Indicator module for medication dispensing system, system and method of facilitating medication dispensing

Abstract

An indicator module for a medication dispensing system, the indicator module for use with a medication cabinet. The indicator module includes: a body; the plurality of indicators are arranged on the body or in the body; each of the indicators includes a unique color, and each of the indicators corresponds to a separate dispenser. The indicator is activated to provide a visual indication of a physical location of a prescription item defined in the drug prescription to the dispenser; and the indicator is activated to allow a plurality of dispensers to simultaneously position prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indicator module for a medication dispensing system and the medication dispensing system, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an indicator module for a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dispensing system and the TCM dispensing system. The present disclosure also relates to a method for facilitating medication dispensing, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method for facilitating TCM dispensing. Background Art

[0002] A medication (or drug) is prescribed by a healthcare provider (e.g., a doctor), and the medication is specified in a prescription, such as a paper or digital document. The prescription is typically provided to a pharmacist or other appropriate healthcare professional who prepares and dispenses the medication specified in the prescription. The prescription specifies the name of the medication, the dosage and frequency of administration, and any other special conditions or precautions.

[0003] Patients are typically given instructions on how to take their medication, including the dosage and frequency specified in the prescription. Patients are also fully informed of any special instructions or restrictions. Patients must follow these instructions to avoid any potential side effects or adverse reactions.

[0004] Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive health and medical system developed in my country. Originating and developing in ancient China, the system is still widely practiced in China and around the world. Practitioners use a variety of psychological and / or physical approaches to address health issues. The fundamental principle of TCM is that the body's qi circulates through channels called meridians, which have branches connected to organs and functions. TCM typically includes a variety of therapies, such as acupuncture, cupping therapy, scraping, massage (e.g., tuina), qigong or tai chi, dietary therapies, and herbal remedies.

[0005] Herbal medicine is an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The practice of TCM involves the use of plant elements as well as non-plant substances such as animal fungi and mineral products. Thousands of compounds have been documented in TCM, with over 100,000 TCM preparations or formulations documented. TCM practitioners (i.e., TCM clinicians) dispense various herbal preparations. These preparations contain one or more TCM compounds (i.e., herbs) that have been processed in a suitable manner.

[0006] Traditional Chinese medicine preparations are prescribed by qualified physicians with appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience. However, there is a shortage of experienced TCM practitioners capable of dispensing them. Preparing and dispensing TCM preparations based on prescriptions can be challenging for inexperienced personnel because several herbs, or components of TCM preparations, appear very similar. Lacking experienced training, young personnel can be time-consuming and reduce the speed and effectiveness of TCM dispensing. Due to the similarity of ingredients, inexperienced personnel can also make errors when preparing TCM preparations based on prescriptions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an indicator module for a medication dispensing system is provided, which is used in conjunction with a medicine cabinet. The indicator module comprises:

[0008] ontology;

[0009] a plurality of indicators disposed on or within the body;

[0010] Each of said indicators comprises a unique color, and each of said indicators corresponds to a separate dispenser,

[0011] The indicator is activated to provide a visual indication to a dispenser of the physical location of a prescription item defined in a medication prescription; and the indicator is activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

[0012] In one example, in use, the indicators are independently activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously position prescription items within one or more compartments of the medicine cabinet.

[0013] In one example, the indicator module includes at least three indicators; wherein

[0014] One indicator includes a first color, one indicator includes a second color, and one indicator includes a third color;

[0015] Each color corresponds to a separate dispenser, allowing at least three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items (ie, items stored within the medicine cabinet) within the medicine cabinet based on the specific color indicators activated.

[0016] In one example, the first color is red, the second color is blue, and the third color is green.

[0017] In one example, the body of the indicator module includes:

[0018] Central Department;

[0019] at least one lateral extension extending outwardly from the central portion, wherein the lateral extension includes an inclined region;

[0020] The plurality of indicators are located in the inclined area.

[0021] In one example, the indicator module includes at least two groups of indicators; wherein

[0022] Each group of indicators includes a plurality of indicators, and the indicators in each group are identical to each other;

[0023] The body includes two lateral extensions extending outwardly from the central portion, the lateral extensions extending from the central portion in opposite directions;

[0024] each of the lateral extensions includes an inclined region, a first set of indicators disposed on the inclined region of a first lateral extension and a second set of indicators disposed on the inclined region of the second lateral extension; and

[0025] In use, the plurality of indicators are independently activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

[0026] In one example, the first set of indicators includes three indicators, and the second set of indicators includes three indicators; wherein

[0027] The indicators in the first and second groups are defined as pairs such that the same indicators in the first and second groups activate together;

[0028] The three indicators in each group are of different colors;

[0029] In use, the paired indicators are activated simultaneously;

[0030] wherein, in use, the indicators in the first and second groups are activated to allow three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

[0031] In one example, the indicator module includes:

[0032] an indicator module controller associated with the indicator module;

[0033] said indicator module controller being operatively connected to each of said indicators; and

[0034] The indicator module controller is configured to wirelessly receive messages to activate one or more indicators to indicate to one or more dispensers the location of a prescription item defined in a prescription within the compartment associated with the indicator module.

[0035] In one example, the indicator module controller is used to activate multiple indicators of different colors to indicate the locations of prescription items defined in the prescription to the dispensers associated with the indicators, so that the dispensers can be simultaneously guided to the locations of the prescription items defined in the prescription.

[0036] In one example, the indicator module includes:

[0037] a dynamically adjustable label disposed on a central portion of the body; wherein the label displays a label of the contents of a compartment of the medicine cabinet,

[0038] wherein the indicator module controller is operatively connected to the dynamically adjustable label;

[0039] The indicator module controller is configured to control the visual appearance of the tag or change the content of the tag based on received wireless messages.

