Medication support system

Abstract

This eliminates the need to individually develop at least some of the control systems for multiple medication support devices. [Solution] A medication support system 300 includes a medication support device that performs a medication dispensing operation, which involves transferring a medicine pack stored in a storage unit to a corresponding medicine placement unit for dispensing. The system includes a plurality of medication support devices 200A to 200C, each having a configuration that differs from the others in its configuration related to the medication dispensing operation. The system also includes a management device 210 that manages control information for controlling the medication dispensing operation of each of the plurality of medication support devices. The management device has a storage unit 225 that stores setting information for setting control information for the medication dispensing operation in association with the plurality of medication support devices, and a transmission unit 226 that transmits corresponding control information to each of the plurality of medication support devices. The plurality of medication support devices each have a control unit 216 that controls the medication dispensing operation based on the control information transmitted from the management device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medication support system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a medication support system including a medication support device that performs a dispensing operation of transferring a medicine pack stored in a storage unit to a corresponding medicine placement unit for dispensing is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system including a medication support device that performs a dispensing operation of transferring a single-dose medicine pack (medicine pack) taken out from a storage unit storing the single-dose medicine pack to a specific position of a dispensing tray (medicine placement unit) for dispensing. The control of the dispensing operation of this medication support device is performed by a control system provided in the device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, for a plurality of medication support devices having different configurations related to the dispensing operation, there has been a problem that it is necessary to individually construct a control system according to each configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a medication support system including a medication support device that performs a medication dispensing operation in which a medicine pack stored in a storage unit is transferred to a corresponding medicine placement unit for dispensing, comprising a plurality of medication support devices having configurations that differ from each other in their configurations related to the medication dispensing operation, comprising a management device that is communicably connected to the plurality of medication support devices and manages control information for controlling the medication dispensing operation of each of the plurality of medication support devices, wherein the management device has a storage unit that stores setting information for setting control information related to the medication dispensing operation that differs from each other in its configuration, in association with the plurality of medication support devices, and a transmission unit that transmits corresponding control information to each of the plurality of medication support devices, and wherein the plurality of medication support devices have a control unit that controls the medication dispensing operation based on the control information transmitted from the management device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the need to individually construct at least some of the control systems in multiple medication support devices, each having a different configuration related to medication dispensing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] (a) is a front view of the main part of a medication dispensing device that constitutes a medication support device according to one embodiment, and (b) is a side view of (a). [Figure 2] (a) is a plan view of a single drug-packaged container, (b) is a side view of the drug-packaged container in (a) as seen from the direction of arrow A, (c) is a side view of a combined drug-packaged container, and (d) is a diagram showing the general form of a continuous container. [Figure 3] This is an external perspective view showing one example configuration of a medication dispensing tray. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing an example of attaching a label with a QR code (registered trademark) to be placed inside a small box, and (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of how the label with a QR code is displayed. [Figure 5] (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge, and (b) is a bottom view of (a). [Figure 6](a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cartridge, different from that shown in Figure 5(a), and (b) is a bottom view of the cartridge shown in (a). [Figure 7] This is a plan cross-sectional view of the main part showing the cartridge attachment / detachment mechanism located in the drawer section. [Figure 8] This is a schematic plan view illustrating the identification configuration of cartridges located in the drawer section. [Figure 9] (a) is a front view showing the configuration of the carriage, and (b) is a top view of (a). [Figure 10] This is a front view showing the movement sequence of the carriage. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a front view showing the progression of the carriage's movement. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a front view showing the progression of the carriage's movement. [Figure 13] This is a front view showing the operation of reading medication-related information displayed on the cartridge. [Figure 14] (a) is a front view showing the main components of the transport unit, and (b) is a side view of (a). [Figure 15] This is a control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the medication dispensing device. [Figure 16] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of a cartridge detection sensor that detects the insertion and removal of a cartridge. [Figure 17] (1) is a diagram showing the cartridge tray with no cartridges inserted, and (2) is a diagram showing the cartridges inserted into the cartridge tray. [Figure 18] This is a bottom view of multiple cartridge trays, each equipped with a cartridge detection sensor. [Figure 19] This is a control block diagram relating to the medication support system of this embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a control block diagram related to a conventional medication dispensing device. [Figure 21] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the configurations of three different types of medication dispensing devices, each with a different configuration related to the medication dispensing operation. [Figure 22]It is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which cartridge trays and dispensing trays having different configurations (types) are mixed and set in one dispensing device. [Figure 23] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the extraction position (adsorption position) of the pack and the reading position of the QR code on the cartridge tray. [Figure 24] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the placement position of the pack and the reading position of the QR code for the small box on the dispensing tray. [Figure 25] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams respectively showing an example of the reading order of the QR code corresponding to each cartridge on the cartridge tray. [Figure 26] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams respectively showing an example of the reading order of the QR code corresponding to each small box on the dispensing tray. [Figure 27] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the reading order of the QR code corresponding to each cartridge on the cartridge tray. [Figure 28] It is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the reading order of the QR code corresponding to each small box on the dispensing tray. [Figure 29] It is an explanatory diagram of an example in which one setting file is provided for each dispensing device for each type of setting information. [Figure 30] It is an explanatory diagram of an example in which the various setting information in each dispensing device is divided into a setting file shared among the dispensing devices and a separate setting file for each dispensing device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the dispensing device as a medication support device constituting the medication support system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1(a) is a front view schematically showing the main configuration of the main part of the dispensing device, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view schematically showing the side configuration of FIG. 1(a).

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the main components of the medication dispensing device 200 include a cartridge 10, also called the first storage unit; a cartridge tray 20, also called the second storage unit; a drawer unit 80; a medication tray 30; a carriage 50, also called the retrieval unit; a transport unit 90; and first to fourth entrance / exit units 41 to 44. In Figure 1, the left-right or lateral direction (also the width direction) of the medication dispensing device 200 is defined as the X direction, the front-back or depth direction as the Y direction, and the up-down or vertical direction (also the vertical direction) as the Z direction (the same applies to the figures described later).

[0010] Cartridge 10 functions as the first storage unit of the present invention, storing drug-packaged drug packs (hereinafter also simply referred to as "packs") and drug-packaged drug pack assemblies (described later) in a stacked manner. Multiple cartridges 10 are arranged in the middle and lower sections of the main frame 199, which is the main body of the drug dispensing device 200, via cartridge trays 20. The cartridges 10 are configured to be detachably attached to the cartridge trays 20, which serve as the second storage unit. Here, "storing in a stacked manner" means storing the packs in a substantially horizontal or flat stacked state.

[0011] The cartridge tray 20 is configured to be able to position and store multiple cartridges 10, as will be described later. The cartridge tray 20 also functions as a second storage section for placing and holding at least one cartridge 10.

[0012] Multiple cartridges 10 are arranged in the drawer section 80 via cartridge trays 20, one each provided at the bottom and center of the main frame 199 of the medication dispensing device 200. In the example shown in Figure 1, 4 x 5 = 20 cartridges 10 are placed and held in one drawer section 80 (cartridge tray 20) (see Figure 7, which will be described later). Hereafter, for the sake of simplicity, the drawer section 80 may be referred to as the cartridge tray 20.

