A drug identification device

The automated identification of drug quantity, type, and name by the drug identification device solves the problem of misreading or omission caused by manual operation, and improves the efficiency and safety of the dispensing station.

CN224437193UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-30BEIJING TONGREN HOSPITAL AFFILIATED TO CAPITAL MEDICAL UNIV

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
BEIJING TONGREN HOSPITAL AFFILIATED TO CAPITAL MEDICAL UNIV
Filing Date
2025-09-30
Publication Date
2026-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing drug dispensing stations, drug identification and verification mainly rely on manual operation, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to misreading or omissions due to fatigue and distraction, thus affecting the patient's treatment outcome.

Method used

The device employs a drug identification system, which includes a first visual identification component, a conveying module, a turntable, and a second visual identification component. The visual identification component captures and identifies the quantity, type, name, appearance, and dosage of the drugs. The controller controls the conveying module to accurately pick up and move the drugs, thus achieving automated identification.

Benefits of technology

It automates drug identification, saves manpower, avoids drug use errors, and reduces the risk to patient treatment outcomes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model provides a drug identification device, relating to the field of dispensing device technology. The drug identification device includes: a first visual recognition component, a tray, a conveying module, a turntable, a second visual recognition component, and a controller. The drug identification device provided in this embodiment uses the first visual recognition component to acquire the quantity, type, and position of the drugs on the tray. This allows the controller to control the conveying module to accurately pick up and move the drugs to the turntable. By installing a second visual recognition component on the side of the turntable, the device captures and identifies the drug's name, appearance, and dosage, enabling accurate and automatic drug identification, saving manpower, avoiding errors in drug use, and preventing risks to patient treatment outcomes.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drug dispensing device technology, and in particular to a drug identification device. Background Technology

[0002] Dispensing stations are used to precisely mix and prescribe various medications into a final therapeutic solution for patient use. The accuracy and efficiency of the dispensing process directly affect the patient's treatment outcome and safety. With the continuous advancement of medical technology, dispensing stations are gradually becoming automated and intelligent to improve work efficiency and reduce human error.

[0003] However, in current common dispensing station operations, drug identification and verification mainly rely on manual operation, i.e., staff reading the label information on the drug packaging. This manual verification method is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also prone to misreading or omissions due to fatigue, distraction, and other factors in high-intensity work environments, thus leading to errors in drug use and posing a risk to the patient's treatment outcome. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the technical problem that existing manual verification methods are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also prone to misreading or omissions due to fatigue and distraction in high-intensity work environments, thus leading to errors in drug use and posing a risk to the patient's treatment outcome, this utility model provides a drug identification device. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A drug identification device is provided, the device comprising: a first visual recognition component, a tray, a conveying module, a turntable, a second visual recognition component, and a controller;

[0006] The first visual recognition component is set to correspond to the initial position of the tray holding the medicine. The first visual recognition component is used to capture and recognize the quantity, type and position of the medicine on the tray.

[0007] The conveying module includes a robotic arm and a picking unit. The robotic arm is positioned between the initial position and the turntable, and the picking unit is connected to the robotic arm.

[0008] The second visual recognition component is disposed on the side of the turntable, and the second visual recognition component is used to capture and recognize the drug name, appearance and dosage of the drug;

[0009] The controller is communicatively connected to the first visual recognition component, the conveying module, the turntable, and the second visual recognition component, respectively. The controller is used to control the picking unit to pick up and move the medicine based on the quantity, type, and position of the medicine sent by the first visual recognition component.

[0010] Optionally, the pickup unit includes a vacuum suction cup, which contains three silicone nozzles arranged in an equilateral triangle.

[0011] Optionally, the picking unit includes a gripper, and a pressure sensor is provided on the inner wall of the gripper, the pressure sensor being communicatively connected to the controller.

[0012] Optionally, the turntable includes a table surface and a motor, wherein the output end of the motor is upwardly positioned and connected to the table surface.

[0013] Optionally, the center of the countertop has a groove that matches the shape of the bottom of the medicine.

[0014] Optionally, the device further includes a ring light source disposed on the top surface of the turntable.

