Automatic packaging machine for pharmaceutical products and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated packaging machine for pharmaceuticals and a method of operating the same. The method comprises: receiving, at an electronic processor of a pharmacy management system, a prescription to be filled by the pharmacy management system; placing one or more pill cartridges comprising medications listed on the prescription at the automated packaging machine; using the automated packaging machine to separate the medications in the one or more pill cartridges for individually dispensing the medications; verifying each medication using the automated packaging machine as the medications are in the one or more pill cartridges or as the medications are dispensed from the one or more pill cartridges; capturing an image of each medication as the medications are dispensed from the one or more pill cartridges; packaging the medications dispensed from the one or more pill cartridges into a package using a packaging unit of the automated packaging machine; and verifying that the medications are correctly packaged using the automated packaging machine.

Description

[0001] This is a divisional application. The parent application is entitled "Automatic Packaging Machine for Pharmaceuticals and its Operating Method", filed on April 4, 2019, with application number 201980023827.5.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 652,692, filed April 4, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 745,126, filed October 12, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to pharmaceutical packaging machinery, and more particularly to a verification system for packaging machinery. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment provides a method for filling a prescription in a pharmacy. The method includes receiving a prescription to be filled by the pharmacy management system at an electronic processor and identifying one or more bulk containers containing the medication to be filled at a pre-counter. The method further includes counting the medication from the one or more bulk containers using the pre-counter for filling, and storing the counted medication in one or more cartridges. The method also includes placing the one or more cartridges containing the counted medication at an automated packaging machine and using the automated packaging machine to dispense the medication in the one or more cartridges. The method further includes packaging the medication dispensed from the one or more cartridges into packages using a packaging unit of the automated packaging machine, and using the automated packaging machine to verify that the medication has been correctly packaged.

[0006] Another embodiment provides a method for dispensing medication in a pharmacy. The method includes receiving a prescription to be dispensed by the pharmacy management system at an electronic processor of the pharmacy management system and identifying one or more bulk containers containing the medication to be dispensed at a pre-counter. The method also includes counting the medication from the one or more bulk containers using the pre-counter for dispensing and prompting for adding or removing pills using the pre-counter. The method further includes storing the counted medication in one or more pill cartridges and placing the one or more pill cartridges containing the counted medication at an automated packaging machine. The method also includes using the automated packaging machine to verify each medication when dispensing from the one or more pill cartridges and packaging the medication dispensed from the one or more pill cartridges into packages using a packaging unit of the automated packaging machine.

[0007] Another embodiment provides a method for dispensing medication in a pharmacy. The method includes receiving a prescription to be dispensed by the pharmacy management system at an electronic processor of the pharmacy management system, and identifying one or more bulk containers containing the medication to be dispensed at a pre-counter. The method also includes counting the medication from the one or more bulk containers using the pre-counter for dispensing, and packaging the medication counted at the pre-counter using a packaging unit of an automated packaging machine. The method further includes capturing one or more images of the medication counted at the pre-counter, and using the automated packaging machine to verify that the medication has been correctly packaged based on the one or more images of the medication.

[0008] Another embodiment provides a method for dispensing medication in a pharmacy. The method includes receiving a prescription to be dispensed by the pharmacy management system at an electronic processor of the pharmacy management system, and placing one or more medication cartridges, including the medications listed on the prescription, at an automated packaging machine. The method also includes using the automated packaging machine to separate the medications from the one or more medication cartridges for individual dispensing, and using the automated packaging machine to verify each medication while it is in the one or more medication cartridges or while dispensing medication from the one or more medication cartridges. The method further includes capturing an image of each medication while dispensing medication from the one or more medication cartridges, and using a packaging unit of the automated packaging machine to package the medication dispensed from the one or more medication cartridges into a package. The method also includes using the automated packaging machine to verify that the medications are correctly packaged.

[0009] Another embodiment provides a method for dispensing medication in a pharmacy. The method includes receiving a prescription to be dispensed by the pharmacy management system at an electronic processor of the pharmacy management system, and identifying one or more bulk containers containing the medication to be dispensed at a pre-counter. The method also includes using the pre-counter to count the medication from the one or more bulk containers for dispensing, and using the pre-counter to determine one or more characteristics of the medication listed on the prescription. The method further includes using the pre-counter to transmit one or more characteristics of the medication to an automated packaging machine. The automated packaging machine verifies whether the packaging unit has packaged the correct medication based on the one or more characteristics of the medication received from the pre-counter.

[0010] Another embodiment provides a method for dispensing medication in a pharmacy. The method includes receiving a prescription to be dispensed by the pharmacy management system at an electronic processor of the pharmacy management system, and identifying one or more bulk containers containing the medication to be dispensed at a pre-counter. The method also includes counting the medication from the one or more bulk containers using the pre-counter for dispensing, and packaging the medication counted at the pre-counter using a packaging unit of an automated packaging machine.

[0011] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a pharmacy management system according to some embodiments.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the drug storage and retrieval system of a pharmacy management system, which, according to some embodiments, has three storage and retrieval devices.

[0014] Figure 3 According to some embodiments Figure 2 The diagram shows a drug storage and retrieval system.

[0015] Figure 4 According to some embodiments Figure 2 A perspective view of the user access components of the drug storage and retrieval system.

[0016] Figure 5 According to some embodiments, it is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of the pre-counter of the automatic packaging machine in the pharmacy management system.

[0017] Figure 6 According to some embodiments, it is used for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the pre-counter of an automatic packaging machine.

[0018] Figure 7 According to some embodiments Figure 1 A perspective view of the automatic packaging machine in the pharmacy management system.

[0019] Figure 8A According to some embodiments Figure 7 A perspective view of the medicine box of an automatic packaging machine.

[0020] Figure 8B According to some embodiments, the sides have been removed. Figure 8A A plan view of the medicine box.

[0021] Figure 8C According to some embodiments Figure 8A A perspective view of the medicine box.

[0022] Figure 9 According to some embodiments Figure 7 A plan view of the packaging unit of an automatic packaging machine.

[0023] Figure 10 According to some embodiments Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an automatic packaging machine.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for predicting the quantity of drugs for dispensing, according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a drug preparation method according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 13 According to some embodiments, it is used for Figure 1 A perspective view of the pre-counter of the automatic packaging machine in the pharmacy management system.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a method for filling a medicine box according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a drug preparation method according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Before explaining any embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, functionality described herein as being performed by one component can be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Similarly, functionality performed by multiple components can be combined and performed by a single component. Likewise, a component described as performing a particular function can also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, an apparatus or structure “configured” in a certain way is at least configured in that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0030] Most health treatments require several medications to be taken at specific times of the day. If all the necessary medications are not taken together at the prescribed times, the treatment is ineffective. To improve prescription adherence, some pharmacies offer medications in labeled strip packages. Each strip package contains all the different types of medications that should be taken together at the times indicated on the label. Typically, each prescription provides medication for the next 30 days. Therefore, each roll of strip packages contains medication for the next 30 days.

[0031] Each strip package may need to be manually inspected to ensure it contains the correct type and quantity of medication. Typically, strip packages are inspected after all medications have been packaged and removed from the packaging machine. However, if an error is found after packaging and labeling, it may be necessary to remove that strip package from the roll and replace it with a correctly packaged and labeled one. This introduces a disruption to the roll and is generally inefficient. Furthermore, the above method only provides the pharmacist with a single opportunity to identify errors in the packaging.

