication B, which have been searched and extracted from the knowledge DB 242 as related information optimal for recovering from the symptoms input by the user. Furthermore, the output control unit 163 causes the display unit 14 to display the cause according to the symptoms. As a result, the user goes to a pharmacy to purchase rhinitis medicine A or rhinitis medicine B displayed in the related information on the mobile terminal 10 and makes the purchase using electronic money or the like on the mobile terminal 10.

[0076] Based on the related information displayed on the display unit 14, the user purchases the over-the-counter drug displayed on the display unit 14 at a pharmacy or the like (see FIG. 7(d)). In this case, the payment unit 169 connects to the payment server 40 via the network N100, and performs payment for the over-the-counter drug desired by the user using a two-dimensional code, a three-dimensional code, or electronic money. The transmission control unit 167 transmits the payment information paid by the payment unit 169 to the payment server 40, the pharmacy system 30, and the medical system 20, respectively (see FIG. 7(e)).

[0077] [Screen Transitions on Mobile Terminal] Next, details of the screen transitions displayed on the mobile terminal 10 will be described. Figures 9A to 9D are diagrams showing an overview of the screen transitions displayed on the mobile terminal 10 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an overview of the images displayed on the doctor terminal owned by the doctor.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 9A , the creation unit 168 creates a medical interview code D1 to be presented at a drugstore or pharmacy for the recommended over-the-counter drug H1 (rhinitis medication B) corresponding to the symptoms, taking into account the user U1's date of birth and gender information, and displays the code on the display unit 14. Here, if a remedy is included as a remedy, the creation unit 168 creates a two-dimensional code, a three-dimensional code, or the like (first QR code) indicating the remedy as part of the related information and displays it on the display unit 14. Note that the creation unit 168 may create information, such as associating the product name of the rhinitis medication B with the user U1's symptoms, instead of a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, and display this on the display unit 14. In this case, the payment unit 169 connects to the payment server 40 via the network N100 to make payment for the over-the-counter drug desired by the user using the two-dimensional code, the three-dimensional code, or electronic money.

[0079] 9B , if user U1 purchases an over-the-counter drug at a pharmacy and takes it, after a predetermined time, e.g., three days, the physical condition reception unit 165 displays an image P11 on the display unit 14, asking the user whether their symptoms have improved. Specifically, the physical condition reception unit 165 displays an image P11 on the display unit 14, including a message prompting the user to input whether their symptoms have improved and an input cell H2. In this case, if the symptoms have not yet improved before three days (e.g., two days) based on the efficacy of the remedy (which works after three days) (this can be determined because the knowledge DB 242 contains estimated time information), the recommendation unit 166 recommends inputting "Has the condition worsened?" rather than "Has the condition improved?" By the fourth day, the condition should have improved, so the recommendation unit 166 makes it easier to input "Has the condition not improved?" (e.g., by one touch). In this case, the recommendation unit 166 emphasizes a recommendation to discontinue taking the medication. The type of recommendation is assumed to be organized and recorded as “effect information” in the knowledge DB 242. Of course, the physical condition receiving unit 165 may switch the content of the request for input of the physical condition of the user U1 for each of a plurality of estimated times searched in the knowledge DB 242.

[0080] Therefore, in the recommendation method of the present application, the estimated time information includes multiple estimated times (2 days, 3 days, and 4 days in the above example), and the content requesting input of physical condition or the recommendation content changes for each of the multiple estimated times.

[0081] Next, as shown in FIG. 9C , when user U1 inputs "symptoms not improved" into input cell H2, the recommendation unit 166 accesses the knowledge DB 242 via the network N100, searches for related information related to physical condition, symptoms, and over-the-counter medications, and displays the information on the display unit 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9C , the recommendation unit 166 displays an image P12 recommending multiple clinics that can treat the symptoms on the display unit 14. In this case, the recommendation unit 166 may make a recommendation prompting user U1 to input their current symptoms every predetermined period, for example, every third or fourth day. At this time, the recommendation unit 166 may search the knowledge DB 242 via the network N100 for the content of a question to be posed to user U1 and display the result on the display unit 14. As a result, the recommendation unit 166 recommends the next potential treatment related to user U1's physical condition and symptoms according to the result of the health condition reception.

