Information management system, information management method, program, and information management device

Abstract

An information management system (10) comprises a drug solution administration device (12) and an information management device (14). The drug solution administration device comprises a transmission control unit (104) that transmits information acquired using a sensor (86) provided to the drug solution administration device to the information management device. The information management device comprises a reception control unit (124) that receives the information transmitted by the transmission control unit and a determination unit (128) that, on the basis of the information received by the reception control unit, determines whether a drug solution administration amount has reached a predetermined required administration amount.

Description

Information Management System, Information Management Method, Program, and Information Management Device

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-160589 describes an information management system including a measuring device (blood pressure monitor) and an information terminal (smartphone). The measuring device outputs an ultrasonic wave including special information that can identify the blood pressure monitor. The information terminal acquires the special information of the blood pressure monitor included in the ultrasonic wave.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-160589

[0004] The above-described prior art does not disclose an information management system including a chemical solution administration device and an information management device. A good information management system, information management method, program, and information management device are eagerly awaited.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-described problems.

[0006] (1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information management system including a chemical solution administration device and an information management device, where the chemical solution administration device includes a transmission control unit that transmits information acquired using a sensor provided in the chemical solution administration device to the information management device, and the information management device includes a reception control unit that receives the information transmitted from the chemical solution administration device, and a determination unit that determines whether a chemical solution administration amount has reached a required administration amount determined in advance based on the information received by the reception control unit.

[0007] According to such a configuration, since the information management device determines whether the chemical solution administration amount has reached the required administration amount, the determination result can be managed by the information management device. Thereby, a good information management system can be obtained.

[0008] (2) The information management system according to the above item (1), wherein the transmission control unit may transmit administration start information indicating that the administration of the chemical solution has started and administration end information indicating that the administration of the chemical solution has ended to the information management device.

[0009] With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the amount of drug solution administered has reached the required dose based on the administration start information and administration end information.

[0010] (3) An information management system as described in item (2) above, wherein the information management device includes an elapsed time measurement unit that measures the elapsed time since the receiving control unit received the administration start information, and the determination unit determines that the drug solution dose has reached the required dose when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than a predetermined required administration time and the receiving control unit receives the administration end information, and determines that the drug solution dose has not reached the required dose when the receiving control unit receives the administration end information before the elapsed time reaches the required administration time.

[0011] With this configuration, the information management device can determine whether the drug solution dosage has reached the required amount through simple control.

[0012] (4) The information management system described in item (3) above, wherein the information management device may include a notification control unit that notifies the user of notification information that the required administration time has elapsed since the start of administration of the drug solution when the elapsed time becomes equal to or greater than the required administration time.

[0013] With this configuration, the user can know when to stop administering the drug solution using the drug dispensing device. Therefore, the user can administer the drug solution efficiently.

[0014] (5) An information management system according to any one of the above items (1) to (4), wherein the information management device includes a notification control unit that notifies the determination result of the determination unit.

[0015] With this configuration, users can learn the judgment result based on notifications from the information management device.

[0016] (6) An information management system according to any one of the above items (1) to (5), wherein the information management device includes a determination result transmission control unit that transmits determination result information indicating the determination result of the determination unit to the drug solution administration device, and the drug solution administration device includes a determination result receiving control unit that receives the determination result information transmitted by the determination result transmission control unit.

[0017] With this configuration, the information management device and the drug administration device can share the judgment results.

[0018] (7) The information management system described in item (6) above, wherein the drug administration device may include a notification control unit that notifies the determination result when the determination result receiving control unit receives the determination result information.

[0019] With this configuration, the user can recognize the result of the judgment based on the notification from the drug dispensing device.

[0020] (8) An information management system according to any one of the above items (1) to (7), wherein the information management device may include a storage unit for storing the determination result of the determination unit.

[0021] With this configuration, the judgment results can be stored in the information management device.

[0022] (9) An information management system according to any one of the above items (2) to (4), wherein the drug solution administration device comprises a housing, a syringe having a cylindrical body housed in the housing and filled with the drug solution, and a plunger for pressing the drug solution filled in the cylindrical body, a trigger member provided in the housing so as to be movable in the axial direction of the syringe relative to the housing, and a biasing member that biases the trigger member toward the tip relative to the housing such that the trigger member protrudes from the tip of the housing, the sensor includes an administration detection sensor that detects the start and end of the administration of the drug solution, and the trigger member is provided by pressing the trigger member against the target for administration. The trigger member moves in the base direction relative to the housing, and when the press of the trigger member against the target to be administered is released, it is pushed by the biasing member and moves in the tip direction relative to the housing. The administration detection sensor detects the start of administration of the drug solution when the trigger member moves in the base direction relative to the housing, and detects the end of administration of the drug solution when the trigger member moves in the tip direction relative to the housing. The transmission control unit may transmit the administration start information to the information management device when the administration detection sensor detects the start of administration of the drug solution, and transmit the administration end information to the information management device when the administration detection sensor detects the end of administration of the drug solution.

[0023] With this configuration, the start and end of drug administration can be detected with a simple setup.

[0024] (10) An information management system as described in item (9) above, wherein the drug administration device is equipped with a locking member that prevents the plunger from moving toward the tip relative to the housing in an initial state, and the locking member may move toward the base end together with the trigger member when the trigger member moves toward the base end relative to the housing, thereby releasing the restriction on the plunger's movement toward the tip relative to the housing and contacting the administration detection sensor, and the locking member may move toward the tip together with the trigger member when the trigger member moves toward the tip relative to the housing, thereby moving away from the administration detection sensor.

[0025] With this configuration, the start and end of drug administration can be detected with high accuracy.

