JP2007074179A - Prescription receiving device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently input prescription data by integrating data input methods. <P>SOLUTION: This prescription receiving device 10 is provided with a facsimile receiving part 40 as the input means of the picture image of a prescription. Also, in the case of character recognition processing, the detection processing of a designated character is operated to the partial region of the picture image based on template information (S13), and top and bottom reversal processing is operated in addition to position correction processing based on the detection result (S14). Thus, it is possible to obtain a prescription receiving device for making it possible to reduce the stand-by time of a patient by facsimile transmission, and for making it convenient by transmitting data from any place, and for improving the efficiency of data input even for pharmacy. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a prescription receiving apparatus used for automatic reception of prescriptions at pharmacies, hospitals, and the like, and more specifically, internal format electronic data (prescriptions) such as character data and binary data by character recognition of prescription image images (prescription images). The present invention relates to a prescription receiving apparatus that acquires prescription description information by converting the data into (data).

  In order to automate prescription acceptance work and save labor, various prescription acceptance devices have been proposed. Specifically, a medication processing system that reads prescription data and issues a voucher (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or a medical system that captures a patient's face image at a reception and stores it in a database (see, for example, Patent Document 2) Prescription reading management system that images both sides of the prescription and identifies the prescription notation surface (see, for example, Patent Document 3), prescription by reading the two-dimensional code written in the prescription to automate and save prescription data input work Examples include a prescription reading device that converts information (for example, see Patent Document 4).

  In addition, a prescription image registration method (see, for example, Patent Document 5) is also known in which a prescription image is subjected to character recognition to obtain character data of a receipt number so that the prescription image can be handled as an image instead of inputting the prescription data as character data. As for the character recognition processing, an information processing device that executes character recognition after correcting the position of the original image data (image image) based on the position difference obtained by performing character recognition on the template image data ( For example, see Patent Document 6), and an optical character reader (see Patent Document 7, for example) that performs character recognition after extracting and erasing ruled lines from an image of a form is also known.

  Furthermore, prescription reception devices are installed at both hospitals and pharmacies, prescriptions are read as image data (image images) at hospital prescription reception devices, and the image is sent to the pharmacy via the public network. A drug administration system has been known that receives a fax receiver (facsimile receiver) and prints out a prescription, and stores the prescription image by reading the prescription with a prescription reception device of a pharmacy. (For example, refer to Patent Document 8). The prescription receiving apparatus is the same for hospitals and pharmacies, and reads prescriptions on paper media, inputs image images, and prints and issues reception slips.

In this way, by sending the prescription from the hospital to the pharmacy by FAX (facsimile), the pharmacist at the pharmacy dispenses while moving to a pharmacy such as an insurance dispensing pharmacy that receives the prescription drug from the medical institution where the patient consulted Therefore, the waiting time of the patient can be reduced.
In addition, if the patient takes the prescription out of the hospital with a paper medium from the hospital to the pharmacy, the prescription may become dirty or wrinkled, ink may be stained, and in severe cases the prescription may be damaged, and written on the prescription. However, the occurrence of such an inconvenient event can be avoided and suppressed by FAX transmission of a prescription.

JP 10-207949 A (first page) JP 2003-271733 A (first page) JP 2001-188881 A (first page) JP 2004-046486 A (first page) JP 2001-134698 A (first page) JP 2005-043995 A (first page) JP 2002-366900 A (first page) JP 2001-31560 A (first page)

However, such conventional prescription receiving apparatuses have various advantages and disadvantages since various modifications are performed separately.
Specifically, for prescription data input that converts prescription description information into prescription data in an internal format such as character data or binary data, in the case of a device that converts a two-dimensional code into prescription data, the two-dimensional code is printed on the prescription If so, the system that prints the two-dimensional code on the prescription is still only prevalent in some large hospitals, and many general pharmacies can become a fortune.

  In addition, in the case of a conventional device that obtains character data by performing character recognition on a prescription image, the recognition rate of the OCR program etc. is not 100% and the prescription style varies depending on the hospital, so it is accepted Since it can be applied only to a very limited part such as a number, when it is necessary to input prescription data such as a drug or a dose, it must be done manually while looking at the prescription or its image.

