Drug subpackaging device and drug subpackaging method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of medicine packaging, and discloses a medicine sub-packaging device and a medicine sub-packaging method. The medicine subpackaging device comprises a plurality of medicine boxes, a plurality of medicine feeders and a distribution processing part. To-be-dispensed medicines are stored in each medicine box, and the multiple medicine boxes are divided into a first kind of medicine boxes with more occurrence times and a second kind of medicine boxes with less occurrence times according to the occurrence times of the stored medicines in the multiple pieces of prescription data. The number of the medicine feeders is the same as that of the first kind of medicine boxes, and the first kind of medicine boxes are fixed to the medicine feeders prior to the second kind of medicine boxes. According to the medicine sub-packaging device and the medicine sub-packaging method, the number of times of replacing the medicine boxes can be reduced, and the medicine packaging efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pharmaceutical packaging technology, and in particular to a pharmaceutical repackaging device and a pharmaceutical repackaging method. Background Technology

[0002] Pharmaceutical packaging typically involves dispensing medications from individual medicine boxes into multiple storage slots arranged in a grid pattern on a tray, based on prescription data. The medications are then collected and sealed. The various medications listed in the prescription data are systematically distributed into the storage slots on the tray. The tray's storage slots correspond to the medication's dosing schedule in the prescription data, accommodating multiple daily doses for seven days a week. The medications in the prescription data are dispensed from their corresponding medicine boxes, and the prescribed dosages are packaged in the storage slots on the tray.

[0003] The prescription data contains a wide variety of medications, requiring a large number of medication boxes for storage. However, the number of medication boxes that can be placed in the medication repackaging device is limited; medication boxes that cannot be placed in the repackaging device are stored on separate shelves.

[0004] When dispensing medications according to prescription data, if the medication dispensing device does not have a corresponding medication box, the corresponding medication box needs to be taken from the shelf and replaced with the one already in the dispensing device. Then, the medication dispensing device begins the medication packaging process.

[0005] Replacing medicine boxes causes prolonged machine downtime, thus extending the overall packaging time when it's necessary to change boxes. Frequent box changes further hinder packaging efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a drug packaging device and a drug packaging method that can reduce the number of times drug boxes need to be replaced and improve the packaging efficiency of drugs.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a drug dispensing device. The drug dispensing device includes multiple drug boxes, multiple drug dispensers, and a dispensing processing unit. Each drug box stores drugs to be dispensed. The multiple drug boxes are divided into a first category of drug boxes with more occurrences and a second category of drug boxes with fewer occurrences based on the frequency of the stored drugs appearing in multiple prescription data sets. The number of drug dispensers is the same as the number of first-category drug boxes, and the first-category drug boxes are fixed to the drug dispensers with priority over the second-category drug boxes. The dispensing processing unit receives multiple prescription data sets and, based on whether the drugs stored in the second-category drug boxes appear in the multiple prescription data sets, adjusts the allocation order of prescription data sets for which drugs not stored in the second-category drug boxes do not appear to prioritize prescription data sets for which drugs stored in the second-category drug boxes do appear, thereby dispensing the stored drugs from the prioritized first-category drug boxes through the drug dispensers.

[0008] This application also provides a method for drug repackaging, which includes the following steps:

[0009] Based on the number of times the drugs stored in multiple drug boxes appear in multiple prescription data, the multiple drug boxes are divided into a first category of drug boxes that appear more frequently and a second category of drug boxes that appear less frequently.

[0010] The first type of drug boxes are fixed to the drug dispenser respectively;

[0011] Based on whether the drugs stored in the second-class drug box appear in multiple prescription data, priority is given to allocating drugs to prescription data for drugs that do not appear in the second-class drug box.

[0012] According to the drug packaging device and method provided in this application, after placing some frequently used drug boxes on the drug dispenser, a packaging process begins that only displays the prescription data of the drugs stored in those drug boxes. This avoids unnecessary replacements, reduces equipment downtime, and improves the efficiency of the packaging process. Attached Figure Description