[0032] Therefore, it may be desirable to improve the efficiency of verifying packaging accuracy and to provide pharmacists with additional opportunities to effectively identify or reduce errors in packaging. Furthermore, improved packaging efficiency allows pharmacists to serve additional clients by reducing the amount of time spent serving existing clients.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic illustration of a pharmacy management system 10 according to an example embodiment. The pharmacy management system 10 is a pharmacy automation system for use in retail pharmacies. The pharmacy management system 10 allows for the automation of pharmacy receiving, dispensing, and inventory control performed in retail pharmacies. Figure 1 In the example shown, the pharmacy management system 10 includes an electronic processor 14, a memory 18, a transceiver 22, an input / output interface 26, a drug storage and retrieval system 30, a pre-counter 34, and an automatic packaging machine 38. The electronic processor 14, memory 18, transceiver 22, and input / output interface 26 communicate via one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., a communication bus 42). Figure 1 Only one exemplary embodiment of the pharmacy management system 10 is shown. The pharmacy management system 10 may include more or fewer components and may perform functions other than those explicitly described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the pharmacy management system 10 may not include the drug storage and retrieval system 30.

[0034] In some embodiments, the electronic processor 14 is implemented as a microprocessor having a separate memory such as memory 18. In other embodiments, the electronic processor 14 may be implemented as a microcontroller (with memory 18 on the same chip). In other embodiments, multiple processors may be used to implement the electronic processor 14. Additionally, the electronic processor 14 may be implemented partially or entirely as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., and memory 18 may be unnecessary or modified accordingly. In the illustrated example, memory 18 includes non-transitory computer-readable memory storing instructions received and executed by the electronic processor 14 to implement the functionality of the pharmacy management system 10 described herein. Memory 18 may include, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory and random access memory.

[0035] Transceiver 22 enables wired or wireless communication from the pharmacy management system 10 to the communication network 46. In other embodiments, in addition to transceiver 22, the pharmacy management system 10 may also include separate transmitting and receiving components, such as a transmitter and a receiver. The pharmacy management system 10 can communicate with the drug storage and retrieval system 30, the pre-counter 34, the automated packaging machine 38, and databases (such as the National Drug Code (NDC) database 50) via the communication network 46.

[0036] The communication network 46 can be constructed using any suitable networking technology or topology, or a combination of technologies and topologies, and the communication network 46 may include multiple subnets. It can be obtained through a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”), a wireless network, an intranet, the Internet, or any other suitable network. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the connection between the device and the system. For example, in a hospital or healthcare facility, this can be achieved through any desired communication protocol(s). Figure 1 The communication between the devices and systems shown includes, for example, the Health Level Seven (“HL7”) protocol or any other version of the required protocol. The HL7 protocol is a standard protocol that specifies the guidelines (including the required interface implementations) for data exchange between two computer applications (sender and receiver), enabling vendors to use common standards and thus facilitating the exchange of electronic data in healthcare environments. The HL7 protocol allows healthcare organizations to exchange critical datasets from different application systems. Specifically, the HL7 protocol can define the data to be exchanged, the timing of the exchange, and the transmission of errors to applications. The format is generally generic in nature and can be configured to meet the needs of the relevant applications.

[0037] Figure 2 A pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system 30 according to an example embodiment is shown. The pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system 30 is a comprehensive workflow automation and high-density robotic storage system for use in retail pharmacies. System 30 seamlessly dispenses prescription containers and returns them to inventory without requiring operators to use complex software interfaces. Figure 1 As shown, the drug storage and retrieval system 30 includes one or more drug storage and retrieval devices 54, and a computer or controller configured to control the operation and functionality of the drug storage and retrieval devices 54. Although Figure 1The system 30 shown includes three drug storage and retrieval devices 54, but more or fewer devices 54 may be used in a particular drug storage and retrieval system 30. A similar drug storage and retrieval system 30 is described and illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 9,727,701 entitled “Pharmaceutical Storage and Retrieval System and Methods of Storage and Retrieval Pharmaceuticals”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] Figure 3 A drug storage and retrieval system 30 and its functionality within a pharmacy are schematically illustrated. In the illustrated example, the drug storage and retrieval system 30 includes a storage electronic processor 58, a storage memory 62, a storage transceiver 66, an RFID scanner 70, a biometric scanner 74, a barcode scanner 78, and a storage input / output interface 82. The storage electronic processor 58, storage memory 62, storage transceiver 66, RFID scanner 70, biometric scanner 74, barcode scanner 78, and storage input / output interface 82 communicate via one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., a communication bus 86). Figure 3 Only one exemplary embodiment of the drug storage and retrieval system 30 is shown. The drug storage and retrieval system 30 may include more or fewer components and may perform functions other than those explicitly described herein.

[0039] The storage processor 58 and storage memory 62 can be implemented similarly to the electronic processor 14 and memory 18 described above. The storage transceiver 66 enables communication from the drug storage and retrieval system 30 to the communication network 46. In other embodiments, in addition to the storage transceiver 66, the drug storage and retrieval system 30 may also include separate transmitting and receiving components, such as a transmitter and a receiver. The drug storage and retrieval system 30 can communicate with the pre-counter 34, the automated packaging machine 38, and databases (e.g., the national drug coding database 50) via the communication network 46.

[0040] The storage input / output interface 82 may include one or more input devices (e.g., touchscreen, keypad, buttons, knobs, etc.), one or more output devices (e.g., display, printer, speaker, etc.), or combinations thereof. The storage input / output interface 82 receives input from user-actuated input devices and provides output to output devices with which the user interacts. In some embodiments, as an alternative to managing input and output via the storage input / output interface 82, or otherwise, the drug storage and retrieval system 30 may receive user input, provide user output, or both, by communicating with external devices (such as a console computer) via a wired or wireless connection.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the drug storage and retrieval system 30 also includes a user authorization system 94. The user authorization system 94 includes an RFID scanner 70, a biometric scanner 74, and a barcode scanner 78. The RFID scanner 70 is integrated with the user authorization system 94. In an alternative embodiment, the RFID scanner 70 may be located separately near the device 54. The biometric scanner 74 is used to identify authorized users of the system 30 and may be, for example, a fingerprint scanner, an iris reader, a voice recognition scanner, a facial recognition scanner, or a combination thereof.

[0042] Barcode scanner 78 can be used to read barcodes such as NDC on containers, or labels on custom containers stored in the drug storage and retrieval system 30. Barcode scanner 78 can also be used to scan unique barcode labels generated by system 30 to identify individual containers of a particular drug. In such an embodiment, system 30 generates a unique barcode assigned to each container stored in device 54. When each container is first introduced into device 54, a label bearing the barcode generated by system 30 is affixed to the container. Thereafter, each time the container is "checked out" or "checked in" into system 30, system 30 is able not only to identify the type of drug being "checked out" or "checked in," but also to track the specific container. Therefore, such an embodiment of system 30 allows multiple containers of the same drug or medication to be "checked out" from system 30 simultaneously. Because system 30 can identify each specific container, system 30 can associate each container with, for example, a specific operator or a specific prescription order to verify that the order was properly completed.

[0043] refer to Figure 3The storage electronic processor 58 can implement a dispensing module for the drug storage and retrieval system 30. In some embodiments, the dispensing module is operable to retrieve a specific container from the system 30 using an automated process to dispense a customer's prescription. In other embodiments, as described above, the system 30 may be omitted. In such embodiments, the user may manually retrieve one or more specific containers from a location within the pharmacy, such as a pantry or shelf. In the scenario where the system 30 is used to retrieve one or more specific containers, when the pharmacy receives a prescription to be dispensed, pharmacy staff enter the information into the pharmacy management system 10, where a pharmacy printer generates an information sheet including a drug list, customer information, and a barcode. This information sheet is taken to a scanner 78, where the barcode is read. Simultaneously, the user's RFID credentials can be read to confirm authorization to the system 30 and the drugs stored therein. Based on the barcode, the dispensing module instructs the rack assembly of the drug storage and retrieval device 54 to retrieve the container required to dispense the customer's prescription and identified on the information sheet. More specifically, the dispensing module communicates with the storage memory 62 to obtain the specific location of the container of the desired drug within the storage device 54. The dispensing module also transmits the specific location of the container to the rack assembly, so that the rack assembly knows where to retrieve the appropriate container. If a particular container is stored outside the storage device 54, the external storage location associated with the desired container can be transmitted to the operator.