[0040] In one example, the indicator module is used to:

[0041] one or more microswitches operably connected to a compartment associated with the indicator module, wherein the compartment is a compartment of the medicine cabinet;

[0042] determining a position of the compartment based on the position of the microswitch;

[0043] If it is determined based on the determined position of the compartment that the compartment has been open for a time greater than a threshold time, the visual appearance of the label is adjusted.

[0044] In one example, the dynamically adjustable label is an electronic ink module that can display a name or image indicating the contents of the compartment associated with the indicator module.

[0045] In one example, the indicator module includes:

[0046] a battery operatively connected to the indicator to power the indicator;

[0047] a disabling button disposed on the body; wherein the disabling button is used to disable the indicator module or put the indicator module into a sleep mode when the button is actuated;

[0048] a restart button disposed on the body; wherein the restart button is used to restart the indicator module when activated;

[0049] The USB port is arranged on the lower side of the body.

[0050] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a drug dispensing system is provided. The system comprises:

[0051] A medicine cabinet comprising a plurality of compartments; wherein each compartment is used to store a medication prescription item;

[0052] a plurality of indicator modules; each said compartment including a separate indicator module disposed thereon and associated with said compartment;

[0053] Wherein, each of the indicator modules is any indicator module described above or the indicator module described in the first aspect of the present disclosure;

[0054] a dispenser control module for receiving a medication prescription including at least one prescription item;

[0055] a medicine cabinet control module for locating a position of each of the at least one prescription item stored in one of a plurality of pre-set compartments of the medicine cabinet;

[0056] wherein an indicator of an indicator module is activated based on the prescription to indicate a physical location of each prescription item defined in the prescription; and

[0057] wherein the indicator is activated to allow a plurality of dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items defined within the prescription.

[0058] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a drug dispensing system is provided. The system comprises:

[0059] A medicine cabinet; said medicine cabinet comprising a plurality of compartments;

[0060] wherein each of the compartments is used to store a medication prescription item, and each of the compartments defines a physical location of a prescription item;

[0061] a plurality of indicator modules, each of said indicator modules being associated with a separate compartment;

[0062] Wherein, each of the indicator modules includes:

[0063] ontology;

[0064] A plurality of indicators are arranged on or in the body; wherein

[0065] Each of said indicators comprises a unique color, and each of said indicators corresponds to a separate dispenser;

[0066] The indicator is activated to provide a visual indication to the dispenser of the physical location of a prescription item defined in the medication prescription;

[0067] a dispenser control module for receiving a medication prescription including at least one prescription item;

[0068] a cabinet control module for locating a physical location of each of the at least one prescription item stored in one of a plurality of pre-set compartments of the medicine cabinet;

[0069] wherein an indicator of an indicator module is activated based on the prescription to indicate a physical location of each prescription item defined in the prescription; and

[0070] wherein the indicator is activated to allow a plurality of dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items defined within the prescription.

[0071] In one example, the medicine cabinet control module is used to identify a specific compartment in which the at least one prescription item is stored; and the medicine cabinet control module is used to send a signal to an indicator module to activate one or more indicators on the indicator module to visually indicate the physical location of the prescription item to the dispenser.

[0072] In one example, the dispenser control module is configured to receive a plurality of prescriptions, each of the prescriptions being associated with a particular dispenser.

[0073] Wherein, the medicine cabinet control module is used to:

[0074] locating a physical location of each prescription item in each of the plurality of prescriptions, wherein each physical location corresponds to a particular compartment within the medicine cabinet;

[0075] transmitting an activation signal to each indicator module associated with each compartment storing a prescription item defined in the prescription;

[0076] The indicator module on each compartment storing the prescription items is used to activate a specific indicator associated with each specific dispenser to provide each specific dispenser with a visual indication of the physical location of each prescription item in the prescription associated with the specific dispenser.

[0077] In one example, the system includes a confusion matrix module for scheduling an activation sequence to activate the indicator in a staggered manner for two or more similar-looking prescription items defined in a single prescription.

[0078] In one example, the indicator module includes at least three indicators;

[0079] wherein one indicator comprises a first color, one indicator comprises a second color, and one indicator comprises a third color;

[0080] Each color corresponds to a separate dispenser, allowing at least three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items within the medicine cabinet based on the specific color indicator activated.

[0081] The medicine cabinet control module is configured to independently activate an appropriately colored indicator based on a prescription associated with a particular dispenser; wherein the specific color of the indicator indicates to the particular dispenser the physical location of a prescription item within the prescription associated with the dispenser.

[0082] In one example, the first color is red, the second color is blue, and the third color is green.

[0083] In one example, the activation sequence is further used to control activation of the indicators in a staggered manner for two or more similar prescription items present in two or more prescriptions to prevent two dispensers from accessing similar prescription items defined in their respective prescriptions.

[0084] In one example, the system further includes a display module for notifying the dispenser of an error or potential error associated with the at least one prescription item of the medication prescription.

[0085] Potential errors include selecting the wrong prescription item due to confusion. Errors may also be related to incorrect dispenser access to a prescription item due to an incorrect indicator light color. Other errors are also possible. The medicine cabinet control module or the dispenser control module can be configured to detect one or more errors and display the error on the display module.

[0086] In one example, the system allows multiple dispensers (ie, multiple users) to fill a prescription simultaneously by selecting one or more prescription items defined in the prescription.

[0087] In one example, the system is configured to allow three users to simultaneously dispense medications in a single process by activating a specific indicator color corresponding to a specific dispenser to direct the dispenser to the location of the prescription item. The dispenser control module can be configured to associate one or more prescription items from the prescription with the dispenser so that no dispenser must access the same prescription item. The medicine cabinet control module can be configured to receive a list of the prescription items and the associations of the prescription items with the dispensers, i.e., the relationship between each prescription item and the associated dispenser. The cabinet control module is further configured to activate an indicator of a color associated with the dispenser to direct the dispenser to the physical location of the prescription item associated with each dispenser, so that the dispensers can simultaneously collect the respective prescription items to dispense medications according to the prescription.

