JP7467101B2 - Information processing system, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, a control method thereof, and a program, and in particular to a technology that can reduce the deterioration of the authenticity of chemical indicators and reduce the workload of users.

Previously, Patent Document 1 proposed a method of assigning an ID number to each piece of surgical equipment and managing each piece of surgical equipment.

Patent Document 2 also discloses a chemical indicator equipped with a barcode identification mark 71 for identifying the sterilizer 12.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-178106 JP 2007-307088 A

Conventionally, in order to check after a sterilization process which objects were sterilized in a sterilizer and the resulting color of the discolored part of the chemical indicator, users would attach the chemical indicator to a piece of paper and write or print the object (object) that was sterilized using that chemical indicator for management purposes.

However, if the chemical indicator itself is attached to a piece of paper and stored, there is a risk that the color of the discolored part of the chemical indicator will gradually fade, making it difficult to maintain authenticity.

In addition, the process of writing or printing the object (item to be sterilized) that will be sterilized using the chemical indicator and then attaching the chemical indicator is cumbersome, resulting in high work and printing costs.

The present invention aims to reduce the deterioration of the authenticity of chemical indicators and reduce the workload of users.

The present invention is characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring specific information provided on a chemical indicator to identify an object to be sterilized in a sterilizer and a value obtained by converting the color of a discolored portion provided on the chemical indicator into a numerical value, and a registration means for registering the value acquired by the acquisition means in association with the object to be sterilized identified by the specific information acquired by the acquisition means.

The present invention makes it possible to reduce the deterioration of the authenticity of chemical indicators and reduce the workload of users.

1 shows an example of a system configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device applicable to the server 101, the surgery management system 122, and the client terminals 102, 106, 109, 113, 116, and 119 shown in FIG. 1. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by a server 101 in an assembly/packaging process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 101 in a sterilization process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 101 in a storage step. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 101 in a dispensing process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 101 in an opening process and an operation process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 101 in an opening process and an operation process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the server 101 in a collection step. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which the server 101 outputs (displays) a sterilization control report in response to a request from each client terminal. FIG. 11 shows an example of an equipment set selection screen 1101. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a chemical indicator 1205. FIG. 13A is an example of a chemical indicator 1205 before being cut at the cut line 1203, and FIG. 13B is an example of a chemical indicator 1205 after being cut at the cut line 1203. FIG. 14(A) is an example of a diagram in which an equipment set and an inner packaging sheet 1301 are placed in a packaging material 1401, and FIG. 14(B) is an example of a diagram in which a lid is placed on the packaging material 1401 containing the equipment set and the inner packaging sheet 1301, and an outer packaging sheet 1302 is attached to the lid. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data table stored in a storage unit such as an external memory of the server 101. FIG. 16 shows an example of each alert screen (1600, 1601, 1603 to 1607), as well as a display screen (1602) showing how to assemble and maintain the equipment, and how to place the equipment set in its packaging. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cycle report. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined condition. 19 shows an example of a sterilization control report 1901. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of surgery information (order information) 2001. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of surgery information (order information) 2001 displayed on the client terminal 116. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a chemical indicator 1205 and an outer packaging sheet 1302. FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of an information processing system of the present invention.

The information processing system shown in FIG. 1 is a system including each client terminal (102, 106, 109, 113, 116, 119) installed in a hospital, a server 101, and a surgery management system 122. The server 101 and the surgery management system 122 may be installed in the hospital.

In this embodiment, the client terminals are described as being installed in a hospital, but they may be installed in any facility that performs sterilization, not in a hospital. Similarly, the server 101 and the surgery management system 122 may be installed in a facility that performs sterilization, not in a hospital.

As shown in Figure 1, the hospital is equipped with a central supply room, cleaning room, assembly area, sterilization area, pre-sterilized area, dispensing area, and operating room/surgery preparation room. Here, the assembly area and sterilization area are explained as being the same room, and the pre-sterilized area and dispensing area are explained as being the same room.

The central material room is provided with a client terminal 102, a reading device 103 communicably connected to the client terminal 102, and an imaging device 104 communicably connected to the client terminal 102. The reading device 103 is a device that reads the identification information section (1202, 1204) and the discolored section 1201 of the indicator (chemical indicator 1205) described below all at once (collectively). That is, the reading device 103 is a device that reads the identification information section (1202, 1204) and the value of the color of the discolored section 1201 quantified (here, the value of the color quantified may be any value for identifying a color, such as chromaticity, color gamut, RGB value, color value, etc.). In this embodiment, the "value of the color quantified in the discolored section 1201" is described as a color value. The reading device 103 can also read the information (identification information) recorded in the identification information section, transmit the color value together with the identification information to the client terminal 102, and the client terminal 102 transmits the color value and the information (identification information) to the server 101. Each reading device and each client terminal shown in FIG. 1 has a function for performing similar processing.

The identification information section (1202, 1204) is, for example, a code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. The information recorded in the identification information section is identification information that identifies the chemical indicator 1205. As will be described in more detail later, the information recorded in the identification information section is information that ultimately functions as information for identifying the object to be sterilized. The chemical indicator is also simply referred to as a CI. The imaging device 104 is a digital camera.

The central supply room is a room where sterilized items (equipment, sets of each equipment (equipment set)) used in the operating room/surgery preparation room are collected and the type and number of equipment sets are confirmed. Therefore, the process in the central supply room is called the collection process.

The cleaning room is a room where workers (users) disassemble the equipment identified in the central supply room into individual items and clean each item with a cleaning machine 105. The process in the cleaning room is called the cleaning process.

In the assembly area, workers (users) assemble the items cleaned in the cleaner 105 to make equipment, and then place the equipment set in a packaging material such as a sterilized container and package it. Therefore, the process in the assembly area is called the assembly/packaging process.

A reading device 107, an imaging device 108, and a client terminal 106 are installed in the assembly area, and the client terminal 106 is connected to the reading device 107 and the imaging device 108 so as to be able to communicate with them.

The sterilization area is where workers (users) place the instrument sets assembled and packaged in the assembly area into the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer 112 for sterilization. Therefore, the process in the sterilization area is called the sterilization process.

The sterilization area is equipped with a reading device 110 and a client terminal 109, and the client terminal 109 is connected to the reading device 110 so as to be able to communicate with it.

The sterilizer 112 is, for example, of a typical double door specification, and is configured so that an instrument set can be placed from the sterilization area into the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer 112, and the instrument set sterilized in the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer 112 can be taken out directly from the sterilization chamber to the sterilized area described below. In addition, there is not just one sterilizer 112, but multiple types of sterilizers are installed, including a type of sterilizer that uses hydrogen peroxide gas as the sterilization gas, a type of high-pressure steam sterilizer that uses high-pressure steam of water as the sterilization gas, and a sterilizer that uses formalin as the sterilization gas.

The sterilized area is an area where the operator (user) takes out the instrument set sterilized in the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer 112 directly from the sterilization chamber and stores it. Therefore, the process in the sterilized area is called the storage process.

The sterilized area is equipped with a reading device 114 and a client terminal 113, and the client terminal 113 is connected to the reading device 114 so as to be able to communicate with it.

The delivery area is where the worker (user) delivers the stored equipment set to the operating room/surgery preparation room. Therefore, the process in the delivery area is called the delivery process.

A reading device 117, an imaging device 118, and a client terminal 116 are installed in the dispensing area, and the client terminal 116 is connected to the reading device 117 and the imaging device 118 so as to be able to communicate with them.

In the operating room/surgery preparation room, the worker (user) opens the packaging that contains the dispensed equipment set, checks the equipment set, and uses the equipment set in the surgery. Therefore, the process in the operating room/surgery preparation room is called the opening process/surgery process.

A reading device 120, an imaging device 121, and a client terminal 119 are installed in the operating room/surgery preparation room, and the client terminal 119 is connected to the reading device 120 and the imaging device 121 so as to be able to communicate with them.

Equipment sets used in the operating room/preparation room are collected in the central supply room.

Each client terminal (102, 106, 109, 113, 116, 119), sterilizer 112, and washer 105 are connected to the server 101 so that they can communicate with each other, and the server 101 and the surgery management system 122 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Each client terminal (102, 106, 109, 113, 116, 119) functions as an input/output terminal (display terminal, input terminal) for the server 101.

The management procedure (flow) for the sterilization of instruments or sets of instruments is in the following order: collection, cleaning, assembly and packaging, sterilization, storage, removal, and opening/surgery. In other words, the processes shown in Figures 3 to 9 are carried out in this order.
<Figure 2>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device applicable to the server 101, the surgery management system 122, and the client terminals 102, 106, 109, 113, 116, and 119 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device is connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, an input controller 205, a video controller 206, a memory controller 207, and a communication I/F controller 208 via a system bus 204.

The CPU 201 provides overall control over the devices and controllers connected to the system bus 204.

Storage devices such as ROM 203 or external memory 211 store the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and OS (Operating System), which are control programs executed by CPU 201, computer-readable and executable programs for implementing this information processing method, and various necessary data (including data tables).

RAM 202 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of CPU 201. CPU 201 loads programs and the like required for executing processing from ROM 203 or external memory 211 into RAM 202, and executes the loaded programs to realize various operations.

The input controller 205 controls input from an input device 209. Examples of the input device 209 include a keyboard, a touch panel, and a pointing device such as a mouse.

When the input device 209 is a touch panel, the user can give various instructions by pressing (touching with a finger, etc.) icons, cursors, or buttons displayed on the touch panel.

The touch panel may also be a touch panel capable of detecting positions touched by multiple fingers, such as a multi-touch screen.

