Drawer direction control system for drug distribution cart

Abstract

To provide a drug distribution cart that enables stored medications to be taken out by pulling out a storage unit (drawer) in a first direction and by pulling it out in a second, opposite direction.SOLUTION: Medications to be provided to a user are stored in a drug distribution cart. The drug distribution cart, which includes a storage unit (drawer), enables the stored medications to be taken out by pulling out the drawer in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to medication carts, systems, and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In medical settings, medication carts are used to streamline medication distribution to hospitalized patients. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medication cart used to distribute medicines, infusions, and the like to hospitalized patients in medical facilities. A medical professional, such as a nurse, manually pushes the medication cart to the patient's side, finds the appropriate medicine for that patient, and hands it over to the patient. There is a need to further reduce the burden on medical professionals involved in this type of medication distribution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-307997 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has, for example, any of the following objectives. A first objective of the present invention is to provide a medication dispensing cart that allows stored medications to be removed by pulling out the storage unit in a first direction, and that also allows stored medications to be removed by pulling out the storage unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A second objective of the present invention is to provide a system that allows stored medications to be removed by pulling out the storage unit only in either the first direction or the second direction, depending on the position of the medication dispensing cart and the position of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to [1] A medication cart that stores medicines to be provided to users, the medication cart having a storage section, which can be removed by pulling out the storage section in a first direction, and can also be removed by pulling out the storage section in a second direction opposite to the first direction; [2] The medication cart according to [1], wherein the stored medicines can be removed by pulling out the storage unit only in either the first direction or the second direction depending on the user's position relative to the medication cart; [3] A system including a medication cart that stores medicines to be provided to users, the medication cart including a storage unit, the medication cart including a storage unit that allows the stored medicines to be removed by pulling the storage unit out in a first direction, and also allows the stored medicines to be removed by pulling the storage unit out in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the system including a first position specifying means for specifying the position of the medication cart and a second position specifying means for specifying the position of the user, and the stored medicines can be removed by pulling the storage unit out only in either the first direction or the second direction depending on the specified position of the medication cart and the specified position of the user; [4] The system according to [3], further comprising: a plurality of first devices; a medication cart comprising a second device; a first distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device based on a propagation time of information or a signal between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device; and a first position determination means for determining a position of the second device based on the calculated distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device; [5] The system according to [3] or [4], comprising a plurality of first devices, a user wearing or carrying a third device, and comprising second distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device, and a second position determination means for determining the position of the third device based on the calculated distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device; [6] The system according to [4] or [5], wherein the first distance calculation means and / or the second distance calculation means calculate the distance based on the time difference between the clock of the first device and the clock of the second device and / or the third device; [7] The system according to any one of [4] to [6], further comprising: a time difference calculation means for calculating a time difference between the first device and the second and / or third device by performing communication between the first device and the second and / or third device; and a time correction means for correcting the time on the second and / or third device based on the calculated time difference; [8] The system according to any one of [4] to [7], further comprising: a phase shift calculation means for calculating a phase shift between clocks of the first device and the second and / or third device by performing communication between the first device and the second and / or third device; and a phase correction means for correcting the phase of the second and / or third device based on the calculated phase shift; [9] A method executed in a system including a medication cart that stores medicines to be provided to users, the medication cart including a storage unit, the medication cart being capable of removing the stored medicines by pulling out the storage unit in a first direction, and also capable of removing the stored medicines by pulling out the storage unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the method including a first position specifying step of specifying the position of the medication cart and a second position specifying step of specifying the position of the user, and the method enabling the stored medicines to be removed by pulling out the storage unit only in either the first direction or the second direction depending on the specified position of the medication cart and the specified position of the user; This can be achieved by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medication dispensing cart that allows stored medicines to be taken out by pulling out the storage unit in a first direction, and that also allows stored medicines to be taken out by pulling out the storage unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system that allows stored medicines to be taken out by pulling out the storage unit only in either the first direction or the second direction, depending on the position of the medication dispensing cart and the position of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a first device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a medication cart according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a medication cart according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a medication cart according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a distance calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a location specification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a medication distribution process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a medication distribution information management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the effects of the present invention is one aspect of the effects of the embodiments of the present invention and is not limited to those described herein. The order of the processes constituting the flowcharts described below is random as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the process content. Furthermore, it is also possible to omit some of the processes constituting the flowcharts or add new processes to the processes constituting the flowcharts as long as no contradictions or inconsistencies occur in the process content. Furthermore, the device that executes each process constituting the flowcharts can be changed to another device as long as this does not violate the spirit of the present invention. In this case, the process content can be changed so as not to cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the process content.

[0009] The system of the present invention can be used in facilities that provide pharmaceuticals to users, such as hospitals, sanatoriums, nursing homes, and retirement homes. A user is someone who receives pharmaceuticals, and includes not only medical institutions but also people who take pharmaceuticals at facilities or organizations other than medical institutions, such as nursing homes, and not only medical professionals but also people who receive pharmaceuticals from managers or staff at facilities or organizations other than medical institutions. For example, users include hospital inpatients, residents of nursing homes, and short-term users. Pharmaceuticals also include not only oral medications such as tablets and capsules, but also topical medications such as eye drops and patches, and injectables.

[0010] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system 10 includes at least one computer device. More specifically, the system 10 includes a medication cart 2A. The system 10 may include a plurality of first devices 1 (first devices 1a to 1z) and a third device 3. The system 10 may include a second device 2 provided in the medication cart 2A, a server device 4, and an administrator terminal 5. The system 10 may include a plurality of second devices 2 (not shown), a plurality of medication carts 2A (not shown), a plurality of server devices 4 (not shown), or a plurality of administrator terminals 5 (not shown).

[0011] The first device 1, the second device 2, and the third device 3 can be directly connected for communication with each other. Furthermore, a plurality of first devices 1, a plurality of second devices 2, or a plurality of third devices 3 can be directly connected for communication with each other. The first device 1, the second device 2, the third device 3, the medication cart 2A, or the administrator terminal 5 can be directly connected for communication with the server device 4 via a communication network 6.

[0012] A first device 1 is a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of second devices 2 or third devices 3. One first device 1 may function as a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3. Furthermore, a first device 1 may function as a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of other first devices 1. A pyramidal relationship may be formed in which multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3 exist for one first device 1, and each of these multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3 functions as a reference device for synchronizing the clocks of multiple other second devices 2 or multiple other third devices 3.

[0013] In the system 10, the time of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is synchronized based on the time clocked by the first device 1, and the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the second device 2 or the transmitter in the third device 3 is synchronized based on the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the first device 1. Furthermore, the time of another second device 2 or the time of another third device 3 may be synchronized based on the time clocked by the second device 2 or the third device 3, and the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the other second device or the oscillator in the other third device 3 may be synchronized based on the phase of the signal generated by the oscillator in the second device 2 or the oscillator in the third device 3.

[0014] [1st device] The first device 1 of the present invention will now be described. The first device 1 is installed at a fixed position. The installation location of the first device 1 is not limited, but it is preferably indoors where the medication distribution cart 2A moves. In the system 10, a plurality of first devices 1 are installed. The plurality of first devices 1 may be arranged in a grid pattern so as to cover the area of ​​the second device 2 or the third device 3 whose position can be identified by the first device 1.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a first device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first device 1 includes a control unit 11, an RF chip 12, and an oscillator 13, which are connected to each other via an internal bus. The RF chip 12 includes a clock 12a and a phase detector 12b. The first device 1 may include other components as necessary.

