JP7525245B2 - Medical facility reception system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a medical facility reception system that receives patients who visit a medical facility such as a hospital.

When a patient visits a hospital or other medical facility for the first time, the patient's name, address, and other personal information, as well as the results of the medical examination, are typically registered and managed in association with the patient number displayed on the patient's appointment card or other document. Then, when the patient visits the hospital for the second or subsequent time (revisit), the patient presents the appointment card to retrieve the patient's personal information and past examination results, and new medical treatment is provided.

Currently, it is common for reception at large medical facilities such as general hospitals to be automated using reception devices, and patients who return to a medical facility are checked in by having the reception device installed in the lobby or elsewhere read their patient ID card, which is typically a magnetic card.

As such a reception device, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical reception device that can perform reception processing of reading a patient's appointment card, displaying a medical treatment selection screen consisting of medical departments and medical treatment contents, and issuing a reception slip with a reception number according to the user's selection, as well as maintenance processing of newly writing the name of a medical department and medical treatment contents. With this medical reception device, maintenance processing can be easily performed even by non-experts such as servicemen, and it can be introduced in small hospitals and clinics to automate and streamline reception processing.

Patent Document 2 also discloses a queue management server that manages the order in which patients are examined by using a queue based on the reception time of the patient. This queue management server manages the queues by dividing them into doctor queues, which are set for each doctor who examines, a general queue for patients who do not specify a doctor, and a return visit queue for patients who have completed a consultation and will return for a consultation, and by setting a time earlier than the actual time that the patient with an appointment was checked in and comparing it with the reception time of the patient in the doctor queue or general queue, it is possible to cut the patient with an appointment into these queues.

JP 2001-236390 A Patent No. 4323198

The reception devices used in Patent Documents 1 and 2 make it possible to automate and streamline reception processing at medical facilities. Such reception devices are often used in large medical facilities such as university hospitals and public hospitals. Here, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, the reception device generally determines the order of treatment based on the order of reception. Therefore, in the large medical facilities mentioned above, long lines sometimes form at the reception device or at the entrance to the medical facility before or immediately after the opening time of the medical facility in order to receive treatment as quickly as possible. This situation is a heavy burden for patients who visit the hospital due to illness or disability. In addition, there are also cases where the line extends outside the medical facility, which places an even greater burden on patients during the hot summer months or the cold winter months.

The medical facility reception system according to the configuration 1-1 includes:
A medical facility reception system including a reception device, a short-range wireless communication unit provided in the medical facility , a first program executed on the reception device or a management computer, and a second program executed on a mobile terminal,
the reception device has a user interface that can be operated by a user;
the first program is capable of executing a normal check-in process and a wireless check-in process;
The normal check-in process registers the user's patient ID in a medical treatment waiting queue based on an operation of reading the patient ID on the user interface;
The wireless check-in process uses the short- range wireless communication unit to communicate with the mobile terminal located within the wireless communication range of the short-range wireless communication unit , and registers the user's patient ID sent from the mobile terminal in the medical treatment queue based only on an operation to instruct wireless check-in on a mobile terminal user interface displayed based on the second program.

In addition, the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 1-2 is the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 1-1,
The normal check-in process and the wireless check-in process register the patient IDs of accepted users in the medical treatment waiting queue in the order of acceptance.

In addition, the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 1-3 is the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 1-1,
the reception device is capable of reading information indicating a serial number;
The mobile terminal is capable of reading information indicating a serial number,
The normal check-in process includes reading information indicating a serial number at the reception device,
The wireless check-in process includes reading information indicating a serial number with the mobile terminal,
In the normal check-in process and the wireless check-in process, the patient IDs of the accepted users are registered in the medical treatment waiting queue in the order of the information indicating the read serial numbers.

In addition, a medical facility reception system according to a configuration 1-4 is a medical facility reception system according to any one of configurations 1-1 to 1-3,
The short- range wireless communication unit is provided in the reception device.

Further, a medical facility reception system according to a configuration 1-5 is a medical facility reception system according to any one of configurations 1-1 to 1-4,
The wireless check-in process can be executed by the portable terminal to which a function addition process has been executed between the reception device and the portable terminal.

In addition, the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 1-6 is the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 1-5,
The reception device includes a camera.
The function addition process involves taking an image of a user performing an operation in front of the reception device using the camera, and storing function addition time information including image information.

The medical facility reception system disclosed in this specification has the following configurations 2-1 to 2-3.

The medical facility reception system according to the configuration 2-1 includes:
A medical facility reception system including a reception device and a program executed on a mobile terminal carried by a user,
the reception device has a user interface that is operated by a user in face-to-face interaction;
By operating the user interface, a function addition process can be executed between the mobile terminal and the user interface;
The program enables execution of a new function on the condition that the function addition process is executed.

In addition, the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 2-2 is the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 2-1,
The function addition process is performed by reading code information displayed on the reception device with the mobile terminal, or by reading code information displayed on the mobile terminal with the reception device.

In addition, the medical facility reception system according to the configuration 2-3 is a medical facility reception system according to any one of the configurations 2-1 to 2-2,
The reception device includes a camera.
The function addition process involves taking an image of a user performing an operation in front of the reception device using the camera, and storing function addition time information including image information.

According to the medical facility reception system of the first configuration (configurations 1-1 to 1-6), in addition to users who use the reception device to receive their visit, it is possible to use a mobile device to receive their visit. Therefore, as long as the user is within the range of radio waves, the user using the mobile device can receive their visit at the desired location without joining a line, which reduces the physical and mental burden. Furthermore, compared to the conventional case where only the reception device is used, it is possible to reduce the number of people lining up at the reception device and to alleviate congestion in the lobby of the medical facility, etc. Therefore, for those who are lining up at the reception device, the time they have to stand in line is reduced, which reduces the physical and mental burden.