[0015] Optionally, the device further includes a strip light source disposed on the side of the turntable.

[0016] Optionally, a weight sensor is disposed below the tray, and the weight sensor is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0017] Optionally, the device further includes an RFID reader disposed on the side of the initial position;

[0018] The tray has an RFID chip embedded in its side wall.

[0019] Optionally, the device further includes a safety guard that covers the robotic arm, the pickup unit, and the turntable.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model embodiment include at least the following:

[0021] The drug identification device provided in this embodiment of the utility model obtains the quantity, type, and location of drugs on a tray through a first visual recognition component, so that the controller can control the conveying module to accurately pick up and move the drugs to the turntable. By setting a second visual recognition component on the side of the turntable, the device can photograph and identify the drug name, appearance, and dosage, and can accurately and automatically identify drugs, saving manpower, avoiding errors in drug use, and avoiding risks to the patient's treatment effect. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drug identification device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is one of the schematic diagrams of a partial structure of a drug identification device provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of a partial structure of a drug identification device provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. First visual recognition component;

[0028] 2. Pallet;

[0029] 3. Conveying module; 31. Robotic arm; 32. Picking unit; 321. Vacuum suction cup; 322. Gripper;

[0030] 4. Turntable; 41. Table surface; 42. Motor;

[0031] 5. Second visual recognition component;

[0032] 6. Ring light source;

[0033] 7. Strip light source;

[0034] 8. Support plate;

[0035] A. Medicines. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of this utility model will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] In the embodiments of this utility model, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" in this utility model should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. Furthermore, in the embodiments of this utility model, the meaning expressed by "and / or" can be both, or it can be either one or the other.

[0038] To make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, a detailed description will be given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] This utility model provides a drug identification device. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a drug identification device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1This device can be used in dispensing stations or other scenarios requiring drug A identification. The device includes: a first vision recognition component 1, a tray 2, a conveying module 3, a turntable 4, a second vision recognition component 5, and a controller.

[0040] The tray 2 typically holds medication A, which corresponds to the same prescription. A first visual recognition component 1 is positioned corresponding to the initial position of the tray 2. The first visual recognition component 1 is used to capture and identify the quantity, type, and location of medication A on the tray 2. The type of medication A is primarily determined by its shape; based on this shape, the accuracy of subsequent pickup can be improved.

[0041] Please continue reading Figure 1 The conveying module 3 includes a robotic arm 31 and a picking unit 32. The robotic arm 31 is positioned between the initial position and the turntable 4. The picking unit 32 is connected to the robotic arm 31 so that after picking up the medicine A, the robotic arm 31 can drive the picking unit 32 to move the medicine A onto the turntable 4. The turntable 4 is used to support and rotate the medicine A so that the second visual recognition component 5 can capture a circumferential view of the medicine A.

[0042] The second visual recognition component 5 is located on the side of the turntable 4. Based on the rotation of drug A, the second visual recognition component 5 can capture and recognize the name, appearance and dosage of drug A.

[0043] The controller is communicatively connected to the first vision recognition component 1, the conveying module 3, the turntable 4, and the second vision recognition component 5, respectively. The controller is used to control the picking unit 32 to pick up and move the drug A based on the quantity, type, and position of the drug A sent by the first vision recognition component 1.

[0044] Specifically, both the first visual recognition component 1 and the second visual recognition component 5 can include a camera and a visual recognition module. The camera can be an industrial camera such as a CCD / CMOS camera, capable of acquiring RGB or high-resolution images of drug A. The visual recognition module can perform feature extraction based on the image to obtain relevant information.

[0045] The working principle of this device can be:

[0046] 1. Placement and initial identification of drug A:

[0047] The staff placed medicine A corresponding to the same prescription on tray 2, at which point tray 2 was in its initial position.

[0048] The first visual recognition component 1 starts working, and its included camera (such as a CCD / CMOS industrial camera) captures an RGB image or a high-resolution image of the medicine A on the tray 2.

[0049] The visual recognition module in the first visual recognition component 1 extracts features from the captured image to identify the quantity of medicine A on the tray 2, the type of medicine A based on its shape, and the location of medicine A, and sends this information to the controller.

