Method, computer program product and dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments according to refill strategy

Abstract

A method for dispensing discrete medicament by a dispensing device, comprising the steps of: predicting a depletion time when medicament in a container of a first feeder unit of a plurality of feeder units will deplete in the future; providing, prior to the depletion time, a notification that a second feeder unit containing a medicament having the same composition as the first feeder unit needs to be presented to the dispensing device, and presenting the second feeder unit to an expiration time of the dispensing device; determining a refill strategy for the first feeder unit based on determining a category of a plurality of refill categories from the medicament in the first feeder unit; providing a refill notification based on the refill policy; and continuing to dispense the medicament from the first feeder unit at least until the expiration time.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a computer program product and a dispensing device for dispensing discrete doses of medicament, such as drugs, medicaments, pills, tablets or capsules for medical use.

[0002] US2014 / 0366489 A1 discloses a device for dispensing solid substances for medical use. The device is provided with a large number of feeder units, also called "cans", which are distributed in a radial grid around a rotation axis. Each feeder unit contains a certain amount of solid substances specific to the corresponding feeder unit. Therefore, these feeder units together can dispense a wide variety of solid substances.

[0003] The device is further provided with a collecting rack which is rotatable about a rotation axis below the array of feeder positions. The collecting rack is provided with a series of collecting trays for collecting solid matter dispensed from any feeder unit in the array of feeder positions.

[0004] The device further comprises a packaging unit, which is arranged at a fixed position below the collecting rack and is used to package the solid materials received by the collecting trays. The collecting rack rotates around the rotation axis so that each collecting tray passes along each feeder unit in the feeder position array before reaching the packaging unit. Summary of the invention

[0005] The device known from US2014 / 0366489 A1 is good at continuously dispensing, collecting and packaging solid substances, as long as the feeder units reliably dispense the solid substances. However, dispensing is interrupted when, for example, the solid substances contained in one of the feeder units have been exhausted and the corresponding feeder unit is unexpectedly unable to dispense solid substances, when the remaining solid substances are not easily dispensed for some reason, or when the remaining solid substances exceed their expiration date.

[0006] Automatic checks or actions, such as repeated dispensing attempts and / or shaking, may be performed to ensure that the corresponding feeder unit is actually empty. Depending on the results of the check, a human operator is informed to take appropriate action, such as providing a full feeder unit to replace an empty feeder unit. Checks and manual intervention consume valuable time that interrupts the dispensing operation of the device. Moreover, there may be several feeder units that must be replaced simultaneously, resulting in even longer downtime.

[0007] Further, when planning and running production operations, it is assumed that the medicament (e.g., a feeder unit filled with the appropriate medicament) is always available. The control system in the dispenser typically watches a certain period of time (e.g., 1 hour) before the current production order to determine how much each medicament needs in addition to complete the production operation. If it is missing, a request for additional medicament is typically provided to a human operator, such as in a task list. However, particularly for high-turnover medicaments, it is important to stably obtain the feeder unit after filling to avoid interruption of production operations. Therefore, rapid refilling may be necessary. In addition, it is crucial to solve unexpected events that may occur after making a production plan. These events may include problems such as feeder unit failure or production order changes. In order to maintain a smooth production process and prevent interruptions, the task list may need to be adaptable and able to adapt to changes in real time. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method, a computer program product and a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the continuity of the dispensing operation can be improved.

[0008] A first aspect provides a method for predicting when a feeder unit will be depleted and determining a refill strategy for the feeder unit based on the doses in the feeder unit, providing this information early and in some embodiments providing this information to external operators and / or systems, thereby ensuring that production operations do not have to be interrupted for feeder unit refilling. Another aspect provides a method for dispensing discrete doses of medication by a dispensing device,

[0009] wherein the dispensing device comprises a dispensing section, a collecting section and a packaging section, wherein the dispensing section defines an array of feeder positions distributed circumferentially along an annular collecting path for holding a plurality of feeder units, wherein the collecting section comprises a first collecting unit, the first collecting unit being movable relative to the array of feeder positions along the annular collecting path in a collecting direction between a starting position downstream of a first packaging position in the collecting direction and an ending position at or near the first packaging position,

[0010] The method comprises the following steps:

[0011] - positioning a first feeder unit of the plurality of feeder units at a first feeder position in the array of feeder positions; and

[0012] - before removing the first feeder unit from the first feeder position, positioning a second feeder unit of the plurality of feeder units at a second feeder position in the array of feeder positions, the second feeder position being downstream of the first feeder position in the collecting direction,

[0013] Wherein, the first feeder unit and the second feeder unit contain the same first composition of medicaments.

[0014] The first feeder unit may become empty earlier than expected, for example, because of inaccurate filling or inability to distribute any remaining medicament. In order to prevent the dispensing operation from being interrupted when this happens, the second feeder unit can be a "hot backup" of the first feeder unit, dispensing the medicament with the first composition that was originally intended to be distributed by the first feeder unit. In other words, when the first feeder unit no longer distributes the required medicament of the first composition, the second feeder unit is ready to take over the dispensing operation of the first feeder unit. Due to the relative positioning of the second feeder unit downstream of the first feeder unit, the first collection unit does not have to wait or move backward. On the contrary, the first collection unit can still receive the missing medicament of the first composition from the second feeder unit while continuing to move in the collection direction. More importantly, the first collection unit can do so before arriving at the first packaging position. Therefore, the dispensing operation and subsequent packaging operations can remain essentially uninterrupted and / or delay-free.

[0015] Specifically, when the first feeder unit is empty or the medicament cannot be dispensed into the first collecting unit at the first feeder position, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0016] - moving the first collecting unit in a collecting direction and dispensing medicament from the second feeder unit located in a second feeder position into the first collecting unit.

[0017] In another embodiment, before positioning the first feeder unit at the first feeder position, the first feeder unit is positioned at a previous feeder position in the array of feeder positions downstream of the first feeder position, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

[0018] - removing the first feeder unit from the previous feeder position; and

[0019] - moving the first feeder unit from a previous feeder position towards a first feeder position.

[0020] A "hot backup" feeder unit is placed at a downstream feeder position to allow the aforementioned takeover of dispensing operations of an empty feeder unit located at a more upstream feeder position. Over time, the "hot backup" feeder unit empties itself. This almost empty feeder unit occupies a downstream feeder position that should be occupied by a full feeder unit. In order to make room, the almost empty feeder unit can be repositioned toward a more upstream feeder position so that the failure to dispense can be identified early, thereby allowing a new cycle of the method. The current embodiment describes a process for such repositioning of a first feeder unit, for example when the amount of medication remaining in the first feeder unit drops below a predetermined threshold.

[0021] In an embodiment thereof, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0022] - Dispensing of medicament from the second feeder unit located at the second feeder position into the first collecting unit during the movement of the first feeder unit from the previous feeder position towards the first feeder position.

[0023] Thus, the second feeder unit can temporarily take over dispensing from the first feeder unit while the first feeder unit is repositioned. Once repositioned, the first feeder unit can resume dispensing and remain a "hot backup" for the first feeder unit when the first feeder unit eventually runs out of dose or is unable to dispense.

[0024] In another embodiment, the first collecting unit may be movable along the annular collecting path over a collecting range starting from a starting position and ending at an ending position.

[0025] The first feeder position is located in the first half of the first collection range considered from the starting position. In the case where the first feeder position is located in the first half of the first collection range, there are still many downstream positions to choose from when selecting the second feeder position.

[0026] The second feeder position may be located in the second half of the collection range considered from the starting position. When the first feeder unit fails to dispense the medicament in said first half of the collection range, the dispensing device has sufficient time to adjust its dispensing strategy based on the second feeder unit before reaching the second half of the collection range. Although the term "half" is used here (and elsewhere in the specification and claims), it does not necessarily have to be an evenly divided collection range, but may only be in the first and second parts, which are not necessarily equal in size.

[0027] In another embodiment, the first feeder position and the second feeder position are separated by an angular interval of at least five degrees, preferably at least ten degrees in the collection direction. When the first feeder unit fails to dispense the medicament in the first half of the collection range, the dispensing device can adjust its dispensing strategy during the movement of the first collection unit along the angular interval.

[0028] In another embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a robot, and the robot is used to position and / or remove the first feeder unit and the second feeder unit. Thus, the positioning, removal and / or repositioning of the feeder units can be automated to quickly and / or efficiently obtain an optimal distribution of the feeder units at the feeder locations, taking into account the respective amounts of medication remaining in the feeder units.

[0029] A second aspect provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a dispensing apparatus to perform the steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0030] The computer program product may be provided separately from the dispensing device to configure, upgrade and / or install the above-described functionality in the dispensing device, thereby producing the technical advantages previously discussed.

[0031] A third aspect provides a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments,

[0032] The dispensing device comprises:

[0033] a distribution section defining an array of feeder positions distributed along the annular collection path for holding a plurality of feeder units, the array of feeder positions comprising at least a first feeder position and a second feeder position,

[0034] a collecting section comprising a first collecting unit movable in a collecting direction along an annular collecting path relative to the array of feeder positions,

[0035] a packaging section for packaging the medicines received from the collection section, and

[0036] A manipulator and a control unit, the control unit is used to control the manipulator:

[0037] positioning a first feeder unit at a first feeder position; and

[0038] before removing the first feeder unit from the first feeder position, positioning the second feeder unit at a second feeder position, the second feeder position being located downstream of the first feeder position in the collecting direction,

[0039] Wherein, the first feeder unit and the second feeder unit contain the same first composition of medicaments.

[0040] In an embodiment, the packaging section comprises a first packaging unit located in or connected to the first packaging position.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first collecting unit is movable in the collecting direction between a starting position downstream of the first packing position and an end position at or near the first packing position.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first collecting unit comprises a hopper.

[0043] In one embodiment, the annular collection path is circular.

[0044] In one embodiment, the array of feeder positions is distributed circumferentially around a rotation axis and wherein the first collecting unit is rotatable along an annular collecting path around said rotation axis.

[0045] Alternatively, the annular collecting path is non-circular.The above-mentioned dispensing device is adapted, configured and / or programmed to perform the steps of the relevant method and therefore has the same technical advantages as the method and its corresponding embodiments.

[0046] A fourth aspect provides a method for continuously distributing, collecting and packaging discrete medicaments by a distributing device, the distributing device comprising a distributing section, a collecting section and a packaging section, wherein the distributing section comprises a feeder position array distributed along an annular collection path for holding a plurality of feeder units, and the collecting section comprises a first collecting unit, the first collecting unit being movable in a collection direction along the annular collection path relative to the holding position array to align with a plurality of feeder positions in the feeder position array, the method comprising:

[0047] placing a first feeder unit at a first feeder position in the array of feeder positions,

[0048] placing a second feeder unit at a second feeder position in the array of feeder positions, the second holding position being downstream of the first holding position;

[0049] dispensing the agent from the first feeder unit into the first collection unit;

[0050] When the first feeder unit is empty or no longer dispenses medicament, moving the first collecting unit in a collecting direction to align with the second feeder unit; and

[0051] dispensing the medicament from the second feeder unit into the first collecting unit,

[0052] Wherein, the first feeder unit and the second feeder unit contain the same first composition of the medicament.

[0053] In one embodiment, the steps of placing the first and second feeders are performed using a robot.

[0054] One embodiment further comprises transferring the medicament from the first collecting unit to a first packaging unit for packaging.

[0055] In one embodiment, the method further comprises removing and / or replacing the first feeder unit.

[0056] A fifth aspect provides a method for dispensing discrete medicaments by means of a dispensing device,

[0057] wherein the dispensing device comprises a dispensing section for dispensing a medicament, wherein the dispensing section defines an array of feeder positions for holding a plurality of feeder units, wherein each of the plurality of feeder units comprises a container for containing a medicament having a composition specific to the respective feeder unit, an outlet for dispensing the medicament, and a dispensing mechanism located between the container and the outlet for controlling the delivery of the medicament from the container to the outlet,

[0058] The method comprises the following steps:

[0059] - predicting a future depletion time when the medicament in the container of a first feeder unit of the plurality of feeder units will be depleted;

[0060] - providing a notification of the need to present to the dispensing device a second feeder unit containing a medicament having the same composition as the first feeder unit before said exhaustion time, and an expiration time for presenting said second feeder unit to the dispensing device;

[0061] - determining a refill strategy for the first feeder unit based on determining a category of a plurality of refill categories according to the medicament in the first feeder unit,

[0062] - providing refill notifications based on the refill policy; and

[0063] - Continue dispensing the medicament from the first feeder unit at least until the expiry time.

