Medicine sorting device

Abstract

To provide a medicine sorting device for storing medicines while securing a high degree of freedom by automatically recognizing the size, kind, etc. of the medicines.SOLUTION: A medicine sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a first recognizing part configured to recognize a size of a medicine, a second recognizing part configured to recognize a type of the medicine, a storing part configured to store the recognized medicine, and a storing part configured to store a storing position of the medicine stored in the storing part and the type of the medicine, wherein the storing position of the medicine to be stored is determined based on the storing position stored in the storing part and the size obtained by the first recognizing part, and the type obtained by the second recognizing part and the storing position are recorded in the storing part in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine sorting 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 sorting 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 sorting 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 present invention aims to automatically recognize and store medicines that vary in type, shape, size, expiration date, and other properties and that are supplied in an unaligned state, while ensuring a high degree of freedom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The medicine sorting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first recognition unit that recognizes the size of the drug; a second recognition unit that recognizes the type of the drug; a storage unit for storing the recognized drug; a storage unit that stores the storage position of the medicine stored in the storage unit and the type of the medicine, The storage location of the drug to be stored is determined based on the storage location stored in the memory unit and the size obtained by the first recognition unit, and the type obtained by the second recognition unit is associated with the storage location and recorded in the memory unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The drug sorting device of the present invention automatically recognizes the orientation and posture of drugs, as well as properties such as shape, size, type, and expiration date, allowing drugs to be stored with a high degree of freedom, such as allowing them to be freely dispensed according to prescription information, for example. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a returned medicine management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the layout of a database stored in a medicine return control device in a returned medicine management system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. (A) is a diagram showing the layout of a returned medicine dispensing device inventory table. (B) is a diagram showing the layout of a returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table. (C) is a diagram showing the layout of a returned medicine dispensing device recovery table. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the layout of a local database connected to an instruction terminal in the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a configuration diagram of a returned drug dispensing device and a dispensing line system including the returned drug dispensing device. [Figure 5] Fig. 5(1) is a diagram showing the process flow when dispensing, and Fig. 5(2) is a diagram showing the process flow when collecting. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart of a payout process in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a diagram showing a main screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(b) shows buttons that are displayed when various setting buttons are touched on the main screen of the returned medicine management system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medicine collection screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart for extracting target data for drug recovery processing in the returned drug management system. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of an example of a process for creating a record in a table for collecting returned medicine dispensing devices. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart of a collection process in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram (list diagram) of an automatic collection setting screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medicine expiration date registration list screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medicine expiration date registration screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen for other settings in the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a returned medicine setting screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a return permission setting screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart of a process based on a return permission setting on the return permission setting screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a return tray ward registration screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an inventory inquiry screen of the returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a ward-specific medicine summary table output by the dispensing line system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart of a process for adding marks to a medicine table. [Figure 24] Fig. 24(a) is a diagram of a collected rewritable card output by the dispensing line system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 24(b) is a flowchart of a process for outputting a collected rewritable card. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In the following description of the embodiment, unused drugs returned from hospitals and the like are taken as drugs stored in the returned drug management system (drug sorting device). In the embodiment of the present invention, the drugs stored are not limited to unused returned drugs. That is, the drugs stored may be new drugs delivered by pharmaceutical manufacturers that are taken out of a storage box and stored randomly. Furthermore, storing drugs randomly may mean storing the same drugs without arranging them in order, or storing multiple types of new, unused drugs at the same time.

[0011] [Embodiment 1] 1. Configuration 1.1. Configuration of the returned medicine management system (medicine sorting device) 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a returned medicine management system (medicine sorting device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The returned medicine management system according to the first embodiment is composed of a returned medicine dispensing device (contained medicine dispensing device) 2, an instruction terminal 4, and a medicine return control device (medicine containment control device) 6.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The medicine return control device (medicine storage 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 realizes the functions described below by executing a predetermined program. 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), etc. and is composed of a liquid crystal display, organic EL display, plasma display, etc. The memory unit stores programs running on the control unit (processor) and parameter data necessary for model generation, etc. 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 connected to each other by an appropriate bus. The drug return control device 6 is configured as an information processing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a workstation, or a tablet terminal. The drug return control device 6 is further connected to a database 5 that stores multiple tables 7a, 7b, 7c, etc. as a storage unit for drug-related data.

[0014] The database 5 includes drug-related data tables such as a returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a, a returned drug dispensing device dispensing table 7b, a returned drug dispensing device recovery table 7c, a returned drug dispensing device shared setting table, and a drug master (see Figure 2).On the other hand, the local database 3 attached to the instruction terminal 4 includes drug-related data tables such as a returned drug inventory table 9 (see Figure 3).

[0015] The returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a is a table (database) that shows the contents of returned medicines stored in the returned medicine dispensing device 2, and a new record is generated when a return operation is performed by the returned medicine dispensing device 2. Figure 2(A) shows the layout of the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a.

[0016] The returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table 7b is a table (database) that shows the returned medicines present in the returned medicine dispensing device 2 that are the subject of the dispensing operation and the dispensing details, and a new record is generated when the returned medicine dispensing device 2 performs a return operation. Figure 2(B) shows the layout of the returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table 7b.

[0017] The returned medicine dispensing device collection table 7c is a table (database) that shows the returned medicines present in the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to be collected and the reason for collection, and a new record is generated when the returned medicine dispensing device 2 is collected. Figure 2(C) shows the layout of the returned medicine dispensing device collection table 7c.

[0018] In this embodiment, the "collection" operation is an operation of dispensing all medicines that meet certain conditions from the storage unit 15, and these conditions include various conditions such as "the expiration date has passed" and "the medicine is a specific type." Therefore, the "collection" operation is clearly different from the "dispensing" operation of medicines that is performed based on prescription data. Note that "expiration date" is sometimes referred to as "expiration date," but the two terms are synonymous.

[0019] The drug master is a master file having a drug code as a key item (key field) and including characteristic data and attribute data for each drug. Note that the drug master in this embodiment may be a master file for drugs adopted by each hospital.

[0020] The returned medicine inventory table 9 of the local database 3 is a local file that indicates the storage location (address) in the storage unit 15 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2, and a new record is generated when a returned medicine is returned by the returned medicine dispensing device 2. Figure 3 shows the layout of the returned medicine inventory table 9.

[0021] The storage information memory unit is a memory area that stores the storage status of medicines in the storage unit 15, and may be included in the memory unit of the instruction terminal 4 or in the memory unit of the medicine return control device (medicine storage control device) 6.

[0022] The returned drug dispensing device (contained drug dispensing device) 2 exchanges necessary data with the drug return control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4, recognizes unused returned drugs contained in the returned drug management system (drug sorting device) using a recognition unit 14 (described later), and sorts and stores the returned drugs in its own storage unit 15 (described later) based on the recognition operation of the recognition unit 14. That is, based on the recognition operation of the recognition unit 14, the returned drug dispensing device 2 grasps data related to the properties of the drugs, such as the "drug identification code" (consisting of the return date and time to the returned drug dispensing device 2 and a sequential number), the "unit number of the returned drug dispensing device itself," the "drug barcode" (assigned to each drug), the "expiration date," the "drug diameter and overall length," and the "drug orientation and posture." Based on this data, the returned drug management system notifies the returned drug management system to search for a storage location in the storage unit 15. Based on the data from the returned drug dispensing device 2, the returned drug management system searches for the filling location in the storage unit 15 of the returned drug dispensing device 2, i.e., the empty location and placement, using the storage information memory unit.

[0023] The following describes the empty positions and placement of returned drugs 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 returned drug management system receives the size data of the returned drug from the returned drug dispensing device 2, it determines whether the returned drug is small, medium, or large, and identifies the corresponding storage tray. The returned drug management system then uses the storage information storage unit to find (i.e., search) whether there is an area (including margin areas between drugs) where a drug of that size can be placed. If there is, the filling 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.

[0024] The instruction terminal 4 notifies the returned drug 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 explained later), together with the "drug identification code" and the "unit number of the returned drug dispensing device itself" data. The returned drug dispensing device 2 sorts and stores the returned drugs in the storage unit 15 based on the received filling position information.

