Confirmation device and medication support apparatus

Abstract

To reduce a burden of confirmation work for confirming whether a correspondence relationship between a storage unit and a medicine placement unit set in a medication support apparatus is a correct correspondence relationship (whether it is normal).SOLUTION: A confirmation device 300 for confirming a correspondence relationship between a medicine pack or a storage unit and a medicine placement unit set in a medication support apparatus 200 that dispenses medicines by transferring the medicine pack stored in the storage unit to the corresponding medicine placement unit, includes: a collation information acquisition unit 310 that acquires collation information; a collation unit 325 that performs collation between first information read by a first information reading unit 65 from a first information holding medium provided on the storage unit or the medicine pack stored in the storage unit, second information read by a second information reading unit 65 from a second information holding medium provided on the medicine placement unit, and the collation information acquired by the collation information acquisition unit; and a collation result output unit 326 that outputs a collation result of the collation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a confirmation device and a medication support device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Medication support devices are known that transfer medicine packs stored in a storage unit to corresponding medicine placement units and dispense medicine.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medication support device that transfers a medicine pack removed from a cartridge (storage section) to a corresponding dispensing box (medicine placement section) on a medication tray. This medication support device has a pack information management system that reads and manages medication-related information from the medicine pack, including at least the recipient's name and medication timing, and a medication dispensing information management system that reads and manages medication dispensing information, including at least the recipient's name and medication timing. This medication support device automatically transfers the medicine pack removed from the cartridge (storage section) to the corresponding dispensing box by comparing the medication dispensing information with the medication-related information. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the past, users had to visually check whether the correspondence between the storage section and the medicine placement section set in the medication support device was correct (whether it was normal), which posed a problem in that this confirmation task was a heavy burden. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a confirmation device that confirms the correspondence between a medicine pack or a storage unit set in a medication support device that transfers and dispenses medicine packs stored in a storage unit to a corresponding medicine placement unit, and the medicine placement unit, and is characterized by having a matching information acquisition unit that acquires matching information, a matching unit that matches first information read by a first information reading unit from a first information holding medium provided in the storage unit or the medicine pack stored in the storage unit, and second information read by a second information reading unit from a second information holding medium provided in the medicine placement unit, with the matching information acquired by the matching information acquisition unit, and a matching result output unit that outputs the matching result of the matching unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden of the task of checking whether the correspondence between the storage section and the medicine arrangement section set in the medication support device is correct (normal). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A is a front view of a main part of a medication dispensing device constituting a medication support device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view of the main part of the medication dispensing device. [Figure 2] (a) is a plan view of one single-dose drug pack. (b) is a side view of the same single-dose drug pack as seen from the direction of arrow A in Figure 2(a). (c) is a side view of a continuous single-dose drug pack made up of a series of the same single-dose drug packs. (d) is a plan view of the continuous single-dose drug pack. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a medication tray set in the medication dispensing device. [Figure 4] 1(a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of attaching a label with a QR code (registered trademark) to a dispensing box placed on the medication tray, and FIG. 1(b) is an explanatory diagram explaining an example of display of the label with the QR code. [Figure 5] 1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge to be set in the medicine dispensing device, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the cartridge. [Figure 6]6(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cartridge of another example different from the example of FIG. 5, and FIG. 6(b) is a bottom view of the same cartridge. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional plan view of the essential parts showing the cartridge attachment / detachment mechanism provided in the drawer section of the medication dispensing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating an identification configuration for a cartridge provided in the drawer section. [Figure 9] 1A is a front view showing the configuration of the carriage of the medication dispensing device, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the carriage. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 11A to 11C are front views showing the progress of the carriage operation following FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 12A to 12C are front views showing the progress of the carriage operation following FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the operation of reading a QR code displayed on a cartridge. [Figure 14] 1A is a front view showing the main configuration of a transfer unit of the medicine dispensing device, and FIG. 1B is a side view showing the main configuration of the transfer unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the medication dispensing device. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a cartridge detection sensor that detects the attachment and detachment (insertion and removal) of a cartridge. [Figure 17] (1) is a diagram showing the cartridge tray without a cartridge set, and (2) is a diagram showing the cartridge set in the cartridge tray. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a plurality of cartridge trays each having a cartridge detection sensor disposed thereon. [Figure 19] An explanatory diagram illustrating the overall work flow of a medication support system when a patient at a nursing facility takes medication provided by a dispensing pharmacy. [Figure 20] A functional block diagram of a medication distribution system consisting of a medication distribution device and a computer installed in a nursing care facility. [Figure 21] 10 is a table showing an example of delivery data acquired by the inspection management system from a database file in a storage unit. [Figure 22] 10 is a table showing an example of the results of the matching performed by the inspection management system. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an inspection operation flow of the inspection management system. [Figure 24] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the first inspection operation, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing the second inspection operation. [Figure 25] An example of the management app screen displayed when loading a database file into the inspection management system. [Figure 26] 10 is an example of a screen display that is displayed when an inspection operation is performed and the execution results are displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medication support device equipped with a confirmation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the main configuration of the essential parts of the medication dispensing device that constitutes the medication support device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the main parts of the drug dispensing device of this embodiment, Fig. 1(a) is a front view showing the main configuration of the main parts of the drug dispensing device, and Fig. 1(b) is a side view showing the side configuration of Fig. 1(a). In Fig. 1, the left-right direction or horizontal direction (also the width direction) of the drug dispensing device 200 is the X direction, the front-back direction or depth direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction or vertical direction (also the vertical direction) is the Z direction (the same applies to each figure described later).

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the main parts of the medication dispensing device 200 include a cartridge 10, also called a storage section, a cartridge tray 20 as a storage section mounting section, a drawer section 80, a medication dispensing tray 30, a carriage 50, also called an extraction section, a transport section 90, and a first entrance / exit section 41 to a fourth entrance / exit section 44.

[0011] The cartridge 10 functions as a storage section of the present invention that stores, in layers, single-dose drug packs (hereinafter simply referred to as "packs"), which are drug packs in which drugs or other substances are individually packaged, or a series of single-dose drug packs (described later). A plurality of cartridges 10 are arranged via cartridge trays 20 on the middle and lower levels within a main body frame 199, which serves as the device main body of the medication dispensing device 200. The cartridges 10 are configured to be detachable from the cartridge tray 20. Here, "storing in layers" means storing the packs in a substantially horizontal position or in a flat stack.

[0012] The cartridge tray 20 is configured to be able to position and store a plurality of cartridges 10. The cartridge tray 20 has the function of placing and holding at least one cartridge 10 thereon.

[0013] A plurality of cartridges 10 are arranged in a drawer section 80 via cartridge trays 20 provided at the bottom and center of a main body frame 199 of the medication dispensing device 200. In the example of FIG. 1, 4 x 5 = 20 cartridges 10 are placed and held in one drawer section 80 (cartridge tray 20). Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the drawer section 80 may be referred to as the cartridge tray 20.

[0014] Each of the multiple cartridges 10 is placed and stored within a lattice-like partitioned side wall and bottom wall of the cartridge tray 20. The bottom wall of the cartridge tray 20 corresponding to each cartridge 10 is formed with a rectangular through-opening 21 for removing the pack from below the cartridge 10 by utilizing the elasticity or free deformation of the pack, as will be described later.

[0015] The drawer section 80 is configured to be able to position and hold the cartridge tray 20. A pair of slide rails 81 are attached to the outer walls of the drawer section 80, and the main body frame 199 is provided with main body rails that can engage with the slide rails 81 of the drawer section 80. This engagement between the main body rails and the slide rails 81 allows the drawer section 80, in which the cartridge tray 20 is stored and held, to be pulled out from the main body frame 199.

[0016] The medication tray 30 functions as a medication placement section mounting section that places and holds a plurality of subdivision boxes, which will be described later, as a medication placement section that places specific packs transferred by the transfer section 90. As shown in FIG. 1, two medication trays 30 are arranged in a state where they are placed above the cartridges 10 that are attached to the cartridge tray 20 in the top drawer section 80. Hereinafter, the installation location of the medication tray 30 (the location where the packs are handed over to the medication tray 30 to be automatically distributed) will be referred to as the medication distribution section 29.

[0017] The carriage 50 is an extracting unit that extracts a specific pack from the cartridge 10 and functions as part of the transporting unit. The transporting unit 90 has the function of transporting the pack extracted from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 and functions as part of the transporting unit. In other words, the carriage 50 and the transporting unit 90 constitute a transporting unit that extracts a specific pack from the cartridge 10 and transports it to a dispensing box on the medication tray 30, which serves as a medicine placement unit.

[0018] The first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 allow the cartridge 10 and the cartridge tray 20 to enter and exit the main body frame 199 via the drawer section 80. The cartridge 10 is inserted and set in the main body frame 199 through the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42, respectively. More specifically, the doors of the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 are opened, the drawer section 80 in which the cartridge tray 20 is set is pulled out, and the cartridge 10 or the cartridge tray 20 is attached or detached.

[0019] The third entrance / exit section 43 and the fourth entrance / exit section 44 allow each of the two medication dispensing trays 30 arranged side by side on the top shelf of the medication dispensing device 200 to move in and out of the main body frame 199. The third entrance / exit section 43 and the fourth entrance / exit section 44 are provided so that a pack can be removed immediately after being placed in a subdivision box on the medication dispensing tray 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "setting" or "inserting").

[0020] As described above, the medication dispensing device 200 has two medication dispensing trays 30, and as will be described later, medication dispensing trays are prepared for each medication taking timing, such as morning, midday, evening, before bed, etc. Since a third entrance / exit section 43 and a fourth entrance / exit section 44 for the medication dispensing tray are also provided for each medication dispensing tray, it is possible to remove a different medication dispensing tray even while a medication dispensing operation is being performed on another medication dispensing tray.

[0021] 1 are arranged in two locations, one above the other, below the topmost medication tray 30, but this is not limiting and they may be arranged together on either the upper or lower side. Depending on the number of people in the care facility, the cartridge trays 20 may be arranged in three or more tiers to achieve the same effect.

[0022] Next, an outline of the medicine pack according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a single-dose drug pack, which is a drug pack in this embodiment, with Figure 2(a) being a plan view showing the general form of one single-dose drug pack in this embodiment, Figure 2(b) being a side view of this single-dose drug pack as seen from the direction of arrow A in Figure 2(a), Figure 2(c) being a side view showing a continuous body of single-dose drug packs in which these single-dose drug packs are stacked, and Figure 2(d) being a plan view showing the general form of this continuous body of packs. Note that Figures 2(b) and 2(c) are schematic views in which the drugs are not shown.

[0023] The form of the medicine pack in this embodiment includes a single unit-dose medicine pack 2, a continuous body of unit-dose medicine packs 2A (hereinafter also simply referred to as "continuous pack body 2A") in which a plurality of unit-dose medicine packs 2 (two in FIG. 2(c)) are stacked in the stacking direction and joined together, for example, by staples, etc. In this embodiment, the description will be mainly focused on a single pack 2, but it goes without saying that the continuous pack body 2A is also included.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2(a), a single single-dose medicine pack 2 is made of, for example, a resin film, and contains small amounts of medicine 3, such as capsules or tablets, packed in bags. The single-dose medicine pack 2 has a bag portion 2a that covers the medicine 3, and a crimped portion 4, shown hatched, where three sides are crimped or welded. The side facing the bag portion 2a is usually folded in half, with the medicine 3 sandwiched between them, and the crimped portion 4 forms a leak-proof portion that prevents the medicine 3 from leaking from the bag portion 2a. The medicine 3 in one single-dose medicine pack 2 usually corresponds to a single dose for a patient.

[0025] The single-dose drug packs 2 are made (packaged) by a drug packaging machine installed in pharmacies, etc. The packaging paper (packaging sheet) used to package the exterior is a long rolled sheet that is folded and rolled up in an overlapping state, with the drug 3 to be taken sandwiched between the sheets. The three sides around the drug 3 other than the fold are sealed and divided into multiple doses by a crimping section 4, and the required number of single-dose drug packs 2 are formed into a continuous sheet. This continuous sheet-like single-dose drug pack is called a "continuous pack."