  Further, in the case of a conventional system that transmits and receives an image of a prescription by facsimile, image quality is greatly deteriorated because the prescription received and printed is imaged again and the image is input. Also, if the prescription feeding state is distorted on the facsimile transmission side, the distorted prescription is captured as an image image as it is, so that it becomes difficult for the facsimile receiving side to see the prescription due to crushed characters or undesired shadows. May occur. In the dispensing pharmacy dispensing fee request business, the name, insurer information, prescription data, etc. are entered into the receipt computer based on the information described in the out-of-hospital prescription output from the medical institution. At this time, if the prescription is unclear, it is difficult to input data, whether it is manual operation or automatic input by character recognition.

Therefore, it is required to integrate these data input methods so that prescription data can be input efficiently. In particular, it is desirable to incorporate a facsimile transmission / reception method to reduce patient waiting time, and to combine a character recognition method to promote automation of data input. Preventing image quality degradation during facsimile transmission is an important technical issue.
Further, in order to improve convenience, it is a further problem that facsimile transmission of a prescription can be performed not only from a hospital prescription receiving apparatus but also from a general-purpose apparatus in a general home.

  The prescription receiving apparatus of the present invention (Solution 1) was created to solve such a problem, and is an input means for inputting an image of a prescription, and performs character recognition processing on the image. In the prescription receiving apparatus including a data processing unit that obtains prescription data from the image image, a facsimile receiving unit is provided as the input means.

  Further, the prescription receiving apparatus of the present invention (solving means 2) is the prescription receiving apparatus of the above-mentioned solving means 1, wherein the data processing unit relates to a designated character that is previously known to be included in the prescription. Template information including prescription position data is held, and in the character recognition process, the designated character is detected in a part of the image image based on the template information, and the detection result is based on the detection result. The image image is subjected to top-and-bottom inversion processing and position correction processing, and then the remaining area of the image image is processed.

  Further, the prescription receiving apparatus of the present invention (solving means 3) is the prescription receiving apparatus of the above-mentioned solving means 1 and 2, and is provided with a facsimile transmitting unit connected to the same line as the facsimile receiving unit, and the facsimile receiving When a prescription is received via the unit, an exchange ticket is issued by generating an image image of the exchange ticket and transmitting it from the facsimile transmission unit.

In such a prescription receiving apparatus of the present invention (solution 1), since the facsimile receiving unit is incorporated in the apparatus as an input means for the prescription image, the image image transmitted and received by facsimile is directly subjected to character recognition processing. To be served.
As a result, re-imaging after reception is avoided, prescription reading work on the pharmacy side is not necessary, and image quality deterioration is only required when imaging on the transmission side, so image quality is better than before. Maintained. Therefore, the character recognition rate is also improved.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a prescription receiving apparatus that can reduce the waiting time of a patient by facsimile transmission and that has a good data input efficiency for a pharmacy.

  In the prescription receiving apparatus of the present invention (solution 2), when character recognition processing is performed on an image of a prescription, first, designated character detection processing is performed on a part of the image image based on the template information. Then, based on the detection result, the image image is subjected to top and bottom inversion processing and position correction processing, and then the remaining area of the image image is also subjected to character recognition processing. As described above, the character recognition rate is improved by detecting the designated character that is previously determined to be included in the prescription and correcting the position.

Further, since not only the position correction process but also the upside down process is performed, even if the prescription is set in the reverse direction during facsimile transmission, it can be accepted without any inconvenience.
As described above, since restrictions on transmission are relaxed, it is possible for a patient to easily send a prescription by facsimile using a general-purpose device such as a FAX telephone at home.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the patient by facsimile transmission, and it is possible to realize a prescription receiving apparatus that is convenient because it can be transmitted from anywhere and has a good data input efficiency for a pharmacy.

Furthermore, in the prescription receiving apparatus of the present invention (Solution means 3), when the patient transmits the prescription by facsimile, the voucher can be received by facsimile on the spot. It will be performed simply and accurately.
Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the patient by facsimile transmission, and it is possible to transmit from anywhere and receive a voucher. Further, a prescription receiving apparatus is realized which is convenient for pharmacies and has high data input efficiency. can do.

