Device

Abstract

To improve the work efficiency and processing efficiency for removing cassettes from cassette shelves or storing cassettes in cassette shelves. [Solution] The picking unit (3) comprises a drug receiving unit (32), a cassette receiving unit (41) capable of taking a cassette out of the picking unit or inserting a cassette into the picking unit, and a main cassette transfer unit and a picking cassette transfer unit that transfer cassettes between the drug receiving unit or the cassette receiving unit and the cassette shelf.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug handling device and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, drug dispensing devices for dispensing drugs have been developed. An example thereof is disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a drug dispensing device that takes out a drug sheet from a drug storage cassette conveyed from a cassette shelf to a delivery unit and moves a drug tray so that the drug tray can receive the drug sheet. According to this drug dispensing device, the total time required to dispense the drug sheet can be shortened.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic drug supply device including a drug picking unit having a plurality of dispensing units to which a drug storage cassette conveyed from a cassette shelf is dispensed. Each of the plurality of dispensing units has a drug outlet for taking in and out a drug and an opening / closing cover capable of opening and closing the drug outlet. In this automatic drug supply device, even when a plurality of drug storage cassettes are dispensed to the drug picking unit, only the opening / closing cover of the dispensing unit to which the drug storage cassette is dispensed is controlled to be in an open state, so that a desired drug can be taken out without mistake.

[0005] Further, in the method of Patent Document 3, a medical product pack is transported from a first receiving place within the access area of an operator unit to a discharge place within the access area of the operator. Also, in this method, it is transported from a replenishment place within the access area of the operator to a second receiving place within the access area of the operator unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] Consider a scenario where an operator retrieves cassettes stored in a cassette shelf or places cassettes in the cassette shelf. Patent documents 1 and 2 do not disclose a configuration that allows a drug dispensing device or automatic drug supply device to automatically access the cassette to be retrieved or loaded, without the operator having to directly access the cassette shelf.

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 does not disclose any locations other than the discharge location where an operator removes the drug from the drug pack, or the replenishment location where the drug is replenished into the drug pack. Specifically, Patent Document 3 does not disclose a location where an operator removes drug packs stored in the device and automatically transported by the device, or a location where the device automatically transports and stores drug packs in the device and replenishes them. Note that the object of transport in the method of Patent Document 3 is the drug pack, not a cassette capable of containing the drug pack.

[0009] Therefore, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 may not be able to improve the work efficiency and processing efficiency for removing cassettes from or storing cassettes in cassette shelves.

[0010] Furthermore, Patent Documents 1 to 3 do not disclose a method for transferring cassettes contained in a group of cassettes that are stored on a cassette shelf. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it may not be possible to allow an operator to determine how to remove the drug depending on the drug sheet contents in each of the cassette groups.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a drug handling device that can improve the work efficiency and processing efficiency for removing cassettes from a cassette shelf or storing cassettes in a cassette shelf.

[0012] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention aims to realize a drug dispensing device that allows an operator to determine how to dispense a drug depending on the arrangement of drug sheets in each of a plurality of cassettes containing the same type of drug. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A drug dispensing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a drug dispensing device that stores at least one cassette group consisting of a plurality of cassettes for which drugs of the same type are to be contained, and includes a transfer control unit that transfers two or more cassettes from the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group when drugs contained in the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group are to be dispensed, and the transfer control unit transfers to two or more cassettes from the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group when the number obtained by subtracting a designated number, which is the quantity of drugs to be dispensed from one cassette included in the cassette group, from the number of drugs contained in any of the plurality of cassettes included in the cassette group is 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drug dispensing device makes it possible to have an operator determine how to dispense a drug depending on the drug sheet's storage status in each of a plurality of cassettes containing the same type of drug. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a drug dispensing system. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a drug station. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a drug station. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of a drug station. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a cassette that can be stored in a cassette shelf. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing an example of a main body unit and a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a main body cassette transfer unit. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of cassette storage. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a cassette gripping part. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a cassette gripping part. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a main body unit and a picking unit. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing an example of a picking unit. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a picking cassette transfer part. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the gripping operation of a cassette by a first picking cassette transfer part. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a first picking cassette transfer part and a second picking cassette transfer part. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a first shutter. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing an example of a picking unit. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view showing an example of a picking unit. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the size relationship between a drug delivery / reception part and a cassette. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing an example of a cassette delivery / reception part when viewed from the front side of a picking unit. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing an example of a cassette delivery / reception part when viewed from the rear side of a picking unit. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a cassette gripping part. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the first picking cassette transfer unit. [Figure 23] This diagram illustrates the state in which the cassette is gripped by the first cassette gripping section. [Figure 24] This figure shows an example of the shape of the first shutter. [Figure 25] This diagram illustrates an example of the operation of the picking cassette transfer unit when a cassette arrives at the drug dispensing unit. [Figure 26] This is a side view illustrating an example of the operation of the first shutter. [Figure 27] This figure shows another example of a drug display stand. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example of a cassette structure. [Figure 29] This flowchart shows an example of the processing performed by the control device. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example of the holder's structure. [Figure 31] This is an example of a drug dispensing unit that also functions as a cassette dispenser. [Figure 32] This is an example of a lot list managed for each cassette or storage area containing the same type of drug. [Figure 33] This figure shows an example of a filling image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 34] This figure shows an example where a lot list image containing lot list information is displayed in the filling image. [Figure 35] This figure shows an example of an individual dispensing image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 36] This figure shows an example of a filling operation image displayed on the second touch panel and an example of a lot list image displayed on the second touch panel. [Figure 37] This flowchart shows an example of the process for adding a new lot number and expiration date combination. [Figure 38] This figure shows an example of a lot list when adding a new combination of lot number and expiration date. [Figure 39] This figure shows another example of a lot list when adding a new combination of lot number and expiration date. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] [Basic configuration] <Medication Dispensing System> The drug dispensing system 100 related to this implementation will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the drug dispensing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0017] The drug dispensing system 100 is a system that dispenses medications based on prescription data. The drug dispensing system 100 includes, for example, a drug station 1, a prescription input device 200, a tablet packaging machine 300, a powder packaging machine 400, a PTP dispensing device 500, a dispensing assistance device 600, and a dispensing control device 800 as devices used for dispensing based on prescription data. In addition, the drug dispensing system 100 includes a drug shelf 700. In the following description, the tablet packaging machine 300, the powder packaging machine 400, the PTP dispensing device 500, and the dispensing assistance device 600 may be referred to as various devices. The drug station 1, the various devices, and the drug shelf 700 are installed, for example, in a hospital or pharmacy.

[0018] The prescription input device 200 is a device that receives input of information about medications prescribed to patients by a physician (e.g., the type of medication (e.g., drug name, drug identification information), dosage (number of medications), and method of administration). The prescription input device 200 transmits the information about the prescribed medications as prescription data to the dispensing control device 800. The prescription input device 200 may also issue a prescription with the information about the prescribed medications printed on it. The prescription may also be issued by the dispensing control device 800, which will be described later. In addition, the prescription input device 200 and the dispensing control device 800 may issue dispensing instruction slips corresponding to the drug station 1 and the various devices described above, instead of a prescription. The dispensing instruction slips are printed with the information included in the dispensing data, which will be described later, created by the dispensing control device 800.

[0019] The above prescription data may include information about medications prescribed to each of multiple patients, and in this case, the information may be aggregated for each of the multiple patients. Furthermore, the prescription input device 200 may divide the information about the prescribed medications into predetermined prescription periods (e.g., 1 day) and generate prescription data for each predetermined prescription period.

[0020] The dispensing control device 800 controls the dispensing of drugs in the drug dispensing system 100. For example, the dispensing control device 800 determines whether to use the drug station 1 or one of the above-mentioned devices to dispense the drug indicated in the prescription data received from the prescription input device 200. The drug indicated in the prescription data is the drug prescribed to the patient and may be called the prescribed drug. The dispensing control device 800 comprises a control unit 801 and a storage unit 802.

[0021] The control unit 801 controls all parts of the dispensing control device 800. The control unit 801 includes a decision unit 811 and a transmission / reception unit 812. The decision unit 811 determines which device to use to dispense the medication indicated in the prescription data. The transmission / reception unit 812 receives prescription data from the prescription input device 200, or notifications from the drug station 1 or various devices. Based on the result determined by the decision unit 811, the transmission / reception unit 812 transmits dispensing data, including information about the medication to be dispensed (information indicating the type of medication, etc.), to the drug station 1 or various devices. The dispensing data can also be considered prescription data transmitted to the drug station 1 or various devices.

[0022] The storage unit 802 stores, for example, various programs used by the control unit 801, and a drug database (drug master) that manages information about multiple types of drugs stored in the drug station 1. This drug information includes, for example, the type of drug (e.g., drug name, drug identification information), expiration date, and lot number. The storage unit 802 also stores, for example, drug databases that manage information about multiple types of drugs stored in the tablet packaging machine 300, and drug databases that manage information about multiple types of drugs stored in the powder packaging machine 400. The drug station 1, tablet packaging machine 300, and powder packaging machine 400 also store their respective drug databases.

[0023] The dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database stored in the storage unit 802 when the drug database stored in the storage unit of the drug station 1 is updated. Specifically, when there is a change in the types of drugs stored in the drug station 1, the dispensing control device 800 receives information indicating the change from the drug station 1. Based on this information, the dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database of the drug station 1 stored in the storage unit 802. The dispensing control device 800 may also update the drug database stored in the storage unit 802 when the drug station 1 is started up. Similarly, the dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database of the tablet packaging machine 300 or the powder packaging machine 400.

[0024] Drug Station 1 is a device (first drug dispensing device, drug dispensing device) that dispenses drugs stored within Drug Station 1. The specific configuration of Drug Station 1 will be described later.

[0025] The tablet packaging machine 300, powder packaging machine 400, and PTP dispensing device 500 are examples of second-party drug dispensing devices (pharmaceutical equipment) that dispense drugs. The tablet packaging machine 300 is a device that dispenses drugs indicated by the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., tablets stored in the tablet packaging machine 300. The powder packaging machine 400 is a device that dispenses drugs indicated by the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., powders stored in the powder packaging machine 400. The PTP dispensing device 500 is a device that dispenses drugs indicated by the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., PTP (Press Through Package) sheets (drug sheets) containing the drugs stored in the PTP dispensing device 500.

[0026] The dispensing assistance device 600 is a device that assists in dispensing drugs from drug shelves 700 where drugs are stored. The dispensing assistance device 600 displays information such as the type of drug shown in the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800. This allows healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, or doctors, and workers at drug station 1, to retrieve drugs from drug shelves 700. Workers at drug station 1 are those who retrieve drugs from drug station 1 and are unqualified individuals who do not possess the qualifications of a pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. However, workers may be qualified individuals who possess such qualifications. In the following explanation, healthcare professionals who are qualified, such as pharmacists, nurses, or doctors, may be simply referred to as users.

[0027] <Drug Station> Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an example configuration of the drug station 1. Figure 2 is a view of the main unit 2 from the front, and Figure 3 is a view of the main unit 2 from the rear. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the drug station 1.

[0028] Drug Station 1 is a device for storing, filling, and dispensing pharmaceuticals. As shown in Figures 2-4, Drug Station 1 comprises a main unit 2 and a picking unit 3.

[0029] (Main unit) The main unit 2 is a unit for storing pharmaceuticals. Specifically, the main unit 2 functions as a pharmaceutical storage rack capable of storing multiple cassettes Ca containing pharmaceuticals. The main unit 2 is a device that transfers the stored cassettes Ca to the picking unit 3 using the main cassette transfer unit 22 (22a and 22b shown as reference numerals 6001 and 6002 in Figure 6). The main unit 2 is also a device that transfers the cassettes Ca returned from the picking unit 3 to their original storage location. In other words, the main unit 2 functions as a cassette handling device that stores multiple cassettes Ca and transfers and receives cassettes Ca to and from the picking unit 3.

[0030] The main unit 2 can store a variety of drugs (e.g., approximately 1500 to 2000 types) that are expected to be used in a single facility such as a hospital or pharmacy. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 stores drugs such as drug sheets (e.g., PTP sheets), topical drugs such as ointments or eye drops, or powders. The main unit 2 may also store ampoules or vials that contain drugs. In this specification, drugs other than drug sheets (drugs in forms other than drug sheets) include topical drugs such as ointments or eye drops, powders, and ampoules or vials that contain drugs. The main unit 2 may store any drug that can be stored in the main unit 2.

[0031] The main unit 2 includes a cassette shelf 21, a main cassette transfer unit 22, and a cassette holding unit 23.

[0032] The cassette shelf 21 is a drug storage shelf capable of storing multiple cassettes Ca. In this embodiment, the cassette shelf 21 is capable of storing cassettes Ca of different sizes (types). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of cassettes Ca that can be stored in the cassette shelf 21, where reference numeral 5001 is a perspective view showing an example of a large cassette Ca1, reference numeral 5002 is a perspective view showing an example of a medium-sized cassette Ca2, and reference numeral 5003 is a perspective view showing an example of a small cassette Ca3. Also, reference numeral 5004 in Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a large cassette Ca1.

[0033] Reference numeral 5001 indicates that the large cassette Ca1 is provided with partitions Ca11 that form multiple locations for storing drugs. This allows multiple types of drugs to be stored in a single large cassette Ca1. In this embodiment, the large cassette Ca1 has four partitions Ca11, forming five drug storage areas (storage positions). The medium cassette Ca2 is smaller than the width (length in the shorter direction) of the large cassette Ca1, but larger than the width of the small cassette Ca3. Reference numeral 5002 indicates that the medium cassette Ca2 is also provided with partitions Ca21 (in this embodiment, two storage areas are formed).

[0034] Furthermore, the small cassette Ca3 may also be provided with a partition to form multiple storage areas. Alternatively, the large cassette Ca1 and medium cassette Ca2 may not be provided with partitions, and both may function as cassettes capable of storing one type of drug sheet. The partition Ca11 is also removable from the cassette Ca. Therefore, in the large cassette Ca1, the size and number of storage areas can be arbitrarily set. In addition, the types of cassette Ca are not limited to three types; two or four or more types of cassettes with different widths may be prepared, or there may be just one type.

[0035] In this way, by providing partitions in each of the multiple types of cassette Ca, multiple storage areas for containing drugs can be formed in the cassette Ca.

[0036] Furthermore, a claw receiving portion Ca12 is provided on the side wall (longitudinal end) extending in the short direction of the large cassette Ca1. The claw receiving portion Ca12 engages with the claw portion 2212 (see Figure 8) of the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the projection portion 351a (see reference numeral 12002 in Figure 12) of the picking cassette transfer unit 35. By the claw receiving portion Ca12 engaging with the claw portion 2212 or projection portion 351a, the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 enable the removal or placement of the cassette Ca onto the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding unit 23.

[0037] Furthermore, a notch Ca13 is provided in the claw receiving portion Ca12. By detecting the position of the notch Ca13 with the position sensor 2214 (see Figure 8), the main cassette transfer unit 22 can move the cassette gripping portion 221 (see Figure 8) directly in front of the large cassette Ca1 to be transferred. Therefore, the large cassette Ca1 can be reliably removed.

[0038] Furthermore, two claw-receiving portions Ca12, located at both ends of the large cassette Ca1 in the longitudinal direction, are each equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag (not shown). Each RFID tag contains claw-receiving portion identification information for identifying each claw-receiving portion Ca12.

[0039] The orientation of the cassette Ca when it is placed on the drug dispensing unit 32 differs depending on whether the cassette Ca is removed from one side of the claw receiving unit Ca12 or from the other side of the claw receiving unit Ca12. When a single cassette Ca contains multiple types of drugs, such as the large cassette Ca1, the positional relationship of the drugs relative to the drug dispensing unit 32 changes depending on the orientation in which it is placed. Therefore, if the control device 10 cannot recognize the orientation in which it is placed, it may not be able to open the shutter 322 according to the storage position of the drug to be removed.

[0040] As described above, by recording the claw receiver identification information and providing an RFID reader (not shown) in the main cassette transport unit 22 (e.g., cassette pull-out unit 2211 (see Figure 8)), the control device 10 can determine the orientation of the cassette Ca when it is removed from the cassette shelf 21, based on the claw receiver identification information read from the RFID tag by the RFID reader. Accordingly, the control device 10 can open the shutter 322 in the drug dispensing unit 32 according to the storage position of the drug sheet to be removed.

[0041] Furthermore, the claw receiver Ca12, notch Ca13, and RFID tag are also provided on the medium-sized cassette Ca2 and the small cassette Ca3. In other words, they are provided on all cassettes Ca stored in the cassette shelf 21.

[0042] Furthermore, the RFID reader may be provided on the picking cassette transfer section 35 (e.g., projection 351a). In this case, when the cassette Ca is removed from the transfer cassette holding section 231 (state indicated by reference numeral 13003 in Figure 13), the control device 10 can determine the orientation of the cassette Ca based on the claw receiver identification information read by the RFID reader from the RFID tag, as described above.

[0043] Furthermore, each cassette Ca is provided with a barcode Ca14. The barcode Ca14 includes, for example, cassette identification information for identifying the cassette Ca, and size information indicating the size (type) of the cassette Ca (information indicating whether it is a large cassette Ca1, a medium cassette Ca2, or a small cassette Ca3). The barcode Ca14 is just an example; it is sufficient that the above information is attached to each cassette Ca so that it can be read by a barcode reader (not shown) provided on the cassette gripping unit 221, etc. By reading the information on the barcode Ca14, the control device 10 can compare the information with the data stored in the storage unit 15 (described later). Therefore, for example, the main cassette transfer unit 22 can reliably retrieve the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed, or the cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled. Also, for example, the control device 10 can open the shutter 322 when the above comparison result, the above information and the above data, match.

[0044] The main cassette transfer unit 22 transfers cassettes Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding unit 23. When dispensing medication, the main cassette transfer unit 22, for example, takes a cassette Ca containing the medication included in the dispensing data from the cassette shelf 21 and transfers it to the cassette holding unit 23. The main cassette transfer unit 22 then transfers the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 (cassettes Ca returned from the picking unit 3 after a specified number of medications have been taken from the picking unit 3) to the cassette shelf 21. Furthermore, when filling medication, the main cassette transfer unit 22 takes a cassette Ca containing the type of medication indicated by the medication identification information read by the barcode reader 34 from the cassette shelf 21 and transfers it to the cassette holding unit 23. The main cassette transfer unit 22 then transfers the cassette Ca (a cassette Ca that has been filled with chemicals in the picking unit 3 and returned from the picking unit 3) placed on the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette shelf 21.

[0045] By providing the main cassette transfer unit 22, it is possible to take a cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 and transfer it to the picking unit 3, and also return the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21.

[0046] The cassette holding section 23 is a buffer that temporarily holds cassettes Ca transferred from the cassette shelf 21 or the picking unit 3. The cassette holding section 23 includes a transfer cassette holding section 231 and a receiving cassette holding section 232. The transfer cassette holding section 231 temporarily holds cassettes Ca that are taken out from the cassette shelf 21 and transferred to the drug dispensing section 32 of the picking unit 3. The receiving cassette holding section 232 temporarily holds cassettes Ca that are returned from the drug dispensing section 32 to the receiving cassette shelf 21. In other words, the transfer cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 each function as a temporary resting platform for cassettes Ca.

[0047] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a first touch panel 5. The first touch panel 5 is a display device that shows various information related to the drug station 1, and also functions as an input device that accepts input operations from the operator. However, the first touch panel 5 may function only as a display device.

[0048] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is provided with multiple doors 25 (opening / closing doors) on both the front and back. Users can directly access the cassette shelf 21 by opening the doors 25. Figure 3 shows a state in which a door 25 located on a part of the back is open. The doors 25 may be transparent or semi-transparent so that the cassette shelf 21 can be seen from outside the main unit 2.

[0049] Figures 2 and 3 show a configuration in which one picking unit 3 is provided on the front side of the main unit 2, but the system is not limited to this configuration, and multiple picking units 3 may be provided. Although not shown in the figures, this specification will describe the system assuming that two picking units 3 are provided.

[0050] (Picking unit) The picking unit 3 is a device that dispenses the chemicals stored in the main unit 2. To enable the dispensing of chemicals, the picking unit 3 functions as a device for an operator to perform the picking operation of retrieving chemicals. Furthermore, the picking unit 3 functions as a device for an operator to perform the filling operation of filling the main unit 2 with chemicals. In other words, the picking unit 3 functions as a device (a chemical handling device that enables operators to handle chemicals) for an operator to retrieve chemicals from cassette Ca stored in the main unit 2 or to fill said cassette Ca with chemicals.

[0051] The picking unit 3 includes a second touch panel 31, a drug dispensing unit 32, a barcode reader 34, a picking cassette transfer unit 35, a printer 36, a drug placement table 37, a tray placement table 38, and a tray closing button 39. These components are installed on the workbench 40 where the worker handles the drugs.

[0052] The picking unit 3 transfers the cassette Ca, which has been moved from the main unit 2, to the drug receiving unit 32 using the picking cassette transfer unit 35. The operator, while checking the display contents of the second touch panel 31, takes the drug from the cassette Ca that has been moved to the drug receiving unit 32 and places it into the transport tray Tr placed on the drug placement stand 37 or the tray placement stand 38. The drug placed on the drug placement stand 37 is ultimately placed into the transport tray Tr.

[0053] The user transports the transport tray Tr containing the drug to the inspection unit. The inspection unit is a unit for the user to perform a final inspection of the drug dispensed from the main unit 2. Drug station 1 may include the inspection unit in addition to the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3. The user is responsible for filling the drug into the cassette Ca.

[0054] The second touch panel 31, like the first touch panel 5, displays various information related to the drug station 1 and accepts input operations from the operator. When a drug is removed from a cassette Ca (when a drug is dispensed), the second touch panel 31 displays, for example, the type and quantity of drug that the operator should remove from the drug receiving unit 32. The second touch panel 31 also accepts input operations when filling a cassette Ca with a drug, for example, by specifying the type of drug to be filled or the cassette Ca containing that drug.

[0055] The drug dispensing unit 32 allows an operator to take a drug out of the cassette Ca or to put a drug into the cassette Ca (enabling the exchange of drugs by the operator). When the cassette Ca contains a drug sheet containing multiple drugs, the drug dispensing unit 32 allows an operator to take out the entire drug sheet or a part of it from the cassette Ca, or to put the entire drug sheet or a part of it into the cassette Ca.

[0056] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, a fractional sheet refers to a drug sheet that has been cut from the entire drug sheet (full sheet) containing the specified quantity of drug. A drug sheet refers to either the entire drug sheet or the entire drug sheet or a portion thereof (fractional sheet).

[0057] In this embodiment, the drug transfer unit 32 includes an opening 321 and a shutter 322. The opening 321 is an opening that allows an operator to access the cassette Ca transferred to the drug transfer unit 32 (to remove or fill (inject) the drug). The shutter 322 is provided on the opening 321 and controls the operator's access to the cassette Ca. The shutter 322 is an opening and closing unit that opens and closes the opening 321. The shutter 322 is normally in a closed state and opens when the cassette Ca is transferred to the drug transfer unit 32. The opening width of the shutter 322 can be changed according to the cassette Ca that is to be removed or filled (injected) with the drug.

[0058] The shutter 322 comprises a first shutter 322a and a second shutter 322b. The first shutter 322a opens and closes in the Y-axis direction, while the second shutter 322b opens and closes in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first shutter 322a (in the X-axis direction). The first shutter 322a is controlled to open and close in accordance with the size of the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca, as will be described later using Figure 15. This control allows the operator to access only the storage area containing the drug to be dispensed. The second shutter 322b is also controlled to open and close in accordance with the size of cassette Ca of various widths (e.g., large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, small cassette Ca3). This control reduces the possibility of the drug taken out of the cassette Ca by the operator falling through the gap formed in the X-axis direction (short side direction of the drug dispensing section 32) between the cassette Ca and the first shutter 322a. The opening and closing operations of the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b may be performed simultaneously, or one of them may be performed first.

[0059] The barcode reader 34 is a device that reads the barcode attached to the drug when the drug is being filled into the cassette Ca. The barcode includes, for example, a GS1 code attached to the drug sheet itself, a package containing multiple drug sheets (pillow packaging), a package containing multiple units of packaged powdered medicine in pillow packaging, or a box containing such packaging. The barcode may also include a GS1 code attached to a box containing drugs other than drug sheets (e.g., ointment, eye drops). The barcode only needs to contain drug identification information for identifying the drug, and the GS1 code is one example of this. In other words, the picking unit 3 only needs to be equipped with a reader capable of reading drug identification information. In this embodiment, the barcode reader 34 is attached to the corner of the workbench 40 so as not to interfere with the drug picking or filling work performed by the worker on the workbench 40.

[0060] The picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca between the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3 (specifically, between the cassette holding unit 23 and the drug dispensing unit 32). This allows the cassette Ca to be taken out of the main unit 2 and transferred to the drug dispensing unit 32, and at the same time, returned to the main unit 2.

[0061] For example, when dispensing medication, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca (the cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding unit 231) that is to be dispensed or filled with medication in the medication receiving unit 32 to the medication receiving position P1 (see Figure 13) of the medication receiving unit 32. If a cassette Ca is located at the medication receiving position P1, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the next cassette Ca to be dispensed or filled with medication to a standby position P2 (see Figure 13) located near the medication receiving unit 32 and puts it on standby. The picking cassette transfer unit 35 also transfers the cassette Ca from which medication has been dispensed in the medication receiving unit 32 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232.

[0062] Printer 36 outputs printed materials such as journals containing information about the drugs extracted from cassette Ca (e.g., type of drug, number of drugs extracted).

[0063] The drug placement platform 37 is a placement section on which drugs are placed in order to count the number of drugs. The drug placement platform 37 may also function as a fractional placement section on which fractional sheets are placed in order to count the number of drugs contained in fractional sheets. The fractional sheets may be cut from drug sheets taken out of cassette Ca in the drug dispensing unit 32, or they may be taken out of cassette Ca. In addition, drug sheets (full sheets) may be placed on the drug placement platform 37. In this case, the drug placement platform 37 functions as a fractional placement section on which drug sheets are placed in order to count the number of drugs contained in drug sheets. The drug placement platform 37 may have one fractional sheet placed on it, or multiple fractional sheets placed on it. Similarly, the drug placement platform 37 may have one drug sheet placed on it, or multiple drug sheets placed on it.