[0013] Each of the multiple cartridges 10 is placed and stored within the grid-like side and bottom walls of the cartridge tray 20. The bottom wall of the cartridge tray 20 corresponding to each cartridge 10 has a rectangular through-opening 21 (see Figure 7 described later) formed therein, which allows the pack to be removed from below the cartridge 10 by utilizing the elasticity or free deformation of the pack, as will be described in the operation described later.

[0014] The drawer section 80 is configured to position and hold the cartridge tray 20. A pair of slide rails 81 are attached to the outer wall of the drawer section 80, and a main rail is provided on the main frame 199 so as to be able to engage with the slide rails 81 of the drawer section 80. This engagement configuration between the main rail and the slide rail 81 allows the drawer section 80, in which the cartridge tray 20 is stored and held, to be pulled out from the main frame 199.

[0015] The medication tray 30 functions as a medication placement unit for placing specific packs that have been transported by the transport unit 90. As shown in Figure 1, two medication trays 30 are arranged so that they are positioned above the cartridges 10 mounted on the cartridge tray 20 in the uppermost drawer unit 80. The installation area 29 of the medication tray 30 is where the packs are handed over so that they can be automatically dispensed into the medication tray 30.

[0016] The carriage 50 is an extraction unit that removes a specific pack from the cartridge 10 and has the function of an extraction unit. The transfer unit 90 has the function of a transfer unit that transfers the pack removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50. The carriage 50 and the transfer unit 90 remove a specific pack from the cartridge 10 and transfer it to a specific position in the medication tray 30.

[0017] The first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 are the points through which the cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20 are moved in and out of the main frame 199 via the drawer section 80. When inserting and setting the cartridge 10 into the main frame 199, this is done through the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42, respectively. The opening and closing doors of the first entrance / exit section 41 and the second entrance / exit section 42 are opened, the drawer section 80 in which the cartridge tray 20 is set is pulled out towards the front, and the cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20 are attached or detached.

[0018] The third entrance / exit section 43 and the fourth entrance / exit section 44 are the points through which the two medication trays 30, which are arranged side by side on the top row of the medication dispensing device 200, enter and exit the main frame 199. The third entrance / exit section 43 and the fourth entrance / exit section 44 are provided so that the pack can be removed immediately after it has been placed in the medication tray 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "set" or "inserted"). As described above, the medication dispensing device 200 has two medication trays 30, and as will be described later, there are medication trays for each medication timing, such as morning, noon, evening, and before bed. Since there are also third entrance / exit sections 43 and fourth entrance / exit sections 44 for each medication tray, it is possible to remove another medication tray even when dispensing is being performed on another medication tray.

[0019] The cartridge trays 20 shown in Figure 1 are arranged in two locations, one above the other, below the top medication tray 30. However, they are not limited to this arrangement; they may be arranged either above or below. Depending on the number of people in the care facility, the same effect may be achieved by arranging the cartridge trays 20 in a three-tier configuration.

[0020] The outline of the drug pack targeted by the present invention will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a plan view showing the general form of a single drug unit-dose pack, Figure 2(b) is a side view of the drug unit-dose pack of Figure 2(a) as seen from the direction of arrow A, Figure 2(c) is a side view of a drug unit-dose pack assembly in which drug unit-dose packs are stacked, and Figure 2(d) shows the general form of a continuous pack. Note that in Figures 2(b) and 2(c), the drug is not shown and is illustrated somewhat schematically.

[0021] The drug pack configurations of this embodiment include a single drug-packaged pack 2 and a drug-packaged pack assembly 2A (hereinafter also simply referred to as "pack assembly 2A") in which multiple drug-packaged packs 2 (two in Figure 2(c)) are stacked in a layered direction and joined together, for example, by stapling. While Figure 2 and other figures mainly illustrate a single drug-packaged pack 2 as a representative example, it goes without saying that pack assembly 2A and the like are also included.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2(a), one drug packaging pack 2 is made of, for example, a resin film, and contains individually packaged medications 3, such as capsules or tablets. The drug packaging pack 2 has a bag portion 2a that covers the medication 3 and a crimped portion 4, indicated by hatching, where three sides are crimped or welded. The side on the bag portion 2a side is usually folded in half, with the medication 3 sandwiched in between, and the crimped portion 4 forms a leak-proof portion that prevents the medication 3 from leaking out of the bag portion 2a. The medication 3 in one drug packaging pack 2 is usually a single dose unit for the patient.

[0023] The individual medication packs 2 are created (packaged) by a medication packaging machine installed in a pharmacy or similar facility. The packaging paper (packaging sheet) used for the outer packaging is a long, roll-shaped sheet that is folded and overlapped, with the medication 3 to be taken sandwiched between the sheets. The three sides of the medication 3, excluding the folds, are sealed and divided into multiple doses sequentially by the pressure-sealed section 4, creating a continuous sheet of individual medication packs 2 for the required number of doses. This continuous sheet of individual medication packs is called a "continuous pack."

[0024] The continuum of packs 1 shown in Figure 2(d) is a band of multiple (in the example shown in the figure, enough for three doses) individually packaged medication packs 2 connected together. The continuum of packs 1 is a common form that is usually provided and sold to users (including those who actually take the medication in the individually packaged medication packs, as well as caregivers and support staff at various nursing and medical facilities (a concept that includes pharmacists, nurses, caregivers, and medication support staff)) at pharmacies and the like. For the sake of simplicity, the following explanation illustrates packs containing medications of the same form (capsules, tablets, etc.), but it goes without saying that different medications may be used in a single pack depending on the user's intended use and purpose.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 2, the drug unit-dose pack 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view. This packaging method, in which three sides are sealed by crimping, is generally called three-sided packaging, and most drug packaging machines on the market produce packs using this method.

[0026] The crimped portion 4 has a strip-like width of approximately 10 to 15 mm and is more rigid than the transparent or translucent film-like bag portion 2a, which allows the drug 3 to be seen. In the creation (packaging) of the drug packaging machine, a boundary portion 2b with perforations 5 is formed in the center of the crimped portion 4 of the multiple drug packaging packs 2 that make up the pack continuum 1, which are adjacent to each other from upstream to downstream. Users with no impairment of their hands can obtain one drug packaging pack 2 by tearing it by hand along the perforations 5, or by cutting it near the perforations 5 with scissors or a special cutter.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2(c) as an example, a package consolidation 2A may also be used. A package consolidation 2A may be formed by fastening the central part of the three crimped sections 4 of multiple (two shown in Figure 2c) drug-packaged individual dose packs 2 with staples 8 (see Figure 2c), or by integrating them with tape, or by integrating herbal medicine packs or PTP (Press Through Pack) packaging sheets.

[0028] The surface of the bag portion 2a of the drug packaging pack 2 has first medication-related information added to it, such as the name of the person taking the medication and the timing of medication administration (also called administration timing). In pack 2 shown in Figure 2, medication-related information is added as follows: medication-related information 6a, which is a string representation of the name of the person taking the medication 3 in pack 2; medication-related information 6b, which is a string representation of the time (administration timing) when the medication 3 is taken; and medication-related information 6c, which represents the name of the person taking the medication and the administration timing using a QR code (registered trademark). In pack 2 shown in Figure 2, medication-related information 6a and 6b are added as strings and medication-related information 6c is added as a QR code, but the pack is not limited to these, and barcodes or RFID tags used when reading tag information using short-range wireless communication may also be used.

