Patent ID: 12254774

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same signs represent the same or equivalent components throughout the figures.

FIG.1shows an example of a configuration of a system1that provides a physical exam service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system1according to the present embodiment includes a server10, a vehicle20, and a terminal device30. The server10, the vehicle20, and the terminal device30are connected by a desired network40capable of information communication. In the system1, a necessary database (DB)15is connected to the network40. Although only one vehicle20and one terminal device30are shown inFIG.1, a plurality of vehicle20and a plurality of terminal devices30are connected to the network40. One or more remote computers50that are operated by healthcare workers such as doctors may be connected to the network40. The remote computer50may be located in a health facility.

As an explanatory outline of the present disclosure, each vehicle20is equipped with equipment for performing an examination of one or more of a plurality of examination items of a physical exam. The examination items of the physical exam include measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference, vision test, hearing test, measurement of blood pressure, urine test, blood test, chest X-ray, abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and health consultation. The equipment mounted on each vehicle20includes testing devices for performing an examination of the examination item(s) that is offered by that vehicle20, and accessory equipment. The testing devices include, for example, a stadiometer, a weight scale, an optometer, an audiometer, a sphygmomanometer, a urine analyzer, a hematology analyzer, an X-ray diagnostic imaging system, an ultrasound imaging system, and an electrocardiograph. The accessory equipment includes, for example, a bed and a chair on which a person who has a physical exam lies or sits during an examination. The examination items of the physical exam may include various screenings such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, a head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a mammogram, and a bone density test. Each vehicle20may be equipped with the testing device(s) for performing an examination of the examination item(s) that is offered by that vehicle20.

The server10acquires information on users who are to have a physical exam from either or both of the database15and the terminal devices30used by the users. The users who are to have a physical exam are people who are supposed to have a physical exam, and include, for example, a person who should have a physical exam (person who has not had a physical exam he or she should have) and a person who wants to have a physical exam. The users who are to have a physical exam are hereinafter simply referred to as the “users.” The information on the user includes an examination item(s) that should be included in the physical exam of the user or an examination item(s) the user wants to include in the physical exam, in addition to personal information such as the user's name, date of birth, and residence (location information). The information on the user may further include the user's preferred date and time of the physical exam, the time of day the user is home, and physical condition information of the user. The physical condition information of the user may include, for example, the trend of the user's physical condition depending on the time of day and/or weather conditions. For example, some users may tend to feel sick in the afternoon, or some users may tend to feel sick when the barometric pressure drops. The physical condition information may further include information on the user's current physical condition entered via the terminal device30.

The server10selects the vehicles20that offer the examination items of the users based on the information on the users. The server10also determines a travel schedule for each vehicle20to travel around the users' residences, based on the information on the users. The travel schedule may include information on the arrival times of the vehicles20at the users' residences, durations of stay of the vehicles20at the users' residences, and the routes (travel routes) that are taken by the vehicles20. The configuration and operation of the server10will be described in detail later.

The database15is a database in which information on the users who have a physical exam is accumulated. The database15may be a database of an administrative agency in which the residents' names, addresses, physical exam histories, etc. are accumulated, or may be a database in which physical exam histories of employees of a company affiliated with the system1and their family members are accumulated. The database15may further include a map database that stores map information. The map information includes road information that is necessary to determine the routes to be taken by the vehicles20to travel around the user's residences. The road information may include information on the distance between points on the road and information on the width of the road. The road information may include information on the speed limit and level of traffic congestion of the road that are necessary to determine the travel schedule. The level of traffic congestion estimated from the past levels of traffic congestion on the same day and same time of day.

Each vehicle20travels around the residences of the users who have a physical exam, based on the travel schedule set by the server10. As will be described later, the vehicles20may perform automatic driving or adaptive cruise control.

Examinations of a plurality of examination items of each user are divided between or among a plurality of vehicles20. In the present specification, performing examinations includes taking physical measurements, performing tests, and providing health consultation. For example, a first vehicle of the vehicles20performs measurements of the height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. For example, a second vehicle of the vehicles20performs a vision test and a hearing test. For example, a third vehicle of the vehicles20performs a urine test and a blood test. For example, a fourth vehicle of the vehicles20performs chest X-ray and abdominal X-ray. Each vehicle20performs an examination(s) according to the examination item(s) that can be provided by that vehicle20.