[0088] In another example, the system is configured to allow multiple dispensers to dispense multiple prescriptions simultaneously, wherein each dispenser is associated with a separate prescription. The dispenser control module can be configured to transmit multiple prescriptions to the medicine cabinet control module, wherein each prescription is associated with a separate dispenser, i.e., each dispenser is responsible for a single prescription. The medicine cabinet control module can be configured to identify the physical location of each prescription item in each prescription. The medicine cabinet control module can also be configured to activate the color indicator associated with each dispenser to guide each dispenser to the physical location of the prescription item within its corresponding prescription, wherein the activated specific color indicator allows multiple dispensers to dispense multiple prescriptions simultaneously.

[0089] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for facilitating drug distribution is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

[0090] receiving a plurality of drug prescriptions, each of the prescriptions comprising at least one prescription item;

[0091] Each medication prescription associated with a specific dispenser;

[0092] locating a position of each of at least one prescription item defined in each of the plurality of prescriptions; and

[0093] A visual indication is provided to each dispenser indicating the physical location of each of the at least one prescription item defined in each prescription; wherein a specific visual indication corresponding to each dispenser is provided so that multiple dispensers can simultaneously locate at least one prescription item from their associated prescriptions based on the specific visual indication corresponding to the dispenser.

[0094] The visual indication may be provided by one or more indicators on the indicator module.The indicator module may be any indicator module described above or the indicator module described in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0095] In one example, a unique color may be associated with a particular dispenser.The specific visual indication may include presenting a unique / unique color corresponding to a particular dispenser to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously identify and access one or more items defined in a recipe.

[0096] In one example, the method includes the following additional steps:

[0097] locating a physical location of each prescription item in each of the plurality of prescriptions; wherein each physical location corresponds to a specific compartment within the medicine cabinet;

[0098] transmitting an activation signal to each indicator module associated with each compartment storing a prescription item defined in the prescription;

[0099] A specific indicator associated with each specific dispenser is activated to provide each specific dispenser with a visual indication of the physical location of each prescription item in the prescription associated with the specific dispenser.

[0100] Each prescription item defined in the drug prescription may include an herb or an herbal compound or an herbal preparation. The drug prescription may be a traditional Chinese medicine formula.

[0101] The term "herb" or "herb" also refers to a Chinese medicine compound, or any material or substance suitable for use in Chinese medicine / TCM practice, or a medicinal compound, or any material or substance suitable for use in any treatment or dietary therapy or procedure. Such treatment or dietary therapy or regimen is not limited to Chinese medicine practice, but can include other types of traditional or modern medical practices, health and well-being, dietary or psychological or psychiatric procedures or treatments, as well as treatment for humans or veterinary treatment for animals. The compound, material or substance can also be in an unprocessed form (e.g., picked plant or fungal material, cut from an animal, etc.), a semi-processed form (lightly processed material that has been cut, dried or preserved, etc.), a processed form (processed into a powder form, pellet form, tablet form, or a pharmaceutical compound mixed with other compounds or materials, etc.), or any combination of the above.

[0102] The term "herb" or "herbal preparation" may encompass a single herb or a mixture of multiple herbs. The term "herb" or "herbal preparation" includes plant ingredients and non-plant substances that can be used to prepare traditional Chinese medicine preparations, such as animal products, fungi, mineral products or other non-plant (i.e., non-vegetative) products or ingredients. These herbs can be processed in any suitable manner, such as grinding, cutting, chopping, powdering, etc. Traditional Chinese medicine preparations can include one or more herbs. Herbs can define the components of traditional Chinese medicine preparations or other pharmaceutical preparations.

[0103] As used herein, the term "comprising" (and its grammatical variations) is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not in the sense of "consisting only of.

[0104] It will be appreciated that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that this information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0105] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0106] Figure 1 A block diagram of a medication dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0107] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the operational connections of the medicine cabinet control module and other components of the medication dispensing system is shown.

[0108] Figure 3 An example of a medicine cabinet of a medication dispensing system is shown.

[0109] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 Example compartments of a medicine cabinet.

[0110] Figure 5 An example indicator module is shown associated with a compartment of a medicine cabinet.

[0111] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 on the underside of the indicator module.

[0112] Figure 7 A schematic diagram is shown of the indicator module controller and its operative connections to the other components of the indicator module.

[0113] Figure 8 Shows the use of Figure 1 The system facilitates an exemplary method of drug dispensing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] Traditional Chinese medicine formulas come in a variety of forms, such as herbal decoctions, powders, pills, capsules, and tinctures. Traditional Chinese medicine preparations are made from a combination of herbs, other plant materials, or non-plant materials such as fungi or animal parts.

[0115] Qualified Chinese medicine practitioners are required to design prescriptions and identify the prescription items defined in the prescriptions to prepare prescribed medicines, such as prescribed Chinese medicine preparations. Due to the lack of experienced Chinese medicine dispensers and the addition of new inexperienced personnel, a system is needed to guide inexperienced personnel to obtain appropriate herbs, i.e., the prescription items that define the prescriptions. Inexperienced staff are prone to making mistakes when dispensing medicines according to prescriptions because they often cannot find or find incorrect herbs or ingredients. In view of the challenges in locating the herbs defined in the prescriptions, Chinese medicine pharmacies can only slow down operations. In Chinese medicine dispensers, herbs, i.e., the ingredients of Chinese medicine preparations, are stored in large cabinets including multiple compartments or drawers. For Chinese medicine practitioners, locating the correct herbs defined in the Chinese medicine prescriptions can be very time-consuming. Examples of smart cabinets such as those described in patent US18 / 184,154 include digital implementations within a Chinese medicine environment to monitor the inventory stored in the medicine cabinet and provide assistance to Chinese medicine pharmacies.