[0013] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a drug packaging device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view of the structure of a drug packaging device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a drug packaging device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between prescription data and drug boxes provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between the drug cartridge and the mounting mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between prescription data and drug cartridges mounted on a mechanical device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the correspondence between prescription data and the number of times the medicine box is replaced, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the correspondence between the prescription data issuance order and the number of times the medicine box is replaced, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the uniform packaging provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 10 These are schematic diagrams illustrating packaging onto different pallets according to some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 11 These are schematic diagrams illustrating different grooves on the same pallet provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 12 These are schematic diagrams of interfaces provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 13 These are operational diagrams provided in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this application to facilitate a better understanding of the application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and with various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the various embodiments below is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this application. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0029] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the drug dispensing device 11 includes a drug storage section 13 located in the upper half of the frame 12 and a forward-protruding dispensing section 14 located in the lower half. The dispensing section 14 has a tray input section 1 and a tray discharge section 2 inside. The tray input section 1 and the tray discharge section 2 each have an input drawer 23a and an output drawer 23b mounted on a support member 36. When the output drawer 23b is pulled out, the second placement platform 30b is in a tray handling position outside the dispensing section 14; when it is pushed in, the second placement platform 30b is in an internal tray handling position. The receiving section 11a is shown below. Multiple drug dispensing units 15 are provided within the drug storage section 13.

[0031] In addition, the orientation of the drug packaging device 11 in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. That is, the width direction of the device is the X-axis, the front-to-back direction of the device is the Y-axis, and the height direction of the device is the Z-axis.

[0032] The drug supply unit 15 is configured with multiple levels within the drug storage section 13. The drug supply unit 15 includes a drug box 16 storing drugs and a drug dispenser 17, with the drug box 16 disposed within the drug dispenser 17. The drug box 16 is detachable from the drug dispenser 17. The drug dispenser 17 has a drug box 16 for holding the drugs required for packaging. A drug box 16 containing drugs not involved in this packaging can be removed from the drug dispenser 17 and replaced with a drug box 16 containing the drugs involved in this packaging.

[0033] The input device 100 is connected to the drug dispensing device 11. The input device 100 includes a barcode reader (not shown) for reading barcodes, QR codes (registered trademarks), etc., recorded on the prescription. The input device 100 uses the barcode reader to provide prescription data based on the read data to the drug dispensing device 11. In addition to the barcode reader, the input device 100 also includes an operation input device (not shown) such as a keyboard, which can be used to provide prescription data and other information to the drug dispensing device 11.

[0034] The drug packaging device 11 generates a prescription ID (Identity Document, a unique code) corresponding to the received prescription data. The prescription ID is associated with the prescription data. The prescription data includes information required for packaging, such as the type of drug, quantity of drug, time of administration, and patient information. The prescription ID is used when reading the associated prescription data.

[0035] The input device 100 is, for example, a personal computer. A personal computer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU performs calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM.

[0036] Then, the input device 100, which is a personal computer, sends the prescription data to the drug dispensing device 11. In addition, based on the processing status information provided by the drug dispensing device 11, the progress information of the drug dispensing device 11, manual dispensing processing information, etc., are displayed on the monitor 101.

[0037] It should be noted that when the input device 100 is connected to a system such as a pharmacy, nursing home, or hospital via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet, it can obtain prescription data from the system via communication. The input device 100 then provides the prescription data obtained from the system such as the pharmacy, nursing home, or hospital to the drug dispensing device 11.

[0038] Multiple drug cartridges 16 store various types of medications. Then, based on prescription data corresponding to a prescription ID, medications are dispensed from the drug cartridges 16 via a drug dispenser 17, and the medications fall into a drug supply device 19. As the medications pass through the channel of the drug dispenser 17, they are counted, and a predetermined number of medications fall into the lower-positioned drug supply device 19. The drug supply device 19 receives the medications falling from the drug dispenser 17. The received medications are the corresponding quantity and type of medications taken from the drug cartridges 16 according to the prescription data. The drug supply device 19 centrally concentrates the received medications and conveys them to a drug ejection section 20 extending in the front-to-back direction. After being conveyed forward in the drug extrusion section 20, the medications are finally ejected through a downward-facing dispensing port.

[0039] The drug dispensing device 19 dispenses one dose of prescription drug at a time from the dispensing port. The medication is dispensed intermittently, for example, four times a day for a week, three times a day for five days, or three times a day for a month.

[0040] The pharmaceutical packaging device 11 includes a tray 24 (grid) for storing multiple pharmaceuticals in one storage recess, and a tray 24 (grid) for storing one pharmaceutical product in one storage recess. After storing the pharmaceutical product in the storage recess of the tray 24, a cover is attached according to the prescription data to form a blister pack.

[0041] The drug cassette 16 and drug dispenser 17 of the drug supply unit 15 are stored in the drug cassette rack 350, such as Figure 1 As shown, the medicine box rack 350 opens and closes vertically via a gate-type gate 18. Medicines stored in medicine boxes 16 within the medicine box rack 350 are dispensed by a medicine dispenser 17. Medicines dispensed from medicine boxes 16 fall and are fed into a medicine supply device 19 located below the medicine dispenser 17. After being conveyed to the medicine extrusion section 20 within the medicine supply device 19, the medicines are pushed out from the extrusion section 20 to the dispensing port and packaged by the packaging section 14 into the storage recesses of the tray 24.