In addition, according to the medical facility reception system of the second configuration (configurations 2-1 to 2-3), the program executed on the mobile terminal can execute new functions by going through a function-adding process executed between the mobile terminal and the reception device. This makes it possible to improve the safety of functions for which security is important, such as a function capable of executing wireless check-in processing, a function capable of executing visiting permission processing, and a function capable of executing medical expense payment processing.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reception system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a front view of a reception device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a reception device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an initial screen of the reception device according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outpatient screen of the reception device according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing a normal check-in process according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a check-in confirmation screen according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing various data configurations used in the reception system according to the present embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a wireless check-in function adding process according to the present embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing wireless check-in processing (on a mobile terminal) according to the present embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing wireless check-in processing (reception system side) according to the present embodiment. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing various screens of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment; 13A to 13C are diagrams showing various screens of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment; 13A to 13C are diagrams showing various screens of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment; 13A to 13C are diagrams showing various screens of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the formation of a medical treatment order according to the present embodiment; FIG. 13 shows a numbered ticket used in another embodiment.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reception system according to this embodiment. The reception system of this embodiment is a system that allows for easy reception (check-in) for consultations when visiting hospitals and other medical facilities for the second or subsequent visits. The reception system of this embodiment is installed in a lobby located near the entrance/exit 72 of the medical facility. The reception system is configured with reception devices 1a, 1b that are placed in the lobby and operated by users, and a management computer 3 that is placed in the hospital reception 71 or the like and operated by an employee. Note that multiple reception devices 1a, 1b (two in this embodiment) are installed so that services can be provided to multiple users simultaneously.

The reception devices 1a and 1b and the management computer 3 are connected to each other via a LAN 51 so that they can communicate with each other. The management computer 3 is connected to a monitor 42 for displaying various information, and an input device 41 for receiving input from employees, such as a keyboard and a mouse. Also connected is a receipt printer 44 for printing on receipt-type paper, and a card reader 43 for reading (or writing to) information stored on the patient registration card.

Figure 2 is a front view of the reception device 1 according to this embodiment. The reception device 1 is a device that can provide various services, such as new patient reception and returning patient reception (also called check-in), to a user who faces the reception device and operates it. The reception device 1 of this embodiment is configured with a touch panel monitor 12, a card reader 14, a scanner 15a, a two-dimensional barcode reader 15b, a receipt printer 16a, a printer 16b, a camera 13a, and an infrared camera 13b. These components function as a user interface for a user who operates the reception device 1.

The touch panel monitor 12 displays visual information to the user who is operating the device face-to-face, and is capable of accepting touch operations from the user. Above the touch panel monitor 12, a camera 13a capable of capturing an image of an area including the face of the user who is operating the device face-to-face, and an infrared camera 13b are provided. The camera 13a is provided for capturing an image of the face of the user who uses the device, and the infrared camera 13b is provided for capturing an image of the face of the user who uses the device and performing a temperature measurement process to detect the user's body temperature.

The card reader 14 reads various information, such as the patient ID, stored on a magnetic card or a patient registration card composed of an IC card held by the user. The card reader may also have a function for reading credit cards used for paying medical expenses. The scanner 15a is a flatbed type provided for reading insurance cards, and is used to read the insurance card held by the user when it is required to present the card, such as when accepting a returning patient or for the first consultation in the same month.

The two-dimensional barcode reader 15b is capable of reading various two-dimensional barcodes, such as two-dimensional barcodes printed on printed materials or two-dimensional barcodes displayed on the mobile terminal 2. Note that the object to be read may be a one-dimensional barcode or other form of code information instead of a two-dimensional barcode, in which case a code reader suitable for the object to be read is used instead of the two-dimensional barcode reader 15b. Also, instead of providing both the scanner 15a and the two-dimensional barcode reader 15b, a common reading unit, such as a camera, may be used.

The reception device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a receipt printer 16a and a printer 16b to provide paper media to the user. The receipt printer 16a is a simple printer that prints on thermal paper used as receipts, and is used to print reception completion forms issued when receiving return patients, or reservation forms issued when receiving reservations, etc. The printer 16b is a laser printer, inkjet printer, or other printer that prints using toner or ink on regular paper, and is used to print medical details and receipts issued when paying for clothing expenses, etc.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reception device 1 according to this embodiment. The reception device 1 is configured to include a CPU 11a as a control unit, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, an image processing unit 11d, and an audio processing unit 11e, similar to a normal computer. It also has a storage unit such as a hard disk 18 for storing various information. In addition, a card reader 14, a scanner 15a, a two-dimensional barcode reader 15b, a receipt printer 16a, a printer 16b, a camera 13a, an infrared camera 13b, a LAN communication unit 17a, and a Bluetooth communication unit 17b (corresponding to a "wireless communication unit") are connected via an interface 17, enabling control by the control unit.

The image processing unit 11d is connected to a touch panel monitor 12. The touch panel monitor 12 is configured with a display unit 122 that displays various information to the user, and a touch panel 121 that accepts touch operations by the user. The touch panel 121 is connected to the interface 17, and is capable of transmitting touch operations by the user to the control unit. The audio processing unit 11e is connected to a speaker that transmits auditory information to the user.

The camera 13a, infrared camera 13b, card reader 14, receipt printer 16a, printer 16b, scanner 15a, two-dimensional barcode reader 15b, and touch panel 121 described in FIG. 2 are connected to the interface 17, and various processes are performed under the control of the control unit. In addition, the interface 17 is connected to a LAN communication unit 17a as a means for performing various communications, and a Bluetooth communication unit 17b (Bluetooth is a registered trademark) as a short-range wireless communication unit. The LAN communication unit 17a is connected to a LAN 51, and can communicate with various information processing devices on the LAN, such as the management computer 3 described in FIG. 1, or with the Internet via a router 52.

In this embodiment, each reception device 1 is equipped with a Bluetooth communication unit 17b as a short-range wireless communication unit to communicate with the mobile terminal 2, but the short-range wireless communication unit may be equipped in one reception device 1. Alternatively, it may be installed outside the reception device 1. For example, it may be installed in a management computer 3 installed on the same floor as the reception device 1, or in a separate information processing device connected to the LAN 51 for wireless communication with the mobile terminal 2.

By using the reception system described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, it is possible to provide various services to users. Here, we will explain the configuration of the mobile terminal 2 possessed by the user. The mobile terminal 2 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, and is a terminal that is owned, carried, and used by the user.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 2 according to this embodiment. The mobile terminal 2 is configured to include a CPU 21a as a control unit, a ROM 21b, a RAM 21c, an image processing unit 21d, and an audio processing unit 21e. It also has a non-volatile storage unit 22 such as a flash memory. In addition, various communication means such as a mobile line communication unit 26a, a wireless LAN communication unit 26b, and a Bluetooth communication unit 26c (short-range wireless communication unit) are connected via an interface 23, as well as an input switch 27, enabling control by the control unit.

