Folding support system

Abstract

To provide a folding support system capable of improving maintainability.SOLUTION: A folding support system 10 comprises a support part 52, a rotary disk part 5010, a packaging unit, and a medicine photographing device. The rotary disk part 5010 is supported by the support part 52 rotatably about a perpendicular axis 504 of rotation. The medicine photographing device photographs medicines. The rotary disk part 5010 has a plurality of storage parts 50 which store the medicines around the axis 504 of rotation. The medicine photographing device photographs medicines in storage parts 50 located at a medicine photography position P5 of the support part 52. The medicines in a storage part 50 located at a medicine discharge position P6 of the support part 52 are discharged to the packaging unit. The medicine discharge position P6 is in front of the medicine photography position P5 in the depth direction of the support part 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging support system that supports a part or all of packaging work. [Background technology]

[0002] As a related technique, a packaging support system (medicine packaging device) that packages medicines using packaging paper has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The packaging support system includes a medicine storage and dispensing unit that is a medicine supply unit that stores medicines by type and is capable of dispensing the medicines one packet at a time according to packaging data created based on prescription information, a medicine guide unit that receives the medicines, a medicine storage unit that temporarily stores the medicines, and a packaging unit that packages the medicines that have passed through the medicine storage unit using the packaging paper one packet at a time. The packaging support system introduces the medicines in the medicine storage unit into the packaging paper through a packaging opening and a medicine packaging introduction member.

[0003] In the packaging support system, the medicine storage unit includes a turntable supported on a support in a state where it can rotate about a vertical rotation axis. The turntable has a plurality of storage sections around the rotation axis, each of which stores the medicine. The medicine packaging introduction member is attached to the underside of the support at a medicine ejection position, and ejects the medicine in the storage section located at the medicine ejection position of the support to the packaging unit. The packaging support system further includes a medicine photography device that photographs the medicine in the storage section located at a medicine photography position of the support. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 050371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the packaging support system according to the related art, the medicine ejection position is located further back than the medicine photographing position in the depth direction of the support part, so depending on the user, the medicine photographing device may get in the way and make it difficult to perform maintenance on the medicine packaging introduction member. As a result, the packaging support system may be used with medicine powder (drug dust) or the like attached to the medicine packaging introduction member.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging support system that can improve maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A packaging support system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a support section, a turntable section, a packaging unit, and a medicine photographing device. The turntable section is supported on the support section in a state where it can rotate about a rotation axis along a vertical direction. The packaging unit packages medicines discharged from the turntable section. The medicine photographing device photographs the medicines. The turntable section has a plurality of storage sections around the rotation axis, each of which stores the medicine. The medicine photographing device photographs the medicines in the storage sections located at medicine photographing positions of the support section. The medicines in the storage sections located at medicine ejection positions of the support section are ejected into the packaging unit. In the depth direction of the support section, the medicine ejection position is located forward of the medicine photographing position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging support system that can improve maintainability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the periphery of the packaging unit of the packaging support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the inside of the housing of the packaging support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the medicine storage unit of the packaging support system according to the embodiment of the present invention, with the upper plate portion removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the medicine storage unit of the packaging support system according to the embodiment of the present invention, with the upper plate portion removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the medicine storage unit of the packaging support system according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a medicine containing and dispensing unit of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a lower part of a medicine containing and dispensing unit of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a lower part of a medicine containing and dispensing unit of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a path member of a medicine containing and dispensing unit of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a lower part of a medicine containing and dispensing unit of a packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an inspection result screen displayed in the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an extended function of the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the state of a medicine photographed by the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the inspection column of the inspection result screen displayed in the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the inspection column of the inspection result screen displayed in the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the inspection column of the inspection result screen displayed in the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an inspection result screen displayed in the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an inspection result screen displayed in the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a master image used in the packaging support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a packaging support system and a host system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations and processing functions described in the following embodiments can be selected and combined as desired.

[0011] [Packaging Support System 10] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the packaging support system 10 of this embodiment includes a packaging device 1 that packages medicines using packaging paper S, an inspection device 100 that inspects the packaged medicines, and a display device 101.

[0012] The packaging device 1 includes a medicine storage and dispensing unit 11, which is a medicine supply section that stores medicines by type and is capable of dispensing the medicines one packet at a time using packaging data created based on prescription information, a medicine guide section 12 that receives the medicines, a medicine storage unit 5 that temporarily stores the medicines, and a packaging unit 4 that is equipped with a packaging paper roll 400 and an ink ribbon cassette 401, prints on packaging paper S supplied from the packaging paper roll 400, and uses this packaging paper S to package the medicines that have passed through the medicine storage unit 5 one packet at a time.The printing mechanism including the ink ribbon cassette is not necessarily required.The inspection device 100 includes a medicine photography device 6 that takes still photographs of the medicines supplied to the medicine storage unit 5.

[0013] The medicine containing and dispensing unit 11 includes medicine cassettes containing various medicines and universal cassettes that can contain medicines that are not suitable for the cassettes. Specifically, the medicine cassettes are dedicated cassettes prepared for each medicine, with the size of the medicine dispensing path corresponding to the shape and size of each medicine. The universal cassette is a general-purpose cassette that can dispense medicines of various shapes and sizes by adjusting the size and driving conditions of the medicine dispensing path as needed. Furthermore, prescription information typically includes, for example, the type and quantity of medicine. However, information regarding the markings on the medicines (such as the presence or absence of a mark and information on the appearance of the marking), size, shape, and color can be obtained based on the type of medicine by referring to the medicine master table described below.

[0014] The packaging device 1 also includes a manual distribution unit 13. This manual distribution unit 13 has boxes arranged in a grid pattern, and medicine can be placed in each box. For example, if a day's worth of medicine is prescribed for morning, afternoon, and evening, the medicine will be placed in three boxes. The manual distribution unit 13 is located at a height that makes it easy to distribute the medicine by hand, and, for example, is located at a height of approximately 60 cm to 100 cm above the installation surface of the packaging device 1.

[0015] The medicines dispensed from the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 and the medicines manually distributed by the manual distribution unit 13 reach the medicine storage unit 5 via the medicine guide unit 12, etc. The medicines remaining in the medicine storage unit 5 are photographed by the medicine photographing device 6 and then packaged in packaging paper by the packaging unit 4. That is, in this embodiment, one packet of medicines is discharged by the cooperative operation of the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 and the manual distribution unit 13.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the packaging unit 4 with the packaging paper roll 400 and ink ribbon cassette 401 attached. Figure 2 also shows the medicine packaging section 45 of the packaging unit 4. This medicine packaging section 45 introduces medicine through an opening in the packaging paper S, which is folded in half, and heat-seals the packaging paper S to seal in the introduced medicine.

[0017] The packaging paper S is passed through, for example, by hanging on three guide shafts 4a, passing between backup roller 4b and print head 4e, and then hanging on guide shaft 4c.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, rotatable curved guide rollers 45b and 45c are disposed near guide shaft 4c (downstream in the conveyance direction of the packaging paper S) that guides the packaging paper S. The curved guide rollers 45b and 45c curve the conveyance direction of the packaging paper S just before unfolding guide 45a of the medicine packaging unit 45. The folded packaging paper S is opened by passing over the guide surface (front surface) of unfolding guide 45a. A medicine packaging introduction member 7 (see FIG. 3, etc.) that introduces medicine into the packaging paper S is provided on the non-guide surface (back surface) of unfolding guide 45a, i.e., above the opened portion of the packaging paper S. As shown in FIG. 3, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 has a relay hopper 71 and a chute unit 72. The relay hopper 71 of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is provided in the medicine storage unit 5, and the chute unit 72 is provided in the packaging unit 4.

[0019] The medicine packaging introduction member 7 has a tapered shape at the bottom. As described above, the folded packing paper S passes over the guide surface of the unfolding guide 45a, causing the packing paper S to open. This forms an opening, which is the open portion of the packing paper S, in a position close to the lower end of the medicine packaging introduction member 7. The opening in the packing paper S serves as a location to receive medicines that fall from the medicine packaging introduction member 7.

[0020] The medicine packaging unit 45 also includes a heat sealing member (e.g., a pair of heater rollers 45d, 45e) downstream of the unfolding guide 45a in the conveying direction of the packing paper S. Furthermore, a feed roller is provided downstream of the heater rollers 45d, 45e in the conveying direction of the packing paper S. These heater rollers 45d, 45e are driven to rotate by a drive mechanism (not shown) including a motor, a linear gear, an intermittent gear, etc. The heater rollers 45d, 45e allow the packing paper S to travel at a predetermined speed. The heater rollers 45d, 45e also close the opening of the packing paper S and seal the packing paper S in the direction of its short side, thereby individually packaging each packet of medicine placed in the opening.

[0021] 3 shows a schematic configuration of the entire packaging support system 10. The medicine storing unit 5 and the medicine photographing device 6 are located between the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 and the packaging unit 4.

[0022] The drug storage unit 5 has an upper plate portion 51 and a support portion 52. The drug storage unit 5 also has a revolver 501 in the space between the upper plate portion 51 and the support portion 52. The revolver 501 includes a disk-shaped turntable portion 5010, an upper plate 5011 fixed to the upper surface side of the turntable portion 5010, and a drug receiving bottom portion 5012 located on the lower surface side of the turntable portion 5010 and not fixed to the turntable portion 5010.

[0023] A first camera 61 (see FIG. 3) and the like are attached to the upper surface of the upper plate 51. As also shown in FIG. 6, the turntable 5010 and upper plate 5011 of the revolver 501 are rotatable in a horizontal plane on the upper surface side (inside the space) of the support 52 about a rotation axis 504 along the vertical direction. The rotation axis 504 is not limited to a substantial axis, but may also be an imaginary axis without a substantial axis. The medicine receiving bottom 5012 is attached so as not to rotate on the support 52 and so as to be removable from the support 52. Furthermore, the relay hopper 71 and second camera 62 and the like are attached to the underside of the support 52.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, a gear portion 501a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the turntable portion 5010 of the revolver 501, and a gear 503a is meshed with the gear portion 501a. The gear 503a (see FIG. 7) is driven by a motor 503 (see FIG. 8), thereby rotating the turntable portion 5010. Furthermore, by controlling the drive of the motor 503, the turntable portion 5010 can be intermittently rotated in the forward direction by a predetermined angle. Furthermore, by controlling the drive of the motor 503, the turntable portion 5010 is rotated forward and backward. Overlapping of medicines in the storage portion 50 can be eliminated by rotating the turntable portion 5010 forward and backward.

[0025] The revolver 501, which includes the turntable 5010 and the medicine receiving bottom 5012, has, for example, six reservoirs 50. Each reservoir 50 temporarily stores the medicine before the medicine is packaged. The six reservoirs 50 are positioned at regular intervals on the same circumference centered on the rotation axis 504. The medicine supplied to each reservoir 50 is supported by the medicine receiving bottom 5012. The turntable 5010 is detachable from the medicine receiving bottom 5012.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 6, each reservoir 50 is composed of a cylindrical portion (opening) 50a made of a transparent material (such as resin) that transmits light, and a medicine receiving bottom 5012 that functions as the bottom of the cylindrical portion 50a, and the medicine is stored inside the cylindrical portion 50a. The medicine receiving bottom 5012 is disposed horizontally, and the direction perpendicular to this is the vertical direction. The imaging optical axes of cameras 61 and 62, which will be described later, are vertical toward the medicine receiving bottom 5012 that functions as the bottom of the cylindrical portion (opening) 50a.

