Dispensing system including a dispensing device and method for managing dosage form information using the dispensing system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for managing dosage form information performed by a dispensing system that includes a dispensing device configured to dispense dosage forms by mounting cartridge modules containing dosage forms, and the present invention states that by updating the remaining dosage amount information of the dosage form remaining in a cartridge module removed from the dispensing device with the remaining dosage amount information of the dosage form contained in a newly mounted cartridge module of the dispensing device, the convenience of management and the convenience of use by the user can be improved when managing the remaining dosage amount information of dosage forms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for managing dosage form information, and more particularly, to a method for managing dosage form information executed by a dispensing system including a dispensing device configured to discharge a dosage form by attaching a cartridge module containing the dosage form.

Background Art

[0002] As the nutritional supplement market grows and user requirements diversify, personalized nutritional supplement services that analyze users' health conditions and provide appropriate combinations of nutritional supplements accordingly are becoming active. Such personalized nutritional supplement services collect users' health information through interviews and other means, analyze the collected health information of users to derive nutritional components determined to be necessary, and provide a combination of nutritional supplements that meet the nutritional components.

[0003] On the other hand, as a dispensing device capable of providing such a service, a dispensing device configured to be able to attach a plurality of cartridges containing nutritional supplements and discharge appropriate amounts of the nutritional supplements contained in each cartridge has been disclosed as a prior art. In the disclosed dispensing device, after all the nutritional supplements contained in any one cartridge are used up, the existing cartridge is removed from the dispensing device, and a new cartridge containing the same nutritional supplement is attached and used.

[0004] In such a method, when the remaining amount of the nutritional supplement contained in the first cartridge of the dispensing device is small, the user has the difficulty of continuously monitoring the dispensing device while waiting until all the remaining amount of the first cartridge is used up.

[0005] Furthermore, if the user does not continuously monitor the situation or fails to recognize that the nutritional supplement is about to run out, the cartridge may not be replaced even after the nutritional supplement in the first cartridge has been completely used up, resulting in the user not receiving any more nutritional supplements in the first cartridge.

[0006] Furthermore, if the second cartridge is replaced before the first cartridge is completely used up, the remaining contents of the first cartridge may be discarded, resulting in waste. To prevent this, even if the remaining contents of the first cartridge are transferred to the second cartridge, the dispensing device will not recognize that the contents of the first cartridge have been transferred, and will only recognize the initial amount of nutritional supplement recorded in the second cartridge. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to improve the aforementioned problems and to enhance the convenience of management and user convenience when managing remaining dosage information of a dosage form when an existing cartridge module is removed from a dispensing device and a new cartridge module is installed.

[0008] However, the problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood based on the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A method for managing dosage form information according to one embodiment of the present invention may be performed by a dispensing system that includes a dispensing device configured to dispense a dosage form by mounting a cartridge module containing the dosage form.

[0010] A dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first cartridge module removal recognition step of recognizing that a first cartridge module, which was mounted on the cartridge module mounting portion of the dispensing device, has been detached from the cartridge module mounting portion and separated.

[0011] A dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second cartridge module installation recognition step of recognizing that a second cartridge module has been inserted into the cartridge module installation section.

[0012] A dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cartridge module information comparison step of comparing first cartridge module information, which includes information on a first dosage form contained in the removed first cartridge module, with second cartridge module information, which includes information on a second dosage form contained in the inserted second cartridge module.

[0013] A dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an update necessity determination step in which the necessity of updating the second cartridge module information is determined based on the comparison result of the cartridge module information comparison step.

[0014] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second cartridge module mounting recognition step can visually provide the user with the mounted state of the cartridge modules, including the state in which the first cartridge module is removed and the state in which the second cartridge module is mounted, via a user interface terminal included in the dispensing system. In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the information of the first dosage form and the information of the second dosage form may include information that identifies the type of dosage form.

[0015] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the information of the first dosage form and the information of the second dosage form may include information that identifies the content ratio of each nutritional component contained in the dosage form.

[0016] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the information of the first dosage form and the information of the second dosage form may include information indicating the remaining amount of the contained dosage form.

[0017] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the update necessity determination step can determine the necessity of updating the second cartridge module information based on the result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the cartridge module information comparison step, where the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are different and separate cartridge modules, and the information for the first dosage form and the information for the second dosage form are the same, and whether or not the first dosage form that remained in the first cartridge module has been transferred to and stored in the second cartridge module.

[0018] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the update necessity determination step can, as a result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the cartridge module information comparison step, determine that the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are different and separate cartridge modules, and that the information for the first dosage form and the information for the second dosage form are the same, then perform a transfer confirmation step, which provides the user with a UI (User Interface) via a user interface terminal included in the dispensing system, inquiring whether the user has performed an operation to transfer the first dosage form remaining in the first cartridge module to the second cartridge module.

[0019] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the update necessity determination step may further perform a determination step that determines the necessity of updating the second cartridge module information based on the user's response received via the UI in the transfer confirmation step.

[0020] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the determination step can determine that if the user's response received in the transfer confirmation step is a response affirming that the transfer operation has been performed, it is necessary to update the second cartridge module information, and if the user's response received in the transfer confirmation step is a response denying that the transfer operation has been performed, it is necessary to determine that there is no need to update the second cartridge module information.

[0021] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the update necessity determination step can determine, as a result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the cartridge module information comparison step, that if the removed first cartridge module and the inserted second cartridge module are the same cartridge module, then it can be determined that there is no need to update the second cartridge module information.

[0022] In a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined in the update necessity determination step that the second cartridge module information needs to be updated, an information update step may be further performed to update the remaining amount information of the second dosage form contained in the second cartridge module information based on the remaining amount information of the first dosage form contained in the first cartridge module information.

[0023] In the dosage form information management method according to an embodiment of the present invention, after the update necessity determination step, a cartridge module management state display step of visually providing the user with the information of the second dosage form together with the mounting state of the second cartridge module may be further included via a user interface terminal included in the dispensing system.

[0024] In the dosage form information management method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the cartridge module management state display step, when the remaining amount information of the second dosage form is updated, the type of the second dosage form and the updated remaining amount information of the second dosage form may be displayed.

[0025] In the dosage form information management method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the cartridge module management state display step, when the remaining amount information of the second dosage form is not updated, the type of the second dosage form and the initial amount information of the second dosage form may be displayed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, by reflecting and updating the remaining amount information of the dosage form remaining in the cartridge module removed from the dispensing device to the remaining amount information of the dosage form accommodated in the newly mounted cartridge module in the dispensing device, the convenience of management and the convenience of use for the user can be improved when managing the remaining amount information of the dosage form.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is a perspective view of a cartridge module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a view of a cartridge module according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from direction "A" in Figure 8. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view illustrating the cartridge module housing section in a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of a device terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the flow of a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the detailed flow of the step for determining whether an update is necessary in a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a UI screen that displays the management status of a cartridge module attached to a dispensing device in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows the UI screen displayed immediately after removing or installing a cartridge module in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows a UI screen for confirming the transfer of dosage forms in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows a UI screen displaying the management status of a newly installed cartridge module after updating the remaining amount information of the cartridge module in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The embodiments presented herein are provided so that those skilled in the art can utilize or implement the contents of the present invention. Accordingly, various modifications to the embodiments of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. That is, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0030] Throughout the specification of this invention, identical or similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to identical or similar components. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the invention, reference numerals in the drawings may be omitted for parts that are not relevant to the description of the invention.

