Medicine storing and dispensing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a medicine storing and dispensing device capable of storing medicines while securing a high degree of freedom.SOLUTION: The medicine dispensing and discharging device 2 includes a recognition part for recognizing the medicine data, a storage part 5, a storage information storage part for storing a medicine storage situation in the storage part, and a storage information storage part for storing a medicine related data table for recording data related to the medicine, determines a storage position for storing the medicine based on the medicine data obtained by recognizing the medicine by the recognition part and the medicine storage situation data stored in the storage part, stores the medicine, and records the medicine data of the stored medicine and the data of the storage position in the medicine related data table in association with each other. At least one of an upper limit value which is an upper limit to be stored in the storage part, a constant value which is a constant to be stored in the storage part, and a lower limit value which is a lower limit to be stored in the storage part is set for an individual drug of the same kind, and these set values are recorded in the drug-related data table in association with the drug data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine containing and dispensing device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are cases where medicines prescribed to patients are returned to the department in a medical institution that manages medicine prescriptions due to reasons such as prescription changes (returned medicines). Patent Document 1 discloses a returned medicine storage device that automatically recognizes and stores returned medicines in order to improve the efficiency of the processing of returned medicines and prevent human error in this process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-215343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, returned medicines vary in type, shape, size, expiration date, and other properties. However, conventional returned medicine storage devices, including the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, do not give special consideration to storing returned medicines with various properties with a high degree of freedom, taking into account factors such as the efficiency of subsequent dispensing operations. More specifically, no special consideration is given to storing returned medicines with various properties with a high degree of freedom, so that they can be freely dispensed according to prescription information, for example.

[0005] The returned medicine storage device can also store new medicines delivered by pharmaceutical manufacturers and removed from the storage box. In other words, the returned medicine storage device can operate as a medicine storage device for general medicines, including new medicines and returned medicines. However, even in this case, no special consideration has been given to ensuring a high degree of flexibility in storing medicines with various properties so that they can be freely dispensed according to prescription information.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to automatically recognize and store medicines supplied in an unaligned state, with various characteristics such as type, shape, size, and expiration date, in a medicine storage and dispensing device, while ensuring a high degree of freedom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The medicine accommodating and dispensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a recognition unit that recognizes drug data including at least first information that is identification information or specific information of a drug and second information that is attribute data; a storage unit for storing the medicine; a storage information storage unit that stores data on the storage status of the medicine in the storage unit; a storage unit that stores a medicine master that records medicine data including medicine data recognized by the recognition unit and first information for each medicine; updating the storage status data of the drug stored in the storage information memory unit by associating the drug data of the drug whose storage area in the storage unit has been specified with the data of the storage location of the storage area; In the medicine storage and dispensing device for storing the medicine, For any drug in the drug master, at least one of an upper limit value that is an upper limit number to be stored in the storage unit, a constant value that is a constant to be stored in the storage unit, and a lower limit value that is a lower limit number to be stored in the storage unit can be set; These set values ​​are recorded in association with at least the drug data in the drug master. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The medicine storage and dispensing device of the present invention can automatically recognize the orientation and posture of the medicine, as well as properties such as shape, size, type, and expiration date, allowing medicine to be stored with a high degree of freedom, allowing for free dispensing according to prescription information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a stored medicine management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a first configuration diagram of a stored-medicine dispensing device and a dispensing line system including the stored-medicine dispensing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a second configuration diagram of a stored medicine dispensing device and a dispensing line system including the stored medicine dispensing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional cassette dispensing machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a conventional cassette dispensing machine. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(1) is a diagram showing a part of the layout of a medicine master stored by a medicine storage control device in a stored medicine management system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 6(2) is a diagram showing a part of the layout of an inventory list stored by a medicine storage control device in a stored medicine management system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the layout of a local database connected to an instruction terminal in the stored medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(1) is a conceptual diagram of the storage status of medicines for which no upper limit is set, and Fig. 8(2) is a conceptual diagram of the storage status of medicines for which an upper limit is set. [Figure 9] Fig. 9(1) is a conceptual diagram of the storage status of medicines for which upper, lower, and constant storage limits have been set. Fig. 9(2) is a conceptual diagram of the storage status of medicines for which constant storage limits and lower limits have been set. Fig. 9(3) is a conceptual diagram of the storage status of medicines for which constant storage limits have been set. [Figure 10]10 is a virtual conceptual diagram of the storage status of medicines in a storage section of the stored-medicine dispensing device. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a cassette setting screen. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a cassette setting screen. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow in which the stored medicine management system updates the actual inventory quantity and the effective inventory quantity when the stored medicine dispensing device stores medicines. [Figure 14] 10 is an example of a screen display of a medicine inventory list. [Figure 15] 10 is an example of a main screen. [Figure 16] 10 is an example of a cassette inquiry screen. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a cassette inquiry screen. [Figure 18] 10 is an example of a cassette inquiry screen. [Figure 19] 10 is an example of an inventory inquiry screen. [Figure 20] Fig. 20(1) is a flow diagram of dispensing processing in a conventional stored medicine management system, and Fig. 20(2) is a flow diagram of dispensing processing in the stored medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21(1) is a flowchart of the provisional closing process, and Figure 21(2) is a flowchart of the closing process. [Figure 22] Fig. 22(1) is an example of a screen display showing the overall inventory status in the storage unit of the stored-medicine dispensing device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 22(2) is an example of a screen display showing the overall inventory status in the storage unit of a conventional stored-medicine dispensing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In the following description of the embodiment, new medicines delivered by pharmaceutical manufacturers and unused medicines returned from hospitals, etc. are taken as medicines stored in the stored medicine management system (medicine storing and dispensing device). Thus, in the embodiment of the present invention, the stored medicines may be either new medicines or unused returned medicines.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] 1. Configuration 1.1.Configuration of the drug storage management system (drug storage and dispensing device) 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stored medicine management system (medicine containing and dispensing device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The stored medicine management system according to the first embodiment is made up of a stored medicine dispensing device 2, an instruction terminal 4, and a medicine storage control device 6.

[0013] The instruction terminal 4 shown in FIG. 1 includes a control unit (processor), an input unit, a display unit, a memory unit, an external device interface unit, and a communication interface unit. The control unit (processor) performs arithmetic processing and controls the entire system. The control unit includes a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and executes predetermined programs to realize the functions described below. The input unit generates or receives input data for the device and is typically composed of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. The display unit displays processing results by the processor (control unit) and is composed of a liquid crystal display, organic electroluminescence display, plasma display, etc. The memory unit stores programs running on the control unit (processor) and parameter data required for model generation. The external device interface unit functions as an interface with external devices such as printers. The communication interface unit functions as an interface for communicating with an external network. The processor (control unit), input unit, display unit, memory unit, external device interface unit, and communication interface unit are interconnected by an appropriate bus. The instruction terminal 4 is composed of an information processing device such as a desktop PC, laptop computer, workstation, or tablet terminal. Furthermore, the instruction terminal 4 includes a local database 3 as a storage unit for data relating to medicines.

[0014] The medication containment control device 6 also includes a control unit (processor), an input unit, a display unit, a memory unit, an external device interface unit, and a communication interface unit. The control unit (processor) performs arithmetic processing and controls the entire system. The control unit includes a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and executes a predetermined program to realize the functions described below. The input unit generates or receives input data for the device and is typically composed of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc. The display unit displays processing results by the processor (control unit) and is composed of a liquid crystal display, organic electroluminescence display, plasma display, etc. The memory unit stores programs running on the control unit (processor) and parameter data required for model generation. The external device interface unit functions as an interface with external devices such as a printer. The communication interface unit functions as an interface for communicating with an external network. The processor (control unit), input unit, display unit, memory unit, external device interface unit, and communication interface unit are interconnected by an appropriate bus. The medication containment control device 6 is composed of an information processing device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, workstation, or tablet terminal. The medicine containing control device 6 is further connected to a database 5 that stores a plurality of tables 7a, 7b, 7c, etc., as a storage unit for medicine-related data.

[0015] The database 5 includes drug-related data tables such as a drug master table 7a, an inventory list table 7b, and an inventory drug file 7c. Meanwhile, the local database 3 attached to the instruction terminal 4 includes drug-related data tables such as a stored drug inventory table 9.

[0016] The drug master 7a is a master file having the drug code as a key item (key field) and including characteristic data and attribute data for each drug. As shown in FIG. 6(1), each record includes fields (items) such as drug name, upper limit (upper limit amount), stock constant (maximum implementation amount), lower limit (standard filling amount), and size. The drug master in this embodiment 1 may be a master file for drugs adopted by each hospital.