[0025] After sorting and storing the returned drugs in the storage unit 15, the returned drug management system masks the filling position in the storage information memory unit. This prevents drugs from being placed (stored) in the same position again. In this way, in the storage information memory unit, a mask is set at the position where the drug is placed in the storage tray, and the mask is removed at the position where no drug is present (due to dispensing, etc.), and this position exists as a possible placement (filling) area. As described above, when searching for a possible placement area, the returned drug management system attempts to find a location where the drug to be placed can be placed (stored) most efficiently. Therefore, no wasted storage space is generated in the storage unit 15.

[0026] The medicine return control device 6 also extracts a medicine code from the "medicine barcode" received from the returned 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 the storage unit 15 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 is immediately notified from the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to the medicine return control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4. The medicine return control device 6 creates records in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (see FIG. 2(A)) and the returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table 7b (see FIG. 2(B)) (as will be explained later), and the instruction terminal 4 creates a record in the returned medicine inventory table 9 (see FIG. 3) in the local database 3. At this time, the returned medicine inventory table 9 in the local database 3 stores data relating to the stored medicine and data relating to the filling position in the storage unit 15 in association with each other.

[0027] When dispensing medicines, the medicine return control device 6 generates a dispensing instruction specifying the conditions of the medicine to be dispensed and transmits it to the returned medicine dispensing device 2. The returned medicine dispensing device 2 performs a dispensing operation in accordance with the dispensing instruction received from the medicine return control device 6.

[0028] It should be noted that even when the entire dispensing line system 101 (see FIG. 4), including the returned drug dispensing device 2 (described later), is stopped, for example, at night, only the return operation of the returned drug dispensing device 2 and the corresponding operation of the instruction terminal 4 may be in operation. In this case, only the contents of the returned drug inventory table 9 in the local database 3 are updated. Therefore, when the entire dispensing line system 101 is restarted the next morning, a process is performed to synchronize the tables stored in the database 5 (returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a, returned drug dispensing device dispensing table 7b, returned drug dispensing device recovery table 7c, etc.) with the local database 3 attached to the instruction terminal 4 (returned drug inventory table 9, etc.).

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

[0030] 1.2. Configuration of the delivery line system The diagram shown in the upper part of Fig. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of a dispensing line system 101 including the returned drug dispensing device 2 of this embodiment. Trays for dispensing and collecting returned drugs 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. 4 it is configured by a supply lifter 103, a bottle dispensing machine 105, a returned drug dispensing device 2, a random dispensing machine 107, a special dispensing machine 109, a cold dispensing machine 111, a bagging machine 113, a printer unit 115, a discharge lifter (with rewrite) 117, and a stacking lifter 119.

[0031] 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 random dispenser 107 is a device that dispenses ampoules. The special dispenser 109 is a device that dispenses ampoules of special shapes (such as five-pack ampoules). The refrigerated dispensing machine 111 is a device that dispenses ampoules that require refrigerated storage. The bagging machine 113 is a device that fills bags (medication bags) with medicines that have been dispensed up to 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 random dispenser 107 and the special dispenser 109 dispense new ampoules (i.e., non-returned medicines). In addition, the random dispensing machine 107 and the special dispensing machine 109 in the dispensing line system 101 can be configured as any dispensing machine.

[0032] Dispensing line system 101 may be configured differently from that shown in FIG. 4, and may include, for example, two or more returned drug dispensing devices 2. Dispensing line system 101 may also include a cassette-type injection drug dispensing machine. Cassette-type injection drug dispensing machines typically include a system in which specific drugs are aligned and stored in a cassette dedicated to that drug, and a system in which specific drugs are randomly stored in a cassette dedicated to that drug. The random dispensing machine 107 described above is a system in which specific drugs are randomly stored in a cassette dedicated to that drug.

[0033] The cassette-type injection drug dispenser is a device that dispenses ampoules packed in a cassette from the cassette. The cassette that stores the drugs is inserted and held inside the cassette-type injection drug dispenser. A large number of cassettes are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions of the cassette-type injection drug dispenser. Drugs corresponding to each cassette are stored inside the cassette. When the cassette-type injection drug dispenser receives a signal to dispense a specific drug from the drug return control device 6 or the instruction terminal 4, it dispenses the specific drug from the cassette that stores the specific drug.

[0034] It should be noted that a virtual cassette (concept) may be constructed that virtually corresponds to the above-mentioned cassette-type injection drug dispensing machine. The storage unit 15 of the returned drug dispensing device 2, which will be described later, is not constructed using an actual cassette, but can virtually or logically store drugs according to the concept of a cassette.

[0035] The aforementioned drug master can include data on upper stock limit, stock constant, and lower stock limit for each drug (drug code). In the storage unit 15 of the returned drug dispensing device 2, individual drugs (drugs) are stored in various storage locations (storage addresses), but when grouped by drug, the same drug 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 drug by adding constraints based on the upper stock limit (in terms of number), stock constant, and lower stock limit.

[0036] Here, the "stock constant" is the number corresponding to the virtual allocation area where only that drug can be placed. This "stock constant" is a basic numerical value in the concept of a virtual cassette. The "stock constant" is sometimes called the "maximum implementation amount." Next, the "upper stock limit" is the upper limit value for 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 value. Furthermore, the "lower stock limit" is a boundary value for notifying the outside that only a small amount of drug is remaining. The "lower stock limit" is sometimes called the "standard filling amount."

[0037] In the record for each drug (drug code) in the drug master, all of the upper stock limit, stock constant, and lower stock limit may be set, or none of them may be set. As described above, drugs stored in the storage unit 15 of the returned drug dispensing device 2 according to the concept of virtual cassettes and drugs stored in the cassettes of the cassette-type injection drug dispensing machine may hereinafter be referred to as "cassette drugs."

[0038] 1.3.Configuration of the returned medicine dispensing device The diagram shown in the lower part of Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of the returned drug dispensing device 2 in the returned drug management system according to embodiment 1. The returned drug dispensing device 2 can perform a return operation for storing unused returned drugs (such as ampoules or vials), a dispensing operation for dispensing the stored returned drugs, and a recovery operation for recovering the stored returned drugs. The returned drug dispensing device 2 includes a receiving unit 12, a recognition unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a dispensing unit 16.

[0039] The receiving unit 12 is configured to receive, for example, seven return trays (see Figure 20). The return trays are trays that initially store returned medicines, such as ampoules and vials, that have not been used in individual wards of a hospital. The recognition unit 14 recognizes the medicines stored in the medicine sorting device. That is, the recognition unit 14 recognizes data such as the orientation, posture, shape, diameter, and overall length of the returned medicines placed on each return tray, as well as the medicine code and expiration date, through image processing. The returned medicines recognized by the recognition unit 14 are stored in the storage unit 15.

[0040] Returned drugs such as ampoules and vials are adsorbed by a first suction nozzle and a first suction pad provided on a first robot included in returned drug dispensing device 2, and are transported from the return tray to recognition unit 14 by the first robot. Furthermore, these returned drugs are adsorbed by a second suction nozzle and a second suction pad provided on a second robot included in returned drug dispensing device 2, and are transported from recognition unit 14 to storage unit 15 by the second robot. The first suction nozzle and second suction nozzle releasably adsorb the returned drugs by vacuum supplied from a vacuum source, and have first and second rubber suction pads attached to their tips, respectively.

[0041] The dispensing unit 16 dispenses the medicines stored in the storage unit 15 onto a tray passing through the inside of the dispensing line system 101 in accordance with prescription instructions from the medicine return control device 6. The dispensing unit 16 also collects the medicines stored in the storage unit 15 onto a tray passing through the inside of the dispensing line system 101 in accordance with collection instructions (dummy prescription instructions) input from the instruction terminal 4 and generated by the medicine return control device 6.

[0042] 2.Operation 2.1.Returning operation of the returned medicine dispensing device The returned drug dispensing device 2 receives return trays containing returned drugs at the receiving unit 12, recognizes the returned drugs at the recognition unit 14, and sorts and stores the returned drugs in the storage unit 15 according to the recognition, thereby returning the returned drugs. The returned drug management system is configured so that a user of the returned drug management system can issue an instruction to start the return operation from either the returned drug dispensing device 2 or the instruction terminal 4.