[0031] As used herein, the term "or" is intended to mean inclusive "or" rather than exclusive "or". That is, unless otherwise specified herein or its meaning is unclear from the context, "X uses A or B" should be understood to mean one of the natural inclusive substitutions. For example, unless otherwise specified herein or its meaning is unclear from the context, "X uses A or B" may be interpreted as X using A, X using B, or X using both A and B.

[0032] As used herein, the term "and / or" should be understood to refer to and include all possible combinations of one or more of the listed related concepts.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “contains” and / or “includes” should be understood to mean the presence of certain features and / or components. However, the terms “contains” and / or “includes” should not be understood to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, other components and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified herein, or unless it is clear from the context that the singular form is being referred to, the singular should generally be interpreted as including "one or more."

[0035] In this specification, "dosage form" means a substance in various forms, such as solid, powder, or liquid form, that contains various nutrients that can be absorbed by the user's body. For example, it can be processed into health functional foods, pharmaceuticals, general foods, etc., and taken for the purpose of promoting normal bodily functions and health, and may have at least one of various forms such as tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, jelly, or liquid.

[0036] On the other hand, the terms "module" or "unit" used in this invention can be understood as referring to an independent functional unit that processes computing resources, such as a computer-related entity, firmware, software or a part thereof, hardware or a part thereof, or a combination of software and hardware. In this case, a "module" or "unit" may be a unit composed of a single element, or a unit expressed as a combination or set of multiple elements. For example, in a narrow sense, a "module" or "unit" can refer to a hardware element or set thereof of a computing device, an application program that executes a specific function of software, a processing procedure embodied through software execution, or an instruction set for program execution. In a broader sense, a "module" or "unit" can refer to the computing device itself that constitutes a system, or an application executed on the computing device. However, the above concepts are merely examples, and the concept of a "module" or "unit" can be defined in various ways to the extent that a person skilled in the art can understand it based on the content of this invention.

[0037] The above-mentioned explanations of terms are provided to aid in understanding the present invention. Therefore, it should be noted that unless the above-mentioned terms are explicitly stated as limiting the scope of the present invention, they are not used in a sense to limit the technical ideas of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] A dispensing system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a server (100).

[0040] The server (100) can be embodied as a computer device that communicates with user terminals (400) and dispensing devices (300), described later, via a network (200), and provides commands, code, files, content, and services.

[0041] The server (100) can manage dosage form information contained in the cartridge module. More specifically, the server (100) can receive information from a user terminal (400) or dispensing device (300) regarding whether or not a dosage form has been transferred from the first cartridge module to the second cartridge module, and can update the information of the second dosage form contained in the second cartridge module based on this information.

[0042] Here, the dosage form information may include quantitative information about the dosage form remaining in the cartridge module, i.e., remaining amount information. Remaining amount information may be expressed as the number of dosage forms, the weight of the dosage forms, or the ratio of the remaining amount to the initial amount of the dosage form, but is not limited to these. The dosage form information may also include quantitative information about the dosage form initially stored in the cartridge module, i.e., initial amount information. Similar to the remaining amount information, initial amount information may also be expressed as the number of dosage forms, the weight of the dosage forms, or the ratio of the remaining amount to the initial amount of the dosage form. The dosage form information may further include information that identifies the type of dosage form, such as the name of the dosage form, the manufacturing date of the dosage form, the expiration date of the dosage form, the manufacturer of the dosage form, and the nutritional content ratio of the dosage form.

[0043] A dispensing system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a network (200).

[0044] The network (200) can communicate (directly or indirectly) with any two or more of the following: a server (100), a dispensing device (300), and a user terminal (400).

[0045] Network(200) is not limited to any particular communication method and may include not only communication methods that utilize communication networks that Network(200) may include (e.g., mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks), but also short-range wireless communication.

[0046] A dispensing system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a dispensing device (300).

[0047] The dispensing device (300) can dispense nutritional supplements.

[0048] A dispensing device (300) may be fitted with one or more cartridge modules (500). A single cartridge module may contain one type of dosage form. For example, a magnesium cartridge module may contain a magnesium nutrient. As another example, a multi-mineral cartridge module may contain a multi-mineral nutrient.

[0049] Nutritional supplements may be provided in any one of a variety of forms, including solid form (e.g., tablets, pills, granules), capsule form, powder form, and jelly form.

[0050] The dispensing device (300) can dispense the dosage form contained in the attached cartridge module (500).

[0051] The dispensing device (300) can dispense a dosage form based on a dosage form dispensing request signal. For example, the dispensing device (300) can receive a dosage form dispensing request signal from a server (100) and dispense a dosage form according to the received dosage form dispensing request signal. The dosage form dispensing request signal may, but is not limited to, include information regarding the type of dosage form to be dispensed, the amount of dosage form to be dispensed, or a combination thereof.

[0052] A dispensing system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a user terminal (400).

[0053] The user terminal (400) may be a fixed or mobile terminal that is embodied as a computer device. For example, the user terminal (400) may be one of the following: a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, a computer, a notebook, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

[0054] The user terminal (400) may be used by a user. The user may be the user of the user terminal (400), but may also mean the user of an account registered with a service provided by the server (100). When the server (100) sends or provides information to a user, it may mean that the server (100) sends or provides information to the user terminal (400) of an account registered with the server (100) and provides it to the user.

[0055] The user terminal (400) can be equipped with an application to perform the aforementioned functions and can interact with the server (100) via the application.

[0056] The configuration of the dispensing system (10) will be described in more detail below.

[0057] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to Figure 2, the server (100) may include a server communication unit (110), a server storage unit (120), and a server control unit (130).

[0059] The server (100) can communicate with the outside world via the server communication unit (110). For example, the server (100) can receive cartridge module information from the dispensing device (300) via the server communication unit (110). The cartridge module information may include the manufacturing date of the cartridge module, the dosage form it contains, and whether the cartridge module has been opened or not.

[0060] As mentioned above, dosage form information may include information on the initial amount of the dosage form, the remaining amount of the dosage form, the manufacturing date of the dosage form, the expiration date of the dosage form, the manufacturer of the dosage form, and the nutritional component ratio of the dosage form.

[0061] In another embodiment, the cartridge module information may include unique identification information of the cartridge module. The unique identification information of the cartridge module may be information that is matched one-to-one with a database that contains all of the aforementioned cartridge module-related information and dosage form information. The database may be stored on a server (100). In such a case, when the dispensing device (300) reads the unique identification information of the cartridge module (500) to which it is installed and transmits it to the server (100), the server (100) can extract information that matches the unique identification information from the database stored on the server (100) to identify the cartridge module and dosage form information.