[0116] refer to Figure 1, an embodiment of a drug dispensing system 100 is shown. The medication dispensing system 100 includes: a medicine cabinet 108, which includes a plurality of compartments 110, wherein each compartment is used to store a medication prescription item and each compartment defines the physical location of the prescription item; a plurality of indicator modules 200, each indicator module is associated with a separate compartment 110, each indicator module includes a plurality of indicators 210, wherein each indicator 210 includes a unique color and each indicator 210 corresponds to a separate dispenser, and the indicator is activated to provide the dispenser with a visual indication of the physical location of the prescription item defined in the medication prescription; a dispenser control module 102, which is used to receive a medication prescription including at least one prescription item; a medicine cabinet control module 104, which is used to locate the physical location of each prescription item in at least one prescription item stored in one of a plurality of preset compartments of the medicine cabinet; wherein the indicators 210 of the indicator modules 200 are activated based on the prescription to indicate the physical location of each prescription item defined in the prescription; wherein the indicators 210 are activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously locate the prescription items defined in the prescription within the medicine cabinet.

[0117] In this exemplary embodiment, the medication dispensing system 100 allows multiple dispensers, such as multiple Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dispensers, to dispense multiple prescriptions simultaneously. The indicator includes multiple colors and is activated to direct each TCM practitioner to the physical location of the prescription item in their individual prescription. The medication dispensing system 100 of this exemplary embodiment is advantageous because it allows for the dispensing of more prescriptions. This is because multiple dispensers (or multiple staff members) can process prescriptions simultaneously.

[0118] Optionally, the medication dispensing system 100 can also allow multiple dispensers to work together to dispense medications according to a single prescription. The system's indicator 210 can be operated to direct each dispenser (i.e., a staff member) to the physical compartment where the prescription items are stored in the prescription. In this example, the prescription items of the prescription can be grouped, and each group of prescription items can be associated with a dispenser. The indicator 210 can be operated to direct each dispenser to the specific location of its prescription items. The dispenser can combine the collected prescription items to dispense medication according to the prescription.

[0119] The medication dispensing system 100 can be programmed to accurately locate the correct prescription item, such as an herb or other prescription item defined in a prescription, stored in a medicine cabinet 108, which may include multiple compartments 110, such as drawers. Advantageously, the medication dispensing system 100 acts as a pick-to-light system, in which the physical location of a specific herb or ingredient used for a prescription is illuminated by an indicator. The pick-to-light system can help reduce errors in medication dispensing, for example, reducing errors in identifying incorrect prescription items for a traditional Chinese medicine prescription. The system includes multiple indicators, which advantageously allow multiple dispensers (i.e., staff) to work together and access prescription items from the drawers 110 of the medicine cabinet 108 and complete the dispensing of multiple prescriptions according to the prescriptions. Alternatively, when the dispensers are simultaneously guided to the locations of the various ingredients of the prescription, the system allows for faster dispensing of a single prescription.

[0120] The medication dispensing system 100 also includes an input module 106. During use, the input module 106 is configured to receive prescription input. The input module 106 may receive input from a tablet, phone, or workstation via wireless messaging. Alternatively, the input module 106 may include a user interface, such as buttons, a dial, or a keyboard. The input module 106 may directly receive prescription input via the user interface. The prescription input may define multiple prescription items, such as multiple ingredients. These ingredients may be herbs or other prescription items that can be used to prepare a prescribed Chinese medicine preparation.

[0121] The dispenser control module 102 is used to receive prescription input from the input module 106. The dispenser control module 102 can be used to coordinate all the different modules in the medication dispensing system 100 in response to different inputs or preset events to control these different modules to provide appropriate outputs to assist in the medication dispensing process. The dispenser control module 102 can be used to receive multiple prescriptions at a time. The module 102 can be used to queue prescriptions based on one or more preset events. For example, prescriptions can be queued based on urgency, complexity, or the availability of ingredients in the medicine cabinet. The dispenser control module 102 can also be used to store available ingredients, and the list of available ingredients can be updated when the prescription is filled. The system 100 can include a traditional Chinese medicine database 116. The traditional Chinese medicine database 116 can be used to store a list of available traditional Chinese medicine herbs, their locations, and quantities. The quantity of each traditional Chinese medicine herb (or ingredient) can be updated after each prescription is filled.

[0122] Optionally, the medication dispensing system 100 may include a display module 112 for notifying the dispenser of an error or potential error associated with at least one prescription item of the medication prescription.

[0123] The functional units and modules of the medication dispensing system 100 according to the embodiments disclosed herein, such as the dispenser control module 102, the medicine cabinet control module 104, and other components, can be implemented using a computing device, a computer processor, or an electronic circuit (including but not limited to: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller, and other programmable logic devices configured or programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure). Based on the teachings of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art of software or electronics can easily obtain computer instructions or software codes running in a computing device, a computer processor, or a programmable logic device.

[0124] Each functional unit and module of each embodiment may also be implemented in a distributed computing environment and / or a cloud computing environment, where all or part of the machine instructions are executed in a distributed manner by one or more processing devices interconnected by a communication network, such as an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the Internet, and other forms of data transmission media.

[0125] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include computer storage media, and transient and non-transient memory devices having stored thereon computer instructions or software code, which may be used to program or configure a computing device, a computer processor, or an electronic circuit to perform any of the processes of the present disclosure. Storage media, transient and non-transient memory devices may include, but are not limited to, floppy disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, ROM, RAM, flash memory devices, or any other type of medium or device for storing instructions, code, and / or data.

[0126] refer to Figure 2 The medicine cabinet control module 104 is operably connected to the dispenser control module 102 and can receive data from and send data to the dispenser control module 102. The medicine cabinet control module 104 is operably connected to each indicator module 200 of the plurality of indicator modules and is configured to communicate with each indicator module 200. At least one indicator module is associated with a drawer 110 of the medicine cabinet 108.