[0017] In the present embodiment 1, the medicine master 7a may include "dispensing target / non-target flag" data. This "dispensing target / non-target flag" is data for controlling whether or not individual medicines of the same type are to be accommodated (stored) and dispensed by the accommodated-medicine dispensing device 2.

[0018] The inventory list table 7b is a table that stores, in real time, data on the inventory status of each drug contained in the contained drug dispensing device 2, with the drug code as the key item (key field). As shown in FIG. 6(2), each record includes fields (items) such as the drug name, actual inventory quantity (quantity contained), and effective inventory quantity. When a drug is stored (contained) in the contained drug dispensing device 2, the actual inventory quantity (quantity contained) and effective inventory quantity in the record having the drug code corresponding to that drug increase. When a drug is dispensed or collected from the contained drug dispensing device 2, the actual inventory quantity (quantity contained) and effective inventory quantity in the record having the drug code corresponding to that drug decrease. The relationship between actual inventory quantity and effective inventory quantity will be explained later.

[0019] The inventory drug file 7c is a file (table) in which one record is generated for each drug stored in the stored drug dispensing device 2. Each record has data items related to each drug, such as a "drug identification code," "drug code," and "dispensing completion date and time." As will be explained later, this "drug identification code" is a unique identification code assigned to each stored drug, consisting of, for example, the "date and time of storage of the storage tray in the stored drug dispensing device" + a "serial number."

[0020] The "collection" operation in the present embodiment 1 is an operation of dispensing all medicines that meet a specific condition from the storage unit 15 of the stored-medication dispensing device 2, and the specific conditions include various conditions such as "expiration date has passed" and "being a specific type of medicine." Therefore, the "collection" operation and the "dispensing" operation of medicines that is carried out based on prescription data are similar in that the stored-medication dispensing device 2 dispenses the corresponding medicines to the outside, but the two are different operations.

[0021] The stored medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3 is a local file that stores data such as the storage position (address) (i.e., shelf, row, horizontal position) and expiration date (use by date) in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2, and a new record is generated when the stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs a storage operation. Figure 7 shows the layout of the stored medicine inventory table 9.

[0022] The storage information memory unit is a memory area that stores the storage status of drugs in the storage unit 15 of the stored drug dispensing device 2, and may be included in the memory unit of the instruction terminal 4 or the memory unit of the drug storage control device 6.

[0023] The stored-medicine dispensing device 2 exchanges necessary data with the medicine storage control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4, while recognizing new medicines and unused returned medicines stored in the stored-medicine management system (medicine storage and dispensing device) using a recognition unit 14 (to be described later), and sorts and stores the stored medicines in its own storage unit 15 (to be described later) according to the recognition. That is, based on the recognition operation of the recognition unit 14, the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 grasps data related to the properties of the medicines, such as the "medicine barcode" (attached to each medicine), "expiration date," "diameter and total length of the medicine," and "orientation and posture of the medicine," and based on this data, notifies the stored-medicine management system to search for a storage position in storage unit 15. Based on the data from the stored-medicine dispensing device 2, the stored-medicine management system searches for a filling position in storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2, i.e., an empty position and placement, using a storage information memory unit.

[0024] The following describes empty positions and placement methods for stored medicines in the storage unit 15. As will be described later, the storage unit 15 has multiple shelves arranged vertically, and storage trays are arranged on each shelf. The storage trays on each shelf are arranged in multiple rows, and each row has multiple horizontal positions. The storage trays are classified into those for small (medicines), medium (medicines), and large (medicines). When the stored medicine management system receives (data on) the size of the stored medicines from the stored medicine dispensing device 2, it determines whether the stored medicines are small, medium, or large, and identifies the corresponding storage tray. Then, using the storage information storage unit, the stored medicine management system attempts to find (i.e., searches) whether there is an area (including margin areas between medicines) where medicines of that size can be placed, and if there is, fill position information (i.e., "shelf, row, horizontal position" data (described later)) is determined. At this time, positions where a mask (described later) is set are excluded from the search.

[0025] The stored medicine management system notifies the stored medicine dispensing device 2 of the filling position information determined as a result of the search, i.e., the "shelf, row, and horizontal position" data (to be described later) together with data such as the "medicine barcode." The stored medicine dispensing device 2 sorts and stores the stored medicines in the storage unit 15 based on the received filling position information.

[0026] After sorting and storing the contained medicines in the storage unit 15, the contained medicine management system masks the filling positions in the storage information storage unit. This prevents medicines from being placed (stored) in the same position again. In this way, in the storage information storage unit, a mask is set at the position where medicines are placed in the storage tray, and the mask is removed at the position where no medicines are present (due to dispensing or recovery), and the position exists as a placeable (fillable) area. As described above, when searching for a placeable area, the contained medicine management system attempts to find a place where the medicine to be placed can be placed (stored) most efficiently. Therefore, no wasted storage space is generated in the storage unit 15.

[0027] Furthermore, the medicine storage control device 6 extracts a medicine code from the "medicine barcode" received from the stored-medicine dispensing device 2, and searches the medicine master in the database 5 using this medicine code as a key item to ascertain data such as the type, name, and classification of the medicine (e.g., refrigerated storage, anticancer drug, powerful drug). Furthermore, data indicating the occurrence of storage in storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 is immediately notified from the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 to the medicine storage control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4, and the medicine storage control device 6 updates the inventory status for each stored medicine in the inventory list table 7b (as will be explained later) and creates a new record in the inventory medicine file 7c. At the same time, the instruction terminal 4 creates a new record in the stored-medicine inventory table 9 (see FIG. 7) in the local database 3. At this time, the stored medicine inventory table 9 in the local database 3 stores data related to the stored medicine, data related to the filling position in storage unit 15, and data related to the expiration date, in association with each other.

[0028] When dispensing or retrieving medicines, the medicine storage control device 6 generates dispensing instructions or retrieving instructions specifying the conditions for the medicines to be dispensed or retrieved, and transmits them to the stored medicine dispensing device 2. The stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs dispensing and retrieving operations in accordance with the dispensing and retrieving instructions received from the medicine storage control device 6.

[0029] The stored medicine dispensing device 2 and the instruction terminal 4, and the stored medicine dispensing device 2 and the medicine storage control device 6 are connected via RS-232C etc. The instruction terminal 4 and the medicine storage control device 6 are also connected via a LAN etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, each piece of data can be classified as follows. First, for example, a drug identification code is drug identification information. Also, for example, a (drug) name and drug code are drug specific information. Also, for example, the size (dimensions), total length / diameter, and shape of a drug are drug attribute data. Furthermore, for example, the medicinal ingredients and efficacy of a drug are drug characteristic data.

[0031] 1.2. Configuration of the delivery line system The diagram shown in the upper part of Fig. 2 is a first overall configuration diagram of a dispensing line system 101 including the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 of the present embodiment 1. Trays for dispensing and collecting stored medicines pass through the dispensing line system 101. The dispensing line system 101 can have various equipment configurations depending on the user's specifications, but for example, in Fig. 2 it is configured by a supply lifter 103, a bottle dispensing machine 105, a stored-medicine dispensing device 2, a cassette dispensing machine 200, a special dispensing machine 109, a refrigerated dispensing machine 111, a bagging machine 113, a printer unit 115, a discharge lifter (with relight) 117, and a stacking lifter 119, etc.

[0032] The supply lifter 103 is a device that fills trays flowing from left to right through the dispensing line system 101. The bottle dispenser 105 is a device that dispenses infusion bags (physiological saline). The cassette dispenser 200 is a device that dispenses ampoules packed in cassettes from the cassettes. The special dispenser 109 is a device that dispenses ampoules of special shapes (e.g., five-pack ampoules). The refrigerated dispensing machine 111 is a dispensing machine dedicated to ampoules that require refrigerated storage. The bagging machine 113 is a device that fills bags (medication bags) with medicines dispensed before reaching the bagging machine 113. The printer unit 115 is a device that prints injection prescriptions (a list of medicines dispensed in trays based on prescriptions) and labels with information about the patient to be administered (attached to the medicine bags or the medicines themselves). The cassette dispenser 200 and the special dispenser 109 dispense new ampoules (i.e., new medicines that are not returned). In addition, the cassette dispensing machine 200 and the special dispensing machine 109 in the dispensing line system 101 can be configured as any dispensing machine.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional cassette dispenser 200. A cassette 202 for storing medicines is inserted from the front to the rear of the cassette dispenser 200 and held within the cassette dispenser 200. As shown in FIG. 4, a large number of cassettes 202 are arranged in the longitudinal (vertical) and horizontal directions of the cassette dispenser. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the conventional cassette dispenser 200, particularly of the interior 204 of a cassette 202. Medicines corresponding to each cassette 202 are stored in the interior 204 of the cassette 202. When the cassette dispenser 200 receives a signal to dispense a specific medicine from the medicine storage control device 6 or the instruction terminal 4, it dispenses the specific medicine from the cassette 202 that stores the specific medicine.