  Several suitable forms for implementing such a prescription receiving apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  The prescription receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment is a prescription receiving apparatus of the solving means described above, and when performing character recognition processing on the image image, the medical institution that issued the prescription is specified, and a corresponding prescription format is provided. It selects, and the said image image is divided based on the format, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. In this case, at the time of character recognition related to the prescription image, the medical institution that issued the prescription is specified, the prescription format corresponding to the medical institution is selected, and the image image is divided based on the format. In this way, the character image at the time of character recognition is obtained by dividing the image image by the division pattern corresponding to the item arrangement pattern of the prescription issued by each medical institution and performing character recognition on each divided image. Data candidates and item candidates at the time of conversion to prescription data are narrowed down, so that the accuracy of data conversion is improved.

  The prescription receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment is the prescription receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment, and displays the divided image of the image image and the conversion field in which the divided image is converted into character data and displayed on the screen. It is characterized by. In this case, at the time of character recognition related to the image image of the prescription, a divided image of the image image and a conversion column in which the image is converted into character data and displayed are compared and displayed on the screen. Thereby, the result of character recognition can be easily confirmed, and before the result is converted into prescription data, character recognition can be performed again or character data can be corrected.

  The prescription receiving apparatus according to the third embodiment is the prescription receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment, in which the division field and the conversion are displayed in the proof column in which the prescription data is displayed so as to be calibrated with an item name for each item. It is characterized by being displayed on the screen in comparison with either or both of the columns. In this case, at the time of character recognition related to the image image of the prescription, the proofreading column in which the prescription data is displayed with the item name for each item so that it can be proofread is displayed on the screen in a state of being compared with the divided image or the like. . Thereby, prescription data reflecting the result of character recognition can be easily confirmed, and proofreading that requires human assistance can be easily performed by comparing with divided images or the like.

About the prescription acceptance apparatus of such this invention, the specific form for implementing this is demonstrated by the following Examples 1-2.
The embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 embodies the above-described solving means 1 and 2 (claims 1 and 2 at the beginning of the application) and embodiments 1 to 3, and the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 embodies the above-described solution 3 (claim 3 at the beginning of the application).

  A specific configuration of the prescription receiving apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the structure of the prescription receiving apparatus 10, where (a) is a hardware configuration diagram and (b) is a flowchart of the receiving process. FIG. 2A shows an example of the arrangement of prescription information fields and examples of designated characters, and FIG. 2B shows an example of the data structure of template information. Further, FIG. 3A is an arrangement example of the prescription information column, FIG. 3B is another arrangement example, FIG. 3C is a data structure example of the hospital master, and FIG. 3D is a prescription data structure example. 4A is an example of a conversion column comparison display screen, and FIG. 4B is an example of a calibration column comparison display screen.

  The prescription receiving apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1A) includes a prescription scanning unit 20, a data processing unit 30, and a line connection unit 40. Both the prescription scanning unit 20 and the line connection unit 40 are provided as input means for inputting an image of the prescription to the data processing unit 30 and are connected to the data processing unit 30 by signal cables. The prescription scanning unit 20 directly captures a paper-based prescription at a pharmacy, whereas the line connection unit 40 receives a prescription image (prescription image image) captured at a remote place by facsimile transmission. The data is received and delivered to the data processing unit 30.

  Therefore, the line connection unit 40 may be connected to an external communication line such as a telephone line or a facsimile line network (not shown) so as to be able to receive a facsimile, and a commercially available so-called FAX modem or terminal adapter is sufficient. In this embodiment, it suffices as long as it can be received as a facsimile reception unit, but it may be combined with a facsimile transmission unit connected to the same line as this reception unit, or may be capable of making a voice call. An external type as shown in the figure or a computer built-in type not shown may be used.

  When the prescription is inserted into the insertion slot, the prescription scanning unit 20 feeds the prescription to the transfer path 24 and images the prescription, and a print head 25 that is provided facing the transfer path 24 and prints an acceptance number on the prescription. A voucher issuing unit 21 for issuing a voucher instead of accepting a prescription, an operation panel 26 provided with operation switches and status display members, and a local controller 23 for controlling the operation thereof. The image image taken by the scanner 22 is transmitted to the data processing unit 30 together with the reception number.

