Drug dispensing device

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of work and process in taking out a cassette from a cassette shelf or storing the cassette into the cassette shelf.SOLUTION: A picking unit (3) has a drug giving / receiving part (32), a cassette giving / receiving part (41) that can take out a cassette from the picking unit or can put the cassette into the picking unit, and a body cassette transfer part and a picking cassette transfer part that transfer a cassette between the drug giving / receiving part or cassette giving / receiving part and the cassette shelf.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine handling device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Medicine dispensing devices for dispensing medicines have been developed, examples of which are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a medicine dispensing device that takes out a medicine sheet from a medicine-containing cassette transported from a cassette shelf to a delivery section and moves a medicine tray so that the medicine tray can receive the medicine sheet. This medicine dispensing device can reduce the total time required to dispense a medicine sheet.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic medicine supplying device equipped with a medicine picking section having a plurality of dispensing sections in which medicine containing cassettes transported from a cassette shelf are dispensed. Each of the plurality of dispensing sections has a medicine outlet for inserting and removing medicine, and an opening / closing cover capable of opening and closing the medicine outlet. In this automatic medicine supplying device, by controlling so that only the opening / closing cover of the dispensing section in which the medicine containing cassette is dispensed is in the open state, it is possible to take out the desired medicine without fail even when a plurality of medicine containing cassettes are dispensed in the medicine picking section.

[0005] The method of Patent Document 3 transports medical packs from a first receiving location in the access area of ​​the operator unit to a discharge location in the access area of ​​the operator, and from a refill location in the access area of ​​the operator to a second receiving location in the access area of ​​the operator unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 047487 [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-79642 A [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6424217 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Consider a case where an operator takes out a cassette stored in a cassette shelf or places a cassette back in the cassette shelf. Patent documents 1 and 2 do not disclose a configuration that enables a medicine dispensing device or an automatic medicine supplying device to automatically access a cassette to be taken out or inserted without the operator having to directly access the cassette shelf.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 does not disclose any of the following locations other than the discharge location where an operator removes medicine from a medicine pack or the replenishment location where medicine is replenished into a medicine pack. That is, Patent Document 3 does not disclose a location where an operator removes a medicine pack stored in an apparatus and automatically transported by the apparatus, or a location where an operator replenishes a medicine pack that is automatically transported by the apparatus and stored in the apparatus. Note that the object of transportation in the method of Patent Document 3 is a medicine pack, not a cassette capable of containing a medicine pack.

[0009] Therefore, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3 may not be able to improve the work efficiency and processing efficiency for removing cassettes from the cassette shelf or storing cassettes on the cassette shelf.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not disclose a method for transferring cassettes contained in a cassette group containing the same type of medicine when the cassette group is stored on a cassette shelf. Therefore, the techniques of Patent Documents 1 to 3 may not allow an operator to determine how to remove medicines depending on the storage status of the medicine sheets in each of the cassette groups.

[0011] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a medicine handling device that can improve the work efficiency and processing efficiency for removing cassettes from a cassette shelf or storing cassettes on the cassette shelf.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to realize a drug dispensing device that allows an operator to determine how to remove drugs depending on the drug sheet storage status in each of multiple cassettes containing the same type of drug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A drug dispensing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a drug dispensing device in which at least one cassette group consisting of a plurality of cassettes intended to contain the same type of drug is stored, and is equipped with a transfer control unit that transfers two or more of the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group when drugs contained in the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group become the target for removal, and the transfer control unit transfers the drugs to two or more of the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group when the number of drugs contained in any of the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group minus a designated number specified as the quantity of drugs to be removed from one of the cassettes included in the cassette group is 1. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the medicine dispensing device of the present invention, it is possible to allow an operator to determine how to remove medicine depending on the storage status of the medicine sheets in each of a plurality of cassettes that store the same type of medicine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a medicine dispensing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a drug station. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a drug station. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of a drug station. [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating examples of the structure of cassettes that can be stored in a cassette shelf. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are perspective views showing an example of a main unit and a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a main unit cassette transport section; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of cassette storage. [Figure 8] 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a cassette gripping portion. FIG. [Figure 9] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a cassette gripping unit. [Figure 10] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a main unit and a picking unit. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a picking unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a picking cassette transport unit. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a cassette gripping operation by a first picking cassette transport unit. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a first picking cassette transport unit and a second picking cassette transport unit. [Figure 15] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a first shutter. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a picking unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a picking unit. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship in size between the medicine delivery section and the cassette. FIG. [Figure 19] 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the cassette transfer section when viewed from the front side of the picking unit. FIG. [Figure 20] 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the cassette transfer section when viewed from the rear side of the picking unit. FIG. [Figure 21] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of a cassette gripping portion. [Figure 22] 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of a first picking cassette transport section. FIG. [Diagram 23] 11 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a cassette is gripped by a first cassette gripping portion. FIG. [Figure 24] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of the shape of a first shutter. [Diagram 25] 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the picking cassette transport unit when the cassette arrives at the medicine delivery unit. FIG. [Figure 26] 11 is a side view illustrating an example of the operation of the first shutter. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the medicine placing table. [Figure 28] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cassette structure; [Figure 29] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control device. [Diagram 30] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an example of the structure of a holder. [Diagram 31] An example of a medicine delivery section that also functions as a cassette delivery section is shown below. [Diagram 32] 13 is an example of a lot list managed for each cassette or storage area in which drugs of the same type are stored. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a filling image displayed on the first touch panel. [Diagram 34] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a lot list image including lot list information is displayed in a filling image. FIG. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an individual dispensing image displayed on a first touch panel. [Diagram 36] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a filling operation image displayed on a second touch panel and an example of a lot list image displayed on the second touch panel. [Figure 37] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for adding a new combination of a lot number and an expiration date. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a lot list when a new combination of a lot number and an expiration date is added. [Figure 39]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the lot list when a new combination of lot number and expiration date is added. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [Basic configuration] <Medicine dispensing system> A medicine dispensing system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medicine dispensing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0017] The medicine dispensing system 100 is a system that dispenses medicines based on prescription data. The medicine dispensing system 100 includes, for example, a drug station 1, a prescription input device 200, a tablet packaging machine 300, a powdered medicine packaging machine 400, a PTP dispensing device 500, a dispensing assistance device 600, and a dispensing control device 800 as devices used for dispensing based on prescription data. The medicine dispensing system 100 also includes a medicine shelf 700. In the following description, the tablet packaging machine 300, the powdered medicine packaging machine 400, the PTP dispensing device 500, and the dispensing assistance device 600 may be referred to as various devices. The drug station 1, the various devices, and the medicine shelf 700 are installed, for example, in a hospital or a pharmacy.

[0018] The prescription input device 200 is a device that accepts input of information about a drug prescribed by a doctor to a patient (e.g., the type of the drug (e.g., drug name, drug identification information), dosage (number of drugs), and method of administration). The prescription input device 200 transmits information about the prescribed drug to the dispensing control device 800 as prescription data. The prescription input device 200 may also issue a prescription on which information about the prescribed drug is printed. The prescription may be issued by the dispensing control device 800 described below. The prescription input device 200 and the dispensing control device 800 may also issue dispensing instructions corresponding to the drug station 1 and each of the above-mentioned devices, instead of a prescription. The dispensing instructions are printed with information contained in the dispensing data described below that is created by the dispensing control device 800.

[0019] The prescription data may include information about drugs prescribed to each of a plurality of patients, and in this case, the information may be collected for each of a plurality of patients. The prescription input device 200 may also divide the information about the prescribed drugs into predetermined prescription periods (e.g., one day) and generate prescription data for each predetermined prescription period.

[0020] The dispensing control device 800 controls dispensing of medicines in the medicine dispensing system 100. For example, the dispensing control device 800 determines which of the drug station 1 and the above-mentioned various devices is used to dispense the medicine indicated in the prescription data received from the prescription input device 200. The medicine indicated in the prescription data is the medicine prescribed to the patient, and may be called the prescribed medicine. The dispensing control device 800 includes a control unit 801 and a memory unit 802.

[0021] The control unit 801 controls each unit of the dispensing control device 800. The control unit 801 includes a determination unit 811 and a transmission / reception unit 812. The determination unit 811 determines which device is to be used to dispense the drug indicated in the prescription data. The transmission / reception unit 812 receives prescription data from the prescription input device 200, or notifications from the drug station 1 or various devices. Based on the result determined by the determination unit 811, the transmission / reception unit 812 transmits dispensing data including information on the drug to be dispensed (information indicating the type of drug, etc.) to the drug station 1 or various devices. The dispensing data can also be said to be prescription data transmitted to the drug station 1 or various devices.

[0022] The storage unit 802 stores, for example, various programs used by the control unit 801, and a drug database (drug master) that manages information on multiple types of drugs stored in the drug station 1. The information on the drug includes, for example, the type of drug (e.g., drug name, drug identification information), expiration date, and lot number. The storage unit 802 also stores, for example, a drug database that manages information on multiple types of drugs stored in the tablet packing machine 300, and a drug database that manages information on multiple types of drugs stored in the powdered medicine packing machine 400. The drug station 1, the tablet packing machine 300, and the powdered medicine packing machine 400 also store their own drug databases.

[0023] The dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database stored in the memory unit 802 when updating the drug database stored in the memory unit of drug station 1. Specifically, when there is a change in the type of drug stored in drug station 1, the dispensing control device 800 receives information indicating the change from drug station 1. Based on this information, the dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database of drug station 1 stored in the memory unit 802. The dispensing control device 800 may update the drug database stored in the memory unit 802 when drug station 1 is started. Similarly, the dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database of tablet packing machine 300 or the drug database of powder packing machine 400 for tablet packing machine 300 and powder packing machine 400.

[0024] The drug station 1 is a device (first drug dispensing device, drug dispensing device) that dispenses drugs stored in the drug station 1. A specific configuration of the drug station 1 will be described later.

[0025] The tablet packaging machine 300, the powdered medicine packaging machine 400 and the PTP dispensing device 500 are examples of a second medicine dispensing device (preparation equipment) that dispenses medicine. The tablet packaging machine 300 is a device that dispenses medicine indicated in the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., tablets stored in the tablet packaging machine 300. The powdered medicine packaging machine 400 is a device that dispenses medicine indicated in the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., powdered medicine (powdered medicine) stored in the powdered medicine packaging machine 400. The PTP dispensing device 500 is a device that dispenses a PTP (Press Through Package) sheet (medicine sheet) containing the medicine indicated in the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., the medicine stored in the PTP dispensing device 500.

[0026] The dispensing assistance device 600 is a device that assists in dispensing medicines from a medicine shelf 700 that stores medicines. The dispensing assistance device 600 presents information such as the type of medicine indicated in the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800. This allows medical professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, or doctors, and workers at the drug station 1 to take out medicines from the medicine shelf 700. The workers at the drug station 1 take out medicines from the drug station 1 and are unqualified persons who do not have qualifications such as pharmacists, nurses, or doctors. However, the workers may be qualified persons who have the relevant qualifications. In the following description, qualified medical professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, or doctors may be simply referred to as users.

[0027] <Drug Station> Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of the drug station 1. Fig. 2 is a view of the main unit 2 seen from the front side, and Fig. 3 is a view of the main unit 2 seen from the rear side. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the drug station 1.

[0028] The drug station 1 is a device for storing, filling and dispensing drugs. As shown in FIGS.

[0029] (Main unit) The main unit 2 is a unit that stores medicines. Specifically, the main unit 2 functions as a medicine storage shelf that can store a plurality of cassettes Ca that contain medicines. The main unit 2 is a device that transfers the stored cassette Ca to the picking unit 3 by using the main cassette transfer section 22 (22a and 22b shown by reference numbers 6001 and 6002 in FIG. 6). The main unit 2 is also a device that transfers the cassette Ca returned from the picking unit 3 to its original storage position. In other words, the main unit 2 functions as a cassette handling device that stores a plurality of cassettes Ca and delivers and receives the cassette Ca to and from the picking unit 3.

[0030] The main unit 2 can store a variety of medicines (e.g., about 1500 to 2000 types) that are expected to be used in one facility such as a hospital or a pharmacy. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 stores, as medicines, for example, medicine sheets (e.g., PTP sheets), external medicines such as ointments or eye drops, or powdered medicines. The main unit 2 may also store, for example, ampoules or vials that contain medicines. In this specification, medicines that are not medicine sheets (medicines in a form other than medicine sheets) include external medicines such as ointments or eye drops, and powdered medicines, as well as ampoules or vials that contain medicines. The main unit 2 may store any medicine as long as it is a medicine that can be stored in the main unit 2.

[0031] The main unit 2 includes a cassette shelf 21, a main cassette transport section 22, and a cassette holding section .

[0032] The cassette shelf 21 is a medicine storage shelf capable of storing a plurality of cassettes Ca. In this embodiment, the cassette shelf 21 is capable of storing cassettes Ca of different sizes (types). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a structure of a cassette Ca that can be stored on the cassette shelf 21, where reference numeral 5001 is a perspective view showing an example of a large cassette Ca1, reference numeral 5002 is a perspective view showing an example of a medium cassette Ca2, and reference numeral 5003 is a perspective view showing an example of a small cassette Ca3. Reference numeral 5004 in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the large cassette Ca1.

[0033] In the reference numeral 5001, a large cassette Ca1 is provided with a partition section Ca11 that forms a plurality of locations in which medicines can be stored. This allows a single large cassette Ca1 to store a plurality of types of medicine. In this embodiment, the large cassette Ca1 is provided with four partition sections Ca11, forming five storage areas (storage positions) for medicines. The medium cassette Ca2 is a cassette that is smaller in width (length in the short direction) than the large cassette Ca1 and larger in width than the small cassette Ca3. In addition, in the reference numeral 5002, a partition section Ca21 is also provided in the medium cassette Ca2 (two storage areas are formed in this embodiment).

[0034] In addition, the small cassette Ca3 may also be provided with a partition to form multiple storage areas. In addition, the large cassette Ca1 and the medium cassette Ca2 may not be provided with a partition, and the large cassette Ca1 and the medium cassette Ca2 may function as cassettes capable of storing one type of drug sheet. In addition, the partition Ca11 is removable from the cassette Ca. Therefore, in the large cassette Ca1, the size and number of the storage areas can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the types of cassettes Ca are not limited to three types, and two or four or more types of cassettes with different widths may be prepared, or there may be only one type.

[0035] In this manner, by providing partitions in each of the multiple types of cassettes Ca, multiple storage areas for storing medicines can be formed in the cassette Ca.

[0036] Furthermore, a claw receiving portion Ca12 is provided on a side wall (longitudinal end) extending in the short direction of the large cassette Ca1. The claw receiving portion Ca12 is adapted to hook onto a claw portion 2212 (see FIG. 8) of the main cassette transport unit 22 and a protrusion 351a (see reference numeral 12002 in FIG. 12) of the picking cassette transport unit 35. When the claw receiving portion Ca12 is hooked onto the claw portion 2212 or the protrusion 351a, the main cassette transport unit 22 and the picking cassette transport unit 35 can take out or place the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23.

[0037] In addition, the claw receiving portion Ca12 is provided with a notch Ca13. The position sensor 2214 (see FIG. 8) detects the position of the notch Ca13, so that the main cassette transporter 22 can transport the cassette gripper 221 (see FIG. 8) directly in front of the large cassette Ca1 to be transported. Therefore, the large cassette Ca1 can be reliably removed.

[0038] In addition, two claw receiving parts Ca12 provided at both ends of the large cassette Ca1 in the longitudinal direction are each provided with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag (not shown). Each RFID tag has recorded therein claw receiving part identification information for identifying each claw receiving part Ca12.

[0039] The orientation of the cassette Ca when placed on the medicine transfer section 32 differs between when the cassette Ca is removed from one of the claw receiving sections Ca12 and when the cassette Ca is removed from the other claw receiving section Ca12. When a single cassette Ca contains multiple types of medicines, such as the large cassette Ca1, the positional relationship of the medicines with respect to the medicine transfer section 32 changes depending on the orientation in which the cassette is placed. Therefore, if the control device 10 cannot recognize the orientation in which the cassette is placed, there is a possibility that the shutter 322 cannot be opened in accordance with the storage position of the medicine to be taken out.

[0040] By recording the claw receiving part identification information as described above and providing an RFID reader (not shown) in main body cassette transport section 22 (e.g., cassette pull-out section 2211 (see FIG. 8)), control device 10 can determine the orientation of cassette Ca based on the claw receiving part identification information read from the RFID tag by the RFID reader when cassette Ca is removed from cassette shelf 21. Therefore, control device 10 can open shutter 322 in medicine transfer section 32 to match the storage position of the medicine sheet to be removed.

[0041] The claw receiving portion Ca12, the notch Ca13 and the RFID tag are also provided on the medium-sized cassette Ca2 and the small-sized cassette Ca3. That is, all the cassettes Ca stored on the cassette shelf 21 are provided with the claw receiving portion Ca12, the notch Ca13 and the RFID tag.

[0042] The RFID reader may be provided in the picking cassette transport unit 35 (e.g., the protrusion 351a). In this case, when the cassette Ca is removed from the delivery cassette holding unit 231 (state of reference numeral 13003 in FIG. 13), the control device 10 can determine the orientation of the cassette Ca based on the claw receiving part identification information read from the RFID tag by the RFID reader, as described above.

[0043] Moreover, the cassette Ca is provided with a barcode Ca14. The barcode Ca14 includes, for example, cassette identification information for identifying the cassette Ca and size information (information indicating one of a large cassette Ca1, a medium cassette Ca2, and a small cassette Ca3) indicating the size (type) of the cassette Ca. The barcode Ca14 is an example, and the information may be provided to each cassette Ca so that the information can be read by a barcode reader (not shown) provided on the cassette gripper 221 or the like. By reading the information of the barcode Ca14, the control device 10 can compare the information with data (described later) stored in the storage unit 15. Therefore, for example, the main cassette transport unit 22 can reliably take out the cassette Ca containing the medicine to be dispensed or the cassette Ca containing the medicine to be filled. Furthermore, for example, the control device 10 can open the shutter 322 when the above comparison result shows that the above information and the above data match.

[0044] The main cassette transfer unit 22 transfers the cassette Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding unit 23. When dispensing medicines, the main cassette transfer unit 22, for example, takes out the cassette Ca containing the medicines included in the dispensing data from the cassette shelf 21 and transfers it to the cassette holding unit 23. Then, the main cassette transfer unit 22 transfers the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 (the cassette Ca from which the specified number of medicines have been taken out in the picking unit 3 and returned from the picking unit 3) to the cassette shelf 21. When filling medicines, the main cassette transfer unit 22 takes out the cassette Ca containing the medicines of the type indicated by the medicine identification information read by the barcode reader 34 from the cassette shelf 21 and transfers it to the cassette holding unit 23. Then, the main cassette transfer section 22 transfers the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding section 23 (the cassette Ca filled with medicines in the picking unit 3 and returned from the picking unit 3) to the cassette shelf 21.

[0045] By providing the main cassette transport section 22, the cassette Ca can be taken out from the cassette shelf 21 and transported to the picking unit 3, and the cassette Ca can be returned to the cassette shelf 21.

[0046] The cassette holding section 23 is a buffer that temporarily holds the cassette Ca transferred from the cassette shelf 21 or the picking unit 3. The cassette holding section 23 includes a delivery cassette holding section 231 and a receiving cassette holding section 232. The delivery cassette holding section 231 temporarily holds the cassette Ca that is taken out from the cassette shelf 21 and delivered to the medicine transfer section 32 of the picking unit 3. The receiving cassette holding section 232 temporarily holds the cassette Ca that is returned from the medicine transfer section 32 to the receiving cassette shelf 21. In other words, the delivery cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 each function as a placement table on which the cassette Ca is temporarily placed.

[0047] The main unit 2 is also provided with a first touch panel 5. The first touch panel 5 is a display device that displays various information related to the drug station 1, and also functions as an input device that accepts input operations by the operator. However, the first touch panel 5 may function only as a display device.

[0048] The main unit 2 is also provided with a plurality of doors 25 (opening and closing doors) on both the front and rear sides. A user can directly access the cassette shelf 21 by opening the doors 25. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the door 25 provided on a part of the rear side is open. The door 25 may be transparent or semi-transparent so that the cassette shelf 21 can be viewed from outside the main unit 2.

[0049] 2 and 3, one picking unit 3 is provided on the front side of the main unit 2, but this is not limiting and multiple picking units 3 may be provided. Although not shown, this specification will be described assuming that two picking units 3 are provided.

[0050] (Picking unit) The picking unit 3 is a device that dispenses medicines stored in the main unit 2. To realize the dispensing of medicines, the picking unit 3 functions as a device for an operator to perform a picking operation to take out medicines. The picking unit 3 also functions as a device for an operator to perform a filling operation to fill the main unit 2 with medicines. In other words, the picking unit 3 functions as a device for an operator to take out medicines from a cassette Ca stored in the main unit 2 or to fill the cassette Ca with medicines (a medicine handling device that enables an operator to handle medicines).

[0051] The picking unit 3 includes a second touch panel 31, a medicine delivery section 32, a barcode reader 34, a picking cassette transport section 35, a printer 36, a medicine placement stand 37, a tray placement stand 38, and a tray close button 39. These components are provided on a workbench 40 where an operator handles the medicines.

[0052] The picking unit 3 transfers the cassette Ca transferred from the main unit 2 to the medicine transfer section 32 using the picking cassette transfer section 35. While checking the display content of the second touch panel 31, the operator takes out the medicines from the cassette Ca transferred to the medicine transfer section 32 and places them on the medicine placement table 37 or the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement table 38. The medicines placed on the medicine placement table 37 are finally placed on the transport tray Tr.

[0053] The user transports the transport tray Tr containing the medicines to the inspection unit. The inspection unit is a unit where the user performs a final inspection of the medicines dispensed from the main unit 2. The drug station 1 may include an inspection unit in addition to the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3. The task of filling the cassette Ca with the medicines is performed by the user.

[0054] The second touch panel 31, like the first touch panel 5, displays various information related to the drug station 1 and accepts input operations by the operator. When removing drugs from the cassette Ca (when dispensing drugs), the second touch panel 31 displays, for example, the type and quantity of drugs that the operator should remove from the drug transfer section 32. In addition, when loading drugs into the cassette Ca, the second touch panel 31 accepts input operations to specify, for example, the type of drug to be loaded or the cassette Ca containing the drug.

[0055] The medicine transfer section 32 enables an operator to take out medicine from the cassette Ca or to put medicine into the cassette Ca (to transfer medicine by an operator). When a medicine sheet containing a plurality of medicines is stored in the cassette Ca, the medicine transfer section 32 enables the operator to take out the whole or a part of the medicine sheet from the cassette Ca or to put the whole or a part of the medicine sheet into the cassette Ca.

[0056] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the fractional sheet refers to a medicine sheet cut out from a whole medicine sheet (full sheet) containing a specified amount of medicine. The medicine sheet refers to the whole medicine sheet, or a collective term for the whole medicine sheet or a part of it (fractional sheet).

[0057] In this embodiment, the medicine transfer section 32 includes an opening 321 and a shutter 322. The opening 321 is an opening that allows an operator to access (take out or fill (input) medicines) the cassette Ca transferred to the medicine transfer section 32. The shutter 322 is provided at the opening 321, and controls the operator's access to the cassette Ca. The shutter 322 is an opening / closing section that opens and closes the opening 321. The shutter 322 is normally in a closed state, and becomes in an open state when the cassette Ca is transferred to the medicine transfer section 32. The shutter 322 is capable of changing the opening width according to the cassette Ca from which medicines are to be taken out or filled (put in).

[0058] The shutter 322 includes a first shutter 322a and a second shutter 322b. The first shutter 322a opens and closes in the Y-axis direction, and the second shutter 322b opens and closes in a direction (X-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the first shutter 322a. The first shutter 322a is controlled to open and close in accordance with the size of the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca, as described later with reference to FIG. 15. This opening and closing control allows the operator to access only the storage area containing the medicine to be dispensed. The second shutter 322b is controlled to open and close in accordance with the sizes of cassettes Ca of various widths (e.g., large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, small cassette Ca3). This opening and closing control reduces the possibility that the medicine removed from the cassette Ca by the operator will fall through a gap formed in the X-axis direction (short side direction of the medicine transfer unit 32) between the cassette Ca and the first shutter 322a. The opening and closing operations of the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b may be performed simultaneously, or one of them may be performed first.

[0059] The barcode reader 34 is a device that reads the barcode attached to the medicine when a filling operation is performed to fill the cassette Ca with the medicine. The barcode includes, for example, a GS1 code attached to the medicine sheet itself, a package in which the medicine sheet is packaged in a plurality of units (pillow packaging), a package in which the packaged powder is packaged in a plurality of units, or a box in which the package is contained. The barcode may also include, for example, a GS1 code attached to a box in which medicine other than the medicine sheet (e.g., ointment, eye drops) is contained. The barcode only needs to include medicine identification information for identifying the medicine, and the GS1 code is one example of such information. In other words, the picking unit 3 only needs to be provided with a reading device capable of reading the medicine identification information. In this embodiment, the barcode reader 34 is attached to a corner of the work table 40 so as not to hinder the removal or filling operation of the medicine by the worker on the work table 40.

[0060] The picking cassette transport section 35 transports the cassette Ca between the main body unit 2 and the picking unit 3 (specifically, between the cassette holding section 23 and the medicine delivery section 32). This allows the cassette Ca to be removed from the main body unit 2 and transported to the medicine delivery section 32, and the cassette Ca to be returned to the main body unit 2.

[0061] For example, when dispensing medicines, the picking cassette transport unit 35 transports the cassette Ca (the cassette Ca placed on the delivery cassette holding unit 231) from which medicines are to be removed or filled in the medicine transfer unit 32 to the medicine transfer position P1 (see FIG. 13) of the medicine transfer unit 32. When the cassette Ca is located at the medicine transfer position P1, the picking cassette transport unit 35 transports the cassette Ca from which medicines are to be removed or filled next to the cassette Ca to a waiting position P2 (see FIG. 13) provided in the vicinity of the medicine transfer unit 32 to wait there. The picking cassette transport unit 35 transports the cassette Ca from which medicines have been removed in the medicine transfer unit 32 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232.

[0062] The printer 36 outputs printed matter such as a journal on which information about the medicines taken out from the cassette Ca (eg, the type of medicine, the number of medicines taken out) is printed.

