Sheet Information Confirmation System

Abstract

A sheet information verification system is provided that can appropriately verify information related to blister sheets even after they have been marketed. The sheet information verification system (60) acquires sheet individual identification information based on images obtained by cameras (45, 46), and pre-stores inspection information related to the PTP sheet (1) in conjunction with the sheet basic information and sheet individual identification information in an information registration unit (61b). When performing information verification, the system acquires sheet individual identification information related to the sheet (1a) being verified by taking an image of the sheet (1a) being verified as the object of verification, and acquires inspection information related to the sheet (1a) based on the sheet basic information and sheet individual identification information of the sheet (1a). By using the sheet basic information and sheet individual identification information, the blister sheet (1) can be identified more accurately.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sheet information verification system for verifying inspection and manufacturing information of blister sheets containing contents. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, PTP (pressure puncture) sheets are known to be used in pharmaceuticals and other fields. PTP sheets consist of a container film having a pouch portion for holding contents (tablets, etc.) and a cover film attached to the container film to seal the open side of the pouch portion.

[0003] The blister pack sheets described above can be manufactured using a blister packaging machine. The blister packaging machine includes: a mechanism for forming a bag portion from a conveyed strip of container film; a mechanism for receiving contents into the bag portion; a mechanism for attaching the strip of blister film to the container film in a way that seals the open side of the bag portion; and a mechanism for obtaining blister pack sheets by punching the strip of blister film composed of the container film and the blister film into sheet units. Furthermore, blister packaging machines sometimes also include an inspection device for determining the quality of the contents or the sheet portion.

[0004] However, when a defect is found in a blister sheet, it is sometimes desirable to verify various information related to the manufacturing of that blister sheet (such as inspection information or manufacturing information). To perform this verification, the blister sheets need to be managed in association with various information, and to achieve this association, each of the multiple blister sheets manufactured needs to be individually identifiable.

[0005] As a technique for enabling the individual identification of multiple blister packs, there is a known technique that utilizes the storage state of the contents (tablets) in the pouch (for example, see Patent Document 1, etc.). This technique utilizes the fact that the storage state of the contents in each pouch can be either "the surface of the contents is visible" or "the inside of the contents is visible," and by the difference in the storage state of each of the multiple pouches, the multiple blister packs can be individually identified.

[0006] Furthermore, the following method has been proposed: by photographing the blister sheets, an image for individual identification is pre-acquired, including the sealing line (grid pattern) formed when the blister film is adhered to the container film and the printed portion containing prescribed information, and the similarity to this image is used to individually identify multiple blister sheets (for example, see Patent Document 2, etc.). Moreover, a method has been proposed to extract feature quantities dependent on the local positional relationship between the sealing line (grid pattern) and the printed portion, and to use these feature quantities to individually identify multiple blister sheets (for example, see Patent Document 3, etc.).

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-130863

[0010] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2023-276118

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent No. 7388564 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0013] However, once blister packs are available on the market, there may be a demand for various information related to them. Considering the production volume of blister packs, assuming a blister packaging machine of 600 packs per minute, it can produce 288,000 packs in 8 hours. If the machine runs 8 hours a day for 20 consecutive days, it can produce 5.76 million packs. Furthermore, if it runs 20 days a month for one year, it can produce 69.12 million packs. Additionally, if multiple identical machines are used to produce blister packs at the above production rates for one year, the production volume can reach an extremely large scale (e.g., over 1 trillion).

[0014] In this regard, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, assuming the blister sheet has 10 pouches, there are 1024 (2 to the power of 10) possible storage states, thus allowing for the identification of a maximum of 1024 types of blister sheets. Here, if all information related to the manufacturing of the blister sheet is confirmed on the day of its manufacture—that is, before its market release—even if there are only 1024 storage states, it may not pose much of an obstacle to the identification of the blister sheet. However, as mentioned above, since an extremely large number of blister sheets may be manufactured, if the identifiable types of blister sheets are only about 1024, it would be very difficult to individually identify the extremely large number of blister sheets already on the market.

[0015] Furthermore, when manufacturing a very large quantity of blister sheets, it is possible to produce multiple blister sheets that are extremely similar, with almost no variation in the position of the sealing lines and printed areas. Therefore, in the technologies described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 above, such blister sheets are difficult to distinguish from each other, and it may be impossible to properly identify the blister sheets.

[0016] In addition, in order to enable the individual identification of a large number of blister sheets, it is considered to assign a unique identification code to each blister sheet. However, assigning an identification code to each blister sheet may lead to a decrease in production efficiency or an increase in costs related to blister sheet manufacturing.

[0017] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a sheet information verification system that can more accurately identify individual blister sheets, even after blister sheets have been put into circulation, i.e., after a very large number of the same type of blister sheets may have been manufactured, it can properly verify information related to blister sheets, and can more reliably prevent the reduction in production efficiency and the increase in costs related to blister sheet manufacturing.

[0018] Solution for solving the problem

[0019] The following section describes the various institutions suitable for achieving the aforementioned objectives. Furthermore, it details the specific effects of each additional institution.

[0020] Technical Solution 1. A sheet material information verification system, which enables the verification of at least one of relevant inspection information and manufacturing information of the blister packing machine sequentially manufactured by the blister packing machine, based on the appearance-related information of the blister packing sheet even after the blister packing sheet has been marketed, wherein the blister packing machine comprises:

[0021] A storage mechanism for storing contents in a bag formed on a strip container film;

[0022] A bonding mechanism for bonding a strip-shaped cover film to the container film in a manner that covers the bag portion containing the contents; and

[0023] A cutting and separating mechanism is used to cut and separate the strip-shaped blister film that is attached to the container film to obtain a blister sheet;

[0024] The blister pack sheet contains basic information about the sheet, including a product code or product name, and a manufacturing number or expiration date.

[0025] The sheet material information verification system includes:

[0026] A registered camera device is used to photograph the appearance of the blister sheet;

[0027] A sheet information acquisition organization for registration is used to acquire information corresponding to the different appearance states of each blister sheet manufactured, i.e., sheet individual identification information, based on images obtained by the registration camera mechanism for each blister sheet manufactured.

[0028] An information registration agency is used to store at least one of the inspection information and the manufacturing information associated with the blister sheet which is attached with the sheet's basic information and serves as the source of the sheet's individual identification information, in association with the sheet's basic information and the sheet's individual identification information obtained by the registration sheet information acquisition agency;

[0029] A verification camera is used to photograph the appearance of the blister sheet, i.e. the sheet to be verified, which is the object of verification as at least one of the inspection information and the manufacturing information.

[0030] A sheet material information acquisition mechanism for confirming the object of the verification is used to read and acquire individual identification information of the sheet material related to the object of the verification based on an image obtained by the verification camera mechanism; and

[0031] An information reference agency is used to obtain, from the information registration agency, at least one of the inspection information and the manufacturing information related to the sheet being verified, based on the sheet's basic information related to the sheet and the sheet's individual identification information obtained by the sheet's information acquisition agency.