[0043] The receiving unit 12 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 receives, for example, seven return trays on which returned medicines such as ampoules and vials are placed. These seven return trays are temporarily stored in a stacked manner within the receiving unit 12, as shown in FIG.

[0044] Of the seven return trays temporarily stored in a stack, the lowest return tray can also function as an NG (No Good) tray. That is, the returned medicine dispensing device 2 can also operate to mark returned medicines that are determined not to need to be placed in the storage unit 15 as "NG" and move them to this NG tray. For example, the following three types of medicines can be moved to the NG tray. [1] Drugs that are not in the shape of a typical ampoule or vial [2] Drugs that have been set as "non-returnable" on the "Return Permission Settings" screen described below [3] A drug that is not registered in the drug master included in the database connected to the drug return control device 6. Whether or not each returned medicine falls under any of [1] to [3] is determined by the recognition unit 14 and the control unit of the instruction terminal 4. In particular, when determining whether or not it falls under [2] or [3], a database connected to the medicine return control device 6 is referenced ([2] will be explained later). Note that a return tray other than the lowest return tray may function as a NG tray. In this case, the lowest return tray may function as a non-NG tray.

[0045] The returned medicines placed on the individual return trays (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.

[0046] Each returned 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 the return tray is returned to the returned medicine dispensing device" plus a "serial number."

[0047] The returned medicine dispensing device 2 transmits the recognized data to the medicine return control device 6 and the instruction terminal 4. Based on the transmitted data, the medicine return control device 6 creates records in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (see FIG. 2(A)) and the returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table 7b (see FIG. 2(B)), and the instruction terminal 4 creates records in the returned medicine inventory table 9 (see FIG. 3) in the local database 3.

[0048] Returned 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. In other words, 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 returned medicine inventory table 9 shown in Figure 3, which is the local database 3, as fields for "filling shelf number," "filling row number," and "filling horizontal position."

[0049] 2.2. Dispensing Operation of Returned Medicine Dispensing Device As described above, the dispensing section 16 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 dispenses medicines stored in the storage section 15 into a tray passing through the inside of the dispensing line system 101 in accordance with prescription instructions from the medicine return control device 6.

[0050] The drug return control device 6 receives prescription data from an external system (e.g., a hospital comprehensive system), references the returned drug dispensing device dispensing table 7b (see FIG. 2(B)), and performs an "allocation process" to prioritize dispensing of drugs if a record containing the target drug code is found. After the allocation process, the drug return control device 6 sends dispensing instruction data including the drug code and the number of bottles to be dispensed to the returned drug dispensing device 2. For other drugs not present in the returned drug dispensing device 2, the drug return control device 6 sends dispensing instruction data to the random dispensing machine 107 or the refrigerated dispensing machine 111 on the dispensing line system 101 to dispense the drugs.

[0051] Based on the sent dispensing instruction data (drug code, quantity), the returned drug dispensing device 2 and further the returned drug management system search for the drug code in each record of the returned drug inventory table 9 (see Figure 3) in the local database 3 and re-determine (re-extract) the drugs to be extracted. At this time, the "Expiration Date" field in each record of the returned drug inventory table 9 is referenced. This is because, as will be explained later, returned drugs with unknown expiration dates or drugs with an approaching expiration date may be dispensed preferentially. Note that after the allocation process of the drug return control device 6, there is a possibility that other prescription instructions may be canceled, so the returned drug dispensing device 2 re-determines (re-extracts). During the specific extraction (dispensing) operation, data in the fields of "filling shelf number, filling row number, filling horizontal position" is used.

[0052] When the number of medicines in stock in the storage unit 15 is greater than the number of medicines to be dispensed, the medicine return control device 6 and the returned medicine dispensing device 2 determine the dispensing priority as follows. First, if the "expiration date" in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a or the returned medicine inventory table 9 is unknown (i.e., the data related to the "expiration date" is blank), it is prioritized. Next, a medicine with a closer "expiration date" in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a or the returned medicine inventory table 9 is prioritized over a medicine with a further "expiration date." When the returned medicine dispensing device 2 is incorporated into the dispensing line system 101 as multiple units, it is possible that returned medicines with the same expiration date exist across multiple returned medicine dispensing devices 2. In this case, it is sufficient that the priority is determined between the multiple returned medicine dispensing devices 2 (i.e., between units). Note that, as will be explained later, a medicine with an unknown "expiration date" may not be subject to dispensing. In such a case, the dispensing priority may be determined according to the priority based on the "expiration date" content or the priority between units, as described above.

[0053] Figure 5(1) is a diagram showing the processing flow at the time of dispensing. The closing monitor 86 in Figure 5(1) is a function of the medicine return control device 6. The closing monitor 86 monitors prescription data 85 updated by an external system. The closing monitor 86 performs allocation processing on records in the returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table 7b based on the updated prescription data 85. As a result, the medicine return control device 6 generates dispensing instruction data 87, and upon receiving the generated dispensing instruction data 87, the returned medicine dispensing device 2, random dispensing machine 107, cold room dispensing machine 111, etc. perform ampoule picking processing (dispensing) 91, and the dispensing line system 101 creates a summary table 89.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a specific flowchart of the dispensing process of the returned drug dispensing device 2 and the returned drug management system shown in FIG. 5(1). First, the drug return control device 6 periodically processes prescription data 85 from an external system in a consolidated manner (closing process) (ST41). The drug return control device 6 checks whether or not a record of the target drug exists in the returned drug dispensing device dispensing table 7b (ST42), and if so, performs allocation processing for the drug record (ST43). If not, the drug return control device 6 transmits the prescription data 85 to a dispensing device other than the returned drug dispensing device 2 (for example, the random dispensing device 107 or the refrigerated dispensing device 111). The closing process (ST41) may be configured to be performed immediately after the allocation process (ST43).

[0055] The medicine return control device 6 confirms that there is a record for the target medicine in the returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table 7b (ST42 YES) and performs allocation processing for that medicine record (ST43), then sends dispensing instruction data 87 to the returned medicine dispensing device 2 (ST44). Meanwhile, the returned medicine dispensing device 2 re-determines (re-extracts) the record for the corresponding medicine code from the returned medicine inventory table 9 in the local database 3. At this time, the "Expiration Date" field of each record in the returned medicine inventory table 9 is referenced as described above (ST45). Using the determined (extracted) data, the returned medicine dispensing device 2 recognizes the "filling shelf, filling row, and filling lateral position" of the medicine and dispenses it (ST46).

[0056] Upon receiving dispensing from the returned drug dispensing device 2, the drug return control device 6 updates the "dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)" of the corresponding record in the returned drug dispensing device dispensing table (ST47). The returned drug management system updates the "dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)" of the corresponding record in the returned drug inventory table 9 (ST48). At the same time, the returned drug management system sets the "dispensing reason" field of the corresponding record in the returned drug inventory table 9 to data indicating "dispensing". Furthermore, upon receiving dispensing from the returned drug dispensing device 2, the returned drug management system removes the mask from the storage information memory unit for positions where drugs are no longer present due to dispensing. Therefore, the positions become available for placement (filling) in the storage information memory unit.

[0057] 2.3. Operation of the Returned Medicine Management System The operation of the returned medicine management system will be described. Figure 7(a) is a diagram of the main screen of the returned medicine management system in the returned medicine management system according to embodiment 1. The operation screen of the returned medicine management system, including the main screen, is displayed and operated by the instruction terminal 4. The user can select various processes (functions) on this main screen. The returned medicine management system executes processes according to the user's selection. Examples of main processes (functions) that can be executed by the returned medicine management system include the following. [1] Chemical recovery and processing [2] Expiration date registration process [3] Return permission setting process [4] Ward registration processing [5] Various display processes The operation of the returned medicine management system for each process will be described below.

[0058] 2.3.1. Chemical recovery processing 2.3.1.1. Drug Recovery Screen The medicine collection process is performed in the following order: (a) setting of medicine collection process conditions, (b) extraction of medicines to be collected, and (c) execution of collection.