The video controller 206 controls the display on an external output device such as a display device 210. The display is also intended to include the display of a notebook computer integrated into the main body. Note that the external output device is not limited to a display, and may be, for example, a projector. In addition, for devices that can accept the aforementioned touch operation, an input device 209 is provided.

The video controller 206 can control a video memory (VRAM) for display control, and can use part of the RAM 202 as a video memory area, or can provide a separate dedicated video memory.

The memory controller 207 controls access to the external memory 211. The external memory may be an external storage device (hard disk) or a flexible disk (FD) that stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and various data.

The communication I/F controller 208 connects and communicates with external devices via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, 3G lines, and LTE lines is possible.

Note that storage devices such as the external memory 211 are media for permanently storing information, and are not limited to storage devices such as hard disks. For example, they may be media such as SSDs (Solid State Drives).

It can also be used as a temporary memory area during various processes performed by the communication terminal in this embodiment.

The CPU 201 enables display on the display device 210 by, for example, executing a process of expanding (rasterizing) an outline font in a display information area in the RAM 202. The CPU 201 also enables a user to give instructions using a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display device 210.
<Figure 3>
Next, the process executed by the server 101 in the assembly and packaging process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by server 101 during the assembly and packaging process.

The processing of each step shown in FIG. 3 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

First, in the cleaning process, the user removes from the cleaning machine 105 each item that constitutes each piece of equipment in the equipment set that has been cleaned by the cleaning machine 105.

The server 101 displays an equipment set selection screen (Figure 11) on the client terminal 106.

Figure 11 shows an example of an equipment set selection screen 1101.

The equipment set selection screen 1101 displays a pull-down menu 1102 for selecting a medical specialty, and a display field 1103 for displaying the name of the equipment set used in the medical specialty selected in the pull-down menu 1102, the type (model) of the equipment set, and the number of pieces of equipment that make up the equipment set.

When the server 101 receives from the client terminal 106 a medical department selected by the user via the equipment set selection screen 1101, it acquires the equipment set name, equipment set type (model), and number of pieces of equipment stored in the equipment set information 1501 corresponding to the selected medical department, and displays the acquired information in the display field 1103 of the equipment set selection screen 1101 of the client terminal 106.

Then, the user selects the record of the equipment set name, equipment set type (model), and number of pieces of equipment displayed in display field 1103.

When the server 101 receives from the client terminal 106 the equipment set name, the type (model) of the equipment set, and the number of pieces of equipment selected by the user via the display field 1103, it identifies the record of the equipment set information 1501 stored corresponding to the received equipment set name, the type (model) of the equipment set, and the number of pieces of equipment (S301).

Here, we will explain the data table shown in the equipment set information 1501 in Figure 15.

The equipment set information 1501 shown in FIG. 15 is a data table stored in a storage means such as an external memory of the server 101.

The equipment set information 1501 includes the items "medical department", "equipment set name", "type of equipment set (model)", "number of equipment", "assembly method", "placement in packaging", "maintenance method", "shape of each equipment", "sterilization method", "sterilizer", and "type of indicator", and these items are stored in association with each other. This "medical department" stores data indicating the medical department, and "equipment set name" stores data on the name of the equipment set. Furthermore, "type of equipment set (model)" stores data on the type (model) of the equipment set. "Number of equipment" stores the number of equipment that composes the equipment set. Furthermore, "assembly method" stores data on the assembly method for assembling the items that compose the equipment to make the equipment, and "placement in packaging" stores data on the position and method of placing the assembled equipment in the packaging.

In addition, in the "Maintenance method", data indicating the maintenance method for the equipment set is stored, and in the "Shape of each equipment", data (shape information) indicating the shape of each equipment is stored. That is, in the "Shape of each equipment", shape information is stored for each equipment constituting the equipment set. In addition, in the "Sterilization method", as in each table shown in FIG. 15, the type of sterilization method suitable for the sterilization of the equipment set, such as sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas or high-pressure steam sterilization, and the sterilization mode for the type of sterilization method are stored in association with each other. Here, the sterilization mode is also called a cycle mode, and includes, for example, mode 1, which sterilizes with a shorter time required for sterilization than normal (standard time), mode 2, which sterilizes with a standard time required for sterilization, mode 3, which sterilizes with a longer time required for sterilization than normal (standard time), mode 4, which sterilizes with a higher concentration of sterilizing agent than normal, and mode 5, which sterilizes with a normal concentration (standard concentration) of sterilizing agent used for sterilization, and the sterilization modes that are combinations of modes 1 to 3 and modes 4 and 5 are predefined.

In this way, the equipment set information 1501 stores a sterilization mode corresponding to the item to be sterilized, such as an equipment set, from among multiple sterilization modes that differ in at least one of the length of time required for sterilization processing by the sterilizer and the concentration of the sterilant used in the sterilization processing.

In addition, "Sterilizer" stores data indicating the model and type of sterilizer that will be used with the sterilization method. In addition, "Indicator type" stores data indicating the sterilization method and the type of indicator used with the sterilizer.

Next, the reading device 107 reads the color value of the discolored portion 1201 of the inner packaging sheet 1301 of the unused chemical indicator 1205 to be used for sterilization and the identification information of the inner packaging identification information portion 1202. The chemical indicator 1205 to be read here is a chemical indicator 1205 composed of the inner packaging sheet 1301 to be placed inside the packaging material 1401 and the outer packaging sheet 1302 to be attached to the outside of the packaging material 1401. The reading device 107 then transmits the read information (specifically, the color value of the discolored portion 1201 and the identification information of the identification information portion 1202) to the client terminal 106. When the client terminal 106 acquires the information, it transmits the information to the server 101. When the server 101 acquires the information, it acquires the color value of the discolored portion included in the information and the identification information recorded in the identification information portion 1202 (S302).

Figure 12 shows an example of a chemical indicator 1205.

Here, the configuration of the chemical indicator 1205 will be explained using Figure 12.

The chemical indicator 1205 is formed as a single sheet with a slit 1203 between the inner packaging sheet 1301 and the outer packaging sheet 1302. The presence of this slit 1203 makes it easy for the user to separate the inner packaging sheet 1301 and the outer packaging sheet 1302 by cutting along the slit 1203.

The sheet for inside packaging 1301 has on its surface a color-changing portion 1201 that changes color in response to sterilization gas used to sterilize an object to be sterilized, such as an equipment set, and an identification information portion 1202, and is a sheet that is placed inside a packaging material (such as a sterilization container, or simply called a container) that packages the object to be sterilized. The color-changing portion 1201 changes color when it comes into contact with sterilization gas used to sterilize the object to be sterilized.

Furthermore, the external packaging sheet 1302 is a sheet that has an identification information section 124 on its surface, and is a sheet that is placed outside the packaging material that packages the sterilized object. Here, outside means a position outside the packaging material, although it is inside the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer. For example, the back surface of the external packaging sheet 1302 has an adhesive section 1207 to which an adhesive is applied, so that it can be attached to the outer surface of the packaging material, for example. This makes it difficult for the external packaging sheet 1302 to come off the packaging material, and makes it difficult to make a mistake in the correspondence between the packaging material and the external packaging sheet 1302.

In addition, the identification information recorded in identification information section 1202 and the identification information recorded in identification information section 1204 are the same information.

As shown in FIG. 15, the back surface of the inner packaging sheet 1301 is a non-adhesive portion 1206 that does not have an adhesive portion. This makes it easier to sterilize the back surface of the inner packaging sheet 1301 inside the packaging material in a sterilizer.

In the example of FIG. 15, the back surface of the inner packaging sheet 1301 is a non-adhesive portion 1206, but an adhesive portion may be provided on 1206.

The user cuts the chemical indicator 1205 at the cut line 1203 as shown in FIG. 13, and separates it into an inner packaging sheet 1301 and an outer packaging sheet 1302.

Figure 13(A) is an example of a chemical indicator 1205 before being cut at the cut 1203, and Figure 13(B) is an example of a chemical indicator 1205 after being cut at the cut 1203.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the user places the inside packaging sheet 1301 after cutting along the cut line 1203 into the packaging material 1401 together with the equipment set (e.g., a set of equipment A, equipment B, and equipment C), and attaches the outside packaging sheet 1302 to the outer surface of the packaging material 1401.

Figure 14 (A) is an example of a diagram in which an equipment set and an inner packaging sheet 1301 are placed in a packaging material 1401. Also, Figure 14 (B) is an example of a diagram in which a lid is placed on the packaging material 1401 containing the equipment set and the inner packaging sheet 1301, and an outer packaging sheet 1302 is attached to the lid.

Return to the explanation of Figure 3.

The server 101 determines whether the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in S302 is the color value (predefined value (specified value)) of the initial color of the unused discolored portion 1201, thereby determining whether the initial color of the discolored portion 1201 satisfies the specified value (S303).

If the server 101 determines that the color value of the discolored portion acquired in S302 is the color value (predetermined value) of the initial color of the unused discolored portion 1201 (the initial color of the discolored portion meets the specified value) (S303: YES), the process proceeds to S305. On the other hand, if the server 101 determines that the color value of the discolored portion acquired in S302 is not the color value (predetermined value) of the initial color of the unused discolored portion 1201 (the initial color of the discolored portion does not meet the specified value) (S303: NO), the process proceeds to S304.

In S304, the server 101 outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the initial color of the discolored portion does not meet the specified value. Specifically, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display a message indicating that the initial color of the discolored portion does not meet the specified value (S304). Alert screen 0 (1600) shown in FIG. 16 is an example of an alert screen displayed on the client terminal 106 in S304. Then, the process returns to S302.

In S305, the server 101 determines whether the chemical indicator whose identification information was read in S302 is an indicator of a sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301.