[0082] Thereafter, when user U1 selects a desired clinic from the multiple clinics displayed on the display unit 14 ( FIG. 9C ), as shown in FIG. 9D , the transmission control unit 167 starts a reservation at the medical institution selected by the user via the input unit 13. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9D , the creation unit 168 creates a medical interview code D2 (second QR code) including the user's symptoms and the like for the medical institution, and displays an image P13 including this medical interview code D2 and a cell R10 indicating that the reservation has been started on the display unit 14. The medical interview code D2 includes information such as user U1's name, contact information (the phone number of the mobile terminal 10), date of birth, and gender information of user U1, as well as hourly body temperature data for a predetermined number of days that a doctor may use as a reference when examining the patient. The medical interview code D2 also includes information such as user U1's subjective symptoms, the fact that the user had a runny nose on November 3rd, that the user purchased and took rhinitis medication B, and that the symptoms have not improved with rhinitis medication B. That is, when the creation unit 168 acquires the result of the user's physical condition reception, it generates an interview code (second QR code) indicating at least the remedy included in the interview code D1 (first QR code) and its effect. Of course, the interview code D2 may also include the user U1's hospital visit history, underlying diseases, and vital information other than weight and body temperature, such as blood pressure, blood sugar level, and heart rate.

[0083] 10, the doctor uses the doctor terminal 100 to read the medical interview code D2 displayed on the mobile terminal 10 of the user U1 with a camera or the like provided on the doctor terminal 100. As a result, as shown in image P20 displayed on the doctor terminal 100, the doctor or the like can grasp the patient information H10 and symptoms H20 of the patient, user U1, and can provide smooth treatment.

[0084] [Processing Executed by the Mobile Terminal] Next, a description will be given of processing executed by the mobile terminal 10. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the mobile terminal 10.

[0085] 11 , when the user has made an input to the input unit 13 (step S101: Yes), the control unit 16 displays a Top screen on the display unit 14 (step S102). After step S102, the mobile terminal 10 proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, when the control unit 16 determines that the user has not made an input to the input unit 13 (step S101: No), the mobile terminal 10 continues this determination.

[0086] In step S103, if the symptom receiving unit 162 receives the user's symptom input via the input unit 13 (step S103: Yes), the output control unit 163 communicates with the knowledge DB 242 via the network N100 (step S104). Here, the user's symptom input may be automatically input based on the results of sensors (smartwatches, smart glasses, or other dedicated medical / health (peripheral) devices) built into or connected to the user's mobile device 10 or user operation. Alternatively, once the symptom input is received, the processing of step S103 may be repeated until the results become invalid or unnecessary. After step S104, the mobile device 10 proceeds to step S105, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the symptom receiving unit 162 does not receive the user's symptom input via the input unit 13 (step S103: No), the processing proceeds to step S111, which will be described later.

[0087] In step S105, the output control unit 163 searches the knowledge DB 242 of the medical system 20 based on the user's symptoms input by the symptom receiving unit 162, and determines whether there are any disease candidates or recommended medical actions as related information for recovering from or improving the user's symptoms. For example, the output control unit 163 searches the knowledge DB 242 of the medical system 20 and determines whether any disease candidates have been extracted as related information for recovering from or improving the user's symptoms. In addition, the recommended medical actions include an action of presenting information on multiple over-the-counter drugs for purchasing and taking over-the-counter drugs related to the symptoms, an action of visiting a medical institution related to the symptoms, an action of practicing folk remedies related to the symptoms, an action of taking supplements related to the symptoms, etc. The output control unit 163 searches the knowledge DB 242 of the medical system 20 based on the user's symptoms input by the symptom receiving unit 162, and when it determines that there is a disease candidate or a recommended medical action as related information for recovering from or improving the user's symptoms (step S105: Yes), the output control unit 163 displays the search result from the knowledge DB 242 on the display unit 14 (step S106). Specifically, the output control unit 163 searches the knowledge DB 242 for a plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information on a plurality of over-the-counter drugs related to the user's symptoms as related information, and outputs the information to the display unit 14.