[0059] When the medicine recovery button 30 is touched (or clicked) on the main screen shown in Fig. 7(a), the screen transitions to the medicine recovery screen shown in Fig. 8. The medicine recovery screen includes a recovery extraction condition setting section 56 on the left side. When the user inputs detailed conditions in the extraction condition setting section 56 or checks the checkboxes related to the detailed conditions ((a) Setting medicine recovery processing conditions) and clicks the extraction execution button, the instruction terminal 4 displays (data on) the medicines that meet the extraction conditions in the upper right part of the screen.

[0060] Data extraction and display of the extracted data are performed based on each record in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (or the returned medicine inventory table 9 in the local database 3) and the medicine master included in the database 5 connected to the medicine return control device 6. The process for extracting target data for medicine recovery processing will be specifically described using Figure 9.

[0061] The control unit of the instruction terminal 4 reads each record of the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (ST02, ST03). Next, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 determines whether the extraction condition is related to data stored in the medicine master or related to data stored in (each record of) the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (or the returned medicine inventory table 9) (ST04).

[0062] If the extraction conditions set on the medicine collection screen relate to data stored in the medicine master, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 searches the medicine master using the medicine code included in each record of the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a as a key item (ST05). If the contents of the field data (e.g., drug type flag, etc.) in each record of the searched medicine master meet the extraction conditions, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 extracts and displays the data from the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (ST06, ST07, ST08, ST09).

[0063] For example, if "psychotropic drug" is selected as the extraction condition on the drug collection screen in Figure 8, and the "drug type flag" of a drug master record searched using the drug code contained in a certain record in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a as a key item is set to "1," the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 will determine that the contents of the field data in the searched drug master record meet the extraction condition and will extract and display the record in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a.

[0064] On the other hand, if the extraction conditions set on the medicine collection screen relate to data stored in (each record of) the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (or the returned medicine inventory table 9) (for example, if the extraction conditions are "long-term retention," "expired," "expiration date approaching," etc.), extraction and display are performed based on fields (for example, fields such as "expiration date" and "creation date") in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a (or the returned medicine inventory table 9) (ST10, ST11, ST12, ST13) ((b) Extraction of medicines to be collected). The above processing is performed for all records in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table (ST03, ST14).

[0065] Figure 10 is a flowchart mainly showing the specific processing in step ST10 of Figure 9 when the extraction condition is "expiration date approaching." In other words, the flowchart shown in Figure 10 performs processing to check whether each record in returned drug inventory table 9 of local database 3 meets the collection extraction condition of "expiration date approaching" based on the data in the "expiration date" field of that record. Note that in this flowchart, the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a and the returned drug inventory table 9 of local database 3 are treated as synchronized data files.

[0066] First, the "number of days until expiration date" data is set and stored (ST22). The "number of days until expiration date" data may be set, for example, by one of the functions associated with the various setting buttons on the main screen of FIG. 7(a). The set data may be stored, for example, in a shared setting table for returned drug dispensing devices connected to the drug return control device 6. Next, the user selects the "expiration date approaching" checkbox in the collection extraction condition setting section 56 on the drug collection screen shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] When the "Expiration Date Soon" checkbox is selected, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 sequentially reads out each record in the returned drug inventory table 9 (ST24). Using the "Expiration Date" data in the record in the returned drug inventory table 9 and the "Number of Days Until Expiration Date" data stored in the returned drug dispensing device shared setting table, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 calculates (determines) whether the expiration date is approaching or not (ST26). If it calculates (determines) that the expiration date is approaching, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 extracts and displays the information (ST27, ST28). The above process is performed for all records in the returned drug inventory table 9 of the local database 3 (ST25, ST29).

[0068] Note that if the previously described "cassette medicines" are to be excluded from the medicine collection, the "Exclude cassette medicines" checkbox is checked. Also, if the "Exceeding limit medicines" button 55 is touched (or clicked), only medicines that exceed the "inventory limit" in the (virtual) cassette will be subject to medicine collection. Also, if the "Not subject to dispensing" checkbox is checked, non-implemented medicines other than implemented medicines (i.e., "cassette medicines") that will not be dispensed by the returned medicine dispensing device 2 will be subject to medicine collection. This allows for a clear separation between medicines dispensed from the dispensing line system 101 and medicines dispensed manually.

[0069] Next, (c) Collection Execution will be described. When the "Collection Execution" button 57 on the medicine collection screen shown in Fig. 8 is touched (or clicked), the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 issues a collection instruction to the returned medicine dispensing device 2. At this time, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 writes new data (records) to the returned medicine dispensing device collection table 7c (see Fig. 2(C)) included in the database 5 connected to the medicine return control device 6, while referring to the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a.

[0070] FIG. 5(2) shows the flow of processing during collection. The collection audit monitor 88 in FIG. 5(2) is a function of the medicine return control device 6, and constantly monitors whether the instruction terminal 4 has newly written data to the returned medicine dispensing device collection table 7c (see FIG. 2(C)). Specifically, the collection audit monitor 88 monitors whether the "collection serial number" field in the returned medicine dispensing device collection table 7c is incremented. When new data is written to the returned medicine dispensing device collection table 7c, the collection audit monitor 88 of the medicine return control device 6 generates dummy prescription order data (collection data) 90. The generated dummy prescription order data (collection data) 90 is transmitted from the medicine return control device 6 to the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to perform an ampoule picking process (collection operation) 92.

[0071] Since the instruction data here is collection data and not actual prescription data, it is called "dummy prescription instruction data." Here, the "dummy prescription" is different from the prescription for each patient sent from an external system (for example, the above-mentioned hospital comprehensive system), and is dummy dispensing instruction information for dispensing medicines based on the various extraction conditions described above, and causes the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to perform the same operation as dispensing based on a normal prescription.

[0072] Upon receiving the "dummy prescription order data," the returned drug dispensing device 2 refers to and searches the returned drug inventory table 9 in the local database 3 based on the drug identification code contained in the dummy prescription order data, determines the "filling shelf number, filling row number, filling row number" of the drug with that drug identification code, and performs the actual collection work based on the determined "filling shelf number, filling row number, filling row number" ((c) Collection execution).

[0073] FIG. 11 is a specific flowchart of the collection process shown in FIG. 5(2). First, the instruction terminal 4 extracts data on drugs to be collected based on the extraction conditions set on the drug collection screen, and issues a collection instruction for the extracted drugs (ST61). Immediately after issuing the collection instruction, the instruction terminal 4 refers to the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a and writes a new record in the returned drug dispensing device collection table 7c. The collection audit monitor 88 in the drug return control device 6 checks that a new record has been created in the returned drug dispensing device collection table 7c (ST63), and issues dummy prescription order data (recovery data) 90 (ST64). Upon receiving the dummy prescription order data (recovery data) 90, the returned drug dispensing device 2 extracts a record of the drug identification code in the dummy prescription order data (recovery data) 90 from the returned drug inventory table 9 (ST65). The returned medicine dispensing device 2 recognizes the "filling shelf, filling row, and filling lateral position" of the medicine from the extracted data, and performs collection work based on the recognized "filling shelf, filling row, and filling lateral position" (ST66).

[0074] In response to the collection operation of the returned drug dispensing device 2, the drug return control device 6 updates the "dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)" of the record in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a that includes the drug identification code in the dummy prescription order data. At the same time, the drug return control device 6 updates the "dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)" of the record in the returned drug dispensing device collection table 7c that includes the drug identification code in the dummy prescription order data (ST67). The returned drug management system updates the "dispensing completion date and time (dispensing completion date, dispensing completion time)" of the corresponding record in the returned drug inventory table 9 (ST68). At the same time, the returned drug management system sets the "dispensing reason" field of the corresponding record in the returned drug inventory table 9 to data indicating "instructed collection." As with dispensing, in response to the collection of the returned drug dispensing device 2, the returned drug management system removes the mask from the storage information memory unit for the locations where the drug is no longer present due to collection. Therefore, the position becomes a placeable (fillable) area in the storage information storage unit.