[0027] Furthermore, a rectangular opening that matches the shape of the cylindrical portion 50a in a plan view is formed in the upper plate 5011 at the location where the cylindrical portion 50a is located, and the medicine can reach the inside of the cylindrical portion 50a through the rectangular opening. Furthermore, the upper plate 5011 is entirely transparent, or at least the peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion 50a is transparent.

[0028] The inner shape of the cylindrical portion 50a is a polygonal cylinder made up of multiple planes, and is, for example, hexagonal in plan view. The outer shape of the cylindrical portion 50a is circular. Furthermore, since the cylindrical portion 50a also takes in light from the sides, the medicine inside the cylindrical portion 50a can be illuminated with side light (light in a direction intersecting the imaging optical axis of the camera 61). Obtaining a large amount of side light makes it possible to effectively photograph markings such as inscriptions on the medicine.

[0029] The medicine receiving bottom 5012 is made of a transparent material (such as resin) that transmits light. A packaging opening 5012a is formed at a predetermined position on the medicine receiving bottom 5012, as shown in FIG. 7 . The medicine packaging introduction member 7 is positioned below the packaging opening 5012a. When the tubular portion 50a of the storage unit 50 is positioned above the packaging opening 5012a, the medicine in the storage unit 50 falls into the medicine packaging introduction member 7 and reaches the packaging paper S. That is, the packaging opening 5012a is located at a specific point in the area where the tubular portion (opening) 50a moves as the turntable unit 5010 rotates. Similarly, an opening is formed in the support unit 52 at a position corresponding to the packaging opening 5012a.

[0030] When the turntable 5010 of the revolver 501 rotates on the medicine receiving bottom 5012, each storage section 50 moves sequentially to a first medicine receiving position P1, a non-processing position P2, a non-processing position P3, a second medicine receiving position P4, a medicine photographing position P5, and a medicine discharging position P6 (packaging position) where the package opening 5012a is formed, as shown in Fig. 7. In this embodiment, these six positions P1 to P6 are arranged at equal intervals on an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis 504 of the medicine receiving bottom 5012.

[0031] Therefore, each time the turntable 5010 of the revolver 501 rotates 60 degrees in the forward direction on the medicine receiving bottom 5012, the positions P1 to P6 of the storage unit 50 are shifted by one. For example, when the turntable 5010 rotates 60 degrees in the forward direction, the storage unit 50 located at the first medicine receiving position P1 moves to the non-processing position P2, and when the turntable 5010 rotates another 60 degrees in the forward direction, the storage unit 50 moves to the non-processing position P3. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the clockwise direction in a plan view (top view) is the forward rotation direction of the turntable 5010. In other words, when the turntable 5010 rotates 60 degrees in the clockwise direction (forward rotation direction), the storage unit 50 located at the medicine photographing position P5 moves to the medicine discharge position P6.

[0032] A plurality of wheels are attached to the underside of the turntable 5010, and the load of the turntable 5010 is supported by the medicine receiver bottom 5012, while a certain gap is maintained between the upper surface of the medicine receiver bottom 5012 and the bottom surface of the turntable 5010 to prevent sliding contact between them. This gap reduces adverse effects on the rotation of the turntable 5010 caused by medicine powder (drug dust), etc., and reduces the frequency of cleaning. A medicine powder collection groove is formed in the medicine receiver bottom 5012 at a position inside its outer circumferential edge.

[0033] At the first medicine receiving position P1, medicines discharged from the medicine guide unit 12 via a hopper 21 (see FIG. 3) fall into the storage unit 50 located at the position P1. In this embodiment, the medicines that fall into the storage unit 50 located at the first medicine receiving position P1 include medicines supplied from a universal cassette.

[0034] At the second medicine receiving position P4, the medicines supplied from the manual distribution unit 13 are supplied into the storage unit 50 located at the position P4 via a hopper and a supply opening (not shown).

[0035] At the medicine photographing position P5, medicines (for example, a packet of medicines) are temporarily stored in the storage section 50 located at the position P5. The medicine photographing device 6 is located near the medicine photographing position P5.

[0036] 3, the drug photographing device 6 has a photographing unit 60 that photographs a subject in still images. In this embodiment, the photographing unit 60 includes a first camera 61 that photographs the drug in the storage unit 50 located at the drug photographing position P5 in color from above, a second camera 62 that photographs the drug in the storage unit 50 in color from below, an upper illumination unit 63 that illuminates the drug in the storage unit 50 from above, an inclined mirror unit 6a (a light-emitting element may be substituted for the inclined mirror unit 6a) that illuminates the drug in the storage unit 50 from the side, and a lower illumination unit 64 that illuminates the drug in the storage unit 50 from below. The second camera 62 is an example of a lower camera.

[0037] The photographing unit 60 of the drug photographing device 6 is provided with a surface light emitting member 65 below the lower illumination unit 64. The portion of the support unit 52 corresponding to the drug photographing position P5 is transparent or has an opening. The surface light emitting member 65 has, for example, a rectangular shape and can be switched between a surface light emitting state and a transparent state. The surface light emitting member 65 may be located above the lower illumination unit 64.

[0038] Then, under the control of controller 8 shown in Figure 4, the photographing unit 60 performs a first photographing process in which the upper lighting unit 63 is turned on and the drug in the storage unit 50 is photographed from above using the first camera 61 in a non-backlit state (either front light, side light, or a mixture of front light and side light), a second photographing process in which the surface light-emitting member 65 is turned on and the drug in the storage unit 50 is photographed from above using the first camera 61 in a backlit state, and a third photographing process in which the lower lighting unit 64 is turned on and the drug in the storage unit 50 is photographed from below using the second camera 62 in a non-backlit state (either front light, side light, or a mixture of front light and side light).

[0039] The packaging opening 5012a is formed at the medicine discharge position P6, and leads to the medicine packaging introduction member 7. As a result, the medicine in the storage section 50 located at the medicine discharge position P6 (packaging position) is discharged from the packaging opening 5012a to the medicine packaging introduction member 7.

[0040] Above the medicine discharge position P6 (packaging position), a first remaining medicine detection camera 601 and a second remaining medicine detection camera 602 are positioned. That is, the medicine photographing device 6 is equipped with a plurality of remaining medicine detection cameras (here, two cameras), including the first remaining medicine detection camera 601 and the second remaining medicine detection camera 602. Also, an illumination unit made up of an LED or the like that illuminates the photographing range of each remaining medicine detection camera is provided.

[0041] In this configuration, the first residue detection camera 601 has a deep depth of field and captures an image of the area (hereinafter referred to as the upper area) extending from the relay hopper 71 to the approximately midpoint of the chute section 72 in the medicine packaging introduction member 7. From the image capture results, it is possible to confirm whether or not medicines are attached to the upper area extending from the relay hopper 71 to the approximately midpoint of the chute section 72 in the medicine packaging introduction member 7.

[0042] Here, the lower ends of the relay hopper 71 and the second camera 62 are located higher than the upper end of the packaging unit 4, and the upper end of the chute section 72 is located lower than the upper end of the medicine storage unit 5. This makes it possible to prevent the relay hopper 71, the second camera 62, and the chute section 72 from coming into contact with either the packaging unit 4 or the medicine storage unit 5 when the packaging unit 4 or the medicine storage unit 5 is pulled out independently toward the front F. Furthermore, even if the revolver 501 and the chute section 72 are forced to be spaced apart in the vertical direction because the second camera 62 is located lower than the revolver 501, the presence of the relay hopper 71 allows the lower end of the relay hopper 71 and the upper end of the chute section 72 to be disposed close to each other, thereby preventing medicines discharged from the medicine discharge position P6 from falling outside the chute section 72.

[0043] The second residue detection camera 602 also has a deep depth of field, and captures an image of the area (hereinafter referred to as the lower area) from approximately the middle position of the chute section 72 of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 to the inside of the opening in the packaging paper S. The image capture results enable the inside of the opening in the packaging paper S to be captured from the packaging opening 5012a, making it possible to confirm whether or not any medicines are attached to the lower area, which is the final part of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, and whether or not any medicines (medicines that should have been packaged earlier) or foreign objects are present inside the opening of the packaging paper S.

[0044] The imaging ranges of the two residual detection cameras 601 and 602 overlap at approximately the center of the shooter unit 72.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination unit includes a first light-emitting unit 451, a second light-emitting unit 452, and a third light-emitting unit 453. For example, the first light-emitting unit 451 is disposed near the installation positions of the remaining medicine detection cameras 601 and 602 and illuminates the inside of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 from a position above the medicine discharge position P6. The second light-emitting unit 452 is disposed in the packaging unit 4 (preferably the medicine packaging unit 45) and illuminates the vicinity of the position between heater roller 45d and heater roller 45e from a position to the side of the medicine packaging introduction member 7. The third light-emitting unit 453 is disposed on the non-guide surface (back surface) of the unfolding guide 45a and, like the second light-emitting unit 452, illuminates the vicinity of the position between heater roller 45d and heater roller 45e. The light emitted from the third light-emitting unit 453 reaches the opening of the packaging paper S without passing through the packaging paper S.

[0046] The brightness (light intensity) of the first light-emitting unit 451, the second light-emitting unit 452, and the third light-emitting unit 453 may be adjustable using a dimmer. Furthermore, the third light-emitting unit 453 is not limited to being positioned within a recess in the non-guide surface (back surface) of the unfolding guide 45a. The third light-emitting unit 453 itself may enter through the opening of the packaging paper S and be positioned within the opening to illuminate the inside of the opening. Such a third light-emitting unit 453 is supported by, for example, a thin rod-shaped or wire-shaped support member and is positioned within the opening of the packaging paper S. The support source may be the non-guide surface (back surface) of the unfolding guide 45a or the tip of the chute unit 72.

[0047] In one example of control in a configuration having the two residue detection cameras 601, 602, with only the first light-emitting unit 451 turned on, the first residue detection camera 601 photographs the upper region (first photographing operation). That is, in the first photographing operation, the photographing range is the upper region of the inner wall surface of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, and the first photographing operation is used to determine whether medicine is attached to the inner wall surface.

[0048] Meanwhile, with first light-emitting element 451, second light-emitting element 452, and third light-emitting element 453 all turned on, the two residue detection cameras 601, 602 capture images of the upper and lower regions (second capturing operation). That is, in the second capturing operation, the entire inner wall surface of medicine packaging introduction member 7 and the inside of the opening of packaging paper S are captured as the capturing range. If it is determined that even one medicine particle is present on the entire inner wall surface of medicine packaging introduction member 7 and within the opening of packaging paper S before the medicines to be packaged have started to be dropped into the opening of packaging paper S, it is determined that medicine remains. In the second capturing operation, by emitting light not only from first light-emitting element 451 but also from second light-emitting element 452 and third light-emitting element 453, the total amount of illumination is increased and the inside of the opening of packaging paper S can be illuminated from multiple directions, so that even if even one medicine particle is present within the opening of packaging paper S, it can be accurately detected. It is also possible to configure the first light emitting section 451 not to emit light in the second photographing operation.