[0064] In some embodiments, the refilling strategy may include determining to keep the feeder unit inside the dispensing device until a certain time after exhaustion, and then discharge from the dispensing device. This may be related to the time when the refilled medicine can be obtained and / or delivered (for example, to the dispensing device or refilling station), or only to the later moment when the operator does not need to prepare something urgently. The discharge can be manually prompted, for example, the operator indicates that the feeder unit should be discharged (for example, when the operator has time to obtain the feeder unit and implement the refilling strategy). In some embodiments, the discharge is automatically performed, for example, the dispensing device is instructed to discharge the feeder unit at a time just before another system delivers the refilled medicine as planned. Keeping the feeder unit inside the dispensing device until a later time after exhaustion can make it more convenient for the operator and help ensure that the empty feeder unit is not discharged until it is needed (and therefore needs to have a place for storage). The feeder unit can only be kept inside the dispensing device until the feeder unit will have a refilling strategy (for example, refill, put away, clean) implemented relative to them. This avoids the need to find additional storage space, especially storage space around the dispensing device, after each empty feeder unit is exhausted.

[0065] In some embodiments, a notification related to exceeding the effective date can also be provided. As used herein, the term "exceeding its effective date" can refer to exceeding the effective date of the medicament, or if used in this particular package or order, the administration date of the medicament will exceed the effective date of the medicament. The administration date refers to the date on which the user plans to take the medicament, which is typically a few weeks to a few months in the future from the date when the medicament is distributed and packaged. If the effective date is before the administration date in this case, the method will provide the following notification: the second feeder unit containing the medicament should be presented at a specific expiration time to ensure that the medicament that has not expired before the administration date is packaged for use.

[0066] In some embodiments, notification and / or refill notification are provided to human operators and / or systems outside the dispensing device.Other systems can be systems outside the dispensing device, such as (re) filling stations / systems, inventory management and / or inventory systems, storage systems, transportation systems, or any other related systems that will store medicament / feeder units and / or (re) fill feeder units and / or transfer feeder units to the dispensing device.By providing notification, human operators and / or other systems can be warned before the expiration time: the feeder unit will be exhausted and the second feeder unit with the same medicament is required.By providing the expiration time or time window, human operators and / or external systems can prioritize one or more feeder units and / or plan in advance and prepare one or more feeder units before the corresponding expiration time.Meanwhile, the dispensing device can continue to distribute the remaining medicament without interruption.In some embodiments, the expiration time or time window can be dynamically updated by production and / or planning.When the effective date is exhausted or exceeded, the affected feeder unit can be efficiently supplemented or replaced before, at or shortly after the expiration time while the distribution continues. Optionally, the method may include instructions on where to retrieve the second feeder unit and / or sending a notification to another system to automatically deliver the second feeder unit on or before the expiration time.

[0067] Can determine refill strategy based on refill category, and determine when to discharge feeder unit in some cases.Refill category can include one or more of large amount of medicament, medium amount of medicament, small amount of medicament and short time allow air contact time medicament.For example, large amount of medicament can include immediately (or relatively quickly) refilling first feeder unit with medicament with same composition and once refilling first feeder unit, refilling first feeder unit will be presented back to the refill strategy of dispensing device.This is useful for large amount of medicament that needs to be replaced relatively quickly to continue to distribute.In large amount of medicament refill category, it is useful to keep feeder unit inside dispensing device until refilling medicament is available.For example, if feeder unit will be refilled at or near dispensing device, it can be determined that only when medicament is delivered to refill position to refill dispensing device, discharge of feeder unit should occur. This can be manually prompted by the operator (e.g., pressing a button indicating that a refill is available, and the dispensing device will then eject the empty feeder unit) or can be automatic (e.g., the delivery system notifies the dispensing device when a refill is available and the dispensing device schedules and performs the ejection of the empty feeder unit only at that time). Thus, there is no need to handle the empty feeder unit and / or no need for the empty feeder unit to take up space before being able to directly refill it and place it back into the dispensing device for use. In this category, the feeder unit can optionally be associated with a specific dispensing device.

[0068] When the refill category is determined to be a medium amount of medicament, the refill strategy can include providing a notification to refill the first feeder unit with a medicament of the same composition and place it in a holding or storage position. This is useful for medicaments that are commonly used but do not need to be replaced immediately in the dispensing device. Therefore, when needed, the refilled unit is ready to be placed in the dispensing device, but does not need to directly occupy the space of the dispensing device or the refilling station. Optionally, for this category, the feeder unit can be used with multiple dispensing devices and is ready to be presented to the dispensing device that first needs a feeder unit with the medicament.

[0069] When the refill category is determined to be a small amount of medicament, the refill strategy can include providing a notification that the empty feeder unit is not immediately refilled and returned to a holding or storage location. This can optionally include a later notification that the feeder unit is refilled and returned to the dispensing device. This category is typically used for medicaments that are not frequently used, expensive, and / or have a short shelf life. Thus, the feeder unit is empty and refilled only when a specific medicament is needed, and can optionally be used with multiple different dispensing devices.

[0070] When it is determined that the medicament is a short-time allowed air contact time medicament, the refilling strategy can include determining the feeder unit refilling time based on the medicament required time and the allowed air contact time. The medicament required time is the time (e.g., date and time) when the medicament is required to be distributed (which can usually be close to or equal to the expiration time), and the feeder unit refilling time is the time when the feeder unit should be refilled. The air contact time is the time between removing the medicament from its original packaging and being resealed in a pouch or other packaging by the dispensing device, and the allowed air contact time is the maximum air contact time of a specific medicament (e.g., tested or set by the manufacturer). Therefore, for short-time allowed air contact time medicaments, the refilling of the feeder unit should be as close to distribution as possible to ensure that they can be used without exceeding the allowed air contact time. Then, the refilling strategy can include the following notification: continue the feeder unit refilling and immediately return to the dispensing device when approaching or when the determined feeder unit refill time. This refill strategy can help ensure more efficient dispensing by allowing the feeder unit to be used even when the allowed air contact time of the medicament is very short, and ensuring that the allowed air contact time is not wasted on medicament that sits in the feeder unit for a long time before dispensing.

[0071] A refill strategy can be determined and then optionally manually or automatically communicated to a dispensing device (e.g., a control unit and user interface) and / or other systems for execution (e.g., sending a notification to automatically deliver a refilled feeder unit at an expiration time). Although determining and holding a feeder unit inside a dispensing device until a later time rather than immediately discharging it when exhaustion or other circumstances that do not continue to be dispensed from the feeder unit are discussed in detail with respect to a large number of dosage categories, it can be applied to any category. Keeping the feeder unit inside the dispensing device until a later time can help with the organization and logistics of the feeder unit as well as space and storage constraints outside the dispensing device. This can also contribute to a more efficient refill strategy, requiring the feeder unit to be handled only once and kept inside the dispensing device until the feeder unit needs to be handled for refilling, storage, maintenance, etc.

[0072] Optionally, the exhaustion time is predicted based on the recorded amount of the dose in the container of the first feeder unit at the start time and the count of the dose dispensed from the outlet of the first feeder unit since the start time. Thus, the exhaustion time is theoretically calculated. Its accuracy depends on the correctness of the amount recorded at the start time and the correct count and the accuracy of the calculated average dispensing rate.

[0073] Alternatively, the depletion time is predicted based on the actual amount of medication remaining in the container of the first feeder unit. For example, weight can be used as an indication of the actual amount of medication. Alternatively, the actual amount can be visually determined based on the level of medication in the container, for example using image recognition or one or more sensors.

[0074] In some embodiments, this exhaustion time can be updated periodically or dynamically throughout the production process. This can help ensure that the forecast is more accurate, for example, taking into account new information about exhausting resources or reordering production jobs.

[0075] In another embodiment, the expiry time is equal to the exhaustion time.Thus, a second feeder unit can be immediately provided for supplementing or replacing the first feeder unit.

[0076] Alternatively, the expiration time is before the exhaustion time. The remaining time before the expiration time and the exhaustion time can be used as a buffer period, for example in the case where the first feeder unit becomes empty earlier than predicted or when the dispensing device still needs time to process the second feeder unit before placing it in the feeder position array.

[0077] In some embodiments, for example, for infrequently used medicaments or medicaments that allow short air contact time, the expiration time can be after the exhaustion time. Then, only when such medicament needs to be dispensed, the second feeder is presented to the dispensing device, thereby minimizing the air contact time and not urging refilling if it is not needed.

[0078] In another embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0079] - receiving a second feeder unit at the dispensing device; and

[0080] - Placing a second feeder unit in one of the feeder positions in the feeder position array before the expiration time.

[0081] Thus, the dispensing device still has time to receive, check and / or position the second feeder unit before the expiration time.The second feeder unit may for example be positioned as a "hot spare", as described in the first aspect.

[0082] Optionally, the second feeder unit replaces the first feeder unit.The first feeder unit and the second feeder unit may be exchanged in a single feeder position.

[0083] A sixth aspect provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a dispensing apparatus to perform the steps of the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0084] The computer program product may be provided separately from the dispensing device to configure, upgrade and / or install the above-described functionality in the dispensing device, thereby producing the technical advantages previously discussed.

[0085] A seventh aspect provides a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments,

[0086] wherein the dispensing device comprises a dispensing section for dispensing a medicament, wherein the dispensing section defines an array of feeder positions for holding a plurality of feeder units, wherein each of the plurality of feeder units comprises a container for containing a medicament having a composition specific to the respective feeder unit, an outlet for dispensing the medicament, and a dispensing mechanism located between the container and the outlet for controlling the delivery of the medicament from the container to the outlet,

[0087] Wherein, the dispensing device further includes a graphical user interface and a control unit, which is used to control the graphical user interface and multiple feeder units, wherein the control unit includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions, which when executed by the processor enable the control unit to predict the depletion time, provide a notification of the depletion time on the graphical user interface and control the multiple feeder units to continue dispensing according to the steps of the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0088] The above-mentioned dispensing device is adapted, configured and / or programmed to perform the steps of the relevant method and therefore has the same technical advantages as the method and its corresponding embodiments.

[0089] Another aspect includes a method for dispensing discrete medicaments through a dispensing device, the dispensing device including a dispensing section having an array of feeder positions, each feeder position for holding a feeder unit for dispensing medicaments, wherein the method includes predicting a depletion time when the medicament in the container of a first feeder unit of a plurality of feeder units will be depleted; providing a refill strategy for the first feeder unit before or after the first feeder unit is depleted; and dispensing the medicament from the first feeder unit. As detailed above, such a refill strategy can be based on determining a category in a plurality of refill categories based on the medicament. Determining the refill strategy based on the medicament in the tank allows for an overall more efficient process, thereby ensuring that the refilled feeder units will be available when dispensing is needed, but not all are refilled immediately, which would result in a large number of feeder units being located around, just waiting to be returned to the dispensing device (thus unnecessarily occupying a large amount of space) and may result in some medicaments being unavailable, for example, due to refilling too early exceeding the allowed air contact time.

[0090] An eighth aspect provides a method for dispensing discrete doses of medicine by a dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device comprises:

[0091] a dispensing section for dispensing medicaments and defining an array of feeder positions distributed along an annular collection path for holding a plurality of feeder units, and a manual loading position for receiving a plurality of drug transport trays,

[0092] a collecting section for collecting the medicament from the dispensing section, and

[0093] The packaging section is used to package the medicine received from the collection section, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0094] - predicting a future initial depletion time of one or more dispensing resources used by a dispensing device to dispense discrete doses of medicament;

[0095] - providing an initial instruction to present one or more of the allocated resources prior to an initial exhaustion time and an initial expiration time for presenting one or more of the allocated resources;

[0096] - predicting updated exhaustion times of one or more dispensing resources during the dispensing of discrete doses;

[0097] - provide updated instructions and / or updated expiry dates; and

[0098] -Continue to allocate the dose at least until the updated expiration time of one or more allocated resources.

[0099] By providing initial instructions, a human operator and / or other system can be warned before the expiration time that a dispensing resource will be exhausted and action may be required. By providing an initial expiration time or time window, a human operator and / or an external system can prepare one or more dispensing resources before the corresponding initial expiration time and efficiently replenish or replace them before, at, or shortly after the initial expiration time. At the same time, the dispensing device can continue to dispense the remaining dose without interruption.