Specifically, the server 101 identifies the sterilization method, sterilizer, or type of indicator that can use the indicator identified by the identification information read in S302.

For example, the server 101 identifies a record in which a portion of the identification information read in S302 (e.g., the first two digits of the identification information) is stored corresponding to the indicator information 1502 in FIG. 15. This identifies the sterilization method, sterilizer, or type of indicator that can use the indicator identified by the identification information read in S302.

The indicator information 1502 in FIG. 15 includes the items "Part of the identification information in the identification information section," "Sterilization method," "Sterilizer," and "Type of indicator."

In the "part of the identification information of the identification information section", part of the identification information (for example, the first two digits of the identification information) is stored. This part of the identification information is information that identifies the sterilization method, sterilizer, or type of indicator for which the indicator can be used. In addition, in the "sterilization method", data indicating the sterilization method in which the indicator identified by the identification information can be used is stored. In addition, in the "sterilizer", data indicating the sterilizer in which the indicator identified by the identification information can be used is stored. In addition, in the "type of indicator", data indicating the type of indicator in which the indicator identified by the identification information can be used is stored. The indicator information 1502 in FIG. 15 is stored in a storage means such as the external memory 211 of the server 101.

Next, the server 101 identifies the sterilization method, sterilizer, and type of indicator stored in the equipment set information 1501 in FIG. 15 in accordance with the equipment set name and equipment set type (model) selected in S301.

Then, the server 101 determines whether the type of indicator identified from part of the identification information read in S302 (e.g., the first two digits of the identification information) is the same as the type of indicator identified from the equipment set name and equipment set type (model) selected in S301, thereby determining whether the chemical indicator whose identification information was read in S302 is an indicator of a sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301.

Also, for example, if the equipment set information 1501 does not have the items "sterilizer" and "type of indicator", the server 101 identifies the sterilization method stored in the equipment set information 1501 in FIG. 15 corresponding to the equipment set name and type (model) of the equipment set selected in S301, and identifies the type of indicator stored in the indicator information 1502 corresponding to the sterilization method. The server 101 also identifies the type of indicator stored in the indicator information 1502 by using part of the identification information read in S302 to correspond to the part of the identification information. The server 101 then determines whether the chemical indicator whose identification information is read in S302 is an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301 by determining whether the types of these indicators match.

If the server 101 determines that the chemical indicator whose identification information has been read by S302 is an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301 (S305: YES), it transitions the process to S306. On the other hand, if it determines in S305 that the chemical indicator whose identification information has been read by S302 is not an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301, it transitions the process to S307.

In S307, the server 101 outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the chemical indicator whose identification information was read in S302 is not an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301. Specifically, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display alert screen 1 (1601) shown in FIG. 16 (S307). Then, the process returns to S302.

In S306, the server 101 performs processing to associate the identification information read in S302 with the equipment set information.

Specifically, the server 101 acquires the data "Medical department," "Equipment set name," "Equipment set type (model)," "Shape of each instrument," "Sterilization method" (including sterilization mode), "Sterilizer," and "Indicator type" contained in the record of the equipment set information 1501 identified in S301 as equipment set information, and stores it in a record of the sterilization management table 1504 shown in FIG. 15. The server 101 then stores the identification information read in S302 in the "Identification information in the identification information section of the packaging indicator" of that record. In this way, the sterilization mode that allows the sterilization process to be performed corresponding to the object to be sterilized is stored in the record of the equipment set information 1501.

Next, the reading device 107 reads the color value of the discolored portion 1201 of the inside-packaging sheet 1301 of the unused chemical indicator 1205 to be used for sterilization and the identification information of the inside-packaging identification information portion 1202. The chemical indicator 1205 to be read here is a chemical indicator to be placed in a cold spot in the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer, for example, a chemical indicator to be used in a PCD (process challenge device). (It is not one to be placed inside the packaging material 1401 or attached to the outside of the packaging material 1401.)
Then, the reading device 107 transmits the read information (specifically, the color value of the discoloration portion 1201 and the identification information) to the client terminal 106. Upon acquiring the information, the client terminal 106 transmits the information to the server 101. Upon acquiring the information, the server 101 acquires the color value of the discoloration portion included in the information and the identification information recorded in the identification information portion 1202 (S308).

Then, similar to S303, the server 101 determines whether the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in 308 is the color value (predefined value (specified value)) of the initial color of the unused discolored portion 1201, thereby determining whether the initial color of the discolored portion 1201 satisfies the specified value (S309).

If the server 101 determines that the color value of the discolored portion acquired in S308 is the color value (predefined value) of the initial color of the unused discolored portion 1201 (the initial color of the discolored portion meets the predefined value) (S309: YES), the server 101 proceeds to S311. On the other hand, if the server 101 determines that the color value of the discolored portion acquired in S308 is not the color value (predefined value) of the initial color of the unused discolored portion 1201 (the initial color of the discolored portion does not meet the predefined value) (S309: NO), the server 101 proceeds to S310.

In S310, the server 101 outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the initial color of the discolored portion does not meet the specified value. Specifically, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display a message indicating that the initial color of the discolored portion does not meet the specified value (S310). Alert screen 0 (1600) shown in FIG. 16 is an example of an alert screen displayed on the client terminal 106 in S310. Then, the process returns to S308.

In S311, the server 101 determines whether the chemical indicator whose identification information was read in S308 is an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301. The specific method of determination is the same as in S305, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

If the server 101 determines that the chemical indicator whose identification information has been read in S308 is an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301 (S311: YES), it transitions the process to S313. On the other hand, if it determines that the chemical indicator whose identification information has been read in S308 is not an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301, it transitions the process to S312.

In S312, the server 101 outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the chemical indicator whose identification information was read in S308 is not an indicator of the sterilization method corresponding to the equipment set selected in S301. Specifically, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display alert screen 1 (1601) shown in FIG. 16 (S312). Then, the process returns to S308.

In S313, the server 101 performs a process of associating the identification information of the cold spot chemical indicator read in S308 with the information of the equipment set.

Specifically, the server 101 stores the identification information of the cold spot chemical indicator read in S308 in the "identification information in the identification information section of the cold spot indicator" of the record for which the association process was performed in S306, thereby performing an association process between the identification information read in S308 and the information on the equipment set.

Next, the server 101 acquires the data for "assembly method," "placement in packaging," and "maintenance method" for the record identified in S301. Based on this data, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display a screen (1602) including data indicating the assembly method for assembling the items that make up the equipment set of the type (model) of the equipment set accepted in S301, data indicating the position and method of placing the assembled equipment in the packaging, and data indicating the maintenance method for the equipment set (S314).

Screen 1602 in Figure 16 is an example of a screen to be displayed on the client terminal 106 in S314.

Then, the user refers to the screen displayed in S314, combines the items to assemble the equipment, and places each piece of equipment in a packaging material such as a sterilized container.

Then, the imaging device 108 photographs each of the instruments (instrument sets) placed in the sterilization container by photographing the sterilization container in which each of the instruments is placed from above before the packaging lid is closed. The imaging device 108 transmits the captured image to the client terminal 106, and the client terminal 106 transmits the image to the server 101. The server 101 then acquires the image from the client terminal 106 (S315).

The server 101 analyzes the image acquired in S315 and identifies the type (model) of the equipment set for each piece of equipment included in the image and the number of pieces of equipment included in the image (S316).

Specifically, the server 101 identifies, from the images acquired in S315, equipment that corresponds (matches) to the data (shape information) stored in the "shape of each equipment" of the equipment set information 1501 shown in FIG. 15, and identifies the number of identified equipment (number of equipment). The server 101 then identifies the type (model) of the equipment set of the identified equipment. For example, because shape information is stored for each piece of equipment that constitutes an equipment set in the "shape of each equipment" of the equipment set information 1501 shown in FIG. 15, the server 101 can identify the type (model) of the equipment set of the identified equipment by identifying the "type (model) of equipment set" in the record of the "shape of each equipment" of the identified equipment.

Then, the server 101 determines whether the type and number of pieces of equipment selected in S301 match the type (model) and number of pieces of equipment of the equipment set identified in S316 (S317).

Specifically, the server 101 determines whether the number of pieces of equipment identified in S316 matches the number of pieces of equipment stored in the "number of pieces of equipment" field of the record identified in S301, and whether the type (model) of the equipment set identified in S316 matches the data stored in the "type (model) of equipment set" field of the record identified in S301.

If the server 101 determines in S317 that there is no match (NO), it outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the equipment types and/or the number of equipment are different (S319).

Specifically, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display alert screen 2 (1603) shown in FIG. 16. In the example of alert screen 2 (1603), it is displayed that the type (model) of the equipment set selected in S301 and/or the number of pieces of equipment are different, but it is also possible to display that the equipment placed on the packaging material is different from the equipment of the type (model) of the equipment set selected in S301.

Then, the server 101 executes processing of S319 and returns the processing to S301.

If it is determined in S317 that there is a match (YES), the server 101 outputs (displays) to the client terminal 106 a message indicating that there is a match in S317 (the determination result), and returns the process to S301.

The user then places the inner packaging sheet 1301 cut along the cut line 1203 into a packaging material such as a sterilization container, closes the lid of the packaging material, and attaches the outer packaging sheet 1302 to the outside of the packaging material. The assembled instrument set is then stored as a packaged item to be sterilized.
<Figure 4>
Next, the process executed by the server 101 in the sterilization process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the server 101 during the sterilization process.

The processing of each step shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

During the sterilization process, when packaged items (instrument sets) stored in the assembly area are sterilized in a sterilizer, a process is carried out to prevent the equipment set from being sterilized in a sterilizer that does not support a sterilization method.