[0029] Furthermore, examples of medication-related information include the type of medication prescribed in the pack (including the shape of the medication) and the number of tablets, as well as information imprinted on the medication itself. Medication-related information may be obtained and used individually, or multiple pieces of information may be obtained and used in combination. For example, if only the patient's name is to be confirmed, the patient's name information is sufficient, but if the goal is to prevent missed doses of important medications, the patient's name and information on the number of tablets and shape of the medication in the pack should be confirmed together. In other words, medication-related information includes at least one piece of information from the following: the patient's name, the time when the medication in the pack should be taken (medication timing), and the type and number of tablets of medication prescribed in the pack.

[0030] Next, we will explain the medication tray with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an external perspective view showing one example of a medication tray configuration. As shown in Figure 3, the medication tray 30 has partition walls 31, which are partition members that serve as dividers for arranging specific packs, and each tray is divided by four upright partition walls 31. The 20 compartments 33 formed in the medication tray 30 can be represented as components of a matrix consisting of 5 columns in the X direction (row-feeding direction) and 4 rows in the Y direction (character-feeding direction). Thus, each of the 20 compartments 33 in the medication tray 30 can be uniquely located by a component / address of a 5-column, 4-row matrix.

[0031] Furthermore, the medication tray 30 has a bottom wall 32 on which the placed packs 2 are supported. In this way, the medication tray 30 is configured, with multiple (four) partition walls 31 and a common bottom wall 32, to ensure that a specific pack placed in a particular compartment 33 is securely positioned in that compartment 33, preventing it from mixing with packs in other compartments 33 or falling off the bottom wall 32.

[0032] In the medication tray 30 shown in Figure 3, the "Floor A After Lunch Medication Tray" displayed on the front outer wall indicates that this is a medication tray for placing medication packs to be taken after lunch (which is also the time of breakfast as indicated in the medication-related information 6a and 6b for pack 2 shown in Figure 2) for multiple medication users residing on the same floor A, such as in a nursing home.

[0033] The medication tray 30 shown in the figure illustrates a case where removable compartmentalized boxes 34 are used within each compartment 33. Each compartmentalized box 34 holds, for example, individual packs 2 containing medication to be taken after lunch for a total of 20 residents, from person A to person T, of a nursing home or similar facility. In other words, the medication tray 30 shown in the figure is used when specific packs are placed in predetermined (specific) compartments 33 separated by multiple dividers, via the compartmentalized boxes 34. Note that the operation of placing the packs 2 into the medication tray 30 may not always involve using the compartmentalized boxes 34.

[0034] Next, we will describe an example of a label with a QR code placed inside a small box used in a medication tray. Figure 4(a) shows an example of attaching a label with a QR code to a small box used in a medication tray, and Figure 4(b) illustrates an example of how the label with a QR code is displayed.

[0035] To specify the dispensing location for pack 2 removed from cartridge 10, a label 7 with a QR code printed on it, which contains medication-related information 6a representing the patient's name, medication-related information 6b representing the timing of administration, and medication-related information 6c representing these medication-related information 6a and 6b in QR code form, is attached to the bottom of the inside of the small compartment box 34 of the dispensing tray 30 and placed there.

[0036] As explained later in Figure 9, the QR code on the label 7 is read by the QR code reader 67, and the coordinates of the carriage 50's X and Y positions are associated (linked) with the QR code (patient name, medication timing), making it possible to place the pack removed from the cartridge in the appropriate position. The label 7 with the QR code may be attached directly to the small box 34 as a sticker, or it may be attached to a plate and placed inside the small box 34.

[0037] Alternatively, QR code labels may be attached to each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30, or the plates described above may be installed (if the small compartment boxes 34 are not used). In this case, by using the small compartment boxes 34, the small compartment boxes 34 containing the packs 2 can be removed from the medication tray 30 and the correct packs 2 can be placed under the resident (medication recipient), eliminating concerns about mistaking packs or dropping them.

[0038] Each compartment 33 of the medication tray 30 has a designated setting or insertion position for each patient, depending on the medication pack they are taking. In other words, multiple compartments 33 within the medication tray 30 may be assigned to multiple patients at the same medication timing. Furthermore, if a particular patient does not take their medication at a specific time, it is possible to prevent a medication pack from being placed for that patient at that time.

[0039] The medication tray 30 is not limited to the above example; it may also be an example in which multiple compartments 33 of the medication tray 30 are allocated according to each patient's medication timing. Specifically, multiple compartments 33 may be allocated according to the medication timing of pack 2 taken in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and before bed, and also for each patient. In such an example of the medication tray 30, the medication trays 30 can be managed on a floor-by-floor basis or on a room-by-room basis where multiple patients reside, and pack 2 for that day (or several days) can be pre-distributed into the medication tray 30.

[0040] As shown in the example above, by assigning each compartment to a specific medication time, such as morning, noon, evening, and before bed, it is possible to prevent mistakes in the timing of medication intake for each individual. Beyond the configuration example of the medication tray 30 described above, various combinations of medication users and medication timings are conceivable.

[0041] Next, we will explain an example of a cartridge. Figure 5(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cartridge, Figure 6(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cartridge of a different example than Figure 5(a), Figure 5(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge in Figure 5(a), and Figure 6(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge in Figure 6(a).

[0042] In the longitudinal cross-sectional views of Figures 5(a) and 6(a), the crimped portion 4 (see Figure 2) of the pack 2 stored inside the cartridge 10 is omitted from the illustration to simplify the drawings, and the pack 2 is shown schematically. Similarly, for the same reason, the cross-sectional hatching of the support parts (support part right 12, support part left 13, etc.) is also omitted and shown schematically. The cartridges 10 shown in Figures 5 and 6 have the same shape and other configurations, but differ in the display position and display member of the QR code related to medication-related information 6c. The shape and other configurations are explained representatively in Figure 5.

[0043] The cartridge 10 mainly consists of a case section 11, a lid section 14, a pack removal opening 17, a movable plate 16, a pack posture holding section 15, and support sections, a right support section 12 and a left support section 13.

[0044] The case portion 11 has the function of storing multiple packs 2 or pack assemblies 2A (hereinafter, referred to as pack 2). The case portion 11 is formed integrally or separately using, for example, resin. The lid portion 14 has the function of allowing the packs 2 to be inserted. The pack removal opening 17 is formed in the lower or bottom part of the case portion 11 and is an opening for removing the packs 2 from the cartridge 10, and has the function of allowing the packs 2 to pass through when they are removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 (see Figures 1, 9, etc.).

[0045] The movable plate 16 has the function of preventing the pack 2 from tipping over and moving the bottom pack 2 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17 after the first pack of the maximum number of packs 2 that can be stored in the case section 11 has been removed. The pack posture holding section 15 has the function of holding the posture of the pack 2. The right support section 12 and the left support section 13 also have the function of supporting or holding the pack 2 inside the case section 11.