[0088] Next, the output control unit 163 displays information such as purchasing over-the-counter medicines and making appointments at medical institutions when the user performs a selection operation on the input unit 13 based on the related information displayed by the display unit 14 (step S107). Specifically, when the user performs an operation to purchase an over-the-counter medicine via the input unit 13, the output control unit 163 causes the display unit 14 to display the medical interview code (first QR code) created by the creation unit 168 (see, for example, FIG. 9A ). Specifically, the creation unit 168 creates a medical interview code (first QR code) containing information including the user's date of birth, the user's gender information, the subjective symptoms input by the user, and the selected over-the-counter medicine "rhinitis medicine B," and the medical interview code contains related information for alleviating the user's symptoms according to a search result of a knowledge DB 242 in which information including coping methods for each symptom is classified. In addition, when a user creates a medical institution appointment via the input unit 13, the output control unit 163 causes the display unit 14 to display a medical questionnaire code created by the creation unit 168, which includes information such as the name of user U1, contact information (phone number of the mobile terminal 10), date of birth of user U1, gender information of user U1, and other information such as hourly body temperature for a specified number of days that a doctor may use as a reference when examining the patient, as well as user U1's subjective symptoms, for example, a runny nose on November 3rd and rhinitis medication B as a search result from knowledge DB 242.

[0089] Thereafter, the behavioral history acquisition unit 164 acquires the user's behavioral history (step S108). Specifically, the behavioral history acquisition unit 164 acquires behavioral history indicating whether the user has purchased any of the multiple over-the-counter drugs displayed as related information by the output control unit 163 from the medical system 20 or the pharmacy system 30 via the network N100, based on mobile device identification information linked to the mobile device 10. Of course, the behavioral history acquisition unit 164 may also acquire behavioral history indicating whether the user has purchased any of the multiple over-the-counter drugs displayed as related information by the output control unit 163 from payment information recorded by the payment information recording unit 153. Furthermore, the behavioral history acquisition unit 164 may acquire, as behavioral history, from the sensor group 12, whether the user has taken any of the multiple over-the-counter drugs displayed as related information by the output control unit 163. In this case, the behavioral history acquisition unit 164 acquires behavioral history indicating whether the user has taken any of the multiple over-the-counter drugs when the user's body temperature detected by the sensor group 12 changes over time or when the user's heart rate increases. Here, the behavioral history acquisition unit 164 determines whether the user complied with the presented solution based on the user's behavioral history (step S108). This allows the system to determine whether the user followed the instructions, allowing the next piece of advice to be given correctly. The behavioral history may also be used to determine changes in the user's physical condition after the solution is provided.

[0090] Subsequently, if the user ends the operation of the mobile terminal 10 (step S109: Yes), the mobile terminal 10 returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the user does not end the operation of the mobile terminal 10 (step S109: No), the mobile terminal 10 returns to step S103.

[0091] In step S105, if the symptom receiving unit 162 is unable to search for disease candidates or recommended medical procedures in the knowledge DB 242 based on the symptoms received (step S105: No), the output control unit 163 causes the display unit 14 to display a result indicating that there is no information related to the symptoms input by the user in the knowledge DB 242 (step S110). After step S110, the mobile terminal 10 proceeds to step S109.

[0092] In step S111, the physical condition reception unit 165 determines whether a predetermined time, e.g., three days, has elapsed since the related information was displayed on the display unit 14. If the physical condition reception unit 165 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the related information was displayed on the display unit 14 (step S111: Yes), the mobile device 10 proceeds to step S112. This predetermined time is determined based on the symptoms and the effectiveness information, including information on the estimated time until the effectiveness of each presented treatment is achieved. This information is recorded as one of the "effectiveness information" items in the knowledge DB 242 (see FIG. 5), and the estimated time information can be obtained by searching this information. After outputting related information for improving the user's physical condition based on this information, the mobile device 10 can provide further guidance based on the user's physical condition after the estimated time has elapsed when the treatment is performed. On the other hand, if the physical condition reception unit 165 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the related information was displayed on the display unit 14 (step S111: No), the mobile device 10 proceeds to step S119, which will be described later.