[0034] The dispensing line system 101 may be configured differently from that shown in FIG. 2, for example, it may include two or more stored-medication dispensing devices 2.

[0035] The diagram shown in the upper part of Fig. 3 is a second overall configuration diagram of a dispensing line system 100 including the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 of the present embodiment 1. The dispensing line system 100 shown in Fig. 3 is configured solely by the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 of the present embodiment 1 as a dispensing machine. In this way, the dispensing line system 100 may include only the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 of the present embodiment 1 as a dispensing machine.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the dispensing line system 100 will be described below, focusing on a configuration including only the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 according to the first embodiment as a dispensing machine.

[0037] 1.3.Configuration of the drug dispensing device The diagram shown in the lower part of Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 in the stored medicine management system according to embodiment 1. The stored medicine dispensing device 2 can perform a storing operation for storing new medicines (such as ampoules or vials) and unused returned medicines, a dispensing operation for dispensing the stored stored medicines, and a recovering operation for recovering the stored stored medicines. The stored medicine dispensing device 2 includes a receiving unit 12, a recognition unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a dispensing unit 16.

[0038] The receiving unit 12 is configured to receive, for example, seven storage trays. The storage trays are trays that initially store, for example, new medicines (such as ampoules or vials) or unused, returned medicines. The recognition unit 14 recognizes the medicines stored in the medicine storage and dispensing device. That is, the recognition unit 14 recognizes the orientation, posture, shape, diameter, and overall length of the medicines (such as new medicines or unused, returned medicines) placed on each storage tray, as well as data such as barcodes including medicine codes and expiration dates, through image processing. The stored medicines recognized by the recognition unit 14 are stored in the storage unit 15.

[0039] The stored medicines such as ampoules and vials are adsorbed by a first suction nozzle and a first suction pad provided on a first robot included in stored-medicine dispensing device 2, and are transferred from the storage tray to recognition unit 14 by the first robot. Furthermore, the stored medicines are adsorbed by a second suction nozzle and a second suction pad provided on a second robot included in stored-medicine dispensing device 2, and are transferred from recognition unit 14 to storage unit 15 by the second robot. The first suction nozzle and second suction nozzle releasably adsorb the stored medicines by vacuum supplied from a vacuum source, and have first and second rubber suction pads attached to their tips, respectively.

[0040] Dispensing unit 16 dispenses the medicines stored in storage unit 15 onto a tray passing through dispensing line system 100 in accordance with prescription instructions from medicine storage control device 6. Dispensing unit 16 also collects the medicines stored in storage unit 15 onto a tray passing through dispensing line system 100 in accordance with collection instructions input from instruction terminal 4 and generated by medicine storage control device 6.

[0041] As will be explained later, the recognition unit 14 may be configured to read only the barcode, in which case the medicine size (diameter, total length, etc.) data of the medicine will be recorded in the medicine master 7a.

[0042] Furthermore, as will be explained later, the recognition unit 14 may be a handheld barcode reader. Here, the handheld barcode reader is a conventional reader that reads information related to a barcode by manually bringing a scanner close to the barcode. In this case, the size data (diameter, total length, etc.) of the drug is recorded in the drug master 7a, and further, as will be explained later, the drug is manually transferred from the storage tray to the storage unit 15 (filling position).

[0043] Furthermore, as will be explained later, a stored-medicine dispensing device can also be configured in which the recognition unit is a handheld barcode reading device and the storage unit and dispensing unit are conventional cassette dispensers.

[0044] 1.3.1. Virtual Cassette Configuration in the Drug Dispensing Device In the stored medicine management system (stored medicine dispensing device 2, medicine storage control device 6, instruction terminal 4) according to the first embodiment, a virtual cassette (concept) is constructed that virtually corresponds to the cassette dispensing machine 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5. The storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is not constructed using an actual cassette, but virtually or logically stores the stored medicines according to the concept of the cassette.

[0045] As described above, the medicine master 7a included in the database 5 connected to the medicine storage control device 6 includes data on the upper stock limit, stock constant, and lower stock limit for each medicine (medicine code) (see FIG. 6(1)). In the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2, individual medicines (medicines) are stored in various storage locations (storage addresses), but when grouped by medicine, the same medicine virtually occupies a certain area within the overall storage area of ​​the storage unit 15. The idea behind the virtual cassette is to manage this area for each medicine by adding constraints based on the upper stock limit (in terms of number), stock constant, and lower stock limit. The upper stock limit, stock constant, and lower stock limit are also referred to as the upper limit amount, maximum implementation amount, and filling reference amount, respectively.

[0046] It should be noted that a prerequisite for the drugs that are the subject of the concept of virtual cassettes is that they are set as "dispensable" in the "dispensable / non-dispensable flag" in the aforementioned drug master 7a.

[0047] Here, the "stock constant (maximum implementation amount)" is the number corresponding to the virtual allocation area in which only that drug can be placed. This "stock constant (maximum implementation amount)" is a basic numerical value in the concept of a virtual cassette. Next, the "stock upper limit (maximum amount)" is the upper limit of the number of drugs that the drug can virtually occupy in the storage unit 15. However, there is a possibility that other drugs may enter the area that can virtually be occupied by that upper limit. Furthermore, the "stock lower limit (standard filling amount)" is a boundary value for notifying the outside that the remaining amount of drug is low.

[0048] In the record for each drug (drug code) in the drug master, all of the upper stock limit (upper limit amount), stock constant (maximum implementation amount), and stock lower limit (standard filling amount) may be set, or none of them may be set. However, if none of the upper stock limit (upper limit amount), stock constant (maximum implementation amount), or stock lower limit (standard filling amount) is set, it means that no virtual cassette has been set for that drug.

[0049] An example of setting the upper limit (upper limit amount), stock constant (maximum implementation amount), and lower limit (standard filling amount) of stock will be described below. Figure 8(1) shows a conceptual diagram of the drug storage status when none of the upper limit (upper limit amount), stock constant (maximum implementation amount), or lower limit (standard filling amount) of stock is set. In this case, if there is at least one stock quantity, it is considered to be an "appropriate" stock quantity. Figure 8(2) shows a conceptual diagram of the drug storage status when only the upper limit (upper limit amount) of stock is set. In this case, if the stock quantity exceeds the "upper limit," it is considered to be an "excess" stock quantity. If the stock quantity is one or more and is less than the "upper limit," it is considered to be an "appropriate" stock quantity. Since an "upper limit" has been set, the concept of a virtual cassette is applied to this drug.

[0050] Figure 9 (1) shows a conceptual diagram of the drug storage status when the upper limit (upper limit amount), stock constant (maximum implementation amount), and lower limit (standard filling amount) are all set. In this case, if the stock quantity exceeds the "upper limit," it is considered to be an "excess" stock quantity. If the stock quantity is between the "constant" and the "upper limit," it is considered to be an "appropriate" stock quantity. If the stock quantity is between the "lower limit" and the "constant," it is considered to be an "insufficient" stock quantity. If the stock quantity is one or more and less than the "lower limit," it is considered to be a "low" stock quantity. If the stock quantity is less than one, it is considered to be an "out of stock" stock quantity. Because the "constant" and "upper limit" have been set, the concept of a virtual cassette is applied to this drug.

[0051] Figure 9 (2) shows a conceptual diagram of the drug storage status when an inventory constant (maximum implementation amount) and an inventory lower limit (standard filling amount) are set. In this case, if the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than the "constant," it is considered to be the "appropriate" inventory quantity. If the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than the "lower limit" but less than the "constant," it is considered to be an "insufficient" inventory quantity. If the inventory quantity is one or more but less than the "lower limit," it is considered to be a "low" inventory quantity. If the inventory quantity is less than one, it is considered to be an "out of stock" inventory quantity. Because a "constant" has been set, the concept of a virtual cassette is applied to this drug.

[0052] Figure 9 (3) shows a conceptual diagram of the drug storage status when only the inventory constant (maximum implementation amount) is set. In this case, if the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than the "constant", it is considered to be the "appropriate" inventory quantity. If the inventory quantity is one or more but less than the "constant", it is considered to be an "insufficient" inventory quantity. If the inventory quantity is less than one, it is considered to be an "out of stock" inventory quantity. Because a "constant" has been set, the concept of a virtual cassette is applied to this drug.