[0026] The continuous pack 2A shown in Figure 2(d) is a strip of multiple (three-dose) single-dose drug packs 2. The continuous pack 2A is typically provided and sold at pharmacies and other locations to users (including those who actually take the drugs in the single-dose drug packs, the caregivers who assist and support the user in taking the drugs, and staff at various nursing care facilities and medical facilities (pharmacists, nurses, caregivers, and medication supporters)). For the sake of simplicity, the following description illustrates a single pack containing drugs of the same form (capsules, tablets, etc.), but it goes without saying that different drugs may be used in a single pack depending on the user's use and purpose.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 2, the single-dose drug pack 2 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The packaging method in which three sides are crimped and sealed, as in this example, is generally called three-sided packaging, and most drug packaging machines on the market use this method to create packs.

[0028] The crimped portion 4 has a strip-like width of approximately 10 to 15 mm and is more rigid than the transparent or semi-transparent film-like bag portion 2a through which the medication 3 can be seen. When multiple single-dose medication packs 2 that make up the continuous pack string 2A are produced (packaged) by a medication packaging machine, a boundary portion 2b with a perforation 5 is formed in the center of the crimped portion 4 of the single-dose medication packs 2 that are adjacent to each other in a continuous sequence from upstream to downstream. A user with no dexterity issues can tear the single-dose medication pack 2 by hand at the perforation 5 or cut it near the perforation 5 with scissors or a special cutter to obtain a single single-dose medication pack 2.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2(c), a continuous pack 2A may also be used. The continuous pack 2A may be a plurality of (two shown in Figure 2c) single-dose drug packs 2 fastened together at the center of the three crimped portions 4 by a staple 8 (see Figure 2c), or may be integrated by tape, or may be an integrated package of herbal medicine packs or PTP (Press-Through-Pack) packaging sheets.

[0030] Medication-related information, such as the name of the recipient and the timing of administration, is attached to the surface of the pouch 2a of the single-dose medication pack 2. Specifically, the pack 2 shown in Fig. 2 is provided with a character string 6a indicating the name of the recipient (medication-related information) who will be taking the medication 3 in the pack 2, a character string 6b indicating the time (medication timing) to take the medication 3 (medication-related information), and a QR code (registered trademark) 6c as a first information storage medium, which is a two-dimensional code image that encodes the medication-related information including the recipient's name and the timing of administration. In the pack 2 shown in Fig. 2, the medication-related information in the form of character strings 6a and 6b and the QR code 6c, but this is not limiting and only one of these may be attached, or an information storage medium such as a one-dimensional code image such as a barcode or a storage medium such as an RFID tag used when tag information is read using short-range wireless communication may be used.

[0031] Further examples of medication-related information include the type of medication prescribed in a pack (including the shape of the medication), the number of tablets, and information imprinted on the medication itself. Medication-related information may be acquired and used individually, or multiple pieces of information may be acquired and used in combination. For example, if you only want to confirm who is taking the medication, you only need to know the name of the person taking the medication. However, if you want to prevent forgetting to take an important medication, you can confirm the name of the person taking the medication, the number of tablets in the pack, and the shape of the medication. Medication-related information includes, for example, at least one of the following information: the name of the person taking the medication, the time to take the medication in the pack (dosage timing), and the type and number of tablets of the medication prescribed in the pack.

[0032] Next, the medication tray 30 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the medication tray 30. As shown in FIG. The medication tray 30 of this embodiment has partition walls 31, which are partition members serving as multiple dividers for arranging specific packs, and each compartment is divided by four upright partition walls 31. The 20 compartments 33 formed in the medication tray 30 can be expressed as elements of a matrix consisting of five columns in the X direction (row feed direction) and four rows in the Y direction (character feed direction). This allows each of the 20 compartments 33 in the medication tray 30 to be uniquely positioned by its element and address in the 5-column, 4-row matrix. Furthermore, the medication tray 30 has a bottom wall 32 on which the placed packs 2 are placed. Thus, the medication tray 30 is configured such that, thanks to the multiple (four) partition walls 31 and the common bottom wall 32, a specific pack (not shown) placed in a specific compartment 33 is reliably placed in the specific compartment 33 without mixing with packs (not shown) in other compartments 33 or falling off the bottom wall 32.

[0033] In the medication tray 30 shown in Figure 3, the "Floor A After-Lunch Medication Tray" displayed on the front outer wall indicates that this is a medication tray on which packs to be taken after lunch by multiple medication users residing on the same floor A, for example in a nursing home, are placed.

[0034] The medication tray 30 shown in FIG. 3 uses a dispensing box 34 as a detachable medication placement section in each compartment 33. The dispensing box 34 holds packs 2 containing medication to be taken after lunch for a total of 20 people, ranging from Mr. A to Mr. T, who are residents of a nursing home or the like. That is, the medication tray 30 shown in the figure is used when specific packs are placed via the dispensing box 34 in predetermined (specific) compartments 33 separated by multiple partitions. Note that the operation of placing packs 2 on the medication tray 30 may not use the dispensing box 34, in which case each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30 functions as a medication placement section.

[0035] Next, an example of a label with a QR code placed in a subdivision box used in the medication tray 30 will be described. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of attaching a label with a QR code to be placed inside a dispensing box used in a medication tray, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram explaining an example of displaying a label with a QR code.

[0036] In order to specify the dispensing location of the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10, a QR code label 7 is attached and placed by adhering it to the inside bottom surface of the dispensing box 34 of the dispensing tray 30, on which is printed a character string 6a representing the name of the recipient, a character string 6b representing the timing of taking the medication, and a QR code 6c as a second information storage medium encoding the name of the recipient and the timing of taking the medication.

[0037] The QR code on the QR-coded label 7 is read by the QR code reader 67, which is a medication-related information reading unit serving as a second information reading unit described later, and the QR code (information on the name of the recipient and the timing of medication) is linked to the coordinates of the X and Y positions, which are position information of the carriage 50, so that the pack removed from the cartridge 10 can be dispensed to an appropriate position. The QR-coded label 7 may be, for example, a sticker-like label attached directly to the dispensing box 34, or may be attached to a separately prepared plate and placed inside the dispensing box 34.

[0038] Also, a label with a QR code 6c may be affixed to each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30, or if the subdivision box 34 is not used, the above-mentioned plate may be placed in each compartment 33. When the subdivision box 34 is used, the subdivision box 34 containing the packs 2 can be removed from the medication tray 30 and the correct pack 2 can be handed to the resident (medication user), so there is little risk of picking up the wrong pack or dropping the pack.

[0039] In each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30, the set or insertion position is determined for each recipient depending on the pack to be taken. In other words, multiple compartments 33 in the medication tray 30 may be assigned to multiple recipients at the same medication timing. Also, if a specific recipient does not take medicine at a specific medication timing, it is possible to prevent a pack from being placed for that specific recipient at that specific medication timing.

[0040] Not limited to the medication tray 30, an example may also be possible in which multiple compartments 33 of the medication tray 30 are allocated according to the medication timing of each recipient. Specifically, multiple compartments 33 may be allocated according to the medication timing of the packs 2 to be taken in the morning, midday, evening, and before bedtime, and also for each recipient. In such an example of the medication tray 30, the medication tray 30 can be managed by floor or by room where multiple recipients live, and the packs 2 for that day (or several days) can be distributed to the medication tray 30 in advance. Furthermore, by allocating each compartment 33 according to the medication timing, for example, morning, midday, evening, and before bedtime, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the timing of medication for each recipient.

[0041] Next, an example of the cartridge 10 will be described. FIG. 5(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge, FIG. 6(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cartridge different from that of FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 5(a), and FIG. 6(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge of FIG. 6(a). Note that in each of the longitudinal cross-sectional views of FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 6(a), in order to simplify the drawings, the pack 2 is shown schematically with the crimped portion 4 of the pack 2 stored in the cartridge 10 omitted. For the same purpose, cross-sectional hatching of the support portions (right support portion 12, left support portion 13, etc.) is also omitted and shown schematically. Note that the cartridges 10 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 have the same configuration, such as shape, but differ in the display position and display member of the QR code 6c. The configuration, such as shape, will be described representatively using FIG. 5.

[0042] The cartridge 10 is mainly composed of a case portion 11, a lid portion 14, a pack removal opening 17, a movable plate 16, a pack posture maintaining portion 15, and a right support portion 12 and a left support portion 13 as support portions.

[0043] The case portion 11 has the function of storing a plurality of packs 2 or a pack string 2A (hereinafter, the pack 2 will be described as a representative). The case portion 11 is formed integrally or separately using, for example, resin. The lid portion 14 has the function of allowing the pack 2 to be inserted. The pack removal opening 17 is formed in the lower portion or bottom of the case portion 11, and is an opening for removing the pack 2 from the cartridge 10, and has the function of allowing the pack 2 to pass through when it is removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50.

[0044] The movable plate 16 has the function of preventing the packs 2 from tipping over, and of moving the lowest pack 2 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17 after the first pack of the maximum number of packs 2 that can be stored in the case section 11 has been removed. The pack posture maintaining section 15 has the function of maintaining the posture of the packs 2. The right support section 12 and the left support section 13 also have the function of supporting or holding the packs 2 in the case section 11.

[0045] In this embodiment, the removal portion for the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 is located at the lower or bottom portion within the cartridge 10. That is, the removal portion is configured to include a right support portion 12 and a left support portion 13 as support portions or support members that support the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 at multiple points, and a pack removal opening 17.

[0046] When the carriage 50 is used to remove a pack 2 from the cartridge 10, the right support portion 12 and the left support portion 13 are configured to allow the pack 2 to pass through. On the other hand, when the pack 2 is not being removed from the cartridge 10, the right support portion 12 and the left support portion 13 are configured to restrict the passage of the pack 2 so that a plurality of packs 2 are stored and held within the case portion 11.

[0047] As described above, the right support part 12 and the left support part 13 are support parts that support or hold the pack 2 in the cartridge 10, and are each provided immovably so that the removal operation of the pack 2 from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 can be stabilized. The right support part 12 and the left support part 13 are fixed members that are provided in a state of being fixed or secured to the bottom wall inner surface 11e of the right bottom wall end and the left bottom wall end of the pack removal opening 17, respectively.

[0048] The pack removal opening 17 has the function of passing a suction pad 52 of a carriage 50 (described later) to remove the pack 2, and also has the function of passing the removed pack 2 and the suction pad 52. In other words, the pack removal opening 17 and the right and left bottom wall ends that surround the pack removal opening 17 function as pack removal passages.

[0049] In the cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 5, a position 52' (hereinafter also referred to as the "suction pad position") at which the suction pad 52 suctions a pack 2 stored in the cartridge 10 is indicated by a circular, two-dot chain line in FIG. 5(b). The right support portion 12 and the left support portion 13 support the pack 2 in the cartridge 10 so that the pack 2 does not fall through the pack removal opening 17. As will be explained later in the operation of the carriage 50, when the lowest pack 2 in the cartridge 10 is removed while being sucked by the suction pad 52, the suction pad 52 is positioned to suck the pack 2 at two suction pad positions in the Y direction near both ends of the right support portion 12. When the lowest pack 2 is removed from the cartridge 10 by the suction pad 52, the two suction pads 52 pass near both ends of the right support portion 12 in the Y direction and suck and hold the pack 2.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, by providing suction pad positions 52' at two locations near both ends of the right support portion 12 in the Y direction, it is possible to prevent the suction pads 52 from failing to adsorb the packs 2 and remove the packs 2. That is, because the packs 2 on both sides in the Y direction are adsorbed by the suction pads 52, the film bag portion 2a of the pack 2 is stretched by the adsorption of the two suction pads and can withstand deformation. This makes it possible to reliably support or hold the packs 2 in the cartridge 10 while also making it easy to smoothly remove the packs 2.

[0051] The pack orientation maintaining portion 15 is made of sponge rubber with appropriate elasticity. The movable plate 16 is made of, for example, resin or metal. The pack orientation maintaining portion 15 and the movable plate 16 also properly maintain the orientation of the multiple packs 2 stored in the case portion 11 (as shown in FIG. 5(a) , they maintain the orientation of the packs 2 in an orderly, approximately horizontal state along the Z direction). To fulfill this function, the movable plate 16 is configured to descend downward in the Z direction within the case portion 11 by its own weight, thereby reliably moving at least one pack 2 remaining in the case portion 11 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5(a), a long groove 11a is formed in the side wall of the case portion 11, extending in the Z direction with a predetermined width in the X direction. A flanged shaft 16a is provided at one end of the movable plate 16, protruding from the long groove 11a. The movable plate 16 can maintain the position of the packs 2 in the Z direction by guiding the shaft 16a along the long groove 11a in the Z direction. In Figure 5, the packs 2 in the cartridge 10 are stacked in a substantially horizontal position, and are stored with the drug-enclosed portion on the left side of the figure in a bulged position (not shown), but the detailed state of these packs 2 is omitted.