[0016] The control unit 11 is not particularly limited, but for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) can be used. The control unit 11 performs program execution processing based on the program and data. The RF chip 12 performs processing for receiving and transmitting wireless signals. The data received by the RF chip 12 is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control unit 11.

[0017] Oscillator 13 oscillates at a predetermined frequency and outputs a signal that provides operational timing for each component of the device. Oscillator 13 may be, for example, an atomic oscillator or a crystal oscillator. Clock 12a uses the output signal from oscillator 13 as a source of oscillation to clock and output the time. The control unit 11 controls clock 12a to transmit the time to second device 2 or third device 3 via RF chip 12. Phase detector 12b detects the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information received from second device 2 or third device 3, and detects the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 13.

[0018] [Second device] The second device 2 of the present invention will be described. The second device 2 is provided in a medication dispensing cart 2A. The second device 2 is connected to the medication dispensing cart 2A by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other.

[0019] The phrase "the second device 2 is provided in the medication cart 2A" includes both the case where the second device 2 is incorporated inside the medication cart 2A and the case where the second device 2 is attached to the outside of the medication cart 2A. Furthermore, the phrase "the second device 2 is provided in the medication cart 2A" also includes the case where the second device 2 and the medication cart 2A share the same control unit and are controlled by the control unit. The location information of the second device 2 may be stored in the server device 4 or the like in association with identification information (second device ID) that can identify the second device 2 or identification information that can identify the medication cart 2A that is provided with the second device 2.

[0020] The medication dispensing cart 2A stores medicines to be provided to users. The medication dispensing cart 2A may be operated by a person. The medication dispensing cart 2A may have an automatic driving function and move sequentially to positions corresponding to each of multiple users according to movement route information. The position corresponding to a user is a concept that includes not only the user's position itself but also a position that is assigned to each user and is associated with each user in advance. When the medication dispensing cart 2A travels automatically, the medication dispensing cart 2A may be one that a person can ride in.

[0021] The user's location may be determined by a third device 3 (described later) or by a location determination function of a portable device carried by the user (e.g., a wearable device worn by the user). Examples of locations pre-associated with each user include the user's hospital bed, a seat in a dining room, or a shared space. The location information on the location pre-associated with each user is stored in the server device 4 in association with identification information (hereinafter also referred to as a user ID) that can identify the user. The medication cart 2A moves according to the travel route information, and can execute a predetermined process at the destination after the move. Examples of the predetermined process include withdrawing the storage section, reading the user ID, and providing medicine. The travel route information may include, for example, the starting point, the destination point, location information of the medication cart 2A from the start of travel to the end of travel, and one or more waypoints.

[0022] Next, the hardware configuration of the second device 2 and the medication cart 2A will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the medication cart according to an embodiment of the present invention. The medication cart 2A includes a second device 2, a RAM 24, a storage unit 25, and a drive unit 26, all of which are connected by a bus. The medication cart 2A may also include a display unit 27, a sensor unit 28, an imaging unit 29, and a reading device. The second device 2a includes a control unit 21, an RF chip 22, and an oscillator 23, all of which are connected by a bus.

[0023] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 21 executes programs stored in the storage unit 25 and controls the second device 2 and the medication dispensing cart 2A. The RAM 24 is a work area for the control unit 21. The storage unit 25 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 21 performs arithmetic processing based on the programs and data read from the RAM 24 and data input via an input unit (not shown).

[0024] The RF chip 22 is equipped with a clock 22a and a phase detector 22b. The second device 2a may include other components as needed in addition to the control unit 21, RF chip 22, oscillator 23, clock 22a, and phase detector 22b. The RF chip 22 is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from other computer devices. Data received by the RF chip 22 is loaded into RAM 24 and becomes the subject of arithmetic processing by the control unit 21.

[0025] Oscillator 23 oscillates at a predetermined frequency and outputs a signal that provides operational timing for each component of the device. Oscillator 23 may be, for example, a crystal oscillator. Clock 22a uses the output signal from oscillator 23 as a source oscillation to clock and output the time. Control unit 21 controls clock 22a to transmit the time clocked by clock 22a to first device 1 via RF chip 22. Phase detector 22b detects the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information received from first device 1, and detects the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 23 of second device 2a.

[0026] The driving unit 26 drives the battery to operate the medicine dispensing cart 2A. Rollers may be provided on the bottom surface of the medicine dispensing cart 2A, and the driving unit 26 may rotate the rollers to operate the medicine dispensing cart 2A.

[0027] The display unit 27 has a display screen. The control unit 21 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Here, the display screen of the display unit 27 may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as an input unit. The touch panel can be used to perform operations such as turning the power of the second device 2 and the medication dispensing cart 2A on and off, and starting and stopping operation.

[0028] The sensor unit 28 may include various sensors such as an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyro sensor. For example, the infrared sensor can measure the distance to other obstacles. The pressure sensor and acceleration sensor can detect collisions. The acceleration sensor and gyro sensor can detect tipping or collision of the medication dispensing cart 2A.

[0029] The control unit 21 detects that a fall or collision has occurred based on the information acquired by the sensor unit 28. When the control unit 21 detects that a fall or collision has occurred, the medication dispensing cart 2A can also transmit a notification that a fall or collision has occurred in the medication dispensing cart 2A to the administrator terminal 5 via the server device 4.

[0030] The imaging unit 29 has a camera and can capture images of the surroundings of the medication dispensing cart 2A using the camera. For example, when a problem occurs, such as when the sensor unit 28 detects a collision or a fall, the imaging unit 29 may record the surrounding situation for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the imaging unit 29 may constantly capture images, and when a problem occurs, store in the storage unit 25 the recorded image for a predetermined period of time (for example, several tens of seconds before and after the problem occurs).

[0031] In the above, we have described a case where the second device 2 and the medication cart 2A share the same control unit 21 and are controlled by the control unit 21, but the second device 2 and the medication cart 2A may each have a different control unit.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a medication dispensing cart according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a medication dispensing cart according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a medication dispensing cart 2A in a horizontal plane including storage trays 51a to 51d.

[0033] The medication dispensing cart 2A includes at least one storage tray 51. Preferably, the medication dispensing cart 2A includes a plurality of storage trays 51 (for example, storage trays 51a to 51d). The medication dispensing cart 2A may include a display screen 52, a reading device 53, rollers 54, various sensors (not shown), etc.

[0034] Storage tray 51 can store medicines. Storage trays 51a to 51d are examples of storage units. Each of the multiple storage trays 51a to 51d corresponds to a respective one of multiple users. For example, storage tray 51a corresponds to user A and stores medicines for user A. Storage tray 51b corresponds to user B and stores medicines for user B. The user corresponding to storage tray 51a may be a fixed user, or may be a user set when storing the medicines.