[0064] In this embodiment, an imaging unit 371 is provided above the drug placement platform 37 to image the fractional sheet, drug sheet, or combination of fractional sheet and drug sheet placed on the drug placement platform 37. Below the drug placement platform 37, a backlight 372 (illumination unit) is provided to illuminate the drug placement platform 37. When the imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet or fractional sheet placed on the drug placement platform 37, the backlight 372 lights up, illuminating the drug sheet or fractional sheet from the opposite side of the direction in which the imaging unit 371 images the drug.

[0065] Furthermore, an imaging unit 371 may be provided below the drug placement platform 37, and an illumination unit may be provided above the drug placement platform 37. In this case, the area on the drug placement platform 37 where the drug is placed may be transparent or semi-transparent so that the imaging unit 371 can acquire the shape of the drug.

[0066] For example, when the drug station 1 is started up, the control device 10 turns on the backlight 372 and puts the imaging unit 371 into imaging mode. In this case, while the drug station 1 is running, the imaging unit 371 continues to image the drug placement tray 37 regardless of whether a fractional sheet (or a full sheet of drug) is placed on the drug placement tray 37. If no fractional sheet is placed on the drug placement tray 37, the imaging unit 371 does not acquire an image of the drug, and therefore the control device 10 does not perform drug counting processing based on the acquired image. In other words, the control device 10 performs drug counting processing based on the acquired image only when a fractional sheet is placed on the drug placement tray 37 and the imaging unit 371 acquires an image of the fractional sheet.

[0067] However, the control device 10 may, for example, turn on the backlight 372 and capture images of at least the remaining sheets with the imaging unit 371 when it receives an input operation indicating that the specified number of items have been dispensed (e.g., when it detects that the tray close button 39 has been pressed). In other words, in this case, the control device 10 turns on the backlight 372 and sets the imaging unit 371 to capture images only when it receives the above input operation. The specified number is the number of drugs to be dispensed from the cassette Ca transferred from the main unit 2 to the drug dispensing unit 32. The specified number of each drug is specified, for example, in the dispensing data received from the dispensing control device 800. In addition, the specified number of drugs to be dispensed may be specified by an input operation by the operator.

[0068] The tray placement platform 38 is a platform on which the transport tray Tr into which the drugs taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32 are loaded is placed. The tray placement platform 38 also functions as a drug placement unit for placing drugs in order to count the number of drugs taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32. When drug sheets are taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32, the tray placement platform 38 functions as a sheet placement unit for placing drug sheets in order to count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheets. The tray placement platform 38 is equipped with a sensor 381 and a weighing unit 382.

[0069] Sensor 381 detects the transport tray Tr placed on the tray mounting base 38. In this embodiment, sensor 381 is a through-type sensor in which one end is a light source and the other end is a light detection unit that detects light emitted from the light source. When a through-type sensor is used, the presence or absence of the transport tray Tr can be recognized with high accuracy. However, a reflective type sensor that detects light emitted from the light source and reflected by the transport tray Tr placed on it may also be used. In this embodiment, sensor 381 is provided on both side walls of the tray mounting base 38.

[0070] The weighing unit 382 weighs the drug placed in the transport tray Tr, which is placed on the tray mounting base 38. The weighing unit 382 may weigh, for example, drug sheets, or a combination of drug sheets and fractional sheets. The weighing unit 382 is located below the bottom of the tray mounting base 38. For example, a load cell may be used as the weighing unit 382.

[0071] Alternatively, the memory unit 15 may not store the weight per transport tray Tr, and the weighing unit 382 may calculate the weight of the chemicals placed on the tray stand 38 by performing a tare. Specifically, after the transport tray Tr is placed on the tray stand 38, the weighing unit 382 performs a tare. After the operator places the chemicals into the transport tray Tr, the weighing unit 382 can weigh only the weight of those chemicals.

[0072] The tray close button 39 is a mechanical operation button that, when pressed by an operator, switches the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b from the open state to the closed state. The tray close button 39 has an illumination function and may illuminate at the time of switching from the open state to the closed state.

[0073] Furthermore, the upper surface of the workbench 40 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. To facilitate the removal or filling of chemicals into the cassette Ca by the worker, the upper surface is inclined to be lower from the main unit 2 side toward the worker's standing position (in the -Y axis direction).

[0074] In this embodiment, the user transports the transport tray Tr containing the drugs to the inspection unit in the drug station 1. However, the drug station 1 may also be equipped with a tray transport unit, and the transport tray Tr may be automatically transported from the picking unit 3.

[0075] (Control device) The control device 10 controls each unit of the drug station 1. The control device 10 comprises a main unit control unit 11, a picking unit control unit 12, a touch panel control unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0076] The main unit control unit 11 controls all parts of the main unit 2. The main unit control unit 11 includes, for example, a cassette identification unit 111 and a main unit cassette transfer control unit 112 (transfer control unit).

[0077] The cassette identification unit 111 identifies the cassette Ca to be taken from the cassette shelf 21 based on the dispensing data, the operator's input operation to the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31, or the reading result of the barcode reader 34. The cassette identification unit 111 also identifies the orientation of the cassette Ca based on the claw receiver identification information read by the RFID reader.

[0078] The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the drive of the main cassette transfer unit 22. Specifically, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer the cassette Ca identified by the cassette identification unit 111 to the receiving cassette holding unit 231. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 also transfers the cassette Ca placed on the receiving cassette holding unit 232 back to its storage position (original position).

[0079] When controlling the main cassette transfer unit 22 based on the dispensing data, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers the cassette Ca containing the drug included in the dispensing data, which has been identified by the cassette identification unit 111, to the transfer cassette holding unit 231. Subsequently, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 of the picking unit 3 transfers the cassette Ca that has been transferred from the drug receiving unit 32 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232 to the storage location of the cassette Ca.

[0080] The picking unit control unit 12 controls all parts of the picking unit 3. The picking unit control unit 12 includes, for example, a picking cassette transfer control unit 121 (transfer control unit), a shutter control unit 122, and a drug determination unit 124.

[0081] The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the drive of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 based on the dispensing data, the operator's input operation to the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31, or the reading result of the barcode reader 34. When controlling the picking cassette transfer unit 35 based on the dispensing data, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca, which is the target of the drug retrieval included in the prescription data, to the drug dispensing position P1 or the standby position P2.

[0082] The shutter control unit 122 controls the opening and closing operation of the shutter 322. The shutter control unit 122 independently controls the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b.

[0083] The drug determination unit 124 determines, based on the image of the drug captured by the imaging unit 371, whether the specified number of drugs defined by the dispensing data are placed on the drug placement platform 37. In the case of drug sheets, the drug determination unit 124 determines, based on the image of the fractional sheets captured by the imaging unit 371, whether the quantity of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets out of the specified number are placed on the drug placement platform 37. The drug determination unit 124 also determines, based on the weight of the drugs weighed by the weighing unit 382, ​​whether the specified number of drugs defined by the dispensing data are placed on the tray placement platform 38. In the case of drug sheets, the drug determination unit 124 determines, based on the weight of the drug sheet (full sheet) weighed by the weighing unit 382, ​​whether the quantity of drugs to be dispensed as drug sheets (full sheets) out of the specified number are placed on the tray placement platform 38. In other words, the drug determination unit 124 functions as a counting unit that counts the number of drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37 and / or the number of drugs placed on the tray placement stand 38.

[0084] If the drug to be dispensed is a drug contained in a drug sheet, the drug determination unit 124 may, for example, analyze the image to identify the shape of the fractional sheet placed on the drug placement stand 37. Based on this shape and the fractional sheet size per drug (size of a fractional sheet containing only one tablet of drug) stored in the storage unit 15 for each drug type, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet. An example of the counting method in this case will be described in Embodiment 2.

[0085] Furthermore, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs included in the fractional sheets based, for example, on the shape, the number of drug sheets included in one drug sheet (full sheet) stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type, and the area of ​​one drug sheet stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type. The number of drug sheets is a number defined as the number of drugs included in one drug sheet (the number obtained by multiplying the number of drugs included in the vertical direction of the drug sheet by the number of drugs included in the horizontal direction of the drug sheet). In this case, for example, the drug determination unit 124 may calculate the ratio of the area of ​​the shape to the area of ​​the drug sheet and count the number of drugs included in the fractional sheets by multiplying this ratio by the number of drug sheets.

[0086] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 may store information indicating the length of the ear portion ER (see Figure 19), and information indicating the sum of the length of the ear portion ER and the length of the fractional sheet containing one drug adjacent to the ear portion ER (indicated as "ERA" in Figure 19). The drug determination unit 124 can use this information to count the number of drugs included in the fractional sheet, taking the ear portion ER into consideration.

[0087] Furthermore, the storage unit 15 may store information indicating the length (vertical or horizontal) of fractional sheets containing a predetermined number of adjacent drugs on a single drug sheet. In this case, the drug determination unit 124 can count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheets based on the shape and the length of the fractional sheets.

[0088] Furthermore, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in the drug sheets placed on the tray stand 38 based on the weight of the drug sheets measured by the weighing unit 382 and the weight per drug sheet for each type of drug stored in the memory unit 15. For example, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the measured weight of the drug sheet by the weight per drug sheet by the number of drugs per sheet.

[0089] Furthermore, when a drug sheet (full sheet) is placed on the drug placement stand 37, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet based on the above image. The drug determination unit 124 may also count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet based on the shape of the drug sheet identified by analyzing the above image and the number of drugs per sheet. For example, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet based on the shape of the drug sheet identified by analyzing the above image and the fractional sheet size.

[0090] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 only needs to store the information necessary according to the counting method performed by the drug determination unit 124.

[0091] Furthermore, in the case of medications that are not in the form of medication sheets (e.g., ointments, eye drops), the medication determination unit 124 can count the number of medications as follows: The medication determination unit 124 may, for example, count the number of medications placed on the tray stand 38 based on the weight of the medication measured by the weighing unit 382 and the weight of each individual medication for each type of medication stored in the memory unit 15.

[0092] The drug determination unit 124 determines that the drug to be dispensed has been properly removed from cassette Ca if it determines that the number of drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37, the number of drugs placed on the tray placement stand 38, or the total number thereof matches the specified number.

[0093] Here, there are, for example, a first counting mode and a second counting mode for counting the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet.

[0094] When set to the first counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs for fractional sheets placed on the drug placement platform 37 based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 371. For drug sheets placed on the tray placement platform 38, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs based on the weight of the drug sheet measured by the weighing unit 382. If the counting results match the number of drugs that should be placed on each, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the number of drugs taken out by the operator matches the specified number. When the touch panel control unit 14 displays the result of this match on the second touch panel 31, the operator confirms this display, bundles the drug sheets and fractional sheets with a rubber band, and places them into the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement platform 38. Furthermore, if the drug determination unit 124 is configured to bundle multiple drug sheets placed on the tray base 38 with rubber bands, it calculates the weight of the drug sheets placed in the transport tray Tr by subtracting the weight of each rubber band from the weight of the drug sheets.

[0095] Furthermore, when set to the second counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs in the fractional sheets placed on the drug placement platform 37 based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 371. If the number of drugs included in the fractional sheets matches the number of drugs to be placed on the drug placement platform 37, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the result of the match on the second touch panel 31. After confirming this display, the operator bundles the drug sheets taken from the cassette Ca and the fractional sheets taken from the drug placement platform 37 with a rubber band and places them into the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement platform 38. The weighing unit 382 measures the total weight of the bundled drug sheets and fractional sheets after they are placed on the tray placement platform 38. Based on the measurement results from the weighing unit 382, ​​the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the specified number of drugs have been placed into the transport tray Tr.

[0096] The drug determination unit 124 calculates the weight by subtracting, for example, the weight of one rubber band from the measured weight, the weight of one drug to be dispensed (the weight of a fractional sheet containing one drug) multiplied by the number of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets, and the weight of the drug sheets placed in the transport tray Tr. The drug determination unit 124 then calculates the weight of the drug sheets placed in the transport tray Tr. The drug determination unit 124 determines that the specified number of drugs have been placed in the transport tray Tr if the weight of these drug sheets is approximately equal to (or within the margin of error of) the weight of one drug sheet multiplied by the number of drug sheets to be dispensed. The drug determination unit 124 may also determine whether the measured weight is approximately equal to the sum of the weight of the drug sheets and fractional sheets corresponding to the drugs to be dispensed, stored in the storage unit 15, and the weight of one rubber band, also stored in the storage unit 15.

[0097] In the first counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the number of drug sheets and fractional sheets taken out from the drug transfer unit 32 are appropriate, based on the weighing result from the weighing unit 382 and the imaging result from the imaging unit 371, respectively. Therefore, the drug determination unit 124 can accurately determine the appropriateness. However, in the first counting mode, the determination result from the drug determination unit 124 is output before the drug sheets and fractional sheets are bundled together with a rubber band and placed into the transport tray Tr. Therefore, it is left to the operator to remember to bundle the drug sheets and fractional sheets together with a rubber band and place them into the transport tray Tr after confirming that the above numbers are appropriate.

[0098] In the second counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the specified number of drugs have been placed in the transport tray Tr after the operator has bundled the drug sheet and the remaining sheets with a rubber band and placed them in the transport tray Tr. This reduces the possibility that the operator may forget to bundle the drug sheet and the remaining sheets with a rubber band and place them in the transport tray Tr. However, weighing by the weighing unit 382 is performed with the drug sheet and the remaining sheets bundled with a rubber band. Therefore, the counting accuracy based on weighing may be lower compared to the first counting mode (when only the drug sheet is placed in the transport tray Tr before weighing by the weighing unit 382).

[0099] The first counting mode and the second counting mode can be selected as appropriate at the hospital or other facility where the drug station 1 will be delivered. The decision of which of the first and second counting modes to set may be made based on which is more important at the delivery location: the reliability of the process of bundling the drug sheets and fractional sheets together with rubber bands and placing them into the transport tray Tr, or the reliability of the counting accuracy based on the weighing by the weighing unit 382.

[0100] In the first counting mode, the weighing unit 382 may measure the weight of the drug sheets and any remaining sheets bundled with rubber bands after they have been placed on the tray support platform 38, and the drug determination unit 124 may determine, based on the measurement results, whether or not the specified number of drugs have been placed on the transport tray Tr.

[0101] The touch panel control unit 14 controls the display of the first touch panel 5 and the second touch panel 31.

[0102] For example, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the number of drugs to be dispensed by the operator on the second touch panel 31. For drugs that are not drug sheets, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a specified number as the number of drugs to be dispensed by the operator. For drug sheets, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the number of drug sheets (full sheets) and the number of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets as the number of drugs to be dispensed by the operator. Alternatively, the touch panel control unit 14 may display the total number of drug sheets and the number of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets (i.e., the specified number). With such a display, the operator can place the specified number of drugs on the drug placement stand 37 and / or tray placement stand 38. For example, the operator can put a predetermined number of drug sheets into a transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement stand 38 and place fractional sheets containing the predetermined number of drugs on the drug placement stand 37.

[0103] Here, the control device 10 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is a drug included in a drug sheet or not, based on information stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type, indicating whether or not the drug is included in a drug sheet.

[0104] If the drug to be dispensed is a drug contained in a drug sheet, the control device 10 calculates the number of drug sheets and fractional sheets to be dispensed based on the specified number and, for example, the fractional sheet size or the number of drugs per sheet stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type. For example, if the number of drugs specified in one drug sheet is 10 and the specified number is 32, the control device 10 calculates that there will be 3 drug sheets to be dispensed and 2 drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets. The touch panel control unit 14 displays this calculation result on the second touch panel 31. Subsequently, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the sum of the number of drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37 by the operator and the number of drugs placed in the transport tray Tr on the tray placement stand 38 by the operator matches the specified number.

[0105] If the drug determination unit 124 determines that there is a match, it determines that the drug to be dispensed has been properly removed from the cassette Ca. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a message via the second touch panel 31 indicating that the drug has been properly removed. After the operator sees this message, they press the tray close button 39 to close the shutter 322. As a result, the control device 10 transports the cassette Ca containing the next drug to be dispensed to the drug receiving unit 32. On the other hand, if the drug determination unit 124 determines that there is no match, it determines that the drug to be dispensed has not been properly removed from the cassette Ca. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 displays an error message via the second touch panel 31 indicating that the drug has not been properly removed. These controls are the same even when the drug to be dispensed is not a drug sheet.

[0106] Here, we consider the case where, while the drug station 1 is running, the imaging unit 371 continues to image the drug placement tray 37 regardless of whether a fractional sheet is placed on the tray. In this case, the imaging unit 371 images the fractional sheet each time a fractional sheet is placed on the drug placement tray 37, and the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet based on the image. If a fractional sheet containing less than the quantity of drugs to be dispensed is placed on the drug placement tray 37, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the counted number of drugs does not match the quantity to be dispensed. However, the touch panel control unit 14 does not display this determination result on the second touch panel 31. In other words, in this case, the operator is not notified (an error message is displayed) that the quantity of drugs to be dispensed has not been properly taken out. On the other hand, if a fractional sheet containing the quantity of medication to be dispensed is placed on the medication stand 37, the medication determination unit 124 determines that the counted number of medications matches the quantity of medication to be dispensed, and the touch panel control unit 14 displays this determination result on the second touch panel 31. In other words, in this case, the operator is notified that the quantity of medication to be dispensed has been properly dispensed. After displaying the determination result, the control device 10 automatically moves on to the next process (step). Furthermore, if a fractional sheet containing more medication than the quantity to be dispensed is placed on the medication stand 37, the medication determination unit 124 determines that the counted number of medications does not match the quantity of medication to be dispensed, and the touch panel control unit 14 displays this determination result on the second touch panel 31. In other words, in this case, the operator is notified (an error message is displayed) that the quantity of medication to be dispensed has not been properly dispensed.

[0107] Furthermore, the control device 10 may be able to set, based on user input, an allowable mode that permits fractional sheets containing only one drug to be placed on the drug placement stand 37, and a non-allowable mode that does not permit this. In this case, the control device 10 may change the method of counting the number of drugs depending on whether the allowable mode or the non-allowable mode is selected.

[0108] The memory unit 15 stores various data required by the control device 10. For example, the memory unit 15 stores standard data specifying the fractional sheet size or the number of drug sheets per drug type, data indicating the weight per drug unit, and data indicating the weight per drug sheet, for each drug type. The memory unit 15 also stores data indicating the weight per rubber band. If a drug is included in a drug sheet, data indicating the weight of the fractional sheet containing one drug may be stored for each drug type as the weight per drug unit. Furthermore, the memory unit 15 stores information, for example, specifying whether or not a drug is included in a drug sheet, for each drug type. In addition, the memory unit 15 stores, for example, (1) Data relating cassette identification information to the storage location of cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, (2) Data relating the cassette identification information of cassette Ca (or storage location information indicating the storage location in cassette Ca) to the drug identification information, (3) Type information indicating the type of each cassette Ca, I remember that.

[0109] The type information may include, for example, information indicating whether it is a large cassette Ca1, a medium cassette Ca2, or a small cassette Ca3. The storage position information may specify, for example, the storage position from one end of the cassette Ca (e.g., the distance from that end).

[0110] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 stores images captured by the imaging unit 371. This allows for the recording of evidence related to the picking operation.

[0111] (Example of operation of Drug Station 1) The following describes an example of the operation of the drug station 1 according to this embodiment.

[0112] (Actions taken when dispensing medication) First, when dispensing data is read into the drug station 1, the main cassette transfer unit 22 of the main unit 2 grasps the cassette Ca containing the drug to be prescribed (dispensed, retrieved) from among the cassette Ca stored in the main unit 2 and places it on the cassette holding unit 23.

[0113] Cassette Ca, placed on the cassette holding unit 23, is transferred to the drug receiving unit 32 by the picking cassette transfer unit 35. The operator checks the second touch panel 31 and takes a specified number of drugs from cassette Ca at the drug receiving unit 32. The operator places the taken drugs into the transport tray placed on the drug placement stand 37 and / or tray placement stand 38. Subsequently, the control device 10 determines whether a specified number of drugs have been placed into the drug placement stand 37 or transport tray Tr, based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 371 and the drug weighing results from the weighing unit 382.

[0114] If the medication to be dispensed is in the form of a medication sheet, it is bundled into a predetermined shape with a rubber band and placed into a transport tray on the tray mounting base 38. The predetermined shape refers to, for example, the following shape.

[0115] (1) If there is one or more drug sheets, the specified shape refers to the planar shape of the drug sheet.

[0116] (2) If only fractional sheets are provided, the specified shape refers to the planar shape of the fractional sheets.

[0117] (3) When one or more drug sheets and fractional sheets are bundled together, the prescribed shape refers to the planar shape when one or more fractional sheets are placed on top of one or more drug sheets. For example, when dispensing 22 tablets of a drug consisting of 10 tablets per drug sheet, the prescribed shape is a shape in which two drug sheets are stacked on top of each other and fractional sheets for 2 tablets are placed on top of them.

[0118] Once all the medications to be placed in a single transport tray are placed inside, the user transports the transport tray Tr to the inspection unit, where a final inspection is performed. The number of medications to be placed in a single transport tray Tr may be specified, for example, in the dispensing data, or it may be determined by the control device 10 based on the dosage and method of administration, etc. The number of medications may be specified, for example, as the number of medications prescribed to the patient (i.e., the number of medications per patient).

[0119] (Actions taken when filling with medication) First, the user uses the barcode reader 34 to input the drug identification information of the drug to be filled into the main unit 2 into the drug station 1. Upon receiving this drug identification information, the main cassette transfer unit 22 in the main unit 2 transfers the cassette Ca to be filled to the cassette holding unit 23 based on the drug identification information.

[0120] In the picking unit 3, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 to the drug dispensing unit 32. The user puts the drug into the cassette Ca that has been transferred to the drug dispensing unit 32. Once the drug has been placed into the cassette Ca (for example, when the completion operation is received on the second touch panel 31), the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca back to the cassette holding unit 23. Subsequently, in the main unit 2, the main unit cassette transfer unit 22 returns the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette shelf 21.

[0121] <Structure of the main unit> Next, the specific structure of the main unit 2 will be described using Figures 6 to 10. In Figure 6, reference numeral 6001 is a perspective view showing an example of the main unit 2, and reference numeral 6002 is a diagram showing an example of the general configuration of the main cassette transfer unit 22. Figure 7 shows an example of cassette Ca storage.

[0122] (Cassette shelf and cassette transport section) As shown by reference numerals 6001 and 6002 in Figure 6, the cassette rack 21 can store cassettes Ca in a matrix along a vertical plane. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the cassette rack 21 includes a plurality of cassette mounting plates 211 on which cassettes Ca are placed, and mounting plate support parts 212 that support each cassette mounting plate 211.

[0123] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the same type of cassette Ca is placed on each cassette mounting plate 211. In other words, the width of the cassette mounting plate 211 (length in the X-axis direction) and the widths of the large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, and small cassette Ca3 are defined so that the same type of cassette Ca can be placed on each cassette mounting plate 211. In the example in Figure 7, the same type of cassette Ca is placed on each cassette mounting plate 211, but this is not limited to this, and the two widths may be defined so that different types of cassette Ca can be placed on them.

[0124] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 6001, the cassette shelf 21 is provided with a first cassette shelf 21a and a second cassette shelf 21b facing each other. The main cassette transfer unit 22 is provided between the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b. The figure shows an example in which the main cassette transfer unit 22 is provided with a first main cassette transfer unit 22a and a second main cassette transfer unit 22b.

[0125] The main cassette transfer unit 22, under the control of the main cassette transfer control unit 112, retrieves a cassette Ca stored in the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b and places it on the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 231). The main cassette transfer unit 22 also retrieves a cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 232) and returns it to the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b. This enables the retrieval or return of cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21, which stores cassette Ca in a row along a vertical plane. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the first main cassette transfer unit 22a and the second main cassette transfer unit 22b independently.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown by reference numerals 6001 and 6002, the first main body cassette transfer unit 22a includes a first cassette gripping unit 221a and a first cassette transfer mechanism 222a. Similarly, the second main body cassette transfer unit 22b includes a second cassette gripping unit 221b and a second cassette transfer mechanism 222b.

[0127] The first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b, under the control of the main cassette transfer control unit 112, pull out and grip the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 232). The first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b also move vertically and / or horizontally to transfer the gripped cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the transfer cassette holding unit 231) and place it on the cassette shelf 21 or the transfer cassette holding unit 231.

[0128] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the cassette gripping section 221 (first cassette gripping section 221a and second cassette gripping section 221b). Also, reference numerals 9001 to 9003 in Figure 9 indicate an example of operation of the cassette gripping section 221. As shown in Figure 8, the cassette gripping section 221 includes a cassette pulling section 2211, a claw section 2212, a cassette support section 2213, a position sensor 2214, and a rotation drive section 2215.

[0129] As shown in Figure 8, the cassette pull-out section 2211, under the control of the main cassette transfer control section 112, pulls the cassette Ca placed on the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23 into the cassette gripping section 221. The cassette pull-out section 2211 is slidably supported by a rail (not shown) that extends in the depth direction of the cassette gripping section 221 below the cassette gripping section 221, and moves in that depth direction. This allows for the pull-out of the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23, and the transfer of the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23.

[0130] The claw portion 2212 is a member for hooking onto the claw receiving portion Ca12 provided on the cassette Ca. As shown by reference numeral 9001 in Figure 9, when the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned in front of the cassette Ca to be moved, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette pull-out portion 2211 so that the claw portion 2212 is positioned below the claw receiving portion Ca12, as shown by reference numeral 9002 in Figure 9. Subsequently, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 raises the cassette gripping portion 221. This temporarily locks the claw portion 2212 into the claw receiving portion Ca12. In this state, as shown by reference numeral 9003 in Figure 9, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette pull-out portion 2211 back to its original position, thereby pulling the cassette Ca into the cassette gripping portion 221.