[0046] In this embodiment, the portion of the pack 2 that is removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 is located in the lower or bottom part of the cartridge 10. Specifically, the portion to be removed is configured to have a support portion or support member that supports the pack 2 being removed from the cartridge 10 at multiple points, such as a right support portion 12 and a left support portion 13, and a pack removal opening 17.

[0047] When removing pack 2 from cartridge 10 using carriage 50, the right support 12 and left support 13 are configured to allow pack 2 to pass through. On the other hand, when pack 2 is not to be removed from cartridge 10, the right support 12 and left support 13 are configured to restrict the passage of pack 2 so that multiple packs 2 are stored and held within case 11.

[0048] As described above, the right support 12 and the left support 13 are support parts that support or hold the pack 2 inside the cartridge 10, and are also provided in a fixed state to ensure that the carriage 50 can stably remove the pack 2 from the cartridge 10. The right support 12 and the left support 13 are fixing members that are fixed or secured to the inner surface 11e of the bottom wall at the right bottom wall end and the left bottom wall end, respectively, of the pack removal opening 17.

[0049] The pack removal opening 17 has the function of allowing the pack 2 to pass through the suction pad 52 of the carriage 50, as shown in Figure 9, which will be described later, in order to remove the pack 2, and also has the function of allowing the removed pack 2 and the suction pad 52 to pass through. That is, the pack removal opening 17 and the right bottom wall end and the left bottom wall end, which are provided surrounding the pack removal opening 17, have the function of a pack removal passage.

[0050] In the cartridge 10 shown in Figure 5, the position 52' (hereinafter also referred to as the "suction pad position") where the suction pad 52 (see Figure 11(d) described later) adheres to the pack 2 stored in the cartridge 10 is indicated by the circular dashed line in Figure 5(b). The right support part 12 and the left support part 13 support the pack 2 inside the cartridge 10 so that it does not fall out of the pack removal opening 17. As will be explained in the operation of the carriage 50 described later, when the bottommost pack 2 inside the cartridge 10 is removed by adsorption using the suction pad 52, the suction pad 52 is positioned to adsorb the pack 2 at two suction pad positions in the Y direction near both ends of the right support part 12. When the bottommost pack 2 is removed from the cartridge 10 by the suction pad 52, the two suction pads 52 pass near both ends in the Y direction of the right support part 12, adsorbing and holding the pack 2.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, by positioning suction pads at two locations near both ends in the Y direction of the right support section 12, the risk of malfunctions such as failure to adhere with the suction pads 52 can be avoided, and the pack can be removed. That is, since both sides of the pack 2 in the Y direction are adsorbed by the suction pads 52, the film bag portion 2a of the pack 2 is stretched taut by the suction of the two suction pads and can withstand deformation. This makes it possible to achieve both reliable support or retention of the pack 2 inside the cartridge 10 and easy removal of the pack 2.

[0052] The pack posture holding section 15 is made of sponge rubber with appropriate elasticity. The movable plate 16 is made of, for example, resin or metal. The pack posture holding section 15 and the movable plate 16 also properly maintain the posture of the multiple packs 2 stored in the case section 11 (as clearly shown in Figure 5(a), the posture of the packs 2 is kept orderly and approximately horizontal along the Z direction). In order to perform the above function, the movable plate 16 is set to descend downward in the Z direction within the case section 11 by its own weight, thereby reliably moving at least one pack 2 remaining in the case section 11 to the vicinity of the pack removal opening 17.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5(a), a long groove 11a is formed in the side wall of the case portion 11, extending in the Z direction with a predetermined width in the X direction. A flanged shaft 16a is provided at one end of the movable plate 16, protruding from the long groove 11a. The movable plate 16 can maintain the orientation of the pack 2 along the Z direction by guiding the shaft 16a along the long groove 11a in the Z direction. In Figure 5, the packs 2 inside the cartridge 10 are stored in a stacked, approximately horizontal position, with the drug-containing portion on the left side of the figure bulging outwards, but the detailed state of these packs 2 is omitted.

[0054] Pack 2 is placed into the case section 11 sequentially from the pack removal opening 17 on the right support section 12 and the left support section 13 upwards. The timing for replenishing pack 2 into the cartridge 10 can be, for example, at the time of the patient's (resident's) medical examination (usually every two weeks) in a nursing home or when the pack 2 in the cartridge 10 runs out. If there are pack 2 remaining in the cartridge 10 when replenishing, the remaining pack 2 should be replenished from behind. The above-mentioned setting of pack 2 into the cartridge 10 and replenishing pack 2 are performed by staff in nursing homes, etc., but this is not the case if the storage section is cartridge-based and the process is automated.

[0055] The lid portion 14 is designed to allow staff at nursing care facilities and other similar establishments to insert and remove the pack 2 stored inside the cartridge 10. As shown in Figure 5(a), it is formed to be long in the Z direction of the case portion 11 and to have a predetermined opening width.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5(b), the types of packs 2 in cartridge 10 are divided according to the timing of administration, for example, 14 days' worth of morning medication for person A (specifically, Midori Ebina). Therefore, if person A (Midori Ebina) takes medication in addition to the morning, such as at noon, in the evening, and before bed, a total of 4 cartridges 10 will be needed. This example is not limited to this; for example, a single cartridge 10 could be set up for each medication user (person), and the packs could be arranged in order from the pack removal opening 17 of cartridge 10 upwards, such as morning of day 1 → noon → evening → before bed → morning of day 2 → noon → evening...

[0057] The technology described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-185976, proposed by the present applicant, discloses a combination of a left flap portion of a flap mechanism (a torsion coil spring with a predetermined biasing force is mounted between the rotation axis and the right bottom wall end) and a right flap portion (which is provided to swing and open / close around a rotation axis provided at the right bottom wall end of the pack removal opening), as shown in Figure 8A. However, with the above technology, when removing a pack from the cartridge (storage section), the pack can get caught between the left or right flap portion and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the pack removal opening, resulting in an unstable pack removal operation.

[0058] In this embodiment, in order to solve the above problem, the right support 12 and left support 13 are fixed as fixing members to the inner surface 11e of the bottom wall of the pack removal opening 17 of the case 11 so that the removal operation of the pack 2 from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 is always stable. In other words, the right support 12 and left support 13 are positioned in a state where they are fixed to the pack removal opening 17 at the bottom of the cartridge 10 to hold both ends of the drug pack (pack 2, pack assembly 2A, etc.).

[0059] The right support part 12 supports the end of pack 2 that is adsorbed, and the left support part 13 supports the opposite end, preventing pack 2, which is stored and set inside the cartridge 10, from falling out in its set state. The right support part 12 and the left support part 13 support pack 2 at different lengths, with the right support part 12 having a shorter support length. When the bottommost pack 2 stored inside the cartridge 10 is adsorbed by the adsorption pad 52 and pulled out of the cartridge 10, the drug packs such as pack 2 are designed to bend elastically or freely deform, making them easy to pull out (see Figure 11(d) described later).