[0062] The server (100) can send a nutritional supplement dispensing request signal to the dispensing device (300) via the server communication unit (100) so that the dosage form is dispensed by the dispensing device (300) and provided to the user.

[0063] The server communication unit (110) can perform wired or wireless communication. The server communication unit (110) may, but is not limited to, a wired / wireless LAN (Local Area Network) module, a WAN module, an Ethernet module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module, a Zigbee (registered trademark) module, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) module, an IEEE 1394 module, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module, a mobile communication module, a satellite communication module, or a combination thereof.

[0064] The server storage unit (120) can store various data, programs, or applications necessary for the server (100) to operate. The programs or applications stored in the server storage unit (120) may include one or more instructions. The programs or applications stored in the server storage unit (120) can be executed by the server control unit (130).

[0065] The server storage unit (120) can store information acquired by the server (100). The server storage unit (120) can store the results of calculations, judgments, and decisions performed by the server (100). The server storage unit (120) can store information received from the dispensing device (300) or user terminal (400) via communication.

[0066] The server storage unit (120) may be the internal storage of the server (100). Alternatively, the server storage unit (120) may be external storage such as cloud storage.

[0067] The server storage unit (120) may, but is not limited to, a hard disk, flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, or a combination thereof.

[0068] The server (100) can perform processing and calculations of various information via the server control unit (130). The server control unit (130) can control other components that make up the server (100).

[0069] The server control unit (130) can be embodied as a computer or similar device by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Hardware-wise, the server control unit (130) may be one or more processors. Alternatively, the server control unit (130) may be provided as processors that are physically separate and cooperate via communication. The server control unit (130) may, but is not limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a state machine, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC), or a combination thereof. Software-wise, the server control unit (130) may be provided in the form of a program that drives the hardware-based server control unit (130).

[0070] Unless otherwise specified below, the operation of the server (100) may be interpreted as being performed by the server control unit (130) or under the control of the server control unit (130).

[0071] Not all components shown in Figure 2 are essential components of server (100), and at least some of the components of server (100) shown in Figure 2 may be omitted. Furthermore, server (100) may include additional components not shown in Figure 2.

[0072] Before describing the dispensing device (300), we will first explain the cartridge module (500) that is attached to the dispensing device (300).

[0073] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a view of the cartridge module according to one embodiment of the present invention from direction "A" in Figure 8.

[0074] The cartridge module (500) is detachably attached to the dispensing device (300), and the dosage form contained in the cartridge module (500) can be dispensed by the dosage form dispensing operation of the dispensing device (300).

[0075] The cartridge module (500) may include a dosage form storage section (510) and a cartridge head (520).

[0076] The dosage form storage section (510) and the cartridge head (520) can be joined and separated from each other. For example, a thread may be formed on the outside of one area of ​​the dosage form storage section (510) and a thread may be formed on the inside of one area of ​​the cartridge head (520), so that the dosage form storage section (510) and the cartridge head (520) can be joined and separated from each other via a screw connection. Of course, the dosage form storage section (510) and the cartridge head (520) can be joined and separated from each other in a different manner. They may also be provided in an integrated structure that cannot be joined or separated from each other.

[0077] The dosage form storage section (510) may have an internal space and at least one side may be open. For example, the dosage form storage section (510) may have a columnar shape with an internal space and an open top. The dosage form storage section (510) may also have a polygonal prism shape as shown in Figure 3, or it may be composed of a cylindrical shape. The nutrient solution (1101) can flow into or out of the internal space of the dosage form storage section (510) through the open surface of the dosage form storage section (510).

[0078] The cartridge head (520) may include a dispensing tube (540). The dosage form contained in the cartridge module (500) can be released to the outside of the cartridge module (500) via the dispensing tube (540) connected to the dosage form storage section (510). When the cartridge module (500) is mounted on a dispensing device (300), the dosage form contained in the cartridge module (500) can be dispensed via the dispensing tube (540) by the dosage form dispensing operation of the dispensing device (300).

[0079] The cartridge module (500) may further include a motor drive shaft coupling (550).

[0080] The motor drive shaft coupling portion (550) can be connected to the drive shaft (not shown) of a motor provided in the dispensing device (300). The motor drive shaft can be connected via the motor drive shaft coupling portion (550) to a rotor portion (not shown) inside the cartridge module (500), the rotor portion can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the motor, and at least one dispensing hole can be formed in the rotor portion, and as the rotor portion rotates, the dispensing hole and the dispensing pipe (540) can be aligned in the vertical direction, thereby dispensing the dosage form contained in the dosage form storage portion (510). However, this is merely one example of the principle of dispensing operation, and the dosage form dispensing operation of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0081] The cartridge module (500) may further include a cartridge handle (530). The cartridge handle (530) may be rotatably coupled to one end of the dosage form storage section (510). The user can rotate the cartridge handle (530) in a first direction to attach or detach the cartridge module (500) to the dispensing device (300) while gripping the cartridge handle (530). The user can rotate the cartridge handle (530) in a second direction while the cartridge module (500) is attached to the dispensing device (300) to prevent interference with the mounting section cover (324).

[0082] The cartridge module (500) may further include a cartridge identification section (560). The cartridge identification section (560) may be provided on one side of the cartridge head (520). Referring to Figure 4, the cartridge identification section (560) may be provided in a position facing the inner lower end surface of the cartridge insertion section (S), based on the state in which the cartridge module (500) is mounted on the cartridge module mounting section (320), which will be described later.

[0083] The cartridge identification unit (560) may store the aforementioned cartridge module information. The cartridge identification unit (560) may include a memory chip and may further include terminals electrically connected to the input / output terminals of the memory chip. However, the form of the cartridge identification unit is not limited to this, and it may also be provided in the form of a passive element such as a resistor, or one of the following: an identification mark, an RFID tag, or an NFC tag.

[0084] When the cartridge identification unit (560) is attached to the dispensing device (300), the dispensing device (300) can read the stored cartridge module information from the cartridge identification unit (560).

[0085] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is an enlarged view illustrating the cartridge module housing section in a dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Before describing the dispensing device (300), we define the direction.

[0087] In this specification, the side on which the mounting cover (324), described later, is located is defined as the upper side, and the side on which the device base (380) is located is defined as the lower side. Furthermore, the side on which the device terminal (340) is located is defined as the front, and the side opposite to the side on which the device terminal (340) is located is defined as the rear. The cartridge module (500) can be mounted by being inserted into the lower part of the internal space of the dispensing device (300), and can be removed by being lifted upward while it is inserted. The dispensing device (300) may include a housing (310).

[0088] The housing (310) may form the external appearance of the dispensing device (300). The housing (310) may have internal space to accommodate other components of the dispensing device (300). For example, a dispenser control unit (330) may be mounted in the internal space of the housing (310). In addition, various components to implement heat dissipation, heat insulation, cooling, and dispensing functions may be mounted in the internal space of the housing (310). This allows the housing (310) to protect the mounted components from external impacts.

[0089] The housing (310) may include a first housing that is substantially rectangular in shape and a second housing that is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0090] The first housing may have an elongated shape in the vertical direction. A second housing may be connected to the upper side of the first housing, and a device support (380) may be connected to the lower side. Heat dissipation means may be installed in the internal space of the first housing.

