Sensor system, assembly, method, and computer program product for detecting events during an automated dispensing process of individual medicaments

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor system, an assembly, a method, and a computer program product for detecting an event during an automatic dispensing process for dispensing individual medicaments, the sensor system comprising a light emitter, a light receiver, and a control unit, the light emitter forming a detection pair with the light receiver, the control unit being configured to receive an optical input signal from the light receiver, and the control unit being further configured to operate in a dynamic mode in which the optical output of the light emitter is adjusted in response to an optical input value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor system, an assembly, a method, and a computer program product for detecting events during an automatic dispensing process of individual drugs.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 10,173,830 B1 discloses a system for selectively dispensing an amount of a solid drug from one or more drug dispensing containers that house a series of drug dispensing containers, also referred to as "feeder units" or "canisters", and packaging the dispensed amount. Each drug dispensing container holds a specific amount of a solid substance in its respective drug dispensing container. Thus, overall, the drug dispensing containers can dispense various types of solid substances.

[0003] This drug dispensing container includes an array portion having a plurality of passages, and each passage is sized precisely to accommodate the solid drug in a row.

[0004] In use, the drug dispensing container is coupled to a holding device. When the drug dispensing container is correctly coupled to the holding device, the positioning column of the holding device reaches the drug dispensing container through a detector opening. A light source and a photodetector associated with the holding device are aligned with the drug dispensing container to form a detection pair for detecting the passage of the drug passage and the outlet.

[0005] A drawback of known systems is that the drug dispensing container and / or the holding device become dirty with dust or particles over time. The dirt can obstruct the transmission of the light beam from the light source to each photodetector. If the drug dispensing container and the holding device are not cleaned in a timely manner, the detection pair may generate incorrect detection results or may not detect anything at all.

[0006] In addition, the characteristics of the light source and the light detector may vary slightly from their respective factory - shipped specifications, or the tolerances in the factory - shipped specifications may not be small enough for the intended application. This makes it difficult for the detection pair to cooperate properly.

[0007] Furthermore, the light source may experience aging degradation of its light output. At some point, the light output may become insufficient to properly detect the agent passing through the detection pair.

[0008] Finally, if dirt or damage, such as scratches, interferes with the proper detection of the agent, it is necessary to remove the dirt. The chemical - dispensing container can be relatively easily removed for cleaning or repair, resulting in minimal downtime. In contrast, the holding device can be much more difficult to remove for cleaning. However, the pharmacist may not know whether the chemical - dispensing container, the holding device, or both are dirty. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor system, an assembly, a method, and a computer program product for detecting events during an automatic dispensing process for dispensing individual agents, which can improve the reliability of detection and / or can more effectively remove dirt. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a sensor system for detecting an event during an automatic dispensing process for dispensing individual medicaments, the sensor system comprising: a light emitter for generating a light output; a light receiver for converting a light input into one or more light input signals indicative of a light input value; and a control unit operatively connected to the light emitter and the light receiver, wherein the light emitter forms a detection pair with the light receiver, the control unit is configured to receive the one or more light input signals from the light receiver, and the control unit is further configured to operate in a dynamic mode in which the light output of the light emitter is adjusted in response to the light input value.

[0011] The sensor system can be used in a system for detecting a dispensing event of a feeder unit coupled to a feeder dock, which will be described in more detail later in this general section.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention, a "detection pair" is not limited to a combination of one light emitter and one light receiver. Instead, the light emitter may be part of or include an array of a plurality of light emitters, for example forming a light curtain. Similarly, the light receiver may be part of or include an array of a plurality of light receivers. Therefore, an array of light emitters and / or light receivers may be regarded as the light emitter and light receiver of a detection pair.

[0013] By adjusting the light output, at least partially compensate for any adverse effects of dirt between the light emitter and the light receiver of the detection pair, aging degradation of the light emitter, or slight deviations in the characteristics of the light emitter and the light receiver of the detection pair. In particular, the light output can be controlled such that the light input received by each light receiver is within or remains within the optimal operating range or region of the light receiver. Therefore, the detection pair can continue to reliably detect events during the automatic dispensing process.

[0014] The control unit is configured to increase the light output of the emitter in dynamic mode when the light input value decreases over time. Thus, even if the light beam between the emitter and the receiver of the detection pair is obstructed by dirt, the receiver can still reliably detect an event by receiving the increased light output. Further, the light output of the emitter can be used as an indication of how dirty the sensor system, the feeder unit, and / or the feeder dock is. For example, the greater the light output, the higher the degree of dirt. The increase in light output can be compared to a fixed value or a pre-specified reference value, such as the light output level specified during a previous calibration of the sensor system.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to increase the light output of the emitter in dynamic mode when the light input value drops below an input threshold. The input threshold can be selected at a level within the optimal operating range or region of the receiver, i.e., the range where the receiver has the highest sensitivity to light.