[0063] The medicine placing table 37 is a placing section on which medicines are placed in order to count the number of medicines. The medicine placing table 37 may function as a fraction placing section on which a fraction sheet is placed in order to count the number of medicines included in the fraction sheet. The fraction sheet may be a sheet cut out from a medicine sheet taken out from the cassette Ca in the medicine transfer section 32, or may be a sheet taken out from the cassette Ca. A medicine sheet (full sheet) may be placed on the medicine placing table 37. In this case, the medicine placing table 37 functions as a fraction placing section on which a medicine sheet is placed in order to count the number of medicines included in the medicine sheet. One fraction sheet or multiple fraction sheets may be placed on the medicine placing table 37. Similarly, one medicine sheet or multiple medicine sheets may be placed on the medicine placing table 37.

[0064] In this embodiment, an imaging unit 371 that images the fractional sheet, the drug sheet, or the combination of the fractional sheet and the drug sheet placed on the drug placing table 37 is provided above the drug placing table 37. In addition, a backlight 372 (illumination unit) that illuminates the drug placing table 37 is provided below the drug placing table 37. When the imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet or fractional sheet placed on the drug placing table 37, the backlight 372 is turned on and illuminates the drug sheet or fractional sheet from the opposite side to the drug imaging direction by the imaging unit 371.

[0065] The imaging unit 371 may be provided below the medicine placing table 37, and an illumination unit may be provided above the medicine placing table 37. In this case, the area of ​​the medicine placing table 37 on which the medicine is placed may be transparent or semi-transparent so that the imaging unit 371 can obtain the shape of the medicine.

[0066] For example, when the drug station 1 is started, the control device 10 turns on the backlight 372 and sets the imaging unit 371 to an imaging state. That is, in this case, while the drug station 1 is started, the imaging unit 371 continues to image the medicine placing table 37 regardless of whether a fractional sheet (or a medicine sheet (full sheet)) is placed on the medicine placing table 37. When no fractional sheet is placed on the medicine placing table 37, the imaging unit 371 does not acquire an image of the medicine, and the control device 10 does not execute the medicine counting process based on the captured image. That is, the control device 10 executes the medicine counting process based on the captured image only when a fractional sheet is placed on the medicine placing table 37 and the imaging unit 371 acquires an image of the fractional sheet.

[0067] However, the control device 10 may turn on the backlight 372 and capture at least the fractional sheets with the imaging unit 371 when, for example, an input operation indicating that the designated number of sheets has been removed is received (for example, when the pressing of the tray close button 39 is detected). That is, in this case, the control device 10 turns on the backlight 372 and sets the imaging unit 371 to the imaging state only when the control device 10 receives the above-mentioned input operation. The designated number is a number designated as the quantity of medicines to be removed from the cassette Ca transferred from the main unit 2 to the medicine transfer unit 32. The designated number of each medicine is specified, for example, in the dispensing data received from the dispensing control device 800. In addition, the designated number of medicines to be removed may be specified by an input operation by the operator.

[0068] The tray placement table 38 is a table for placing the transport tray Tr onto which the medicines taken out from the medicine delivery unit 32 are put. The tray placement table 38 also functions as a medicine placement section for placing the medicines in order to count the number of medicines taken out from the medicine delivery unit 32. When a medicine sheet is taken out from the medicine delivery unit 32, the tray placement table 38 functions as a sheet placement section for placing the medicine sheet in order to count the number of medicines contained in the medicine sheet. The tray placement table 38 includes a sensor 381 and a weighing section 382.

[0069] The sensor 381 detects the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement stand 38. In this embodiment, the sensor 381 is a transmission type sensor having a light source on one side and a light detection unit on the other side that detects the light emitted from the light source. When a transmission type sensor is used, the presence or absence of the transport tray Tr can be recognized with high accuracy. However, a reflection type sensor that detects light emitted from the light source and reflected by the placed transport tray Tr may also be used. In this embodiment, the sensor 381 is provided on both side walls of the tray placement stand 38.

[0070] The weighing unit 382 weighs the medicines placed in the transport tray Tr placed on the tray mounting base 38. The weighing unit 382 may weigh, for example, a medicine sheet or a combination of a medicine sheet and a fractional sheet. The weighing unit 382 is provided below the bottom of the tray mounting base 38. As the weighing unit 382, ​​for example, a load cell is used.

[0071] Note that the weight of each transport tray Tr may not be stored in the memory unit 15, and the weighing unit 382 may calculate the weight of the medicines placed on the tray placement stand 38 by subtracting the tare weight. Specifically, after the transport tray Tr is placed on the tray placement stand 38, the weighing unit 382 subtracts the tare weight. Thereafter, the operator places medicines on the transport tray Tr, so that the weighing unit 382 can measure only the weight of the medicines.

[0072] The tray close button 39 is a mechanical operation button that switches the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b from an open state to a closed state when pressed by an operator. The tray close button 39 has a lighting function and may light up at the timing when the button is switched from the open state to the closed state.

[0073] The upper surface of the workbench 40 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In order to facilitate the worker's work of loading or unloading medicines from the cassette Ca, the upper surface is inclined so as to become lower from the main unit 2 side toward the worker's standing position (toward the -Y axis direction).

[0074] In the drug station 1 of this embodiment, the user transports the transport tray Tr containing the medicine to the inspection unit, but this is not limited to this. A tray transport section may be provided in the drug station 1, and the transport tray Tr may be automatically transported from the picking unit 3.

[0075] (Control device) The control device 10 comprehensively controls each unit of the drug station 1. The control device 10 includes a main unit control unit 11, a picking unit control unit 12, a touch panel control unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0076] The main unit control section 11 comprehensively controls each section of the main unit 2. The main unit control section 11 includes, for example, a cassette specifying section 111 and a main unit cassette transfer control section 112 (transfer control section).

[0077] The cassette identification unit 111 identifies a cassette Ca to be removed from the cassette shelf 21 based on the dispensing data, an input operation by an operator to the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31, or a reading result by the barcode reader 34. In addition, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies the orientation of the cassette Ca based on the claw receiving portion identification information read by the RFID reader.

[0078] The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the driving of the main cassette transfer unit 22. Specifically, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer the cassette Ca identified by the cassette identification unit 111 to the delivery cassette holding unit 231. In addition, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers the cassette Ca placed on the receiving cassette holding unit 232 to the storage position (original position) of the cassette Ca.

[0079] When controlling the main cassette transport unit 22 based on the dispensing data, the main cassette transport control unit 112 transports the cassette Ca containing the medicine included in the dispensing data, identified by the cassette identification unit 111, to the delivery cassette holding unit 231. Thereafter, the cassette Ca transferred from the medicine transfer unit 32 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232 by the picking cassette transport unit 35 of the picking unit 3 is transported to the storage position of the cassette Ca.

[0080] The picking unit control unit 12 comprehensively controls each part of the picking unit 3. The picking unit control unit 12 includes, for example, a picking cassette transport control unit 121 (transport control unit), a shutter control unit 122, and a medicine determination unit .

[0081] The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the driving of the picking cassette transport unit 35 based on the dispensing data, an input operation by an operator to the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31, or a reading result of the barcode reader 34. When controlling the picking cassette transport unit 35 based on the dispensing data, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 transports the cassette Ca from which the medicine included in the prescription data is to be taken out to the medicine delivery position P1 or the standby position P2.

[0082] The shutter control unit 122 controls the opening and closing operation of the shutter 322. The shutter control unit 122 controls the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b independently.

[0083] Based on the image of the medicine captured by the imaging unit 371, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether or not the designated number of medicines defined by the dispensing data are placed on the medicine placement table 37. In the case of medicine sheets, based on the image of the fractional sheet captured by the imaging unit 371, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether or not the amount of medicines to be dispensed as fractional sheets from the designated number are placed on the medicine placement table 37. Furthermore, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether or not the designated number of medicines defined by the dispensing data are placed on the tray placement table 38 based on the weight of the medicine weighed by the weighing unit 382. In the case of medicine sheets, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether or not the amount of medicines to be dispensed as medicine sheets (full sheets) from the designated number are placed on the tray placement table 38 based on the weight of the medicine sheet (full sheet) weighed by the weighing unit 382. That is, the medicine determination unit 124 functions as a counting unit that counts the number of medicines placed on the medicine placement stage 37 and / or the number of medicines placed on the tray placement stage 38.

[0084] When the medicine to be dispensed is a medicine included in a medicine sheet, the medicine determination unit 124, for example, analyzes the image to identify the shape of the fractional sheet placed on the medicine placement table 37. The medicine determination unit 124 may count the number of medicines included in the fractional sheet based on the shape and the fractional sheet size per medicine (the size of a fractional sheet including only one tablet of medicine) stored for each medicine type in the memory unit 15. An example of the counting method in this case will be described in the second embodiment.

[0085] The medicine determination unit 124 may also count the number of medicines included in the fractional sheets based on, for example, the shape, the number of sheet medicines included in one medicine sheet (full sheet) stored in the storage unit 15 for each medicine type, and the area of ​​one medicine sheet stored in the storage unit 15 for each medicine type. The sheet medicine number is a number defined as the number of medicines included in one medicine sheet (the number of medicines included in the vertical direction of the medicine sheet multiplied by the number of medicines included in the horizontal direction of the medicine sheet). In this case, for example, the medicine determination unit 124 may calculate the ratio of the area of ​​the shape to the area of ​​the medicine sheet, and multiply the number of sheet medicines by the ratio to count the number of medicines included in the fractional sheets.

[0086] The memory unit 15 may also store information indicating the length of the ear portion ER (see FIG. 19) and information indicating the sum of the length of the ear portion ER and the length of a fraction sheet including one drug adjacent to the ear portion ER (symbol "ERA" in FIG. 19). By using these pieces of information, the drug determination unit 124 can count the number of drugs included in the fraction sheet, taking into account the ear portion ER.

[0087] The storage unit 15 may also store information indicating the length (length in the vertical direction or length in the horizontal direction) of a fractional sheet that includes a predetermined number of adjacent medicines in one medicine sheet. In this case, the medicine determination unit 124 can count the number of medicines included in the fractional sheet based on the shape and the length of the fractional sheet.

[0088] Furthermore, the medicine determination unit 124 counts the number of medicines contained in the medicine sheet placed on the tray placement platform 38 based on the weight of the medicine sheet measured by the weighing unit 382 and the weight per medicine sheet for each medicine type stored in the memory unit 15. For example, the medicine determination unit 124 may count the number of medicines by multiplying a value obtained by dividing the measured weight of the medicine sheet by the weight per medicine sheet by the number of medicines in the medicine sheet.

[0089] When a medicine sheet (full sheet) is placed on medicine placement table 37, medicine determination unit 124 may count the number of medicines contained in the medicine sheet based on the image. Medicine determination unit 124 may count the number of medicines contained in the medicine sheet based on the shape of the medicine sheet identified by analyzing the image and the number of the medicines on the sheet. Medicine determination unit 124 may count the number of medicines contained in the medicine sheet based on the shape of the medicine sheet identified by analyzing the image and the fractional sheet size, for example.

[0090] Moreover, it is sufficient that the storage unit 15 stores only information required according to the above-mentioned counting method by the drug determination unit 124.

[0091] For medicines that are not medicine sheets (e.g., ointments, eye drops), the medicine determination unit 124 can count the number of medicines, for example, as follows: The medicine determination unit 124 may count the number of medicines placed on the tray placement base 38 based on the weight of the medicine measured by the weighing unit 382 and the weight of each medicine for each medicine type stored in the memory unit 15.

[0092] If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the number of drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37, the number of drugs placed on the tray placement stand 38, or the total number thereof matches a specified number, it determines that the drugs to be dispensed have been properly removed from the cassette Ca.

[0093] Here, the modes for counting the number of medicines contained on a medicine sheet include, for example, a first counting mode and a second counting mode.

[0094] When the first counting mode is set, the medicine determination unit 124 counts the number of medicines for the fractional sheets placed on the medicine placement table 37 based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 371. For the medicine sheets placed on the tray placement table 38, the medicine determination unit 124 counts the number of medicines based on the weight of the medicine sheets measured by the weighing unit 382. When each counting result matches the number of medicines to be placed on each, the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the number of medicines taken out by the operator matches the designated number. When the touch panel control unit 14 displays the result of the match on the second touch panel 31, the operator confirms this display, then bundles the medicine sheets and fractional sheets with a rubber band, and places them in the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement table 38. In addition, when multiple drug sheets placed on the tray mounting base 38 are bound together with a rubber band, the drug determination unit 124 calculates the weight of the drug sheets placed in the transport tray Tr as the weight of the drug sheets minus the weight of each rubber band.

[0095] Also, when the second counting mode is set, the medicine determination unit 124 counts the number of medicines for the fractional sheets placed on the medicine placement table 37 based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 371. When the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the number of medicines included in the fractional sheets matches the number of medicines to be placed on the medicine placement table 37, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the determination result that they match on the second touch panel 31. After confirming this display, the operator bundles the medicine sheets taken out of the cassette Ca and the fractional sheets taken out of the medicine placement table 37 with a rubber band and places them on the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement table 38. The weighing unit 382 measures the total weight of the medicine sheets and fractional sheets bundled with the rubber band after being placed on the tray placement table 38. The medicine determination unit 124 determines whether or not the designated number of medicines has been placed on the transport tray Tr based on the measurement result of the weighing unit 382.

[0096] For example, the medicine determination unit 124 calculates a weight by subtracting from the measured weight the weight of each rubber band and the weight of each medicine to be dispensed (the weight of the fractional sheet including one medicine) multiplied by the number of medicines to be dispensed as fractional sheets. In this way, the medicine determination unit 124 calculates the weight of the medicine sheet put into the transport tray Tr. When the weight of this medicine sheet is approximately equal to (or within the margin of error) the value obtained by multiplying the weight of each medicine sheet by the number of medicine sheets to be dispensed, the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the designated number of medicines have been put into the transport tray Tr. The medicine determination unit 124 may determine whether the measured weight is approximately equal to the total weight of the medicine sheet weight and fractional sheet weight corresponding to the medicine to be dispensed stored in the memory unit 15, and the weight of each rubber band stored in the memory unit 15.

[0097] In the first counting mode, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether the number of medicine sheets and the number of fractional sheets taken out from the medicine delivery unit 32 are appropriate or not based on the weighing result of the weighing unit 382 and the imaging result of the imaging unit 371, respectively. Therefore, the medicine determination unit 124 can accurately determine the above appropriateness. However, in the first counting mode, the determination result by the medicine determination unit 124 is output before the medicine sheets and fractional sheets are bundled together with a rubber band and placed on the transport tray Tr. Therefore, after confirming the determination result that the above numbers are appropriate, it is up to the operator to remember to bundle the medicine sheets and fractional sheets with a rubber band and place them on the transport tray Tr.

[0098] In the second counting mode, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether or not a specified number of medicines have been placed on the transport tray Tr after the operator has tied the medicine sheets and the fractional sheets together with a rubber band and placed them on the transport tray Tr. This reduces the possibility that the operator will forget to tie the medicine sheets and the fractional sheets together with a rubber band and place them on the transport tray Tr. However, the weighing unit 382 weighs the medicine sheets and the fractional sheets together with the rubber band. Therefore, the counting accuracy based on the weighing may be reduced compared to the first counting mode (when only the medicine sheets are placed on the transport tray Tr before weighing by the weighing unit 382).

[0099] The first counting mode and the second counting mode may be appropriately selected at a hospital or the like that is a destination of the drug station 1. Depending on which of the first counting mode and the second counting mode is to be set, the reliability of the operation of bundling the drug sheets and the remainder sheets with a rubber band and putting them into the transport tray Tr at the destination, or the reliability of the counting accuracy based on the weighing by the weighing unit 382, ​​may be prioritized at the destination.

[0100] In the first counting mode, the weighing unit 382 measures the weight of the drug sheets and the remainder sheets bound together with a rubber band after they are placed on the tray loading platform 38, and the drug determination unit 124 may determine whether or not the specified number of drugs has been placed on the transport tray Tr based on the measurement result.

[0101] The touch panel control unit 14 controls the display of the first touch panel 5 and the second touch panel 31.

[0102] For example, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the number of medicines to be taken out by the operator on the second touch panel 31. For medicines that are not medicine sheets, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a designated number as the number of medicines to be taken out by the operator. For medicine sheets, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the number of medicine sheets (full sheets) and the number of medicines to be dispensed as fractional sheets as the number of medicines to be taken out by the operator. In addition, the touch panel control unit 14 may display the total number of the number of medicine sheets and the number of medicines to be dispensed as fractional sheets (i.e., the designated number). With such a display, the operator can place the designated number of medicines on the medicine placing table 37 and / or the tray placing table 38. For example, the operator can put a predetermined number of medicine sheets into the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placing table 38 and place the fractional sheets including the predetermined number of medicines on the medicine placing table 37.

[0103] Here, the control device 10 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is a drug contained in a drug sheet or a drug not contained in a drug sheet, based on information stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type, indicating whether the drug is contained in a drug sheet.

[0104] When the medicine to be dispensed is a medicine included in a medicine sheet, the control device 10 calculates the number of medicine sheets and fractional sheets to be dispensed based on the designated number and, for example, the fractional sheet size or the number of medicine sheets stored for each medicine type in the memory unit 15. For example, when the number of medicines specified on one medicine sheet is 10 and the designated number is 32, the control device 10 calculates that the number of medicine sheets to be dispensed is three and the number of medicines to be dispensed as fractional sheets is two. The touch panel control unit 14 displays this calculation result on the second touch panel 31. Thereafter, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether the total number of medicines placed on the medicine placement table 37 by the operator and the number of medicines put into the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement table 38 by the operator matches the designated number.

[0105] When the medicine determination unit 124 determines that they match, it determines that the medicine to be dispensed has been properly taken out from the cassette Ca. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 displays, via the second touch panel 31, that the medicine has been properly taken out. After visually confirming this display, the operator presses the tray close button 39 to close the shutter 322. This causes the control device 10 to transport the cassette Ca containing the next medicine to be dispensed to the medicine transfer unit 32. On the other hand, when the medicine determination unit 124 determines that they do not match, it determines that the medicine to be dispensed has not been properly taken out from the cassette Ca. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 displays, via the second touch panel 31, an error message indicating that the medicine has not been properly taken out. Note that these controls are also the same when the medicine to be dispensed is not a medicine sheet.

[0106] Here, consider a case where the imaging unit 371 continues to image the medicine placing table 37 during the start-up of the drug station 1, regardless of whether a fractional sheet is placed on the medicine placing table 37. In this case, the imaging unit 371 images the fractional sheet every time the fractional sheet is placed on the medicine placing table 37, and the medicine determination unit 124 counts the number of medicines included in the fractional sheet based on the captured image. When a fractional sheet including medicines less than the amount to be dispensed as the fractional sheet is placed on the medicine placing table 37, the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the counted number of medicines does not match the amount to be dispensed. However, the touch panel control unit 14 does not display this determination result on the second touch panel 31. That is, in this case, the operator is not notified (an error display) that the amount of medicines to be dispensed has not been properly taken out. On the other hand, when a fractional sheet including the amount of medicine to be dispensed is placed on the medicine placement table 37, the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the number of counted medicines matches the amount of medicine to be dispensed, and the touch panel control unit 14 displays this determination result on the second touch panel 31. That is, in this case, the operator is notified that the amount of medicine to be dispensed has been properly taken out. Then, after displaying the determination result, the control device 10 automatically moves to the next process (step). Also, when a fractional sheet including medicines exceeding the amount to be dispensed is placed on the medicine placement table 37, the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the number of counted medicines does not match the amount of medicine to be dispensed, and the touch panel control unit 14 displays this determination result on the second touch panel 31. That is, in this case, the operator is notified (error display) that the amount of medicine to be dispensed has not been properly taken out.

[0107] In addition, the control device 10 may be able to set, by a user's input operation, an allowable mode that allows a fractional sheet including only one medicine to be placed on the medicine placement table 37, and a non-allowable mode that does not allow it. In this case, the control device 10 may change the method of counting the number of medicines depending on the allowable mode and the non-allowable mode.

[0108] The memory unit 15 stores various data required by the control device 10. For example, the memory unit 15 stores, for each drug type, reference data that specifies the fractional sheet size or number of drugs per sheet, data indicating the weight of each drug, and data indicating the weight of each drug sheet. The memory unit 15 also stores data indicating the weight of each rubber band. If a drug is included in the drug sheet, data indicating the weight of the fractional sheet containing one drug may be stored for each drug type. The memory unit 15 also stores information that indicates whether or not a drug is included in the drug sheet, which is specified for each drug type. In addition, the memory unit 15 stores, for example, (1) Data associating cassette identification information with the storage position of the cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21; (2) Data correlating cassette identification information of the cassette Ca (or storage position information indicating the storage position in the cassette Ca) with drug identification information; (3) type information indicating the type of each cassette Ca; I remember.

[0109] The type information may be, for example, information indicating a large cassette Ca1, a medium cassette Ca2, or a small cassette Ca3. The storage position information may be information specifying, for example, a storage position from one end of the cassette Ca (e.g., a distance from the end).

[0110] Furthermore, images captured by the imaging unit 371 are stored in the storage unit 15. This makes it possible to leave evidence of the picking work.

[0111] (Example of Drag Station 1 in action) An example of the operation of the drug station 1 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0112] (Operation when dispensing medicine) First, when the dispensing data is read into the drug station 1, the main unit cassette transfer section 22 of the main unit 2 grasps the cassette Ca containing the drug to be prescribed (to be dispensed, to be removed) from among the cassettes Ca stored in the main unit 2, and places it on the cassette holding section 23.

[0113] The cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 is transferred to the medicine transfer unit 32 by the picking cassette transfer unit 35. The operator checks the second touch panel 31 to take out a designated number of medicines from the cassette Ca at the medicine transfer unit 32. The operator places the taken out medicines on the medicine placing table 37 and / or the transport tray placed on the tray placing table 38. Thereafter, the control device 10 determines whether the designated number of medicines has been placed on the medicine placing table 37 or the transport tray Tr based on the imaging result of the imaging unit 371 as well as the weighing result of the medicines by the weighing unit 382.

[0114] When the medicine to be dispensed is a medicine sheet, it is bound to a predetermined shape with a rubber band and placed on the transport tray placed on the tray placement base 38. The predetermined shape refers to, for example, the following shapes.

[0115] (1) In the case of one or more drug sheets, the specified shape refers to the planar shape of the drug sheet.

[0116] (2) In the case of only fractional sheets, the specified shape refers to the planar shape of the fractional sheets.

[0117] (3) In the case of combining one or more drug sheets and fractional sheets, the predetermined shape refers to the planar shape when one or more fractional sheets are placed on top of one or more drug sheets. For example, in the case of dispensing 22 tablets of drug, each of which is made up of 10 tablets, the predetermined shape is a shape in which two drug sheets are stacked on top of each other and a fractional sheet for two tablets is placed on top of them.

[0118] When all the medicines to be contained in one transport tray are contained, the user transports the transport tray Tr to an inspection unit, where a final inspection is performed. The number of medicines to be contained in one transport tray Tr may be specified, for example, in the dispensing data, or may be determined by the control device 10 based on the dosage and method of administration, etc. The number of medicines may be specified, for example, as the number of medicines prescribed for a patient (i.e., the number of medicines per patient).

[0119] (Operation when filling medicine) First, the user inputs the drug identification information of the drug to be filled into the main unit 2 into the drug station 1 using the barcode reader 34. When the input of the drug identification information is accepted, the main cassette transport unit 22 in the main unit 2 transports the cassette Ca to be filled to the cassette holding unit 23 based on the drug identification information.

[0120] In the picking unit 3, the picking cassette transport section 35 transports the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding section 23 to the medicine transfer section 32. The user puts medicines into the cassette Ca that has been transferred to the medicine transfer section 32. When the putting of medicines into the cassette Ca is completed (for example, when a completion operation is received on the second touch panel 31), the picking cassette transport section 35 transports the cassette Ca to the cassette holding section 23. Thereafter, in the main unit 2, the main body cassette transport section 22 returns the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding section 23 to the cassette shelf 21.

[0121] <Main unit structure> Next, a specific structure of the main unit 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 10. Reference numeral 6001 in Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the main unit 2, and reference numeral 6002 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the main cassette transporter 22. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of storage of the cassette Ca.

[0122] (Cassette shelf and cassette transfer section) As indicated by reference numerals 6001 and 6002 in Fig. 6, the cassette shelf 21 can store the cassettes Ca in a matrix along a vertical plane. In this embodiment, as indicated by reference numeral 6001 and 6002 in Fig. 6, the cassette shelf 21 includes a plurality of cassette mounting plates 211 on which the cassettes Ca are mounted, and mounting plate supports 212 that support each of the cassette mounting plates 211, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0123] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the same type of cassette Ca is placed on each cassette placement plate 211. That is, the width (length in the X-axis direction) of the cassette placement plate 211 and the widths of the large cassette Ca1, the medium cassette Ca2, and the small cassette Ca3 are specified so that the same type of cassette Ca can be placed on each cassette placement plate 211. In the example of Fig. 7, the same type of cassette Ca is placed on each cassette placement plate 211, but this is not limiting, and the above two widths may be specified so that different types of cassettes Ca can be placed.

[0124] As shown by the reference numeral 6001, a first cassette shelf 21a and a second cassette shelf 21b are provided facing each other as the cassette shelf 21. A main body cassette transfer section 22 is provided between the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b. In the figure, an example is shown in which a first main body cassette transfer section 22a and a second main body cassette transfer section 22b are provided as the main body cassette transfer section 22.

[0125] The main cassette transfer unit 22, under the control of the main cassette transfer control unit 112, pulls out the cassette Ca stored in the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b, and then places it on the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the delivery cassette holding unit 231). The main cassette transfer unit 22 also pulls out the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 232), and then returns it to the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b. This makes it possible to realize the removal or return of the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 that stores the cassette Ca in a matrix along a vertical plane. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the first main cassette transfer unit 22a and the second main cassette transfer unit 22b independently.

[0126] As shown by reference numerals 6001 and 6002, the first main body cassette transfer section 22a includes a first cassette gripper 221a and a first cassette transfer mechanism 222a. Similarly, the second main body cassette transfer section 22b includes a second cassette gripper 221b and a second cassette transfer mechanism 222b.

[0127] The first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b, under the control of the main body cassette transfer control unit 112, pull out and grip the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 232). In addition, the first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b move vertically and / or horizontally to transport the gripped cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the delivery cassette holding unit 231) and place it on the cassette shelf 21 or the delivery cassette holding unit 231.