[0035] Storage tray 51a may include a plurality of storage cases 511 (for example, storage cases 511a to 511h). Each of storage cases 511a to 511h stores a different medicine depending on when a user takes the medicine. For example, storage case 511a stores medicine to be taken after breakfast, and storage case 511b stores medicine to be taken after lunch.

[0036] The storage tray 51 can be pulled out in a first direction D1. The storage tray 51 can also be pulled out in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. By pulling out the storage tray 51 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, the user or manager can remove the stored medicines.

[0037] The control unit 21 or the like may control the locking or unlocking of the storage tray 51. For example, the medication dispensing cart 2A may include a release unit 61 that allows the storage tray 51 to be pulled out. The release unit 61 allows a specific storage tray 51 to be pulled out in response to a release command from the control unit 21 or the like to allow the storage tray 51 to be pulled out. The release unit 61 is, for example, a protrusion that protrudes upward, and the protrusion moves downward in response to the release command. This allows the storage tray 51 to be pulled out. When the pulled-out storage tray 51 is returned to the medication dispensing cart 2A, the storage tray 51 is locked.

[0038] The medication dispensing cart 2A may also include a drawer unit 62 that pulls out the storage tray 51. The drawer unit 62 can move a specific storage tray 51 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 by a specific distance (e.g., 5 cm) in response to a drawer command from the control unit 21 or the like to pull out the specific storage tray 51 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. The drawer unit 62 includes, for example, a motor and a roller. When the drawer unit 62 moves the storage tray 51 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, the user or administrator can manually pull out the storage tray 51 further.

[0039] The release portion 61 and the drawer portion 62 allow the medication dispensing cart 2A to draw out the storage tray 51 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0040] 5, each of the storage trays 51a to 51d is provided with a release portion 61 and a pull-out portion 62. The release portion 61a is provided near one side of the storage tray 51a in the first direction D1, and the release portion 61b is provided near one side of the storage tray 51a in the second direction D2.

[0041] Furthermore, drawers 62a and 62b are provided near one side of storage tray 51a that is parallel to first direction D1 and near the corresponding other side. For example, when viewed from above, drawers 62a and 62b rotate in opposite directions, so that drawers 62a and 62b can move storage tray 51a in first direction D1 or second direction D2. Note that storage tray 51a may be provided with either drawer 62a or 62b.

[0042] The medication cart 2A may be equipped with a detection unit that detects whether or not a medicine is present in the storage tray 51 or the storage case 511. The detection unit is not particularly limited. Methods for detecting a medicine by the detection unit include, for example, detection using light by a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and detection using weight by a weight sensor.

[0043] Note that the configurations of the release unit 61 and the drawer unit 62 can be changed as appropriate as long as the storage tray 51 can be drawn out in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. The medication dispensing cart 2A does not need to include the drawer unit 62. If the drawer unit 62 is not included, the storage tray 51 is drawn out by a user or an administrator.

[0044] The display screen 52 can, for example, display to the user information relating to the storage tray 51 from which medicines are taken out. The display screen 52 may be controlled to face the screen toward the user according to the position of the user (third device 3) relative to the medication dispensing cart 2A.

[0045] The reader 53 can read a barcode or RF tag associated with a user ID that can identify a user, and / or biometric authentication information associated with the user. The biometric authentication information is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include fingerprints, face, veins, voice, and iris.

[0046] [Third device] The third device 3 of the present invention will now be described. The third device 3 is worn or carried by the user. The third device 3 may be a mobile device such as a smartphone owned by the user, or a wearable device worn by the user. The third device 3 may also be attached to the user's valuables, attached to the user's clothing, or attached to a wristband worn by the user.

[0047] Each third device 3 is assigned identification information (third device ID), and the identification information is stored in the second device 2, the third device 3, the administrator terminal 5, or the server device 4 in association with the user's name or a user ID that can identify the user. One user wears or carries one third device 3. For example, a first user carries third device 3a, and a second user carries third device 3b. Therefore, by identifying the location of the third device 3, it is possible to identify the location of the user corresponding to the third device ID.

[0048] The third device 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has a position identification function, and for example, a device having the same hardware configuration as the first device 1 can be used. The third device 3 includes, for example, a control unit, an RF chip, and an oscillator, which are all connected by an internal bus. The RF chip includes a clock and a phase detector. The third device 3 may also include other components as necessary.

[0049] In the third device 3, the control unit controls the time kept by the clock to be transmitted via the RF chip to the first device 1. In addition, the phase detector detects the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information received from the first device 1, and detects the phase of the signal oscillated by the oscillator of the third device 3.

[0050] In the embodiment of the present invention, the movement path of the medication cart 2A, the position information of the medication cart 2A (second device 2), and the position information of the user (third device 3) are managed using latitude, longitude, and altitude, or coordinates of a coordinate system (for example, XYZ coordinates of a Cartesian coordinate system). When the movement path and position information are managed based on a Cartesian coordinate system, any point within the facility can be set as the origin of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0051] [Administrator's terminal] Next, the administrator terminal 5 of the present invention will be described. The administrator terminal 5 is a terminal operated by an administrator. The administrator may be, for example, a medical professional, a facility staff member, or an employee of the facility. The administrator terminal 5 may be a stationary terminal installed within the facility, or a portable terminal that the administrator can carry with them when traveling. The administrator terminal 5 has a configuration similar to that of the server device 4, and includes, for example, a control unit, RAM, a storage unit, a communication interface, an input unit, and a display unit, each connected by an internal bus. The administrator terminal 5 is preferably a computer device including an input unit, a display unit, and a control unit, such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a desktop or notebook personal computer. In addition, the display screen of the display unit may be equipped with a touch sensor, and the input unit and display unit may be integrated into a touch panel system.

[0052] Furthermore, the position of the medication dispensing cart 2A can be confirmed on the administrator terminal 5. Specifically, the administrator terminal 5 receives position information of the medication dispensing cart 2A and associates the position information with map information of the facility, thereby making it possible to display the position of the medication dispensing cart 2A on a map on the display screen of the administrator terminal 5. Also, it may be possible to simultaneously confirm the positions of multiple medication dispensing carts 2A. Furthermore, it may be possible to confirm, on the administrator terminal 5, the recording information transmitted from the second device 2 or the medication dispensing cart 2A.

[0053] [Server device] Next, the server device of the present invention will be described. The server device 4 can acquire information such as location information and recording information from the second device 2 or the medication cart 2A. The server device 4 can also transmit the acquired information to the administrator terminal 5. The server device 4 can also acquire the location of the third device 3 from the third device 3. This allows the server device 4 to acquire the location of the user. The server device 4 can also acquire the location of the second device 2 from the second device 2. This allows the server device 4 to acquire the location of the medication cart 2A.

[0054] The location of the second device 2 is transmitted in association with the second device ID and the time when the location information was identified. Similarly, the location of the third device 3 is transmitted in association with the third device ID and the time when the location information was identified.

[0055] 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 4 includes at least a control unit 41, a RAM 42, a storage unit 43, and a communication interface 44, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0056] The control unit 41 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 41 executes programs stored in the storage unit 43 and controls the server device 4. The control unit 41 also has a timer for measuring time. The RAM 42 is the work area of ​​the control unit 41. The storage unit 43 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The storage unit 43 functions as a recording medium that stores programs. The control unit 41 reads out the programs and data from the RAM 42 and performs program execution processing based on information received from the first device 1, the second device 2, or the third device 3. The communication interface 44 can be connected to the communication network 6 wirelessly or via a wired connection, and can send and receive data to and from other computer devices via the communication network 6.