[0016] Preferably, the input threshold is a predetermined input threshold stored in memory. The input threshold may be selected by a pharmacist or other operator, or may be based on the factory shipment specifications of the receiver.

[0017] The control unit is configured to switch between dynamic mode and calibration mode, and the input threshold is a calibration value specified based on one or more of the light input values during calibration mode. Thus, the input threshold can be adjusted to be most suitable for the state measured during calibration mode, taking into account, for example, changes in light output, such as aging degradation, and / or dirt between the emitter and the receiver of the detection pair.

[0018] In another embodiment, the input threshold is 60 percent or less of the maximum light input signal of the receiver pair. By selecting an input threshold less than 60 percent, it is possible to ensure that the receiver is properly triggered and / or activated by the light input received.

[0019] In other embodiments, the control unit is configured to store the optical input value continuously or at regular intervals in dynamic mode. By storing the optical input value continuously, it can be detected earlier and / or more accurately when the optical input value decreases. Alternatively, by storing the optical input value at regular intervals, the data consumed by the storage of the optical input value can be reduced. This can be, for example, at a regularly scheduled time, after a specific usage time, or other intervals.

[0020] In other embodiments, the control unit is configured to increase the optical output of the emitter to an output threshold in dynamic mode. Preferably, the output threshold is 90 percent or less of the maximum output of the emitter. When the output threshold is reached, it can be assumed that the sensor system, the feeder unit, and / or the feeder dock are too dirty to continue ejection and detection in a reliable manner.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly of a sensor system according to any one of the above embodiments and a feeder dock for coupling a feeder unit, wherein the emitter and / or the receiver are provided in, on, or in the vicinity of the feeder dock.

[0022] The assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention includes the sensor system according to the first aspect of the present invention and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0023] In one embodiment, the feeder unit includes a discharge mechanism for discharging individual medicaments one by one, the feeder dock includes a discharge drive arranged to engage with the discharge mechanism when the feeder unit is received in the feeder dock, the control unit is operatively connected to the discharge drive to operate the discharge mechanism at a discharge interval, and the control unit is configured to store, in dynamic mode, the optical input values for one or more optical input signals received between discharge intervals. Thus, the stored optical input values correspond to the light beam between the emitter and the receiver of the detection pair that was not obstructed or at least not obstructed or blocked by the individual medicament at that time.

[0024] In other embodiments, the feeder unit has a housing that is at least partially transparent, and the emitter and the receiver are positioned such that when the feeder unit is received within the feeder dock, the light beam traveling between the emitter and the receiver passes through the transparent portion of the at least partially transparent housing at least once. The transparent portion can be soiled by dust or particles of the individual medicament passing through and exiting the feeder unit. By positioning the detection pair in such a way that the light beam passes through the transparent portion, the sensor system can not only detect the individual medicament but also obtain an indication of the soiling of the feeder unit.

[0025] In other embodiments, the control unit is configured to switch between a dynamic mode and a calibration mode, and the control unit is configured to store, in calibration mode, one or more of the optical input values as calibration values when the feeder unit is detached from the feeder dock. When the feeder unit is detached from the feeder dock, the light beam can pass through from the emitter to the receiver substantially unobstructed. Thus, the optical input values measured during calibration mode can be used as an indication of what the receiver should measure as the optical input value when the feeder unit is not soiled.

[0026] In other embodiments, the control unit is configured to switch between a dynamic mode and a test mode, and in the test mode, the control unit stores one or more of the optical input values in a first state where the feeder unit is coupled to the feeder dock, and stores one or more of the optical input values in a second state where the feeder unit is removed from the feeder unit. The optical input values from different states are compared automatically or by an operator to evaluate the state of the feeder dock and the feeder unit. In particular, it is possible to check whether the removal of the feeder unit has a positive effect on the optical input value, which may indicate that the feeder unit is dirty. If the optical input values in both states are more or less the same, and the optical input value decreases during the dynamic mode, then the dirt on the feeder dock may always be the cause.

[0027] In other embodiments, the control unit is further configured to compare one or more of the optical input values stored in the first state with one or more of the optical input values stored in the second state. Thus, the above evaluation can be performed automatically.