[0044] After identifying the specific location of the required container, the rack assembly retrieves the container and inserts it into port 98 of device 54. After verifying the user's RFID credentials, the front door opens to allow the user to remove the container from port 98. The pharmacy management system 10 can also transmit order information directly to the storage processor 58 of system 30, which can instruct device 54 to begin retrieving and preparing the container required for the entered order. Similarly, the user can bring an information sheet generated by the pharmacy printer to scanner 78, where the barcode on the information sheet and the user's RFID are read. If system 30 identifies a valid RFID credential and barcode on the presented information sheet associated with the prepared order, it opens port 74 containing one or more medications required for the order. Therefore, system 30 can be configured to retrieve the required medications before scanning the information sheet and RFID, but not to allow the required medications to be obtained before scanning the information sheet and RFID.

[0045] In a scenario where system 30 is absent, when the pharmacy receives a prescription for medication, pharmacy staff can still enter the information into the pharmacy management system 10, where the pharmacy printer generates an information sheet. However, in this embodiment, the information sheet may not include the barcode to be scanned by the medication storage and retrieval system 30. Instead, the information sheet may include a medication list and customer information. The user can then manually retrieve the bulk storage container containing the desired medication from the storage location (e.g., pantry, display case, shelf, etc.). Alternatively, the user can directly retrieve the desired bulk storage container without first entering the information into the pharmacy management system 10 and generating an information sheet.

[0046] Figure 5 A pre-counter 34 for an automated packaging machine 38 is shown according to an example embodiment. The pre-counter 34 is a drug counting device for use in a retail pharmacy, which detects and counts several drugs placed on the pre-counter 34. The pre-counter 34 displays the count and shares the count with other systems within the pharmacy. Figure 5 As shown, the pre-counter 34 includes a barcode scanner 102, a counting disk 106, a camera system 110, a display 114, a funnel 118, and a funnel gate 122.

[0047] Barcode scanner 102 is used to scan barcodes on labels of containers retrieved from device 54 or other locations within the pharmacy, and can be implemented in a manner similar to barcode scanner 78. Although the illustrated scanner 102 is identified as a barcode scanner, in other embodiments, the pre-counter may include other types of scanners, such as scanners for identifying Q codes on bottles, or cameras for identifying images on bottles or images of bottles. In another embodiment, scanner 102 may be omitted, and the user may directly enter information about the bottle into the pre-counter (e.g., by entering the bottle's serial number via a keypad). The contents of the container can then be placed on counting disk 106 for counting by pre-counter 34. Counting disk 106 may be replaceable for cleaning and to prevent cross-contamination between different types of medications. Counting disk 106 may be transparent or translucent, allowing the lighting system 126 below the counting disk 106 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 The contents of the counting tray 106 can be illuminated. Once illuminated, the camera system 110 can capture an image of the contents of the counting tray 106 to begin counting. The display 114 can be used to display the scanned barcode information and the count of medications placed on the counting tray 106. Based on the displayed information, a pharmacist or technician can add or remove medications from the counting tray 106 until the correct amount of medication is placed on the counting tray 106. When the correct amount of medication is placed on the counting tray 106, the user can transfer the contents of the counting tray 106 to the medication cartridge 158 of the automatic packaging machine 38. Figure 7 The funnel 118 and funnel gate 122 are used to transfer the drug from the counting disc 106 to the original container or to the medicine box 158.

[0048] Figure 6 A pre-counter 34 and its functionality within a pharmacy are schematically illustrated. In the illustrated example, the pre-counter 34 includes a counter electronics processor 130, a counter memory 134, a counter transceiver 138, a barcode scanner 102, a camera system 110, a display 114, a lighting system 126, and a counter input / output interface 142. The counter electronics processor 130, counter memory 134, counter transceiver 138, barcode scanner 102, camera system 110, display 114, lighting system 126, and counter input / output interface 142 communicate via one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., a communication bus 146). Figure 5 and Figure 6 Only one exemplary embodiment of the pre-counter 34 is shown. The pre-counter 34 may include more or fewer components and may perform functions other than those explicitly described herein.

[0049] The counter processor 130 and counter memory 134 can be implemented similarly to the storage processor 58 and storage memory 62 as described above. The counter transceiver 138 enables communication from the pre-counter 34 to the communication network 46. In other embodiments, in addition to the counter transceiver 138, the pre-counter 34 may also include separate transmitting and receiving components, such as a transmitter and a receiver. The pre-counter 34 can communicate with the drug storage and retrieval system 30, the automated packaging machine 38, and databases (e.g., the national drug coding database 50) via the communication network 46.

[0050] The counter input / output interface 142 may include one or more input mechanisms (e.g., touchscreen, keypad, buttons, knobs, etc.), one or more output mechanisms (e.g., display, printer, speaker, etc.), or combinations thereof. The counter input / output interface 142 receives input from user-actuated input devices and provides output to output devices with which the user interacts. In some embodiments, as an alternative to managing input and output via the counter input / output interface 142, or otherwise, the pre-counter 34 may receive user input, provide user output, or both, by communicating with an external device (such as a console computer) via a wired or wireless connection.

[0051] The illumination system includes a first light source 147 and a second light source 148. The first light source 147 (e.g., infrared (IR) or near-infrared (NOR) spectral light) is positioned below the counting disk 106. The first light source 147 allows light to pass through the counting disk 106 and illuminate the contents of the counting disk 106. When the first light source 147 illuminates the counting disk 106, the drug on the counting disk 106 casts a shadow against the white background of the first light source 147 or the counting disk 106. The camera system 110 captures an image of the shadow cast by the drug on the counting disk 106. This image may be a still image of the drug at a specific time instance, or it may be a real-time image continuously transmitted to the display 114. The second light source 148 (e.g., visible spectral light) is positioned on the same side of the counting disk 106 as the camera system 110 to direct light onto the counting disk 106 and illuminate its contents. When the second light source 148 illuminates the counting disk 106, the camera system 110 captures a visible light image of the drug, displaying its color, shape, outline, surface finish, etc. This image can be a still image of the drug at a specific time instance, or it can be a real-time image continuously transmitted to the display 114. The camera system 110 communicates with the counter processor 130 and the counter memory 134 to store images and / or transmit images to the display 114.

[0052] Figure 7 An example automated packaging machine 38, according to an exemplary embodiment, includes a feed cassette 150 and a packaging unit 154. The feed cassette 150 receives medication from a bulk container or pre-counter 34 and dispenses pills individually to the packaging unit 154. Each feed cassette 150 can dispense ten individual pills simultaneously. In other embodiments, the feed cassette 150 can dispense twenty or more individual pills simultaneously. In some embodiments, the automated packaging machine 38 may include more than one feed cassette 150.

[0053] The universal feed box 150 includes a plurality of medicine cartridges 158 arranged within the housing of the universal feed box 150. In one example, the universal feed box 150 may include up to ten medicine cartridges 158 housed in medicine cartridge slots 162. In another example, the universal feed box 150 may include up to twenty medicine cartridges 158 housed in medicine cartridge slots 162. For example, the medicine cartridges 158 may be housed in two-level or two-layer medicine cartridge slots 162. A pharmacist may load medication from a bulk container or pre-counter 34 into each medicine cartridge 158. The same medication may be loaded into each medicine cartridge 158, or different medications may be loaded into each medicine cartridge 158. The medicine cartridges 158 independently dispense medication into packaging units 154.

[0054] The pill cartridge 158 is removably attached to the universal feed box 150. A pharmacist or technician can remove each individual pill cartridge 158 from the pill cartridge slot 162 to fill the pill cartridge 158 with medication from the pre-counter 34. The pill cartridge 158 can then be placed into any pill cartridge slot 162.