[0049] An example of residual drug detection photography for detecting residual medicine by the first photography operation and the second photography operation will be described below.

[0050] The inspection device 100 performs the second photographing operation when the Kth drug packet (K is a natural number with a maximum value of the set number of packets N) is located at the drug photographing position P5. When K=1, information can be obtained as to whether or not any remaining drugs in a drug packet based on a previous prescription remain in the opening of the packaging paper S of the current prescription at the drug discharge position P6. When K=2 or later, information can be obtained as to whether or not any drugs that should be packaged earlier in the current prescription remain in the opening of the packaging paper S in a subsequent packet. Note that if several blank packets are generated between different prescriptions, the second photographing operation when K=1 may be omitted.

[0051] After the second photographing operation, when the turntable unit 5010 rotates 60 degrees, the Kth packet of medicines according to the current prescription is dropped from the medicine discharge position P6 through the medicine packaging introduction member 7 into the opening of the packet paper S. This dropping situation is photographed in the first photographing operation. That is, with only the first light-emitting unit 451 turned on, the first residue detection camera 601 photographs the upper region.

[0052] Note that the photographing to detect residual medicine for the Kth package of the current prescription begins with the first photographing operation. Furthermore, if the first photographing operation determines that no medicine is attached to the inner wall of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, and if the Kth package is packaged in a state in which some of the medicine to be packaged has moved to the position of the subsequent (K+1)th package while the package corresponding to the Kth medicine is being packaged, residual medicine within the opening of the packaging paper S will be detected in the next second photographing operation.

[0053] After the first photographing operation, the packaging operation for one package is executed. Next, K is incremented, and it is determined whether K has exceeded N. If K has not exceeded N, the second photographing operation for the subsequent medicine package is executed, and if K has exceeded N, K is reset, and the photographing process for the package of the next prescription is executed.

[0054] In the above example, the two residue detection cameras 601, 602 are arranged above the medicine discharge position P6 (packaging position), but this configuration is not limited to this. All or part of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 may be arranged to be movable laterally, etc., and a residue detection camera arranged at the location of movement may photograph the interior of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 after the movement. This reduces the number of residue detection cameras arranged on the storage section 50, avoiding a complex structure due to densely packed cameras on the storage section 50. Alternatively, the medicine photographing device 6 may be equipped with three or more residue detection cameras. Sensors may be used instead of residue detection cameras.

[0055] 4, the inspection device 100 includes a storage unit 80 in addition to the medicine photographing device 6 and the controller 8. The controller 8 includes an acquisition processing unit 81, a medicine checking unit 82, a display processing unit 83, and a drive processing unit 84.

[0056] The storage unit 80 connected to the controller 8 stores a so-called master table (database of drugs, etc.), prescription information for each patient, image data captured by the first and second cameras 61, 62 and the first and second residual detection cameras 601, 602, etc. The storage unit 80 includes a storage area in which a packaging support program for causing the controller 8 to execute various processes related to a packaging support method, which will be described later, etc. is stored. The storage unit 80 also stores programs such as an operating system (OS).

[0057] The acquisition processing unit 81 of the controller 8 performs processing to store images taken by the first and second cameras 61 and 62 and the first and second residual detection cameras 601 and 602 in the storage unit 80.

[0058] The medicine check unit 82 of the controller 8 checks the medicines in the storage unit 50 located on the medicine photography position P5 based on the image captured by the photography unit 60. If the medicine check unit 82 does not determine that the number of medicines and medicine information for the medicines in the storage unit 50 located on the medicine photography position P5 are correct by referring to the packaging data (characteristic data), the controller 8 may rotate the turntable unit 5010 of the revolver 501 forward and backward to roll the medicines in the storage unit 50 and perform the first, second, and third photography processes described above again. Alternatively, an alert may be output as an error process.

[0059] On the other hand, if the medicine check unit 82 determines that the number of medicines in the storage unit 50 located at the medicine photographing position P5 and the medicine information described below are correct by referring to the packaging data (characteristic data), the controller 8 rotates the turntable 5010 of the revolver 501 forward by 60 degrees to move the storage unit 50 at the medicine photographing position P5 to the medicine discharge position P6 (packaging position) where the packaging opening 5012a is formed. As a result, the medicines in the storage unit 50 reach the packaging paper S from the packaging opening 5012a through the medicine packaging introduction member 7.

[0060] Furthermore, the drug check unit 82, as a determination unit, can determine the drug by recognizing marks such as engravings that are drug information of the drug in the photographed images taken in the first photographing process and the third photographing process. Furthermore, the drug check unit 82 can automatically determine whether or not the drug specified in the prescription information (packaging data) is present in the storage unit 50 by determining whether the identified drug matches the drug mark indicated in the prescription information (packaging data) in the memory unit 80 (drug master table).

[0061] Furthermore, the display processing unit 83 of the controller 8 can read out the captured image, etc. from the storage unit 80 and display it as an inspection result screen G1 (see FIG. 14) on the display device 101. An inspector can inspect the medicine in the storage unit 50 by looking at the inspection result screen G1 displayed on the display device 101.

[0062] The inspection result screen G1 may be displayed on the display device 101 by processing the controller 8, for example, by associating an upper image of a drug taken by the first camera 61 and a lower image of a drug taken by the second camera 62 as front and back images for each drug that is presumed to be the same drug. The association of the front and back images is performed by arranging the images side by side or vertically. Whether or not the drugs are the same can be estimated from the correspondence between the drug position in the image taken from above by the first photographing process and the drug position in the image taken from below by the third photographing process within the certain period of time. Furthermore, the association of the front and back images may be performed for all of the multiple images, or for a specific image among the multiple images. The specific photographed image may be an image in which the drug check unit 82 recognizes an imprint or the like.

[0063] The inspection result screen G1 includes, for example, patient information, information on the medication to be administered to the patient (medication name and medication image), and front and back images of each medication, which are individual medication image portions cut out from an overall image of the inside of the reservoir taken for each package. The inspection result screen G1 will be described in detail later.

[0064] The drive processing unit 84 of the controller 8 controls the motor 503. This control includes not only the intermittent 60-degree rotation of the turntable unit 5010 of the revolver 501, but also the control of rotating the turntable unit 5010 forward and backward at a speed faster than the speed of the 60-degree rotation, thereby eliminating overlapping of the drugs in the storage unit 50.

[0065] Furthermore, the drive processing unit 84 controls the photographing timing of the first and second cameras 61, 62 and the first and second residual detection cameras 601, 602, the lighting timing of the upper illumination unit 63, the lower illumination unit 64, and the surface light-emitting member 65, etc., in response to the rotational operation of the turntable unit 5010 of the revolver 501. Note that in this embodiment, still photography is simultaneously performed at the medicine photographing position P5 (the first and second cameras 61, 62) and the medicine discharge position P6 (the first and second residual detection cameras 601, 602) every time the turntable unit 5010 of the revolver 501 rotates intermittently by 60 degrees.

[0066] [Drug Storage Unit 5] Next, the medicine storage unit 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 5, the packaging device 1 of the packaging support system 10 includes the medicine containing and dispensing unit 11, the medicine guide section 12, the medicine storage unit 5, and the packaging unit 4. The packaging device 1 includes a vertically elongated housing 200, and the medicine containing and dispensing unit 11, the medicine guide section 12, the medicine storage unit 5, and the packaging unit 4 are housed within the housing 200. In Fig. 5, the outer panels and doors of the housing 200 are omitted as appropriate to show the internal units, such as the medicine containing and dispensing unit 11. Also, the manual distribution section 13 and the like are not shown in Fig. 5.

[0068] The medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11, the medicine guide section 12, the medicine storage unit 5, and the packaging unit 4 are arranged in the following order in the vertical direction from top to bottom: medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11, medicine guide section 12, medicine storage unit 5, and packaging unit 4. In other words, medicines discharged from the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 located at the top are discharged to the packaging unit 4 located at the bottom via the medicine guide section 12 and the medicine storage unit 5. As shown in Figure 5 etc., the housing 200 of the packaging device 1 has a depth direction (FR), and when a user accesses the inside of the housing 200, he basically does so from the front F side in the depth direction.

[0069] Incidentally, the packaging support system 10 according to this embodiment realizes a packaging support system that can improve maintainability by using the configuration described below.

[0070] That is, the packaging support system 10 according to this embodiment includes the support part 52, the turntable part 5010, the packaging unit 4, and the medicine photographing device 6. The turntable part 5010 is supported by the support part 52 in a state where it can rotate about the rotation axis 504 along the vertical direction. The packaging unit 4 packages the medicines discharged from the turntable part 5010. The medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicines. The turntable part 5010 has a plurality of storage parts 50 around the rotation axis 504, each of which stores the medicine. The medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicines in the storage parts 50 located at the medicine photographing position P5 of the support part 52. The medicines in the storage parts 50 located at the medicine discharge position P6 of the support part 52 are discharged to the packaging unit 4. Here, in the depth direction of the support part 52, the medicine ejection position P6 is located on the front side F of the medicine photographing position P5.

[0071] Specifically, in this embodiment, the turntable unit 5010 has six storage units 50 around the rotation shaft 504. The second camera 62 and the like of the medicine photographing device 6 are attached to the underside of the medicine photographing position P5 of the support unit 52. Similarly, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is attached to the underside of the medicine ejection position P6 of the support unit 52. Here, as shown in FIG. 7 , the medicine ejection position P6 is shifted by 60 degrees in the forward rotation direction (clockwise direction) of the turntable unit 5010 with respect to the medicine photographing position P5. Therefore, the medicine ejection position P6 is located at a position F in front of the medicine photographing position P5 in the depth direction of the support unit 52.

[0072] According to this configuration, on the underside of the support portion 52, as shown in FIG. 8, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is located closer to the front F than the medicine photographing device 6 (the second camera 62). Therefore, when a user attempts to access the medicine packaging introduction member 7 from the front F side in the depth direction of the housing 200, the medicine photographing device 6 (the second camera 62) is less likely to get in the way. Furthermore, medicine powder (drug dust) and the like adhering to the medicine packaging introduction member 7 can be removed by cleaning the medicine packaging introduction member 7, which is included in the maintenance of the medicine packaging introduction member 7. As a result, the maintainability of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is improved, and it becomes easier to avoid the packaging support system 10 being used with medicine powder (drug dust) and the like adhering to the medicine packaging introduction member 7.

[0073] In particular, the support unit 52 is located lower than the manual distribution unit 13, which is located at a height of approximately 60 cm to 100 cm from the installation surface of the packaging device 1, and is therefore located lower than the user's eye level. Therefore, even if the user lowers their posture, the support unit 52 gets in the way, making the relay hopper 71, which is located on the underside of the support unit 52, difficult to see and access. In addition, if the relay hopper 71 is located at the rear R of the medicine photographing device 6, even if the user lowers their posture further, the relay hopper 71 will be hidden by the medicine photographing device 6, making access to the relay hopper 71 difficult. Note that if the lower end of the relay hopper 71 is located lower than the medicine photographing device 6, there is a problem in that the packaging unit 4 will hit the lower end of the relay hopper 71 when the user tries to pull out the packaging unit 4. In consideration of these circumstances, in this embodiment, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is positioned closer to the front F than the medicine photographing device 6 (the second camera 62), thereby dramatically improving the maintainability of the medicine packaging introduction member 7.