[0028] In other embodiments, the control unit is further configured to identify, based on the comparison, whether one of the following conditions is true: a) Due to being one of the first state and the second state, the optical input value is different from the value in the other of the first state and the second state, or b) The optical input values are the same as each other or within a predetermined error range in the first state and the second state. Again, the above evaluation can be performed automatically.

[0029] In other embodiments, the assembly includes a warning device for notifying an operator, and the control unit is operatively connected to the warning device to send a first notification to the operator via the warning device when condition a) is true, and to send a second notification to the operator via the warning device when condition b) is true. The operator can then take appropriate action, for example cleaning one or both of the feeder dock and the feeder unit. If only the feeder unit is dirty, the feeder unit can be removed from the feeder dock and there is no need to inspect the feeder dock. Thus, the ejection operation can be continued with a minimum of downtime, for example by coupling a replacement feeder unit to the feeder dock while the removed feeder unit is being cleaned.

[0030] In other embodiments, the control unit is configured to switch from the dynamic mode to the test mode when the light output of the emitter is equal to or higher than an output threshold. Preferably, the output threshold is less than 90 percent of the maximum output of the emitter. When the output threshold is reached, it can be assumed that the sensor system, the feeder unit, and / or the feeder dock are too dirty to continue reliable ejection and detection. Then, the test mode can be automatically triggered.

[0031] Note that the test mode can also be run independently of the dynamic mode, for example simply to check for dirt on the feeder dock and / or the feeder unit, and thus can be a divisional application that does not require the control unit to operate in the dynamic mode.

[0032] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of detecting an event during an automatic ejection process for ejecting individual medicaments, the method comprising - emitting a light output from an emitter of a detection pair; and - receiving a light input by a receiver of the detection pair and converting the light input into one or more light input signals indicative of a light input value. - A step of monitoring a light input value; - A step of adjusting the light output of a light emitter in response to the light input value; and includes.

[0033] The method relates to a practical implementation of a sensor system according to a first aspect of the present invention and / or an assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention, and thus has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0034] In one embodiment, the light output of the light emitter is increased when the light input value decreases over time.

[0035] In one embodiment, the light output of the light emitter is increased when the light input value becomes lower than an input threshold value.

[0036] Preferably, the input threshold value is a value of a predetermined input threshold value.

[0037] Alternatively, the input threshold value is a calibration value specified based on one or more of the light input values during a calibration mode.

[0038] In other embodiments, the calibration value is specified when the light beam between the light emitter and the light receiver is not obstructed.

[0039] In other embodiments, the input threshold value is 60 percent or less of the maximum light input signal of the light receiver.

[0040] In other embodiments, the light input value is monitored continuously or at regular intervals.

[0041] In other embodiments, the light output of the light emitter is increased to an output threshold value.

[0042] In other embodiments, the output threshold value is less than 90 percent of the maximum output of the light emitter.

[0043] In other embodiments, the method - A step of discharging individual agents one by one at a certain discharge interval, further including a step of monitoring the optical input value for one or more optical input signals received between the discharge intervals.

[0044] In other embodiments, the method - A step of providing a feeder dock for coupling a feeder unit, wherein the emitter and / or the receiver is provided within, on, or near the feeder dock, - In a first state, coupling the feeder unit near the feeder dock and monitoring one or more of the optical input values when the feeder unit is coupled near the feeder dock, - In a second state, removing the feeder unit from the feeder dock and monitoring one or more of the optical input values when the feeder unit is removed from the feeder dock, - Comparing one or more optical input values monitored in the first state with one or more optical input values monitored in the second state, and further including.

[0045] It is mentioned again that the method according to the above embodiments can be applied regardless of the step of increasing the optical output when the optical input value decreases over time, for the sole purpose of checking, for example, the dirt of the feeder dock and / or the feeder unit.

[0046] In other embodiments, the method - Further including a step of identifying based on comparison whether one of the following conditions is true: a) Due to being one of the first state and the second state, the optical input value is different from the value in the other of the first state and the second state, or b) The optical input values are the same as each other in the first state and the second state, or within a predetermined error range.

[0047] In other embodiments, the method - A step of sending a first notification to an operator when condition a) is true; - A step of sending a second notification to the operator when condition b) is true; It further includes.

[0048] In other embodiments, the step of monitoring the optical input values in the first and second states and their comparison are performed when the optical output of the light emitter is equal to or higher than the output threshold.

[0049] Preferably, the output threshold is less than 90 percent of the maximum output of the light emitter.