[0100] Predicting the updated depletion time enables the dispensing device to periodically or continuously verify the initial expiration time and capture any changes that may have occurred in the production order or resources. By updating the instructions based on the updated depletion time, the method dynamically ensures that potential problems, such as feeder unit failures or production changes, can be quickly identified and approached before the allocation resources are exhausted, thereby preventing any allocation interruptions. This allows for better response to unexpected events, ensuring smooth and continuous allocation.

[0101] Optionally, the steps of predicting updated exhaustion times for one or more dispensing resources during the dispensing of discrete doses; and providing updated instructions and / or updated expiration times can be repeated one or more times. This allows for dynamic adjustment of exhaustion times, expiration times, and / or instructions as more information is available to more accurately predict each. Updates can be periodic, for example, every few minutes, or triggered upon receipt of new information. Updating and providing updated instructions allows for more accurate predictions and instructions, resulting in a more efficient system overall with less downtime.

[0102] During the production process, the method can periodically update the expiration time of one or more of these allocated resources and provide updated information if necessary. In this way, the method includes a guided human-machine and / or machine-machine interaction process, in which the allocation device continuously communicates with external operators and / or systems to ensure that production orders do not have to be interrupted due to resource shortages or unexpected events.

[0103] The initial depletion time can be predicted based on the actual amount of medicine remaining in the container of the first feeder unit. For example, weight can be used as an indication of the actual amount of medicine. Alternatively, the actual amount can be visually determined, for example, using image recognition and / or one or more sensors at the container of the first feeder unit. Optionally, the initial depletion time can be predicted at the start time of the production order based on the recorded amount of medicine in the container of the first feeder unit. The initial depletion time can also be predicted based on the recorded amount of medicine in the container of the first feeder unit at the restart time of the production order that started in the past (for example, one or more days ago). Therefore, the initial depletion time predicted at the (re)start time is theoretically calculated, and its accuracy depends on the correctness of the recorded amount at the (re)start time and the remaining time to complete the production order.

[0104] As explained above, the updated depletion time may be predicted based on a count and an average dispensing rate of medicaments dispensed from the outlet of the first feeder unit since the start time or based on the actual amount of medicament remaining in the container of the first feeder unit.

[0105] During the allocation process, updated instructions and / or updated expiration times may be provided directly after the updated exhaustion time is predicted. Alternatively, updated instructions and / or updated expiration times may be provided only when the updated exhaustion time is different from the initial exhaustion time, or changes by a certain threshold (e.g., 1 minute or longer).

[0106] Typically, a distribution resource is a material that is used in the production process and may need to be replenished relatively frequently. In some embodiments, a distribution resource may be a feeder unit, packaging material (e.g., foil, tape), or any other resource that a distribution device may need to distribute a medicament.

[0107] Initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times may be provided in a task list that may be prioritized based on the exhaustion time of one or more allocation resources. The task list may provide updated information with priority to enable human operators and / or external systems to easily react in a timely manner and ensure timely replenishment of allocation resources if there are changes in orders or allocation devices after the start time. The task list may provide guidance to operators and / or external systems that minimizes the risk of errors and facilitates interrupted allocation operations.

[0108] When multiple resources or multiple items of the same resource (e.g., multiple feeder units) will need to be replaced within a short time frame, the task list can provide updated, staggered instructions with earlier due times to external operators and / or systems to prepare (e.g., (re)fill and / or obtain feeder units), thereby evenly distributing the workload. This prevents overloading of operators and / or external systems, thereby optimizing their efficiency and reducing the possibility of errors or failures. In this case, the number of operators and / or available external systems can be taken into account when updating and presenting instructions / due times.

[0109] When the task list is provided to a human operator, the task list may include filling instructions for filling or refilling a feeder unit and / or a drug transport tray, and / or retrieval instructions related to where and / or when to obtain the required materials. The retrieval instructions reduce the time required for the operator to locate and obtain the distribution resources, thereby making the work more efficient. This is also beneficial for the operator to quickly become familiar with the distribution device and its operation. The filling instructions may include the amount and / or composition of the medicament specific to the feeder unit and the drug transport tray, thereby ensuring that they are correctly refilled and minimizing the risk of cross contamination and / or the opportunity for human error or misinterpretation during the refilling and / or retrieval process.

[0110] In some embodiments, initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times are provided to a human operator and include operating one or more systems external to the allocation device to present operational instructions for allocating one or more of the resources. The task list ensures proper coordination between the allocation device and the external systems, facilitated by the human operator. Such coordination minimizes delays and ensures seamless integration of the external systems in conjunction with the human operator, making the allocation process more robust and overall more efficient.

[0111] In some embodiments, the refill strategy and / or initial or updated instructions may involve the feeder unit remaining inside the dispensing device for a certain amount of time, even if empty. This may be until a certain event occurs, for example, new medication has arrived for refilling the feeder unit. Only then is the feeder unit discharged from the dispensing device for refilling. This may be prompted manually (e.g., an operator notifies the system via a user interface that the feeder unit should be discharged), or may occur automatically if, for example, the transport system notifies the dispensing device that there will be time to refill the medication and the dispensing device uses this information to discharge the feeder unit shortly before or after the medication is about to arrive.

[0112] Alternatively or in addition, the initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times are adapted as machine operating commands and provided to one or more systems external to the dispensing device that present one or more of the dispensing resources. Adapting the instructions as operating instructions for the external systems facilitates seamless and automated filling and / or transportation of the feeder units, thereby avoiding the need for manual intervention and ensuring timely delivery of the dispensing resources.

[0113] The task list can guide and instruct human operators and / or external systems to effectively replenish the resources of the dispensing device. In this way, the status of resources related to the operation of the dispensing device can be dynamically detected and notified. This allows human operators and / or external systems to efficiently manage the availability of all resources, not just the drug feeder unit, and improve the overall reliability of the dispensing device to minimize or avoid production interruptions. In the case where the external operator and / or system is unable to refill and / or provide a second feeder unit before or at the expiration time, the dispensing device can implement adaptive measures to minimize downtime or delays in the dispensing process. These adaptive measures can involve adjusting the order (for example, of the job order) during the dispensing process while the other parts of the production order are being handled to allow the external operator and / or system to have enough time to replenish the second feeder unit or other resources. For example, the dispensing device can prioritize the distribution of drugs from feeder units with more easily available drugs. By doing so, it is ensured that even if one or more feeder units have insufficient or exhausted drugs, the production order is carried out without interruption. Adaptive measures due to insufficient readily available medicaments contained in the feeder unit or the drug transport tray and / or due to untimely replenishment can be implemented in the method according to the embodiments described below. Optionally, the updated expiration time can be replaced with a longer expiration time to provide sufficient time for the external operator and / or the system to present the required allocation resources in the allocation process.

[0114] Other systems external to the dispensing device may be, for example, systems external to the dispensing device, such as a (re)filling station / system, an inventory management and / or stock system, a storage system, a transport system, or any other related system for storing the medicament / feeder unit and / or (re)filling the feeder unit and / or transferring the feeder unit to the dispensing device. In particular, the transport system may be one or more of the following: a conveyor, a robot, a pallet, or other transport means capable of delivering the second feeder unit to the dispensing device.

[0115] In some embodiments of the method for dispensing discrete medicaments by a dispensing device, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0116] - receiving a first set of dispensing instructions requiring a first selection and a first amount of medicament to be dispensed from a plurality of feeder units;

[0117] - receiving one or more additional sets of allocation instructions to be executed after the first set of allocation instructions, wherein at least one of the additional sets of one or more sets of allocation instructions requires a selection different from the first selection or an amount different from the first amount;

[0118] - determining a distribution instruction sequence based on the first set of distribution instructions and one or more further sets of distribution instructions; and

[0119] - prior to executing the first set of dispensing instructions, determining whether the plurality of feeder units and / or the drug transport tray contain sufficient readily available medicament to complete dispensing of a first selection and a first amount of medicament according to the first set of dispensing instructions;

[0120] Wherein, if the plurality of feeder units or drug transport trays are not presented and / or contain insufficient readily available medications to complete dispensing of the first selected and first amount of medications according to the first set of dispensing instructions before or at the expiration time, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0121] - before executing said first set of allocation instructions, updating the allocation instruction sequence to execute one or more of the further one or more sets of allocation instructions.

[0122] Feeder units and drug transport trays may end up being short on doses due to a number of reasons, including but not limited to normal dispensing processes where the feeder unit will need to be replenished eventually, but also unpredictable or high workload situations where the feeder unit and / or drug transport trays are unable to dispense any doses due to sudden failure and / or failure to be replenished in a timely manner by an external operator and / or system.

[0123] To ensure that the dispensing process continues in all cases, one or more groups of dispensing instructions may be prioritized over the first group of dispensing instructions to allow for replenishment of the missing medicament amount. After the prioritization of the groups of dispensing instructions has been completed, dispensing of the first selected and first amount of medicament may be started as soon as possible. Changing the order of the groups of instructions provides an adaptive measure that can prevent at least a portion of the downtime that would be caused in unexpected and / or high workload situations when the dispensing device would have processed the groups of instructions in their original order.

[0124] Preferably, actions are taken during the execution of the further one or more sets of dispensing instructions to ensure that the plurality of feeder units contain sufficient readily available medicament to complete the dispensing of the first selected and first amount of medicament according to the first set of dispensing instructions. By taking appropriate actions during the execution of the further one or more sets of dispensing instructions, at least a portion of the time required to take the appropriate actions can be used to continue the dispensing operation.

[0125] The action may include presenting one or more feeder units to the dispensing device for replenishing or replacing one or more feeder units of the plurality of feeder units that contain insufficient readily available medicament to complete dispensing of the first selected and first amount of medicament according to the first set of dispensing instructions. According to the first aspect, the one or more feeder units may, for example, be a "hot spare" of a nearly empty feeder unit so that dispensing can be resumed without interruption.

[0126] It will be appreciated that one or more feeder units that are supplemented with one or more feeder units of insufficient easily available medicaments included may include feeder units presented on time or out of date (i.e., after the expiration time). In another embodiment, a first group of allocation instructions and another group or groups of allocation instructions share logistics parameters that associate the first group of allocation instructions and another group or groups of allocation instructions with a common batch. Preferably, the logistics parameter is a delivery address. By keeping these groups of allocation instructions of a common batch together, the order of changing the processing of these groups of allocation instructions has less impact on the further logistics of the common batch. For example, if all the medicaments distributed due to the allocation instructions must be delivered to the same delivery address, it does not matter whether the order of these allocation instructions changes.

[0127] When the task list is implemented, the expiration times and instructions in the task list are adjusted based on the order of these group dispensing instructions. For example, during the dispensing process, when the dispensing device is dispensing a dose from a second feeder unit that is more easily available than a first feeder unit that was not presented on time, the task list can dynamically adjust the updated instructions and expiration times associated with the second feeder unit before giving the instructions associated with the first feeder unit. This adaptive measure helps prevent interruptions or delays in the dispensing process in the event that an external operator and / or system is unable to refill and / or provide the first feeder unit or other resources on time.

[0128] A ninth aspect provides a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments,

[0129] The dispensing device is used to dispense discrete medicaments, wherein the dispensing device comprises:

[0130] a dispensing section for dispensing medicaments and defining an array of feeder positions distributed along the collection path for holding a plurality of feeder units, and a manual loading position for receiving a plurality of drug transport trays;

[0131] a collecting section for collecting the medicine from the dispensing section;

[0132] a packaging section for packaging the medicines received from the collection section, and

[0133] A control unit is configured to receive a status of a dispensing resource used by a dispensing device to dispense discrete doses of medicament.

[0134] The allocation apparatus may further comprise a graphical user interface controlled by the control unit, and wherein instructions and expiry times for presenting one or more of the allocated resources are provided to the human operator on the graphical user interface.

[0135] The control unit may include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the control unit to predict an exhaustion time, provide instructions and the expiration time on a graphical user interface, and control the dispensing device to continue dispensing according to the method steps of the method according to the eighth aspect.

[0136] The above-mentioned dispensing device is adapted, configured and / or programmed to perform the steps of the relevant method and therefore has the same technical advantages as the method and its corresponding embodiments.

[0137] A tenth aspect provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a dispensing apparatus to perform the steps of the method according to the eighth aspect.