[0060] In this case, since the support parts (right support part 12 and left support part 13) are fixed, they can securely hold the tip of the next pack 2, preventing it from flying out or falling along with the previous pack 2. Also, since the support parts (right support part 12 and left support part 13) do not swing or rotate, no deformation occurs due to pinching or pushing of the pack 2 during the return movement, and it is held in a stable state.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, medication-related information 6a, 6b, and 6c displayed on the drug packs (pack 2, pack assembly 2A, etc.) are exposed through the pack removal opening 17 of the cartridge 10, and the QR code reader 66 mounted on the carriage 50 allows the medication-related information 6c on the drug packs to be read, as shown in Figure 9 which will be described later. In Figure 5, for the sake of simplicity, medication-related information 6c is displayed only on the packs 2 and pack assembly 2A, etc., stored at the bottom of the cartridge 10, but it is of course displayed on all packs 2 and pack assembly 2A, etc., stored inside the cartridge 10.

[0062] Furthermore, if medication-related information 6c, such as a QR code, cannot be attached to the drug pack (pack 2 or pack assembly 2A, etc.) (for example, if the packaging machine that produces pack 2, etc., is not capable of printing QR codes), the method shown in Figure 6 may be used. That is, as shown in Figure 6, a label with a QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached is affixed to the bottom surface of the left support part 13 near the pack removal opening 17. This makes it possible to obtain the medication-related information 6c of the drug pack (pack 2 or pack assembly 2A, etc.) stored in the cartridge 10. Note that instead of attaching a QR code label, the medication-related information 6c may be printed directly onto the cartridge 10.

[0063] Next, the cartridge attachment / detachment mechanism and operation provided in the drawer section will be explained. Figure 7 is a plan view of the main part showing the cartridge attachment / detachment mechanism provided in the drawer section, and Figure 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating the cartridge identification configuration provided in the drawer section.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the drawer section 80 is configured to allow multiple cartridges 10 to be attached and detached via the cartridge tray 20. The cartridges 10 configured to be attached and detached in this manner are generally also called "storage sections". The drawer section 80 is integrally constructed with the cartridge tray 20 to hold the cartridge tray 20. Slide rails 81 are provided on the left and right outer walls of the case section 22 of the cartridge tray 20 in the drawer section 80, and each slide rail 81 is slidable with a main body rail located on the main body frame 199 (see Figure 1). As a result, the drawer section 80 (cartridge tray 20) can be pulled out from within the main body frame 199 (see Figure 1) and attached and detached via the engagement of the slide rails 81 with the main body rail.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 10 to and from the cartridge tray 20 of the drawer unit 80 is performed by the engagement and disengagement of a pair of protrusions 23a formed inwardly on the inner wall surface of the case portion 22 of the drawer unit 80 and a pair of recesses 11c formed on the outer wall surface of the case portion 11 of the cartridge 10, and by the engagement and disengagement of four hemispherical protrusions 11d formed on the inner wall surface of the case portion 22 and the outer wall surface of the case portion 11. With the above attachment and detachment configuration of the drawer unit 80, the attachment and detachment of multiple cartridges 10 can be performed easily and with good operability.

[0066] In the above example, the components are made detachable via interlocking and engagement of protrusions and recesses, but the same effect can be obtained by providing an elastic material in the gap between the inner wall surface of the case section 22 and the outer wall surface of the case section 11, by using a magnetic configuration, or by using a snap-fit ​​structure. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the bottom wall of the cartridge tray 20 of the drawer section 80 has an opening 21 that passes through it, communicating with the pack removal opening 17 (see Figures 5 and 6) of the cartridge 10 when each cartridge 10 is mounted in the individual storage section 23 of the cartridge tray 20. The shape of the opening 21 of the cartridge tray 20 shown in Figures 7 and 8 is schematically shown as a slightly smaller, through-rectangular shape, but it goes without saying that it will be formed according to the embodiment as shown in Figures 17 to 18, which will be described later.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the cartridge tray 20 of the drawer unit 80 has a storage section 23 that stores 20 cartridges 10 arranged in four columns horizontally (A to D) and five rows vertically (1 to 5). The drawer unit 80 is equipped with guide displays such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) 25a1 to 25d5 near the handle 26 that is grasped by hand when inserting or removing cartridges, so that the location of multiple cartridges 10 can be seen. This makes it possible to quickly determine where the target cartridge 10 is located in the drawer unit 80 and cartridge tray 20. In the figure, LED 25a1 detects the presence or absence of a cartridge 10 to be inserted or removed corresponding to storage section A1 of the cartridge tray 20 (representing a part or section uniquely determined by the vertical columns and horizontal rows). Similarly, LED 25a2 corresponds to storage section A2 of the cartridge tray 20, LED 25a3 corresponds to storage section A3 of the cartridge tray 20, LED 25a4 corresponds to storage section A4 of the cartridge tray 20, and LED 25a5 corresponds to storage section A5 of the cartridge tray 20. In addition, for storage sections 1 to 5 in columns B to D, as shown in Figure 8, LEDs are provided corresponding to each storage section to indicate the presence or absence of a cartridge 10 to be inserted or removed from each storage section.

[0068] In the case of guidance indicators such as LEDs 25a1 to 25d5, there is a possibility that the staff member who installs the cartridge 10 into the storage unit 23 may mistakenly install the cartridge 10 into a storage unit other than the designated storage unit 23 due to misinterpreting the illuminated LEDs 25a1 to 25d5. Therefore, instead of guidance indicators such as LEDs 25a1 to 25d5, detection means such as sensors or switches may be provided in each storage unit 23 to electrically (automatically) identify the presence or absence of the cartridge 10.

[0069] Furthermore, to allow for individual identification of each storage compartment, it is advisable to equip each compartment with a number, barcode, QR code, or contactless IC tag, and to store in the system whose medication is in which compartment. Then, after setting the drawer unit with the storage compartments into the main unit of the device, the main unit identifies each individual storage compartment. This allows the device to retrieve and pick the correct pack without making a mistake.

[0070] Furthermore, the cartridge tray 20 provided in the drawer section 80 shown in Figures 7 and 8 also includes a configuration that uses a sensor to detect the insertion and removal (insertion and removal) of the cartridge 10, as will be described later. However, since this is a key part of this embodiment, its details will be described later with reference to Figure 15 and other figures.

[0071] Next, we will explain the configuration and operation of the carriage. Figure 9(a) is a front view showing the configuration of the carriage, Figure 9(b) is a top view of Figure 9(a), and Figures 10 to 12 are front views showing the movement progression of the carriage. For the sake of clarity, the connection diagram of the negative pressure generator 45 and other components in the carriage configuration is shown only in Figure 9(a) and is omitted in Figures 10, 13, and others described later.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9, the carriage 50 is equipped with an adsorption unit 51 that removes and holds the pack 2 from the cartridge 10. The adsorption unit 51 has the function of adsorbing and detaching the pack 2. When adsorbing the pack 2, it has the function of using negative pressure air converted by a negative pressure generator 45, which acts as a negative pressure switching means, to adsorb the pack 2. When detaching the pack 2, it has the function of using pressurized air converted by a negative pressure generator 45 to detach the pack 2.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9(a), the adsorption unit 51 converts the positive pressure from the air compressor 46, which is an air compression means, into negative pressure in the negative pressure generator 45 via the air tank 47, thereby creating a negative pressure state and adsorbing the pack 2. The air compressor 46 is installed outside the transfer unit 90 and is connected to the adsorption unit 51 via the air tank 47 and the negative pressure generator 45 by a connecting member such as air piping 49. The air piping 49 between the negative pressure generator 45 and the adsorption unit 51 is configured such that when the negative pressure measured by a pressure sensor falls below a predetermined value, the adsorption unit 51 can determine that it has adsorbed the pack 2.