  The hardware of the data processing unit 30 may be a general-purpose computer such as a so-called desktop personal computer (not shown) or a notebook personal computer (not shown) in order to obtain prescription data from the image image sent from the prescription scanning unit 20 or the line connection unit 40. In addition, a reception routine is installed in the program memory or the like of the data processing unit 30, and template information, hospital master, patient master, insurance master, medicine master, Data groups such as usage masters and annotation masters are stored and held in an appropriate file format or table format or integrated into a database.

As will be described in detail later, the template information includes a pattern of designated characters that have been previously found to be included in the prescription and position data of the designated characters in the prescription. It is used for top-and-bottom inversion processing and position correction processing of an image based on detection and the detection result.
As will be described later in detail, the hospital master includes prescription format data corresponding to each medical institution, and the hospital master is used to divide the image.

  The patient master includes data such as the patient's name, date of birth, and patient code, and is used for confirmation of the patient name, clues for presenting past prescriptions, and the like. The insurance master includes data such as the type of insurance, and is used for checking the type of insurance and presenting candidates. The medicine master includes data such as a medicine name and a medicine code, and is used for confirming the medicine name and presenting candidates. The usage master includes data such as prescription units and dosage limits, and is used for confirmation of prescription contents and presentation of candidates. The annotation master can additionally write character string data such as special notes and comments.

  The acceptance routine (see FIG. 1B) is performed when the prescription scanning unit 20 reads the prescription and the image is sent from the prescription scanning unit 20 to the data processing unit 30, and an external facsimile. When the prescription is read and the image is sent to the data processing unit 30 via the line connection unit 40, the image is input (step S11). When the image image is read by the prescription scanning unit 20, the process immediately proceeds to image division processing, character recognition processing, and data conversion processing for the entire image image area ("No" in step S12). When the input is made by facsimile reception via the line connection unit 40, the character recognition process or the like is performed in two stages (“Yes” in step S12).

  That is, in the case of facsimile reception, there are a pre-processing stage in which character recognition processing is performed only on a part of the prescription image image for calibration, and a main processing stage in which character recognition processing is performed on the entire image image area. Is called. The latter main processing is the same as the processing at the time of reading by the prescription scanning unit 20, and will be described in detail later. First, the former preprocessing stage will be described in detail (steps S13 to S14). This calibration preprocessing uses template information for simple and accurate execution, detects a designated character based on the template information (step S13), and as a result, the image is inverted. When the image is found, the image is rotated 180 ° to perform the top-and-bottom inversion process. When the image image is found to be misaligned, the image image is moved vertically and horizontally to perform the position correction process. (Step S14).

  For example, “medicine” of “insurance doctor name” in the medical institution information column is selected as the designated character No. 1 as the designated character that has been previously found to be included in the prescription (see FIG. 2A). Suppose that “telephone” of “telephone number” in the same medical institution information column is selected as the designated character No. 2. Also, assuming that the position in the prescription of “medicine” is the 1299th bit from the left, the 980th bit from the top, the 1332th bit from the right, and the 1014th bit from the bottom, for template information (see FIG. 2B) Among the data items related to the designated character No. 1, the pattern is “medical”, the reading left is “1299”, the reading is “980”, the reading right is “1332”, and the reading is “1014”. It is set in advance. Similarly, in the data item related to the designated character No. 2 in the template information, the pattern is “electric”, the reading left is “1168”, the reading is “884”, and the reading right is “1480”. The bottom is preset to “1066”.

  When the reception routine detects a designated character by referring to such template information (step S13 in FIG. 1 (b)), the position in the prescription that is assumed when the template information is read left, read right, read above, and read. For example, the prescription partial area with 100 bits on the left and right and 100 bits on the top and bottom, and the prescription partial area centered on the second assumed position when the first assumed position is applied to an inverted prescription, Character recognition processing is applied to the image. Then, if the character “medicine” of the designated character No. 1 and the character “den” of the designated character No. 2 are found in the first assumed position inclusion region, the positional deviation between the designated character detection position and the first assumed position is detected. The position of the image is corrected so as to cancel, but the top-and-bottom inversion process is not performed.