[0053] The packs 2 are set into the case 11 in order from the pack removal openings 17 on the right support part 12 and the left support part 13 side upwards. The timing for refilling the cartridge 10 with packs 2 may be, for example, when a user (resident) is examined at a nursing facility or the like (usually every two weeks) or when the packs 2 in the cartridge 10 run out. If there are packs 2 remaining in the cartridge 10 when refilling, refilling is performed following the remaining packs 2. Setting the packs 2 into the cartridge 10 and refilling the packs 2 are usually performed by staff at a nursing facility or the like, but this does not necessarily apply if the storage part is configured as a cartridge and this is done automatically.

[0054] The lid portion 14 is intended to enable staff at care facilities and the like to insert and remove the packs 2 stored in the cartridge 10, and as shown in Figure 5(a), it is formed long in the Z direction of the case portion 11 and has a predetermined opening width.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5(b), the types of packs 2 in the cartridge 10 are divided according to the timing of when to take the medicine, such as a 14-day supply of morning medicine for person A. Therefore, if person A takes medicine in the afternoon, evening, and before bed in addition to the morning, a total of four cartridges 10 are required.

[0056] This is not limiting to the example, and for example, a single cartridge 10 may be set for each medication recipient (person), and the order may be as follows, moving upward from the pack removal opening 17, which is the pack removal direction of the cartridge 10: morning → noon → evening → before bed on the first day → morning → noon → evening, etc.

[0057] In this embodiment, the right support part 12 and the left support part 13 are fixed as fixed members to the inner surface 11e of the bottom wall of the pack removal opening 17 of the case part 11 so that the removal operation of the packs 2 from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 is always stable. In other words, the right support part 12 and the left support part 13 are arranged in the pack removal opening 17 at the bottom of the cartridge 10 in a fixed state so that the right support part 12 and the left support part 13 are for holding both ends of the medicine pack (the pack 2, the continuous pack body 2A, etc.).

[0058] The end support portion on the side where pack 2 is adsorbed is supported by right support portion 12, and the end support portion on the opposite side is supported by left support portion 13, so that pack 2 stored and set in cartridge 10 does not fall while set. Right support portion 12 and left support portion 13 have different support lengths for supporting pack 2, with right support portion 12 having a shorter support length. When the bottommost pack 2 stored in cartridge 10 is adsorbed by suction pad 52 and pulled out of cartridge 10, the configuration and operation are such that pack 2 or other medicine pack bends due to elasticity or free deformation, making it easy to pull out.

[0059] At this time, because the support parts (right support part 12 and left support part 13) are fixed, they can securely hold the tip of the next pack 2 and it will not fly out or fall due to being pulled by the previous pack 2. In addition, because the support parts (right support part 12 and left support part 13) do not swing or rotate, the pack 2 will not be pinched or deformed by being pushed in during the return movement, and it will be held in a stable state.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the character strings 6a and 6b and the QR code 6c displayed on the medicine pack (such as the pack 2 or the continuous pack 2A) are exposed from the pack removal opening 17 of the cartridge 10, and the QR code 6c on the medicine pack can be read by a QR code reader 66 serving as a first information reading unit mounted on the carriage 50. In Figure 5, for the sake of simplicity, the QR code 6c is displayed only on the pack 2 or continuous pack 2A stored at the bottom of the cartridge 10, but it goes without saying that the QR code 6c is displayed on all of the packs 2 and continuous packs 2A stored in the cartridge 10.

[0061] Furthermore, when a code image such as a QR code 6c cannot be provided on the medicine pack (pack 2, continuous pack body 2A, etc.) (for example, when the packaging machine that produces the pack 2, etc., is not capable of printing code images), a method as shown in FIG. 6 may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, a label with a QR code 6c is attached to the bottom surface of the left support portion 13 near the pack removal opening 17. This makes it possible to obtain medication-related information for the medicine pack (pack 2, continuous pack body 2A, etc.) stored in the cartridge 10. Note that, to obtain the medication-related information, the QR code 6c may be printed directly on the cartridge 10 instead of attaching a label with the QR code 6c.

[0062] Next, the mechanism and operation of the cartridge 10 mounted in the drawer section will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of the essential parts showing the mechanism for attaching and detaching the cartridge 10 provided in the drawer section. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating the identification structure of the cartridge 10 provided in the drawer section.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, the drawer section 80 is configured so that multiple cartridges 10 can be attached and detached via the cartridge tray 20. The drawer section 80 is configured integrally with the cartridge tray 20 to hold the cartridge tray 20. Slide rails 81 are provided on the left and right outer wall surfaces of the case section 22 of the cartridge tray 20 in the drawer section 80, respectively, and each slide rail 81 is slidable on a main body rail disposed on the main body frame 199 (see Figure 1). As a result, the drawer section 80 (cartridge tray 20) can be attached and detached by being pulled out from inside the main body frame 199 while the slide rails 81 engage with the main body rails.

[0064] 7, the cartridges 10 are attached to and detached from the cartridge tray 20 of the drawer section 80 through engagement and disengagement between a pair of protrusions 23a formed on the inner wall surface of the case section 22 of the drawer section 80 and protruding inward, and a pair of recesses 11c formed on the outer wall surface of the case section 11 of the cartridge 10, and through engagement and disengagement between the inner wall surface of the case section 22 and four hemispherical protrusions 11d formed on the outer wall surface of the case section 11. This attachment and detachment configuration of the drawer section 80 makes it possible to attach and detach multiple cartridges 10 simply and with good operability.

[0065] In the above example, attachment and detachment are achieved by fitting or engaging recessed and projecting portions, but this is not limiting, and the same effect can be achieved by providing an elastic material in the gap between the inner wall surface of case portion 22 and the outer wall surface of case portion 11, by using a magnetic force, or by using a snap-fit ​​structure. Also, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, an opening 21 is formed through the bottom wall of cartridge tray 20 of drawer portion 80, which opens into pack removal opening 17 of cartridge 10 when each cartridge 10 is attached to each storage portion 23 of cartridge tray 20.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge tray 20 of the drawer section 80 has storage sections 23 that store 20 cartridges 10, arranged in four horizontal columns (A to D) and five vertical columns (1 to 5). The drawer section 80 is provided with guide displays such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 25a1 to 25d5 near the handle 26 that is gripped by hand during installation and removal operations, so that the installation locations of the multiple cartridges 10 can be seen. Each storage section 23 is provided with detection means such as a sensor or switch, and the presence or absence of a cartridge 10 is electrically (automatically) identified and the results are reported by the guide displays. This makes it possible to know at a glance where the target cartridge 10 is located within the drawer section 80 (cartridge tray 20).

[0067] 8, LED 25a1 indicates the presence or absence of a cartridge 10 to be attached or detached to storage section A1 (representing a section or partition uniquely determined by vertical columns and horizontal rows) of cartridge tray 20. Similarly, LED 25a2 corresponds to the section of storage section A2 of cartridge tray 20, LED 25a3 corresponds to the section of storage section A3 of cartridge tray 20, LED 25a4 corresponds to the section of storage section A4 of cartridge tray 20, and LED 25a5 corresponds to the section of storage section A5 of cartridge tray 20. Similarly, for storage sections 1 to 5 in columns B to D, as shown in FIG. 8, LEDs are provided corresponding to each storage section to indicate the presence or absence of a cartridge 10 to be attached or detached to each storage section.

[0068] Furthermore, to identify each storage unit, it is advisable to equip the storage unit with a number, barcode, QR code, or contactless IC tag, and have the system memorize which storage unit contains which medication. Then, after the drawer with the storage unit attached is set into the device main unit, the device main unit will identify each storage unit. This allows the device to retrieve and pick the correct pack without making a mistake.

[0069] Next, the configuration of the carriage 50 will be described. Fig. 9(a) is a front view showing the carriage configuration, Fig. 9(b) is a plan view of Fig. 9(a), and Figs. 10 to 12 are front views showing the progression of carriage operation. In order to simplify the drawings, the connection relationship diagram of the negative pressure generator 45 and other components in the carriage configuration is shown only in Fig. 9(a) and is omitted in Figs. 10, 13, etc.

[0070] As shown in Figure 9, the carriage 50 has a suction unit 51 that removes and holds the pack 2 from the cartridge 10. The suction unit 51 has the function of suctioning and peeling off the pack 2. When suctioning the pack 2, it has the function of suctioning the pack 2 using negative pressure air converted by a negative pressure generator 45 serving as negative pressure switching means. When peeling off the pack 2, it has the function of peeling off the pack 2 using pressurized air converted by the negative pressure generator 45.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9(a), the suction unit 51 converts positive pressure from an air compressor 46, which is an air compression means, into negative pressure in a negative pressure generator 45 via an air tank 47, thereby creating a negative pressure state and suctioning the packs 2. The air compressor 46 is installed outside the transfer unit 90, and is connected to the suction unit 51 via a communication member such as an air pipe 49, via the air tank 47 and the negative pressure generator 45. A pressure sensor that measures negative pressure is provided in the air pipe 49 between the negative pressure generator 45 and the suction unit 51. When the negative pressure measured by the pressure sensor falls below a predetermined value, it can be determined that the suction unit 51 has suctioned the packs 2.

[0072] The air piping 49 is provided through a cable pair or the like together with a harness or the like so that the carriage 50 does not become taut even when it moves inside the medication dispensing device 200. That is, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the air piping 49 has a path of one turn each in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The air piping 49 first extends from the negative pressure generator 45 along the Z-axis direction and makes one turn, then extends along the X-axis and makes one turn, and finally extends along the Y-axis and makes one turn to be connected to the suction unit 51.

[0073] The suction unit 51 also has a suction pad 52 that suctions the pack 2, and a suction duct 53 connected to the suction pad 52. The negative pressure generator 45 is also called a vacuum ejector valve, and is connected to the suction duct 53 via an air pipe 49. The suction pad 52 functions as an air suction means or suction member that suctions and removes the pack 2 from the cartridge 10. One end of the suction pad 52, that is, the upper end in FIG. 9(a), is disposed to suction the pack 2 as described above. The other end of the suction pad 52, that is, the lower end in FIG. 9(a), is attached and fixed to one end of the suction duct 53, that is, the upper end in FIG. 9(a). The other end of the suction duct 53, that is, the lower end in FIG. 9(a), is attached and fixed to a suction pad support member 54. The suction pad 52 and the suction duct 53 are provided as a pair in the Y direction.

[0074] The carriage 50 also has a position changing means for changing the position of the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 to a substantially vertical position. The position changing means in the carriage 50 is mainly composed of a suction pad support member 54 connected to a suction unit base member 57 via a rotation shaft 55, a guide member 59 in which a uniquely shaped guide groove 59a is formed, a guide shaft 56 that is always fitted into the guide groove 59a of the guide member 59 to guide the suction pad support member 54, and a suction unit vertical movement unit.

[0075] The suction pad support member 54 is connected to the suction unit base member 57 via a rotation shaft 55. The suction pad support member 54 may be provided so as to be rotatable (i.e., swingable) within a predetermined angle range around the rotation shaft 55 fixed to the suction pad support member 54, or may be provided so as to be swingable around the rotation shaft 55 fixed to the suction unit base member 57. In other words, in Fig. 9, the distance connecting the center of the rotation shaft 55 and the center of a guide rod 58 (described later) in the X direction is set so as to always be kept constant when the suction unit base member 57 moves in the vertical direction Z along the guide rod 58.

[0076] The suction unit vertical movement unit has a pair of guide rods 58 provided in the Y direction, an endless belt 62 wound around a drive pulley 60 and a driven pulley 61, and a drive motor 63 connected to the drive pulley 60 via a drive transmission member such as a gear or a belt. The guide rod 58 guides the suction unit base member 57 in the Z direction. The drive motor 63 is a drive means or drive source for the suction unit vertical movement unit.