[0032] In addition, "inspection information" can list inspection data and inspection conditions. Inspection data may include, for example, inspection results (e.g., pass / fail determination results), measurements (e.g., area), images (images before or after specified processing), etc. Inspection conditions may include, for example, setting information used for inspection (e.g., thresholds), inspection device information (e.g., information related to device specifications, program information, AI model information, etc.).

[0033] Additionally, the "manufacturing information" section may list manufacturing conditions and raw material information. Manufacturing conditions include various set values ​​(e.g., set values ​​for heating temperature and applied pressure when forming the bag portion on the container film, set values ​​for heating temperature and applied pressure when attaching the cover film to the container film, set values ​​for heating temperature and applied pressure when forming the cutting slit or marking, etc.), as well as actual measured values ​​for heating temperature, applied pressure, etc. Furthermore, raw material information includes the batch number of the container film raw material roll, the batch number of the cover film raw material roll, the batch number of the tablet cartridge, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, "sheet individual identification information" refers to, for example, an object's fingerprint or the information listed in technical solution 2 described later. Additionally, although the appearance of multiple blister sheets will not be exactly identical, due to limitations in the device's recognition performance, it is extremely rare, but not impossible, for the sheet individual identification information to be completely identical across multiple blister sheets.

[0035] According to the aforementioned technical solution 1, the information used to determine the blister sheet (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "sheet-specific information") includes: information attached to the blister sheet, namely, basic sheet information including product code or product name and manufacturing number or expiration date; and information corresponding to the different appearance states of each manufactured blister sheet, namely, sheet individual identification information. In other words, sheet-specific information is constructed by combining various types of information. Therefore, by utilizing sheet-specific information, a very large number of blister sheets can be identified more reliably and individually.

[0036] Therefore, as described in technical solution 1 above, by configuring the information reference mechanism to obtain inspection information and / or manufacturing information of the blister sheet (the sheet to be confirmed) as the object of information confirmation from the information registration mechanism using sheet-specific information, it is possible to more reliably and accurately obtain information related to a single sheet to be confirmed from information related to a very large number of blister sheets. Thus, even after the blister sheet has entered the market, i.e., after a very large number of the same type of blister sheet may have been manufactured, it is possible to appropriately confirm information related to the blister sheet.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the above technical solution 1, since the sheet-specific information can be obtained from the appearance of the blister sheet, the information related to the sheet can be confirmed based solely on the sheet to be confirmed.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned technical solution 1, it is not necessary to attach a unique identification code to the blister sheet for identification. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the reduction in production efficiency and the increase in costs associated with blister sheet manufacturing.

[0039] Technical Solution 2. The sheet information confirmation system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the contents, depending on the orientation at the time of storage, exhibit at least two different storage states when viewed from the surface of the blister sheet, and the storage state is maintained when stored by the blister sheet;

[0040] The sheet individual identification information includes, in addition to information on multiple storage states related to multiple contents, at least one of the following: information on the relative position of the bag portion, the printed portion printed on the blister sheet, or the outline of the blister sheet relative to the sealing line formed on the cover film, when the cover film is attached to the container film by the bonding mechanism; and information on the relative position of the bag portion or the outline of the blister sheet relative to the printed portion.

[0041] According to the above-mentioned technical solution 2, the sheet individual identification information includes information based on multiple storage states related to multiple contents (e.g., information based on the front and back differences of the tablets stored in the bag) and related information on the relative position of the bag or other parts relative to the sealing line or printing. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the sheet individual identification information of multiple blister sheets from becoming the same. As a result, it is possible to more reliably identify blister sheets individually.

[0042] Technical Solution 3. The sheet information confirmation system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the sheet information acquisition mechanism for registration is configured to read and acquire the basic sheet information on each blister sheet manufactured, based on the image obtained by the registration camera mechanism.

[0043] According to the above-mentioned technical solution 3, the registration sheet information acquisition agency obtains both basic sheet information and individual sheet identification information from the blister sheet being manufactured, based on images obtained by the registration camera. Therefore, it is easier and more accurate to acquire these two types of information from the manufactured blister sheet.

[0044] Technical Solution 4. The sheet information verification system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the sheet information acquisition mechanism for the verification object is configured to read and acquire the basic sheet information on the sheet to be verified based on the image obtained by the verification camera mechanism.

[0045] According to the above-mentioned technical solution 4, the sheet information acquisition mechanism for the confirmed object obtains both basic sheet information and individual sheet identification information based on the image obtained by the verification camera mechanism. Therefore, this information can be acquired more easily and accurately, thereby further improving the ease and accuracy of confirming the sheet information.

[0046] Technical Solution 5. The sheet information confirmation system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the blister packaging machine has:

[0047] A sheet camera mechanism for photographing the blister sheet; and

[0048] A sheet appearance inspection mechanism for inspecting the blister sheet based on images obtained by the sheet camera mechanism;

[0049] Furthermore, the registered camera mechanism also serves as the film camera mechanism.

[0050] According to the above technical solution 5, the registered camera mechanism also functions as a sheet camera mechanism for inspecting blister sheets. Therefore, the system can be simplified, thereby reducing the associated costs of system manufacturing and maintenance.

[0051] Technical Solution 6. The sheet material information verification system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the verification camera is configured to capture images of the sheet material to be verified using the same camera conditions as those used by the registration camera when capturing images of the sheet material to be verified.

[0052] According to the above-mentioned technical solution 6, since the imaging conditions of each camera in the registration camera and the verification camera are the same, it is possible to more reliably prevent differences between the sheet individual identification information based on the image obtained by the registration camera and the sheet individual identification information based on the image obtained by the verification camera due to different imaging conditions. Therefore, it is possible to identify blister sheets more accurately.

[0053] Furthermore, the technical matters involved by the aforementioned entities can be appropriately combined. Therefore, for example, at least one of the technical matters involved in technical solutions 3 to 6 can be combined with the technical matters involved in technical solution 2. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of PTP sheet.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a PTP sheet.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of a PTP membrane.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the PTP sheet used to illustrate the printing section, etc.

[0058] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the surface of the tablet.

[0059] Figure 6 It represents a three-dimensional image of the inside of a pill.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a planar schematic diagram of a PTP sheet used to illustrate the storage state of the tablets.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a block diagram representing the functional structure of the PTP sheet manufacturing verification system.

[0062] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the PTP packaging machine.

[0063] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the heating roller.

[0064] Figure 11 This is a planar schematic diagram showing the surface of a PTP membrane.

[0065] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the bottom surface of the inner side of the PTP membrane.

[0066] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the data structure in the information registration department.

[0067] Figure 14 This is a plan view of a PTP sheet used to illustrate sheet individual identification information in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the structure of the PTP sheet, which is the "blister sheet," will be described in detail.

[0069] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the PTP sheet 1 has: a container film 3 having multiple bag portions 2; and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 in a manner that covers the bag portions 2.