First, the client terminal 109 inputs user identification information for identifying itself according to the user's operation. As a method for inputting user identification information for identifying a user, the employee (user)'s user identification information may be input by reading an employee card with a reading device, or the user may input the user's identification information manually.

The client terminal 109 transmits the input user identification information to the server 101, and the server 101 receives and inputs the user identification information (S4011).

S4011 is an example application of a user input means for inputting user identification information that identifies a user.

Based on the received user identification information, the server 101 determines whether the user is a specific user authorized to use the sterilizer 112 (S4012). Specifically, the server 101 stores a list of user identification information of specific users authorized to use the sterilizer 112, and determines whether the user identification information received from the client terminal 109 is included in the list, thereby determining whether the user identified by the received user identification information is a specific user authorized to use the sterilizer 112.

S4012 is an example application of a determination means, which determines whether the user identified by the user identification information input by S4011 is a user authorized to use the sterilizer 112.

If the server 101 determines in S4012 that the user identified by the received user identification information is not a specific user authorized to use the sterilizer 112 (the received user identification information is not in the list), it displays (outputs) an alert to the client terminal 109 that the user is not authorized to use the sterilizer 112. This process is an example of application of a user alert output means, and if it is determined in S4012 that the user is not authorized to use the sterilizer 112, an alert is output regarding the fact that the user is not authorized to use the sterilizer 112.

The server 101 also issues instructions to the sterilizer 112 to restrict the start and execution of the sterilization process, and restricts the execution of the sterilization process by the sterilizer 112 (restriction means) (S405). Restriction methods include, for example, not displaying the start instruction button, or not executing the sterilization process even if the start instruction button is pressed.

In addition, if the server 101 determines in S4012 that the user identified by the received user identification information is a specified user authorized to use the sterilizer 112 (the received user identification information is in the list), the process proceeds to S401.

In S401, the reading device 110 reads and acquires the identification information contained in the identification information section 1204 of the external packaging sheet 1302 attached to the outer surface of the packaging material in which the equipment set (objects to be sterilized) is packaged, and transmits the information to the client terminal 109. Upon acquiring the identification information, the client terminal 109 transmits the identification information to the server 101, and the server 101 acquires and accepts the identification information (reception means).

The identification information is used to identify the object to be sterilized in the sterilizer, and is an example of the application of the first identification information for identifying the object to be sterilized in the sterilizer. The server 101 then identifies the name of the equipment set, the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) in which the chemical indicator of the identification information can be used, and/or the sterilizer from the read identification information. Here, the "sterilization method (including the sterilization mode)" is a sterilization mode consisting of any of the above-mentioned modes 1 to 5, or any combination of modes 1 to 3 and modes 4 and 5.

Specifically, the server 101 identifies a record in which a portion of the read identification information (e.g., the first two digits of the identification information) is stored in correspondence with the indicator information 1502 in FIG. 15. This identifies the sterilization method and/or type of sterilizer that can be used to sterilize the equipment set and the chemical indicator of the identification information (S401).

Alternatively, the server 101 identifies a record in which the read identification information is included in the sterilization management table 1504 in FIG. 15. As a result, the server 101 identifies the information contained in the record, such as the equipment set (item to be sterilized), sterilization method (including sterilization mode), and type of sterilizer identified by the identification information (S401).

Next, the user operates the reading device 110 to read the identification information of the sterilizer and the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) of the sterilizer that is attached to the sterilizer 112 to be used to sterilize the equipment set or that is displayed on the display unit of the sterilizer 112. The identification information referred to here is identification information that identifies the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) of the sterilizer and/or the type of sterilizer.

The reading device 110, in accordance with the user's operation, reads and acquires the identification information contained in the identification information section, such as a two-dimensional code or one-dimensional code, attached to the sterilizer 112 or recorded with the identification information displayed on the display section of the sterilizer 112, and transmits it to the client terminal 109.

When the client terminal 109 acquires the identification information, it transmits it to the server 101, and the server 101 reads and acquires the identification information of the sterilizer 112. The identification information is an application example of second identification information, and functions as information for identifying the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) of the sterilizer. S401 and S402 function as a reading means for reading the first identification information and the second identification information.

The server 101 also specifies the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) identified by the identification information acquired in S402, and inputs (input means) the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) for performing the sterilization process in the sterilizer 112 (S402).

Then, the server 101 judges whether the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) identified by the identification information acquired in S402 is the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) accepted in S401 (S403). This makes it possible to judge whether the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired in S402 is attached or displayed is a sterilizer for the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) specified in S401.

In S403, the server 101 can also determine whether the type of sterilizer identified by the identification information acquired in S402 is the type of sterilizer specified in S401. In other words, it can also determine whether the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired in S402 is attached or displayed is the type of sterilization method specified in S401.

Specifically, the server 101 identifies the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) and the sterilizer (type of sterilizer) stored in the sterilizer information 1503 shown in FIG. 15 in response to the identification information acquired in S402. This makes it possible to identify the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) and the sterilizer (type of sterilizer) identified by the identification information acquired in S402.

S403 is an example application of a determination means, which determines whether the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) corresponding to the object to be sterilized identified by the first identification information read in S401 matches the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) of the sterilizer identified by the second identification information read in S402.

Sterilizer information 1503 shown in FIG. 15 is a data table consisting of the items "Sterilizer identification information," "Sterilization method" (including sterilization mode), "Sterilizer," and "Type of indicator."

"Sterilizer identification information" stores data on the sterilization method of the sterilizer and identification information for identifying the sterilizer (type of sterilizer), "Sterilization method" stores data indicating the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) of the sterilizer identified by the identification information, and "Sterilizer" stores the type of sterilizer identified by the identification information. Furthermore, "Indicator type" stores data indicating the sterilization method identified by the identification information and the type of indicator that can be used for the type of sterilizer.

In S403, the server 101 determines whether the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) specified by referring to the sterilizer information 1503 from the identification information acquired in S402 is the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) specified in S401. In this way, it is determined whether the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired in S402 is attached or displayed is a sterilizer for the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) specified in S401.

Alternatively, it is determined whether the type of sterilizer identified by referring to the sterilizer information 1503 from the identification information acquired in S402 is the type of sterilizer identified in S401. This determines whether the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired in S402 is attached or displayed is the type of sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified in S401.

Then, when the server 101 determines from the identification information acquired in S402 that the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified by reference to the sterilizer information 1503 is the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified in S401 (the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired in S402 is attached or displayed is the sterilizer for the sterilization method identified in S401) (S403: YES), or when the server 101 determines from the identification information acquired in S402 that the type of sterilizer identified by reference to the sterilizer information 1503 is the type of sterilizer identified in S401 (the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired in S402 is attached or displayed is the type of sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified in S401) (S403: YES), it displays (outputs) on the client terminal 109 that the sterilizer is the sterilizer for the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) corresponding to the packaged object to be sterilized (instrument set), and returns the process to S401.

In addition, when it is determined (S403: NO) that the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified by referring to the sterilizer information 1503 from the identification information acquired in S402 is not the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified in S401 (the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired in S402 is attached or displayed is not a sterilizer for the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified in S401), the server 101 determines (S403: NO) that the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified by referring to the sterilizer information 1503 from the identification information acquired in S402 is not the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) identified in S401. However, if it is determined that the sterilizer is not of the type specified in S401 (the sterilizer to which the identification information acquired or displayed in S402 is attached is not of the type of sterilization method (including sterilization mode) specified in S401) (S403: NO), an alert screen (e.g., alert screen 3 (1604) in FIG. 16) is displayed (output) on the client terminal 109 (S404) to the effect that the sterilizer does not use a sterilization method (including sterilization mode) that is compatible with the packaged items to be sterilized (instrument set), and the process returns to S402. This makes it possible to prevent sterilization using a sterilizer that uses a sterilization method (including sterilization mode) that is not compatible with the equipment set.

S404 is an example of an application of an output means, and when it is determined in S403 that the sterilization method (including the sterilization mode) is different (S403: NO), the determination result is output as an alert regarding the sterilization mode.

The alert here outputs a message indicating that the sterilization mode entered in S402 is not the sterilization mode corresponding to the object to be sterilized identified by the identification information received in S401.

The server 101 also instructs the sterilizer 112 to restrict the start and execution of the sterilization process in the sterilization mode input in S402, and restricts the execution of the sterilization process by the sterilizer in the sterilization mode input in S402 (restriction means) (S404). Restriction methods include, for example, not displaying the start instruction button, or not executing the sterilization process even if the start instruction button is pressed.

Alert screen 3 1604 in Figure 16 is an example of an alert screen output in S404.

Also, alert screen 3 (1604) includes the sterilization method (including sterilization mode) and type of sterilizer identified in S401 as a message stating "The sterilization method (including sterilization mode) and sterilizer corresponding to the instrument set in the packaging are sterilization method A and sterilizer A." Therefore, the packaged instrument set can be sterilized using the appropriate sterilization method (including sterilization mode) and in the appropriate sterilizer.

When the answer is YES in S403 and the sterilizer has a sterilization method (including sterilization mode) that is compatible with the packaged items to be sterilized (instrument set) is displayed (output) on the client terminal 109, the user places the packaged items to be sterilized (instrument set) into the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer 112 and instructs the sterilizer 112 to start the sterilization process.
<Figure 5>
Next, the process executed by the server 101 in the storage step will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the server 101 during the storage process.

The processing of each step shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

The storage process involves removing the packaged items (instrument sets) that have been sterilized in the sterilizer 112 from the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer 112 and storing them.

First, the server 101 displays (outputs) an alert (for example, alert screen 4 shown in 1605 of FIG. 16) on the client terminal 113 to the effect that the specified information has not been acquired (input) (S501).