  In contrast, when the character “medicine” of the designated character No. 1 and the character “den” of the designated character No. 2 are found in the second assumed position inclusion region, first, the top-and-bottom inversion process is performed on the image image. At the same time, the designated character detection position is also subjected to position conversion corresponding to the top / bottom reversal of the prescription, and then the position of the image image is corrected so as to offset the positional deviation between the converted designated character detection position and the first assumed position. It has become. Alternatively, the position of the image image is corrected so as to cancel the positional deviation between the designated character detection position and the second assumed position, and then the top-and-bottom inversion process is performed on the image image. Thereafter, the reception routine performs a ruled line erasing process for erasing the ruled line from the prescription image (see step S15, Patent Document 7), and then proceeds to image division processing, character recognition processing, and data conversion processing for the entire image image area. It is like that.

  In the image division processing, character recognition processing, and data conversion processing for the entire image image area, the reception routine (see FIG. 1B), image division processing based on medical institution identification (steps S21 to 24), and prescription image image A character recognition process for obtaining character data by performing character recognition (step S25), and a data conversion process for converting the character data into prescription data (step S26) are performed. The character recognition process and the data conversion process can be repeated as many times as necessary to change or return the divided image until the prescription data is completed (step S27).

  These portions (steps S21 to S27) will be described in detail. In the image dividing process, the image image is displayed as it is for visual confirmation, that is, the entire prescription is displayed on the screen (step S21), and character recognition is performed on the image image. It is determined whether or not a character string that can specify a medical institution is included in the recognition result by performing a character string search (step S22). If the determination result is affirmative ("Yes" in step S22), for example, when a medical institution name such as "XXX Hospital" or "XXX clinic" is found and held by the hospital master The name of the medical institution is automatically adopted.

  On the other hand, when the above determination result is negative (“No” in step S22), the names of medical institutions in the hospital master are listed as candidates on the screen and the reception worker selects them. The reception worker is requested to input the name of the medical institution in the input field and receives the designation of the medical institution (step S23). When the medical institution is specified, a prescription format corresponding to the medical institution is selected (step S24), and the image is divided based on the format.

The format of the prescription (see FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b)) is important here, which is related to the division of the image image. Typical examples include the medical institution information column, patient information column, and dispensing shown in the figure. Information fields, insurance information fields, annotation fields (not shown), etc., and their prescription arrangements are prescribed for each medical institution and are often different among medical institutions.
The hospital master reflecting this (see FIG. 3 (c)) stores the prescription format data corresponding to each medical institution, that is, the basic information and the prescription column division information in association with each other. Yes.

Of these, the basic information (see FIG. 3C) is the medical institution information (FIG. 3 (FIG. 3)) which is electronic data of the items described in the medical institution information column (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). d) and the same as (see FIG. 3 (c)).
Further, the prescription column division information (see FIG. 3C) includes arrangement information regarding each of the above-described columns. For example, when the corresponding field is a rectangle, the arrangement information is defined by the position of the diagonal point of the corresponding field in the prescription. It is allowed to repeatedly define the arrangement information for the same column, and it is adapted to an information column having a shape dispersed in a plurality of rectangles or a combination thereof.

  The prescription data (see FIG. 3D) has a standard data structure in which the items described in such a prescription are obtained as electronic data. For example, a pharmacy host computer that uses the prescription data for drug history management, automatic dispensing, etc. The data structure is determined in advance in conformity with 50. In addition to the illustrated medical institution information, patient information, insurance information, and dispensing information, annotation information (not shown) is always or selectively included. The medical institution information includes the name of the medical institution, the patient information includes the patient name, etc., the insurance information includes the insurance type and insurance number, etc., and the dispensing information includes the prescription drug name and dose. The set data is included in one set or a plurality of sets / multiple sets.

  Further, when the prescription column division information corresponding to the specified medical institution is obtained (see step S24), the data processing unit 30 divides the image image for each column of the prescription based on the prescription column division information (step S24). Create several split images, for example, create a split image in the medical institution information column, a split image in the patient information column, a split image in the dispensing information column, a split image in the insurance information column, etc. In contrast, the character recognition process (step S25) and the data conversion process (step S26) are performed.