[0057] [Distance calculation process] Next, a distance calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the distance calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The distance calculation process is a process of calculating the distance between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the second device 2 based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the second device 2. The distance calculation process is also a process of calculating the distance between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the third device 3 based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the third device 3. Note that the following description will be given of a case where the distance calculation process is executed between the first device 1 and the second device 2.

[0058] The distance calculation process can be executed, for example, at predetermined time intervals or whenever a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the distance calculation process of steps S1 to S20 can be set to start once a day at a predetermined time. Furthermore, for example, the process may be repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 30 seconds) while the medication dispensing cart 2A is in operation.

[0059] First, information or a signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 (step S1). There are no particular restrictions on the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2. The first device 1 clocks the time when the information or signal was transmitted in step S1 and measures the phase at the time of transmission (step S2). Then, the clocked time and the measured phase are stored in the memory of the control unit 11 (step S3).

[0060] Next, second device 2 receives the information or signal from first device 1 (step S4). Second device 2 clocks the time when the information or signal was received in step S4 and measures the phase at the time of reception (step S5). Then, the clocked time and the measured phase are stored in storage unit 25 (step S6).

[0061] Next, second device 2 transmits information or a signal to first device 1 (step S7). There are no particular limitations on the information or signal transmitted from second device 2 to first device 1. Second device 2 clocks the time when the information or signal was transmitted in step S7 and measures the phase at the time of transmission (step S8). Then, the clocked time and the measured phase are stored in storage unit 25 (step S9).

[0062] The first device 1 receives the information or signal transmitted in step S7 (step S10). The first device 1 clocks the time when the information or signal was received in step S10 and measures the phase at the time of reception (step S11). The clocked time and the measured phase are then stored in the memory of the control unit 11 (step S12). When step S12 is completed, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0063] The first device 1 transmits, via the RF chip 12, the information stored in step S3 relating to the time and phase at which the signal was transmitted in step S1, and the information stored in step S12 relating to the time and phase at which the signal was received in step S10, to the second device 2 (step S13).Then, the second device 2 receives the information relating to the time and phase at which the first device 1 transmitted the information or signal in step S1, and the information relating to the time and phase at which the first device 1 received the information or signal in step S10 (step S14).

[0064] Next, control unit 21 calculates the phase shift between the phase of the signal generated by oscillator 13 and the phase of the signal generated by oscillator 23 (step S15). The phase shift can be calculated based on the phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from first device 1 to second device 2 and the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 23 when second device 2 receives the information or signal, and the phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from second device 2 to first device 1 and the phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 13 of first device 1 when first device 1 receives the information or signal. In other words, in step S15, second device 2 can calculate the phase shift between the clocks of first device 1 and second device 2 by performing communication between first device 1 and second device 2.

[0065] The phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is the phase of the information or signal transmitted in step S1. Information about the phase is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13. The phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 23 when the second device 2 receives the information or signal is the phase of the information or signal received in step S4. The information about the phase is measured by the second device 2 in step S5 and stored in step S6. The phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is, for example, the phase of the information or signal transmitted in step S7. The information about the phase is stored by the second device 2 in step S9. The phase of the signal oscillated by oscillator 13 of the first device 1 when the first device 1 receives the information or signal is, for example, the phase of the information or signal received in step S10. The information about the phase is measured in step S11 and transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13.

[0066] Here, the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is a concept that includes not only the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2, but also the phase of the carrier wave constituting the signal obtained by mixing down this information or signal. Similarly, the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is a concept that includes not only the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1, but also the phase of the carrier wave constituting the signal obtained by mixing down this information or signal.

[0067] The phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 and the phase of the signal oscillated by the oscillator 23 when the information or signal is received by the second device 2 is defined as ΔΦ S and the phase difference between the phase of the carrier wave constituting the information or signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 and the phase of the signal oscillated by the oscillator 13 of the first device 1 when the information or signal is received by the first device 1 is defined as ΔΦ M Then, the phase difference ΔΦ S and phase difference ΔΦ M From the arithmetic mean of P That is, equation (1): ΔΦ P =1 / 2×(ΔΦ S +ΔΦ M ) the phase difference ΔΦ P can be calculated.

[0068] The phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is ΔΦ C Then, Equation (2): ΔΦ M =ΔΦ P +(-ΔΦ C ) holds, so the phase shift ΔΦ C is the phase difference ΔΦ P from the phase difference ΔΦ M That is, it can be calculated by subtracting ΔΦ C =1 / 2×(ΔΦ S -ΔΦ M) causes a phase shift ΔΦ C In step S15, the phase shift between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated using equation (3).

[0069] Here, the phase shift ΔΦ C The phase shift ΔΦ is calculated using equation (3). C However, it may be further subtracted by 2π or 4π, i.e., 2nπ. n can be 0 or a positive integer. Therefore, the propagation time T P Based on the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, it is possible to determine whether n is 0, 1, or 2 (i.e., the phase difference ΔΦ obtained from equation (3)). C It is also possible to determine whether the value obtained by further subtracting 2nπ from the phase shift is the original phase shift, or whether the value without the subtraction is the original phase shift.

[0070] The signal transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 and the signal transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 may start with an output value other than 0 at the start of transmission, but with an arbitrary value. In such a case, the phase and transmission time at the start of transmission are measured, and the phase shift ΔΦ C It is necessary to correct ΔΦ by always keeping the phase constant at the start of transmission and transmitting at a predetermined time, and then measuring the phase at the start of transmission and the transmission time. C This makes it possible to omit processing such as correcting the

[0071] In the second device 2, the calculated phase shift ΔΦ C Based on this, the phase of the signal generated by oscillator 23 is corrected so as to be synchronized with the signal generated by oscillator 13 of first device 1 (step S16). The phase correction in step S16 is controlled and executed by control unit 21. The phase shift of oscillator 23 of second device 2 occurs due to the influence of the environment surrounding second device 2. By periodically performing synchronization processing in this manner, clock 22a of second device 2 can be made to keep time with high accuracy.

[0072] Next, the first device 1 calculates the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 based on the time when the first device 1 transmitted information or a signal to the second device 2, the time when the second device 2 transmitted information or a signal to the first device 1, the time when the information or signal was transmitted from the first device 1 and received and clocked by the second device 2, and the time when the information or signal was transmitted from the second device 2 and received and clocked by the first device 1 (step S17).

[0073] The time when information or a signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is the time when the information is transmitted in step S1. Information about this time is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13. The time when information or a signal is transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is the time when the information or signal is transmitted in step S7. The information about this time is stored by the second device 2 in step S9. Next, the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 and received and clocked by the second device 2 is the time when the information is received in step S4. The information about this time is clocked by the second device 2 in step S5 and stored in step S6. The time when the information or signal is transmitted from the second device 2 and received and clocked by the first device 1 is the time when the information or signal is received in step S10. The information about this time is clocked in step S11 and transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13.