The image processing unit 21d is connected to a touch panel monitor 25 and a camera 24. The touch panel monitor 25 is configured to include a display unit 252 that displays various information to the user, and a touch panel 251 that accepts touch operations by the user. The camera 24 is disposed on the back of the mobile terminal 2, etc., and is capable of taking still images and videos. Note that the camera 24 may be disposed in multiple locations, such as on the front as well as on the back. A speaker 28a that transmits auditory information to the user and a microphone 28b that acquires acoustic information are connected to the audio processing unit 21e. Note that the touch panel monitor 25 and the input switch function as a mobile terminal-side user interface for the user operating the mobile terminal 2.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an initial screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 12 of the reception device 1 according to this embodiment. The initial screen displays buttons 121a to 121c that ask the user whether they are an outpatient, an inpatient, or a visitor, a button 121d for adding functions to the smartphone (mobile terminal 2), and a button 121e for switching to a language other than Japanese. When the user selects one of the buttons 121a to 121e, the corresponding process is executed. Note that these various services may be made unavailable depending on the time of day. For example, it is preferable to enable selection of only the button 121a for accepting various outpatient requests immediately after the opening time of the medical facility. In the reception device 1, processes other than return visit reception are executed, and it is possible to prevent the queue of users waiting at the reception device 1 from being filled up.

The following describes in detail the functions used for outpatients on the initial screen of FIG. 5, i.e., the functions when button 121a displayed in FIG. 5 is selected. When button 121a for selecting outpatient is pressed on the initial screen, the screen transitions to the outpatient screen shown in FIG. 6. This outpatient screen displays buttons 122a to 122d labeled New Patient Reception, Returning Patient Reception, Medical Fee Payment, and Reservation Request, as well as button 122e for returning to the initial screen.

The various services displayed on the buttons 122a to 122d will now be explained. When button 122a (new patient reception) is touched and selected, the new patient reception process for a new patient, that is, a patient visiting this medical facility for the first time, begins. In the new patient reception process, the scanner 15a of the reception device 1 is used to read identification documents such as a My Number card and driver's license, and health insurance card. A message is displayed on the touch panel monitor 12 informing the user to wait until registration is complete, and the new patient reception process on the reception device 1 side is completed. The read information is sent to the management computer 3, and after work by a clerical worker, etc., it is registered as basic patient information in the medical facility's database.

The process that is started by touching and selecting button 122c (revisit reception) is a process (check-in process) for accepting medical treatment when a patient visits the medical facility for the second or subsequent time. The revisit reception process of this embodiment targets users who have made a reservation for medical treatment in advance, such as at a previous visit, but it may also be possible to accept users who have not made a reservation. For this reason, the revisit reception process will be referred to as the check-in process.

The process that starts when button 122b (Pay medical fees) is selected by touch is a process for making payment of medical fees for a user whose medical treatment has been completed. The reception device 1 of this embodiment allows payment by credit card using the card reader 14, but may also be provided with a cash handling function to allow payment by cash. The process that starts when button 122d (Request reservation) is selected is a process for reserving the next medical treatment date and time.

The process that starts by selecting button 121d (adding functions to smartphone) on the initial screen described in FIG. 5 is a process of adding functions to a program (app) executed on the mobile terminal 2 owned by the user. The user downloads the program to be used at medical institutions to the mobile terminal 2 via an Internet line and uses it. As a basic function, this program can obtain basic information such as the locations of various medical institutions, or use waiting numbers to notify the current progress of treatment at each medical institution.

Furthermore, as additional functions that can be executed by the mobile terminal 2, various functions can be added, such as return visit reception (check-in processing), medical fee payment, and reservation request, which are executed by the reception device 1 as described in FIG. 5. Such additional functions require identification of the user (patient, etc.) who uses the mobile terminal 2, and important information such as the patient ID must be handled by the mobile terminal 2. Therefore, incorporating such additional functions as basic functions of a program is not desirable in terms of ensuring security. Furthermore, adding functions only to the mobile terminal 2 is not desirable in terms of security. There is a possibility that it may be used fraudulently by exploiting security flaws. Therefore, in this embodiment, when adding functions to a program (app) executed by the mobile terminal 2, the reception device 1 is used.

Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing the normal check-in process according to this embodiment. The normal check-in process is prefixed with the word "normal" to distinguish it from the wireless check-in process using the mobile terminal 2 described later. The normal check-in process is executed by the reception device 1, and is performed by the user facing the reception device 1 and operating the touch panel monitor 12, etc. The normal check-in process is started by operating button 122c (return visit reception) on the outpatient screen in Figure 6. The normal check-in process at the reception device 1 is started when the reception start time set by the medical facility arrives, or by an operational instruction given by a medical facility employee, etc.

When the normal check-in process begins, a guide screen is displayed on the touch panel monitor 12, prompting the user to insert the patient card. When the user inserts the patient card into the card reader 14 (S101: Yes), the card reader 14 reads the patient ID stored on the patient card (S102). The reception device 1 sends a check-in request including the read patient ID to the management computer 3 (S103).

Figure 9 shows various data configurations used in the reception system according to this embodiment. The management computer 3 records basic patient information that is registered in advance at the time of the first visit, etc. As shown in Figure 9 (A), the basic patient information includes information about the patient as a user, such as the patient ID, facility ID, name, address, sex, date of birth, personal identification information, health insurance card information, and biometric authentication information (information necessary to identify the patient in biometric authentication, such as face authentication and fingerprint authentication). Here, in this embodiment, the patient ID and the medical facility ID are combined and used as the system ID. The reception system of this embodiment is premised on being usable at multiple medical facilities. Therefore, by referring to the system ID that combines the patient ID and the medical facility ID, it is possible to identify the medical facility and the patient. Note that the system ID may be determined appropriately, not just as a combination of the patient ID and the medical facility ID, but also so that the medical facility and the patient can be identified.

Personal identification information is various information that can identify an individual, such as the number written on a driver's license or My Number card presented by a patient at the time of initial consultation reception, or a copy image of such a card. Health insurance card information includes the type of health insurance card, health insurance card number, expiration date, etc.

Reservation information regarding medical appointments is also registered in the management computer 3. As shown in FIG. 9 (B), the reservation information includes a patient ID, reservation date, reservation time slot, medical department ID, and doctor ID. In this embodiment, the reservation form specifies the reservation date and reservation time slot, but the reservation form is not limited to this form and various forms can be adopted, such as only the reservation date, or the reservation date and reservation time, and the information in the reservation information will be changed as appropriate depending on the reservation form of the medical facility.

When the management computer 3 receives the check-in request, it references the patient ID included in the check-in request and searches for the corresponding reservation information. If there is no reservation information corresponding to the patient ID, or if the reservation date of the reservation information corresponding to the patient ID is not that day, it sends error information to the reception device 1. If error information is received (S104: Yes), the reception device 1 displays a check-in error screen on the touch panel monitor 12 notifying the user that there is no reservation and the request could not be accepted (S114).