[0077] The suction unit base member 57 is coupled to and fixed to the belt 62 by a belt gripping portion 62a fixed to the right end of the suction unit base member 57. A pair of guide rods 58 extend in the Z direction and are provided in the Y direction, with their lower ends fixed to the bottom frame 50b of the take-out frame 50a provided on the carriage 50. A guided hole 57a into which the guide rod 58 is inserted is formed on the right end side of the suction unit base member 57. The drive pulley 60 and the driven pulley 61 have their pulley shafts rotatably supported by immovable members on the take-out frame 50a side. The drive motor 63 is fixed to an immovable member on the take-out frame 50a side of the carriage 50.

[0078] When the suction unit base member 57 moves up and down by operation of the drive motor 63, the suction unit base member 57 moves in the Z direction along each guide rod 58, making it possible to keep the posture of the suction unit base member 57 in a substantially horizontal state in the XY plane. Note that the suction unit up and down movement unit is not limited to the above-mentioned belt-driven up and down reciprocating motion mechanism, but may also be a reciprocating linear motion mechanism using a rack and pinion or the like.

[0079] A pair of guide members 59 are provided on both sides of the suction section 51 in the Y direction, sandwiching the suction pad support member 54 therebetween, and their lower ends are fixed to the bottom frame 50b. The guide shafts 56 are provided to protrude from both ends of the suction pad support member 54 in the Y direction, and are provided to always fit into guide grooves 59a of the guide members 59 to guide the suction pad support member 54. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the guide shafts 56 are provided below the rotation shaft 55 of the suction pad support member 54 in the Z direction, at a certain distance from the rotation shaft 55.

[0080] When the drive motor 63 is operated to move the suction unit base member 57 in the Z direction, the posture of the suction unit base member 57 in the XY plane is kept constant in an approximately horizontal state, and the guide shaft 56 of the suction pad support member 54 moves in the Z direction along the uniquely shaped guide groove 59a, making it possible to rotate the posture of the suction pad 52 by approximately 90 degrees (in FIG. 9(a), the state when the suction unit 51 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees is shown by a thick dashed line). Here, the term "approximately horizontal state" includes a horizontal state and also means being within a predetermined angle tolerance range with respect to the horizontal.

[0081] The uniquely shaped guide groove 59a is composed of a first guide groove portion that is formed to extend relatively far in the Z direction so as to maintain the orientation of the suction pad 52 facing upward as shown by the solid line in Figure 9(a) via the suction pad support member 54 that is in a substantially horizontal state, guided by the guide shaft 56, and a second guide groove portion that is connected to and communicates with the first guide groove portion, and is formed to gradually draw a gentle arc to the right as it goes downward, so as to rotate the orientation of the suction pad support member 54 and the suction pad 52 by approximately 90 degrees.

[0082] 9, the carriage 50 is equipped with a QR code reader 66 that reads the QR code 6c displayed on the pack 2 or the like stored in the cartridge 10. The QR code reader 66 has an upper reading unit 66a at its top that reads the QR code 6c, and also functions as a medication-related information reading unit 65.

[0083] The upper QR code reader 66 is attached to the side of the carriage 50. The upper QR code reader 66 can also be used to read the QR code 6c displayed on a label (see FIG. 6) attached to the left support portion 13 of the pack removal opening 17 of the cartridge 10. The operation of reading the QR code 6c by the upper reading portion 66a of the upper QR code reader 66 is performed, for example, immediately before the carriage 50 removes the pack 2 from the cartridge 10.

[0084] 9, the carriage 50 also has a lower QR code reader 67 mounted thereon that reads the QR code associated with the QR code 6c on the label 7 affixed to the dispensing box 34 described in FIG. 4. The lower QR code reader 67 has a lower reading unit 67a at its bottom that also functions as the medication-related information reading unit 65, and is attached to the side of the carriage 50 below the upper QR code reader 66. The operation of reading the QR code 6c on the dispensing box 34 by the lower reading unit 67a of the lower QR code reader 67 is performed, for example, immediately before the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 is dispensed into the dispensing box 34 of the medication tray 30.

[0085] Next, the operation of the carriage 50 will be described. Here, for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, it is assumed that the carriage 50 is moved by the movement of the transfer unit 90 in Fig. 1 to a position below the cartridge tray 20 held in the upper of the two drawer units 80 arranged above and below the main body frame 199 in Fig. 1. It is also assumed that the cartridge 10 shown in Fig. 5 and the cartridge tray 20 shown in Fig. 1 are used. In addition, for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, the QR code 6c, the upper QR code reader 66, and the lower QR code reader 67 are not shown in Figs. 11(b) to 11(g), 12(i), and 12(j).

[0086] 10(a), the carriage 50 can be moved in the X and Y directions in the area below the cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20 by the transport unit 90 of FIG. 1. First, as shown in the figure, the carriage 50 moves to below the cartridge tray 20 holding the cartridge 10 that stores the pack 2 to be removed. That is, the carriage 50 moves to a position where the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader upper part 66 of the carriage 50 is approximately directly below the cartridge tray 20 and cartridge 10 (reading range 9 from the opening 21 of the cartridge tray 20 to which the QR code 6c of the pack 2 stored at the bottom inside the cartridge 10 can be read). At this position, the carriage 50 reads the QR code 6c displayed on the pack 2 with the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader upper part 66.

[0087] Next, the carriage 50 is moved slightly to the right in the X direction from the position shown in FIG. 10(a) by the transfer unit 90 shown in FIG. 1 to a position where the lowest pack 2 can be removed from the same cartridge 10. At this time, the suction pad 52 is positioned below the upper surface of the removal unit (meaning the upper surface of the removal frame 50a of the carriage 50). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the drive motor 63 is actuated to move the suction pad 52 upward, enter through the pack removal opening 17 between the right support unit 12 and the left support unit 13, and contact the lowest pack 2 of the cartridge 10, simultaneously sucking the pack 2. At this time, the negative pressure generator 45 has been driven in advance to generate negative pressure, and is ready to suck the pack 2.

[0088] Next, as shown in Figure 11(d), the drive motor 63 is rotated in the reverse direction, causing the suction pad 52 to move downward while adsorbing the pack 2, and the tip side (meaning the side adsorbed by the suction pad 52; the same applies below) of the pack 2 as one end side is pulled out from inside the cartridge 10.

[0089] Next, as shown in FIG. 11(e), the carriage 50 is moved in the horizontal X direction by the operation of the transfer unit 90, and the rear end of the pack 2 is pulled out from the cartridge 10. Immediately thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 11(f) to 11(g), the drive motor 63 rotates the pack 2, which is held by suction on the suction pad 52, from its substantially horizontal state by approximately 90 degrees, changing it from the substantially horizontal state to a substantially vertical state (hereinafter also referred to as a substantially vertical state). This rotational movement occurs because the guide shaft 56 provided on the suction pad support member 54 moves along the guide groove 59a of the guide member 59, so that the position of the pack 2 can be changed from the substantially horizontal state to a substantially vertical state. This can be achieved by a series of operations of the single drive motor 63 as the drive source.

[0090] 12(h), the carriage 50 equipped with the suction pad 52 holding the pack 2 in a substantially vertical position is carried to a predetermined position by the transport unit 90. As a result, the lower reading unit 67a of the QR code reader 67 of the carriage 50 enters the reading range 9 of the QR code 6c displayed at the bottom of a predetermined subdivision box 34 (or a predetermined compartment 33) of the medication tray 30, and the lower reading unit 67a reads the QR code 6c.

[0091] Next, the carriage 50 is moved slightly to the right in the X direction from the position shown in Figure 12(h) to the position shown in Figure 12(i) by the transport unit 90 shown in Figure 1, and is stopped at a position where the pack 2 can be inserted into a predetermined dispensing box 34 (or a predetermined compartment 33) of the same medication tray 30. When the carriage 50 is thus transported to approximately directly above the predetermined dispensing box 34 (or a predetermined compartment 33) of the medication tray 30 where the pack 2 can be inserted, the negative pressure generator 45 is driven for a short time to generate a pressurized (positive) pressure from the negative pressure. As a result, pressurized air is blown onto the pack 2 from the suction pad 52, releasing the suction hold of the pack 2, and the pack 2 is inserted into the predetermined dispensing box 34 (or a predetermined compartment 33) of the medication tray 30 (see Figure 12(j)).

[0092] After performing the above operation multiple times and inserting the required packs 2 into the designated compartments 33 of the medication tray 30, the medication tray 30 is ejected from the device through the third entrance / exit section 43 (see Figure 1) and is received by staff at a nursing facility or other facility or a medication support person.

[0093] When the QR code 6c of the cartridge 10 shown in Fig. 6 is read by the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader upper part 66 of Fig. 9, the QR code 6c displayed on the bottom wall surface of the left support part 13 of the cartridge 10 is read, as shown in Fig. 13. In this case, the carriage 50 is moved to the left in the X direction to a position where the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader upper part 66 of the carriage 50 is in the reading range 9 where the QR code 6c displayed on the bottom wall surface of the left support part 13 of the cartridge 10 can be read. Other operations of the carriage 50 are the same as those described in Figs. 11(b) to 11(g) and 12(h) to 12(i).

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, when removing the pack 2 from the cartridge 10, the carriage 50 is positioned below the cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20, and the pack 2 is removed from below the cartridge 10. In this way, by removing the pack 2 from below the cartridge 10, the next pack 2 automatically moves downward (towards the pack removal opening 17) due to the weight of the pack 2 remaining in the cartridge 10 and the movable plate 16. Therefore, regardless of the amount of packs 2 remaining in the cartridge 10, the carriage 50 can perform the same operation with a simple configuration.

[0095] Next, the configuration and operation of the transfer unit 90 will be described. FIG. 14(a) is a front view showing the main configuration of the transfer section, and FIG. 14(b) is a side view of FIG. 14(a). 1, the cartridges 10 are lined up on a plane below the medication tray 30 arranged at the top of the main body frame 199 in the Z direction, and the medication tray 30 is located above the upper cartridge 10, so the carriage 50 moves in three directions: the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. In this way, the transport unit 90 is configured to move the carriage 50 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction in order to transport the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 to be delivered to the medication tray 30.

[0096] The configuration for moving the carriage 50 in the X direction is the X-direction transport section 91, the configuration for moving the carriage 50 in the Y direction is the Y-direction transport section 101, and the configuration for moving the carriage 50 in the Z direction is the Z-direction transport section 111, and each has a similar configuration.

[0097] The X-direction transport unit 91 has an X adapter 96 attached to the carriage 50, an X guide member 97 that guides the carriage 50 in the X direction via the X adapter 96, an endless belt 94 wound around a drive pulley 92 and a driven pulley 93, and a drive motor 95 for X-direction transport that is connected to the drive pulley 92 via a drive force transmission member such as a gear or a belt. Three rollers 98 (two of the three are hidden by the carriage 50 and cannot be seen) are attached to the X adapter 96 so that they can roll while sandwiching the X guide member 97. The X adapter 96 is also connected and fixed to the endless belt 94 via a belt grip.

[0098] With the above-described configuration of the X-direction transport unit 91, when the drive motor 95 is driven, the drive force is transmitted to the endless belt 94 via the drive force transmission member and the drive pulley 92, causing the endless belt 94 to rotate and move, and the carriage 50 moves in the X direction along the X guide member 97 together with the X adapter 96.

[0099] Y-direction transfer unit 101 includes a Y adapter 106 attached to carriage 50, a Y guide member 107 that guides carriage 50 in the Y direction via Y adapter 106, an endless belt 104 wound between drive pulley 102 and driven pulley 103, and a drive motor 105 for Y-direction transfer that is connected to drive pulley 102 via a driving force transmission member such as a gear or a belt. Three rollers 108 are rotatably attached to Y adapter 106 in a state in which they sandwich Y guide member 107. Y adapter 106 is also connected and fixed to endless belt 104 via belt gripping portion 104a.

[0100] With the above-described configuration of the Y-direction transport unit 101, when the drive motor 105 is driven, the drive force is transmitted to the endless belt 104 via the drive force transmission member and the drive pulley 102, causing the endless belt 104 to rotate and run, and the carriage 50 moves in the Y direction along the Y guide member 107 together with the Y adapter 106.