[0042] When considering multiple drug supply units 15, in principle, different types of drugs are stored in separate drug supply units 15. However, for frequently used drugs, the same type of drug can be stored in multiple drug supply units 15. Each of the multiple drug supply units 15 can dispense the drug contained in a corresponding drug box 16. The drug box 16 may be provided with a handle for the operator to hold when fixing and removing the drug box 16. In this embodiment, 60 drug supply units 15 are arranged in a multi-level manner in the drug storage section 13, but this is only an example and is not limited to the method shown here.

[0043] As described above, tray 24 includes multiple storage recesses and comes in two types: a so-called single-dose tray, which stores only one tablet in each storage recess; and a so-called multi-dose tray, which can store multiple tablets in each storage recess. Furthermore, various multi-dose trays exist with storage recesses of different sizes and shapes. As mentioned above, the tray has different types of storage recesses, such as the size, shape, and number of storage recesses.

[0044] In addition, the drug dispensing device 11 can also perform manual dispensing. This means that a pharmacist or other staff member can manually remove a drug that is not in the drug box 16 but is required by the prescription from a container such as a medicine shelf or bottle, and then manually place it into the corresponding storage slot on the tray 24. Manual dispensing can be used in conjunction with automatic dispensing to complete the drug distribution process required by the prescription. Alternatively, manual dispensing can be eliminated, and the drug distribution process can be completed solely through automatic dispensing.

[0045] The dispensing processing unit of the drug dispensing device 11 controls the drive units of the drug dispensers 17 of the multiple drug supply units 15 to dispense drugs from the drug boxes 16 based on the received prescription data, and stores the drugs in the corresponding storage slots of the tray 24. In this drug dispensing operation, the drive units of the corresponding drug dispensers 17 are operated based on the prescription data and the information of the drug boxes 16, thereby dispensing the type and quantity of drugs corresponding to the prescription data. If, after the drug dispensing corresponding to a certain prescription data is completed, prescription data requiring the dispensing of different drugs appears, that is, the dispensing prescription data is replaced by prescription data for newly dispensing drugs, then the drug box 16 corresponding to the prescription data for the newly dispensing drugs also supplies the drugs required by the prescription as the drugs to be dispensed change.

[0046] The dispensing processing unit is capable of allocating drug information for dispensing medications contained in multiple prescription data sets to drug dispensers 17. Furthermore, the drug information is information that identifies the type of medication. More specifically, the dispensing processing unit allocates the drug information for dispensing medications contained in multiple prescription data sets to each drug dispenser 17 according to a pre-set allocation rule. The allocation rule will be described later.

[0047] The prescription includes a wide variety of medications, and the number of medication boxes 16 for holding these medications also increases. The number of medication boxes 16 that can be placed in the medication dispensing device 11 is limited by the number of medication dispensers 17. That is, a medication dispensing device 11 with 60 medication dispensers 17 can hold 60 medication boxes 16. For example, if there are 120 medication boxes, then the medication dispensing device 11 can hold 60 medication boxes 16. However, the remaining 60 medication boxes 16 will be stored on a separate shelf from the medication dispensing device 11.

[0048] If the drug dispensing device 11 does not have a corresponding drug box 16 for the prescription data of the drug to be dispensed, the corresponding drug box 16 stored on the shelf needs to be removed and replaced with an unused drug box 16 from the prescription data. The drug dispensing device 11 is given multiple prescription data, the dispensing processing unit receives the multiple prescription data, and performs packaging processing based on each prescription data extracted in sequence.

[0049] In this scenario, if the packaging process is performed in the order of the input prescription data, and if the medicine box 16 used for packaging is not placed in the medicine dispensing device 11, the medicine packaging process will be performed by replacing the medicine box 16. Therefore, the machine will be shut down for an extended period when the medicine box 16 is replaced.

[0050] Therefore, this invention extracts the most frequently occurring drug boxes 16 based on multiple input prescription data, identifying the drug boxes 16 used most frequently in the multiple prescription data. The most frequently occurring drug boxes 16 are then preferentially fixed in the drug dispenser 17. When a drug box 16 is not fixed in the drug dispenser 17, the required drug box 16 is selected based on the prescription data, and the unused drug box 16 in the drug dispenser 17 is replaced. This minimizes the work of replacing drug boxes 16, reduces machine downtime due to drug box replacement, and effectively improves the efficiency of the packaging process.