[0131] When placing the gripped cassette Ca onto the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23, the reverse operation is performed compared to when the cassette Ca is pulled in. That is, in the state shown by reference numeral 9003, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette gripping section 221 to the position where the cassette Ca should be placed, and then moves the cassette pull-out section 2211 in front of the cassette gripping section 221, as shown by reference numeral 9002. After that, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 lowers the cassette gripping section 221, thereby releasing the temporary lock between the claw section 2212 and the claw receiving section Ca 12. After that, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette pull-out section 2211 back to its original position, as shown by reference numeral 9001.

[0132] Returning to Figure 8, the cassette support section 2213 supports the cassette Ca that has been pulled out by the cassette pull-out section 2211.

[0133] The position sensor 2214 detects when the cassette gripping part 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca to be moved. The position sensor 2214 includes, for example, a light-emitting part that emits light and a light-receiving part that receives said light. As described above, the cassette Ca is provided with a notch Ca 13. The stopping position of the cassette gripping part 221 and the storage position (placement position) of the cassette Ca are positioned such that, when the cassette gripping part 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca to be moved, the light emitted from the position sensor 2214 illuminates the notch Ca 13.

[0134] Therefore, when the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca, light is shone onto the notch Ca13, and the light receiving portion does not receive any light. In this case, the position sensor 2214 detects that the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca. On the other hand, when the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned at a location offset from directly in front of the cassette Ca, light is not shone onto the notch Ca13, but rather onto the wall surface of the claw receiving portion Ca12, and the light receiving portion receives the light reflected from that wall surface. In this case, the position sensor 2214 cannot detect that the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca. Therefore, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette gripping portion 221 so that the position sensor 2214 detects that the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca. In other words, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 finely adjusts the position of the cassette gripping unit 221 so that the light emitted by the position sensor 2214 illuminates the notch Ca13, and the unit is in a position where it does not receive light. This allows the cassette gripping unit 221 to reliably pull out the cassette Ca.

[0135] The rotary drive unit 2215 rotates the cassette gripping unit 221 (specifically the cassette pulling unit 2211) with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation, so that the cassette gripping unit 221 can be moved to the first cassette shelf 21a, the second cassette shelf 21b, or the cassette holding unit 23.

[0136] Specifically, the rotary drive unit 2215, under the control of the main cassette transfer control unit 112, rotates the cassette gripping unit 221 so that the cassette pulling unit 2211 faces the placement position of the cassette Ca while the cassette gripping unit 221 is moving to or after it has moved to the placement position of the cassette Ca. This makes it possible to remove the cassette Ca from the placement position or to place the cassette Ca into the placement position.

[0137] For example, the rotary drive unit 2215 rotates the cassette gripping unit 221 so that the cassette pull-out unit 2211 faces the storage position of the cassette Ca to be removed in the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b, and then pulls out the cassette Ca from that storage position. This makes it possible to remove the cassette Ca from either the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b, which are arranged along different vertical planes.

[0138] Returning to reference numerals 6001 and 6002 in Figure 6, the first cassette transfer mechanism 222a comprises a first beam section 223a and a first support section 224a. Similarly, the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b comprises a second beam section 223b and a second support section 224b.

[0139] The first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b each extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the cassette shelf 21 and slidably support the first support section 224a and the second support section 224b. The first support section 224a and the second support section 224b each extend in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cassette shelf 21 and slidably support the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b.

[0140] Furthermore, the first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b are provided separated by a predetermined width. This predetermined width is set to allow the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b to move along the width direction of the cassette shelf 21. In addition, the predetermined width is set to prevent collision between the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b and the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b even when they rotate with the vertical direction as their axis of rotation. By setting the predetermined width as small as possible, the main unit 2 can be made smaller.

[0141] The main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the first support column 224a along the first beam 223a and moves the first cassette gripping portion 221a along the first support column 224a (the same applies to the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b). As a result, the desired cassette Ca can be moved between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding portion 23.

[0142] Furthermore, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the movement (position) of the first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b so that they do not collide with each other.

[0143] Specifically, as described above, the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b are supported in a cantilevered manner on the first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b, which are spaced a predetermined width apart. The first cassette transfer mechanism 222a and the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b are controlled so as not to interfere with each other in the movable area of ​​the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b (the area between the first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b). Therefore, the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b can move between the cassette shelf 21 (storage position for cassette Ca) and the cassette holding section 23 without colliding with each other.

[0144] Therefore, the multiple cassette gripping parts 221 enable the transfer of cassette Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding part 23, thereby improving the transfer efficiency of cassette Ca.

[0145] Furthermore, the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b do not necessarily have to be positioned facing each other; they only need to be arranged so that the vertical planes for storing the cassettes Ca are different from each other. This arrangement makes it possible to save space in the storage area for a large number of cassettes Ca. However, by arranging the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b facing each other, it is possible to store cassettes Ca at a higher density while saving even more space. The number of cassette shelves 21 may be one, or it may be three or more.

[0146] Furthermore, the number of main cassette transfer units 22 is not limited to two; it may be one or three or more. However, by providing a first main cassette transfer unit 22a and a second main cassette transfer unit 22b, and by moving the first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b so as not to collide with each other, it becomes possible to efficiently transfer cassettes Ca in the main unit 2, which is large capacity and compact.

[0147] (Cassette holder) As shown by reference numeral 6001 in Figure 6, the cassette holding section 23 includes a first cassette holding section 23a, a second cassette holding section 23b, a third cassette holding section 23c, and a fourth cassette holding section 23d. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 is provided with two picking units 3. Each picking unit 3 is provided with two drug dispensing sections 32 (a total of four). The first cassette holding section 23a, the second cassette holding section 23b, the third cassette holding section 23c, and the fourth cassette holding section 23d are provided to correspond to each of the four drug dispensing sections 32. Thus, it is sufficient to provide one cassette holding section 23 for each drug dispensing section 32.

[0148] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the cassette holding section 23 is provided in conjunction with the picking cassette transfer section 35 of the picking unit 3 so that the cassette Ca can be transferred to and from the drug dispensing section 32. Specifically, the picking cassette transfer section 35 is provided for each of the first cassette holding section 23a, the second cassette holding section 23b, the third cassette holding section 23c, and the fourth cassette holding section 23d. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3.

[0149] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, each of the first cassette holding section 23a, second cassette holding section 23b, third cassette holding section 23c, and fourth cassette holding section 23d is equipped with a transfer cassette holding section 231 and a receiving cassette holding section 232. In the example in Figure 10, one cassette holding section 23, which is provided in correspondence with one drug transfer section 32, is provided with two transfer cassette holding sections 231 and two receiving cassette holding sections 232 arranged alternately along the vertical direction. Note that one cassette holding section 23 may be provided with three or more transfer cassette holding sections 231 and three or more receiving cassette holding sections 232.

[0150] As described above, multiple transfer cassette holding units 231 and receiving cassette holding units 232 may be provided for each drug transfer unit 32. When multiple transfer cassette holding units 231 and receiving cassette holding units 232 are provided, it becomes possible to hold more cassettes Ca to be transferred to the drug transfer unit 32 near the drug transfer unit 32. Therefore, efficient transfer of cassettes Ca to the drug transfer unit 32 becomes possible. However, it is also acceptable for only one transfer cassette holding unit 231 and one receiving cassette holding unit 232 to be provided for each drug transfer unit 32.

[0151] In this specification, the cassette holding section 23 is described as being provided by the main unit 2, but it may also be provided by the picking unit 3. If it is provided by the picking unit 3, the location on the main unit 2 where the cassette holding section 23 is provided, as shown by reference numeral 6001 in Figure 6, functions as an insertion section into which the cassette holding section 23 provided by the picking unit 3 is inserted. In other words, it is sufficient that the basic configuration of the cassette handling device described above is realized by the cassette shelf 21, the main cassette transport section 22, and the cassette holding section 23.

[0152] <Structure of the picking unit> Next, the specific structure of the picking unit 3 will be explained using Figures 11 to 15. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the picking unit 3. Note that Figure 11 only illustrates the portion of the picking unit 3 in which the drug dispensing section 32 is provided.

[0153] As shown in Figure 11, a picking cassette transfer unit 35 is provided below the drug dispensing unit 32. Specifically, one picking cassette transfer unit 35 is provided for each drug dispensing unit 32 (one opening 321 and a shutter 322 provided corresponding to the opening 321 (see Figure 2)).

[0154] In this embodiment, the picking unit 3 is provided with a drug receiving section 32, which includes a first drug receiving section 32a and a second drug receiving section 32b. Below the first drug receiving section 32a, there is a picking cassette transfer section 35 which includes a first picking cassette transfer section 35a and a second picking cassette transfer section 35b. Below the second drug receiving section 32b, there is a picking cassette transfer section 35 which includes the first picking cassette transfer section 35a.

[0155] In this embodiment, for example, when dispensing drugs based on dispensing data, the picking unit 3 uses the first drug receiving unit 32a and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 located below the first drug receiving unit 32a. That is, in this embodiment, the first drug receiving unit 32a is a drug receiving unit to which a cassette Ca containing the drugs to be dispensed based on dispensing data is transferred. In the main unit 2, a first cassette holding unit 23a is used, which is provided in correspondence with the picking cassette transfer unit 35.

[0156] As described above, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 is equipped with a first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and a second picking cassette transfer unit 35b. Furthermore, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are independently controlled by the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 so that the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 (see Figure 12) move without colliding with each other. As a result, compared to the case where the picking cassette transfer unit 35 is composed of a single picking cassette transfer unit, it becomes possible to dispense drugs based on dispensing data more efficiently.

[0157] On the other hand, the second drug transfer unit 32b, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 located below the second drug transfer unit 32b, and the second cassette holding unit 23b are used when dispensing drugs not included in the dispensing data. In other words, the second drug transfer unit 32b is used when dispensing individual drugs (for example, when performing interrupt processing on the dispensing data), so it only needs to be equipped with the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. That is, the second drug transfer unit 32b is a drug transfer unit to which cassette Ca other than the cassette Ca that is transferred to the first drug transfer unit 32a is transferred.

[0158] However, when dispensing medication based on dispensing data, the second medication dispensing unit 32b may be used, and when dispensing individual medications, the first medication dispensing unit 32a may be used. Furthermore, the second medication dispensing unit 32b may be equipped with both the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b, or the first medication dispensing unit 32a may be equipped with only the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. When multiple picking cassette transfer units are provided for a single medication dispensing unit 32, it becomes possible to dispense medication efficiently.

[0159] Furthermore, when filling is performed, either the first drug dispensing unit 32a or the second drug dispensing unit 32b may be used.

[0160] Furthermore, it is not necessarily required that the picking unit 3 be equipped with multiple drug dispensing units 32; it is acceptable for the picking unit 3 to be equipped with only one drug dispensing unit 32. In addition, one picking unit 3 may be provided on the main unit 2. In this case, it is acceptable for only the cassette holding unit 23 corresponding to one picking unit 3 to be provided on the main unit 2.

[0161] (Structure of the picking cassette transfer section) The specific structure of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the picking cassette transfer unit 35. Reference numeral 12001 in Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 as seen from the main unit 2 side. Reference numeral 12002 in Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b that constitute the picking cassette transfer unit 35. Reference numeral 12003 in Figure 12 is a plan view showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b as seen from the workbench 40 side. Reference numeral 12004 in Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b as seen from the main unit 2 side. Note that in Figure 12, for the sake of explanation, only the picking cassette transfer unit 35 corresponding to the first drug receiving unit 32a is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 12, reference numeral 12001 illustrates only the portion of the picking unit 3 that is equipped with the drug dispensing unit 32.

[0162] As shown in reference numerals 12001 and 12002, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 corresponding to the first drug dispensing unit 32a comprises a first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and a second picking cassette transfer unit 35b.

[0163] The first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are transfer mechanisms that receive cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding unit 231 and transfer it to the first drug receiving unit 32a. Furthermore, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are transfer mechanisms that transfer cassette Ca located on the first drug receiving unit 32a side to the receiving cassette holding unit 232.

[0164] As shown in reference numeral 12002, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a includes a first cassette gripping unit 351 and a first cassette transfer mechanism 352.

[0165] The first cassette gripping portion 351 is a member that grips the cassette Ca. In this embodiment, the first cassette gripping portion 351 is made up of a frame, and a projection 351a is provided on the side wall (longitudinal end) of the frame that extends in the short direction (X-axis direction) to catch on the claw receiving portion Ca12 (see Figure 5) of the cassette Ca. The frame has a hollow portion that is large enough for the bottom of the cassette Ca and the cassette holding portion 23 (here, the first cassette holding portion 23a) to pass through when the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves vertically, and that catches on the projection 351a. When the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves vertically upward in the cassette holding portion 23, the projection 351a catches on the claw receiving portion Ca12 placed on the cassette holding portion 23, thereby gripping the cassette Ca with the first cassette gripping portion 351.

[0166] The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping section 351. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 includes a first beam section 353 and a first support section 354. The first beam section 353 extends in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the picking unit 3 and slidably supports the first cassette gripping section 351. The first support section 354 extends in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the picking unit 3 and slidably supports the first beam section 353. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 moves the first beam section 353 along the first support section 354 and moves the first cassette gripping section 351 along the first beam section 353. This makes it possible to move the desired cassette Ca between the cassette holding section 23 and the drug dispensing section 32.

[0167] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 12002, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b includes a second cassette gripping unit 355 and a second cassette transfer mechanism 356. The side wall of the second cassette gripping unit 355, which extends in the short direction, is provided with a projection that hooks onto the claw receiving unit Ca12 of the cassette Ca, similar to the first cassette gripping unit 351. The second cassette transfer mechanism 356 also includes a second beam unit 357 and a second support column unit 358. The structure and function of the second cassette gripping unit 355 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 are the same as those of the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the first cassette transfer mechanism 352, respectively.

[0168] Furthermore, as shown in reference numerals 12003 and 12004, the first beam section 353 and the second beam section 357 are spaced apart to the extent that the first cassette gripping section 351 and the second cassette gripping section 355 can move along the depth direction of the picking unit 3.

[0169] Furthermore, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the movement (position) of the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 so that they do not collide with each other.

[0170] Specifically, the first cassette gripping section 351 and the second cassette gripping section 355 are cantilevered to the first beam section 353 and the second beam section 357, which are spaced apart as described above. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 are controlled so as not to interfere with each other within their respective movable ranges (the area between the first beam section 353 and the second beam section 357). As a result, the first cassette gripping section 351 and the second cassette gripping section 355 can move between the cassette holding section 23 and the drug dispensing section 32 without colliding with each other.

[0171] Therefore, the multiple cassette gripping sections enable the transfer of cassette Ca between the cassette holding section 23 and the drug dispensing section 32. This makes it possible to improve the transfer efficiency of cassette Ca.

[0172] Next, the gripping operation of cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a will be explained using Figure 13. Reference numerals 13001 to 13005 in Figure 13 indicate the gripping operation of cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a.

[0173] First, with the cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding section 231, the first beam section 353 moves vertically along the first support section 354 so that the first cassette gripping section 351 can be moved to a position directly below the transfer cassette holding section 231. Then, as shown by reference numeral 13001 in Figure 13, the first cassette gripping section 351 moves horizontally toward the transfer cassette holding section 231 and stops at a position directly below the transfer cassette holding section 231, as shown by reference numeral 13002 in Figure 13.

[0174] Next, as shown by reference numeral 13003 in Figure 13, the first beam portion 353 moves vertically upward along the first support portion 354, and after the transfer cassette holding portion 231 passes through the hollow portion of the first cassette gripping portion 351, the projection portion 351a of the first cassette gripping portion 351 catches on the claw receiving portion Ca12 of the cassette Ca and temporarily locks it in place. As a result, the first cassette gripping portion 351 can grip the cassette Ca.

[0175] In this basic configuration, the first cassette gripping portion 351 is provided with two projections 351a that face the two claw receiving portions Ca12 when the first cassette gripping portion 351 is positioned facing the cassette Ca. However, the first cassette gripping portion 351 may be configured with only one projection 351a. Even in this case, the first cassette gripping portion 351 can grip the cassette Ca by temporarily engaging either of the claw receiving portions Ca12. That is, the first cassette gripping portion 351 may be configured to grip two opposing parts (both sides) of the cassette Ca, or it may be configured to grip one side of the cassette Ca. The same applies to the second cassette gripping portion 355.

[0176] Next, the first cassette gripping section 351 moves along the first beam section 353 so that it is positioned below the opening 321 while gripping the cassette Ca. Along with this movement, the first beam section 353 moves vertically upward along the first support section 354 so that the first cassette gripping section 351 is positioned directly below the opening 321. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 13004 in Figure 13, the first cassette gripping section 351 can transport the cassette Ca directly below the opening 321. Then, the operator can remove the drug from the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping section 351, or fill the cassette Ca with drug.

[0177] The position directly below the opening 321 (i.e., the position from which an operator can remove the drug from cassette Ca or fill cassette Ca with the drug) is referred to as the drug transfer position P1.

[0178] After the worker completes their task at the drug transfer position P1, the first beam section 353 moves vertically downward along the first support section 354 so that the first cassette gripping section 351 can be moved directly above the receiving cassette holding section 232. The first cassette gripping section 351 also moves along the first beam section 353 toward the receiving cassette holding section 232. Subsequently, the reverse operation of the operation indicated by reference numeral 13003 in Figure 13 is performed. That is, as the first beam section 353 moves vertically downward along the first support section 354, the cassette Ca is placed on the receiving cassette holding section 232. At this time, the projection 351a separates from the claw receiving section Ca12, and the temporary locking state is released. Subsequently, as the receiving cassette holding unit 232 passes through the hollow portion of the first cassette gripping unit 351, the first cassette gripping unit 351 becomes able to move to the handover cassette holding unit 231.

[0179] On the other hand, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b can also move in the same way as the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. For example, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b grasps the cassette Ca containing the drug to be picked up or filled after the cassette Ca grasped by the first cassette gripping unit 351, and transfers the cassette Ca to the drug transfer position P1.

[0180] However, as shown by reference numeral 13005 in Figure 13, when the first cassette gripping unit 351 is located at the drug transfer position P1, the second cassette gripping unit 355 moves to a standby position P2 located near the drug transfer unit 32 (specifically, near the drug transfer position P1). After the first cassette gripping unit 351 moves toward the receiving cassette holding unit 232, the second cassette gripping unit 355 moves to the drug transfer position P1. After the first cassette gripping unit 351 returns the cassette Ca to the receiving cassette holding unit 232, it grips the new cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding unit 231 and moves to the standby position P2. This operation is repeated.

[0181] As shown by reference numeral 13005 in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the standby position P2 is located below the drug transfer position P1 and is further away from the main unit 2 than the drug transfer position P1 in the depth direction of the picking unit 3. This prevents the cassette gripping part located at the drug transfer position P1 from colliding with the cassette gripping part located at the standby position P2 when it moves toward the receiving cassette holding part 232.

[0182] (Example of operation of the picking cassette transfer unit) Next, an example of the operation of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 will be explained using Figure 14. Reference numerals 14001 to 14008 in Figure 14 indicate examples of the operation of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b. In Figure 14, the shaded arrows indicate the direction of movement of the first cassette gripping unit 351, the black arrows indicate the direction of movement of the second cassette gripping unit 355, and the white arrows indicate the direction of movement of the cassette Ca by the main cassette transfer unit 22. Here, an example of operation will be described starting from a state where the first cassette gripping unit 351 is gripping the cassette Ca and is located at the drug transfer position P1, and the second cassette gripping unit 355 is gripping the cassette Ca and is located at the standby position P2.

[0183] In this embodiment, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a (first cassette gripping unit 351 and first cassette transfer mechanism 352) is accessible to the upper receiving cassette holding unit 231 and the receiving cassette holding unit 232, as shown by reference numerals 14003 to 14006. The second picking cassette transfer unit 35b (second cassette gripping unit 355 and second cassette transfer mechanism 356) is accessible to the lower receiving cassette holding unit 231 and the receiving cassette holding unit 232, as shown by reference numerals 14003 and 14006 to 14008. In Figure 14, the upper receiving cassette holding unit 231 and the receiving cassette holding unit 232 are referred to as the receiving cassette holding unit 231a and the receiving cassette holding unit 232a, respectively. Similarly, the lower-level transfer cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 are designated as the transfer cassette holding section 231b and the receiving cassette holding section 232b, respectively.

[0184] Furthermore, the positions of the transfer cassette holder 231 and the receiving cassette holder 232 in the cassette holder 23 may be freely set. In other words, which position in the cassette holder 23 functions as the transfer cassette holder 231 or the receiving cassette holder 232 may be freely set. Moreover, this setting may be switched at any time by the control device 10 according to the operating status of the drug station 1 including the main unit 2 (e.g., drug dispensing status).

[0185] In other words, the cassette holder Ca that constitutes the cassette holding unit 23 may be switched to function as either a transfer cassette holding unit 231 or a receiving cassette holding unit 232, depending on the operating status, under the control of the control device 10. In this case, the holder described above can be made to function as either a transfer cassette holding unit 231 or a receiving cassette holding unit 232, depending on the operating status. As a result, the cassette holding unit 23 can efficiently hold the cassette Ca according to the operating status. Note that the holder described above may also be switched to function as either a transfer cassette holding unit 231 or a receiving cassette holding unit 232 without considering the operating status (for example, based on input operations).

[0186] Furthermore, the access positions of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b to the cassette holding unit 23 may also be freely set. These settings may also be switched by the control device 10 at any time depending on the operation status described above.

[0187] First, as shown by reference numeral 14001, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a transfers the first cassette gripping unit 351, which is gripping cassette Ca, to the drug dispensing position P1. In this state, the shutter 322 opens, and the picking operation is performed on the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping unit 351. Also, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 of the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b transfers the second cassette gripping unit 355, which is gripping cassette Ca, to the standby position P2. In other words, the second cassette gripping unit 355 is waiting at the standby position P2 while gripping cassette Ca.

[0188] Furthermore, while the picking operation described above is being performed, the main cassette transfer unit 22 places a new cassette Ca on the transfer cassette holding unit 231a, as shown in reference numeral 14002.

[0189] When the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripping unit 351 is completed, and for example the tray close button 39 is pressed, the shutter 322 closes. When the shutter 322 closes, as shown by reference numeral 14003, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping unit 351 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232a, and then places the cassette Ca that the first cassette gripping unit 351 was holding onto the receiving cassette holding unit 232a. After the drug transfer position P1 becomes free due to the movement of the first cassette gripping unit 351, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripping unit 355 to the drug transfer position P1. In this state, when the shutter 322 opens, the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is performed.

[0190] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14004, the main cassette transfer unit 22 returns the cassette Ca, which has been placed on the receiving cassette holding unit 232a by the first cassette transfer mechanism 352, to its storage position on the cassette shelf 21. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 also moves the first cassette gripping unit 351 from the receiving cassette holding unit 232a to the handover cassette holding unit 231a. After that, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 causes the first cassette gripping unit 351 to grip the cassette Ca that has been placed on the handover cassette holding unit 231a.

[0191] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14005, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping unit 351, which is gripping the cassette Ca, to the standby position P2 and waits until the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is completed. While the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is being performed, the main cassette transfer unit 22 places a new cassette Ca on the transfer cassette holding unit 231b.

[0192] When the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is completed, and for example the tray close button 39 is pressed, the shutter 322 closes. When the shutter 322 closes, as shown in reference numeral 14006, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripping unit 355 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232b, and then places the cassette Ca that the second cassette gripping unit 355 was holding onto the receiving cassette holding unit 232b. After the drug transfer position P1 becomes free due to the movement of the second cassette gripping unit 355, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping unit 351 to the drug transfer position P1. In this state, when the shutter 322 opens, the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripping unit 351 becomes ready for picking.

[0193] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14007, the main cassette transfer unit 22 returns the cassette Ca, which has been placed on the receiving cassette holding unit 232b by the second cassette transfer mechanism 356, to its storage position on the cassette shelf 21. The second cassette transfer mechanism 356 also moves the second cassette gripping unit 355 from the receiving cassette holding unit 232b to the handover cassette holding unit 231b. After that, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 causes the cassette Ca, which has been placed on the handover cassette holding unit 231b, to be gripped by the second cassette gripping unit 355.

[0194] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14008, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripping unit 355, which is gripping the cassette Ca, to the standby position P2 and waits until the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping unit 351 is completed.

[0195] If the transfer process of cassette Ca is being performed based on the dispensing data, the above operation will be repeated until the picking operation for all drugs included in the dispensing data is completed. Similarly, if drugs are being filled sequentially, the above operation may be repeated until the filling operation for all drugs is completed.

[0196] In addition, in reference numeral 14005 and 14006, if the second cassette gripping unit 355 is not present at the drug transfer position P1, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 may directly transfer the first cassette gripping unit 351 to the drug transfer position P1. Similarly, in reference numeral 14008, if the first cassette gripping unit 351 is not present at the drug transfer position P1, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 may directly transfer the second cassette gripping unit 355 to the drug transfer position P1.

[0197] In this manner, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b transfer the cassette Ca to which the drug sheet is to be removed or filled to the drug transfer position P1. Furthermore, if a cassette Ca is located at the drug transfer position P1, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b transfer the next cassette Ca to which the drug is to be removed or filled to the drug to the standby position P2 and put it into standby.

[0198] Specifically, the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 grip the cassette Ca pulled out from the cassette holding unit 23 and transport it between the cassette holding unit 23, the drug dispensing position P1, and the standby position P2. In addition, the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 move in a manner that prevents them from colliding with each other.

[0199] This allows for work to be performed on cassette Ca at drug transfer position P1, and also allows the next cassette Ca to be placed in standby position P2 near drug transfer position P1. Therefore, after work on cassette Ca is completed at drug transfer position P1, the cassette Ca that was waiting at standby position P2 can be moved to drug transfer position P1. This makes it possible for the user to efficiently perform work on multiple cassette Ca.

[0200] Therefore, the picking unit 3 can efficiently provide the user with cassette Ca, from which the user can remove or fill drug sheets.

[0201] (Example of operation of the first shutter) Next, an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a will be explained using Figure 15. Reference numerals 15001 to 15003 in Figure 15 indicate an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a.

[0202] As described above, the first shutter 322a opens and closes under the control of the shutter control unit 122. Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 15001, the shutter control unit 122 closes the first shutter 322a when the cassette Ca is not located at the drug receiving unit 32 (specifically, at the drug receiving position P1). As shown by reference numerals 15002 and 15003, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a after the picking cassette transfer unit 35 has stopped the cassette Ca at the drug receiving position P1. The shutter control unit 122 also controls the opening and closing of the second shutter 322b in the same way as the first shutter 322a. This allows the operator to perform drug picking or filling operations for the cassette Ca.