[0050] 2. Transport of Medicine A:

[0051] The controller receives the quantity, type, and location information of drug A from the first visual recognition component 1.

[0052] The controller controls the operation of the conveying module 3 based on this information. That is, it controls the picking part 32 of the conveying module 3 to move on the robotic arm 31 to the initial position where the medicine A is located, picks up the medicine A, moves it along the robotic arm 31 to the position of the turntable 4, and releases the medicine A onto the turntable 4.

[0053] 3. Peripheral full-view imaging and identification of drug A:

[0054] The controller starts the turntable 4, and the turntable 4, supporting medicine A, begins to rotate.

[0055] The second visual recognition component 5, located on the side of the turntable 4, operates by having its camera capture a circumferential full-view image of the rotating drug A.

[0056] The visual recognition module in the second visual recognition component 5 processes the captured images to identify information such as the name, appearance, and dosage of drug A.

[0057] 4. Summary and application of drug A identification results:

[0058] The quantity, type, and location of drug A identified by the first visual recognition component 1, as well as the drug name, appearance, and dosage information identified by the second visual recognition component 5, are all aggregated and sent to the controller.

[0059] These identification results can be used for tasks such as checking and dispensing drug A in scenarios such as dispensing stations, to achieve accurate automatic identification of drug A, save manpower, avoid errors in the use of drug A, and reduce the possibility of risks to the patient's treatment effect.

[0060] It should be noted that the appearance of drug A can be in various forms, including ampoules, vials, and liquid bags.

[0061] The drug identification device provided in this embodiment of the utility model obtains the quantity, type, and location of drug A on the tray 2 through the first visual recognition component 1, so that the controller can control the conveying module 3 to accurately pick up and move drug A to the turntable 4. By setting the second visual recognition component 5 on the side of the turntable 4, the device can photograph and identify the name, appearance, and dosage of drug A, and can accurately and automatically identify drug A, saving manpower, avoiding errors in the use of drug A, and avoiding risks to the patient's treatment effect.

[0062] Furthermore, the controller stores prescription information, which can be automatically compared with drug name, appearance, and dosage information to further verify drug A.

[0063] Figure 2 This is one of the partial structural diagrams of a drug identification device provided in this embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to [the diagram]. Figure 2 , Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 From a rear-view perspective, in one embodiment of this utility model, the pickup unit 32 includes a vacuum suction cup 321, which contains three silicone suction nozzles arranged in an equilateral triangle, and can be used to pick up a drug A with a large flat surface, such as a liquid bag.

[0064] Silicone, with its excellent flexibility, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance, can adapt to objects of different shapes and surfaces while ensuring durability over long periods of use. Silicone suction nozzles form a tight seal upon contact with objects, thereby enhancing the vacuum adsorption effect.

[0065] The three silicone nozzles are arranged in an equilateral triangle, which enhances the stability of the suction cup from a mechanical perspective. This equilateral triangular structure ensures that regardless of the direction in which the target object is subjected to external force, the suction cup can distribute the force evenly through the three nozzles, preventing detachment or damage caused by excessive force at a single point. Furthermore, this arrangement helps maintain balance when adsorbing objects of different sizes and shapes.

[0066] When the vacuum suction cup 321 is activated, a negative pressure is generated through the internal vacuum pump system, causing the silicone nozzle to adhere tightly to the surface of the target object, forming a vacuum seal. As the negative pressure increases, the suction cup firmly adheres to the object, thus forming a highly efficient and stable adsorption capacity, allowing the pickup unit 32 to move the object. Whether the object is flat or curved, or even has a surface with tiny bumps, it can be reliably picked up by the vacuum suction cup 321, greatly improving production efficiency and product quality.