[0051] When the number of drug boxes 16 that can be set in the drug dispenser 17 exceeds the upper limit, all drug boxes 16 set in the drug dispenser 17 are necessary for the prescription data of priority drug allocation.

[0052] If there are unused drug boxes 16 in the extracted prescription data that are not fixed in the drug dispenser 17, the operator removes the unused drug boxes 16 from the drug dispenser 17 and replaces them with the drug boxes 16 that need to be used.

[0053] The frequency of replacement of the medicine box 16 is related to the order in which multiple prescription data are allocated. By adjusting the order in which multiple prescription data are allocated, unnecessary replacements of the medicine box 16 can be reduced.

[0054] In this way, after placing the frequently used medicine boxes 16 into the medicine dispenser 17, the packaging process begins. This avoids unnecessary replacements, reduces equipment downtime, and improves the efficiency of the packaging process.

[0055] Multiple drug boxes 16 are divided into a first category of drug boxes that appear more frequently and a second category of drug boxes that appear less frequently, based on the frequency of the stored drugs in multiple prescription data. The number of first-category drug boxes is the same as the number of drug dispensers 17, and the first-category drug boxes are fixed in the drug dispensers 17 with priority over the second-category drug boxes.

[0056] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated scenario, using 15 drug dispensers 17 and 10 prescription data sets as an example, the frequency of each drug box 16 appearing in each prescription data set is statistically analyzed. Drug box 16 labeled 1 appears in prescription data set 2, for a total of 1 appearance. Drug box 16 labeled 2 appears in prescription data sets 1, 2, 7, and 9, for a total of 4 appearances. Drug box 16 labeled 3 appears in prescription data sets 2, 4, 6, and 7, for a total of 4 appearances. Drug box 16 labeled 4 appears in prescription data set 6, for a total of 1 appearance. Drug box 16 labeled 5 appears in prescription data sets 1, 8, and 10, for a total of 3 appearances. Drug box 16 labeled 6 appears in prescription data sets 1, 2, and 5, for a total of 3 appearances. Medicine box 16, numbered 7, appears in prescriptions 1, 3, and 5, for a total of 3 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 8, appears in prescriptions 3 and 7, for a total of 2 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 9, appears in prescriptions 2, 7, and 8, for a total of 3 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 10, appears in prescriptions 6 and 8, for a total of 2 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 11, appears in prescriptions 1, 3, and 9, for a total of 3 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 12, appears in prescriptions 1, 3, 5, and 9, for a total of 4 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 13, appears in prescriptions 5 and 8, for a total of 2 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 14, appears in prescription data 2, 5, 7, 8, and 10, for a total of 5 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 15, appears in prescription data 2, 6, 7, and 10, for a total of 4 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 16, does not appear in any prescription data, for a total of 0 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 17, appears in prescription data 4, for a total of 1 time. Medicine box 16, numbered 18, appears in prescription data 4 and 7, for a total of 2 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 19, appears in prescription data 4 and 7, for a total of 2 times. Medicine box 16, numbered 20, does not appear in any prescription data, for a total of 0 times.

[0057] Therefore, as Figure 5As shown, medicine boxes 16 labeled 14, 2, 3, 12, 15, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 8, 10, 13, 18, and 19 are classified as Class I medicine boxes and are fixed to 15 medicine dispensers 17 in sequence. Medicine boxes 16 labeled 1, 4, 17, 16, and 20 are classified as Class II medicine boxes and are not fixed to medicine dispensers 17. Medicine boxes 16 and 20, since they do not appear in the listed prescription data, do not need to be fixed to medicine dispensers 17 when dispensing medicine from the listed prescription data. If they subsequently appear in other prescription data, they can be fixed to medicine dispensers 17 along with other Class II medicine boxes, replacing the Class I medicine boxes.

[0058] The distribution processing unit receives multiple prescription data and, based on whether the drugs stored in the second type of drug box appear in the multiple prescription data, adjusts the distribution order of prescription data for which the drugs stored in the second type of drug box do not appear to take precedence over prescription data for which the drugs stored in the second type of drug box appear, so that the first type of drug box with priority is used to dispense the stored drugs through the drug dispenser 17.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, according to the statistics, prescription data 1 corresponds to 6 Class I drug boxes, and no Class II drug boxes appear. Prescription data 2 corresponds to 6 Class I drug boxes and 1 Class II drug box. Prescription data 3 corresponds to 4 Class I drug boxes, and no Class II drug boxes appear. Prescription data 4 corresponds to 3 Class I drug boxes and 1 Class II drug box. Prescription data 5 corresponds to 5 Class I drug boxes, and no Class II drug boxes appear. Prescription data 6 corresponds to 3 Class I drug boxes and 1 Class II drug box. Prescription data 7 corresponds to 8 Class I drug boxes, and no Class II drug boxes appear. Prescription data 8 corresponds to 5 Class I drug boxes, and no Class II drug boxes appear. Prescription data 9 corresponds to 3 Class I drug boxes, and no Class II drug boxes appear. Prescription data 10 corresponds to 3 Class I drug boxes, and no Class II drug boxes appear.