Depending on the number of users that have a physical exam and the examination items of the users, a plurality of vehicles20may be prepared for each examination item. The user can receive an examination(s) of the examination item(s) required for him or her in the vehicle(s)20selected from the vehicles20including the first to fourth vehicles. The combination of the vehicles20that travel around the users' residences varies depending on the examination items of the users. Since each vehicle20performs a part of the examination items of the physical exam, each vehicle20can be a relatively small vehicle unlike large-sized physical examination vehicles described in the related art.

Each vehicle20travels around the residences of the users who have a physical exam and performs an examination(s) on each user, based on the travel schedule determined by the server10. The user's residence is the place where the user who has a physical exam is located. The user's residence includes a residence where the user lives and a facility where the user stays. The user's residence includes the user's address registered in the database of the administrative agency in the area where the user lives, or the place designated by the individual user via the terminal device30. The user' residence may be registered in the database15or other system. The vehicles20are sequentially dispatched to a parking lot on the premises of the user's residence or a road next to the user's residence. Since the vehicles20are relatively small vehicles, the vehicles20can travel and park even on a relatively narrow road or premises.

Some vehicles20may be able to perform unmanned measurements and tests depending on the examination items that are offered by these vehicles20. The user can get measured and tested according to instructions received from the vehicle20. Some vehicles20may be configured to connect to the remote computer50via the network40. The user can receive an examination by getting measured and tested while interacting with a healthcare worker such as a doctor who operates the remote computer50. The number of remote computers50may be smaller than the number of vehicles20. The vehicle20may be connected to an available remote computer50not connected to other vehicles20, only when necessary to perform an examination. In the system1, it is therefore not necessary to assign a healthcare worker to each vehicle20, and healthcare workers' time can be efficiently used.

The terminal device30is a communication device used by the user who has a physical exam. The terminal device30is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a smart speaker, or a personal computer (PC). However, the terminal device30is not limited to these, and may be a desired device used by the user.

The terminal device30sends the user information regarding the physical exam to the server10. For example, the terminal device30can use an application to send information such as an examination item(s) the user wants to include in the physical exam, the user's preferred date and time of examination, in addition to the user's basic information such as name and address. The terminal device30may receive information from the server10. The information received from the server10includes travel plan information of each vehicle20to the user's residence, and a push notification that is sent when each vehicle20approaches the user's residence. The travel plan information of each vehicle20to the user's residence is information included in the travel schedule of the vehicles20. The travel plan information of each vehicle20to the user's residence includes information on the scheduled arrival time of the vehicle20at the user's residence, and the scheduled duration of stay of the vehicle20at the user's residence for the examination(s) of the physical exam.

The network40is a desired communication network through which the server10, the vehicle20, the terminal device30, and the remote computer50can communicate with each other. The network40may be a wireless or wired transmission line, or may be a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the network40in the present embodiment includes an ad hoc network, a metropolitan area network (MAN), a cellular network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a terrestrial wireless network, an optical network, other network, and any combination of these. Components of a wireless network include, for example, an access point (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point) and a femtocell. A wireless communication device can be connected to a wireless network using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), cellular communication technology, or other wireless technology and technical standards.

According to the system1, a plurality of vehicles20that offers the examination items of the users who have a physical exam travel around the residences of the users. The users can thus conveniently have a physical exam without moving from their residences. As a result, the percentage of population who receive a physical exam increases. The present embodiment is described on the assumption that the database15is connected to the network40of the system1. However, when the information accumulated in the database15is not used, the database15may not be connected.

Next, the configuration and operation (information processing method) of the server10will be described in detail.

Configuration of Server

FIG.2shows an example of a configuration of the server10according to the embodiment. The server10includes a server communication unit11, a server storage unit12, and a server control unit13.

The server communication unit (sometimes simply referred to as the “communication unit”)11includes a communication module (a communication device) connected to the network40. The communication module supports, for example, a mobile communication standard such as fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G), a wired local area network (LAN) standard, or a wireless LAN standard. However, the standard supported by the communication module is not limited to these, and the communication module may support any desired communication standard. In the present embodiment, the server10is connected to the network40via the server communication unit11. The server communication unit11receives (acquires) user information sent from the database15or the user's terminal device30via the network40. The server communication unit11can also send information (e.g., a travel schedule) to the vehicle20or the user's terminal device30via the network40.

