JP7418815B2 - How to match patients and dentists - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act 1. Posting on the website (1) November 29, 2019 Philduct Co., Ltd. URL: https://dpearl. jp/(2) March 16, 2020 Philduct Co., Ltd. URL: https://prtimes. jp/main/html/rd/p/000000012.000050457. html (3) April 8, 2020 Philduct Co., Ltd. URL: https://dpearl. jp/topic/128/

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for matching patients with teeth alignment problems with dentists who perform orthodontic treatment.

Conventionally, various types of orthodontic appliances have been popular. One of them is a device called a mouthpiece.

For example, in Patent Document 1, it is made of a transparent elastic material for teeth straightening, and has a structure that slightly deviates from the initial alignment of the patient's teeth, and when the patient wears it, the teeth gradually move to the ideal position. Movable mouthpieces are disclosed that are constructed of polymers or other materials with portions of varying hardness and stiffness.

Special Publication No. 2004-507281

However, Patent Document 1 makes it possible to gradually reposition individual teeth by creating regions with different elastic moduli in the mouthpiece, reducing the number of positioning tools required for treatment planning. However, there is no disclosure of a mechanism for continuing to provide and maintain the patient's motivation to wear the device after wearing the mouthpiece.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a method of motivating patients to wear a device in order to enhance the therapeutic effect based on a dentist's treatment plan.

In one aspect of the present invention, a patient and dentist matching method is provided by a server terminal that mediates between a patient terminal related to a patient and a dentist terminal related to a dentist, which are connected via a network. The server terminal receives basic information about the patient from the patient terminal, matches the patient and the dentist based on the basic information, and stores a dentist terminal related to the matched dentist. receives the patient's interview information and image information including an intraoral image of the patient as management information regarding the design and manufacturing of a mouthpiece used for orthodontic treatment of the patient, and designs and manufactures the mouthpiece based on the management information. receiving the wearing status of the mouthpiece by the patient who has received the manufactured mouthpiece from a patient terminal associated with the patient, determining advice regarding continued use of the mouthpiece based on the wearing status; Sending the determined advice to the patient terminal.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a method of providing a patient with motivation to wear the device in order to enhance the therapeutic effect based on the dentist's treatment plan.

1 is a block configuration diagram showing a matching system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram showing the server terminal 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram showing the patient terminal 200 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of patient data stored in the server terminal 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of dentist data stored in the server terminal 100. FIG. 1 is an example of a flowchart related to a matching method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the flowchart concerning the search process by a patient in the matching method based on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the flowchart concerning the search process by a dentist in the matching method based on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the processing operation concerning the modification of the matching method of a patient and a dentist which a matching system performs.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are essential components of the present disclosure. In the following, the term "dentist" refers to a dentist who deals with orthodontic treatment, such as a GP (general dental practitioner), an orthodontist, or an orthodontist.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a matching system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This system 1 includes a server terminal 100 that mediates between a patient terminal 200 associated with a patient with a malaligned tooth and a dentist terminal 300 associated with a dentist. The server terminal 100 is managed by a matching service provider that operates a matching system.

The server terminal 100, the patient terminal 200, and the dentist terminal 300 are connected via a network NW. The network NW is configured by the Internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

The server terminal 100 is a device that receives patient-related information from a patient through the patient terminal 200 and performs matching processing between the patient and the dentist based on the dentist-related information received through the dentist terminal 300. For example, it may be a general-purpose computer, such as a workstation or a personal computer, or it may be logically implemented by cloud computing. In this embodiment, one server terminal is illustrated for convenience of explanation, but the number is not limited to this, and a plurality of server terminals may be used.

The patient terminal 200 is an information processing device, such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal, owned by a patient who desires orthodontic treatment and who uses the service provided by the server terminal 100. , a mobile phone, a PDA, etc.

The dentist terminal 300 is an information processing device, such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal, owned by a dentist who performs orthodontic treatment and who uses the services provided by the server terminal 100. , a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA, etc.

In this embodiment, the system 1 includes a server terminal 100, a patient terminal 200, and a dentist terminal 300. Although the server terminal 100 will be described as a configuration in which operations are performed, the server terminal 100 may be configured as a stand-alone device, and the server terminal itself may have a function that can be operated by a patient or a dentist.