[0091] The second housing may be formed in a manner that connects to the front upper side of the first housing. A cartridge module mounting section (320) may be formed in the internal space of the second housing.

[0092] A mounting cover (324) may be attached to the upper surface of the housing (310), specifically the upper surface on the first housing side. The mounting cover (324) rotates around a hinge attached to one side, allowing one or more cartridge insertion sections (S) to be opened and closed.

[0093] The dispensing device (300) may include a cartridge module mounting section (320).

[0094] One or more cartridge modules (500) can be mounted in the cartridge module mounting section (320).

[0095] The cartridge module mounting section (320) may include a cartridge module interface (321), a cartridge insertion section (S), a mounting section opening / closing sensing section (322), a display section (323), and a mounting section cover (324).

[0096] The cartridge insertion section (S) may be located within the internal space of the second housing.

[0097] The cartridge insertion section (S) may include multiple slots (S1 to S8). For example, one cartridge module (500) may be installed in a slot.

[0098] The cartridge insertion section (S) can be opened or closed by the relative movement of the mounting section cover (324) with respect to the second housing. For example, the user can open the cartridge insertion section (S) by rotating the mounting section cover (324) away from the second housing (first direction), install a cartridge module (500) into one or more empty slots selected from among the multiple slots, and close the cartridge insertion section (S) by rotating the mounting section cover (324) towards the second housing (second direction). As another example, the user can open the cartridge insertion section (S) by rotating the mounting section cover (324) in the first direction, remove a cartridge module (500) installed in one or more slots of the cartridge insertion section (S), install a new cartridge module (500) into an empty slot of the cartridge insertion section (S), and close the cartridge insertion section (S) by rotating the mounting section cover (324) in the second direction.

[0099] In this specification, the mounting cover (324) is shown positioned on the upper side of the housing (310), but this is merely illustrative, and the mounting cover (324) may be located in other places, such as the front, side, or rear of the housing (310).

[0100] On the other hand, the dispensing device (300) can sense whether the cartridge insertion section (S) is open or closed via the mounting section opening / closing sensing unit (322). For example, the dispenser control unit (330) can obtain an opening / closing signal from the mounting section opening / closing sensing unit (322) indicating whether the cartridge insertion section (S) is open or closed, and can sense whether the cartridge insertion section (S) is open or closed based on the obtained opening / closing signal. For this reason, the mounting section opening / closing sensing unit (322) may be composed of a mechanical switch and may be positioned so as to be pressed by the inner surface of the mounting section cover (324) when the mounting section cover (324) is closed over the cartridge insertion section (S). For example, the mounting section opening / closing sensing unit (322) may be positioned on the upper surface of the cartridge insertion section (S).

[0101] The cartridge module interface (321) may, but is not limited to, be provided in the form of electrodes, terminals, or a combination thereof, as an example.

[0102] One cartridge module interface (321) can correspond to one cartridge insertion section (S). For example, one cartridge module interface (321) may be located in each slot of the cartridge insertion section (S). Each cartridge module interface (321) may be located in a portion of the slot of the cartridge insertion section (S) that contacts the cartridge identification section (560) of the cartridge module (500). For example, if the cartridge identification section (560) is an electrode terminal connected to a memory chip, the cartridge module interface (321) may be configured as a corresponding terminal to the electrode terminal.

[0103] The dispensing device (300) may be electrically connected to the cartridge module (500) via the cartridge module interface (321). For example, the dispensing device (300) may be electrically connected to the cartridge identification unit (560) of the cartridge module (500) via the cartridge module interface (321).

[0104] The cartridge module interface (321) can read and retrieve cartridge module information of the cartridge module (500) stored in the cartridge identification unit (560), and can write updated cartridge module information to the cartridge identification unit (560) so that it is stored there.

[0105] The dispensing device (300) can sense whether or not a cartridge module (500) has been installed in the cartridge insertion section (S) via the cartridge module interface (321). For example, the dispensing device (300) can determine that a cartridge module (500) has been installed when it is electrically connected to the cartridge module (500).

[0106] The display unit (323) may be located on the upper surface of the cartridge insertion unit (S).

[0107] The display unit (323) may include one or more indicator lights. The display unit (323) may include multiple indicator lights. The indicator lights may, but are not limited to, LEDs.

[0108] One indicator light may be positioned to correspond to one slot. One indicator light may be positioned to correspond to one cartridge module (500).

[0109] The display unit (323) can display information related to the installation status of the cartridge module (500). Therefore, the dispenser control unit (330) of the dispensing device (300) can control the display unit (323). For example, if the cartridge module (500) is not installed, the indicator light may be turned off. For example, if the cartridge module (500) is not properly installed or an error occurs, the red indicator light may be turned on. For example, if the cartridge module (500) is properly installed, the white indicator light may be turned on.

[0110] The dispensing device (300) may include a dispenser control unit (330).

[0111] The dispenser control unit (330) controls the components included in the dispensing device (300), and, similar to the server control unit (130) described above, the dispensing device (300) can perform processing and calculations of various information via the dispenser control unit (330). The dispenser control unit (330) can manage cartridge module information.

[0112] When a cartridge module (500) is installed in the dispensing device (300), the dispenser control unit (330) can obtain cartridge module information from the cartridge module (500) and transmit it to the server (100).

[0113] Furthermore, the dispenser control unit (330) can monitor the amount of dosage form dispensed from the cartridge module (500) or the remaining amount of dosage form contained in the cartridge module (500). The amount of dispensed or remaining amount information can be output via the device terminal (340) or transmitted to the server (100) or user terminal (400).

[0114] Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the dispenser control unit (330) that are identical or similar to those of the server control unit (130) will be omitted.

[0115] The dispensing device (300) may further include a dispensing section (350).

[0116] The dispensing device (300) can dispense the dosage form through the dispensing section (350).

[0117] The dispensing section (350) may include one or more sensing sensors (not shown). One sensing sensor may be provided corresponding to one slot of the cartridge insertion section (S). For example, one sensing sensor may be provided for each slot. One sensing sensor may be located corresponding to one cartridge module (500).

[0118] The dispensing device (300) can acquire dispensing volume information regarding the amount of dosage form dispensed from the cartridge module (500) via a sensing sensor. For example, the dispensing device (300) can count the number of dosage forms dispensed from the cartridge module (500) via the sensing sensor.

[0119] The dispensing device (300) may include a dispenser communication unit (360).

[0120] Similar to the server communication unit (110) described above, the dispensing device (300) can communicate with an external server (100) and / or a user terminal (400) via the dispenser communication unit (360). The dispensing device (300) can also communicate with a device terminal (340) via the dispenser communication unit (360). Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the dispenser communication unit (360) that are the same as or similar to those of the server communication unit (110) is omitted. However, depending on the embodiment, the dispenser communication unit (360) itself may be omitted, in which case the device terminal communication unit (341) may also perform the role of the dispenser communication unit (360).