[0128] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the cassette gripping portion 221 (first cassette gripping portion 221a and second cassette gripping portion 221b). Moreover, reference numerals 9001 to 9003 in Fig. 9 are diagrams showing an operation example of the cassette gripping portion 221. As shown in Fig. 8, the cassette gripping portion 221 includes a cassette pull-out portion 2211, a claw portion 2212, a cassette support portion 2213, a position sensor 2214, and a rotation drive portion 2215.

[0129] 8, the cassette pull-out section 2211, under the control of the main body cassette transfer control section 112, pulls in the cassette Ca placed on the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding section 23 into the cassette gripping section 221. The cassette pull-out section 2211 is slidably supported on a rail (not shown) extending in the depth direction of the cassette gripping section 221 below the cassette gripping section 221, and moves in the depth direction. This allows the cassette Ca to be pulled out from the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding section 23 and the cassette Ca to be delivered to the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding section 23.

[0130] The claw portion 2212 is a member for hooking onto the claw receiving portion Ca12 provided on the cassette Ca. As shown by reference numeral 9001 in FIG. 9, when the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned in front of the cassette Ca to be moved, the main body cassette transfer control portion 112 moves the cassette pull-out portion 2211 so that the claw portion 2212 is positioned below the claw receiving portion Ca12, as shown by reference numeral 9002 in FIG. 9. Thereafter, the main body cassette transfer control portion 112 raises the cassette gripping portion 221. As a result, the claw portion 2212 is temporarily locked to the claw receiving portion Ca12. In this state, the main body cassette transfer control portion 112 moves the cassette pull-out portion 2211 to its original position, as shown by reference numeral 9003 in FIG. 9, thereby drawing the cassette Ca into the cassette gripping portion 221.

[0131] When placing the held cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23, the reverse operation to that for pulling in the cassette Ca is performed. That is, in the state of reference numeral 9003, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette holding unit 221 to a position where the cassette Ca is to be placed, and then moves the cassette pull-out unit 2211 in front of the cassette holding unit 221 as indicated by reference numeral 9002. Thereafter, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 lowers the cassette holding unit 221 to release the temporary engagement between the claw unit 2212 and the claw receiving unit Ca12. Thereafter, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette pull-out unit 2211 to its original position as indicated by reference numeral 9001.

[0132] Returning to FIG. 8, the cassette support portion 2213 supports the cassette Ca drawn out by the cassette drawing portion 2211.

[0133] The position sensor 2214 detects that the cassette gripper 221 is located directly in front of the cassette Ca to be moved. The position sensor 2214 includes, for example, a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives the light. As described above, the cassette Ca is provided with a notch Ca13. The stop position of the cassette gripper 221 and the storage position (placement position) of the cassette Ca are positioned so that the light emitted from the position sensor 2214 is irradiated onto the notch Ca13 when the cassette gripper 221 is located directly in front of the cassette Ca to be moved.

[0134] Therefore, when the cassette gripper 221 is located directly in front of the cassette Ca, the light is irradiated onto the notch Ca13, and the light is not received by the light receiving unit. In this case, the position sensor 2214 detects that the cassette gripper 221 is located directly in front of the cassette Ca. On the other hand, when the cassette gripper 221 is located at a position shifted from directly in front of the cassette Ca, the light is not irradiated onto the notch Ca13, and the light is irradiated onto the wall surface of the claw receiving portion Ca12, and the light reflected by the wall surface is received by the light receiving unit. In this case, the position sensor 2214 cannot detect that the cassette gripper 221 is located directly in front of the cassette Ca. Therefore, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette gripper 221 so that the position sensor 2214 detects that the cassette gripper 221 is located directly in front of the cassette Ca. In other words, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 finely adjusts the position of the cassette gripping unit 221 so that the light emitted by the position sensor 2214 is irradiated onto the notch Ca13 and the light is not received. This allows the cassette gripping unit 221 to reliably pull out the cassette Ca.

[0135] The rotation drive unit 2215 rotates the cassette gripping portion 221 about the vertical axis so that the cassette gripping portion 221 (specifically, the cassette pull-out portion 2211) can move to the first cassette shelf 21a, the second cassette shelf 21b, or the cassette holding portion 23.

[0136] Specifically, under the control of the main body cassette transfer control unit 112, the rotation drive unit 2215 rotates the cassette gripper 221 so that the cassette puller 2211 faces the placement position while or after the cassette gripper 221 moves to the placement position of the cassette Ca. This makes it possible to remove the cassette Ca from the placement position or to place the cassette Ca at the placement position.

[0137] For example, the rotation drive unit 2215 rotates the cassette gripper 221 so that the cassette puller 2211 faces the storage position of the cassette Ca to be removed on the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b, and then pulls out the cassette Ca from that storage position. This makes it possible to remove the cassette Ca from either the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b, which are arranged along different vertical planes.

[0138] 6, the first cassette transfer mechanism 222a includes a first beam 223a and a first support column 224a. Similarly, the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b includes a second beam 223b and a second support column 224b.

[0139] The first beam portion 223a and the second beam portion 223b each extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the cassette shelf 21 and slidably support the first support portion 224a and the second support portion 224b. The first support portion 224a and the second support portion 224b each extend in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cassette shelf 21 and slidably support the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the second cassette gripping portion 221b.

[0140] The first beam portion 223a and the second beam portion 223b are provided with a predetermined distance between them. This predetermined width is set to a width that allows the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the second cassette gripping portion 221b to move along the width direction of the cassette shelf 21. The predetermined width is set to a width that does not cause the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the second cassette gripping portion 221b to collide with the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b even when the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the second cassette gripping portion 221b rotate about a rotation axis in the vertical direction. By setting the predetermined width as small as possible, the main unit 2 can be made smaller.

[0141] Then, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the first support pillar 224a along the first beam 223a and moves the first cassette gripper 221a along the first support pillar 224a (the same applies to the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b). Therefore, the desired cassette Ca can be moved between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding unit 23.

[0142] Furthermore, the main body cassette transport control unit 112 controls the movements (positions) of the first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b so that the first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b do not collide with each other.

[0143] Specifically, the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the second cassette gripping portion 221b are supported in a cantilevered state by the first beam portion 223a and the second beam portion 223b, which are provided at a predetermined distance apart as described above. The first cassette transfer mechanism 222a and the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b are controlled so as not to interfere with each other in the movable area (area between the first beam portion 223a and the second beam portion 223b) of the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the second cassette gripping portion 221b. Therefore, the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the second cassette gripping portion 221b can move between the cassette shelf 21 (storage position of the cassette Ca) and the cassette holding portion 23 without colliding with each other.

[0144] Therefore, the cassette Ca can be transferred between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding portion 23 by the multiple cassette gripping portions 221, so that the efficiency of transferring the cassette Ca can be improved.

[0145] The first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b do not necessarily need to be arranged facing each other, but may be arranged so that the vertical planes in which the cassettes Ca are stored are different from each other. Arranging them in this manner makes it possible to save space in the storage area for a large number of cassettes Ca. However, by arranging the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b facing each other, it is possible to store the cassettes Ca at a high density while saving more space. The number of cassette shelves 21 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0146] Furthermore, the number of main body cassette transport parts 22 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. However, by providing the first main body cassette transport part 22a and the second main body cassette transport part 22b and moving the first cassette gripping part 221a and the second cassette gripping part 221b so as not to collide with each other, it becomes possible to efficiently transport the cassette Ca in the main unit 2 which has a large capacity and is compact.

[0147] (Cassette holder) As shown by reference numeral 6001 in FIG. 6, the cassette holding section 23 includes a first cassette holding section 23a, a second cassette holding section 23b, a third cassette holding section 23c, and a fourth cassette holding section 23d. In this embodiment, two picking units 3 are provided in the main body unit 2. In addition, each picking unit 3 is provided with two medicine transfer sections 32 (four in total). The first cassette holding section 23a, the second cassette holding section 23b, the third cassette holding section 23c, and the fourth cassette holding section 23d are provided to correspond to the four medicine transfer sections 32, respectively. In this way, one cassette holding section 23 may be provided for one medicine transfer section 32.

[0148] 10, the cassette holding section 23 is provided to correspond to a picking cassette transport section 35 provided in the picking unit 3 so as to enable transport of the cassette Ca between the medicine transfer section 32 and the cassette holding section 23. Specifically, the picking cassette transport section 35 is provided for each of the first cassette holding section 23a, the second cassette holding section 23b, the third cassette holding section 23c, and the fourth cassette holding section 23d. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3.

[0149] 10, each of the first cassette holding unit 23a, the second cassette holding unit 23b, the third cassette holding unit 23c, and the fourth cassette holding unit 23d includes a delivery cassette holding unit 231 and a receiving cassette holding unit 232. In the example of FIG. 10, in one cassette holding unit 23 provided corresponding to one medicine transfer unit 32, two delivery cassette holding units 231 and two receiving cassette holding units 232 are provided alternately along the vertical direction. Note that, in one cassette holding unit 23, three or more delivery cassette holding units 231 and receiving cassette holding units 232 may be provided.

[0150] In this way, a plurality of the delivery cassette holding units 231 and a plurality of the receiving cassette holding units 232 may be provided for one medicine transfer unit 32. When a plurality of the delivery cassette holding units 231 and a plurality of the receiving cassette holding units 232 are provided, it becomes possible to hold more cassettes Ca to be transferred to the medicine transfer unit 32 near the medicine transfer unit 32. Therefore, it becomes possible to transfer the cassettes Ca to the medicine transfer unit 32 efficiently. However, a configuration in which one of each of the delivery cassette holding units 231 and the receiving cassette holding units 232 is provided for one medicine transfer unit 32 may also be used.

[0151] In this specification, the cassette holding unit 23 is described as being provided in the main unit 2, but it may be provided in the picking unit 3. When provided in the picking unit 3, the location of the cassette holding unit 23 of the main unit 2 shown by reference numeral 6001 in Fig. 6 functions as an insertion section into which the cassette holding unit 23 provided in the picking unit 3 is inserted. In other words, it is sufficient that the cassette shelf 21, the main cassette transport unit 22, and the cassette holding unit 23 realize the basic configuration of the cassette handling device described above.

[0152] <Picking unit structure> Next, a specific structure of the picking unit 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 15. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the picking unit 3. Note that Fig. 11 illustrates only a portion of the picking unit 3 where the medicine delivery section 32 is provided.

[0153] 11, a picking cassette transport unit 35 is provided below the medicine transfer unit 32. Specifically, one picking cassette transport unit 35 is provided for one medicine transfer unit 32 (one opening 321 and a shutter 322 (see FIG. 2) provided corresponding to the opening 321).

[0154] In this embodiment, the picking unit 3 is provided with a first medicine transfer section 32a and a second medicine transfer section 32b as the medicine transfer section 32. A picking cassette transport section 35 including a first picking cassette transport section 35a and a second picking cassette transport section 35b is provided below the first medicine transfer section 32a. A picking cassette transport section 35 including the first picking cassette transport section 35a is provided below the second medicine transfer section 32b.

[0155] In this embodiment, for example, when dispensing medicines based on dispensing data, the picking unit 3 uses the first medicine transfer section 32a and the picking cassette transport section 35 provided below the first medicine transfer section 32a. That is, in this embodiment, the first medicine transfer section 32a is a medicine transfer section to which a cassette Ca containing medicines to be dispensed based on the dispensing data is transferred. In addition, in the main unit 2, the first cassette holding section 23a provided corresponding to the picking cassette transport section 35 is used.

[0156] As described above, the picking cassette transport unit 35 is provided with the first picking cassette transport unit 35a and the second picking cassette transport unit 35b. The first picking cassette transport unit 35a and the second picking cassette transport unit 35b are independently controlled by the picking cassette transport control unit 121 so that the first cassette gripper 351 and the second cassette gripper 355 (see FIG. 12) move without colliding with each other. Therefore, compared to the case where the picking cassette transport unit 35 is composed of one picking cassette transport unit, it is possible to more efficiently dispense medicines based on the dispensing data.

[0157] On the other hand, the second medicine transfer unit 32b, the picking cassette transport unit 35 provided below the second medicine transfer unit 32b, and the second cassette holding unit 23b are used when dispensing medicines not included in the dispensing data. In other words, the second medicine transfer unit 32b side is used when dispensing individual medicines (for example, when performing interrupt processing for dispensing data), so it is sufficient to have only the first picking cassette transport unit 35a. In other words, the second medicine transfer unit 32b is a medicine transfer unit to which cassettes Ca other than the cassette Ca transferred to the first medicine transfer unit 32a are transferred.

[0158] However, when dispensing medicines based on dispensing data, the second medicine transfer section 32b side may be used, and when dispensing individual medicines, the first medicine transfer section 32a side may be used. The second medicine transfer section 32b side may be provided with the first picking cassette transport section 35a and the second picking cassette transport section 35b, and the first medicine transfer section 32a side may be configured to include only the first picking cassette transport section 35a. When multiple picking cassette transport sections are provided for one medicine transfer section 32, it is possible to efficiently dispense medicines.

[0159] Furthermore, when a filling operation is performed, either the first medicine delivery section 32a side or the second medicine delivery section 32b side may be used.

[0160] Moreover, it is not necessarily required that the picking unit 3 has a plurality of medicine transfer sections 32, and the picking unit 3 may have one medicine transfer section 32. Furthermore, one picking unit 3 may be provided for the main unit 2. In this case, only the cassette holding section 23 corresponding to one picking unit 3 may be provided in the main unit 2.

[0161] (Structure of picking cassette transfer section) A specific structure of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the picking cassette transfer unit 35. Reference numeral 12001 in FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 as viewed from the main unit 2 side. Reference numeral 12002 in FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b constituting the picking cassette transfer unit 35. Reference numeral 12003 in FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b as viewed from the workbench 40 side. Reference numeral 12004 in FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b as viewed from the main unit 2 side. Note that, for convenience of explanation, FIG. 12 shows only the picking cassette transfer unit 35 corresponding to the first medicine transfer unit 32a. Moreover, reference numeral 12001 in FIG. 12 illustrates only a portion of the picking unit 3 where the medicine delivery section 32 is provided.

[0162] As indicated by reference numerals 12001 and 12002, the picking cassette transport unit 35 corresponding to the first medicine delivery unit 32a includes a first picking cassette transport unit 35a and a second picking cassette transport unit 35b.

[0163] The first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are each a transfer mechanism that receives the cassette Ca placed on the delivery cassette holding unit 231 and transfers it to the first medicine transfer unit 32a side. Also, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are each a transfer mechanism that transfers the cassette Ca present on the first medicine transfer unit 32a side to the receiving cassette holding unit 232.

[0164] As indicated by the reference numeral 12002, the first picking cassette transport unit 35a includes a first cassette gripper 351 and a first cassette transport mechanism 352.

[0165] The first cassette gripping portion 351 is a member that grips the cassette Ca. In this embodiment, the first cassette gripping portion 351 is configured with a frame body, and a protrusion 351a that hooks onto the claw receiving portion Ca12 (see FIG. 5) of the cassette Ca is provided on a side wall (longitudinal end) extending in the short direction (X-axis direction) of the frame body. The frame body has a hollow portion through which the bottom of the cassette Ca and the cassette holding portion 23 (here, the first cassette holding portion 23a) can pass when the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves in the vertical direction, and has a size large enough to be hooked onto the protrusion 351a. When the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves vertically upward in the cassette holding portion 23, the protrusion 351a hooks onto the claw receiving portion Ca12 placed on the cassette holding portion 23, so that the cassette Ca is gripped by the first cassette gripping portion 351.

[0166] The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripper 351. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 includes a first beam 353 and a first support 354. The first beam 353 extends in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the picking unit 3 and slidably supports the first cassette gripper 351. The first support 354 extends in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the picking unit 3 and slidably supports the first beam 353. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 moves the first beam 353 along the first support 354 and moves the first cassette gripper 351 along the first beam 353. This allows the desired cassette Ca to be moved between the cassette holding unit 23 and the medicine transfer unit 32.

[0167] As indicated by reference numeral 12002, the second picking cassette transfer section 35b includes a second cassette gripping section 355 and a second cassette transfer mechanism 356. A protrusion that hooks onto the claw receiving section Ca12 of the cassette Ca is provided on a side wall extending in the short direction of the second cassette gripping section 355, similar to the first cassette gripping section 351. The second cassette transfer mechanism 356 includes a second beam section 357 and a second support section 358. The structures and functions of the second cassette gripping section 355 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 are similar to those of the first cassette gripping section 351 and the first cassette transfer mechanism 352, respectively.

[0168] Also, as shown by symbols 12003 and 12004, the first beam portion 353 and the second beam portion 357 are spaced apart enough to allow the first cassette gripping portion 351 and the second cassette gripping portion 355 to move along the depth direction of the picking unit 3.

[0169] Furthermore, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 controls the movements (positions) of the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 so that the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 do not collide with each other.

[0170] Specifically, the first cassette gripping portion 351 and the second cassette gripping portion 355 are supported in a cantilevered state by the first beam portion 353 and the second beam portion 357 provided at a distance as described above. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 are controlled so as not to interfere with each other in the movable area (area between the first beam portion 353 and the second beam portion 357) of the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356. Therefore, the first cassette gripping portion 351 and the second cassette gripping portion 355 can move between the cassette holding portion 23 and the medicine delivery portion 32 without colliding with each other.

[0171] Therefore, the cassette Ca can be transferred by the multiple cassette gripping parts between the cassette holding part 23 and the medicine transfer part 32. Therefore, it is possible to improve the transfer efficiency of the cassette Ca.

[0172] Next, the gripping operation of the cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transport unit 35a will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Reference numerals 13001 to 13005 in Fig. 13 are diagrams showing the gripping operation of the cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transport unit 35a.

[0173] First, in a state where the cassette Ca is placed on the delivery cassette holding part 231, the first beam part 353 moves vertically along the first support part 354 so as to move the first cassette gripping part 351 to a position directly below the delivery cassette holding part 231. Thereafter, as indicated by reference numeral 13001 in Fig. 13, the first cassette gripping part 351 moves horizontally toward the delivery cassette holding part 231 and stops at a position directly below the delivery cassette holding part 231 as indicated by reference numeral 13002 in Fig. 13.

[0174] 13, the first beam 353 moves vertically upward along the first support 354, and after the delivery cassette holding part 231 passes through the hollow part of the first cassette gripping part 351, the protrusion 351a of the first cassette gripping part 351 is caught by the claw receiving part Ca12 of the cassette Ca and temporarily locked therein. This enables the first cassette gripping part 351 to grip the cassette Ca.

[0175] In this basic configuration, the first cassette gripping portion 351 is provided with two protrusions 351a that face the two claw receiving portions Ca12 when the first cassette gripping portion 351 is positioned facing the cassette Ca. However, the first cassette gripping portion 351 may be configured to have only one protrusion 351a. Even in this case, the first cassette gripping portion 351 can grip the cassette Ca by temporarily locking one of the claw receiving portions Ca12. That is, the first cassette gripping portion 351 may be configured to grip two opposing portions (both sides) of the cassette Ca, or may be configured to grip one side of the cassette Ca. The same applies to the second cassette gripping portion 355.

[0176] Next, the first cassette gripping part 351, while gripping the cassette Ca, moves along the first beam part 353 so as to be located below the opening 321. With this movement, the first beam part 353 moves vertically upward along the first support part 354 so that the first cassette gripping part 351 is located directly below the opening 321. This allows the first cassette gripping part 351 to transport the cassette Ca to directly below the opening 321, as shown by reference numeral 13004 in FIG. 13. Then, the operator can remove the medicine from the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping part 351, or fill the cassette Ca with the medicine.

[0177] The position directly below the opening 321 (that is, the position where an operator can take out medicines from the cassette Ca or fill the cassette Ca with medicines) is referred to as a medicine transfer position P1.

[0178] After the operator completes the work at the medicine transfer position P1, the first beam 353 moves vertically downward along the first support 354 so that the first cassette gripping portion 351 can be moved directly above the receiving cassette holding portion 232. The first cassette gripping portion 351 also moves along the first beam 353 toward the receiving cassette holding portion 232. Thereafter, the operation is reversed to the operation at 13003 in FIG. 13. That is, the first beam 353 moves vertically downward along the first support 354, so that the cassette Ca is placed on the receiving cassette holding portion 232. At this time, the protrusion 351a is separated from the claw receiving portion Ca12, and the temporary locked state is released. Thereafter, the receiving cassette holding part 232 passes through the hollow part of the first cassette gripping part 351 , thereby enabling the first cassette gripping part 351 to move to the delivery cassette holding part 231 .

[0179] On the other hand, the second picking cassette transporter 35b can also move in the same manner as the first picking cassette transporter 35a. For example, the second picking cassette transporter 35b grips a cassette Ca that contains a drug to be taken out or filled next to the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripper 351, and transports the cassette Ca to the drug transfer position P1.

[0180] However, as shown by reference numeral 13005 in FIG. 13, when the first cassette gripping portion 351 is located at the medicine transfer position P1, the second cassette gripping portion 355 moves to a standby position P2 provided near the medicine transfer section 32 (specifically, near the medicine transfer position P1). After that, the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves toward the receiving cassette holding portion 232, and then the second cassette gripping portion 355 moves to the medicine transfer position P1. After returning the cassette Ca to the receiving cassette holding portion 232, the first cassette gripping portion 351 grips a new cassette Ca placed on the delivery cassette holding portion 231 and moves to the standby position P2. This operation is repeated.

[0181] 13, in this embodiment, the standby position P2 is provided below the medicine transfer position P1 and at a position farther from the main unit 2 than the medicine transfer position P1 in the depth direction of the picking unit 3. This makes it possible to prevent the cassette gripping part located at the medicine transfer position P1 from colliding with the cassette gripping part located at the standby position P2 when the cassette gripping part moves toward the receiving cassette holding part 232.

[0182] (Example of operation of the picking cassette transfer unit) Next, an operation example of the picking cassette transport unit 35 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. Reference numerals 14001 to 14008 in FIG. 14 are diagrams showing an operation example of the first picking cassette transport unit 35a and the second picking cassette transport unit 35b. The hatched arrows shown in FIG. 14 indicate the movement direction of the first cassette gripper 351, the black arrows indicate the movement direction of the second cassette gripper 355, and the white arrows indicate the movement direction of the cassette Ca by the main cassette transport unit 22. Here, an operation example from a state in which the first cassette gripper 351 grips the cassette Ca and is located at the drug transfer position P1, and the second cassette gripper 355 grips the cassette Ca and is located at the standby position P2 will be described.

[0183] In this embodiment, the first picking cassette transfer section 35a (the first cassette gripping section 351 and the first cassette transfer mechanism 352) can access the upper delivery cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 as shown by the reference numerals 14003 to 14006. Also, the second picking cassette transfer section 35b (the second cassette gripping section 355 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356) can access the lower delivery cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 as shown by the reference numerals 14003 and 14006 to 14008. In FIG. 14, the upper delivery cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 are respectively referred to as the delivery cassette holding section 231a and the receiving cassette holding section 232a. Similarly, the lower-stage delivery cassette holding portion 231 and the lower-stage receiving cassette holding portion 232 are respectively referred to as a delivery cassette holding portion 231b and a receiving cassette holding portion 232b.

[0184] The positions of the delivery cassette holding part 231 and the receiving cassette holding part 232 in the cassette holding part 23 may be freely set. In other words, which position in the cassette holding part 23 functions as the delivery cassette holding part 231 or the receiving cassette holding part 232 may be freely set. This setting may be switched by the control device 10 at any time depending on the operating status of the drug station 1 including the main unit 2 (e.g., the dispensing status of the medicine).

[0185] That is, the placement table for the cassette Ca constituting the cassette holding unit 23 may be switched between functioning as the delivery cassette holding unit 231 or the receiving cassette holding unit 232 depending on the above-mentioned operating status under the control of the control device 10. In this case, the placement table can be caused to function as the delivery cassette holding unit 231 or the receiving cassette holding unit 232 depending on the above-mentioned operating status. Therefore, the cassette holding unit 23 can efficiently hold the cassette Ca depending on the above-mentioned operating status. Note that the placement table may be switched between functioning as the delivery cassette holding unit 231 or the receiving cassette holding unit 232 without taking the above-mentioned operating status into consideration (for example, based on an input operation).

[0186] In addition, the access positions of the first picking cassette transport unit 35a and the second picking cassette transport unit 35b with respect to the cassette holding unit 23 may also be freely set. This setting may also be switched at any time by the control device 10 according to the above-mentioned operating conditions.

[0187] First, as shown by the reference numeral 14001, as described above, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 of the first picking cassette transfer section 35a transfers the first cassette gripping section 351 gripping the cassette Ca to the medicine transfer position P1. In this state, the shutter 322 opens, and the picking operation is performed on the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping section 351. In addition, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 of the second picking cassette transfer section 35b transfers the second cassette gripping section 355 gripping the cassette Ca to the standby position P2. That is, the second cassette gripping section 355 is waiting at the standby position P2 while gripping the cassette Ca.

[0188] During the picking operation, as shown by reference numeral 14002, the main body cassette transporter 22 places a new cassette Ca on the delivery cassette holder 231a.

[0189] When the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripper 351 is completed and, for example, the tray close button 39 is pressed, the shutter 322 is closed. When the shutter 322 is closed, as shown by the reference numeral 14003, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripper 351 to the receiving cassette holder 232a, and then places the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripper 351 on the receiving cassette holder 232a. In addition, after the medicine transfer position P1 is vacant due to the movement of the first cassette gripper 351, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripper 355 to the medicine transfer position P1. In this state, the shutter 322 is opened, and the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the second cassette gripper 355 is performed.

[0190] Next, as shown by reference symbol 14004, the main body cassette transfer section 22 returns the cassette Ca placed on the receiving cassette holding section 232a by the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 to the storage position of the cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21. Also, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripper 351 from the receiving cassette holding section 232a to the delivery cassette holding section 231a. Thereafter, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 causes the first cassette gripper 351 to grip the cassette Ca placed on the delivery cassette holding section 231a.

[0191] Next, as indicated by the reference numeral 14005, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping part 351 gripping the cassette Ca to the standby position P2 and waits until the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the second cassette gripping part 355 is completed. In addition, while the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the second cassette gripping part 355 is being performed, the main body cassette transfer part 22 places a new cassette Ca on the delivery cassette holding part 231b.