[0138] The computer program product may be provided separately from the dispensing device to configure, upgrade and / or install the above-described functionality in the dispensing device, thereby producing the technical advantages previously discussed.

[0139] An eleventh aspect provides a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments,

[0140] wherein the dispensing device comprises a dispensing section for dispensing a medicament, wherein the dispensing section defines an array of feeder positions for holding a plurality of feeder units, wherein each of the plurality of feeder units comprises a container for containing a medicament having a composition specific to the respective feeder unit, an outlet for dispensing the medicament, and a dispensing mechanism located between the container and the outlet for controlling the delivery of the medicament from the container to the outlet,

[0141] Therein, the dispensing device further comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the control unit to perform the steps of the method according to the eighth aspect.

[0142] The above-mentioned dispensing device is adapted, configured and / or programmed to perform the steps of the relevant method and therefore has the same technical advantages as the method and its corresponding embodiments.

[0143] A twelfth aspect provides a method for dispensing discrete medicaments via a first feeder unit,

[0144] wherein the first feeder unit comprises a container for containing a medicament of the first composition, an outlet for dispensing the medicament, and a dispensing mechanism between the container and the outlet for controlled delivery of the medicament from the container to the outlet,

[0145] The method comprises the following steps:

[0146] - determining a remaining value indicating the amount of medicament remaining in the container;

[0147] - comparing the residual value to a threshold value;

[0148] - selecting between a full empty detection mode when the residual value is above a threshold and a shortened empty detection mode when the residual value is below a threshold;

[0149] - After controlling the dispensing mechanism, when no medicament is being administered from the container towards the outlet, a selected mode of the full empty detection mode and the shortened empty detection mode is performed.

[0150] The above method is based on the assumption that if the first feeder unit is expected to be almost empty, there is no need to perform a detailed check of the emptiness of the first feeder unit. If there is any remaining medicament, the remaining amount will be very small and the risk of removing the first feeder unit unnecessarily is relatively small. Therefore, only a limited number of attempts or a limited number of actions are performed to check whether the first feeder unit is empty or not. In contrast, when the remaining amount is still above the threshold, it is assumed that there are enough easily available medicaments remaining to successfully dispense, and there are different reasons for any failure to dispense. In other words, by choosing between these two modes, reliable empty detection is performed for both the almost empty first feeder unit and the relatively full first feeder unit. Compared with the complete empty detection mode, the shortened empty detection mode can save considerable time, for example in the range of ten to twenty seconds. Therefore, the downtime of the dispensing device can be significantly shortened due to the empty detection check.

[0151] Preferably, the full empty detection mode includes the step of performing a first number of instances of the first action, wherein the shortened empty detection mode includes the step of performing a second number of instances of the first action, the second number of instances being less than the first number of instances. Reducing the number of instances of the first action can significantly save time for empty detection checks between modes.

[0152] More preferably, the first action is to control the dispensing mechanism. Control of the dispensing mechanism should cause the dispensing of the solid substance. Repeated attempts to control the dispensing mechanism (e.g., by moving the dispensing mechanism in multiple steps) can allow the medicament to stabilize and find its way into the dispensing mechanism.

[0153] Alternatively, the full empty detection mode comprises the steps of performing a first action and a second action different from the first action, wherein the shortened empty detection mode comprises only one of the first action and the second action. The second action may trigger a different dispensing result than the first action. The second action may be, for example, shaking the first feeder unit with a robot. The first action or the second action may be omitted from the shortened empty detection mode to save time between modes.

[0154] In another embodiment, the full null detection mode has a first duration, wherein the shortened null detection mode has a second duration that is shorter than the first duration. As already mentioned, the shortened null detection mode may involve fewer actions or fewer types of actions, thus making the time span for completing null detection in said mode shorter. Alternatively, the shortened null detection mode may be limited in time, or the actions may be performed faster to save time.

[0155] In another embodiment, the remaining value is predicted based on the recorded amount of the dose in the container of the first feeder unit at the dispensing start time and the count of the doses dispensed from the outlet of the first feeder unit since said start time. Thus, the exhaustion time is theoretically calculated. Its accuracy depends on the correctness of the recorded amount at the start time, the correct count and the time remaining to complete the production order.

[0156] Alternatively, the remaining value is determined based on the actual amount of medicament remaining in the container of the first feeder unit. For example, weight can be used as an indication of the actual amount of medicament. Alternatively, the actual amount can be visually determined based on the level of medicament in the container, for example using image recognition or one or more sensors.

[0157] A thirteenth aspect provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a dispensing device having a first feeder unit to perform the steps of the method according to the eleventh aspect.

[0158] The computer program product may be provided separately from the dispensing device to configure, upgrade and / or install the above-described functionality in the dispensing device, thereby producing the technical advantages previously discussed.

[0159] A fourteenth aspect provides a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments,

[0160] The dispensing device is provided with a first feeder unit, which includes a container for containing a medicament of a first composition, an outlet for dispensing the medicament, and a dispensing mechanism between the container and the outlet for controlled feeding of the medicament from the container to the outlet.

[0161] The dispensing device further comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the control unit to perform the steps of the method according to the eleventh aspect.

[0162] The above-mentioned dispensing device is adapted, configured and / or programmed to perform the steps of the relevant method and therefore has the same technical advantages as the method and its corresponding embodiments.

[0163] Although the terms "exhausted" and "exhausted time" are used herein, this can mean that the medicine (or other resource) in a feeder unit or other system is completely used (e.g., the feeder unit or foil roll is empty), but can also mean that the feeder unit / other resource still has some doses, partial doses, or resources, but any doses / resources left should not be used or dispensed. This may be due to exceeding their expiration date, exceeding their allowed air contact time, only partial (broken) doses remaining, being damaged, the doses are unlikely to be used for future orders and the dispenser needs to accommodate other feeder units with the required doses, or due to any other reason why it is believed that the doses / resources cannot or should not be used. The use of the term "exhausted" also does not inherently mean that the feeder unit / other resource must be refilled, and sometimes the feeder unit / other resource can simply be put away for storage or kept in the machine until a later time.

[0164] The various aspects and features described and shown in this specification can be applied separately wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the accompanying dependent claims, can be the subject of divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0165] The present invention will be explained based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0166] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a dispensing device according to a first embodiment having a dispensing section, a collecting section and a packaging section;

[0167] Figure 2A Shown according to Figure 1 A top view of a dispensing device;

[0168] Figure 2B A front view of the first feeder unit is shown at the previous feeder position of the dispensing section, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B and Figure 2A Indicated by connecting arrows;

[0169] Figure 2C A front view of the second feeder unit in the loading drawer position of the dispensing section is shown. Figure 2C and Figure 2A Indicated by connecting arrows;

[0170] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C The corresponding Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C a view of the dispensing section wherein the second feeder unit is moved from the loading drawer position to a second feeder position of the dispensing section;

[0171] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The corresponding Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C a view of a dispensing section in which a first feeder unit is moved from a previous feeder position to a first feeder position of the dispensing section;

[0172] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The corresponding Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C a view in which the first feeder unit has been removed from the dispensing device;

[0173] Fig. 6A A first screen of a graphical user interface is shown, which provides a method for replacing or supplementing Figure 1 a task list and timeline for a feeder unit in a dispensing section of a dispensing device;

[0174] Figure 6B A second screen of a graphical user interface is shown, which provides a method for replacing or supplementing the Figure 1 Priority task list of feeder units and other resources for the distribution device;

[0175] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing determination of a refilling strategy and a refilling strategy based on the determination is shown;

[0176] Fig. 8A A common batch having three sets of allocation instructions is schematically shown, which are used to allocate the batches according to Figure 1 Dispensing different selections and amounts of medicaments from a dispensing device;

[0177] Figure 8B Shown according to Fig. 8A a diagram of the steps of a method for prioritizing one or more of these group allocation instructions for execution by an allocation device;

[0178] Figure 8C Schematically shows that due to Figure 8B The priority order in the method is after reordering the three groups of allocation instructions. Fig. 8A Common batches of

[0179] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B A method for selecting between a full null detection mode and a shortened null detection mode to detect a null signal according to Figure 1Two parts of a diagram of the steps of a method of determining whether a feeder unit in a dispensing device is empty;

[0180] Fig. 10A shows a top view of an alternative dispensing device having a dispensing section, a collecting section and a packaging section according to a second embodiment;

[0181] Fig. 10B A front view of the first feeder unit is shown at the previous feeder position of the dispensing section, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10B and Fig. 10A Indicated by connecting arrows; and

[0182] Fig. 10C A front view of the second feeder unit in the loading drawer position of the dispensing section is shown. Fig. 10C and Fig. 10A Indicated by connecting arrows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0183] Figure 1 A dispensing device 1 according to a first embodiment is shown for dispensing discrete medicaments, discrete solid medicaments, drugs or solid articles, preparations or substances 90 for medical use, such as pills, tablets, capsules, etc. The medicaments are "discrete" in the sense that they can be dispensed one by one, individually, separately or in dosage units.

[0184] The dispensing device 1 includes a dispensing section 2 for dispensing medicine 90, a collecting section 3 for collecting medicine 90 from the dispensing section 2, and a packaging section 6 for packaging medicine 90. The collecting section 3 is located below or vertically below the dispensing section 2. The packaging section 6 is located below or vertically below the collecting section 3. The dispensing device 1 further includes a housing 10 for protecting the above sections 2, 3, 6 from unauthorized access.

[0185] The distribution section 2 defines an array of feeder positions 20 for receiving or holding a plurality of cans, tablet boxes or feeder units 40. Each feeder position includes a docking component for mating with or receiving a corresponding one of the feeder units 40, with appropriate holes or channels to allow the dispensed medicament 90 to pass through the feeder position 20 into the following collection section 3. The feeder position array 20 is distributed along the collection path Z1. In this example, the collection path Z1 is annular and circular or substantially circular, and the feeder position array 20 is distributed circumferentially around the rotation axis X. More specifically, the feeder position array 20 is distributed circumferentially or according to a radial grid, for example, in a plurality of radially extending rows arranged side by side or adjacently in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis X. Preferably, the housing 10 extends cylindrically around the feeder position array 20. In this example, the circumferential wall of the housing 10 is provided with a plurality of inventory positions 12 for temporarily holding unused or auxiliary feeder units 40.

[0186] The dispensing device 1 is further provided with a manipulator 11 (e.g., the manipulator may include a robotic arm) for automatically, automatically or autonomously manipulating, positioning, removing and / or repositioning the feeder unit 40 relative to the feeder position array 20. The manipulator 11 is provided with a gripper to pick up and place the feeder unit 40. In this embodiment, the manipulator 11 is located in the center of the feeder position array 20, for example close to, at or near the rotation axis X. In said position, all feeder positions 20 and inventory positions 10 are conveniently within the range of the manipulator 11.

[0187] Figure 2B A feeder unit 40 of the plurality of feeder units 40 is shown in more detail. The description of the feeder unit 40 hereinafter represents all feeder units 40 of the plurality of feeder units 40.

[0188] like Figure 2B As shown in , each feeder unit 40 includes a container 50 for containing a certain amount of a medicament 90 having a composition 91 specific to the corresponding feeder unit 40. The term "composition" should be interpreted as a chemical or pharmaceutical composition of the medicament 90, such as a combination of active ingredients, which may include slight variations. Each feeder unit 40 typically only contains medicaments 90 of a single composition. The container 50 has a volume that can hold hundreds or more (or fewer) medicaments 90, depending on the size and shape of the medicament.

[0189] Each feeder unit 40 further comprises an outlet 51, such as a drop tube, for dispensing the medicaments 90 toward the collecting section 3, and a dispensing mechanism 52 located between the container 50 and the outlet 51, for controlled delivery of the medicaments 90 from the container 50 to the outlet 51. In this embodiment, the dispensing mechanism 52 comprises a wheel used as a rotating door to singulate the medicaments 90 and deliver them one by one toward the outlet 51. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that an alternative dispensing mechanism capable of singulating the medicaments 90 may be provided.

[0190] Each feeder unit 40 may be further provided with one or more sensors 53, 54, such as visual cameras, photoelectric sensors, laser sensors, liquid level sensors, weight sensors, etc., for verifying the type, composition and / or integrity of the medicine 90, and for counting the amount of medicine 90 that has been dispensed.