[0121] The dispensing device (300) may include a dispenser storage section (370).

[0122] Similar to the server storage unit (120) described above, the dispensing device (300) can store various data, programs, or applications necessary for its operation in the dispenser storage unit (370). The dispenser storage unit (370) can store information acquired by the dispensing device (300). The dispenser storage unit (370) can store cartridge module information. Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the dispenser storage unit (370) that are the same as or similar to those of the server storage unit (120) will be omitted.

[0123] The dispensing device (300) may further include a device support (380).

[0124] The device support (380) may be formed on the vertical lower part of the second housing. The device support (380) may be connected to the lower end of the first housing. Referring to Figure 6, the device support (380) may be formed in the shape of a substantially circular plate, but is not limited thereto. In another example, the device support (380) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate.

[0125] The device support (380) can serve to stably support the dispensing device (300) relative to the ground, and a container may be placed on its upper surface to receive the dispensed dosage form.

[0126] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a device terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] The dispensing device (300) may include a device terminal (340).

[0128] The device terminal (340) may include a device terminal communication unit (341), a device terminal storage unit (342), a device terminal control unit (343), a device terminal input unit (344), and a device terminal output unit (345).

[0129] Similar to the server communication unit (110) described above, the device terminal (340) can communicate with the outside world via the device terminal communication unit (341). For example, the device terminal communication unit (341) can communicate with a server (100) or a user terminal (400). Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the device terminal communication unit (341) that are identical or similar to those of the server communication unit (110) will be omitted.

[0130] The device terminal (340) can acquire user input via the device terminal input section (344). User input may, but is not limited to, key input, touch input, voice input, or a combination thereof.

[0131] The device terminal input section (344) can be embodied as a commonly used user input device. The user input device may, but is not limited to, a touch sensor that detects user touch, a microphone that receives audio signals, a gesture sensor that recognizes user gestures, a keyboard, a mouse, or a combination thereof.

[0132] The device terminal (340) can output information via the device terminal output unit (345). For example, the device terminal (340) can output information related to the dispensing device (300) (e.g., remaining amount information, insufficient amount information, etc.), icon information for identifying the user, the user's current status information, or dispensing amount information via the device terminal output unit (345).

[0133] Information output may be visual, auditory, and / or tactile, but is not limited to these, and can take various forms. For example, the device terminal output unit (345) may be embodied as a display that outputs images, a speaker that outputs sound, a haptic device that generates vibrations, and / or other various forms of output means.

[0134] Alternatively, the device terminal output unit (345) may be implemented not as a device that outputs information externally itself, but as an output interface (such as a USB port or PS / 2 port) that connects an external output device that outputs information to the device terminal (340).

[0135] The device terminal output unit (345) may be integrated with the device terminal input unit (344). For example, if the device terminal output unit (345) is a display, the device terminal output unit (345) may be a touch display integrated with the touch sensor which is the device terminal input unit (344).

[0136] Similar to the server storage unit (120) described above, the device terminal (340) can store various data, programs, or applications necessary for its operation in the device terminal storage unit (342). The device terminal storage unit (342) can store information acquired by the device terminal (340). Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the device terminal storage unit (342) that are the same as or similar to those of the server storage unit (120) will be omitted.

[0137] Similar to the server control unit (130) described above, the device terminal (340) can perform processing and calculations of various information via the device terminal control unit (343). Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the device terminal control unit (343) that are identical or similar to those of the server control unit (130) will be omitted.

[0138] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] Referring to Figure 9, the user terminal (400) may include a terminal communication unit (410), a terminal storage unit (420), a terminal control unit (430), a terminal input unit (440), and a terminal output unit (450).

[0140] Similar to the server communication unit (110) described above, the user terminal (400) can communicate with the outside world via the terminal communication unit (410). For example, the user terminal (400) can receive remaining amount information from the server (100) or dispensing device (300) via the terminal communication unit (410). Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the terminal communication unit (410) that are the same as or similar to those of the server communication unit (110) will be omitted.

[0141] Similar to the server storage unit (120) described above, the user terminal (400) can store various data, programs, or applications necessary for its operation in the terminal storage unit (420). The terminal storage unit (420) can store information acquired by the user terminal (400). Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the terminal storage unit (420) that are identical or similar to those of the server storage unit (120) will be omitted.

[0142] Similar to the server control unit (130) described above, the user terminal (400) can perform various information processing and calculations via the terminal control unit (430). Duplication of explanations regarding parts of the terminal control unit (430) that are identical or similar to those of the server control unit (130) will be omitted.

[0143] The user terminal (400) can acquire user input via the terminal input unit (440). User input may, but is not limited to, key input, touch input, voice input, or a combination thereof.

[0144] The terminal input section (440) can be embodied as a commonly used user input device. The user input device may, but is not limited to, a touch sensor that detects user touch, a microphone that receives audio signals, a gesture sensor that recognizes user gestures, a keyboard, a mouse, or a combination thereof.

[0145] The user terminal (400) can output information via the terminal output unit (450). For example, the user terminal (400) can output information via the terminal output unit (450). The output of information may be, but is not limited to, visual, auditory, and / or tactile output, and may take various forms.

[0146] The terminal output unit (450) can be embodied as a display for outputting video, a speaker for outputting sound, a haptic device for generating vibrations, and / or other various forms of output means.

[0147] Alternatively, the terminal output unit (450) may be implemented not as a device that outputs information externally itself, but as an output interface (such as a USB port or PS / 2 port) that connects an external output device to the user terminal (400).

[0148] The terminal output unit (450) may be integrated with the terminal input unit (440). For example, if the terminal output unit (450) is a display, the terminal output unit (450) may be a touch display integrated with the touch sensor, which is the terminal input unit (440).

[0149] Not all of the components shown in Figure 9 are essential components of the user terminal (400), and at least some of the components of the user terminal (400) shown in Figure 9 may be omitted. Furthermore, the user terminal (400) may include components not shown in Figure 9.

[0150] The following describes a dosage form information management method that embodies the core technical concept of the present invention and can be implemented by the aforementioned dispensing system (10).

[0151] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the step for determining whether an update is necessary in the dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to Figure 10, a dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first cartridge module removal recognition step (S100).

[0153] The first cartridge module removal recognition step (S100) is a step in which the dispensing device (300) recognizes that the first cartridge module, which was mounted in the cartridge module mounting section (320) of the dispensing device (300), has been detached from the cartridge module mounting section (320) and separated.

[0154] The dispensing device (300) can determine whether the first cartridge module has been removed from the cartridge module mounting section (320) based on the electrical connection status between the cartridge identification section of the first cartridge module, which was installed in any one slot of the cartridge insertion section (S), and the corresponding cartridge module interface.

[0155] The first cartridge module may have contained the first dosage form. Alternatively, the first dosage form may have been completely used up before the first cartridge module was removed, meaning that the first dosage form may still be present in the first cartridge module at the time of removal.

[0156] Figure 12 shows a UI screen that displays the management status of a cartridge module attached to a dispensing device in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] The first cartridge module is installed in the fourth slot (S4) of the cartridge insertion section, and the first dosage form may be milk thistle.