[0074] The time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is T M and the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the second device 2 to the first device 1 is defined as T S The time when the information or signal is received by the second device 2 and clocked by the first device 1 is defined as T MS Furthermore, the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the second device 2 and received by the first device 1 is defined as T SM Then, the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is expressed by the following equation (4): L =1 / 2×((T SM -T S )-(T MS -T M)) In step S17, the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated using equation (4). That is, in step S17, the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated by performing communication between the first device 1 and the second device 2.

[0075] The second device 2 corrects the time on the second device 2 based on the calculated time difference so as to synchronize with the time on the first device 1 (step S18). Next, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is calculated (step S19). In step S19, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 can be calculated by calculating the propagation time of the information or signal between the first device 1 and the second device 2 based on the substantial difference between the time when the first device 1 transmits the information or signal and the time when the second device 2 receives the information or signal, and multiplying this propagation time by the propagation speed of the information or signal (e.g., the speed of light). The difference between the time when the information or signal is transmitted by the first device 1 and the time when the information or signal is received by the second device 2 is, for example, the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S1 (the time when the information or signal is transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13) and the time when the information or signal is received from the first device 1 at the second device 2 in step S4. This can be calculated based on the time stored in the storage unit 25 in step S6 and the time difference calculated in step S17.

[0076] In step S19, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 can be calculated by calculating the propagation time of the information or signal between the first device 1 and the second device 2 based on the substantial difference between the time when the second device 2 transmits the information or signal and the time when the first device 1 receives the information or signal, and multiplying this propagation time by the propagation speed of the information or signal (e.g., the speed of light). The difference between the time when the second device 2 transmits the information or signal and the time when the first device 1 receives the information or signal is, for example, the time when the second device 2 transmits the information or signal to the first device 1 in step S7. This can be calculated based on the time stored in the storage unit 25 in step S9, the time when the first device 1 receives the information or signal in step S10 (transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 in step S13), and the time difference calculated in step S17. That is, in step S19, the second device 2 can calculate the distance based on the difference in time between the clock of the first device 1 and the clock of the second device 2.

[0077] The distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 calculated in step S19 is stored in storage unit 25 in association with, for example, time information relating to the calculated time and the like, and identification information for identifying first device 1 (or position information of first device 1) (step S20). By executing step S20, the distance calculation process is completed.

[0078] When the distance calculation process is executed between the first device 1 and the third device 3, the processes of steps S4 to S9 and S14 to S20 are executed by the third device 3 instead of the second device 2. In steps S6, S9, and S20, various information such as the clocked time, the measured phase, and the calculated distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is stored in a memory in the control unit of the third device 3, not in the storage unit 25.

[0079] By performing the processes of steps S1 to S20, it is possible not only to correct the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, but also to calculate the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3. Note that although step S18 corrects the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the time difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, it is not necessary to correct the time difference. It is also possible to calculate the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3, based on the time difference calculated in step S17, without correcting the time difference. Furthermore, in step S16, the phase shift between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the phase shift between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is corrected, but it is not necessarily necessary to correct the phase shift, and the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3, can also be calculated without correcting the phase shift.

[0080] Furthermore, by executing the processing from steps S1 to S20, the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the time difference and phase difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, are corrected, and the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3, is calculated. However, it is also possible to execute the processing for correcting the time difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, the processing for correcting the time difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, the processing for correcting the phase difference between the first device 1 and the second device 2, the processing for correcting the phase difference between the first device 1 and the third device 3, the processing for calculating the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2, and the processing for calculating the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 individually.

[0081] The above-described process of calculating the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 can calculate the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of multiple first devices 1. When identifying the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3, as described below, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is identified for four first devices 1. However, even when calculating the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of multiple first devices 1, the time offset correction process and the phase offset correction process can be performed only with one first device 1, and the time offset correction process and the phase offset correction process can be omitted when communicating with other first devices 1.

[0082] Here, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is calculated in the second device 2 or the third device 3. However, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 may be calculated by the first device 1 using a process similar to step S19, instead of the second device 2 or the third device 3. When the distance is calculated in the first device 1, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 is stored in the memory of the control unit 11 in association with time information regarding the calculated time, etc., and identification information capable of identifying the second device 2 or the third device 3.

[0083] Alternatively, instead of the second device 2 or the third device 3, the server device 4 may calculate the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 by processing similar to step S19. When the server device 4 calculates the distance, the information necessary for the calculation is received from the first device 1, the second device 2, or the third device 3. When the server device 4 calculates the distance, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is stored in the storage unit 43 of the server device 4 in association with time information regarding the calculated time, etc., identification information capable of identifying the first device 1 (or location information of the first device 1), and identification information capable of identifying the second device 2 or the third device 3.

[0084] Here, the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 is calculated, but if there are multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3, the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and a different second device 2 or third device 3 can also be calculated. In this case, the propagation time for the information or signal to propagate between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and a different second device 2 or third device 3 can be calculated by calculating the substantial difference between the time when the information or signal is transmitted by one second device 2 or one third device 3 and the time when the information or signal is received by the different second device 2 or third device 3, and then multiplying this propagation time by the propagation speed of the information or signal (e.g., the speed of light), thereby calculating the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and a different second device 2 or third device 3.

[0085] Note that communication between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the third device 3 is performed as appropriate. That is, the first device 1 is capable of communicating with the second device 2 and the third device 3.

[0086] [Location identification processing] Next, a description will be given of the position identification process according to the embodiment of the present invention. The position identification process is a process for identifying the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3 based on the distance between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the second device 2 calculated by the distance calculation process, or based on the distance between each of the plurality of first devices 1 and the third device 3 calculated by the distance calculation process. Because the second device 2 is provided in the medication cart 2A, the position of the medication cart 2A can be identified by identifying the position of the second device 2. Furthermore, because the user wears or carries the third device 3, the position of the user can be identified by identifying the position of the third device 3.

[0087] In order to identify the position of the second device 2 or the position of the third device 3, it is assumed that the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of multiple first devices 1 has been calculated in the distance calculation process. For example, if one second device 2 and multiple first devices 1 are located at the same height, that is, if these devices exist on the same XY plane, the position of the second device 2 (e.g., the XY coordinates of the second device 2) can be identified based on the distance between the one second device 2 and each of the three first devices 1 and the positions of the three first devices 1. Therefore, if one second device 2 or one third device 3 and multiple first devices 1 are located at the same height, the number of data points for the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 required to identify the position is three.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, if one second device 2 and at least one of the multiple first devices 1 have different heights and are not on the same plane, the position of the second device 2 (for example, the XYZ coordinates or latitude and longitude of the second device 2) can be identified based on the distances between the one second device 2 and four first devices 1 and the positions of the four first devices 1. Therefore, if one second device 2 or one third device 3 has different heights from at least one of the multiple first devices 1 and are not on the same plane, the number of data points for the distance between the first device 1 and the second device 2 or the distance between the first device 1 and the third device 3 required to identify the position is four.