[0074] The medicine photographing device 6 also has a lower camera (the second camera 62) that photographs the medicine from below the support part 52. Therefore, if the medicine discharge position P6 were located at the back R of the medicine photographing position P5, the lower camera (the second camera 62) would be in front of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, which would make it difficult to maintain the medicine packaging introduction member 7. However, in this embodiment, the medicine discharge position P6 is located at the front F of the medicine photographing position P5, so the lower camera (the second camera 62) does not get in the way, and this improves the ease of maintenance of the medicine packaging introduction member 7.

[0075] In this embodiment, the support part 52 can be pulled out toward the front F in the depth direction. In this embodiment, the medicine storage unit 5 can be pulled out toward the front F in the depth direction relative to the housing 200 together with the medicine photographing device 6 by pulling the handle 54. In this way, by pulling the support part 52 toward the front F, access to the underside of the support part 52 becomes easier as shown in FIG. 8 , and maintainability of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is further improved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is removably attached to the support portion 52 at the medicine discharge position P6 of the support portion 52. In other words, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 (the relay hopper 71) is not fixedly attached to the support portion 52 by adhesive or the like, but is removably attached. By removing the medicine packaging introduction member 7 from the support portion 52, the maintainability of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is further improved.

[0077] Furthermore, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is detachable below the support portion 52. That is, as shown by the imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in FIG. 8 , the medicine packaging introduction member 7 (the relay hopper 71) can be removed by pulling it downward from the underside of the support portion 52. On the underside of the support portion 52, the medicine packaging introduction member 7 is located on the front side F of the medicine photographing device 6 (the second camera 62). Therefore, the medicine photographing device 6 (the second camera 62) is less likely to get in the way when attaching or detaching the medicine packaging introduction member 7, improving workability. In addition, if the medicine photographing device 6 is located on the front side F of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, there is a possibility that the relay hopper 71 will come into contact with the medicine photographing device 6 when removing the medicine packaging introduction member 7 from the support portion 52, causing a problem in which the photographing range of the medicine photographing device 6 deviates from the normal range. However, this problem can be avoided in this embodiment.

[0078] [Medicine storage and dispensing unit 11] Next, the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 to 13. Here, illustrations of the medicine cassettes and the universal cassette are omitted.

[0079] The medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 is an example of the medicine supplying section that supplies medicines to the turntable section 5010 of the medicine storage unit 5. As shown in Fig. 9 , the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 includes a rotating body 111, a shelf bottom plate 112, an intermediate path section 113, and a receiving tray section 114.

[0080] The medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 is housed in the housing 200 such that the rotating body 111 and the shelf bottom plate 112 are located above a middle plate 118 (see FIG. 5) that divides the housing 200 vertically.

[0081] The rotor 111 is a cylindrical unit having an axis 110 (see FIG. 9) along the vertical direction (up-down direction). The rotor 111 has a rack 115 on its outer circumferential surface. The rack 115 is a member to which a plurality of the drug cassettes and the universal cassette can be attached on its outer surface, and a plurality of racks 115 (nine in this embodiment, as an example) are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotor 111. Each of the plurality of racks 115 is removably attached to the rotor main body 111a (see FIG. 10).

[0082] As shown in Fig. 10, the rotating body main body 111a has first transport paths 116 on its outer circumferential surface at a position behind (inside) the racks 115. Fig. 10 shows a state in which some of the racks 115 have been removed. The first transport paths 116 are configured so that two of the first transport paths 116 are covered by one rack 115, and in this embodiment, as an example, the rotating body 111 has 18 first transport paths 116. The first transport paths 116 form a passage (path) that transports the medicine by utilizing the free fall of the medicine.

[0083] The shelf bottom plate 112 has a first function of supporting the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 on the middle plate 118, a second function of receiving a driving force that rotates the rotating body 111, and a third function of positioning the rotating body 111 so that the center of the rotating body 111 coincides with the shaft 110. Specifically, the shelf bottom plate 112 is a disk-shaped member integrated with the lower end of the rotating body 111. The shelf bottom plate 112 rests on the middle plate 118 via rolling elements (rollers), and the middle plate 118 of the housing 200 supports the shelf bottom plate 112, thereby bearing the load of the entire medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 and supporting the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11.

[0084] 9, a gear portion 112a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shelf bottom plate 112, and this gear portion 112a meshes with the drive shaft of a motor (not shown). When the shelf bottom plate 112 is driven by the motor, the entire medicine containing and dispensing unit 11 rotates around the shaft 110. By rotating the medicine containing and dispensing unit 11, any cassette attached to the rack 115 can be moved to the front (front F side) of the packaging device 1, facilitating replacement of the any cassette. Furthermore, the shelf bottom plate 112 has an upper and lower two-tier structure, and when the small-diameter portion of the lower tier is housed in a circular recessed area formed in the middle plate 118, the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion comes into contact with a plurality of free rollers lined up on the inner peripheral surface of the recessed area, thereby aligning the center of the rotor 111 with the shaft 110.

[0085] Meanwhile, the middle plate 118 has a fifth function of improving the strength (rigidity) of the housing 200, in addition to the fourth function of supporting the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11.

[0086] In other words, the components positioned between the user and the drug path when the user is standing in front of the packaging device 1 (near side F), i.e., the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118, have at least one of the first to fifth functions. Therefore, the portions of the drug path positioned at the same height as the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 cannot be removed in a direction away from the shaft 110 (outward) in a plan view, as with the rack 115, making cleaning difficult. Here, if only the first to fourth functions are to be realized, the shelf bottom plate 112 does not need to be positioned at the same height as the lower end of the rotor 111. However, for example, if the shelf bottom plate 112 is positioned at the same height as the vertical center of the rotor 111, a cassette cannot be attached to the portion of the shelf bottom plate 112. Note that this problem does not arise if the shelf bottom plate 112 is positioned at the same height as the upper end of the rotor 111.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 10 , the intermediate path section 113 is attached to the underside of the shelf bottom plate 112. The intermediate path section 113 also rotates around the shaft 110 together with the shelf bottom plate 112. The intermediate path section 113 has a second transport path 117. One second transport path 117 is provided for each of the two first transport paths 116, and in this embodiment, as an example, the intermediate path section 113 has nine second transport paths 117. The second transport path 117 is located downstream of the first transport path 116 and communicates with the first transport path 116.

[0088] 10, the receiving tray 114 is removably attached to the underside of the intermediate path portion 113, for example, by using magnetic force. The receiving tray 114 also rotates around the shaft 110 together with the shelf bottom plate 112. The receiving tray 114 is located further downstream of the second conveying path 117 and communicates with the second conveying path 117.

[0089] The receiving tray 114 has a generally conical shape with a diameter that decreases toward the bottom, and has an opening at its bottom end. The receiving tray 114 collects the medicines that have fallen from the second transport paths 117 and discharges them from the opening to the medicine guide 12.

[0090] With the above-described configuration, the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 discharges the medicines dispensed from the medicine cassettes and the universal cassette mounted on the rack 115 to the medicine guiding section 12 via the first conveying path 116 of the rotating body 111, the second conveying path 117 of the intermediate path section 113, and the receiving tray section 114. The medicines discharged to the medicine guiding section 12 are sent to the medicine storage unit 5.

[0091] 11, the intermediate path section 113 has a holder 113a and a path member 113b that is detachably attached to the holder 113a. The second transport path 117 is formed by the path member 113b.

[0092] That is, the packaging support system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the medicine supply unit (the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11) that supplies the medicine to the turntable unit 5010. The medicine supply unit (the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11) has the first conveying path 116 and the second conveying path 117. The first conveying path 116 conveys the medicine by utilizing the free fall of the medicine. The second conveying path 117 is located downstream of the first conveying path 116 and communicates with the first conveying path 116. The second conveying path 117 is constituted by the route member 113b that is removably attached to the holder 113a that is located downstream of the first conveying path 116.

[0093] According to this configuration, when the pathway member 113b is attached to the holder 113a, the second transport path 117 formed by the pathway member 113b can be connected to the first transport path 116 and used to transport medicine. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 10, when the pathway member 113b is detached from the holder 113a, the maintainability of the second transport path 117 formed by the pathway member 113b is improved, and medicine powder and the like adhering to the second transport path 117 can be easily cleaned off.

[0094] In particular, in the present embodiment, a portion of the medicine path (the second conveying path 117) that is located at the same height as the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 can be moved relative to the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 so as to be at a different height from the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118. This prevents the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 from interfering with cleaning of the medicine path (the second conveying path 117), improves maintainability of the second conveying path 117, and makes it easier to clean medicine powder and the like adhering to the second conveying path 117. In this way, the packaging support system 10 according to the present embodiment can achieve both the first to fifth functions and ease of maintainability (ease of cleaning) of the medicine path.

[0095] Furthermore, although the drug path (the second transport path 117) can be moved to a height different from that of the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118, it is preferable to move the path upward to move the path downward because the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 are already positioned low. Even if the path is moved upward, it is not practical to move the entire path upward considering the weight and size of the path. Therefore, this embodiment employs a structure in which only the portion of the path located below the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 (the second transport path 117 formed by the path member 113b) is moved upward. By retracting the rack 115 located above the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118, the space above the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 can be cleared, making it easier to move the path (the second transport path 117) located below the shelf bottom plate 112 and the middle plate 118 upward. Here, in order to retract the rack 115, it is not necessary to remove the rack 115 from the rotating body 111. For example, in a structure in which the upper end of the rack 115 is hinged to the rotating body 111, the lower end of the rack 115 can be simply lifted so as to rotate the rack 115 around the upper end of the rack 115 as a fulcrum, thereby exposing the path and enabling maintenance of the path.

[0096] Moreover, the holder 113a is located between the first transport path 116 and the receiving tray 114. In other words, the intermediate path 113 including the holder 113a is located below the rotating body 111 including the first transport path 116 and above the receiving tray 114. This allows the medicine to be transported from the first transport path 116 to the receiving tray 114 through the second transport path 117 of the path member 113b attached to the holder 113a.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, the path member 113b can be removed upward from the holder 113a. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, the shelf bottom plate 112 has through holes 112b penetrating the shelf bottom plate 112 in the thickness direction (vertical direction). A plurality of the through holes 112b (nine in this embodiment) are provided along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the shelf bottom plate 112. Each of the plurality of through holes 112b has a shape corresponding to the path member 113b so that the path member 113b can pass through it. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, the path member 113b can be removed upward from the holder 113a through the through holes 112b of the shelf bottom plate 112 with the rack 115 removed.

[0098] According to this configuration, it is possible to access and remove the path member 113b from the space in the housing 200 that houses the rotating body 111. Therefore, it becomes easier to remove the path member 113b from the holder 113a, and the maintainability of the second transport path 117 is further improved.