[0191] As in Figure 1 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the dispensing section 2 further comprises a feeder loading member 24 having a plurality of feeder loading positions 25 for receiving a new feeder unit 40 into the dispensing device 1 and / or for removing a feeder unit 40 from the dispensing device 1. In this example, the feeder loading member 24 is formed as a drawer. Alternatively, a door or the like may be used. The dispensing section 2 may optionally comprise a manual loading position 26 for receiving a manual loading component (not shown), such as a drug transport tray, which is manually loaded with a medicament 90 that is not suitable for automatic dispensing with the aforementioned feeder unit 40.

[0192] like Figure 1 As further shown in the figure, the collecting section 3 includes a plurality of collecting units, in particular, collecting hoppers 30, which are open on the side facing the dispensing section 2 to receive the selectively dispensed medicament 90 from one or more feeder units 40. In this example, each collecting hopper 30 extends simultaneously below the plurality of feeder units 40 to receive the medicament 90 from any one of those feeder units 40. Each collecting hopper 30 is tapered toward the bottom, and a valve (not shown) is provided at the bottom, which valve can be operated to drop the collected medicament 90 into the packaging section 6.

[0193] In this embodiment, a plurality of collecting hoppers 30 are distributed circumferentially around the rotation axis X. More specifically, the plurality of collecting hoppers 30 are held in a collecting rack 32 that is movable along a collecting path Z1, e.g. rotated around said rotation axis X to move the plurality of collecting hoppers 30 relative to the array of feeder positions 20 in the distribution section 2. The rotation may be a stepwise rotation, wherein each step aligns the plurality of collecting hoppers 30 with the next set of feeder units 40 in the array of feeder positions 20. Each collecting hopper 30 extends radially along a row of radially arranged feeder positions 20.

[0194] In normal operation, the collection rack 32 rotates unidirectionally along the collection path Z1 in the collection direction C so that each collection hopper 30 can rotate a full circle of three hundred and sixty degrees around the rotation axis X and access all feeder positions 20 in the feeder position array 20, but in some embodiments, the rotational movement may be more restricted.

[0195] The packaging section 6 comprises a first packaging unit 61 at a first packaging position or a first angular packaging position P1 around the rotation axis X. Optionally, the packaging section 6 may comprise a second packaging unit 62 at a second packaging position or a second angular packaging position P2 to improve the packaging efficiency of the dispensing device 1. When a corresponding one of the collecting hoppers 30 is in a position above or just above a selected packaging unit of the packaging units 61, 62, a valve of the collecting hopper 30 is operated to drop the collected medicine 90 into the corresponding packaging unit 61, 62. Each packaging unit 61, 62 comprises a stock member for accommodating a packaging material (a foil in this example), a printer for printing information about the medicine 90 on the foil, a filling member for positioning the foil to receive the medicine 90, a sealing member for forming a pouch around the received medicine 90, a perforating member for providing perforations to the foil between the subsequently formed pouches, and an output member for outputting the packaged medicine F from the dispensing device 1. The packaging units 62, 62 may be equipped with one or more sensors to measure the status of the packaging material (eg remaining amount, expiration, etc.) before and / or during the dispensing process and provide said status to the control unit.

[0196] Alternatively, one or both of the packaging units 61 , 62 may be arranged for packaging the medicament 90 in a storage material other than a foil, for example in a vial, a bottle or a card.

[0197] The first packaging position P1 and / or the second packaging position P2 may be fixed relative to the rotation axis X, at least during a dispensing operation.

[0198] like Figure 1As shown, the dispensing device 1 is further provided with a control unit 7, which is operably and / or electronically connected to the robot 11, the feeder unit 40, the packaging units 61, 62 and other electronic devices such as drives, sensors, etc., to control the operation of the dispensing device 1. The control unit 7 includes a dedicated processor 71 and a computer-readable medium 72, which stores computer-readable code or instructions, which when executed by the processor 71, causes the dispensing device 1 to operate according to the method described in more detail below. The computer-readable medium 72 is non-transitory or tangible, such as a physical data carrier, such as a hard drive, USB drive, RAM memory, etc.

[0199] The dispensing device 1 may further be provided with a graphical user interface 8 ( Fig. 6A and Figure 6B ), such as screens, to provide human operators with information about the internal status of the dispensing, collection, and packaging operations.

[0200] The method of operating the dispensing device 1 will be described below with reference only to the first feeder unit 41 and the second feeder unit 42 of the plurality of feeder units 40, the first collecting hopper 31 of the plurality of collecting hoppers 30, and the first packaging unit 61 of the two packaging units 61, 62. However, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the dispensing device 1 can be operated in substantially the same manner for any other selection of feeder units 40, collecting hoppers 30 and / or packaging units 61, 62 to ensure a flexible and substantially uninterrupted or continuous dispensing, collecting and packaging process.

[0201] like Figure 2A As shown, the first collecting hopper 31 can rotate relative to the feeder position array 20 along the collecting direction C around the rotation axis X between a starting position or angular starting position A downstream of the first packaging position P1 along the collecting direction C and an ending position or angular ending position B at or near the first packaging position P1, in this case above it. In other words, the first collecting hopper 31 can rotate around the rotation axis X over a collecting range R, which starts at the angular starting position A and ends at the angular ending position B. In this example, the collecting range R is five degrees away from three hundred and sixty degrees, which is almost a full circle.

[0202] The control unit 7 receives a set of dispensing instructions for the selection and amount of the medicine 90 from the feeder units 40 according to the production order. After receiving the dispensing instructions, the control unit 7 determines which feeder units 40 to use based on the current amount or remaining amount of the medicine 90 in the feeder units 40. The control unit 7 can be configured to store the amount of medicine 90 in the feeder units 40 on the computer-readable medium 72 at the start time of a new production order or the restart time of a production order that has already started, and monitor the dispensing of the medicine 90, for example by using the sensor 54 for counting, to calculate or predict the remaining amount of medicine 90 in each feeder unit 40. When one of these feeder units 40 is close to empty, the control unit 7 can be configured to control the robot 11 to position another feeder unit 40 having the same medicine 90, the same type, the same brand, the same manufacturer and / or the same composition 91 as the feeder unit 40 that is close to empty as a "hot backup" so that it can take over the dispensing from the empty feeder unit 40 once it is actually empty. In other words, the medicaments 90 in the above-mentioned pair of feeder units 40 have the same active ingredient and / or are pharmaceutically similar or identical. The other feeder unit 40 may come from one of the inventory locations 12 within the dispensing section 2. Alternatively, the control unit 7 may notify a human operator and / or an external system to present a new feeder unit 40 to the dispensing device 1 at the feeder loading member 24. Examples of external systems include one or more of a (re)filling station / system, an inventory management and / or inventory system, a storage system, a transport system, or any other system that stores medicaments / feeder units and / or (re)fills feeder units and / or transfers feeder units to a dispensing device, Figure 1 The box 75 in FIG. Figure 2A In the embodiment depicted in , the control unit 7 can inform the refilling station 75 and the conveyor 76 to fill and transport the feeder unit 40 for delivery to the feeder loading member 24.

[0203] While the first and second feeder units 41 , 42 typically have the same type of medicament 90 , in some embodiments the medicaments 90 may not be identical but may serve as substitutes for each other, for example when the same medicament 90 is not available, however typically only with approval of a human operator.

[0204] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The process of the first feeder unit 41 being emptied and the second feeder unit 42 being positioned as a "hot spare" is shown.

[0205] Specifically, Figure 2A Shown as Figure 2BThe first feeder unit 41 is shown in the situation where it is located at the previous feeder position 23 in the array feeder position 20. Figure 2B As shown in , the first feeder unit 41 is actively dispensing. The previous feeder position 23 is "previous" in the sense that it was positioned therein during a previous cycle of the method when it was still full or relatively full of the doses 90 of the first composition 91. Now, the first feeder unit 41 is empty, for example less than fifty percent of the original amount remains, and in some embodiments less than thirty percent of the original amount. In this example, considered in the collecting direction C starting from the starting position A, the previous feeder position 23 is located in the second half of the collecting range R. The method according to the present invention aims to place the emptied feeder unit 40 upstream in the collecting range R with respect to the collecting direction C, for example in the first half of said collecting range R, considered in the collecting direction C starting from the starting position A. As Figure 4A As shown, the first feeder unit 41 is directed toward the feeder position array 20 in the first half of the collection range R, located at Figure 2A The first feeder position 21 upstream of the previous feeder position 23 is moved.

[0206] Before the first feeder unit 41 is moved from the previous feeder position 23 towards the first feeder position 21, the second feeder unit 42 may already be present in the dispensing device 1 at one of the feeder loading positions 25 in the feeder loading member 24, ready to be inserted into the dispensing device 1 and picked up by the robot 11, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A Alternatively, the second feeder unit 42 may be one of the feeder units 40 which is already in the collecting section 2, for example in one of the inventory locations 12, such as Figure 1 The second feeder unit 42 is typically filled with a medicament 90 of the same first composition 91 as the first feeder unit 41 .

[0207] Figure 3A The second feeder unit 42 is shown after having been picked up by the robot 11 from the feeder loading position 25 and positioned in the feeder position 22 in the feeder position array 20. In this example, the second feeder position 22 is downstream of the previous feeder position 23 in the collection direction C, but this is not strictly necessary at this stage. Alternatively, the previous feeder position 23 can be located downstream of the second feeder position 22 in the collection direction C. Figure 3C As shown, if necessary, the first feeder unit 41 is Figure 2A and Figure 4A During the repositioning period in between, the second feeder unit 42 may temporarily take over the dispensing from the first feeder unit 41 to ensure continuity of dispensing of the medicament 90 of the first composition 91 .

[0208] Figure 4A 2 shows a situation where the first feeder unit 41 has been removed from the previous feeder position 23 by the robot 11 and has been positioned in the first feeder position 21. The first feeder unit 41 can now resume dispensing, such as Figure 4B As shown, until the medicine 90 of the first composition 91 is used up or the first feeder unit 41 is no longer able to dispense the remaining medicine 90. Figure 4C As shown, if the first feeder unit 41 fails to dispense the medicament 90 , the second feeder unit 42 is now a “hot backup” to take over the dispensing from the first feeder unit 41 .

[0209] Figure 5A The first feeder unit 41 is shown as Figure 5B The case shown is empty or unable to dispense the medicine 90. Therefore, the first collecting hopper 31 has been unable to collect the medicine 90 of the desired first composition 91 from the first feeder unit 41. The first collecting hopper 31 does not have to wait for the first feeder unit 41 to be replaced. Alternatively, the first collecting hopper 31 can be further moved or rotated in the collecting direction C along the collecting path Z1 until the first collecting hopper is located below or directly below the second feeder unit 42 in the second feeder position 22. At the same time, the controller 7 has adapted its dispensing strategy taking into account the inability to dispense the medicine 90 of the first composition 91 from the first feeder unit 41, and as shown in FIG. Figure 5C The second feeder unit 42 is shown assigned to take over the dispensing from the first feeder unit 41. In other words, the second feeder unit 42 can dispense the missing dose 90 of the first composition 91.

[0210] The first feeder position 21 and the second feeder position 22 are typically spaced apart in the collection direction by at least five degrees, preferably at least ten degrees or an interval angle H of at least one radial row in the feeder position array 20, to allow the control unit 7 and / or a human operator sufficient time (e.g., within the normal time it takes for the first collection hopper 31 to travel from the first feeder position 21 to the second feeder position 22 without interruption) to adjust the distribution strategy.

[0211] The empty first feeder unit 41 can be picked up by the robot 11 and moved to one of the feeder loading positions 25 at the feeder loading member 24 to remove or unload the empty first feeder unit 41 from the dispensing device 1. Optionally, a refilling strategy can be determined, communicated and / or executed, in conjunction with Figure 7 Discuss its examples in detail.