[0074] The air piping 49 is provided via cable pairs and other means, along with harnesses, so that it does not become strained when the carriage 50 moves inside the dispensing device 200. That is, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the air piping 49 has a path that makes one turn in each of the X, Y, and Z axes. The air piping 49 first extends along the Z axis from the negative pressure generator 45 and makes one turn, then extends along the X direction and makes one turn, and finally extends along the Y axis and makes one turn before connecting to the suction unit 51.

[0075] The suction unit 51 also includes a suction pad 52 for adsorbing the pack 2 and a suction duct 53 connected to the suction pad 52. The negative pressure generator 45, also called a vacuum ejector valve, is connected to the suction duct 53 via an air pipe 49. The suction pad 52 functions as an air suction means or suction member for adsorbing and removing the pack 2 from the cartridge 10. One end of the suction pad 52, the upper end in Figure 9(a), is positioned to adsorb the pack 2 as described above. The other end of the suction pad 52, the lower end in Figure 9(a), is attached and fixed to one end of the suction duct 53, the upper end in Figure 9(a). The other end of the suction duct 53, the lower end in Figure 9(a), is attached and fixed to a suction pad support member 54. A pair of suction pads 52 and suction ducts 53 are provided in the Y direction.

[0076] The carriage 50 also has a posture changing mechanism for changing the orientation of the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 to a substantially vertical position. The posture changing mechanism in the carriage 50 includes, as its main components, a suction pad support member 54 connected to the suction base member 57 via a rotating shaft 55, a guide member 59 having a uniquely shaped guide groove 59a formed therein, a guide shaft 56 that is always fitted into the guide groove 59a of the guide member 59 to guide the suction pad support member 54, and a vertical movement part for the suction unit.

[0077] The suction pad support member 54 is connected to the suction base member 57 via a rotating shaft 55. The suction pad support member 54 may be rotatable (i.e., swingable) within a predetermined angle range around a rotating shaft 55 fixed to the suction pad support member 54, or it may be swingable around a rotating shaft 55 fixed to the suction base member 57. In other words, in Figure 9, the distance connecting the center of the rotating shaft 55 and the center of the guide rod 58 (described later) in the X direction is set to remain constant at all times when the suction base member 57 moves vertically in the Z direction along the guide rod 58.

[0078] The vertical movement section of the suction part includes a pair of guide rods 58 provided in the Y direction that guide the suction part base member 57 in the Z direction, an endless belt 62 wrapped around a drive pulley 60 and a driven pulley 61, and a drive motor 63 connected to the drive pulley 60 via a drive transmission member such as a gear or belt. The drive motor 63 is the driving means or driving source of the vertical movement section of the suction part.

[0079] The suction base member 57 is connected and fixed to the belt 62 by a belt gripping portion 62a fixed to the right end of the suction base member 57. A pair of guide rods 58 are provided in the Y direction, extending in the Z direction, and their lower ends are fixed to the bottom frame 50b of the take-out frame 50a provided on the carriage 50. A guided hole 57a into which the guide rod 58 is inserted is formed on the right end side of the suction base member 57. The drive pulley 60 and the driven pulley 61 are each rotatably supported on a stationary member on the take-out frame 50a side, with pulley shafts (not shown) not shown. The drive motor 63 is fixed to the stationary member on the take-out frame 50a side of the carriage 50.

[0080] When the suction base member 57 moves up and down due to the operation of the drive motor 63, the suction base member 57 moves in the Z direction along each guide rod 58, making it possible to keep the orientation of the suction base member 57 in the XY plane constant in a substantially horizontal state. Note that the vertical movement mechanism of the suction unit is not limited to the vertical reciprocating motion mechanism using a belt drive as described above, but may also be a reciprocating linear motion mechanism using a rack and pinion or the like.

[0081] A pair of guide members 59 are provided on both sides of the suction portion 51 in the Y direction, sandwiching the suction pad support member 54, with their lower ends fixed to the bottom frame 50b. The guide shaft 56 is provided protruding from both ends of the suction pad support member 54 in the Y direction, and is always fitted into the guide groove 59a of the guide member 59 to guide the suction pad support member 54. As shown in Figure 9(a), the guide shaft 56 is provided below the rotation axis 55 of the suction pad support member 54 in the Z direction, at a certain distance from the rotation axis 55.

[0082] When the suction base member 57 moves in the Z direction due to the operation of the drive motor 63, the orientation of the suction base member 57 in the XY plane is kept constant in a substantially horizontal state, and the guide shaft 56 of the suction pad support member 54 moves in the Z direction along the uniquely shaped guide groove 59a, making it possible to rotate the orientation of the suction pad 52 by approximately 90 degrees (Figure 9(a) shows the state when the suction part 51 has rotated by approximately 90 degrees with a thick dashed line). Here, a substantially horizontal state includes a horizontal state, as well as being within a predetermined angular tolerance range with respect to the horizontal.

[0083] The uniquely shaped guide groove 59a consists of a first guide groove portion that extends relatively long in the Z direction, so as to hold the suction pad 52 in an upward position via the suction pad support member 54 in a substantially horizontal state, as shown by the solid line in Figure 9(a), guided by the guide shaft 56, and a second guide groove portion that communicates with and connects to the first guide groove portion, and is formed to gradually draw a gentle arc to the right as it goes downwards, thereby rotating the position of the suction pad support member 54 and the suction pad 52 by approximately 90 degrees.

[0084] As shown in Figure 9, the carriage 50 is equipped with a QR code reader 66, which acts as an information reading unit to read medication-related information 6c (see Figure 5) displayed on the QR code on the pack 2 stored in the cartridge 10. This QR code reader 66 has an upper reading unit 66a at its top for reading the medication-related information 6c, and also functions as a medication-related information reading unit 65 (see Figures 15 and 16, described later). The QR code reader 66 is attached to the side of the carriage 50. The QR code reader 66 is also used to read the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c displayed on the label (see Figure 6) attached to the left support part 13 of the pack removal opening 17 in the cartridge 10. The operation of reading the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c by the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader 66 will be explained in the case where it is performed immediately before the carriage 50 removes the pack 2 from the cartridge 10.

[0085] In Figure 9, the carriage 50 is also equipped with a medication-related information reading unit 65 or a lower QR code reader 67, which reads the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c on the label 7 attached to the dispensing box 34 as described in Figure 4. This lower QR code reader 67 has a lower reading unit 67a at its bottom, which also functions as the medication-related information reading unit 65, and is attached to the side of the carriage 50 below the upper QR code reader 66. The operation of reading the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c on the dispensing box 34 by the lower reading unit 67a of the lower QR code reader 67 will be explained in the case where it is performed immediately before the dispensing operation of the dispensing tray 30 of the pack 2 taken from the cartridge 10 into the dispensing box 34.