[0055] Example cartridge 158 is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 160,535, filed October 15, 2018, entitled "Universal Feed Mechanism for Automated Packaging Machines," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, other suitable cartridges may be used, or alternatively, other suitable cartridges may be used. Figure 7 In the example shown, the packaging unit is a narrow strip packaging machine. Example narrow strip packaging machines are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 031891 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0015445, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, other suitable packaging units may be used or may be used alternatively, including narrow strip packaging machines, blister card packaging machines, etc.

[0056] Figure 8A Figures C to C illustrate an example embodiment of a medicine cartridge 158. In the illustrated example, the medicine cartridge 158 includes a reservoir 850, a wheel 860, and a scooping member 865. The reservoir 850 stores medication during the dispensing process. The wheel 860 is provided on one side of the medicine cartridge 158 and extends into the bottom portion of the reservoir 850. The bottom portion of the reservoir 850 has a curved shape that begins from the side opposite to the wheel 860, the front side, and the rear side, and ends at the center of the bottom portion of the wheel 860. The curved shape of the reservoir 850 guides the medication within the reservoir 850 toward the bottom of the wheel 860, and specifically into the scooping member 865 of the wheel 860.

[0057] Teeth 875 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 860. During the dispensing process, the teeth 875 interlock with the teeth of a shaft driven by the motor assembly of the cartridge mechanism 845. The wheel 860 is provided with three scooping members 865 for scooping individual medications from the reservoir 850. Each scooping member 865 includes an inwardly projecting portion 866 extending into the wheel 860. The curved surface of the reservoir 850 guides the medication into the inwardly projecting portion 866 of the scooping member 865. The scooping member 865 includes a stop 868 at the circumferential end of the inwardly projecting portion 866, which restrains the medication as the wheel 860 rotates.

[0058] The wheel 860 includes a retaining pin 880 that extends and retracts from the interior of the wheel 860 during rotation. The scooping member 865 includes an opening for receiving the retaining pin 880. The retaining pin 880, together with the circumferential surfaces of the stop 868 and the inwardly projecting portion 866, serves to restrain the medication during rotation of the wheel 860. During rotation of the wheel 860, when the inwardly projecting portion 866 of the scooping member 865 encounters the reservoir 850, the medication in the reservoir 850 moves inward into the scooping member 865 due to the curved shape of the reservoir 850. The retaining pin 880 retracts as the scooping member 865 moves along the bottom portion of the wheel 860 into the reservoir 850. As the scooping member 865 moves out of the reservoir 850, the retaining pin 880 advances toward the circumferential end of the scooping member 865 to engage the medication. The drug is held between the rounded end of the scooping member 865, the retaining pin 880, and the stop 868. The scooping member 865 and the retaining pin 880 can be used for any type of drug. Typically, only a single drug is held between the retaining pin 880 and the scooping member 865, while other drugs fall back into the reservoir 850 during the rotation of the wheel 860. As the scooping member 865 passes the top portion of the wheel 860, the retaining pin 880 retracts again to release the drug into the shuttle system. The wheel 860 and the scooping member 865 can be collectively referred to as a separation mechanism.

[0059] The medication cartridge 158 also includes a shuttle system, a camera system, and a motor assembly. The shuttle system includes a platform 920, a shuttle 925, and a shuttle actuator 930. The platform 920 may be made of a transparent or translucent plastic material. An LED lighting system 922 may be provided above and / or below the platform 920 to illuminate the contents on the platform 920 when the camera system captures an image of the contents. The LED lighting system 922 may emit visible or infrared light to illuminate the platform 920. The shuttle 925 may move laterally between platforms 920, above the reservoir 850, and above the catheter. The shuttle 925 transfers medication from the platforms 920 to the reservoir 850 or the catheter. The shuttle 925 is driven by the shuttle actuator 930. The shuttle actuator 930 may be a motor assembly, actuator, etc., that causes the shuttle 925 to move between platforms 920, above the reservoir 850, and above the catheter. In the example shown, the shuttle drive 930 includes a rotating screw 932 that causes the shuttle 925 to move laterally between the platform 920, the reservoir 850, and the conduit.

[0060] The camera system includes a camera 940 and a mirror 945. The camera 940 is located at the rear of the cartridge mechanism 845. The camera 940 can be a still camera or a video camera that captures images of the contents of the platform 920. The mirror 945 is positioned directly above the platform 920 and tilted at a 45-degree angle, so that the camera 940, located at the rear of the cartridge mechanism 845, can capture images of the platform 920.

[0061] In some embodiments, the camera system can operate in learning mode to create a database of images of the medications currently in the cartridge 158. For example, as each medication is separated by the wheel 860, the camera 940 captures an image of the medication, then stores the image in the database, and the shuttle 925 returns the medication to the storage unit 850. This process can be repeated, for example, 50 to 100 times to capture images of the medications in different orientations.

[0062] The motor assembly includes a motor 950 that drives a shaft 955 located at the center of the cartridge mechanism 845. The shaft 955 includes teeth 956 that interlock with teeth 875 of a wheel 860. When the motor 950 is driven, the shaft 955 causes the wheel 860 to rotate to dispense medication 180 individually.

[0063] The medicine box 158 may include an RFID tag that can be used to identify the medicine box 158. The RFID tag can be read by an RFID reader of the pre-counter 34 or the automatic packaging machine 38.

[0064] Figure 9 An embodiment of packaging unit 154 is shown. In the illustrated example, packaging unit 154 includes a manifold 170, a container 174, two feed rollers 178 and 182, a take-up roller, and a validation system 186. A universal feed box 150 is positioned above the manifold 170. The manifold 170, or chute, includes multiple individual tracks mounted on the manifold 170 corresponding to each of the cartridges 158 (specifically, the conduits of each cartridge 158). The tracks shown are independent channels that together form the manifold 170. The tracks guide the medication from the universal feed box 150 to the packaging apparatus of packaging unit 154. The conduits of the cartridges 158 are aligned with the holes in the manifold 170, allowing the medication to slide down the manifold 170 into the packaging apparatus. As the medication slides down the manifold 170 into the container 174, the tracks 190 isolate the medication from each other.

[0065] Container 174 collects medication from manifold 170. After the medication is delivered to container 174, it is sandwiched between two narrow strips of material (e.g., plastic, paper, etc.) from feed rollers 178, 182. The first feed roller 178 may be made of a white first material (e.g., a translucent material). The second feed roller 182 may be made of a transparent second material (e.g., a transparent material) to allow the pharmacist to see the medication inside the pouch through the pouch. The two strips of material are then heat-sealed together to form a pouch for the medication. In some embodiments, packaging unit 154 may include a single feed roller having a single strip of material that is folded and / or heat-sealed to form a pouch. After being filled and sealed, the pouch is wound onto a take-up roller to form a single roll of pouch. This roll may correspond to medication requested by a particular patient or facility. In other embodiments, the pouch may be cut and separated during filling, rather than continuously wound onto the take-up roller. The pouch is dispensed via, for example, an attached dispenser or dispensing port.

[0066] In some embodiments, packaging unit 154 may include printer 194 to print the patient's name, date, quantity and type of medication contained therein, barcode, and / or other markings on the pouch as it is formed. Printer 194 may be, for example, a thermal printer. In other embodiments, printer 194 may include an ink ribbon or an inkjet printer. Additionally, packaging unit 154 may include verification system 186 to monitor and inspect the pouches as they are wound onto take-up rollers or dispensed.

[0067] Figure 10 An embodiment of an automatic packaging machine 38 is schematically shown. The automatic packaging machine 38 controls the operation of the feed rollers 178, 182 to release and form medicine pouches, and controls when to operate the movable medicine cartridge 158 located on the manifold 170.

[0068] In the example shown, the automatic packaging machine 38 includes a packaging machine electronic processor 202, a packaging machine memory 206, a packaging machine transceiver 210, a packaging machine input / output interface 214, a motor 166, a camera 168, a printer 194, and a verification system 186. The packaging machine electronic processor 202, packaging machine memory 206, packaging machine transceiver 210, packaging machine input / output interface 214, motor 166, camera 168, printer 194, and vision system 198 communicate via one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., communication bus 218). Figure 10 Only one exemplary embodiment of the automatic packaging machine 38 is shown. The automatic packaging machine 38 may include more or fewer parts and may perform functions other than those explicitly described herein.