[0026] (11) An information management system as described in item (10) above, wherein the administration detection sensor detects the start of administration of the drug solution when the locking member comes into contact with the administration detection sensor, and detects the end of administration of the drug solution when the locking member moves away from the administration detection sensor.

[0027] With this configuration, the start and end of drug administration can be detected with a simple setup.

[0028] (12) An information management system as described in item (1) above, wherein the drug solution administration device comprises a syringe having a cylindrical body filled with drug solution and a plunger for pressing the drug solution filled in the cylindrical body, the sensor comprises a position detection sensor for detecting the position of the plunger and an administration detection sensor for detecting the end of the administration of the drug solution, the transmission control unit transmits administration completion information to the information management device when the position of the plunger detected by the position detection sensor is at a predetermined administration completion position, and transmits administration incomplete information to the information management device when the position of the plunger detected by the position detection sensor is not at the administration completion position and the administration detection sensor detects the end of the administration of the drug solution, and the determination unit may determine that the amount of drug solution administered has reached the required dose when the receiving control unit receives the administration completion information, and determine that the amount of drug solution administered has not reached the required dose when the receiving control unit receives the administration incomplete information.

[0029] With this configuration, the receiving control unit can determine whether the drug solution dose has reached the required dose based on the received information (information on incomplete administration and information on completed administration), thus simplifying the determination process of the information management device.

[0030] (13) A second aspect of the present disclosure is an information management method for an information management system comprising a drug solution dispensing device and an information management device, the method comprising: an information transmission step of transmitting information acquired using a sensor provided in the drug solution dispensing device from the drug solution dispensing device to the information management device; an information reception step of the information management device receiving the information transmitted in the information transmission step; and a determination step of the information management device determining, based on the information received in the information reception step, whether the drug solution dispensing amount has reached a predetermined required amount.

[0031] This configuration produces the same effect as item (1) above, thus providing a good information management method.

[0032] (14) A third aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the information management method described in item (13) above.

[0033] With this configuration, the same effect as item (1) above can be achieved, and a good program can be obtained.

[0034] (15) A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an information management device comprising: a receiving control unit that receives information acquired using a sensor provided in the drug dispensing device and transmitted from the drug dispensing device; and a determination unit that determines whether the drug dispensing amount has reached a predetermined required amount based on the information received by the receiving control unit.

[0035] With this configuration, the same effects as item (1) above can be achieved, and a good information management device can be obtained.

[0036] According to this disclosure, a good information management system, information management method, program, and information management device can be obtained.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the information management system. Figure 2 is a partially omitted longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drug dispensing device. Figure 3 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drug dispensing device. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information management method. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information management method. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information management method. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the drug dispensing device. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the drug dispensing device. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the drug dispensing device. Figure 11 is a partially omitted longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified drug dispensing device. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information management method according to the modified example.

[0038] The following describes the information management system 10, information management method, program, and information management device 14 related to this disclosure. Figure 1 is a block diagram of the information management system 10. As shown in Figure 1, the information management system 10 comprises a drug administration device 12 and an information management device 14.

[0039] Figure 2 is a partially abbreviated longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drug dispensing device 12. Figure 3 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drug dispensing device 12. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. In Figure 2, direction A is the direction of the base end of the drug dispensing device 12, and direction B is the direction of the tip end of the drug dispensing device 12. Hereinafter, the direction of the tip end of the drug dispensing device 12 may be simply referred to as the "tip end direction," and the direction of the base end of the drug dispensing device 12 may be simply referred to as the "base end direction."

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the chemical solution administration device 12 is a device used by a user, who is a patient requiring administration of a chemical solution, to inject the chemical solution into the user. That is, the chemical solution administration device 12 is a device used by the user for self-administration (self-injection) of the chemical solution. A user different from the patient may use the chemical solution administration device 12 to administer the chemical solution to the patient. The chemical solution administration device 12 is used to administer a chemical solution to an administration target 300 (see FIG. 8). The administration target 300 is, for example, the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of a patient (living body). The chemical solution includes, for example, insulin for administration to diabetic patients, but is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the chemical solution administration device 12 is a disposable item that is discarded after one use.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the chemical solution administration device has a housing 16, a sleeve 18, an end cap 20, a trigger member 22, a syringe 24, a slide member 26, and a lock member 28. A cap (not shown) is detachably attached to the tip of the chemical solution administration device 12. The cap covers the needle tip of the syringe 24 in a state of being attached to the housing 16. The cap is removed from the housing 16 when using the chemical solution administration device 12.

[0042] The housing 16 extends in a tubular shape along the axial direction (A direction and B direction) of the chemical solution administration device 12. The tip and the base end of the housing 16 are each open. A window portion (not shown) is formed in the housing 16. The user can visually recognize the chemical solution in the syringe 24 through the window portion from the outside of the housing 16.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve 18 is housed inside the housing 16. The sleeve 18 extends in the axial direction of the chemical solution administration device 12 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The sleeve 18 is formed in a hollow shape.

[0044] The end cap 20 has a cap body 30, a shaft portion 32, a pair of first locking claws 34, and a pair of second locking claws 36. The cap body 30 forms a housing chamber 38 for housing a control device 88 described later. The cap body 30 includes a base plate 40, a peripheral wall portion 42, and a lid portion 44.

[0045] The base plate 40 is disposed so as to close the opening in the proximal direction of the housing 16. The peripheral wall portion 42 projects cylindrically in the proximal direction from the outer peripheral end portion of the base plate 40. The lid portion 44 is attached to the end portion of the peripheral wall portion 42 in the protruding direction. The accommodation chamber 38 is a space surrounded by the base plate 40, the peripheral wall portion 42, and the lid portion 44.