FIG. 2 is a functional block configuration diagram of the server terminal 100 in FIG. 1. The server terminal 100 includes a communication section 110, a storage section 120, and a control section 130.

The communication unit 110 is a communication interface for communicating with the patient terminal 200 and the dentist terminal 300 via the network NW, and communication is performed according to a communication protocol such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), for example. .

The storage unit 120 stores programs, input data, etc. for executing various control processes or functions within the control unit 130, and is composed of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. Ru. The storage unit 120 also includes a patient data storage unit 121 that stores various data related to patients, a dentist data storage unit 122 that stores various data related to dentists, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 120 can also temporarily store data communicated with the patient terminal 200 and the dentist terminal 300. Note that a database (not shown) storing various data may be constructed outside the storage unit 120 or the server terminal 100.

The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the server terminal 100 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 120, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. be done. The functions of the control unit 130 include an instruction reception unit 131 that receives instructions from the patient terminal 200 or the dentist terminal 300, a patient data management unit 132 that refers to and processes various data related to the patient, and a patient data management unit 132 that refers to and processes various data related to the patient. A dentist data management unit 133 that refers to and processes various related data, a matching processing unit 134 that processes matching between patients and dentists, and an advice determination unit 135 that determines advice to patients. have The instruction receiving unit 131, patient data management unit 132, dentist data management unit 133, matching processing unit 134, and advice determining unit 135 are activated by a program stored in the storage unit 120 and are a computer (electronic computer). It is executed by the server terminal 100.

The instruction receiving unit 131 is provided by the server terminal 100 and is provided by a user who is a patient or a dentist on the patient terminal 200 or dentist terminal 300 through a user interface such as a screen displayed via a web browser or an application. , When a predetermined request is made (by inputting a keyword, pressing an icon, etc.), an instruction is received from the patient terminal 200 or the dentist terminal 300 via the communication unit 110.

The patient data management unit 132 manages and processes various data related to patients (for example, patient ID, basic patient information, pregnancy status, past illnesses, vaccination history, drugs in use, etc.).

The dentist data management unit 133 manages various data related to dentists (for example, dentist ID, dentist's name, dentist's affiliation (profile), e-mail address, face photo, evaluation, etc.) and processes them. conduct.

The advice determining unit 135 performs a process of determining predetermined advice for a patient seen at a medical facility where the dentist works. This advice includes advice regarding the use of a mouthpiece that is attached to the patient's dentition as an appliance for correcting the alignment of the teeth (how long to wear the mouthpiece, the condition of the patient's dentition, etc.).

FIG. 3 is a functional block configuration diagram showing the patient terminal 200 of FIG. 1. The patient terminal 200 includes a communication section 210, a display operation section 220, a storage section 230, and a control section 240.

The communication unit 210 is a communication interface for communicating with the server terminal 100 via the network NW, and communication is performed according to a communication protocol such as TCP/IP.

The display operation unit 220 is a user interface used for the patient to input instructions and display text, images, etc. in accordance with input data from the control unit 240, and the patient terminal 200 is configured with a personal computer. If the patient terminal 200 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal, it is composed of a touch panel or the like. This display operation section 220 is activated by a control program stored in the storage section 230 and executed by the patient terminal 200, which is a computer (electronic computer).

The storage unit 230 stores programs, input data, etc. for executing various control processes or functions within the control unit 240, and is configured from a RAM, a ROM, or the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 230 temporarily stores the contents of communication with the server terminal 100.

The control unit 240 controls the overall operation of the patient terminal 200 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 230, and is composed of a CPU, a GPU, or the like.

Note that the server terminal 100 may be configured to have the function of a display operation section, or in this case, the patient terminal 200 may not be included.

Note that the functional configuration of the dentist terminal 300 is also substantially the same as that of the patient terminal 200, so a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of patient data stored in the server terminal 100.