[0053] FIG. 10 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the entire virtual storage area provided in the storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2. Area 1 is a virtual area for storing drugs that are not included in the virtual cassette. Area 2 is a virtual area for storing drugs that are included in the virtual cassette. The hatching in the "virtual cassette (drug A)" indicates that up to a "constant amount" of drug A is stored in the hatched area. The area demarcated by a dotted line to the left of the hatched area of ​​the "virtual cassette (drug A)" indicates the presence of an "appropriate" area and an "upper limit." Similarly, the hatching in the "virtual cassette (drug B)" or "virtual cassette (drug C)" indicates that up to a "constant amount" of drug B or drug C is stored in the hatched area, respectively. The area demarcated by a dotted line to the left of the hatched area of ​​the "virtual cassette (drug B)" or "virtual cassette (drug C)" indicates the presence of an "appropriate" area and an "upper limit" (for drug B or drug C). As shown by the arrows at the top of Fig. 10, the "upper limit" and "constant" for each drug are values ​​that can be changed depending on the settings registered in the drug master 7a. Also, as shown by the arrows at the bottom of Fig. 10, the ratio between area 1 and area 2 can be changed by increasing or decreasing the target drugs in the virtual cassette.

[0054] 1.3.1.1.Available inventory in virtual cassette The inventory list table 7b included in the database 5 connected to the medicine storage control device 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention manages two items of inventory for each medicine code, namely, "actual inventory quantity" and "available inventory quantity." The "actual inventory quantity" is the inventory quantity for each medicine code that is actually stored in the storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2. On the other hand, the "available inventory quantity" is the number of medicines (inventory) that are within the expiration date (use-by date) among the "actual inventory quantity." In other words, the available inventory quantity is the number of medicines (inventory) that are available for dispensing among the medicines in the storage unit 15.

[0055] For a certain drug, if it is subject to the concept of the virtual cassette described above, the "available inventory quantity" can be used as the inventory quantity. That is, suppose that "20 bottles" is assigned as the "maximum implementation quantity (inventory constant)" for a certain drug's virtual cassette, and the actual inventory quantity and the available inventory quantity at a certain point in time are "20 bottles." If "3" of those bottles subsequently expire (end of expiration date) and are removed from the "available inventory quantity," the actual inventory quantity remains unchanged, but the available inventory quantity becomes 17 bottles. Therefore, at a later point in time, three more bottles of that drug can be stored in the storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 up to the "maximum implementation quantity (inventory constant)."

[0056] 11 and 12 are example screens used by the instruction terminal 4 to set various values ​​for a virtual cassette. In FIG. 11, data for each drug is displayed in each row. On the screen of FIG. 11, selecting a drug row for each "drug name" and clicking the "Set" button 20 further displays a diagram for setting specific values ​​as shown in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, the maximum implementation quantity (inventory constant), filling reference quantity (lower stock limit), and upper limit quantity for each drug can be set (i.e., (virtual) cassette settings can be performed). The maximum implementation quantity, filling reference quantity, and upper limit quantity in FIGS. 11 and 12 are compared with the "available inventory quantity." In other words, the value of the available inventory quantity can be compared as an inventory quantity with the upper stock limit (upper limit quantity), inventory constant (maximum implementation quantity), and lower stock limit (filling reference quantity).

[0057] 11, the search for medicine data can be narrowed down by inputting the conditions of "Yes" / "No" (pull-down bar menus 22, 24) for the "Maximum installed amount" and "Upper limit amount" settings in the "Extraction conditions" area. Also, the "Cassette area area 40" displays the current storage status of the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2.

[0058] The expiration date data in the stored medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3 and the available stock quantity data in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 are synchronized. In other words, at the end of the day, when a record with an "expiration date" that has expired (ended) occurs in the stored medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3, the medicine storage control device 6 is notified via the instruction terminal 4 of which medicine code the expiration date has occurred for the medicine. Upon receiving this notification, the medicine storage control device 6 updates (decreases) the value of the "available stock quantity" for the record of the corresponding medicine code in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 to which it is connected.

[0059] 13 is a flowchart showing the process flow in which the stored medicine management system updates the actual inventory quantity N1 and the effective inventory quantity N2 when the stored medicine dispensing device stores a medicine. First, it is determined whether the medicine type can be read (for example, whether the medicine barcode can be obtained) (ST52). If it is not possible (ST52·NO), no stock is received, and nothing is updated in the stock list table 7b of the database 5. If the medicine type is readable (ST52·YES), it is next determined whether the expiration date is readable (ST54). If it is readable (ST54·YES), the medicine is received (ST56), the actual inventory quantity is incremented by +1 (ST58), and it is then determined whether the medicine is within its expiration date (ST60). If it is within its expiration date (ST60·YES), the effective inventory quantity is incremented by +1 (ST62). If it is not within its expiration date (ST60·NO), the effective inventory quantity in the stock list table 7b of the database 5 is not updated.

[0060] If it is determined in ST54 that the expiration date is illegible (ST54·NO), then a determination is made as to whether or not the drug with an illegible expiration date should be stored in the first place (ST64). If it is determined not to store the drug (ST64·NO), it is not stored, and nothing is updated in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5. If it is determined to store the drug (ST64·YES), the drug is stored (ST66), the actual inventory quantity is incremented by 1 (ST68), and then a determination is made as to whether or not the drug with an unknown expiration date should be dispensed (i.e., for actual use) (ST70). If it is determined to be dispensed (i.e., for actual use) (ST70·YES), the effective inventory quantity is set to the same quantity as the actual inventory quantity (ST72·YES). The determination as to whether or not a drug with an illegible expiration date should be stored is registered in advance in the drug master for each drug type based on the hospital's internal regulations, etc.

[0061] If it is determined in ST70 that medicines with unknown expiration dates are not to be dispensed (i.e., for actual use) (ST70·NO), then it is determined whether an expiration date will be entered later (ST74). If it is determined that an expiration date will not be entered (ST74·NO), the effective stock quantity in stock list table 7b of database 5 is not updated. If it is determined that an expiration date will be entered (ST74·YES), it waits for the expiration date to be entered (ST76) and then determines whether the medicine is within its expiration date (ST78). If it is within its expiration date (ST78·YES), the effective stock quantity is incremented by 1 (ST62). If it is not within its expiration date (ST78·NO), the effective stock quantity in stock list table 7b of database 5 is not updated.

[0062] While the determination of whether a drug is within its expiration date (in ST60 and ST78) is generally made by comparing the expiration date with the current time, the method of determination is not limited to this. For example, to prevent drugs from accumulating in the storage of the stored-drug dispensing device and effectively utilize inventory, or to ensure safety, the determination may be made by comparing the date obtained by subtracting a certain period from the drug's expiration date with the current time. Alternatively, the determination may be made by comparing the expiration date with the date obtained by adding the certain period to the current time. In this case, the determination of whether a drug is within its expiration date is made based on the period input from the input unit, the drug's expiration date, and the current time. The period input from the input unit may be, for example, a period determined by the hospital's internal regulations. Alternatively, the value input from the input unit may be a set date instead of a period. In this case, the determination of whether a drug is within its expiration date is made based on the set date, the drug's expiration date, and the current time.

[0063] As explained above, when an "expiration date" has passed in the stored medication inventory table 9 of the local database 3 at the end of the day, the medication storage control device 6 is notified via the instruction terminal 4 of which medication code the expiration date has passed. The medication storage control device 6 receives this notification and updates (decreases) the "available stock quantity" value of the record with the corresponding medication code in the inventory list table 7b of the connected database 5. This "expiration" determination may also be made by comparing the date obtained by subtracting the period determined by the hospital's internal regulations from the medication's expiration date with the current time, as described above. In this case, the determination of whether the medication is expired is made based on the period determined by the hospital's internal regulations, the medication's expiration date, and the current time, all of which are input via the input unit.

[0064] As described above, the expiration date data of the stored medicines, that is, the expiration date data in the stored medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3, and the available stock quantity data in the inventory list table 7b of the database 5 are synchronized.