[0069] The packaging machine electronic processor 202 and packaging machine memory 206 can be implemented similarly to the storage electronic processor 58, counter electronic processor 130, storage memory 62, and counter memory 134 described above. The packaging machine transceiver 210 enables communication from the automatic packaging machine 38 to the communication network 46. In other embodiments, in addition to the packaging machine transceiver 210, the automatic packaging machine 38 may also include separate transmitting and receiving components, such as a transmitter and a receiver. The automatic packaging machine 38 can communicate with the drug storage and retrieval system 30, the pre-counter 34, and databases (e.g., the national drug coding database 50) via the communication network 46.

[0070] As described above, the automatic packaging machine 38 may include a packaging machine input / output interface 214 (or more generally referred to as a user interface). The packaging machine input / output interface 214 may include one or more input mechanisms (e.g., a touchscreen, keypad, buttons, knobs, etc.), one or more output mechanisms (e.g., a display, printer, speaker, etc.), or combinations thereof. The packaging machine input / output interface 214 receives input from user-actuated input devices and provides output to output devices with which the user interacts. In some embodiments, as an alternative to managing input and output via the packaging machine input / output interface 214, or otherwise, the automatic packaging machine 38 may receive user input, provide user output, or both, by communicating with an external device (such as a console computer) via a wired or wireless connection.

[0071] One advantage of the pillbox 158 is that it significantly reduces packaging time compared to previous pillboxes. Some previous pillboxes required a pharmacist or technician to manually fill one pill at a time. Instead, the pharmacist or technician can simply pour the pill from the bulk container into the pillbox 158 and place the pillbox 158 in the universal feeder cassette 150. The automated packaging machine 38 then retrieves the medication from the pillbox 158. Typically, the pharmacist or technician may have to overfill the pillbox 158 to ensure there is enough medication available for dispensing without having to refill it. Once the medication is packaged, the pharmacist or technician returns any unused medication to the bulk container. However, this introduces inefficiency into system 10, where the bulk container needs to remain outside the storage area until the packaging process is complete and any excess medication is received from the pillbox 158. The pre-counter 34 helps overcome this inefficiency by allowing pharmacists to quickly and efficiently count the exact number of pills needed for dispensing and return bulk containers to storage.

[0072] Figure 11A method 230 is described for estimating the number of medications needed for dispensing. Although method 230 includes specific boxes, it is not necessary to execute all boxes or to execute them in the order presented. When a pharmacist receives a prescription from a customer, the pharmacy management system 10 generates an information sheet containing a list of all medications required for dispensing. The pharmacist uses this information sheet to retrieve bulk containers containing the medications listed in the information sheet. For example, the pharmacist retrieves the bulk containers from the medication storage and retrieval system 30 or from a storage shelf in the pharmacy.

[0073] In block 234, method 230 includes using a counter processor 130 and a barcode scanner 102 to scan a bulk storage container with a barcode to identify the type of medication in the bulk storage container. Once the pharmacist retrieves the bulk storage container, the pharmacist scans the container at pre-counter 34. The barcode scanner 102 scans the barcode on the bulk storage container and provides the identification information read from the barcode to the counter processor 130. The counter processor 130 uses the identification information to retrieve information about the medication in the bulk storage container. For example, the counter processor 130 communicates with the NDC database 50 to determine the type, weight, size, color, etc., of the medication in the bulk storage container. Scanning the bulk storage container at pre-counter 34 also verifies that the correct bulk storage container has been retrieved.

[0074] In block 238, method 230 includes using a counter electronics processor 130 and a camera system 110 to count the amount of medication on the counting disc 106 of a pre-counter 34. After scanning the bulk storage container, a pharmacist pours medication from the bulk storage container onto the counting disc 106. The counter electronics processor 130 activates a first light source 147 to illuminate the counting disc 106 and uses the camera system 110 to continuously capture images of the counting disc 106 to determine the amount of medication on the counting disc 106. In some embodiments, the first light source 147 may be always on when the pre-counter 34 is open. As described above, the first light source 147 is an IR or NIR light source that projects a shadow of the medication against a white background. The counter electronics processor 130 uses a known image processing system to process the images captured by the camera system 110 to determine the amount of medication on the counting disc 106. In particular, the counter electronics processor 130 analyzes the shadow cast by the medication to determine the amount of medication on the counting disc 106. In some embodiments, the pre-counter 34 continuously captures images of the counting disk 106 at regular time intervals (e.g., every 0.5 seconds) to update the drug count.

[0075] In box 242, method 230 determines whether the quantity of medication on counter 106 matches the quantity of medication required for dispensing. Pre-counter 34 can receive prescription information or label sheet information from pharmacy management system 10. Pre-counter 34 determines the quantity of medication required for dispensing from the prescription information or label sheet information. Specifically, a pharmacist can scan an information sheet generated by pharmacy management system 10 using barcode scanner 102. Pharmacy management system 10 sends the information included on the information sheet to pre-counter 34. Electronic processor 14 of pharmacy management system 10 communicates with pre-counter 34 using transceiver 22 and communication network 46 to provide the information on the information sheet to counter electronic processor 130. Counter electronic processor 130 retrieves the information received from pharmacy management system 10 based on scanning the barcode on the information sheet. Pre-counter 34 compares the quantity of medication on counter 106 with the quantity of medication required for dispensing.

[0076] When the quantity of medication on counting plate 106 does not match the quantity required for dispensing, in box 246, pre-counter 34 instructs the user to add / remove a first quantity of medication from counting plate 106. Pre-counter 34 determines the difference between the quantity of medication on counting plate 106 and the quantity required for dispensing, and (e.g., using display 114) instructs the user to add or remove the first quantity of medication corresponding to the difference between the quantity on counting plate 106 and the quantity required for dispensing. For example, if 30 doses are required for dispensing, but 32 doses are poured onto counting plate 106, pre-counter 34 instructs the user to remove 2 pills and return the pills to the bulk container. Conversely, if 30 doses are required for dispensing, but 28 doses are poured onto counting plate 106, pre-counter 34 instructs the user to add 2 pills from the bulk container to counting plate 106. As described above, method 230 then returns to box 242 to continuously determine the quantity of medication on counting plate 106.

[0077] When the amount of medication on counting plate 106 matches the amount required for dispensing, in box 250, pre-counter 34 instructs counting plate 106 to include the correct amount of medication. Pre-counter 34 can also process the captured image to identify if there is any broken medication or if counting plate 106 contains any debris. Pre-counter 34 instructs the pharmacist to remove any broken medication or debris from counting plate 106. The pharmacist then empties the medication from counting plate 106 into one of the medication cartridges 158. Method 230 is repeated for each medication in the prescription to fill a different medication cartridge 158. This allows the pharmacist to fill the exact amount of medication required for dispensing into the medication cartridge 158 without needing to pour excess medication from the medication cartridge 158 back into the bulk storage container after packaging.

[0078] In addition to counting the quantity of drugs, the pre-counter 34 can also be used to determine one or more characteristics of the drug. For example, the pre-counter 34 can be used to determine the color and size of the drug. NDC information received from the NDC database 50 typically includes information about the color and size of drugs within a set range. The pharmacy management system 10 communicates color and size information with the automated packaging machine 38 for verification during dispensing and packaging. However, color shading (e.g., blue shading) and size may vary during manufacturing. For example, when a drug is manufactured, it does not always appear with the same color quality. A drug may be identified as blue in the database, but the actual blue shading in the drug may be slightly different. Similarly, the database may identify a drug as having a diameter of 2 to 3 millimeters, while the actual size of the drug can be anywhere within that range.