The specified information here refers to a cycle report that meets specified conditions (a cycle report that shows that the sterilization process has been carried out appropriately), a judgment result that shows that the color value (color value) of the discolored part of the indicator meets the threshold value, and a sterilization test result using a biological indicator (BI) (also called a judgment result or evaluation result).

Alert screen 4 shown in 1605 of FIG. 16 is an example of an alert screen displayed on the client terminal 113 in S501.

Then, the user removes the cold spot chemical indicator 1205 (used) that was placed inside the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer 112 during sterilization, and the reading device 114 reads and acquires information including the identification information of the identification information section (either identification information section 1202 or identification information section 1204) of the removed chemical indicator 1205 and the color value of the discoloration section 1201.

This chemical indicator is used in sterilization processing using a sterilizer, and is a chemical indicator installed in the cold spot of the sterilizer.

The reading device 114 then transmits the read information (the identification information of the identification information section and the color value of the discolored part) to the client terminal 113. The client terminal 113 accepts input of the worker name of the current user (worker), and upon acquiring the information, transmits the information and the worker name of the current user (worker) to the server 101. Upon acquiring the information and the worker name, the server 101 acquires the color value of the discolored part included in the information and the identification information recorded in the identification information section (S502).

S502 is an example of application of the acquisition means of the present invention, which acquires specific information (identification information read from the identification information section of the chemical indicator) provided in the chemical indicator to identify the object to be sterilized in the sterilizer, and a numerical value of the color of the discoloration section provided in the chemical indicator.

In this embodiment, each reading device functions as a reading means and reads the specific information (identification information included in the identification information section) of the chemical indicator and the numerical value of the color of the discolored section.

Then, the server 101 determines whether the color value of the discolored part 1201 satisfies the threshold value by determining whether the color value of the discolored part acquired in S502 is a predetermined color value (threshold value) of the used discolored part 1201 (or whether the color value of the discolored part acquired in S502 exceeds the predetermined threshold value) (S503). That is, in S503, the server 101 determines whether the discoloration of the discolored part is good or bad by determining whether the color value of the discolored part acquired in S502 is a predetermined color value.

S503 is an example of application of the determination means of the present invention, which determines whether the numerical value of the color of the discolored area acquired by the acquisition means of S502 exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

If the server 101 determines that the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in S502 is the predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201 (the discoloration of the discolored portion is good) (S503: YES), it transitions the process to S505. On the other hand, if the server 101 determines that the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in S502 is not the predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201 (the discoloration of the discolored portion is bad) (S503: NO), it transitions the process to S504.

In S504, the server 101 displays (outputs) an alert (e.g., alert screen 6 (1607) shown in FIG. 16) on the client terminal 113 indicating that the discoloration of the discolored area is defective.

This allows the user to check for poor discoloration of the discolored area of the cold spot chemical indicator, reducing the chance of the user mistakenly determining that the discoloration of the discolored area is good based on visual inspection.

In addition, in S505, the server 101 inputs the cycle report output by the sterilizer 112. The input method can be either that the sterilizer 112 sends the cycle report to the server 101 and inputs it to the server 101, or that the user removes the removable external recording medium on which the cycle report is recorded from the sterilizer 112 and connects the external recording medium to the client terminal 113, and the client terminal 113 sends the cycle report to the server 101 and inputs it to the server 101.

Here, a cycle report is a report in which information such as the time when the sterilizer 112 performed the sterilization process (sterilization operation), the process, the air pressure inside the sterilization chamber, the period during which the process was performed, and the temperature inside the sterilization chamber is recorded in chronological order, an example of which is shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17 shows an example of a cycle report.

The cycle report shown in FIG. 17 also includes the sterilization date when the sterilization process was performed, the sterilization operation mode, the identification information of the sterilizer, the expiration date of the sterilant used, and the serial number of the sterilant, as shown in FIG. 17.

The server 101 determines whether the cycle report entered in S505 satisfies the specified conditions (S506).

Here, the predetermined conditions are conditions for determining whether the sterilization process has been completed normally. An example of the predetermined conditions is shown in Figure 18. When the operation mode is software, the predetermined conditions shown in Figure 18 indicate the conditions "Did the air pressure decrease to 0.15 Torr within 2 minutes during the vacuum process?" and "Did the air pressure reach 75 Torr or more within 6 minutes during the sterilization process?".

If the server 101 determines that the cycle report entered in S505 meets the predetermined conditions (the sterilization process has been completed normally) (S506: YES), in S508, it accepts the input of the BI (biological indicator) test results and the name of the user who confirmed the BI (confirmer name) from the client terminal 113. On the other hand, if it determines that the cycle report entered in S505 does not meet the predetermined conditions (the sterilization process has not been completed normally), it outputs (displays) an alert to the effect that the sterilization process has not been completed normally on the client terminal 113 (S507), and returns the process to S501.

Alert screen 5 (1606) shown in FIG. 16 is an example of an alert displayed on the client terminal 113 in S507.

In S509, the server 101 determines whether or not all of the specified information has been acquired, and if it is determined that all of the specified information has been acquired (YES), the server 101 erases the display of the alert (e.g., alert screen 4 (1605)) displayed in S501 (S510) and transitions to processing S511. Also, if it is determined in S509 that all of the specified information has not been acquired (NO), the server 101 returns the processing to S501.

Next, the server 101 associates and records (registers) the following data in the record of the sterilization management table 1504, including the identification information acquired in S502 (identification information of the identification information section of the cold spot chemical indicator) with the record (S511): (1) the cycle report entered in S505, (2) the color value of the discolored area acquired in S502, (3) the name of the person who checked entered in S502, (4) the judgment result (inspection result) of the judgment process in S503, (5) the inspection result of the BI entered in S508, (6) the name of the person who checked the BI inspection result (user name) in S508, and (7) the current date (inspection date/sterilization management report creation date).

S511 is an application example of the registration means of the present invention, in which the judgment result by the judgment means of S503, the result of the sterilization process by the sterilizer (cycle report), and the numerical value of the color of the discolored area acquired by the acquisition means of S502 are registered in association with the object to be sterilized identified by the specific information (identification information) acquired by the acquisition means of S502.

At this time, since the information on the equipment set has already been stored in the record of the sterilization management table 1504, the information on the equipment set and the information on (1) to (7) are stored in association with each other. That is, (1) the cycle report data entered in S505 is stored in the "Cycle Report" of the sterilization management table 1504, (2) the color value data of the discolored portion acquired in S502 is stored in the "Color Value" of the sterilization management table 1504, (3) the checker name data entered in S502 is stored in the "Checker (operator name) of indicator A (CI)" of the sterilization management table 1504, and (4) the judgment result (inspection result) data of the judgment process of S503 is stored in the "Indicator A (CI)" of the sterilization management table 1504. (5) the BI test result data entered in S508 is stored in "Indicator (BI) Test Results" in sterilization management table 1504, (6) the data of the checker's name (user name) who entered the BI test result in S508 is stored in "Indicator (BI) Checker" in sterilization management table 1504, and (7) the current date (test date/sterilization control report creation date) data is stored in "Test Date/Sterilization Control Report Creation Date" in sterilization management table 1504 (S511). In S511, the image of the chemical indicator photographed is not stored, but the numerical value of the color of the discolored portion is stored. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data stored in the storage device.

Then, the server 101 generates and outputs a sterilization management report 1901 (e.g., FIG. 19) including each data of the record in the sterilization management table 1504, including the identification information acquired in S502 (identification information of the identification information section of the cold spot chemical indicator) (S511). This output process of S511 is an application example of the output means of the present invention, and outputs the information registered by the registration process of S511.

As shown in FIG. 19, the sterilization management report 1901 includes bibliographic information 1902 including the date the sterilization management report was created, the area name at the time of creation, and the operator name, medical department 1903, a list of equipment sets 1904 (equipment set name, equipment set type (model)), information 1905 regarding chemical indicators for cold spots, information 1907 regarding BI, and a cycle report 1701.

The information 1905 relating to the chemical indicator for cold spots includes the color value of the discolored portion of the chemical indicator for cold spots (the color value acquired in S502), the judgment result of S503 (the color value acquired in S502 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 61.9)) 1906, the inspection result of chemical indicator A (CI) (information indicating whether or not it has been inspected), the inspection date, and the name of the person who checked indicator A (CI) (the name of the worker).

In addition, the information 1907 regarding the BI includes the test results of the indicator (BI), the test date, and the name of the person who verified the indicator (BI).

The server 101 displays (outputs) the generated sterilization management report 1901 on the client terminal 113 (S511).

Next, the server 101 changes the data stored in "Location (area)/status of equipment set" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the identification information acquired in S502 (identification information of the identification information section of the cold spot chemical indicator), to "Sterilized area/sterilization completed." In other words, the server 101 registers (updates) "Location (area)/status of equipment set" to "Sterilized area" as information indicating the area in which each equipment set is stored of the record in the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the identification information acquired in S502, and to "Sterilization completed" as information indicating that the sterilization process has been completed successfully.

After executing processing of S512, the server 101 transitions the processing to S501.

In this way, by reading the chemical indicator after sterilization by the sterilizer 112 is completed, the equipment set identified from the identification information of the chemical indicator, the discoloration result of the discolored part of the chemical indicator (the color value of the discolored part and the quality of the discoloration of the discolored part), the completion result of the sterilization process based on the input cycle report (the quality of the sterilization process) and the input BI inspection result (the quality of the BI inspection) are associated, and the data of the associated states is output, making it easier for the user to confirm which equipment set has what kind of sterilization result.
<Figure 6>
Next, the process executed by the server 101 in the dispensing step will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the server 101 during the dispensing process.