[0065] 1.3.1.2. Inventory list table screen display example FIG. 14 is an example of a screen display of a medicine inventory list table displayed on the display of, for example, the instruction terminal 4 based on the inventory list table 7b and the medicine master 7a included in the database 5 connected to the medicine storage control device 6 in the stored medicine management system according to the first embodiment. In the inventory list table, "drug code" and "drug name" are common items between the inventory list table 7b and the medicine master 7a. "Actual inventory quantity" and "Available inventory quantity" are data items stored in the inventory list table 7b (see FIG. 6(2)). "Constant," "Upper limit," "Lower limit," and "Size" are data items set in the medicine master 7a, and correspond to the items "Inventory constant (maximum implementation amount)," "Inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)," and "Inventory lower limit (standard filling amount)" in the medicine master 7a (see FIG. 6(1)). Furthermore, if a value for "Inventory constant (maximum implementation amount)" or "Inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)" is stored for a certain medicine in the medicine master 7a, it means that a virtual cassette is set for that medicine in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2. This is indicated by the "○" mark in the "Virtual Cassette" item in the inventory list table in Figure 14. In the inventory list table shown in Figure 14, only the first row (drug code: A drug) has no values ​​stored for any of the "Stock constant (maximum implementation amount)," "Upper stock limit (upper limit amount)," and "Lower stock limit (standard filling amount)," so no virtual cassette is set for "drug code: A drug" (virtual cassettes are set for all other drugs).

[0066] Furthermore, the contents of each "Stock Status" item in the inventory list table in Figure 14 are determined by the relationship between the current "Available Stock Quantity" and the "Constant," "Upper Limit," and "Lower Limit." For example, in the first row (drug code: A Drug), no values ​​are stored for the "Stock Constant (Maximum Implementation Amount)," "Upper Limit (Upper Limit Amount)," or "Lower Limit (Base Filling Amount)," so if the "Available Stock Quantity" is 1 or greater, the "Stock Status" is "Appropriate." In the second and third rows (drug codes: B Drug, C Drug), only the value for the "Upper Limit (Upper Limit Amount)" is stored, so if the "Available Stock Quantity" is one or greater but less than the "Upper Limit" (as in row 2), the "Stock Status" is "Appropriate." If the "Available Stock Quantity" exceeds the "Upper Limit" (as in row 3), the "Stock Status" is "Excess."

[0067] In lines 4 to 8, values ​​are stored for all of the "Inventory Constant (Maximum Implementation Amount)," "Inventory Upper Limit (Upper Limit Amount)," and "Inventory Lower Limit (Filling Standard Amount)." In line 4 (drug code: D Drug), the "Available Inventory Quantity" is greater than the "Constant" and less than the "Upper Limit," so the "Inventory Status" is "Appropriate." In line 5 (drug code: E Drug), the "Available Inventory Quantity" exceeds the "Upper Limit," so the "Inventory Status" is "Excess." In line 6 (drug code: F Drug), the "Available Inventory Quantity" is greater than the "Lower Limit" and less than the "Constant," so the "Inventory Status" is "Shortage." In line 7 (drug code: G Drug), the "Available Inventory Quantity" is greater than one and less than the "Lower Limit," so the "Inventory Status" is "Low." In line 8 (drug code: G Drug), the "Available Inventory Quantity" is less than one, so the "Inventory Status" is "Out of Stock."

[0068] In this way, in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 of embodiment 1, the area for each medicine is managed using the concept of a virtual cassette, which is managed by adding constraints based on an upper inventory limit (upper limit amount), an inventory constant (maximum implementation amount), and a lower inventory limit (standard filling amount).

[0069] Below, we will explain example screens (main screen, cassette inquiry screen, inventory inquiry screen) of the instruction terminal 4 that display the inventory upper limit (upper limit amount), inventory constant (maximum implementation amount), inventory lower limit (filling standard amount), available inventory, and actual inventory amount for the virtual cassette.

[0070] FIG. 15 is an example of a main screen of the stored medicine management system displayed on the instruction terminal 4. On the main screen shown in FIG. 15, the inventory status of medicines stored in virtual cassettes in the storage unit 15 of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is displayed by a "Cassette Medicine Inventory" button 42. First, if there is at least one virtual cassette with zero effective inventory, "Out of stock" is displayed. Even if there is no virtual cassette that corresponds to "Out of stock," if there is at least one virtual cassette with effective inventory that is less than the filling reference amount (lower inventory limit) by 1 or more, "Low inventory" is displayed. If there are no virtual cassettes that correspond to "Out of stock" or "Low inventory," and the effective inventory for all virtual cassettes is between the maximum implementation amount (inventory constant) and the filling reference amount (lower inventory limit), "Adequate" is displayed. Also, The "Excess Medicine" button 46 displays "Excess Medicine" if there is at least one virtual cassette whose effective inventory exceeds the upper limit, and displays "No Excess Medicine" if there is no virtual cassette whose effective inventory exceeds the upper limit.

[0071] FIG. 16 shows a screen displayed on the instruction terminal 4 for inquiring about each cassette (cassette inquiry) in a stored medicine management system in which virtual cassettes are set. When the "Cassette List" button 52 under "Extraction Conditions" is clicked on the cassette inquiry screen, the inventory status and various setting values ​​of the medicines in all virtual cassettes are displayed. That is, the medicine name, inventory amount, maximum implementation amount, standard filling amount, upper limit amount, and status are displayed. The inventory amount here refers to the amount of medicine available for dispensing, i.e., the "available inventory." If the available inventory is 0, the "status" is displayed as "out of stock." If the available inventory is less than the standard filling amount (lower inventory limit) and is equal to or greater than 1, the status is displayed as "low." If the available inventory is between the maximum implementation amount (inventory constant) and the standard filling amount (lower inventory limit), the status is displayed as "appropriate." If the available inventory exceeds the upper limit, the status is displayed as "excess."

[0072] Figure 17 shows the screen when the "Filling Table All Cassettes" button 54 under "Extraction Conditions" is clicked on the cassette inquiry screen (shown in Figure 16). As shown in Figure 17, when the "Filling Table All Cassettes" button 54 under "Extraction Conditions" is clicked on the cassette inquiry screen, medicines whose available stock quantity is less than the maximum implementation quantity are displayed. In other words, a list of medicines whose filling quantity needs to be replenished until the maximum implementation quantity is reached is displayed. Note that the "replenishment quantity" in Figure 17 is the number obtained by subtracting the available stock quantity from the maximum implementation quantity (i.e., "replenishment quantity" in Figure 17 = "maximum implementation quantity" - "available stock quantity").

[0073] Figure 18 shows the screen when the "Below Filling Table Reference Amount" button 56 in the "Extraction Conditions" section of the cassette inquiry screen (shown in Figure 16) is clicked. As shown in Figure 18, when the "Below Filling Table Reference Amount" button 56 in the "Extraction Conditions" section of the cassette inquiry screen is clicked, medicines whose available stock quantity is less than the reference filling amount are displayed. In other words, a list of medicines whose filling amount must be replenished to reach the reference filling amount is displayed. Note that the "replenishment amount" in Figure 18 is the number obtained by subtracting the available stock quantity from the reference filling amount (i.e., "replenishment amount" in Figure 18 = "reference filling amount" - "available stock quantity").

[0074] Figure 19 is an inventory inquiry screen displayed on the instruction terminal 4 in a stored medicine management system in which virtual cassettes have been set. For each virtual cassette, the inventory amount (inventory quantity) and other information are displayed in a line, and in this screen shown in Figure 19, "inventory amount" indicates the actual inventory quantity. "Upper limit quantity" indicates the upper limit of inventory. In this way, the value of the actual inventory quantity can be used as the inventory quantity to compare with the upper limit of inventory (upper limit quantity), inventory constant (maximum implementation quantity), and lower limit of inventory (standard filling quantity).

[0075] 2.Operation 2.1. Storage operation of the stored medicine dispensing device The stored medicine dispensing device 2 receives storage trays containing new medicines and unused returned medicines in the receiving unit 12, recognizes the medicines using the recognition unit 14, and sorts and stores the medicines in the storage unit 15 according to the recognition, thereby performing the operation of storing new medicines and unused returned medicines. The stored medicine management system is configured so that a user of the stored medicine management system can issue an instruction to start the storage operation from either the stored medicine dispensing device 2 or the instruction terminal 4.

[0076] The receiving unit 12 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 receives, for example, seven storage trays containing new medicines (such as ampoules or vials) and unused returned medicines. Each of these seven storage trays is temporarily stored in a stack within the receiving unit 12.