[0093] In step S112, the physical condition receiving unit 165 determines whether it is time to check the effects of the action taken by the user in response to the related information. If the physical condition receiving unit 165 determines that it is time to check the effects of the action taken by the user in response to the related information (step S112: Yes), the mobile device 10 proceeds to step S113, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the physical condition receiving unit 165 determines that it is not time to check the effects of the action taken by the user in response to the related information (step S112: No), the mobile device 10 proceeds to step S109.

[0094] In step S113, the physical condition reception unit 165 displays a confirmation display on the display unit 14, prompting the user to confirm the details of the effect of the action taken in response to the related information. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B described above, the physical condition reception unit 165 displays a confirmation display on the display unit 14, prompting the user to confirm the details of the effect of the action taken in response to the related information. In this manner, the physical condition reception unit 165 receives input of the user's symptoms, searches the knowledge DB 242, which classifies related information including countermeasures for each symptom, and outputs related information for alleviating the symptoms. For each countermeasure, the physical condition reception unit 165 searches for success information including information on the estimated time until the effect appears, and performs a physical condition reception requesting the user to input their physical condition after the estimated time has elapsed since the output of the related information. This allows the user to determine whether the presented countermeasure was effective and to provide various advice to the user. In addition to manually inputting the user's physical condition, the physical condition reception unit 165 may also determine the effect by referring to data from the mobile terminal 10 or other devices. In such a case, information on which information of which device is judged to have been effective or not may be recorded in the "effectiveness information" field of the knowledge DB 242.

[0095] Next, if the physical condition receiving unit 165 determines that the input unit 13 has received input indicating that the action taken by the user in response to the related information is effective (step S114: Yes), the recommendation unit 166 communicates with the knowledge DB 242 via the network N100 (step S115).

[0096] Next, the recommendation unit 166 displays the searched result from the knowledge DB 242 on the display unit 14 (step S116). Specifically, even if the user's symptoms have improved, the recommendation unit 166 searches the knowledge DB 242 for information on symptoms requiring caution and displays the information obtained on the display unit 14. For example, even if the symptoms have improved, if the user has a cough related to the symptoms, the recommendation unit 166 displays on the display unit 14 a message to the user that the user should visit a medical institution. Furthermore, the recommendation unit 166 may classify symptoms into multiple categories and recommend medical institutions related to the classification results, physical condition, over-the-counter drug information, and behavioral history from the knowledge DB 242. Specifically, the recommendation unit 166 may classify symptoms into categories such as nasal congestion or fever, and may search the knowledge DB 242 for medical institutions related to the classification results, physical condition, over-the-counter drug information, and behavioral history, and recommend them. At this time, the transmission control unit 167 accepts an input of the user's satisfaction level with the over-the-counter drug information in the related information, and transmits this satisfaction level to the knowledge DB 242. After step S116, the mobile terminal 10 proceeds to step S109.

[0097] In step S114, if the physical condition receiving unit 165 determines that the input unit 13 has received input indicating that the action taken by the user in response to the related information is ineffective (step S114: No), the recommendation unit 166 communicates with the knowledge DB 242 via the network N100 (step S117).

[0098] Next, the recommendation unit 166 searches the knowledge DB 242 for medical institutions related to the symptoms, physical condition, and behavioral history, and displays the acquired results on the display unit 14 (step S118). Specifically, if the user's symptoms have not improved, the recommendation unit 166 searches the knowledge DB 242 for information on the most appropriate medical institution (or other medical treatment) for the symptoms, since the medical history and medication history (which may include other treatments such as massage, exercise, diet, water intake, and living environment) and their effects have already been systematically acquired (either from the mobile terminal 10 or the family doctor's hospital system), and displays the acquired results on the display unit 14. Therefore, the recommendation method of the present application allows the recommendation unit 166 to recommend the next treatment candidate related to the physical condition and the original symptoms according to the physical condition reception result (such as changes in physical condition after the treatment). For example, as shown in FIG. 9C , the recommendation unit 166 recommends multiple clinics that can treat the symptoms and physical condition. In this case, the recommendation unit 166 may search the knowledge DB 242, further taking into account the location information of the mobile device 10, and recommend multiple medical institutions in order of proximity to the location of the mobile device 10. This allows the user to intuitively understand the clinic that is best suited to their symptoms, allowing them to receive treatment at an appropriate clinic before their symptoms worsen. Thereafter, the transmission control unit 167 initiates a reservation at the medical institution selected by the user via the input unit 13, as shown in FIG. 9D above. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9D above, the creation unit 168 creates a medical inquiry code D2 (second QR code) for the medical institution, which includes the user's symptoms, etc., and indicates a remedy and its effect, and displays the code D2 on the display unit 14. After step S118, the mobile device 10 proceeds to step S109.