[0203] The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 and the shutter control unit 122 identify the type of cassette Ca and which type of drug is to be stored in which storage position within the cassette Ca. Therefore, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 and the shutter control unit 122 can identify that only one type of drug is to be stored in the case of a cassette Ca without a partition. For this reason, after the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca so that its center is near the center of the opening 321, the shutter control unit 122 fully opens the first shutter 322a, as shown by reference numeral 15002. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of the cassette Ca.

[0204] On the other hand, in the case of a cassette Ca with a partition, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca so that the location of the drug to be dispensed or filled is near the center of the opening 321. Then, as shown by reference numeral 15003, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area in which the drug is stored. At this time as well, the shutter control unit 122 opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of the cassette Ca.

[0205] Thus, the opening width of the first shutter 322a is changed according to the type of cassette Ca that has been transferred to the drug transfer position P1.

[0206] Furthermore, if the next drug to be dispensed or filled is contained in the same cassette Ca as the drug currently being dispensed or filled, it is sufficient to change the position of cassette Ca without changing cassette Ca itself. In this case, after the dispensing or filling of the drug currently being dispensed or filled is completed, the shutter control unit 122 closes the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b. Subsequently, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 moves cassette Ca so that the location of the next drug to be dispensed or filled is near the center of the opening 321. Then, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area containing the drug. At this time as well, the shutter control unit 122 opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of cassette Ca.

[0207] Therefore, by providing a partition in the cassette Ca to form multiple storage areas within a single cassette Ca, drugs that are likely to be dispensed at the same time can be stored in the same cassette Ca. This makes it possible to dispense drug sheets even more efficiently.

[0208] [Embodiment 1] In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which a cassette Ca is automatically removed from the cassette shelf 21 or stored in the cassette shelf 21 by the control of the control device 10.

[0209] <Picking Unit> Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views showing an example of the picking unit 3 of this embodiment. Reference numeral 17001 in Figure 17 is a perspective view of the picking unit 3 as seen from the front side (the worker's standing position side), and reference numeral 17002 is a perspective view of the picking unit 3 as seen from the rear side (the main unit 2 side). In Figure 17, for convenience, only the components of the picking unit 3 necessary for explaining the cassette receiving section 41 are shown, and other components are omitted.

[0210] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the picking unit 3 of this embodiment is equipped with a cassette receiving unit 41 on the front part 45, which is the side where the worker stands. The cassette receiving unit 41 makes it possible to take a cassette Ca out of the picking unit 3 or to put a cassette Ca into the picking unit 3 (enabling the worker to receive and give cassette Ca). The specific configuration of the cassette receiving unit 41 will be described later.

[0211] In this embodiment, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 control the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer cassette Ca between the drug receiving unit 32 and the cassette shelf 21, as described above. In addition, in this embodiment, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 control the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer cassette Ca between the cassette receiving unit 41 and the cassette shelf 21. The main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 are examples of cassette transfer units that transfer cassette Ca.

[0212] The main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 may transfer another cassette Ca between the cassette transfer unit 41 and the cassette shelf 21 when transferring a certain cassette Ca between the drug receiving unit 32 and the cassette shelf 21. Furthermore, the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 do not have to transfer another cassette Ca while transferring a certain cassette Ca, and they do not have to transfer a certain cassette Ca while transferring another cassette Ca.

[0213] Let's consider the case where a cassette Ca to be retrieved is retrieved from the cassette shelf 21. In this case, the operator specifies the cassette Ca to be retrieved, for example, via the first touch panel 5. The cassette identification unit 111 identifies the cassette Ca to be retrieved based on the operator's input and, by referring to the memory unit 15, identifies the storage location of the cassette Ca. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to retrieve the cassette Ca to be retrieved from its storage location on the cassette shelf 21. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers the retrieved cassette Ca to the cassette holding unit 23 and has the cassette held in the cassette holding unit 23. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca held in the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette receiving unit 41. In this embodiment, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 (second beam section 357 and second support section 358) of the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b to transfer the cassette Ca held in the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette receiving unit 41. This allows the worker to take out the cassette Ca to be retrieved from the cassette shelf 21 via the cassette receiving unit 41.

[0214] Let's also consider the case where a cassette Ca to be stored (a newly stored cassette Ca, or a cassette Ca that has been temporarily removed from the cassette shelf 21 and then returned to the cassette shelf 21) is stored in the cassette shelf 21. In this case, the operator performs an input operation to instruct the operator to store the cassette Ca, for example, via the first touch panel 5. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the picking cassette transfer unit 35 (in this embodiment, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b) to transfer the cassette Ca to be stored, which the operator has placed on the cassette receiving unit 41, to the cassette holding unit 23. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer the cassette Ca to be stored, which is held in the cassette holding unit 23, to the cassette shelf 21 and store it in the cassette shelf 21. As a result, the operator can store the cassette Ca to be stored in the cassette shelf 21 via the cassette receiving unit 41.

[0215] The cassette Ca to be stored is provided with a barcode Ca14 (see Figure 5) which includes cassette identification information. The cassette gripping unit 221 of the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 of the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are equipped with barcode readers (not shown). In this embodiment, the cassette receiving unit 41 is also equipped with a barcode reader 420 (see Figure 19). When the cassette Ca to be stored is inserted from the cassette receiving unit 41, the barcode reader of the cassette gripping unit 221, the second cassette gripping unit 355, or the cassette receiving unit 41 reads the barcode Ca14. The cassette identification unit 111 identifies the storage location of the cassette Ca based on the cassette identification information contained in the read barcode Ca14 and the data stored in the storage unit 15 that associates the cassette identification information with the storage location. In the case of a cassette Ca newly stored in the cassette shelf 21, the above data does not contain information indicating the storage location associated with the acquired cassette identification information. Therefore, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies a storage location not associated with the cassette identification information (i.e., an empty space in the cassette shelf 21) as the storage location for the cassette Ca. When returning the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies the storage location of the cassette Ca by referring to the above data. As a result, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 can store the cassette Ca to be stored in the cassette shelf 21.

[0216] When storing a new cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, for example, the operator has the barcode attached to the drug to be contained in the cassette Ca read via the barcode reader 34. In this case, the control device 10 stores the acquired drug identification information (i.e., the type of drug) in the storage unit 15, associating it with the cassette identification information of the cassette Ca.

[0217] Here, workers (especially healthcare professionals) may want to change the cassette Ca they use, for example, by changing the size of the cassette Ca containing the drug depending on how often the drug is used. If the picking unit 3 does not have a cassette receiving unit 41 and it is not possible to transfer cassette Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette receiving unit 41, the worker will perform the following tasks.

[0218] The worker opens door 25, takes out the desired cassette Ca from cassette shelf 21, and transfers the chemical contained in that cassette Ca to another cassette Ca. Note that cassette shelf 21 can store more than 1000 cassette Ca units. Therefore, the worker may need considerable time and effort to find the cassette Ca to be retrieved.

[0219] Furthermore, the operator has the barcode reader 34 read the barcode attached to the drug to be stored in the new cassette Ca, and inputs the cassette number of the new cassette Ca via the first touch panel 5. This allows the control device 10 to associate the cassette identification information of the new cassette Ca with the drug identification information of the stored drug and store it in the storage unit 15. However, the operator needs to input the cassette number of the new cassette Ca in order to store the new cassette Ca. The control device 10 also controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to read all the barcodes (i.e., cassette identification information) of the cassette Ca stored in the cassette shelf 21 and associates the read cassette identification information with the storage location. However, as mentioned above, since the cassette shelf 21 can store more than 1000 cassette Ca, this association may take some time.

[0220] Furthermore, if an operator wants to take a cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21, or store a cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, they need to open the door 25 for retrieval and storage of the cassette Ca. Here, the control device 10 locks the door 25 while the drug station 1 is operating, and can unlock the door 25 when the drug station 1 is stopped. Therefore, if an operator wants to open the door 25, the control device 10 needs to temporarily stop the operation of the drug station 1. For example, if the control device 10 is performing drug dispensing processing based on dispensing data, it needs to stop or interrupt the dispensing processing.

[0221] Here, we will explain the reason for providing a cassette transfer unit 41 separately from the drug transfer unit 32. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the size relationship between the drug transfer unit 32 and the cassette Ca. Reference numeral 18001 in Figure 18 indicates the case where a large cassette Ca1 is located in the drug transfer unit 32. Reference numeral 18002 in Figure 18 indicates the case where a medium-sized cassette Ca2 is located in the drug transfer unit 32. Reference numeral 18003 in Figure 18 indicates the case where a small cassette Ca3 is located in the drug transfer unit 32.

[0222] If it were possible to remove the cassette Ca from the drug transfer unit 32, there would be no need to provide the cassette transfer unit 41 in the picking unit 3. However, as shown in Figure 18, the length L1 of the opening region Ar1 formed in the opening 321 when the shutters 322 (first shutter 322a and second shutter 322b) are open is smaller than the length L2 of the cassette Ca. The length L1 of the opening region Ar1 is the length in the longitudinal direction (±Y axis direction) of the opening region Ar1. The length L2 of the cassette Ca is the length in the longitudinal direction (±Y axis direction) of the cassette Ca when viewed from above in the state when the cassette Ca has been transferred to the drug transfer unit 32, that is, the length corresponding to the length in the longitudinal direction of the opening region Ar1 in the cassette Ca. As shown by reference numerals 18001 to 18003, the length L1 of the opening region Ar1 is smaller than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction of any of the large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, and small cassette Ca3. Therefore, the operator cannot insert or remove the cassette Ca into or from the drug dispensing unit 32. For example, while the drug station 1 is in operation, the operator cannot insert or remove the cassette Ca into or from the drug dispensing unit 32. Note that "plan view" means viewing the opening 321 from above. Also, the longitudinal direction of the opening region Ar1 is an example of a predetermined direction.

[0223] Furthermore, the length L1 of the opening region Ar1 and the length L2 of the cassette Ca do not necessarily have to be the longitudinal lengths of the opening region Ar1 and the cassette Ca, but may be, for example, the lengths in the short direction (±X axis direction) of the opening region Ar1 and the cassette Ca. In other words, the length L1 of the opening region Ar1 and the length L2 of the cassette Ca located in the drug dispensing section 32 may be lengths in corresponding directions to each other.

[0224] In this embodiment, the picking unit 3 transports a cassette Ca containing drugs designated as drugs to be picked up based on dispensing data (prescription data) (drugs to be dispensed based on dispensing data) to a drug receiving unit 32 where the cassette Ca cannot be inserted or removed. This allows the worker to pick up the designated drug from the cassette Ca through the drug receiving unit 32. Furthermore, by providing a partition in the cassette Ca, multiple types of drugs can be stored. The picking unit 3 also transports cassette Ca containing multiple types of drugs to the drug receiving unit 32, allowing the worker to pick up the designated drug from the cassette Ca.

[0225] In this embodiment, the picking unit 3 includes a separate cassette receiving unit 41 that allows the insertion and removal of cassettes Ca, which can contain multiple types of drugs, in addition to a drug receiving unit 32 that does not allow the insertion and removal of cassettes Ca. In the picking unit 3, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 control the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer cassettes Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette receiving unit 41.

[0226] Therefore, the control device 10 can automatically remove cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 by receiving an input operation to identify the cassette Ca to be removed from the cassette shelf 21. In addition, when an operator wants to remove a cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21, they can remove the cassette Ca via the cassette receiving unit 41. Thus, the operator can reduce the effort and time required to open the door 25 and search for the cassette Ca to be removed from the cassette shelf 21, which can store a vast number of cassette Ca.

[0227] Furthermore, the control device 10 can automatically store cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21 by receiving input operations for storing cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21. In addition, when an operator wants to store cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, they can do so via the cassette receiving unit 41. Therefore, the operator can reduce the effort and time required to open the door 25 and store cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21.

[0228] Furthermore, the control device 10 automatically retrieves cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or stores cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, and the operator can access the cassette Ca via the cassette receiving unit 41. In other words, the operator can retrieve cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or store cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21 without opening the door 25. Therefore, the control device 10 does not need to stop the operation of the drug station 1 even when the drug station 1 is in operation. For example, the control device 10 does not need to stop or interrupt the dispensing process of drugs based on dispensing data. Also, the control device 10 does not need to perform the above-mentioned mapping for all cassette Ca.

[0229] Furthermore, the control device 10 automatically stores the cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, even when a new cassette Ca is being stored. Therefore, the operator does not need to input the cassette number of the new cassette Ca.

[0230] Thus, with the picking unit 3 of this embodiment, the worker can easily take out cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or store cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21. Furthermore, the time required for taking out or storing cassette Ca can be reduced. In addition, the processing load on the control device 10 can be reduced. Accordingly, with the picking unit 3 of this embodiment, the work efficiency and processing efficiency for taking out cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or storing cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21 can be improved.

[0231] Furthermore, according to the picking unit 3 of this embodiment, since the length L1 of the opening region Ar1 is smaller than the length L2 of the cassette Ca, the operator cannot insert or remove the cassette Ca from the drug dispensing unit 32. However, according to the picking unit 3 of this embodiment, the operator can insert or remove the cassette Ca through the cassette dispensing unit 41, for example, even while the drug station 1 is in operation.

[0232] Examples of removing a cassette Ca include not only replacing or returning a cassette Ca, but also discontinuing the use of a cassette Ca containing a drug due to its infrequent use. Furthermore, discontinuing the use of at least one cassette Ca included in a group of cassettes containing the same type of drug may occur, for example, to reduce the number of drugs contained due to infrequent use.

[0233] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the transfer of cassette Ca to or from the cassette receiving unit 41 is performed by the second cassette gripping unit 355 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356. In other words, the cassette receiving unit 41 is provided in correspondence with the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b (second cassette transfer unit), which is equipped with the second cassette gripping unit 355 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356.

[0234] As described above, the picking unit 3 includes a first picking cassette transfer unit 35a (first cassette transfer unit) which is provided in correspondence with the first drug receiving unit 32a and includes a first cassette gripping unit 351 and a first cassette transfer mechanism 352. The second picking cassette transfer unit 35b is provided in correspondence with the second drug receiving unit 32b.

[0235] The first drug transfer unit 32a may function as a drug transfer unit to which a cassette Ca containing a drug to be transferred based on the dispensing data is transferred. The second drug transfer unit 32b may function as a drug transfer unit to which cassette Ca other than the cassette Ca transferred to the first drug transfer unit 32a is transferred. For example, such a cassette Ca may contain a drug that an operator wishes to have dispensed urgently by interrupting the dispensing process of a drug included in the dispensing data. That is, such a cassette Ca is, for example, a cassette Ca containing a drug that has become the target of dispensing due to an interruption process on the dispensing data. Note that the interruption process may be a process that dispenses a drug when an input operation is received to urgently put a drug into a cassette Ca by interrupting the dispensing process of a drug included in the dispensing data.

[0236] Thus, when multiple types of drugs are dispensed based on the dispensing data, the cassette Ca containing the drugs to be dispensed is sequentially transported to the first drug receiving unit 32a. Meanwhile, the second drug receiving unit 32b receives the cassette Ca containing the drugs when it is necessary to interrupt the dispensing of drugs based on the dispensing data to take drugs from the cassette Ca or to put drugs into the cassette Ca. Therefore, even when multiple types of drugs are dispensed based on the dispensing data, the control device 10 can perform the transfer process of cassette Ca to the second drug receiving unit 32b without stopping the transfer of cassette Ca for the dispensing.

[0237] As described above, the cassette receiving unit 41 is provided in conjunction with the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b, which is provided in conjunction with the second drug receiving unit 32b. Therefore, even when multiple types of drugs are dispensed based on the dispensing data, the transfer process of cassette Ca to the cassette receiving unit 41 can be performed without stopping the transfer of cassette Ca for dispensing.

[0238] Furthermore, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b is provided in common with the second drug receiving unit 32b and the cassette receiving unit 41. In this case, since a separate mechanism for transferring cassette Ca is not provided for the cassette receiving unit 41, the possibility of the picking unit 3 becoming more complex by providing the cassette receiving unit 41 can be reduced.

[0239] If the main unit 2 is equipped with a cassette transfer unit 41, then the main unit 2 must be equipped with a mechanism for transferring cassette Ca for the cassette transfer unit 41. If the picking unit 3 is equipped with a cassette transfer unit 41, then, as described above, the mechanism for transferring cassette Ca for the drug transfer unit 32 can also be used for the cassette transfer unit 41. Therefore, by equipping the picking unit 3 with a cassette transfer unit 41, the possibility of the main unit 2 becoming more complex can be reduced.

[0240] However, if the effects described above are not considered, the cassette receiving unit 41 may be provided in correspondence with the first drug receiving unit 32a. That is, the cassette receiving unit 41 may be provided in correspondence with the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. Furthermore, a mechanism for transferring cassette Ca is not required to be provided in common with the cassette receiving unit 41 and the first drug receiving unit 32a or the second drug receiving unit 32b. In this case, for example, the picking unit 3 may be provided with a mechanism for transferring cassette Ca between the cassette receiving unit 41 and the cassette holding unit 23, separate from the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b.

[0241] <Cassette exchange section> Figure 19 is a perspective view showing an example of the cassette receiving unit 41 when viewed from the front side of the picking unit 3. Reference numeral 19001 in Figure 19 indicates the state in which the cassette receiving unit 41 is not pulled out from the picking unit 3, and reference numeral 19002 indicates the state in which the cassette receiving unit 41 is pulled out from the picking unit 3.

[0242] Reference numerals 20001 and 20002 in Figure 20 are perspective views showing an example of the cassette receiving unit 41 when viewed from the rear side of the picking unit 3. Reference numeral 20002 is a diagram in which the cassette mounting tray 412, barcode reader 420, and mirror 421 have been removed for ease of explanation.

[0243] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the cassette receiving unit 41 comprises a recessed handle 411, a cassette mounting base 412, a mounting base support 413, a rail 414, a cassette detection unit 415, a storage detection unit 416, a dog 417, a solenoid 418, and a locking unit 419. In this embodiment, the storage detection unit 416 and the solenoid 418 are located on a support base 422 installed below the cassette mounting base 412. The support base 422 is fixed to a support unit 47. The support unit 47 is fixed to a part of the picking unit 3.

[0244] The recessed handle portion 411 is the part that the worker grips to insert and remove the cassette mounting table 412 from the picking unit 3. The recessed handle portion 411 is fixed to the mounting table support portion 413.

[0245] The cassette placement platform 412 is a platform on which cassettes Ca to be removed from the cassette shelf 21, or cassettes Ca to be stored that have been placed in by an operator, are placed. The cassette placement platform 412 is fixed to the placement platform support 413.

[0246] The mounting base support section 413 supports the cassette mounting base 412. The mounting base support section 413 is fixed to the first rail section 414a.

[0247] The rail section 414 moves the cassette mounting table 412 in the ±Y axis direction so that the cassette mounting table 412 can be moved in and out of the picking unit 3 by an operator who has placed their hand on the embedded handle section 411. In this embodiment, the rail section 414 comprises a first rail section 414a, a second rail section 414b, and a third rail section 414c.

[0248] The first rail section 414a is fixed to the mounting base support section 413 and is provided to be slidable relative to the second rail section 414b and the third rail section 414c. The second rail section 414b is provided between the first rail section 414a and the third rail section 414c and is provided to be slidable relative to the first rail section 414a and the third rail section 414c. The third rail section 414c is fixed to the support section 47.

[0249] In the state shown by reference numeral 19001, when an operator places their hand on the embedded handle portion 411 and pulls it toward the operator (in the -Y axis direction), the cassette mounting base 412 slides toward the operator along the rail portion 414. Specifically, the cassette mounting base 412 slides toward the second rail portion 414b and the third rail portion 414c together with the first rail portion 414a. The second rail portion 414b also slides toward the third rail portion 414c. As a result, the cassette mounting base 412 is pulled toward the operator, as shown by reference numeral 19002.

[0250] In the state shown by reference numeral 19002, when an operator places their hand on the embedded handle portion 411 and pushes it toward the picking unit 3 (in the +Y axis direction), the cassette mounting base 412 slides toward the picking unit 3 along the rail portion 414. Specifically, the cassette mounting base 412 slides toward the second rail portion 414b and the third rail portion 414c together with the first rail portion 414a. The second rail portion 414b also slides toward the third rail portion 414c. As a result, the cassette mounting base 412 is housed in the picking unit 3, as shown by reference numeral 19001.

[0251] In other words, the cassette receiving section 41 functions as a pull-out section for pulling out the cassette Ca by comprising a recessed handle section 411, a cassette mounting base 412, a mounting base support section 413, and a rail section 414. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the operator can easily remove the cassette Ca from the cassette receiving section 41 or insert the cassette Ca into the cassette receiving section 41.

[0252] The cassette detection unit 415 detects the cassette Ca placed on the cassette mounting base 412. The cassette detection unit 415 is, for example, a reflective type light sensor comprising an emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that receives the reflected light that is reflected off the object from the light emitted by the emitting unit.

[0253] As shown by reference numeral 19001, the cassette detection unit 415 only needs to be positioned in a location where it can detect a cassette Ca placed on the cassette mounting base 412 when the cassette mounting base 412 is not extended (the cassette receiving unit 41 is in the closed state). In this embodiment, a through hole 413a is formed in the mounting base support unit 413. The cassette detection unit 415 detects the cassette Ca placed on the cassette mounting base 412 through the through hole 413a when the cassette mounting base 412 is not extended.

[0254] The storage detection unit 416 detects that the cassette receiving unit 41 is inserted into the picking unit 3 (the cassette mounting tray 412 is not pulled out). In this embodiment, the storage detection unit 416 is a groove-shaped optical sensor that has a substantially C-shaped insertion part into which the dog 417 is inserted, and detects the dog 417 inserted into the insertion part. The groove-shaped optical sensor is, for example, a transmissive optical sensor comprising an emission part that emits light and a light receiving part that receives the light.

[0255] The dog 417 is a movable part that moves in conjunction with the movement of the cassette mounting base 412. In this embodiment, the dog 417 is fixed to the mounting base support part 413 to which the cassette mounting base 412 is fixed. When the cassette mounting base 412 is not pulled out, the dog 417 is inserted into the insertion part of the storage detection unit 416, and the storage detection unit 416 detects the dog 417. As a result, the storage detection unit 416 detects that the dog is inserted into the picking unit 3. The storage detection unit 416 and the dog 417 only need to be positioned so that the storage detection unit 416 can detect the dog 417 when the cassette mounting base 412 is not pulled out.

[0256] The solenoid 418 controls whether the cassette mounting table 412 can be moved. For example, when the cassette mounting table 412 is not pulled out, the solenoid 418 fixes the position of the cassette mounting table 412 so that the cassette mounting table 412 cannot be pulled out.

[0257] In this embodiment, a plate-shaped lock portion 419 is provided on the mounting table support portion 413. As shown by reference numeral 20002, a through hole 419a through which a lock pin 423 connected to the solenoid 418 can pass is formed in the lock portion 419. The solenoid 418 is driven under the control of the control device 10, and by inserting the lock pin 423 into the through hole 419a, the position of the cassette mounting table 412 is fixed. That is, in this case, the cassette mounting table 412 is locked and the operator cannot pull out the cassette mounting table 412. Also, the solenoid 418 is driven under the control of the control device 10, and by extracting the lock pin 423 from the through hole 419a, the cassette mounting table 412 can be moved. That is, in this case, the lock of the cassette mounting table 412 is released and the operator can pull out the cassette mounting table 412.

[0258] For example, assume that the control device 10 receives an instruction to take out a certain cassette Ca via the first touch panel 5 when the cassette mounting table 412 is not pulled out. When the cassette mounting table 412 is not pulled out, the lock pin 423 is inserted into the through hole 419a and the cassette mounting table 412 is in a state where it cannot be pulled out.

[0259] When the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 receive a take-out instruction, they control the main body cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca to be taken out to the cassette transfer unit 41. When the picking cassette transfer unit 35 places the cassette Ca on the cassette mounting table 412, the cassette detection unit 415 detects the cassette Ca. When the control device 10 receives a detection signal indicating that the cassette Ca has been detected from the cassette detection unit 415, it drives the solenoid 418 to extract the lock pin 423 from the through hole 419a. As a result, the cassette mounting table 412 can be pulled out. At this time, for example, the touch panel control unit 14 may display an image indicating that the cassette mounting table 412 can be pulled out on the first touch panel 5. Note that instead of displaying this image, the control device 10 may notify that the cassette mounting table 412 can be pulled out by, for example, outputting a sound.

[0260] After that, after the operator pulls out the cassette mounting table 412 and then pushes the cassette mounting table 412 into the picking unit 3 side and houses it in the picking unit 3 (when the cassette transfer unit 41 is closed), the dog 417 is inserted into the housing detection unit 416. When the control device 10 receives a detection signal indicating that the dog 417 has been detected from the housing detection unit 416, it drives the solenoid 418 to insert the lock pin 423 into the through hole 419a. As a result, the cassette mounting table 412 cannot be pulled out.

[0261] When the cassette Ca is placed on the cassette mounting table 412, the cassette detection unit 415 detects the cassette Ca. When the main body cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 receive a detection signal indicating that the cassette Ca has been detected from the cassette detection unit 415, they control the main body cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21. As a result, the cassette Ca is stored in the cassette shelf 21.

[0262] For example, suppose the cassette tray 412 is not extended, and the control device 10 receives a command to store cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21 via the first touch panel 5. In this case, the control device 10 drives the solenoid 418 to pull out the lock pin 423 from the through hole 419a. This makes it possible to extend the cassette tray 412.

[0263] Afterward, the worker pulls out the cassette tray 412 and places the cassette Ca to be stored onto the cassette tray 412. Then, push it towards the picking unit 3 and store it in the picking unit 3 (closing the cassette receiving section 41). The subsequent processing has been described above, so the explanation will be omitted here.

[0264] Furthermore, the cassette receiving unit 41 includes a barcode reader 420 and a mirror 421. In this embodiment, the barcode reader 420 is installed on a support base 422. The mirror 421 is provided on the wall portion 412a of the cassette mounting base 412 (i.e., at a position facing the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette mounting base 412).