[0070] The container membrane 3 is made of transparent or semi-transparent polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is translucent. On the other hand, the cover membrane 4 is made of thin-walled aluminum (aluminum foil) with a wall thickness of approximately 15-20 μm. In this embodiment, the cover membrane 4 is, for example, made of aluminum foil coated with a sealant composed of a specified resin. Furthermore, the materials of the container membrane 3 and the cover membrane 4 can be appropriately changed.

[0071] Furthermore, a parallelogram-shaped mesh sealing line 4a is formed at the area where the cover film 4 adheres to the container film 3. On the other hand, no sealing line 4a is formed at the position in the cover film 4 corresponding to the opening of the bag portion 2.

[0072] Furthermore, on the side of the cover film 4 opposite to the side that adheres to the container film 3, there is a printed section 8 for displaying basic information 7 of the sheet material (see reference). Figure 4 In this embodiment, the basic information 7 of the sheet material is set by pre-printing on the cover film 4, including the product name 7a, product code 7b, manufacturing number 7c, and expiration date 7d.

[0073] Product name 7a indicates the name (product name) of blister sheet 1, such as consisting of letters like "ABC". Product code 7b indicates the product name and manufacturer, such as consisting of numbers or codes like "04998765432104" (e.g., GS1 code or QR code). Manufacturing number 7c indicates the manufacturing location and time of blister sheet 1, such as consisting of letters, numbers, or codes like "DE12345". Expiry date 7d indicates the shelf life of blister sheet 1 (especially tablet 5), such as consisting of numbers or codes like "281010". In this embodiment, product code 7b, manufacturing number 7c, and expiry date 7d are displayed in their respective numerical and code forms.

[0074] Furthermore, the basic information 7 of the sheet material only needs to include at least the product name 7a or product code 7b, and the manufacturing number 7c or expiration date 7d. Therefore, the basic information 7 of the sheet material may, for example, only include the product name 7a and the manufacturing number 7c. In addition, the manufacturing number 7c and the expiration date 7d can also be set by applying an engraving to the PTP sheet material 1 by the engraving device 34 described later.

[0075] The PTP sheet 1 is formed with rounded corners and a rectangular shape when viewed from above. On the PTP sheet 1, there are two rows of pockets formed by five pocket sections 2 arranged along its long side, and two rows along its short side. That is, a total of 10 pocket sections 2 are formed. Each pocket section 2 contains one tablet 5 as its "contents".

[0076] The outer surface of the tablet 5 is composed of a side surface 5a, a surface 5b that holds the side surface 5a, and an inner surface 5c. A tablet printing section 5j is formed on the surface 5b, on which text, symbols, numbers, graphics, etc., representing product information related to the tablet 5 are printed (see reference). Figure 5 Product information related to tablet 5 may include "product name", "content", "dosage form", "manufacturer", and "batch number". On the other hand, tablet printing 5j is not formed on tablet 5c (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, the surface 5b and the inner surface 5c have different shapes, and the two surfaces 5b and 5c can be distinguished by their appearance.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, depending on the orientation of the tablet 5 when stored in the pouch 2, the storage state when viewed from the surface of the PTP sheet 1 (the protruding side of the pouch 2) presents two different states (see reference). Figure 7 That is, in this embodiment, the storage state is either the "surface state" in which the surface 5b (pill printing section 5j) can be visually confirmed, or the "inner state" in which the inner part 5c can be visually confirmed.

[0078] Furthermore, the relative shape of the tablet 5 to the pouch portion 2 is set so that it will not flip inside out when stored in the pouch portion 2. Thus, the tablet 5 maintains its "outer state" or "inner state" when stored in the PTP sheet 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, since one PTP sheet 1 has 10 pouch portions 2 and there are 2 storage states, there are 1024 possible storage state information (2 to the power of 10) based on the information of multiple storage states associated with multiple tablets 5. This storage state information constitutes part of the sheet individual identification information described later.

[0079] Additionally, the PTP sheet 1 is a strip-shaped PTP film 6 formed by a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4 (see reference). Figure 3 It is manufactured by cutting into sheets. In this embodiment, the PTP film 6 is equivalent to a "blister film". The blister film 6 is configured to have bag portions 2 arranged along its width direction corresponding to the number of sheets.

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 8 This section describes a PTP sheet manufacturing verification system 10 used for manufacturing PTP sheet 1 and verifying information related to the manufactured PTP sheet 1. The PTP sheet manufacturing verification system 10 is installed in a designated factory and includes a PTP packaging machine 11 and a sheet information verification system 60. In this embodiment, the PTP packaging machine 11 is a "blister packaging machine". First, the general structure of the PTP packaging machine 11 will be described.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, on the upstream side of the PTP packaging machine 11, the raw material roll of the strip container film 3 is wound into a roll. The lead-out end of the wound container film 3 is guided by guide roller 13. The container film 3 is wound onto intermittent feed roller 14 on the downstream side of guide roller 13. Intermittent feed roller 14 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, which intermittently conveys the container film 3. In addition, the raw material roll of the container film 3 is equipped with raw material information such as batch number.

[0082] Between the guide roller 13 and the intermittent feed roller 14, a heating device 15 and a bag forming device 16 are sequentially arranged along the conveying path of the container film 3. Then, while the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 to make it more flexible, the bag forming device 16 forms a plurality of bags 2 at predetermined positions on the container film 3. The formation of the bags 2 is carried out during the intervals in which the intermittent feed roller 14 conveys the container film 3.

[0083] Furthermore, the heating temperature of the container film 3 by the heating device 15, and the pressure applied to the container film 3 by the bag forming device 16 during the formation of the bag portion 2, are controlled by the control device 50 (described later) based on predetermined set values. In addition, the heating device 15 and the bag forming device 16 have the function of measuring the actual heating temperature and pressure, and sending the measured values ​​of heating temperature and pressure to the control device 50. These set values ​​and measured values ​​constitute part of the manufacturing information for the blister sheet 1.

[0084] The container film 3, fed from the intermittent feed roller 14, is sequentially wound onto the tension roller 18, guide roller 19, and film receiving roller 20. The film receiving roller 20 is connected to a motor rotating at a constant speed, thus continuously and at a constant speed feeding the container film 3. The tension roller 18 is configured to stretch the container film 3 towards the tension side using elastic force to prevent the container film 3 from slackening due to the difference in feeding action between the intermittent feed roller 14 and the film receiving roller 20, thereby keeping the container film 3 always taut.

[0085] A filling device 21 is provided between the guide roller 19 and the film receiving roller 20, along the conveying path of the container film 3. In this embodiment, the filling device 21 constitutes a "storage mechanism". Tablets stored in a specified tablet container are supplied to the filling device 21. The tablet container is marked with raw material information such as batch number.

[0086] The filling device 21 includes a cylindrical chute for receiving tablets 5 arranged in a row, and a gate (not shown) for opening and closing the outlet of the chute. The gate is opened at a predetermined time to fill the bag portion 2 with tablets 5. For the tablets 5 received by the filling device 21 in the bag portion 2, sometimes the surface 5b faces upwards, and sometimes the inside 5c faces upwards (see reference). Figure 11 That is, the front and back of the tablet 5 stored in the bag 2 are not fixed.