[0060] Therefore, after reordering the allocation of multiple prescription data, as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the allocation order of prescription data No. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 takes precedence over the allocation order of prescription data No. 2, 4, and 6. For example... Figure 8 As shown, when dispensing medications based on prescriptions numbered 7, 1, 5, 8, 3, 9, and 10, there is no need to replace medication box 16. When dispensing medications based on prescriptions numbered 2, 4, and 6, only one replacement of medication box 16 is required.

[0061] In practice, medications can be allocated in groups of ten or twenty. The allocation order of prescriptions within the same group can be adjusted to improve packaging efficiency during group adjustments. This reduces the number of prescriptions affected by the unified adjustment and ensures timely packaging of each prescription.

[0062] It should be noted that the statistical sorting of prescription data mentioned above and in this application can be implemented by setting up a corresponding computer program. If the statistics are calculated manually or using a spreadsheet, firstly, since the prescriptions have already been issued (sent) to the device, all prescription data needs to be cancelled. Next, the cancelled prescription data is output as a medication history in CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file format. For example, using an Excel spreadsheet, the frequency of occurrence of relevant drugs can be counted, and the top 60 can be calculated. This process takes approximately 15 minutes if calculated manually, and approximately 5 minutes if calculated using a spreadsheet. Afterwards, the calculated top 60 is visually confirmed to be inserted into the device, and the medication boxes are replaced. This process takes approximately 10 minutes. Finally, a prescription is issued again with the optimized prescription content. This process takes approximately 2 minutes regardless of whether it is done manually or using CSV processing. In contrast, a corresponding computer program can perform statistical sorting with a single button press, taking approximately 0.1 minutes, while replacing medicine boxes that require replacement with illuminated indicators takes about 1 minute. This significantly reduces operation time.

[0063] After reordering the drugs stored in the second-class drug box according to whether they appear, the distribution processing unit can also, according to the preset distribution rules, cause the corresponding drug dispenser 17 to dispense the drugs contained in each prescription data in the distribution order.

[0064] Specifically, the allocation processing department has a first allocation rule. In this rule, for prescription data where all prescriptions contain medications stored in the second-class drug box, the allocation processing department prioritizes prescriptions where the medications in the second-class drug box appear less frequently over those that appear more frequently. In other words, in practice, the allocation order of prescriptions where the medications in the second-class drug box appear twice can be adjusted to prioritize prescriptions where the medications appear three or more times. This increases the number of drug boxes replaced each time, ensuring that the replacement process is orderly.

[0065] Furthermore, the allocation processing unit has a second allocation rule. In this rule, for prescription data where the number of times a drug stored in a second-class drug box appears is the same, the allocation processing unit adjusts the allocation order of multiple prescription data containing the same drug to be adjacent in position, based on whether the same drug appears in multiple prescription data. That is, in a practical situation, if medication distribution for prescription data 12 requires switching to drug box 16 (number 20), medication distribution for prescription data 13 requires switching to drug box 16 (number 21), and medication distribution for prescription data 14 requires switching to drug box 16 (number 20), then the allocation order in prescription data 12 and prescription data 14 can be made adjacent in position. After completing the allocation of medication for prescription data 12, the allocation of medication for prescription data 14 can proceed immediately. This ensures that the allocation order of multiple prescription data containing the same drug is adjusted to be adjacent.

[0066] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit has a third distribution rule. In this rule, for prescription data containing medications stored in the second-class drug boxes, the distribution processing unit prioritizes prescription data where the same medication appears more frequently over those where it appears less frequently. In other words, the second-class drug boxes that need replacing can be replaced in larger quantities all at once. This eliminates the need for repeated replacements of the same second-class drug boxes during subsequent medication distributions, reducing downtime caused by drug box replacements.

[0067] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit has a fourth distribution rule. In this rule, for prescription data where none of the medications stored in the second-class drug boxes are present, the distribution processing unit controls the drug dispenser to dispense the medication according to the order in which the prescription data is received. That is, as shown in the diagram, for prescription data No. 5 and prescription data No. 8, both containing medications stored in five first-class drug boxes, the medications can be distributed in the order that prescription data No. 5 takes precedence over prescription data No. 8. In this case, the distribution order of the prescription data is no longer adjusted. This reduces the number of adjustments and minimizes the confusion caused by excessive adjustments.