[0101] The Z-direction transfer unit 111 includes a pair of Z adapters 116 attached to both ends of the X guide member 97 in the X direction, a pair of Z guide members 117 that guide the carriage 50 in the Z direction via the X guide member 97 and the pair of Z adapters 116, an endless belt 114 wound between a drive pulley 112 and a driven pulley 113, and a drive motor 115 for Z-direction transfer that is connected to the drive pulley 112 via a driving force transmission member such as a gear or a belt. In the Z-direction transfer unit 111, the drive pulley 112, the driven pulley 113, and the endless belt 114 are provided on both sides in the X direction, but the drive motor 115 is provided only on one of the drive pulleys 112. Three rollers 118 are attached to each Z adapter 116 so as to be rotatable while sandwiching the Z guide member 117. Furthermore, each Z adapter 116 is connected and fixed to each endless belt 114 via each belt gripping portion 114a.

[0102] With the above-described configuration of the Z-direction transport unit 111, when the drive motor 115 is driven, the drive force is transmitted to the endless belt 114 via the drive force transmission member and the drive pulley 112, causing the endless belt 114 to rotate and run, and the carriage 50 moves in the Z direction along the Z guide member 117 together with the X guide member 97 and the Z adapter 116.

[0103] In Figure 14, the carriage 50 is designed to move in three axial directions: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. However, if, for example, the cartridge 10 is arranged above the carriage 50 and the medication tray 30 is arranged below it, the carriage 50 only needs to move in the X-axis and Y-axis, thereby reducing the number of moving axes by one.

[0104] In this embodiment, the QR code reader is configured to be divided into two parts: an upper QR code reader 66 with an upper reading section 66a, and a lower QR code reader 67 with a lower reading section 67a, but they may also be combined into one.

[0105] The QR code 6c reading operation can be controlled to start automatically upon detecting that the cartridge, the medication tray, or both have been stored. The QR code 6c reading operation can be performed immediately before the medicine pack is removed from the cartridge or immediately before the medicine is dispensed to the medication tray, or it can be set arbitrarily by user operation, and there is no need to limit the implementation method. By reading the QR code 6c on the carriage side and the QR code 6c on the medication tray (subdivision box) side and storing each piece of information, it can be used for data comparison when dispensing medicine.

[0106] Next, the control configuration of the medication dispensing device 200 will be described. FIG. 15 is a control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the medication dispensing device. As shown in Fig. 15, the medication dispensing device 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that functions as a medication dispensing control unit 150 that controls the operation of each part of the medication dispensing device 200. The CPU has a built-in memory unit, timer unit, etc. The CPU issues notifications to staff and instructions for device operation at a timing according to a program based on various inputs including those from sensors described below.

[0107] The CPU has calculation and control functions, and may also have a timer (timekeeping) function. The memory unit 152 on the medication dispensing control unit 150 side has a RAM (a memory that can be read and written at any time), also called a main memory, and a ROM (a read-only memory). The ROM pre-stores programs that the CPU can read (for example, programs such as control flowcharts described below) and various data. Examples of the various data include data relating to the sections 33 and multiple subdivision boxes 34 of the medication dispensing tray 30 assigned to each recipient and the medicine packs, data relating to the sections 33 and multiple subdivision boxes 34 of the medication dispensing tray 30 assigned for each medication timing and the medicine packs, and data relating to the sections 33 and multiple subdivision boxes 34 of the medication dispensing tray 30 assigned for each medication order and the medicine packs.

[0108] The input / output ports of the CPU are electrically connected to a touch panel 151 as a user interface. The user interface is not limited to the touch panel 151, and may be, for example, a combination of a keyboard and an LED display unit in which the input unit and the display unit are separate.

[0109] The input port of the CPU is also electrically connected to various sensors, including a medication tray detection sensor 156 that detects the type of medication tray 30 stored in the device and the presence or absence of the medication tray 30, and a cartridge detection sensor 157 that detects the presence or absence of the cartridge 10. The input port of the CPU is also electrically connected to various sensors, including drawer entrance / exit opening / closing sensors 159a and 159b that detect the opening and closing of the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42, and medication tray entrance / exit opening / closing sensors 160a and 160b that detect the opening and closing of the third entrance / exit section 43 and the fourth entrance / exit section 44. The medication tray detection sensor 156, cartridge detection sensor 157, drawer entrance / exit opening / closing sensors 159a and 159b, and medication tray entrance / exit opening / closing sensors 160a and 160b are only shown in FIG. 15 .

[0110] Also electrically connected to the input port of the CPU are an HP sensor 99 for HP sensor X that detects the home position (hereinafter abbreviated as "HP") of the X-direction transfer section 91 of the carriage 50, an HP sensor 109 for HP sensor Y that detects the HP of the Y-direction transfer section 101 of the carriage 50, and an HP sensor 119 for HP sensor Z that detects the HP of the Z-direction transfer section 111 of the carriage 50. Also electrically connected to the input port of the CPU is an HP sensor 158 for HP sensor P that detects the HP of the suction section 51 (or suction pad 52) of the carriage 50.

[0111] In addition, the input port of the CPU is electrically connected to an upper QR code reader 66 (upper reading unit 66a) as a medication-related information reading unit 65 arranged on the carriage 50 and a lower QR code reader 67 (lower reading unit 67a) as a medication-related information reading unit 65.

[0112] The output port of the CPU is electrically connected via various motor drivers X to Z, P to a drive motor 95 for the X-direction transfer section 91, a drive motor 105 for the Y-direction transfer section 101, a drive motor 115 for the Z-direction transfer section 111, and a drive motor 63 for changing the attitude of the suction pad 52. The output port of the CPU is also electrically connected via a negative pressure generator driver to a negative pressure generator actuator, that is, a negative pressure generator (ejector valve) 45.

[0113] An alarm unit may be electrically connected to the output port of the CPU. This alarm unit notifies the status of each part of the device by light such as an LED, sound including voice, or vibration. The alarm unit also includes a speaker, light, etc. to notify staff, etc., of the timing of taking medication even when they are away from the device.

[0114] External medicine information is also input to the CPU via the I / O, stored in the memory unit 152, and used for allocating medicines to recipients, etc. The LEDs 25a1 to 25d5 of the drawer unit 80 may be electrically connected.

[0115] When input information from touch panel 151, various signals from various HP sensors 99, 109, 119, 158, and various sensors (not shown) are input to the CPU, the CPU outputs the following command signals: That is, the CPU outputs instructions to the audio device and light device of the display device (including the notification unit) of touch panel 151, LEDs 25a1 to 25d5, negative pressure generator 45, drive motor 63, drive motor 95, drive motor 105, drive motor 115, or drivers corresponding to the LEDs.

[0116] An HP sensor 158 for the HP sensor P and a drive motor 63 driven via a motor driver P are used to drive and control the suction unit up and down movement mechanism. The CPU has the function of executing various control operations described below and shown in the control flowcharts.

[0117] Next, an example of detecting the attachment / detachment (insertion / removal) of the cartridge 10 by a sensor will be described. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the cartridge detection sensor 70 that detects the attachment and detachment (insertion and removal) of the cartridge.

[0118] In this example, as shown in Fig. 16(a), it is assumed that there is a cartridge 10X to be detected, and this is detected by an optical sensor, such as a reflective photosensor, serving as storage section detection means. A cartridge detection sensor 70, which is made up of an optical sensor, emits detection light 71a from a light-emitting section 71, and when a cartridge 10X is present, receives reflected light 72a from the cartridge 10X with a light-receiving section 73, thereby being able to detect the presence or absence of the cartridge 10X to be detected. As shown in Fig. 16(b), when the cartridge 10X to be detected is not present, the reflected light of the detection light 71a does not enter the light-receiving section 73, and therefore it is possible to detect the absence of the cartridge 10X to be detected.

[0119] 16(c), by arranging the cartridge detection sensor 70 consisting of such an optical sensor on the cartridge tray 20 (for example, by attaching and fixing via a mounting plate 74), it is possible to detect the attachment and detachment (insertion and removal) of the cartridge 10. When arranging the cartridge detection sensor 70 on the cartridge tray 20, it goes without saying that the cartridge detection sensor 70 is positioned by the mounting plate 74 in a location that does not interfere with the carriage 50, etc., during the reading operation by the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader 66.

[0120] The cartridge detection sensor 70 may be, other than the optical sensor, a distance sensor that detects the change in distance from the cartridge 10 to detect the attachment / detachment (removal / insertion) of the cartridge 10, or a weight sensor that detects the change in weight of the cartridge 10 to detect the attachment / detachment (removal / insertion) of the cartridge 10. Furthermore, the cartridge detection sensor 70 is not limited to the optical sensor, distance sensor, or weight sensor, and may also be a push switch or the like that comes into contact with the cartridge 10 to detect the attachment / detachment (removal / insertion) of the cartridge 10.

[0121] Next, an embodiment will be described in which the attachment and detachment (insertion and removal) of the cartridges 10 is detected by a cartridge detection sensor 70 made of an optical sensor provided for each of the plurality of cartridges 10. Figure 17(1) is a diagram showing the cartridge tray 20 when the cartridge 10 is not set, and Figure 17(2) is a diagram showing the state when the cartridge 10 is set in the cartridge tray 20. Figure 17(1)(a) is a cross-sectional view of the area around the cartridge tray 20 when the cartridge 10 is not set, and Figure 17(1)(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge tray 20 when the cartridge 10 is not set. Figure 17(2)(a) is a cross-sectional view of the area around the cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20 when the cartridge 10 is set, and Figure 17(2)(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20 when the cartridge 10 is set. Figure 18 is a bottom view of multiple cartridge trays 20, each with a cartridge detection sensor 70 arranged thereon.

[0122] As shown in Figure 17 (2), when the cartridge 10 is attached and set in the cartridge tray 20, the cartridge detection sensor 70 arranged on the outer bottom surface of the cartridge tray 20 reacts to and detects the bottom surface of the cartridge 10, making it possible to know that the cartridge 10 has been attached and set in the cartridge tray 20.

[0123] By providing the cartridge detection sensor 70 on the cartridge tray 20 in this way, it is possible to check whether each cartridge 10 is being inserted or removed from the cartridge tray 20, and these cartridge trays 20 may be connected together as shown in Figure 18.

[0124] Next, the overall work of medication support when the medication support device of this embodiment is installed in a nursing facility will be described. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the overall workflow of the medication support system when a patient in a nursing facility takes medicine provided by a dispensing pharmacy. The medication support system shown in Figure 19 is mainly composed of an information processing system 500 that is placed in a facility such as a dispensing pharmacy, and a medication dispensing system (medication support device) consisting of a medication dispensing device 200 and a computer 300 that are placed in a facility where medication users are present, such as a hospital or nursing home (in this case, a nursing home).

[0125] The dispensing pharmacy information processing system 500 is configured by communicably connecting an information processing device 510 constituted by a personal computer or the like and a printer 520 serving as an image forming device (image forming unit). The dispensing pharmacy information processing system 500 also includes a receipt computer 530, and the information processing device 510 is communicably connected to the receipt computer 530 as well.

[0126] The information processing device 510, like a typical desktop PC, includes input devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), and a touch panel, a display device such as a display, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, storage devices such as a RAM, a ROM, and an SSD, and a communication device for communicating with external devices (such as a printer 520 and devices communicably connected via a communication line). The information processing device 510 functions as a label creation unit that generates label creation information for creating labels 18, 36 to be attached to the medicine pack 2, the cartridge 10, and the subdivision box 34, etc., from a prescription information file including the acquired medication-related information. The information processing device 510 also functions as a code image generation unit that generates a code image that encodes a medication schedule file (database file), which is a group of medication-related information, from the prescription information file including the acquired medication-related information.

[0127] The printer 520 has the function of creating labels 18, 36 and printing a code image 551 on a recording medium (here, a delivery note) 550 based on label creation information and code image information generated by the information processing device 510, and the image formation method thereof is not particularly limited. Unprinted label material is set as a recording material in the printer 520, and the printer 520 prints a print image specified by print data as label creation information transmitted from the information processing device 510 on the label material. The printer 520 also has set therein a recording medium 550 on which a code image 551 obtained by encoding a database file is printed, and prints the code image 551 specified by the print data transmitted from the information processing device 510 on the recording medium 550.

[0128] A hospital or nursing facility submits prescription information to a dispensing pharmacy, including medication-related information such as prescription (paper or electronic) information (type of medication, timing of administration, etc.) and information about the recipient (name of the nursing facility where the recipient resides, floor where the recipient resides, etc.) (Step 1). As a result, a data file of the prescription information (prescription information file) is stored in the receipt computer 530 of the dispensing pharmacy. An information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy extracts only the necessary information from this prescription information file and prints labels 18, 36 using a printer 520 (Step 2).