[0265] The barcode reader 420 reads the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette tray 412. The mirror 421 reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 420 and the reflected light reflected from the barcode Ca14. Specifically, the mirror 421 reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 420 and propagates it to the barcode Ca14, and also propagates the reflected light reflected from the barcode Ca14 back to the barcode reader 420. As a result, the barcode reader 420 can read the barcode Ca14 via the mirror 421.

[0266] The barcode reader 420 and the mirror 421 are positioned so that the barcode reader 420 can read the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holder 412. Specifically, the side surface of the barcode reader 420, which emits light or receives reflected light, and the reflective surface of the mirror 421 are positioned so that the barcode Ca14 can be read.

[0267] In order for the barcode reader 420 to read the barcode Ca14, the barcode reader 420 must be installed at a predetermined distance from the barcode Ca14, taking into account the reading depth (focal length) of the barcode reader 420. That is, the length of the optical path through which the light emitted by the barcode reader 420 and the reflected light received by the barcode reader 420 travel must be set to a predetermined distance that allows the barcode reader 420 to read the barcode Ca14. Here, due to the constraint that the barcode reader 420 must be installed in the cassette receiving unit 41, a relatively small barcode reader 420 must be used, and therefore the reading depth will be relatively long.

[0268] In this embodiment, the light or reflected light can be bent by providing the mirror 421. Therefore, the barcode reader 420 can be positioned (in this embodiment, on the support base 422) so as not to face the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette base 412.

[0269] It is also conceivable to position the barcode reader 420 opposite the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca placed on the cassette tray 412, similar to the mirror 421. However, in this case, in order to secure the predetermined distance, the barcode reader 420 would have to be positioned further away from the cassette Ca than the position where the mirror 421 is placed. In other words, the cassette receiving section 41 would be longer in the Y-axis direction compared to the case where the mirror 421 is provided.

[0270] Therefore, by providing the mirror 421 and bending the light or reflected light, the possibility of the cassette receiving unit 41 becoming larger can be reduced. Note that the cassette receiving unit 41 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a barcode reader 420 and a mirror 421.

[0271] <Variation> The above describes a configuration in which a cassette receiving unit 41 is provided on the picking unit 3 separately from the drug receiving unit 32 because the cassette Ca cannot be inserted into or removed from the drug receiving unit 32. However, the drug receiving unit may also perform the functions of the cassette receiving unit 41.

[0272] Figure 31 shows an example of a drug dispensing unit 320 that also functions as a cassette dispensing unit 41. The sides of the drug dispensing unit 320 that define the opening 321 (the four sides of the opening 321) are composed of a first movable part 325a and a second movable part 325b. The first movable part 325a is slidable in the +Y axis direction relative to the workbench 40, and the second movable part 325b is slidable in the -Y axis direction relative to the workbench 40.

[0273] The state indicated by reference numeral 31001 in Figure 31 is a state in which it is possible to insert and remove drugs from cassette Ca through the drug transfer unit 320. However, the longitudinal length L1 of the opening 321 at this time is smaller than the longitudinal length L2 of cassette Ca, similar to the drug transfer unit 32, so it is not possible to insert or remove cassette Ca.

[0274] On the other hand, the state indicated by reference numeral 31002 in Figure 31 is the state in which the first movable part 325a is slid in the +Y axis direction and the second movable part 325b is slid in the -Y axis direction from the state indicated by reference numeral 31001. At this time, the length L1 of the opening region Ar1 is at its maximum and is larger than the longitudinal length L2 of the cassette Ca. Therefore, in this state, it is possible to insert and remove the cassette Ca through the drug dispensing part 320.

[0275] Initially, the drug dispensing unit 320 may be in the state indicated by reference numeral 31001. When the control device 10 receives an input operation, for example, to remove or store a cassette Ca, it opens the shutter 322. At the same time, the control device 10 drives the first movable part 325a and the second movable part 325b to change the size of the opening region Ar1 from the state indicated by reference numeral 31001 to the state indicated by reference numeral 31002.

[0276] Furthermore, the control device 10 may, for example, drive the first movable part 325a and the second movable part 325b after the worker authentication check to change to the state indicated by reference numeral 31002. The control device 10 authenticates the worker before the worker performs work at the drug station 1. For example, the control device 10 may permit the removal or storage of the cassette Ca only if, as a result of the worker authentication, it determines that the worker is a medical professional. The same may apply when inserting or removing the cassette Ca at the cassette receiving unit 41.

[0277] When the control device 10 receives an input operation to return from the state indicated by reference numeral 31002 to the state indicated by reference numeral 31001, it may drive the first movable part 325a and the second movable part 325b to change the size of the opening region Ar1 from the state indicated by reference numeral 31002 to the state indicated by reference numeral 31001. For example, when the tray close button 39 is pressed, the control device 10 may close the shutter 322 and change the size of the opening region Ar1 from the state indicated by reference numeral 31002 to the state indicated by reference numeral 31001.

[0278] Thus, the drug dispensing unit 320 has a width-changing mechanism that allows the opening width of the opening 321 to be changed so that the longitudinal length L1 of the opening 321 is greater than the longitudinal length L2 of the cassette Ca. Therefore, the operator can insert and remove the cassette Ca through the drug dispensing unit 320. Note that the configuration in Figure 31 is just one example, and the drug dispensing unit 320 may be configured in a way that allows the opening width to be changed as described above. Note that one of the multiple drug dispensing units 32 provided in the picking unit 3 may be the drug dispensing unit 320.

[0279] 〔Embodiment 2〕 In this embodiment, a configuration in which when the cassette Ca protrudes from the cassette shelf 21, the cassette Ca is automatically pushed back into the cassette shelf 21 under the control of the control device 10 will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the cassette gripping portion 221. In this embodiment, the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the first support portion 224a will be described as an example, but the second cassette gripping portion 221b and the second support portion 224b can be described in the same manner.

[0280] Also, in FIG. 21, the first cassette gripping portion 221a and the first support portion 224a are shown as being separated. However, actually, the first cassette gripping portion 221a is connected to the first support portion 224a so that the first cassette gripping portion 221a can rotate around the first support portion 224a and slide along the first support portion 224a.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 21, the first cassette gripping portion 221a includes a first cassette detection portion 2216 that detects the cassette Ca. The first cassette detection portion 2216 is provided at a corner portion of the first cassette gripping portion 221a on the side opposite to the first support portion 224a. Thereby, when the first cassette gripping portion 221a is moving in the -X-axis direction, the first cassette detection portion 2216 can detect the cassette Ca that has protruded from the cassette shelf 21.

[0282] The first cassette detection portion 2216 may be a sensor that can detect an object located within a range of a predetermined distance from the first cassette detection portion 2216. Thereby, before the first cassette gripping portion 221a collides with the cassette Ca that has protruded from the cassette shelf 21, the movement of the first support portion 224a in the -X-axis direction can be stopped.

[0283] Furthermore, the first support column 224a is equipped with a second cassette detection unit 2242 for detecting cassette Ca. The first cassette gripping unit 221a is connected to the first support column 224a, and a sliding unit 2241 is provided that slides along the first support column 224a in the ±Z axis direction (vertical direction). The second cassette detection unit 2242 is provided at the corner of the sliding unit 2241. As a result, when the first cassette gripping unit 221a is moving in the +X axis direction, the second cassette detection unit 2242 can detect cassette Ca that has popped out of the cassette shelf 21. Note that the second cassette detection unit 2242 may be provided only at the corner of the sliding unit 2241 opposite to the first cassette gripping unit 221a.

[0284] The second cassette detection unit 2242 can be any sensor capable of detecting an object located within a predetermined distance from the second cassette detection unit 2242. This allows the first support column 224a to stop moving in the +X axis direction before it collides with a cassette Ca that has popped out of the cassette shelf 21.

[0285] As shown in Figure 21, consider the case where cassette Ca is protruding from the cassette shelf 21 and the first support column 224a (i.e., the first cassette gripping portion 221a) is moving in the -X direction. In this case, as indicated by reference numeral 21001, when the first cassette gripping portion 221a approaches the protruding cassette Ca and cassette Ca enters a predetermined distance from the first cassette detection unit 2216, the first cassette detection unit 2216 detects cassette Ca. When the main cassette transfer control unit 112 receives a detection signal indicating that the first cassette detection unit 2216 has detected cassette Ca, it controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to stop the movement of the first support column 224a in the -X direction.

[0286] Next, as shown in reference numeral 21002, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the rotation drive unit 2215 to rotate the first cassette gripping unit 221a toward the cassette Ca by a first predetermined angle. This allows the cassette Ca to be pushed back to the cassette shelf 21. Alternatively, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 may move the first cassette gripping unit 221a toward the cassette Ca (+Y axis direction) by a predetermined distance. In this case, the cassette Ca can be smoothly pushed back to the cassette shelf 21.

[0287] Next, as shown in reference numeral 21003, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the rotation drive unit 2215 to rotate the first cassette gripping unit 221a by a first predetermined angle to the opposite side of the cassette Ca. That is, it returns the first cassette gripping unit 221a to its position during movement. In this state, when the first cassette detection unit 2216 detects the cassette Ca, it transmits a detection signal to the main cassette transfer control unit 112 indicating that the cassette Ca has been detected.

[0288] When the main cassette transfer control unit 112 receives the detection signal, it rotates the first cassette gripping part 221a toward the cassette Ca by a second predetermined angle greater than the first predetermined angle, as shown in reference numeral 21004. This allows the cassette Ca to be pushed back to the cassette shelf 21. Alternatively, as described above, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 may also move the first cassette gripping part 221a toward the cassette Ca by a predetermined distance. The first predetermined angle, the second predetermined angle, and the predetermined distance should be set to an extent that allows the cassette Ca to be pushed back, as determined by experiments or other means.

[0289] Subsequently, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the rotation drive unit 2215 to rotate the first cassette gripping unit 221a by a second predetermined angle to the opposite side of the cassette Ca. In other words, it returns the first cassette gripping unit 221a to its state during movement. In this state, if the first cassette detection unit 2216 does not detect the cassette Ca, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 determines that the cassette Ca has returned to the cassette shelf 21 and terminates the push-back operation of the cassette Ca by the first cassette gripping unit 221a. Then, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 resumes the movement of the first support column 224a (i.e., the first cassette gripping unit 221a) in the -X axis direction.

[0290] On the other hand, if the first cassette detection unit 2216 detects cassette Ca, the above operation is repeatedly performed until the first cassette detection unit 2216 no longer detects cassette Ca. That is, the pushing operation of cassette Ca by the first cassette gripping unit 221a, and the subsequent cassette detection operation by the first cassette detection unit 2216 are repeatedly performed. In order to ensure that cassette Ca is reliably pushed into the cassette shelf 21, the rotation angle of the first cassette gripping unit 221a increases each time the pushing operation is performed.

[0291] Furthermore, if the first support column 224a (i.e., the first cassette gripping portion 221a) is moving in the +X direction, the second cassette detection unit 2242 may detect the ejected cassette Ca instead of the first cassette detection unit 2216. As shown in reference numeral 21005, in this case as well, the cassette Ca can be pushed back into the cassette shelf 21 in the same manner as described above.

[0292] However, the first cassette gripping unit 221a can be rotated 180 degrees by the rotation drive unit 2215. Therefore, the first cassette gripping unit 221a can also move in the +X direction with the first cassette detection unit 2216 facing the +X direction. In this case, the first cassette detection unit 2216 will detect the ejected cassette Ca while the first cassette gripping unit 221a is moving in the +X direction. Alternatively, the first cassette gripping unit 221a can also move in the -X direction with the first cassette detection unit 2216 facing the +X direction. In this case, the second cassette detection unit 2242 may detect the ejected cassette Ca.

[0293] Let's consider a case where the drug station 1 does not have a function to push back cassette Ca that has popped out of the cassette shelf 21. Because it does not have a function to push back, if the first cassette detection unit 2216 or the second cassette detection unit 2242 detects a popped-out cassette Ca, the control device 10 stops the entire dispensing operation by the drug station 1 and issues an error notification. If even one cassette Ca, or even just a small part of it, has popped out of the cassette shelf 21, the control device 10 stops the dispensing operation. In this case, the operator opens the door 25, puts the popped-out cassette Ca back into the cassette shelf 21, clears the error, and then resumes the dispensing operation.

[0294] As described above, if the drag station 1 is equipped with a push-back function, the ejected cassette Ca can be automatically pushed back into the cassette shelf 21. Therefore, even if an ejected cassette Ca is present, the dispensing operation can continue without stopping. In other words, the occurrence of errors can be reduced. In addition, the effort required of the operator, such as returning the ejected cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21, can be reduced.

[0295] [Embodiment 3] In this embodiment, an example configuration is described in which the first cassette gripping unit 351 has only one projection 351a and grips one side of the cassette Ca. In this embodiment, the position of the barcode reader 351b is described. In this embodiment, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a is used as an example, but the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b can be described in the same way.

[0296] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. Reference numeral 22001 in Figure 22 indicates a state in which the first cassette gripping unit 351 is gripping cassette Ca, and reference numeral 22002 indicates a state in which the first cassette gripping unit 351 is not gripping cassette Ca.

[0297] As shown in Figure 22, the first cassette gripping section 351 includes a projection 351a, a barcode reader 351b, and a mirror 351c. The projection 351a has been described above as part of its basic configuration, so its explanation will be omitted here.

[0298] The barcode reader 351b reads the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca, which is gripped by the projection 351a. The mirror 351c reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 351b and the reflected light reflected from the barcode Ca14. Specifically, the mirror 351c reflects the light emitted from the barcode reader 351b and propagates it to the barcode Ca14, and also propagates the reflected light reflected from the barcode Ca14 back to the barcode reader 351b. As a result, the barcode reader 351b can read the barcode Ca14 via the mirror 351c.

[0299] The barcode reader 351b and the mirror 351c are positioned so that the barcode reader 351b can read the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca held by the projection 351a. Specifically, the side surface of the barcode reader 351b, which emits light or receives reflected light, and the reflective surface of the mirror 351c are positioned so that the barcode Ca14 can be read.

[0300] In order for the barcode reader 351b to read the barcode Ca14, the barcode reader 351b must be installed at a predetermined distance from the barcode Ca14, taking into account the reading depth (focal length) of the barcode reader 351b. That is, the length of the optical path through which the light emitted by the barcode reader 351b and the reflected light received by the barcode reader 351b travel must be set to a predetermined distance that allows the barcode reader 351b to read the barcode Ca14. Due to the constraint that the barcode reader 351b must be installed in the first cassette gripping section 351, a relatively small barcode reader 351b must be used, resulting in a relatively long reading depth.

[0301] In this embodiment, the mirror 351c can be used to bend the light or reflected light. Therefore, the barcode reader 351b can be positioned so as not to face the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping part 351. Accordingly, the barcode reader 351b can be installed on the first cassette gripping part 351.

[0302] In this embodiment, the mirror 351c is positioned opposite the barcode Ca14 attached to the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping part 351, that is, near the center of the first cassette gripping part 351. The barcode reader 351b is positioned at the end of the first cassette gripping part 351, with its side surface facing the mirror 351c. When the mirror 351c is viewed from above, the angle of the mirror 351c with respect to the direction perpendicular to the side surface of the first cassette gripping part 351 (±Y axis direction) may be approximately 45 degrees. However, the angle of the mirror 351c is adjusted as appropriate depending on the installation position of the barcode reader 351b or the direction of light emission from the barcode reader 351b (orientation of the barcode reader 351b).

[0303] Here, it is also conceivable to install the barcode reader 351b in a location other than the first cassette gripping section 351 of the picking unit 3. For example, it is conceivable to install the barcode reader 351b inside the front section 45 of the picking unit 3, which corresponds to the standby position P2 (see Figure 13). However, in this case, all cassettes Ca transported from the cassette shelf 21 would be moved to the standby position P2 and the barcode reader 351b would be allowed to read the barcode Ca14. Also, it would be necessary to stop the unit temporarily in order for the barcode reader 351b to read the barcode Ca14.

[0304] In this embodiment, since the first cassette gripping unit 351 is equipped with a barcode reader 351b, the barcode Ca 14 can be read by the barcode reader 351b while the cassette Ca is being transported by the first picking cassette transport unit 35a. Therefore, it is not necessary to transport the cassette Ca to the position where the barcode reader 351b is located and to stop it at that position. As a result, the control device 10 can efficiently perform the drug dispensing process.

[0305] In the case where the two first cassette gripping parts 351 grip both sides of the cassette Ca, the barcode reader 351b and mirror 351c only need to be provided on one of the two first cassette gripping parts 351. However, the barcode reader 351b and mirror 351c may be provided on both of the two first cassette gripping parts 351.

[0306] [Embodiment 4] In this embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the first cassette gripping unit 351 can stably grip the cassette Ca will be described. In this embodiment, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a will be used as an example, but the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b can be described in the same manner.

[0307] As shown by reference numeral 22002 in Figure 22, a pair of rollers 351d are provided on the projection 351a of the first cassette gripping portion 351. The pair of rollers 351d have a rotation axis that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves when gripping the cassette Ca (the direction toward the cassette Ca). In this embodiment, the pair of rollers 351d have a rotation axis that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction (+Z axis direction) (±X axis direction). Furthermore, the pair of rollers 351d are provided at the tip of the projection 351a, which is the first point of contact when the first cassette gripping portion 351 grips the cassette Ca. In addition, the pair of rollers 351d, together with the projection 351a, are sized to be inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12 of the cassette Ca.

[0308] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the gripping state of the cassette Ca by the first cassette gripping portion 351. Reference numeral 23001 in Figure 23 indicates the gripping state of the cassette Ca when a pair of rollers 351d are provided on the projection portion 351a, and reference numeral 23002 indicates the gripping state of the cassette Ca when a pair of rollers 351d are not provided on the projection portion 351a.

[0309] As described above, when gripping the cassette Ca, the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves toward the cassette Ca in the +Z axis direction. This movement causes the projection 351a to be inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12 of the cassette Ca and catch on the claw receiving portion Ca12, temporarily locking the claw receiving portion Ca12. This allows the first cassette gripping portion 351 to grip the cassette Ca. In Figure 22, since one first cassette gripping portion 351 is provided on the first beam portion 353, the cassette Ca is supported in a cantilevered state by the first cassette gripping portion 351. In this case, the efficiency of transferring the cassette Ca to the drug dispensing portion 32 and the cassette holding portion 23, as well as the efficiency of removing the cassette Ca from the drug dispensing portion 32 and the cassette holding portion 23 (gripping efficiency) are improved.

[0310] However, if a pair of rollers 351d are not provided on the projection 351a, depending on the positional relationship between the projection 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12, as shown in reference numeral 23002, the projection 351a may get caught in the middle of the claw receiving portion Ca12. For example, if the first cassette gripping portion 351 is slightly misaligned with respect to the cassette Ca when viewed from the direction of movement of the first cassette gripping portion 351 toward the cassette Ca (+Z axis direction), the projection 351a may get caught in the middle of the claw receiving portion Ca12.

[0311] If the projection 351a gets caught in the middle of the claw receiving portion Ca12, the first cassette gripping portion 351 will transport the cassette Ca while it is tilted relative to the horizontal plane. As a result, there is a possibility that the cassette Ca may come into contact with any component inside the picking unit 3 during transport. In this case, the picking cassette transport control unit 121 may interrupt the transport of the cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transport portion 35a.

[0312] As shown in reference numeral 23001, when a pair of rollers 351d are provided on the projection 351a, the pair of rollers 351d rotate each time they come into contact with the claw receiving portion Ca12 as the projection 351a is inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12. In other words, even if a force is applied from the projection 351a to the claw receiving portion Ca12 in the direction that lifts the claw receiving portion Ca12 (+Z axis direction) when the projection 351a is inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12, at least a portion of that force is converted into rotational force for the pair of rollers 351d.

[0313] Therefore, compared to the case where a pair of rollers 351d are not provided on the projection 351a, the frictional resistance generated between the projection 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12 when the projection 351a is inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12 can be reduced. Consequently, regardless of the positional relationship between the projection 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12, the possibility that the projection 351a may get stuck in the middle of the claw receiving portion Ca12 and the entire projection 351a may not be inserted into the claw receiving portion Ca12 can be reduced. As a result, the first cassette gripping portion 351 can transport the cassette Ca in a stable state, and the possibility that the cassette Ca may come into contact with any component in the picking unit 3 during transport of the cassette Ca and that the transport of the cassette Ca may be interrupted can be reduced.

[0314] Here, it is also possible to make the size of the projection 351a somewhat smaller than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12. In other words, it is also possible to make the size of the projection 351a larger than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12. In this case, regardless of the positional relationship between the projection 351a and the claw receiving portion Ca12, the possibility of the projection 351a getting caught on the claw receiving portion Ca12 when inserting it into the claw receiving portion Ca12 can be reduced.

[0315] However, in order to ensure stable transfer of the cassette Ca, the first cassette gripping section 351 is required to stably grip cassette Ca of varying weights depending on the quantity or size of the stored drug, holding them in a nearly horizontal position. If the size of the projection 351a is made larger than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving section Ca12, the play will increase, which may cause the cassette Ca to tilt (instead of being horizontal) or increase vibration during the transfer of the cassette Ca, potentially making it impossible to transfer the cassette Ca stably. Therefore, the size of the projection 351a is determined to match the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving section Ca12 (however, to the extent that it can be inserted into the claw receiving section Ca12). Consequently, when considering the stable transfer of the cassette Ca, it is not advisable to make the size of the projection 351a somewhat smaller than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving section Ca12 in order to reduce the occurrence of the aforementioned snagging.

[0316] As shown in Figure 22, in the configuration where one first cassette gripping portion 351 grips one side of the cassette Ca, the first cassette gripping portion 351 grips the cassette Ca with one projection 351a. Therefore, in order to ensure stable transport of the cassette Ca, the size of the projection 351a and the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12 must be more precisely defined than in the case where the first cassette gripping portion 351 grips both sides of the cassette Ca. For this reason, in this case in particular, it is not advisable to make the size of the projection 351a somewhat smaller than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12 in order to reduce the occurrence of the aforementioned snagging.

[0317] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the occurrence of the aforementioned snagging, the method of making the size of the projection 351a smaller than the size of the internal area of ​​the claw receiving portion Ca12 is not adopted. Instead, a pair of rollers 351d are provided on the projection 351a.

[0318] Let us consider the case where the two first cassette gripping parts 351 grip both sides of the cassette Ca (i.e., the projections 351a provided on each first cassette gripping part 351 grip both sides of the cassette Ca). In this case, the pair of rollers 351d only need to be provided on one of the two projections 351a. However, to reduce the occurrence of the aforementioned snagging, the pair of rollers 351d may be provided on both of the two projections 351a.

[0319] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of rollers 351d (i.e., two rollers) are provided on the projection 351a, but a configuration in which only one roller 351d is provided on the projection 351a is also possible. Even in this case, the occurrence of the aforementioned snagging can be reduced compared to the case in which no roller is provided on the projection 351a.

[0320] [Embodiment 5] In this embodiment, a configuration is described that reduces the possibility of the drug falling from the cassette Ca or moving from one storage area to another through the gap that occurs between the cassette Ca and the first shutter 322a.

[0321] Figure 24 shows an example of the shape of the first shutter 322a. Reference numeral 24001 in Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of the drug dispensing section 32, and reference numeral 24002 is a cross-sectional view (viewed along the line A-A') showing the cross-sectional shape of the first shutter 322a when it is cut along the A-A' cutting line parallel to the short side of the drug dispensing section 32. In Figure 24, the medium-sized cassette Ca2 is shown in the state where it has reached the drug dispensing section 32, and one side of the pair of plate-shaped members constituting the first shutter 322a, as well as the second shutter 322b, are not shown.

[0322] Figure 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 when cassette Ca arrives at the drug receiving unit 32. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view (viewed along the B-B' arrow) showing the cross-sectional shape of the first shutter 322a when it is cut along the B-B' cutting line parallel to the long side of the drug receiving unit 32 in Figure 24. Reference numeral 25001 in Figure 25 indicates a state where the first shutter 322a and cassette Ca are separated, and reference numeral 25002 indicates a state where the first shutter 322a and cassette Ca are close together. Reference numeral 25003 in Figure 25 is an enlarged view of the dotted framed area indicated by reference numeral 25002.

[0323] As shown by reference numeral 24001, a gap prevention portion 323 is provided at the end of the first plate-shaped member 322a1, which is one of a pair of plate-shaped members constituting the first shutter 322a, to reduce the possibility of a gap occurring between the partition portion (partition portion Ca21 is exemplified in Figure 24) and the first shutter 322a. The end of the first plate-shaped member 322a1 is the end that contacts the end of the second plate-shaped member 322a2 (see Figure 25), which is the other of the pair of plate-shaped members. As shown in Figure 25, a gap prevention portion 323 is also provided at the end of the second plate-shaped member 322a2.

[0324] As shown in Figure 25, the gap prevention portion 323 has an extended portion 323c. The extended portion 323c is a plate-like member that extends substantially vertically and downward (in the -Z axis direction) from the surfaces of the first plate-like member 322a1 and the second plate-like member 322a2 so as to contact the partition portion (partition portion Ca11 is exemplified in Figure 25).

[0325] The upper end Ed of the partition has a convex shape so as to fit with the extension 323c. In this embodiment, the upper end Ed is formed with a convex shape so that when the extension 323c and the upper end Ed come into contact, the inner surface of the extension 323c and the surface of the partition are flush. In this case, the possibility of the drug getting caught on the partition or the extension 323c when an operator takes out the drug from the storage area formed between the two partitions or puts the drug into the storage area can be reduced. However, it is sufficient that the extension 323c is provided to come into contact with the upper end Ed of the partition when the first shutter 322a is in the open state. In other words, it is not necessarily required that the upper end Ed has a convex shape, nor is it necessary that the extension 323c and the upper end Ed come into contact so that the inner surface of the extension 323c and the surface of the partition are flush.

[0326] As shown in reference numeral 25002, when the first shutter 322a is open, the extended portions 323c of the first plate-shaped member 322a1 and the second plate-shaped member 322a2 each come into contact with the partition. Therefore, when an operator removes a drug from a storage area formed between two partitions, or when a drug is placed into such a storage area, the possibility of the drug crossing the partition and entering another storage area is reduced.