The server storage unit (sometimes simply referred to as the “storage unit”)12includes a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The server storage unit12may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The server storage unit12stores desired information to be used for the operation of the server10. For example, the server storage unit12may store a system program, an application program, and a management database. The information stored in the server storage unit12may be updatable with, for example, information acquired from the network40via the server communication unit11.

In the present embodiment, the server storage unit12stores the user information acquired from either or both of the database15and the terminal device30used by the user. The server storage unit12also stores the correspondence between the examination items of the physical exam and the vehicles20. The server storage unit12may further acquire map information from the database15and store it.

The server control unit (sometimes simply referred to as the “control unit”)13includes one or more processors. In the present embodiment, the “processor” is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized in specific processing. However, the processor is not limited to these. The server control unit13controls the overall operation of the server10. For example, the server control unit13controls the server10based on the system program, application program, etc. stored in the server storage unit12.

In the present embodiment, the server control unit13refers to the diagnostic items of the users included in the information on the users stored in the server storage unit12and the correspondence between the examination items and the vehicles20, and selects the vehicles20to be dispatched for a physical exam. For example, when the server control unit13prepares for the next travel of a plurality of vehicles20to provide a physical exam, the server control unit13selects a plurality of vehicles20that offers the examination items of a plurality of users who is to have a physical exam. The server control unit13selects the vehicles20such that one or more vehicles20perform an examination(s) on each user according to the examination item(s) of that user. One vehicle20provides an examination(s) of the examination item(s) of one or more users.

The server control unit13determines a travel schedule of the selected vehicles20based on the positional relationship between or among the users' residences such that the selected vehicles20can efficiently travel around the users' residences. The server control unit13may determine the travel schedule of the vehicles20such that the overall usage efficiency of the vehicles20is maximized or such that the overall usage efficiency of the vehicles20is higher than a predetermined desired value. The server control unit13can schedule a plurality of vehicles20to travel around the users' residences on the same date. The server control unit13may determine the schedule such that different examinations are performed on one user on different dates depending on the examination items of the user. The determined travel schedule or information on a part of the determined travel schedule is sent to the vehicle20and the terminal device30via the server communication unit11. The server control unit13may send information on the examination item(s) that is offered by each vehicle20to the terminal device30together with the travel schedule.

The server control unit13can receive operation information of the vehicle20(location information, travel speed, etc. of the vehicle20) from each vehicle20via the server communication unit11. The server control unit13may accumulate the operation information in the server storage unit12, and may modify the travel schedule of the vehicle20as necessary based on the accumulated information. The server control unit13may send update information on the travel schedule of the vehicles20, system program, application program, etc. to the vehicles20via the server communication unit11.

Information Processing Method of Server

An example of the information processing method of the server10will be described with reference to the flowchart shown inFIG.3. The server10performs the following steps S11to S14to determine the travel schedule of the vehicles20that offer an examination of each examination item and send the determined travel schedule or information on a part of the determined travel schedule to the vehicles20and the terminal devices30.Step S11: The server10acquires information on those users who are to have a physical exam from either or both of the database15and the terminal devices30of the users.