[0050] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product including a non - transitory computer - readable medium that holds instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the sensor system according to the first aspect of the present invention or the assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention to execute the steps of the method according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0051] The computer program product can be used to execute the method according to the third aspect of the present invention using the sensor system according to the first aspect of the present invention and / or the assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention, and thus has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0052] The various aspects and features described and illustrated herein can always be applied individually whenever possible. These individual aspects, especially those described in the appended dependent patent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application.

[0053] The present invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the following attached schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an assembly 9 of a feeder dock 1 and a feeder unit 2 used in an automatic dispensing process for individual medicaments, particularly solid medicaments such as pills, tablets, capsules, etc., or for dispensing them. The medicaments are "individual" or "separate" in the sense that they can be dispensed one by one or in single-dose units.

[0056] Assembly 9 may be part of a system for dispensing and packaging various types of medicaments having a plurality of feeder docks and feeder units, each containing its own medicament, according to, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,173,830 B1.

[0057] The feeder unit 2 may also be referred to as a "drug dispensing container" or a "canister".

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the feeder dock 1 includes a base portion 10 for receiving or coupling to the feeder unit 2, a discharge drive 11 for engaging and driving the feeder unit 2, and a plurality of positioning members 12, particularly positioning columns, for aligning and / or positioning the feeder unit 2 with respect to the base portion 10 during coupling. The feeder dock 1 further includes an outlet channel 14. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the feeder unit 2 is removed from or not yet set in the feeder dock 1. FIG. 2 shows the state in which the feeder unit 2 is coupled to the feeder dock 1.

[0059] The feeder unit 2 includes a supply chamber 21 for holding individual drugs, an outlet 24 for discharging the individual drugs from the feeder unit 2, and a discharge section 22 between the supply chamber 21 and the outlet 24 for supplying the individual drugs from the supply chamber 21 to the outlet 24. In particular, the discharge section 22 includes a discharge mechanism 23 similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,173,830 B1, which has one or more rotatable parts that place the individual drugs as an example, separate the individual drugs one by one, and have passages for discharging them one by one from their respective standby chambers to the outlet 24. As shown in FIG. 2, when the feeder unit 2 is coupled to the feeder dock 1, the outlet 24 aligns with and / or extends into the outlet channel 14 of the feeder dock 1.

[0060] The feeder unit 2 has a housing 20 that is at least partially transparent. For example, the feeder unit 2 can have a transparent portion of the housing 20 in the discharge section 22 and / or at the outlet 24.

[0061] Assembly 9 further includes a sensor system 3 for detecting events during the automatic dispensing process. In this example, the sensor system 3 includes a first emitter 41 and a second emitter 42 for generating an optical output A. In particular, the first emitter 41 and the second emitter 42 generate a first light beam L1 and a second light beam L2, respectively. The optical output A may be within the visible light spectrum or within the non-visible light spectrum. The optical output A may be, for example, infrared or laser light.

[0062] In this example, the emitters 41, 42 are light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The emitters 41, 42 may be part of a light curtain formed by several side-by-side emitters, or the emitters 41, 42 may be within separate detection areas of the sensor system 3, the feeder dock 1, and / or the feeder unit 2.

[0063] The sensor system 3 further includes, for example, a first receiver 51 and a second receiver 52 in the form of a photocell. Each emitter 41, 42 forms a detection pair 41, 51; 42, 52 with one of the receivers 51, 52, respectively. The receivers 51, 52 receive the optical output A emitted by the respective emitters 41, 42 as an optical input B and are arranged to convert the optical input B into one or more input signals C, for example, one continuous input signal C whose magnitude can vary or a plurality of input signals C obtained at specific intervals. The input signals are analog, which means that they represent optical input values D1, D2,..., Dn indicating the intensity and / or magnitude of the optical input A being sensed, measured, or detected. The receivers 51, 52 may be arranged on the side opposite the emitters 41, 42 as shown in FIG. 1 or on the same side as the emitters 41, 42 if a reflector (not shown) is used.

[0064] The light emitters 41, 42 and the light receivers 51, 52 are arranged near, on, or in the feeder dock. They are positioned such that the light beams L1, L2 traveling between the light emitters 41, 42 and the light receivers 51, 52 of the detection pairs 41, 51; 42, 52 pass through at least one of the transparent portions of the at least partially transparent housing 20 at least once. In this example, the first light emitter 41 and the first light receiver 51 are positioned within the positioning members 12 on both sides of the ejection section 22. The second light emitter 42 and the second light receiver 52 are positioned within the base portion 10 on both sides of the outlet 24.