[0327] Furthermore, the height of the side wall extending in the short direction of the cassette Ca (the end in the longitudinal direction) is approximately the same as the height of the partition. Therefore, by providing the gap prevention part 323 on the first shutter 322a, the possibility of the drug falling out of the cassette Ca along the longitudinal length of the cassette Ca can be reduced.

[0328] As shown in reference numeral 24002, the extended portion 323c is provided with a first notch 323a and a second notch 323b. The first notch 323a has a space to accommodate the upper end of the longitudinally extending side wall of the medium-sized cassette Ca2 when the medium-sized cassette Ca2 is placed on the drug transfer position P1 of the drug transfer unit 32 (the position where an operator can actually transfer drugs to and from the cassette Ca). The second notch 323b has a space to accommodate the upper end of the longitudinally extending side wall of the small cassette Ca3 when the small cassette Ca3 is placed on the drug transfer position P1. In this embodiment, the drug transfer position P1 is the position where an operator can transfer drugs to and from the cassette Ca, and as shown in reference numeral 25002, it refers to the position when the cassette Ca is close to the workbench 40.

[0329] The height of the side wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the medium-sized cassette Ca2 or small cassette Ca3 is approximately the same as the height of the partition. Therefore, if a gap prevention part 323 is provided on the first shutter 322a, when the medium-sized cassette Ca2 or small cassette Ca3 is transported to the drug transfer position P1, the extension part 323c will come into contact with the upper end of the side wall of the medium-sized cassette Ca2 or small cassette Ca3. If the upper end comes into contact with the extension part 323c, the extension part 323c cannot be brought into contact with the upper end Ed of the partition, and there is a possibility that the drug may be introduced into the adjacent storage area through the gap between the partition and the first shutter 322a. In addition, there is a possibility that the drug may fall out through the gap between the cassette Ca and the first shutter 322a (the gap formed in the longitudinal direction of the cassette Ca). In other words, there is a possibility that the function of the gap prevention part 323 will not be performed.

[0330] By providing the first notch 323a and the second notch 323b, the possibility of the medium-sized cassette Ca2 or the small cassette Ca3 coming into contact with the gap prevention section 323 when it is transferred to the drug transfer position P1 can be reduced. As a result, the function of the gap prevention section 323 described above can be performed.

[0331] <Example of operation> Assume that the picking cassette transfer unit 35 has transferred cassette Ca to the drug receiving unit 32. At this time, as shown by reference numeral 25001, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers cassette Ca to a position away from the work table 40 to such an extent that even when the first shutter 322a opens and closes, the first shutter 322a does not come into contact with the partition. In this state, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a so that the storage area containing the drug to be picked up or stored is opened.

[0332] Next, as shown in reference numeral 25002, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 raises the cassette Ca toward the workbench 40 and places the cassette Ca on the drug transfer position P1. At this time, the extension unit 323c fits into the upper end Ed of the partition unit. This reduces the possibility of a gap occurring between the partition unit and the first shutter 322a, and reduces the possibility of the drug to be picked up or stored falling into an adjacent storage area.

[0333] [Embodiment 6] Figure 26 is a side view illustrating an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a. Reference numeral 26001 in Figure 26 indicates an example where the first shutter 322a is opened to the width of one storage area of ​​cassette Ca. Reference numeral 26002 in Figure 26 indicates an example where the first shutter 322a is opened to the width of two storage areas of cassette Ca. Reference numeral 26003 in Figure 26 indicates another example where the first shutter 322a is opened to the width of two storage areas of cassette Ca.

[0334] As described above, the first shutter 322a opens and closes under the control of the shutter control unit 122. In particular, in the case of a cassette Ca with a partition, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca so that the location of the drug to be dispensed or filled is near the center of the drug receiving unit 32.

[0335] As an example, as shown by reference numeral 26001 in Figure 26, cassette Ca is provided with five storage areas Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14, and Ar15, and each storage area contains a drug MDA, MDB, MDC, MDD, and MDE. When drug MDC is to be dispensed, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers cassette Ca so that the storage area Ar13 of cassette Ca containing drug MDC is near the center of the drug dispensing unit 32. Then, as shown by reference numeral 26001 in Figure 26, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area containing the drug MDC.

[0336] Incidentally, some medications come with accessories such as instruction manuals or light-shielding bags. Cassette Ca may contain the medication and its corresponding accessories in the same storage area. When dispensing the medication, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area.

[0337] Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 26001 in Figure 26, the cassette Ca may contain the drug MDC and the accessory At corresponding to the drug MDC in the same storage area Ar13. When dispensing the drug MDC, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area Ar13. This allows the operator to retrieve the drug MDC to be dispensed and the accessory At corresponding to the drug.

[0338] However, the drug and its corresponding accessories may be stored in two or more adjacent storage areas. In this case, the storage unit 15 stores the storage location information of the drug and the storage location information of the corresponding accessories in association with each other. When the shutter control unit 122 identifies the storage location of the drug, it refers to the storage unit 15 and obtains the storage location information of the drug. At this point, the shutter control unit 122 determines whether or not the storage location information of the drug is associated with the storage location information of the corresponding accessories.

[0339] If the storage location information of the drug is associated with the storage location information of the accessory corresponding to the drug, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area for the accessory in addition to the width of the storage area for the drug.

[0340] As an example, as shown by reference numeral 26002 in Figure 26, the drug MDC and the accessory At corresponding to the drug MDC may be housed in adjacent storage areas Ar13 and Ar14. When dispensing the drug MDC, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca so that the partition between storage area Ar13 and storage area Ar14 is near the center of the drug receiving unit 32. The shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of storage area Ar13 which houses the accessory At, in addition to the width of storage area Ar14 which houses the drug MDC.

[0341] As another example, as shown by reference numeral 26003 in Figure 26, the drug MDB and the accessory At corresponding to the drug MDB may be housed in adjacent storage areas Ar12 and Ar13. When dispensing the drug MDB, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca so that the partition between storage area Ar12 and storage area Ar13 is near the center of the drug receiving unit 32. The shutter control unit 122 also opens the first shutter 322a by the width of storage area Ar13 which houses the accessory At, in addition to the width of storage area Ar12 which houses the drug MDB.

[0342] According to the above configuration, by simply opening the first shutter 322a once, the operator can remove the drug to be dispensed and the corresponding accessories. In other words, the operator can reduce the possibility of forgetting to remove the accessories when removing the drug. Furthermore, according to the configurations shown in reference numerals 26002 and 26003, since the drug and accessories are stored in different storage areas, there is no need to separate and remove the drug and accessories as in the configuration of reference numeral 26001. Therefore, the work efficiency when removing the drug and accessories is improved.

[0343] In the example described above, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 adjusts the position of the cassette Ca so that the center of the storage location of the drug and accessories to be dispensed is near the center of the drug receiving unit 32. In addition, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the required width, enabling the operator to remove the drug and accessories.

[0344] However, the configuration that enables the removal of drugs and accessories is not limited to this. For example, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 may transfer cassette Ca to a predetermined position in the drug dispensing unit 32 without adjusting the position of cassette Ca as described above. In this case, the shutter control unit 122 appropriately adjusts the position in which the first shutter 322a is opened based on the storage position information of the drugs and accessories to be dispensed.

[0345] Furthermore, if the same accessory corresponds to two types of medication, the accessory can be shared among these medications, as it is housed in a single storage area. For example, such an accessory could be a bag that can accommodate either of two types of eye drops.

[0346] In this case, the accessories may be stored in one storage area, and the two types of drugs corresponding to the accessories may be stored in the storage areas adjacent to that storage area. In addition, in the storage unit 15, the storage location information of each drug is associated with the storage location information of the accessory. When either of the two types of drugs is dispensed, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area for the drug plus the width of the storage area for the accessory. With this configuration, it is not necessary to store the accessories corresponding to each drug in different storage areas, so the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca can be used effectively.

[0347] [Embodiment 7] Figure 27 shows another example of the drug placement platform 37, drug placement platform 37A. Reference numeral 27001 in Figure 27 indicates a perspective view of drug placement platform 37A, and reference numeral 27002 in Figure 27 indicates a cross-sectional view (viewed along the C-C' arrow) showing the cross-sectional shape of drug placement platform 37A when it is cut along the C-C' cutting line parallel to the short side of drug placement platform 37A.

[0348] The drug placement platform 37A has a bottom portion 37bt on which the placement surface for placing drug sheets (including fractional sheets) is formed, which is a recess that slopes smoothly toward the center in the longitudinal direction (+Y axis direction) of the drug placement platform 37A. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 27, the cross-sectional shape of the above-mentioned placement surface is substantially elliptical. The center portion refers to the center of the bottom portion 37bt in the short direction of the drug placement platform 37A in each cross-section of the drug placement platform 37A when cut with a cutting line parallel to the short side.

[0349] In Drug Station 1, the imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet, and the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs by performing image analysis. If the drug sheet is placed diagonally to the longitudinal direction on the drug placement platform 37, when the imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet, the image of the drug sheet will appear black, and the drug determination unit 124 may not be able to correctly count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet.

[0350] As described above, if the above-described placement surface forms a recess that slopes smoothly toward the center, then no matter how the worker places the drug sheet on the drug placement stand 37A, the drug sheet will slide along the above-described placement surface and be positioned in the center of the bottom 37bt. Furthermore, because the drug sheet moves along the shape of the above-described placement surface, one side of the drug sheet will be positioned approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the drug placement stand 37A. In other words, the drug sheet can be positioned straight along the longitudinal direction of the drug placement stand 37A.

[0351] Therefore, in a configuration equipped with a drug placement platform 37A, the imaging unit 371 can accurately acquire an image of the drug sheet regardless of how the operator places the drug sheet onto the platform 37A. As a result, the drug determination unit 124 can stably count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet placed on the drug placement platform 37A. Furthermore, the possibility of the operator having to adjust the orientation of the drug sheet to ensure that the imaging unit 371 can accurately acquire an image of the drug sheet is reduced.

[0352] [Embodiment 8] The touch panel control unit 14 displays information related to the drug dispensing operation on the second touch panel 31 (e.g., the number of drugs to be taken out from cassette Ca, the number of drug sheets and fractional sheets, and the judgment result by the drug judgment unit 124 (whether the number of drugs taken out is appropriate or not)). As shown in Figure 2, the second touch panel 31 is located on the rear side (main unit 2 side) of the drug dispensing unit 32 when viewed from the worker's standing position, but it may also be placed on the top surface of the workbench 40. For example, in the example in Figure 2, the second touch panel 31 may be placed on the top surface of the workbench 40, between the two drug dispensing units 32.

[0353] In this case, the operator can remove the drug from the cassette Ca without taking their eyes off the drug dispensing unit 32, or if they do take their eyes off it, they can do so for a shorter time. As a result, the operator can concentrate more on the drug dispensing unit 32, that is, on the task of removing the drug from the cassette Ca.

[0354] [Embodiment 9] The control device 10 may start timing when the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed arrives at the drug receiving unit 32 and the shutter 322 is opened. If the control device 10 determines that the shutter 322 is not closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing, it may notify that the predetermined time has elapsed. The touch panel control unit 14 may, for example, display an image on the second touch panel 31 indicating that the predetermined time has elapsed. The touch panel control unit 14 may also notify that the predetermined time has elapsed by outputting sound, such as a buzzer sound.

[0355] At Drug Station 1, various medications are dispensed by workers. Therefore, the total time required for dispensing medications at Drug Station 1 largely depends on the time it takes for each worker to dispense the medications. By providing the above-mentioned notification, workers can be made aware of the speed of their dispensing work, promoting smooth dispensing operations. In addition, the possibility of variations in dispensing efficiency among workers can be reduced. Therefore, the possibility of wasted time occurring, such as subsequent workers having to wait due to a delay by one worker, can be reduced.

[0356] Here, the time required to remove the medication from cassette Ca (dispensing time) will vary depending on the prescription, that is, the number of medications to be removed or whether or not there are fractional sheets. Therefore, the control device 10 may calculate a predetermined time based on the prescription, that is, the number of medications to be removed from cassette Ca or whether or not there are fractional sheets.

[0357] For example, the memory unit 15 stores information indicating the standard working time required to take out one drug, box, or package. The control device 10 calculates a predetermined time based on the number of drugs, boxes, or packages to be taken out and the above standard working time. In addition, for drug sheets, the memory unit 15 stores, for example, the standard working time required to take out one drug sheet and the standard working time required to cut a drug sheet to create a fractional sheet. The control device 10 calculates the predetermined time based on the number of drug sheets and fractional sheets and the above standard working time.

[0358] Furthermore, the control device 10 may manage the working time required for each worker to retrieve various medications. For example, the control device 10 measures the working time from when the cassette Ca arrives at the medication dispensing unit 32 and the shutter 322 is opened until the tray close button 39 is pressed and the shutter 322 is closed. The control device 10 stores the measured working time in the storage unit 15 for each type of medication dispensed.

[0359] Here, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a login image on the second touch panel 31 when the drug dispensing process begins. The control device 10 accepts the operator's input operation on the login image (input of login information), and if the entered login information matches the operator's login information registered in the storage unit 15, it starts the drug dispensing process. Because the drug dispensing process is started in this manner, the control device 10 can manage the work time for each operator.

[0360] As a result, the control device 10 can calculate, for example, the average working time (average working speed) for each worker over a predetermined period (e.g., one month), or the number of prescriptions issued during that predetermined period. The number of prescriptions could include, for example, the number of medications dispensed, the number of different types of medications dispensed, and the number of patients to whom the dispensed medications were prescribed. The touch panel control unit 14 displays the calculation results (analysis results) on, for example, the first touch panel 5, allowing the manager of the drug station 1 to understand the dispensing performance of each worker.

[0361] Furthermore, the management of work hours for each worker, the calculation of average work hours or the number of prescriptions, and the display of the calculation results may be performed, for example, by an administrator information processing device (e.g., a PC (Personal Computer)) connected to Drug Station 1.

[0362] [Embodiment 10] Figure 28 shows an example of the structure of cassette Ca4. Reference numeral 28001 in Figure 28 is a perspective view showing an example of cassette Ca4 equipped with a housing container Ca41. Reference numeral 28002 in Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view (viewed along the D-D' arrow) showing the cross-sectional shape of cassette Ca4 when it is cut along the D-D' cutting line parallel to the long side of cassette Ca4. Reference numeral 28003 in Figure 28 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dotted line indicated by reference numeral 28002.

[0363] As shown in Figure 28, cassette Ca4 differs from large cassette Ca1 in that it includes a protrusion Ca40 and a storage container Ca41. The protrusion Ca40 is a convex-shaped portion provided along the long side of cassette Ca4, and may be provided once on each of the long sides of cassette Ca4, or multiple protrusions may be provided on each side.

[0364] As shown in Figure 28, when multiple protrusions Ca40 are provided on each of the two sides of the cassette Ca4, a gap Ca45 is formed between adjacent protrusions Ca40. This gap Ca45 allows a partition Ca44 to be inserted into the cassette Ca4, as shown in Figure 28. In this case, as explained using Figure 5, multiple storage areas for drug sheets can be provided inside the cassette Ca4. Note that the partition Ca11 in Figure 5 may have the same shape as the partition Ca44.

[0365] The storage container Ca41 is a container for storing fractional sheets and, as shown in Figure 28, comprises a peripheral portion Ca411, at least one storage portion Ca412, and an inclined portion Ca413. The storage container Ca41 may be fixed to one of the short sides of the cassette Ca4, or it may be removable. When the user removes the fractional sheets, it is preferable that one of the long sides of the storage container Ca41 is in contact with the longitudinal end of the cassette Ca4.

[0366] The peripheral portion Ca411 is a plate-like part provided along the short side of the containment container Ca41. If the containment container Ca41 is removable, the containment container Ca41 is supported by the cassette Ca4 by the peripheral portion Ca411 being placed on the convex portion Ca40 of the cassette Ca4.

[0367] The storage section Ca412 is an area capable of accommodating fractional sheets. The storage section Ca412 only needs to be large enough to accommodate the fractional sheets. Furthermore, the storage section Ca412 is inclined in the short-side direction of the storage container Ca41. Specifically, the bottom Ca4121 of the storage section Ca412 is inclined in the short-side direction of the storage container Ca41. Also, the side wall Ca4122 of the storage section Ca412 that can abut against the short side of the cassette Ca4 is also inclined in the short-side direction of the storage container Ca41.

[0368] The inclined portion Ca413 is located on the longer side of the containment container Ca41 that does not come into contact with the shorter side of the cassette Ca4. Together with the side wall Ca4122, it defines the containment portion Ca412 and has an inclined structure that slopes in the direction of the shorter side of the containment container Ca41. When an operator removes a drug sheet from the main body of the cassette Ca4, they can easily scrape out the drug sheet by sliding it along the inclined portion Ca413.

[0369] As shown in Figure 28, the partition Ca44 may be provided with an inclined portion Ca441. The inclined portion Ca441 is provided on the long side of the partition Ca44 that abuts against the cassette Ca4, and has an inclined structure that inclins in the direction of the long side of the cassette Ca when attached to the cassette Ca. Furthermore, the inclined portion Ca441 extends along the direction of the long side of the partition Ca44. When an operator removes a drug sheet from the main body of the cassette Ca4, they can easily scrape out the drug sheet by sliding it along the inclined portion Ca441.

[0370] As shown in Figure 28, the cassette Ca4 may be provided with ribs Ca46. The ribs Ca46 are structures that protrude from the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 and extend in the direction of the shorter side of the cassette Ca4. The ribs Ca46 are formed to follow the longer side of the inclined portion Ca413 of the containment container Ca41 or the inclined portion Ca441 of the partition Ca44 that is close to the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4.

[0371] With the above configuration, the gap between the inclined portion Ca413 or Ca441 and the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 is sealed by the rib Ca46. As a result, the possibility of the drug sheet getting stuck under the containment container Ca41 or partition Ca44 and between the inclined portion Ca413 or Ca441 and the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 is reduced. This reduces the possibility of the drug sheet tearing when the worker scrapes it out.

[0372] Furthermore, the rib Ca46 is provided at a height that does not obstruct the removal of the drug sheet from the cassette Ca4 using the inclined section Ca413 or Ca441. In addition, the rib Ca46 may be provided anywhere on the bottom surface of the cassette Ca4 where the long side of the inclined section Ca413 or Ca441 is close to it.

[0373] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 28, the side surface of the rib Ca46 may be inclined in the direction of the long side of the cassette Ca. This reduces the possibility that the rib Ca46 may obstruct the movement of the drug sheet when the operator uses the inclined part Ca413 or the inclined part Ca441 to scrape the drug sheet from the cassette Ca4.

[0374] Although cassette Ca4 in Figure 28 is the same size as the large cassette Ca1, the configuration of cassette Ca4 may also be adopted for the medium-sized cassette Ca2 and the small cassette Ca3. In other words, a housing container and partition having the same function as the housing container Ca41 and partition Ca44 may be installed for the medium-sized cassette Ca2 and the small cassette Ca3.

[0375] [Embodiment 11] In this embodiment, an example of a method for transporting a group cassette when it is stored in a cassette shelf 21 will be described. A group cassette refers to a group of cassettes consisting of multiple cassettes Ca that contain the same type of drug.

[0376] The cassette shelf 21 may store at least one group cassette (cassette group). That is, the cassette shelf 21 may store only one group cassette (cassette group) consisting of multiple cassettes Ca that contain a certain type of drug. Alternatively, the cassette shelf 21 may store multiple group cassettes (cassette groups) that each contain different types of drugs. In the latter case, the multiple cassettes Ca that make up each group cassette will contain the same type of drug, but the multiple cassettes Ca that make up one group cassette will contain different types of drugs from the multiple cassettes Ca that make up another group cassette. For example, if drugs of type "A", drugs of type "B", and drugs of type "C" are each contained in multiple cassettes Ca, the cassette shelf 21 will store the following three group cassettes. A group cassette comprising multiple cassettes Ca, which are intended to contain drug of type "A" (also referred to as drug A). A group cassette comprising multiple cassettes Ca that contain drugs of type "B" (also referred to as drug B). A group cassette comprising multiple cassettes Ca, which are intended to contain drugs of type "C" (also referred to as C drugs).

[0377] Furthermore, by providing a partition in the cassette Ca, multiple drug storage areas may be formed in the cassette Ca. If a drug stored in one of the storage areas of one cassette Ca is the same type of drug, these two cassette Ca constitute a group cassette that contains that drug.

[0378] For example, suppose that drug A is contained in one storage area of ​​a certain cassette Ca, and drug B is contained in another storage area of ​​the same cassette Ca. Furthermore, suppose that drug B is contained in one storage area of ​​another cassette Ca, and drug C is contained in another storage area of ​​the same cassette Ca. And yet another suppose that drug C is contained in one storage area of ​​another cassette Ca, and drug of type "D" (also referred to as drug D) is contained in another storage area of ​​the same cassette Ca. In this case, the two cassettes Ca containing drug B will constitute a group cassette containing drug B. Also, the two cassettes Ca containing drug C will constitute a group cassette containing drug C.

[0379] For example, suppose that drug A is contained in one storage area of ​​a certain cassette Ca, and drug C is contained in another storage area of ​​the same cassette Ca. Similarly, suppose that drug A is contained in one storage area of ​​another cassette Ca, and drug C is contained in another storage area. In this case, since drug A is contained in both of these cassettes Ca, these two cassettes Ca constitute a group cassette containing drug A. Also, since drug C is contained in both of these cassettes Ca, these two cassettes Ca also constitute a group cassette containing drug C.

[0380] Furthermore, if a drug contained in one of the storage areas of a certain cassette Ca is the same type of drug as a drug contained in another cassette Ca that does not have a partition, then these two cassettes Ca constitute a group cassette that contains that drug. For example, suppose drug A is contained in one storage area of ​​a certain cassette Ca, drug B is contained in another storage area of ​​the same cassette Ca, and drug A is contained in yet another cassette Ca. In this case, since drug A is contained in both of these cassettes Ca, these two cassettes Ca constitute a group cassette that contains drug A.

[0381] Thus, when the same type of drug is to be contained in at least a portion of the areas of multiple cassette Ca, the multiple cassette Ca constitute a group cassette that contains the drug. However, even if the same type of drug is contained in multiple containment areas formed in a certain cassette Ca, those multiple containment areas do not constitute a group cassette. In other words, a group cassette is composed of multiple cassette Ca that contain the same type of drug, not of a single cassette Ca.

[0382] In this embodiment, it is assumed that multiple group cassettes (cassette groups) are stored in the cassette shelf 21. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the drug (i.e., the drug to be dispensed) that is taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32 and put into the transport tray Tr is a drug sheet (the entire drug sheet or a fraction of a sheet).

[0383] The cassette identification unit 111 identifies the cassette Ca to be taken from the cassette shelf 21, for example, based on the dispensing data. Specifically, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed, as included in the dispensing data, by referring to the storage unit 15. At this time, if the drug to be dispensed is contained in multiple cassettes Ca, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies all cassettes Ca containing the drug to be dispensed. In other words, the cassette identification unit 111 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is contained in multiple cassettes Ca included in any of the group cassettes among the multiple group cassettes. To put it another way, the cassette identification unit 111 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is contained in two or more cassettes Ca among the multiple cassettes Ca that constitute any of the group cassettes among the multiple group cassettes.

[0384] If the cassette identification unit 111 determines that the drug to be dispensed is contained in multiple cassettes Ca included in any of the above group cassettes, the control device 10 performs the following process. That is, if the drug to be dispensed is contained in multiple cassettes Ca included in one of the group cassettes stored in the cassette shelf 21, the control device 10 performs the following process.

[0385] The control device 10 compares the number of drugs to be dispensed with the number of drugs contained in any of the multiple cassettes Ca (drugs of the same type as the drugs to be dispensed). The number of drugs to be dispensed may be a designated number, which is the quantity of drugs to be dispensed from one cassette Ca included in the group cassette that contains the drugs to be dispensed. For example, the control device 10 compares the largest number of drugs contained in the multiple cassettes Ca with the designated number.

[0386] If the control device 10 determines that the specified number exceeds the number of drugs contained, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer two or more cassettes Ca from among the multiple cassettes Ca containing the drugs to be dispensed to the picking unit 3. For example, if the specified number is 42 tablets and the maximum number of drugs contained is 40 tablets, it is not possible to dispense the specified number of drugs from a single cassette Ca. Therefore, by transferring other cassettes Ca containing the same type of drug to the picking unit 3, it becomes possible to dispense the specified number of drugs from multiple cassettes Ca. Which cassettes Ca included in the group cassette containing the drugs to be dispensed are to be transferred may be determined, for example, by the specified number, the number of drugs contained in each cassette Ca, or by an agreement (e.g., selecting cassettes Ca with a large number of drugs to be transferred first).

[0387] The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to sequentially transfer cassettes Ca transferred from the cassette shelf 21 to the drug receiving unit 32. This allows the operator to sequentially check the drug storage status of multiple cassettes Ca included in the group cassette if a group cassette exists. The order in which cassettes Ca to be transferred to the drug receiving unit 32 from among the multiple cassettes Ca included in the group cassette that have been transferred to the picking unit 3 (multiple cassettes Ca transferred to the cassette holding unit 23) may be determined as follows. For example, the control device 10 may determine the order in which cassettes Ca to be transferred to the drug receiving unit 32 based on the number of drugs to be dispensed as defined in the dispensing data (the number of fractional sheets calculated from the number of drugs) and the number of fractional sheets contained in the cassettes Ca.

[0388] In this embodiment, if the cassette identification unit 111 determines that the drug to be dispensed is contained in any of the above group cassettes, the control device 10 also performs the following processing. That is, even if the control device 10 determines that the specified number is less than or equal to the number of drugs contained, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer two or more cassettes Ca to the picking unit 3. For example, if the specified number is 42 tablets, and a certain cassette Ca contains 50 tablets, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 will transfer two or more cassettes Ca containing the drug to be dispensed to the picking unit 3.

[0389] In other words, when drugs contained in multiple cassettes Ca within one of the multiple group cassettes become subject to retrieval, the control device 10 performs the following process. That is, regardless of the number of drugs contained in each of the multiple cassettes Ca, the control device 10 transfers two or more of the multiple cassettes Ca contained in the one group cassette to the picking unit 3. The control device 10 may also transfer all of the cassettes Ca constituting the one group cassette to the picking unit 3. However, the control device 10 does not need to transfer cassettes Ca that are out of stock.