Patient data 1000 shown in FIG. 4 stores various data related to a patient. In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, an example of one patient (patient identified by patient ID "10001") is shown, but information on a plurality of patients can be stored. Various data related to the patient include, for example, basic information related to the patient (patient's name, date of birth, address, etc.), tooth alignment information (crowding, maxillary prognathism, open bite, mandibular prognathism, gap dentition, crossbite, overbite, temporomandibular joint disorder, etc.), treatment information (prosthetic teeth, bridge range, orthodontic device range, etc.), patient image information (patient's intraoral image, smile image, etc.), patient's lifestyle, patient Preference information indicating the patient's preferences (at least information indicating the patient's preferences for each element of color, smell, and scent) is stored.

A smile image is an image whose purpose is to compare the smiles of patients wearing mouthpieces over time. The smile image is used by a dentist to explain the progress (before and after) to the patient by displaying a list of improvements in tooth alignment. Smile images can also be used for purposes such as advertising for dentists, for patients to check their own before and after results, and for sharing among fellow patients. Note that in this embodiment, an example will be described in which smile images are accumulated in patient data 1000, but the present invention is not limited to this, and smile images may be accumulated in dentist data 2000, which will be described later.

Lifestyle consists of questionnaires filled out at each medical institution, medical information, etc., as well as lifestyle information entered by the patient himself.In addition to information on snacking, eating out, and eating habits, it also includes information on sleeping hours, environment (group activities, Contains information about daily life such as toilets (restrooms), etc. Orthodontic mouthpieces can be easily removed for meals, etc., so patients who often eat snacks or eat out tend to spend more time with their mouthpieces removed. In addition, some patients, such as students who often engage in group activities, feel embarrassed to wash their mouthpieces in public when they go to the restroom in a group, so they remove their mouthpieces before going to the restroom. There are many patients who suffer from this condition. Dentists advise these patients to wear a mouthpiece at all times, except when eating. Details of comments will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of dentist data stored in the server terminal 100.

Dentist data 2000 shown in FIG. 5 stores various data related to dentists. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, an example of one dentist (a dentist identified by dentist ID "20001") is shown, but information on a plurality of dentists can be stored. Various data related to dentists include, for example, basic information on medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, etc.) (facility name, date of establishment, location, number of employees, medical equipment, URL of facility homepage, other facility introductions, etc.) ), information such as basic information (dentist's name, affiliation (profile), contact information such as e-mail address, face photo, evaluation, other SNS account information, etc.) of the dentist working at the medical facility is stored.

<Processing flow>
With reference to FIG. 6, a process flow of a method for matching patients and dentists executed by the system 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart related to the matching method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Here, in order to use the present system 1, the patient and/or the dentist access the server terminal 100 using a web browser or application on each of the patient terminal 200 and dentist terminal 300, and use the service for the first time. If you wish to do so, please enter the basic patient information, dentist basic information, etc. mentioned above, and if you have already obtained patient and dentist accounts, please receive the specified authentication such as entering your ID and password. By logging in, you can use the service. After this authentication, a predetermined user interface is provided via a website, application, etc., and the process proceeds to step S101 shown in FIG.

First, as processing in step S101, the server terminal 100 receives basic information regarding the patient from the patient terminal 200. For example, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives basic information from the patient terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. In this embodiment, for example, a chatbot provided using an SNS site such as LINE (registered trademark) or an application is used as step S101. For example, the chatbot uses a user's smartphone as an input/output device to ask users who are still somewhat interested in orthodontic treatment about the contents of a simple questionnaire, and accepts input of answers to the questions. The content of the questionnaire is, for example, a question regarding the alignment of teeth, and the answers to the questionnaire content may include, for example, an image of the user's oral cavity captured by a camera built into the user's smartphone. If an appropriate answer cannot be given due to the lips covering the tooth row or being out of focus, the user may be notified of this fact. The answers to the questionnaire contents are transmitted from the user's smartphone to the server terminal 100. Then, a simple diagnosis result (consulting regarding the expected treatment method, treatment period, amount, etc.) is transmitted from the server terminal 100 to the user's smartphone. If necessary, the server terminal 100 can introduce a dentist to the user and perform reservation processing and the like.