For example, the server10can connect to the database15in which information on users is accumulated via the network40, and extract the information on the users who should receive a physical exam (such as people who has not had a physical exam for a predetermined period of time) from the database15. The server10can receive information of those users who want to receive a physical exam from the terminal devices30used by the users. The information on each user includes at least one of the following three pieces of information: the examination item(s) of the user (the examination item(s) included in the physical exam of the user), the location information of the user's residence, and the user's preferred date and time of the physical exam. The server10stores the acquired information on the users in the server storage unit12. The server10may register particularly the users who sent information from their terminal devices30as users who have a physical exam of the system1.Step S12: The server10selects the vehicles20that offer the examination items of the users based on the acquired information on the users. That is, the server10refers to the examination item(s) included in the physical exam of each user and the examination item(s) that is offered by each vehicle20, and selects the vehicles20to be used for the physical exams of the users. The server10determines the types and number of vehicles20by considering the number of users and the examination item(s) of each user.Step S13: The server10then determines a travel schedule for the vehicles20to travel around the users' residences. The process of determining a travel schedule is performed by steps S21to S26illustrated in the flowchart ofFIG.4.Step S21: The server10extracts the users' residences and examination items from the information on the users.Step S22: The server10extracts information on what time of day the users are home and their physical condition information from the information on the users. Step S22is not essential.Step S23: The server10extracts the times required for the users to move to the vehicle20from the information on the users. Step S23is not essential.Step S24: The server10acquires the map information of the area including the residences of the users who have a physical exam from the database15. The server10may acquire the map information from the database15in advance and store the acquired map information in the server storage unit12.Step S25: The server10acquires information on the time required to perform an examination of each examination item. Such information may be stored in the server storage unit12in advance.Step S26: The server10calculates a travel schedule for each vehicle20to travel around the users' residences, based on the information acquired in steps S21to S25.Step S14: Referring back toFIG.3, the server10sends the travel schedule calculated in step S26to the vehicles20and the terminal devices30. The server10may send a part of the travel schedule that relates to an individual vehicle20to that vehicle20. The server10may send the arrival time of each vehicle20at an individual user's residence to the terminal device30of that user as examination time. The server10may send the time(s) required for an examination(s) of an individual user to the terminal device30of that user. The server10may send the examination item(s) that is offered by each vehicle20to the terminal device30. The terminal device30presents the received information to the user. This allows each user to aware of when and what examination is scheduled for him or her.
Configuration of Vehicle

FIG.5illustrates an example of a configuration of the vehicle20according to the present embodiment. The vehicle20includes an information processing device25that controls the vehicle20as an attached device. The vehicle20, the information processing device25, and the server10are connected via the network40such as the Internet.

The vehicle20is, for example, an automobile capable of autonomous driving or adaptive cruise control. However, the vehicle20is not limited to this, and may be any vehicle that can be equipped with equipment.

The vehicle20and the information processing device25cooperate to perform vehicle control for the vehicle20. The information processing device25automatically generates control information by autonomous driving control software and sends the generated control information to the vehicle20. The vehicle20performs the vehicle control based on the received control information. The vehicle control is, for example, autonomous driving, but is not limited to this. At least a part of an application programming interface (API) that defines the specifications of the control information is disclosed to a service provider. The service provider can program the autonomous driving control software of the information processing device25as desired using the disclosed API. Therefore, the service provider can provide a desired mobility service by installing equipment suitable for the purpose in the vehicle cabin of the vehicle20and programming the autonomous driving control software using the API suitable for the purpose.

In the present embodiment, such a vehicle20may be equipped with equipment used for a physical exam, and may move by automatic driving based on the travel schedule sent from the server10.

The vehicle20includes a communication device21, a control device22, a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs)23, and a location information acquisition device24. The devices21to24are connected such that they can communicate with each other via, for example, an in-vehicle network such as a controller area network (CAN) or a dedicated line.

The communication device21may include an in-vehicle communication device such as a data communication module (DCM). The communication device21may include a communication module that supports a mobile communication standard such as fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G) in order to connect to the network40.

The control device22is a device that performs the vehicle control based on the control information received from the information processing device25. The vehicle control is, for example, autonomous driving to a destination, but is not limited to this. The autonomous driving includes, for example, Levels1to5defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). However, the autonomous driving is not limited to these, and may be defined as desired. The vehicle control is performed by the cooperation among the control device22, each ECU23, etc. The control device22includes a communication module that communicates with the information processing device25, the communication device21, and each ECU23, one or more memories storing a system program, an application program, etc., and a control unit including one or more processors that control the overall operation of the control device22.

For example, the control device22receives various kinds of vehicle information on the vehicle20(speed, location, autonomous driving state, etc.) from each ECU23etc. The control device22sends the vehicle information to the information processing device25, and also sends the vehicle information to the server10via the communication device21. The control device22receives update information for a system program etc. of the information processing device25from the server10via the communication device21, and sends the update information to the information processing device25. When the control device22acquires the control information from the information processing device25, the control device22performs the vehicle control for the vehicle20based on the control information.

The ECUs23cooperate with the control device22to control the operation of the vehicle20. Specifically, the ECUs23receive control commands based on the control information from the control device22, and control the operation of the vehicle20according to the control commands. For example, the ECUs23control manipulated variables of the vehicle20to the values indicated by the control commands. At each control timing, the ECUs23collect measured values of controlled variables or manipulated variables of the vehicle20from various sensors mounted on the vehicle20, and send the measured values to the control device22.