[0087] On the other hand, the raw material roll forming the strip-shaped cover film 4 is wound into a roll at the upstream side. The lead-out end of the rolled cover film 4 is guided by the guide roller 24 toward the heating roller 25. In addition, the raw material roll of the cover film 4 is also provided with raw material information such as batch number, just like the raw material roll of the container film 3.

[0088] The heating roller 25 can press against the film receiving roller 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the two rollers 20 and 25. Then, the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between the two rollers 20 and 25 under heated and pressed conditions, thereby the cover film 4 is adhered to the container film 3, and the bag portion 2 is covered by the cover film 4. Thus, a strip blister film 6 in which the tablets 5 are stored in each bag portion 2 is produced. In this embodiment, the film receiving roller 20 and the heating roller 25 constitute a "lamination mechanism".

[0089] Additionally, at least one portion of the outer periphery of the heating roller 25 facing the diaphragm 4 passing between the two rollers 20 and 25 is provided with a plurality of triangular protrusions 25a (see reference). Figure 10 In this embodiment, each protrusion 25a is configured in a parallelogram (square in this embodiment) mesh shape. The protrusions 25a bite into the cover film 4 and the container film 3, thereby forming the sealing line 4a on the blister film 6, resulting in the cover film 4 being firmly attached to the container film 3.

[0090] Furthermore, the heating temperature of the two films 3 and 4 by the heating roller 25, as well as the clamping pressure on the two films 3 and 4, are controlled by the control device 50 (described later) based on predetermined set values. In addition, the heating roller 25 has the function of measuring the actual heating temperature and clamping pressure, and sends the measured values ​​of the heating temperature and clamping pressure to the control device 50. These set values ​​and measured values, along with the heating temperature and pressure set values ​​related to the formation of the bag portion 2, constitute part of the manufacturing information of the blister sheet 1.

[0091] The blister film 6 fed from the film receiving roller 20 is sequentially wound onto the tension roller 27 and the intermittent feed roller 28. The intermittent feed roller 28 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, thus intermittently feeding the blister film 6. The tension roller 27 is configured to stretch the blister film 6 towards the tension side using elasticity to prevent the blister film 6 from slackening due to the difference in feeding action between the film receiving roller 20 and the intermittent feed roller 28, thus keeping the blister film 6 always taut.

[0092] A first camera 45 and a second camera 46 are arranged between the film receiving roller 20 and the tension roller 27 along the conveying path of the blister film 6. In this embodiment, the first camera 45 and the second camera 46 respectively constitute a "registration camera mechanism", and the first camera 45 constitutes a "sheet camera mechanism". Therefore, the first camera 45, as a "registration camera mechanism", also serves as a "sheet camera mechanism". In addition, the two cameras 45 and 46 are also constituent elements of the sheet information confirmation system 60.

[0093] The two cameras 45 and 46 are controlled by the control device 50 based on the imaging conditions pre-stored in the control device 50. The imaging conditions include, for example, settings related to the cameras 45 and 46 (such as shutter speed), and settings related to the first illumination device 47 and the second illumination device 48 for irradiating the PTP film 6 with specified light (such as infrared light or white light).

[0094] The first camera 45 focuses on the portion of the PTP film 6 that becomes the PTP sheet 1 on the surface side (protruding side of the bag portion 2) after it has been illuminated by the first illumination device 47 with a specified light. Figure 11 , 12The first camera 45 captures images of the area enclosed by double-dotted lines. The second camera 46 captures images of the area on the inside of the PTP film 6, which is the PTP sheet 1, after it has been illuminated by a predetermined light source by the second lighting device 48. Therefore, the first camera 45 captures images of the appearance related to the surface of the PTP sheet 1, and the second camera 46 captures images of the appearance related to the inside of the PTP sheet 1. The appearance-related images (image data) of the PTP sheet 1 obtained by the two cameras 45 and 46 are associated with the sheet number and then sent to the information management device 61.

[0095] The sheet number is, for example, a number consisting of n-1, n, n+1 (where n is a natural number), and is assigned to each part of the PTP film 6 that ultimately becomes the PTP sheet 1. In this embodiment, the sheet number increases sequentially according to the manufacturing order of the PTP sheets 1. Furthermore, in Figure 11 , 12 In one example, the part that ultimately becomes PTP sheet 1 is marked with the sheet number corresponding to that part.

[0096] Additionally, the image acquired by the first camera 45 is sent to the appearance inspection device 49. The appearance inspection device 49 inspects the PTP sheet 1 based on the image acquired by the first camera 45. In this embodiment, the appearance inspection device 49 constitutes a "sheet appearance inspection mechanism".

[0097] The appearance inspection device 49 is a reflective light inspection device that inspects the bag portion 2 of the PTP film 6 from the protruding side after sealing, for example, to check for "unsealed / wrinkled" items. "Unsealed / wrinkled" is an inspection item related to whether the cover film 4 is properly attached to the container film 3, that is, whether the seal is qualified. The appearance inspection device 49 performs the inspection using measurement values ​​(e.g., area) based on the image obtained by the first camera 45 and inspection conditions (e.g., threshold setting information, inspection device information such as inspection program, etc.) pre-stored in the control device 50.

[0098] In addition, the visual inspection device 49 can also inspect other items (such as whether there are tablets 5 in the bag 2). Inspection data, including images used in the inspection, measurements, and inspection results, is sent to the information management device 61 (described later) after being associated with the sheet number. The images used in the inspection include not only images from before processing but also images from after processing.

[0099] In addition to the appearance inspection device 49, an inspection device for inspecting the appearance of the PTP sheet 1 can also be provided. For example, an inspection device can be provided to check for the presence of tablets 5 or foreign objects in the bag portion 2, and the conformity of the shape of the tablets 5 or the bag portion 2, before the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3. Furthermore, an inspection device can be provided to check for conformity of the punching process, for example, after the PTP film 6 has been punched to obtain the PTP sheet 1. The inspection data (images, measurements, inspection results) involved by such an inspection device are also sent to the information management device 61 after being associated with the sheet number.

[0100] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roller 28 is sequentially wound onto the tension roller 31 and the intermittent feed roller 32. The intermittent feed roller 32 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, thus intermittently feeding the PTP film 6. The tension roller 31 is configured to stretch the PTP film 6 towards the tension side using elastic force to prevent the PTP film 6 from slackening between the intermittent feed rollers 28 and 32.

[0101] Between the intermittent feed roller 28 and the tension roller 31, a slit forming device 33 and an marking device 34 are sequentially arranged along the conveying path of the PTP film 6. The slit forming device 33 has the function of forming a cutting slit at a predetermined position on the PTP film 6. The marking device 34 has the function of applying marking at a predetermined position on the PTP film 6. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The illustrations of the cutting slit and the engraving are omitted. As described above, the engraving device 34 can also be used to apply the engraving, thereby setting the manufacturing number 7c, the expiration date 7d, etc. on the PTP sheet 1.