The processing of steps S601 to S607 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

The processing of steps S608 and S609 shown in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU of the surgery management system 122 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

In the dispensing process, the worker (user) dispenses the stored equipment set to the operating room/surgery preparation room.

First, the server 101 acquires from the surgery management system 122 the unpaid surgery information (order information) 2001 shown in FIG. 20 that is stored in a storage means such as a memory of the surgery management system 122 (S601). That is, the server 101 acquires information on the record of the surgery information (order information) 2001 in which the "payment status" field is "unpaid."

Figure 20 shows an example of surgery information (order information) 2001.

As shown in FIG. 20, surgery information (order information) 2001 consists of the following items: "Surgery ID," "Patient information," "Equipment set name," "Equipment set type (model)," "Surgery date," "Dispatch destination (surgery room/surgery preparation room)," and "Dispatch status."

"Surgery ID" stores identification information (ID) for identifying the surgery, "Patient information" stores the patient's name, "Equipment set name" stores the name of the equipment set used in the surgery, "Equipment set type (model)" stores data indicating the type (model) of the equipment set used in the surgery, "Surgery date" stores the date the patient will have surgery, "Dispatch destination (operating room/surgery preparation room)" stores the operating room in which the surgery will be performed or the surgery preparation room of the operating room, and "Dispatch status" stores data indicating whether the type (model) of the equipment set has already been dispensed to the destination.

Then, the server 101 displays the screen 2101A (Figure 21) including the surgery information (order information) 2001 acquired in S601 on the client terminal 116 (S602).

Figure 21 shows an example of surgery information (order information) 2001 displayed on the client terminal 116.

The user then checks the screen 2101A, which includes the surgery information (order information) 2001, to confirm the equipment that needs to be dispensed. The reading device 117 then reads the identification information section 1204 of the external packaging sheet 1302 affixed to the outer surface (outside) of the packaging material for the equipment set stored in the storage process, in accordance with the user's operation. The reading device 110 then acquires the identification information of the identification information section 1204 and transmits it to the client terminal 109. Upon acquiring the identification information, the client terminal 109 transmits the identification information to the server 101, and the server 101 acquires the identification information.

The server 101 acquires identification information from the identification information unit 1204. The server 101 then identifies the equipment set name and equipment set type (model) stored in the sterilization management table 1504 corresponding to the acquired identification information. The server 101 then displays on the client terminal 116 only those records that include the identified equipment set name and equipment set type (model) from among the surgery information acquired in S601 (surgery information currently being displayed on the client terminal 116). Screen 2101B in FIG. 21 is an example of a screen that displays on the client terminal 116 only those records that include the identified equipment set name and equipment set type (model).

Then, the client terminal 116 accepts the user's selection of the surgery information to be dispensed from among one or more pieces of surgery information displayed on the screen 2101B, and transmits information indicating the selected surgery information to the server 101. The surgery information refers to the information for each record of the surgery information (order information) 2001.

When the server 101 receives information indicating the selected surgery information from the client terminal 116, it registers the surgery ID of the surgery information (order information) 2001 in the "Surgery ID" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504 that contains the identification information acquired in S603, thereby associating the information on the equipment set, the identification information of the chemical indicator used in the packaging material, the identification information of the chemical indicator for cold spots, and each piece of information contained in the sterilization management report with the surgery information (S605).

Then, the server 101 updates and registers the "Equipment set location (area)/status" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504 containing the identification information acquired in S603 to "Dispatch area/dispatch completed" which combines data indicating the dispatch area (e.g., dispatch area) and data indicating that the equipment has been dispensed (e.g., dispensed) (S606).

The server 101 also requests an update of the disbursement status of the surgery information by sending the surgery ID to the surgery management system 122 (S607).

When the surgery management system 122 receives the surgery ID (S608), it updates the "payment status" of the record of the surgery information (order information) 2001 that contains the surgery ID to data indicating that the surgery has been paid out (e.g., "paid out") (S609).

When the user selects the surgery information in S604, the packaging material containing the equipment set is dispensed to the destination.

Although packaging materials such as sterilized containers are designed so that the inside cannot be seen from the outside, as described above, by reading the identification information in the identification information section 1204 of the external packaging sheet 1302 attached to the outer surface (outside) of the packaging material of the instrument set stored in the storage process, it becomes possible to confirm the instrument set name stored corresponding to the identification information and the type (model) of the instrument set (instrument set inside the packaging material). Also, by reading the identification information, it is possible to easily confirm the destination of the equipment that needs to be dispensed, and it becomes easier to efficiently manage the dispensing status.
<Figure 7>
Next, the process executed by the server 101 in the opening process and surgery process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the server 101 during the opening process and surgery process.

The processing of each step shown in FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

In the opening process/surgery process shown in Figure 7, the worker (user) opens the packaging material that encases the dispensed equipment set and checks the equipment set. This opening process/surgery process is carried out before or during surgery.

First, the user operates the client terminal 119 to instruct the sending of the surgery ID for the upcoming surgery.

The server 101 accepts the input of the surgery ID sent by the client terminal 119 in accordance with the user's operation (S701).

The user then opens the lid of the packaging material in which the dispensed sterilized equipment set is wrapped, and removes the inner packaging sheet 1301 (used). The reading device 120 then reads and acquires the identification information of the identification information section 1202 of the removed inner packaging sheet 1301, and the color value of the discolored section 1201.

Then, the reading device 120 transmits the read identification information and color value to the client terminal 119. After acquiring the identification information and color value, the client terminal 119 transmits the identification information and color value to the server 101. The server 101 then acquires the identification information and color value (S702).

Then, the server 101 determines whether the color value of the discolored portion acquired in S702 is a predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201 (or determines whether it exceeds the predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201), thereby determining whether the color value of the discolored portion 1201 satisfies the threshold (S703). That is, in S703, the server 101 determines whether the discoloration of the discolored portion is good or bad by determining whether the color value of the discolored portion acquired in S702 is a predetermined color value.

If the server 101 determines that the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in S702 is the predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201 (the discoloration of the discolored portion is good) (S703: YES), it transitions the process to S705. On the other hand, if the server 101 determines that the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in S702 is not the predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201 (the discoloration of the discolored portion is bad) (S703: NO), it transitions the process to S704.

In S704, the server 101 displays (outputs) an alert (e.g., alert screen 6 (1607) shown in FIG. 16) on the client terminal 119 indicating that the discoloration of the discolored area is defective. Then, the process proceeds to S710.

This allows the user to check for poor discoloration of the discolored part of the chemical indicator inside the package, reducing the chance of the user mistakenly determining that the discoloration of the discolored part is good based on visual inspection.

Then, the server 101 updates and registers the "Equipment set location (area)/status" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504 containing the identification information acquired in S702 to "Operating room A/issued" which combines the "Dispatch destination" data (e.g., operating room A) registered in the surgery information (order information) 2001 corresponding to the surgery ID of that record and data indicating that the equipment has been issued (e.g., issued) (S705).

Then, the imaging device 121 photographs each piece of equipment (equipment set) placed in the sterilization container from above with the packaging lid open and the equipment placed therein. The imaging device 121 transmits the captured image to the client terminal 119, which transmits the image to the server 101. The server 101 then acquires the image from the client terminal 119 (S706).

Similar to S316, the server 101 analyzes the image acquired in S706 and identifies the type (model) of the equipment set for each piece of equipment included in the image and the number of pieces of equipment included in the image (S707).

Specifically, the server 101 identifies, from the images acquired in S706, equipment that corresponds (matches) to the data (shape information) stored in the "shape of each equipment" of the equipment set information 1501 shown in FIG. 15, and identifies the number of the identified equipment (number of equipment). The server 101 then identifies the type (model) of the equipment set of the identified equipment. For example, because shape information is stored for each piece of equipment that constitutes an equipment set in the "shape of each equipment" of the equipment set information 1501 shown in FIG. 15, the server 101 can identify the type (model) of the equipment set of the identified equipment by identifying the "type (model) of equipment set" in the record of the "shape of each equipment" of the identified equipment.

Then, the server 101 determines whether the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment (the number of equipment stored in the equipment set information 1501 corresponding to the type (model) of the equipment set) included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504 containing the identification information acquired in S702 match the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment identified in S707 (S708).

If the server 101 determines in S708 that there is no match (NO), it outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the types and/or quantities of equipment are different (S709).

In S709, for example, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display alert screen 2 (1603) shown in FIG. 16. Alert screen 2 (1603) displayed in S709 displays that the type (model) and number of instruments in the instrument set included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the identification information acquired in S702, are different from the type (model) and number of instruments in the instrument set identified in S707. Then, the process proceeds to S710.

Also, if the server 101 determines in S708 that there is a match (YES), it transitions the process to S710.

Then, the server 101 determines whether or not there is a next equipment set by determining whether the processes from S702 to S708 have been executed for the equipment sets of all records in the sterilization management table 1504, including the surgery ID entered in S701 (S710). If the server 101 determines that there is a next equipment set (YES), it transitions the process to S702, whereas if it determines that there is not a next equipment set (NO), it transitions the process to S711.

The server 101 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to add equipment sent from the client terminal 119 in accordance with a user operation (S711).

If the server 101 determines that it has not received an instruction to add equipment from the client terminal 119, it returns the process to S701. On the other hand, if it determines that it has received the instruction to add equipment, it transitions the process to S712.

If it is determined in S708 that the type (model) and number of equipment in the equipment set do not match, there may be insufficient equipment, or additional equipment may be required depending on the condition of the surgery, patient, etc. For this reason, instructions to add equipment can be accepted.