[0192] When the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the second cassette gripper 355 is completed and, for example, the tray close button 39 is pressed, the shutter 322 is closed. When the shutter 322 is closed, as shown by the reference numeral 14006, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripper 355 to the receiving cassette holder 232b, and then places the cassette Ca held by the second cassette gripper 355 on the receiving cassette holder 232b. In addition, after the second cassette gripper 355 moves to open the medicine transfer position P1, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripper 351 to the medicine transfer position P1. In this state, the shutter 322 opens, and the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripper 351 becomes available for picking operation.

[0193] Next, as indicated by reference symbol 14007, the main body cassette transfer section 22 returns the cassette Ca placed on the receiving cassette holding section 232b by the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 to the storage position of the cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21. In addition, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripper 355 from the receiving cassette holding section 232b to the delivery cassette holding section 231b. Thereafter, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 causes the second cassette gripper 355 to grip the cassette Ca placed on the delivery cassette holding section 231b.

[0194] Next, as shown by reference symbol 14008, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette holding portion 355 holding the cassette Ca to the waiting position P2, and waits until the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the first cassette holding portion 351 is completed.

[0195] When the transfer process of the cassette Ca based on the dispensing data is being performed, the above-mentioned operation is repeated until the picking operation for all the medicines included in the dispensing data is completed. In addition, when the medicines are filled sequentially, the above-mentioned operation may be repeated until the filling operation for all the medicines is completed.

[0196] In addition, in the case of reference numerals 14005 and 14006, when the second cassette gripping portion 355 is not present at the medicine transfer position P1, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 may directly transfer the first cassette gripping portion 351 to the medicine transfer position P1. Similarly, in the case of reference numeral 14008, when the first cassette gripping portion 351 is not present at the medicine transfer position P1, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 may directly transfer the second cassette gripping portion 355 to the medicine transfer position P1.

[0197] In this manner, the first picking cassette transport unit 35a and the second picking cassette transport unit 35b transport the cassette Ca from which the drug sheets are to be removed or filled to the drug transfer position P1. When the cassette Ca is located at the drug transfer position P1, the first picking cassette transport unit 35a and the second picking cassette transport unit 35b transport the cassette Ca from which the drug sheets are to be removed or filled next to the cassette Ca to the standby position P2 and make it wait.

[0198] Specifically, the first cassette gripping part 351 and the second cassette gripping part 355 grip the cassette Ca pulled out from the cassette holding part 23 and transfer it between the cassette holding part 23, the medicine transfer position P1, and the standby position P2. In addition, the first cassette gripping part 351 and the second cassette gripping part 355 move so as not to collide with each other.

[0199] This allows the user to perform work on the cassette Ca at the medicine transfer position P1, and allows the next cassette Ca to be placed on standby in the vicinity of the medicine transfer position P1 at the standby position P2. Therefore, after the work on the cassette Ca is completed at the medicine transfer position P1, the cassette Ca that was on standby at the standby position P2 can be moved to the medicine transfer position P1. This allows the user to efficiently perform work on multiple cassettes Ca.

[0200] Therefore, the picking unit 3 can efficiently provide the user with the cassette Ca from which the user can take out or fill the tablet sheets.

[0201] (Example of operation of the first shutter) Next, an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Reference numerals 15001 to 15003 in Fig. 15 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a.

[0202] As described above, the first shutter 322a performs an opening and closing operation under the control of the shutter control unit 122. Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 15001, the shutter control unit 122 closes the first shutter 322a when the cassette Ca is not located at the medicine transfer unit 32 (specifically, the medicine transfer position P1). As shown by reference numerals 15002 and 15003, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a after the picking cassette transport unit 35 stops the cassette Ca at the medicine transfer position P1. In addition, the shutter control unit 122 also performs opening and closing control of the second shutter 322b in the same manner as the first shutter 322a. This allows the operator to pick or fill the cassette Ca with medicine.

[0203] The picking cassette transport control unit 121 and the shutter control unit 122 identify the type of cassette Ca and which type of medicine is to be stored in which storage position of the cassette Ca. Therefore, in the case of a cassette Ca without a partition, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 and the shutter control unit 122 can identify that only one type of medicine is to be stored. Therefore, after the picking cassette transport control unit 121 transports the cassette Ca so that the center of the cassette Ca is near the center of the opening 321, as shown by the reference numeral 15002, the shutter control unit 122 fully opens the first shutter 322a. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of the cassette Ca.

[0204] On the other hand, in the case of a cassette Ca having a partition, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 transports the cassette Ca so that the storage position of the medicine to be dispensed or filled is near the center of the opening 321. Thereafter, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area in which the medicine is stored, as shown by reference numeral 15003. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 also opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of the cassette Ca.

[0205] In this manner, the opening width of the first shutter 322a is changed depending on the type of the cassette Ca transferred to the medicine transfer position P1.

[0206] Also, if the next medicine to be dispensed or filled is stored in the same cassette Ca as the medicine currently to be dispensed or filled, it is only necessary to change the position of the cassette Ca without changing the cassette Ca. In this case, after the dispensing or filling of the medicine currently to be dispensed or filled is completed, the shutter control unit 122 closes the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b. Thereafter, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 moves the cassette Ca so that the storage position of the medicine to be next dispensed or filled is near the center of the opening 321. Thereafter, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area in which the medicine is stored. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 also opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of the cassette Ca.

[0207] Therefore, by providing a partition in the cassette Ca to form multiple storage areas in one cassette Ca, it is possible to store, for example, medicines that are likely to be dispensed at the same time in the same cassette Ca, making it possible to dispense medicine sheets more efficiently.

[0208] [Embodiment 1] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the cassette Ca is automatically taken out from the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette Ca is automatically stored in the cassette shelf 21 under the control of the control device 10 will be described.

[0209] <Picking unit> 16 and 17 are perspective views showing an example of the picking unit 3 of this embodiment. Reference numeral 17001 in Fig. 17 denotes a perspective view seen from the front side (the side where the worker stands) of the picking unit 3, and reference numeral 17002 denotes a perspective view seen from the rear side (the main unit 2 side) of the picking unit 3. For convenience, Fig. 17 illustrates only the members of the picking unit 3 that are necessary for explaining the cassette transfer section 41, and omits other members.

[0210] 16 and 17, the picking unit 3 of this embodiment is provided with a cassette transfer section 41 on a front section 45 on the side where an operator stands. The cassette transfer section 41 enables the cassette Ca to be taken out from the picking unit 3 or the cassette Ca to be inserted into the picking unit 3 (enabling the operator to transfer the cassette Ca). The specific configuration of the cassette transfer section 41 will be described later.

[0211] In this embodiment, as described above, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 control the main body cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca between the medicine delivery unit 32 and the cassette shelf 21. In addition, in this embodiment, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 control the main body cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca between the cassette delivery unit 41 and the cassette shelf 21. The main body cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 are an example of a cassette transfer unit that transfers the cassette Ca.

[0212] When transferring a certain cassette Ca between the medicine transfer section 32 and the cassette shelf 21, the main cassette transfer section 22 and the picking cassette transfer section 35 may transfer another cassette Ca between the cassette transfer section 41 and the cassette shelf 21. Furthermore, the main cassette transfer section 22 and the picking cassette transfer section 35 may not transfer the other cassette Ca while transferring the certain cassette Ca, and may not transfer the certain cassette Ca while transferring the other cassette Ca.

[0213] Consider a case where a cassette Ca to be removed is removed from the cassette shelf 21. In this case, the worker specifies the cassette Ca to be removed, for example, via the first touch panel 5. The cassette specification unit 111 specifies the cassette Ca to be removed based on an input operation by the worker, and specifies the storage position of the cassette Ca by referring to the memory unit 15. The main body cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main body cassette transfer unit 22 to remove the cassette Ca to be removed from the storage position of the cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21. The main body cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers the removed cassette Ca to the cassette holding unit 23 and causes the cassette holding unit 23 to hold it. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca held in the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette transfer unit 41. In this embodiment, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 (the second beam portion 357 and the second support portion 358) of the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b to transfer the cassette Ca held by the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette transfer unit 41. This allows the worker to remove the cassette Ca to be removed from the cassette shelf 21 via the cassette transfer unit 41.

[0214] Also, consider a case where a cassette Ca to be stored (a cassette Ca to be newly stored, or a cassette Ca to be returned to the cassette shelf 21 after being temporarily removed from the cassette shelf 21) is stored in the cassette shelf 21. In this case, the worker performs an input operation to instruct to store the cassette Ca, for example, via the first touch panel 5. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the picking cassette transfer unit 35 (the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b in this embodiment) to transfer the cassette Ca to be stored that the worker placed on the cassette transfer unit 41 to the cassette holding unit 23. The main body cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main body cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer the cassette Ca to be stored that is held in the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette shelf 21, and store it in the cassette shelf 21. This allows the worker to store the cassette Ca to be stored in the cassette shelf 21 via the cassette transfer unit 41.

[0215] The cassette Ca to be stored is provided with a barcode Ca14 (see FIG. 5) including cassette identification information and the like. The cassette gripper 221 of the main cassette transporter 22 and the second cassette gripper 355 of the second picking cassette transporter 35b are provided with a barcode reader (not shown). In this embodiment, the cassette transfer unit 41 is also provided with a barcode reader 420 (see FIG. 19). When the cassette Ca to be stored is inserted from the cassette transfer unit 41, the barcode reader of the cassette gripper 221, the second cassette gripper 355, or the cassette transfer unit 41 reads the barcode Ca14. The cassette specification unit 111 specifies the storage position of the cassette Ca based on the cassette identification information included in the read barcode Ca14 and the data in which the cassette identification information and the storage position are associated with each other and stored in the memory unit 15. In the case of a cassette Ca to be newly stored in the cassette shelf 21, the above data does not contain information indicating a storage location associated with the acquired cassette identification information. Therefore, the cassette specification unit 111 specifies a storage location not associated with cassette identification information (i.e., an empty space in the cassette shelf 21) as the storage location of the cassette Ca. When returning the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21, the cassette specification unit 111 specifies the storage location of the cassette Ca by referring to the above data. This allows the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 to store the cassette Ca to be stored in the cassette shelf 21.

[0216] When a new cassette Ca is stored in the cassette shelf 21, for example, the operator reads the barcode attached to the medicine contained in the cassette Ca using the barcode reader 34. In this case, the control device 10 stores the acquired medicine identification information (i.e., the type of medicine) in the memory unit 15 in association with the cassette identification information of the cassette Ca.

[0217] Here, a worker (especially a medical worker) may wish to change the size of the cassette Ca that contains the medicine, for example, depending on the frequency of use of the medicine, and thus to replace the cassette Ca to be used. If the picking unit 3 does not have the cassette transfer section 41 and the cassette Ca cannot be transferred between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette transfer section 41, the worker performs the following work.

[0218] The worker opens the door 25, takes out the cassette Ca to be taken out from the cassette shelf 21, and stores the medicine contained in the cassette Ca in another cassette Ca. The cassette shelf 21 can store 1000 or more cassettes Ca. Therefore, the worker may need time and effort to find the cassette Ca to be taken out.

[0219] The operator also reads the barcodes attached to the medicines to be stored in the new cassette Ca using the barcode reader 34, and inputs the cassette number of the new cassette Ca via the first touch panel 5. This allows the control device 10 to store the cassette identification information of the new cassette Ca in the memory unit 15 in association with the medicine identification information of the stored medicines. However, the operator needs to input the cassette number of the new cassette Ca in order to store the new cassette Ca. The control device 10 also controls the main cassette transport unit 22 to read all the barcodes (i.e., the cassette identification information) of the cassettes Ca stored in the cassette shelf 21, and associates the read cassette identification information with the storage position. However, as described above, the cassette shelf 21 can store more than 1000 cassettes Ca, so this association may take time.

[0220] Furthermore, when an operator wishes to remove a cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or store a cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, the door 25 must be opened to remove and store the cassette Ca. Here, the control device 10 locks the door 25 while the drug station 1 is operating, and can unlock the door 25 when the operation of the drug station 1 is stopped. Therefore, when an operator wishes to open the door 25, the control device 10 must temporarily stop the operation of the drug station 1. For example, when the control device 10 is executing a drug dispensing process based on dispensing data, the control device 10 must stop or interrupt the dispensing process.

[0221] Here, the reason for providing the cassette transfer section 41 in addition to the medicine transfer section 32 will be described. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining the relationship in size between the medicine transfer section 32 and the cassette Ca. Reference numeral 18001 in Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a case where a large cassette Ca1 is positioned in the medicine transfer section 32. Reference numeral 18002 in Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a case where a medium cassette Ca2 is positioned in the medicine transfer section 32. Reference numeral 18003 in Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a case where a small cassette Ca3 is positioned in the medicine transfer section 32.

[0222] If the cassette Ca can be taken out from the medicine transfer section 32, there is no need to provide the cassette transfer section 41 in the picking unit 3. However, as shown in FIG. 18, the length L1 of the opening area Ar1 formed in the opening 321 by the shutter 322 (first shutter 322a and second shutter 322b) being in the open state is smaller than the length L2 of the cassette Ca. The length L1 of the opening area Ar1 is the length in the longitudinal direction (±Y axis direction) of the opening area Ar1. The length L2 of the cassette Ca is the length in the longitudinal direction (±Y axis direction) of the cassette Ca when the cassette Ca is transferred to the medicine transfer section 32 in a plan view, that is, the length corresponding to the longitudinal length of the opening area Ar1 in the cassette Ca. As shown by the reference numerals 18001 to 18003, the length L1 of the opening area Ar1 is smaller than the longitudinal length L2 of any of the large cassette Ca1, the medium cassette Ca2, and the small cassette Ca3. Therefore, the operator cannot insert or remove the cassette Ca to or from the drug transfer section 32. For example, while the drug station 1 is in operation, the operator cannot insert or remove the cassette Ca to or from the drug transfer section 32. Note that the plan view means that the opening 321 is viewed from above the opening 321. Also, the longitudinal direction of the opening region Ar1 is an example of a predetermined direction.

[0223] The length L1 of the opening region Ar1 and the length L2 of the cassette Ca do not necessarily have to be the length in the longitudinal direction of the opening region Ar1 and the cassette Ca, and may be, for example, the length in the lateral direction (±X-axis direction) of the opening region Ar1 and the cassette Ca. That is, the length L1 of the opening region Ar1 and the length L2 of the cassette Ca located in the medicine delivery section 32 may be the length in the corresponding direction.

[0224] The picking unit 3 of this embodiment transports the cassette Ca containing the medicine (medicine to be dispensed based on the dispensing data) designated as the medicine to be taken out based on the dispensing data (prescription data) to the medicine transfer section 32, which does not allow the cassette Ca to be taken out or put in. This allows the worker to take out the designated medicine from the cassette Ca through the medicine transfer section 32. In addition, the cassette Ca can contain multiple types of medicine by providing a partition section. The picking unit 3 transports the cassette Ca containing multiple types of medicine to the medicine transfer section 32, allowing the worker to take out the designated medicine from the cassette Ca.

[0225] The picking unit 3 of this embodiment includes a cassette transfer unit 41 that allows the cassette Ca, which can store multiple types of medicines, to be inserted and removed, in addition to the medicine transfer unit 32 that does not allow the cassette Ca to be inserted and removed. In the picking unit 3, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 control the main body cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette transfer unit 41.

[0226] Therefore, the control device 10 can automatically remove the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 by receiving an input operation that specifies the cassette Ca to be removed from the cassette shelf 21. Also, when an operator wishes to remove a cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21, the operator can remove the cassette Ca via the cassette transfer unit 41. This can reduce the effort and time required for the operator to open the door 25 and search for the cassette Ca to be removed from the cassette shelf 21, which can store a huge number of cassettes Ca.

[0227] Furthermore, the control device 10 can automatically store the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21 by receiving an input operation for storing the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21. Furthermore, when an operator wishes to store the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, the operator can store the cassette Ca via the cassette transfer unit 41. This allows the operator to save time and effort in opening the door 25 and storing the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21.

[0228] In addition, the control device 10 automatically removes the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or stores the cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21, and the operator can access the cassette Ca via the cassette transfer unit 41. That is, the operator can remove the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or store the cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21 without opening the door 25. Therefore, the control device 10 does not need to temporarily stop the operation of the drug station 1 even during operation of the drug station 1. For example, the control device 10 does not need to stop or interrupt the drug dispensing process even during the drug dispensing process based on the dispensing data. In addition, the control device 10 does not need to perform the above-mentioned association for all cassettes Ca.

[0229] Furthermore, even when storing a new cassette Ca, the control device 10 automatically stores the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21. Therefore, the operator does not need to input the cassette number of the new cassette Ca.

[0230] In this way, the picking unit 3 of this embodiment allows the worker to easily remove the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or store the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21. Also, the time required for removing or storing the cassette Ca can be reduced. Also, the processing load of the control device 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the picking unit 3 of this embodiment can improve the work efficiency and processing efficiency for removing the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or storing the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21.

[0231] Furthermore, according to the picking unit 3 of this embodiment, since the length L1 of the opening area Ar1 is smaller than the length L2 of the cassette Ca, the operator cannot insert or remove the cassette Ca into or from the drug transfer section 32. However, according to the picking unit 3 of this embodiment, the operator can insert or remove the cassette Ca through the cassette transfer section 41 even when the drug station 1 is in operation, for example.

[0232] Examples of removing a cassette Ca include, but are not limited to, replacing the cassette Ca or returning the cassette Ca, but also include, for example, a case where the use of a cassette Ca that contains a drug is discontinued in order to discontinue use of the drug in consideration of frequency of use, and a case where the use of at least one cassette Ca included in a group cassette, which is a group (cassette group) of cassettes Ca intended to contain the same type of drug, is discontinued in order to reduce the number of drugs contained in the group in consideration of frequency of use.

[0233] 17, the transfer of the cassette Ca to or from the cassette transfer unit 41 is performed by a second cassette gripping unit 355 and a second cassette transfer mechanism 356. That is, the cassette transfer unit 41 is provided corresponding to a second picking cassette transfer unit 35b (second cassette transfer unit) equipped with the second cassette gripping unit 355 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356.

[0234] As described above, the picking unit 3 includes the first picking cassette transport section 35a (first cassette transport section) including the first cassette gripping section 351 and the first cassette transport mechanism 352 provided in correspondence with the first medicine transfer section 32a. The second picking cassette transport section 35b is provided in correspondence with the second medicine transfer section 32b.

[0235] The first medicine transfer unit 32a may function as a medicine transfer unit to which a cassette Ca containing a medicine to be dispensed based on the dispensing data is transferred. The second medicine transfer unit 32b may function as a medicine transfer unit to which a cassette Ca other than the cassette Ca to be transferred to the first medicine transfer unit 32a is transferred. The cassette Ca may be, for example, a cassette containing a medicine that an operator desires to be urgently dispensed by interrupting the dispensing process of the medicine included in the dispensing data. That is, the cassette Ca may be, for example, a cassette Ca containing a medicine that is to be dispensed by an interrupt process for the dispensing data. The interrupt process may be a process of interrupting the dispensing process of the medicine included in the dispensing data and dispensing the medicine when an input operation for urgently putting the medicine into the cassette Ca is received.

[0236] In this way, when multiple types of medicines are dispensed based on the dispensing data, the cassettes Ca containing the medicines to be dispensed are transported sequentially to the first medicine transfer unit 32a. On the other hand, when the dispensing of medicines based on the dispensing data is interrupted to take out the medicines from the cassette Ca or when the medicines are put into the cassette Ca, the cassette Ca containing the medicines is transferred to the second medicine transfer unit 32b. Therefore, even when multiple types of medicines are dispensed based on the dispensing data, the control device 10 can execute the transfer process of the cassette Ca to the second medicine transfer unit 32b without stopping the transfer of the cassette Ca for the dispensing.

[0237] As described above, the cassette transfer unit 41 is provided corresponding to the second picking cassette transport unit 35b provided corresponding to the second medicine transfer unit 32b. Therefore, even if multiple types of medicines are dispensed based on the dispensing data, the transfer process of the cassette Ca to the cassette transfer unit 41 can be executed without stopping the transfer of the cassette Ca for the dispensing.

[0238] Further, the second picking cassette transport section 35b is provided in common to the second medicine delivery section 32b and the cassette delivery section 41. In this case, since a mechanism for transporting the cassette Ca is not separately provided for the cassette delivery section 41, the provision of the cassette delivery section 41 can reduce the possibility that the picking unit 3 becomes complicated.

[0239] When the cassette transfer section 41 is provided in the main unit 2, a mechanism for transporting the cassette Ca for the cassette transfer section 41 must be provided in the main unit 2. When the cassette transfer section 41 is provided in the picking unit 3, as described above, the mechanism for transporting the cassette Ca for the medicine transfer section 32 can also be used for the cassette transfer section 41. Therefore, by providing the cassette transfer section 41 in the picking unit 3, the possibility that the main unit 2 will become complicated can be reduced.

[0240] However, if the above-mentioned effects are not taken into consideration, the cassette transfer section 41 may be provided corresponding to the first medicine transfer section 32a. That is, the cassette transfer section 41 may be provided corresponding to the first picking cassette transport section 35a. Also, a mechanism for transporting the cassette Ca may not be provided so as to be common to the cassette transfer section 41 and the first medicine transfer section 32a or the second medicine transfer section 32b. In this case, for example, in the picking unit 3, a mechanism for transporting the cassette Ca between the cassette transfer section 41 and the cassette holding section 23 is provided separately from the first picking cassette transport section 35a and the second picking cassette transport section 35b.

[0241] <Cassette receiving section> Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing an example of the cassette transfer unit 41 when the cassette transfer unit 41 is viewed from the front side of the picking unit 3. Reference numeral 19001 in Fig. 19 indicates a state in which the cassette transfer unit 41 is not pulled out from the picking unit 3, and reference numeral 19002 indicates a state in which the cassette transfer unit 41 is pulled out from the picking unit 3.

[0242] Reference numerals 20001 and 20002 in Fig. 20 are perspective views showing an example of the cassette transfer section 41 when the cassette transfer section 41 is viewed from the rear side of the picking unit 3. Reference numeral 20002 is a view in which the cassette placement table 412, the barcode reader 420, and the mirror 421 have been removed for ease of explanation.

[0243] 19 and 20, the cassette transfer section 41 includes a built-in handle section 411, a cassette placement table 412, a placement table support section 413, a rail section 414, a cassette detection section 415, a storage detection section 416, a dog 417, a solenoid 418, and a lock section 419. In this embodiment, the storage detection section 416 and the solenoid 418 are disposed on a support table 422 installed below the cassette placement table 412. The support table 422 is fixed to a support section 47. The support section 47 is fixed to a part of the picking unit 3.

[0244] The recessed handle portion 411 is a portion on which an operator places his / her hand in order to insert or remove the cassette placement table 412 into or from the picking unit 3. The recessed handle portion 411 is fixed to a placement table support portion 413.

[0245] The cassette placement table 412 is a table on which a cassette Ca to be removed that has been transferred from the cassette shelf 21 or a cassette Ca to be stored that has been inserted by an operator is placed. The cassette placement table 412 is fixed to a placement table support portion 413.

[0246] The mounting table support portion 413 supports the cassette mounting table 412. The mounting table support portion 413 is fixed to the first rail portion 414a.

[0247] The rail portion 414 moves the cassette mounting table 412 in the ±Y-axis directions so that the cassette mounting table 412 can be inserted into or removed from the picking unit 3 by an operator who has his / her hand on the embedded handle portion 411. In this embodiment, the rail portion 414 includes a first rail portion 414a, a second rail portion 414b, and a third rail portion 414c.

[0248] The first rail portion 414a is fixed to the mounting table support portion 413 and is provided so as to be slidable relative to the second rail portion 414b and the third rail portion 414c. The second rail portion 414b is provided between the first rail portion 414a and the third rail portion 414c and is provided so as to be slidable relative to the first rail portion 414a and the third rail portion 414c. The third rail portion 414c is fixed to the support portion 47.

[0249] In the state shown by reference numeral 19001, when an operator puts his / her hand on the built-in handle portion 411 and pulls it toward the operator (in the -Y-axis direction), the cassette mounting table 412 slides toward the operator along the rail portion 414. Specifically, the cassette mounting table 412 slides along the first rail portion 414a relative to the second rail portion 414b and the third rail portion 414c. The second rail portion 414b also slides relative to the third rail portion 414c. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 19002, the cassette mounting table 412 is pulled out toward the operator.

[0250] In the state shown by reference numeral 19002, when an operator places his / her hand on the embedded handle portion 411 and pushes it toward the picking unit 3 (in the +Y-axis direction), the cassette placement table 412 slides and moves toward the picking unit 3 along the rail portion 414. Specifically, the cassette placement table 412 slides along the first rail portion 414a relative to the second rail portion 414b and the third rail portion 414c. The second rail portion 414b also slides relative to the third rail portion 414c. As a result, the cassette placement table 412 is accommodated in the picking unit 3 as shown by reference numeral 19001.

[0251] That is, the cassette transfer part 41 functions as a pull-out part for pulling out the cassette Ca by including the built-in handle part 411, the cassette mounting base 412, the mounting base support part 413, and the rail part 414. Therefore, with this simple configuration, an operator can easily take out the cassette Ca from the cassette transfer part 41 or put the cassette Ca into the cassette transfer part 41.

[0252] The cassette detection unit 415 detects a cassette Ca placed on the cassette placement table 412. The cassette detection unit 415 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor including an emission unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light that is the light emitted by the emission unit and reflected by an object.

[0253] As indicated by reference numeral 19001, the cassette detection unit 415 may be disposed at a position where it can detect the cassette Ca placed on the cassette placement table 412 when the cassette placement table 412 is not pulled out (the cassette transfer unit 41 is closed). In this embodiment, a through hole 413a is formed in the placement table support portion 413. When the cassette placement table 412 is not pulled out, the cassette detection unit 415 detects the cassette Ca placed on the cassette placement table 412 via the through hole 413a.

[0254] The storage detection unit 416 detects that the cassette transfer unit 41 is inserted into the picking unit 3 (the cassette placement table 412 is not pulled out). In this embodiment, the storage detection unit 416 is a grooved optical sensor that has a substantially C-shaped insertion portion into which the dog 417 is inserted and detects the dog 417 inserted into the insertion portion. The grooved optical sensor is, for example, a transmission type optical sensor that includes an emission portion that emits light and a light receiving portion that receives the light.