[0158] The UI screen showing the management status of the cartridge module, as shown in Figure 12, may be displayed on a user interface terminal. Here, the user interface terminal refers to either a device terminal (340) or a user terminal (400), and the management status of the cartridge module can be provided via either the device terminal (340) or the user terminal (400), or via both.

[0159] Referring to Figure 12, area A1 of the UI screen showing the management status of the cartridge module may display an image of the cartridge module mounting area viewed from above. Area A2 of the UI screen showing the management status of the cartridge module may display guidance text related to the management of the cartridge module.

[0160] Area A1 may display some of the dosage form information contained in the cartridge modules installed in each slot of the cartridge insertion section. The dosage form information may be displayed as text in positions corresponding to multiple slots. The displayed dosage form information may include the name of the dosage form and remaining amount information. The remaining amount information may be displayed as a quantity, and preferably as a ratio to the initial amount for ease of management.

[0161] The UI screen displaying the management status of the cartridge module may visually display warnings to alert the user to dosage forms remaining below a preset threshold. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the remaining dosage form in the cartridge module (containing milk thistle dosage form) installed in the fourth slot (S4) may be below the threshold. In this case, the area displaying the image corresponding to the cartridge module may show the warning message "Replacement Imminent."

[0162] On the other hand, the threshold amount may be set differently for each dosage form as needed, or it may be set to be the same for all dosage forms.

[0163] A method for managing dosage form information according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second cartridge module mounting recognition step (S200).

[0164] The second cartridge module installation recognition step (S200) is a step in which the dispensing device (300) recognizes that the second cartridge module has been inserted into the cartridge module installation section (320).

[0165] The dispensing device (300) can determine whether the second cartridge module has been mounted in the cartridge module mounting section (320) based on the electrical connection state between the cartridge identification section of the second cartridge module, which is generated when the second cartridge module is inserted into any one of the slots of the cartridge insertion section (S), and the corresponding cartridge module interface.

[0166] The second cartridge module may contain a second dosage form.

[0167] In this case, the second cartridge module may be inserted into the slot from which the first cartridge module was removed, or the second cartridge module may be inserted into another available slot separate from the slot from which the first cartridge module was removed. For example, the first cartridge module may be removed from the fourth slot (S4), and the second cartridge module may be installed in the available sixth slot (S6).

[0168] Figure 13 shows a UI screen displayed immediately after removing or installing a cartridge module in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Referring to Figure 13, in this step (S200), the user may be visually provided with the installed state of the cartridge modules, including the state in which the first cartridge module is removed and the state in which the second cartridge module is installed. However, since this describes an embodiment in which both the removal of the first cartridge module and the installation of the second cartridge module have been performed, it is assumed that a UI screen displaying the installed state of the cartridge modules is provided in this step (S200). In other embodiments, if only the removal of the first cartridge module is performed, a UI screen displaying the installed state of the cartridge modules would be displayed in the previous step, the first cartridge module removal recognition step (S100).

[0170] More specifically, a UI screen displaying the cartridge module's installation status may be provided to the user via a user interface terminal. For example, the UI screen displaying the cartridge module's installation status may be provided via either the device terminal (340) or the user terminal (400), or via both.

[0171] The UI screen displaying the cartridge module's installation status may preferably be displayed as a pop-up screen (POP1). By displaying the UI screen displaying the cartridge module's installation status as a pop-up screen (POP1), the user can immediately confirm whether the removal and / or installation of the cartridge module was performed correctly immediately after removal and / or installation.

[0172] Referring to Figure 13, the B1 area of ​​the UI screen that displays the cartridge module installation status may show a message indicating that a new cartridge module has been installed. For example, the B1 area may display the message, "Cartridge module connected."

[0173] In the B2 area of ​​the UI screen displaying the cartridge module installation status, the name of each cartridge module and the position of the cartridge insertion slot where it is installed may be displayed in an intuitive manner. The name of the cartridge module may be determined based on the type of dosage form it contains. For example, the name of a cartridge module containing milk thistle may be "Milk Thistle Bottle". The slot position of the cartridge insertion slot may be indicated by a number. For example, the position of the 6th slot may be indicated as number 6.

[0174] Referring to Figure 13 along with Figure 12, it is possible that the milk thistle cartridge module with insufficient remaining charge is removed from the fourth slot, a new milk thistle cartridge module is installed in the sixth slot, the position of the fourth slot is shown as blank as there is no connected cartridge module (B21), and the position of the sixth slot is shown as having the new milk thistle cartridge module installed (B22).

[0175] In the B3 area of ​​the UI screen displaying the cartridge module's installed status, a component that allows closing a pop-up screen (POP1) may be displayed. This component could be, for example, a confirmation button.

[0176] A method for managing dosage form information according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cartridge module information comparison step (S300).

[0177] The cartridge module information comparison step (S300) is a step of comparing the first cartridge module information, which includes the first dosage form information contained in the removed first cartridge module, with the second cartridge module information, which includes the second dosage form information contained in the inserted second cartridge module.

[0178] This step (S300) may be performed in the dispensing device (300). More specifically, this step (S300) may be performed in the dispenser control unit (330) of the dispensing device (300).

[0179] In contrast, this step (S300) may be performed on the server (100). More specifically, this step (S300) may be performed on the server control unit (130) of the server (100).

[0180] In embodiments where step (S300) is performed by the server control unit (130), the dispensing device (300) can transmit first cartridge module information to the server (100) for the execution of step (S300). The first cartridge module information transmitted at this time may include, for example, information on the installed state (removed state) of the first cartridge module, the type of first dosage form, and information on the remaining amount of the first dosage form.

[0181] In embodiments where step (S300) is performed by the server control unit (130), the dispensing device (300) can transmit second cartridge module information to the server (100) for the execution of step (S300). The second cartridge module information transmitted at this time may include, for example, information on the mounting status of the second cartridge module (mounting status), the type of the second dosage form, and information on the initial amount of the second dosage form.

[0182] In this step (S300), it is possible to compare whether the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are the same cartridge module.

[0183] The meaning that the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are identical means that the removed first cartridge module can be reattached without modification, and the user can remove and reattach the first cartridge module as needed. For example, the user can remove and reattach the first cartridge module to change its position. For example, the user may remove and reattach the first cartridge module if a dosage form blockage occurs in the cartridge module and they need to resolve it.

[0184] In one embodiment, whether the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are identical can be determined based on the opened / unopened information contained in the cartridge module information. The status value of the opened / unopened information for the first cartridge module will indicate "opened." If the second cartridge module is a new cartridge module, the status value of the opened / unopened information will indicate "unopened." Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the first cartridge module has been reinstalled based on the opened / unopened information.

[0185] In another embodiment, whether the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are identical can be determined based on the unique identification information contained in the cartridge module information. If the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are different and separate cartridge modules, their unique identification information will be different, and therefore it can be determined based on the unique identification information whether the first cartridge module has been reinstalled.

[0186] In this step (S300), it is possible to compare whether the first dosage form and the second dosage form are the same dosage form.