The location information acquisition device24includes one or more receivers that supports a desired satellite positioning system. For example, the location information acquisition device24may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The location information acquisition device24acquires a measured value of the location of the vehicle20as location information, and sends the location information to the control device22.

The information processing device25includes: a communication module connecting to the control device22of the vehicle20; one or more memories storing a system program, an application program, etc.; one or more sensors that detect information on the operation of the information processing device25or the surroundings environment; and a control unit including one or more processors that control the overall operation of the information processing device25. The information processing device25is mounted on, for example, the rooftop of the vehicle20. The position where the information processing device25is mounted is not limited to the rooftop, and may be mounted at any position outside the vehicle20or inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle20.

The information processing device25receives the vehicle information and the update information from the control device22. The information processing device25generates control information based on the sensor information, the vehicle information, etc., and sends the control information to the control device22. The application program stored in the memory can include autonomous driving control software. In this case, the information processing device25functions as an autonomous driving kit by the autonomous driving control software.

As a result, the vehicle20can perform autonomous driving or adaptive cruise control.

The vehicle20is equipped with a testing device(s) according to the examination item(s) that is offered by that vehicle20. For example, the vehicle20is equipped with one or more testing devices selected from a stadiometer, a weight scale, an optometer, an audiometer, a sphygmomanometer, a urine analyzer, a hematology analyzer, an X-ray diagnostic imaging system, an ultrasound imaging system, an electrocardiograph, etc. The vehicle20may include a guidance device that guides the user to appropriately move according to the examination item. The guidance device includes a speaker and display that guide the user by voice and an image. Some testing devices may be configured to complete an examination in an unmanned manner without human intervention by causing the user to follow guidance.

The vehicle20may be equipped with a device such as a camera, a microphone, a display, or a speaker for interacting with a healthcare worker who is remotely located and operates the remote computer50. For example, the user who gets tested may receive instructions regarding a posture, movement, etc. with respect to the testing device from a remotely located healthcare worker via the network40. The user may consult with a remotely located doctor via the network40.

A healthcare provider necessary for testing may ride in the vehicle20. For example, a nurse may ride in the vehicle20to draw blood for a blood test.

Operation of Terminal Device

The terminal device30may have any configuration as long as it has, for example, a function to communicate via the network40, a function to accept an input from the user, and a function to display various kinds of information.

FIG.6is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the terminal device30. The terminal device30performs the following steps S31to S33.Step S31: The terminal device30accepts an input regarding a physical exam from the user. The user can enter the input regarding a physical exam by, for example, opening a physical exam scheduling application installed in the terminal device30. The application is downloaded from the server10in advance. When the application is opened, the terminal device30sends a request to display a physical exam scheduling screen to the server10. The terminal device30displays a scheduling screen sent from the server10in response to the request. The user enters information on the scheduling screen, such that the terminal device30can accept the input regarding a physical exam the user wants to have.Step S32: When the terminal device30accepts the input regarding a physical exam the user wants to have, the terminal device30sends the input information to the server10via the network40. The input information that is sent to the server10may include information such as an examination item(s) (optional examination item(s)) the user wants to include in the physical exam and the user's preferred date and time of the physical exam, in addition to basic information such as the user's name and address indicating the user's residence. An examination item(s) the user wants to include in the physical exam may be entered individually. Alternatively, the terminal device30may be set such that a list of standard examination items is automatically selected and sent when the user selects a “general physical exam” on the input screen. Since the terminal device30can acquire location information based on, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal, the input information that is sent to the server10may include the current location information of the user's terminal device30instead of the user's address.Step S33: Subsequently, when the terminal device30is notified of the travel schedule of the vehicles20that perform a physical exam on the user from the server10, the terminal device30notifies the user of the start time(s) of an examination(s) of the physical exam, the time(s) required for the examination(s) of the physical exam, the examination item(s), etc. based on the travel schedule.