[0255] The dog 417 is a moving part that moves in conjunction with the movement of the cassette mounting table 412. In this embodiment, the dog 417 is fixed to the mounting table support part 413 to which the cassette mounting table 412 is fixed. When the cassette mounting table 412 is not pulled out, the dog 417 is inserted into the insertion part of the storage detection part 416, and the storage detection part 416 detects the dog 417. As a result, the storage detection part 416 detects that the cassette mounting table 412 is inserted into the picking unit 3. The storage detection part 416 and the dog 417 may be provided at a position where the storage detection part 416 can detect the dog 417 when the cassette mounting table 412 is not pulled out.

[0256] The solenoid 418 controls whether or not the cassette mounting stage 412 can move. For example, when the cassette mounting stage 412 is not pulled out, the solenoid 418 fixes the position of the cassette mounting stage 412 so that the cassette mounting stage 412 cannot be pulled out.

[0257] In this embodiment, a plate-shaped locking portion 419 is provided on the mounting table support portion 413. As indicated by the reference numeral 20002, the locking portion 419 is formed with a through hole 419a through which a locking pin 423 connected to a solenoid 418 can pass. The solenoid 418 is driven under the control of the control device 10, and fixes the position of the cassette mounting table 412 by inserting the locking pin 423 into the through hole 419a. That is, in this case, the cassette mounting table 412 is locked, and the operator cannot pull out the cassette mounting table 412. The solenoid 418 is also driven under the control of the control device 10, and removes the locking pin 423 from the through hole 419a, thereby making it possible to move the cassette mounting table 412. That is, in this case, the lock of the cassette mounting table 412 is released, and the operator can pull out the cassette mounting table 412.

[0258] For example, assume that, with the cassette mounting table 412 not pulled out, the control device 10 receives an instruction to remove a certain cassette Ca via the first touch panel 5. Note that, with the cassette mounting table 412 not pulled out, the lock pin 423 is inserted into the through hole 419a, and the cassette mounting table 412 cannot be pulled out.

[0259] When the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 receive the removal instruction, they control the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca to be removed to the cassette transfer unit 41. When the picking cassette transfer unit 35 places the cassette Ca on the cassette placement table 412, the cassette detection unit 415 detects the cassette Ca. When the control device 10 receives a detection signal indicating that the cassette Ca has been detected from the cassette detection unit 415, it drives the solenoid 418 to remove the lock pin 423 from the through hole 419a. This allows the cassette placement table 412 to be pulled out. At this time, for example, the touch panel control unit 14 may display an image on the first touch panel 5 indicating that the cassette placement table 412 can be pulled out. Note that the control device 10 may notify that it is now possible to pull out the cassette mounting table 412, for example, by outputting a sound instead of displaying this image.

[0260] Thereafter, when the operator pulls out the cassette placement table 412 and then pushes the cassette placement table 412 towards the picking unit 3 to store it in the picking unit 3 (closes the cassette transfer section 41), the dog 417 is inserted into the storage detection section 416. When the control device 10 receives a detection signal from the storage detection section 416 indicating that the dog 417 has been detected, it drives the solenoid 418 to insert the lock pin 423 into the through hole 419a. This makes it impossible to pull out the cassette placement table 412.

[0261] When the cassette Ca is placed on the cassette placement table 412, the cassette detection unit 415 detects the cassette Ca. When the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 receive a detection signal indicating that the cassette Ca has been detected from the cassette detection unit 415, they control the main body cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21. As a result, the cassette Ca is stored in the cassette shelf 21.

[0262] Also, for example, assume that the control device 10 receives an instruction to store the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21 via the first touch panel 5 while the cassette mounting table 412 is not pulled out. In this case, the control device 10 drives the solenoid 418 to remove the lock pin 423 from the through hole 419a. This allows the cassette mounting table 412 to be pulled out.

[0263] Thereafter, the operator pulls out the cassette placement table 412, and places the cassette Ca to be stored on the cassette placement table 412. Thereafter, the operator pushes the cassette placement table 412 toward the picking unit 3 and stores the cassette Ca in the picking unit 3 (closes the cassette transfer section 41). The subsequent processing has been described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0264] The cassette transfer unit 41 also includes a barcode reader 420 and a mirror 421. In this embodiment, the barcode reader 420 is installed on a support stand 422. The mirror 421 is provided on a wall 412a of the cassette mounting stand 412 (i.e., at a position facing the barcode Ca14 affixed to the cassette Ca mounted on the cassette mounting stand 412).

[0265] The barcode reader 420 reads the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette placement table 412. The mirror 421 reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 420 and the light reflected by the barcode Ca14. Specifically, the mirror 421 reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 420 and propagates the light to the barcode Ca14, and also propagates the light reflected by the barcode Ca14 to the barcode reader 420. This allows the barcode reader 420 to read the barcode Ca14 via the mirror 421.

[0266] The barcode reader 420 and the mirror 421 are positioned so that the barcode reader 420 can read the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette placement table 412. Specifically, the side surface of the barcode reader 420, from which the barcode reader 420 emits light or receives reflected light, and the reflective surface of the mirror 421 are positioned so that the barcode reader 420 can read the barcode Ca14.

[0267] In order for the barcode reader 420 to read the barcode Ca14, the barcode reader 420 must be provided at a predetermined distance away from the barcode Ca14, taking into consideration the reading depth (focal length) of the barcode reader 420. In other words, the length of the optical path through which the light emitted by the barcode reader 420 and the reflected light received by it pass must be set to a predetermined distance that allows the barcode reader 420 to read the barcode Ca14. Here, due to the constraint of providing the barcode reader 420 in the cassette transfer unit 41, it is necessary to use a relatively small barcode reader 420, and therefore the reading depth becomes relatively long.

[0268] In this embodiment, the light or the reflected light can be bent by providing a mirror 421. Therefore, the barcode reader 420 can be provided at a position (support stand 422 in this embodiment) that does not face the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette placement stand 412.

[0269] It is also conceivable to provide the barcode reader 420, like the mirror 421, at a position facing the barcode Ca14 affixed to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette placement table 412. In this case, however, in order to ensure the above-mentioned predetermined distance, the barcode reader 420 is provided at a position farther away from the cassette Ca than the position at which the mirror 421 is disposed. In other words, the cassette transfer section 41 becomes longer in the Y-axis direction compared to the case where the mirror 421 is provided.

[0270] Therefore, by providing the mirror 421 and bending the light or the reflected light, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the cassette transfer section 41 becomes large. It is not always necessary for the cassette transfer section 41 to include the barcode reader 420 and the mirror 421.

[0271] <Modification> In the above, a configuration has been described in which the cassette Ca cannot be inserted into or removed from the medicine transfer section 32, and therefore the cassette transfer section 41 is provided in the picking unit 3 in addition to the medicine transfer section 32. However, the medicine transfer section may also have the function of the cassette transfer section 41.

[0272] 31 shows an example of a medicine transferring section 320 that also has the function of the cassette transferring section 41. The sides (four sides of the opening 321) of the medicine transferring section 320 that define the opening 321 are composed of a first movable section 325a and a second movable section 325b. The first movable section 325a is provided slidably in the +Y-axis direction with respect to the workbench 40, and the second movable section 325b is provided slidably in the -Y-axis direction with respect to the workbench 40.

[0273] 31 indicates a state in which the medicine can be taken in and out of the cassette Ca through the medicine transfer section 320. In this state, the longitudinal length L1 of the opening 321 is smaller than the longitudinal length L2 of the cassette Ca, similar to the medicine transfer section 32, and therefore the cassette Ca cannot be taken in and out.

[0274] On the other hand, the state of reference numeral 31002 in FIG. 31 is a state in which the first movable part 325a is slid in the +Y-axis direction and the second movable part 325b is slid in the -Y-axis direction from the state of reference numeral 31001. At this time, the length L1 of the opening area Ar1 is maximum and is greater than the longitudinal length L2 of the cassette Ca. Therefore, in this state, it is possible to insert and remove the cassette Ca through the medicine transfer part 320.

[0275] The medicine transfer section 320 may be in the state indicated by reference symbol 31001 in an initial state. For example, when the control device 10 receives an input operation for removing or storing the cassette Ca, the control device 10 opens the shutter 322. At the same time, the control device 10 drives the first movable part 325a and the second movable part 325b to change the size of the opening area Ar1 from the state indicated by reference symbol 31001 to the state indicated by reference symbol 31002.

[0276] Furthermore, the control device 10 may drive the first movable part 325a and the second movable part 325b to change to the state indicated by the symbol 31002, for example, after checking the authentication of the worker. The control device 10 authenticates the worker before the worker performs work at the drug station 1. For example, the control device 10 may permit removal or storage of the cassette Ca only when it is determined that the worker is a medical professional as a result of the authentication of the worker. The same may be true when inserting or removing the cassette Ca at the cassette transfer unit 41.

[0277] When the control device 10 receives an input operation for returning the state of the reference symbol 31002 to the state of the reference symbol 31001, the control device 10 may drive the first movable part 325a and the second movable part 325b to change the size of the opening region Ar1 from the state of the reference symbol 31002 to the state of the reference symbol 31001. When the tray close button 39 is pressed, for example, the control device 10 may close the shutter 322 and change the size of the opening region Ar1 from the state of the reference symbol 31002 to the state of the reference symbol 31001.

[0278] In this way, the medicine transfer section 320 has a width changing mechanism that can change the opening width of the opening 321 so that the longitudinal length L1 of the opening 321 is greater than the longitudinal length L2 of the cassette Ca. Therefore, the operator can insert and remove the cassette Ca through the medicine transfer section 320. Note that the configuration of FIG. 31 is only an example, and the medicine transfer section 320 may have a configuration that can change the opening width as described above. Note that one of the multiple medicine transfer sections 32 provided in the picking unit 3 may be the medicine transfer section 320.

[0279] [Embodiment 2] In this embodiment, a configuration will be described in which, when a cassette Ca protrudes from the cassette shelf 21, the cassette Ca is automatically pushed back into the cassette shelf 21 under the control of the control device 10. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the cassette gripping portion 221. In this embodiment, the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the first support portion 224a will be described as an example, but the second cassette gripping portion 221b and the second support portion 224b can be similarly described.

[0280] 21 shows the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the first support portion 224a as being spaced apart from each other. However, in reality, the first cassette gripping portion 221a is connected to the first support portion 224a so that the first cassette gripping portion 221a can rotate around the first support portion 224a and slide along the first support portion 224a.

[0281] 21, the first cassette gripping portion 221a includes a first cassette detector 2216 that detects the cassette Ca. The first cassette detector 2216 is provided at a corner of the first cassette gripping portion 221a opposite to the first support portion 224a. This allows the first cassette detector 2216 to detect a cassette Ca that has popped out of the cassette shelf 21 when the first cassette gripping portion 221a is moving in the -X-axis direction.

[0282] The first cassette detection portion 2216 may be a sensor that can detect an object located within a predetermined distance from the first cassette detection portion 2216. This allows the movement of the first support portion 224a in the -X-axis direction to be stopped before the first cassette gripping portion 221a collides with the cassette Ca that has jumped out of the cassette shelf 21.

[0283] The first support portion 224a is provided with a second cassette detector 2242 that detects the cassette Ca. The first support portion 224a is provided with a slide portion 2241 to which the first cassette gripper 221a is connected and which slides in the ±Z-axis direction (up and down direction) along the first support portion 224a, and the second cassette detector 2242 is provided at a corner of the slide portion 2241. This allows the second cassette detector 2242 to detect the cassette Ca that has popped out of the cassette shelf 21 when the first cassette gripper 221a moves in the +X-axis direction. The second cassette detector 2242 may be provided only at a corner of the slide portion 2241 on the opposite side to the first cassette gripper 221a.

[0284] The second cassette detection unit 2242 may be a sensor that can detect an object located within a predetermined distance from the second cassette detection unit 2242. This allows the movement of the first support unit 224a in the +X-axis direction to be stopped before the first support unit 224a collides with the cassette Ca that has jumped out of the cassette shelf 21.

[0285] 21, consider a case where the cassette Ca is protruding from the cassette shelf 21 and the first support portion 224a (i.e., the first cassette gripping portion 221a) is moving in the -X-axis direction. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 21001, when the first cassette gripping portion 221a approaches the protruding cassette Ca and the cassette Ca enters within a predetermined distance range from the first cassette detection portion 2216, the first cassette detection portion 2216 detects the cassette Ca. When the main body cassette transfer control portion 112 receives a detection signal indicating that the first cassette detection portion 2216 has detected the cassette Ca, it controls the main body cassette transfer portion 22 to stop the movement of the first support portion 224a in the -X-axis direction.

[0286] Next, as shown by reference numeral 21002, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the rotation drive unit 2215 to rotate the first cassette gripper 221a toward the cassette Ca by a first predetermined angle. This makes it possible to push the cassette Ca back to the cassette shelf 21. The main body cassette transfer control unit 112 may also move the first cassette gripper 221a toward the cassette Ca side (+Y axis direction) a predetermined movement distance. In this case, the cassette Ca can be smoothly pushed back to the cassette shelf 21.

[0287] Next, as shown by reference numeral 21003, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the rotation drive unit 2215 to rotate the first cassette gripping unit 221a by a first predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the cassette Ca. That is, the first cassette gripping unit 221a is returned to the state at the time of movement. In this state, when the first cassette detection unit 2216 detects the cassette Ca, it transmits a detection signal indicating that the cassette Ca has been detected to the main body cassette transfer control unit 112.

[0288] When the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 receives the detection signal, as shown by reference numeral 21004, it rotates the first cassette gripping unit 221a toward the cassette Ca by a second predetermined angle that is larger than the first predetermined angle. This makes it possible to push the cassette Ca back to the cassette shelf 21 again. As described above, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 may also move the first cassette gripping unit 221a a predetermined movement distance toward the cassette Ca. The first predetermined angle, the second predetermined angle, and the predetermined movement distance may be set by experiment or the like to an extent that the cassette Ca can be pushed back.

[0289] Thereafter, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the rotation drive unit 2215 to rotate the first cassette gripper 221a by a second predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the cassette Ca. That is, the first cassette gripper 221a is returned to the state at the time of movement. In this state, if the first cassette detector 2216 does not detect the cassette Ca, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 determines that the cassette Ca has returned to the cassette shelf 21, and ends the operation of pushing back the cassette Ca by the first cassette gripper 221a. Then, the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 resumes the movement of the first support unit 224a (i.e., the first cassette gripper 221a) in the -X axis direction.

[0290] On the other hand, when the first cassette detection unit 2216 detects the cassette Ca, the above-mentioned operation is repeatedly executed until the first cassette detection unit 2216 no longer detects the cassette Ca. That is, the operation of pushing the cassette Ca by the first cassette holding unit 221a and the subsequent cassette detection operation by the first cassette detection unit 2216 are repeatedly executed. The rotation angle of the first cassette holding unit 221a becomes larger each time the pushing operation is executed so that the cassette Ca can be reliably pushed into the cassette shelf 21.

[0291] When the first support portion 224a (i.e., the first cassette gripping portion 221a) is moved in the +X-axis direction, the second cassette detection portion 2242 may detect the popped-out cassette Ca instead of the first cassette detection portion 2216. As indicated by reference numeral 21005, in this case as well, the cassette Ca can be pushed back into the cassette shelf 21 in the same manner as in the above-described operation.

[0292] However, the first cassette gripping portion 221a can be rotated 180 degrees by the rotation drive portion 2215. Therefore, the first cassette gripping portion 221a can also move in the +X-axis direction with the first cassette detector 2216 facing the +X-axis direction. Therefore, in this case, while the first cassette gripping portion 221a is moving in the +X-axis direction, the first cassette detector 2216 detects the popped-out cassette Ca. In addition, the first cassette gripping portion 221a can also move in the -X-axis direction with the first cassette detector 2216 facing the +X-axis direction. In this case, the second cassette detector 2242 may detect the popped-out cassette Ca.

[0293] Consider a case where the drug station 1 does not have the function of pushing back a cassette Ca that has popped out of the cassette shelf 21. Since the drug station 1 does not have the function of pushing back, when the first cassette detection unit 2216 or the second cassette detection unit 2242 detects a popped-out cassette Ca, the control device 10 stops the entire dispensing operation by the drug station 1 and issues an error notification. If even one cassette Ca pops out of the cassette shelf 21, or if even a small amount of cassette Ca pops out, the control device 10 stops the dispensing operation. In this case, the operator opens the door 25, returns the popped-out cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21, and then cancels the error and resumes the dispensing operation.

[0294] As described above, if the drug station 1 has a push-back function, the popped-out cassette Ca can be automatically pushed back to the cassette shelf 21. Therefore, even if a popped-out cassette Ca is present, the dispensing operation can be continued without stopping the dispensing operation. In other words, the occurrence of errors can be reduced. In addition, the labor required for an operator to return the popped-out cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 can be reduced.

[0295] [Embodiment 3] In this embodiment, a configuration example in which the first cassette gripper 351 has only one protrusion 351a and grips one side of the cassette Ca will be described. In addition, in this embodiment, the arrangement position of the barcode reader 351b will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the first picking cassette transporter 35a will be described as an example, but the second picking cassette transporter 35b can be described in the same manner.

[0296] Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the first picking cassette transporter 35a. Reference numeral 22001 in Fig. 22 shows a state in which the first cassette gripper 351 grips the cassette Ca, and reference numeral 22002 shows a state in which the first cassette gripper 351 does not grip the cassette Ca.

[0297] 22, the first cassette gripping portion 351 includes a protrusion 351a, a barcode reader 351b, and a mirror 351c. The protrusion 351a has been described above as the basic configuration, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0298] The barcode reader 351b reads the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca gripped by the protrusion 351a. The mirror 351c reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 351b and the light reflected by the barcode Ca14. Specifically, the mirror 351c reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 351b and propagates the light to the barcode Ca14, and also propagates the light reflected by the barcode Ca14 to the barcode reader 351b. This allows the barcode reader 351b to read the barcode Ca14 via the mirror 351c.

[0299] The barcode reader 351b and the mirror 351c are positioned so that the barcode reader 351b can read the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca gripped by the protrusion 351a. Specifically, the side surface of the barcode reader 351b, from which the barcode reader 351b emits light or receives reflected light, and the reflective surface of the mirror 351c are positioned so that the barcode reader 351b can read the barcode Ca14.

[0300] In order for the barcode reader 351b to read the barcode Ca14, the barcode reader 351b must be provided at a predetermined distance away from the barcode Ca14, taking into consideration the reading depth (focal length) of the barcode reader 351b. That is, the length of the optical path through which the light emitted by the barcode reader 351b and the reflected light received by it pass must be set to a predetermined distance that allows the barcode reader 351b to read the barcode Ca14. Due to the constraint of providing the barcode reader 351b in the first cassette gripping part 351, it is necessary to use a relatively small barcode reader 351b, and therefore the reading depth becomes relatively long.

[0301] In this embodiment, the mirror 351c is provided to bend the light or the reflected light. Therefore, the barcode reader 351b can be provided at a position that does not face the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca held by the first cassette holding unit 351. Therefore, the barcode reader 351b can be provided in the first cassette holding unit 351.

[0302] In this embodiment, the mirror 351c is provided at a position facing the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripping part 351, that is, near the center of the first cassette gripping part 351. The barcode reader 351b is provided on the end side of the first cassette gripping part 351 so that the side surface faces the mirror 351c. When the mirror 351c is viewed in plan, the angle of the mirror 351c with respect to the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the first cassette gripping part 351 (±Y-axis direction) may be about 45 degrees. However, the angle of the mirror 351c is appropriately adjusted depending on the installation position of the barcode reader 351b or the emission direction of the light emitted from the barcode reader 351b (the orientation of the barcode reader 351b).

[0303] Here, it is also conceivable to provide the barcode reader 351b at a location other than the first cassette gripping portion 351 of the picking unit 3. For example, it is also conceivable to provide the barcode reader 351b on the inside of the front portion 45 of the picking unit 3, which corresponds to the standby position P2 (see FIG. 13). In this case, however, all the cassettes Ca transported from the cassette shelf 21 are moved to the standby position P2 to have the barcode reader 351b read the barcode Ca14. Also, it is necessary to stop the barcode reader 351b once to have it read the barcode Ca14.

[0304] In this embodiment, since the first cassette gripper 351 is provided with the barcode reader 351b, the barcode Ca14 can be read by the barcode reader 351b while the first picking cassette transporter 35a is transporting the cassette Ca. Therefore, it is not necessary to transport the cassette Ca to the arrangement position of the barcode reader 351b and stop it at the arrangement position. Therefore, the control device 10 can efficiently execute the medicine dispensing process.

[0305] In addition, in the case where the two first cassette gripping parts 351 grip both sides of the cassette Ca, the barcode reader 351b and the mirror 351c may be provided on one of the two first cassette gripping parts 351. However, the barcode reader 351b and the mirror 351c may be provided on both of the two first cassette gripping parts 351.

[0306] [Embodiment 4] In this embodiment, a configuration example in which the first cassette gripping unit 351 can stably grip the cassette Ca will be described. Note that, in this embodiment, the first picking cassette transport unit 35a will be described as an example, but the second picking cassette transport unit 35b can be described in the same manner.

[0307] As indicated by reference numeral 22002 in FIG. 22, a pair of rollers 351d is provided on the protrusion 351a of the first cassette gripping part 351. The pair of rollers 351d has a rotation axis extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first cassette gripping part 351 moves when gripping the cassette Ca (direction toward the cassette Ca). In this embodiment, the pair of rollers 351d has a rotation axis extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction (+Z axis direction). The pair of rollers 351d is provided on the tip of the protrusion 351a that first comes into contact with the first cassette gripping part 351 when gripping the cassette Ca. The pair of rollers 351d is sized to be inserted into the claw receiving part Ca12 of the cassette Ca together with the protrusion 351a.

[0308] Fig. 23 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the cassette Ca is gripped by the first cassette gripping portion 351. Reference numeral 23001 in Fig. 23 illustrates a state in which the cassette Ca is gripped when the protrusion 351a is provided with a pair of rollers 351d, and reference numeral 23002 illustrates a state in which the cassette Ca is gripped when the protrusion 351a is not provided with a pair of rollers 351d.

[0309] As described above, when the first cassette gripping portion 351 grips the cassette Ca, it moves in the +Z-axis direction toward the cassette Ca. This movement causes the protrusion 351a to be inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12 of the cassette Ca and to be caught by the claw receiving portion Ca12, temporarily locking the claw receiving portion Ca12. This allows the first cassette gripping portion 351 to grip the cassette Ca. Note that in FIG. 22, one first cassette gripping portion 351 is provided for the first beam portion 353, so that the cassette Ca is supported in a cantilevered state by the first cassette gripping portion 351. In this case, the transfer efficiency of the cassette Ca to the medicine transfer portion 32 and the cassette holding portion 23, and the removal efficiency (holding efficiency) of the cassette Ca at the medicine transfer portion 32 and the cassette holding portion 23 are improved.

[0310] However, if the pair of rollers 351d is not provided on the protrusion 351a, the protrusion 351a may get caught midway on the claw receiving portion Ca12 depending on the positional relationship between the protrusion 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12, as shown by reference symbol 23002. For example, when viewed from the movement direction (+Z axis direction) of the first cassette gripping portion 351 toward the cassette Ca, if the first cassette gripping portion 351 is slightly misaligned with respect to the cassette Ca, the protrusion 351a may get caught midway on the claw receiving portion Ca12.

[0311] If the protrusion 351a gets caught midway on the claw receiving portion Ca12, the first cassette gripper 351 will transport the cassette Ca in a state in which the cassette Ca is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane. Therefore, during the transportation of the cassette Ca, the cassette Ca may come into contact with any member in the picking unit 3. In this case, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 may interrupt the transportation of the cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transporter 35a.

[0312] As shown by the reference numeral 23001, when the protrusion 351a is provided with a pair of rollers 351d, the pair of rollers 351d rotates every time the protrusion 351a comes into contact with the claw receiving part Ca12 as the protrusion 351a is inserted into the claw receiving part Ca12. That is, even if a force is applied from the protrusion 351a to the claw receiving part Ca12 in a direction in which the protrusion 351a lifts the claw receiving part Ca12 (in the +Z-axis direction) when the protrusion 351a is inserted into the claw receiving part Ca12, at least a part of the force is converted into a rotational force of the pair of rollers 351d.

[0313] Therefore, compared to a case where the pair of rollers 351d is not provided on the protrusion 351a, the frictional resistance generated between the protrusion 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12 when the protrusion 351a is inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12 can be reduced. Therefore, regardless of the positional relationship between the protrusion 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12, the possibility that the protrusion 351a will get caught in the middle of the claw receiving portion Ca12 and the entire protrusion 351a will not be inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12 can be reduced. Therefore, the first cassette gripping portion 351 can transport the cassette Ca in a stable state, and the possibility that the cassette Ca will come into contact with any member in the picking unit 3 during the transport of the cassette Ca and the transport of the cassette Ca will be interrupted can be reduced.

[0314] Here, it is also conceivable to make the size of the protrusion 351a somewhat smaller than the size of the internal region of the claw receiving portion Ca12. In other words, it is also conceivable to make the size of the protrusion 351a larger than the size of the internal region of the claw receiving portion Ca12. In this case, regardless of the positional relationship between the protrusion 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the protrusion 351a will be caught by the claw receiving portion Ca12 when the protrusion 351a is inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12.

[0315] However, in order to stably transfer the cassette Ca, the first cassette gripping portion 351 is required to hold the cassette Ca, which has a different weight depending on the quantity or size of the medicines stored therein, in a substantially horizontal state and stably grip it. If the size of the protrusion 351a is made larger than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12, the play will be large, and the cassette Ca may tilt (rather than be horizontal) or the vibration during the transfer of the cassette Ca may increase, which may result in the cassette Ca not being able to be transferred stably. For this reason, the size of the protrusion 351a is determined in accordance with the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12 (but to the extent that it can be inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12). Therefore, in consideration of the stable transfer of the cassette Ca, it is not advisable to make the size of the protrusion 351a somewhat smaller than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12 to reduce the occurrence of the above-mentioned snagging.