On the other hand, if the management computer 3 finds reservation information that corresponds to the patient ID and has a reservation date of the current day, the management computer 3 sends reservation confirmation information to the reception device 1. The reservation confirmation information includes various information based on the reservation information, namely, the patient name, reservation date, reservation time slot, department name, doctor name, etc. When the reception device 1 receives the reservation confirmation information (S105: Yes), it displays a check-in confirmation screen based on the received reservation confirmation information (S108). Note that in this embodiment, the infrared camera 13b is used to take the user's temperature before displaying the check-in confirmation screen.

As explained in FIG. 2, the reception device 1 is provided with an infrared camera 13b capable of capturing an image of an area including the user. Temperature is measured using this infrared camera 13b (S106). In this embodiment, the body temperature near the temples of a person where accurate temperature measurement is possible is used. Furthermore, to improve the accuracy of the temperature measurement result, the body temperature near the temples is corrected based on the body temperature distribution of a wide area of the face and used as the temperature measurement result. In addition, the camera 13a may be used in addition to detect the temple position accurately. If the temperature measurement result is abnormal (S107: No), that is, if it is thought that the user has a high fever due to influenza or the like, a fever warning screen is displayed on the touch panel monitor 12 (S112) and fever warning information is sent to the management computer 3 (S113).

The fever warning screen displays a message to the user requesting that the user move to an isolation space or the like due to a fever. In addition, the management computer 3 that has received the fever warning information notifies employees that a patient with an abnormal fever has been found, including the identification information of the reception device 1. In this way, by taking measures at the time of check-in, such as isolating a user who has developed influenza when accepting a return visit, it is possible to prevent in-hospital infections. In addition to the fever warning screen, the reception device 1 may also be provided with a notification means for notifying those around the reception device 1. For example, it is possible to provide a notification means such as a notification light on the top of the reception device 1 that notifies employees waiting around the reception device 1 by turning it on, or a notification means for notifying by voice. In addition, the temperature measurement using the infrared camera 13b is not limited to the timing of this embodiment, but may also be performed at an appropriate timing during the normal check-in process.

On the other hand, if the temperature measurement result is normal (S107: Yes), the reception device 1 displays a check-in confirmation screen on the touch panel monitor 12 based on the received reservation confirmation information (S108). FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the check-in confirmation screen according to this embodiment. The check-in confirmation screen displays a consultation content display field 123a including the medical department, doctor's name, and reservation time period, a cancel button 123b, and a confirm button 123c. As can be seen from the check-in confirmation screen displayed in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, it is possible to visit multiple departments in one visit. In that case, the check-in confirmation screen is displayed based on the corresponding multiple reservation information (S108). If there is no problem with the consultation content, the user operates the confirm button 123c to confirm the consultation content for that day (S109: Yes). On the other hand, if the user wants to cancel the consultation content, the user can select the item (such as the department) to be canceled and operate the cancel button 123b to cancel the reservation corresponding to the item.

When the confirmation button 123c is touched (S109: Yes), the reception device 1 sends confirmation instruction information to the management computer 3 (S110). Based on receiving the confirmation instruction information, the management computer 3 adds the corresponding appointment information to the medical treatment queue as consultation information. A medical treatment queue is set up for each doctor in the corresponding medical department, and medical treatment is basically performed based on the order of this medical treatment queue. The reception device 1 also prints out a reception completion ticket for the user using the receipt printer 15 (S111).

The reception completion slip is printed with the department, doctor's name, and reservation time slot included in the reservation information, a waiting number corresponding to the order of reception, and a two-dimensional barcode. Note that, when a patient visits multiple departments as in this embodiment, a waiting number may be issued for each department. Here, the two-dimensional barcode printed on the reception completion slip is information for confirmation by an information processing device (not shown) located in the clinical department at the time of the visit. The information processing device located in the clinical department is connected to management computer 3 via LAN 51, and the two-dimensional barcode read by the information processing device makes it possible to verify the patient's identity.

The normal check-in process executed by the reception device 1 has been described above, but in conventional reception devices 1, only the normal check-in process was usually performed. The reception device 1 generally determines the order of medical treatment based on the order of reception. Therefore, particularly in large medical facilities, long lines may form at the reception device or at the entrance to the medical facility before the medical facility opens or immediately after opening in order to receive medical treatment as quickly as possible. This situation places a heavy burden on users (patients) who are sick or disabled. In addition, there are also cases where the line extends outside the medical facility, which places an even greater burden on users (patients) during the hot summer months or the cold winter months.

The reception system of this embodiment aims to resolve or alleviate such situations, and allows the user to perform check-in processing (wireless check-in processing) using the mobile terminal 2 that the user possesses. However, as mentioned above, it is considered inappropriate from the standpoint of security and fraudulent use to have wireless check-in processing as a basic function in the program (app) executed on the mobile terminal 2. Therefore, in the reception system of this embodiment, the reception device 1 is used to make it possible to add various functions, including the function of wireless check-in processing, to the program on the mobile terminal 2.

Figure 10 is a flow diagram showing the function addition process according to this embodiment. This process is started by selecting the button 121d labeled "Add function to smartphone" in Figure 5 on the reception device 1. When the process is started, a screen prompting the user to insert the patient card is displayed on the touch panel monitor 12. When the user inserts the patient card into the card reader 14 (S201: Yes), the card reader 14 reads the patient ID stored on the card (S202). The reception device 1 also starts taking pictures using the camera 13a (S203). Note that the camera 13a continues to take pictures (video or multiple still images), and later selects the best shot from the pictures taken that is suitable for identifying the patient.

The reception device 1 transmits the read patient ID to the management computer 3 and acquires the basic patient information corresponding to the patient ID from the management computer 3 (S204). The acquired basic patient information may be only a necessary part of the information, not all of the information contained therein. After that, a function addition confirmation screen including a two-dimensional barcode to be read by the mobile terminal 2 is displayed on the touch panel monitor 12 (S205). This two-dimensional barcode includes information for identifying the patient. In the two-dimensional barcode, the patient ID is preferably encrypted. The user uses the started program (app) to have the camera 24 of the mobile terminal 2 read the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the touch panel monitor 12. FIG. 9 (C1) shows one form of the data configuration included in the two-dimensional barcode, and includes the patient ID, medical facility ID (system ID), name, date of birth, and device ID for identifying the reception device 1 being used. The two-dimensional barcode read by the camera 24 is decrypted and converted into information by the mobile terminal 2. Among the information that is read, information necessary for using the mobile terminal 2 as a patient card, such as the patient ID, medical facility ID, name, and date of birth, is stored (registered) in the mobile terminal 2 as patient card information.