The user opens the lid of the packaging material in which the additional sterilized instrument set to be used is packed, and removes the (used) inner packaging sheet 1301. The reading device 120 then obtains information including the identification information of the identification information section 1202 of the removed inner packaging sheet 1301 and the color value of the discolored section 1201.

Then, the reading device 120 transmits the read information to the client terminal 119. When the client terminal 119 acquires the information, it transmits the information to the server 101. When the server 101 acquires the information, it acquires the color value (chromaticity value) of the discolored portion and the identification information contained in the information (S712).

Then, the server 101 determines whether the color value of the discolored portion 1201 acquired in S712 is a predetermined color value (threshold value) for the used discolored portion 1201 (or determines whether the color value of the discolored portion 1201 acquired in S712 exceeds a predetermined threshold value for the used discolored portion 1201), thereby determining whether the color value of the discolored portion 1201 satisfies the threshold value (S713). That is, in S713, the server 101 determines whether the discoloration of the discolored portion is good or bad by determining whether the color value of the discolored portion acquired in S712 is a predetermined color value.

If the server 101 determines that the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in S712 is (or exceeds) the predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201 (the discoloration of the discolored portion is good) (S713: YES), the process proceeds to S714. On the other hand, if the server 101 determines that the color value (color value) of the discolored portion acquired in S712 is not (or does not exceed) the predetermined color value (threshold) of the used discolored portion 1201 (the discoloration of the discolored portion is bad) (S713: NO), the process proceeds to S715.

In S715, the server 101 displays (outputs) an alert (e.g., alert screen 6 (1607) shown in FIG. 16) on the client terminal 119 indicating that the discoloration of the discolored area is defective. Then, the process proceeds to S701.

This allows the user to check for poor discoloration of the discolored part of the chemical indicator inside the package, reducing the chance of the user mistakenly determining that the discoloration of the discolored part is good based on visual inspection.

Next, the server 101 registers the surgery ID entered in S701 to the identification information acquired in S712, and associates the surgery information with the identification information (S714).

Specifically, the server 101 registers the surgery ID entered in S701 against the "Surgery ID" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504 that contains the identification information acquired in S712 (identification information of the identification information section of the packaging indicator), and associates the information on the equipment set identified by the identification information with the surgery ID of the surgery that uses the equipment.

Then, the server 101 transmits the data of the "Instrument set name" and "Type (model) of equipment set" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504, including the surgery ID input in S701 and the identification information (identification information of the identification information section of the packaging indicator) acquired in S712, and a request to update the dispensing status to the surgery management system 122, thereby updating the dispensing status of the surgery information (order information) 2001 (S716). When the surgery management system 122 receives the data and the request to update the dispensing status, it creates a record of the surgery ID included in the data in the surgery information (order information) 2001, registers the patient name, surgery date, and dispensing destination of the record of the surgery information (order information) 2001 for the surgery ID that has already been registered in the created record, and registers the data of the "Instrument set name" and "Type (model) of equipment set" included in the received data. It also registers the data of "dispensed" in the "dispensing status" of the created record.

Then, similar to S705, the server 101 updates and registers the "Equipment set location (area/status)" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the identification information acquired in S712 (identification information of the identification information section of the packaging indicator), to the data registered in S705 (e.g., operating room A/discharged) (S717).

Then, the imaging device 121 photographs the sterilization container with the lid of the packaging material (the packaging material in which the additional equipment set is packaged) open and the equipment placed therein, from above, thereby photographing each of the additional equipment (equipment sets) placed in the sterilization container. The imaging device 121 transmits the captured image to the client terminal 119, and the client terminal 119 transmits the image to the server 101. The server 101 then acquires the image from the client terminal 119 (S718).

Similar to S707, the server 101 analyzes the image acquired in S718 and identifies the type (model) of the equipment set for each piece of equipment included in the image and the number of pieces of equipment included in the image (S719).

Then, the server 101 determines whether the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment (the number of equipment stored in the equipment set information 1501 corresponding to the type (model) of the equipment set) included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504 containing the identification information acquired in S712 match the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment identified in S707 (S720).

If the server 101 determines in S720 that there is no match (NO), it outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the types and/or quantities of equipment are different (S721).

In S721, for example, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display alert screen 2 (1603) shown in FIG. 16. Alert screen 2 (1603) displayed in S721 displays that the type (model) and number of instruments in the instrument set included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the identification information acquired in S712, are different from the type (model) and number of instruments in the instrument set identified in S719. Then, processing transitions to S701.

Moreover, if it is determined in S720 that there is a match (YES), the server 101 transitions the process to S701.
<Figure 8>
Next, the process executed by the server 101 in the opening process and surgery process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the server 101 during the opening process and surgery process.

The processing of each step shown in FIG. 8 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

The unpacking process and surgery process shown in Figure 8 is a process for confirming the type and number of equipment sets used in surgery after surgery. Note that this unpacking process and surgery process is a process that is carried out after surgery.

First, the user operates the client terminal 119 to instruct the sending of the surgery ID of the surgery performed.

The server 101 accepts the input of the surgery ID sent by the client terminal 119 in accordance with the user's operation (S801).

The imaging device 121 captures images of each piece of equipment (equipment set) used in the surgery. The imaging device 121 transmits the captured images to the client terminal 119, which then transmits the images to the server 101. The server 101 then acquires the images from the client terminal 119 (S802).

Similar to S316, the server 101 analyzes the image acquired in S802 and identifies the type (model) of the equipment set for each piece of equipment included in the image and the number of pieces of equipment included in the image (S803).

Then, the server 101 determines whether the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment (the number of equipment stored in the equipment set information 1501 corresponding to the type (model) of the equipment set) included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the surgery ID entered in S801 (or the identification information acquired in S702 or S712), match the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment identified in S803 (S804).

If the server 101 determines in S804 that there is no match (NO), it outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the types and/or quantities of equipment are different (S806).

In S806, for example, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display alert screen 2 (1603) shown in FIG. 16. Alert screen 2 (1603) displayed in S806 displays that the type (model) and number of instruments in the equipment set included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the surgery ID entered in S801 (or the identification information acquired in S702 or S712), are different from the type (model) and number of instruments in the equipment set identified in S707. Then, processing transitions to S801.

Also, if the server 101 determines in S804 that there is a match (YES), it transitions the process to S805.

The server 101 then determines whether or not there is a next instrument set by determining whether the processes from S802 to S804 have been executed for all the instrument sets in the sterilization management table 1504 records, including the surgery ID entered in S801 (S805). If it is determined that there is a next instrument set (YES), the server 101 proceeds to S802, whereas if it is determined that there is not a next instrument set (NO), the server 101 proceeds to S801.
<Figure 9>
Next, the process executed by the server 101 in the collection step will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the server 101 during the collection process.

The processing of each step shown in FIG. 9 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

The collection process shown in Figure 9 involves collecting the equipment set used in surgery from the operating room/surgery preparation room and confirming the type and number of pieces of equipment in the equipment set.

The reading device 103 acquires the identification information from the identification information section 1202 of the inner packaging sheet 1301 that is removed by the user from the packaging material of the equipment set used in the surgery.

Then, the reading device 103 transmits the read identification information to the client terminal 102. When the client terminal 102 acquires the identification information, it transmits the identification information to the server 101. Then, the server 101 acquires the identification information (S901).

When the server 101 acquires the identification information from the client terminal 102, it updates and registers the "Location (area)/status of the equipment set" of the record in the sterilization management table 1504 that contains the identification information acquired in S901 to data indicating that the equipment set is the central supply room, which is the collection room where the equipment set will be collected (e.g., central supply room), and data indicating that the equipment set has already been collected (e.g., collected) (S902).

Then, the imaging device 104 captures an image of the equipment set used in the surgery. The imaging device 104 transmits the captured image to the client terminal 102, and the client terminal 102 transmits the image to the server 101. The server 101 then acquires the image from the client terminal 102 (S903).

Similar to S316, the server 101 analyzes the image acquired in S903 and identifies the type (model) of the equipment set for each piece of equipment included in the image and the number of pieces of equipment included in the image (S904).

Specifically, the server 101 identifies, from the images acquired in S903, equipment that corresponds (matches) to the data (shape information) stored in the "shape of each equipment" of the equipment set information 1501 shown in FIG. 15, and identifies the number of the identified equipment (number of equipment). The server 101 then identifies the type (model) of the equipment set of the identified equipment. For example, because shape information is stored for each piece of equipment that constitutes an equipment set in the "shape of each equipment" of the equipment set information 1501 shown in FIG. 15, the server 101 can identify the type (model) of the equipment set of the identified equipment by identifying the "type (model) of equipment set" in the record of the "shape of each equipment" of the identified equipment.

Then, the server 101 determines whether the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment (the number of equipment stored in the equipment set information 1501 corresponding to the type (model) of the equipment set) included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504 containing the identification information acquired in S901 match the type (model) of the equipment set and the number of equipment identified in S904 (S905).

If the server 101 determines in S905 that there is no match (NO), it outputs an alert to the client terminal 106 indicating that the types and/or quantities of equipment are different (S907).

In S907, for example, the server 101 causes the client terminal 106 to display alert screen 2 (1603) shown in FIG. 16. Alert screen 2 (1603) displayed in S907 displays that the type (model) and number of instruments in the instrument set included in the record of the sterilization management table 1504, which includes the identification information acquired in S901, are different from the type (model) and number of instruments in the instrument set identified in S904. Then, processing transitions to S901.

Also, if the server 101 determines in S905 that there is a match (YES), it transitions to S906.