[0099] Further, a plurality of the first transport paths 116 are provided. The path member 113b is divided into a number of divisions equal to or less than the number of the first transport paths 116. That is, as shown in FIG. 11 , in this embodiment, the path member 113b is divided into nine. In other words, the intermediate path section 113 has nine path members 113b for one holder 113a. In this embodiment, since 18 first transport paths 116 are provided as described above, the number of divisions of the path member 113b (nine) is half the number of the first transport paths 116 (18). These multiple (here, nine) path members 113b are individually and detachably attached to the holder 113a.

[0100] According to this configuration, the path member 113b can be easily removed from the holder 113a, and maintenance of the second transport path 117 can be improved. For example, by removing only an arbitrary path member 113b from among the plurality of path members 113b, maintenance of an arbitrary second transport path 117 can be performed.

[0101] 11, the internal space of the receiving tray 114 is divided into multiple sections on its upstream side (top opening side). In this embodiment, the internal space of the receiving tray 114 is divided into three sections. Therefore, the number of drug paths gradually narrows downstream, such as 18 first transport paths 116, 9 second transport paths 117, and three divided paths within the receiving tray 114. Therefore, the drug that passes through the multiple (18 in this embodiment) first transport paths 116 can be finally discharged smoothly from one outlet (the opening hole) of the receiving tray 114.

[0102] More specifically, the holder 113a has a generally conical shape whose diameter decreases toward the lower end, and has a plurality of mounting portions in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of mounting portions has a generally isosceles triangular shape in a plan view (top view) with its apex angle at the center of the holder 113a. The path member 113b has a generally isosceles triangular shape in a plan view (top view) so as to correspond to the mounting portions. This allows the path member 113b to be removably mounted to each of the plurality of mounting portions of the holder 113a. When the path member 113b is mounted to the holder 113a, the path member 113b is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that its lower end is positioned closer to the center of the holder 113a.

[0103] Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the path member 113b has the second transport path 117, which is substantially Y-shaped. That is, the second transport path 117 has two inlets 113c and one outlet 113d, and is configured so that the transport paths connected to the two inlets 113c merge inside the path member 113b and connect to the single outlet 113d. With the path member 113b shaped like this, when removing the path member 113b, the user can grasp the path member 113b by pinching the partition portion 113e between the two inlets 113c with their fingers, making it easy to remove the path member 113b. In FIG. 12, the user's hand removing the path member 113b is shown by an imaginary line (two-dot chain line). In particular, in the path member 113b having the second conveying path 117 which is approximately Y-shaped, the width dimension of the partition portion 113e narrows towards the lower side (the exit 113d side), so that the user can easily pull out the path member 113b from the holder 113a by pinching both widthwise sides of the partition portion 113e with their fingers.

[0104] As described above, the medicine supply section (the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11) includes the rack 115, which is removably attached to the first transport path 116 and supplies the medicines to the first transport path 116. Here, when the path member 113b is detached from the holder 113a, the rack 115 cannot be attached to the first transport path 116. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 , the medicine accommodating and dispensing unit 11 has a pin receiving member 119 at a position facing the through-hole 112b of the shelf bottom plate 112. The pin receiving member 119 is configured to be rotatable around an axis along the periphery of the through-hole 112b and has a pin receiving hole 119a on its upper surface. The rack 115 has a lock pin (not shown) at its lower end, and is attached to the first transport path 116 of the rotating body main body 111a by inserting the lock pin into the pin receiving hole 119a of the pin receiving member 119.

[0105] Here, as shown in the top row of Fig. 13, in an "attached state" in which the path member 113b is attached to the holder 113a, the pin receiving hole 119a of the pin receiving member 119 is in a position where the lock pin can be inserted, and therefore the rack 115 can be attached. In contrast, as shown in the middle row of Fig. 13, during "removal" for removing the path member 113b, the pin receiving member 119 is flipped up, and the pin receiving hole 119a is in a position where the lock pin cannot be inserted, and therefore the rack 115 cannot be attached. Similarly, as shown in the bottom row of Fig. 13, in an "unattached state" in which the path member 113b is removed, the pin receiving member 119 falls into the through hole 112b, and the pin receiving hole 119a is in a position where the lock pin cannot be inserted, and therefore the rack 115 cannot be attached.

[0106] According to this configuration, when the path member 113b is detached from the holder 113a, it is impossible (prohibited) to attach the rack 115 to the first transport path 116, so it is possible to prevent forgetting to attach the path member 113b. Furthermore, in the "removed" and "unattached" states shown in Fig. 13, the pin receiving member 119 is in an inclined position, so even if an attempt is made to return the rack 115 to a position covering the first transport path 116, the lower end of the rack 115 comes into contact with the pin receiving member 119, and it is therefore impossible to return the rack 115 in the first place. Therefore, it is possible to prevent forgetting to return the pin receiving member 119 from the "removed" state and forgetting to attach the path member 113b.

[0107] [Packaging support method] Next, an example of the packing support method executed mainly by the controller 8 will be described. The controller 8 executes various processes related to the packing support method when a specific preset start operation for executing the packing support program is performed on the packing support system 10. Note that the present invention may also be understood as an invention of a method (packing support method) in which a computer such as the controller 8 executes some or all of the processes of the packing support method.

[0108] Specifically, the display processing unit 83 of the controller 8 can display a screen such as the inspection result screen G1 as shown in Fig. 14 on the display device 101. In the present disclosure, "screen" refers to an image (picture) displayed on the display device 101, etc., and includes icons, figures, photographs, text, videos, etc. In the drawing showing the screen displayed on the display device 101 as in Fig. 14, the dashed dotted lines, lead lines, and reference symbols representing areas are added for explanatory purposes only and are not actually displayed on the display device 101.

[0109] The display device 101 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal. Therefore, the display device 101 has a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, etc.), etc. as an operation unit operated by a user (an inspector, etc.) to input various information. The display device 101 may also include a touch panel that accepts touch operations on various operation screens displayed on the display device, or a voice input device that accepts input of various information by voice recognition.

[0110] [Audit Results Screen G1] The inspection result screen G1 includes, for example, an attribute area R11, a drug list area R12, and a drug package list area R13, as shown in FIG. 14. The attribute area R11 is an area where information such as patient information and prescription information is displayed. The drug list area R12 is an area where information (drug name, etc.) of the drug to be administered to the patient is displayed. The drug whose drug name, etc. is displayed in the drug list area R12 is the drug included in the prescription information (packaging data) as a package target, and is not the drug that has actually been dispensed. The drug package list area R13 is an area where front and back images of each drug, which are individual drug image portions cut out from the entire image of the storage section photographed for each package, are displayed. In addition, operation keys and buttons used to operate the inspection result screen G1 are also displayed on the inspection result screen G1.

[0111] The information displayed in the drug list area R12 includes, for example, the name of the drug to be packaged, as well as the drug type, quantity, and master image. The master image is, for example, a reference image of the drug to be packaged from among reference images of drugs stored in advance in the storage unit 80. The master image may be an image provided by a drug manufacturer, an image taken in the imaging environment of the packaging device 1, or an image taken in the drug room where the packaging device 1 is installed.

[0112] In the medicine package list area R13, information about medicines packaged in multiple packets is displayed in a list arranged horizontally (left and right). In the example of Fig. 14, a total of nine packets of medicines, including the first packet, second packet, third packet, ..., and ninth packet, are displayed in the medicine package list area R13 from left to right. The medicine package list area R13 includes an item column R131, a remaining check column R132, and an inspection column R133. As an example, the item column R131, the remaining check column R132, and the inspection column R133 are arranged vertically (up and down) in order from top to bottom.

[0113] The item column R131 displays information for identifying each of the multiple packets, such as "first packet, after breakfast" or "second packet, after breakfast." The inspection column R133 displays front and back images in which an upper image of the drug taken by the first camera 61 and a lower image of the drug taken by the second camera 62 are associated with each other for each drug that is presumed to be the same drug. The front and back images are displayed, for example, so that the upper image and the lower image are side by side.

[0114] The remaining medicine check field R132 can display a check image G11 used for checking remaining medicine (checking remaining medicine). The check image G11 here is an image displayed based on at least one of an image of the upper region captured by the first remaining medicine detection camera 601 and an image of the lower region captured by the second remaining medicine detection camera 602. That is, the check image G11 is generated based on an image of at least one of the upper region extending from the relay hopper 71 to a substantially central position of the chute section 72 of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 and the lower region extending from a substantially central position of the chute section 72 of the medicine packaging introduction member 7 to the opening of the packaging paper S.

[0115] The check image G11 allows a user (such as an appraiser) to check whether any medicines are adhering to the inner wall of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, and whether any medicines (medicines that should have been packaged in advance) or foreign matter are present inside the opening of the packaging paper S. In this way, the packaging support system 10 according to this embodiment has the advantage that the images captured by the (first and second) remaining medicine detection cameras 601, 602 can be displayed on the display device 101, etc., which can improve the reliability of the check for remaining medicines (residual medicines).

[0116] [Extensions] The drug check unit 82 can apply the following expansion function when comparing character strings, such as inscriptions, which are the drug information of the drug in the captured image, with character strings registered in the storage unit 80 (drug master table) as character strings, such as inscriptions, of the drug specified in the prescription information (packaging data). According to the expansion function, the drug check unit 82 performs the comparison in an expanded state between at least one of the character strings, such as inscriptions, extracted from the drug in the captured image and the character strings registered in the drug master table. Specifically, for example, if the drug check unit 82 extracts the character string "A1A" from the drug in the captured image, it expands the character strings to be compared with the drug master table to include "A1A," "A!A," and "Al (el)A," in addition to "A1A," as shown in FIG. 15. In other words, the drug check unit 82 checks whether any of the character strings "A1A," "AIA," "A!A," and "Al (el)A" is registered in the drug master table as a character string such as an inscription on the drug specified in the packaging data, and if so, recognizes that the drug in the photographed image is the drug specified in the packaging data and determines that the inspection is OK. In this example, the four characters "1," "I," "!", and "l" are pre-associated as similar characters in a table or the like in the storage unit 80, and the drug check unit 82 uses this correspondence to expand the character string such as an inscription extracted from the drug in the photographed image.

[0117] In the above example, the drug check unit 82 expands the character string extracted from the captured image. However, this is not limiting. Alternatively, the drug check unit 82 may expand the character string in the drug master table, or may expand both the character string extracted from the captured image and the character string in the drug master table. When expanding the character string in the drug master table, the drug check unit 82 first identifies a character string, such as a marking on the drug specified in the packaging data, from among the character strings registered in the drug master table, and then expands the identified character string. Here, the drug check unit 82 expands the character string only if a similar character previously associated with the identified character string exists in a table or the like stored in the storage unit 80. In other words, the drug check unit 82 determines whether a similar character previously associated with the identified character string exists, and expands the identified character string using the correspondence only if a similar character exists. Then, the drug checking unit 82 determines whether the character string, such as the drug's marking in the captured image, matches either the character string before or after expansion, and if they match, it recognizes that the drug in the captured image is the drug specified in the packaging data and determines that inspection is OK.

[0118] Furthermore, the captured image to which the expansion function is applied does not necessarily have to be captured before packaging, but may be an image of the medicine captured through the packaging paper S after packaging. Furthermore, the medicine check unit 82 may expand at least one of the character string in the captured image and the character string in the medicine master table by utilizing the context or semantic interpretation of the character string in addition to or instead of the similar characters.