  In the character recognition process, conversion field comparison display is performed (see FIG. 4A), and a divided image 31 relating to the selected information field and a character data conversion field 33 obtained by performing character recognition on the divided image 31 are displayed. They are displayed on a single screen in a line-up state. In the conversion column 33, a reception worker can correct a character string at a portion selected by operating a mouse or a key. The selection of the information column can be switched by clicking the column designation tab 32, and the data conversion process, that is, the transition to the calibration column comparison display screen can be performed by clicking a specific button, for example, “display calibration column”.

  In the data conversion process, the character data obtained by the conversion column comparison display is reflected in the prescription data, and the calibration column comparison display is performed (see FIG. 4B). In this calibration column contrast display, the divided image 31 relating to the selected information column and the calibration column 34 listing the items of the prescription data are displayed on one screen in a state where they are arranged side by side. Each item in the calibration column 34 includes an item name and a data value, and the data value can be selected and corrected by operating a mouse or a key for calibration.

Even on the calibration column comparison display screen, the selection of information column can be switched by clicking the column designation tab 32, and the character recognition processing, that is, the return to the conversion column comparison display screen, etc. can be performed by clicking a specific button, for example, “conversion column display”. It is like that. That is, transition between contrast display screens and selection switching of information columns can be freely performed at any time.
When a specific button such as “Prescription Complete” is clicked on the calibration column comparison display screen (see FIG. 4B), the reception routine (see FIG. 1B) determines that the prescription data is complete. (“Yes” in step S27), the prescription acceptance process is completed.

About the prescription acceptance apparatus 10 of this Example 1, the usage mode and operation | movement are demonstrated referring drawings.
For example, when the prescription receiving apparatus 10 is installed in a pharmacy (see FIG. 1A), the prescription scanning unit 20 is placed on a reception counter or the like, and the data processing unit 30 or the line connection unit 40 is installed on a work desk or the like in the counter. The data processing unit 30 is connected to the pharmacy host computer 50 if there is an in-station LAN or the like.

  In addition, the data processing unit 30 installs a reception routine and performs data initialization. That is, in the template information, a pattern of a designated character that is previously known to be included in the prescription and position data of the designated character in the prescription are set. In addition, in the medicine master, usage master, hospital master, and insurance master, data such as names of medicines that may be handled by the pharmacy, prescription units, prescription column division information corresponding to medical institutions, and types of insurance are set. In addition, the annotation master and patient master are cleared. In this way, preparation for operation of the prescription receiving apparatus 10 is completed.

  When a patient visiting the pharmacy sets a prescription on the scanner 22, the prescription scanning unit 20 takes the prescription from the outside to the inside of the counter, and issues a voucher instead. At that time, the receipt number is printed on the prescription and the prescription is imaged. The image image obtained by this imaging is sent from the prescription scanning unit 20 to the data processing unit 30 together with the reception number, and is used for prescription data creation by the data processing unit 30.

  In the data processing unit 30, the entire prescription image is first displayed on the screen of the data processing unit 30 by the processing of the reception routine, and the medical institution name is searched for the image image and the hospital master. If the name of the medical institution is found, it is automatically adopted to identify the medical institution, and if the name of the medical institution is not found, designation of the medical institution is prompted. In response to this, when the reception worker designates a medical institution, it is adopted to specify the medical institution by processing of the reception routine of the data processing unit 30.

When a medical institution is specified, either automatically or manually, the data processing unit 30 selects prescription format data that matches the name of the medical institution in the basic information from the hospital master by the processing of the reception routine. Specifically, prescription column division information associated with the basic information is read from the hospital master.
Further, the processing of the reception routine of the data processing unit 30 continues, and in the automatic processing, when the prescription field division information is obtained, the image image is divided into several divided images based on the prescription column division information. Recognition and conversion column comparison display (see FIG. 4A) and calibration column comparison display are performed (see FIG. 4B).

Therefore, the reception worker views the contrast display screens as appropriate, and also looks at the paper prescription if necessary to complete the prescription data. Then, after the completion is confirmed, the prescription acceptance process is terminated by the data processing unit 30 by, for example, clicking a prescription completion button.
In the data processing unit 30, at the end of the prescription receiving process, the completed prescription data is used for prescription management in a pharmacy. For example, it is sent from the data processing unit 30 to the pharmacy host computer 50 and used for drug history management for each patient, distribution to an automatic dispensing machine, and the like.