[0079] As described above, the pre-counter 34 is used to capture images of the drug in the IR / NIR and visible spectra using the camera system 110 to determine one or more properties of the drug. For example, the counter electronics processor 130 activates the second light source 148 and uses the camera system 110 to capture an image of the counting disk 106 including the drug. The counter electronics processor 130 uses known image processing techniques to process the images captured by the camera system 110 to determine the actual color of the drug (e.g., a specific color shading). Similarly, the counter electronics processor 130 processes the images captured by the camera system 110 to determine the actual size of the drug (e.g., measured size). The counter electronics processor 130 can determine whether the actual color and actual size are within the range of expected colors and expected sizes provided by the NDC database 50. The pre-counter 34 associates the color and size information with the drug identification information determined after scanning the barcode of the bulk storage container. The pre-counter 34 transmits the color and size information of each drug in the prescription to the automated packaging machine 38 and / or the pharmacy management system 10. In some embodiments, the pre-counter 34 may measure only one characteristic associated with each drug (e.g., color or size). In other embodiments, the pre-counter 34 may also, or alternatively, determine and compare other characteristics of the drugs, such as weight (e.g., via a scale integrated into the counting disc 106), shape, etc.

[0080] Figure 12Method 254 for dispensing medication in a pharmacy is described. Although method 254 includes specific boxes, it is not necessary to execute all boxes or to execute them in the presented order. The pharmacy is an automated pharmacy, including the medication storage and retrieval system 30, pre-counter 34, and automated packaging machine 38 as described above. As mentioned above, the medication storage and retrieval system 30 can be omitted. As part of the dispensing process, method 254 utilizes the automated nature of the pharmacy to verify that the correct type and / or quantity of medication has been packaged into each pouch. In particular, method 254 involves providing pharmacists with a triple verification system to verify dispensing from the time the prescription is received until the medication is packaged and sealed in a pouch, thus forming a chain of custody for the medication. This chain of custody can be stored as an electronic document in the memory 18 of the pharmacy management system 10 or in a remote computer or server.

[0081] In block 258, method 254 includes receiving a prescription to be dispensed by pharmacy management system 10 at electronic processor 14. In one embodiment, the prescription may be received electronically from a healthcare facility via communication network 46. In other embodiments, the prescription may be received by scanning a paper prescription presented by a customer or by manually entering the contents of the prescription presented by the customer into pharmacy management system 10.

[0082] In block 262, method 254 includes generating an information sheet using electronic processor 14 for dispensing. Generating the information sheet may include pharmacy management system 10 electronically generating a list of medications provided in a prescription (e.g., including medication identification information) and transmitting the information sheet to medication storage and retrieval system 30, pre-counter 34, and / or automated packaging machine 38. In other embodiments, pharmacy management system 10 prints the information sheet using a pharmacy printer. The pharmacist may then physically carry the information sheet to be scanned by medication storage and retrieval system 30, pre-counter 34, and / or automated packaging machine 38.

[0083] In box 266, method 254 includes retrieving a bulk storage container containing the medication required for dispensing. As described above, the medication storage and retrieval system 30 retrieves the container containing the medication for a prescription to be picked up by a pharmacist in response to receiving or scanning an information sheet at the medication storage and retrieval system 30. In other embodiments, the pharmacist may manually retrieve the container containing the medication from a pharmacy shelf based on an information sheet.

[0084] In box 270, method 254 includes using a pre-counter 34 to estimate the amount of drug needed for dispensing. (The above refers to...) Figure 11A method for predicting the number of drugs is described. In block 274, method 254 includes using a pre-counter 34 to determine one or more characteristics of the drug required for dispensing. These one or more characteristics may include the shape, size, or color(s) of the drug. The aforementioned camera system 110 may be used to determine the one or more characteristics. In block 278, method 254 includes using the pre-counter 34 to transmit one or more characteristics of the drug to an automated packaging machine 38. The pre-counter 34 transmits one or more characteristics to the automated packaging machine 38 via a communication network 46.

[0085] In box 282, method 254 includes filling the medicine cartridge 158 with a pre-counted quantity of medication. Once the required quantity of medication is placed on the counting tray 106, the pharmacist fills the medicine cartridge 158 by emptying the counting tray 106 into the medicine cartridge 158 using a funnel 118 and a funnel gate 122. In box 286, method 254 includes determining whether the prescription includes additional medication to be processed. A pre-counter 34 counts each type of medication required for dispensing and determines one or more characteristics for each type of medication required for dispensing. When the pharmacy management system 10 determines that there are additional medications to be processed, method 254 returns to box 270 to process the next medication in the prescription. When the pharmacy management system 10 determines that all medications in the prescription have been processed and filled into the medicine cartridge 158, the method proceeds to box 290.

[0086] In box 290, method 254 includes verifying that the medicine cartridge 158 is correctly filled. As described above, the pre-counter 34 provides the pharmacy management system 10 with one or more characteristics of the medication. The pre-counter 34 may also provide the pharmacy management system 10 with identification information (e.g., from a captured image) and a final medication count (e.g., before emptying the counter 106) along with an image. The pharmacy management system 10 receives information from the pre-counter 34 and displays that information on a display of the pharmacy management system 10 for pharmacist verification. In one example, the pharmacy management system 10 compares the image of the medication received from the pre-counter 34 with an image available, for example, on the NDC database 50. The pharmacy management system 10 may also display the image received from the pre-counter 34 side-by-side with an image available on the NDC database 50 for pharmacist verification. The pharmacy management system 10 may indicate to the user whether the correct medication is filled in the medicine cartridge 158. This indication may include providing a colored border around the image of each medication. This provides the pharmacist with an opportunity to correct any errors before packaging the medication.

[0087] At block 294, method 254 includes placing a medicine cartridge 158 into an automated packaging machine 38. The filled medicine cartridge 158 is placed into the cartridge slot 162 of the automated packaging machine 38 to begin packaging the medication. At block 298, method 254 also includes using the automated packaging machine 38 to monitor the release of medication from the medicine cartridge 158. As described above, the automated packaging machine 38 includes sensors and a camera 168 in the medicine cartridge 158 to count and capture images as medication is dispensed from the medicine cartridge 158. The automated packaging machine 38 can provide the counts and images to the pharmacy management system 10.

[0088] In box 302, method 254 includes using an automated packaging machine 38 to verify that the correct medication has been dispensed. The automated packaging machine 38 verifies that the correct medication has been dispensed by comparing an image captured by camera 168 with an image of the medication received from pre-counter 34. The automated packaging machine 38 can provide both the captured image and the image received from pre-counter 34 for display at the pharmacy management system 10. The automated packaging machine 38 can additionally provide an indication of whether the correct medication has been dispensed by providing a colored border around the image, as described above. This gives pharmacists a second chance to correct any errors before packaging the medication.

[0089] At box 306, method 254 includes packaging the medication using packaging unit 154 of automated packaging machine 38. As described above, the medication can be packaged into pouches or strips for delivery to a customer. At box 310, method 254 includes verifying that the correct quantity and / or type of medication has been packaged into pouches or strips. An example method for verifying the correct quantity and / or type of medication in pouches or strips is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0091745, filed September 27, 2016, entitled “VERIFICATION SYSTEM FOR A PHARMACY PACKAGING SYSTEM,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, packaging includes sealing the medication in a pouch, blister pack, vial, or other suitable packaging. Automated packaging machine 38 uses verification system 186 to capture an image of the pouch. The automated packaging machine 38 verifies whether the correct quantity and / or type of medicine has been packaged by comparing an image captured by the verification system 186 with a medicine image received from the pre-counter 34. The automated packaging machine 38 can provide both the captured image and the image received from the pre-counter 34 for display at the pharmacy management system 10. The automated packaging machine 38 can additionally provide an indication of whether the correct medicine has been packaged by providing a colored border around the image, as described above. Therefore, method 254 provides pharmacists with a third opportunity to correct any errors before serving the packaged medicine to the customer.