[0187] Whether the first and second dosage forms are identical can be determined based on the dosage form information contained in the cartridge module information. In this case, the dosage form information used as the basis for the determination may include information that can identify the identity of the dosage forms, such as the name of the dosage form and the content ratio of the nutrients it contains.

[0188] A method for managing dosage form information according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S400) for determining whether an update is necessary.

[0189] The update necessity determination step (S400) is a step in which the necessity of updating the second cartridge module information is determined based on the comparison results of the cartridge module information comparison step (S300).

[0190] This step (S400) may be performed in the dispensing device (300). More specifically, this step (S400) may be performed in the dispenser control unit (330) of the dispensing device (300).

[0191] In contrast, step (S400) may be performed on the server (100). More specifically, step (S400) may be performed on the server control unit (130) of the server (100).

[0192] The information in the second cartridge module, which determines whether an update is necessary, may be the remaining amount of the second dosage form. The remaining amount of the second dosage form will be the same as the initial amount of the second dosage form if the second cartridge module is a new cartridge module. Assuming that the first and second dosage forms are the same, the user can remove the first cartridge module and transfer the remaining first dosage form to the second cartridge module. At this time, the remaining amount of the second dosage form will be the initial amount of the second dosage form plus the remaining amount of the first dosage form. Therefore, the remaining amount information of the second dosage form should be updated. If the update is not performed, the existence of the second dosage form equivalent to the remaining amount of the first dosage form will be lost, resulting in a persistent error in managing the remaining amount of the second dosage form.

[0193] In this step (S400), if, as a result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the cartridge module information comparison step (S300), it is determined that the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are different and separate cartridge modules, and the first dosage form information and the second dosage form information are the same, then the necessity of updating the second cartridge module information can be determined based on whether or not the first dosage form that remained in the first cartridge module has been transferred to and stored in the second cartridge module.

[0194] More specifically, if the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are different and separate cartridge modules, and the first dosage form information and the second dosage form information are the same ("yes" in S410 and S420), the transfer confirmation step (S440) may be performed.

[0195] The transfer confirmation step (S440) is a step in which a UI screen (hereinafter referred to as the "transfer confirmation UI screen") is provided to the user via a user interface terminal to inquire whether or not the user has performed the action of transferring the first dosage form remaining in the first cartridge module to the second cartridge module. For example, the transfer confirmation UI screen can be provided via either the device terminal (340) or the user terminal (400), or via both.

[0196] Before the transfer confirmation step (S440) is executed, relevant information necessary to display the transfer confirmation UI screen may be sent to the user interface terminal. If the update necessity determination step (S400) is performed at the dispensing device (300), the relevant information may be sent from the dispensing device (300) to the user terminal (400) and / or the device terminal (340). If the update necessity determination step (S400) is performed at the server (100), the relevant information may be sent from the server (100) to the user terminal (400) and / or the device terminal (340).

[0197] In this case, preferably, if there is no remaining amount of the first dosage form (remaining amount information = 0), there is no opportunity to transfer the first dosage form in the first place. Therefore, the remaining amount of the first dosage form is checked (S430), and the transfer confirmation step (S440) may proceed only if the remaining amount is greater than 0.

[0198] Figure 14 shows a UI screen for confirming the transfer of dosage forms in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] For the purpose of explaining Figure 14, we will illustrate the case where the first dosage form contained in the first cartridge module is milk thistle, and the second dosage form contained in the newly installed second cartridge module is also milk thistle.

[0200] Referring to Figure 14, the transfer confirmation UI screen may preferably be displayed as a pop-up window (POP2). By displaying the transfer confirmation UI screen as a pop-up window (POP2), updates to the second cartridge module information can be managed to prevent any loss.

[0201] Continuing to refer to Figure 14, the C1 area of ​​the transfer confirmation UI screen may display a message asking whether the user has performed a transfer of the dosage form from the first cartridge module to the second cartridge module. In the example, the C1 area may display the message, "Have you transferred the milk thistle from the removed cartridge to the newly installed milk thistle cartridge?"

[0202] The C2 area of ​​the transfer confirmation UI screen may display a component that allows the user to respond whether or not to transfer. This component may be displayed as buttons distinguished as "yes" and "no" to receive user input. The pop-up screen (POP2) may be terminated simultaneously with the user's input confirming (yes) or denying (no) whether or not to transfer.

[0203] Information related to the user's response regarding whether or not a transfer is required may be transmitted to the device on which the update necessity determination step (S400) is performed. That is, information related to the response regarding whether or not a transfer is required may be transmitted from the user interface terminal to the dispensing device (300) or the server (100).

[0204] In this step (S400), a further determination step (S450) may be performed to determine the need to update the second cartridge module information based on the user's response received in the transfer confirmation step. The determination step (S450) may be performed in the dispensing device (300) or the server (100).

[0205] In the decision step (S450), if the user's response received in the transfer confirmation step (S440) denies that a transfer operation was performed, it can be determined that there is no need to update the second cartridge module information. Specifically, in this case, since the user has not transferred the first dosage form to the second cartridge module, the remaining amount information of the second dosage form in the second cartridge module information does not need to be updated and can be maintained as the initial amount information of the second dosage form.

[0206] In the decision step (S450), if the user's response received in the transfer confirmation step (S440) is a response confirming that the transfer operation has been performed, it can be determined that the second cartridge module information needs to be updated. Specifically, in this case, the user has transferred the remaining amount of the first dosage form to the second cartridge module, so the remaining amount information of the second dosage form in the second cartridge module information needs to be updated by adding the remaining amount of the first dosage form to the initial amount of the second dosage form.

[0207] On the other hand, even if the comparison of the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the aforementioned cartridge module information comparison step (S300) reveals that the removed first cartridge module and the inserted second cartridge module are different, separate cartridge modules (S410, "Yes"), the first and second dosage forms may not be the same (S420, "No"). Specifically, in this case, the dosage forms are not interchangeable, meaning that the first dosage form remaining in the first cartridge module cannot be transferred to the second cartridge module. Therefore, there is no need to update the remaining amount of the second dosage form in the second cartridge module, and the remaining amount of the second dosage form will be the same as the initial amount of the second dosage form.

[0208] Furthermore, if, as a result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the aforementioned cartridge module information comparison step (S300), it is determined that the removed first cartridge module and the inserted second cartridge module are the same cartridge module (S410, "No"), then it can be determined that there is no need to update the second cartridge module information.

[0209] A method for managing dosage form information according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an information update step (S500).

[0210] The information update step (S500) is performed when the update necessity determination step (S400) determines that the second cartridge module information needs to be updated. In this step, the remaining amount information of the second dosage form contained in the second cartridge module information is updated based on the remaining amount information of the first dosage form contained in the first cartridge module information.

[0211] Specifically, this step (S500) may be performed in a dispensing device (300) or a server (100), and the remaining amount of the second dosage form may be updated by adding the remaining amount of the first dosage form to the initial amount of the second dosage form.

[0212] A dosage form information management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cartridge module management status display step (S600).

[0213] The cartridge module management status display step (S600), performed after the update necessity determination step (S400), visually provides the user with information on the second dosage form along with the installation status of the second cartridge module via a user interface terminal.