Next, as processing in step S102, the matching processing unit 134 of the server terminal 100 performs a search process based on basic information regarding the patient. For example, when the server terminal 100 receives “medical facility: dental clinic” and “dental alignment information: crossbite” as a search key from the patient terminal 200, the matching processing unit 134 retrieves the crossbite from the dentist data storage unit 122. Extract dental clinics where dentists who can handle occlusion work.

Next, as processing in step S103, the server terminal 100 transmits the extracted dental clinic information to the patient terminal 200 as a search result via the communication unit 110. The patient can refer to the list of dental clinics displayed on the patient terminal 200 and press a follow button or a reservation button for dental clinics of interest via the user interface. Here, when the patient makes a request to view the detailed page of each dental clinic via the user interface, the server terminal 100 transmits the detailed page of each dental clinic to the patient terminal 200. The details page displays basic information about the dental clinic and basic information about the dentists who work at the dental clinic.

Here, when the patient who viewed the details page accesses the website of the dental clinic and makes an appointment, the dentist terminal 300 that has been matched with the patient terminal 200 receives basic information about the patient via the server terminal 100. You can also receive a message indicating the reservation and reply to the reservation with a message. By using the message function, patients and dentists can communicate toward orthodontic treatment. Thereafter, inquiry information indicating the contents of the inquiry items input based on the patient's declaration when the patient visits the dental clinic for which the patient has made a reservation is stored in the storage unit 330 of the dentist terminal 300. Further, here, image information such as an intraoral image of the patient and preference information indicating the patient's preferences can be stored in the storage unit 330 of the dentist terminal 300 in association with the interview information.

Next, as processing in step S104, the server terminal 100 receives medical interview information and image information from the dentist terminal 300 as management information regarding the design and manufacture of a mouthpiece used for orthodontic treatment of the patient. For example, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives management information regarding the design and manufacture of a mouthpiece from the dentist terminal 300 via the communication unit 110. Further, here, the management information received by the instruction receiving unit 131 can be transmitted to the dentist terminal 300 after being corrected, for example, by the matching service provider. That is, management information can be exchanged between the server terminal 100 and the dentist terminal 300. Management information includes not only the shape data of the mouthpiece itself, but also intraoral scan data of the dentition based on the patient's teeth before or during treatment, CT (Computed Tomography) data of the plaster model, and 3 types of plaster model data. Refers to information transmitted and received between a dentist and a matching service provider for mouthpiece manufacturing, such as dimensional data, CT of a patient's jawbone, and X-ray image data. The management information includes progress information indicating the degree of improvement in tooth alignment due to orthodontics. Progress information includes visual information that visualizes the degree of improvement in tooth alignment due to orthodontics using figures such as bars or gauges or scales, such as the number of stars, and quantification of the degree of improvement in tooth alignment due to orthodontics as a percentage or percentage (%). Contains numerical information. This makes it possible to easily grasp the outlook and progress of treatment. The progress information is input by the dentist once a month, for example. The management information also includes information on benefits such as goods and discount coupons given to patients by dentists. In addition, the management information includes simulation data (animation, etc.) generated using 3D data for grasping the situation in the patient's oral cavity at the time of the first visit, and 3D data scanned by an intraoral scanner every three months. is included. The management information also includes information regarding impression materials such as alginate that are necessary for manufacturing dental impression molds.

Next, the matching service provider designs and manufactures a mouthpiece based on the management information received from the dentist terminal 300. The mouthpiece is designed using CAD software, for example, based on image information such as an intraoral image of a patient, and is manufactured by processing a breathing control plate using processing means such as a three-dimensional printing device (3D printer). The manufactured mouthpiece is provided to the patient by mail or the like from the matching service provider. The shape of the respiratory control board is large enough to cover a person's lips, and is made of, for example, a curved or flat board. As the material, synthetic resins such as engineering plastics with strong heat resistance and mechanical strength, such as polyamide, polyacetal, modified polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate, are used. Further, the material may be a thermoplastic resin, a thermoplastic elastomer, a silicone resin, etc. other than those mentioned above. The material other than resin may be wood, vulcanized fiber, or the like. In short, it is desirable that the material be mechanically strong, harmless to humans, and lightweight.