FIG.7is a sequence diagram showing an example of the overall operation of the system1of the present embodiment. The steps that are performed by the system1will be described below.Step S101: The terminal device30sends the information on the user to the server10. The information on the user may include, for example, an examination item(s) the user wants to include in the physical exam and the user's preferred date and time of the physical exam. The server10may also acquire information on those users who need a physical exam from the database15etc.Step S102: The server10selects a plurality of vehicles20to be used for physical exams based on the information on a plurality of users (particularly the examination items). The vehicle20that are selected include a plurality of vehicles20of different types that offer different examination items, based on the examination items of the users.Step S103: The server10determines a travel schedule for each vehicle20to travel around the users' residences. The server10considers various conditions such as the users' preferred times, what time of day the users are home, and the users' physical conditions.Step S104: The server10sends the determined travel schedule to each vehicle20. Each vehicle20receives at least a part of the travel schedule that relates to that vehicle20.Step S105: The server10sends information on a part of the determined travel schedule that relates to an individual user to the terminal device30of that user. The server10may send the start time(s) of an examination(s) of the physical exam and the time(s) required for the examination(s) the physical exam of an individual user to the terminal device30of that user. In addition to sending the travel schedule, the server10may send a push notification to the terminal device30when each vehicle20is located in the neighborhood of the user.Step S106: The terminal device30notifies the user of the received travel schedule (start time(s) of an examination(s) of the physical exam and time(s) required for the examination(s) of the physical exam) by, for example, displaying on the screen.Step S107: When scheduled time comes, the operation of the vehicles20is started based on the received travel schedule, and each vehicle20moves toward the user's residences.Step S108: Each vehicle20sends its operation information including the location information, travel speed, etc. of the vehicle20to the server10while the vehicle20is traveling. When the vehicle20arrives at the user's residence, the vehicle20may send an arrival notification to the terminal device30either directly or via the server10. The terminal device30may notify the user of the arrival of the vehicle20.Step S109: The user gets into the vehicle20and receives an examination(s) of the examination item(s) that is offered by that vehicle20.Step S110: The vehicle20can send the examination results to the server10such that the examination results are accumulated in the server10. The vehicle20may store the examination results therein and send them to the server10after all the examinations scheduled for that vehicle20by the travel schedule are completed.Steps S107′ to S110′: After S110, namely when the examination(s) of one user is completed, the vehicle20repeats the operation of moving toward the residence of the next user and performing an examination(s). Steps S107′ to S110′ represent operations similar to those of steps S107to S110, respectively. The vehicle20repeats moving and performing an examination(s) until the examinations scheduled for the users by the travel schedule are completed.

Next, an example in which a plurality of vehicles20that offers different examination items travel around the users' residences to perform examinations will be described with reference toFIGS.8and9.

It is herein assumed that users U1to U5whose residences are first to fifth points P1to P5, respectively, receive an examination of a first examination item. It is also assumed that the users U1, U4also receive an examination of a second examination item. The users U1to U5are included in a large number of users who have a physical exam using the system1. The first examination item is a basic examination item that is included in a physical exam for everyone. The second examination item is an optional examination item the user wants to include in the physical exam, or an examination item that is added according to the user's age or medical history. When the examination items are different between or among a plurality of users, at least a part of the vehicles20that travel around the residences of the users who have different examination items is different from each other.

As shown inFIG.8, the server10can set a first travel route R1for the vehicle20that performs an examination of the first examination item such that the vehicle20departs from a departure point P0, sequentially passes through the first to fifth points P1to P5, and returns to the departure point P0. The departure point P0is, for example, the base of the vehicle20. The first travel route R1is shown by continuous arrows inFIG.8. The server10can also set a second travel route R2for the vehicle20that performs an examination of the second examination item such that the vehicle20departs from the departure point P0, passes through the first point P1and the fourth point P4, and returns to the departure point P0. The second travel route R2is shown by dashed arrows inFIG.8. The second travel route R2may pass through the residence(s) of other user(s) not included in the first travel route R1. There may be other vehicle(s)20that performs an examination of an examination item(s) other than the first examination item and the second examination item. Such other vehicle(s)20is not shown inFIGS.8and9.

The times the vehicle20gets to the points P1to P5are determined by considering the dates and times the users U1to U5prefer to receive a physical exam, what time of day the users U1to U5are home, the physical conditions of the users U1to U5, etc. The server10may change the determined travel schedule when the user does not feel well and cannot receive a physical exam.