[0046] The shaft portion 32 projects in the distal direction from the central portion of the base plate 40. The shaft portion 32 is located inside the housing 16. In other words, the shaft portion 32 is located inside the sleeve 18. The tip of the shaft portion 32 is located at the intermediate portion (central portion) in the longitudinal direction of the housing 16 (see FIG. 2).

[0047] A pair of first locking claws 34 project in the distal direction from the base plate 40. The pair of first locking claws 34 are respectively fitted into a pair of first locking holes 46 formed at the proximal end portion of the housing 16. Thereby, the end cap 20 is fixed to the housing 16. A pair of second locking claws 36 project in the distal direction from the base plate 40. The pair of second locking claws 36 are respectively fitted into a pair of second locking holes 48 formed at the proximal end portion of the sleeve 18. Thereby, the sleeve 18 is fixed to the end cap 20.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the trigger member 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The tip and the base end of the trigger member 22 are respectively open. The trigger member 22 is disposed inside the housing 16 so as to project in the distal direction from the tip portion of the housing 16 in the initial state before the use of the chemical solution administration device 12. That is, in the initial state, the tip of the trigger member 22 is located in the distal direction from the tip of the housing 16. The trigger member 22 is axially relatively movable with respect to the housing 16. The trigger member 22 is axially slidable with respect to the inner surface of the housing 16.

[0049] The chemical solution administration device 12 further includes a biasing member 50 that biases the trigger member 22 in the distal direction. The biasing member 50 is, for example, a spring member such as a compression coil spring. The biasing member 50 is interposed between the base end of the trigger member 22 and the sleeve 18. The biasing member 50 is not limited to a spring member and may be an elastic member such as rubber.

[0050] The syringe 24 is located inside the housing 16. The syringe 24 has a cylindrical body 52, a needle body 54, a plunger 56, and a pressing member 58. The cylindrical body 52 is located inside the trigger member 22. The base end of the cylindrical body 52 is located further forward than the tip of the sleeve 18. The inside of the cylindrical body 52 is filled with a drug solution. The cylindrical body 52 is fixed to the housing 16 by a support member (not shown). The needle body 54 is fixed to the tip of the cylindrical body 52. ​​The needle body 54 is exposed through the tip opening of the trigger member 22 and punctures the target 300 (see Figure 8).

[0051] The plunger 56 presses the liquid chemical filling inside the cylindrical body 52 toward the tip. The plunger 56 includes a gasket 60, a connecting member 62, and a plunger body 64. The gasket 60 is positioned inside the cylindrical body 52. ​​The gasket 60 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical body 52. ​​In other words, the gasket 60 seals the liquid chemical inside the cylindrical body 52. ​​The gasket 60 is made of a resin material.

[0052] The connecting member 62 connects the gasket 60 and the plunger body 64. In the initial state of the drug dispensing device 12, the plunger body 64 is located inside the sleeve 18. The plunger body 64 includes an intermediate cylindrical portion 66, a tip cylindrical portion 68, and a plurality of base end extensions 70. The intermediate cylindrical portion 66 extends in the axial direction of the drug dispensing device 12. In the initial state of the drug dispensing device 12, the shaft portion 32 is inserted inside the intermediate cylindrical portion 66. The tip cylindrical portion 68 protrudes from the tip of the intermediate cylindrical portion 66 toward the tip. The inner diameter of the tip cylindrical portion 68 is smaller than the inner diameter of the intermediate cylindrical portion 66. The connecting member 62 is fitted into the tip cylindrical portion 68.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multiple base extensions 70 extend from the base end of the intermediate cylindrical portion 66 toward the base end. The multiple base extensions 70 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the intermediate cylindrical portion 66. In other words, slits (not shown) are provided between adjacent base extensions 70. The base extensions 70 are elastically deformable in the radial direction of the intermediate cylindrical portion 66.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the base end of the base extension 70 is provided with a flange 72 that protrudes radially outward from the intermediate cylindrical portion 66. In the initial state of the drug dispensing device 12, the surface of the flange 72 facing the tip is in contact with the inclined surface 74 of the sleeve 18. The inclined surface 74 is inclined radially inward from the sleeve 18 towards the tip.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the pressing member 58 presses the plunger 56 toward the tip. The pressing member 58 is, for example, a spring member such as a compression coil spring. The pressing member 58 is interposed between the tip cylindrical portion 68 and the base plate 40. The pressing member 58 is inserted inside the intermediate cylindrical portion 66. The shaft portion 32 is inserted inside the pressing member 58.

[0056] The slide member 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The slide member 26 is located inside the housing 16. The tip of the slide member 26 is connected to the base end of the trigger member 22. The slide member 26 is inserted inside the biasing member 50.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the locking member 28 restricts the movement of the plunger 56 relative to the cylindrical body 52 in the direction of the tip. The locking member 28 is positioned inside the housing 16 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the drug dispensing device 12 relative to the housing 16. The locking member 28 is connected to the base end of the slide member 26. That is, the locking member 28 moves in conjunction with the movement of the trigger member 22.

[0058] The locking member 28 has a locking body 76, an end wall portion 78, a pair of arm portions 80, and a protruding portion 82. The locking body 76 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In the initial state of the drug dispensing device 12, the locking body 76 is inserted inside the multiple base end extensions 70.

[0059] The locking body 76 contacts the multiple base extensions 70, thereby preventing the multiple base extensions 70 from elastically deforming radially inward within the intermediate cylindrical portion 66. In other words, even when the plunger 56 is pressed toward the tip by the pressing member 58, the elastic radial inward deformation of each base extension 70 is prevented by the locking body 76, so that the flanges 72 provided on each base extension 70 cannot overcome the inclined surface 74 of the sleeve 18 (see Figures 3 and 4). Therefore, the locking member 28 can prevent the plunger 56 from moving toward the tip relative to the cylindrical body 52.