FIGS. 13 to 17 are diagrams showing various screens of the mobile terminal 2 according to this embodiment. FIG. 13(A) is an initial screen displayed on the touch panel monitor 25 of the mobile terminal 2 immediately after the program is launched. In addition to the currently selected medical facility name 251a, the initial screen displays various buttons 251b to 251j. Button 251b is a button for using the mobile terminal 2 as a patient appointment card, and by completing the function addition process described in FIG. 10, the mobile terminal 2 can be used as a patient appointment card that can be accepted by the reception device 1. The mobile terminal 2 allows two types of check-in: one in which a two-dimensional barcode is displayed as a patient appointment card on the touch panel monitor 25, and one in which a check-in is performed using the wireless function of the mobile terminal 2.

Button 251c is a button for paying medical expenses, and after treatment, the user can operate this button 251c to select payment by credit card, payment at a convenience store, etc. Therefore, by using this function, it is possible to pay medical expenses without having to visit reception device 1 or the reception desk.

Button 251d is a button that allows a hospitalized user to email information for issuing a visiting pass to relatives, friends, acquaintances, etc. Using this function, a hospitalized user can send emails to relatives, friends, acquaintances, etc. who are permitted to visit. The email contains information for issuing a visiting pass, such as a two-dimensional barcode or a web address for obtaining the two-dimensional barcode, and a visiting permission number. The visitor can receive a visiting pass that allows the visit by having the reception device 1 read this information or by entering it.

Button 251e is a button for switching the target medical facility. The program of this embodiment can be used at multiple medical facilities. By operating button 251e, available medical facilities are displayed, and the target medical facility can be selected. After selection, the medical facility name 251a is changed to the selected one.

Button 251f is a basic function of the program and is used to notify the progress of treatment at the selected medical facility. By operating button 251f, the progress of each medical department for the currently selected medical facility is displayed. In this embodiment, waiting numbers are used, and the waiting number queue for each medical department is displayed as the progress.

Button 251g is a function that can be executed after the function addition process has been performed, and allows the user to reserve the next consultation date and time at the selected medical facility. Note that in the initial screen of FIG. 13(A), the buttons indicated by dashed lines are functions that are not used at the selected medical facility. This takes into consideration the different specifications of each medical facility. In this embodiment, reservation requests using button 251g cannot be used.

Button 251h is a button for referring to various information provided by medical facilities or reception systems. For example, when referring to the progress status of button 251f, by registering one's own waiting number, a pop-up notification is displayed on the mobile device 2 every time the progress status is updated. The user can check the details by operating button 251h. Button 251i is a button for referring to instructions on how to use this program (app). Button 251j is a button for switching to multiple languages other than Japanese.

Here, the screen transition when button 251b used for function addition processing is operated will be explained. When using the mobile terminal 2 in place of a patient registration card, it is necessary to execute function addition processing with the reception device 1 and register information such as a patient ID in the mobile terminal 2. When button 251b is operated, if no information has been registered in the mobile terminal 2, the terms of use in FIG. 13(B) will be displayed first. Although only "Terms of Use" is displayed in FIG. 13(B), in reality, the details of the terms of use will be displayed here. Also displayed are button 252a indicating "Agree" and button 252b indicating "Do not Agree". A user who agrees to the displayed terms of use operates button 252a to proceed to the screen in FIG. 13(C).

Figure 13 (C) shows a screen in a state where the patient registration card has not yet been registered. The user operates button 253 labeled "Register Patient Card" to proceed to the screen in Figure 13 (D). Figure 13 (D) is a screen that prompts the user to operate the reception device 1. This screen also displays button 254 labeled "Read 2D Barcode." Operating this button 254 transitions to the reading screen in Figure 13 (E). The reading screen displays a monitor field 256a that displays the image being captured by camera 24, and a cancel button 256. While checking the image in monitor field 256a, the user captures the function addition confirmation screen that is displayed in the processing of S205 during the function addition processing executed by reception device 1.

The mobile terminal 2 that has read the two-dimensional barcode uses the mobile line communication unit 26a to transmit registration request information to a management server (not shown) on the Internet. FIG. 9 (D) is a diagram showing the data structure of the registration request information. In the registration request information, the patient ID, medical facility ID, and terminal ID associated with the mobile terminal 2 are transmitted. The terminal ID may be an ID unique to the mobile terminal 2 or an ID unique to the program (app). The management server receives the registration request information from the mobile terminal 2 via the mobile line network and the Internet, and transmits it to the management computer 3 of the reception system that uses the reception device 1 having the device ID. The management computer notifies the reception device 1 of the device ID included in the registration request information that it has received the registration request information.

When the reception device 1 confirms that the management computer 3 has received the registration request information (S206: Yes), the reception device 1 selects the best shot that properly captures the user's face from among the videos continuously taken by the camera 13a or from among multiple still images, records this as shooting information (S207), and transmits it to the management computer 3 (S208).

The management computer 3 that has received the imaging information registers the mobile terminal registration information based on the previously received registration request information and imaging information. Figure 9 (E) shows the data structure of the mobile terminal registration information. The mobile terminal registration information includes the patient ID, medical facility ID, terminal ID of the mobile terminal 2, device ID of the reception device 1, registration date and time indicating the date and time of registration, and imaging information captured by the camera 13a. The mobile terminal registration information is used to identify whether the mobile terminal 2 is appropriate using the terminal ID contained therein. Then, if a problem occurs after a function is added, the mobile terminal registration information can be referenced and used as a history of when and who registered the function, etc.

On the other hand, if the reception device 1 cannot receive the terminal ID (or app ID) of the mobile device 2 (S206: No), the process ends after a certain timeout period has elapsed (S209: Yes). In this case, the photographic information captured by the camera 13a is discarded (S210).

As described above, in this embodiment, when adding a function such as wireless check-in processing to the mobile terminal 2, the user needs to face the reception device 1 to perform the operation. This makes it possible to prevent various problems such as security and unauthorized use when using the mobile terminal 2. In particular, the mobile terminal 2 stores information that requires accuracy and confidentiality, such as a patient ID and a system ID, and by providing this information from the reception system to the mobile terminal 2 as in this embodiment, it is possible to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.