[0086] Next, we will explain the operation of carriage 50. For the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, it is assumed that the carriage 50, as moved by the transport unit 90 in Figure 1, is positioned near the bottom of the cartridge tray 20, which is held in the upper of the two drawer units 80 located above and below the main frame 199 in Figure 1. Furthermore, it is assumed that the cartridge 10 is the one shown in Figure 5, and the cartridge tray 20 is the one shown in Figure 1. Also, for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, the QR code related to medication-related information 6c and the QR code reader above 66 and below 67 are omitted from the illustrations in Figures 11(b) to 11(g) and Figures 12(i) and 12(j).

[0087] In Figure 10(a), the carriage 50 can move in the X and Y directions below the cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20 by the transport unit 90 in Figure 1. First, as shown in the figure, the carriage 50 moves below the cartridge tray 20 that holds the cartridge 10 containing the pack 2 to be removed, and occupies the position described below. That is, the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader upper unit 66 of the carriage 50 occupies a position where it is approximately directly below the cartridge tray 20 and cartridge 10 (the reading range 9 in which the QR code relating to the medication-related information 6c of pack 2 stored at the bottom of the cartridge 10 can be read from the opening 21 of the cartridge tray 20). With the carriage 50 in the above position, the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader upper unit 66 reads the QR code relating to the medication-related information 6c displayed on pack 2.

[0088] Next, the carriage 50 moves slightly to the right in the X direction from the position shown in Figure 10(a) to the position shown in Figure 11(b) by the transfer unit 90 in Figure 1, and stops moving to a position where the bottom pack 2 can be removed from the same cartridge 10. At this time, the drive motor 63 of the vertical movement unit of the suction unit is stopped, and the suction pad 52 is positioned below the upper surface position of the removal unit (meaning the upper surface position of the removal frame 50a of the carriage 50). Subsequently, as shown in Figure 11(c), the drive motor 63 operates, causing the suction pad 52 to move upward, enter through the pack removal opening 17 between the right support unit 12 and the left support unit 13, and contact the pack 2 located at the bottom of the cartridge 10, simultaneously picking up the pack 2. At this time, the negative pressure generator 45 is driven in advance to generate negative pressure, making it possible for the pack 2 to be picked up.

[0089] Next, as shown in Figure 11(d), the reverse operation of the drive motor 63 causes the suction pad 52 to move downward while adsorbing the pack 2, pulling out the front end (meaning the side adsorbed by the suction pad 52; the same applies hereafter) of the pack 2 from inside the cartridge 10.

[0090] Next, as shown in Figure 11(e), the carriage 50 is moved in the X direction (lateral direction) by the operation of the transfer unit 90, pulling the rear end of the pack 2 out of the cartridge 10. Immediately afterward, as shown in Figures 11(f) to 11(g), the drive motor 63 rotates the pack 2, which is held by the suction pad 52, by approximately 90 degrees from its approximately horizontal position to an approximately vertical position (hereinafter also referred to as the approximately vertical position). This rotational movement is achieved because the guide shaft 56 provided on the suction pad support member 54 moves along the guide groove 59a of the guide member 59, thereby changing the position of the pack 2 from an approximately horizontal position to an approximately vertical position. The drive source for this can be a series of operations of a single drive motor 63.

[0091] Next, as shown in Figure 12(h), the carriage 50, equipped with suction pads 52 that hold the pack 2 in a nearly vertical position, is transported to a predetermined position by the transport unit 90. When the lower reading unit 67a of the QR code reader lower 67 of the carriage 50 occupies the predetermined position where the QR code relating to medication-related information 6c displayed on the lower part of a predetermined compartment 34 (or predetermined section 33) of the medication tray 30 is within the reading range 9, the lower reading unit 67a reads the QR code relating to medication-related information 6c.

[0092] Next, the carriage 50 moves slightly to the right in the X direction from the position shown in Figure 12(h) to the position shown in Figure 12(i) by the transfer unit 90 in Figure 1, stopping at a position where the removed pack 2 can be inserted into a predetermined compartment 34 (or predetermined section 33) of the same medication tray 30. When the carriage 50 is transported to approximately directly above the predetermined compartment 34 (or predetermined section 33) of the medication tray 30 into which the pack 2 can be inserted, the negative pressure generator 45 is driven for a short time to generate pressurized (positive) pressure from the negative pressure. As a result, pressurized air is blown onto the pack 2 from the suction pad 52, releasing the suction hold on the pack 2, and the pack 2 is inserted into the predetermined compartment 34 (or predetermined section 33) of the medication tray 30 (see Figure 12(j)).

[0093] After performing the above operation multiple times and inserting the required pack 2 into the designated compartment 33 of the medication tray 30, the medication tray 30 is discharged from the device through the third entrance / exit 43 (see Figure 1) and received by staff at nursing homes or other facilities, or by medication support staff.

[0094] Next, we will explain the operation when the QR code related to medication information 6c of the cartridge 10 shown in Figure 6 is read by the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader shown in Figure 9. The cartridge 10 shown in Figure 6 differs from the cartridge 10 shown in Figure 5 only in that the display position of the QR code related to medication-related information 6c has been changed from the bag portion 2a of the pack 2 to the bottom wall surface of the left support portion 13 of the cartridge 10.

[0095] Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, in order to read the QR code related to medication-related information 6c displayed on the bottom wall surface of the left support part 13 of the cartridge 10, the carriage 50 should be moved to the left in the X direction to a position where the upper reading part 66a of the QR code reader upper 66 of the carriage 50 is within reading range 9, making it possible to read the QR code related to medication-related information 6c displayed on the bottom wall surface of the left support part 13 of the cartridge 10. With the carriage 50 in the above position, the upper reading part 66a of the QR code reader upper 66 reads the QR code related to medication-related information 6c displayed on the bottom wall surface of the left support part 13 of the cartridge 10. The operation of the carriage 50 other than the above is the same as described in Figures 11(b) to 11(g) and Figures 12(h) to 12(i).

[0096] As described above, in this embodiment, when removing pack 2 from cartridge 10, the carriage 50 is positioned below cartridge 10 and cartridge tray 20, and pack 2 is removed from below cartridge 10. By removing pack 2 from below cartridge 10 in this way, the next pack 2 automatically moves downward (towards the pack removal opening 17) due to the weight of the remaining pack 2 and movable plate 16 inside cartridge 10. Therefore, regardless of the remaining amount of pack 2 inside cartridge 10, the carriage 50 can perform the same operation with a simple configuration.

[0097] Next, the configuration and operation of the transfer unit 90 will be described. Figure 14(a) is a front view showing the main components of the transfer unit, and Figure 14(b) is a side view of Figure 14(a). As shown in the configuration of the medication dispensing device 200 in Figure 1, each cartridge 10 is arranged on a plane below the medication tray 30 located at the top of the main frame 199 in the Z direction. Furthermore, since the medication tray 30 is located above the upper cartridge 10, the carriage 50 is configured to move in three directions: X, Y, and Z. Thus, the transfer unit 90 has a configuration that moves the carriage 50 in the X, Y, and Z directions in order to transfer the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10 by the carriage 50 to the medication tray 30.

[0098] The configuration for moving the carriage 50 in the X direction is the X-direction transfer unit 91, the configuration for moving the carriage 50 in the Y direction is the Y-direction transfer unit 101, and the configuration for moving the carriage 50 in the Z direction is the Z-direction transfer unit 111, each having a similar configuration.