  In this way, electronic data prescription data is obtained from a paper prescription, and at that time, prescription data is input semi-automatically using character recognition. Moreover, in the character recognition, in addition to the image image division processing corresponding to the medical institution, a comparison display of the divided image 31 and the conversion column 33 and a comparison display of the division image 31 and the calibration column 34 are also performed. Prescription data can be input very efficiently.

  Also, when a patient reads a prescription on a hospital facsimile or home FAX telephone and sends the prescription to the pharmacy by facsimile before going to the pharmacy, the image image of the prescription is sent to the data processing unit via the line connection unit 40. In this case, the image image is first calibrated, and the image image after calibration is used for creating prescription data as described above. That is, the data processing unit 30 refers to the template information (see FIG. 2B) by the processing of the reception routine (see step S13 in FIG. 1B), and pre-set “medicine” and “ A designated character such as “Den” is detected from a partial region of the image (see FIG. 2A).

Based on the detection result, the top and bottom inversion processing and position correction processing are selectively performed on the entire prescription image (see step S14 in FIG. 1B), and ruled line erasing processing is also performed (FIG. 1 ( b) See step S15).
Then, prescription data is created from the prescription image image by the processing of the reception prescription routine of the data processing unit 30 in the same manner as when the image image is input by the prescription scanning unit 20 (FIG. 1B, steps S21 to S21). (See S27).

  That is, as described above, the entire image of the prescription is displayed on the screen of the data processing unit 30, and the medical institution is specified automatically by character recognition or manually by an operation input. Based on the selection, the image is divided into several divided images, and character recognition and conversion column comparison display (see FIG. 4A) and calibration column comparison display are performed for each divided image unit (see FIG. 4). 4 (b)). The reception worker corrects or supplements the data while appropriately switching the comparison display screens, thereby completing the prescription data.

  Thus, even when a prescription is transmitted to the prescription receiving apparatus 10 by facsimile, an image image of the prescription is received, and prescription data of electronic data is obtained from this image image. In this case as well, prescription data is input semi-automatically using character recognition.In this case, character recognition is performed on a partial area of the image image prior to character recognition on the entire area of the image image. Because it performs simple and accurate detection of specified characters, top-and-bottom reversal processing, position correction processing, and ruled line erasure processing, the character recognition rate is high even if the character recognition method is combined with the facsimile transmission / reception method. Since it does not decrease, the prescription data can be input very efficiently.

  A specific configuration of the prescription receiving apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5A is an example of a reception process flowchart, and FIG. 5B is an example of a voucher. In the flowchart of FIG. 5A, steps S13 to S27 are the same as those in FIG.

This prescription receiving apparatus is different from that of the first embodiment described above in that a facsimile transmission unit is required in addition to the facsimile reception unit, and a retransmission request in a high-definition mode and a replacement ticket issuance are transmitted by facsimile. It is a point that came to be done in.
The facsimile transmission unit only needs to be connected to the same line as the facsimile reception unit so that the facsimile can be returned to the patient who has transmitted the prescription by facsimile. If the above-described line connection unit 40 is a transmission / reception integrated type, the transmission unit is sufficient. Otherwise, it may be added separately, and may be an external type or a computer built-in type.

  The retransmission request and the issuance of the voucher in the high-definition mode are simply realized by extending the function of the reception routine of the data processing unit 30. Specifically (see FIG. 5A), when the prescription image is input by facsimile transmission / reception (“Yes” in step S12), before detecting the designated character based on the template information (step S13). Whether the prescription image is sent in the high-definition mode with a fine pixel pitch or in the normal mode with a coarse pixel pitch is confirmed (step S31), and if it is the high-definition mode (step S31). “Yes”) is used for character recognition processing or the like (step S13), but if it is not in the high-definition mode (“No” in step S31), the image image with the text requesting retransmission in the high-definition mode is displayed. The process is terminated by facsimile transmission (step S32).

  In addition, the reception routine of the data processing unit 30 transmits the image image of the voucher via the facsimile transmission unit when the conversion of the prescription image image input by facsimile transmission / reception into the prescription data is completed (step S27). (Step S33). In this voucher image (see FIG. 5B), in addition to the reception number and the reception date and time printed on the voucher issued by the voucher issuing unit 21, pharmacy information such as the pharmacy name and telephone number , Pharmacy maps, and even reduced images of prescription images.