[0212] Fig. 6A The graphical user interface 8 of the above-mentioned dispensing device 1 is shown in more detail. The graphical user interface 8 consists of Figure 1The control unit 7 shown generates. Fig. 6A As shown, the graphical user interface 8 presents to the human operator an optional timeline 80 and a task list 85 in the form of one or more feeder units 40 or as later combined. Figure 6B The notification 81 may be provided on the timeline 80 and / or separately from the timeline 80. The timeline 80 has a time axis t from left (current time) to right (future). The exhaustion time 82 is predicted or calculated by the control unit 7. The exhaustion time 82 may be based on the recorded amount of medicament 90 in the container 50 of the respective feeder unit 40 at the (re)start time and the count of medicament 90 dispensed from the outlet 51 of the respective feeder unit 40 since the (re)start time (e.g. based on Figure 2B The counting sensor 54 shown in FIG. 8 is used to predict or calculate the exhaustion time 82 of the feeder unit 40. During the dispensing process, the actual amount of the remaining medicament 90 in the container 50 of the corresponding feeder unit 40 can be predicted or calculated based on the sensor data (such as the counting sensor 54 shown in FIG. 8 ) from the sensors 53, 54. Figure 2B As shown), for example, based on data from a visual camera, a level sensor and / or a weight sensor, the run-out time 82 of the feeder unit 40 and other allocated resources is predicted one or more times. In this way, two run-out times can be predicted: an initial run-out time can be predicted or calculated at the (re)start time of the production order, and an updated run-out time can be predicted continuously or intermittently during the allocation process to capture any changes that may occur in the production order and / or the feeder unit 40. In certain embodiments, when there is no significant difference or contextual distinction required between the terms "initial run-out time" and "updated run-out time", these terms may be collectively referred to herein as "run-out time". The use of the term "run-out time" without specific limitation shall cover the initial run-out time and any subsequently updated run-out time.

[0213] Each notification 81 is provided in the task list 85 prior to the predicted depletion time 82 together with an expiration time 83 for replenishing the dose 90 that will be missing at the corresponding depletion time 82. If the updated depletion time 82 has changed during the dispensing process (i.e., it is different from the initial depletion time), the expiration time 83 may be provided and / or updated (e.g., dynamically) continuously or intermittently. The notification 81 may simply indicate how many doses 90 of a particular composition 91 are still needed, or it may provide instructions to instruct or request a particular feeder unit 40 containing doses 90 of the same composition 91 to replace or replenish an almost empty feeder unit 40, such as Fig. 6A shown.

[0214] In some embodiments, the exhaustion / expiration time may be sent to one or more Figure 175 schematically depicted in FIG. 7A , such as an inventory management and / or storage system or refill station. This information can alert other systems that a certain type of medication is running out and when a replacement feeder unit with that medication is needed (e.g., expiration time). In some embodiments, this can include a method for Figure 7 Method 700 of refilling a refilling strategy for a depleted feeder unit. The other system can then prepare a replacement feeder unit (e.g., automatically or by providing instructions to an operator) and prepare it for removal for dispensing device 1 or can deliver it directly to dispensing device 1, which can include the use of a conveyor and / or robot. Such preparation and / or delivery can be done manually after the operator receives the information, or the system can automatically perform some or all of the refilling and delivery operations. In some cases, this may involve consulting the inventory of already filled feeder units and simply providing instructions to the operator and / or system on where to obtain the required (filled) feeder unit and when to present it to the dispensing device 1. At the same time, the dispensing of the medicament 90 from the feeder unit 40 continues at least until the expiration time 83. Therefore, the dispensing operation can remain uninterrupted.

[0215] Communicating with an external system can allow the external system to more accurately meet expiration times and therefore avoid the need to delay, interrupt, or stop production operations for replenishment. Because the dispensing device can change the order of dispensing in a production order; for example, while a feeder unit is in the process of manual filling, begin dispensing another pharmaceutical composition that does not require manual tray filling; the challenge faced by the external system is to accurately predict when the feeder unit of certain medications will be exhausted and when the feeder unit will need to be replenished. Therefore, by determining when the medication will run out (i.e., the exhaustion time, whether it is determined once or dynamically updated to change) and determining when the feeder unit needs to be replaced (i.e., the expiration time); and then transmitting this information to the external system, the entire system can operate more efficiently with fewer interruptions or delays, for example, when waiting to replace an exhausted feeder unit and / or delivering a replacement feeder unit prematurely. This ensures that there is always a replacement feeder unit ready when needed.

[0216] Preferably, the expiration time 83 is selected to be a certain safety margin (e.g., at least one minute, at least three minutes, or at least five minutes) before the exhaustion time 82 to allow a human operator to obtain and / or prepare the required feeder unit 40; or to allow other systems to prepare and / or deliver the required feeder unit 40. The human operator may choose to obtain one or more required feeder units 40 in combination at the same time. Alternatively, the expiration time 83 can be set equal to the exhaustion time 82, thereby requiring a more timely or stricter approach by the human operator. In some embodiments, the expiration time 83 may even be after the exhaustion time 82 if additional feeder units with the same type of drug are already in the dispensing device 1 and / or the drug is only needed later in the production order.

[0217] One or more required feeder units 40 can be picked up by the robot 11 and placed in the corresponding feeder position 20 before the corresponding exhaustion time 82, thereby preventing downtime of the dispensing device 1. The process can be similar to the method previously described in conjunction with the first feeder unit 41 and the second feeder unit 42. Alternatively, the second feeder unit 42 can replace the first feeder unit 41 on a single feeder position 20 as soon as the first feeder unit 41 is exhausted or the medicaments 90 contained therein exceed their expiration date (or have exceeded their expiration date or have an administration date that exceeds the expiration date).

[0218] In some embodiments, the depletion time notification may also include determining a refill strategy for the feeder unit based on the medicament inside the feeder unit. The refill strategy may be, for example, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A portion of the task list 85 in the graphical user interface 8 shown in FIG. 8 (e.g., buttons R 84 associated with a refill strategy, which buttons will be based on a combination of Figure 7 In some embodiments, the refill strategy may also or only be communicated to an external system / station, such as an inventory management or refill station that automatically or manually refills the feeder unit. In some embodiments, a button associated with refilling may automatically indicate what refill strategy is required, for example, by the color of the button.

[0219] The refill strategy can be determined in Figure 7As can be seen in the schematic flow chart of . As can be seen, the refill strategy can be based on having multiple refill categories, such as large doses (box 704), medium doses (box 706), small doses (box 708) and short air contact time doses (709), but these are example categories and more categories can be included. By first classifying based on the doses in the feeder unit, an efficient refill strategy can be determined, transmitted and / or executed.

[0220] like Figure 7 As shown in , the refill strategy for a large amount of medication includes immediately refilling the feeder unit (710) and returning it to the dispensing device (712) once refilled. This is for dispensing a large amount of medication in many production orders. Therefore, immediately refilling and returning the feeder unit with medication ensures that there is always a large amount of medication available, thereby preventing the need to suspend operations to wait for such medication.

[0221] If it is determined that the dose is a medium amount, the refilling strategy includes refilling the feeder unit with the dose (714) (but the refilling may not be done as urgently as with a large dose). However, for a medium amount of dose, the feeder unit is not immediately returned to the dispensing device, but is placed in a holding or storage location (716). Such a holding or storage location can be, for example, a storage room, a holding location at or near a refilling station or dispensing device, or a location in a device or robot network for transferring feeder units (e.g., on a tray that is moved from a refilling station to a dispensing device). This ensures that the refilled feeder unit is ready when needed, but does not take up valuable space around the dispensing device when it may not be needed temporarily.

[0222] If the dose is determined to be a small amount, the refill strategy includes a notification that the feeder unit (718) is no longer filled and returned to the storage location (720). Such a small amount of medication may not be needed for a long time, and thus the available space in the feeder unit for refilling (ready to use) can be saved for feeder units of large and medium doses, while refilling of the small dose feeder unit can be delayed until closer to the need (e.g., expiration time). The strategy can also include an optional notification to refill the feeder unit (722) with the small amount of medication at a later time (e.g., when the expiration time is approaching) and return to the dispensing unit (724).

[0223] Another category is for medicaments (709) that allow a shorter air contact time. The air contact time is the time from when the medicament is taken out of its original packaging to when the medicament is resealed into a pouch (or other holder) by a dispensing device. The air contact time is typically determined based on past tests to determine when the medicament begins to deteriorate or based on policies / regulations that do not test medicaments. If the medicament is not tested for air contact time, the air contact time is typically set to be quite short, such as 24 or 48 hours. Therefore, when the method determines that the medicament belongs to the category of short air contact time, the feeder unit refill time (728) is determined based on the medicament need time (e.g., expiration time) and the air contact time. Then, a notification is sent at the feeder unit refill time or shortly in advance to continue to refill the feeder unit with medicament (730) and immediately return to the dispensing device (732). The feeder unit refill time is typically in the future (but not always if the dose is a medium or large amount) so that the short allowed air contact time is not wasted on a refilled feeder unit in a storage or holding location, or even in a dispensing unit long before it is needed for dispensing. Thus, a short allowed air contact time dose is refilled only when it is close to being needed in a production operation, thereby helping to minimize the risk of the allowed air contact time running out before the dose is dispensed by the dispensing device.

[0224] Based on multiple refill categories (such as Figure 7 Determining a refill strategy based on the refill category shown) allows for a more efficient overall process, ensuring that a feeder unit with the appropriate dose is available when needed, but not too far in advance so as not to take up valuable space in or around a dispensing device (or other refill / storage area). This strategy can also be particularly useful when there are multiple dispensing devices and the refilled feeder unit can be used with (and directed to be fed to) a different dispensing device that requires a particular dose earlier than the device from which the feeder unit came. In addition, this can be useful in configurations where different systems (e.g., a refill station separate from the dispensing device) work together. The dispensing device can then notify the refill station not only that the dose will soon be used up, but also the refill strategy of the most efficient strategy for refilling and replacing the exhausted feeder unit. This allows the external system to be more accurate in providing replacement or replenished feeder units.

[0225] In some embodiments, such as in Figure 6B, the notification 81 in the task list can be enhanced by providing a filling instruction 86 for refilling a specific feeder unit 40 and an acquisition instruction 87 related to where or when to obtain the already filled feeder unit 40 and / or the drug transport tray. In some embodiments, these instructions can be generated based on the refilling strategy. These instructions are preferably provided before the exhaustion time, and take into account the exhaustion time of other resources used by the dispensing device in the production process, such as defects or failures, production order changes, etc., as well as other feeder units, packaging materials, and / or other resources as described above. For example, the control unit 7 can predict that the workload required by human operators and / or external systems will increase at a certain time point during production. Therefore, the control unit can add tasks or re-prioritize the tasks of the task list, thereby guiding the preparation or acquisition of these resources before the actual need for specific resources. For example, the task list can include a notification and / or instruction to obtain a new packaging foil roll in time before the packaging foil roll needs to be replaced, or in the case of a feeder unit failure, the task list will be re-prioritized and quickly notify the need to prepare a new feeder unit and transport it to the area where it is needed.

[0226] Provide and dynamically update Figure 6B The task list provides several advantages for human operators and / or external devices. First, the task list reduces the burden on human operators by eliminating the need for manual planning or task prioritization to meet all due times (which may also be adjusted dynamically) and ensures that their workload remains reasonably constant, even if multiple resources may be required at short notice. Second, the enhanced task list 85 takes into account the reaction time of human operators and / or external systems responsible for replenishing resources. By predicting the increased workload and the timing of resource replenishment, the task list 85 ensures that human operators and / or external systems receive timely instructions to prepare and deliver the necessary resources, even when orders and requirements may change, for example, due to re-prioritization and / or available resources. This enables seamless integration between the distribution device and the external system, avoiding delays and minimizing or preventing any potential interruptions in the production process due to resource shortages, even when priorities and / or job orders change. In this way, human operators and / or external systems not only receive notifications about exhaustion / expiration times, but also receive proactive tasks or actions that minimize the risk of production delays or interruptions.

[0227] In some embodiments, the task list 85 provides instructions to the human operator to control one or more external systems. For example, the task list 85 may include instructions for the human operator to initiate (re)filling of one or more feeder units with a particular composition of medicament via a refilling station or transport of a particular feeder unit with a conveyor 76, or instructions to unlock a door of a storage system to obtain stored medicament. In this way, the task list enables the human operator to dynamically and appropriately control one or more external systems according to resource needs.

[0228] In some embodiments, the instructions of the task list 85 are adapted to be operational instructions that will be directly provided to one or more external systems. Therefore, the control unit 71 communicates directly with other systems via the task list. In this way, one or more external systems can take action before certain types of medicaments run out and replace the feeder unit (or other resources) on time (e.g., before or at the expiration time). The implementation of the task list as an operational instruction advantageously enables the external system to respond actively and quickly when an unexpected event occurs when production is carried out as predicted. As previously mentioned, unexpected events can include critical situations, such as a part of the dispensing device failing or a production order changing. By providing a task list to an external system, the control unit establishes dynamic and active communication with the external system, thereby enabling automatic coordination and resource allocation, reducing the risk of production interruptions, and improving overall productivity.