[0129] In this embodiment, the labels 18, 36 created by the information processing system 500 are attached to the cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 arranged in the nursing facility and the dispensing box 34 set in the medication dispensing tray 30 (step 3). The labels 18, 36 of this embodiment are attached to the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34 by being attached to predetermined locations on the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34, respectively. Note that the labels 18, 36 may also be attached by a method other than attaching, such as by being stored in a label storage section provided in a predetermined location on the cartridge 10 or the dispensing box 34.

[0130] At the dispensing pharmacy, a pharmacist places a drug corresponding to the prescription information on a cartridge 10, which has a label 18 created by the information processing system 500 attached thereto (Step 4). The cartridge 10 containing the drug (a combination of drug packs 2) is delivered (transported) to the nursing care facility together with a dispensing box 34, which has a label 36 attached thereto corresponding to the same prescription information (Step 5). The cartridge 10 and dispensing box 34 transported to the nursing care facility are then set in a medication dispensing device 200 located at the nursing care facility (Step 6).

[0131] Furthermore, in the information processing system 500 of the dispensing pharmacy, the information processing device 510 creates a database file including a medication schedule from the prescription information file stored in the receipt computer 530, and stores the file in the memory of the information processing device 510 (step 11). This database file is data used to control the medication dispensing device 200 installed in the nursing facility, and functions as correspondence information that indicates the correct correspondence between the cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 and the dispensing box 34.

[0132] The information processing device 510 of the dispensing pharmacy encodes the created database file to create a code image 551, which is printed by the printer 520 (step 13). At this time, in order to strengthen prevention of leakage of personal information about multiple medication recipients included in the database file, the database file may be encrypted (step 12), and the encrypted database file may be encoded to create the code image 551, which is then printed by the printer 520 (step 13).

[0133] The code image 551 obtained by encoding the database file may be a one-dimensional code image such as a barcode, a two-dimensional code image such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a three-dimensional code image. In this embodiment, a QR code, which is a two-dimensional code image, is used as an example.

[0134] In this embodiment, the recording medium on which the code image 551 encoding the database file is printed may be, for example, the item itself transported from the dispensing pharmacy to the nursing care facility, or an accessory attached to the item. An example of printing the code image 551 on the item itself is printing it on the cartridge 10 or the subdivision box 34 transported from the dispensing pharmacy to the nursing care facility, or on their packaging. An example of printing the code image 551 on an accessory is printing it on an accessory document such as a delivery note for the cartridge 10 or the subdivision box 34. The recording medium 550 in this embodiment is an example of a delivery note.

[0135] In this way, the recording medium (delivery note) 550 on which the code image 551 encoding the database file is printed is delivered (transported) to the care facility together with the cartridge 10 and the subdivision box 34 (step 5). Of course, the recording medium 550 on which the code image 551 is printed may be transported by mail or the like separately from the transported items such as the cartridge 10 and the subdivision box 34.

[0136] Furthermore, the code image 551 printed on the recording medium 550 delivered to the nursing facility is read (imaged) by the code scanner 310, which is an imaging unit connected to the personal computer 300 located in the nursing facility. As a result, the personal computer 300 reads and acquires the database file encoded by the code image 551 from the read code image information (captured image) (step 14). If the database file is encrypted, the personal computer 300 decrypts it and acquires it. Then, the personal computer 300 sends the acquired database file to the medication dispensing device 200 (step 15).

[0137] The medication dispensing device 200 uses a database file to perform an inspection operation, which will be described later, and a medication dispensing operation, which extracts medicine from each cartridge 10 prepared for each recipient and stores it in each dispenser box 34 for the corresponding recipient. Each dispenser box 34 containing medicine is set on the medication dispensing tray 30 by the medication dispensing device 200 (step 7), and the medication assistant carries the medication dispensing tray 30 to the recipient's location and assists the recipient in taking the medicine from each dispenser box 34 (step 8).

[0138] FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of a medication distribution system (medication support device) that is configured with a medication distribution device 200 and a personal computer 300 installed in a care facility. The medication distribution system (medication support device) of this embodiment is configured to include the above-mentioned medication distribution device 200 and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 300 connected to be able to communicate (transmit and receive data) with this medication distribution device 200. The PC 300 fulfills the function of what can be called a host computer that manages and supports the medication distribution device 200.

[0139] The configuration for realizing each functional block shown in Fig. 20 is provided in either or both of the medication dispensing device 200 and the personal computer 300, as appropriate. In this embodiment, most of the configuration for realizing each functional block shown in Fig. 20 is provided in the personal computer 300, and only some functions such as the medication-related information reading unit 65 and the medication dispensing control unit 150 are provided in the medication dispensing device 200. The personal computer 300, in which the inspection management system described below is implemented, functions as a confirmation device that confirms the correspondence between the cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 and the subdivision box 34. Of course, the inspection management system may be implemented in the medication dispensing device 200.

[0140] The personal computer 300 is configured with a control device, an arithmetic unit, a storage device, an input device, and an output device. The control device has a CPU and executes programs and issues instructions to other devices. The arithmetic unit executes programs and performs calculations. The storage device has a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device and stores data such as programs and text. The input device has a mouse, keyboard, microphone, etc. and transmits data and instructions to the computer. The output device has a display, printer, speaker, etc. and outputs data from the computer.

[0141] The personal computer 300 executes a management application 320, which is a computer program (application program), using a control device (computer) to realize the functions of a pack information management system 321, a medication information management system 322, a medication search system 323, an inspection management system 325, and a display management system 326.

[0142] The pack information management system 321 manages medication-related information of the medicine packs 2 dispensed by the medication dispensing device 200. Specifically, the medication-related information reading unit 65, which is comprised of an upper QR code reader 66 and a lower QR code reader 67 provided in the medication dispensing device 200, acquires and manages medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on the medicine packs 2 in each cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200. In addition, when the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 is held and moved to the corresponding subdivision box 34 set in the medication dispensing device 200, the medication-related information reading unit 65 may also acquire and manage medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on the subdivision box 34.

[0143] In the medication dispensing device 200, the upper QR code reader 66 and the lower QR code reader 67 are mounted on the carriage 50, so that the name of the recipient and the location of the cartridge 10 storing the medicine pack 2 that the recipient is to take can be detected by moving the carriage 50 within the medication dispensing device 200. In other words, when the QR code 6c of the cartridge 10 is read by the upper QR code reader 66 with respect to the position coordinates (e.g., X: row, Y: column, Z: row) of the cartridge 10 corresponding to the location of the cartridge 10 within the medication dispensing device 200, it becomes possible to link the position coordinates of the carriage 50 corresponding to the location of the cartridge 10 with the medication-related information read from the QR code 6c.

[0144] At this time, the medication-related information read by the upper QR code reader 66 or the lower QR code reader 67 may become incorrect if the user manually removes a medicine pack 2 from the cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 or refills the cartridge 10 with a medicine pack 2. Therefore, unless the medication-related information managed by the pack information management system 321 is updated as appropriate, there is a risk of incorrect medication being dispensed.

[0145] Therefore, it is preferable that, at a predetermined update timing, the medication-related information reading unit 65 reads the medication-related information from the QR codes 6c for all cartridges 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200, and updates the medication-related information managed by the pack information management system 321. Examples of update timing include timing after the medication dispensing device 200 is turned off / on, timing when a medication is dispensed again after being dispensed, timing when a cartridge may have been replaced, etc.

[0146] However, when a large number of cartridges 10 are set in the medication dispensing device 200, if the medication-related information of all cartridges 10 is read every time the medication dispensing device 200 performs a medication dispensing operation, the medication dispensing operation time by the medication dispensing device 200 will increase. Therefore, during the medication dispensing operation by the medication dispensing device 200, for example, the medication-related information is read only from cartridges 10 whose attachment or detachment is detected by the cartridge detection sensor 157. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the medication dispensing operation time by the medication dispensing device 200.

[0147] The medication information management system 322 manages medication-related information of the dispensing box 34 to which the medicine pack 2 dispensed by the medication dispensing device 200 is moved, the results of medication dispensing, and a history of changes to medication content that has been changed from the prescription information due to the user's physical condition, etc. Specifically, the medication-related information reading unit 65, which is composed of an upper QR code reader 66 and a lower QR code reader 67 provided in the medication dispensing device 200, acquires and manages medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on each dispensing box 34 set in the medication dispensing device 200.

[0148] In the medication dispensing device 200, the upper QR code reader 66 and the lower QR code reader 67 are mounted on the carriage 50, and therefore, the position of the dispensing box 34 to which the medicine pack 2 is transferred can be detected by moving the carriage 50 within the medication dispensing device 200. In other words, when the QR code 6c of the dispensing box 34 is read by the lower QR code reader 67 with respect to the position coordinates (e.g., X: row, Y: column, Z: row) of the dispensing box 34 corresponding to the position of the dispensing box 34 within the medication dispensing device 200, it becomes possible to link the position coordinates of the carriage 50 corresponding to the position of the dispensing box 34 with the medication-related information read from the QR code 6c.

[0149] At this time, the medication-related information and position coordinates read by the upper QR code reader 66 and the lower QR code reader 67 may become erroneous if the subdivision box 34 set in the medication dispensing device 200 is removed, refilled, or repositioned by the user. Therefore, the medication-related information and position information managed by the medication dispensing information management system 322 may also be incorrect. As with the pack information management system, it is preferable to update it as needed.

[0150] When a medication dispensing instruction is received from the user, the medication dispensing search system 323 queries the pack information management system 321 and the medication dispensing information management system 322 for information. Based on the information received from the pack information management system 321 and the medication dispensing information management system 322, the medication dispensing search system 323 associates the medicine packs 2 in each cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 with the dispensing boxes 34 set in the medication dispensing device 200. For example, the medication-related information managed by the pack information management system 321 (medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on the medicine packs 2 in each cartridge 10) with the medication-related information managed by the medication dispensing information management system 322 (medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on each dispensing box 34), and searches for a combination in which medication-related information such as the name of the person taking the medication and the timing of taking the medication matches, and associates the information.

[0151] The medication dispensing search system 323 sends the result of the above-described association to the medication dispensing control unit 150 of the medication dispensing device 200. This allows the medication dispensing control unit 150 to determine to which subdivision box 34 the medicine packs 2 in each cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 should be transferred, and allows the medicine packs 2 in each cartridge 10 to be transferred to the corresponding subdivision box 34.

[0152] Here, if there is a cartridge 10 or a dispensing box 34 that cannot be associated as described above in the medication dispensing search system 323, the medication dispensing device 200 may be unable to dispense the medicine pack 2 in the cartridge 10, or may be unable to dispense the medicine pack 2 that should be placed in the dispensing box 34. Therefore, in the past, in order to prevent such a situation from occurring, a user would visually check the correspondence of all cartridges 10 and dispensing boxes 34 delivered (transported) from a dispensing pharmacy to a nursing facility before setting them in the medication dispensing device 200. Such visual confirmation by the user is extremely cumbersome and places a heavy burden on the user.

[0153] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the burden of such confirmation work, the personal computer 300 is equipped with an inspection management system 325. The inspection management system 325 of this embodiment performs an operation (inspection operation) to confirm the correspondence between the cartridge 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 and the subdivision box 34 when an inspection instruction is received from the user.

[0154] Specifically, first, the code image 551 printed on the recording medium (delivery note) 550 transported from the dispensing pharmacy together with the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34 is read by the code scanner 310 of the personal computer 300. As a result, the personal computer 300 reads and acquires the database file (correspondence information) encoded by the code image 551 from the read code image information. If the database file is encrypted, the personal computer 300 decrypts it to acquire it. The personal computer 300 then stores the acquired database file in the storage unit 311.

[0155] Next, the cartridge 10 and dispensing box 34 transported from the dispensing pharmacy are set in the medication dispensing device 200. Thereafter, when the user issues an inspection instruction, the inspection management system 325 queries the medication dispensing retrieval system 323 for information. In response to this query, the medication dispensing retrieval system 323 queries the pack information management system 321 and the medication dispensing information management system 322 for information. As a result, the medication dispensing retrieval system 323 obtains medication-related information managed by the pack information management system 321 (medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on the medicine pack 2 in each cartridge 10) and medication-related information managed by the medication information management system 322 (medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on each dispensing box 34), and sends this information to the inspection management system 325.