[0077] Of the seven storage trays that are stacked and temporarily stored, the lowest storage tray can also function as an NG (No Good) tray. That is, the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 can also perform an operation of marking stored medicines that are determined not to need to be placed in the storage unit 15 as "NG" and moving them to this NG tray. Examples of items that can be moved to the NG tray include the following: [1] Medicines that are not in the shape of a typical ampoule or vial. [2] Those that are set as "not eligible for dispensing" in the "eligible for dispensing / not eligible for dispensing flag" in the aforementioned drug master 7a. Whether or not each drug corresponds to the above-mentioned [1] is determined by the recognition unit 14 and the control unit of the instruction terminal 4. Note that a storage tray other than the lowest storage tray may function as an NG tray. In this case, the lowest storage tray may function as a non-NG tray.

[0078] The medicines placed on each storage tray (excluding the NG tray) are recognized by image processing in the recognition unit 14. At that time, data such as a barcode including a medicine code and an expiration date is acquired.

[0079] Each stored medicine is assigned a "medicine identification code." This "medicine identification code" is a unique identification code that is composed of, for example, the "date and time of storage in the storage tray of the stored medicine dispensing device" plus a "serial number."

[0080] The stored medicine dispensing device 2 transmits the recognized data to the medicine storage control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4. Based on the transmitted data, the medicine storage control device 6 updates the actual stock quantity and / or available stock quantity (by medicine) in the inventory list table 7b (see FIG. 6(2)), and creates a new record including the "medicine identification code" and "medicine code" in the inventory medicine file 7c. At the same time, the instruction terminal 4 creates a new record including the "medicine identification code" and "medicine code" in the stored medicine inventory table 9 (see FIG. 7) in the local database 3.

[0081] The medicines recognized by the recognition unit 14 are sorted and stored in the storage unit 15. The storage unit 15 has multiple shelves arranged vertically, and each shelf has multiple rows. Furthermore, each row has multiple horizontal (directional) positions. That is, in the storage unit 15, the storage position (storage address) of a medicine is uniquely determined by (shelf, row, horizontal position). This information (shelf, row, horizontal position) is recorded in the records of the stored medicine inventory table 9 shown in Figure 7, which is the local database 3, as fields for "filling shelf number," "filling row number," and "filling horizontal position."

[0082] Note that, when the medicine storage control device 6 updates the actual stock quantity and / or effective stock quantity for each medicine in the stock list table 7b based on the transmitted data, if the "effective stock quantity" exceeds the "upper stock limit (upper limit amount)", the stored medicine dispensing device 2 may be configured to return the excess medicine to the NG tray. Here, it is desirable that data for selecting whether the stored medicine dispensing device 2 is configured to store the medicine in the storage unit 15 or return it to the NG tray (i.e., not store it in the storage unit 15) when the "effective stock quantity" exceeds the "upper stock limit (upper limit amount)" can be input from the outside via the instruction terminal 4 or the medicine storage control device 6.

[0083] 2.1.(1) Returning and filling operations The storage operation can also be divided into a return operation and a filling operation. The return operation is an operation of storing returned medicines in the stored medicine dispensing device 2. The filling operation is an operation of storing medicines that are not returned medicines in the stored medicine dispensing device 2. As described above, a user of the stored medicine management system instructs the start of the storage operation on the screen of the stored medicine dispensing device 2 or the instruction terminal 4. The stored medicine management system is configured so that, for example, when the storage operation start button is pressed once (one-clicked) on the screen for instructing the start of this storage operation, the subsequent storage operation is recognized by the stored medicine management system as a "return operation," and when the storage operation start button is pressed twice (double-clicked), the subsequent storage operation is recognized by the stored medicine management system as a "filling operation."

[0084] In the stored-medicine management system, it is defined that the filling operation takes priority over the dispensing operation (described later), and the dispensing operation takes priority over the returning operation. First, the fact that the dispensing operation takes priority over the returning operation means that when the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 is performing a dispensing operation, the returning operation will not interrupt it. This is because the dispensing operation, which is often performed periodically (described later), is given priority.

[0085] Next, the fact that the filling operation takes priority over the dispensing operation means that the filling operation may be performed in interruption while the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 is performing a dispensing operation. This provides the following effects.

[0086] Under the premise that "the dispensing operation takes priority over the storing operation (including the returning operation)," if a drug is not available when dispensed from the contained-medicine dispensing device 2 (when a shortage occurs), it is not possible to perform an operation of having the contained-medicine dispensing device 2 take in the drug each time to resolve the shortage. Therefore, by setting a filling operation that takes priority over the dispensing operation, when a shortage occurs, the necessary drug is taken in by the filling operation into the contained-medicine dispensing device 2, and thereby the drug can be dispensed from the contained-medicine dispensing device 2 each time.

[0087] Since the priority order of operations in the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 is "filling operation > dispensing operation > returning operation," the filling operation interrupts the returning operation. As described above, the stored-medicine management system distinguishes between the returning operation and the filling operation based on the number of times the storing operation start button (on the screen of the instruction terminal 4, etc.) is pressed (clicked).

[0088] Furthermore, when refilling after a shortage (error) occurs, if the refilled medicine is a medicine to be dispensed, and if it is in a state where it can be dispensed (i.e., for example, it has not passed its expiration date), the medicine management system may be configured so that the medicine is dispensed directly to a tray (for dispensing) without being placed in the storage section 15 (stock shelf).

[0089] The stored medicine management system may be configured so that if the storage unit 15 becomes full during a filling operation, the medicine to be filled (stored) is then transferred to an NG tray. Also, if the storage unit 15 becomes full during a returning operation, the stored medicine management system may be configured so that the returning operation is stopped thereafter and the stopped state continues until the medicine in the storage unit 15 is dispensed or collected.

[0090] 2.1.1. Storage Operation of the Stored-Medicine Dispensing Device When the Recognition Unit Reads Only Barcodes Next, the storage operation of multiple stored-medicine dispensing devices depending on the configuration of the recognition unit 14 will be described. First, the storage operation when the recognition unit 14 is configured to read only barcodes will be described. In this case, the recognition unit 14 reads only barcodes. The read barcode data is transmitted from the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 to the medicine storage control device 6, and the medicine master 7a is searched using the medicine code contained in the barcode as a key item to determine the size data of the medicine (diameter, total length, etc.). Based on the obtained data related to the properties of the medicine, such as the "diameter and total length of the medicine," the stored-medicine management system searches the storage information memory unit for the filling position in the storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2, i.e., the empty position and placement method. The stored-medicine management system notifies the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 of the filling position information determined as a result of the search, i.e., the "shelf, row, and horizontal position" data, along with data such as the "medicine barcode." The stored-medicine dispensing device 2 stores the stored medicine in the storage unit 15 based on the received filling position information. Note that the recognition unit 14 may also read identification information that identifies the medicine.

[0091] 2.1.2. Storage Operation of the Stored Medicine Dispensing Device When the Recognition Unit is a Handheld Barcode Reading Device The following describes the storing operation of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 when the recognition unit 14 is a handheld barcode reading device. First, in this case, the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 does not need to be provided with a first robot that transfers medicines from the receiving unit 12 to the recognition unit 14 or a second robot that transfers medicines from the recognition unit 14 to the storage unit 15.

[0092] Furthermore, at this time, the barcode of the medicine is manually read by an operator using a barcode reading device, which is recognition unit 14. The read barcode data is transmitted from the barcode reading device and stored-medicine dispensing device 2 to medicine storage control device 6, and medicine master 7a is searched using the medicine code contained in the barcode as a key item, and data on the size of the medicine (diameter, total length, etc.) is obtained. Based on the obtained data related to the properties of the medicine, such as the "diameter and total length of the medicine," the stored-medicine management system searches the storage information memory unit for the filling position in storage unit 15 of stored-medicine dispensing device 2, i.e., the empty position and placement method. The stored-medicine management system notifies stored-medicine dispensing device 2 of the filling position information determined as a result of the search, i.e., the "shelf, row, and horizontal position" data, along with data such as the "medicine barcode." Note that, at this time, what recognition unit 14 reads may also be identification information that identifies the medicine.

[0093] Here, in the storage tray of the storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2, a notification light composed of a small LED or the like is provided for each storage address of the medicine represented by "shelf, row, horizontal position." Furthermore, the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 is configured so that when the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 receives "shelf, row, horizontal position" data, the notification light corresponding to the storage address of that "shelf, row, horizontal position" lights up. The operator reads the barcode of the medicine using a barcode reading device and manually stores the medicine in the storage address where the lit notification light is located.