[0060] When the locking member 28 moves toward the base end relative to the plunger 56 and the locking body 76 is released from the inside of the multiple base extensions 70, the multiple base extensions 70 become elastically deformable radially inward. In this case, the flange portion 72 is pressed against the inclined surface 74 by the pressing member 58 pressing the plunger 56 toward the tip, causing the multiple base extensions 70 to elastically deform radially inward. As a result, the flange portion 72 can overcome the inclined surface 74.

[0061] The end wall portion 78 extends radially outward from the base end of the lock body 76 and extends in an annular shape. The pair of arm portions 80 protrude from the outer edge of the end wall portion 78 toward the tip. The pair of arm portions 80 are attached to the slide member 26. The projection portion 82 protrudes from the end wall portion 78 toward the base end. The projection portion 82 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The end of the projection portion 82 in the projection direction (base end) tapers toward the base end. When the lock member 28 moves toward the base end relative to the housing 16 (plunger 56), the projection portion 82 enters the housing chamber 38 by passing through the hole 84 formed in the base plate 40 (see Figure 8).

[0062] As shown in Figure 1, the drug administration device 12 further comprises a sensor 86 and a control device 88. The sensor 86 and the control device 88 are arranged in the containment chamber 38 (see Figure 2). The sensor 86 has an administration detection sensor 90 that detects the start and end of drug administration. The administration detection sensor 90 is positioned to face the protrusion 82 through a hole 84 (see Figure 3).

[0063] The administration detection sensor 90 has a detection circuit 92. The administration detection sensor 90 is a switch that turns on the detection circuit 92 when the protrusion 82 comes into contact with the administration detection sensor 90. When the detection circuit 92 is ON, it outputs a signal to the control device 88. The detection circuit 92 turns OFF when the protrusion 82 separates from the administration detection sensor 90. When the detection circuit 92 is OFF, it stops outputting a signal to the control device 88. The administration detection sensor 90 detects the start of drug administration based on the detection circuit 92 being ON, and detects the end of drug administration based on the detection circuit 92 being OFF. When the detection circuit 92 is ON, it outputs a detection signal (drug administration signal) to the control device 88.

[0064] The dosage detection sensor 90 is not limited to the switch described above, but may be a non-contact sensor. In this case, the dosage detection sensor 90 may be, for example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 88 comprises an arithmetic unit 94, a storage unit 96, a notification unit 98, and an information transceiver 100. The control device 88 may also include other components, but their description is omitted here. The storage unit 96 may have a program installed that causes a computer to execute the information management method according to this embodiment.

[0066] The arithmetic unit 94 is composed of a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In other words, the arithmetic unit 94 is composed of processing circuitry.

[0067] The calculation unit 94 includes an information acquisition unit 102, a transmission control unit 104, a determination result reception control unit 106, and a notification control unit 108. The information acquisition unit 102, the transmission control unit 104, the determination result reception control unit 106, and the notification control unit 108 can be realized by the calculation unit 94 executing a program stored in the storage unit 96.

[0068] Furthermore, at least a portion of the information acquisition unit 102, the transmission control unit 104, the determination result reception control unit 106, and the notification control unit 108 may be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Alternatively, at least a portion of the information acquisition unit 102, the transmission control unit 104, the determination result reception control unit 106, and the notification control unit 108 may be configured using electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0069] The information acquisition unit 102 acquires the detection signal output from the administration detection sensor 90. The transmission control unit 104 transmits the information acquired based on the sensor 86 provided in the drug solution administration device 12 to the information management device 14. Specifically, the transmission control unit 104 controls the information transceiver 100 to transmit administration start information and administration end information to the information management device 14. The administration start information indicates that the administration of the drug solution has started. The administration end information indicates that the administration of the drug solution has finished.

[0070] The judgment result receiving control unit 106 receives judgment result information transmitted from the information management device 14. The judgment result information includes information indicating that the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage (normal dosage result) and information indicating that the drug solution dosage has not reached the required dosage (abnormal dosage result). The notification control unit 108 notifies the judgment result corresponding to the judgment result information received by the judgment result receiving control unit 106.

[0071] The storage unit 96 is composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). The volatile memory is used as the working memory of the processor and temporarily stores data necessary for processing or calculations. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The non-volatile memory is used as storage memory and stores programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a part of the storage unit 96 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. as described above.

[0072] The notification unit 98 has, for example, a buzzer that notifies the judgment result by sound. In this case, the volume, pitch, and duration of sound output can be appropriately set to distinguish between normal administration results and abnormal administration results.

[0073] The notification unit 98 is not limited to a buzzer, but may be a speaker capable of outputting sound. Alternatively, the notification unit 98 may be an indicator light, a vibration generator, etc. If the notification unit 98 is an indicator light, the normal administration result and the abnormal administration result can be distinguished by appropriately setting the color of the indicator light and the flashing speed of the indicator light. If the notification unit 98 is a vibration generator, the normal administration result and the abnormal administration result can be distinguished by appropriately setting the magnitude of the vibration, the rhythm of the vibration, etc. The notification unit 98 may also notify the judgment result by appropriately combining sound, light, vibration, etc.

[0074] Examples of information management devices 14 include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. The information management device 14 can manage information related to drug administration by the drug administration device 12.

[0075] The information management device 14 comprises a calculation unit 110, a storage unit 112, a timer 114, an operation unit 116, a display unit 118, a notification unit 120, and an information transceiver 122. While the information management device 14 may also include other components, their description is omitted here.

[0076] The information management device 14 may have a program pre-installed that causes the computer provided in the information management device 14 to execute the information management method according to this embodiment. More specifically, an information management application program (information management app) may be pre-installed in the information management device 14. The information management app may, but is not limited to, downloading via a website or the like.