[0090] One advantage of this method is that it provides pharmacists with three opportunities to ensure prescriptions are dispensed accurately. Additionally, the method utilizes automated pharmacy systems to efficiently package medications, thereby reducing customer wait times.

[0091] Figure 13 A pre-counter 314 for an automated packaging machine 38 is shown according to another example embodiment. The pre-counter 314 is a drug counting device for use in a retail pharmacy, which detects and counts the quantity of drugs placed on the pre-counter 314. The pre-counter 314 displays the count and shares the count with other systems within the pharmacy. Figure 13 As shown, the pre-counter 314 includes a counting disk 318, a camera system 322, a display 326, a funnel 330, and a medicine box 334.

[0092] Camera system 322 includes barcode scanner 102 (see...) Figure 6 An imaging system for counting medications on a counting disc 318 is also included. A barcode scanner 102 is used to scan barcodes on labels of bulk containers retrieved from the device 54 or other locations within the pharmacy, and can be implemented in a manner similar to barcode scanner 78. The contents of the bulk containers can then be placed on the counting disc 318 for counting by a pre-counter 314. The counting disc 318 can be replaceable for cleaning and to prevent cross-contamination between different types of medications. The counting disc 318 can be pivotally attached to the housing of the pre-counter 314, allowing a user to lift the counting disc 318 to guide the medications on the counting disc 318 into a funnel 330 without touching the medications. The funnel 330 is shaped to guide medications from the counting disc 318 into a cartridge slot 334. The cartridge slot 334 is provided below the funnel 330 to receive a cartridge 158. In some embodiments, the pre-counter 314 may include a mechanism for rotating the wheel 860 or otherwise shaking the pill cartridge 158 to help make room for pills to leak into the pill cartridge 158.

[0093] The counting disk 318 may be transparent or translucent, allowing the lighting system 126 below the counting disk 318 to be illuminated (see below). Figure 6 The contents of the counting disc 318 can be illuminated. Once illuminated, the camera system 322 can capture an image of the contents of the counting disc 318 to begin counting. The display 326 can be used to display the scanned barcode information and the count of the medication placed on the counting disc 318. Based on the displayed information, a pharmacist or technician can add or remove medication from the counting disc 318 until the correct number of medications is placed on the counting disc 318. When the correct number of medications is placed on the counting disc 318, the user can transfer the contents of the counting disc 318 to the medication cartridge 158 of the automatic packaging machine 38 placed in the medication cartridge slot 334. Figure 7The user can transfer the contents of the counting tray 318 by lifting it to guide the medication through the funnel 330 into the medicine box 158. In some embodiments, the counting tray 318 may be provided with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism of the counting tray 318 can prevent the counting tray 318 from being lifted if an incorrect number of medications are placed on it. When the correct number of medications are placed on the counting tray 318, the locking mechanism of the counting tray 318 can be unlocked, allowing the pharmacist to lift the counting tray 318 to transfer the medications to the medicine box 158.

[0094] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 338 for filling the medicine box 158. Although method 338 includes specific boxes, it is not necessary to execute all the boxes or to execute them in the order presented. Figure 14 As shown, method 338 includes receiving prescription information using electronic processor 14 (in box 342). Typically, pharmacists examine prescriptions presented by patients to dispense medication. Pharmacists can scan or manually enter prescription information, including dosage, quantity, and medication information, through the input / output interface 26 of the pharmacy management system 10. For example, the input / output interface 26 may include a scanner and / or a separate computer console for entering prescription information.

[0095] Method 338 also includes generating collection information based on prescription information using electronic processor 14 (in block 346). Electronic processor 14 receives prescription information and generates collection information for the pharmacist to collect bulk containers containing the medications listed on the prescription. Electronic processor 14 may use a lookup table to determine the location of the medications listed on the prescription (e.g., aisle number and / or box number). Electronic processor 14 may then print or display the collection information, which lists the medications in the prescription and the location of the bulk containers containing the medications. Additionally, in some embodiments, the collection information may also include an identification number for the medicine box 158 of each medication listed on the prescription. The pharmacist collects the bulk containers based on the collection information provided, for example, on a printed collection form.

[0096] Method 338 also includes using a pre-counter 314 to estimate the amount of drug required for dispensing (in box 350). The above is about... Figure 11A method for predicting the number of medications is described. Method 338 also includes identifying a cartridge 158 (in block 354) to be filled with medication. A pre-counter 314 or an electronic processor 14 can identify the cartridge 158 to be filled. For example, as described above, the electronic processor 14 can identify a cartridge 158 on a collection sheet. The electronic processor 14 then transmits the identification information (e.g., identification number) of one or more cartridges 158 to the pre-counter 314. The pre-counter 314 can identify the cartridge 158 based on a scanned bulk container. For example, when scanning a bulk cartridge at the pre-counter 314, the pre-counter 314 identifies a cartridge 158 compatible with the medication in the bulk container. Different cartridges 158 can be used to dispense medications of different sizes. Additionally, some cartridges 158 can be reserved for allergenic medications (e.g., penicillin) to reduce cross-contamination. The pre-counter 314 identifies the medicine cartridge 158 that is compatible with the drug in the bulk container and displays the identification information (e.g., the cartridge number) on the display 326 of the pre-counter 314.

[0097] Method 338 includes using a pre-counter 314 to read the RFID tag of the medicine box 158 to receive identification information of the medicine box 158 (in box 358). Once the appropriate medicine box 158 is identified in box 354, the pharmacist can hold the identified medicine box 158 and scan the RFID tag of the medicine box 158 at the pre-counter 314. Method 338 also includes using the pre-counter 314 to determine whether the correct medicine box 158 has been read (in box 362). The pre-counter 314 compares the received identification information received from the RFID tag scan with the identification information of the correct medicine box 158 (e.g., the medicine box 158 identified by the electronic processor 14 or the pre-counter 314 in box 354) to determine whether the pharmacist has held the correct medicine box 158.

[0098] In response to determining in block 358 that an incorrect cartridge 158 has been read, method 338 includes locking the cartridge slot 334 of the pre-counter 314 (in block 366). The pre-counter 314 includes a door that can be locked by a solenoid. When locked, the pharmacist cannot insert the cartridge 158 into the cartridge slot 162. The pre-counter 314 locks the cartridge slot 334 until a correct cartridge 158 is scanned at the pre-counter 314.

[0099] In response to determining in block 358 that the correct medication cartridge 158 has been read, method 338 includes receiving the correct medication cartridge 158 at the medication cartridge slot 334 of the pre-counter 314 (in block 370). Method 338 then includes filling the medication cartridge 158 with a pre-counted amount of medication using the pre-counter 314 (in block 374). In some embodiments, the chain of custody information is updated to include which medication cartridge 334 is positioned in the slot (e.g., via an RFID tag on the medication cartridge 334). Additionally, the type of medication contained in the medication cartridge and / or the quantity of medication contained in the medication cartridge are also updated in the chain of custody information.

[0100] Method 338 also includes generating placement instructions (in box 378) for the filled cartridge 158 using the automated packaging machine 38. The automated packaging machine 38 can generate the instructions using its indicator system. For example, when a prescription includes three different medications to be packaged, the automated packaging machine 38 can activate blue LEDs on three cartridge slots 162 (also referred to as, for example, cartridge mechanisms) to indicate that the filled cartridge 158 should be placed in the activated cartridge slot 162. The automated packaging machine 38 can activate the indicator system (e.g., LEDs) of the first cartridge slot 162 to guide the pharmacist to place the first cartridge 158 in the first cartridge slot 162. Then, the automated packaging machine 38 can activate the indicator system of the second cartridge slot 162 to guide the pharmacist to place the second cartridge 158 in the second cartridge slot 162, and so on.