[0067] In one embodiment of this utility model, the picking unit 32 includes a gripper 322, which can be used to grip cylindrical medicine A such as ampoules or vials. The inner wall of the gripper 322 is provided with a pressure sensor, which is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0068] Specifically, the gripper 322 may consist of two opposing, openable gripping plates, with the free end of each gripping plate used to hold the medicine A. A pressure sensor, as described above, is installed on the inner wall of this free end to monitor in real time the pressure changes experienced by the gripper 322 when gripping an object, and transmits the pressure signal to the controller. The controller receives and processes the signal from the pressure sensor. Based on a preset algorithm or logic, the controller can determine the force experienced by the gripper 322 when gripping an object and adjust the working state of the gripper 322 accordingly. For example, when excessive pressure is detected on the inner wall of the gripper 322, the controller can automatically reduce the gripping force to avoid damaging the object or the gripper 322 itself.

[0069] Figure 3 This is the second schematic diagram of a partial structure of a drug identification device provided in this embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to [the original text]. Figure 3 In one embodiment of this utility model, the turntable 4 includes a table surface 41 and a motor 42. The table surface 41 is used to place or support items to be rotated. The output end of the motor 42 is upwardly positioned and connected to the table surface 41, and can drive the table surface 41 to rotate while supporting it. Specifically, the table surface 41 and the motor 42 are connected by a coupling or other device.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this utility model, the center of the tabletop 41 has a groove that matches the shape of the bottom of the medicine A.

[0071] The groove design ensures that medicine A is stably secured on the platform 41, preventing problems caused by wobbling or shifting during rotation. By matching the shape of the bottom of medicine A, the groove provides good support and positioning, allowing medicine A to maintain a stable posture during rotation. Furthermore, the depth of the groove can be adjusted as needed to avoid obscuring information such as the name of medicine A. For example, a groove corresponding to the diameter of an ampoule or vial can be designed.

[0072] Furthermore, the groove can also be retractable; for example, an elastic card can be placed inside the groove to accommodate bottles of different diameters.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a ring light source 6, which is disposed on the top surface of the turntable 4.

[0074] The ring light source 6 is primarily designed to provide uniform and ample illumination for better observation, inspection, or photographing of items placed on the turntable 4, such as medicine A. Illumination by the ring light source 6 significantly enhances the visibility of items, improving the accuracy and clarity of inspection or photographing.

[0075] The ring light source 6 features a ring design, providing uniform 360-degree illumination around the top of the turntable 4. This design not only ensures a wide illumination area but also avoids shadows or reflections caused by uneven lighting.

[0076] The ring light source 6 can employ various types of light sources, such as LED chips. LED chips offer advantages such as low energy consumption, long lifespan, and high brightness. Furthermore, LED chips can be color-tuned or dimmed as needed to meet the requirements of different application scenarios.

[0077] In the visual recognition process, the ring light source 6 serves as an important illumination component, providing a stable and uniform lighting environment for the camera. This helps improve the recognition accuracy and stability of the machine vision system.

[0078] In any of the above embodiments provided by this utility model, the device further includes a strip light source 7, which is disposed on the side of the turntable 4.

[0079] The bar light source 7 is primarily designed to provide additional illumination and enhance the brightness of specific areas for better observation, inspection, or photography of items placed on the turntable 4. The bar light source 7 features a long, strip-shaped design, providing linear illumination along the side of the turntable 4. This design not only ensures lighting flexibility but also allows the bar light source 7 to be adjusted or combined as needed to meet the requirements of different application scenarios.

[0080] The bar light source 7 can also use various types of light sources, such as LED beads. LED beads have advantages such as low energy consumption, long lifespan, and high brightness. In addition, the bar light source 7 can also be color-adjusted or dimmed as needed to adapt to different lighting conditions or observation requirements.

[0081] In one embodiment of this utility model, a weight sensor is provided below the tray 2, and the weight sensor is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0082] The weight sensor is set up mainly to monitor the weight changes of the items on tray 2 in real time and send the weight changes to the controller so that the controller can determine whether medicine A has been taken out, thereby ensuring that the quality of the liquid preparation product meets the standards and providing data support for subsequent processes.

[0083] Specifically, the weight sensor is typically securely attached to the tray 2 using bolts, threads, or other fastening methods. This attachment method ensures that the weight sensor remains stable during measurement and is not easily affected by external impacts or vibrations.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes: an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, which is disposed on the side of the initial position; and an RFID chip is embedded in the side wall of the tray 2.