[0077] The arithmetic unit 110 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or GPU. In other words, the arithmetic unit 110 is composed of processing circuits. The arithmetic unit 110 includes a receiving control unit 124, an elapsed time measurement unit 126, a determination unit 128, a notification control unit 130, and a determination result transmission control unit 132. The receiving control unit 124, the elapsed time measurement unit 126, the determination unit 128, the notification control unit 130, and the determination result transmission control unit 132 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 110 executing a program stored in the storage unit 112.

[0078] Furthermore, at least a portion of the receiving control unit 124, the elapsed time measurement unit 126, the determination unit 128, the notification control unit 130, and the determination result transmission control unit 132 may be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs. Alternatively, at least a portion of the receiving control unit 124, the elapsed time measurement unit 126, the determination unit 128, the notification control unit 130, and the determination result transmission control unit 132 may be configured using electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0079] The receiving control unit 124 controls the information transceiver 122 to receive information (administration start information and administration end information) transmitted from the information transceiver 100. The elapsed time measurement unit 126 starts and stops the operation of the timer 114. The elapsed time measurement unit 126 measures the elapsed time since the receiving control unit 124 received the administration start information by controlling the timer 114. The determination unit 128 determines, based on the information received by the receiving control unit 124, whether the drug administration device 12 has reached the predetermined required dose.

[0080] The notification control unit 130 notifies the determination result of the determination unit 128 by controlling the notification unit 120. The determination result transmission control unit 132 controls the information transceiver 122 to transmit determination result information, which is information indicating the determination result of the determination unit 128, to the drug solution dispensing device 12. The storage unit 112 can be configured in the same way as the storage unit 96 described above. The storage unit 112 stores the determination result of the determination unit 128. The timer 114 measures time.

[0081] The notification unit 120 notifies the determination result of the determination unit 128. The notification unit 120 may be configured in the same way as the notification unit 98 described above. Alternatively, the notification unit 120 may notify the determination result by displaying the determination result (image) on the display unit 118. Furthermore, the notification unit 120 may notify the determination result by appropriately combining sound, light, vibration, images, etc. When the notification unit 120 notifies the determination result by sound, the volume of the sound can be appropriately changed.

[0082] The information transceiver 122 can transmit and receive information with the information transceiver 100 of the drug solution dispensing device 12. The information transceiver 100 and the information transceiver 122 may transmit and receive information by connecting, for example, via Bluetooth®. Alternatively, the information transceiver 100 and the information transceiver 122 may transmit and receive judgment result information by infrared communication, wireless LAN, or the like.

[0083] Next, the information management method according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the information management method. Figures 8 to 10 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the drug dispensing device 12. When the information management method is executed, the user removes a cap (not shown) of the drug dispensing device 12 from the housing 16.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, in step S1, the trigger member 22 is pressed against the target 300. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the trigger member 22 moves in the proximal direction relative to the housing 16. This causes the needle body 54 to be exposed from the trigger member 22 and puncture the target 300.

[0085] When the trigger member 22 moves toward the base end relative to the housing 16, the locking member 28 moves toward the base end relative to the housing 16 (plunger 56). As a result, the locking body 76 of the locking member 28 detaches from the inside of the multiple base extensions 70, so that the multiple base extensions 70 become elastically deformable radially inward. Since the plunger 56 is pressed toward the tip by the pressing member 58, the flange 72 of the plunger 56 is pressed against the inclined surface 74 of the sleeve 18. The plunger 56 moves toward the tip relative to the housing 16 while the multiple base extensions 70 elastically deform radially inward. As a result, the flange 72 overcomes the inclined surface 74. Then, administration of the drug solution filled inside the syringe 24 to the target 300 begins. After pressing the trigger member 22 against the target 300, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0086] In step S2, the administration detection sensor 90 detects the start of drug administration. Specifically, when the trigger member 22 is pressed against the target 300, the locking member 28 moves toward the base end relative to the housing 16, and the protruding portion 82 of the locking member 28 passes through the hole 84 and contacts the administration detection sensor 90. As a result, the detection circuit 92 of the administration detection sensor 90 turns on, and the administration detection sensor 90 detects the start of drug administration. In other words, the detection circuit 92 of the administration detection sensor 90 outputs a detection signal (drug administration signal) to the control device 88. Then, the information acquisition unit 102 acquires administration start information indicating that drug administration has started. With this configuration, the start of drug administration can be detected accurately with a simple configuration. After this, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0087] In step S3, the drug administration device 12 transmits administration start information to the information management device 14. That is, the transmission control unit 104 of the drug administration device 12 controls the information transceiver 100 to transmit administration start information acquired based on the sensor 86 provided in the drug administration device 12 to the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0088] In step S4, the information management device 14 receives the administration start information. After this, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0089] In step S5, the elapsed time measurement unit 126 starts measuring the elapsed time. Specifically, the elapsed time measurement unit 126 turns on the timer 114 to measure the elapsed time since the receiving control unit 124 received the administration start information. After this, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0090] In step S6, the determination unit 128 determines whether the elapsed time has exceeded the required administration time. If the determination unit 128 determines that the elapsed time has not exceeded the required administration time (NO in step S6), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0091] In step S7, the control device 88 of the drug administration device 12 determines whether the administration detection sensor 90 has detected the end of drug administration. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 9, if the needle 54 is withdrawn from the target 300 while drug solution remains inside the syringe 24, the administration of drug solution to the target 300 is stopped.