[0119] According to the expansion function, even if the drug check unit 82 mistakes characters such as an inscription extracted from a drug in the captured image for similar characters, the inspection is performed by expanding the range to include the similar characters, so that the inspection can be performed correctly.

[0120] [Separation of unclassified drugs] The medication check unit 82 basically recognizes the number of medications (number of tablets) based on the captured image taken under backlit conditions using the first camera 61 (the second capture process). In the captured image, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, it may be difficult to distinguish between a single medication (one tablet) with a pair of indentations on its periphery and two overlapping medications (two tablets). In such a case, if the single medication is mistakenly recognized as two medications (two half tablets) separated by the pair of indentations, the following problem may occur. For example, suppose the prescription information (packaging data) contains "two tablets A" and "one tablet B," and the medications extracted from the captured image are "two half tablets A" and "one tablet B." In this case, the number of medications is "three" and the medication inspection is OK. However, the former contains three tablets, while the latter contains two tablets, resulting in a failure to inspect.

[0121] To avoid such problems, the drug check unit 82 is configured to recognize a single drug, rather than multiple drugs, even when there is a possibility that the drug is multiple drugs, such as a drug with a pair of indentations on the periphery. Note that a similar problem can occur, for example, when a single drug without an indentation on the periphery is mistakenly recognized as two drugs (two half tablets) separated by an imprint.

[0122] Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 17, a front and back image of multiple overlapping medications may be displayed in the inspection field R133 as if it were a front and back image of a single medication. In this case, since a master image corresponding to the front and back image does not exist in the medication master table, the front and back image is not classified as any of the medications specified in the prescription information and is determined to be an "unclassified medication." In this case, by looking at the inspection field R133 on the inspection result screen G1, the user (inspector) can see at a glance that the front and back image is a front and back image of multiple overlapping medications, and can therefore realize that the front and back image is abnormal (not a single medication).

[0123] If the front and back images of the unclassified medicine remain on the inspection result screen G1, it will be impossible to know later what decision the user (inspector) ultimately made about the front and back images. Therefore, it is preferable not to leave the front and back images of the unclassified medicine on the inspection result screen G1.

[0124] Therefore, the controller 8 executes a process of dividing the unclassified medicine into a plurality of medicines. Specifically, the controller 8 first displays the front and back images determined to be the unclassified medicine in a manner that makes them distinguishable from other medicines, for example, by highlighting them in the inspection column R133 of the inspection result screen G1, for example, by surrounding them with a mark M1 such as a red dotted frame, as shown in Fig. 17. This makes it easier for the user (inspector) to notice that there is the unclassified medicine.

[0125] Then, the user can select the unclassified drug by clicking the mark M1, for example, to separate the unclassified drug. At this time, it is preferable that how to separate the unclassified drug is determined according to a user operation.

[0126] As an example, as shown in FIG. 18, there is a method in which the user directly specifies individual drugs from the image of the unclassified drug (the front and back images). In this method, for example, when the user performs an operation to select the unclassified drug, the unclassified drug is enlarged and the user performs an operation to select individual drugs from the enlarged image of the unclassified drug. In the example of FIG. 18, an "X" mark is displayed at each of multiple positions specified by the user with a pointer or the like, and the controller 8 separates drugs marked with the "X" mark from the unclassified drugs so that each of the multiple "X" marks belongs to an area of ​​a different drug. Instead of specifying with a pointer, for example, the user may specify individual drugs by specifying an area, such as by surrounding each drug with a rectangular frame.

[0127] As another example, as shown in Figure 19, there is a method in which the user specifies how to separate the unclassified medicine from among multiple separation patterns that are automatically proposed. In this method, for example, when the user performs an operation to select the unclassified medicine, the controller 8 proposes multiple separation patterns for the unclassified medicine and displays the multiple separation patterns. In the example of Figure 19, two separation patterns are presented, so when the user performs an operation to select one of the separation patterns, the unclassified medicine is separated according to the selected separation pattern.

[0128] Furthermore, when the controller 8 automatically performs the separation, the user may be able to specify the separation level indicating how aggressively the separation will be performed, the number of medicines, and / or the shape of the medicines, etc.

[0129] After the cutting process is performed, the inspection result screen G1 as shown in Fig. 14 is displayed, and images of the cut individual medicines are displayed in the inspection field R133. Furthermore, the images of the cut individual medicines (or the inspection result screen G1 including those images) are stored in the storage unit 80 so that the images can be checked later.

[0130] [Remaining medication check process] The controller 8 performs the following process when performing the remaining medicine check (checking for remaining medicine): That is, the controller 8 performs the remaining medicine check based on a captured image of at least one of the upper region of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, which extends from the relay hopper 71 to approximately the middle position of the chute section 72, and the lower region of the medicine packaging introduction member 7, which extends from approximately the middle position of the chute section 72 to the inside of the opening in the packaging paper S. If the position of the relay hopper 71 or the chute section 72, or the wrinkles in the packaging paper S, change, the change may result in a determination that there is remaining medicine even when there is not.

[0131] Therefore, the controller 8 has a function of estimating, by machine learning, changes in the captured image for the remaining medicine check caused by, for example, the position of the relay hopper 71 or the chute unit 72, or caused by the packaging paper S, such as wrinkles, white bands, or solid white areas on the packaging paper S. This makes it possible to eliminate changes in the captured image for the remaining medicine check caused by the position of the relay hopper 71 or the chute unit 72, or the packaging paper S, and improve the accuracy of the remaining medicine check.

[0132] Alternatively, the controller 8 may have a function to detect positional deviation of the relay hopper 71 or the chute unit 72. In this case, the controller 8 corrects the photographed image or master image for the remaining medicine check in accordance with the positional deviation of the relay hopper 71 or the chute unit 72. This makes it possible to eliminate changes in the photographed image for the remaining medicine check caused by the position of the relay hopper 71 or the chute unit 72, thereby improving the accuracy of the remaining medicine check.

[0133] [Display processing by dosage period] As shown in FIG. 20, when a user selects a dosing time on the inspection result screen G1, the display processing unit 83 displays only the front and back images of the medicine packet for the selected dosing time in the inspection field R133. Furthermore, the display processing unit 83 also displays only the medicine in the medicine packet for the selected dosing time in the medicine list area R12. The medicine in the medicine packet for the dosing time here refers to the medicine associated with the dosing time in the prescription information (packaging data), not the medicine that has actually been dispensed. In the example of FIG. 20, since "after breakfast" is selected as the dosing time, only the medicine dispensed for "after breakfast" and named "04 Test" is displayed. Medicines dispensed for other dosing times (e.g., "after dinner") are not displayed. The remaining check field R132 is omitted from the inspection result screen G1 shown in FIG. 20.

[0134] [Original image display processing] As illustrated in FIG. 21, when a user specifies a drug (including the unclassified drug) on ​​the inspection result screen G1, the display processing unit 83 displays an original image G12 (the captured image) containing an image determined to be the specified drug in the original image field R134. On the inspection result screen G1 shown in FIG. 21, the original image field R134 is displayed instead of the remaining check field R132. The example in FIG. 21 assumes a case where a user performs an operation to specify a drug with the drug name "04 Test" in the drug list area R12. In this case, a mark M2 such as a light blue frame is added to the front and back images of the drug (04 Test) in the inspection field R133, and the original image G12 recognized as containing the drug (04 Test) is displayed in the original image field R134.

[0135] Here, for a medicine package that does not contain the specified medicine (04 test), such as the fifth package in Fig. 21, the original image G12 including an image determined to be a medicine other than the specified medicine (04 test) is displayed in the original image field R134. However, this is not limiting, and for a medicine package that does not contain the specified medicine (04 test), the original image G12 does not have to be displayed in the original image field R134.

[0136] According to this configuration, for example, as shown in Figure 16, if the drug checking unit 82 mistakenly identifies a single drug (1 tablet) with a pair of depressions on the outer periphery as two drugs (2 half tablets) separated by the pair of depressions, the user can realize that they have been mistaken by looking at the original image G12.

[0137] Furthermore, when a user performs an operation to designate a drug in the inspection field R133 of the medicine package list area R13, rather than in the medicine list area R12, it is preferable to display the original image G12 for the medicine package containing the designated drug. For example, when a user performs an operation to designate a drug with the drug name "04 Test" in the inspection field R133 of the second package in the medicine package list area R13, the original image G12 recognized as containing the drug (04 Test) is displayed in the original image field R134 of the second package in the medicine package list area R13.

[0138] [How to register a master image] The medication check unit 82 of the controller 8 checks (inspects) medications by comparing the photographed image taken by the photographing unit 60 with a master image of a medication master (the medication master table) stored in the memory unit 80. There are two types of master images: a real master image and a provisional master image. The real master image is an accurate and clear image of a medication and is used, for example, to recognize markings (such as letters) on the medication. The provisional master image is a rougher (less accurate) image of a medication than the real master image and is used, for example, to recognize the quantity of a medication. In other words, the real master image is clear enough to allow recognition of markings such as markings or printing on the medication, whereas the provisional master image is blurred enough to make it difficult to recognize markings such as markings or printing on the medication.

[0139] As a method for registering the master image, the packaging support system 10 creates the master image from an image obtained by actually photographing a medicine with the photographing unit 60, and registers the master image in the medicine master in the storage unit 80. Here, for both the real master image and the provisional master image, when registering the master image for a certain medicine, the medicine is dispensed from the medicine containing and dispensing unit 11, and the medicine is photographed with the photographing unit 60.

[0140] First, when registering the temporary master image, the user performs an operation to start temporary master registration, such as pressing a "temporary master registration button," and then specifies the drug for which the temporary master image is to be registered. In this case, the packaging support system 10 creates packaging data for the specified drug with a dispensing quantity of "1," dispenses only one tablet of the drug from the drug containing and dispensing unit 11, photographs the image with the photographing section 60, and packages the image with the packaging unit 4. The image photographed at this time is registered as the temporary master image.

[0141] On the other hand, when registering the master image, the user performs a master registration start operation, such as pressing a "master registration button," and further specifies the drug to be registered with the master image. In this case, the packaging support system 10 creates packaging data for the specified drug with a dispensing quantity of multiple (e.g., "10"), dispenses multiple tablets of the drug from the drug storage and dispensing unit 11, photographs each of the multiple tablets (e.g., 10 tablets) with the photographing unit 60, and packages them with the packaging unit 4. The multiple images (e.g., 10) photographed at this time are associated with the specified drug and stored in the memory unit 80 as candidate images. The user then checks the multiple candidate images (e.g., 10) and selects a desired candidate image from the multiple candidate images. The selected candidate image is registered as the master image.

[0142] In this way, by making it possible to distinguish and register the real master image and the temporary master image, it is possible to appropriately register each of the real master image and the temporary master image. Note that although the example of medicines dispensed from medicine containing and dispensing unit 11 has been described, medicines manually distributed by manual distribution unit 13 may also be used.