[0390] In general, if the specified number is less than or equal to the number of drugs contained, that is, if one cassette Ca contains more than the specified number of drugs, drugs can be removed from that one cassette Ca. Therefore, there is no need to transfer multiple cassettes Ca containing the same type of drug from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3.

[0391] However, if there are regulations regarding how to remove the medication, even if the specified number is less than or equal to the number of medications contained, it may not be possible to remove the medication from one cassette in accordance with those regulations, depending on the arrangement of the medication sheets.

[0392] One example of the above arrangement is the agreement that, from the perspective of preventing accidental ingestion, dispensing of fractional sheets containing only one drug (fractional sheets containing one tablet) will not be permitted. For example, consider a case where the specified number is 41 tablets, one drug sheet (full sheet) contains 10 tablets, and cassette Ca contains 4 drug sheets and a fractional sheet containing one tablet. In this case, it is possible to take out 41 tablets from cassette Ca, but this would be a method of taking out that violates the above arrangement.

[0393] Furthermore, one of the above arrangements is that fractional sheets should be dispensed in a number of divisions within the permissible range. For example, consider a case where the number of divisions within the permissible range is 2, and cassette Ca contains fractional sheets for 9 tablets, and 9 tablets are to be dispensed. In this case, according to the arrangement, 9 tablets of medication can be dispensed either in one fractional sheet or in two fractional sheets (e.g., a fractional sheet for 4 tablets and a fractional sheet for 5 tablets). However, if cassette Ca, which has been transferred to the drug dispensing unit 32, contains only three fractional sheets for 3 tablets each, it is possible to dispense a fractional sheet for 9 tablets, but this would violate the above arrangement.

[0394] In this embodiment, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca containing the same type of drug to the picking unit 3, even if the specified number is less than or equal to the number of drug packets contained. Therefore, the control device 10 can allow the operator to determine how to retrieve the specified number of drug packets according to the drug packet contents in each of the multiple cassettes Ca containing the same type of drug. Thus, even if such an arrangement exists, the likelihood of the operator retrieving the drug packets in accordance with that arrangement can be increased.

[0395] Furthermore, even if the specified number exceeds the number of contained chemicals, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 will transfer two or more cassettes Ca containing the same type of chemical to the picking unit 3. Therefore, in this case as well, the operator can be made to decide how to retrieve the specified number of chemicals according to the contents of the chemical sheets.

[0396] Furthermore, consider the case where the specified number is less than or equal to the number of drugs contained, the dispensing data specifies a prescription that results in a fractional sheet of one tablet, and the drug specified in that prescription is to be dispensed. In this case as well, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes containing the same type of drug from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3. For example, consider the case where the specified number is less than or equal to the number of drugs contained, and the number obtained by subtracting the specified number from the number of drugs contained is 1. In this case, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca from the multiple cassettes Ca included in one group cassette from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3.

[0397] For example, consider a case where the specified number of tablets is 41, and the number of tablets contained is 42. In this case, if 41 tablets of medication are taken out of cassette Ca, cassette Ca will contain a fractional sheet containing one tablet. Therefore, the next time medication is taken out of this cassette Ca, only a fractional sheet containing one tablet will be taken out.

[0398] For example, if a patient is prescribed a fractional tablet-sized sheet, there is a possibility that the patient may not remove the medication from the sheet and mistakenly ingest the entire sheet, believing it to be the medication. Therefore, if a fractional tablet-sized sheet is placed into the transport tray Tr, there is a possibility that the patient may accidentally ingest it.

[0399] As described above, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca containing the same type of drug from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3 when the number obtained by subtracting the specified number from the number of drugs contained is 1. This allows the worker to take out the specified number of drugs from multiple cassettes Ca. Therefore, the worker can take out the specified number of drugs without taking out or putting a fractional tablet-sized sheet into a cassette Ca. In other words, the possibility of generating a fractional tablet-sized sheet is reduced. Consequently, the possibility of dispensing a fractional tablet-sized sheet is reduced, enabling the dispensing of drug sheets with safety in mind. In addition, the worker can perform the fractional tablet-sized sheet cutting operation in a way that does not involve taking out or putting a fractional tablet-sized sheet into a cassette Ca. In other words, the worker can perform the fractional tablet cutting operation smoothly.

[0400] Furthermore, if the control device 10 receives an input operation to replace a cassette Ca after transporting one cassette Ca from the group cassette to the drug dispensing unit 32, it may transport another cassette Ca from the same group cassette to the drug dispensing unit 32. This allows the operator to check the drug storage status in multiple cassette Ca containing the same type of drug and then decide which cassette Ca to take the drug from. In addition, the control device 10 can transport another cassette Ca to the drug dispensing unit 32 even if the drug has not yet been taken from the cassette Ca that has been transported to the drug dispensing unit 32.

[0401] For example, a single cassette Ca may contain multiple fractional sheets. Therefore, the remaining amount of medication calculated by "total number of medications / number of medications specified on one medication sheet (full sheet)" is not necessarily contained in a single fractional sheet within a single cassette Ca. For example, consider a case where the number of medications specified on one medication sheet (full sheet) is 10 tablets, the total number of medications to be contained is 15 tablets, and the specified number is 15 tablets. In this case, the remaining 5 tablets of medication may be contained in cassette Ca not as a single fractional sheet, but as multiple fractional sheets (e.g., a fractional sheet for 2 tablets and a fractional sheet for 3 tablets). If, according to an agreement, the operator wants to take out 5 tablets of medication as a single fractional sheet, and a cassette Ca containing 5 tablets of medication as multiple fractional sheets is transported to the medication dispensing unit 32, the operator cannot take the medication from this cassette Ca. In such cases, as described above, by allowing the exchange of cassette Ca within the same group of cassettes, workers can remove the drug from cassette Ca in accordance with the agreement or other arrangements.

[0402] <Example of processing> Figure 29 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed by the control device 10. The cassette identification unit 111 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is contained in one of the multiple cassettes Ca included in any of the group cassettes (S1). If the cassette identification unit 111 determines that the drug to be dispensed is not contained in any of the group cassettes (NO in S1), this process ends. In other words, the drug to be dispensed is dispensed from one cassette Ca identified by the cassette identification unit 111. Furthermore, if, among the multiple cassettes Ca constituting the group cassette that contains the drug to be dispensed, the drug is contained in only one cassette Ca and the other cassettes Ca are out of stock, this process may also end.

[0403] If the cassette identification unit 111 determines that the drug to be dispensed is contained in one of the multiple cassettes Ca included in any group cassette (YES in S1), the control device 10 determines whether the specified number is less than or equal to the number of contained drugs (S2). The control device 10 determines whether the specified number is less than or equal to the number of contained drugs by comparing the maximum number of contained drugs among the multiple cassettes Ca that constitute the group cassette containing the drug to be dispensed with the specified number.

[0404] If the control device 10 determines that the specified number exceeds the number of drugs to be stored (NO in S2), the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer two or more cassettes Ca containing drugs, which are included in the group cassette, to the picking unit 3 (S4). As a result, the worker can take out the specified number of drugs from two or more cassettes Ca containing the same type of drug that are transferred to the drug receiving unit 32.

[0405] If the control device 10 determines that the specified number is less than or equal to the number of contained drugs (YES in S2), it determines whether the number obtained by subtracting the specified number from the number of contained drugs is 1 (S3). If the control device 10 determines that the number obtained by subtracting the specified number from the number of contained drugs is 1 (YES in S3), the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers two or more cassettes Ca containing drugs, which are included in the group cassette, to the picking unit 3 (S4). This reduces the possibility of generating a fractional sheet equivalent to one tablet, as described above.

[0406] If the control device 10 determines that the number obtained by subtracting the specified number from the number of contained drugs is not 1 (NO in S3), this process ends. In other words, the drugs to be dispensed are dispensed from one cassette Ca identified by the cassette identification unit 111.

[0407] However, even if the specified number is less than or equal to the number of drugs contained, the control device 10 may transfer two or more cassettes Ca containing drugs, which are included in the group cassette, to the picking unit 3 without executing the process in S3. In other words, even if the specified number is less than or equal to the number of drugs contained, the control device 10 may transfer two or more cassettes Ca to the picking unit 3 in the same way as when the specified number exceeds the number of drugs contained. Furthermore, the control device 10 does not have to execute the process in S2. In this case, if the control device 10 determines that the drugs to be dispensed are contained in multiple cassettes Ca included in any of the group cassettes, it may transfer two or more cassettes Ca containing drugs, which are included in that group cassette, to the picking unit 3.

[0408] [Embodiment 12] As described above, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the drug to be dispensed has been dispensed appropriately. For example, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs based on the image of the drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37 by the operator. The drug determination unit 124 also counts the number of drugs based on the weight of the drugs placed in the transport tray Tr on the tray placement stand 38 by the operator. Based on the results of this counting, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the drug to be dispensed has been properly removed from the cassette Ca.

[0409] For example, each time a drug is placed on the drug placement platform 37 and / or tray placement platform 38, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs placed and determines whether the counted number of drugs matches the specified number of drugs to be taken out of cassette Ca. If the number of placed drugs is less than or equal to the specified number, the drug determination unit 124 stores the number of placed drugs in the storage unit 15 until the same number of drugs as the specified number are placed, or until the number of drugs exceeding the specified number are placed. If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the number of placed drugs (i.e., the number of drugs stored in the storage unit 15) matches the specified number, it determines that the drugs to be dispensed have been properly taken out of cassette Ca. On the other hand, if the drug determination unit 124 determines that the number of placed drugs exceeds the specified number, it determines that the drugs to be dispensed were not properly taken out of cassette Ca.

[0410] Furthermore, if drugs are placed on both the drug placement platform 37 and the tray placement platform 38, the drug determination unit 124 may separately determine whether the quantity of drugs placed on the drug placement platform 37 is appropriate, and whether the quantity of drugs placed on the tray placement platform 38 is appropriate. In this case, for example, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet placed on the drug placement platform 37 matches the quantity to be dispensed as a fractional sheet. Also, for example, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet (full sheet) placed on the tray placement platform 38 matches the quantity to be dispensed as a drug sheet. In these two determinations, if the drug determination unit 124 determines that the quantity to be dispensed has been taken out from cassette Ca, it determines that the drugs to be dispensed have been appropriately taken out from cassette Ca. On the other hand, if the drug determination unit 124 determines in at least one of these two determinations that the quantity to be dispensed was not dispensed, it determines that the drug to be dispensed was not properly dispensed from cassette Ca.

[0411] The drug determination unit 124 stores in the storage unit 15, as determination log information, the result of determining whether the drug to be dispensed was properly removed from the cassette Ca, and the result of determining whether the drug was properly removed from the cassette Ca, and the result of determining whether the drug was properly removed from the cassette Ca. Hereinafter, information indicating that the drug to be dispensed was not properly removed from the cassette Ca will be referred to as NG information.

[0412] When the control device 10 receives dispensing data, it refers to the judgment log information in the storage unit 15 and obtains information indicating the results of previous judgments for the same type of drug included in the dispensing data. If NG information is associated with the information indicating the type of drug in question in the judgment log information, the control device 10 notifies the operator that the drug to be dispensed is a drug that is prone to causing extraction errors. This allows the operator to be prompted to take care when dispensing the drug before it is dispensed.

[0413] For example, the touch panel control unit 14 may, for instance, display information on the second touch panel 31 indicating that the drug to be dispensed is one that is prone to causing retrieval errors, in order to provide the above notification. Alternatively, the control device 10 may light up an LED (light-Emitting Device) (not shown) or provide notification by sound.

[0414] Furthermore, the control device 10 may inform the operator that a drug is prone to causing dispensing errors only if there is a predetermined number or more of NG information regarding the type of drug to be dispensed in the judgment log information.

[0415] Furthermore, in the judgment log information, information indicating the worker who performed the dispensing operation may be further associated with the information indicating the result of the above judgment. With this configuration, the control device 10 can identify drugs that are likely to cause dispensing errors for each worker, and therefore can issue warnings to each worker.

[0416] [Embodiment 13] Figure 30 shows an example of the structure of the holder 6. The drug station 1 is equipped with a holder 6 that holds rubber bands X for bundling drug sheets taken out of the cassette Ca. The holder 6 may be installed at any position on the drug station 1. For example, the holder 6 may be installed in a position that is easily accessible to the worker while they are taking out the drugs, for example, on the top surface of the workbench 40. As shown in Figure 30, the holder 6 is equipped with a base 60, a support part 61, and a rubber band holding part 62.

[0417] The base portion 60 is the part that supports the support portion 61 and the rubber band holding portion 62, and is the part that is attached to or placed on the drug station 1. Specifically, the support portion 61 is supported by the base portion 60, and the rubber band holding portion 62 is supported by the support portion 61. In this embodiment, the support portion 61 is a rod-shaped member that protrudes from the base portion 60, and the rubber band holding portion 62 is a rod-shaped member that is supported at the end of the support portion 61 opposite to the end that connects to the base portion 60.

[0418] The rubber band holder 62 is a rod-shaped member on which one or more rubber bands X can be hung. This allows the holder 6 to hold one or more rubber bands X. In this embodiment, the worker can remove the rubber bands X from the end of the rubber band holder 62 opposite to the end connected to the support part 61 (the open end).

[0419] Furthermore, the rubber band holder portion 62 is provided with a plurality of grooves 63. The plurality of grooves 63 are provided on the surface of the rubber band holder portion 62, and on the surface that extends in the circumferential direction of the central axis 621 parallel to the direction in which the rubber band holder portion 62 extends, so as to be recessed toward the central axis 621. In this embodiment, the plurality of grooves 63 are provided on the end side of the rubber band holder portion 62 opposite to the end connected to the support portion 61 (the side from which the rubber band X is removed).

[0420] For example, consider a case where a worker takes one rubber band X from a storage container, such as a box, that holds multiple rubber bands X, in order to bundle a drug sheet taken from a cassette Ca. In this case, other rubber bands X may get tangled around the rubber band X to be taken out, making it difficult to easily take out only the rubber band X. In contrast, when taking a rubber band X from the holder 6, the rubber bands X other than the rubber band X to be taken out will get caught in one of the grooves 63, making it difficult for them to come out of the holder 6. Therefore, the worker can easily take out only one rubber band X.

[0421] Furthermore, the rubber band holder 62 is rotatably supported via a rotating shaft 622 at its connection end with the support 61. Therefore, the operator can orient the rubber band holder 62 in a direction that makes it easier to remove the rubber band X. This makes it possible to remove the rubber band X more efficiently.

[0422] [Embodiment 14] In this embodiment, an example of the operation of the drug station 1 will be described when pre-prepared drugs containing multiple types of drugs in single-dose packages are stored in a cassette Ca, and the cassette Ca is stored in a cassette shelf 21. The pre-prepared drugs are prepared in advance before storage of the cassette Ca. The preparation of the pre-prepared drugs may be carried out using a dedicated device (e.g., a tablet packaging machine 300).

[0423] Pre-prepared drugs are marked with identification information corresponding to the type and number of drugs packaged within them. Furthermore, a barcode containing the identification information of the pre-prepared drug is printed on the package. The memory unit 15 stores the identification information of the pre-prepared drug, information indicating the type and number of drugs contained within the pre-prepared drug, information indicating the total weight of the pre-prepared drug, and the cassette identification information (or storage location information) of the cassette Ca containing the pre-prepared drug, all associated with each other.

[0424] An example of the operation of the drug station 1 during the filling of pre-made drugs will be described. First, the operator uses the barcode reader 34 to input identification information from the barcode attached to the package of the pre-made drug to be filled. The control device 10 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to retrieve the cassette Ca containing the pre-made drug to be filled from the cassette shelf 21 and transfer it to the drug dispensing unit 32 based on the identification information read by the barcode reader 34. After that, when the operator inputs the identification information of the pre-made drug again using the barcode reader 34, the control device 10 opens the shutter 322. This makes it possible for the user to fill the cassette Ca containing the pre-made drug with the drug.

[0425] Next, an example of the operation of Drug Station 1 when dispensing pre-made drugs will be described. First, when the control device 10 receives dispensing data, it identifies the cassette Ca containing the drugs to be dispensed that are included in the dispensing data. Here, the control device 10 determines whether or not a pre-made drug containing multiple types of drugs included in the dispensing data, and multiple types of drugs that are to be taken at a certain time (e.g., morning), is stored in the cassette shelf 21. For example, the control device 10 determines for each pre-made drug whether the information indicating each type of the multiple types of drugs matches the information indicating each type of drug included in the pre-made drug. As a result, the control device 10 determines whether or not the above multiple types of drugs included in the dispensing data are stored in the cassette shelf 21 as a pre-made drug. If it is determined that a pre-made drug containing the multiple types of drugs is stored in the cassette shelf 21, the control device 10 identifies the pre-made drug as the drug to be dispensed and identifies the cassette Ca containing the pre-made drug.

[0426] Subsequently, the control device 10 transfers the identified cassette Ca to the drug dispensing unit 32 and opens the shutter 322. This allows the operator to remove the pre-prepared drug from cassette Ca. The operator removes the required number of pre-prepared drugs, completing the removal of the multiple types of drugs described above. The drug determination unit 124 determines whether the specified number of drugs, as defined by the dispensing data, are placed on the tray placement table 38, based on the weight of the drugs measured by the weighing unit 382. When pre-prepared drugs are removed, the drug determination unit 124 makes a determination based on the information indicating the total weight of the pre-prepared drugs stored in the storage unit 15.

[0427] In this embodiment, the pre-prepared set of drugs is, for example, a set of drugs that are prescribed with a high probability to patients with a particular disease, or a set of drugs that are prescribed regularly to a particular patient. Specifically, it is a set of drugs prescribed to patients with influenza, or a set of drugs that are prescribed regularly to patients with chronic diseases.

[0428] According to the above configuration, for example, a set of medications prescribed to a patient with a specific disease is pre-packaged into individual doses, and the pre-prepared medications are stored in a cassette Ca. When the dispensing data includes multiple types of medications to be packaged in individual doses, the control device 10 can transfer the cassette Ca containing the pre-prepared medications to the medication dispensing unit 32. Therefore, the operator can dispense multiple types of medications at once by simply taking out the pre-prepared medications from a single cassette Ca.

[0429] In other words, in this embodiment, the control device 10 does not need to sequentially transfer multiple cassettes Ca containing multiple types of drugs that can be grouped together as pre-prepared drugs to the drug dispensing unit 32. Therefore, the efficiency of the dispensing operation can be improved.

[0430] [Embodiment 15] For example, if a drug that is dispensed relatively frequently is stored in a small cassette Ca3, the number of times the drug needs to be refilled will increase compared to when it is stored in a large cassette Ca1 or a medium cassette Ca2. If a drug is dispensed relatively infrequently, there is no need to store a large number of units in the cassette Ca. If such a drug is stored in a large cassette Ca1, there will be a lot of empty space, which may worsen the efficiency (storage rate) of the cassette Ca. Also, if such a drug is stored in a way that minimizes empty space, there is a possibility that the drug will not be dispensed before its expiration date. Thus, if the type of cassette Ca is not selected according to the dispensing frequency, the above-mentioned inconveniences may occur.

[0431] In this embodiment, the control device 10 determines the type of cassette Ca containing the drug (e.g., large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, small cassette Ca3) according to the frequency of drug dispensing. The touch panel control unit 14 may also display the determined type of cassette Ca on the first touch panel 5.

[0432] The memory unit 15 stores, for example, the number of drugs dispensed (number of drugs taken out) for each type of drug. The control device 10 adds the number of drugs dispensed this time to the number of drugs dispensed that drug stored in the memory unit 15 when, for example, the drug to be dispensed is taken out of cassette Ca and the tray close button 39 is pressed.

[0433] For example, when the control device 10 receives an input operation to confirm the suitability of a cassette Ca containing a drug, it calculates the cumulative number of drugs dispensed for each type of drug. The cumulative number of drugs dispensed may be the cumulative number of drugs dispensed during a predetermined period up to the time the input operation is received, or it may be the cumulative number of drugs dispensed from the time the first drug was dispensed up to the time the input operation is received. The control device 10 compares the cumulative number of drugs dispensed with a preset threshold and, based on the comparison result, determines the type of cassette Ca to be used for each type of drug.

[0434] For example, the control device 10 assigns type information indicating a small cassette Ca3 to the drug identification information of drugs whose cumulative dispensing count is less than the first threshold. The control device 10 assigns type information indicating a medium cassette Ca2 to the drug identification information of drugs whose cumulative dispensing count is equal to or greater than the first threshold but less than the second threshold (> first threshold). The control device 10 assigns type information indicating a large cassette Ca1 to the drug identification information of drugs whose cumulative dispensing count is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0435] The control device 10 determines whether the type information assigned to each type of drug matches the type information associated with each type of drug stored in the storage unit 15. If the two types of type information do not match, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the type of cassette Ca indicated by the type information (assigned type information) suitable for containing the drug via the first touch panel 5. This allows the operator to store the drug in the cassette Ca according to the dispensing frequency. Therefore, the possibility of the aforementioned inconvenience occurring can be reduced.

[0436] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 may store information for each type of drug indicating the number of drugs contained in a box, the number of drugs contained in a pillow-packaged container, and the number of drugs contained in one drug sheet (full sheet). In this case, the control device 10 can determine whether the drugs will be dispensed in a box, packaging, or drug sheet (including fractional sheets) based on the number of drugs dispensed each time. Therefore, the control device 10 can determine which form the drugs will be dispensed in and which dispensing order it is for each drug dispensing.

[0437] For example, when the control device 10 receives an input operation to confirm the suitability of the form to be stored in cassette Ca, it identifies the form that is dispensed most frequently as the form that should be stored in cassette Ca. The storage unit 15 may store cassette identification information and information indicating the drug's storage form (e.g., box, packaging, drug sheet) in association with each other. Therefore, the control device 10 can determine whether the identified form matches the storage form stored in the storage unit 15. If the control device 10 determines that the identified form does not match the storage form stored in the storage unit 15, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the form suitable for storing the drug via the first touch panel 5. This allows the operator to store the drug in cassette Ca according to the frequency of the dispensed form.

[0438] [Embodiment 16] The control device 10 obtains the lot number and expiration date (use-by date) of a drug from the barcode information (e.g., GS1 code) read by the barcode reader 34 when the drug is filled into the cassette Ca. The lot number is a number that can identify the place and date of manufacture of the drug. If the cassette Ca is provided with a partition, different types of drugs can be stored in each storage area separated by the partition. That is, the same type of drug is stored in each storage area. On the other hand, if the cassette Ca is not provided with a partition, the cassette Ca is stored with the same type of drug. Therefore, the control device 10 manages the lot number and expiration date of the acquired drug in the storage unit 15 for each cassette Ca or storage area to which the drug is filled (i.e., associated with cassette identification information or storage location information). The lot number and expiration date may be entered, for example, via the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31.

[0439] <Lot List> In this embodiment, the control device 10 can manage multiple combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates for each cassette Ca or storage area containing the same type of drug. Figure 32 is an example of a lot list LI1 managed for each cassette Ca or storage area containing the same type of drug. The lot list LI1 is managed in the storage unit 15. In this embodiment, an example in which combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in the lot list LI1 is described, but it is not necessarily required that such combinations be managed in list format in the storage unit 15.

[0440] The lot list LI1 shown in Figure 32 can manage up to five combinations of lot number and expiration date. That is, up to five drugs with different lot numbers and expiration dates can be stored in a cassette Ca or storage area containing drugs of the same type. Note that the maximum number of lot number and expiration date combinations that lot list LI1 can manage is not limited to five; it can be multiple. In this embodiment, lot list LI1 is described as being able to manage multiple lot number and expiration date combinations, but in other embodiments, only one lot number and expiration date combination may be managed for one cassette Ca or storage area.

[0441] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 32, the control device 10 may manage the lot list LI1 in order of lot number and expiration date, with the lot number being smallest first, that is, in order of expiration date being closest to the present (oldest expiration date first). In other words, in the lot list LI1, the combination of smallest lot number and expiration date being closest to the present may be assigned starting from the smallest reference number.

[0442] Figure 32 shows an example of a lot list LI1 when three drugs of the same type but with different lot numbers and expiration dates are contained in a cassette Ca or storage area. As shown in Figure 32, the control device 10 assigns the smallest lot number "0001" and the expiration date "October 2021" to reference number "1". The control device 10 assigns the next largest lot number "0002" and the expiration date "November 2021" to reference number "2". The control device 10 assigns the next largest lot number "0003" and the expiration date "December 2021" to reference number "3". However, the order in which lot number and expiration date combinations are managed in lot list LI1 is not limited to this; the control device 10 may manage lot list LI1 in descending order of lot number, or in the order in which the lot numbers were acquired.

[0443] In some cases, a drug may be found to be defective after it has been manufactured and sold. A drug deemed defective refers to a drug that needs to be recalled due to an emergency safety information (yellow letter) or safety alert (blue letter) issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Drug Station 1 manages the type of drug stored in Cassette Ca or storage area by associating it with its lot number. Therefore, if a drug is found to be defective, pharmacists can identify whether the drug was dispensed from Drug Station 1 and from which Cassette Ca or storage area. Furthermore, by managing the drug dispensing history, pharmacists can also track which patient received the drug deemed defective. In the dispensing history, for example, the type of drug dispensed from Drug Station 1, the date and time of dispensing, etc., are managed in association with each patient who was prescribed the drug. The dispensing history may be managed by Drug Station 1 or the dispensing control device 800 (see Figure 1), for example.

[0444] <Displaying the lot list> The control device 10 can display the lot list LI1 on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31 when the operator fills the cassette Ca with pharmaceuticals. The method of displaying the lot list LI1 will be explained using Figures 33 to 36. Figure 33 is a diagram showing an example of a filling image (filling screen) IM11 displayed on the first touch panel 5. Figure 34 is a diagram showing an example in which a lot list image 3401 containing the information of the lot list LI1 is displayed on the filling image IM11. Figure 35 is a diagram showing an example of an individual dispensing image (individual dispensing screen) IM12 displayed on the first touch panel 5. Reference numeral 36001 in Figure 36 is a diagram showing an example of a filling work image (filling work screen) IM13 displayed on the second touch panel 31. Reference numeral 36002 in Figure 36 is a diagram showing an example of a lot list image (lot list screen) IM14 displayed on the second touch panel 31.