[0099] In step S119, the mobile terminal 10 executes processing in another mode, for example, a mode corresponding to an application stored in the mobile terminal 10. After step S118, the mobile terminal 10 proceeds to step S108.

[0100] [Processing of Medical System] Next, a description will be given of processing executed by the medical system 20. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the medical system 20.

[0101] 12 , the determination unit 253 determines whether or not there has been an input communication of the user's symptoms from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21 (step S201). If the determination unit 253 determines that there has been an input communication of the user's symptoms from the mobile terminal 10 (step S201: Yes), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S202, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination unit 253 determines that there has not been an input communication of the user's symptoms from the mobile terminal 10 (step S201: No), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S206, which will be described later.

[0102] In step S202, the search unit 252 searches the knowledge DB 242 for relevant information related to the user's symptoms, based on the user's symptoms received from the mobile terminal 10.

[0103] Next, the search unit 252 determines whether or not it is possible to search the knowledge DB 242 for symptom-related information, including disease candidates or recommended medical procedures, based on the symptom (step S203). If the search unit 252 determines that it is possible to search the knowledge DB 242 (step S203: Yes), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S204, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the search unit 252 determines that it is not possible to search the knowledge DB 242 (step S203: No), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S205, which will be described later.

[0104] In step S204, the communication control unit 254 transmits the search result of the related information related to the user's symptoms searched from the knowledge DB 242 by the search unit 252 to the mobile terminal 10. After step S204, the medical system 20 returns to step S201 described above.

[0105] In step S205, the communication control unit 254 transmits to the mobile terminal 10 the information indicating that there is no related information related to the user's symptoms searched for in the knowledge DB 242 by the search unit 252. After step S205, the medical system 20 returns to step S201 described above.

[0106] In step S206, the determination unit 253 determines whether or not medication information communication has been included in the user's behavior information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21. If the determination unit 253 determines that medication information communication has been included in the user's behavior information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21 (step S206: Yes), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S207, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination unit 253 determines that medication information communication has not been included in the user's behavior information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21 (step S206: No), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S208, which will be described later.

[0107] In step S207, the communication control unit 254 transmits an effect confirmation to the mobile terminal 10 at a specific timing in order to confirm the effect of the related information searched in the knowledge DB 242 and transmitted to the mobile terminal 10. After step S207, the medical system 20 returns to the above-mentioned step S201.

[0108] In step S208, the determination unit 253 determines whether a result response for the related information has been received from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21. If the determination unit 253 determines that a result response for the related information has been received from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21 (step S208: Yes), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S209, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the determination unit 253 determines that a result response for the related information has not been received from the mobile terminal 10 via the network N100 and the communication unit 21 (step S208: No), the medical system 20 proceeds to step S212, which will be described later.

[0109] In step S209, the search unit 252 searches the knowledge DB 242 for medical institutions as related information related to the user's symptoms and physical condition, based on the user's physical condition in response to the over-the-counter medication taken in accordance with the user's symptoms received from the mobile terminal 10.

[0110] Next, the communication control unit 254 transmits the search results of medical institutions as relevant information related to the user's symptoms and physical condition searched for by the search unit 252 from the knowledge DB 242 to the mobile terminal 10 (step S210).