[0229] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C A method for dispensing a medicine 90 by using the above-mentioned dispensing device 1 comprises changing Figure 1 The processor 71 of the control unit 7 shown executes the steps of the order of the plurality of groups of distribution instructions G1 , G2 , G3 .

[0230] In particular, Fig. 8A It is shown that a first set of dispensing instructions G1 requires 45 times the dose 90 of composition A, 50 times the dose 90 of composition B, 10 times the dose 90 of composition C, and 15 times the dose 90 of composition D. Similarly, a second set of dispensing instructions G2 and a third set of dispensing instructions G3 are provided, which require different amounts of doses 90 of similar compositions C, D or different compositions E, F. The processor 71 is initially intended to execute these sets of dispensing instructions G1, G2, G3 in the order shown from left (current time) to right (future) along the time axis t.

[0231] Figure 8B A diagram showing the steps of a method to be executed by the processor 71 for determining an alternative order for executing the groups of dispensing instructions G1 , G2 , G3 when the first group of dispensing instructions G1 cannot be completed with the remaining medicaments 90 in the plurality of feeder units 40 .

[0232] Specifically, the method comprises the following steps: receiving these group dispensing instructions G1, G2, G3 (step S1) and before executing the first group dispensing instruction G1, causing the control unit 7 to determine whether the plurality of feeder units 40 contain enough readily available medicines 90 to complete the dispensing of the first selection and the first amount of medicines 90 according to the first group dispensing instruction G1 (step S2). If there are enough medicines 90 left in the plurality of feeder units 40 to permit dispensing, the medicines 90 are "readily available". When the medicines 90 exceed the expiration date registered in the system when dispensing or administering, the permission can be revoked. In the affirmative, the control unit 7 can continue to execute the first group dispensing instruction (step S3) and repeat the determination for each subsequent group dispensing instruction (step S4).

[0233] However, if the plurality of feeder units 40 contain insufficient readily available medicament 90 to complete the dispensing of the first selected and first amount of medicament 90 according to the first set of dispensing instructions G1, the control unit 7 switches to executing one or more of the further one or more sets of dispensing instructions G2, G3 (step S6), optionally after determining whether the feeder units 40 contain sufficient readily available medicament 90 to complete the dispensing of the selected and amount of medicament 90 associated with each subsequent set of further dispensing instructions G2, G3 (step S5). Thus, the order in which these sets of dispensing instructions G1, G2, G3 are executed may be changed, such as Figure 8C As shown. A feeder unit may eventually become insufficient in readily available doses due to normal dispensing processes that naturally require replenishing the feeder unit and unpredictable circumstances (e.g., failure or error) where the feeder unit is unable to dispense any remaining dose. It is also possible that due to other reasons (e.g., heavy workload, other system failures), a human operator or an external system has not previously replaced or replenished multiple feeder units 40 containing insufficient readily available doses 90 in a timely manner. For example, a human operator did not meet the expiration time of a second feeder unit.

[0234] During the execution of the additional set or sets of dispensing instructions G2, G3, actions may be taken to ensure that the plurality of feeder units 40 contain sufficient readily available medicaments 90 to complete the dispensing of the first selected and first amount of medicaments 90 according to the first set of dispensing instructions G1. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C and 5A to Figure 5CThe method shown can again notify the human operator or external system of the updated expiration time to replace or replenish the affected feeder unit 40. Alternatively, the control unit 7 can continue to execute the other one or more groups of dispensing instructions G2, G3 in another ordered sequence. For example, the group of dispensing instructions G3 can be executed before the group of dispensing instructions G2, so that the human operator or external system has more time to present the feeder unit or refill it with the medicament of the composition C.

[0235] like Fig. 8A and Figure 8C As shown, the first group of distribution instructions G1 and the other group or groups of distribution instructions G2, G3 preferably share a logistics parameter L, which associates the first group of distribution instructions G1 and the other group or groups of distribution instructions G2, G3 with a common batch. The control unit 7 is limited to only changing the order of the distribution instructions G1-G3 within the common batch. The logistics parameter L can be a delivery address, a patient order, a customer name, etc. If there are not enough readily available medicines 90 to complete the distribution according to any of these groups of distribution instructions G1, G2, G3, the control unit 7 will return to the determination step S2 and wait for the replenishment of medicines 90. Alternatively, the control unit 7 can transfer to another common batch (L) to continue production.

[0236] In an embodiment implementing the task list 85, the instructions in the task list can be adjusted according to the order of the dispensing instructions G1, G2, G3. For example, when the first group of dispensing instructions G1 cannot be completed with the remaining medicines 90 in the plurality of feeder units 40, the task list re-prioritizes the tasks associated with the feeder units for another group or groups of dispensing instructions G2, G3. For example, if the order has been as follows Figure 8C As shown, because the multiple feeder units 40 do not have sufficient doses of composition A and B, the task list 85 can provide instructions to the human operator and / or external system to first replenish the feeder units containing doses of composition A, which are used in the third set of dispensing instructions G3.

[0237] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B A diagram of a method for dispensing a medicament 90 from one of the feeder units 40 is shown, including a step for empty detection of said feeder unit 40 .

[0238] like Fig. 9A As shown, the method may be initiated (step S101) when no dispensing is detected at one of the feeder units 40, for example when the dispensing mechanism 52 is operated, when no medicament 90 is delivered from the container 50 towards the outlet 51 and / or no medicament is detected at the outlet 51. Figure 1As shown, the processor 71 of the control unit 7 starts a mode selection procedure (S102). The procedure involves determining a remaining value indicating the amount of medicament 90 remaining in the container 50 of the feeder unit 40 that has experienced a dispensing failure (step S103).

[0239] The remaining value may be determined in a manner similar to the determination of the exhaustion time 82 in FIG. 6 , such as by prediction and / or calculation based on a count since the start time or by calculating the remaining value as shown in FIG. Figure 2A The actual amount is shown to be detected at the feeder unit 40 by one or more sensors 53 , 54 .

[0240] like Fig. 9A As further shown in FIG. 1 , the processor 71 compares the remaining value with a threshold value (step S104). The threshold value may be predetermined. The threshold value of each feeder unit 40 may be the same, or the threshold value of each feeder unit 40 may be specific. The threshold value may be expressed as a percentage of the volume of the container 50, the level within the container 50, or the amount of the agent 90. The threshold value may be, for example, fifty percent of the original amount of the agent 90.

[0241] When the remaining value is greater than or above the threshold, the processor 71 will select and / or start the complete empty detection mode M1 (step S105). The complete empty detection mode M1 includes performing a first action for a first number or a first number of instances (step S106). The first action can be, for example, repeatedly controlling the dispensing mechanism 52. The first action can be, for example, performed ten times.

[0242] After each instance of the first action, or at the end of performing the first action a given number of times or a given number of instances, it is checked whether dispensing is detected or has been detected (step S107). In the affirmative, normal dispensing can be continued or resumed (step S108). When dispensing is still not detected, the complete empty detection mode M1 can further include the step of performing a second action a plurality of times or a plurality of instances (S109). The second action can be, for example, a different dispensing mode, reversing the dispensing mechanism 52 or by shaking the feeder unit 40 using the robot 11.

[0243] Likewise, after each instance of the second action, or at the end of a given number of times or a given number of instances of the second action, it is checked whether a dispense is detected or has been detected (step S110). Alternatively, depending on the type of the second action, for example when the second action itself is not a dispense action (e.g., shaking with a robot), the full detection mode M1 may first comprise repeating steps S106 and S107.

[0244] When dispensing is detected after performing the second action, and optionally repeating the first action, dispensing can be continued or resumed (step S111 or S108). When dispensing is still not detected, it is assumed that the feeder unit 40 is empty (step S112), and appropriate actions can be taken to replenish or replace the feeder unit 40, for example according to any of the above methods.

[0245] The complete empty detection mode M1 may take a relatively long time from the start (step S105) to the determination that the feeder unit 40 is empty (step S112). Fig. 8A The first duration D1 in FIG. 1 may be greater than fifteen seconds, greater than twenty seconds, or even greater than thirty seconds. During this time, the first collecting hopper 31 must remain stationary below the feeder unit 40 being tested to catch any medicament 90 that is successfully dispensed during the complete empty detection mode M1. Therefore, the complete empty detection mode M1 of a single feeder unit 40 generates downtime in the dispensing operation of the entire dispensing device 1.

[0246] Therefore, the processor 71 is configured or programmed to switch to or select the shortened empty detection mode M2 ​​(step S201 ) when the remaining value determined in step S103 is less than or below a threshold value.

[0247] exist Fig. 9B The shortened null detection mode M2 ​​is shown in more detail in . After selecting the shortened null detection mode M2 ​​(step S201), the processor 71 starts the shortened null detection mode M2 ​​(step S202).

[0248] The shortened empty detection mode M2 ​​involves: performing the first action and the second action of the full empty detection mode M1 a second number of times or a second number of instances, which is less than the number of times or instances set for those actions in the full empty detection mode M1; or performing only one of the first action or the second action the same number of times or the same number of instances or a smaller number of times or a smaller number of instances (step S203). Step S203 may, for example, involve only operating the dispensing mechanism 52 of the affected feeder unit 40 in the full empty detection mode M1 a number of times or a smaller number of instances compared to step S106. Also, the second action may be completely omitted from the shortened empty detection mode M2 ​​to save valuable time.

[0249] After each action in step S203, or after completing the actions of step S203 a given number of times or a given number of instances, a check is made to see if a dose 90 is or has been dispensed (step S204). In the affirmative, normal dispensing can be resumed or continued (step S205). If still no dispensing is detected, it is assumed that the feeder unit 40 is empty (step S206) and appropriate actions similar to ending the complete empty detection mode can be taken.

[0250] The shortened empty detection mode M2 ​​takes a relatively short time from the start (step S202) to the determination that the feeder unit 40 is empty (step S206). Figure 8B The second duration D2 in denoted by . The second duration D2 may be, for example, less than half of the first duration D1 , preferably less than a quarter of the first duration D1 .

[0251] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C An alternative distribution device 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, which differs from the aforementioned distribution device 1 in that the collection section 102 includes an array of feeder positions 120 distributed along an alternative non-circular collection path Z2. The collection path Z2 is annular, similar to the circular collection path Z1 of the first embodiment of the invention. The alternative collection path Z2 may include one or more circular and non-circular segments. In this example, the alternative collection path Z2 includes two straight or linear segments and two semicircular segments, which connect the two straight or linear segments to connect the segments in an annular manner.

[0252] Similarly, the collection section 103 includes a plurality of collection hoppers 31 configured to travel between a starting position A and an end position B in a collection direction C along an alternative collection path Z2, thereby accessing each of the plurality of feeder positions 120 and collecting the desired medicaments 90 from the feeder units 40 held in the plurality of feeder positions 120. The plurality of collection hoppers 31 may be arranged, for example, on an endless drive belt, chain 132, etc., thereby driving the plurality of hoppers 31 in the collection direction C along the alternative collection path Z2.

[0253] The alternative dispensing device 101 further comprises a packing section 106 having a first packing unit 61 positioned in a first packing position P1 along the alternative collecting path Z2.

[0254] Fig. 10A The first feeder unit 41 (see Fig. 10B ) at the first feeder position 121 and the second feeder unit 42 (see Fig. 10C) A second feeder position 122 downstream of the first feeder position 121 in the same manner as the relative positioning of the feeder units 41, 42 in the previously discussed embodiments.

[0255] A robot 11 similar to that shown in the previously discussed embodiments may be arranged in a central position within the alternative collection path Z2.

[0256] It will be clear that the dispensing operation and method described in connection with the dispensing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention may be applied mutatis mutandis to the alternative dispensing device 101 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0257] Although the present description refers to medicaments, tablets, etc., the devices and methods can be used to dispense other types of solid discrete items for separation and packaging.