[0065] Alternatively, one or more of the light emitters 41, 42 and / or the light receivers 51, 52 can be positioned within the base portion 10, the positioning members 12, or in dedicated protrusions extending along and / or at least partially within the feeder dock 1 to the feeder unit 2. In other alternative embodiments, one or more of the light emitters 41, 42 and / or the light receivers 51, 52 are arranged near, on, or in the feeder unit 2, either alone or connected to other components when the feeder dock 1 or the feeder unit 2 is coupled to the feeder dock 1.

[0066] The sensor system 3 further includes a memory 6 for storing the optical input values D1, D2,..., Dn, and a control unit 7 for processing the optical input signal C or the optical input values D1, D2,..., Dn and transmitting an optical output value E to the light emitters 41, 42 in a manner to be described in more detail later in response to the optical input signal C or the optical input values D1, D2,..., Dn. The memory 6 is, in this example, a non - transient or tangible computer - readable medium, such as a hard drive, a USB drive, a RAM memory, or other physical data carrier. A computer program product in the form of computer - readable instructions may be loaded into the memory 6 and / or the control unit 7. The memory 6 can further be used to store the optical input values D1, D2,..., Dn in a database - like structure.

[0067] The control unit 7 is operatively connected to the one or more light emitters 41, 42, the one or more light receivers 51, 52, and the memory 6. The control unit 7 includes a processor 8 for processing and / or executing computer-readable instructions, such as instructions in the memory 6 that cause the control unit 7 to execute the steps of the method according to the present invention.

[0068] The assembly 9 as a whole, or specifically the sensor system 3, may further include a warning device 90 that informs an operator, such as a pharmacist, of a specific condition and / or measures to be taken. The warning device 90 may be formed by a man-machine interface, such as a display or screen, or by one or more indicators, such as lamps and / or audio indicators. The warning device 90 is used to indicate the state of the feeder dock 1 and / or the feeder unit 2, such as whether the feeder dock 1 and / or the feeder unit 2 is clean or dirty.

[0069] Here, a method for detecting events during an automatic dispensing process for dispensing individual drugs will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0070] FIG. 3 shows the steps of the method when the control unit 7 is operating in the dynamic mode M1.

[0071] At the start of the dynamic mode (step S1), an optical input signal C or an optical input value D1 is received from one of the light receivers 51, 52 (step S2) and processed by the processor 8 of the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is then configured to check whether the optical input value D1 was received between dispensing intervals (step S3). If the answer is "yes" (Y), the optical input value D1 is stored in the memory 6 (step S4). If the answer is "no" (N), the method returns to the start (step S1).

[0072] The optical input value D1 saved in the previous step (step S4) is hereinafter referred to as the "last" optical input value D1. The optical input values D2, ..., Dn saved during the preceding cycles of the method are hereinafter referred to as the "previously saved" optical input values D2, ..., Dn.

[0073] In the next step of the method (step S5), the control unit 7 is instructed to compare the last optical input value D1 with the previously saved optical input values D2, ..., Dn. In particular, the control unit 7 checks whether the last optical input value D1 has decreased compared to the previously saved optical input values D2, ..., Dn (step S6). If the answer is "yes" (Y), the control unit 7 sends an instruction to increase the optical output A to each of the light emitters 41, 42 or transmits the optical output value E (step S7). If the answer is "no" (N), the last optical input value D1 is saved in the memory 6 as one of the previously saved optical input values D2, ..., Dn, and steps S1 to S7 are repeated for the next "last" optical input value D1.

[0074] The control unit 7 may be configured to increase the optical output value E or the optical output A of the light emitters 41, 42 when the last optical input value D1 has decreased compared to the previously saved optical input values D2, ..., Dn. Alternatively, the control unit 7 may be configured to increase the optical output value E or the optical output A of the light emitters 41, 42 only when the last optical input value D1 is lower than the input threshold value. The input threshold value may be the value of a predetermined input threshold value saved in the memory 6. This may be based, for example, on a percentage of the maximum optical input signal of the light receivers 51, 52 or on the lower end of the optimal operating range of the light receivers 51, 52. Such a value may be described, for example, in the factory shipment specifications of the light receivers 51, 52. In this example, the input threshold value is selected to be 60 percent or less of the maximum optical input signal of the light receivers 51, 52.

[0075] Alternatively, the value of the optical input threshold can be set during the calibration mode, for example, when the feeder unit 2 is removed and there is no obstacle to the optical beams L1, L2. In this way, the aging deterioration of the light emitters 41, 42 and / or the slight deviation from the specifications at the time of factory shipment can be compensated for.