[0068] The above allocation rules can be used selectively or according to a certain priority. For example, allocation rules can be set based on the quantity of drugs stored in the second-class drug box appearing in the prescription data, the frequency of the same drug appearing in multiple prescriptions, whether the same drug appears at all, the order in which the same drug appears, or the order in which the prescription data is received. Different priorities can also be assigned to different allocation rules. For example, different priorities can be assigned to each factor based on its weight influencing drug packaging efficiency. This allows allocation rules to be prioritized based on factors that significantly impact drug packaging efficiency.

[0069] In addition, for prescription data containing separately packaged medicines, the dispensing processing unit controls the medicine dispenser 17 to dispense the separately packaged medicines into different trays 24, or the dispensing processing controls the medicine dispenser 17 to dispense the separately packaged medicines into different slots of the same tray 24 according to the time of administration.

[0070] It should be noted that for medications susceptible to moisture or light, packaging them together can reduce their efficacy. This is especially true for prescriptions with long durations; it's best to avoid packaging them together. Further examples of medications that should ideally not be packaged together include: medications requiring strict medication management (clinical trial drugs, anesthetics, stimulant ingredients, anticancer drugs, etc.), or medications whose dosage may be adjusted based on the patient's symptoms (single-dose medications such as laxatives, sleeping pills, antidiarrheals, cough suppressants, etc., medications that can be adjusted according to symptoms). In other words, pharmacies, nursing homes, or hospitals can set guidelines on whether it's best not to package medications together or absolutely not to package them together, but anesthetics, stimulant ingredients, and anticancer drugs should absolutely not be packaged together.

[0071] By packaging medications separately, in cases where there are medications that cannot be packaged in one container or where there are too many medications in a single square compartment, they can be further distributed into other square compartments or packages. Dispensing methods can include using alternative packaging or dispensing medications according to the prescribed dosage time.

[0072] like Figure 9 As shown, taking the case where medication AD is divided into 4 doses / 7 days as an example, when there is no need to separate the packaging, one tablet of medication A, one tablet of medication B, one tablet of medication C and one tablet of medication D can be dispensed in one square groove.

[0073] When drug D is a separately packaged drug (one package of NG drug), it can be handled according to... Figure 10 The medicines are packaged and dispensed onto different pallets 24 as shown. Alternatively, they can be distributed according to... Figure 11 The medicines are dispensed into different grooves on the same tray 24 as shown.

[0074] When a large amount of medicine is dispensed into a square groove, it is also possible Figure 11 The separate packaging scheme shown.

[0075] By standardizing the medication dispensing method, a unified approach can be achieved without relying on individual users. Furthermore, when dispensing medication according to a fixed dosage schedule, rearranging the dosage according to the schedule can reduce the number of times medication packaging needs to be opened when administering medication to patients in facilities such as nursing homes. This reduces the time spent on prescription entry and also standardizes the dispensing method. Dispensing can be done by separating square slots or individual packages.

[0076] In addition, after the medicine stored in the medicine box 16 is exhausted, the distribution and processing department controls the medicine dispenser 17 to dispense medicine with the same ingredients.

[0077] When medications are unavailable during dispensing, the ability to dispense medications with the same ingredients from different manufacturers can effectively shorten dispensing time. In practice, the target prescription can be selected on the prescription dispensing screen, and a prescription change dialog box can be opened. In the prescription change dialog box, other medications can be selected. Even medications not present in the master file can be dispensed after entering the medication name or barcode. Prescriptions can be created from this dialog box, and an embedding function has been added. In the case of embedding, it is the next prescription (second) after the embedded prescription. When the same medication is subsequently processed, such as... Figure 12 As shown, bring up the dialog box and use the changed medicine.

[0078] In addition, repeatedly bringing up the dialog box is inconvenient. Therefore, when dealing with the same medication, you can also choose the option not to bring up the dialog box.

[0079] Therefore, when a prescription containing the original drug AA is received from the higher-level side, it is automatically switched to AA'.

[0080] In addition, after the medicine box 16 is replenished with medicine after the medicine has been dispensed, the distribution and processing department controls the medicine dispenser 17 to suspend the dispensing of medicines with the same ingredients and dispense the replenished medicines.

[0081] That is, when a missing medicine is replenished, in order to use the replenished medicine, a list of medicine changes should be maintained, and so on. Figure 13 As shown, perform the operation that enables the original medicine to be dispensed.