In this case, if the patient sends a prescription to the pharmacy by facsimile at home, etc., inadvertently sending the prescription in the normal mode, the re-transmission request in the high-definition mode will be received on the spot. Re-send in the appropriate high-definition mode. Moreover, the pharmacy prescription receiving apparatus 10 can avoid processing and work with low character recognition rate and low prescription data input efficiency.
Further, when the prescription transmitted by facsimile is accepted by the prescription acceptance device 10 of the pharmacy, the exchange ticket is immediately returned by facsimile, and the patient can receive it by FAX at home. Before you go to the pharmacy, you can get a voucher, and the voucher is also very convenient because it contains map information that helps you go to the pharmacy.

[Others]
In the prescription receiving apparatus of the above embodiment, the line connection unit 40 (facsimile receiving unit) and the prescription scanning unit 20 are provided as input means for inputting the prescription image. However, the prescription scanning unit 20 is omitted to receive the facsimile. A dedicated prescription acceptance device may be used.
Moreover, in the said Example, although the prescription scanning part 20, the data processing part 30, and the line connection part 40 were separate bodies, these are not necessarily restricted to a separate body and may be integrated. . Integration may be performed only for the prescription scanning unit 20 and the data processing unit 30, the prescription scanning unit 20 and the line connection unit 40, and the data processing unit 30 and the line connection unit 40.

Further, in the above embodiment, the comparison display of the calibration column 34 is performed side by side with the divided image 31, but the conversion column 33 and the calibration column 34 may be displayed side by side, and the divided image 31 and the conversion column 33 may be displayed. The calibration column 34 may be displayed on the screen in comparison.
Further, in addition to the character recognition function described above, a code conversion function is also provided to the data processing unit, and when a prescription image image has a code such as a two-dimensional code, the data processing unit converts it into prescription data. Only when there is no code, the data processing unit may perform character recognition on the image image and convert it into prescription data (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-308931). The ruled line erasing process may be performed not only at the time of facsimile transmission / reception but also when read by the prescription scanning unit 20.

The structure of a prescription acceptance apparatus is shown about Example 1 of this invention, (a) is a hardware block diagram, (b) is a flowchart of an acceptance process. (A) is an example of arrangement of prescription information fields and examples of designated characters, and (b) is an example of the data structure of template information. (A) is an arrangement example of the prescription information column, (b) is another arrangement example, (c) is a data structure example of the hospital master, and (d) is a structure example of the prescription data. (A) is an example of a conversion column comparison display screen, and (b) is an example of a calibration column comparison display screen. About Example 2 of the prescription acceptance apparatus of this invention, (a) is a flowchart of a reception process, (b) is an example of a voucher.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Prescription acceptance device,
20 ... Prescription scanning unit, 21 ... Exchange ticket issuing unit,
22 ... Scanner (imaging means), 23 ... Local controller,
24 ... transport path, 25 ... print head, 26 ... operation panel,
30 ... Data processing unit, 31 ... Split image (character recognition target),
32 ... Column designation tab, 33 ... Conversion column (character recognition result), 34 ... Calibration column,
40 ... line connection part (facsimile reception part, facsimile transmission part),
50 ... Pharmacy host computer

Claims (3)

  In a prescription receiving apparatus comprising an input means for inputting an image image of a prescription and a data processing section for obtaining prescription data from the image image by performing character recognition processing on the image image, a facsimile receiving section as the input means A prescription receiving apparatus characterized by being provided.   The data processing unit holds template information including position data in a prescription related to a designated character that is previously determined to be included in a prescription, and based on the template information during the character recognition process The specified character detection process is performed on a partial area of the image image, the image image is subjected to a top-and-bottom reversal process and a position correction process based on the detection result, and then the remaining area of the image image is processed. The prescription acceptance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   A facsimile transmission unit connected to the same line as the facsimile reception unit is provided. When a prescription is received via the facsimile reception unit, an image image of the replacement ticket is generated and transmitted from the facsimile transmission unit. The prescription receiving apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the prescription receiving apparatus is for issuing.

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