[0076] The optical output A can also decrease, for example, when the optical output A is higher than expected. This can occur after cleaning the dirt or when the specifications of the respective light emitters 41, 42 do not match the specifications at the time of factory shipment of the light emitters 41, 42. Therefore, the optical output A can be adjusted or corrected both positively and negatively so that the respective light receivers 51, 52 can surely function within their optimal operating range or region.

[0077] The control unit 7 is configured to increase the optical output A of the light emitters 41, 42 of at least one detection pair 41, 51; 42, 52 to the output threshold in the dynamic mode M1. The output threshold is less than 90 percent of the maximum output of the light emitters 41, 42 of at least one detection pair 41, 51; 42, 52. The maximum output may be indicated as the specifications at the time of factory shipment or may be tested in the field.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows the steps of the method when the control unit 7 is operating in the test mode M2 or when switching from the dynamic mode M1 to the test mode M2.

[0079] The steps of the method in FIG. 4 may overlap with the steps of the method in FIG. 3 or may be executed in parallel therewith. In particular, step S11 corresponds to step S1 which is the start of the dynamic mode M1. In one scenario, the next step (step S12) is also the same as step S2 of the aforementioned method in that the optical input signal C or the last optical input value D1 is received or processed by the control unit 7. Alternatively, step S12 can be based on the optical output value E of one of the light emitters 41, 42.

[0080] In the next step, it is determined whether the last light input value D1 is equal to or lower than the input threshold, or whether the light output value E is equal to or higher than the aforementioned output threshold. If the answer is "Yes" (Y), the control unit 7 switches from the dynamic mode M1 to the test mode M2. If the answer is "No" (N), the dynamic mode M1 is continued as shown in FIG. 3.

[0081] At the start of the test mode M2 (step S14), the control unit 7 is configured to receive the first light input value D1 in the first state in which the feeder unit 2 is received in the feeder dock 1 as shown in FIG. 2 (step S15). If this already applies, no further action is required. If this does not apply, the control unit 7 may send a control signal to an automatic member, such as a robot, to set the feeder unit 2 on the feeder dock 1, or may warn the pharmacist to set the feeder unit 2 on the feeder dock 1. The method may include an additional check (not shown) to check whether the feeder unit 2 is actually coupled to the feeder dock 1 or is in the vicinity of the feeder dock 1. The first light input value D1 is stored in the memory 6.

[0082] Thereafter, the control unit 7 sends a control signal to the automatic member or an instruction to the pharmacist to remove the feeder unit 2 from the feeder dock 1 to obtain the state of FIG. 1 (step S16). The method may include an additional check (not shown) to check whether the feeder unit 2 has actually been removed or disconnected from the feeder dock 1.

[0083] The control unit 7 is then configured to receive the second light input value D2 in the second state in which the feeder unit 2 has been removed from the feeder dock 1 (step S17). The second light input value D2 is also stored in the memory 6.

[0084] In the next step (step S18), a first light input value D1 representing the first state (FIG. 2) and a second light input value D2 representing the second state (FIG. 1) are compared, and then, as a result of the comparison, it is determined whether there is a difference between the first light input value D1 and the second light input value D2 (step S19). In particular, it is determined whether one of the following conditions is true: a) Due to being one of the first state and the second state, the light input values D1, D2 are different from the values in the other of the first state and the second state, or b) The light input values D1, D2 are the same as each other in the first state and the second state, or are within a predetermined error range.

[0085] The predetermined error range can be, for example, less than 10 percent, or less than 5 percent, of the first light input value D1.

[0086] In particular, in condition a), it is determined whether the second light input value D2 is higher than the first light input value D1, which indicates that the dirt on the feeder unit 2 blocks or diffuses at least a part of the light beams L1, L2.

[0087] When condition a) is true, the answer to step S19 is "Yes" (Y), and the change in the light input values D1, D2 between the two states is assumed to be due to the removal of the feeder unit 2. As a result, the feeder unit 2 should be dirty. The control unit 7 is operatively connected to the warning device 90 and transmits a first notification N1 to the pharmacist via the warning device 90. The first notification N1 may indicate the dirty state of the feeder unit 2.

[0088] When condition b) is true, the answer to step S19 is "No" (N), and it is assumed that the feeder dock 1 is dirty. Although the feeder unit 2 may also be dirty, it is the feeder dock 1 that is dirty enough that no significant change in the light input values D1, D2 will occur even if the feeder unit 2 is removed. The control unit 7 transmits a second notification N2 to the pharmacist via the warning device 90. The second notification N2 may indicate the dirty state of the feeder dock 1.