[0094] Alternatively, the notification light may not be provided, and instead the data of the storage address "shelf, row, horizontal position" may be displayed on the display unit of the instruction terminal 4 or the like. In this case, a sensor may be provided for each drug storage address represented by "shelf, row, horizontal position," and when the operator does not store a drug at the storage address "shelf, row, horizontal position" displayed on the display unit of the instruction terminal 4 or the like, the sensor may detect the absence of the drug and warn the operator by flashing a light source provided in conjunction with the sensor. Conversely, when the operator stores a drug at the storage address "shelf, row, horizontal position" displayed on the display unit of the instruction terminal 4 or the like, the sensor may detect the presence of the drug and warn the operator by flashing a light source provided in conjunction with the sensor.

[0095] 2.1.3. Storage operation of a stored medicine dispensing device in which the recognition unit is a handheld barcode reader and the storage unit and dispensing unit are conventional cassette dispensers This embodiment can also be configured as a "storage-medicine dispensing device in which the recognition unit is a handheld barcode reader, and the storage unit and dispensing unit are conventional cassette dispensers," which is a variation of the aforementioned "storage-medicine dispensing device in which the recognition unit is a handheld barcode reader." In this case, the cassette dispenser has a plurality of cassettes of different types corresponding to the sizes of medicines (such as S, M, and L sizes, or lengths of 20 mm and 35 mm) as storage units.

[0096] For example, if there are 10 drug cassettes with a total length of 35 mm, [1] Six of the containers are used to store drug A and four are used to store drug B, or [2] All 10 units are to be used to store Drug A. The cassettes can be configured in this manner. The correspondence between the medicines (types) and the positions of the individual cassettes is recorded in the memory unit of the medicine containment control device 6.

[0097] In this case, as with the "medicine dispensing device when the recognition unit is a handheld barcode reading device," the drug dispensing device 2 does not need to be provided with a first robot that transfers the medicine from the receiving unit 12 to the recognition unit 14 or a second robot that transfers the medicine from the recognition unit 14 to the storage unit 15.

[0098] Furthermore, at this time, the barcode of the medicine is manually read by an operator using a barcode reading device, which is the recognition unit. The read barcode data is transmitted from the barcode reading device and the stored-medicine dispensing device to the medicine storage control device 6, and the medicine master 7a is searched using the medicine code contained in the barcode as a key item, and data on the size of the medicine (diameter, total length, etc.) is determined. Based on the obtained data related to the properties of the medicine, such as the "diameter and total length of the medicine," the stored-medicine management system searches the memory unit for the filling position in the storage section of the stored-medicine dispensing device, i.e., the position of the corresponding cassette in the cassette dispensing machine. The stored-medicine management system notifies the stored-medicine dispensing device (i.e., the cassette dispensing machine) of the filling position determined as a result of the search, i.e., the cassette position data, together with data such as the "medicine barcode."

[0099] Here, each of the multiple cassettes provided in the cassette dispensing machine is provided with a notification light composed of a small LED or the like. Furthermore, the cassette dispensing machine (i.e., the stored medicine dispensing device) is configured so that when the cassette dispensing machine receives position data of the corresponding cassette, the notification light corresponding to the cassette position data lights up. The operator manually places the medicine, the barcode of which is read using the barcode reading device, into the cassette whose notification light is lit.

[0100] It is also possible to have a configuration in which the notification light described above is not provided, and instead the position data of the corresponding cassette is displayed on the display unit of the instruction terminal 4, etc. Furthermore, in this case, a sensor is provided in each of the multiple cassettes, and when the operator does not place a drug in the cassette position shown on the display unit of the instruction terminal 4, etc., the sensor detects the absence of the drug and warns the operator by flashing a light source provided in conjunction with the sensor. Conversely, it is also possible to have a configuration in which when the operator places a drug in a cassette at the position shown on the display unit of the instruction terminal 4, etc., the sensor detects the presence of the drug and warns the operator by flashing a light source provided in conjunction with the sensor.

[0101] The dispensing operation is performed under the control of the medicine storage control device 6, similar to conventional cassette dispensing machines.

[0102] 2.2. Dispensing operation of the stored medicine dispensing device As described above, the dispensing section 16 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 dispenses the medicines stored in the storage section 15 onto a tray passing through the inside of the dispensing line system 100 in accordance with prescription instructions from the medicine storage control device 6.

[0103] Fig. 20(1) is a flow diagram of dispensing processing in a conventional stored medicine management system. Fig. 20(2) is a flow diagram of dispensing processing in a stored medicine management system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Furthermore, Fig. 21(1) is a flowchart of provisional closing processing (described below), and Fig. 21(2) is a flowchart of closing processing (described below).

[0104] As shown in Figure 20(2), first, the medicine storage control device 6 periodically (for example, once a day) performs a provisional sealing process. In this provisional sealing process, the medicine storage control device 6 receives prescription data in bulk (for example, once a day) from an external system (for example, a hospital comprehensive system) (Figure 21(1)ST04), and refers to the inventory list table 7b (see Figure 6(2)) to check only whether the medicine with the target medicine code is in stock (Figure 21(1)ST06). If there is a shortage of medicine, the medicine storage control device 6 outputs a "shortage slip" via the printer unit 115 (Figure 21(1)ST08). The shortage slip displays a set of the "medicine code," "medicine name," and the "number of missing items" for that medicine.

[0105] Here, the difference between the required quantity and the "available stock quantity" may be displayed as the "number of out-of-stock items." If a "lower stock limit (standard filling amount)" or a "constant stock amount (maximum implementation amount)" is set, the difference between the required quantity and the "lower stock limit (standard filling amount)" may be displayed, or the difference between the required quantity and the "constant stock amount (maximum implementation amount)" may be displayed. All of these difference values ​​may be displayed.

[0106] Based on the "shortage slip," the user of the stored medicine management system stores the missing medicines in the stored medicine dispensing device by the above-mentioned storing operation.

[0107] Next, the medicine storage control device 6 performs closing processing (for example, the first time) as shown in FIG. 20(2). In this closing processing (for example, the first time), some prescription data is received from an external system (for example, a hospital comprehensive system) (FIG. 21(2) ST24). "Some prescription data" refers, for example, to prescription data for some wards in the entire hospital. The prescription data includes data on medicines to be dispensed. The medicine storage control device 6 decreases the effective stock quantity and actual stock quantity of the target medicine (code) data in the inventory list table 7b (FIG. 21(2) ST26). In addition, the medicine storage control device 6 searches the inventory medicine file 7c to obtain the record of the target medicine (code), and updates the "dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)" of that record (FIG. 21(2) ST28). Furthermore, the stored medicine management system (or instruction terminal 4) that receives the prescription data for the closing process searches the stored medicine inventory table 9 in the local database 3 to obtain the record of the target medicine (code), and updates the “dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)” of that record (Figure 21 (2) ST30).

[0108] The stored medicine dispensing device 2 receives prescription instruction data (drug code, quantity) based on the prescription data and procures the medicines (procurement 1). If there is still a shortage of medicines even after adding the amount of medicine filled immediately after the provisional fastening process (FIG. 21(2) ST34 - YES), the medicine storage control device 6 and stored medicine management system (or instruction terminal 4) output a "difference ticket" via the printer unit 115 (FIG. 21(2) ST36). Thereafter, the stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs dispensing process (dispense 1) of the collected medicines.

[0109] In addition, upon receiving the dispensed medicine from the stored medicine dispensing device 2, the stored medicine management system removes the mask from the position in the storage information storage unit where the medicine is no longer present due to the dispensed medicine. Therefore, the position becomes an arrangement (filling) possible area in the storage information storage unit.

[0110] After the first closing, procurement, and dispensing processes, multiple closing, procurement, and dispensing processes (three times in Figure 20(2)) are performed. By multiple closing, procurement, and dispensing processes, the dispensing operation of the entire prescription data that roughly corresponds to the target prescription data of the first provisional closing process is performed.

[0111] In addition, when the stored medicine management system outputs a "difference ticket" via the printer unit 115, the stored medicine dispensing device 2 may temporarily stop the procurement process and dispensing process and wait for the target medicine to be filled (stored).

[0112] 2.3. Medicine collection operation of the medicine dispensing device The following describes the medicine retrieving operation of the stored medicine dispensing device 2. The medicine retrieving operation is substantially the same as the dispensing operation. The stored medicine management system receives prescription data from an external system, causing the stored medicine dispensing device 2 to perform the dispensing operation, while the stored medicine dispensing device 2 performs the retrieving operation based on instruction data input from the instruction terminal 4.

[0113] The medicine collecting operation is performed in the following order: (a) setting of medicine collecting processing conditions, (b) extraction of medicines to be collected, and (c) execution of collection. In the first embodiment, these operations are configured to be similar to the dispensing operation.