The server10determines the travel route of each vehicle20, and at the same time, determines the schedule including the arrival times of each vehicle20at the points P1to P5and other points (if any), and the durations of stay of each vehicle20at the points P1to P5and other points (if any).FIG.9is a diagram showing an example of an operation schedule of two vehicles20that take the first travel route R1and the second travel route R2ofFIG.8. InFIG.9, the operation schedule of the vehicle20that takes the first travel route R1is shown by a continuous line. The operation schedule of the vehicle20that takes the second travel route R2is shown by a dashed line.

The duration of stay of each vehicle20at each point P1to P5varies depending on the time required to perform the examination of the examination item that is offered by that vehicle20. The duration of stay may be determined by considering the time required for the user to move to the vehicle20dispatched to the user's residence. The time required for the user to move to the vehicle20is, for example, the time required for the user to get into the vehicle20parked in front of the user's residence. The time required for the user to move to the vehicle20may be longer depending on the user's physical condition. The server10may acquire information on the time required for the user to move to the vehicle20in advance via the server communication unit11.

When there is no parkable space on the premises of the user's residence or on the road next to the user's residence, the vehicle20may move to a place different from the user's residence such as a nearby parkable place after picking up the user. The server10may determine the travel schedule by predicting in advance the time required for the vehicle20to move to a parkable place based on the map information. When the examination of the user is completed, the vehicle20may return to the user's residence and drop off the user.

The server10determines the schedule such that the schedule for performing the examination of the first examination item on one user and the schedule for performing the examination of the second examination item on the same one user do not overlap. For example, in the example shown inFIG.9, the two vehicles20are dispatched so as to first perform the examination of the first examination item and then the examination of the second examination item at the first point P1. The two vehicles20are dispatched so as to first perform the examination of the second examination item and then the examination of the first examination item at the fourth point P4.

The method for performing a physical exam provided by the system1of the present disclosure is significantly different from methods of related arts using large-sized physical examination vehicles. In the methods of related arts, a user moves to a place where one or more physical examination vehicles are parked and receives a physical exam. In the method of the present disclosure, a plurality of vehicles20that offers different examination items of a physical exam sequentially goes to users' residences and performs measurements, tests, health consultation, etc. necessary for the physical exam. A plurality of vehicles20that performs examinations on one user are dispatched to the user's residence at different times such that the examinations performed by the vehicles20do not overlap in time.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, the vehicles20that provide the examinations of the examination items of the users who need a physical exam travel around the users' residences to perform a physical exam. Therefore, the users can more easily receive a physical exam. The present disclosure makes it particularly easier for those users with disabilities that make it hard to move even a short distance to receive a physical exam. The convenience to the user is thus improved, and the percentage of population who receive a physical exam increases. As a result, physical exams become widespread, and the overall medical expenses of the society are reduced.

In the system1of the present disclosure, since a plurality of vehicles20each offering a part of the examination items required by the users travels around the users' residences, each vehicle20can be a relatively small vehicle. Therefore, the vehicles20can travel to the user's residence even in a restricted road environment such as a narrow road and a road with a height limit. As a result, the vehicles20can travel around many users' residences and perform a physical exam.

In the system1of the present disclosure, the server10determines the travel schedule such that only the vehicles20that offer the examination items required by the users travel around the users' residences. The server10can determine the travel schedule such that a plurality of vehicles20that offers different examination items is not dispatched to the user's residence in an overlapping period. This can increase the usage efficiency of the vehicles20and the testing equipment and devices mounted on the vehicle20.

Moreover, in the present disclosure, the diagnostic equipment mounted on the vehicles20can be automated, and the user can interact with a remotely located healthcare worker such as a doctor via the network40when necessary. This allows the healthcare worker to give instructions for a test to the user who receives a physical exam in the vehicle20, to consult with the user, etc. Since it is not necessary to assign a certain healthcare worker to each vehicle20, human resources of healthcare workers can be effectively used.

The server10can be configured using a computer. Such a computer can be implemented by storing in a storage unit of the computer a program describing the content of the processing for implementing the functions of the server10, and reading and executing this program by a central processing unit (CPU) of the computer. This program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

Although the above embodiment is described as a representative example, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited by the above embodiment, and various modifications or alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, a plurality of constituent blocks described in the embodiment may be combined into one block, or one constituent block may be divided into a plurality of blocks.