[0089] The above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. From the above description, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 1 Feeder Dock 10 Base 11 Discharge Drive 12 Positioning Member 14 Outlet Channel 2 Feeder Unit 20 Transparent Housing 21 Supply Chamber 22 Discharge Interval 23 Discharge Mechanism 24 Outlet 3 Sensor System 41 First Emitter 42 Second Emitter 51 First Receiver 52 Second Receiver 6 Memory 7 Control Unit 8 Processor 9 Assembly 90 Warning Device A Light Output B Light Input C Light Input Signal D Light Input Value E Light Output Value L1 First Light Beam L2 Second Light Beam M1 Dynamic Mode M2 Test Mode N1 First Notification N2 Second Notification S1 Step of "Start Dynamic Mode" S2 Step of "Receive Light Input Signal" S3 Step of Determining "Was the Light Input Signal Received between Discharge Intervals?" Step S4 "Save the last light input value to the memory" Step S5 "Compare the last light input value with the light input values saved in the past" Step S6 "Determine whether the last light input value has decreased compared with the light input values saved in the past?" Step S7 "Increase the light output" Step S11 "Start the dynamic mode" Step S12 "Receive the light output value or the light input value" Step S13 "Determine whether the light output value is equal to or exceeds the output threshold, or whether the light input value is equal to or less than the input threshold?" Step S14 "Start the test mode" Step S15 "Receive the light input value in the first state where the feeder unit is received by the feeder dock" Step S16 "Remove the feeder unit from the feeder dock" Step S17 "Receive the light input value in the second state where the feeder unit has been removed from the feeder dock" Step S18 "Compare the light input values saved for the first state and the second state" Step S19 "Determine whether there is a difference between the light input values saved for the first state and the second state as a result of the comparison?"

Claims

1. A sensor system (3) for detecting an event during an automatic dispensing process for dispensing individual agents, comprising a light emitter (41, 42) for generating a light output (A), a light receiver (51, 52) for converting a light input (B) into one or more light input signals (C) indicating light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn), and a control unit (7) operatively connected to the light emitter (41, 42) and the light receiver (51, 52), wherein the light emitter (41, 42) forms a detection pair (41, 51; 42, 52) with the light receiver (51, 52), the control unit (7) receives the one or more light input signals (C) from the light receiver (41, 42), and is configured to operate in a dynamic mode (M1) in which the light output (A) of the light emitter (41, 42) is adjusted in response to the light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn), and the light output (A) of the light emitter (41, 42) increases when the light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) are lower than an input threshold, and the input threshold is a calibration value determined based on one or more of the light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) during a calibration mode. A sensor system (3).

2. The sensor system (3) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to increase the light output (A) of the light emitter (41, 42) in the dynamic mode (M1) when the light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) decrease over time.

3. The sensor system (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input threshold is a value of a predetermined input threshold stored in a memory (6).

4. The sensor system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the input threshold is 60 percent or less of the maximum light input signal of the light receiver (51, 52).

5. The sensor system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to store the light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) continuously or at regular intervals in the dynamic mode (M1).

6. The sensor system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to increase the light output (A) of the light emitter (41, 42) to an output threshold in the dynamic mode (M1).

7. The sensor system (3) according to claim 6, wherein the output threshold value is 90% or less of the maximum output of the light emitters (41, 42).

8. An assembly (9) of the sensor system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a feeder dock (1) for coupling a feeder unit (2), wherein the light emitters (41, 42) and / or the light receivers (51, 52) are provided in, on, or in the vicinity of the feeder dock (1).

9. The feeder unit (2) includes a discharge mechanism (23) for discharging the individual drugs one by one, and the feeder dock (1) includes a discharge drive (11) arranged to engage with the discharge mechanism (23) when the feeder unit (2) is received in the feeder dock (1). The control unit (7) is operatively connected to the discharge drive (11) to operate the discharge mechanism (23) at a discharge interval, and the control unit (7) is configured to store the light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) for the one or more light input signals (C) received between the discharge intervals in the dynamic mode (M1). The assembly according to claim 8.

10. The feeder unit (2) has a housing (20) that is at least partially transparent, and the light emitters (41, 42) and the light receivers (51, 52) are positioned such that a light beam (L1, L2) traveling between the light emitters (41, 42) and the light receivers (51, 52) passes through the transparent portion of the at least partially transparent housing (20) at least once when the feeder unit (2) is received in the feeder dock (1). The assembly (9) according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The control unit (7) is configured to switch between the dynamic mode (M1) and a calibration mode, and the control unit (7) is configured to store one or more of the light input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) as calibration values when the feeder unit (2) is detached from the feeder dock (1) in the calibration mode. The assembly (9) according to claim 10.