[0111] Thereafter, the communication control unit 254 transmits various information about medical institutions for displaying medical institution appointments and the like in response to a selection operation from the mobile terminal 10 (step S211). After step S211, the medical system 20 returns to step S201.

[0112] In step S212, the medical system 20 executes a process according to the other mode. For example, the medical system 20 executes an update process to update the information in the knowledge DB 242 according to the satisfaction level according to the related information transmitted from the mobile terminal 10. After step S212, the medical system 20 returns to step S201.

[0113] [Processing Executed by the Pharmacy System] Next, a description will be given of processing executed by the pharmacy system 30. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the pharmacy system 30.

[0114] 13 , the acquisition unit 361 acquires the QR code of the medical interview code displayed on the display unit 14 of the mobile terminal 10 read by the reading unit 34, and determines whether or not the QR code of the acquired medical interview code indicates the purchase of an over-the-counter drug (step S301). If the acquisition unit 361 determines that the QR code of the medical interview code indicates the purchase of an over-the-counter drug (step S301: Yes), the pharmacy system 30 proceeds to step S302, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 361 determines that the QR code of the medical interview code does not indicate the purchase of an over-the-counter drug (step S301: No), the pharmacy system 30 proceeds to step S306, which will be described later.

[0115] In step S302, the pharmacy control unit 36 ​​checks the stock of the over-the-counter drug corresponding to the QR code of the medical interview code based on the stock information recorded in the recording unit 35.

[0116] Next, the payment unit 362 determines whether the user's mobile terminal 10 has paid for the over-the-counter drug by electronic payment (step S303). If the payment unit 362 determines that the user's mobile terminal 10 has paid for the over-the-counter drug by electronic payment (step S303: Yes), the payment unit 362 provides the over-the-counter drug (step S304). In this case, the payment unit 362 communicates with the payment server 40 via network N100 and accepts payment of the amount corresponding to the over-the-counter drug. On the other hand, if the payment unit 362 determines that the user's mobile terminal 10 has paid for the over-the-counter drug by electronic payment (step S303: No), the pharmacy system 30 proceeds to step S306, which will be described later.

[0117] In step S305, the communication control unit 363 transmits the patient information of the user of the mobile terminal 10, the provided medicine (over-the-counter medicine), and the date and time contained in the QR code of the medical interview code acquired by the acquisition unit 361, to the medical system 20. Furthermore, the communication control unit 363 records the patient information of the user of the mobile terminal 10, the provided medicine (over-the-counter medicine), and the date and time in association with each other in the purchase recording unit 352 of the recording unit 35. After step S305, the pharmacy system 30 returns to step S301.

[0118] In step S306, the pharmacy control unit 36 ​​executes the other mode. After step S306, the pharmacy system 30 returns to step S301.

[0119] According to the embodiment described above, the mobile terminal 10 accepts input of the user's symptoms, outputs related information for alleviating the symptoms, and after outputting the related information, accepts input of the user's physical condition and recommends medical institutions related to the physical condition and symptoms, thereby making it possible to propose appropriate responses to each individual's symptoms.

[0120] In addition, in one embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 searches for and outputs over-the-counter drug information related to symptoms from the knowledge DB 242, accepts input of the user's physical condition by searching from the knowledge DB 242, and recommends medical institutions related to the physical condition and symptoms, thereby being able to suggest a medical institution that is best suited to the user's current physical condition.

[0121] In addition, in one embodiment, after the user purchases an over-the-counter drug, the mobile terminal 10 displays information on the display unit 14 prompting the user to input information about their physical condition after a predetermined time has elapsed, and accepts the user's input of their physical condition, thereby making it possible to suggest the most appropriate medical institution taking into account the user's behavior.

[0122] In addition, in one embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 displays related information and the medical interview code D1 (first medical interview code) on the display unit 14, so that even if the user does not have knowledge of over-the-counter drugs, the user can easily purchase the over-the-counter drug that corresponds to the user's symptoms by simply presenting it at the pharmacy.

[0123] In addition, in one embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 creates a medical interview code D2 (second medical interview code) that includes at least the user's symptoms, the user's physical condition, the user's behavioral history such as the purchase or administration of over-the-counter medications, and the user's vital signs, and displays this medical interview code D2 on the display unit 14. This allows the user to easily present the details of the medical interview form to the doctor, and the doctor can provide medical care to the user based on the details obtained from the second medical interview code D2.