In this embodiment, various information is transmitted and received by displaying a two-dimensional barcode on the reception device 1 and reading it with the mobile terminal 2. Alternatively, a two-dimensional barcode including a terminal ID (or an application ID) may be displayed on the mobile terminal 2 and read by the two-dimensional barcode reader 15b on the reception device 1. In this case, various information required for adding functions (at least a patient ID, a medical facility ID, etc. required to identify the user) is transmitted from the reception system to the mobile terminal 2 identified by the terminal ID using the mobile line network.

Alternatively, the two-dimensional barcode may not include the information as shown in FIG. 9 (C1), but may include the device ID of the reception device 1 as shown in FIG. 9 (C2) as authentication information. The mobile terminal 2 that receives the two-dimensional barcode transmits the mobile terminal authentication information to the reception system via the mobile network and the Internet, and receives information necessary for adding functions from the reception system (at least the patient ID, medical facility ID, etc. required to identify the user). In this manner, there is no need to display information that requires confidentiality in a two-dimensional barcode, and it is possible to prevent information leakage caused by photographing or copying the two-dimensional barcode.

In this embodiment, biometric authentication information is included in the patient basic information. If the biometric authentication information is information required for face authentication, the registered biometric authentication information is compared with the photographing information included in the mobile terminal registration information. If the user is different from the biometric authentication information in the patient basic information, such as having a low matching rate, measures such as not adding a function or notifying the management computer 3 of an alert may be taken. If the best shot cannot be selected in S207 because the operating user does not face the appropriate direction or the user is wearing a mask or sunglasses, the best shot may be obtained by instructing the user to face the appropriate direction or to remove the mask or sunglasses. If the best shot cannot be obtained, measures such as not adding a function or notifying the management computer 3 of an alert may be taken.

11 is a flow diagram showing the wireless check-in process (on the mobile terminal 2) according to this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing the wireless check-in process (on the reception system side) according to this embodiment. Completing the function addition process described in FIG. 10 enables the wireless check-in process to be executed on the mobile terminal 2. The wireless check-in process is started by starting a program (app) on the mobile terminal 2 possessed by the user and instructing the user to perform wireless check-in in a menu or the like. It has been described that the normal check-in process of the reception device 1 is started when the reception start time set by the medical facility arrives or by an operation instruction from a medical facility employee, but the wireless check-in process is also not accepted outside of the reception period. It is to be noted that the reception period in the normal check-in process and the reception period in the wireless check-in process may have different conditions, such as delaying the start time of the wireless check-in process, instead of being the same period (time period). In addition, the reception system side is capable of simultaneously performing wireless check-in processes from multiple mobile terminals 2. Therefore, compared to the normal check-in process performed face-to-face at the reception device 1, it is possible to simultaneously accept check-ins from multiple users.

Figure 14 (F) shows the screen of the mobile terminal 2 when the function addition process is completed. This screen is a screen to which the user transitions by operating the button 251b shown in Figure 13 (A). In this embodiment, it is possible to register the medical card of multiple people, and it is possible to register the medical card of not only the user himself, but also the relatives of the user or the nursing recipient of the user (nursing provider). In the example of Figure 14 (F), two medical card display areas 255a and 255b are displayed, and medical cards for two people are registered. The user can move the medical card display area 255a or the medical card display area 255b to the foreground by touching the medical card display area 255a or 255b to be used, and use it. In the example of Figure 14 (F), the medical card display area 255a is displayed in the foreground and is available for use.

In the appointment card display area 255a, a button 255c labeled "Receive in app," a button 255d labeled "Delete," and a two-dimensional barcode 255e are displayed. Operating button 255c starts the wireless check-in process on the mobile terminal 2. Operating button 255d makes it possible to delete the selected appointment card display area 255a and the information corresponding to it. The two-dimensional barcode 255e is a two-dimensional barcode version of the appointment card information registered in the mobile terminal 2. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode 255e can also be used by having the reception device 1 read it.

When the wireless check-in process is started by operating the button 255c displayed in the patient card display area 255a, the mobile terminal 2 starts searching for a reception device 1 with which it can communicate using the Bluetooth communication unit 26c as a short-range wireless communication unit (S301). Here, check-in at a medical facility requires that the user is actually present at the medical facility, and it is necessary to prevent it from being performed from outside the medical facility. For this reason, it is preferable to use a short-range wireless communication such as the Bluetooth standard. In addition, the Bluetooth standard is also preferable from the perspective of security, since it can be separated from the LAN network of the medical facility and it is easy to isolate intrusions into the LAN. Note that, as the short-range wireless communication, a standard other than Bluetooth may be used, or a wireless LAN may be used if security can be ensured.

In addition, as the number of users of mobile terminals 2 increases, it is conceivable that the number of wireless connections that the reception device 1 can handle will be exceeded. For this reason, it is preferable for the Bluetooth communication unit 17b of the reception device 1 to communicate using a broadcast method, that is, only in the downstream direction from the reception device 1 to the mobile terminals 2. In that case, upstream communication from the mobile terminals 2 to the reception device 1 will be performed using the mobile line communication unit 26a, via the mobile line network and the Internet. In addition, when sending individual information to the mobile terminals 2, the reception device 1 can achieve this by attaching the terminal ID of the mobile terminal 2 to the information to be sent. Using this type of communication format eliminates the limit on the number of mobile terminals 2 that can be handled at one time, and also helps improve security, as information is not sent directly from the mobile terminals 2 to the reception device 1.

When a search is started by the Bluetooth communication unit 26c near the reception device 1, the Bluetooth communication unit 17b on the reception device 1 side responds to the search, and the reception device 1 is discovered (S303: Yes). On the other hand, if the reception device 1 cannot be discovered (S303: No) due to circumstances such as the reception device 1 not being located nearby, the wireless check-in process ends after a timeout period has elapsed (S302: Yes). Figure 15 (G) is a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 2 during wireless search. In this embodiment, the wireless range of the reception device 1 is set to approximately 10 meters. During the search, it is possible to stop the wireless search by operating the button 257.

The mobile terminal 2 starts wireless communication with the found reception device 1 based on the Bluetooth standard, and transmits a check-in request to the reception device 1 (S304). The check-in request includes the patient ID and terminal ID described in FIG. 7. The patient ID and terminal ID are included in the patient card information registered in the mobile terminal 2 during the function addition process. The check-in request may include a medical facility ID in addition to the patient ID, or a system ID instead of the patient ID. The health insurance card information may be registered as the patient card information during the function addition process, and the health insurance card information may be included in the check-in request. The reception system may also check the health insurance card information. The health insurance card information may be included only when necessary, such as at the first consultation at the beginning of the month. This reduces the opportunities for transmitting health insurance card information that requires confidentiality, and improves security.