[0127] Reference Figure 3 , the medicine cabinet 108 can be a Chinese medicine cabinet (also known as a hundred-child cabinet), which is a Chinese medicine cabinet. Figure 3 As shown, the medicine cabinet includes a plurality of drawers 110 for storing herbs or other medicinal ingredients. The medicine cabinet 108 can be used by a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, such as a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacist or a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, to store and organize herbs. Figure 4 An example of a drawer 110 is shown. The drawer 110 defines an inner space for containing and storing herbs or other medicinal ingredients. Each drawer 110 includes at least one indicator module 200 disposed thereon. Figure 4 As shown, the indicator module 200 is located above the handle of the drawer 110. Figure 3As shown, some drawers may include one indicator module 200, and some drawers include multiple indicator modules disposed thereon.

[0128] Continue to refer Figure 2 The cabinet control module 104 is used to determine the location of each ingredient in the prescription. The location is defined as the specific compartment 110 within the medicine cabinet 108 that contains the ingredient.

[0129] The medicine cabinet control module 104 is configured to access the locations of herbs by referencing a traditional Chinese medicine database 116. The traditional Chinese medicine database 116 may be stored in a memory unit or in the cloud. In one example, the traditional Chinese medicine database 116 may be stored within the medicine cabinet control module 104 and accessed by the medicine cabinet control module 104. The traditional Chinese medicine database 116 may be a relational database that stores relationships between herbs and locations in the medicine cabinet (e.g., drawer numbers).

[0130] Alternatively or additionally, the drug dispensing system 100 may include Figure 1 and Figure 2 The confusion matrix 114 is shown. The confusion matrix 114 can help prevent dispensing staff from simultaneously picking similar TCM ingredients or herbs. This reduces dispensing errors. The confusion matrix 114 can be used to schedule activation sequences to activate indicators in a staggered manner for two or more similar-looking prescription items defined in a single prescription.

[0131] The medicine cabinet control module 104 is used to utilize the information from the confusion matrix 114 to correct the allocation of prescription items and avoid allocation errors. The confusion matrix 114 can be a table that defines which specific Chinese medicine herbs or elements are similar. For example, assuming that the prescription defines sweet almonds or Chinese "Southern Apricot" (select 30g) and bitter almonds, or Chinese "Northern Apricot" (select 10g), the confusion matrix will avoid lighting up the indicators on the two indicator modules of the two drawers 110 at the same time. This is because sweet almonds and bitter almonds are similar in appearance, but are different ingredients. The medicine cabinet control module 104 is used to activate the indicators in a staggered manner (e.g., in a certain order) to avoid accessing incorrect ingredients.

[0132] See also Figure 2 The medicine cabinet control module 104 is configured to utilize the confusion matrix 114 and the traditional Chinese medicine database 116 and provide an activation signal to one or more indicator modules 200. The medicine cabinet control module 104 is configured to identify a specific compartment storing the at least one prescription item; the medicine cabinet control module is configured to send a signal to the indicator module 200 associated with the drawer to activate one or more indicators on the indicator module, thereby visually indicating the physical location of the prescription item to the dispenser.

[0133] refer to Figure 5, shows an exemplary embodiment of an indicator module 200. The indicator module 200 includes a body. The indicator module also includes a plurality of indicators 210 disposed on or within the body 202. Each indicator has a unique color, and each indicator corresponds to a separate dispenser. In one example, the indicator 210 activates to provide a visual indication of the physical location of a prescription item defined in a medication prescription to the dispenser; and the indicator 210 activates to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items within the medicine cabinet.

[0134] like Figure 5 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 , the indicator module 200 includes a central portion 204 and at least one lateral extension 206 extending outward from the central portion 204. The lateral extension includes an inclined region 208. A plurality of indicators 210 are located in the inclined region 208. Figure 5 As shown, the body 202 includes two lateral extensions 206, 207 extending outwardly from the central portion 204. The lateral extensions 206, 207 extend in opposite directions from the central portion 204. Each lateral extension includes an inclined region 208, 209.

[0135] The indicators 210 are divided into a first group of indicators 211, 212, and 213 and a second group of indicators 214, 215, and 216. The first group of indicators 211 to 213 are arranged in the inclined area 208 of the first transverse extension 206. The second group of indicators 214 to 216 are arranged in the inclined area 209 of the second transverse extension 207. The two groups of indicators can be identical to each other.

[0136] Each set of indicators includes three indicators, such as Figure 5 As shown. Indicators 211 to 213 or 214 to 216 are arranged horizontally or vertically or in any suitable form. One indicator includes a first color, one indicator includes a second color, and one indicator includes a third color; each color corresponds to a separate dispenser to allow at least three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items within the medicine cabinet based on the activated specific color indicator. The indicators are set on the inclined portion. The advantage of these two sets of indicators is that they provide improved visibility. Due to the position of the indicators on the inclined portion, the indicators are visible from two directions. This improves the dispenser's perception of the indicators.

[0137] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the indicators in the first and second groups are defined as pairs, such that the same indicators in the first and second groups activate together. In use, the paired indicators activate simultaneously, allowing the three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items within the medicine cabinet 108, more specifically, within the compartment 110 associated with the illuminated indicator. In one example, each group includes a red indicator, a green indicator, and a blue indicator. Each indicator can be an LED or other suitable light source, such as a CFL bulb. In one example, the indicator is an RGB LED.

[0138] refer to Figure 7 , shows a schematic diagram of the indicator module 200. The indicator module 200 may include an indicator module controller 220. The indicator module controller is operably connected to each indicator 211 to 216. The indicator module controller 220 may be an ESP32 module. The indicator module controller 220 may be another suitable microcontroller or microprocessor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device configured or programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The indicator module controller 220 includes at least a processor and a memory unit. The processor is used to perform the various operations described herein, and the memory unit can store data and executable instructions. Based on the teachings of the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art of software or electronics can easily obtain computer instructions or software codes that run in a computing device, a computer processor or a programmable logic device.