12. The control unit (7) is configured to switch between the dynamic mode (M1) and the test mode (M2), and the control unit (7) stores, in the test mode (M2), one or more of the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) in a first state in which the feeder unit (2) is coupled to the feeder dock (1), and is configured to store one or more of the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) in a second state in which the feeder unit (2) is removed from the feeder dock (1). The assembly (9) according to claim 10.

13. The control unit (7) is further configured to compare one or more of the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) stored in the first state with one or more of the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) stored in the second state. The assembly (9) according to claim 12.

14. The control unit (7) is further configured to, based on the comparison, determine whether one of the following conditions is true, namely: a) the optical input value (D1, D2,..., Dn) is different from the value in the other of the first state and the second state by virtue of being one of the first state and the second state, or b) the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) are the same as each other or within a predetermined error range in the first state and the second state The assembly (9) according to claim 13 is configured to determine whether one of the above is true.

15. Including a warning device (90) for notifying an operator, the control unit (7) is operatively connected to the warning device (90) to transmit a first notification (N1) to the operator via the warning device (90) when condition a) is true, and to transmit a second notification (N2) to the operator via the warning device (90) when condition b) is true. The assembly (9) according to claim 14.

16. The control unit (7) is configured to switch from the dynamic mode (M1) to the test mode (M2) when the optical output (A) of the light emitters (41, 42) is equal to or higher than an output threshold. The assembly (9) according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. The assembly (9) according to claim 16, wherein the output threshold is less than 90 percent of the maximum output of the emitter (41, 42). **Claim 18** A method for detecting an event during an automatic dispensing process for dispensing individual agents, comprising: - emitting an optical output (A) from an emitter pair (41, 42); - receiving an optical input (B) by a receiver pair (51, 52) of the detection pair and converting the optical input (B) into one or more optical input signals (C) indicative of optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn); - monitoring the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) over time; - adjusting the optical output (A) of the emitter (41, 42) in response to the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn); wherein the optical output (A) of the emitter (41, 42) is increased when the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) drop below an input threshold, and the input threshold is a calibration value determined based on one or more of the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) during a calibration mode. **Claim 19** The method according to claim 18, wherein the optical output (A) of the emitter (41, 42) is increased when the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) decrease over time. **Claim 20** The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the input threshold is a value of a predetermined input threshold. **Claim 21** The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the calibration value is determined when an optical beam (L1, L2) between the emitter (41, 42) and the receiver (51, 52) is not obstructed. **Claim 22** The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the input threshold is 60 percent or less of a maximum optical input signal of the receiver (51, 52). **Claim 23** The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) are monitored continuously or at regular intervals. **Claim 24** The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the optical output (A) of the emitter (41, 42) is increased up to an output threshold. **Claim 25** The method according to claim 24, wherein the output threshold is less than 90 percent of the maximum output of the emitter (41, 42). **Claim 26** The step of ejecting each of the individual agents at a certain ejection interval, wherein the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) are monitored for the one or more optical input signals (C) received between the ejection intervals. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising the above.

27. The step of providing a feeder dock (1) for coupling a feeder unit (2), wherein the light emitter (41, 42) and / or the light receiver (51, 52) are provided inside, on, or near the feeder dock (1). In a first state, coupling the feeder unit (2) near the feeder dock (1) and monitoring one or more of the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) when the feeder unit (2) is coupled near the feeder dock (1). In a second state, removing the feeder unit (2) from the feeder dock (1) and monitoring one or more of the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) when the feeder unit (2) is removed from the feeder dock (1). Comparing the one or more optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) monitored in the first state with the one or more optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) monitored in the second state. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 26, further comprising the above.

28. Based on the comparison, the following conditions, namely, a) Depending on being one of the first state and the second state, the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) are different from the values in the other of the first state and the second state, or b) The optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) are the same as each other or within a predetermined error range between the first state and the second state. The step of determining whether one of the above is true. The method according to claim 27, further comprising the above.

29. The step of sending a first notification (N1) to the operator when condition a) is true. The step of sending a second notification (N2) to the operator when condition b) is true. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the above.

30. The step of monitoring the optical input values (D1, D2,..., Dn) in the first state and the second state and the comparison thereof are performed when the optical output (A) of the light emitter (41, 42) is equal to or higher than an output threshold value. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the output threshold value is less than 90% of the maximum output of the light emitter (41, 42).

32. A computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable medium (6) holding instructions for causing a processor (8) to execute the steps of the method according to any one of claims 18 to 31 for the sensor system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the assembly (9) according to any one of claims 8 to 17.

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