On the reception system side, the wireless check-in process of FIG. 12 is executed in parallel with the normal check-in process described in FIG. 7. When the reception system receives a check-in request wirelessly (S401: Yes), it queries the management computer 3 for the patient ID and terminal ID included in the check-in request (S402). The management computer 3 checks whether the received combination of patient ID and terminal ID has already been registered in the mobile terminal registration information, and replies to the reception terminal 1 that made the query. If it is confirmed that the combination has already been registered (S403: Yes), it transmits first confirmation information to the mobile terminal 2 (S404). On the other hand, if it has not already been registered (S403: No), it transmits error information to the mobile terminal 2 (S412).

When the mobile terminal 2 receives the first confirmation information (S305: First Confirmation Information), it displays the selection screen shown in FIG. 15 (H). The selection screen is a screen for selecting whether or not there is an appointment for that day, and has a button 258a labeled "Reservation" and a button 258b labeled "No Reservation". When the button 258a (Reservation) is selected (S307: Yes), an inquiry about the appointment is made to the reception system (S308). When no appointment is selected (S307: No), the same-day medical appointment reservation process (S315) is executed. FIG. 16 (K) is a screen when the same-day medical appointment reservation process is executed on the mobile terminal 2 side, and buttons 261a to 261g for selecting the medical department to be examined are displayed. The user makes a medical appointment for that day by selecting one of these buttons 261a to 261g. Details of the same-day medical appointment process are omitted here. Furthermore, if error information is received on the mobile device 2 (S305: Error Information), the mobile device 2 displays a check-in error screen (S316) and ends the process.

When button 258a is selected on the selection screen of mobile terminal 2 (S405: Yes), the reception system refers to a database managed by management computer 3 or the like to check whether there is reservation information for the day corresponding to the patient ID (S406). If there is a reservation for the day (S407: Yes), it sends second confirmation information to mobile terminal 2 (S408). The second confirmation information includes various information based on the reservation information, i.e., reservation date, reservation time slot, department name, doctor name, etc. Upon receiving the second confirmation information (S309: Second confirmation information), mobile terminal 2 displays a check-in confirmation screen on the touch panel monitor 25 (S310).

Figure 15 (I) is a diagram showing a check-in confirmation screen (on the mobile terminal 2) according to this embodiment. The check-in confirmation screen displayed on the mobile terminal 2 displays consultation details display fields 259a and 259b including the medical department, doctor's name, and appointment time slot, similar to the check-in confirmation screen displayed on the reception device 1 described in Figure 8. By selecting the consultation details display fields 259a and 259b, the consultation on that day is confirmed (S311: Yes). The mobile terminal 2 transmits confirmation instruction information to the reception system based on the confirmation operation (S312). The reception system completes the reception on the condition that the confirmation instruction information is received (S409: Yes). Here, the completion of reception includes managing the order of consultation by adding the corresponding appointment information to the consultation waiting queue as consultation information, and transmitting reception completion information to the mobile terminal 2.

When the mobile terminal 2 receives the reception completion information from the reception system (S313: Yes), it stores the reception completion ticket and displays it on the screen (S314). FIG. 16 (J) shows the reception completion ticket screen displayed on the mobile terminal 2. The reception completion ticket screen includes a waiting number 260b and a two-dimensional barcode 260a. The reception completion ticket screen may be displayed for each medical department, or may be common to all medical treatments on a day. The waiting number 260b can be used to refer to the progress status by using the function of selecting the button 251f (notification) described in FIG. 13 (A). In this embodiment, the issued waiting number is automatically registered. By automatically registering the number, it becomes possible to refer to one's turn in the progress status, or to receive a notification of the progress status at an appropriate timing, such as when the progress status is changed.

The two-dimensional barcode 260a displayed on the reception completion ticket screen contains information used for management by the medical facility. When the patient visits a clinic, etc., the patient presents this reception completion ticket screen to a nurse, etc. The nurse can read the two-dimensional barcode using an information processing device located in the clinical department and confirm various details related to the treatment, such as identity verification. In the normal check-in process, the reception completion ticket is printed out, but in the wireless check-in process, it is different in that it is stored and displayed on the mobile terminal 2. The user can also read out the stored reception completion ticket later and display it on the touch panel monitor 25.

The wireless check-in process executed using the mobile terminal 2 has been described above with reference to Figs. 11 and 12. The wireless check-in process of this embodiment is executed in parallel with the normal check-in process described in Fig. 7, so that in addition to the user who operates the reception device 1 as in the past, it is possible to check in a user who operates the mobile terminal 2 in the vicinity of the reception device 1 (within the range where the Bluetooth communication unit 17b and the Bluetooth communication unit 26c can communicate wirelessly). Therefore, a user who performs wireless check-in processing with the mobile terminal 2 can check in at a desired position in the lobby as long as it is within the range of radio waves, so that the user can check in while sitting on a sofa, for example, and it is possible to reduce physical and mental burdens. And compared to the conventional case where only the reception device 1 is used, it is possible to reduce the number of people lining up at the reception device 1 and to alleviate congestion in the lobby of a medical facility. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the physical and mental burdens on people lining up at the reception device 1 because the time spent standing in line is reduced.

In addition, in this embodiment, the Bluetooth communication unit 17b installed in the reception device 1 is used to set the vicinity of the reception device 1 as the range in which wireless check-in processing can be performed. Therefore, users can gather around the reception device 1, which has traditionally been used for repeat visit reception, and operate the mobile terminal 2 near the reception device 1 to perform wireless check-in processing.

In the above-described embodiment, the wireless check-in process executed on the reception system side described in FIG. 12 corresponds to the "first program" in the present invention, and may not only be performed by the reception device 1, but may also be performed in part or in whole at various locations in the reception system, such as the management computer 3. Also, the wireless check-in process executed on the mobile terminal 2 side described in FIG. 11 corresponds to the "second program" in the present invention.

The reception system of this embodiment checks in patients through a normal check-in process performed in person at the reception device 1 and a wireless check-in process performed using a mobile terminal 2. However, with the addition of a new wireless check-in process, it becomes necessary to consider the order of appointments.

Figure 17 is a diagram for explaining the formation of appointment sequences according to this embodiment. Figure 17(A) shows the reservation status for a certain medical department and a certain doctor at a certain medical facility. In this embodiment, reservations are made by specifying a reservation time slot, as described above. The example in Figure 17(A) shows a situation in which patients A to F have reservations for the reservation time slot from 9:00 to 9:30, patients G to L have reservations for the reservation time slot from 9:30 to 10:00, and patients M to R have reservations for the reservation time slot from 10:00 to 10:30.