[0156] Then, the inspection management system 325 compares the medication-related information obtained from the pack information management system 321 (medication-related information of the medicine packs 2 in each cartridge 10) and the medication-related information managed by the medication distribution information management system 322 (medication-related information of each subdivision box 34) with the database file (correspondence information) stored in the memory unit 311.

[0157] The inspection management system 325 can identify the correspondence between each cartridge 10 and each dispensing box 34 set in the medication dispensing device 200 from the medication-related information acquired from the pack information management system 321 and the medication-related information managed by the medication information management system 322. Furthermore, the inspection management system 325 can identify the correct correspondence between the cartridges 10 delivered from the dispensing pharmacy and the dispensing box 34 from the database file stored in the memory unit 311. Therefore, by comparing these, it can be determined whether the correspondence between the cartridges 10 delivered from the dispensing pharmacy and the dispensing box 34 set in the medication dispensing device 200 is the correct correspondence (whether it is normal) obtained from the database file read from the code image 551 of the delivery note (recording medium 550).

[0158] FIG. 21 is a table showing an example of delivery data acquired by the inspection management system 325 from the database file in the storage unit 311. The inspection management system 325 of this embodiment performs the above-mentioned comparison using this delivery data. The database file contains medication-related information such as the recipient's name (medication recipient identification information) and medication timing, as well as the medication-related information read from the QR code 6c on the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34. In the example of Figure 21, delivery data is used in which the recipient's name and medication timing are associated with each other, but information different from this information may be used, or other information may be included.

[0159] FIG. 22 is a table showing an example of the result of the checking performed by the inspection management system 325. The inspection management system 325 of this embodiment generates inspection data to which the results of the above-mentioned comparison are added as the comparison result for each item of delivery data (name of the recipient and timing of medication). In addition to the comparison result, information on the position of the cartridge 10 and the position of the dispensing box 34 is also added to the inspection data shown in FIG. 22. The cartridge position and the dispensing box position are managed by the tray number, column number within the tray, and row number, respectively. In the example of FIG. 22, the cartridge position "5-3-2" on the first row means cartridge tray 5, third column, second row. This information on the cartridge position and the dispensing box position is obtained from the medication dispensing search system 323. Note that items other than these items may also be included in the inspection data.

[0160] If the delivery data contains medication-related information read from the QR code 6c for both the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34 delivered from the pharmacy and set in the medication dispensing device 200, a "○" indicating normality is added to the matching result item, and information on the cartridge position and the dispensing box position is added.

[0161] Furthermore, if only the medication-related information read from the QR code 6c of the cartridge 10 matches the delivery data, a "△" is added to the matching result item, and information on the cartridge location is added. If only the medication-related information read from the QR code 6c of the dispensing box 34 matches the delivery data, the matching result item is left blank, and information on the dispensing box location is added. If any delivery data does not include the medication-related information read from the QR codes 6c of the cartridge 10 and the dispensing box 34, the matching result item is left blank, and the delivery data is considered abnormal.

[0162] As in the present embodiment, even if the matching of the medication-related information read from the QR code 6c of the dispensing box 34 with the delivery data is incomplete, the matching result "△" is output when the medication-related information read from the QR code 6c of the cartridge 10 matches the delivery data, allowing the user to confirm that the cartridge 10 has been correctly delivered. Therefore, the user can confirm whether the cartridge 10 has been correctly delivered even if, for example, the dispensing box 34 is not installed or the installed dispensing box 34 is being used for another process.

[0163] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of an inspection operation flow of the inspection management system 325 of this embodiment. As described above, the database file read from the code image 551 on the recording medium (delivery note) 550 transported from the dispensing pharmacy together with the cartridge 10 and the subdivision box 34 is stored in advance in the storage unit 311. In addition, the cartridge 10 and the subdivision box 34 transported from the dispensing pharmacy are set in the medication dispensing device 200 in advance.

[0164] When an inspection instruction is received from the user, the inspection management system 325 first inquires of the medication dispensing retrieval system 323 about information on the cartridge 10. In response to this inquiry, the medication dispensing retrieval system 323 inquires of the pack information management system 321 about information on the cartridge 10. In response to this inquiry, the pack information management system 321 moves the carriage 50 equipped with the QR code reader 66 to the leading cartridge and reads the QR code 6c on the medicine pack 2 in the leading cartridge with the QR code reader 66 (S1). The medication-related information on the leading cartridge thus read, together with cartridge position information of the leading cartridge indicated by the position coordinates of the carriage 50, is acquired by the inspection management system 325 via the medication dispensing retrieval system 323.

[0165] Next, the inspection management system 325 refers to the delivery data (the name of the person taking the medicine and the timing of taking the medicine) obtained from the database file stored in the memory unit 311, and determines whether there is any match in the medication-related information (the name of the person taking the medicine and the timing of taking the medicine) for the acquired first cartridge (S2). If there is a match, the inspection management system 325 adds the acquired cartridge position information to the inspection data (S3).

[0166] On the other hand, if there is no match in the processing step S2, the inspection management system 325 adds the medication-related information and cartridge position information for this leading cartridge to the inspection data as an out-of-inspection (abnormal) cartridge (S4). At this time, for cartridges that are out-of-inspection (cartridges determined to be abnormal), it is preferable to process at least the acquired information that may correspond to personal information (such as the name of the drug user included in the medication-related information) so that the individual cannot be identified before adding it. Note that it is preferable to add the position information of cartridges that are out-of-inspection in an identifiable form.

[0167] The above-described cartridge verification process (S1 to S4) is performed sequentially for all cartridges 10 (No in S5, S6). When the cartridge verification process has been completed for all cartridges 10 (Yes in S5), the inspection management system 325 then queries the medication dispensing search system 323 for information on the dispensing box 34. As a result, the medication dispensing search system 323 queries the medication dispensing information management system 322 for information on the dispensing box 34. In response to this query, the medication dispensing information management system 322 moves the carriage 50 equipped with the QR code reader 67 to the leading dispensing box, and reads the QR code 6c on the leading dispensing box with the QR code reader 67 (S7). The medication-related information for the leading dispensing box thus read, together with information on the leading dispensing box position indicated by the position coordinates of the carriage 50, is acquired by the inspection management system 325 via the medication dispensing search system 323.

[0168] Next, the inspection management system 325 refers to the delivery data (the name of the person taking the medicine and the timing of taking the medicine) obtained from the database file stored in the memory unit 311, and determines whether there is any matching medication-related information (the name of the person taking the medicine and the timing of taking the medicine) for the acquired first dispensing box (S8). If there is a match, the inspection management system 325 adds the acquired information on the position of the dispensing box to the inspection data (S9). Thereafter, it checks whether cartridge position information has been added to the matching medication-related information (S10), and if cartridge position information has been added, adds to the inspection data that the comparison result is normal (S11).

[0169] On the other hand, if there is no match in the processing step S8, the inspection management system 325 adds the medication-related information and the information on the position of the first dispensing box to the inspection data as being outside the inspection target (abnormal) (S12). At this time, for dispensing boxes outside the inspection target (dispensing boxes determined to be abnormal), it is preferable to process at least the information among the acquired information that may correspond to personal information (such as the name of the person taking the medicine included in the medication-related information) so that the individual cannot be identified before adding it. Note that it is preferable to add the position information of dispensing boxes outside the inspection target in an identifiable form.

[0170] The above-described subdivision box matching process (S7 to S12) is performed sequentially for all subdivision boxes 34 (No in S13, S14). When the subdivision box matching process has been completed for all subdivision boxes 34 (Yes in S13), the inspection management system 325 ends the inspection operation and sends the inspection data to the display management system 326. As a result, the display management system 326 outputs (displays) the inspection data on the display of the personal computer 300 (S14).

[0171] Here, there may be cases where the number of delivered cartridges or the number of dispensing boxes is greater than the number of cartridges or the number of dispensing boxes that can be set in the medication dispensing device 200. An example of the inspection operation in this case will be described with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the number of cartridges and the number of subdivision boxes that can be set in the medication dispensing device 200 are both six, and the number of cartridges and the number of subdivision boxes that have been delivered are both eight.

[0172] First, some of the delivered cartridges and dispensing boxes are set in the medication dispensing device 200, and a first inspection operation is performed. In this example, in the first inspection operation, six cartridges and five dispensing boxes are set in the medication dispensing device 200, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 24(a). In this first inspection operation, inspection data such as that shown in the lower diagram of Figure 24(a) is obtained. Here, the results show that five combinations (correspondences) of cartridges and dispensing boxes are normal. Note that the hatched areas in Figure 24(a) indicate that position information could not be obtained in the first inspection operation. Note that after the first inspection operation, the inspection management system 325 retains the inspection data from the first inspection operation.

[0173] After the first inspection operation is completed, the user replaces the dispensing boxes 34 and cartridges 10 set in the medication dispensing device 200 with the remaining uninspected dispensing boxes 34 and cartridges 10, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 24(b). Then, when a second inspection operation is instructed, the inspection management system 325 performs the inspection operation and adds the results to the inspection data of the first inspection operation. This results in inspection data such as that shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 24(b). Here, the results show that all eight combinations (correspondences) of cartridges and dispensing boxes are normal.

[0174] In addition, for items in which the cartridge position information is obtained during the first inspection operation and the dispensing box position information is obtained during the second inspection operation, cartridge matching is completed at the end of the first inspection operation, and matching of the cartridge and dispensing box combination is completed after the second inspection operation is completed ("C-Sleep" in Figure 24 (name of person taking the medicine = Mr. C, timing of taking the medicine = before going to bed); same below.) Also, for items in which the dispensing box and cartridge position information could not be obtained during the first inspection operation, but both positions were obtained during the second inspection operation, matching of the cartridge and dispensing box combination is completed after the second inspection operation is completed ("D-Morning" and "E-Morning" in Figure 24).

[0175] Furthermore, for items in which the position information for the portioning box and cartridge was obtained in both the first and second inspection operations, if the position information obtained in the second inspection operation differs from that in the first inspection operation, it is overwritten with the position information obtained in the second inspection operation (portioning box position information for "A-morning," "A-afternoon," and "B-morning" in Figure 24). Furthermore, for items in which the position information for both items was obtained in the first inspection operation but one or both pieces of position information could not be obtained in the second inspection operation, the matching of the cartridge and portioning box combination is completed ("C-evening" in Figure 24).

[0176] FIG. 25 shows an example of a screen display of the management application 320 displayed when a database file (delivery data file) is read into the inspection management system 325. The database file read from the code image 551 of the recording medium (delivery note) 550 by the code scanner 310 of the personal computer 300 can be loaded into the inspection management system 325 by dragging and dropping with a mouse on the screen of Fig. 25. As a result, the inspection management system 325 extracts data on the name of the person taking the medicine and the timing of taking the medicine from the database file and generates delivery data and inspection data.

[0177] FIG. 26 shows an example of a screen display that is displayed when an inspection operation is performed and the results of the inspection are displayed. By displaying inspection data (delivery data, matching results, location information, etc.) on such a screen, the user can check information about the user, location information of the cartridge and dispensing box, matching results, etc. Before the inspection operation is performed, the delivery data is displayed, and after the inspection operation is performed, the matching results and location information, etc. are displayed.

[0178] An instruction to perform an inspection operation can be given by clicking the Start Inspection button on the screen. When the inspection operation is complete, the inspection data will be displayed, and if you wish to continue the inspection operation, click the Start Inspection button again. The inspection data can be deleted by clicking the Clear button on the screen. After the inspection operation has been performed, the inspection data can be saved as electronic data by clicking the Save button on the screen. File formats for the electronic data include PDF data and CSV data.

[0179] In the display after the inspection operation is performed, it is preferable to highlight the parts of the cartridge or subdivision box that do not have location information and the matching result column by filling them in with a red diagonal line or the like, thereby notifying the user of the parts that have not been matched. Furthermore, if there is a cartridge or subdivision box that does not match the delivery data, the inspection data will include its location information, but it is preferable to highlight it by using a red background or the like. In this case, to protect personal information as described above, it is preferable to use a notation that does not identify individuals and highlight it by using a red background or the like. This makes it possible to notify the user of the delivery error without disclosing personal information.