[0316] 22, in the case where one first cassette gripping portion 351 grips one side of the cassette Ca, the first cassette gripping portion 351 grips the cassette Ca by one protrusion 351a. Therefore, in order to stably transfer the cassette Ca, the size of the protrusion 351a and the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12 must be more strictly defined than in the case where the first cassette gripping portion 351 grips both sides of the cassette Ca. Therefore, in this case in particular, it is not advisable to reduce the occurrence of the above-mentioned snagging by making the size of the protrusion 351a somewhat smaller than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12.

[0317] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the occurrence of the above-mentioned snagging, the method of making the size of the protrusion 351a smaller than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12 is not adopted, and instead, a pair of rollers 351d is provided on the protrusion 351a.

[0318] Consider a configuration in which the two first cassette gripping portions 351 grip both sides of the cassette Ca (i.e., a configuration in which the protrusions 351a of each first cassette gripping portion 351 grip both sides of the cassette Ca). In this case, the pair of rollers 351d may be provided on one of the two protrusions 351a. However, in order to reduce the occurrence of the above-mentioned snagging, the pair of rollers 351d may be provided on both of the two protrusions 351a.

[0319] In this embodiment, the protrusion 351a is provided with a pair of rollers 351d (i.e., two rollers), but the protrusion 351a may be provided with only one roller 351d. Even in this case, the occurrence of the above-mentioned snagging can be reduced compared to when no rollers are provided on the protrusion 351a.

[0320] [Embodiment 5] In this embodiment, a configuration is described that reduces the possibility of a drug falling from the cassette Ca or a drug moving from one storage area to another through a gap that occurs between the cassette Ca and the first shutter 322a.

[0321] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the first shutter 322a. Reference numeral 24001 in Fig. 24 is a partial perspective view of the medicine transfer section 32, and reference numeral 24002 is a cross-sectional view (A-A' cross-sectional view) showing the cross-sectional shape of the first shutter 322a when the first shutter 322a is cut along the A-A' cutting line parallel to the short side of the medicine transfer section 32. Fig. 24 shows a state in which the medium-sized cassette Ca2 has reached the medicine transfer section 32, and one side of a pair of plate-like members constituting the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b are omitted from the illustration.

[0322] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the picking cassette transport unit 35 when the cassette Ca arrives at the medicine transfer unit 32. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view (B-B' cross-sectional view) showing the cross-sectional shape of the first shutter 322a when the first shutter 322a is cut along the B-B' cutting line parallel to the long side of the medicine transfer unit 32 in FIG. 24. Reference numeral 25001 in FIG. 25 indicates a state in which the first shutter 322a and the cassette Ca are separated, and reference numeral 25002 indicates a state in which the first shutter 322a and the cassette Ca are close to each other. Reference numeral 25003 in FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the dotted framed portion indicated by reference numeral 25002.

[0323] As shown by the reference numeral 24001, a gap prevention part 323 is provided at an end of a first plate-shaped member 322a1, which is one of a pair of plate-shaped members constituting the first shutter 322a, to reduce the possibility of a gap occurring between a partition part (partition part Ca21 is illustrated in FIG. 24) and the first shutter 322a. The end of the first plate-shaped member 322a1 is an end that contacts an end of a second plate-shaped member 322a2 (see FIG. 25), which is the other of the pair of plate-shaped members. As shown in FIG. 25, a gap prevention part 323 is also provided at an end of the second plate-shaped member 322a2.

[0324] As shown in Fig. 25, the gap prevention part 323 has an extension part 323c. The extension part 323c is a plate-like member extending substantially vertically downward (in the -Z axis direction) from the surfaces of the first plate-like member 322a1 and the second plate-like member 322a2 so as to come into contact with a partition part (partition part Ca11 is illustrated in Fig. 25).

[0325] The upper end Ed of the partition has a convex shape so as to fit with the extension 323c. In this embodiment, the upper end Ed is formed with a convex shape so that when the extension 323c and the upper end Ed come into contact with each other, the inner surface of the extension 323c and the surface of the partition are flush with each other. In this case, when an operator takes out a medicine from the storage area formed between the two partitions or puts a medicine into the storage area, the possibility that the medicine will get caught on the partition or the extension 323c can be reduced. However, it is sufficient that the extension 323c is provided so as to come into contact with the upper end Ed of the partition when the first shutter 322a is in the open state. In other words, it is not necessarily required that the upper end Ed has a convex shape, and that the extension 323c and the upper end Ed come into contact with each other so that the inner surface of the extension 323c and the surface of the partition are flush with each other.

[0326] As shown by reference numeral 25002, when the first shutter 322a is in the open state, the extensions 323c of the first plate-shaped member 322a1 and the second plate-shaped member 322a2 are in contact with the partitions, respectively. Therefore, when an operator takes out a medicine from a storage area formed between two partitions or puts a medicine into the storage area, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the medicine will enter another storage area across the partitions.

[0327] In addition, the height of the side walls (longitudinal ends) extending in the short direction of the cassette Ca is approximately the same as the height of the partition. Therefore, by providing the gap prevention part 323 in the first shutter 322a, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the medicine falls out of the cassette Ca in the longitudinal length of the cassette Ca (length of the cassette Ca).

[0328] As shown by the reference numeral 24002, the extension portion 323c is provided with a first notch portion 323a and a second notch portion 323b. The first notch portion 323a has a space for accommodating the upper end portion of the side wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the medium-sized cassette Ca2 when the medium-sized cassette Ca2 is placed at the medicine transfer position P1 (a position where the operator can actually transfer medicine to the cassette Ca) of the medicine transfer section 32. The second notch portion 323b has a space for accommodating the upper end portion of the side wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the small-sized cassette Ca3 when the small-sized cassette Ca3 is placed at the medicine transfer position P1. In this embodiment, the medicine transfer position P1 is a position where the operator can transfer medicine to the cassette Ca, and refers to the position when the cassette Ca approaches the workbench 40 as shown by the reference numeral 25002.

[0329] The height of the side wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the medium cassette Ca2 or the small cassette Ca3 is approximately the same as the height of the partition. Therefore, if the gap prevention part 323 is provided on the first shutter 322a, when the medium cassette Ca2 or the small cassette Ca3 is transferred to the medicine transfer position P1, the extension part 323c comes into contact with the upper end of the side wall of the medium cassette Ca2 or the small cassette Ca3. If the upper end comes into contact with the extension part 323c, the extension part 323c cannot come into contact with the upper end part Ed of the partition part, and the medicine may be introduced into the adjacent storage area through the gap between the partition part and the first shutter 322a. In addition, the medicine may fall from the gap between the cassette Ca and the first shutter 322a (the gap formed in the longitudinal direction of the cassette Ca). In other words, the function of the gap prevention part 323 may not be exerted.

[0330] By providing the first cutout portion 323a and the second cutout portion 323b, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the medium-sized cassette Ca2 or the small-sized cassette Ca3 will come into contact with the gap prevention portion 323 when it is transferred to the medicine transfer position P1. Therefore, it is possible to make the above-mentioned function of the gap prevention portion 323 work.

[0331] <Example of operation> Assume that the cassette Ca is transferred to the medicine transfer unit 32 by the picking cassette transfer unit 35. At this time, as shown by the reference symbol 25001, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca to a position separated from the work table 40 to such an extent that the first shutter 322a does not come into contact with the partition even if the first shutter 322a performs an opening and closing operation. In this state, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a so that the storage area in which the medicine to be taken out or stored is stored is opened.

[0332] Next, as shown by the reference numeral 25002, the picking cassette transport unit 35 raises the cassette Ca toward the workbench 40 and places the cassette Ca at the medicine transfer position P1. At this time, the extension portion 323c fits into the upper end portion Ed of the partition. This reduces the possibility of a gap occurring between the partition and the first shutter 322a, and reduces the possibility that the medicine to be taken out or stored will enter an adjacent storage area.

[0333] [Embodiment 6] Fig. 26 is a side view for explaining an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a. Reference numeral 26001 in Fig. 26 indicates an example of a state in which the first shutter 322a is opened by the width of one housing area of ​​the cassette Ca. Reference numeral 26002 in Fig. 26 indicates an example of a state in which the first shutter 322a is opened by the width of two housing areas of the cassette Ca. Reference numeral 26003 in Fig. 26 indicates another example of a state in which the first shutter 322a is opened by the width of two housing areas of the cassette Ca.

[0334] As described above, the first shutter 322a performs an opening and closing operation under the control of the shutter control unit 122. In particular, in the case of a cassette Ca having a partition, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 transports the cassette Ca so that the position of the medicine to be dispensed or filled is near the center of the medicine delivery unit 32.

[0335] As an example, as shown by reference numeral 26001 in Fig. 26, five storage areas Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14, and Ar15 are provided in the cassette Ca, and medicines MDA, MDB, MDC, MDD, and MDE are stored in the respective storage areas. When the medicine MDC is to be dispensed, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 transports the cassette Ca so that the storage area Ar13 of the cassette Ca that stores the medicine MDC is located near the center of the medicine transfer unit 32. Then, as shown by reference numeral 26001 in Fig. 26, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area in which the medicine MDC is stored.

[0336] Incidentally, a medicine may have accessories corresponding to the medicine, such as an instruction manual or a light-shielding bag. In the cassette Ca, the medicine and the accessories corresponding to the medicine may be stored in the same storage area. When dispensing the medicine, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area.

[0337] Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 26001 in Fig. 26, a drug MDC and an accessory At corresponding to the drug MDC may be stored in the same storage area Ar13 in the cassette Ca. When dispensing the drug MDC, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area Ar13. This allows the operator to take out the drug MDC to be dispensed and the accessory At corresponding to the drug.

[0338] However, a drug and an accessory corresponding to the drug may be stored in two or more adjacent storage areas. In this case, the storage location information of the drug is stored in the storage unit 15 in association with the storage location information of the accessory corresponding to the drug. When identifying the storage location of the drug, the shutter control unit 122 refers to the storage unit 15 and acquires the storage location information of the drug. Here, the shutter control unit 122 determines whether or not the storage location information of the drug is associated with the storage location information of the accessory corresponding to the drug.

[0339] When the storage location information of the drug corresponds to the storage location information of the accessory corresponding to the drug, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area that stores the accessory in addition to the width of the storage area that stores the drug.

[0340] 26, the drug MDC and the accessory At corresponding to the drug MDC may be stored in adjacent storage areas Ar13 and Ar14. When dispensing the drug MDC, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 transports the cassette Ca so that the partition between the storage areas Ar13 and Ar14 is near the center of the drug transfer unit 32. The shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area Ar13 that stores the accessory At in addition to the width of the storage area Ar14 that stores the drug MDC.

[0341] 26, the drug MDB and the accessory At corresponding to the drug MDB may be stored in adjacent storage areas Ar12 and Ar13. When dispensing the drug MDB, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 transports the cassette Ca so that the partition between the storage area Ar12 and the storage area Ar13 is located near the center of the drug transfer unit 32. The shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area Ar12 that stores the drug MDB as well as the width of the storage area Ar13 that stores the accessory At.

[0342] According to the above configuration, the worker can take out the medicine to be dispensed and the accessories corresponding to the medicine by simply opening the first shutter 322a once. That is, the worker can reduce the possibility of forgetting to take out the accessories when taking out the medicine. In addition, according to the configurations shown in the reference numerals 26002 and 26003, the medicine and the accessories are stored in different storage areas, so there is no need to separate the medicine and the accessories to take them out as in the configuration of the reference numeral 26001. Therefore, the workability when taking out the medicine and the accessories is improved.

[0343] In the above example, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 adjusts the position of the cassette Ca so that the center of the storage position of the medicine and accessories to be dispensed is near the center of the medicine transfer unit 32. In addition, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by a necessary width, thereby enabling the worker to take out the medicine and accessories.

[0344] However, the configuration that enables removal of medicines and accessories is not limited to this. For example, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 may transport the cassette Ca to a predetermined position in the medicine transfer unit 32 without adjusting the position of the cassette Ca as described above. In this case, the shutter control unit 122 appropriately adjusts the position at which the first shutter 322a is opened based on the storage position information of the medicines and accessories to be dispensed.

[0345] In addition, when the same accessory corresponds to two types of medicine, the accessory stored in one storage area can be shared for these medicines. For example, the accessory can be a bag that can store both types of eye drops.

[0346] In this case, the accessory may be stored in one storage area, and two types of medicines corresponding to the accessory may be stored in storage areas on both sides of the storage area. In addition, in the memory unit 15, the storage position information of each medicine is associated with the storage position information of the accessory. When one of the two types of medicine is dispensed, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area that stores the accessory in addition to the width of the storage area that stores the medicine. With this configuration, it is not necessary to store the accessories corresponding to each medicine in different storage areas, so that the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca can be effectively utilized.

[0347] [Embodiment 7] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a medicine mounting stand 37A which is another example of the medicine mounting stand 37. Reference numeral 27001 in Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of the medicine mounting stand 37A, and reference numeral 27002 in Fig. 27 shows a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the CC' arrow) showing the cross-sectional shape of the medicine mounting stand 37A when the medicine mounting stand 37A is cut along a CC' cutting line parallel to the short side of the medicine mounting stand 37A.

[0348] The medicine mounting table 37A has a bottom 37bt, the mounting surface on which the medicine sheets (including fractional sheets) are placed, which forms a recess that is smoothly inclined toward the center in the longitudinal direction (+Y axis direction) of the medicine mounting table 37A. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 27, the cross-sectional shape of the mounting surface is substantially elliptical. Note that the center is the center of the bottom 37bt in the short direction of the medicine mounting table 37A in each cross section of the medicine mounting table 37A when cut along a cutting line parallel to the short side.

[0349] In drug station 1, the medicine sheet is imaged by imaging unit 371, and the medicine determination unit 124 performs image analysis to count the number of medicines. If the medicine sheet is placed at an angle to the longitudinal direction on medicine placement table 37, when imaging unit 371 images the medicine sheet, the image of the medicine sheet will be black, and medicine determination unit 124 may not be able to correctly count the number of medicines contained in the medicine sheet.

[0350] As described above, when the mounting surface forms a recess that is smoothly inclined toward the center, no matter how the operator places the medicine sheet on the medicine mounting stand 37A, the medicine sheet slides along the mounting surface and is positioned at the center of the bottom 37bt. In addition, since the medicine sheet moves along the shape of the mounting surface, one side of the medicine sheet is positioned approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the medicine mounting stand 37A. In other words, the medicine sheet can be positioned straight along the longitudinal direction of the medicine mounting stand 37A.

[0351] Therefore, in the configuration including the medicine placing stand 37A, no matter how the operator places the medicine sheet on the medicine placing stand 37A, the imaging unit 371 can accurately capture an image of the medicine sheet. Therefore, the medicine determination unit 124 can stably count the number of medicines contained in the medicine sheet placed on the medicine placing stand 37A. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the operator will have to adjust the direction of the medicine sheet so that the imaging unit 371 can accurately capture an image of the medicine sheet.

[0352] [Embodiment 8] The touch panel control unit 14 displays information relating to the drug dispensing operation (e.g., the number of drugs to be taken out of the cassette Ca, the number of drug sheets and remainder sheets, and the judgment result by the drug judgment unit 124 (whether the number of drugs taken out is appropriate or not)) on the second touch panel 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the second touch panel 31 is provided on the back side (main unit 2 side) of the drug transfer unit 32 when viewed from the side where the worker is standing, but may be placed on the upper surface of the workbench 40. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, the second touch panel 31 may be provided between the two drug transfer units 32 on the upper surface of the workbench 40.

[0353] In this case, the operator can take out the medicine from the cassette Ca without taking his / her eyes off the medicine transfer section 32, or in a shorter time if he / she takes his / her eyes off the cassette Ca. Therefore, the operator can concentrate more on the medicine transfer section 32, that is, on the task of taking out the medicine from the cassette Ca.

[0354] [Embodiment 9] The control device 10 may start timing when the cassette Ca containing the medicine to be dispensed arrives at the medicine delivery section 32 and the shutter 322 is opened. If the control device 10 determines that the shutter 322 is not closed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing, the control device 10 may notify the user that the predetermined time has elapsed. The touch panel control section 14 may, for example, cause the second touch panel 31 to display an image indicating that the predetermined time has elapsed. The touch panel control section 14 may notify the user that the predetermined time has elapsed by outputting a sound such as a buzzer.

[0355] In the drug station 1, the dispensing operation of various drugs is performed by an operator. Therefore, the total time required for the drug dispensing process in the drug station 1 depends largely on the time required for the operator to perform the dispensing operation of various drugs. By providing the above-mentioned notification, the operator can be made aware of the speed of the dispensing operation and can be encouraged to perform the dispensing operation smoothly. In addition, the possibility that the efficiency of the dispensing operation varies depending on the operator can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility that a delay by one operator causes the next operator to wait for that delay, which is a waste of time, can be reduced.

[0356] Here, the operation time (dispensing time) required to take out the medicines from the cassette Ca varies depending on the prescription contents, i.e., the number of medicines to be taken out or the presence or absence of a fractional sheet. Therefore, the control device 10 may calculate the predetermined time based on the prescription contents, i.e., the number of medicines to be taken out from the cassette Ca or the presence or absence of a fractional sheet.

[0357] For example, the memory unit 15 stores information indicating the standard work time required to take out one medicine, box, or package. The control device 10 calculates the predetermined time based on the number of medicines, boxes, or packages to be taken out and the standard work time. For medicine sheets, the memory unit 15 stores, for example, the standard work time required to take out one medicine sheet and the standard work time required to cut out a medicine sheet and create a fractional sheet. The control device 10 calculates the predetermined time based on the number of medicine sheets and fractional sheets and the standard work time.

[0358] The control device 10 may also manage the operation time required for each worker to take out various medicines. For example, the control device 10 measures the operation time from when the cassette Ca arrives at the medicine transfer section 32 and the shutter 322 is opened until the tray close button 39 is pressed and the shutter 322 is closed. The control device 10 stores the measured operation time in the memory section 15 for each type of medicine dispensed.

[0359] Here, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a login image on the second touch panel 31 when the medicine dispensing process starts. The control device 10 accepts an input operation (input of login information) by the worker into the login image, and starts the medicine dispensing process when the input login information matches the login information of the worker registered in the storage unit 15. Since the medicine dispensing process starts in this manner, the control device 10 can manage the working time for each worker.

[0360] This allows the control device 10 to calculate, for example, for each worker, the average work time (average work speed) in a predetermined period (e.g., one month) or the number of prescriptions handled in the predetermined period. Examples of the number of prescriptions include the number of drugs dispensed, the number of types of drugs dispensed, and the number of patients to whom the dispensed drugs were prescribed. The touch panel control unit 14 displays the calculation results (analysis results) on, for example, the first touch panel 5, so that the manager of the drug station 1 can grasp the performance of the dispensing work for each worker.

[0361] In addition, the management of working hours for each worker, calculation of average working time or number of prescriptions, and display of the calculation results may be performed, for example, by an information processing device for an administrator (e.g., a PC (Personal Computer)) connected to drug station 1.

[0362] [Embodiment 10] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a structural example of a cassette Ca4. Reference numeral 28001 in Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing an example of a cassette Ca4 including a storage container Ca41. Reference numeral 28002 in Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the arrow D-D') showing a cross-sectional shape of the cassette Ca4 including the storage container Ca41 when the cassette Ca4 is cut along a cutting line D-D' parallel to the long side of the cassette Ca4. Reference numeral 28003 in Fig. 28 is an enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dotted frame indicated by reference numeral 28002.

[0363] 28, the cassette Ca4 differs from the large cassette Ca1 in that it includes a protrusion Ca40 and a storage container Ca41. The protrusion Ca40 is a protruding portion provided along the side surface of the long side of the cassette Ca4, and may be provided on each side surface of the long side of the cassette Ca4, or may be provided in multiples.

[0364] As shown in Fig. 28, when multiple protrusions Ca40 are provided on each of the two side surfaces of the cassette Ca4, a gap Ca45 is formed between adjacent protrusions Ca40. By forming this gap Ca45, the partition Ca44 can be inserted into the cassette Ca4 as shown in Fig. 28. In this case, similar to the case described using Fig. 5, multiple storage areas for storing drug sheets can be provided inside the cassette Ca4. The partition Ca11 in Fig. 5 may have the same shape as the partition Ca44.

[0365] The storage container Ca41 is a container for storing the fractional sheets, and includes a peripheral portion Ca411, at least one storage portion Ca412, and an inclined portion Ca413, as shown in Fig. 28. The storage container Ca41 may be fixed to one short side of the cassette Ca4, or may be in a removable state. When a user takes out the fractional sheets, it is preferable that one of the long sides of the storage container Ca41 is in contact with an end of the cassette Ca4 in the longitudinal direction.

[0366] The peripheral portion Ca411 is a plate-like portion provided along a short side of the storage container Ca41. When the storage container Ca41 is removable, the storage container Ca41 is supported by the cassette Ca4 by placing the peripheral portion Ca411 on the protruding portion Ca40 of the cassette Ca4.

[0367] The storage section Ca412 is an area capable of storing fractional sheets. The storage section Ca412 may be large enough to store the fractional sheets. The storage section Ca412 is inclined in the short-side direction of the storage container Ca41. Specifically, the bottom Ca4121 of the storage section Ca412 is inclined in the short-side direction of the storage container Ca41. The side wall Ca4122 of the storage section Ca412 that can abut against the short side of the cassette Ca4 is also inclined in the short-side direction of the storage container Ca41.

[0368] The inclined portion Ca413 is provided on the long side of the storage container Ca41 that does not abut against the short side of the cassette Ca4, and defines the storage container Ca412 together with the side wall Ca4122, and has an inclined structure that is inclined in the short direction of the storage container Ca41. When an operator removes a drug sheet from the body of the cassette Ca4, the operator can easily scrape out the drug sheet by sliding the drug sheet along the inclined portion Ca413.

[0369] As shown in Fig. 28, the partition Ca44 may include an inclined portion Ca441. The inclined portion Ca441 is provided on the long side of the partition Ca44 that contacts the cassette Ca4, and has an inclined structure that inclines toward the long side of the cassette Ca when the partition Ca44 is attached to the cassette Ca. The inclined portion Ca441 extends along the long side of the partition Ca44. When an operator removes a drug sheet from the main body of the cassette Ca4, the operator can easily scrape out the drug sheet by sliding the drug sheet along the inclined portion Ca441.

[0370] 28, the cassette Ca4 may be provided with a rib Ca46. The rib Ca46 is a structure that protrudes from the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 and extends in the short direction of the cassette Ca4. The rib Ca46 is formed along the long side of the inclined portion Ca413 of the storage container Ca41 or the inclined portion Ca441 of the partition portion Ca44, which is close to the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4.

[0371] According to the above configuration, the gap between the inclined portion Ca413 or the inclined portion Ca441 and the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 is blocked by the rib Ca46. Therefore, the possibility that the drug sheet will get under the storage container Ca41 or the partition portion Ca44 and be caught between the inclined portion Ca413 or the inclined portion Ca441 and the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 is reduced. This reduces the possibility that the drug sheet will be torn when the operator scrapes out the drug sheet.

[0372] The rib Ca46 is provided at a height that does not impede removal of the drug sheet from the cassette Ca4 using the inclined portion Ca413 or the inclined portion Ca441. The rib Ca46 may be provided anywhere on the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 as long as the long sides of the inclined portion Ca413 or the inclined portion Ca441 are close to each other.

[0373] 28, the side surface of the rib Ca46 may be inclined in the direction of the long side of the cassette Ca. This reduces the possibility that the rib Ca46 will hinder the movement of the drug sheet when the operator uses the inclined portion Ca413 or the inclined portion Ca441 to scrape the drug sheet out of the cassette Ca4.

[0374] 28 is the same size as the large cassette Ca1, the configuration of the cassette Ca4 may be adopted for the medium cassette Ca2 and the small cassette Ca3 as well. That is, for the medium cassette Ca2 and the small cassette Ca3, a storage container and a partition unit having the same functions as the storage container Ca41 and the partition unit Ca44 may be installed.

[0375] [Embodiment 11] In this embodiment, a description will be given of an example of a method for transferring a group cassette when the group cassette is stored in the cassette shelf 21. A group cassette refers to a cassette group consisting of a plurality of cassettes Ca intended to store the same type of medicine.

[0376] At least one group cassette (cassette group) may be stored in the cassette shelf 21. That is, the cassette shelf 21 may store only one group cassette (cassette group) composed of a plurality of cassettes Ca intended to store a certain type of medicine. Also, the cassette shelf 21 may store a plurality of group cassettes (cassette groups) intended to store different types of medicine. In the latter case, the plurality of cassettes Ca constituting each group cassette contain the same type of medicine, but the plurality of cassettes Ca constituting one group cassette and the plurality of cassettes Ca constituting another group cassette contain different types of medicine. For example, when a medicine of type "A", a medicine of type "B", and a medicine of type "C" are each contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca, the cassette shelf 21 stores the following three group cassettes. A group cassette consisting of multiple cassettes Ca intended to store drugs of type "A" (also referred to as drug A). A group cassette consisting of multiple cassettes Ca intended to store drugs of type "B" (also referred to as B drugs). A group cassette consisting of multiple cassettes Ca intended to store drugs of type "C" (also referred to as C drugs).

[0377] In addition, a cassette Ca may be provided with a partition to form a plurality of storage areas for the medicine in the cassette Ca. When a medicine stored in one of the storage areas of a cassette Ca and a medicine stored in one of the storage areas of another cassette Ca are the same type of medicine, these two cassettes Ca constitute a group cassette that stores the same medicine.

[0378] For example, suppose that a certain cassette Ca contains drug A in one storage area, and drug B in another storage area of ​​the cassette Ca. Furthermore, suppose that another cassette Ca contains drug B in one storage area, and drug C in another storage area of ​​the cassette Ca. Furthermore, suppose that yet another cassette Ca contains drug C in one storage area, and drug of type "D" (also referred to as drug D) in another storage area of ​​the cassette Ca. In this case, the two cassettes Ca containing drug B constitute a group cassette containing drug B. Furthermore, the two cassettes Ca containing drug C constitute a group cassette containing drug C.

[0379] For example, suppose that a certain cassette Ca contains drug A in one storage area and drug C in another storage area of ​​the cassette Ca. Similarly, another cassette Ca contains drug A in one storage area and drug C in another storage area. In this case, since drug A is contained in these two cassettes Ca, the two cassettes Ca constitute a group cassette containing drug A. Furthermore, since drug C is contained in these two cassettes Ca, the two cassettes Ca also constitute a group cassette containing drug C.