[0075] 2.3.1.2. Automatic collection setting screen In addition, in the instruction terminal 4, the above-mentioned "(a) Setting of medicine recovery processing conditions" can also be performed on a different screen. When the various setting button 34 is touched (or clicked) on the main screen shown in FIG. 7(a), a group of setting screen buttons (34a to 34e) for branching to various setting screens is displayed as shown in FIG. 7(b). When the "automatic recovery setting" button 34a is touched (or clicked) here, the automatic recovery setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. This screen is used to give advance instructions to the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to perform recovery work at a predetermined date and time (time) or when predetermined conditions are met. In the screen shown in FIG. 12, the "predetermined date and time (time)" is configured to be set at the bottom of the screen. Furthermore, "predetermined conditions are met" means, for example, "when the stock shelf is full" or "when all returned medicines in the return tray have been returned," as shown in FIG. 12. This "time when the stock shelf is full" and "the time when all returned drugs in the return tray have been returned" are set by turning on the When shelf is full button 58a and When return is complete button 58 on the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in Figure 12.

[0076] On the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12, detailed conditions are entered via the automatic collection condition setting section 56a at the top of the screen, or by checking the checkboxes related to the detailed conditions, to set the drug collection processing conditions.

[0077] When the "Expiry Date Nearing" checkbox in the automatic collection condition setting section 56a on the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12 is checked and the screen returns to the main screen of FIG. 7(a), if the instruction terminal 4 determines that the target record exists in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a, it changes the display of button 22 on the main screen of FIG. 7(a) from "No drugs nearing expiration date" to "Drugs nearing expiration date present," and further flashes button 22. Here, when the "Drugs nearing expiration date present" button 22 is touched or clicked, the medicine collection screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, displaying (data on) drugs that meet the extraction conditions. After this, when the "Execute collection" button 57 is clicked, the collection instruction is executed.

[0078] Even if a collection instruction is not given using the "Execute Collection" button 57, a collection instruction will be executed to the returned drug dispensing device 2 based on the conditions and date and time for automatic collection set on the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen of Figure 12.

[0079] The same processing as above is executed even when a check box such as "Long-term retention" is checked in the automatic collection condition setting section 56a of the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in Fig. 12. The "Chemicals over upper limit" button 56a, the "Exclude cassette medicines" check box, and the "Not subject to dispensing" check box also have the same functions as the respective buttons and check boxes on the medicine collection screen of Fig. 8.

[0080] As described above, the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12 sets a predetermined date and time and predetermined conditions that serve as the basis for the collection operation. That is, the collection operation is performed when the predetermined date and time and predetermined conditions are met. Here, the returned drug management system may be configured so that the drug collection process of this embodiment is performed when the drug filling rate in the storage unit 15 of the returned drug dispensing device 2 reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold. Note that the "filling rate" here refers to the ratio of the number of drugs actually stored in the storage unit 15 to the maximum number of drugs that can be stored in the storage unit 15.

[0081] The automatic collection condition setting section 56a of the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12 also has a "return designation" check box. The data indicated by this "return designation" check box indicates that the drug is subject to returned drug management (drug sorting). When this "return designation" check box is checked, the drug designated for return in the data becomes subject to automatic collection. Whether or not the drug is designated for return in the data is determined by the content of the "designated drug flag" field in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 9 (i.e., if the "designated drug flag" is set, it is subject to the designated return). Note that, regarding the classification of whether or not each drug is subject to the "return designation," for example, a separate setting screen for each drug may be provided in the instruction terminal 4.

[0082] Furthermore, the automatic collection condition setting section 56a of the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12 also has a check box for "Non-loaded drug." The data indicated by this "Non-loaded drug" check box indicates that the drug is not subject to returned drug management (drug sorting) (i.e., it is not loaded in the returned drug management system (drug sorting device)). Non-loaded drugs include, for example, infrequently used drugs such as those used only in special wound surgeries, and drugs that require careful handling. When this "Non-loaded drug" check box is checked, drugs that are set as non-loaded drugs in the data become the subject of automatic collection. Whether or not a drug is set as non-loaded drugs in the data is determined by the content of the "Non-loaded drug flag" field in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 9 (i.e., if the "Non-loaded drug flag" is set, it is a non-loaded drug). Regarding the classification of each drug as a "non-loaded drug," for example, a setting screen for each drug may be provided separately on the instruction terminal 4.

[0083] The above-mentioned "return designation" check box and "non-loaded medicine" check box may be provided in the extraction condition setting section 56 on the left side of the medicine collection screen shown in FIG.

[0084] In the returned medicine management system, multiple conditions and dates / times for automatic collection (i.e., automatic collection patterns) may be set. As described above, when the various settings button 34 is touched (or clicked) on the main screen shown in FIG. 7(a), a group of setting screen buttons (34a to 34e) for branching to various setting screens is displayed, as shown in FIG. 7(b). When the "Automatic Collection Settings" button 34a is touched (or clicked), the automatic collection settings (pattern settings) screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Here, the "Automatic Collection Settings" screen, which shows a list of multiple conditions and dates / times for automatic collection, as shown in FIG. 13, may be displayed first.

[0085] On the automatic collection setting screen shown in FIG. 13, when the "Add Pattern" button 150 is touched (or clicked), the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12 is subsequently and for the first time displayed. When the medicine collection processing conditions are set on the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in FIG. 12 and the "Register" button is touched (or clicked), the medicine collection processing conditions are registered and the screen returns to the automatic collection setting screen shown in FIG. 13. Upon returning, the registered medicine collection processing conditions are displayed in a list. In this way, when the "Add Pattern" button 150 in FIG. 13 is touched and the medicine collection processing conditions in FIG. 12 are set and registered multiple times, the automatic collection setting screen shown in FIG. 13 displays multiple medicine collection processing conditions, i.e., the conditions and dates and times for automatic collection (automatic collection patterns), set and registered in the returned medicine management system. Note that the "Change Pattern" button shown in FIG. 13 is a button to proceed to a screen for changing the automatic collection pattern, and the "Delete Pattern" button is a button for deleting the automatic collection pattern. The selection check 156 field is a check field for selecting medicine recovery processing conditions. When multiple selection check 156 fields are selected, the selected medicine recovery processing conditions are combined (for example, using an AND condition) to determine the actual medicine recovery processing conditions. Data related to multiple medicine recovery processing conditions may be stored in the local database 3, for example, in a returned medicine dispensing device shared setting table. Specifically, data such as whether to perform medicine recovery processing when the return processing is completed (i.e., whether to perform medicine recovery processing when "predetermined conditions are met") or whether to perform medicine recovery processing when a timer is set (i.e., whether to perform medicine recovery processing at "predetermined date and time (time)") is stored.

[0086] As described above, the medicine collection process by the returned medicine management system allows unnecessary returned medicines and returned medicines that are inappropriate for storage to be appropriately and timely removed from the returned medicine dispensing device 2. This prevents unnecessary or wasteful inventory from being created in the storage unit 15. Therefore, the efficiency and reliability (safety) of the dispensing operation of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 are improved.

[0087] 2.3.1.3. Modified Chemical Recovery Process A modified example of the medicine collection process will be described. The receiving unit 12 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 shown in Fig. 20 is configured to receive up to seven return trays. The receiving unit 12 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 may also be configured to receive eight or more return trays.

[0088] Here, it is assumed that the return completion button 58 on the automatic collection setting (pattern setting) screen shown in Figure 12 is "on" and that the timing for automatic collection is set to "the moment when all returned drugs in the return tray have been returned."

[0089] In this case, the returned medicine management system may not immediately instruct the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to perform automatic collection when the return of seven return trays (six return trays if a NG tray is set) is completed, but may display a pop-up message on the screen of the instruction terminal 4 asking "Do you want to perform automatic collection?" and buttons "Yes" and "No." When the "Yes" button is selected, the returned medicine management system instructs the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to perform automatic collection. When the "No" button is selected, the returned medicine management system may be configured in such a way that the returned medicine management system instructs the returned medicine dispensing device 2 to perform automatic collection when the return of the eighth and subsequent return trays (seventh and subsequent return trays if a NG tray is set) is completed.