[0102] Furthermore, during the formation of the cutting slits and the marking, the heating temperature and pressure applied to the PTP film 6 by the slit forming apparatus 33 and the marking apparatus 34 are controlled by the control device 50 (described later) based on predetermined set values. In addition, the slit forming apparatus 33 and the marking apparatus 34 are equipped with the function of measuring the actual heating temperature and applied pressure, and send the measured values ​​of the heating temperature and applied pressure to the control device 50. These set values ​​and measured values ​​constitute part of the manufacturing information of the PTP sheet 1.

[0103] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roller 32 is sequentially wound onto the tension roller 35 and the continuous feed roller 36 on its downstream side. A sheet cutting device 37 is arranged between the intermittent feed roller 32 and the tension roller 35 along the conveying path of the PTP film 6. The sheet cutting device 37 has the function of cutting the outer edge of the PTP film 6 into PTP sheet 1 units, that is, separating the PTP sheet 1 from the PTP film 6. In this embodiment, the sheet cutting device 37 constitutes a "cutting and separating mechanism".

[0104] The PTP sheet 1 obtained by the sheet cutting device 37 is conveyed by the conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in the finished product hopper 40. The PTP sheet 1 stored in the finished product hopper 40 is packaged and boxed before being shipped to the market. However, when the appearance inspection device 49 determines that the sheet is defective, the PTP sheet 1 related to the defective determination is not sent to the finished product hopper 40, but is discharged separately by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

[0105] A cutting device 42 is provided downstream of the continuous feed roller 36. Then, the unnecessary film portion 43, which remains in a strip shape after being punched by the sheet punching device 37 and constitutes the scrap portion (edge ​​material portion), is guided to the cutting device 42 by the tension roller 35 and the continuous feed roller 36. The cutting device 42 cuts the unnecessary film portion 43 to a specified size. The cut unnecessary film portion 43 (edge ​​material) is stored in the edge material hopper 44 and then disposed of separately.

[0106] In addition, the PTP packaging machine 11 includes a control device 50. The control device 50 is responsible for controlling the operation of each device in the PTP packaging machine 11. The control device 50 consists of a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs prescribed arithmetic operations, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) that stores various programs and fixed value data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various data during the execution of various arithmetic operations, and peripheral circuits.

[0107] The control device 50 controls, based on predetermined set values, the heating temperature of the container film 3 by the heating device 15, the pressure applied to the container film 3 when forming the bag portion 2, the heating temperature of the two films 3 and 4 by the heating roller 25, the clamping pressure of the two films 3 and 4 by the two rollers 20 and 25, and the pressure applied to the PTP film 6 by the slit forming device 33 and the marking device 34. The control device 50 sends the set values ​​used in the manufacturing of the PTP sheet 1, associated with the sheet number used to determine the PTP sheet 1, to the information management device 61. Therefore, the set values ​​of each of the manufactured PTP sheets 1 are sent from the control device 50 to the information management device 61. Thus, the information management device 61 holds the set values ​​for each PTP sheet 1. Furthermore, when the information management device 61 has information related to the set values, and the control device 50 controls the device based on this information, since the information management device 61 already holds the set values ​​for each PTP sheet 1, it is not necessary to send the set values ​​from the control device 50 to the information management device 61.

[0108] Furthermore, as described above, when measurement values ​​related to the actual heating temperature and pressure are sent from the heating device 15, bag forming device 16, heating roller 25, slit forming device 33, etc., to the control device 50, the control device 50 sends the measurement values ​​related to the manufactured PTP sheet 1 in association with the sheet number used to determine the PTP sheet 1 to the information management device 61. Therefore, the measurement values ​​of each of the multiple manufactured PTP sheets 1 are sent from the control device 50 to the information management device 61. Thus, the information management device 61 holds the measurement values ​​of each PTP sheet 1.

[0109] Furthermore, the control device 50 pre-stores the raw material rolls of the two films 3 and 4, as well as raw material information (batch number, etc.) related to the tablet container. The control device 50 sends the raw material information related to the manufactured PTP sheet 1 in association with the sheet number used to determine the PTP sheet 1 to the information management device 61. As a result, the information management device 61 can grasp "manufacturing information" including set values, measured values, and raw material information for each PTP sheet 1.

[0110] Furthermore, the control device 50 pre-stores inspection conditions related to the inspection of the appearance inspection device 49 (e.g., setting information (thresholds, etc.), inspection device information (information related to device specifications and model, inspection program information, inspection AI model information, etc.)). Then, the control device 50 sends the inspection conditions for inspecting the manufactured PTP sheet 1, associated with the sheet number for determining the PTP sheet 1, to the information management device 61. Additionally, as described above, when inspection data including images used for inspection and inspection results is sent from the appearance inspection device 49 to the control device 50, the control device 50 sends the inspection data related to the manufactured PTP sheet 1, associated with the sheet number for determining the PTP sheet 1, to the information management device 61. Thus, the information management device 61 can possess "inspection information" including inspection conditions and inspection data for each PTP sheet 1.

[0111] In addition, the control device 50 stores the imaging conditions of the PTP sheet 1, and the control device 50 uses these imaging conditions to control the operation of each camera 45, 46 and each lighting device 47, 48. The imaging conditions used when the cameras 45, 46 photograph the PTP sheet 1 are sent to the information management device 61 in association with the sheet number used to determine the PTP sheet 1.

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 8The sheet information verification system 60 will be described below. The sheet information verification system 60 is a system used to verify the relevant "inspection information" and "manufacturing information" of the manufactured PTP sheet 1 based on its appearance-related information even after the PTP sheet 1 has been marketed. The sheet information verification system 60 includes an information management device 61, a verification camera device 62, a verification camera control device 63, a sheet information acquisition device 64, an information reference device 65, and a display device 66. In this embodiment, the verification camera device 62 constitutes a "verification camera mechanism," similarly, the sheet information acquisition device 64 constitutes a "sheet information acquisition mechanism," and the information reference device 65 constitutes an "information reference mechanism."

[0113] The information management device 61 stores and manages basic sheet information 7, individual sheet identification information, "manufacturing information" (set values, measured values, and raw material information), and "inspection information" (inspection conditions and inspection data) for each manufactured PTP sheet 1. The individual sheet identification information corresponds to the different appearance states of each manufactured PTP sheet 1. The individual sheet identification information and the basic sheet information 7 constitute information used to identify the PTP sheet 1 from its appearance (sometimes called "sheet-specific information"). In rare cases, multiple PTP sheets 1 may have extremely similar appearance states; in such cases, due to limitations in the device's recognition capabilities, the individual sheet identification information for these PTP sheets 1 may be identical.

[0114] In this embodiment, the individual sheet identification information includes, in addition to the information (storage status information) based on the multiple storage states associated with the multiple tablets 5, the following information also includes: information on the relative position of the bag portion 2 relative to the sealing line 4a (sometimes referred to as "first relative position information"), information on the relative position of the printing portion 8 relative to the sealing line 4a (sometimes referred to as "second relative position information"), and information on the relative position of the bag portion 2 relative to the printing portion 8 (sometimes referred to as "third relative position information").