[0214] Figure 15 shows a UI screen displaying the management status of a newly installed cartridge module after updating the remaining amount information of the cartridge module in a dispensing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0215] The UI screen showing the management status of the cartridge module, as shown in Figure 15, can be displayed on a user interface terminal. The management status of the cartridge module can be provided via either the device terminal (340) or the user terminal (400), or via both.

[0216] Referring to Figure 15, the D1 area of ​​the UI screen showing the management status of the cartridge module may display an image of the cartridge module mounting area viewed from above. The D2 area of ​​the UI screen showing the management status of the cartridge module may display guidance text related to the management of the cartridge module.

[0217] In this case, the UI screen in Figure 15 may be a modified version of the UI screen in Figure 12, with only the information displayed being changed. That is, area A1 in Figure 12 and area D1 in Figure 15 may refer to the same area.

[0218] Area D1 may display some of the dosage form information contained in the cartridge module installed in each cartridge insertion section. The dosage form information may be displayed as text at positions corresponding to multiple cartridge insertion sections. The displayed dosage form information may include the name of the dosage form and remaining amount information. The remaining amount information may be displayed as a quantity, and preferably as a ratio to the initial amount for ease of management.

[0219] If the remaining amount information for the second dosage form is updated in this step (S600), the type of the second dosage form and the updated remaining amount information for the second dosage form may be displayed. If the remaining amount information for the second dosage form is not updated in this step (S600), the type of the second dosage form and the initial amount information for the second dosage form may be displayed.

[0220] In an example where a milk thistle cartridge module (first cartridge module) with insufficient remaining volume is removed from the fourth slot and a new milk thistle cartridge module (second cartridge module) is installed in the sixth slot, the remaining volume information for the second dosage form (milk thistle) in the second cartridge module is updated and displayed as 105%, which is the sum of the remaining volume of the first dosage form (5%, see Figure 12) and the initial volume of the second dosage form (100%). (See Figure 15)

[0221] As described above, according to the present invention, by reflecting and updating the remaining dosage information of the dosage form in the cartridge module removed from the dispensing device with the remaining dosage information of the dosage form contained in the newly installed cartridge module of the dispensing device, it is possible to improve the convenience of management and the convenience of use for the user when managing the remaining dosage information of the dosage form.

[0222] On the other hand, although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is for the purpose of specifically explaining the present invention, and it is clear that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that it can be modified or improved by those with ordinary skill in the art within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0223] Any simple modifications or alterations of the present invention will fall within the scope of the invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be clarified by the appended claims.

[0224] The block diagrams disclosed herein can be interpreted by those with ordinary skill in the art as conceptual representations of circuits for embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocodes, etc., which are substantially represented in a computer-readable medium, can be recognized by those with ordinary skill in the art as representing various processes that can be performed by such a computer or processor, whether or not a computer or processor is explicitly indicated.

[0225] Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention described above can be created in a program that can be executed on a computer, and can be embodied in a general-purpose digital computer that runs the program using a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include recording media such as magnetic recording media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

[0226] The functions of the various elements shown in the drawings may be provided not only through hardware capable of running the software in conjunction with the appropriate software, but also through the use of dedicated hardware. When provided by a processor, these functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple individual processors, some of which may be shared.

[0227] Furthermore, the explicit use of the terms “processor” or “control unit” should not be interpreted as referring exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage devices for storing software.

Claims

1. A method for managing dosage form information, performed by a dispensing system that includes a dispensing device configured to dispense a dosage form by mounting a cartridge module containing the dosage form, A first cartridge module removal recognition step that recognizes that the first cartridge module, which was mounted in the cartridge module mounting section of the dispensing device, has been detached from the cartridge module mounting section; A second cartridge module installation recognition step that recognizes that the second cartridge module has been inserted into the cartridge module installation section; A cartridge module information comparison step of comparing first cartridge module information, which includes information on the first dosage form contained in the removed first cartridge module, with second cartridge module information, which includes information on the second dosage form contained in the inserted second cartridge module; and Includes an update necessity determination step, which determines the necessity of updating the second cartridge module information based on the comparison results of the cartridge module information comparison step; Dosage form information management method.

2. The above-mentioned second cartridge module installation recognition step is: The dispensing system is characterized by visually providing the user with the installed state of the cartridge modules, including the state in which the first cartridge module is removed and the state in which the second cartridge module is installed, via a user interface terminal included in the dispensing system. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

3. The information of the first dosage form and the information of the second dosage form include information that identifies the type of dosage form. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

4. The information of the first dosage form and the information of the second dosage form include information that identifies the content ratio of each nutritional component contained in the dosage form. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

5. The information of the first dosage form and the information of the second dosage form include information indicating the remaining amount of the contained dosage form. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned step for determining whether an update is necessary is: If, as a result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the cartridge module information comparison step, it is found that the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are different and separate cartridge modules, and the information for the first dosage form and the information for the second dosage form are the same, The necessity of updating the information in the second cartridge module is determined based on whether or not the first dosage form remaining in the first cartridge module has been transferred to and stored in the second cartridge module. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned step for determining whether an update is necessary is: If, as a result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the cartridge module information comparison step, it is found that the first cartridge module and the second cartridge module are different and separate cartridge modules, and the information for the first dosage form and the information for the second dosage form are the same, A transfer confirmation step that provides the user with a UI (User Interface) via a user interface terminal included in the dispensing system, which inquires whether the user has performed an action to transfer the first dosage form remaining in the first cartridge module to the second cartridge module; and Based on the user's response received via the UI in the transfer confirmation step, a determination step is performed to determine the need to update the second cartridge module information; The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned determination step is, If the user's response received in the transfer confirmation step is a response confirming that the transfer operation has been performed, it is determined that the second cartridge module information needs to be updated. The method is characterized in that if the user's response received in the transfer confirmation step denies that the transfer operation was performed, it is determined that there is no need to update the second cartridge module information. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned step for determining whether an update is necessary is: If, as a result of comparing the first cartridge module information and the second cartridge module information in the cartridge module information comparison step, the removed first cartridge module and the inserted second cartridge module are the same cartridge module, The method is characterized by determining that there is no need to update the information of the second cartridge module. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

10. If it is determined in the aforementioned update necessity determination step that the second cartridge module information needs to be updated, An information update step is further performed, which updates the remaining amount information of the second dosage form contained in the second cartridge module information based on the remaining amount information of the first dosage form contained in the first cartridge module information; The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 1.

11. After the step of determining whether or not an update is necessary, A cartridge module management status display step further includes providing the user with visual information on the second dosage form along with the installation status of the second cartridge module via a user interface terminal included in the dispensing system; The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 10.

12. The cartridge module management status display step is: If the remaining amount information for the second dosage form is updated, the type of the second dosage form and the updated remaining amount information for the second dosage form will be displayed. If the remaining amount information for the second dosage form is not updated, the type of the second dosage form and the initial amount information for the second dosage form will be displayed. The method for managing dosage form information according to claim 11.

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