[0090] 2.3.2. Expiration date registration process 2.3.2.1. Registering an unknown expiration date If the returned drug management system determines that there is a record in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a whose "expiration date" is unknown (i.e., not entered), it changes the display of button 28 on the main screen in Figure 7(a) from "No drugs with unknown expiration dates" to "Drugs with unknown expiration dates present," and causes button 28 to flash. If the "Drugs with unknown expiration dates present" button 28 is touched (or clicked) at this point, the drug expiration date registration list screen shown in Figure 14 is displayed, displaying a list of drugs (data for drugs) whose "expiration date" field is unknown. As mentioned above, "expiration date" is sometimes referred to as "use by date," but the two terms are synonymous.

[0091] Also in the medicine expiration date registration list screen shown in FIG. 14, the display of the list can be narrowed down by setting the extraction condition setting section 62.

[0092] When a row is touched (or clicked) in the list of the medicine expiration date registration list screen shown in FIG. 14, the medicine expiration date registration screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. On this screen, image data of the medicine related to the touched row, acquired by the recognition unit 14 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2, is displayed. On the medicine expiration date registration screen, the user inputs (registers) the expiration date based on the image data of the medicine. This registration screen includes a field for inputting the ID (identifier) ​​of the registrant, and the ID of the registrant may be input (registered) at the same time via that field. Note that image data of the medicine is stored in the local database 3 for each medicine to which an individual medicine identification code is assigned (i.e., for each medicine identification code).

[0093] The expiration date registration process by the returned medicine management system allows the expiration date to be additionally registered even for medicines whose expiration dates have not been recognized. This increases the number of medicines subject to expiration date management in the returned medicine dispensing device 2, thereby eliminating the need to create unnecessary inventory and the waste of medicines that could have been used but are left unused until they expire.

[0094] 2.3.2.2. Process for re-reading expiration date The "Reread" button 63 on the medicine expiration date registration list screen shown in FIG. 14 is a button for re-recognizing the returned medicines stored in the storage unit 15 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 through image processing by the recognition unit 14, thereby re-acquiring data including the expiration date. Specifically, the "Reread" button 63 is touched (or clicked) while touching (or clicking) a row in the list on the medicine expiration date registration list screen. By doing so, the returned medicine dispensing device 2 returns the medicine shown in the touched row from the storage unit 15 to the recognition unit 14, and causes the recognition unit 14 to recognize the medicine again through image processing. After re-acquiring the data including the expiration date, the returned medicine dispensing device 2 stores the re-read medicine in the storage unit 15 again. At this time, the instruction terminal 4 stores data indicating that the re-read has been performed in the re-read flag field of the returned medicine inventory table 9.

[0095] By performing the process related to the "Reread" button 63 on the medicine expiration date registration list screen displayed on the instruction terminal 4, the recognition unit 14 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 can reacquire the expiration dates of medicines whose expiration dates have not been recognized. This makes it possible to further increase the number of medicines subject to expiration date management in the returned medicine dispensing device 2, thereby preventing the generation of unintended inventory and the waste of medicines that could have been used but are left unused until they expire.

[0096] Furthermore, for drugs for which data indicating that a reread has been performed is stored in the reread flag field of the returned drug inventory table 9, the returned drug management system and the instruction terminal 4 can also perform control so as not to perform the process related to the above-mentioned "Reread" button 63. By performing such control, the returned drug management system can avoid unnecessary and wasteful repetition of the reread process (re-recognition process).

[0097] In addition, in the medicine expiration date registration list screen shown in FIG. 14, it is preferable that dispensed or withdrawn medicines are not displayed on the list in order to prevent the expiration date data from being tampered with fraudulently.

[0098] 2.3.2.3. Dispense permission process based on drug dispensing settings with unknown expiration dates When the various settings button 34 is touched (or clicked) on the main screen shown in FIG. 7(a), a group of setting screen buttons (34a to 34e) for branching to various setting screens, as shown in FIG. 7(b), is displayed. When the "Other Settings" button 34c is touched (or clicked) here, the other setting screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The "Unknown Expiry Date Drug Dispensing On / Off" button 160 on the other setting screen shown in FIG. 16 controls whether or not to dispense medicines with unknown expiration dates. In other words, when the "Unknown Expiry Date Drug Dispensing On / Off" button 160 is set to "On" by the "Unknown Expiry Date Drug Dispensing On / Off" button, the "Unknown Expiry Date Drug Dispensing On" status is stored in the memory unit of the instruction terminal 4 (e.g., the returned medicine dispensing device shared setting table of the local database 3). As a result, medicines associated with records with unknown "expiration dates" in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a are also subject to dispensing processing. In addition, when the dispensing of drugs with unknown expiration dates is set to "off" using the "on / off dispensing of drugs with unknown expiration dates" button 160, the fact that "dispensing of drugs with unknown expiration dates is off" is stored in the memory unit of the instruction terminal 4 (for example, the shared setting table for returned drug dispensing devices in the local database 3), and as a result, drugs related to records with unknown "expiration dates" in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a are not subject to dispensing processing.

[0099] Furthermore, a screen for setting the handling of medicines with unknown expiration dates (use-by dates) in the dispensing process is also provided. FIG. 17 shows a "Returned Medicine Settings" screen, which is a screen for setting the handling of any medicine among such medicines with unknown expiration dates (use-by dates) in the dispensing process. When the "Maintenance" button 34e is touched (or clicked) among the setting screen buttons (34a to 34e) for branching to various setting screens shown in FIG. 7(b) and the "Returned Medicine Settings" button (not shown) is touched (or clicked), the returned medicine settings screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. When any medicine is specified and the "Always Allow Dispensing" button 166 is selected in the "Expiration Date (Expiration Date) Invalid" section on the left side of the screen, the medicine related to the record in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a becomes the target of dispensing processing, regardless of the state of the "Unknown Expiration Date Medicine Dispensing On / Off" button 160 on the other setting screen shown in FIG. 16 and regardless of the state of the "Expiration Date" in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a.

[0100] On the other hand, when the "Dispensing permission setting" button 164 is selected in the "Expiry date (expiry date) invalid" section on the left side of the screen, it is determined whether or not the drug related to the record in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a is subject to dispensing processing, in accordance with the state of the "Unknown expiration date drug dispensing on / off" button 160 on the other settings screen shown in Figure 16. Therefore, it is possible to set the returned drug as subject to collection, although not subject to dispensing.

[0101] In this way, it is possible to set in detail how medicines with unknown expiration dates are handled in the dispensing process.

[0102] 2.3.3. Return Permission Setting Process When the various setting button 34 is touched (or clicked) on the main screen shown in FIG. 7(a), a group of setting screen buttons (34a to 34e) for branching to various setting screens, as shown in FIG. 7(b), is displayed. When the "Return Permission Setting" button 34b is touched (or clicked) here, the return permission setting screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. This screen is a screen for setting drugs that may be returned to the returned drug dispensing device 2. That is, by setting conditions for non-returnable drugs that must not be returned on the setting screen shown in FIG. 18, the user's desired return process can be executed. More specifically, this screen is a screen for giving advance instructions to the returned drug dispensing device 2 to perform return operations during a specified time period and for drugs other than specified drugs (i.e., drugs that are not non-returnable drugs). The screen shown in FIG. 18 is configured so that the "specified time period" can be set at the bottom of the screen. The screen shown in FIG. 18 is also configured so that the "non-returnable drugs" can be set at the top of the screen. For example, if the "Drugs over limit" checkbox is checked, drugs that exceed the "inventory limit" in the (virtual) cassette become non-returnable drugs. Also, if the "Not to be dispensed" checkbox is checked, non-implemented drugs other than implemented drugs (i.e., "cassette drugs") that are not dispensed by the returned drug dispensing device 2 become non-returnable drugs.

[0103] When a time period is set at the bottom of the screen, the returned medicine dispensing device 2 is instructed to perform the return work only during that time period. Also, when non-returnable medicines are set at the top of the screen, the returned medicine dispensing device 2 is instructed to move the non-returnable medicines in the return tray to the NG tray.

[0104] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the return process for drugs on the return tray based on the return permission setting made on the return permission setting screen shown in FIG. 18. First, this process starts at the start time set on the return permission setting screen (ST81). The recognition unit 14 of the returned drug dispensing device 2 recognizes each drug on the return tray (ST82). If no (conditions) for non-returnable drugs are set in the upper part of the return permission setting screen (ST84, NO), the returned drug dispensing device 2 stores the drugs in the storage unit 15. At the same time, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 creates new records in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a, the returned drug dispensing device dispensing table 7b, and the returned drug inventory table 9 (of the local database 3) in preparation for subsequent processes (dispensing process, collection process, counting process, etc.) (ST89). Furthermore, the recognition unit 14 of the returned drug dispensing device 2 continues the drug recognition process (ST82).