[0092] Furthermore, when the trigger member 22 is released from its contact with the target 300, the biasing force of the biasing member 50 causes the trigger member 22 to move toward the tip relative to the housing 16, and the locking member 28 also moves toward the tip relative to the housing 16. As a result, the protruding portion 82 moves away from the administration detection sensor 90, and the detection circuit 92 turns off.

[0093] In this case, the administration detection sensor 90 stops outputting the detection signal (drug administration signal) to the control device 88. The control device 88 of the drug administration device 12 can determine that the administration detection sensor 90 has detected the end of drug administration based on the fact that it has stopped receiving the detection signal from the administration detection sensor 90. With this configuration, the end of drug administration can be detected accurately with a simple configuration.

[0094] If the control device 88 determines that the administration detection sensor 90 has not detected the end of drug administration (NO in step S7), the process proceeds to step S6. If the control device 88 determines that the administration detection sensor 90 has detected the end of drug administration (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8 in Figure 6.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, in step S8, the drug administration device 12 transmits administration completion information to the information management device 14. That is, the transmission control unit 104 of the drug administration device 12 controls the information transceiver 100 to transmit administration completion information to the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0096] In step S9, the information management device 14 receives information about the completion of administration. After this, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0097] In step S10, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has not reached the required dosage. Specifically, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has not reached the required dosage if the receiving control unit 124 receives the administration completion information before the elapsed time since the receiving control unit 124 received the administration start information reaches the required administration time. This allows the information management device 14 to determine that the drug solution dosage has not reached the required dosage with simple control. The process then proceeds to step S11.

[0098] In step S11, the information management device 14 notifies the judgment result (abnormal administration result). That is, the notification control unit 130 of the information management device 14 controls the notification unit 120 to notify the judgment result (abnormal administration result). As a result, the user can recognize the judgment result (abnormal administration result) based on the notification from the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0099] In step S12, the storage unit 112 of the information management device 14 stores the judgment result (abnormal administration result). This allows the judgment result (abnormal administration result) to be stored in the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0100] Furthermore, in step S13, the information management device 14 transmits the judgment result information (abnormal administration result information) to the drug solution administration device 12. That is, the judgment result transmission control unit 132 of the information management device 14 controls the information transceiver 122 to transmit the judgment result information to the drug solution administration device 12. After this, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0101] In step S14, the drug dispensing device 12 receives the judgment result information (abnormal administration result information). This allows the information management device 14 and the drug dispensing device 12 to share the judgment result information (abnormal administration result information). After this, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0102] In step S15, the drug dispensing device 12 notifies the determination result (abnormal administration result). That is, the notification control unit 108 of the drug dispensing device 12 controls the notification unit 98 to notify the determination result (abnormal administration result). As a result, the user can recognize the determination result (abnormal administration result) based on the notification from the drug dispensing device 12. In other words, in this embodiment, the determination result is notified from both the information management device 14 and the drug dispensing device 12, making it easy for the user to recognize the determination result (abnormal administration result). After this, the process shown in Figure 6 is completed.

[0103] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, if the determination unit 128 determines in step S6 that the elapsed time has exceeded the required administration time (YES in step S6), the process proceeds to step S16. Here, when the elapsed time exceeds the required administration time, as shown in Figure 10, all of the drug solution filled inside the syringe 24 is administered to the target 300.

[0104] As shown in Figure 7, in step S16, the information management device 14 broadcasts notification information. Specifically, the notification control unit 130 of the information management device 14 controls the notification unit 120 to broadcast notification information to inform the user that the required administration time has elapsed since the start of drug administration. This allows the user to know when to end the drug administration by the drug administration device 12. Therefore, the user can administer the drug efficiently. In step S16, the user ends the administration of the drug to the administration target 300 by removing the needle 54 from the administration target 300. After this, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0105] In step S17, the drug administration device 12 transmits administration completion information to the information management device 14. That is, the transmission control unit 104 of the drug administration device 12 controls the information transceiver 100 to transmit administration completion information to the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0106] In step S18, the information management device 14 receives information about the completion of administration. After this, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0107] In step S19, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage. Specifically, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage when the elapsed time since the receiving control unit 124 received the administration start information is equal to or greater than the required administration time, and the receiving control unit 124 has received the administration end information. This allows the information management device 14 to determine that the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage with simple control. The process then proceeds to step S20.

[0108] In step S20, the information management device 14 notifies the user of the judgment result (normal administration result). This allows the user to recognize the judgment result (normal administration result) based on the notification from the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0109] In step S21, the storage unit 112 of the information management device 14 stores the judgment result (normal administration result). This allows the judgment result (normal administration result) to be stored in the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0110] In step S22, the information management device 14 transmits the judgment result information (normal administration result information) to the drug solution administration device 12. That is, the judgment result transmission control unit 132 of the information management device 14 controls the information transceiver 122 to transmit the judgment result information to the drug solution administration device 12. After this, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0111] In step S23, the drug administration device 12 receives the judgment result information (normal administration result information). This allows the information management device 14 and the drug administration device 12 to share the judgment result information (normal administration result information). After this, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0112] In step S24, the drug dispensing device 12 notifies the determination result (normal administration result). That is, the notification control unit 108 of the drug dispensing device 12 controls the notification unit 98 to notify the determination result (normal administration result). As a result, the user can recognize the determination result (normal administration result) based on the notification from the drug dispensing amount. In other words, in this embodiment, the determination result is notified from both the information management device 14 and the drug dispensing device 12, making it easy for the user to recognize the determination result (normal administration result). After this, the process shown in Figure 7 is completed.

[0113] In the information management method described above, steps S3, S8, and S17 correspond to the information transmission step. Steps S4, S9, and S18 correspond to the information reception step. Steps S10 and S19 correspond to the determination step.