[0139] The indicator module 200 also includes: an adjustable label 222, namely an electronic ink module, a micro switch 230, a Wi-Fi module 240, a dynamically adjustable label 250, two buttons 260, 262 (e.g., a disable button 260 and a restart button 262), a battery 270, and a USB port 280. The indicator module controller 220 is operably connected to the above components. The battery 270 is operably connected to the indicator to power the indicator. The disable button 260 can be set on the body and is used to disable the indicator module or put the indicator module into sleep mode when the button is activated. The restart button 262 can be set on the body and is used to restart the indicator module when the indicator module is activated.

[0140] The adjustable label 222 can be located on the central portion 204 of the body 202. The label 222 is dynamically adjustable. In one example, the dynamically adjustable label 222 includes an electronic ink module that can display a name or image indicating the contents of the compartment associated with the indicator module. Each compartment 110 includes an adjustable label located on its associated indicator module 200. The indicator module controller 220 is operably connected to the electronic ink module 222, and the controller 220 is also used to control the visual appearance of the label 222 (i.e., the electronic ink module). The controller 220 can change the appearance of the electronic ink module 222 (i.e., the adjustable label) based on the received wireless message. For example, the contents of the compartment 110 changes, or the compartment is empty, or the compartment contents are not weighed, etc.

[0141] The USB port 280 may be located on the underside of the body, such as Figure 6 As shown, the USB port can be connected to the indicator module 200 to allow one or more other accessories to be connected, such as to upload data to or download data from the indicator module 200. The USB port can be a USB-C port or other suitable port. Figure 6 As shown, the disable button 260 and the restart button 262 may be disposed on an upper surface or top side of the body 202 .

[0142] In one example, the indicator module controller 220 can be configured to disable the indicators 211 through 216 when the disable button 260 is actuated. The controller 220 can be configured to restart the indicator module 200 when the restart button 262 is activated. The controller 200 can also be configured to reset settings, such as indicator colors, when the restart button is activated. The controller 220 can also be configured to receive input from a USB port. The controller 220 can also be configured to track battery charge and provide a low battery indication.

[0143] The indicator module 200 may also include a charging module (not shown) for charging the battery. The charging module inlet 290 may be located adjacent to the USB port on the lower side of the module 200, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0144] The Wi-Fi module 240 may be a wireless communication module for enabling two-way communication with the medicine cabinet control module 104. The indicator module controller 220 may receive commands via the Wi-Fi module 240. The Wi-Fi module 240 may enable communication via the Wi-Fi protocol, but may alternatively be any other suitable communication module that enables wireless communication between each indicator module 200 and the medicine cabinet control module 104, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.

[0145] The indicator module controller 220 is operably connected to one or more microswitches 230 associated with the compartments associated with the indicator module 220. The indicator module 220 is configured to determine the position of the compartment based on the position of the microswitches 230. The controller 220 is configured to adjust the visual appearance of the label if the compartment has been open for a period of time greater than a threshold period, as determined based on the determined position of the compartment. For example, the electronic ink module 222 (i.e., the adjustable label) may be illuminated to indicate that the compartment has been open for too long.

[0146] The indicator module controller 220 is configured to independently activate the indicators to allow multiple dispensers, i.e., multiple staff members, to simultaneously locate prescription items within one or more compartments 110 of the cabinet 108. The indicator module controller 220 is configured to activate multiple indicators of different colors to indicate the locations of prescription items defined in the prescription to the dispensers associated with the indicators, so that the dispensers can be simultaneously directed to the locations of the prescription items defined in the prescription.

[0147] refer to Figure 8 , an example operation of the system 100 will be described. Figure 8 An exemplary method for facilitating medication dispensing is shown. Dispenser control module 120 is configured to receive prescription input from input module 106. The prescription input may be a single prescription or multiple prescriptions. System 100 is configured to receive multiple prescriptions, wherein each prescription is associated with a specific dispenser.

[0148] In step 302, prescription items, i.e., ingredients or components such as herbs, may be retrieved within the dispenser control module and transmitted to the medicine cabinet control module 104. The medicine cabinet control module 104 is operable to determine the physical location of each prescription item in step 304. Step 304 includes locating the location of each prescription item of at least one prescription item defined in each of the plurality of prescriptions.

[0149] Step 306 includes performing a network connectivity test (ping) on ​​the indicator module 200 associated with the particular compartment in which the prescription item is located. In step 306, a ping message is sent to the controller 220. A response message 308 is sent from the controller 220 to the medicine cabinet control module 104. An MQTT connection can be established between the indicator module 200, particularly the indicator module controller 220, and the medicine cabinet control module 104 via Wi-Fi. In step 310, the medicine cabinet control module 104 is configured to send an activation signal to each indicator module associated with each prescription item defined in the stored prescription. Figure 8 The indicator module 200 is shown for illustration purposes. The activation signal may be sent as a subscribe / publish MQTT message from the medicine cabinet control module 104. The module 104 may act as an MQTT broker, or may include an MQTT broker.

[0150] In step 312, the indicator module for storing prescription items on each compartment is used to activate a specific indicator associated with each specific dispenser to provide each specific dispenser with a visual indication of the physical location of each prescription item in the prescription associated with that specific dispenser. This allows multiple dispensers to use the system 100 and access prescription items from the medicine cabinet 108 at the same time. For example, the indicator module can activate a green indicator (light) to indicate the physical location of the prescription item of the first dispenser, activate a blue indicator (light) to indicate the physical location of the prescription item of the second dispenser, and activate a red indicator (light) to indicate the physical location of the prescription item of the third dispenser. In some indicator modules 200, the controller 220 can activate all three indicators (lights). This allows multiple (for example, three) dispensers to dispense medicine according to the prescription at the same time and collect the prescription items that are defined by each other in their prescriptions.