[0105] If there is a setting (condition) for non-returnable medicines at the top of the return permission setting screen (ST84 YES), the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 reads the medicine master based on the medicine code included in the barcode recognized by the recognition unit 14 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 (ST85). If the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 determines that the item (field) data in the medicine master meets the non-returnable condition (ST86 YES) or that there is another non-returnable condition (ST87 YES), the returned medicine dispensing device 2 moves the medicine to the NG tray. At the same time, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 sets the NG flag to "1" and writes an NG comment in preparation for subsequent processing (dispensing processing, collection processing, counting processing, etc.), and then creates a record in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a and the returned medicine inventory table 9 (of the local database 3) (ST90).

[0106] On the other hand, if the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 determines that none of the item (field) data in the medicine master meets the non-return condition (ST86: NO) and that there are no other non-return conditions (ST87: NO), the returned medicine dispensing device 2 stores the medicine in the storage unit 15. At the same time, the control unit of the instruction terminal 4 creates new records in the returned medicine dispensing device inventory table 7a, the returned medicine dispensing device dispensing table 7b, and the returned medicine inventory table 9 (of the local database 3) in preparation for subsequent processes (dispensing process, collection process, counting process, etc.) (ST89). Furthermore, the recognition unit 14 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 continues the medicine recognition process (ST82).

[0107] The process according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 19 ends (ST91) when there are no more drugs to be recognized by the recognition unit 14 (ST83 YES). Also, the process ends (ST91) at the end time set in Fig. 18 (ST88 YES).

[0108] The return permission setting process by the returned medicine management system not only alerts users to the fact that medicines that should not be stored in the returned medicine dispensing device 2 are stored in other locations (such as a cool place or a poison control cabinet) for storage management purposes, but also prevents medicines that are close to their expiration date, have expired, or are of unknown expiration date from being stored in the returned medicine dispensing device 2, thereby wasting space for medicines that should be stored there. As a result, more efficient and correct return processing can be carried out.

[0109] 2.3.4. Ward registration process When the ward registration button 38 on the main screen shown in FIG. 7(a) is touched (or clicked), a ward registration screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. This screen is for registering the name of the ward from which the returned items are returned for each return tray received in the receiving unit 12 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2. As described above, the receiving unit 12 in the returned medicine dispensing device 2 is configured to receive, for example, a maximum of seven return trays. That is, as shown on the ward registration screen in FIG. 20, the receiving unit 12 has seven tray receiving shelves. When a return tray is actually placed on each tray receiving shelf, a corresponding return tray image is displayed on the left side of the ward registration screen in FIG. 20.

[0110] For each displayed return tray, the name of the ward from which the return tray is to be returned can be selected and registered on the right side of the ward registration screen. The ward name data can be linked to the data of each returned drug and stored in a database (for example, returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a).

[0111] By registering the ward name of the return tray in the returned medicine management system, the status of returned medicines for each ward can be grasped quickly and clearly. In particular, the data on the ward name can be used as statistical data to create specific reports, etc.

[0112] 2.3.5. Various display processes The main screen shown in Fig. 7(a) can display a variety of information. For example, the left part of the screen displays the number of empty tray receiving shelves (i.e., no return trays are actually installed) in the receiving unit 12 of the returned medicine dispensing device 2 (in Fig. 7(a), "5 empty" is displayed as an example). Also, whether or not medicines have been transferred to the NG tray at the bottom is displayed (in the figure, "No medicines" is displayed as an example).

[0113] On the right side of the screen, the composition ratio of the drugs stored in the storage unit 15 of the returned drug dispensing device 2 by size (i.e., by S, M, L) is displayed in real time by a graph. The "composition ratio by size" here is the ratio occupied by the drugs with the corresponding size on the shelves corresponding to each size (S, M, L).

[0114] Also, on the main screen shown in Fig. 7(a), an adsorption pad replacement message can be displayed. For example, in the storage unit of the drug return control device (drug storage control device) 6, the date of installation or replacement of the rubber adsorption pads (the first adsorption pad, the second adsorption pad) is stored as the start date of use of the adsorption pads respectively. If a predetermined period (e.g., 2 months and 20 days) has elapsed since the start date of use of the adsorption pad, the return drug management system (drug sorting device) is configured to display on the main screen of the instruction terminal 4 "The 3 months for replacing the first adsorption pad (or the second adsorption pad) is approaching." Further, if a predetermined period (e.g., 3 months) has elapsed since the start date of use of the adsorption pad, the return drug management system (drug sorting device) is configured to display on the main screen of the instruction terminal 4 "The 3 months for replacing the first adsorption pad (or the second adsorption pad) has passed. Please replace it immediately."

[0115] Furthermore, the memory unit of the medicine return control device (medicine storage control device) 6 stores the number of times the suction nozzle and suction pad (first suction nozzle and first suction pad, second suction nozzle and second suction pad) have been operated (i.e., the number of times the suction pad has been used) since the replacement date of the suction pad (first suction pad, second suction pad).The returned medicine management system (medicine sorting device) is configured to display on the main screen of the instruction terminal 4, if the number of times the suction pad has been operated since the start date of use exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 27,000 times), a message stating, "The first suction pad (or second suction pad) has been used 30,000 times, which means it should be replaced." Furthermore, the returned medicine management system (medicine sorting device) is configured to display on the main screen of the instruction terminal 4, if the number of times the suction pad has been operated since the start date of use exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 30,000 times), a message stating, "The first suction pad (or second suction pad) has been used 30,000 times, which means it should be replaced. Please replace it immediately."

[0116] Furthermore, the recognition unit 14 of the returned medicine dispensing device (stored medicine dispensing device) 2 may be equipped with a suction pressure monitor that periodically monitors the suction pressure of the suction pads. The returned medicine management system (medicine sorting device) may be configured so that, when the suction pressure of the suction pads (first suction pad, second suction pad) monitored by the suction pressure monitor falls below a predetermined value, the main screen of the instruction terminal 4 displays the message "The suction pressure of the first suction pad (or second suction pad) has dropped. Please replace it."

[0117] It is preferable that a screen for setting whether or not to display the suction pad replacement message on the main screen as described above is constructed in the returned medicine management system (medicine sorting device), and that this screen can be used on the instruction terminal 4. Similarly, it is preferable that screens for setting the predetermined usage period after which the suction pad should be replaced, the predetermined number of operations after which the suction pad should be replaced, and the predetermined minimum suction pressure value after which the suction pad should be replaced are also constructed in the returned medicine management system (medicine sorting device), and that this screen can be used on the instruction terminal 4.

[0118] Furthermore, the main screen shown in FIG. 7(a) displays the inventory status of cassette medicines in the cassette-type injection drug dispenser and the storage unit 15 of the returned drug dispensing device 2 using the "Cassette Medicine Inventory" button 21b. First, if there is at least one cassette with zero inventory, "Out of Stock" is displayed. Even if there is no cassette that corresponds to "Out of Stock," if there is at least one cassette whose inventory quantity is less than the filling standard amount (lower inventory limit) by one or more, "Low Remaining" is displayed. If there are no cassettes that correspond to "Out of Stock" or "Low Remaining" and the inventory quantity for all cassettes is between the maximum implementation amount (inventory constant) and the filling standard amount (lower inventory limit), "Adequate" is displayed. Note that the main screen may also display inventory information for cassettes in the dispensing line system 101.

[0119] 2.3.6. Displaying Entry / Exit History On the main screen shown in FIG. 7(a), when the inquiry button 32 is touched (or clicked) and then the "Inventory Inquiry" button (not shown) is touched (or clicked), the inventory inquiry screen (inventory history screen) shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. If the "extraction conditions" on the left side of the screen are entered here, a list of inventory data that meets the extraction conditions, i.e., returned drug data, or a list of inventory data, i.e., dispensed data and recalled data, is displayed based on the data stored in database 5 and local database 3. At this time, the number of data items included in the list (list of returned drug data that meets the extraction conditions, or list of dispensed data and recalled data that meets the extraction conditions) is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen.