[0114] In the information management method described above, the order in which steps S11, S12, and S13 are performed can be set as appropriate, and these processes may be performed simultaneously. Similarly, the order in which steps S20, S21, and S22 are performed can be set as appropriate, and these processes may be performed simultaneously.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the information management device 14 determines whether the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage, and the determination result can be managed by the information management device 14. This makes it possible to obtain a good information management system 10, an information management method, a program, and an information management device 14.

[0116] The transmission control unit 104 transmits administration start information, indicating that drug administration has begun, and administration end information, indicating that drug administration has ended, to the information management device 14. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the amount of drug administered has reached the required dose based on the administration start information and the administration end information.

[0117] In the information management method described above, steps S13 to S15 and steps S22 to S24 may be omitted. In this case, the drug dispensing device 12 does not include a notification unit 98 and a notification control unit 108. Removing the notification unit 98 from the drug dispensing device 12 makes the drug dispensing device 12 smaller and reduces manufacturing costs. Also, removing the notification control unit 108 from the drug dispensing device 12 simplifies the control device 88 of the drug dispensing device 12.

[0118] Even if the notification control unit 108 and notification unit 98 are omitted from the drug administration device 12, the information management device 14 will notify the judgment result, so the user can recognize the judgment result. Furthermore, while the drug administration device 12 needs to have a mechanism for administering the drug, the information management device 14 allows for relatively flexible design of the notification unit 120. In particular, if the information management device 14 is a smartphone or tablet, the speaker, screen, etc., can function as the notification unit 120, so there is no need to incorporate a dedicated notification unit 120 into the information management device 14.

[0119] (Modified Version) Next, a modified drug dispensing device 12a will be described. Figure 11 is a partially omitted longitudinal cross-sectional view of the modified drug dispensing device 12a. Components of the modified drug dispensing device 12a that are the same as those of the drug dispensing device 12 described above are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0120] As shown in Figure 11, the sensor 86a of the drug dispensing device 12a further includes a position detection sensor 140. The position detection sensor 140 is mounted on the housing 16. The position detection sensor 140 detects when the plunger 56 is in a predetermined position for complete administration. The position detection sensor 140 is, for example, a contact sensor. In this embodiment, when the plunger 56 is in the position for complete administration, the flange 72 of the plunger 56 contacts the position detection sensor 140. The position detection sensor 140 outputs a detection signal to the control device 88 based on the fact that the plunger 56 has contacted the position detection sensor 140. The position detection sensor 140 may be, for example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor.

[0121] Next, we will explain the information management methods related to the modified versions. Among the information management methods related to the modified versions, those that are the same as the information management methods described above (the information management methods shown in Figures 5 to 7) will have the same effects.

[0122] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the information management method according to the modified example. In the information management method according to the modified example, steps S31 and S32 perform the same processing as steps S1 and S2 described above. Therefore, the explanation of the processing in steps S31 and S32 is omitted. After step S32, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0123] In step S33, the control device 88 of the drug administration device 12a determines whether the plunger 56 is in the administration completion position. If the control device 88 determines that the plunger 56 is not in the administration completion position (NO in step S33), the process proceeds to step S34.

[0124] In step S34, the control device 88 of the drug administration device 12a determines whether the administration detection sensor 90 has detected the end of drug administration. If the control device 88 determines that the administration detection sensor 90 has not detected the end of drug administration (NO in step S34), the process proceeds to step S33. If the control device 88 determines that the administration detection sensor 90 has detected the end of drug administration (YES in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0125] In step S35, the drug administration device 12a transmits information about incomplete administration to the information management device 14. Specifically, the transmission control unit 104 of the drug administration device 12a controls the information transceiver 100 to transmit the information about incomplete administration, which was acquired based on the sensor 86a provided in the drug administration device 12a, to the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0126] In step S36, the information management device 14 receives information about incomplete administration. After this, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0127] In step S37, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has not reached the required dosage. That is, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has not reached the required dosage when the receiving control unit 124 receives information that the administration is incomplete. The process then proceeds to step S38.

[0128] In step S38, the information management device 14 notifies the judgment result. Specifically, the notification control unit 130 of the information management device 14 controls the notification unit 120 to notify the judgment result (abnormal administration result). This allows the user to recognize the judgment result (abnormal administration result) based on the notification from the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0129] In step S39, the storage unit 112 of the information management device 14 stores the judgment result (abnormal administration result). This allows the judgment result (abnormal administration result) to be stored in the information management device 14. After this, the process shown in Figure 12 is completed.

[0130] If the control device 88 determines in step S33 that the plunger 56 is in the administration completion position (YES in step S33), the process proceeds to step S40.

[0131] In step S40, the drug administration device 12a transmits administration completion information to the information management device 14. That is, the transmission control unit 104 of the drug administration device 12a controls the information transceiver 100 to transmit administration completion information acquired based on the sensor 86a provided in the drug administration device 12a to the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0132] In step S41, the information management device 14 receives information that administration is complete. After this, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0133] In step S42, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage. That is, the determination unit 128 determines that the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage when the receiving control unit 124 receives information that the drug has been administered. The process then proceeds to step S43.

[0134] In step S43, the information management device 14 notifies the determination result. Specifically, the notification control unit 130 of the information management device 14 controls the notification unit 120 to notify the determination result (normal administration result). This allows the user to recognize the determination result (normal administration result) based on the notification from the information management device 14. After this, the process proceeds to step S44.

[0135] In step S44, the storage unit 112 of the information management device 14 stores the judgment result (normal administration result). This allows the judgment result (normal administration result) to be stored in the information management device 14. After this, the process shown in Figure 12 is completed.

[0136] In the modified information management method, steps S35 and S40 correspond to the information transmission step. Steps S36 and S41 correspond to the information reception step. Steps S37 and S42 correspond to the determination step.