[0085] The RFID chip is embedded in the side wall of tray 2. This design ensures the chip's stability and security while avoiding reading difficulties or damage caused by improper chip placement. Correspondingly, the RFID reader is positioned on the side of the device's initial location. This layout ensures that the reader can accurately capture the RFID chip information on tray 2. The RFID reader has fast, accurate, and non-contact reading capabilities, enabling it to complete the reading and identification of RFID chip information on tray 2 in a short time.

[0086] Specifically, the RFID chip stores information about the tray 2 and the items it contains, such as prescription information, the name, quantity, and production date of drug A. This information can be read and identified by an RFID reader, providing crucial data support for subsequent processing, sorting, and transportation.

[0087] When tray 2 is placed in the initial position of the device, the RFID reader automatically activates and sends a reading signal. Upon receiving the signal, the RFID chip in the side wall of tray 2 wirelessly transmits its stored information to the reader. The reader then decodes and processes the information and sends the result to the controller.

[0088] By working in tandem with the RFID reader and the RFID chip on tray 2, the device can automate the processing of tray 2 and the medicine A it contains. For example, based on the information read, the device can automatically send tray 2 to a designated processing area.

[0089] In one embodiment of this utility model, the device further includes a safety guard that covers the robotic arm 31, the picking unit 32, and the turntable 4, thereby improving the overall safety of the device, preventing accidental injuries during operation, and protecting the precision components inside the device from external factors such as dust and debris.

[0090] Specifically, to avoid obstructing the operator's view and observation, safety shields are typically made of transparent or semi-transparent materials. This allows operators to clearly observe the internal operating status of the device without opening the shield.

[0091] Furthermore, the aforementioned first visual recognition component 1, turntable 4, second visual recognition component 5, and controller are all mounted on the support plate 8.

[0092] The drug identification device provided in this embodiment of the utility model obtains the quantity, type, and location of drug A on the tray 2 through the first visual recognition component 1, so that the controller can control the conveying module 3 to accurately pick up and move drug A to the turntable 4. By setting the second visual recognition component 5 on the side of the turntable 4, the device can photograph and identify the name, appearance, and dosage of drug A, and can accurately and automatically identify drug A, saving manpower, avoiding errors in the use of drug A, and avoiding risks to the patient's treatment effect.

[0093] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0094] In this invention, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0095] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this utility model, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0096] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A drug identification device, characterized in that, The device includes: a first visual recognition component, a tray, a conveying module, a turntable, a second visual recognition component, and a controller; The first visual recognition component is set to correspond to the initial position of the tray holding the medicine. The first visual recognition component is used to capture and recognize the quantity, type and position of the medicine on the tray. The conveying module includes a robotic arm and a picking unit. The robotic arm is positioned between the initial position and the turntable, and the picking unit is connected to the robotic arm. The second visual recognition component is disposed on the side of the turntable, and the second visual recognition component is used to capture and recognize the drug name, appearance and dosage of the drug; The controller is communicatively connected to the first visual recognition component, the conveying module, the turntable, and the second visual recognition component, respectively. The controller is used to control the picking unit to pick up and move the medicine based on the quantity, type, and position of the medicine sent by the first visual recognition component.

2. The drug identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pickup unit includes a vacuum suction cup, which contains three silicone nozzles arranged in an equilateral triangle.

3. The drug identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The picking unit includes grippers, and a pressure sensor is provided on the inner wall of the grippers. The pressure sensor is communicatively connected to the controller.

4. The drug identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable includes a table surface and a motor, with the output end of the motor facing upward and connected to the table surface.

5. The drug identification device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The center of the countertop has a groove that matches the shape of the bottom of the medicine.

6. The drug identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a ring light source, which is disposed on the top surface of the turntable.

7. The drug identification device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The device also includes a strip light source, which is disposed on the side of the turntable.

8. The drug identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A weight sensor is installed below the tray, and the weight sensor is communicatively connected to the controller.

9. The drug identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes an RFID reader disposed on the side of the initial position; The tray has an RFID chip embedded in its side wall.

10. The drug identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a safety shield that covers the robotic arm, the pickup unit, and the turntable.