[0082] In addition, to confirm whether the tablets are properly dispensed into the square slots of the blister pack, sensors can be installed in the path of the packaging grid on the main unit to detect whether the tablets are blocked and fail to fall within that path. This allows for confirmation of whether the tablets have been properly dispensed into the pack.

[0083] During the detection process, the packaging grid has 28 square grooves for the medicine path. Therefore, the packaging grid can be moved along the XY direction, and sensors can be used to detect whether the package contains medicine.

[0084] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device 11 includes a manual dispensing unit. When dispensing by hand, the manual dispensing container is exposed by pulling up the manual dispensing cover 22b. The manual dispensing container is positioned above the standby position of the tray discharge section 2. The manual dispensing container is located inside the dispensing section 14. The manual dispensing cover 22b is positioned on the cover 22 of the dispensing section 14 and aligned with the observation window 22a in the X direction. By pulling up the manual dispensing cover 22b, the manual dispensing container is exposed, and manually dispensed tablets can be placed into it. Alternatively, in the case of a so-called single-dose dispensing, a single drug is placed in each storage recess of the tray 24, which is placed on the cover 22, without using the manual dispensing container, and the drug is dispensed manually.

[0085] It should be noted that when using the prescription order optimization function, users can identify all manually dispensed medications in the prescription. Therefore, users typically move all manually dispensed medications from the shelf to the medication dispensing device 11, and then return them to the shelf after all manual dispensing is completed.

[0086] However, when using the prescription drug information overview function or the prescription order optimization function, if the prescription includes manually dispensed drugs that have just been used, the drugs need to be retrieved from the shelf again, which wastes the labor and time of the staff.

[0087] In addition, in prescriptions where medication has already been dispensed (prescription information has been sent to the main unit), if the same medication needs to be manually dispensed in another prescription at a different interval, for example, if three prescriptions are issued and the first and third prescriptions contain the same manually dispensed medication, then even if the medication is not returned to the shelf, it is still necessary to take it out of the medicine box and return it.

[0088] To solve the problems mentioned above, the following technical solutions can be adopted:

[0089] 1. When all prescriptions have been dispensed, for example, when a dispensing instruction is issued for a set of prescriptions involving 10 prescriptions, if the medication dispensed manually or using a non-fixed universal medication box (unlike a medication box specifically designed for storing specific medications, this non-fixed universal medication box can be used to hold the required medication and become ready for dispensing, and automatically adjusts the discharge channel from the medication box), is also included in the list of unprocessed prescriptions involving the next set of 10 prescriptions and the same medication can be reused, the user will be notified by sound or image that the medication dispensed manually this time does not need to be returned.

[0090] 2. When multiple prescriptions have been issued and medication instructions for multiple prescriptions have been sent to the main device, that is, when medication is dispensed sequentially based on prescriptions, multiple manually dispensed medications cannot be removed from the box without being returned. However, when prescriptions that have not been dispensed contain the same manually dispensed medications or involve non-fixed universal medication boxes, the user should be notified by sound or image that the medication does not need to be returned.

[0091] In addition, a weight detection sensor can be installed on the manual dispensing unit to check the weight during manual dispensing and to detect problems such as "excessive manual dispensing" or "missed manual dispensing". The weight is measured in one packaging unit, for example, in 0.1g (gram) units.

[0092] Since the weights of each medicine are different, the weights are entered in advance in the medicine master file. When a prescription is issued, the weight (expected value) is calculated based on the total number of tablets. For each medicine, it is determined whether the weight of the manually dispensed medicine reaches the expected value.

[0093] If the weight of the medicine has not reached the expected value, and you wish to proceed with the next medicine (based on the barcode or the "Complete" button), use an audio notification to draw the user's attention. If the weight has reached the expected value, issue an "OK" audio notification and proceed with the next medicine. If the weight has exceeded the expected value, issue an audio notification to draw the user's attention.

[0094] For example, in a prescription of 28 pills dispensed from a square slot, if the wrong pill is manually dispensed and it is lighter than the correct one, the total weight will be insufficient even if 28 pills are dispensed manually. Therefore, no "OK" sound will be emitted. If the wrong pill is heavier than the correct one, the weight will be reached before 28 pills are manually dispensed, thus triggering an attention-raising sound. This prevents accidents caused by excessive manual dispensing or missed dispensing.