Figure 17 (B) shows an example where reception is performed using the reception system of this embodiment, with the check-in timing of patients with appointments shown corresponding to the progression of time. The reception system of this embodiment includes normal check-in processing, which is performed in person at the reception device 1, and wireless check-in processing, which is performed using a mobile terminal 2 carried by the user. In Figure 17 (B), unmarked symbols (B, N, I, F, K) indicate patients with appointments who have undergone normal check-in processing, and symbols with circles (H, E, A, R, C) indicate patients with appointments who have undergone wireless check-in processing.

Figure 17 (C) shows the consultation queue when the check-in timing in Figure 17 (B) is used, i.e., the order in which consultations are actually performed. In this embodiment, the order of consultations is assigned to the appointment time slot of scheduled patients in the order of their check-in timing, regardless of whether the check-in processing is normal or unmarked. For example, for the appointment time slot of 9:00-9:30, scheduled patients (A-F) who have appointments during that time slot are assigned the order of consultations in the order of their check-in timing (B, E, F, A, C). The same applies to other time slots.

In this embodiment, while normal check-in processing, which is performed in line at the reception device 1, and unmarked check-in processing, which is performed on the mobile terminal 2 without lining up at the reception device 1, coexist, the examination order is filled according to the check-in timing, dividing the appointment time slot. This makes it possible to prevent the examination order from fluctuating significantly between the normal check-in processing and the unmarked check-in processing, and to alleviate the sense of unfairness between the two. Furthermore, since the examination order can be secured without lining up at the reception device 1, it is also possible to guide patients to wireless check-in processing using the mobile terminal 2. Furthermore, by executing the wireless check-in processing, the number of users lining up at the reception device 1 is reduced, making it possible to secure an early examination order even if normal check-in processing is performed in line at the reception device 1.

In the method of determining the order of appointments described in FIG. 17, the order of appointments is assigned for each appointment time slot based on the order of check-in timing, regardless of whether the appointment time slot is a regular check-in process or an unmarked check-in process. Therefore, within the same appointment time slot, it is conceivable that a sense of unfairness may arise between regular check-in processes that are lined up and unmarked check-in processes that do not require lining up. Based on such a situation, it may be possible to issue numbered tickets to determine the order of appointments and alleviate this sense of unfairness.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing a numbered ticket 45 used in another embodiment. The numbered ticket 45 is printed by the receipt printer 44 of the management computer 3 or the receipt printer 16a of the reception device 1 at an appropriate time, such as before the hospital opens. The medical facility name 45a, issue date 45b, serial number 45c, and two-dimensional barcode 45d are printed on the printed numbered ticket 45. A medical facility employee hands the numbered ticket 45 with the serial number 45c corresponding to the order in which the patient visited the hospital to the patient. By being given the numbered ticket 45, the patient is able to secure their turn for medical treatment.

In this embodiment, the user reads the given numbered ticket 45 during normal check-in processing and wireless check-in processing. During normal check-in processing, the two-dimensional barcode 45d printed on the numbered ticket 45 is read using the two-dimensional barcode reader 15b of the reception device 1. During wireless check-in processing, the two-dimensional barcode 45d printed on the numbered ticket 45 is read using the camera 24 of the mobile terminal 2.

Information indicating the medical facility ID, the date of issue, and the serial number is embedded in the two-dimensional barcode 45d. It is preferable to implement security measures to prevent fraudulent acts by forging the two-dimensional barcode 45d. One possible security measure is to include a secret code corresponding to the medical facility ID or the date of issue. In normal check-in processing or wireless check-in processing, reception is performed on the condition that the secret code read from the two-dimensional barcode 45d matches. Information indicating the order of examinations may also be encrypted based on the name of the medical facility or the date of issue. In normal check-in processing or wireless check-in processing, the reception device 1 or the like decrypts the encryption to read out the information indicating the order of examinations.

The order of appointments using the numbered tickets 45 may be determined only by the information indicating the serial number contained in the two-dimensional barcode 45d on the numbered tickets 45, or may be combined with the reservation time slots in the above-mentioned embodiment. In that case, if the time order in FIG. 17(B) is replaced with the serial number displayed on the numbered tickets 45, the appointment waiting queue in FIG. 17(C) will be applied as is.

In this embodiment, the numbered ticket 45 is printed in advance by the receipt printer 44, but a receipt printer may be installed at the entrance/exit 72 of the medical facility, etc., and the numbered ticket 45 may be printed and issued by the user through operation. In addition to being simply printed by the receipt printer 44, the numbered ticket 45 may also be in various forms, such as a card format on which the necessary information is recorded and which can be read by the reception device 1 and the mobile terminal 2.

Although various embodiments of the invention pertaining to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and forms formed by appropriately combining the configurations of each of the various embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.

1 (1a, 1b): Reception device 21d: Image processing unit 2: Portable terminal 21e: Voice processing unit 3: Management computer 22: Memory unit 11a: CPU 23: Interface 11b: ROM 24: Camera 11c: RAM 25: Touch panel monitor 11d: Image processing unit 26a: Portable line communication unit 11e: Voice processing unit 26b: Wireless LAN communication unit 12: Touch panel monitor 26c: Communication unit 13a: Camera 27: Input switch 13b: Infrared camera 28a: Speaker 14: Card reader 28b: Microphone 15: Receipt printer 41: Input device 15a: Scanner 42: Monitor 15b: Two-dimensional barcode reader 43: Card reader 16a: Receipt printer 44: Receipt printer 16b: Printer 45: Numbered ticket 17: Interface 52: Router 17a: LAN communication unit 71: Hospital reception 17b: Communication unit 72: Entrance/exit 18: Hard disk 121: Touch panel 21a: CPU 122: Display unit 21b: ROM 251: Touch panel 21c: RAM 252: Display unit

Claims (1)

A medical facility reception system including a reception device, a short-range wireless communication unit provided in a medical facility other than the reception device , a first program executed on the reception device or a management computer, and a second program executed on a mobile terminal,
the reception device has a user interface that can be operated by a user ;
the first program is capable of executing a normal check-in process and a wireless check-in process;
The normal check-in process registers the user's patient ID in a medical treatment waiting queue based on an operation of reading the patient ID on the user interface;
The wireless check-in process uses the short-range wireless communication unit to communicate with the mobile terminal located within the wireless communication range of the short-range wireless communication unit, and registers the user's patient ID sent from the mobile terminal in the medical treatment queue based only on an operation to instruct wireless check-in on a user interface of the mobile terminal displayed based on the second program. A reception system for a medical facility.