[0115] Information related to the relative position of the bag portion 2 with respect to the sealing line 4a (first relative position information) can be listed as, for example: the intersection point XP of the sealing line 4a and the outer edge of the opening of the bag portion 2 (refer to...). Figure 12 The quantity of ), the area AR enclosed by the sealing line 4a and the outer edge of the opening of the bag part 2 (refer to) Figure 12 The area of ​​the bag part 2, the number or total length of the sealing lines 4a located within a certain distance from the bag part 2, the distance from a specific position on the sealing line 4a to the bag part 2, etc.

[0116] Additionally, information related to the relative position of the printed portion 8 with respect to the sealing line 4a (second relative position information) can be cited, for example, as the portion KB in the sealing line 4a that overlaps with the printed portion 8 (see reference). Figure 12 The quantity or length of the sealing line 4a, the total length of the portion of the sealing line 4a that does not overlap with the printing portion 8, and the area BR enclosed by the sealing line 4a and the outer edge of the printing portion 8 (refer to...). Figure 12 The area of ​​the sealing line 4a, the number or total length of the sealing lines 4a located within a certain distance from the printing section 8, and the distance from a specific position on the sealing line 4a to the printing section 8, etc. Additionally, in Figure 12 In the middle, only one area AR and BR of each were added with a scatter pattern.

[0117] Furthermore, information related to the relative position of the bag portion 2 with respect to the printing portion 8 (third relative position information) can include, for example, the distance from the printing portion 8 to the bag portion 2, the area or outer edge length of the printing portion 8 located within a certain distance from the bag portion 2, and the number of intersections between the virtual line connecting the bag portion 2 to a specified position (e.g., the center or the center of gravity) and the sealing line 4a. In addition, when acquiring relative position information, information can be acquired for each of the multiple bag portions 2, or for each of the multiple elements constituting the printing portion 8 (text, numbers, symbols, etc.). Of course, information other than the information listed above (e.g., object fingerprints) can also be acquired as sheet individual identification information.

[0118] In this embodiment, the sheet individual identification information utilizes information composed of storage status information (e.g., a 10-digit number representing "outer state" as 0 and "inner state" as 1), first relative position information, second relative position information, and third relative position information. Furthermore, each relative position information is expressed by multiple characters or numbers representing quantity, area, number of strips, etc., and the sheet individual identification information is expressed by, for example, 15 or more characters or numbers. Therefore, there are numerous types of sheet individual identification information.

[0119] The information management device 61 is composed of a so-called computer system and includes a registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a and an information registration unit 61b. In this embodiment, the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a constitutes a "registration sheet information acquisition mechanism", and the information registration unit 61b constitutes an "information registration mechanism".

[0120] The registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a acquires individual sheet identification information for each PTP sheet 1 based on images obtained by the two cameras 45 and 46 and transmitted from the control device 50. In this embodiment, the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a uses a pre-set program or AI model to obtain the storage status information and relative position information of the PTP sheet 1 corresponding to the sheet number associated with the image, based on the images obtained by the two cameras 45 and 46, and uses the obtained information to create and acquire individual sheet identification information. Thus, individual sheet identification information is acquired for each PTP sheet 1.

[0121] Furthermore, the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a reads and acquires basic sheet information 7 for each manufactured PTP sheet 1 based on images obtained by the two cameras 45 and 46 and transmitted from the control device 50. In this embodiment, the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a uses a pre-set program or AI model to acquire the basic sheet information 7 of the PTP sheet 1 corresponding to the sheet number associated with the image obtained by the two cameras 45 and 46.

[0122] The information registration unit 61b stores the inspection information and manufacturing information related to the PTP sheet 1, which contains the basic information 7 of the sheet and serves as the source of the sheet's individual identification information, in association with the basic information 7 of the sheet and the sheet's individual identification information obtained by the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a. More specifically, the information registration unit 61b uses the basic information 7 of the sheet and the sheet's individual identification information obtained by the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a, as well as the inspection information and manufacturing information sent from the control device 50, to associate and store the basic information 7 of the sheet, the sheet's individual identification information, the inspection information, and the manufacturing information related to the same sheet number.

[0123] In this embodiment, the data structure in the information registration unit 61b is as follows: Figure 13 As shown, there are multiple parent folders named after the product code and product name, and multiple child folders located below these parent folders named after the manufacturing number and expiration date. In other words, in the data structure of the information registration department 61b, each sheet's basic information 7 (product name, product code, manufacturing number, and expiration date) exists in multiple different folders.

[0124] In addition, each subordinate folder stores multiple files with filenames containing sheet individual identification information. These files contain data related to the "inspection information" and "manufacturing information" of PTP sheet 1, determined by the parent folder name, subordinate folder names, and filenames. Therefore, the data in the information registration agency 61b is structured as a tree structure that associates sheet basic information 7 and sheet individual identification information (i.e., sheet-specific information) with the "inspection information" and "manufacturing information."

[0125] In addition, the information registration unit 61b stores the imaging conditions of the two cameras 45 and 46 on the PTP sheet 1 sent from the control device 50 in association with the basic sheet information 7 of the PTP sheet 1.

[0126] The camera device 62 takes pictures of the appearance of the PTP sheet 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "confirmation object sheet 1a"), which is the object of "inspection information" and "manufacturing information" confirmation. In this embodiment, the confirmation object sheet 1a is a sheet that is sent back to the location (e.g., factory) of the PTP sheet manufacturing confirmation system 10 in order to understand the cause of a problem when a certain problem is found after the product has been put on the market.

[0127] In this embodiment, the verification camera device 62 has specifications equal to or higher than those of the two cameras 45 and 46, and captures images of both the surface side (the protruding side of the bag portion 2) and the inside side of the sheet 1a to be verified. The camera operation of the verification camera device 62 is controlled by the verification camera control device 63.

[0128] As described above, the verification camera control device 63 controls the verification camera device 62 to photograph the verification object sheet 1a. In this embodiment, when basic sheet information 7 related to the verification object sheet 1a is input through manual operation or a code reading device, the verification camera control device 63 obtains the imaging conditions associated with the basic sheet information 7 from the information registration agency 61b. That is, the verification camera control device 63 obtains the imaging conditions used when photographing the verification object sheet 1a using cameras 45 and 46. Then, the verification camera control device 63 uses the obtained imaging conditions to photograph the verification object sheet 1a. In addition, the verification camera control device 63 uses the imaging conditions associated with the first camera 45 when photographing the surface side of the verification object sheet 1a, and uses the imaging conditions associated with the second camera 46 when photographing the inside side of the verification object sheet 1a. Therefore, the verification camera device 62 can photograph the verification sheet 1a using the same photographic conditions as when the two cameras 45 and 46 photograph the verification sheet 1a. The image obtained by the verification camera device 62 is sent to the verification sheet information acquisition device 64.