[0151] Step 314 may include the indicator module controller 220 updating or changing the appearance of the electronic ink module 222. The electronic ink module may be changed if it is detected that the compartment has been open for too long, if the contents of the compartment are empty, or if one or more other conditions have been met. The confusion matrix module 114 is used to schedule an activation sequence to activate indicators in a staggered manner for two or more prescription items that are similar in appearance and defined in a single prescription. For two or more similar prescription items that are present in two or more prescriptions, the activation of the indicators is controlled in a staggered manner to prevent two dispensers from accessing similar prescription items defined in their respective prescriptions.

[0152] Potential errors include selecting the wrong prescription item due to confusion. This error may be related to incorrect dispenser access to the prescription item due to an incorrect indicator light color. Other errors are also possible. The medicine cabinet control module or the dispenser control module can be configured to detect one or more errors and display the error on the display module.

[0153] In one example, the system 100 is used to allow three users to simultaneously dispense medication according to a single prescription by activating a specific indicator color corresponding to a specific dispenser to direct the dispenser to the location of the prescription item. The dispenser control module 102 can be used to associate one or more prescription items from a prescription with a dispenser so that the dispenser does not have to access the same prescription items. The medicine cabinet control module 104 can be used to receive a list of prescription items and the association of the prescription items with the dispensers, that is, the relationship between each prescription item and the associated dispenser. The medicine cabinet control module 104 is also used to send a signal to one or more indicator modules 200 to activate the indicator of the color associated with the dispenser, thereby directing the dispenser to the physical location of the prescription item associated with each dispenser, so that the dispensers can collect their respective prescription items at the same time to dispense medication according to the prescription.

[0154] In another example implementation, the system 100 is used to allow multiple dispensers to dispense medication according to multiple prescriptions at the same time, wherein each dispenser is associated with a separate prescription. The dispenser control module 102 can be used to transmit multiple prescriptions to the medicine cabinet control module 104, wherein each prescription is associated with a separate dispenser, that is, each dispenser is responsible for a single prescription. The medicine cabinet control module 104 can be used to identify the physical location of each prescription item in each prescription. The medicine cabinet control module can also be used to send a signal to one or more indicator modules 200 to activate an indicator of a color associated with each dispenser, thereby guiding each dispenser to the physical location of the prescription item within its corresponding prescription. The activated specific color indicator allows multiple dispensers to dispense medication according to multiple prescriptions at the same time.

[0155] In each exemplary implementation, the indicator module controller 220 of each indicator module is used to control activation of the indicator based on received instructions (ie, signals received from the medicine cabinet control module 104).

[0156] The system is advantageous because it allows multiple dispensers (i.e., multiple users) to simultaneously fill prescriptions by selecting one or more prescription items defined in the prescription. The system provides a specific visual indication corresponding to each dispenser so that multiple dispensers can simultaneously locate at least one prescription item from their associated prescription based on the specific visual indication of the corresponding dispenser. The controller 220 is used to activate the indicator associated with a particular dispenser to guide the dispenser to the prescription item in its prescription. The indicator provides a color-coded guidance mechanism that can avoid confusion when multiple dispensers are operated together. The system 100 is advantageous because it allows multiple dispensers to work together, improving the speed and efficiency of filling prescriptions in a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy or dispensing room.

[0157] Although not required, the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings can be implemented as an application programming interface (API) or a series of libraries used by developers, or can be included in another software application, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device operating system. Generally, since program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and data files that help perform specific functions, those skilled in the art will understand that the functionality of a software application can be distributed among multiple routines, objects, or components to achieve the same functionality required herein.

[0158] It should also be understood that when the methods and systems of the present disclosure are implemented in whole or in part by a computing system, any suitable computing system architecture may be used. The computing system may include tablet computers, wearable devices, smart phones, IoT devices, edge computing devices, standalone computers, network computers, cloud-based computing devices, and dedicated hardware devices. Where the terms "computing system" and "computing device" are used, these terms are intended to encompass any suitable configuration of computer hardware capable of implementing the described functionality.

[0159] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and / or modifications may be made to the present disclosure as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as broadly described. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0160] Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to prior art contained herein should not be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge.

Claims

1. An indicator module for a drug dispensing system, characterized in that: The indicator module is for use with a medicine cabinet, and the indicator module comprises: ontology; a plurality of indicators disposed on or within the body; Each of said indicators comprises a unique color, and each of said indicators corresponds to a separate dispenser; The indicator is activated to provide a visual indication to a dispenser of the physical location of a prescription item defined in a medication prescription; and the indicator is activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

2. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 1, characterized in that In use, the indicators are independently activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously position prescription items within one or more compartments of the medicine cabinet.

3. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: in, The indicator module includes at least three indicators; in One indicator includes a first color, one indicator includes a second color, and one indicator includes a third color; Each color corresponds to a separate dispenser, allowing at least three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items within the medicine cabinet based on the specific color indicator activated.

4. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 2, characterized in that: in, The body comprises: Central Department; at least one lateral extension extending outwardly from the central portion; wherein the lateral extension includes an inclined region; and The plurality of indicators are located in the inclined area.

5. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 4, characterized in that: include: At least two sets of indicators; Each group of indicators includes a plurality of indicators, and the indicators in each group are identical to each other; The body includes two lateral extensions extending outwardly from the central portion, the lateral extensions extending from the central portion in opposite directions; Each of the lateral extensions includes an inclined region, a first set of indicators disposed on the inclined region of a first lateral extension and a second set of indicators disposed on the inclined region of a second lateral extension; In use, the plurality of indicators are independently activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

6. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 5, characterized in that: in, The first set of indicators includes three indicators, and the second set of indicators includes three indicators; wherein the indicators in the first and second groups are defined as pairs such that the same indicators in the first and second groups are activated together; The three indicators in each group are of different colors; In use, pairs of said indicators are activated simultaneously; wherein, in use, the indicators in the first and second groups are activated to allow three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

7. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 6, characterized in that: include: an indicator module controller associated with the indicator module; said indicator module controller being operatively connected to each of said indicators; as well as The indicator module controller is configured to wirelessly receive messages to activate one or more indicators to indicate to one or more dispensers the location of a prescription item defined in a prescription within the compartment associated with the indicator module.

8. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 7, characterized in that: in, The indicator module controller is used to activate a plurality of indicators of different colors to indicate the positions of prescription items defined in the prescription to the dispensers associated with the indicators, so that the dispensers can be simultaneously guided to the positions of the prescription items defined in the prescription.

9. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 8, characterized in that: include: a dynamically adjustable label disposed on a central portion of the body; wherein the label displays a label of the contents of a compartment of the medicine cabinet; wherein the indicator module controller is operatively connected to the dynamically adjustable label; The indicator module controller is configured to control the visual appearance of the tag or change the content of the tag based on received wireless messages.

10. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 9, characterized in that: in, The indicator module controller is used to: one or more microswitches operably connected to a compartment associated with the indicator module; wherein the compartment is a compartment of the medicine cabinet; determining a position of the compartment based on the position of the microswitch; If it is determined based on the determined position of the compartment that the compartment has been open for a time greater than a threshold time, the visual appearance of the label is adjusted.

11. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 10, characterized in that: in, The dynamically adjustable label is an electronic ink module that can display a name or image indicating the contents of the compartment associated with the indicator module.

12. The indicator module for a drug dispensing system according to claim 10, wherein: include: a battery operatively connected to the indicator to power the indicator; a disabling button disposed on the body; wherein the disabling button is used to disable the indicator module or put the indicator module into a sleep mode when the button is actuated; a restart button disposed on the body; wherein the restart button is used to restart the indicator module when activated; The USB port is arranged on the lower side of the body.

13. A drug dispensing system, characterized in that: include: Medicine cabinet, The medicine cabinet comprises a plurality of compartments, wherein each of the compartments is used to store a medication prescription item, and each of the compartments defines a physical location of a prescription item; a plurality of indicator modules, each of said indicator modules being associated with a separate compartment, Each of the indicator modules comprises: ontology, A plurality of indicators are provided on or in the body, wherein Each of said indicators comprises a unique color, and each of said indicators corresponds to a separate dispenser, The indicator is activated to provide a visual indication to the dispenser of the physical location of a prescription item defined in the medication prescription; a dispenser control module for receiving a medication prescription including at least one prescription item; a medicine cabinet control module for locating a physical location of each of the at least one prescription item stored in one of a plurality of pre-set compartments of the medicine cabinet; wherein an indicator of an indicator module is activated based on the prescription to indicate a physical location of each prescription item defined in the prescription; and wherein the indicator is activated to allow a plurality of dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items defined in the formulary within the medicine cabinet.

14. The drug dispensing system according to claim 13, wherein: in, the medicine cabinet control module being configured to identify a specific compartment storing the at least one prescription item; The medicine cabinet control module is configured to send a signal to the indicator module to activate one or more indicators on the indicator module to visually indicate the physical location of the prescription item to the dispenser.

15. The drug dispensing system according to claim 14, wherein: in, The dispenser control module is configured to receive a plurality of prescriptions, each of the prescriptions being associated with a particular dispenser; Wherein, the medicine cabinet control module is used to: locating a physical location of each prescription item in each of the plurality of prescriptions; wherein each physical location corresponds to a specific compartment within the medicine cabinet; transmitting an activation signal to each indicator module associated with each compartment storing a prescription item defined in the prescription; The indicator module on each compartment storing the prescription items is used to activate a specific indicator associated with each specific dispenser to provide each specific dispenser with a visual indication of the physical location of each prescription item in the prescription associated with the specific dispenser.

16. The drug dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein: include: A confusion matrix module is used to schedule an activation sequence to activate the indicators in an interleaved manner for two or more prescription items that are similar in appearance and defined in a single prescription.

17. The drug dispensing system according to claim 15, wherein: in, The indicator module includes at least three indicators; in One indicator includes a first color, one indicator includes a second color, and one indicator includes a third color; each color corresponds to a separate dispenser to allow at least three dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items within the medicine cabinet based on the activation of a specific color indicator; and The medicine cabinet control module is configured to independently activate an appropriately colored indicator based on a prescription associated with a particular dispenser; wherein the specific color of the indicator indicates to the particular dispenser the physical location of a prescription item within the prescription associated with the dispenser.

18. The drug dispensing system according to claim 16, wherein: in, The activation sequence is also used to control activation of the indicators in a staggered manner for two or more similar prescription items present in two or more prescriptions to prevent two dispensers from accessing similar prescription items defined in their respective prescriptions.

19. The drug dispensing system according to claim 18, wherein: in, each indicator module of the plurality of indicator modules is an indicator module for use with a medicine cabinet, The medicine cabinet includes: a body, a plurality of indicators arranged on or within the body, each of the indicators including a unique color, and each of the indicators corresponding to a separate dispenser, the indicators being activated to provide the dispenser with a visual indication of the physical location of a prescription item defined in a medication prescription; wherein the indicators are activated to allow multiple dispensers to simultaneously locate prescription items in the medicine cabinet.

20. A method for facilitating drug distribution, characterized in that The following steps are involved: receiving a plurality of drug prescriptions, each of the prescriptions comprising at least one prescription item; Each medication prescription associated with a specific dispenser; locating a position of each of at least one prescription item defined in each of the plurality of prescriptions; A visual indication is provided to each dispenser indicating the physical location of each of the at least one prescription item defined in each prescription; wherein a specific visual indication corresponding to each dispenser is provided so that multiple dispensers can simultaneously locate at least one prescription item from their associated prescriptions based on the specific visual indication corresponding to the dispenser.

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