[0120] A list of delivery data is displayed on the right side of the delivery / receive inquiry screen (delivery / receive history screen) shown in Figure 21. The list of delivery data displays a "Reason for Dispensing" field. The delivery reasons include "dispensing" and "instructed recovery." The delivery reason is displayed based on the data stored in the "Reason for Dispensing" field in the returned drug inventory table 9 of the local database 3. During the delivery process, delivery instruction data 87 is generated from the returned drug delivery device delivery table 7b (see Figure 5(1)). In response to this, the returned drug management system stores data indicating "delivery" in the "Reason for Dispensing" field in the returned drug inventory table 9 of the local database 3. On the other hand, during the recovery process, recovery data (dummy prescription data) 90 is generated from the returned drug delivery device recovery table 7c (see Figure 5(2)). In response to this, the returned drug management system stores data indicating "instructed recovery" in the "Reason for Dispensing" field in the returned drug inventory table 9 of the local database 3.

[0121] As described above, a list of shipping data is displayed on the right side of the shipping / receiving inquiry screen (shipping / receiving history screen) shown in FIG. 21. When a line related to data for a drug is touched (or clicked) in the displayed list, a screen (expiration date registration check screen) may be displayed that displays image data including the "expiration date (use by date)" of the drug related to the touched (or clicked) line, acquired by the recognition unit 14 of the returned drug dispensing device 2, and the "expiration date (use by date)" data in the returned drug dispensing device inventory table 7a. By using this expiration date registration check screen, it is possible to check whether the expiration date data read by the returned drug dispensing device 2 is accurate.

[0122] In addition, since the displayed list displays data about drugs that have already been dispensed or collected and are not in the returned drug dispensing device 2, it is possible to check whether the expiration date data for these drugs read by the returned drug dispensing device 2 is accurate. Furthermore, since this expiration date registration check screen also displays data about drugs that have already been dispensed or collected and are not in the returned drug dispensing device 2, in order to prevent the expiration date data from being changed fraudulently, it is desirable that the expiration date data cannot be changed from this screen, at least for drugs that have already been dispensed and are not in the returned drug dispensing device 2.

[0123] 2.3.7. Display and drug selection for barcodes with multiple drugs assigned Multiple medications may be assigned to one medication barcode. In this case, the returned medication management system can display a screen on the instruction terminal 4 indicating that multiple medications have been assigned. Furthermore, on this screen on the instruction terminal 4, one medication from the multiple medications can be selected. After selection, the returned medication management system will use the selected medication as the medication corresponding to that medication barcode.

[0124] 2.3.8. Drug summary table output The dispensing line system 101, which includes the returned medicine management system, can output forms from a printer connected to the network. Figure 22 shows one of the forms, a ward-specific medicine summary table 70. The ward-specific medicine summary table 70 is a form that is output by tallying up the medicines dispensed from the dispensing line system 101 by ward for each dispensing date. The number of dispensed medicines for each medicine is displayed in the table.

[0125] In the ward-specific drug summary table 70, if the number of drugs dispensed by each drug includes drugs dispensed from the returned drug dispensing device 2, a mark indicating this (a star mark in Figure 22) 72 is displayed to the right of the number of drugs displayed.

[0126] FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the process in which the dispensing line system 101 including the returned drug management system outputs the ward-specific drug summary sheet 70 based on the dispensing instruction data 87 output by the drug return control device 6. The returned drug management system sequentially retrieves the dispensing instruction data 87 after dispensing has been executed (ST102). For the sequentially retrieved dispensing instruction data 87 after dispensing has been executed, the returned drug management system tally up the number of dispensed drugs by dispensing date and ward. At this time, if the dispensed drugs include those dispensed from the returned drug dispensing device 2, the returned drug management system stores a "returned drug present" flag for the dispensed drug (ST104). When the dispensing instruction data 87 after dispensing has been executed is completed (ST103 - YES), the returned drug management system ends the tallying process.

[0127] Next, the dispensing line system 101 including the returned drug management system prints the number of dispensed medicines for each dispensed medicine by dispensing date and ward (ST105). At this time, if the number of dispensed medicines includes medicines dispensed from the returned drug dispensing device 2, that is, if the "returned medicines included" flag is stored for the dispensed medicine to be printed, the dispensing line system 101 including the returned drug management system prints a mark near the number data of dispensed medicines (ST107). When the aggregated data of dispensed medicines is completed (ST108 - YES), the printing process ends (ST109).

[0128] In this way, if the number of medicines dispensed by ward in the medicine summary sheet 70 includes medicines dispensed from the returned medicine dispensing device 2, a mark indicating this will be displayed to the right of the number display, making it clear that the dispensed medicines include returned medicines.

[0129] Furthermore, a slip of paper called an "injection prescription" showing information about the dispensed medicine may be attached to the tray that collects the medicines dispensed from the dispensing line system 101. The medicine information displayed on this injection prescription may also be marked to indicate that it contains returned medicines, similar to the above-mentioned ward-specific medicine summary table 70.

[0130] 2.3.9. Output of recovery rewrite card When the returned medicine management system performs a collection operation, it attaches a collection rewrite card 74 to the return tray. The rewrite card here is a card whose display can be changed using a rewrite device to display information such as text information, graphic information, and barcodes, and leuco or opaque types are available. Instead of these types of rewrite cards, electronic paper or a liquid crystal display may be used as the collection rewrite card.

[0131] The return conditions are displayed on the "recovery rewrite card" 74 that is attached to the return tray by the dispensing line system 101 including the returned medicine management system. FIG. 24(a) is an example of the display of the return conditions on the recovery rewrite card 74.

[0132] The returned medicine management system refers to the returned medicine dispensing device collection table 7c to understand the collection conditions. For example, fields such as the long-term retention flag and the expiration date approaching flag are referenced. That is, the extraction conditions entered on the medicine collection screen shown in FIG. 8 (or FIG. 12) are displayed on the collection rewrite card 74. The collection rewrite card 74 can be created, for example, in the discharge lifter (with rewrite) 117 in the dispensing line system 101.

[0133] Figure 24(b) is a flowchart of the process of outputting the recovery rewrite card shown in Figure 24(a). First, in response to the recovery operation of the returned medicine dispensing device 2, the control unit of the medicine return control device 6 creates a new record in the returned medicine dispensing device recovery table 7c (ST122). The returned medicine management system obtains the reason for recovery from the record (ST123). The discharge lifter (with rewrite) 117 prints the reason for recovery on a rewrite card and outputs it together with the recovery tray (ST124).

[0134] In this way, the disposal of the collected medicines can be immediately understood by clearly displaying the collection conditions on the collection rewrite card 74. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the wrong tray from being picked up, which reduces mistakes in the work after collection and at the same time improves work efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 2 returned medication dispensing device, 3 local database, 4 instruction terminal, 5 database, 6 medication return control device, 12 receiving section, 14 recognition section, 15 storage section, 16 dispensing section, 101 dispensing line system, 103 supply lifter, 105 bottle dispenser, 107 random dispenser, 109 special dispenser, 111 cold dispenser, 113 bagging machine, 115 printer unit, 117 discharge lifter (with relight), 119 stacking lifter.

Claims

1. a first processing unit that extracts a drug that meets a predetermined extraction condition from one or more drugs stored in the storage unit; a second processing unit that dispenses each of the medicines extracted by the first processing unit from the storage unit; A medicine dispensing device comprising:

2. The extraction conditions include information relating to content different from the drug identification information corresponding to the type of drug. The medicine dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. The extraction conditions include those related to the classification type of the drug, the expiration date of the drug, or the retention period of the drug. The medicine dispensing device according to claim 2.

4. The extraction conditions include exceeding a stock upper limit set in advance for each type of drug. The medicine dispensing device according to claim 2.

5. The extraction conditions include drug identification information corresponding to the type of drug. The medicine dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the second processing unit automatically dispenses each of the medicines that satisfy the extraction conditions at a time that is preset in accordance with the extraction conditions. The medicine dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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