[0445] The filling image IM11 shown in Figure 33 is displayed on the first touch panel 5 in filling mode by the touch panel control unit 14 of the control device 10. The filling mode is a mode in which an operator can fill the drug station 1 with drugs and is selected by an input operation by the operator. As shown in Figure 33, the filling image IM11 includes, for example, a filling drug list 3301, a tray move button 3302, a lot list button 3303, an expiration date display area 3304, and a confirmation button 3305.

[0446] The filled drug list 3301 is a list of records to which various information about the drug selected for filling is associated. The filled drug list 3301 includes information such as drug name, inventory quantity, lot number, and expiration date, associated with the cassette number and branch number. The branch number indicates each storage area in cassette Ca when cassette Ca is divided by a partition. If cassette Ca is not divided by a partition, "1" is assigned as the branch number. The lot number and expiration date displayed in the filling image IM11 are selected by the control device 10 from the lot list LI1, which is managed and associated with each cassette Ca or storage area. For example, the control device 10 selects the expiration date closest to the current time (the oldest expiration date) and the lot number corresponding to that expiration date from the lot list LI1 as the expiration date and lot number to be displayed. Which lot number and expiration date from the lot list LI1 are displayed by default can be set as appropriate.

[0447] The tray movement button 3302 is a button that can accept input operations to start transporting the cassette Ca selected in the filled drug list 3301. When the cassette identification unit 111 of the control device 10 receives an input operation for the tray movement button 3302, it performs the following processing. That is, the cassette identification unit 111 identifies the cassette Ca to be filled with the drug, or the cassette Ca that has a storage area to be filled with the drug, based on the drug identification information (information indicating the type of drug) contained in the barcode information read by the barcode reader 34. Then, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 of the control device 10 control the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transport the identified cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 to the drug receiving unit 32. The control device 10 also has the barcode reader 34 read the barcode information again and determines whether the drug identification information contained in the information matches the drug identification information associated with the identified cassette Ca or storage area. The shutter control unit 122 of the control device 10 opens the shutter 322 to match the width of the cassette Ca or storage area to which the drug will be filled, when these two drug identification pieces of information match. This allows the operator to fill the cassette Ca or storage area with the drug.

[0448] The lot list button 3303 is a button that can accept input operations to display the lot list LI1 on the first touch panel 5. The lot list button 3303 becomes ready to accept input operations when the drug identification information contained in the barcode information attached to the drug, read by the barcode reader 34, matches the drug identification information of the drug to be stored in cassette Ca or the storage area. At this time, the control device 10 transports the cassette Ca, which will be filled with the drug, from the cassette shelf 21 to the drug receiving unit 32. When the touch panel control unit 14 receives an input operation for the lot list button 3303, it displays the lot list LI1, which is managed in association with the cassette Ca or the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca, on the first touch panel 5. The touch panel control unit 14 displays, for example, the lot list image 3401 shown in Figure 34 on the first touch panel 5.

[0449] The expiration date display area 3304 is an area where the lot number and expiration date of the cassette Ca to be transported to the drug dispensing unit 32, or the drug contained in the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca, are displayed. The control device 10, for example, selects the expiration date closest to the current time from the lot list LI1 which is to be displayed on the first touch panel 5, and the lot number corresponding to that expiration date, as the expiration date and lot number to be displayed in the expiration date display area 3304. Which lot number and expiration date from the lot list LI1 are displayed by default can be set as appropriate.

[0450] The confirmation button 3305 is a button that can accept input operations for transporting the cassette Ca, which has been transported to the drug dispensing unit 32, to the cassette shelf 21. When the control device 10 receives an input operation for the confirmation button 3305, it transports the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 and adds the lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1.

[0451] The individual dispensing image IM12 shown in Figure 35 is an image that can accept input operations for dispensing medications individually, separate from the sequential dispensing of medications based on prescription data, and is displayed on the first touch panel 5 by the control device 10.

[0452] The individual dispensing image IM12 includes, for example, an extraction result display area 3501, a dispensing list add button 3502, a filling list display area 3503, a tray move button 3504, a lot list button 3505, and a confirmation button 3506.

[0453] The extraction result display area 3501 is a list of records associated with various information about individually dispensed drugs extracted (selected) from the drug database by the operator. The extraction result display area 3501 includes information such as drug name, inventory quantity, lot number, and expiration date, associated with the cassette number and branch number. In the extraction result display area 3501, as with the filling image IM11 in Figure 33, for example, the lot number and expiration date closest to the current time, selected from the lot list LI1, may be displayed.

[0454] The dispensing list add button 3502 is a button that accepts input operations to add information selected by the operator from the information displayed in the extraction result display area 3501 to the filling list display area 3503.

[0455] The filling list display area 3503 is an area that displays a list of cassettes Ca to which the drugs will be filled. The tray movement button 3504 is a button that can accept input operations to transport the cassette Ca to which the drugs will be filled to the drug dispensing unit 32. When an input operation is received for the tray movement button 3504 while one cassette Ca is selected in the filling list display area 3503, the control device 10 executes the process of transporting the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 to the drug dispensing unit 32. After transporting the cassette Ca to the drug dispensing unit 32, the control device 10 executes the process of opening the shutter 322. These processes are the same as when the control device 10 receives an input operation for the tray movement button 3302.

[0456] The lot list button 3505 has the same function as the lot list button 3303 shown in Figure 33. That is, when the touch panel control unit 14 receives input to the lot list button 3505 while the individual dispensing image IM12 is being displayed (when individual dispensing of drugs is being performed), it can display the lot list image 3401 shown in Figure 34. The confirmation button 3506 also has the same function as the confirmation button 3305 shown in Figure 33.

[0457] The filling operation image IM13, shown by reference numeral 36001 in Figure 36, is an image that enables the filling of drugs into a cassette Ca placed in the drug dispensing unit 32 during the picking operation for the cassette Ca placed in the drug dispensing unit 32 while the drugs are being dispensed sequentially based on prescription data. The filling operation image IM13 is displayed on the second touch panel 31 by the touch panel control unit 14 when an input operation to enable the filling of the cassette Ca is acquired via the second touch panel 31 while the cassette Ca is placed in the drug dispensing unit 32. When this input operation is acquired, the control device 10 has the barcode reader 34 read the barcode information and determines whether the drug identification information contained in the information matches the drug identification information associated with the cassette Ca or storage area identified as the filling destination. If these two drug identification information items match, the control device 10 permits the filling of drugs into the cassette Ca or storage area that will be the filling destination. For example, if the two drug identification information items do not match, the shutter control unit 122 of the control device 10 closes the open shutter 322.

[0458] The filling operation image IM13 also includes a lot list button 3601 which has the same function as the lot list button 3303 in Figure 33. Therefore, when the touch panel control unit 14 receives an input operation for the lot list button 3601 during the picking operation, it can display the lot list image IM14 shown by reference numeral 36002 in Figure 36.

[0459] Furthermore, the filling operation image IM13 includes a filling button 3602 that accepts input operations to confirm the number of items to be filled, the lot number, and the expiration date entered in the filling operation image IM13. When the control device 10 receives an input operation for the filling button 3602, it updates the number of items to be filled, which is managed in association with the destination cassette Ca or storage area. The control device 10 also adds the lot number and expiration date to the lot list LI1, which is managed in association with the destination cassette Ca or storage area.

[0460] <Remove information from lot list> As shown in Figure 34, the lot list image 3401 includes information from lot list LI1, which is managed in association with the cassette Ca or storage area to which the drug will be filled, and a delete button 3402. The delete button 3402 is provided for each combination of lot number and expiration date managed in lot list LI1, and is a button that can accept input operations to delete the lot number and expiration date combination from lot list LI1. When the control device 10 receives an input operation for the delete button 3402, it deletes the lot number and expiration date combination corresponding to the delete button 3402 from lot list LI1.

[0461] The lot list image 3401 includes a cancel button 3403 and an approve button 3404. The cancel button 3403 and the approve button 3404 are buttons that can accept input operations to display the original image. However, if an input operation is received for the cancel button 3403, the control device 10 disables the input operation for the delete button 3402 and adds the deleted lot number and expiration date combination back to the lot list LI1.

[0462] Furthermore, the lot list image IM14 shown by reference numeral 36002 in Figure 36 includes a delete button 3603 which has the same function as the delete button 3402 in Figure 34. Therefore, when the control device 10 receives an input operation for the delete button 3603, it can delete the lot number and expiration date combination corresponding to the delete button 3603 from the lot list LI1.

[0463] Furthermore, the lot list image IM14 includes a cancel button 3604 and an approve button 3605, which have the same functions as the cancel button 3403 and approve button 3404 in Figure 34, respectively. Therefore, when the control device 10 receives input for either the cancel button 3604 or the approve button 3605, it switches the display to the filling operation image IM13. However, when the control device 10 receives input for the cancel button 3604, it disables the input for the delete button 3603 and adds the deleted lot number and expiration date combination back to the lot list LI1.

[0464] <Adding information to the lot list> The control device 10 can also add new lot number and expiration date combinations to the lot list LI1. The addition of new lot number and expiration date combinations to the lot list LI1 will be explained using Figures 37 to 39. Figure 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the process when adding a new lot number and expiration date combination. Figure 38 is a diagram showing an example of the lot list LI1 when adding a new lot number and expiration date combination. Figure 39 is a diagram showing another example of the lot list LI1 when adding a new lot number and expiration date combination. In Figure 37, the lot number and expiration date combination is abbreviated as "lot number".

[0465] As shown in Figure 37, when the filling image IM11 of Figure 33 is displayed, the control device 10 determines whether or not an input operation for the confirmation button 3305 has been received (S11). In S11, when the individual dispensing image IM12 of Figure 35 is displayed, the control device 10 determines whether or not an input operation for the confirmation button 3506 has been received. Also, when the filling work image IM13, indicated by reference numeral 36001 in Figure 36, is displayed, the control device 10 determines whether or not an input operation for the filling button 3602 has been received.

[0466] If the control device 10 receives an input operation for confirmation button 3305, confirmation button 3506, or filling button 3602 (YES in S11), it executes the following process. That is, the control device 10 determines whether the combination of lot number and expiration date read by the barcode reader 34 matches any of the combinations of lot number and expiration date managed in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area to which the drug will be filled (S12). Alternatively, the control device 10 may determine whether the lot number and expiration date entered in the filling operation image IM13 matches any of the combinations of lot number and expiration date managed in the lot list LI1. If the control device 10 does not receive an input operation for confirmation button 3305, confirmation button 3506, or filling button 3602 (NO in S11), it waits for the input operation to be received.

[0467] Consider the case where the control device 10 determines that the lot number and expiration date combination read by the barcode reader 34 matches any of the lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1 (YES in S12). In this case, since the lot number and expiration date combination read by the barcode reader 34 is already managed in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 does not store the combination in the lot list LI1 as a new lot number and expiration date combination.

[0468] On the other hand, consider the case where the control device 10 determines that the lot number and expiration date combination read by the barcode reader 34 does not match any of the lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1 (NO in S12). In this case, the control device 10 determines whether the lot number and expiration date combination read by the barcode reader 34 can be managed in the lot list LI1 as a new lot number and expiration date combination. That is, the control device 10 determines whether the maximum number (five in this embodiment) of lot number and expiration date combinations are managed in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area to which the drug is filled (S13).

[0469] If the number of lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1 is less than the maximum number, there is available space in the lot list LI1 to add new lot number and expiration date combinations. Therefore, if the control device 10 determines that the maximum number of lot number and expiration date combinations are not managed in the lot list LI1 (NO in S13), it adds the lot number and expiration date combination read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1.

[0470] In this embodiment, the control device 10 determines that a new lot number and expiration date combination can be added to the lot list LI1 if there are four or fewer lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1. In the example shown in Figure 38, there are three lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1. Therefore, the control device 10 adds the lot number "0004" and expiration date "January 2022" combination read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1 as a new lot number and expiration date combination.

[0471] In this embodiment, the lot list LI1 manages combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates in ascending order of lot number. Therefore, when the control device 10 adds a new lot number and expiration date combination to the lot list LI1, it compares the new combination with the lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1. Based on the comparison, the control device 10 determines the position in the lot list LI1 where the new lot number and expiration date combination will be added. In the example in Figure 38, the lot number "0004" read by the barcode reader 34 is greater than any of the lot numbers managed in the lot list LI1. Therefore, the control device 10 assigns the combination of the lot number "0004" read by the barcode reader 34 and the expiration date "January 2022" to reference number "4".

[0472] In S13, if the control device 10 determines that the maximum number of lot number and expiration date combinations are managed in the lot list LI1 (YES in S13), it notifies the operator accordingly. The control device 10 also requests the operator to delete one of the lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1 (S14). When the maximum number of lot number and expiration date combinations are managed in the lot list LI1, there is no available space in the lot list LI1 to add a new lot number and expiration date combination, so the control device 10 makes the above request. The above notification and request are made, for example, by the touch panel control unit 14 displaying an image on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31. At this time, the touch panel control unit 14 may also display the lot list LI1 on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31. This allows the operator to delete one lot number and expiration date combination from the displayed lot list LI1.

[0473] Here, the worker can arbitrarily select the lot number and expiration date combination to delete. For example, the worker may decide which lot number and expiration date combination to delete after confirming (visually inspecting) the lot number and expiration date attached to the drug contained in the cassette Ca or storage area where the drug will be filled. For example, if the worker can identify the lot number and expiration date of a drug that is out of stock in the cassette Ca or storage area as a result of the inspection, that lot number and expiration date combination may be decided to be deleted. The worker can also delete the lot number and expiration date combination of a contained drug from the lot list LI1 above. However, in this case, the worker will remove the drug from the cassette Ca or storage area.

[0474] If an operator deletes a lot number and expiration date combination from the displayed lot list LI1, the control device 10 deletes that combination from the lot list LI1 managed by the storage unit 15. That is, the control device 10 deletes the combination from the lot list LI1 according to the user input (S15). This creates an empty area in the lot list LI1 to which a new lot number and expiration date combination can be added. After processing in S15, the control device 10 adds the lot number and expiration date combination read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1 (S16).

[0475] Here, when an operator fills a cassette Ca or storage area with a drug, the control device 10 needs to manage the lot number and expiration date combination read from the drug by the barcode reader 34 in the lot list LI1. In this embodiment, as described above, if the maximum number of lot number and expiration date combinations are managed in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 deletes one lot number and expiration date combination from the lot list LI1 based on user input. Therefore, even if the maximum number of lot number and expiration date combinations are managed in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 can manage the lot number and expiration date combination of newly filled drugs in the lot list LI1.

[0476] Furthermore, if the maximum number of lot number and expiration date combinations is managed in lot list LI1, the control device 10 may automatically select one of the combinations from lot list LI1 and overwrite it with a new lot number and expiration date combination. However, in this case, the overwrite process is performed without the operator confirming the lot number and expiration date attached to the drug contained in cassette Ca or storage area. Therefore, there is a possibility that the lot number and expiration date may be deleted from lot list LI1 even though they are actually the lot number and expiration date of the drug contained in cassette Ca or storage area. If the lot number and expiration date of the drug contained in cassette Ca or storage area are deleted from lot list LI1, pharmacists and others may not be able to identify the source of the drug.

[0477] Therefore, as described above, when the control device 10 deletes a combination of lot number and expiration date from the lot list LI1, it has the operator select the combination to be deleted. This allows the operator to confirm the drug storage status in the cassette Ca or storage area before deleting the lot number and expiration date combination from the lot list LI1, making it possible to match the information in the lot list LI1 with the actual drug storage status.

[0478] In the example shown in Figure 39, since five combinations of lot number and expiration date are stored in the lot list LI1, the control device 10 displays the image for the above notification and request on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31. The operator deletes one of the lot number and expiration date combinations managed in the lot list LI1 in order to store a new lot number and expiration date combination in the lot list LI1. Here, the operator selects the combination of lot number "0001" and expiration date "October 2021" and touches the confirmation button 3305, confirmation button 3506, or filling button 3602. As a result, the control device 10 deletes the combination of lot number "0001" and expiration date "October 2021" from the lot list LI1, making the lot list LI1 ready for the addition of a new lot number and expiration date combination. The control device 10 adds the combination of lot number "0006" and expiration date "April 2022" read by the barcode reader 34 to the lot list LI1 from which the free area has been created, as a new lot number and expiration date combination.

[0479] <Lot list management in case of stock shortages> The control device 10 may also be able to set the following deletion mode. The deletion mode is a mode in which, when the number of drugs contained in a cassette Ca or storage area becomes 0 (when the cassette Ca or storage area becomes depleted), all the information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area is deleted. When the deletion mode is set in the control device 10, the control device 10 deletes all the information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area when the cassette Ca or storage area becomes depleted. The deletion mode can be set or canceled by user input.

[0480] If a cassette Ca or storage area is out of stock, there is no drug present in the cassette Ca or storage area, and therefore, the lot number and expiration date to be managed do not exist in the lot list LI1. For this reason, when a cassette Ca or storage area is out of stock, the control device 10 automatically deletes all the information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to that cassette Ca or storage area. This allows the lot list LI1 to reflect the out-of-stock state without requiring the operator to check the information managed in the lot list LI1.

[0481] On the other hand, if the delete mode is not set in the control device 10, the control device 10 will not delete the information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area, even when the cassette Ca or storage area is out of stock, but will maintain it as is. The operator will, for example, decide whether or not to delete the information in the lot list LI1 based on a notification from the control device 10 indicating that the cassette Ca or storage area is out of stock.

[0482] As described in Embodiment 1, in the drug station 1, the control device 10 counts the number of drugs placed on the drug placement table 37 based on images taken of the drugs. The control device 10 also counts the number of drugs placed on the tray placement table 38 based on the results of weighing the drugs. The control device 10 can manage the number of drugs stored in the cassette Ca or storage area after the drugs have been removed, as the counting results indicate the number of drugs removed from the cassette Ca or storage area. Furthermore, the control device 10 can manage the number of drugs stored in the cassette Ca or storage area after filling by adding the number of drugs entered by the operator when the drugs are filled into the cassette Ca or storage area to the number of drugs stored in the cassette Ca or storage area before filling.

[0483] Thus, the control device 10 estimates the number of drugs stored in cassette Ca or storage area by subtracting the number taken out from the current storage capacity, or by adding the number filled to the current storage capacity. In other words, it does not have a detection unit (e.g., an imaging unit) that detects the drugs in cassette Ca or storage area, and the control device 10 does not manage the number of drugs in cassette Ca or storage area by analyzing the detection results of the detection unit. To put it another way, the control device 10 does not directly count the actual number of drugs stored. Therefore, for example, if an operator does not return excess drugs to the original cassette Ca or storage area, or if an operator inputs a number different from the actual number filled, there is a possibility that the actual storage capacity and the storage capacity managed by the control device 10 may differ to some extent. Some users may be aware of this possibility and may not want automatic deletion in case of shortages.

[0484] Therefore, only when the deletion mode is set based on user input, the control device 10 automatically deletes the information in the lot list LI1 corresponding to the cassette Ca or storage area when the cassette Ca or storage area becomes out of stock.

[0485] <Regarding lot numbers and expiration dates> In this embodiment, it has been explained that lot numbers and expiration dates are managed in lot list LI1, but this is not limited to this. Lot list LI1 may manage either lot numbers or expiration dates. In other words, the items to be deleted from lot list LI1 or added to lot list LI1 may be either lot numbers or expiration dates.

[0486] Furthermore, the control device 10 may manage combinations of lot numbers and expiration dates in the lot list LI1 by calculating the expiration date from the acquired lot number or calculating the lot number from the acquired expiration date.

[0487] [Examples of implementation using software] The control block of the control device 10 of the drug station 1 may be implemented by logic circuits (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or by software. Similarly, the control block of the control unit 801 of the dispensing control device 800 may be implemented by logic circuits formed on an integrated circuit or the like, or by software.

[0488] In the latter case, the drug station 1 and the dispensing control device 800 are equipped with a computer that executes instructions for a program, which is software that realizes each function. This computer is equipped with, for example, one or more processors and a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved when the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes it in the computer. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. As the recording medium, a "tangible medium that is not temporary," such as ROM (Read Only Memory), can be used, as well as tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc. It may also be further equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the program. Furthermore, the program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). In one aspect of the present invention, the program can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, which is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0489] 〔others〕 A drug handling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a drug handling device comprising: a drug dispensing unit that enables the removal of a drug from a cassette containing a drug or the loading of a drug into a cassette; a cassette dispensing unit that enables the removal of a cassette from the drug handling device or the loading of a cassette into the drug handling device; a cassette transport unit that transports a cassette between at least one of the drug dispensing unit and the cassette dispensing unit and a cassette rack capable of storing a plurality of cassettes, wherein the cassette dispensing unit is provided at a location separate from the location where the drug dispensing unit is provided, and the drug dispensing unit comprises: a first drug dispensing unit to which a cassette containing a drug to be dispensed based on prescription data is transported, and a second drug dispensing unit to which cassettes other than those transported to the first drug dispensing unit are transported. The cassette transfer unit comprises a first cassette transfer unit provided in correspondence with the first drug receiving unit and a second cassette transfer unit provided in correspondence with the second drug receiving unit, wherein the cassette receiving unit is provided in correspondence with the second cassette transfer unit and, based on the prescription data, when a cassette containing the drug to be dispensed is transferred to the first drug receiving unit and the drug to be dispensed is ready to be removed from the cassette, the unit includes a control unit that (i) transfers another cassette from the cassette shelf to the cassette receiving unit and allows the removal of the other cassette from the cassette receiving unit, or (ii) allows the insertion of yet another cassette not stored on the cassette shelf into the cassette receiving unit and transfers the inserted yet another cassette from the cassette receiving unit to the cassette shelf.

[0490] In a drug handling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drug receiving unit comprises an opening that allows the drug to be taken out or put in, and an opening / closing unit that opens and closes the opening, wherein the length in a predetermined direction of the opening region formed in the opening when the opening / closing unit is in an open state may be smaller than the length corresponding to the length in the predetermined direction in the cassette when the cassette is viewed from above in the state in which it has been transferred to the drug receiving unit.

[0491] In a drug handling device according to one aspect of this disclosure, the cassette receiving section may be provided as a drawer section on the front of the drug handling device.

[0492] A drug dispensing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a drug handling device capable of taking out all or part of a drug sheet containing multiple drugs from a cassette containing a drug sheet, or loading all or part of a drug sheet into the cassette, and a cassette shelf capable of storing multiple cassettes, wherein, when at least one group of cassettes consisting of multiple cassettes for containing the same type of drug is stored in the cassette shelf, and drugs contained in multiple cassettes included in one of the cassette groups become subject to dispensing, the device further comprises a transfer control unit that transfers two or more cassettes from the multiple cassettes included in the one cassette group from the cassette shelf to the drug handling device, regardless of the number of drugs contained in each of the multiple cassettes included in the one cassette group.

[0493] In a drug dispensing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transfer control unit may transfer two or more cassettes from the multiple cassettes included in the one cassette group to the drug handling device, even if the designated number, which is specified as the quantity of drugs to be taken out from one cassette included in the one cassette group, is less than or equal to the number of drugs contained in any of the multiple cassettes included in the one cassette group.

[0494] In a drug dispensing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transfer control unit may transfer two or more cassettes from a plurality of cassettes included in one cassette group to the drug handling device when the number obtained by subtracting the designated number from the number of drugs stored is 1.

[0495] Furthermore, (1) a drug handling device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a drug dispensing unit capable of taking out a drug from a cassette containing a drug or putting a drug into the cassette; a cassette dispensing unit capable of taking out the cassette from the drug handling device or putting a cassette into the drug handling device; and a cassette transport unit that transports the cassette between at least one of the drug dispensing unit and the cassette dispensing unit and a cassette shelf capable of storing a plurality of cassettes.

[0496] (2) A drug dispensing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a drug handling device capable of taking out all or part of a drug sheet containing a plurality of drugs from a cassette containing a drug sheet, or loading all or part of the drug sheet into the cassette, and a cassette shelf capable of storing a plurality of the cassettes, wherein, when at least one group of cassettes consisting of a plurality of cassettes for which the same type of drug is to be contained is stored in the cassette shelf, and drugs contained in at least two cassettes of a plurality of cassettes constituting one of the cassette groups become subject to dispensing, the device further comprises a transfer control unit that transfers two or more cassettes included in the single cassette group from the cassette shelf to the drug handling device, regardless of the number of drugs contained in each of the plurality of cassettes.

[0497] According to the drug handling device according to one aspect of the present invention shown in (1) above, the work efficiency and processing efficiency for removing cassettes from the cassette shelf or storing cassettes in the cassette shelf can be improved.

[0498] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in (2) above, the drug dispensing device makes it possible to have the operator decide how to dispense the drug according to the storage status of the drug sheets in each of the multiple cassettes containing the same type of drug.

[0499] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0500] 1. Drug station (drug dispensing device) 3. Picking Unit (Medication Handling Device) 21 Cassette Shelves 22 Main unit cassette transfer section (cassette transfer section) 32. Drug Dispensing Department 32a First Drug Dispensing Department 32b Second Drug Dispensing Department 35a First picking cassette transfer unit (first cassette transfer unit) 351 First cassette gripping section (first cassette transfer section) 352 First Cassette Transfer Mechanism (First Cassette Transfer Section) 35b Second picking cassette transfer unit (second cassette transfer unit) 355 Second cassette gripping section (second cassette transfer section) 356 Second cassette transfer mechan...

Claims

[Claim 1] A drug dispensing device that stores at least one group of cassettes, each containing drug sheets of the same type of drug, When the drug sheets contained in multiple cassettes included in the cassette group become subject to removal, the system includes a transfer control unit that transfers two or more cassettes from the multiple cassettes included in the cassette group. A drug dispensing device wherein the transfer control unit subtracts a specified number, which is the quantity of drug to be taken out from one cassette in the cassette group, from the number of drug contained in any of the multiple cassettes in the cassette group, and if it determines that the number is 1, it transfers two or more cassettes from the multiple cassettes in the cassette group.

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