[0258] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which variations are also encompassed by the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0259] List of Reference Numerals

[0260] 1 Distribution device

[0261] 10 Housing

[0262] 11. Robot

[0263] 12 Inventory Locations

[0264] 2 Allocation of sections

[0265] 20 Feeder Position Array

[0266] 21 First feeder position

[0267] 22 Second feeder position

[0268] 23 Previous feeder position

[0269] 24 Feeder loading components

[0270] 25 Feeder loading position

[0271] 26 manual loading positions

[0272] 3 Collection section

[0273] More than 30 collection hoppers

[0274] 31 First collecting hopper

[0275] 32 Collection Rack

[0276] More than 40 feeder units

[0277] 41 First feeder unit

[0278] 42 Second feeder unit

[0279] 50 Containers

[0280] 51 Exit

[0281] 52 Allocation Agency

[0282] 53 Verify Sensor

[0283] 54 Counting Sensor

[0284] 6 Packaging Section

[0285] 61 First packaging unit

[0286] 62 Second packaging unit

[0287] 7 Control unit

[0288] 71 Processor

[0289] 72 Computer readable medium

[0290] 75 Other systems

[0291] 76 Conveyor

[0292] 8 Graphical User Interface

[0293] 80 Timeline

[0294] 81 Notice

[0295] 82 Running out of time

[0296] 83 Expiration Time

[0297] 84 Refill Strategy Button

[0298] 85 Task List

[0299] 86 Fill instruction

[0300] 87 Get Instructions

[0301] 90 Pharmacy

[0302] 91 The first composition of the medicine

[0303] 101 Alternative dispensing devices

[0304] 102 Allocation Section

[0305] 120 Feeder Position Array

[0306] 121 First feeder position

[0307] 122 Second feeder position

[0308] 103 Collection Section

[0309] 132 Drive chain

[0310] 106 Packaging Section

[0311] A Starting Position

[0312] B End position

[0313] C Collection direction

[0314] D1 First duration

[0315] D2 Second duration

[0316] F Packaging of medicines

[0317] G1 The first group of allocation instructions

[0318] G2 The second group of allocation instructions

[0319] G3 The third group of allocation instructions

[0320] H Interval angle

[0321] L Logistics parameters

[0322] M1 Full Empty Detection Mode

[0323] M2 Shortened null detection mode

[0324] P1 First packaging position

[0325] P2 First packaging position

[0326] R Collection Scope

[0327] S1-S6 Steps of the Prioritization Method

[0328] S101-S112 Steps of the method for empty detection

[0329] S201-S206 Additional steps of the method for empty detection

[0330] t time

[0331] X rotation axis

[0332] Z1 Ring Collection Path

[0333] Z2 Alternative Ring Collection Path

Claims

1. A method for dispensing discrete medicaments by means of a dispensing device, in, The dispensing device comprises a dispensing section for dispensing the medicament, wherein the dispensing section defines an array of feeder positions for holding a plurality of feeder units, wherein each of the plurality of feeder units comprises a container for containing a medicament having a composition specific to the respective feeder unit, an outlet for dispensing the medicament, and a dispensing mechanism located between the container and the outlet for controlling the feeding of the medicament from the container into the outlet, Wherein, the method comprises the following steps: - predicting a future depletion time when the medicament in the container of a first feeder unit of the plurality of feeder units will be depleted; - providing a notification of the need to present to the dispensing device a second feeder unit containing a medicament having the same composition as the first feeder unit before the exhaustion time, and an expiration time for presenting the second feeder unit to the dispensing device; - determining a refill strategy for the first feeder unit based on determining a category of a plurality of refill categories according to the medicament in the first feeder unit; - providing refill notifications based on the refill policy; and - continuing to dispense medicament from said first feeder unit at least until said expiry time.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The notification and / or the refill notification is provided to a human operator and / or a system external to the dispensing device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein: The system external to the dispensing device is one or more of: a (re)filling station, an inventory and / or storage management system and a transport system.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising determining to keep the feeder unit in the dispensing device after an exhaustion time.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: At a later time, preferably when a refilling strategy can be implemented, the feeder unit is ejected from the dispensing device.

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The plurality of refill categories include one or more of: a large dose, a medium dose, a small dose, and a dose with a short air contact time.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein: when the refill category is determined to be a large dose of medication, the refill strategy includes providing for the refill notification to immediately refill the first feeder unit with a dose of medication having the same composition and presenting the refilled first feeder unit back to the dispensing device once the refilled first feeder unit is refilled; When the refill category is determined to be a medium-volume medicament, the refill strategy includes providing the refill notification to refill the first feeder unit with a medicament having the same composition and placing the first feeder unit in a holding or storage position; as well as When the refill category is determined to be a small dose, the refill strategy includes providing the refill notification without immediate refill.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: When the refill category is determined to be a short allowed air contact time medicine, the refill strategy determines the feeder unit refill time based on the medicine required time and the allowed air contact time, notifies through the refill notification to continue the feeder unit refilling at the feeder unit refill time, and returns to the dispensing device.

9. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The depletion time is predicted based on a recorded amount of medicament in the container of the first feeder unit at a dispensing start time and a count of medicament dispensed from the outlet of the first feeder unit since the start time and / or based on an actual amount of medicament remaining in the container of the first feeder unit.

10. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: - receiving the second feeder unit at the dispensing device; and - placing the second feeder unit downstream of the first feeder unit and in one of the feeder positions in the array of feeder positions before the depletion time.

11. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a dispensing device to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A dispensing device for dispensing discrete doses of medicine, wherein: The dispensing device comprises a dispensing section for dispensing the medicament, wherein the dispensing section defines an array of feeder positions for holding a plurality of feeder units, wherein each of the plurality of feeder units comprises a container for containing the medicament, an outlet for dispensing the medicament, and a dispensing mechanism located between the container and the outlet for controlling the delivery of the medicament from the container to the outlet, The dispensing device further comprises a user interface and a control unit for controlling the graphical user interface and the plurality of feeder units, wherein the control unit comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by the processor cause the control unit to: - predicting the exhaustion time of the first feeder unit, - providing a notification of the exhaustion time and an expiration time on the graphical user interface, the expiration time indicating the time when a second feeder unit needs to be presented to the dispensing device; - determining a refilling strategy for the first feeder unit based on determining a category of a plurality of refill categories according to the medicament in the first feeder unit, - providing refill notifications based on the refill policy; and - controlling the plurality of feeder units to continue dispensing from the first feeder unit until at least the expiry time.

13. The dispensing device of claim 12, wherein: The refill notification is provided to a system external to the dispensing device.

14. A dispensing device as claimed in claim 11 or claim 13, wherein: The multiple refill categories include: a large amount of medicine, a medium amount of medicine, a small amount of medicine, and a medicine with a short air contact time.

15. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The control unit further controls the dispensing device to keep the feeder unit in the dispensing device after an expiration time.

16. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: when the refill category is determined to be a large dose of medication, the refill strategy includes providing for the refill notification to immediately refill the first feeder unit with a dose of medication having the same composition and presenting the refilled first feeder unit back to the dispensing device once the refilled first feeder unit is refilled; When the refill category is determined to be a medium-volume medicament, the refill strategy includes providing the refill notification to refill the first feeder unit with a medicament having the same composition and placing the first feeder unit in a holding or storage position; And when the refill category is determined to be a small amount of medication, the refill strategy includes providing the refill notification without immediate refill.

17. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: When the refill category is determined to be a short allowed air contact time medicine, the refill strategy determines the feeder unit refill time based on the medicine required time and the allowed air contact time, notifies to continue the feeder unit refilling at the feeder unit refill time, and returns to the dispensing device.

18. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein: The dispensing device is configured to receive the second feeder unit at the dispensing device; and to place the second feeder unit in one of the feeder positions in the array of feeder positions before the exhaustion time.

19. A method for dispensing discrete doses of medicine by means of a dispensing device, in, The dispensing device comprises: a dispensing section for dispensing medicaments and defining an array of feeder positions distributed along the collection path for holding a plurality of feeder units, and a manual loading position for receiving a plurality of drug transport trays, a collecting section for collecting the medicament from the dispensing section, and A packaging section for packaging the medicine received from the collecting section, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - predicting a future initial depletion time of one or more dispensing resources used by the dispensing device to dispense the discrete doses; - providing an initial instruction to present one or more of said allocated resources prior to said initial depletion time and providing an initial expiration time for one or more of said allocated resources; - predicting updated exhaustion times of one or more dispensing resources during the dispensing of discrete doses, - provide updated instructions and / or updated expiry dates; and - Continuing to distribute the medicament at least until an updated expiry time of the one or more distribution resources.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: The distribution resources are one or more of: a feeder unit and packaging material.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein: The initial and / or updated instructions and due times are provided in a task list that is prioritized based on a time to exhaustion of one or more allocated resources.

22. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times are provided to a human operator and include fill instructions for filling the feeder unit and / or the medication transport tray.

23. The method of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: The initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times are provided to a human operator and include retrieval instructions as to where and when to retrieve the allocated resources.

24. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein: The initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times are provided to a human operator and include operating instructions for operating one or more systems external to the allocation device to present one or more of the allocated resources.

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, the initial and / or updated instructions and expiry times being adapted as machine operation commands and provided to one or more systems external to the allocation apparatus presenting one or more of the allocated resources.

26. The method of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein: The steps of predicting updated depletion times for one or more dispensing resources during dispensing of discrete medicaments, and providing updated instructions and / or updated expiration times are performed multiple times to dynamically adjust the depletion times and provide updated instructions.

27. The method of claim 19, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: - receiving a first set of dispensing instructions requiring a first selection and a first amount of medicament to be dispensed from a plurality of feeder units and / or drug transport trays; - receiving one or more additional sets of allocation instructions to be executed after the first set of allocation instructions, wherein at least one of the additional sets of one or more sets of allocation instructions requires a selection different from the first selection or an amount different from the first amount; - determining a distribution instruction sequence based on the first set of distribution instructions and the one or more further sets of distribution instructions; and - prior to executing said first set of dispensing instructions, determining whether said plurality of feeder units and / or medicine transport trays contain sufficient readily available medicament to complete dispensing of said first selection and said first amount of medicament in accordance with said first set of dispensing instructions; Wherein, if the readily available medications not presented and / or contained in the plurality of feeder units and / or medication transport trays before or at the expiration time are insufficient to complete dispensing of the first selection and the first amount of medication according to the dispensing instruction sequence, the method further comprises the following steps: - before executing said first set of allocation instructions, updating said sequence of allocation instructions to execute one or more of said one or more further sets of allocation instructions.

28. A dispensing device for dispensing discrete doses of medicine, wherein: The dispensing device comprises: A dispensing section for dispensing the medicament and defining an array of feeder positions distributed along an annular collection path for holding a plurality of feeder units and a manual loading position for receiving a plurality of drug transport trays a collecting section for collecting the medicament from the dispensing section, a packaging section for packaging the medicines received from the collecting section, and a control unit for receiving a status of a dispensing resource used by the dispensing device to dispense the discrete doses, wherein the control unit comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the control unit to: - predicting the future initial exhaustion time of the allocated resource; - providing an initial instruction to present one or more of said allocated resources to said allocation means and an expiry time prior to said exhaustion time; - predicting updated exhaustion times of one or more dispensing resources during the dispensing of discrete doses; - provide updated instructions and / or updated expiry dates; and - continuing to allocate said medicament at least until the expiry time of one or more of said allocated resources.

29. The dispensing device of claim 29, wherein: The distribution resources are one or more of: a feeder unit and packaging material.

30. Dispensing device according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein The initial and / or updated instructions and due times are provided in a task list that is prioritized based on a time to exhaustion of one or more allocated resources.

31. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein: The allocation apparatus further comprises a graphical user interface controlled by the control unit and wherein the instructions and expiry times of one or more of the allocated resources are presented to a human operator on the graphical user interface.

32. The dispensing device of claim 32, wherein: The initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times include fill instructions to fill or refill the feeder unit and / or the medication transport tray.

33. A dispensing device as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, wherein: The initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times include acquisition instructions for where and / or when to acquire the allocated resources.

34. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein: The initial instructions and / or updated instructions and expiration times include operating instructions to operate one or more systems external to the allocation device to render one or more of the allocated resources.

35. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein: The initial and / or updated instructions and expiration times for presenting one or more of the allocated resources are adapted as machine operation commands provided to one or more systems external to the allocation apparatus presenting the one or more of the allocated resources.

36. A dispensing device as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein The steps of predicting updated depletion times for one or more dispensing resources during dispensing of discrete medicaments, and providing updated instructions and / or updated expiration times are performed multiple times to dynamically adjust the depletion times and provide updated instructions.

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