[0089] That is, the system 10 includes at least three first devices 1. If the first device 1 is installed on the same floor and at the same height as the second device 2 and / or the third device 3 indoors where the medication cart 2A moves, the three first devices 1 can identify the positions of the second device 2 and the third device 3. If the first device 1 is not installed at the same height as the second device 2 and / or the third device 3, the system 10 must include at least four first devices 1. In this case, it is preferable that the four first devices 1 in the system 10 are not on the same plane. For example, it is preferable that the height at which at least one first device 1 is installed is different from the height at which the other three first devices 1 are installed. In this way, it is possible to identify the three-dimensional position of the second device 2 and / or the third device 3 regardless of where they are located.

[0090] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a position specifying process according to an embodiment of the present invention. The position specifying process shown in Fig. 8 can be executed by, for example, any of the first device 1, the second device 2, the third device 3, or the server device 4. When the position specifying process is executed by the first device 1 or the server device 4, information on the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2 or the third device 3 (the distance calculated in step S19) is associated with time information on the calculated time, identification information of the first device 1 (or the position information of the first device 1), and identification information of the second device 2 or the third device 3, and is transmitted to the first device 1 or the server device 4 for use.

[0091] In the position identification process, the second device 2 identifies the position of the second device 2 based on the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2 or the positions of these first devices 1 (step S31). Alternatively, in step S31, the position of the third device 3 is identified based on the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3 and the positions of these first devices 1. The position of the first device 1 may be stored in advance in any of the first device 1, second device 2, third device 3, or server device 4 that executes the position identification process.

[0092] The identified position of second device 2 or third device 3 is stored in memory in control unit 11, storage unit 25, memory in the control unit of third device 3, or storage unit 43 of server device 4 in association with time information on the calculated time (time information on the time when the distance was calculated or time information on the time when the position was identified), identification information of first device 1 (or position information of first device 1), and identification information of second device 2 or third device 3 (step S32). Steps S31 and S32 complete the position identification process.

[0093] When the position of the second device 2 is identified by the first device 1 or the second device 2 (medication dispensing cart 2A), the identified position of the second device 2 is transmitted from the first device 1 or the second device 2 to the third device 3 or the server device 4. When the position of the third device 3 is identified by the first device 1 or the third device 3, the identified position of the third device 3 is transmitted from the first device 1 or the third device 3 to the second device 2 (medication dispensing cart 2A) or the server device 4. The second device 2 (medication dispensing cart 2A) can transmit the identified positions of the second device 2 and the third device 3 to the server device 4.

[0094] Note that the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3, which is used to identify the position of the second device 2 or the position of the third device 3 in step S31, is preferably calculated at the same time or a similar time (for example, calculated when the propagation time of information or signals between each of the multiple first devices and the second device 2 or the third device 3 is measured at the same time or a similar time). Here, the "similar time" is not particularly limited, but is preferably a time within a predetermined time range from the first time. By using the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3 calculated at the same time or a similar time, a more accurate position at that time can be identified.

[0095] Here, the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the second device 2, or the distance between each of the multiple first devices 1 and the third device 3, is calculated, and the position of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is identified based on the calculated distance. However, if there are multiple second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3, the distance between one second device 2 or one third device 3 and each of multiple different second devices 2 or multiple third devices 3 can be calculated, and the position of one second device 2 or one third device 3 can be identified based on the calculated distance.

[0096] In the above-described location identification process, the location of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is identified based on the distance from the first device 1, but the calculation process for identifying the location of the second device 2 or the third device 3 is not particularly limited, and other known methods may be used. For example, the location of the second device 2 or the third device 3 may be identified using GPS.

[0097] [Medication processing] Next, a medication distribution process according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the medication distribution process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Below, the identification process is shown when the position of the second device 2 is identified by the second device 2, and the position of the third device 3 is identified by the third device 3. The following flowchart explains the case where medication is provided to an inpatient at a medical institution. An inpatient is an example of a user, and a medical professional is an example of a manager.

[0098] The medication dispensing process is executed periodically at predetermined time intervals while the medication dispensing cart 2A is in operation. The medication dispensing process may be started, for example, in response to an input to the medication dispensing cart 2A or the administrator terminal 5, or may be executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every minute) when a preset predetermined time arrives.

[0099] Before executing the medication distribution process, the medical staff stores the medicines to be provided to the hospitalized patient in the storage case 511 of the medication distribution cart 2A. Which storage tray 51 belongs to which user is stored in advance in the administrator terminal 5, the medication distribution cart 2A, or the server device 4, and the medical staff may store the medicines in the storage tray 51 according to that information.

[0100] Alternatively, the medical staff may input the storage information by operating the administrator terminal 5 or the medication dispensing cart 2A. The storage information includes tray identification information (also referred to as tray number) that can identify the storage tray 51, case identification information (also referred to as case number) that can identify the storage case 511, and the user ID. When the administrator terminal 5 or the medication dispensing cart 2A receives input of storage information for all medicines to be dispensed, the storage information is stored in the storage unit of the administrator terminal 5, the storage unit 25 of the medication dispensing cart 2A, or the storage unit 43 of the server device 4. Specifically, the tray number, case number, and user ID are stored in association with each other. The storage tray 51 in which the medicines have been stored and the storage information has been input is locked. When the storage tray 51 is locked, the stored medicines cannot be provided to the user.

[0101] The storage information is stored in a medication dispensing information management table. The medication dispensing information management table stores a user ID, a case number, a medication dispensing status, and a medication dispensing time in association with each other. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a medication dispensing information management table according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information of the medication dispensing information management table 70 is stored in the storage unit 25 of the medication dispensing cart 2A or the storage unit 43 of the server device 4. The medication dispensing information management table 70 shown in FIG. 10 stores a user ID 71, a tray number 72, a case number 73, a medication dispensing status 74, and a medication dispensing time 75 in association with each other. The medication dispensing information management table 70 may also store information about the administrator who entered the storage information and other information.

[0102] The medication distribution status 74 indicates the status of transport of the medicine. Examples of the medication distribution status 74 include "before medication distribution" indicating the status before medication distribution is performed, "drug distribution in progress" indicating the status when medication distribution is performed, and "drug distribution completed" indicating the status when medication distribution is completed.

[0103] For example, in the medication distribution information management table 70, it is stored that the medicine for user ID "0001" is stored in case No. "A01-1" of tray No. "A01", and that the medication distribution for user ID "0001" was completed at 10:04. On the other hand, it is stored that the medicine for user ID "0003" is stored in case No. "A03-2" of tray No. "A03", and that the status for user ID "0003" is "medication in progress", meaning that the medicine has not yet been delivered.

[0104] Once the medicines are stored in the medicine dispensing cart 2A, the medicine dispensing cart 2A moves to distribute the medicines to the hospitalized patient according to the movement route information. The movement route information may be stored in the storage unit 25 of the medicine dispensing cart 2A, may be transmitted from the server device 4, or may be generated in response to input to the administrator terminal 5. The movement route information is generated according to the location of the hospitalized patient to whom the medicines are to be distributed. There are no particular limitations on the method for generating the movement route information, and known methods can be used. When the medicine dispensing cart 2A moves, first, the third device 3 identifies the location of the user (step S41). The processing of step S41 is processing for identifying the location of the third device 3, and the processing of step S31 can be applied.