[0380] In addition, when a drug stored in one of the storage areas of a cassette Ca and a drug stored in another cassette Ca that does not have a partition are the same type of drug, these two cassettes Ca form a group cassette that stores the drug. For example, suppose that one storage area of ​​a cassette Ca stores drug A, another storage area of ​​the cassette Ca stores drug B, and another cassette Ca stores drug A. In this case, since these two cassettes Ca store drug A, these two cassettes Ca form a group cassette that stores drug A.

[0381] In this way, when the same type of drug is to be stored in at least a portion of each of the multiple cassettes Ca, the multiple cassettes Ca constitute a group cassette that stores the drug. Note that even if the same type of drug is stored in multiple storage areas formed in a cassette Ca, the multiple storage areas do not constitute a group cassette. In other words, a group cassette is composed of multiple cassettes Ca that store the same type of drug, and is not composed of a single cassette Ca.

[0382] In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a plurality of group cassettes (cassette groups) are stored in the cassette shelf 21. In addition, in this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the medicine (i.e., the medicine to be dispensed) taken out from the medicine delivery unit 32 and put into the transport tray Tr is a medicine sheet (the entire medicine sheet or a fractional sheet).

[0383] The cassette identification unit 111 identifies a cassette Ca to be taken out from the cassette shelf 21 based on, for example, the dispensing data. Specifically, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies a cassette Ca that contains the drug to be dispensed included in the dispensing data by referring to the storage unit 15. At this time, when the drug to be dispensed is contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies all the cassettes Ca that contain the drug to be dispensed. That is, the cassette identification unit 111 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca contained in any one of the plurality of group cassettes. In other words, the cassette identification unit 111 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is contained in two or more cassettes Ca among the plurality of cassettes Ca that constitute any one of the plurality of group cassettes.

[0384] When the cassette specification unit 111 determines that the medicine to be dispensed is contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca included in any one of the group cassettes, the control device 10 performs the following process. That is, when the medicine contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca included in one of the group cassettes stored in the cassette shelf 21 is to be taken out, the control device 10 performs the following process.

[0385] The control device 10 compares the number of drugs to be dispensed with the number of drugs contained, which indicates the number of drugs (the same type of drugs as the drug to be taken out) contained in any one of the cassettes Ca of the plurality of cassettes Ca. The number of drugs to be dispensed may be a designated number designated as the quantity of drugs to be taken out from one cassette Ca included in the group cassette that contains the drug to be dispensed. For example, the control device 10 compares the maximum number of drugs contained among the numbers of drugs contained in the plurality of cassettes Ca with the designated number.

[0386] When the control device 10 determines that the specified number exceeds the number of stored medicines, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer two or more cassettes Ca of the multiple cassettes Ca containing the medicines to be dispensed to the picking unit 3. For example, when the specified number is 42 tablets and the maximum number of stored medicines is 40 tablets, the specified number of medicines cannot be dispensed from one cassette Ca. Therefore, by transferring other cassettes Ca containing the same type of medicine to the picking unit 3, it becomes possible to dispense the specified number of medicines from multiple cassettes Ca. The cassette Ca to be transferred, which is included in the group cassette containing the medicine to be dispensed, may be determined, for example, by the specified number, the number of stored medicines in each cassette Ca, or by an agreement (e.g., the cassette Ca containing the largest number of stored medicines is identified as the cassette to be transferred).

[0387] The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassettes Ca transferred from the cassette shelf 21 to the medicine transfer unit 32 in sequence. In this way, when a group cassette exists, the operator can sequentially check the state of the medicines contained in the multiple cassettes Ca included in the group cassette. Which cassette Ca is to be preferentially transferred to the medicine transfer unit 32 among the multiple cassettes Ca included in the group cassette transferred to the picking unit 3 (the multiple cassettes Ca transferred to the cassette holding unit 23) may be determined as follows. For example, the control device 10 may determine the order of the cassettes Ca to be transferred to the medicine transfer unit 32 based on the number of medicines to be dispensed (the number of fractional sheets calculated from the number of medicines) specified in the dispensing data and the number of fractional sheets contained in the cassette Ca.

[0388] In this embodiment, when the cassette specifying unit 111 determines that the medicine to be dispensed is contained in any of the group cassettes, the control device 10 also performs the following process. That is, even when the control device 10 determines that the specified number is equal to or less than the number of contained medicines, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer the two or more cassettes Ca to the picking unit 3. For example, when the specified number is 42 tablets, even if the number of contained medicines in a certain cassette Ca is 50 tablets, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca containing the medicine to be dispensed to the picking unit 3.

[0389] That is, the control device 10 executes the following process when drugs contained in multiple cassettes Ca included in one of the multiple group cassettes become the target for removal. That is, the control device 10 transfers two or more cassettes Ca out of the multiple cassettes Ca included in the one group cassette to the picking unit 3, regardless of the number of drugs contained in each of the multiple cassettes Ca. The control device 10 may transfer all cassettes Ca constituting the one group cassette to the picking unit 3. However, the control device 10 may not select a cassette Ca that is out of stock as the target for transport.

[0390] Generally, when the designated number is equal to or less than the number of stored medicines, that is, when one cassette Ca contains more than the designated number of medicines, the medicines can be taken out from the cassette Ca. Therefore, there is no need to transfer multiple cassettes Ca containing the same type of medicine from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3.

[0391] However, if there are agreements regarding how to remove medication, even if the specified number is less than the number of medications contained, depending on the storage status of the medication sheets, it may not be possible to remove the medication from the one cassette in accordance with those agreements.

[0392] An example of such a rule is that fractional sheets containing only one drug (fractional sheets of one tablet) will not be dispensed in order to prevent accidental ingestion, as described below. For example, consider a case where the specified number is 41 tablets, one drug sheet (full sheet) contains 10 tablets, and cassette Ca contains four drug sheets and a fractional sheet of one tablet. In this case, 41 tablets can be taken out of cassette Ca, but this would violate the rule.

[0393] The above-mentioned agreement may include an agreement to take out fractional sheets by a division number within an allowable range. For example, consider a case where the division number within the allowable range is 2, the cassette Ca contains fractional sheets for 9 tablets, and 9 tablets are to be dispensed. In this case, according to the agreement, 9 tablets of medicine can be dispensed by one fractional sheet or two fractional sheets (e.g., a fractional sheet for 4 tablets and a fractional sheet for 5 tablets). However, if the cassette Ca transferred to the medicine transfer unit 32 contains only three fractional sheets for 3 tablets, it is possible to take out fractional sheets for 9 tablets, but this takes out in a manner that violates the above-mentioned agreement.

[0394] In this embodiment, even if the specified number is equal to or less than the number of stored medicines, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca that store the same type of medicine to the picking unit 3. Therefore, the control device 10 can allow the worker to decide how to take out the specified number of medicines depending on the storage status of the medicine sheets in each of the multiple cassettes Ca that store the same type of medicine. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned agreement exists, it is possible to increase the possibility that the worker can take out the medicines in accordance with the agreement.

[0395] In addition, even if the specified number exceeds the number of stored medicines, the main cassette transport control unit 112 transports two or more cassettes Ca storing the same type of medicine to the picking unit 3. Therefore, in this case, too, the operator can decide how to take out the specified number of medicines depending on the storage status of the medicine sheets.

[0396] Also, consider a case where the specified number is equal to or less than the number of stored medicines, the dispensing data specifies a prescription content that generates a fractional sheet for one tablet, and the medicine specified in the prescription content is dispensed. In this case, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 also transfers two or more cassettes that contain the same type of medicine from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3. For example, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 considers a case where the specified number is equal to or less than the number of stored medicines, and the number obtained by subtracting the specified number from the number of stored medicines is 1. In this case, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca of the multiple cassettes Ca included in the one group cassette from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3.

[0397] For example, consider a case where the specified number is 41 tablets and the number of stored medicines is 42 tablets. In this case, when 41 tablets of medicine are taken out of the cassette Ca, the cassette Ca will contain a fractional sheet of one tablet. Therefore, the next time medicine is taken out of the cassette Ca, the fractional sheet of one tablet will be taken out.

[0398] Here, for example, if a fractional sheet of one tablet is prescribed to a patient, the patient may not take the medicine out of the fractional sheet, but may mistakenly think that the fractional sheet is a medicine and may ingest it as is (i.e., the whole sheet). Therefore, when a fractional sheet of one tablet is placed in the transport tray Tr, the patient may ingest the fractional sheet by mistake.

[0399] As described above, when the number obtained by subtracting the designated number from the number of stored medicines is 1, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca containing the same type of medicine from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3. This allows the operator to take out the designated number of medicines from the multiple cassettes Ca. Therefore, the operator can take out the designated number of medicines without taking out a fractional sheet for one tablet from the cassette Ca or storing a fractional sheet for one tablet in the cassette Ca. That is, the possibility of generating a fractional sheet for one tablet can be reduced. Therefore, since the possibility of dispensing a fractional sheet for one tablet can be reduced, dispensing of medicine sheets with safety in mind can be realized. In addition, the operator can perform the work of cutting out the fractional sheet so as not to take out a fractional sheet for one tablet from the cassette Ca or store a fractional sheet for one tablet in the cassette Ca. That is, the operator can smoothly perform the work of cutting out the fractional sheet.

[0400] In addition, when the control device 10 receives an input operation for replacing the cassette Ca after transporting one cassette Ca included in one group cassette to the drug transfer section 32, the control device 10 may transport another cassette Ca included in the group cassette to the drug transfer section 32. This allows the operator to check the drug storage status in the multiple cassettes Ca that store the same type of drug, and then decide from which cassette Ca of the multiple cassettes Ca to take out the drug. In addition, the control device 10 can transport another cassette Ca to the drug transfer section 32 even if the removal of the drug from the cassette Ca transported to the drug transfer section 32 is not completed.

[0401] For example, one cassette Ca may contain multiple fractional sheets. Therefore, the remaining number of drugs calculated by "the number of contained drugs / the number of drugs specified in one drug sheet (full sheet)" is not necessarily contained in one cassette Ca in a state where it is contained in one fractional sheet. For example, consider a case where the number of drugs specified in one drug sheet (full sheet) is 10 tablets, the number of contained drugs is 15 tablets, and the specified number is 15 tablets. In this case, the remaining 5 tablets of drugs may be contained in the cassette Ca as multiple fractional sheets (e.g., a fractional sheet for 2 tablets and a fractional sheet for 3 tablets) rather than as one fractional sheet. If it is desired to take out 5 tablets of drugs as one fractional sheet according to an agreement or the like, and a cassette Ca containing 5 tablets of drugs as multiple fractional sheets is transported to the drug transfer unit 32, the operator cannot take out the drugs from this cassette Ca. In such a case, as described above, by allowing replacement of cassettes Ca within the same group of cassettes, the operator can take out medicines from the cassettes Ca in accordance with an agreement or the like.

[0402] <Processing example> FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the control device 10. The cassette specifying unit 111 judges whether or not the drug to be dispensed is contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca included in any of the plurality of group cassettes (S1). When the cassette specifying unit 111 judges that the drug to be dispensed is not contained in any of the group cassettes (NO in S1), this process ends. That is, the drug to be dispensed is dispensed from one cassette Ca specified by the cassette specifying unit 111. In addition, this process may also end when, among the plurality of cassettes Ca constituting the group cassette to contain the drug to be dispensed, the drug is contained in only one cassette Ca and the other cassettes Ca are out of stock.

[0403] When the cassette specification unit 111 determines that the drug to be dispensed is contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca included in any of the group cassettes (YES in S1), the control device 10 determines whether the designated number is equal to or smaller than the number of contained drugs (S2). The control device 10 determines whether the designated number is equal to or smaller than the number of contained drugs, for example, by comparing the maximum number of contained drugs among the numbers of contained drugs in the plurality of cassettes Ca constituting the group cassette containing the drug to be dispensed with the designated number.

[0404] When the control device 10 determines that the specified number exceeds the number of stored medicines (NO in S2), the main cassette transport control unit 112 controls the main cassette transport unit 22 to transport two or more cassettes Ca, which are included in the group cassette and contain medicines, to the picking unit 3 (S4). This allows the operator to take out the specified number of medicines from two or more cassettes Ca, which contain the same type of medicines and are transported to the medicine delivery unit 32.

[0405] When the control device 10 determines that the designated number is equal to or less than the number of contained medicines (YES in S2), it determines whether the number obtained by subtracting the designated number from the number of contained medicines is 1 (S3). When the control device 10 determines that the number obtained by subtracting the designated number from the number of contained medicines is 1 (YES in S3), the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca that contain medicines and are included in the group cassette to the picking unit 3 (S4). This reduces the possibility of generating a fractional sheet of one tablet, as described above.

[0406] When the control device 10 determines that the number obtained by subtracting the designated number from the number of stored medicines is not 1 (NO in S3), this process ends. That is, the medicine to be dispensed is dispensed from one cassette Ca identified by the cassette identification unit 111.

[0407] However, even if the specified number is equal to or less than the number of stored medicines, the control device 10 may transfer two or more cassettes Ca, which are included in the group cassette and contain medicines, to the picking unit 3 without executing the process of S3. That is, even if the specified number is equal to or less than the number of stored medicines, the control device 10 may transfer the two or more cassettes Ca to the picking unit 3, as in the case where the specified number exceeds the number of stored medicines. The control device 10 may also not execute the process of S2. In this case, when the control device 10 determines that the medicine to be dispensed is contained in a plurality of cassettes Ca included in any one of the plurality of group cassettes, it may transfer two or more cassettes Ca, which are included in the group cassette and contain medicines, to the picking unit 3.

[0408] [Embodiment 12] As described above, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether the medicines to be dispensed have been appropriately dispensed. For example, the medicine determination unit 124 counts the number of medicines based on the captured images of the medicines placed on the medicine placement table 37 by the operator. The medicine determination unit 124 also counts the number of medicines based on the weight of the medicines placed on the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement table 38 by the operator. Then, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether the medicines to be dispensed have been appropriately removed from the cassette Ca based on the counting result.

[0409] For example, the medicine determination unit 124 counts the number of medicines placed on the medicine placement table 37 and / or the tray placement table 38, and determines whether the counted number of medicines matches the designated number designated as the quantity of medicines to be taken out from the cassette Ca. When the number of medicines placed is equal to or less than the designated number, the medicine determination unit 124 stores the number of medicines placed in the memory unit 15 until the designated number of medicines is placed or the number of medicines exceeds the designated number. When the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the number of medicines placed (i.e., the number of medicines that continue to be stored in the memory unit 15) matches the designated number, it determines that the medicines to be dispensed have been properly taken out from the cassette Ca. On the other hand, when the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the number of medicines placed exceeds the designated number, it determines that the medicines to be dispensed have not been properly taken out from the cassette Ca.

[0410] When medicines are placed on both the medicine placing stand 37 and the tray placing stand 38, the medicine determination unit 124 may separately determine whether the number of medicines placed on the medicine placing stand 37 is appropriate and whether the number of medicines placed on the tray placing stand 38 is appropriate. In this case, for example, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether the number of medicines included in the fractional sheet placed on the medicine placing stand 37 matches the number to be dispensed as the fractional sheet. Also, for example, the medicine determination unit 124 determines whether the number of medicines included in the medicine sheet (full sheet) placed on the tray placing stand 38 matches the number to be dispensed as the medicine sheet. When the medicine determination unit 124 determines in these two determinations that the number to be dispensed has been taken out from the cassette Ca, it determines that the medicines to be dispensed have been appropriately taken out from the cassette Ca. On the other hand, when it is determined in at least one of these two determinations that the amount to be dispensed has not been taken out, the medicine determination unit 124 determines that the medicine to be dispensed has not been properly taken out from the cassette Ca.

[0411] The medicine determination unit 124 stores information, which associates the result of the determination indicating whether the medicine to be dispensed has been properly taken out from the cassette Ca with information indicating the type of the medicine to be dispensed (e.g., medicine identification information), as determination log information in the storage unit 15. Hereinafter, information indicating that the medicine to be dispensed has not been properly taken out from the cassette Ca is referred to as NG information.

[0412] When the control device 10 receives the dispensing data, it refers to the determination log information in the memory unit 15 and acquires information indicating the results of a previous determination for a drug of the same type as the drug included in the dispensing data. If NG information is associated with information indicating the type of the drug in the determination log information, the control device 10 notifies the worker that the drug to be dispensed is a drug that is likely to cause a dispensing error. This makes it possible to urge the worker to be careful when taking out the drug to be dispensed before taking out the drug.

[0413] As an example, in order to perform the above-mentioned notification, the touch panel control unit 14 may display information indicating that the medicine to be dispensed is a medicine that is likely to cause a removal error on, for example, the second touch panel 31. As another example, the control device 10 may light up an LED (light-emitting device) (not shown) or may notify by sound.

[0414] The control device 10 may notify the operator that the drug is likely to cause a dispensing error only when a predetermined number or more of NG information exists for information indicating the type of drug to be dispensed in the determination log information.

[0415] In addition, in the determination log information, information indicating the result of the determination may be further associated with information indicating the operator who performed the dispensing operation. According to this configuration, the control device 10 can identify drugs that are likely to cause dispensing errors for each operator, and can therefore issue warnings to each operator.

[0416] [Embodiment 13] Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the holder 6. The drug station 1 includes a holder 6 that holds a rubber band X for bundling the drug sheets taken out of the cassette Ca. The holder 6 may be provided at any position in the drug station 1. As an example, the holder 6 may be provided at a position that is easily reachable by an operator taking out the drug, such as on the top surface of the workbench 40. As shown in Fig. 30, the holder 6 includes a base 60, a support 61, and a rubber band holding portion 62.

[0417] The base 60 is a part that supports the support part 61 and the rubber band holding part 62, and is a part that is attached to or placed on the drug station 1. Specifically, the support part 61 is supported by the base 60, and the rubber band holding part 62 is supported by the support part 61. In this embodiment, the support part 61 is a rod-shaped member that protrudes from the base 60, and the rubber band holding part 62 is a rod-shaped member that is supported at the end of the support part 61 opposite to the end connected to the base 60.

[0418] The rubber band holding portion 62 is a rod-shaped member on which one or more rubber bands X can be hung. This allows the holder 6 to hold one or more rubber bands X. In this embodiment, the worker can remove the rubber band X from the end (open end) of the rubber band holding portion 62 opposite to the end connected to the support portion 61.

[0419] Further, the rubber band holding portion 62 is provided with a plurality of grooves 63. The plurality of grooves 63 are provided on the surface of the rubber band holding portion 62, on a surface extending in the circumferential direction of the central axis 621 parallel to the extension direction of the rubber band holding portion 62, so as to be recessed toward the central axis 621. In this embodiment, the plurality of grooves 63 are provided on the end side of the rubber band holding portion 62 opposite the end connected to the support portion 61 (the side from which the rubber band X is taken out).

[0420] For example, consider a case where an operator takes out one rubber band X from a container such as a box that stores multiple rubber bands X in order to bundle the drug sheets taken out from the cassette Ca. In this case, there is a possibility that the rubber band X to be taken out may become entangled with other rubber bands X, making it difficult to take out only the rubber band X to be taken out. In contrast, when taking out a rubber band X from the holder 6, the rubber bands X other than the rubber band X to be taken out are caught in one of the multiple grooves 63 and are therefore difficult to come off from the holder 6. Therefore, the operator can easily take out only one rubber band X.

[0421] Furthermore, the rubber band holding part 62 is supported rotatably via a rotation shaft 622 at the connection end with the support part 61. Therefore, the worker can orient the rubber band holding part 62 in a direction that makes it easy to remove the rubber band X. This makes it possible to perform the work of removing the rubber band X more efficiently.

[0422] [Embodiment 14] In this embodiment, an example of the operation of the drug station 1 will be described when a pre-prepared drug, in which multiple types of drugs are packaged in advance, is stored in a cassette Ca, and the cassette Ca is stored in the cassette shelf 21. The pre-prepared drug is prepared before storage in the cassette Ca. The preparation of the pre-prepared drug may be performed using a dedicated device (e.g., tablet packaging machine 300).

[0423] The prepared medicine is provided with identification information according to the type and number of medicines packaged. A barcode including the identification information of the prepared medicine is printed on the package of the prepared medicine. The memory unit 15 stores the identification information of the prepared medicine, information indicating the type and number of medicines included in the prepared medicine, information indicating the total weight of the prepared medicine, and cassette identification information (or storage position information) of the cassette Ca that contains the prepared medicine, in association with each other.

[0424] An example of the operation of the drug station 1 when filling prepared medicines will be described. First, the operator uses the barcode reader 34 to input identification information from the barcode attached to the package of the prepared medicine to be filled. The control device 10 controls the main cassette transport unit 22 and the picking cassette transport unit 35 to take out the cassette Ca containing the prepared medicine to be filled from the cassette shelf 21 based on the identification information read by the barcode reader 34 and transport it to the medicine transfer unit 32. After that, when the operator again inputs the identification information of the prepared medicine using the barcode reader 34, the control device 10 opens the shutter 322. This allows the user to fill the prepared medicine into the cassette Ca containing the prepared medicine.

[0425] Next, an example of the operation of the drug station 1 when dispensing a prepared medicine will be described. First, when the control device 10 receives dispensing data, it identifies a cassette Ca that contains the medicine to be dispensed, which is included in the dispensing data. Here, the control device 10 judges whether or not a prepared medicine that is a plurality of types of medicine included in the dispensing data and is to be taken at a certain time of taking (for example, in the morning) is stored in the cassette shelf 21. For each prepared medicine, the control device 10 judges, for example, whether or not information indicating each type of the plurality of types of medicine matches information indicating each type of the plurality of types of medicine included in the prepared medicine. In this way, the control device 10 judges whether or not the plurality of types of medicine included in the dispensing data are stored in the cassette shelf 21 as prepared medicines. When it is judged that the prepared medicine containing the plurality of types of medicine is stored in the cassette shelf 21, the control device 10 identifies the prepared medicine as a medicine to be dispensed, and identifies a cassette Ca that contains the prepared medicine.

[0426] Thereafter, the control device 10 transfers the identified cassette Ca to the medicine transfer section 32 and opens the shutter 322. This allows the operator to remove the prepared medicines from the cassette Ca. When the operator removes the required number of prepared medicines, the removal work of the above-mentioned multiple types of medicines is completed. The medicine determination section 124 determines whether or not the designated number of medicines specified by the dispensing data are placed on the tray placement table 38 based on the weight of the medicines weighed by the weighing section 382. Here, when the prepared medicines are removed, the medicine determination section 124 makes a determination based on the information indicating the weight of the entire prepared medicines stored in the memory section 15.

[0427] In this embodiment, the set of drugs to be prepared is, for example, a set of drugs that are prescribed with a high probability to patients with a particular disease, or a set of drugs that are regularly prescribed to a particular patient, specifically, a set of drugs that are prescribed to patients with influenza, or a set of drugs that are regularly prescribed to patients with a chronic disease.

[0428] According to the above configuration, for example, a set of medicines prescribed for a patient with a specific disease is packaged in advance, and the prepared medicines are stored in a cassette Ca. When multiple types of medicines that correspond to the prepared medicines and are packaged in a single package are included in the dispensing data, the control device 10 can transfer the cassette Ca that contains the prepared medicines to the medicine transfer unit 32. Therefore, an operator can take out the multiple types of medicines all at once by simply taking out the prepared medicines from one cassette Ca.

[0429] That is, in this embodiment, the control device 10 does not need to sequentially transport multiple cassettes Ca that contain multiple types of medicines that can be grouped together as pre-prepared medicines to the medicine transfer unit 32. Therefore, the work efficiency of the dispensing work can be improved.

[0430] [Embodiment 15] For example, when a drug with a relatively high dispensing frequency is stored in a small cassette Ca3, the drug is filled more frequently than when the drug is stored in a large cassette Ca1 or a medium cassette Ca2. If the drug is relatively infrequently dispensed, there is no need to store a large number of drugs in the cassette Ca. When such drugs are stored in a large cassette Ca1, there is a possibility that the usage efficiency (storage rate) of the cassette Ca will deteriorate due to a large amount of free space. In addition, when such drugs are stored in a manner that minimizes free space, there is a possibility that the drug will not be dispensed before its expiration date. In this way, if the type of cassette Ca is not selected according to the dispensing frequency, the above-mentioned inconveniences may occur.

[0431] In this embodiment, the control device 10 determines the type of cassette Ca (e.g., large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, small cassette Ca3) that contains the medicine according to the frequency of dispensing the medicine. The touch panel control unit 14 may also display the determined type of cassette Ca on the first touch panel 5.

[0432] For example, the number of medicines dispensed (the number of medicines taken out) is stored for each type of medicine in the memory unit 15. For example, when the medicine to be dispensed is taken out from the cassette Ca and the tray close button 39 is pressed, the control device 10 adds the number of medicines dispensed this time to the number of medicines dispensed stored in the memory unit 15.

[0433] For example, when the control device 10 receives an input operation to confirm the suitability of the cassette Ca for storing the medicine, the control device 10 calculates the cumulative number of dispensed medicines for each type of medicine. The cumulative number of dispensed medicines may be the cumulative number of dispensed medicines in a predetermined period up to the time when the input operation is received, or may be the cumulative number of dispensed medicines from the first time the medicine is dispensed to the time when the input operation is received. The control device 10 compares the cumulative number of dispensed medicines with a preset threshold value, and determines the type of cassette Ca to be used for each type of medicine based on the comparison result.

[0434] For example, for a drug whose cumulative dispensed number is less than a first threshold, the control device 10 assigns type information indicating a small cassette Ca3 to the drug identification information of the drug. For a drug whose cumulative dispensed number is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold (>first threshold), the control device 10 assigns type information indicating a medium cassette Ca2 to the drug identification information of the drug. For a drug whose cumulative dispensed number is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control device 10 assigns type information indicating a large cassette Ca1 to the drug identification information of the drug.

[0435] The control device 10 judges whether the type information assigned to each type of medicine matches the type information associated with each type of medicine stored in the storage unit 15. If the two types of information do not match, the touch panel control unit 14 displays, via the first touch panel 5, the type of cassette Ca indicated by the type information (assigned type information) suitable for storing the medicine. This allows the operator to store the medicine in a cassette Ca that corresponds to the dispensing frequency. This reduces the possibility of the above-mentioned inconvenience occurring.

[0436] The memory unit 15 may store information indicating the number of medicines in a box, the number of medicines in a pillow-packaged package, and the number of medicines in one medicine sheet (full sheet) for each type of medicine. In this case, the control device 10 can specify whether the medicine is to be dispensed in a box, package, or medicine sheet (including fractional sheets) based on the number of medicines dispensed each time. Therefore, the control device 10 can specify the form and the number of times the medicine is dispensed each time.