[0101] Method 338 also includes using an automated packaging machine 38 to determine whether the medicine cartridge 158 is correctly placed on the automated packaging machine 38 (in block 382). The automated packaging machine 38 can use an RFID antenna at the medicine cartridge slot 162 to read the RFID tag of the medicine cartridge 158 to determine whether the correct medicine cartridge 158 is placed in the medicine cartridge slot 162. When the medicine cartridge 158 is incorrectly placed on the medicine cartridge slot 162, method 338 includes generating an indication that the medicine cartridge 158 has been incorrectly placed (in block 386). For example, as described above, the automated packaging machine 38 can activate a red LED of the indicator system 990 of the corresponding medicine cartridge mechanism 845. In some embodiments, the medicine cartridge slot 162 may include a locking mechanism (e.g., a solenoid locking mechanism on the medicine cartridge mechanism of the medicine cartridge slot 162) to prevent the incorrect medicine cartridge 158 from being loaded into the medicine cartridge slot 162. The automated packaging machine 38 can lock the medicine cartridge slot 162 until the correct medicine cartridge 158 is placed into the medicine cartridge slot 162. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism of the medicine box slot 162 can also prevent the medicine box 158 from being removed before the dispensing process is completed.

[0102] When the medicine cartridge 158 is correctly placed in the automatic packaging machine 38, method 338 includes using the automatic packaging machine 38 to dispense medication through the medicine cartridge 158 (in box 390). In some embodiments, once the dispensing process is complete, the automatic packaging machine 38 can indicate which medicine cartridges 158 are ready to be removed. For example, as described above, the automatic packaging machine 38 can activate an LED (e.g., a green LED) to indicate that the medicine cartridges 158 are ready to be removed.

[0103] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 450 for dispensing medication in a pharmacy. Although method 450 includes specific boxes, it is not necessary to execute all the boxes, or to execute them in the order presented. Figure 15 As shown, method 450 includes receiving a prescription (in box 454) to be dispensed by the pharmacy management system 10 at the electronic processor 14 of the pharmacy management system 10. As described above, the pharmacist examines the prescription presented by the patient to dispense the medication. The pharmacist can scan or manually enter prescription information, including dosage, quantity, and medication information, via the input / output interface 26 of the pharmacy management system 10. In some embodiments, method 450 also includes using the electronic processor 14 to generate an information sheet for dispensing. The information sheet lists the medications required for dispensing.

[0104] Method 450 also includes identifying one or more bulk containers containing medication at a pre-counter 314 for dispensing (in block 458). In some embodiments, method 450 includes retrieving one or more bulk storage containers containing the medication required for dispensing. The pre-counter 314 associates one or more medication cartridges 158 with one or more medications listed on a prescription. In some embodiments, identifying one or more bulk containers containing the medication to be dispensed includes scanning one or more bulk containers identified at the pre-counter 314 using the pre-counter 314.

[0105] Method 450 also includes using a pre-counter 314 to count the medication from one or more bulk containers for dispensing (in box 462). The pre-counter 314 prompts for adding or removing medication from the pre-counter 314. (The above is about...) Figure 11 An example method for counting medications using a pre-counter 314 is described. Method 450 also includes storing the counted medications in one or more medicine cartridges 158 (in block 466). Once the desired number of medications has been placed on the counting tray 318 of the pre-counter 314, a pharmacist can fill the medicine cartridge 158, for example, by emptying the counting tray 318 into the medicine cartridge 158 using a funnel 118 and a funnel gate 122. In some embodiments, method 450 also includes using the pre-counter to determine the expected type of medication to be counted. When the medication on the pre-counter does not match the expected type of medication, the pre-counter 314 prompts the user to remove the medication from the pre-counter.

[0106] Method 450 also includes placing one or more cartridges 158 containing counted medications at an automated packaging machine 38 (in frame 470). The filled cartridges 158 are placed in cartridge slots 162 of the automated packaging machine 38 to begin packaging the medications. As described above, the automated packaging machine 38 can generate instructions using its indicator system. For example, when a prescription includes three different medications to be packaged, the automated packaging machine 38 can activate blue LEDs on three cartridge slots 162 (also referred to as cartridge mechanisms) to indicate that the filled cartridges 158 should be placed in the activated cartridge slot 162. The automated packaging machine 38 can activate the indicator system (e.g., LEDs) of the first cartridge slot 162 to guide the pharmacist to place the first cartridge 158 in the first cartridge slot 162. Then, the automated packaging machine 38 can activate the indicator system of the second cartridge slot 162 to guide the pharmacist to place the second cartridge 158 in the second cartridge slot 162, and so on.

[0107] Method 450 also includes dispensing medication from one or more cartridges 158 (in box 474) using an automated packaging machine 38. Dispensing medication involves separating the medication from one or more cartridges 158 for individual dispensing. For example, a controller of the universal feeder 150 or a packaging machine electronic processor 202 controls each loaded cartridge 158 to individually dispense the medication to the packaging unit 154. Control signals are provided to the motor assembly to operate the motor 950. As described above, when the motor 950 is driven, the shaft 955 causes the wheel 860 to rotate to individually dispense the medication 180. The automated packaging machine 38 then verifies each medication as it is dispensed from one or more cartridges 158.

[0108] Method 450 also includes using packaging unit 154 of automatic packaging machine 38 to package the medication dispensed from one or more medicine boxes 158 into a package (in frame 478). As described above, the medication can be packaged into a pouch or strip package for delivery to the customer.

[0109] Method 450 also includes using an automated packaging machine 38 to verify that the medication has been correctly packaged (in block 482). In some embodiments, method 450 includes capturing an image of the medication at a pre-counter 314 for verification. The pre-counter 314 determines one or more characteristics of the medication listed on a prescription and transmits one or more characteristics of the medication to the automated packaging machine 38. The automated packaging machine 38 verifies whether the packaging unit 154 has packaged the correct medication based on one or more characteristics of the medication received from the pre-counter 314. In some embodiments, the automated packaging machine 38 captures a first image of the medication during medication separation for a first verification. The automated packaging machine 38 also captures a second image of the medication during packaging from medication dispensed from one or more cartridges 158 into a package. The correct packaging of the medication can be verified based on the second image.

[0110] The various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for dispensing medication in a pharmacy, the method comprising: The electronic processor of the pharmacy management system receives prescriptions for medication to be dispensed by the pharmacy management system. Place one or more medicine boxes containing the medications listed on the prescription at the automatic packaging machine; Automated packaging machines are used to separate medications from one or more medicine boxes for individual dispensing. When medications are in one or more cartridges or as medications are dispensed from one or more cartridges, an automated packaging machine is used to verify each medication. As medications are dispensed from one or more medicine boxes, an image of each medication is captured; The packaging unit of the automated packaging machine packages the medicine dispensed from one or more medicine boxes into a package; Use automated packaging machines to verify that the medication has been packaged correctly; A pre-counter determines one or more properties of the drugs listed on the prescription; A pre-counter transmits one or more characteristics of the drug to an automated packaging machine, wherein the automated packaging machine verifies that the packaging unit has packaged the correct drug based on one or more characteristics of the drug received from the pre-counter; and One or more characteristics of receiving medication from a pre-counter at an automatic packaging machine, the pre-counter counting the medication to dispense a prescription, wherein counting the medication includes prompting the user to add or remove medication from a counting tray of the pre-counter, wherein the counting tray is provided with a locking mechanism to prevent the counting tray from lifting when an incorrect number of medications are placed on the counting tray, and the locking mechanism is unlocked when the correct number of medications are placed on the counting tray.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: During drug separation, capture the first image of the drug while it is in one or more cartridges for initial verification.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: A second image of the drug is captured during the process of dispensing the drug from one or more medicine boxes into the packaging, and verification of whether the drug is packaged correctly is based on the second image.

4. The method of claim 1 further includes using an electronic processor to generate an information sheet for dispensing medication, the information sheet listing the medications required for dispensing.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating one or more medicine cartridges with one or more drugs listed on a prescription.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Automatic packaging machines include narrow strip packaging machines.

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