[0105] The third device 3 transmits the user's location information identified in step S41 to the medication dispensing cart 2A (step S42). In step S42, the user ID and the time information at which the location information was identified are transmitted in association with the user's location information. Upon receiving the user's location information (step S43), the medication dispensing cart 2A identifies the location of the medication dispensing cart 2A (step S44). Step S44 is a process for identifying the location of the second device 2, and the process of step S31 can be applied.

[0106] Next, the medication dispensing cart 2A determines whether the user's position received in step S43 and the position of the medication dispensing cart 2A identified in step S44 are within a predetermined range (step S45). The predetermined range can be designed as appropriate, and may be, for example, a 1-meter radius from the medication dispensing cart 2A. The predetermined range may be changed depending on the size of the medication dispensing cart 2A and the size of the room in the medical institution to which the medication dispensing cart 2A is moved. The predetermined range may also be changed depending on the hospitalized patient to whom medication is to be dispensed. For example, the predetermined range may be 2 meters for a bedridden hospitalized patient, and 50 cm for a hospitalized patient who is relatively able to move around freely.

[0107] If the position of the user and the position of the medication dispensing cart 2A are not within a predetermined range (NO in step S45), the processes from step S41 onwards are repeatedly executed. If the position of the user and the position of the medication dispensing cart 2A are within a predetermined range (YES in step S45), the medication dispensing cart 2A identifies the storage tray 51 to be pulled out (step S46).

[0108] In step S46, the medication dispensing cart 2A refers to the medication dispensing information management table and identifies the tray number stored in association with the user ID received in step S43. The medication dispensing cart 2A can identify the storage tray 51 to be pulled out from the tray number. In step S46, the medication dispensing cart 2A may refer to the medication dispensing information management table and identify the case number stored in association with the user ID.

[0109] After identifying the storage tray 51 in step S46, the medication dispensing cart 2A identifies the direction in which to pull out the storage tray 51 (step S47). In step S47, the medication dispensing cart 2A identifies whether the user's position received in step S43 is located on the first direction D1 side of the medication dispensing cart 2A, the second direction D2 side, or somewhere else. When the user is located on the first direction D1 side, the medication dispensing cart 2A identifies the first direction D1 as the direction to pull out, and when the user is located on the second direction D2 side, it identifies the second direction D2 as the direction to pull out.

[0110] When the user is not positioned in either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, the medication dispensing cart 2A may identify the withdrawal direction as the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, and output information regarding the withdrawal direction. The information regarding the withdrawal direction may be displayed on the display screen 52 or output as audio. The information regarding the withdrawal direction may include instruction information instructing the user to move in the withdrawal direction.

[0111] When the withdrawal direction is specified in step S47, the medication cart 2A pulls out the storage tray 51 specified in step S46 in the specified direction (step S48). The hospitalized patient manually pulls out the pulled-out storage tray 51 further, and takes out the medicine from the storage case 511 that stores the medicine to be taken by the hospitalized patient.

[0112] By the processing of step S48, the system 10 makes it possible to provide the stored medicines to the users according to the user's position relative to the medication dispensing cart 2A. More specifically, the system 10 makes it possible to provide the stored medicines to a user from the storage tray 51 corresponding to the user according to the user's position relative to the medication dispensing cart 2A.

[0113] Furthermore, as explained in the processing of step S48, the medication dispensing cart 2A is made ready to provide the stored medicines to the user according to the position of the medication dispensing cart 2A identified in step S44 and the position of the user identified in step S41. More specifically, the medication dispensing cart 2A allows the user to take out the stored medicines by pulling out the storage tray 51 only in either the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 according to the position of the medication dispensing cart 2A identified in step S44 and the position of the user identified in step S41. The user's position identified in step S41 is an example of the user's position received from another device.

[0114] The state in which the stored medicines can be provided to the user includes, for example, a state in which the storage tray 51 can be pulled out, and a state in which the storage tray 51 has been pulled out and the medicines can be taken out.

[0115] In step S47, the medication cart 2A may output medication information regarding the medicine to be taken by the user. The medication information is information for informing the user that one storage tray 51 of the medication cart 2A is the storage tray corresponding to the hospitalized patient and that one storage case 511 is the storage case containing the medicine that the hospitalized patient should take. The medication information may be output by displaying text, images, or videos on the display screen, or by emitting sound or light. For example, notifying the user of the storage tray or storage case may include displaying the position of the corresponding storage tray or storage case on the display screen 52, outputting the position of the storage tray or storage case by voice, or illuminating a light source provided at the position of the storage tray or storage case. By outputting the medication information on the medication cart 2A, the user can accurately know which storage tray or storage case contains his or her medicine.

[0116] When the hospitalized patient returns the storage tray 51 to the medication dispensing cart 2A after removing the medicine, the medication dispensing cart 2A detects that the storage case 511 in the storage tray 51 identified in step S46 does not contain any medicine (step S49). In step S49, the medication dispensing cart 2A may detect whether or not there is a medicine in the storage tray 51. If there is a medicine in the storage tray 51, the medication dispensing cart 2A may output to the hospitalized patient information indicating that the medicine has not been removed and information urging the patient to remove the medicine, and may execute step S48 again. Alternatively, the processing from step S41 may be executed repeatedly.

[0117] When it is detected in step S49 that a medicine is being taken out, the medicine dispensing cart 2A transmits the take-out information to the server device 4 (step S50). The server device 4 receives the take-out information (step S51) and stores the take-out information (step S52). The take-out information includes the ID of the user who took out the medicine and the time when the medicine was taken out (the time detected in step S49, the time when the take-out information was sent in step S50, or the time when the take-out information was received in step S51). The medicine dispensing process is completed by the processing of steps S41 to S52 described above.

[0118] In step S52, the server device 4 refers to the take-out information and updates the medication distribution information management table. The medication distribution status 74 in the medication distribution information management table corresponding to the user included in the take-out information becomes "Delivered." The time when the medicine was taken out is stored in the medication distribution information management table as the medication distribution time.

[0119] The medication dispensing process is executed for one user ID, tray number, or case number. Therefore, the medication dispensing process is repeatedly executed until medication is completed for all user IDs, tray numbers, or case numbers included in the storage information. When medication is completed, the medication dispensing cart 2A moves to a predetermined location (for example, the nurse's station) and completes its operation. In step S52, the medication dispensing process is repeatedly executed until the status of all user IDs to which medication is to be dispensed, stored in the medication dispensing information management table 70, is changed to "medication completed."

[0120] The processing of step S41 or S52 may be executed by the medication dispensing cart 2A. When the processing of step S41 or S52 is executed by the medication dispensing cart 2A, information on the distance between the third device 3 and the first device 1 is transmitted from the third device 3 or the server device 4 to the medication dispensing cart 2A. The processing of steps S41 to S50 may be executed by the server device 4. When the processing of steps S41 to S50 is executed by the server device 4, information on the distance between the second device 2 and the first device 1 and information on the distance between the third device 3 and the first device 1 are transmitted from the second device 2 or the third device 3 to the server device 4.

[0121] When processing is performed by the medication cart 2A or the server device 4 instead of the server device 4 or the medication cart 2A, various information necessary to perform the processing (e.g., a medication information management table, etc.) is pre-stored in the medication cart 2A or the server device 4.