Further, here, the server terminal 100 may manufacture the mouthpiece in accordance with the preference information received from the dentist terminal 300 so as to reflect preference information indicating the patient's preferences such as color, odor, fragrance, etc. can. For example, when the mouthpiece is brought close to the color of the gums in the oral cavity, the resin is dyed pink. Titanium oxide and a pigment (for example, a red pigment) are added for coloring (color development). For example, in order to produce a color (pink) close to that of actual gums, the mixing ratio of red pigment and titanium oxide (white) is adjusted. For example, when the mouthpiece is made of a transparent or translucent material from the viewpoint of being difficult to be seen by others and having excellent aesthetics, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, etc. Preferably, synthetic resins such as polymeric resins (EVA) and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) are used as the respiratory control plate. Furthermore, by providing the breathing control board with a fragrance such as essential oil that has an aromatherapy effect, the patient can obtain a relaxation effect through the fragrance even when breathing while wearing the mouthpiece.

Subsequently, as processing in step S105, the server terminal 100 receives from the patient terminal 200 the wearing status of the mouthpiece by the patient who has been provided with the mouthpiece designed and manufactured based on the management information. The wearing status of the mouthpiece includes the number of times the mouthpiece is worn, the wearing start time, the wearing end time, and the like. For example, when the server terminal 100 receives a mouthpiece wearing start time and a wearing end time as the mouthpiece wearing status from the patient terminal 200, the server terminal 100 determines the elapsed period from the wearing start time to the wearing end time, as described later. and the recommended time for continuous use of the mouthpiece. This recommended time is stored in advance in the patient data management unit 132 for each patient.

Here, in this embodiment, the server terminal 100 cooperates with an SNS application such as LINE (registered trademark), sends a message urging the patient to join a talk room, and allows the patient to register as a friend. , you can chat with chatbots on the messaging app. For example, we may send questionnaires to patients every two weeks, conduct questionnaires regarding mouthpiece wearing status, or conduct predetermined actions (e.g., answering questionnaires, coming to the hospital, cleaning mouthpieces, etc.) using a self-reporting system such as stamp rallies. You can learn how to care for mouthpieces, buy mouthpiece storage pouches, and learn how to care for different types of mouthpieces (Soft, Medium, Hard). Here, once badges are accumulated, items related to teeth such as cleaning/whitening may be given. In this way, by creating points of contact with users through SNS services such as LINE (registered trademark), it is possible to maintain or improve the motivation of users or patients. This increases the amount of time the mouthpiece is worn, thereby increasing the therapeutic effect.

Next, as processing in step S106, the server terminal 100 determines advice regarding continued use of the mouthpiece based on the comparison result between the elapsed period and the recommended period. For example, the advice determining unit 135 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 determines advice regarding continued use of the mouthpiece based on the comparison result between the elapsed period and the recommended period.

For example, if the advice determining unit 135 of the server terminal 100 determines that the elapsed period is longer than the recommended period, it determines the advice to praise the patient, such as "You're following it properly!", and sends it to the patient terminal 200. . On the other hand, if the advice determining unit 135 of the server terminal 100 determines that the elapsed period is less than the recommended period, it gives encouragement to the patient who is not wearing the mouthpiece for enough time, saying, "Try harder!" , and sends the advice to the patient terminal 200, such as "Do everything as planned!". By implementing these advices, it becomes possible to make patients aware of the continued use of the mouthpiece. The patient terminal 200 can reply to the server terminal 100 with a message regarding advice. By using the message function, patients and matching service providers can communicate toward orthodontic treatment.

Incidentally, in another software method or UI/UX method, the matching service provider can access the patient terminal 200 via the server terminal 100 and , it becomes possible to monitor how the patient is wearing the mouthpiece. By visualizing the improvement in dentition through monitoring, the matching service provider can analyze the effects of wearing the mouthpiece.

As described above, the server terminal 100 determines advice regarding the continued use of the mouthpiece based on the wearing status of the mouthpiece, and sends the determined advice to the patient terminal 200, thereby providing a matching service for the manufactured mouthpiece. This allows for direct communication between the person and the patient.

Conventional techniques allow for gradual repositioning of individual teeth by creating regions of varying modulus in the mouthpiece, reducing the number of positioning tools required for treatment planning. Although something that brings about an effect has been disclosed, a mechanism for continuing to provide and maintain motivation for wearing the device to the patient after wearing the mouthpiece is not disclosed.