[0437] For example, when the control device 10 receives an input operation for confirming whether the form to be stored in the cassette Ca is appropriate, the control device 10 specifies the form with the highest number of dispensing times as the form to be stored in the cassette Ca. The storage unit 15 may store cassette identification information and information indicating the storage form of the medicine (e.g., box, package, medicine sheet) in association with each other. Therefore, the control device 10 can determine whether the specified form matches the storage form stored in the storage unit 15. When the control device 10 determines that the specified form does not match the storage form stored in the storage unit 15, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a form suitable for storing the medicine via the first touch panel 5. This allows the operator to store the medicine in the cassette Ca according to the frequency of the form to be dispensed.

[0438] [Embodiment 16] The control device 10 acquires the lot number and expiration date (use date) of the medicine from the barcode information (e.g., GS1 code) read by the barcode reader 34 when the medicine is filled into the cassette Ca. The lot number is a number that can identify the manufacturing place and manufacturing date of the medicine. Here, if the cassette Ca is provided with a partition, different types of medicine can be stored in each storage area separated by the partition. That is, the same type of medicine is stored in each storage area. On the other hand, if the cassette Ca is not provided with a partition, the cassette Ca stores the same type of medicine. Therefore, the control device 10 manages the lot number and expiration date of the acquired medicine in the memory unit 15 for each cassette Ca or storage area to which the medicine is to be filled (that is, in association with the cassette identification information or storage position information). The lot number and expiration date may be input, for example, via the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31.

[0439] <Lot list> In this embodiment, the control device 10 can manage multiple combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates for each cassette Ca or storage area in which the same type of medicine is stored. Fig. 32 is an example of a lot list LI1 managed for each cassette Ca or storage area in which the same type of medicine is stored. The lot list LI1 is managed in the memory unit 15. In this embodiment, an example in which combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in the lot list LI1 will be described, but it is not necessarily necessary for the combinations to be managed in list form in the memory unit 15.

[0440] The lot list LI1 shown in FIG. 32 can manage up to five combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates. That is, up to five medicines with different lot numbers and expiration dates can be stored in a cassette Ca or storage area that stores medicines of the same type. The maximum number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates that the lot list LI1 can manage is not limited to five, but may be any number more than one. In this embodiment, the lot list LI1 is described as being capable of managing multiple combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates, but in other embodiments, only one combination of lot numbers and expiration dates may be managed for one cassette Ca or storage area.

[0441] 32, the control device 10 may manage combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates in the lot list LI1 in ascending order of lot numbers, i.e., in ascending order of expiration dates closer to the current time (oldest expiration dates). That is, in the lot list LI1, combinations of smallest lot numbers and expiration dates closer to the current time may be assigned in ascending order of reference numbers.

[0442] FIG. 32 shows an example of the lot list LI1 when three drugs of the same type but with different lot numbers and expiration dates are stored in the cassette Ca or storage area. As shown in FIG. 32, the control device 10 assigns the combination of the smallest lot number "0001" and the expiration date "October 2021" to the reference number "1". The control device 10 assigns the combination of the lot number "0002" next to the lot number "0001" and the expiration date "November 2021" to the reference number "2". The control device 10 assigns the combination of the lot number "0003" next to the lot number "0002" and the expiration date "December 2021" to the reference number "3". However, the management order of the combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates in the lot list LI1 is not limited to this, and the control device 10 may manage the lot numbers in the lot list LI1 in order of increasing lot numbers or in the order in which the lot numbers were acquired.

[0443] Here, a drug may be determined to be defective after being manufactured and sold. A drug determined to be defective refers to a drug that needs to be recalled due to emergency safety information (yellow letter) or safety bulletin (blue letter) announced by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. In the drug station 1, the type of drug stored in the cassette Ca or storage area is managed in association with a lot number. Therefore, when a drug is determined to be defective, a pharmacist, etc. can identify whether the drug determined to be defective was dispensed from the drug station 1 and from which cassette Ca or storage area it was dispensed. Furthermore, by managing the drug dispensing history, a pharmacist, etc. can also track which patient the drug determined to be defective was given to. In the dispensing history, for example, the type of drug dispensed from the drug station 1, the dispensing date and time, etc. are managed in association with each patient to whom the drug was prescribed. The dispensing history may be managed, for example, by the drug station 1 or the dispensing control device 800 (see FIG. 1).

[0444] <Display lot list> The control device 10 can display a lot list LI1 on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31 when the operator fills the cassette Ca with medicines. A method of displaying the lot list LI1 will be described with reference to Figs. 33 to 36. Fig. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a filling image (filling screen) IM11 displayed on the first touch panel 5. Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a lot list image 3401 including information of the lot list LI1 displayed on the filling image IM11. Fig. 35 is a diagram showing an example of an individual dispensing image (individual dispensing screen) IM12 displayed on the first touch panel 5. Reference numeral 36001 in Fig. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a filling work image (filling work screen) IM13 displayed on the second touch panel 31. Reference numeral 36002 in Fig. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a lot list image (lot list screen) IM14 displayed on the second touch panel 31.

[0445] A filling image IM11 shown in Fig. 33 is displayed on the first touch panel 5 in a filling mode by the touch panel control unit 14 of the control device 10. The filling mode is a mode in which an operator can fill the drug station 1 with medicine, and is selected by an input operation by the operator. As shown in Fig. 33, the filling image IM11 includes, for example, a filled medicine list 3301, a tray movement button 3302, a lot list button 3303, a expiration display area 3304, and a confirmation button 3305.

[0446] The filled medicine list 3301 is a list of records in which various information related to the medicine selected as the filling target is associated. The filled medicine list 3301 includes information such as the medicine name, the stock quantity, the lot number, and the expiration date, associated with the cassette number and the branch number. The branch number indicates each storage area in the cassette Ca when the cassette Ca is divided by a partition. If the cassette Ca is not divided by a partition, the branch number is assigned "1". For the lot number and expiration date displayed in the filling image IM11, one lot number and expiration date are selected from the lot list LI1 managed by the control device 10 in association with each cassette Ca or each storage area. The control device 10 selects, for example, the expiration date closest to the current time (the oldest expiration date) in the lot list LI1 and the lot number corresponding to the expiration date as the expiration date and lot number to be displayed. It is possible to appropriately set which lot number and expiration date are to be displayed by default from the lot list LI1.

[0447] The tray movement button 3302 is a button that can receive an input operation for starting the transport of the cassette Ca selected in the filled medicine list 3301. When the cassette identification unit 111 of the control device 10 receives an input operation on the tray movement button 3302, it executes the following process. That is, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies the cassette Ca to be filled with medicines or the cassette Ca having the storage area to be filled with medicines based on the medicine identification information (information indicating the type of medicine) included in the information of the barcode read by the barcode reader 34. Then, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 of the control device 10 control the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transport the identified cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 to the medicine transfer unit 32. In addition, the control device 10 causes the barcode reader 34 to read the information of the barcode again, and determines whether or not the medicine identification information included in the information matches the medicine identification information associated with the identified cassette Ca or the storage area. When these two pieces of medicine identification information match, the shutter control unit 122 of the control device 10 opens the shutter 322 to match the width of the cassette Ca or the storage area into which the medicine is to be filled. This allows the operator to fill the cassette Ca or the storage area with medicine.

[0448] The lot list button 3303 is a button capable of accepting an input operation for displaying the lot list LI1 on the first touch panel 5. The lot list button 3303 is in a state capable of accepting an input operation when the drug identification information included in the information of the barcode attached to the drug read by the barcode reader 34 matches the drug identification information of the drug managed as a storage target of the cassette Ca or the storage area. At this time, the control device 10 transports the cassette Ca, which is the drug filling destination, from the cassette shelf 21 to the drug transfer unit 32. When the touch panel control unit 14 acquires an input operation on the lot list button 3303, it displays the lot list LI1 managed in association with the cassette Ca or the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca on the first touch panel 5. The touch panel control unit 14 displays, for example, a lot list image 3401 shown in FIG. 34 on the first touch panel 5.

[0449] The expiration date display area 3304 is an area in which the lot number and expiration date of the cassette Ca to be transported to the medicine transfer unit 32 or the medicine stored in the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca are displayed. The control device 10 selects, for example, the expiration date closest to the current time in the lot list LI1 to be displayed on the first touch panel 5 and the lot number corresponding to the expiration date, as the expiration date and lot number to be displayed in the expiration date display area 3304. It is possible to appropriately set which lot number and expiration date to display by default from the lot list LI1.

[0450] The confirmation button 3305 is a button that can receive an input operation for transporting the cassette Ca transported to the medicine transfer section 32 to the cassette shelf 21. When the control device 10 acquires an input operation to the confirmation button 3305, the control device 10 transports the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 and adds the lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1.

[0451] An individual dispensing image IM12 shown in FIG. 35 is an image capable of receiving an input operation for dispensing medicines individually in addition to the sequential dispensing of medicines based on prescription data, and is displayed on the first touch panel 5 by the control device 10.

[0452] The individual dispensing image IM12 includes, for example, an extraction result display area 3501, an add to dispensing list button 3502, a refill list display area 3503, a tray movement button 3504, a lot list button 3505, and a confirmation button 3506.

[0453] The extraction result display area 3501 is a list of records associated with various information related to drugs to be individually dispensed that have been extracted (selected) from the drug database by the operator. The extraction result display area 3501 includes information such as drug name, stock quantity, lot number, and expiration date, associated with the cassette number and branch number. In the extraction result display area 3501, similar to the filling image IM11 in Fig. 33, for example, the lot number and expiration date closest to the current time selected from the lot list LI1 may be displayed.

[0454] The add to dispense list button 3502 is a button that can receive an input operation for adding information selected by the operator from the information displayed in the extraction result display area 3501 to the refilling list display area 3503 .

[0455] The filling list display area 3503 is an area that displays a list of cassettes Ca that are to be filled with medicine. The tray movement button 3504 is a button that can receive an input operation for transporting the cassette Ca that is to be filled with medicine to the medicine transfer section 32. When an input operation for the tray movement button 3504 is acquired with one cassette Ca selected in the filling list display area 3503, the control device 10 executes a process of transporting the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 to the medicine transfer section 32. In addition, the control device 10 executes a process of opening the shutter 322 after transporting the cassette Ca to the medicine transfer section 32. These processes are similar to those when the control device 10 acquires an input operation for the tray movement button 3302.

[0456] The lot list button 3505 has the same function as the lot list button 3303 shown in Fig. 33. That is, when an input operation to the lot list button 3505 is acquired while the individual dispensing image IM12 is being displayed (when individual dispensing of medicines is being executed), the touch panel control unit 14 can display the lot list image 3401 shown in Fig. 34. Also, the confirmation button 3506 has the same function as the confirmation button 3305 shown in Fig. 33.

[0457] The filling operation image IM13 shown by the reference numeral 36001 in FIG. 36 is an image that enables a filling operation of a cassette Ca with medicines during a picking operation for the cassette Ca placed in the medicine transfer section 32 during sequential dispensing of medicines based on prescription data. When an input operation for enabling a filling operation to the cassette Ca is acquired via the second touch panel 31 in a state where the cassette Ca is placed in the medicine transfer section 32, the filling operation image IM13 is displayed on the second touch panel 31 by the touch panel control section 14. When this input operation is acquired, the control device 10 causes the barcode reader 34 to read barcode information, and determines whether or not the medicine identification information included in the information matches the medicine identification information associated with the cassette Ca or the storage area specified as the filling destination. When these two pieces of medicine identification information match, the control device 10 permits the filling of medicines into the cassette Ca or the storage area that is the filling destination of the medicines. For example, when the two pieces of medicine identification information do not match, the shutter control section 122 of the control device 10 closes the shutter 322 in the open state.

[0458] The filling operation image IM13 also includes a lot list button 3601 having the same function as the lot list button 3303 in Fig. 33. Therefore, when an input operation to the lot list button 3601 is acquired during a picking operation, the touch panel control unit 14 can display a lot list image IM14 shown by reference numeral 36002 in Fig. 36.

[0459] The refilling operation image IM13 also includes a refill button 3602 that accepts an input operation for finalizing the refill quantity, lot number, and expiration date input in the refilling operation image IM13. When the control device 10 acquires an input operation on the refill button 3602, it updates the refill quantity managed in association with the refilling destination cassette Ca or storage area. The control device 10 also adds the lot number and expiration date to a lot list LI1 managed in association with the refilling destination cassette Ca or storage area.

[0460] <Delete information from lot list> 34, the lot list image 3401 includes information on a lot list LI1 managed in association with a cassette Ca or a storage area into which the medicine is to be filled, and a delete button 3402. The delete button 3402 is provided for each combination of lot number and expiration date managed in the lot list LI1, and is a button capable of receiving an input operation for deleting the combination of the lot number and expiration date from the lot list LI1. When the control device 10 acquires an input operation on the delete button 3402, it deletes the combination of the lot number and expiration date corresponding to the delete button 3402 from the lot list LI1.

[0461] The lot list image 3401 includes a cancel button 3403 and an approve button 3404. The cancel button 3403 and the approve button 3404 are buttons that can receive an input operation for displaying the original image. However, when an input operation to the cancel button 3403 is acquired, the control device 10 invalidates the input operation to the delete button 3402, and adds the deleted combination of lot number and expiration date to the lot list LI1 again.

[0462] Furthermore, the lot list image IM14 indicated by reference numeral 36002 in Fig. 36 includes a delete button 3603 having the same function as the delete button 3402 in Fig. 34. Therefore, when the control device 10 acquires an input operation to the delete button 3603, it can delete the combination of the lot number and expiration date corresponding to the delete button 3603 from the lot list LI1.

[0463] Furthermore, the lot list image IM14 includes a cancel button 3604 and an approval button 3605 that have the same functions as the cancel button 3403 and the approval button 3404 in Fig. 34. Therefore, when the control device 10 acquires an input operation for the cancel button 3604 or the approval button 3605, it switches the display to the filling operation image IM13. However, when the control device 10 acquires an input operation for the cancel button 3604, it invalidates the input operation for the delete button 3603 and adds the deleted combination of lot number and expiration date to the lot list LI1 again.

[0464] <Adding information to the lot list> The control device 10 can also add a new combination of lot number and expiration date to the lot list LI1. Adding a new combination of lot number and expiration date to the lot list LI1 will be described with reference to Figs. 37 to 39. Fig. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when adding a new combination of lot number and expiration date. Fig. 38 is a diagram showing an example of the lot list LI1 when a new combination of lot number and expiration date is added. Fig. 39 is a diagram showing another example of the lot list LI1 when a new combination of lot number and expiration date is added. In Fig. 37, the combination of lot number and expiration date is abbreviated as "lot number".

[0465] As shown in Fig. 37, in a state where the refilling image IM11 in Fig. 33 is displayed, the control device 10 judges whether or not an input operation has been acquired for the confirmation button 3305 (S11). In S11, in a state where the individual dispensing image IM12 in Fig. 35 is displayed, the control device 10 judges whether or not an input operation has been acquired for the confirmation button 3506. In addition, in a state where the refilling work image IM13 of reference numeral 36001 in Fig. 36 is displayed, the control device 10 judges whether or not an input operation has been acquired for the refill button 3602.

[0466] When the control device 10 acquires an input operation to the confirmation button 3305, the confirmation button 3506, or the filling button 3602 (YES in S11), the control device 10 executes the following process. That is, the control device 10 judges whether or not the combination of the lot number and the expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 matches any of the combinations of the lot number and the expiration date managed in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or the storage area to which the medicine is to be filled (S12). The control device 10 may also judge whether or not the lot number and the expiration date input in the filling operation image IM13 matches any of the combinations of the lot number and the expiration date managed in the lot list LI1. When the control device 10 does not acquire an input operation to the confirmation button 3305, the confirmation button 3506, or the filling button 3602 (NO in S11), the control device 10 waits for the acquisition of the input operation.

[0467] Consider a case where the control device 10 determines that the combination of lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 matches any of the combinations of lot number and expiration date managed in the lot list LI1 (YES in S12). In this case, since the combination of lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 is already managed in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 does not store the combination in the lot list LI1 as a new combination of lot number and expiration date.

[0468] On the other hand, consider a case where the control device 10 determines that the combination of lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 does not match any of the combinations of lot number and expiration date managed in the lot list LI1 (NO in S12). In this case, the control device 10 determines whether or not the combination of lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 can be managed in the lot list LI1 as a new combination of lot number and expiration date. That is, the control device 10 determines whether or not the maximum number (five in this embodiment) of combinations of lot number and expiration date are managed in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area to which the medicine is to be filled (S13).

[0469] If the number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates managed in the lot list LI1 is less than the maximum number, there is free space in the lot list LI1 to which a new combination of lot numbers and expiration dates can be added. Therefore, when the control device 10 determines that the maximum number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are not managed in the lot list LI1 (NO in S13), it adds the combination of lot numbers and expiration dates read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1.

[0470] In this embodiment, the control device 10 determines that a new combination of lot numbers and expiration dates can be added to the lot list LI1 if there are four or fewer combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates managed in the lot list LI1. In the example shown in FIG. 38, there are three combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates managed in the lot list LI1. Therefore, the control device 10 adds the combination of lot number "0004" and expiration date "January 2022" read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1 as a new combination of lot number and expiration date.

[0471] In this embodiment, the combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in the lot list LI1 in ascending order of lot numbers. Therefore, when adding a new combination of lot numbers and expiration dates to the lot list LI1, the control device 10 compares the combination with the combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates managed in the lot list LI1. Based on the comparison result, the control device 10 determines the position in the lot list LI1 where the new combination of lot numbers and expiration dates is to be added. In the example of FIG. 38, the lot number "0004" read by the barcode reader 34 is larger than any of the lot numbers managed in the lot list LI1. Therefore, the control device 10 assigns the combination of the lot number "0004" read by the barcode reader 34 and the expiration date "January 2022" to the reference number "4".

[0472] In S13, when the control device 10 determines that the maximum number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in the lot list LI1 (YES in S13), it notifies the operator accordingly. In addition, the control device 10 requests the operator to delete one of the combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates managed in the lot list LI1 (S14). When the number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates managed in the lot list LI1 is the maximum, there is no free space in the lot list LI1 to which a new combination of lot numbers and expiration dates can be added, so the control device 10 makes the above request. The above notification and request are made, for example, by the touch panel control unit 14 displaying an image on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31. At this time, the touch panel control unit 14 may display the lot list LI1 on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31. This allows the operator to delete one combination of lot numbers and expiration dates from the displayed lot list LI1.

[0473] Here, the worker can arbitrarily select the combination of lot number and expiration date to be deleted. The worker may, for example, determine the combination of lot number and expiration date to be deleted after checking (visually inspecting) the lot number and expiration date attached to the medicine contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area to which the medicine will be filled. For example, if the worker is able to identify the lot number and expiration date of a medicine that is out of stock in the cassette Ca or the storage area as a result of checking, the worker may determine that combination of lot number and expiration date as the one to be deleted. The worker can also delete the combination of lot number and expiration date of the contained medicine from the lot list LI1. In this case, however, the worker removes the medicine from the cassette Ca or the storage area.

[0474] When the operator deletes one combination of lot number and expiration date from the displayed lot list LI1, the control device 10 deletes the combination from the lot list LI1 managed in the storage unit 15. That is, the control device 10 deletes the combination from the lot list LI1 in accordance with the user input (S15). This creates a free area in the lot list LI1 into which a new combination of lot number and expiration date can be added. After the process of S15, the control device 10 adds the combination of lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1 (S16).

[0475] Here, when an operator fills a cassette Ca or a storage area with medicine, the control device 10 needs to manage the combination of the lot number and expiration date read from the medicine by the barcode reader 34 in the lot list LI1. In this embodiment, as described above, when the maximum number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 deletes one combination of lot numbers and expiration dates from the lot list LI1 based on a user input. Therefore, even when the maximum number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 can manage the combination of lot numbers and expiration dates of a newly filled medicine in the lot list LI1.

[0476] In addition, when the maximum number of combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 may automatically select one of the combinations from the lot list LI1 and perform a process of overwriting the combination of the new lot number and expiration date. However, in this case, the overwriting process is performed without the operator checking the lot number and expiration date attached to the medicine contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area. Therefore, even if the lot number and expiration date are actually the lot number and expiration date of the medicine contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area, the lot number and expiration date may be deleted from the lot list LI1. If the lot number and expiration date of the medicine contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area are deleted from the lot list LI1, there is a possibility that the pharmacist or the like cannot identify the source of the medicine.

[0477] Therefore, as described above, when deleting a combination of lot number and expiration date from the lot list LI1, the control device 10 has the operator select the combination to be deleted. This allows the operator to confirm the drug storage status in the cassette Ca or the storage area before deleting the combination of lot number and expiration date from the lot list LI1, making it possible to make the information in the lot list LI1 correspond to the actual drug storage status.

[0478] In the example shown in FIG. 39, five combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are stored in the lot list LI1, so the control device 10 displays an image for making the above notification and request on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31. In order to store a new combination of lot numbers and expiration dates in the lot list LI1, the worker deletes one of the combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates managed in the lot list LI1. Here, the worker selects the combination of lot number "0001" and expiration date "October 2021" and touches the confirmation button 3305, the confirmation button 3506, or the fill button 3602. As a result, the control device 10 deletes the combination of lot number "0001" and expiration date "October 2021" from the lot list LI1, and makes the lot list LI1 in a state in which a new combination of lot numbers and expiration dates can be additionally input. The control device 10 adds the combination of the lot number "0006" and the expiration date "April 2022" read by the barcode reader 34 as a new combination of lot number and expiration date to the lot list LI1 in which the free area has been generated.

[0479] <Lot list management when stocks are out of stock> The control device 10 may be able to set the following deletion modes. The deletion mode is a mode in which, when the number of drugs contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area becomes 0 (when the cassette Ca or the storage area becomes out of stock), all information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or the storage area is deleted. When the deletion mode is set in the control device 10, the control device 10 deletes all information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or the storage area when the cassette Ca or the storage area becomes out of stock. The deletion mode can be set or released by user input.

[0480] When the cassette Ca or the storage area is out of stock, there is no drug in the cassette Ca or the storage area, and therefore there is no lot number or expiration date to be managed in the lot list LI1. Therefore, when the cassette Ca or the storage area is out of stock, the control device 10 automatically deletes all information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or the storage area. This makes it possible to make the lot list LI1 reflect the out-of-stock state without requiring the operator to check the information managed in the lot list LI1.

[0481] On the other hand, if the deletion mode is not set in the control device 10, even if the cassette Ca or the storage area is out of stock, the control device 10 does not delete the information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or the storage area, but maintains it as is. For example, the operator determines whether or not to delete the information in the lot list LI1 when notified by the control device 10 that the out-of-stock state has occurred.

[0482] Here, as described in the first embodiment, in the drug station 1, the control device 10 counts the number of drugs placed on the drug placement table 37 based on an image of the drugs. The control device 10 also counts the number of drugs placed on the tray placement table 38 based on the result of weighing the drugs. The control device 10 can manage the number of drugs contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area after the drugs are removed, with the counting result indicating the number of drugs removed from the cassette Ca or the storage area. The control device 10 can also manage the number of drugs contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area after filling by adding the number of drugs filled, which is input by an operator when the cassette Ca or the storage area is filled with drugs, to the number of drugs contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area before filling.

[0483] In this way, the control device 10 estimates the number of drugs contained in the cassette Ca or the storage area by subtracting the number of removed drugs from the current storage number or adding the number of filled drugs to the current storage number. That is, a detection unit (e.g., an imaging unit) is provided to detect drugs in the cassette Ca or the storage area, and the control device 10 does not analyze the detection result of the detection unit to manage the number of drugs in the cassette Ca or the storage area. In other words, the control device 10 does not directly count the number of drugs actually contained. Therefore, for example, if an operator does not return the drugs that have been removed in excess to the original cassette Ca or storage area, or if an operator inputs a number different from the actual filling number, there is a possibility that the actual storage number and the storage number managed by the control device 10 may differ. Some users may be aware of this possibility and not wish to automatically delete drugs when they are out of stock.

[0484] Therefore, only when the deletion mode is set based on user input, the control device 10 automatically deletes the information of the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area when the cassette Ca or storage area is out of stock.

[0485] <About lot numbers and expiration dates> In this embodiment, the lot list LI1 is described as managing the lot number and expiration date, but this is not limited to the above. Either the lot number or the expiration date may be managed in the lot list LI1. In other words, the item to be deleted from the lot list LI1 or the item to be added to the lot list LI1 may be either the lot number or the expiration date.

[0486] Furthermore, the control device 10 may manage a combination of the lot number and the expiration date in the lot list LI1 by calculating the expiration date from the acquired lot number, or by calculating the lot number from the acquired expiration date.

[0487] [Software implementation example] The control block of the control device 10 of the drug station 1 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software. Also, the control block of the control unit 801 of the dispensing control device 800 may be realized by a logic circuit formed in an integrated circuit or the like, or may be realized by software.

[0488] In the latter case, the drug station 1 and the dispensing control device 800 are equipped with a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. This computer is equipped with, for example, one or more processors, and is equipped with a computer-readable recording medium that stores the above program. Then, in the above computer, the above processor reads the above program from the above recording medium and executes it, thereby achieving the object of the present invention. As the above processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used. As the above recording medium, in addition to a "non-transient tangible medium", for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. In addition, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the above program may be further provided. In addition, the above program may be supplied to the above computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the above program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0489] 〔others〕 A medicine handling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a medicine handling device comprising: a medicine transfer unit that enables a medicine to be removed from a cassette in which the medicine is stored or to be input into the cassette; a cassette transfer unit that enabl...

Claims

[Claim 1] A medicine dispensing device in which at least one cassette group consisting of a plurality of cassettes each containing the same type of medicine is stored, a transfer control unit that transfers two or more cassettes among the cassettes included in the cassette group when the drugs contained in the cassettes included in the cassette group are to be removed; The transfer control unit of the drug dispensing device transfers two or more of the multiple cassettes included in the cassette group when the number of contained drugs contained in any of the multiple cassettes included in the cassette group minus a designated number specified as the quantity of drugs to be removed from one of the cassettes included in the cassette group is 1.

Images