[0114] Note that the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 may be configured so that when the medicine containment control device 6 updates the actual stock quantity and / or effective stock quantity for each medicine in the stock list table 7b based on the data read by the recognition unit 14 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2, if the "effective stock quantity" exceeds the "upper stock limit (upper limit amount)", the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 retrieves the excess amount of medicine. Here, it is desirable that data can be input externally via the instruction terminal 4 or the medicine containment control device 6 to select whether the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 continues to store the medicine in the storage unit 15 or retrieves the medicine when the "effective stock quantity" exceeds the "upper stock limit (upper limit amount)".

[0115] The instruction terminal 4 may be configured so that a medicine set as "not to be dispensed" in the "dispensation target / not to be dispensed flag" in the medicine master 7a is subject to collection.

[0116] 2.4. Display operation of the stored medicine management system The stored medicine management system performs various display operations based on the data stored in the stock list table 7b, the stock medicine file 7c, and the stored medicine stock table 9.

[0117] 2.4.1. Display behavior when there is a drug whose "Available Stock Quantity" exceeds the "Inventory Upper Limit (Upper Limit)" If there is a drug to be stored in a virtual cassette in the inventory list table 7b, for which the "available inventory quantity" exceeds the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", the drug storage control device 6 notifies the instruction terminal 4 of the drug code and the excess quantity (i.e., the value of "available inventory quantity" - "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)"). The instruction terminal 4 displays the drug code, the excess quantity, and a message that "the "available inventory quantity" exceeds the "inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)", and prompts the user of the stored drug management system to collect the excess, for example.

[0118] The instruction terminal 4 may be configured to highlight that "the 'effective stock quantity' exceeds the 'inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)'" for a drug whose 'effective stock quantity' exceeds the 'inventory upper limit (upper limit amount)'" in the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in Fig. 14. Also, as explained above, if there is a drug whose effective stock quantity exceeds the upper limit amount, the instruction terminal 4 may be configured to display "Excess drug present" in the "Excess drug present" button 46 on the main screen shown in Fig. 15.

[0119] 2.4.2. Display behavior when there is a drug whose "Available Stock" is less than the "Stock Constant (Maximum Implementation Amount)" If there is a drug to be stored in a virtual cassette in the inventory list table 7b, whose "available inventory quantity" is less than the "inventory constant (maximum implementation amount)", the drug storage control device 6 notifies the instruction terminal 4 of the drug code and the shortage quantity (i.e., the value of "inventory constant (maximum implementation amount)" - "available inventory quantity"). The instruction terminal 4 displays the drug code, the shortage quantity, and a message that "the "available inventory quantity" is less than the "inventory constant (maximum implementation amount)", and prompts the user of the stored drug management system to store the shortage quantity, for example.

[0120] The instruction terminal 4 may be configured to highlight that "the 'available stock quantity' is less than the 'stock constant (maximum implementation amount)'" for a drug whose 'available stock quantity' is less than the 'stock constant (maximum implementation amount)' in the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in Fig. 14. Also, as described above, when the inventory status is appropriate for all virtual cassettes, the instruction terminal 4 may be configured to display "appropriate" in the "Cassette drug inventory" button 42 on the main screen shown in Fig. 15.

[0121] 2.4.3. Display behavior when there is a drug whose "Available Stock" does not meet the "Lower Stock Limit (Filling Standard Amount)" If there is a drug to be stored in a virtual cassette in the inventory list table 7b, whose "available inventory quantity" is less than the "lower inventory limit (filling reference amount)," the drug storage control device 6 notifies the instruction terminal 4 of the drug code and the shortage quantity (i.e., the value of "inventory constant (maximum implementation amount)" - "available inventory quantity." The instruction terminal 4 displays the drug code, the shortage quantity, and a message that "the "available inventory quantity" is less than the "lower inventory limit (filling reference amount)," and prompts the user of the stored drug management system to store the shortage, for example. If the user of the stored drug management system fills the shortage drug and resolves the situation where "the "available inventory quantity" is less than the "lower inventory limit (filling reference amount)," the above-mentioned display (notification) will not occur for that drug until the situation where "the "available inventory quantity" is less than the "lower inventory limit (filling reference amount)"" occurs again.

[0122] The instruction terminal 4 may be configured to highlight that "the 'available stock quantity' is less than the 'stock lower limit (filling standard amount)'" for drugs whose 'available stock quantity' is less than the 'stock lower limit (filling standard amount)' in the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in Fig. 14. Also, as explained above, when there is a virtual cassette whose available stock quantity is less than the filling standard amount (stock lower limit) and is 1 or more, the instruction terminal 4 may be configured to display "Low Remaining" in the "Cassette Drug Inventory" button 42 on the main screen shown in Fig. 15.

[0123] 2.4.4. Display behavior when there is a drug whose "available stock" is 0 If there is a drug to be stored in a virtual cassette whose "available stock quantity" has become 0 in the inventory list table 7b, the drug storage control device 6 notifies the instruction terminal 4 of the drug code and the shortage quantity (i.e., the value of "inventory constant (maximum implementation amount)" - "available stock quantity"). The instruction terminal 4 displays the drug code, the shortage quantity, and a message that "the "available stock quantity" has become 0," and prompts the user of the stored drug management system to store the shortage quantity, for example.

[0124] At this time, the screen (not shown) notifying of the shortage may also display other drugs that may be out of stock due to one prescription (data). In other words, when the medicine storage control device 6 is dispensing medicines according to one prescription data, if the effective inventory of the medicine to be dispensed becomes 0, the stored medicine management system may be configured to simultaneously grasp (identify) other drugs in the prescription (data) that will be out of stock and simultaneously display (multiple) drugs that will be out of stock (and a notice of the shortage).

[0125] When a user of the medication management system refills the missing medication and resolves the situation where "available inventory is 0 bottles," the aforementioned display (notification of out-of-stock status) will not occur for that medication until the situation where "available inventory is 0 bottles" occurs again.

[0126] The instruction terminal 4 may be configured to highlight that "the 'available stock' has become 0" for a drug whose "available stock quantity" has become 0 on the screen display of the drug inventory list table shown in Fig. 14. Also, as described above, if there is a virtual cassette whose available stock quantity is zero, the instruction terminal 4 may be configured to display "Out of stock" on the "Cassette drug inventory" button 42 on the main screen shown in Fig. 15.

[0127] 2.4.5. Screen display operation showing the overall inventory status in the storage section of the stored medicine dispensing device Fig. 22(1) is an example of a screen display showing the overall inventory status in the storage unit 15 of the stored-medicine dispensing device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is an example of a display in which specific values ​​for individual drugs of the same type are set and displayed collectively for the entire storage unit 15 in the conceptual diagrams of the drug storage status shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The screen display example of Fig. 22(1) is created based on data stored in the inventory list table 7b. The "virtual cassette area" and "general-purpose area" in Fig. 22(1) correspond to area 2 and area 1 in Fig. 10, respectively.

[0128] In the virtual cassette area, "stock" and "free" are displayed separately. It is preferable that "stock" in the "virtual cassette area" corresponds to the actual stock quantity. "Free" is displayed separately as "out of stock," "low remaining," and "insufficient." In the general-purpose area, "stock," "excess," and "free" are displayed separately.

[0129] 22(2) is an example of a screen display showing the overall inventory status in the storage section of a conventional stored-medicine dispensing device. Conventional stored-medicine dispensing devices do not have a "virtual cassette area," and as shown in the figure, only "in stock" and "available" are displayed separately.

[0130] The stored-medicine dispensing device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can display more detailed storage status data to assist the user in the refilling operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 2···Stored medication dispensing device, 3···Local database, 4···Instruction terminal, 5···Database, 6···Medicine storage control device, 12···Receiving section, 14···Recognition section, 15···Storage section, 16···Dispensing section, 100, 101···Dispensing line system, 103···Supply lifter, 105···Bottle dispenser, 107···Random dispenser, 109···Special dispenser, 111···Cold place dispenser, 113···Bag filling machine, 115···Printer unit, 117···Discharge lifter (with relight), 119···Stacking lifter.

Claims

[Claim 1] A system for controlling the dispensing operation of medicines by one or more dispensing devices, a first means capable of executing a second process of storing a medicine in a storage unit used to store a plurality of types of medicine; a second means for executing a third process of recovering from the storage unit the amount of medicines exceeding the upper limit number when it is determined that the inventory number of medicines stored in the dispensing device, which is stored in a storage unit and updated according to the content of the second process, exceeds a predetermined upper limit number associated with the type of the medicine; A system comprising:

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