[0137] According to this modified example, the receiving control unit 124 can determine whether the drug solution dosage has reached the required dosage based on the information it receives (information on incomplete administration and information on completed administration), thus simplifying the determination process of the information management device 14.

[0138] The information management device 14 according to this modified example does not need to include the timer 114 and elapsed time measurement unit 126 described above. Furthermore, the sensor 86a may have a drug solution detection sensor capable of detecting the amount of drug solution filled inside the syringe 24, instead of the position detection sensor 140. For example, a capacitive level sensor can be used as the drug solution detection sensor.

[0139] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. An information management system comprising a drug solution dispensing device and an information management device, wherein the drug solution dispensing device includes a transmission control unit that transmits information acquired using a sensor provided in the drug solution dispensing device to the information management device, and the information management device includes a reception control unit that receives the information transmitted from the drug solution dispensing device, and a determination unit that determines whether the drug solution dosage has reached a predetermined required dosage based on the information received by the reception control unit.

2. An information management system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission control unit transmits administration start information indicating that the administration of a drug solution has started and administration end information indicating that the administration of the drug solution has ended to the information management device.

3. An information management system according to claim 2, wherein the information management device comprises an elapsed time measuring unit that measures the elapsed time since the receiving control unit received the administration start information, and the determination unit determines that the drug solution dose has reached the required dose when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than a predetermined required administration time and the receiving control unit receives the administration end information, and determines that the drug solution dose has not reached the required dose when the receiving control unit receives the administration end information before the elapsed time reaches the required administration time.

4. An information management system according to claim 3, wherein the information management device includes a notification control unit that notifies the user of notification information that the required administration time has elapsed since the start of administration of the drug solution when the elapsed time exceeds the required administration time.

5. An information management system according to claim 1, wherein the information management device comprises a notification control unit that notifies the determination result of the determination unit.

6. An information management system according to claim 1, wherein the information management device includes a determination result transmission control unit that transmits determination result information indicating the determination result of the determination unit to the drug solution dispensing device, and the drug solution dispensing device includes a determination result receiving control unit that receives the determination result information transmitted by the determination result transmission control unit.

7. An information management system according to claim 6, wherein the drug dispensing device comprises a notification control unit that notifies the determination result when the determination result receiving control unit receives the determination result information.

8. An information management system according to claim 1, wherein the information management device comprises a storage unit for storing the determination result of the determination unit.

9. An information management system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drug solution administration device comprises: a housing; a syringe having a cylindrical body housed in the housing and filled with the drug solution, and a plunger for pressing the drug solution filled in the cylindrical body; a trigger member provided in the housing so as to be movable in the axial direction of the syringe relative to the housing; and a biasing member that biases the trigger member toward the tip relative to the housing such that the trigger member protrudes from the tip of the housing, wherein the sensor includes an administration detection sensor for detecting the start and end of the administration of the drug solution, the trigger member moves toward the base end relative to the housing when the trigger member is pressed against the target to be administered, and moves toward the tip relative to the housing when the biasing member pushes the trigger member away from the target to be administered, the administration detection sensor detects the start of the administration of the drug solution when the trigger member moves toward the base end relative to the housing, and detects the end of the administration of the drug solution when the trigger member moves toward the tip relative to the housing. The transmission control unit transmits the administration start information to the information management device when the administration detection sensor detects the start of the administration of the drug solution, and transmits the administration end information to the information management device when the administration detection sensor detects the end of the administration of the drug solution.

10. An information management system according to claim 9, wherein the drug dispensing device includes a locking member that prevents the plunger from moving toward the tip relative to the housing in an initial state, the locking member moves toward the base end together with the trigger member when the trigger member moves toward the base end relative to the housing, thereby releasing the restriction on the plunger's movement toward the tip relative to the housing and contacting the dispensing detection sensor, and moves toward the tip together with the trigger member when the trigger member moves toward the tip relative to the housing, thereby moving away from the dispensing detection sensor.

11. An information management system according to claim 10, wherein the administration detection sensor detects the start of administration of the drug solution when the locking member contacts the administration detection sensor, and detects the end of administration of the drug solution when the locking member moves away from the administration detection sensor.

12. An information management system according to claim 1, wherein the drug solution administration device comprises a syringe having a cylindrical body filled with a drug solution and a plunger for pressing the drug solution filled in the cylindrical body, the sensor comprises a position detection sensor for detecting the position of the plunger and an administration detection sensor for detecting the completion of the administration of the drug solution, the transmission control unit transmits administration completion information to the information management device when the position of the plunger detected by the position detection sensor is at a predetermined administration completion position, and transmits administration incomplete information to the information management device when the administration detection sensor detects the completion of the administration of the drug solution while the position of the plunger detected by the position detection sensor is not at the administration completion position, and the determination unit determines that the amount of drug solution administered has reached the required dose when the receiving control unit receives the administration completion information, and determines that the amount of drug solution administered has not reached the required dose when the receiving control unit receives the administration incomplete information.

13. An information management method for an information management system comprising a drug solution dispensing device and an information management device, the method comprising: an information transmission step of transmitting information acquired using a sensor provided in the drug solution dispensing device from the drug solution dispensing device to the information management device; an information reception step of the information management device receiving the information transmitted in the information transmission step; and a determination step of the information management device determining, based on the information received in the information reception step, whether the drug solution dispensing amount has reached a predetermined required amount.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute the information management method described in claim 13.

15. An information management device comprising: a receiving control unit that acquires information using a sensor provided in a drug dispensing device and receives information transmitted from the drug dispensing device; and a determination unit that determines whether the drug dispensing amount has reached a predetermined required amount based on the information received by the receiving control unit.

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