[0129] The sheet material information acquisition device 64 reads and acquires individual sheet identification information related to the sheet material 1a being confirmed based on the image obtained by the verification camera device 62.

[0130] In this embodiment, the sheet information acquisition device 64 reads and acquires basic sheet information 7 related to the sheet 1a being identified, based on the image obtained by the verification camera device 62. The acquisition of the individual sheet identification information and the basic sheet information 7 can be performed using the same method as that used by the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a. The acquired individual sheet identification information and basic sheet information 7 are then sent to the information reference device 65.

[0131] The information reference device 65 obtains "manufacturing information" and "inspection information" related to the sheet 1a to be confirmed from the information registration unit 61b. More specifically, based on the sheet individual identification information and sheet basic information 7 related to the sheet 1a to be confirmed obtained by the sheet information acquisition device 64, the information reference device 65 obtains "inspection information" and "manufacturing information" data associated with the sheet individual identification information and sheet basic information 7 from the information registration unit 61b. The obtained "inspection information" and "manufacturing information" data are sent to the display device 66.

[0132] The display device 66, for example, is a liquid crystal display with a defined display section, and displays data acquired by the information reference device 65, namely "inspection information" and "manufacturing information" related to the sheet 1a to be inspected. By checking the displayed content, it is easier to investigate the cause of the problem that occurred in the sheet 1a to be inspected. In addition to or in place of the display device 66, a defined external device (such as a terminal device outside the factory) may be provided, configured to output inspection information and other data from the information reference device 65 to the external device.

[0133] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, the information used to determine the PTP sheet 1 (sheet-specific information) includes basic sheet information 7 and individual sheet identification information. That is, the sheet-specific information is constructed by combining a variety of different types of information. Therefore, by utilizing the sheet-specific information, a very large number of PTP sheets 1 can be identified more reliably.

[0134] Therefore, by configuring the information reference device 65 to obtain the "inspection information" and "manufacturing information" of the target sheet 1a from the information registration unit 61b using sheet-specific information, it is possible to more reliably and accurately obtain information related to a single target sheet 1a from information related to a very large number of PTP sheets 1. Thus, even after PTP sheets 1 have entered the market, i.e., after a very large number of the same type of PTP sheets may have been manufactured, it is possible to appropriately confirm information related to PTP sheets 1.

[0135] Furthermore, since sheet-specific information can be obtained from the appearance of PTP sheet 1, information related to the sheet 1a can be confirmed solely based on the sheet 1a being confirmed.

[0136] Furthermore, since it is not necessary to attach an inherent identification code to the PTP sheet 1 for identification purposes, it is possible to more reliably prevent the reduction in production efficiency and the increase in costs associated with the manufacturing of the PTP sheet 1.

[0137] Furthermore, the sheet individual identification information includes information based on multiple storage states associated with multiple tablets 5 (storage state information) and information related to the relative positions of the sealing line 4a and the printing section 8, etc. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the sheet individual identification information of multiple PTP sheets 1 from becoming identical. As a result, it is possible to more reliably identify each PTP sheet 1 individually.

[0138] Simultaneously, the registration sheet information acquisition unit 61a acquires both the basic sheet information 7 and the individual sheet identification information (i.e., sheet-specific information) of the manufactured PTP sheet 1 based on the images obtained by the cameras 45 and 46. Therefore, it is possible to acquire these two types of information in the manufactured PTP sheet 1 more easily and accurately.

[0139] Furthermore, the sheet material information acquisition device 64 acquires both the basic sheet material information 7 and the individual sheet material identification information (i.e., sheet material-specific information) of the sheet material 1a based on the image obtained by the verification camera device 62. Therefore, this information can be acquired more easily and accurately, thereby further improving the ease and accuracy of confirming the information of the sheet material 1a.

[0140] Furthermore, the first camera 45 is used not only to obtain individual sheet identification information, but also to inspect the PTP sheet 1. Therefore, the sheet information verification system 60 can be simplified, thereby reducing the increase in manufacturing, maintenance and other related costs of the sheet information verification system 60.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the imaging conditions of cameras 45 and 46 and the verification camera device 62 are made identical, it is possible to more reliably prevent discrepancies between the sheet individual identification information based on the images obtained by cameras 45 and 46 and the sheet individual identification information based on the images obtained by the verification camera device 62 due to different imaging conditions. Therefore, the PTP sheet 1 can be identified more accurately.

[0142] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiments, and may also be implemented as follows. Of course, other application examples and modifications not illustrated below are also possible.

[0143] (a) In the above embodiment, the cameras 45 and 46, which are "registered camera mechanisms", photograph the part of the PTP film 6 that becomes the PTP sheet 1, that is, the PTP sheet 1 before punching, but they can also photograph the PTP sheet 1 after punching.

[0144] In addition, in the above embodiment, cameras 45 and 46 take pictures of both sides of the PTP sheet 1, but it is also possible to take pictures of only one side of the PTP sheet 1, the surface and the interior.

[0145] (b) In the above embodiment, the sheet individual identification information includes information such as the relative position of the bag portion 2 relative to the sealing line 4a, but if Figure 14 As shown, it may also include information about the relative position of the outline line GK of the PTP sheet 1 relative to the sealing line 4a, and information about the relative position of the outline line GK of the PTP sheet 1 relative to the printing section 8. In this case, in order to know the outline line GK of the PTP sheet 1 (i.e., the actual punching position of the sheet punching device 37), the appearance of the punched PTP sheet 1 is photographed by a camera acting as a "registration camera mechanism", and sheet individual identification information is obtained based on the image obtained by the camera.

[0146] (c) In the above embodiment, the sheet information acquisition unit 61a is configured to acquire basic sheet information 7 based on images obtained by the two cameras 45 and 46, and the information registration unit 61b is configured to store "manufacturing information" and the like in association with the acquired basic sheet information 7. Alternatively, the basic sheet information 7 can be input into the information registration unit 61b by input from an operator or by reading code information attached to the PTP sheet 1 using a specified code reading device. Then, the information registration unit 61b can also store "manufacturing information" and the like in association with the input basic sheet information 7.

[0147] Alternatively, the information reference device 65 may also adopt the same structure. That is, the information reference device 65 may also obtain "manufacturing information" or the like related to the sheet material 1a to be identified, based on the basic information 7 of the sheet material obtained by input from operators or others or by reading code information using a code reading device.

[0148] (d) In the above embodiment, the verification camera 62 is installed inside the factory where the PTP packaging machine 11 is located, but it can also be installed outside the factory. Furthermore, the verification camera 62 can be a portable digital camera or a smartphone with a camera function. In this case, the image captured by the verification camera 62 outside the factory can be sent to the confirmation sheet information acquisition device 64, which acquires the sheet individual identification information of the confirmation sheet 1a based on the sent image. With this structure, it is possible to confirm the "manufacturing information" and other information related to the confirmation sheet 1a without having to send the physical confirmation sheet 1a to the location where the verification camera 62 is installed.