[0143] Furthermore, since the drug check unit 82 gives priority to using the official master image, if both the official master image and the temporary master image are registered, the official master image is used preferentially. If the temporary master image has been registered for a certain drug but the official master image has not, the controller 8 preferably issues a notification urging the user to register the official master image. Furthermore, it is preferable that the output (display) mode of the inspection result differs between when the official master image is used and when the temporary master image is used.

[0144] Furthermore, even when a drug is determined to be an unclassified drug, the controller 8 preferably notifies the user to register the official master image and / or the temporary master image. The registration of the official master image and / or the temporary master image here includes "re-registration," which involves deleting the registered official master image and / or the temporary master image and re-registering (or updating) it. In this case, the date on which the drug was determined to be an unclassified drug may be notified (displayed, etc.) in a list along with the number of cases. Furthermore, by selecting a date in the list, a list of images of drugs registered as unclassified drugs on that date may be displayed on the display device 101. In this case, when an image in the list is selected, the display preferably transitions to the inspection result screen G1 on which the drug was inspected. This allows the user to check the prescription at that time from the inspection result screen G1 and identify which drugs have been deemed unclassified. Furthermore, drugs frequently determined to be unclassified drugs are displayed on the inspection result screen G1 for notification, and re-registering the official master image and / or temporary master image for the drug can reduce the likelihood of the drug being determined to be an unclassified drug.

[0145] [Master image details] The master image used by the drug check unit 82 of the controller 8 to check (inspect) drugs will be described in detail below. The photographed image to be compared with the master image is photographed by the drug photographing device 6, and the photographing unit 60 of the drug photographing device 6 is equipped with the first camera 61 and the second camera 62. The first camera 61 is an example of an "upper camera" that photographs the drug in the storage unit 50 located at the drug photographing position P5 from above. The second camera 62 is an example of a "lower camera" that photographs the drug from below.

[0146] The processes for the photographing unit 60 to photograph the medicine in the storage unit 50 in the non-backlit state include the first photographing process using the first camera 61 and the third photographing process using the second camera 62. That is, in the first photographing process, the first camera 61 photographs the medicine in the storage unit 50 from above in the non-backlit state with the upper illumination unit 63 turned on. On the other hand, in the third photographing process, the second camera 62 photographs the medicine in the storage unit 50 from below in the non-backlit state through a transparent member such as the support unit 52 and / or the surface light-emitting member 65 (which constitute the bottom surface of the storage unit 50) with the lower illumination unit 64 turned on.

[0147] In this way, when the drug photographing device 6 photographs a drug, there are differences in the photographing conditions (photographing environment) between the first photographing process and the third photographing process, such as whether the camera is the first camera 61 or the second camera 62, whether the lighting is the upper lighting unit 63 or the lower lighting unit 64, whether a transparent member is used or not, and the distance to the subject.

[0148] A medicine has a front surface (hereinafter referred to as "side A") and a back surface (hereinafter referred to as "side B"), and the appearance of the side A and the side B may differ depending on the presence or absence of an inscription or the like that is the medicine information. As an example, some medicines may have an inscription or the like only on the side A, and no inscription or the like on the side B. However, since the posture of the medicine in the storage section 50 located at the medicine photographing position P5 is not particularly managed, it is unclear whether the side A or the side B of the medicine faces upward (toward the first camera 61). Therefore, the photographing section 60 of the medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicine in the storage section 50 from both the upper and lower sides through the first photographing process and the third photographing process, thereby making it possible to acquire the photographed images of both the side A and the side B.

[0149] However, since the photographing conditions are different between the first photographing process and the third photographing process, the color tone, etc., of the side A of the medicine in the storage unit 50 may differ between the photographed image taken in the first photographing process and the photographed image taken in the third photographing process. Similarly, the color tone, etc., of the back side (hereinafter referred to as "side B") of the medicine in the storage unit 50 may differ between the photographed image taken in the first photographing process and the photographed image taken in the third photographing process.

[0150] Therefore, for example, when comparing the photographed images of the A side of the medicine photographed in the first photographing process using the first camera 61, the degree of match (similarity) may not be stable if the master image prepared in advance is an image of the A side of the medicine photographed in the third photographing process using the second camera 62. Similarly, when comparing the photographed images of the B side of the medicine photographed in the third photographing process using the second camera 62, the degree of match (similarity) may not be stable if the master image prepared in advance is an image of the B side of the medicine photographed in the first photographing process using the first camera 61.

[0151] In this embodiment, in order to avoid such problems and achieve more stable matching, multiple master images are prepared for one (same) drug, as shown in Fig. 22. The multiple master images are registered, for example, in a drug master (the drug master table) stored in the storage unit 80. The drug check unit 82 then checks (inspects) the drug by matching the multiple master images with the captured image.

[0152] As a method of registering the multiple master images, the packaging support system 10 creates the multiple master images from images obtained by actually photographing the medicine with the photographing unit 60, and registers the multiple master images in the medicine master in the memory unit 80.

[0153] In Fig. 22, each row corresponds to the posture of the drug in the storage section 50, and each column corresponds to the imaging conditions. In Fig. 22, it is assumed that the drug is disk-shaped, and that the A side of the drug is marked with "A" and the B side of the drug is marked with "B".

[0154] Specifically, the first row from the top of Fig. 22 corresponds to an orientation (I) in which the drug in the storage unit 50 faces the A side upward (toward the first camera 61), and the second row from the top corresponds to an orientation (II) in which the drug in the storage unit 50 faces the B side upward (toward the first camera 61). Furthermore, the third row from the top of Fig. 22 corresponds to an orientation (III) in which the drug in the storage unit 50 faces the A side and the B side laterally, a so-called "vertical orientation." Also, in Fig. 22, the first column from the left corresponds to the imaging conditions of the first imaging process, the second column from the left corresponds to the third imaging process, and the third column from the left corresponds to the imaging conditions of the second imaging process.

[0155] 22, it is assumed that a total of nine (=3×3) master images are used, three for the medicine in the storage unit 50 and three for the photographing process. Such a plurality of master images (here, nine) are used by the medicine check unit 82 according to the photographing conditions.

[0156] In other words, the drug check unit 82 compares the photographed image taken by the first photographing process with the two master images of postures (I) and (II) in the first column from the left, which correspond to the photographing conditions of the first photographing process. Similarly, the drug check unit 82 compares the photographed image taken by the third photographing process with the two master images of postures (I) and (II) in the second column from the left, which correspond to the photographing conditions of the third photographing process.

[0157] More specifically, the drug check unit 82 first compares the photographed image taken by the second photographing process with the master image that corresponds to the photographing conditions of the second photographing process and that corresponds to posture (I) (i.e., located in the upper right of FIG. 22). At this time, the drug check unit 82 checks the outer shape and major axis size of the drug. Next, the drug check unit 82 compares the photographed image taken by the first photographing process with the master image that corresponds to the photographing conditions of the first photographing process and that corresponds to posture (I) (i.e., located in the upper left of FIG. 22). At this time, the drug check unit 82 checks the color of the drug.

[0158] Next, the drug check unit 82 compares the photographed image photographed by the first photographing process with the master images that correspond to the photographing conditions of the first photographing process and that correspond to posture (I) and posture (II) (i.e., located in the upper left and center left of FIG. 22). At this time, the drug check unit 82 checks marks such as imprints on the A side and / or the B side of the drug.

[0159] Furthermore, the drug check unit 82 compares the photographed image photographed by the third photographing process with the master image that corresponds to the photographing conditions of the third photographing process and that corresponds to posture (I) and posture (II) (i.e., located at the top center and center of Figure 22). At this time, the drug check unit 82 checks marks such as imprints on the A side and / or the B side of the drug.

[0160] Then, the drug check unit 82 determines whether the captured image matches any of the multiple master images, and if so, recognizes that the drug in the captured image is the drug specified in the packaging data and determines that inspection is OK.

[0161] Furthermore, if the medicine in the storage unit 50 is in the vertical position (III), the medicine check unit 82 compares the photographed image taken by the second photographing process with the master image that corresponds to the photographing conditions of the second photographing process and corresponds to the position (III) (i.e., located at the bottom right of Figure 22). At this time, the medicine check unit 82 checks the outer shape and major axis size of the medicine. Next, for the photographed image taken by the first photographing process, the medicine check unit 82 compares the photographed image with the master image that corresponds to the photographing conditions of the first photographing process and corresponds to the position (III) (i.e., located at the bottom left of Figure 22). At this time, the medicine check unit 82 checks the color of the medicine. If the medicine is in the vertical position (III), the medicine check unit 82 ends the medicine check here (up to the color check).

[0162] As described above, the packaging support system 10 according to this embodiment includes the medicine photographing device 6 and the medicine check unit 82. The medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicine. The medicine check unit 82 checks (inspects) the medicine by comparing the photographed image photographed by the medicine photographing device 6 with the master image. The medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicine under a plurality of the photographing conditions. The medicine check unit 82 checks the medicine using a plurality of the master images corresponding to each of the plurality of photographing conditions.

[0163] In short, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 22, the plurality of master images set for each of the photographing conditions are used. Therefore, for example, when comparing the photographed images of the A side of the medicine photographed in the first photographing process using the first camera 61, the degree of match (similarity) can be stabilized by using the master image of the A side of the medicine photographed in the first photographing process using the first camera 61. Similarly, when comparing the photographed images of the B side of the medicine photographed in the third photographing process using the second camera 62, the degree of match (similarity) can be stabilized by using the master image of the B side of the medicine photographed in the third photographing process using the second camera 62.

[0164] In this way, a plurality of master images each having different photographing conditions are prepared for one (same) drug, and the drug check unit 82 compares the photographed image photographed by the drug photographing device 6 with the plurality of master images. Therefore, even if the degree of match between the photographed image having different photographing conditions and the master image is low, the degree of match can be stabilized by comparing the photographed image having the same photographing conditions with the master image.

[0165] Furthermore, in the packaging support system 10, the medicine photographing device 6 is designed to match the photographing conditions of the first camera 61 and the second camera 62 so that differences in the photographing conditions are minimized regardless of whether the first camera 61 or the second camera 62 is used. However, it is difficult to make the first camera 61 and the second camera 62 have a completely symmetrical structure, and it is also difficult to match the photographing conditions of the two cameras completely. Therefore, in this embodiment, the differences in the photographing conditions are utilized to the contrary, and multiple master images are used to reduce the influence of the differences in the photographing conditions.

[0166] In this embodiment, the drug photographing device 6 generates two or more photographed images by photographing two or more sides (side A and side B) of one drug under different photographing conditions. Here, the drug check unit 82 checks the drug by comparing two or more master images corresponding to the two or more photographed images with multiple sets of master images, with the two or more master images being treated as one set.

[0167] In the example of Fig. 22, the master images in each row corresponding to different shooting conditions are considered to be one set. That is, the first row from the top of Fig. 22 includes two master images: the master image obtained by shooting the A side in the first shooting process and the master image obtained by shooting the B side in the third shooting process, and these two master images constitute a first master image set. Similarly, the second row from the top of Fig. 22 includes two master images: the master image obtained by shooting the B side in the first shooting process and the master image obtained by shooting the A side in the third shooting process, and these two master images constitute a second master image set.