[0124] In one embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 searches the knowledge DB 242, but this is not limited to this. For example, the mobile terminal 10 may request and output over-the-counter drug information related to the symptoms from a generation AI that lists the over-the-counter drug information or medical institution that is best suited to the symptoms from at least multiple over-the-counter drug information related to each of multiple over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased externally, the efficacy and effect information and ingredient information for each of the multiple over-the-counter drug information, and the medical department information and medical procedure information for each of multiple medical institutions, and then request and have the generation AI recommend a medical institution related to the physical condition and symptoms.

[0125] Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the recommendation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above. For example, some components may be deleted from all of the components described in the recommendation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above. Furthermore, the components described in the recommendation system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above may be appropriately combined.

[0126] Furthermore, in the recommendation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-described "unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a control unit can be read as control means or a control circuit.

[0127] In addition, the program to be executed by the recommendation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB medium, or a flash memory.

[0128] In addition, the program to be executed by the recommendation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0129] In the description of the flowcharts in this specification, expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue" are used to clearly indicate the order of processing between steps. However, the order of processing required to implement the present invention is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, programs are not limited to such simple branching processes; branching may be performed by comprehensively determining more judgment items. In such cases, artificial intelligence technology such as machine learning may be used in combination, such as by prompting the user to perform manual operations and repeating learning. Furthermore, deep learning may be performed by learning the operation patterns used by many experts and incorporating more complex conditions.

[0130] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that have undergone various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the disclosure of the present invention.

[0131] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recommendation system 10 Mobile terminal 11, 21, 31 Communication unit 12 Sensor group 13, 22, 32 Input unit 14 Display unit 15, 24, 35 Recording unit 16 Control unit 20 Medical system 23, 33 Output unit 25 Server control unit 30 Pharmacy system 34 Reading unit 36 ​​Pharmacy control unit 40 Payment server 100 Doctor terminal 151, 241, 351 Program recording unit 152 Time information recording unit 153 Payment information recording unit 154 Mobile terminal identification information recording unit 161, 251, 361 Acquisition unit 162 Symptom reception unit 163 Output control unit 164 Action history acquisition unit 165 Physical condition reception unit 166 Recommendation unit 167 Transmission control unit 168 Creation unit 169, 362 Payment unit 242 Knowledge database 252 Search unit 253 Determination unit 254, 363 Communication control unit 352 Purchase record unit N100 Network

Claims

1. A recommendation method executed by a recommendation device having a processor, the recommendation method including: a symptom receiving step in which the processor receives input of a user's symptoms; an output step in which the processor searches a database in which information including countermeasures for each symptom is classified and outputs related information for alleviating the symptoms; and a health condition receiving step in which the processor requests input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has elapsed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until an effect appears for each of the countermeasures.

2. A recommendation method according to claim 1, further comprising: a first generation step in which, if the remedy is included as one of the remedy methods, the processor generates a first QR code indicating the remedy as part of the related information; and a second generation step in which, if a health condition reception result for the user's health condition is obtained, the processor generates a second QR code indicating the remedy and its effect.

3. A recommendation method according to claim 1, further comprising a recommendation step in which the processor recommends next possible measures related to the user's physical condition and the symptoms according to the result of the physical condition reception of the user.

4. A recommendation method according to claim 1, further comprising a behavioral history acquisition step in which the processor acquires the behavioral history of the user after outputting the related information.

5. A recommendation method as described in claim 1, wherein the estimated time information includes a plurality of estimated times, and the health condition reception step changes the content of the request for input of the user's health condition for each of the plurality of estimated times.

6. Please move down below. A recommendation method executed by a recommendation device including a processor, wherein the processor executes the recommendation method including: a symptom receiving step of receiving input of a user's symptoms; an output step of outputting related information for recovering from the symptoms; a health condition receiving step of receiving input of the user's health condition after outputting the related information; and a recommendation step of recommending medical institutions related to the health condition and the symptoms.