[0180] The above description is merely an example, and each of the following aspects provides unique effects. [First aspect] The first aspect is a confirmation device (e.g., a personal computer 300) that confirms the correspondence between a medicine pack or a storage unit set in a medication support device (e.g., a medication dispensing device 200 or a medication dispensing system) that transfers a medicine pack 2 stored in a storage unit (e.g., a cartridge 10) to a corresponding medicine dispensing unit (e.g., a subdivision box 34) and dispenses the medicine, and the medicine dispensing unit, the confirmation device including a verification information acquisition unit (e.g., a code scanner 310) that acquires verification information (e.g., a database file), and a first information storage medium (e.g., a QR code 6c) provided in the storage unit or the medicine pack stored in the storage unit. ) by a first information reading unit (e.g., an upper QR code reader 66) and second information (e.g., medication-related information) read by a second information reading unit (e.g., a lower QR code reader 67) from a second information holding medium (e.g., a QR code 6c) provided in the medicine placement unit, against the verification information acquired by the verification information acquisition unit, and a verification result output unit (e.g., a display management system 326) that outputs the verification result of the verification unit. In this aspect, the first information is read by the first information reading unit from a first information holding medium provided in the storage unit or a medicine pack stored in the storage unit, and the second information is read by the second information reading unit from a second information holding medium provided in the medicine placement unit. Then, the read first information and second information are compared with the verification information acquired by the verification information acquisition unit, and the verification result is output by the verification result output unit. The first information and the second information may be information that, when compared with the verification information, can determine whether the correspondence between the medicine pack or storage unit corresponding to the first information and the medicine placement unit corresponding to the second information is normal. For example, when different medicine packs for different users are transported to respective medicine placement units for each user, if user identification information such as the user's name is used as the verification information, the first information and the second information can be the user identification information. Also, when different medicine packs with different dosing timings are transported to respective medicine placement units for each dosing timing, if the dosing timing is used as the verification information, the first information and the second information can be information on the dosing timing. According to this aspect, it is possible to determine whether the correspondence between the medicine pack or storage unit set in the medication support device and the medicine placement unit is correct (normal) based on the comparison result of the comparison unit. For example, if both the read first information and second information can be compared with the comparison information acquired by the comparison information acquisition unit, it is possible to determine that the correspondence between the medicine pack or storage unit set in the medication support device and the medicine placement unit is correct. Therefore, the user can confirm whether the correspondence between the medicine pack or storage unit set in the medication support device and the medicine placement unit is correct simply by receiving the comparison result output from the comparison result output unit of the confirmation device according to this aspect. Therefore, the burden of the confirmation task is reduced compared to when the user visually checks the storage unit or the medicine packs stored therein and the medicine placement unit.

[0181] [Second mode] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the matching information acquisition unit reads and acquires the matching information from a third information storage medium (e.g., code image 551) separate from the first information storage medium and the second information storage medium. This reduces the workload for acquiring the verification information compared to when the verification information is acquired by manual input by the worker.

[0182] [Third aspect] A third aspect is the first or second aspect, characterized in that the collation information includes a medication timing. This makes it possible to check the correspondence between the medicine pack or storage section and the medicine placement section for each timing of taking medicine (morning, noon, evening, before going to bed, etc.).

[0183] [Fourth aspect] A fourth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to third aspects, when the matching unit determines, by matching with the matching information acquired by the matching information acquisition unit, that the correspondence between the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit is normal, the matching result output unit outputs a message indicating that the matching result is normal. This allows the user to easily be informed that the correspondence between the medicine pack or storage section and the medicine placement section is normal.

[0184] [Fifth mode] A fifth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth aspects, when the matching unit determines, by matching the matching information acquired by the matching information acquisition unit, that the correspondence between the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit is abnormal, the matching result output unit outputs a statement that there is an abnormality without outputting any information belonging to the personal information of the medication recipient that corresponds to the abnormality. This allows the user to easily be notified that there is an abnormality in the correspondence between the medicine pack or storage unit and the medicine placement unit. At this time, information relating to the personal information of the medicine recipient corresponding to the abnormality is not output, so it is possible to prevent the personal information of the medicine recipient corresponding to the incorrect medicine pack, storage unit, or medicine placement unit from being leaked to the user.

[0185] [Sixth aspect] A sixth aspect is the device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a storage unit that stores the collation result of the collation unit. This makes it easy to use the collation results stored in the storage unit for other processes.

[0186] [Seventh aspect] The seventh aspect includes a storage unit mounting unit (e.g., cartridge tray 20) to which a storage unit (e.g., cartridge 10) that stores a medicine pack 2 is detachably mounted, a medicine placement unit mounting unit (e.g., medicine dispensing tray 30) to which a medicine placement unit (e.g., dispensing box 34) is detachably mounted, a transport unit (e.g., carriage 50 and transport unit 90) that removes the medicine pack from the storage unit and transports it to the corresponding medicine placement unit, a first information reading unit (e.g., QR code reader 66) that is provided on the storage unit mounted on the storage unit mounting unit or the medicine pack stored in the storage unit and reads first information (e.g., medication-related information) from a first information storage medium (e.g., QR code 6c), and a first information reading unit (e.g., QR code reader 66) that is provided on the medicine placement unit mounted on the medicine placement unit mounting unit. A medication support device (e.g., a medication distribution system) comprising a second information reading unit (e.g., a QR code reader 67) that reads second information (e.g., medication-related information) from a second information storage medium (e.g., a QR code 6c), and a control unit (e.g., a medication distribution control unit 150) that controls the transport unit based on the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit, the device having a confirmation device of any of the first to sixth aspects, and the matching unit (e.g., an inspection management system 325) in the confirmation device matching the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit with the matching information acquired by the matching information acquisition unit. This makes it possible to provide a medication support device that has the function of confirming whether the correspondence between the medication pack or storage section set in the medication support device and the medication placement section is the correct correspondence (whether it is normal) indicated by the correspondence information acquired by the correspondence acquisition section.

[0187] [Eighth aspect] The eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, the matching result output unit outputs the matching result between one of the first information and the second information and the matching information even if the matching between the other information and the matching information is not completed. According to this, even if the matching of one of the first information and the second information with the matching information is incomplete (for example, when the medicine placement unit is attached to the medicine placement unit attachment unit but the storage unit is not attached to the storage unit attachment unit), the user can check the matching result of the other information with the matching information. Therefore, even in such a case, the user can confirm that the medicine placement unit or storage unit related to the other information included in the matching information exists.

[0188] [Ninth aspect] A ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh or eighth aspect, the matching unit performs the matching using first information read by the first information reading unit from a first information holding medium provided in two or more storage units that are attached to the storage unit attachment unit in an interchangeable manner or in a medicine pack stored in the two or more storage units. This makes it possible to perform matching even when the number of storage units to be checked for matching exceeds the number that can be attached to the storage unit attachment unit of the medication support device.

[0189] [Tenth aspect] The 10th aspect is characterized in that, in any of the 7th to 9th aspects, the matching unit performs the matching using second information read by the second information reading unit from a second information holding medium provided in two or more medicine placement units that are attached interchangeably to the medicine placement unit attachment unit. This makes it possible to perform matching even when the number of medicine placement sections to be matched exceeds the number that can be attached to the medicine placement section attachment sections of the medication support device.

[0190] [Eleventh aspect] An eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in any of the seventh to tenth aspects, the storage unit mounting unit detachably mounts multiple storage units at multiple different mounting positions, and the matching result output unit also outputs storage unit position information indicating the mounting position (e.g., cartridge position) at which the storage unit corresponding to the first information read by the first information reading unit is mounted. This allows the user to know at which mounting position on the storage unit mounting section of the medication support device each storage unit included in the collation result is mounted.

[0191] [12th aspect] A 12th aspect is characterized in that, in any of the 7th to 11th aspects, the medicine placement unit mounting unit detachably mounts multiple medicine placement units at multiple different mounting positions, and the matching result output unit also outputs medicine placement unit position information indicating the mounting position (e.g., the position of the dispenser box) at which the medicine placement unit corresponding to the second information read by the second information reading unit is mounted. This allows the user to know at which mounting position on the medicine placement unit mounting section of the medication support device each medicine placement unit included in the collation result is mounted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 2: Single-dose drug pack 3: Drugs 6a, 6b: Text information 6c: 2D code image 10: Cartridge 18: Label 20: Cartridge tray 30: Medication tray 34: Small box 36: Label 50: Carriage 52: Suction pad 67: Code reader 80: Drawer section 90: Transfer section 100: Prescription 200: Medicine distribution device 300: PC 310: Code scanner 312: Storage section 313: Information extraction section 314: Communications Department 315: Setting processing section 500: Information Processing Systems 510: Information processing device 511: Acquisition Department 512: Storage section 513: Database Creation Department 514: Code image generation unit 515: Setting processing section 520: Printer 530: Receipt computer 550: Recording media 551: Code image [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0193] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-172888

Claims

1. A confirmation device that confirms the correspondence between a medicine pack or a storage unit set in a medication support device that transfers a medicine pack stored in a storage unit to a corresponding medicine storage unit and distributes the medicine, and the medicine storage unit, a matching information acquisition unit that acquires matching information; a verification unit that verifies first information read by a first information reading unit from a first information holding medium provided in the storage unit or a medicine pack stored in the storage unit, and second information read by a second information reading unit from a second information holding medium provided in the medicine placement unit, with the verification information acquired by the verification information acquisition unit; a matching result output unit that outputs the matching result of the matching unit.

2. 2. The verification device according to claim 1, The verification device is characterized in that the verification information acquisition unit reads and acquires the verification information from a third information storage medium that is different from the first information storage medium and the second information storage medium.

3. 2. The verification device according to claim 1, The verification device, wherein the verification information includes medication timing.

4. 2. The verification device according to claim 1, The verification device is characterized in that, when the verification unit determines that the correspondence between the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit is normal by comparing the first information read by the first information reading unit with the verification information acquired by the verification information acquisition unit, the verification result output unit outputs a stating that the correspondence is normal as the verification result.

5. 2. The verification device according to claim 1, The verification device is characterized in that when the matching unit determines, by comparing the matching information acquired by the matching information acquisition unit with the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit, that the correspondence between the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit is abnormal, the matching result output unit outputs a statement that there is an abnormality without outputting any information belonging to the personal information of the medication recipient corresponding to the abnormality.

6. 2. The verification device according to claim 1, The verification device further comprises a storage unit for storing the collation result of the collation unit.

7. a storage unit mounting unit to which a storage unit for storing a medicine pack is detachably mounted; a medicine placement unit mounting unit to which the medicine placement unit is detachably mounted; a transfer unit that removes the medicine pack from the storage unit and transfers it to the corresponding medicine placement unit; a first information reading unit that is provided in the storage unit attached to the storage unit attachment unit or in the medicine pack stored in the storage unit and that reads first information from a first information retention medium; a second information reading unit configured to read second information from a second information storage medium provided in the medicine placement unit attached to the medicine placement unit attachment unit; A control unit that controls the transport unit based on the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit, A verification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A medication support device characterized in that the matching unit in the confirmation device matches the first information read by the first information reading unit and the second information read by the second information reading unit with the matching information acquired by the matching information acquisition unit.

8. The medication support device according to claim 7, The medication support device is characterized in that the matching result output unit outputs the matching result between the other information and the matching information even if the matching between one of the first information and the second information and the matching information has not been completed.

9. The medication support device according to claim 7, A medication support device characterized in that the matching unit performs the matching using first information read by the first information reading unit from a first information holding medium provided on two or more storage units that are attached to the storage unit attachment unit in an interchangeable manner or on a medicine pack stored in the two or more storage units.

10. The medication support device according to claim 7, A medication support device characterized in that the matching unit performs the matching using second information read by the second information reading unit from a second information holding medium provided in two or more medication placement units that are attached interchangeably to the medication placement unit attachment unit.

11. The medication support device according to claim 7, the storage unit mounting unit detachably mounts the plurality of storage units at a plurality of mounting positions different from one another, A medication support device characterized in that the matching result output unit also outputs storage unit position information indicating the mounting position at which the storage unit corresponding to the first information read by the first information reading unit is mounted.

12. The medication support device according to claim 7, The medicine placement unit mounting unit detachably mounts a plurality of the medicine placement units at a plurality of different mounting positions, A medication support device characterized in that the matching result output unit also outputs medication placement unit position information indicating the installation position of the medication placement unit corresponding to the second information read by the second information reading unit.

Images