[0149] (e) In the above embodiment, it is configured to be able to confirm both the "inspection information" and the "manufacturing information" related to the sheet 1a to be confirmed, but it may also be configured to be able to confirm only one of the "inspection information" and the "manufacturing information".

[0150] (f) In the above embodiments, the first camera 45 serves as both a "registration camera mechanism" and a "sheet camera mechanism", but the "registration camera mechanism" and the "sheet camera mechanism" may also be composed of different cameras.

[0151] (g) In the above embodiments, three types of relative position information are listed as sheet individual identification information, but one or two of these types of information may also be used as sheet individual identification information.

[0152] (h) In the above embodiment, the storage state of the tablets 5 is not specifically controlled, but is determined randomly. In contrast, the storage state of each tablet 5 can also be controlled by configuring the filling device 21 to be able to arbitrarily adjust the orientation of the tablets 5 filled into the bag portion 2.

[0153] (i) In the above embodiment, the presence or absence of the tablet printing section 5j is used to distinguish the inside and outside of the tablet 5. In contrast, it can also be configured to distinguish the inside and outside of the tablet 5 by providing an engraving or dividing line on only one of the two sides 5b and 5c. Of course, it can also be configured to distinguish the inside and outside of the tablet 5 by providing different printing or engravings on the surface 5b and the inside 5c respectively.

[0154] (j) In the above embodiment, the PTP sheet 1 is configured to hold 10 tablets 5, but the number of contents contained in one PTP sheet 1 can be appropriately changed. However, in order to make the number of types of storage status information sufficiently large, it is preferable to set the number of contents contained in one PTP sheet 1 to 6 or more.

[0155] (k) In the above embodiments, there are two storage states, but there may also be three or more storage states. For example, when the contents are cubic in shape and each face is printed with different content, the storage states may be at least six different states depending on the orientation of the contents when they are stored.

[0156] (l) In the above embodiment, the "contents" include a disc-shaped tablet 5 that is circular when viewed from above. However, the shape of the tablet is not limited to being circular when viewed from above. It may also be polygonal, elliptical, oblong, etc. when viewed from above.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, tablets include not only medical tablets but also edible tablets. Moreover, tablets include not only bare tablets but also sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, chewable tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gelatin-coated tablets, etc.

[0158] Furthermore, the contents can also be a capsule tablet consisting of a cylindrical body closed at one end and a cap fitted into the body to close the opening at the other end. As a capsule tablet, it is preferable that the body and cap can be distinguished by differences in printed content, shape, color, etc. In this case, depending on the orientation of the capsule tablet when stored in the pouch, it is either in a "right-facing state" where the body is positioned on one end edge of the PTP sheet 1 in the width direction, or in a "left-facing state" where the cap is positioned on the same end edge. Therefore, the capsule tablet presents two different storage states when viewed from the surface of the PTP sheet 1.

[0159] Of course, the contents can also be items other than pills and capsules.

[0160] Symbol Explanation

[0161] 1…PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2…bag section, 3…container film, 4…cover film, 4a…sealing line, 5…tablet (contents), 6…PTP film (blister film), 7…basic sheet information, 8…printing section, 11…PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine), 20…film receiving roller (lamination mechanism), 21…filling device (storage mechanism), 25…heating roller (lamination mechanism), 37…sheet punching device (cutting and separating mechanism), 45…first camera (registered camera mechanism, sheet camera) ), 46… second camera (registration camera mechanism), 49… appearance inspection device (sheet appearance inspection mechanism), 60… sheet information confirmation system, 61a… registration sheet information acquisition unit (registration sheet information acquisition mechanism), 61b… information registration unit (information registration mechanism), 62… verification camera device (verification camera mechanism), 64… confirmation object sheet information acquisition device (confirmation object sheet information acquisition mechanism), 65… information reference device (information reference mechanism), GK… outline.

Claims

1. A sheet information verification system, the system being configured to verify, even after the blister sheet has been marketed, at least one of relevant inspection information and manufacturing information of the blister sheet sequentially manufactured by a blister packaging machine, based on appearance-related information of the blister sheet, wherein the blister packaging machine comprises: A storage mechanism for storing contents in a bag formed on a strip container film; A bonding mechanism for bonding a strip-shaped cover film to the container film in such a way as to cover the bag portion containing the contents; as well as A cutting and separating mechanism is used to cut and separate the strip-shaped blister film, which is attached to the container membrane, to obtain blister sheets. in, The blister pack sheet has basic information attached to it, including a product code or product name, and a manufacturing number or expiration date. The sheet material information verification system includes: A registered camera device is used to photograph the appearance of the blister sheet; A sheet information acquisition organization for registration is used to acquire, based on images obtained by the registration camera, information corresponding to different appearance states of each blister sheet manufactured, i.e., sheet individual identification information, for each blister sheet; An information registration agency is used to store at least one of the inspection information and the manufacturing information associated with the blister sheet which is attached with the sheet's basic information and serves as the source of the sheet's individual identification information, in association with the sheet's basic information and the sheet's individual identification information obtained by the registration sheet information acquisition agency; A verification camera is used to photograph the appearance of the blister sheet, i.e. the sheet to be verified, which is the object of verification as at least one of the inspection information and the manufacturing information. A sheet material information acquisition mechanism for confirming the object of the verification is used to read and acquire individual identification information of the sheet material related to the object of the verification based on an image obtained by the verification camera mechanism; and An information reference agency is used to obtain, from the information registration agency, at least one of the inspection information and the manufacturing information related to the sheet being verified, based on the sheet's basic information related to the sheet and the sheet's individual identification information obtained by the sheet's information acquisition agency.

2. The sheet information verification system according to claim 1, wherein, Depending on the orientation of the contents when stored, the stored state when viewed from the surface of the blister sheet presents at least two different states, and the stored state is maintained when stored in the blister sheet. The sheet individual identification information includes, in addition to information on multiple storage states related to multiple contents, at least one of the following: information on the relative position of the bag portion, the printed portion printed on the blister sheet, or the outline of the blister sheet relative to the sealing line formed on the cover, when the cover is attached to the container film by the bonding mechanism. And related information about the relative position of the bag portion or the outline of the blister sheet with respect to the printed portion.

3. The sheet information verification system according to claim 1, wherein, The registration sheet information acquisition mechanism is configured to read and acquire the basic sheet information on each blister sheet based on the image obtained by the registration camera mechanism.

4. The sheet information verification system according to claim 1, wherein, The confirmation object sheet information acquisition mechanism is configured to read and acquire the basic sheet information on the confirmation object sheet based on the image obtained by the verification camera mechanism.

5. The sheet information verification system according to claim 1, wherein, The blister packaging machine has the following features: A sheet camera mechanism for photographing the blister sheet; and A sheet appearance inspection mechanism for inspecting the blister sheet based on images obtained by the sheet camera mechanism; The registered camera mechanism also serves as the film camera mechanism.

6. The sheet information verification system according to claim 1, wherein, The verification camera is configured to capture images of the object to be verified using the same camera conditions as those used by the registration camera when capturing images of the object to be verified.

Images