In this regard, according to the present embodiment, it becomes possible for the matching service provider who manufactured the mouthpiece to communicate directly with the patient. Patients can be provided with motivation for wearing.

Here, there are several possible methods of matching patients and dentists executed by the present system 1, such as processing in response to a search request by a patient, processing in response to a search request by a dentist, and matching service. Examples include patient or dentist recommendations by providers. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a search process by a patient will be described as part of the method of matching patients and dentists executed by the system 1 of this embodiment.

First, as processing in step S201, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the server terminal 100 receives the above-mentioned patient-related information and dentist-related information from each of the patient terminal 200 and the dentist terminal 300 via the communication unit 110. Registrations will be accepted. The timing at which the server terminal 100 accepts the registration of information may coincide with the timing at which the patient or the dentist inputs the information.

Next, as processing in step S202, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the server terminal 100 receives a dentist search request from the patient terminal 200 via the communication unit 110. On the screen displayed on the patient terminal 200, the patient can search for, for example, a medical facility, a dental clinic, or a location by inputting Shibuya as a key.

Next, as processing in step S203, the matching processing unit 134 of the server terminal 100 performs a search process based on the patient's search request. For example, when the server terminal 100 receives "medical facility: dental clinic" and "location: Shibuya" as search keys from the patient terminal 200, the matching processing unit 134 determines from the patient data storage unit 121 that Shibuya Station is the closest one. Extract dental clinics.

Next, as processing in step S204, the server terminal 100 transmits the extracted dental clinic information to the patient terminal 200 as a search result via the communication unit 110. The patient can refer to the list of dental clinics displayed on the patient terminal 200 and press a follow button or a reservation button for dental clinics of interest via the user interface. Here, when the patient makes a request to view the detailed page of each dental clinic via the user interface, the server terminal 100 transmits the detailed page of each dental clinic to the patient terminal 200. The details page includes basic information about the dental clinic (facility name, date of establishment, location, number of employees, medical equipment, URL of the facility homepage, other facility introductions, etc.), as well as information about the dentists who work at the medical facility. Information such as basic information (dentist's name, affiliation (profile), contact information such as email address, face photo, evaluation, other SNS account information, etc.) is displayed.

When a patient accesses the website of a dental clinic and makes an appointment, the dentist terminal 300 receives a message indicating the appointment along with information related to the patient via the server terminal 100, and receives a message regarding the appointment. You can reply with By using the message function, patients and dentists can communicate toward orthodontic treatment.

In this way, by matching the patient and the dentist based on their respective information, matching accuracy can be further improved.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a search process by a dentist will be described as part of the method for matching patients and dentists executed by the system 1 of this embodiment.

First, as processing in step S301, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the server terminal 100 receives the above-mentioned patient-related information and dentist-related information from each of the patient terminal 200 and the dentist terminal 300 via the communication unit 110. Registrations will be accepted. The timing at which the server terminal 100 accepts the registration of information may coincide with the timing at which the patient or the dentist inputs the information.

Next, as processing in step S302, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the server terminal 100 receives a patient search request from the dentist terminal 300 via the communication unit 110. On the screen displayed on the dentist terminal 300, the dentist can, for example, input condition information such as dentition information for a patient as a key and search.

Next, as processing in step S303, the matching processing unit 134 of the server terminal 100 performs a search process based on the dentist's search request. For example, when the server terminal 100 receives “teeth alignment information: crowding” as a search key from the dentist terminal 300, the matching processing unit 134 extracts patients whose teeth alignment corresponds to crowding from the patient data storage unit 121. .

Next, as processing in step S304, the server terminal 100 transmits the extracted patient information to the dentist terminal 300 as a search result via the communication unit 110. The dentist can refer to the list of patients displayed on the dentist terminal 300 and press a follow button or an offer button for patients of interest via the user interface. Here, when the dentist makes a request to view each patient's detailed page via the user interface, the server terminal 100 transmits each patient's detailed page (user profile) to the dentist terminal 300. The detailed page displays the patient's basic information (patient's name, date of birth, address), dentition information, treatment information, etc.