[0168] The drug check unit 82 compares the two captured images, the captured image taken in the first capturing process and the captured image taken in the third capturing process, with the first master image set and the second master image set, respectively. At this time, if the drug in the storage unit 50 is in an orientation (I) with the A side facing upward (toward the first camera 61), the two captured images match the first master image set. On the other hand, if the drug in the storage unit 50 is in an orientation (II) with the B side facing upward (toward the first camera 61), the two captured images match the second master image set.

[0169] In this way, the drug check unit 82 compares a combination of multiple captured images with different shooting conditions with a combination of multiple master images (master image set) with similarly different shooting conditions, thereby making it easier to improve the accuracy of drug checks.

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the medicine check unit 82 checks the medicine without specifying which side of one medicine the medicine photographing device 6 is photographing.

[0171] For this reason, for example, when the photographed image of the side A of the medicine photographed in the first photographing process is compared with the master image of the side A of the medicine photographed in the third photographing process, the degree of match may not be stable. Therefore, the effect of using the multiple master images set for each photographing condition is remarkable.

[0172] Also, the multiple master images shown in Figure 22 are merely an example. For example, the two master images corresponding to posture (III) and corresponding to the shooting conditions of the first shooting process and the second shooting process (i.e., located at the bottom left and bottom right of Figure 22) can be omitted. Furthermore, the three master images corresponding to posture (III) (i.e., located in the third row from the top of Figure 22) can be omitted. Furthermore, the master image corresponding to the shooting conditions of the second shooting process and corresponding to posture (II) (i.e., located at the center right of Figure 22) can be omitted.

[0173] In the above example, the drug check unit 82 uses the multiple master images corresponding to the multiple shooting conditions. However, this is not limited to this. Alternatively, the drug check unit 82 may use multiple captured images corrected using multiple correction coefficients corresponding to the multiple shooting conditions. That is, when the drug check unit 82 corrects, for example, color tone, brightness, contrast, size, and / or distortion of the captured image using the correction coefficients, the correction coefficients may be prepared for each of the shooting conditions. The drug check unit 82 then determines whether any of the multiple captured images corrected using the correction coefficients matches the master image. If they match, the drug in the captured image is recognized as the drug specified in the packaging data, and the inspection is deemed OK.

[0174] As described above, the packaging support system 10 includes the medicine photographing device 6 and the medicine check unit 82. The medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicine. The medicine check unit 82 checks (inspects) the medicine by comparing the photographed image photographed by the medicine photographing device 6 with the master image. The medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicine under a plurality of the photographing conditions. The medicine check unit 82 checks the medicine using the photographed images corrected using a plurality of the correction coefficients corresponding to each of the plurality of photographing conditions.

[0175] In this case, the capacity of the storage unit 80 is less likely to become constrained compared to when the plurality of master images are prepared in advance and registered in the medicine master in the storage unit 80.

[0176] Furthermore, the support part 52 constituting the bottom plate of the storage part 50 may be openable and closable. In this case, when the second camera 62 photographs the medicine in the storage part 50 from below, the support part 52 may be opened.

[0177] Furthermore, since the revolver 501 has the plurality of storage sections 50, each of the plurality of storage sections 50 may have the plurality of imaging conditions. In other words, the imaging conditions may be different for each of the storage sections 50.

[0178] Furthermore, if the photographing conditions differ depending on the model of the packing support system 10, the master image corresponding to the photographing conditions may be registered for each model of the packing support system 10.

[0179] [Collection and distribution of master images] 23, the packaging support system 10 according to this embodiment is communicably connected to a host system 90 wirelessly or via a wired connection via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or an intranet. Here, the host system 90 is, for example, a server device. A plurality of the packaging support systems 10, each installed in a different medical institution, are communicably connected to the host system 90.

[0180] The host system 90 has a collection function for collecting the photographed images from the plurality of packing support systems 10, and a distribution function for distributing the master images to the plurality of packing support systems 10. The collection function allows the host system 90 to centrally manage the photographed images taken by the medicine photographing device 6 in at least some of the plurality of packing support systems 10. Furthermore, the distribution function allows each of the plurality of packing support systems 10 to register as the master image even medicines that have not been photographed by the medicine photographing device 6.

[0181] More specifically, the host system 90 collects, via communication, the photographed images taken by the drug photographing device 6 for drugs for which at least some of the master images are determined to be missing from at least some of the packing support systems 10. The host system 90 creates the master image based on the collected photographed images. At this time, the host system 90 may perform appropriate image processing on the photographed images as necessary. Furthermore, when a plurality of similar photographed images are collected, the host system 90 may select one or more photographed images from the plurality of photographed images that are suitable for creating the master image for use in creating the master image. At this time, the host system 90 may create the master image for a certain drug based on the photographed images collected from two or more of the packing support systems 10, or based on the photographed images collected from a single packing support system 10.

[0182] The host system 90 distributes the plurality of master images via communication to at least some of the plurality of packing support systems 10. The distribution of the master images may be performed by the host system 90 voluntarily (periodically or irregularly), or may be performed by the host system 90 in response to a request from the packing support system 10.

[0183] 23, the packaging support system 10 further includes a transmission processing unit 85 and a reception processing unit 86. The transmission processing unit 85 transmits the photographed image taken by the medicine photographing device 6 to the host system 90. The reception processing unit 86 receives the master image generated by the host system 90 based on the photographed image. In the present embodiment, as an example, the transmission processing unit 85 and the reception processing unit 86 are included in the controller 8 (see FIG. 4) as one function of the controller 8.

[0184] The packaging support system 10 registers the master image received by the receiving processing unit 86 in the medicine master in the storage unit 80. Here, for both the real master image and the temporary master image, the master image received by the receiving processing unit 86 is registered by being stored in the medicine master in the storage unit 80.

[0185] According to this configuration, it is possible to create (generate) the master image based on the captured image of the medicine used at the institution (the medical institution) where the plurality of packaging support systems 10 are installed. Therefore, it becomes easier to create the master image even for medicines that are difficult to obtain, such as narcotics or expensive medicines.

[0186] In particular, when the master image for a certain drug has not been registered, the packing support system 10 dispenses the drug from the drug containing and dispensing unit 11 and photographs the drug with the photographing unit 60. At this time, the packing support system 10 photographs the drug while it is placed alone in the center of the storage unit 50 so that the photographing unit 60 can photograph the drug alone. The packing support system 10 then determines whether the drug is similar to other drugs and registers the image as the temporary master image, thereby enabling inspection support for the drug during subsequent packaging. One method of arranging the drug in the center of the storage unit 50 is to rotate the revolver 501 until the storage unit 50 containing the drug passes the drug photographing position P5, and then rotate the revolver 501 in the reverse direction to return the storage unit 50 to the drug photographing position P5.

[0187] [Note] As described above, the packaging support system 10 includes the medicine photographing device 6 that photographs medicines, and the medicine check unit 82 that checks (inspects) the medicines by comparing the photographed image photographed by the medicine photographing device 6 with the master image. The medicine photographing device 6 photographs the medicines in at least an interposed state with the transparent member interposed therebetween and an uninterposed state without the transparent member interposed therebetween. The medicine check unit 82 checks the medicines using the master images corresponding to the interposed state and the uninterposed state, respectively.

[0188] The master image used in the packaging support system 10 is generated by a generating device. The generating device includes an input unit, a storage unit, and an output unit. The input unit accepts input of drug identification information. The storage unit stores four or more images generated by photographing two or more sides of a single drug under different photographing conditions as the master images in association with the drug identification information. The output unit outputs at least one of the master images corresponding to the drug identification information based on the drug identification information accepted by the input unit. Here, the output mode of the output unit includes output to the packaging support system 10 (calling for use in an audit), as well as display or output (writing) to a recording medium, etc.

[0189] [Variations] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as the present invention or within an equivalent scope.

[0190] The multiple components included in the packaging support system 10 may be distributed across multiple housings. Conversely, the multiple components distributed across multiple housings in the above embodiment may be integrated into a single housing.

[0191] The number of the storage units 50 provided on the turntable unit 5010 is not limited to six, but may be five or less, or seven or more. Furthermore, the forward rotation direction of the turntable unit 5010 is not limited to the clockwise direction in a plan view, but may be the counterclockwise direction.

Claims

1. A support part; a rotating disk supported by the support portion in a state in which the rotating disk can rotate around a rotation axis along a vertical direction; a packaging unit that packages the medicines discharged from the turntable; a medicine photographing device for photographing the medicine, the turntable unit has a plurality of storage units around the rotation axis, each of which stores the drug; the medicine photographing device photographs the medicine in the storage unit located at a medicine photographing position of the support unit, The medicine in the storage section located at the medicine discharge position of the support section is discharged into the packaging unit, In the depth direction of the support part, the medicine ejection position is located in front of the medicine photographing position. Packaging support system.

2. The support portion is retractable toward the front side in the depth direction. The packaging support system according to claim 1 .

3. A medicine packaging introduction member is removably attached to the support part at the medicine discharge position of the support part. The packaging support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The drug packaging introduction member is detachable below the support part. The packaging support system according to claim 3 .

5. The medicine photographing device has a lower camera that photographs the medicine from below the support part. The packaging support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a medicine supply unit that supplies the medicine to the turntable unit; the medicine supply unit includes a first transport path that transports the medicine by utilizing free fall of the medicine, and a second transport path that is located downstream of the first transport path and communicates with the first transport path; the second transport path is configured by a path member that is detachably attached to a holder located downstream of the first transport path; The packaging support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The holder is positioned between the first transport path and a receiving tray. The packaging support system according to claim 6.

8. The path member is detachable upward from the holder. The packaging support system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. a plurality of first transport paths are provided, the path member is divided into a number of divisions equal to or less than the number of the first transport paths; The packaging support system according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. the medicine supply unit includes a rack that is detachably attached to the first transport path and that supplies the medicine to the first transport path; When the path member is detached from the holder, attachment of the rack to the first transport path is prohibited. The packaging support system according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. a medication photographing device for photographing medication; a medicine check unit that checks the medicine by comparing the photographed image taken by the medicine photographing device with a master image, the medicine photographing device photographs the medicine under a plurality of photographing conditions; The medicine check unit checks the medicine using a plurality of the master images corresponding to the plurality of photographing conditions, Packaging support system.

12. The medicine photographing device photographs two or more surfaces of one of the medicines under different photographing conditions to generate two or more photographed images, The drug check unit checks the drug by comparing two or more of the master images corresponding to the two or more photographed images with a plurality of sets of the master images, with the two or more photographed images being one set. The packaging support system according to claim 11.

13. the medicine check unit checks the medicine without specifying which side of the medicine is being photographed by the medicine photographing device. The packaging support system according to claim 11 or 12.

14. a medication photographing device for photographing medication; a medicine check unit that checks the medicine by comparing the photographed image taken by the medicine photographing device with a master image, the medicine photographing device photographs the medicine under a plurality of photographing conditions; The drug check unit checks the drug using a plurality of the photographed images corrected using a plurality of correction coefficients corresponding to the plurality of photographing conditions, respectively. Packaging support system.

15. a transmission processing unit that transmits the photographed image photographed by the medicine photographing device to a host system; a reception processing unit that receives the master image generated by the host system based on the captured image, The packaging support system according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

Images