The server 101 then receives from the client terminal 102 an instruction as to whether or not there is a next equipment set, and determines whether or not there is a next equipment set based on the received information (S906). If the server 101 determines that there is a next equipment set (YES), it proceeds to S903, whereas if it determines that there is not a next equipment set (NO), it proceeds to S901.
<Figure 10>
Next, the process of outputting (displaying) a sterilization control report by the server 101 in response to a request from each client terminal will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which the server 101 outputs (displays) a sterilization management report in response to a request from each client terminal.

The processing of each step shown in FIG. 10 is realized by the CPU of the server 101 loading a program stored in a storage means such as an external memory into the RAM and executing it.

First, when the client terminal receives input from the user of a request to output a sterilization management report and a surgery ID or identification information recorded in the identification information section (either 1202 or 1204) of the chemical indicator, it sends the surgery ID or the identification information and a request to output a sterilization management report to the server 101.

Here, the client terminal is any of client terminals 102, 106, 109, 112, 116, and 119.

When the server 101 receives from the client terminal a request to output the surgery ID or the identification information and the sterilization management report (S1001), it identifies a record in the sterilization management table 1504 that contains the surgery ID or the identification information, and obtains the information contained in that record.

Then, the server 101 generates a sterilization management report (e.g., FIG. 19) based on the acquired information and outputs (transmits) it for display on the client terminal (S1002).

Then, when the client terminal receives the sterilization management report, it displays the sterilization management report on the display unit.

This allows any client terminal to display a sterilization management report for an equipment set identified based on the identification information recorded in the identification information section (either 1202 or 1204) of the chemical indicator, making it easy to check the sterilization status of that equipment set.

As shown in FIG. 12, the chemical indicator described above has an inner packaging sheet 1301 and an outer packaging sheet connected by a slit 1203, but it may also have a chemical indicator 1205 and an outer packaging sheet 1302 as shown in FIG. 22.

The chemical indicator shown in FIG. 22 is originally prepared as separate sheets, an inner packaging sheet 1301 and an outer packaging sheet 1302.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the surface of the chemical indicator 1205 (sheet for inside packaging 1301) is provided with a color-changing portion 1201, a reference color portion 1209, and an identification information portion 1202 that contains identification information. The identification information portion 1202 is not printed by a printing device, but is already printed when the chemical indicator 1205 is manufactured.

The reference color portion 1209 is a portion coated with a reference color material, which is the color of the discoloration portion 1201 and serves as a reference for the user to determine whether the object to be sterilized has been sterilized by the sterilizer 112.

Therefore, the user can determine whether the object to be sterilized has been sterilized in the sterilizer 112 by checking whether the color of the discolored portion 1201 of the chemical indicator 1205 after the sterilization process has become the color of the reference color portion 1209 or whether the color of the discolored portion 1201 has become a color that exceeds the color of the reference color portion 1209.

Furthermore, if the sterilizer 112 is a high-pressure steam sterilizer (autoclave), water droplets will adhere to the ink (coloring material) of the color change portion 1201, reference color portion 1209, and identification information portion 1202 of the chemical indicator 1205 during sterilization. This may cause the ink to bleed and get on the object to be sterilized, causing contamination. To prevent this, the chemical indicator 1205 in FIG. 22 has part or all of the surface color change portion 1201, and/or part or all of the reference color portion 1209, and/or part or all of the identification information portion 1202 laminated with a laminating material.

In FIG. 22, an example of a chemical indicator is shown, which has a laminate section 1210 laminated with a laminate material to the color-changing section 1201 and the reference color section 1209, and a laminate section 1211 laminated with a laminate material to the identification information section 1202 (specific information).

In addition, the discolored portion 1201 is laminated with a laminate material, but this laminated portion has multiple pores and the laminate material does not completely cover the discolored portion 1201. Therefore, the discolored portion 1201 can change color depending on the humidity in the sterilization chamber of the autoclave.

The back surface of the chemical indicator 1205 (sheet for inside packaging 1301) has a non-adhesive portion 1206 that is not attached with adhesive.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, the identification information section 1204 is printed on the surface of the external packaging sheet 1302, and the identification information section 1204 is covered by laminating with a laminating material.

The back surface of the outer packaging sheet 1302 is provided with an adhesive portion 1207 to which adhesive is applied.

In this way, since the identification information section 1204 is laminated with a laminating material, if the sterilizer 112 is a high-pressure steam sterilizer (autoclave), it is possible to reduce the risk of the ink on the identification information section 1204 bleeding and staining the sterilized object during sterilization.

As described above, the present invention makes it possible to more appropriately sterilize objects using a sterilizer.

The present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, device, method, program, or recording medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device.

The program of the present invention is a program that enables a computer to execute the processing method of the illustrated flowchart, and the storage medium of the present invention stores a program that enables a computer to execute the processing method. Note that the program of the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device.

As described above, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be achieved by supplying a recording medium on which a program that realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is recorded to a system or device, and having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device read and execute the program stored on the recording medium.

In this case, the program read from the recording medium itself realizes the novel functions of the present invention, and the recording medium on which the program is recorded constitutes the present invention.

Recording media for supplying the program may include, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, a silicon disk, etc.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by the computer executing a program it has read, but also that the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments can be realized by an operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer carrying out some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that this also includes cases where a program read from a recording medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer, and then a CPU or the like provided on the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments.

The present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or to a device made up of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to cases where the effects of the present invention are achieved by supplying a program to a system or device. In this case, the effects of the present invention can be enjoyed by reading a recording medium that stores a program for achieving the present invention into the system or device.

Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention. Note that the present invention also includes configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modified examples.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 101 Server 102 Client terminal 103 Reading device 104 Imaging device 105 Cleaning machine 106 Client terminal 107 Reading device 108 Imaging device 109 Client terminal 110 Reading device 112 Sterilizer 113 Client terminal 114 Reading device 116 Client terminal 117 Reading device 118 Imaging device 119 Client terminal 120 Reading device 121 Imaging device

Claims (14)

an acquisition means for acquiring a cycle report in which information indicating specific information provided on a chemical indicator for identifying the object to be sterilized in the sterilizer, a numerical value representing the color of the discolored portion provided on the chemical indicator, the time during which the sterilizer performed the sterilization process, a process indicating the content of the sterilization process, the air pressure inside the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer, the period during which the process was performed, and the temperature inside the sterilization chamber are recorded in chronological order;
a sterilization process determination means for determining whether the cycle report satisfies a predetermined condition;
a registration means for registering, when the sterilization process determination means determines that the cycle report satisfies a predetermined condition, the value acquired by the acquisition means and the cycle report in association with an object to be sterilized identified by the identification information acquired by the acquisition means;
a notification means for outputting an alert indicating that the sterilization process was not completed normally when the sterilization process determination means determines that the cycle report does not satisfy a predetermined condition;
An information processing system comprising: An acquisition means for acquiring identification information provided on a chemical indicator for identifying an object to be sterilized in a sterilizer and a numerical value of the color of a discolored portion provided on the chemical indicator;
a registration means for registering the value acquired by the acquisition means in association with an object to be sterilized identified by the identification information acquired by the acquisition means;
Equipped with
11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein the chemical indicator is a chemical indicator provided in a cold spot of the sterilizer. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chemical indicator is a chemical indicator used in the sterilization process by the sterilizer. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the specific information and the value from a reading means that reads the specific information and the value provided by the chemical indicator. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, characterized in that the chemical indicator is a chemical indicator provided in a cold spot of the sterilizer. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the registration means registers the result of the sterilization process by the sterilizer and the value acquired by the acquisition means in association with the object to be sterilized identified by the specific information acquired by the acquisition means. a determination means for determining whether the value acquired by the acquisition means exceeds a predetermined threshold value;
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the registration means registers the judgment result by the judgment means and the value acquired by the acquisition means in correspondence with the object to be sterilized identified by the specific information acquired by the acquisition means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an output means for outputting the information registered by the registration means. The sterilizer is a high-pressure steam sterilizer,
9. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the chemical indicator has at least a part or all of the discolored portion laminated with a laminating material. The information processing system according to claim 9, characterized in that the chemical indicator has a reference color portion coated with a color material of a reference color for the discolored portion, which serves as a criterion for determining whether the object to be sterilized has been sterilized. The information processing system according to claim 10, characterized in that the chemical indicator is laminated with a laminating material to the color-changing portion, the reference color portion, and the specific information. an acquisition step of acquiring a cycle report in which information indicating the specific information provided on a chemical indicator for identifying the object to be sterilized in the sterilizer, the numerical value of the color of the discoloration portion provided on the chemical indicator, the time the sterilizer performed the sterilization process, the process indicating the content of the sterilization process, the air pressure inside the sterilization chamber of the sterilizer, the period during which the process was performed, and the temperature inside the sterilization chamber are recorded in chronological order;
a sterilization process determination step for determining whether the cycle report satisfies a predetermined condition;
a registration step of registering, when the cycle report is determined to satisfy a predetermined condition by the sterilization process determination step, the value acquired by the acquisition step and the cycle report in association with the object to be sterilized identified by the identification information acquired by the acquisition step;
a notification step of outputting an alert indicating that the sterilization process has not been completed normally when the cycle report is determined not to satisfy a predetermined condition by the sterilization process determination step;
23. A method for controlling an information processing system comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring identification information provided on a chemical indicator for identifying an object to be sterilized in a sterilizer and a numerical value of the color of a discoloration portion provided on the chemical indicator;
a registration step of registering the value acquired in the acquisition step in association with the object to be sterilized identified by the identification information acquired in the acquisition step;
Including,
The acquiring step includes acquiring the specific information and the value from a reading means for reading the specific information and the value provided in the chemical indicator,
A method for controlling an information processing system, wherein the chemical indicator is a chemical indicator provided in a cold spot of the sterilizer. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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