7. A recommendation method according to claim 6, wherein the recommendation device has access to a knowledge database comprising at least a plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information relating to a plurality of over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased externally, efficacy information and ingredient information for each of the plurality of pieces of over-the-counter drug information, and medical department information and medical procedure information for each of a plurality of medical institutions; the output step searches the knowledge database for the over-the-counter drug information related to the symptoms and outputs it; and the recommendation step searches the knowledge database to recommend the medical institution.

8. A recommendation method according to claim 7, wherein the output step searches for and outputs over-the-counter drug information related to the symptom from among the plurality of over-the-counter drug information.

9. The recommendation method according to claim 8, wherein the processor further executes, after outputting the over-the-counter drug information, a behavioral history acquisition step of acquiring a behavioral history of the user.

10. A recommendation method according to claim 9, wherein the behavioral history is a purchase history or medication history of over-the-counter drugs according to the over-the-counter drug information, and the health condition reception step displays information on a display unit prompting the user to input their health condition after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user purchased the over-the-counter drug, and receives the input of their health condition.

11. A recommendation method according to claim 10, wherein the recommendation step classifies the symptoms into a plurality of categories, and searches the knowledge database for and recommends medical institutions related to the classification results, the physical condition, the over-the-counter drug information, and the behavioral history.

12. A recommendation method as described in claim 11, wherein the processor further executes a transmission control step of accepting input of a degree of satisfaction with the over-the-counter drug information after making the recommendation and transmitting the degree of satisfaction to the knowledge database, and the knowledge database updates the over-the-counter drug information recommended according to symptoms based on the degree of satisfaction with the effectiveness of the over-the-counter drug information.

13. A recommendation method according to claim 12, wherein the recommendation step searches the knowledge database to recommend medical institutions that have testing equipment and facilities related to the symptoms.

14. A recommendation method according to claim 13, wherein the processor further executes a creation step of creating a first medical interview code including at least the symptoms and the related information, and the output step outputs the related information and the first medical interview code to a display unit.

15. A recommendation method as described in claim 14, wherein the behavioral history acquisition step further acquires vital information of the user at predetermined intervals; the creation step creates a second medical questionnaire code including at least the symptoms, the physical condition, the behavioral history, and the vital information; and the recommendation step displays the second medical questionnaire code on a display unit.

16. A recommendation method according to claim 15, wherein the recommendation step searches the knowledge database to make an appointment for a consultation at the medical institution.

17. A recommendation method according to claim 6, wherein the output step requests and outputs the over-the-counter drug information related to the symptoms from a generation AI that lists the over-the-counter drug information or medical institution that is most suitable for the symptoms from at least multiple over-the-counter drug information related to each of multiple over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased externally, efficacy information and ingredient information for each of the multiple over-the-counter drug information, and medical department information and medical procedure information for each of multiple medical institutions, and the recommendation step requests and recommends the medical institution related to the physical condition and the symptoms from the generation AI.

18. A recommendation device comprising: a symptom receiving unit that receives input of a user's symptoms; an output control unit that searches a database in which information including countermeasures for each symptom is classified and outputs related information for alleviating the symptoms; and a health condition receiving unit that requests input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has passed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until an effect appears for each countermeasure.

19. A program causing a recommendation device having a processor to execute the following steps: a symptom reception step of receiving input of a user's symptoms; an output step of searching a database in which information including countermeasures for each symptom is classified and outputting related information for alleviating the symptoms; and a health condition reception step of requesting input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has elapsed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until effects appear for each countermeasure.

20. A recommendation system comprising: a recommendation device; and a medical system capable of communicating with the recommendation device via a network, wherein the medical system comprises a database in which related information for alleviating symptoms, including countermeasures, is classified for each symptom, and the recommendation device comprises: a symptom receiving unit that receives input of a user's symptoms; an output control unit that searches the database for and outputs the related information; and a health condition receiving unit that requests input of the user's health condition after the estimated time has passed after outputting the related information, in accordance with estimated time information obtained by searching the database for effectiveness information including information on the estimated time until an effect appears for each of the countermeasures.

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