When a dentist urges a patient to visit a dental clinic, the dentist terminal 300 receives an offer and/or a message indicating the content of the offer along with information related to the dentist via the server terminal 100, and receives the offer and/or a message indicating the content of the offer. You can reply with a message. By using the message function, patients and dentists can communicate toward orthodontic treatment.

In addition to the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8, the matching service provider may display information on the patient's dentition and other conditions, such as a "special feature on dentists" on the top page where the patient logs in. A list of matched dentists can be displayed. Specifically, the server terminal 100 refers to the dentist's basic information based on the basic information (for example, "address") related to the registered patient, and the corresponding basic information (for example, "dental clinic address"). It is possible to extract dentists with the same address as "location") and recommend them to patients.

In this way, by matching the patient and dentist based on their respective basic information, matching accuracy can be further improved.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been described above, they can be implemented in various other forms, and can be implemented with various omissions, substitutions, and changes. This embodiment and its modifications, as well as omissions, substitutions, and changes, are included within the technical scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Note that a modification of the matching method of the present invention will be described below using FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing operations performed by the matching system 1 according to a modification of the method for matching patients and dentists.

Here, in order to use the present system 1, the patient and/or the dentist access the server terminal 100 using a web browser or application on each of the patient terminal 200 and dentist terminal 300, and use the service for the first time. If you wish to do so, please enter the basic patient information, dentist basic information, etc. mentioned above, and if you have already obtained patient and dentist accounts, please receive the specified authentication such as entering your ID and password. By logging in, you can use the service. After this authentication, a predetermined user interface is provided via a website, application, etc., and the process proceeds to step S401 shown in FIG.

First, as processing in step S401, the server terminal 100 receives basic information regarding the patient from the patient terminal 200. For example, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives basic information from the patient terminal 200 via the communication unit 110.

Next, as processing in step S402, the matching processing unit 134 of the server terminal 100 performs a search process based on basic information regarding the patient. For example, when the server terminal 100 receives “medical facility: dental clinic” and “dental alignment information: crossbite” as a search key from the patient terminal 200, the matching processing unit 134 retrieves the crossbite from the dentist data storage unit 122. Extract dental clinics where dentists who can handle occlusion work.

Next, as processing in step S403, the server terminal 100 transmits the extracted dental clinic information to the patient terminal 200 as a search result via the communication unit 110. The patient can refer to the list of dental clinics displayed on the patient terminal 200 and press a follow button or a reservation button for dental clinics of interest via the user interface. Here, when the patient makes a request to view the detailed page of each dental clinic via the user interface, the server terminal 100 transmits the detailed page of each dental clinic to the patient terminal 200. The details page displays basic information about the dental clinic and basic information about the dentists who work at the dental clinic.

Next, as processing in step S404, the server terminal 100 receives medical interview information and image information from the dentist terminal 300 as management information regarding the design and manufacture of a mouthpiece used for patient's orthodontics. For example, the instruction receiving unit 131 of the control unit 130 of the server terminal 100 receives management information regarding the design and manufacture of a mouthpiece from the dentist terminal 300 via the communication unit 110.

Subsequently, as processing in step S405, the server terminal 100 records the amount of time the patient who received the mouthpiece designed and manufactured based on the management information wore the mouthpiece, an image of the patient wearing the mouthpiece, and Based on at least one of each element of the progress information indicating the degree of improvement in tooth alignment due to orthodontics, a template corresponding to that element is selected from the templates stored in advance in the storage unit 120. The templates include, for example, templates for patients who often snack between meals and templates for patients who often eat out. For example, a template for a patient who snacks frequently includes text data showing a dentist's comment, ``Let's refrain from snacking.'' Furthermore, for example, a template for a patient who often eats out includes text data showing comments from a dentist such as "Let's refrain from eating out" and "Let's do our best even though we eat out a lot."