[0122] The order of the processes in steps S46 and S47 may be reversed. The order in which the processes in steps S41 and S44 are executed does not matter, but it is preferable that they are executed at the same time or at similar times.

[0123] Note that the medication dispensing process may be executed as follows instead of the processes of steps S41 to S45. For example, the medication dispensing cart 2A and the third device 3 are capable of direct communication. Therefore, when the medication dispensing cart 2A receives a signal from the third device 3 and determines, based on the signal strength, that the third device 3 is within a predetermined range of the medication dispensing cart 2A, the processes of step S46 and thereafter may be executed. Furthermore, the process of step S47 may specify the direction in which to pull out the storage tray 51 based on the direction of the signal received by the medication dispensing cart 2A from the third device 3. In other words, the system 10 can execute the medication dispensing process without specifying the location of the user and the location of the medication dispensing cart 2A.

[0124] Note that the medication dispensing process may be executed as follows, instead of the processes of steps S41 to S45. For example, a user causes the reading device 53 to read their user ID or biometric authentication information. As a result, the medication dispensing cart 2A or the server device 4 identifies the user corresponding to the user ID or biometric authentication information read by the reading device 53. The medication dispensing cart 2A or the server device 4 identifies the storage tray 51 corresponding to the identified user. Next, by the process of step S47, the medication dispensing cart 2A or the server device 4 identifies the direction in which to pull out the storage tray 51. Thereafter, the processes of steps S48 to S52 are executed. In other words, each of the multiple storage sections provided in the medication dispensing cart 2A corresponds to each of the multiple users, and the medication dispensing cart 2A may be configured so that the stored medicines can be taken out by pulling out the storage section identified by the information about the user only in either the first direction or the second direction depending on the user's position relative to the medication dispensing cart 2A.

[0125] The system 10 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the user may be a hotel guest or a company employee. In this case, the third device 3 may be incorporated into a hotel key or an employee ID card. The medication cart 2A is used as a mobile object for transporting predetermined items.

[0126] For example, when the medication dispensing cart 2A is used as a mobile object, items are stored in the storage tray 51 or storage case 511. The items may be food or drink, daily necessities, or electrical appliances. In response to a user's request for a specific item, the mobile object moves to the vicinity of the user. Then, the system 10 makes the stored item available to the user according to the user's position relative to the mobile object. Specifically, the storage tray 51 corresponding to the requested specific item is pulled out, and the user can take out the item. The process of making the item available to the user can be applied, for example, to the processes of steps S41 to S52, when the medication dispensing cart 2A is used as the mobile object and the items are medicines.

[0127] In this way, a medication dispensing cart equipped with a storage unit can remove stored medicines by pulling the storage unit out in a first direction, and can also remove stored medicines by pulling it out in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a user is in the first or second direction relative to the medication dispensing cart, the user can remove medicines without moving.

[0128] In this way, the medication cart allows the stored medicines to be removed by pulling out the storage section in only one of the first and second directions depending on the user's position relative to the medication cart, so the storage section is pulled out depending on the user's position, allowing the user to easily remove the medicines.

[0129] In this way, the system equipped with the above-mentioned medication dispensing cart is equipped with a first position identification means for identifying the position of the medication dispensing cart and a second position identification means for identifying the position of the user, and the stored medicines can be removed by pulling out the storage unit in only either the first direction or the second direction depending on the identified position of the medication dispensing cart and the identified position of the user.Therefore, the storage unit is pulled out in either the first direction or the second direction depending on the positions of the medication dispensing cart and the user, and the user can easily remove the medicines.

[0130] In this way, the medication cart is equipped with the second device, and the system identifies the position of the second device based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device, so the position of the medication cart can be identified with high accuracy.In this way, the user wears or carries the third device, and the system identifies the position of the third device based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device, so the position of the user can be identified with high accuracy.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to accurately locate the position of the medication cart or the user, it is preferable to calculate the distance based on the time difference between the clock of the first device and the clock of the second device and / or the third device. It is also preferable to correct the time in the second device and / or the third device based on the calculated time difference. It is also preferable to correct the phase in the second device and / or the third device based on the calculated phase difference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 First device 2 Second device 3 Third device 2A Medication cart 4 Server device 5 Administrator terminal 10 System 11 control unit 12 RF chip 12a Clock 12b Phase detector 13 Oscillator 21 control unit 22 RF chip 22a Clock 22b Phase detector 23 Oscillator 24 RAM 25 Storage section 26 Drive section 27 Display section 28 Sensor unit 29 Imaging unit 41 control unit 42 RAM 43 storage unit 44 communication interface 51a to 51d storage tray 52 display screen 53 reading device 54 roller 511a~511f storage case 61 Release section 62 Drawer section 70 Medication information management table 71 User ID 72 Tray No. 73 Case No. 74 Status 75 Medication Time

Claims

1. A medication cart that stores medicines to be provided to users, Equipped with a storage section, This medicine distribution cart allows the stored medicines to be taken out by pulling out the storage part in a first direction, and also allows the stored medicines to be taken out by pulling out the storage part in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. 2. The medication cart of claim 1, wherein the stored medicines can be removed by pulling out the storage section in only one of the first and second directions depending on the user's position relative to the medication cart.

3. A system including a medication cart that stores medicines to be provided to users, The medication cart includes a storage section, The medicine dispensing cart is configured such that the stored medicines can be taken out by pulling out the storage section in a first direction, and the stored medicines can also be taken out by pulling out the storage section in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first location identification means for identifying the location of the medication cart; a second location identification means for identifying the location of the user; Equipped with A system that allows stored medicines to be removed by pulling out the storage unit in only one of the first and second directions, depending on the identified location of the medication cart and the identified location of the user.

4. a plurality of first devices; The medication cart includes a second device; a first distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device; Equipped with The system according to claim 3 , wherein the first position specifying means specifies the position of the second device based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the second device.

5. a plurality of first devices; The user is wearing or possessing a third device, a second distance calculation means for calculating a distance between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device based on information or signal propagation time between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device; Equipped with The system according to claim 3 , wherein the second position specifying means specifies the position of the third device based on the calculated distances between each of the plurality of first devices and the third device.

6. The system described in claim 4 or 5, wherein the first distance calculation means and / or the second distance calculation means calculate the distance based on the time difference between the clock of the first device and the clock of the second device and / or the third device.

7. a time difference calculation means for calculating a time difference between the first device and the second and / or third device by performing communication between the first device and the second and / or third device; a time correction means for correcting the time in the second device and / or the third device based on the calculated time difference; 6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, comprising:

8. a phase shift calculation means for calculating a phase shift between clocks of the first device and the second and / or third devices by performing communication between the first device and the second and / or third devices; a phase correction means for correcting the phase in the second device and / or the third device based on the calculated phase shift; 6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, comprising:

9. A method performed in a system including a medication cart containing medications to be provided to a user, comprising: The medication cart includes a storage section, The medicine dispensing cart is configured such that the stored medicines can be taken out by pulling out the storage section in a first direction, and the stored medicines can also be taken out by pulling out the storage section in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first location determination step of determining the location of the medication cart; a second location determination step of determining the location of the user; Equipped with A method that allows stored medicines to be removed by pulling out the storage unit in only one of the first and second directions depending on the identified location of the medication cart and the identified location of the user.

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