[0095] Regarding cases where different types of medications have the same weight, the barcode is checked before manually dispensing each medication during blister packaging. This prevents the misplacement of different types of medications when using visual methods. In a prescription of 28 tablets (one tablet dispensed per square slot), if an incorrect medication is manually dispensed and it is lighter than the correct one, the total weight will not be reached even if 28 tablets are manually dispensed. Therefore, no "OK" sound will be emitted. If the incorrect medication is heavier than the correct one, the weight will be reached before 28 tablets are manually dispensed, thus triggering an attentional sound.

[0096] In addition to manually dispensing the medicine into all 28 square slots and then checking the weight as described above, another method is to check the weight of each square slot as medicine is placed in it and then indicate "OK" or "NG".

[0097] Furthermore, when confirming dispensing by the square grooves, the blister pack displays the number of tablets manually dispensed into the square grooves on the manual dispensing instruction screen. At this time, the weight check function is used to check the manually dispensed portion to confirm accurate dispensing. In this case, the number of tablets can be gradually reduced, and the remaining number of tablets is displayed. When the number reaches 0 tablets, "OK" is displayed for that square groove; if the weight is exceeded, "NG" or "Subtract ○ tablets" is displayed. When all square grooves are OK, it is determined that dispensing for all square grooves is complete, and the process moves to the next medication.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific implementations of this application, and in practical applications, various changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical packaging device, characterized in that, include: Multiple medicine boxes, each storing medicines to be dispensed, are divided into a first category of medicine boxes with more occurrences and a second category of medicine boxes with fewer occurrences based on the frequency of occurrence of the stored medicines in multiple prescription data. Multiple drug dispensers, the number of which is the same as the number of the first type of drug boxes, wherein the first type of drug boxes are fixed to the drug dispensers in priority over the second type of drug boxes; The distribution processing unit receives multiple prescription data and, based on whether the medicine stored in the second type of drug box appears in the multiple prescription data, adjusts the distribution order of prescription data in which the medicine stored in the second type of drug box does not appear to take precedence over prescription data in which the medicine stored in the second type of drug box appears, so that the first type of drug box with priority is dispensed with the stored medicine through the drug dispenser.

2. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distribution processing unit, according to a pre-set distribution rule, causes the corresponding drug dispenser to dispense the drugs contained in each prescription data in the order of distribution.

3. The drug packaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The allocation processing unit is configured with a first allocation rule. In the first allocation rule, for prescription data in which the drugs stored in the second type of drug box all appear, the allocation processing unit adjusts the allocation order of prescription data in which the drugs stored in the second type of drug box appear less frequently to take precedence over prescription data in which the drugs stored in the second type of drug box appear more frequently, based on the frequency of the occurrence of the drugs stored in the second type of drug box in each prescription data.

4. The drug packaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that... ； The allocation processing unit is configured with a second allocation rule. In the second allocation rule, for prescription data in which the number of times the drugs stored in the second type of drug box appears is the same, the allocation processing unit adjusts the allocation order of multiple prescription data in which the same drug appears to be adjacent in terms of front and back positions based on whether the same drug appears in multiple prescription data.

5. The drug packaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The allocation processing unit is configured with a third allocation rule. In the third allocation rule, for prescription data in which all contain drugs stored in the second type of drug box, the allocation processing unit adjusts the allocation order of prescription data in which the same drug appears more often to take priority over prescription data in which the same drug appears less often, according to the number of times the same drug appears in each prescription data.

6. The drug packaging device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The distribution processing unit is configured with a fourth distribution rule. In the fourth distribution rule, for prescription data in which no drugs stored in the second type of drug box appear, the distribution processing unit controls the drug dispenser to dispense drugs according to the order in which the prescription data is received.

7. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: For prescription data containing separately packaged medications, the dispensing processing unit controls the medication dispenser to dispense the separately packaged medications into different trays, or the dispensing processing unit controls the medication dispenser to dispense the separately packaged medications into different slots on the same tray according to the administration time.

8. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the medicine stored in the medicine box is exhausted, the dispensing and processing unit controls the medicine dispenser to dispense medicine with the same ingredients.

9. The drug packaging device according to claim 8, characterized in that: After the medicine box is replenished after the medicine has been dispensed, the distribution processing unit controls the medicine dispenser to pause dispensing medicines with the same ingredients and dispense the replenished medicines.

10. A method for repackaging pharmaceuticals, characterized in that, include: Based on the number of times the drugs stored in multiple drug boxes appear in multiple prescription data, the multiple drug boxes are divided into a first category of drug boxes that appear more frequently and a second category of drug boxes that appear less frequently. The first type of drug boxes are fixed onto the drug dispenser respectively; Based on whether the drugs stored in the second type of drug box appear in multiple prescription data, priority is given to allocating drugs to prescription data for drugs that do not appear in the second type of drug box.

Images