Here, the wearing time of the mouthpiece may be managed, for example, based on the patient's self-report, or, for example, as a result of detection by a known sensor (for example, an infrared sensor) that detects the removal of the mouthpiece from the mouthpiece case. may be managed based on. The image of the patient wearing the mouthpiece is, for example, a photographed image of the patient taken by a photographing camera installed in the patient terminal 200, and is acquired as a monitoring image. The time the mouthpiece is worn and an image of the mouthpiece being worn are transmitted from the patient terminal 200 to the server terminal 100.

Subsequently, as processing in step S406, the server terminal 100 transmits the template selected in the processing in step S405 to the dentist terminal 300.

Subsequently, as processing in step S407, the dentist terminal 300 receives the template. The dentist refers to the template via the screen of the dentist terminal 300 and inputs comments. For example, for a patient whose progress information includes 2% numerical information, a comment such as ``It's not good if things continue as they are.'' is input, and for a patient whose numerical information is 10%, A comment such as ``You did a good job.'' may be input, or for a patient whose numerical information is 80%, a comment such as ``We're almost there. Let's do our best!'' may be input.

Subsequently, as processing in step S408, the dentist terminal 300 transmits the template into which the comment has been input to the server terminal 100 in accordance with the dentist's operation.

Subsequently, as processing in step S409, the server terminal 100 transmits the template into which the dentist's comments have been input to the patient terminal 200. Note that the server terminal 100 may send only the dentist's comments to the patient terminal 200, or may send the above-mentioned progress information such as bars or gauges or simulation data such as animation to the patient terminal 200 in association with the dentist's comments. You may also send it to

1 matching system 100 server terminal 100 communication unit, 120 storage unit, 130 control unit, 200 patient terminal, 300 dentist terminal, NW network

Claims (7)

An information processing method provided by a server terminal connected to a user terminal associated with a user via a network, the method comprising:
The server terminal is
receiving medical interview information of the user and image information including an intraoral image of the user as management information regarding the design of a mouthpiece used for orthodontic treatment of the user;
receiving from the user terminal information on how the mouthpiece is being worn by the user who has been provided with the mouthpiece designed based on the management information;
receiving information regarding the user's eating habits from the user terminal;
When the information regarding the eating habits indicates that the user snacks too much or eats out too much,
Sending a comment template regarding at least one of the excessive snacking or eating out to a dentist terminal ;
transmitting a dentist comment based on the template to the user terminal;
Information processing method. determining advice regarding continued use of the mouthpiece based on the wearing status;
transmitting the determined advice to the user terminal;
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the advice includes advice regarding a time period for wearing the mouthpiece. moreover,
The server terminal is
storing in advance a recommended time for continuous use of the mouthpiece for each user;
receiving from the user terminal a wearing start time and a wearing end time of the mouthpiece as the wearing status of the mouthpiece;
determining advice to be sent to the user terminal based on a comparison result between the elapsed period from the wearing start time to the wearing end time and the recommended time;
The information processing method according to claim 2 , wherein the determined advice is transmitted to the user terminal. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the management information includes preference information indicating the user's preference for at least one of color, smell, and scent. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the image information includes a smiley image showing a smile of the user. An information processing system including a server terminal connected to a user terminal associated with a user via a network,
Receiving a user's interview information and image information including an intraoral image of the user as management information regarding the design of a mouthpiece used for orthodontics of the user;
receiving from the user terminal information on how the mouthpiece is being worn by the user who has been provided with the mouthpiece designed based on the management information;
receiving information regarding the user's eating habits from the user terminal;
When the information regarding the eating habits indicates that the user snacks too much or eats out too much,
Sending a comment template regarding at least one of the excessive snacking or eating out to a dentist terminal ;
transmitting a dentist comment based on the template to the user terminal;
Information processing system. In a server terminal connected to a user terminal associated with a user via a network,
receiving medical interview information of the user and image information including an intraoral image of the user as management information regarding the design of a mouthpiece used for orthodontic treatment of the user;
receiving from the user terminal information on how the mouthpiece is being worn by the user who has been provided with the mouthpiece designed based on the management information;
receiving information regarding the user's eating habits from the user terminal;
When the information regarding the eating habits indicates that the user snacks too much or eats out too much,
Sending a comment template regarding at least one of the excessive snacking or eating out to a dentist terminal ;
transmitting a dentist comment based on the template to the user terminal;
A program that does something.