[0099] The X-direction transfer unit 91 includes an X-adapter 96 attached to the carriage 50, an X-guide member 97 that guides the carriage 50 in the X-direction via the X-adapter 96, an endless belt 94 wrapped between a drive pulley 92 and a driven pulley 93, and a drive motor 95 for X-direction transfer connected to the drive pulley 92 via a drive force transmission member such as a gear or belt. Three rollers 98 (two of which are hidden by the carriage 50 and not visible) are mounted on the X-adapter 96 so as to be able to roll while gripping the X-guide member 97. The X-adapter 96 is also connected and fixed to the endless belt 94 via a belt gripping portion.

[0100] With the above configuration of the X-direction transfer unit 91, when the drive motor 95 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the endless belt 94 via the driving force transmission member and the drive pulley 92, causing the endless belt 94 to rotate and move, and the carriage 50 moves in the X direction along the X guide member 97 together with the X adapter 96.

[0101] The Y-direction transfer unit 101 includes a Y-adapter 106 attached to the carriage 50, a Y-guide member 107 that guides the carriage 50 in the Y-direction via the Y-adapter 106, an endless belt 104 wrapped between a drive pulley 102 and a driven pulley 103, and a drive motor 105 for Y-direction transfer connected to the drive pulley 102 via a drive force transmission member such as a gear or belt. Three rollers 108 are mounted on the Y-adapter 106 so as to be able to roll while gripping the Y-guide member 107. The Y-adapter 106 is also connected and fixed to the endless belt 104 via a belt gripping portion 104a.

[0102] With the above configuration of the Y-direction transfer unit 101, when the drive motor 105 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the endless belt 104 via the driving force transmission member and the drive pulley 102, causing the endless belt 104 to rotate and move, and the carriage 50 moves in the Y direction along the Y guide member 107 together with the Y adapter 106.

[0103] The Z-direction transfer unit 111 includes a pair of Z adapters 116 attached to both ends of the X-guide member 97 in the X-direction, a pair of Z guide members 117 that guide the carriage 50 in the Z-direction via the X-guide member 97 and the pair of Z adapters 116, an endless belt 114 wrapped between a drive pulley 112 and a driven pulley 113, and a drive motor 115 for Z-direction transfer connected to the drive pulley 112 via a drive force transmission member such as a gear or belt. In the Z-direction transfer unit 111, the drive pulley 112, driven pulley 113 and endless belt 114 are provided on both sides in the X-direction, but the drive motor 115 is provided on only one of the drive pulleys 112. Three rollers 118 are attached to each Z adapter 116 so as to be able to roll while gripping the Z guide member 117. In addition, each Z adapter 116 is connected and fixed to each endless belt 114 via each belt gripping portion 114a.

[0104] With the above configuration of the Z-direction transfer unit 111, when the drive motor 115 is driven, the driving force is transmitted to the endless belt 114 via the driving force transmission member and the drive pulley 112, causing the endless belt 114 to rotate and move, and the carriage 50 moves in the Z direction along the Z guide member 117 together with the X guide member 97 and the Z adapter 116.

[0105] In Figure 14, the carriage 50 is shown moving in three directions: the X, Y, and Z axes. However, in a configuration where, for example, the cartridge 10 is placed above the carriage 50 and the medication tray 30 is placed below it, the carriage 50 only needs to move in the X and Y directions, thus reducing the number of movement axes by one.

[0106] As described above, in this embodiment, the QR code reader, which serves as the information reading unit, is configured to consist of two parts: an upper QR code reader 66 equipped with an upper reading unit 66a, and a lower QR code reader 67 equipped with a lower reading unit 67a. However, it is also acceptable to combine them into a single unit.

[0107] As described later, the QR code reading operation may be automatically initiated when it detects that a cartridge, a dispensing tray, or both have been placed inside. Alternatively, it may be performed just before removing the medication pack from the cartridge, just before dispensing medication into the dispensing tray, or it may be set arbitrarily by the user; there is no need to limit the method of implementation.

[0108] The QR code on the carriage and the QR code on the medication tray (small box) are read, and the information from each is stored, which is then used for data comparison during medication dispensing (see Figure 16 below).

[0109] Next, the control configuration of the medication dispensing device 200 will be explained. Figure 15 is a control block diagram showing the main control configuration of the medication dispensing device. As shown in Figure 15, the medication dispensing device 200 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that functions as a control unit 150, which is a control means for controlling the operation of various parts of the medication dispensing device 200. The CPU has a built-in memory unit and a timer unit. Based on various inputs, including sensors described later, the CPU issues notifications to staff and instructions for the operation of the device at timings according to the program. In addition to calculation and control functions, the CPU may also have a timer function.

[0110] The memory unit 152 on the control unit 150 side has RAM (read-and-write memory), also called main memory, and ROM (read-only memory). The ROM has programs (for example, programs such as control flowcharts described later) and various data that the CPU can read stored in it. Examples of various data include relationship data between the compartments 33 of the medication tray 30 and multiple small boxes 34 and drug packs assigned to each patient, relationship data between the compartments 33 of the medication tray 30 and multiple small boxes 34 and drug packs assigned to each medication timing, and relationship data between the compartments 33 of the medication tray 30 and multiple small boxes 34 and drug packs assigned to each medication order.

[0111] A touch panel 151 is electrically connected to the input / output ports of the CPU as a user interface. The user interface is not limited to the touch panel 151; for example, it could be a combination of a keyboard and an LED display unit, where the input and display units are separate.

[0112] The input port of the CPU is electrically connected to various sensors, including a medication tray detection sensor 156 that detects the type of medication tray 30 stored in the device and the presence or absence of the medication tray 30, and a cartridge detection sensor 157 that detects the presence or absence of a cartridge 10. The input port of the CPU is also electrically connected to various sensors, including drawer door opening / closing sensors 159a and 159b that detect the opening and closing of the first door 41 and the second door 42, and medication tray door opening / closing sensors 160a and 160b that detect the opening and closing of the third door 43 and the fourth door 44. The medication tray detection sensor 156, cartridge detection sensor 157, drawer door opening / closing sensors 159a and 159b, and medication tray door opening / closing sensors 160a and 160b are shown only in Figure 15. The CPU's input port is also electrically connected to an HP sensor 99 for HP sensor X, which detects the home position (hereinafter abbreviated as "HP") of the X-direction transfer unit 91 in the carriage 50; an HP sensor 109 for HP sensor Y, which detects the HP of the Y-direction transfer unit 101 in the carriage 50; and an HP sensor 119 for HP sensor Z, which detects the HP of the Z-direction transfer unit 111 in the carriage 50. The CPU's input port is also electrically connected to an HP sensor 158 for HP sensor P, which detects the HP of the suction unit 51 (particularly the suction pad 52) in the carriage 50.

[0113] The input port of the CPU is also electrically connected to the upper QR code reader 66 (upper reading unit 66a) and the lower QR code reader 67 (lower reading unit 67a), which are medication-related information reading units 65, respectively, and are located on the carriage 50.

[0114] A cartridge detection sensor 70, which is an example of a storage detection means for detecting the attachment or detachment of the cartridge 10 to the main frame 199 of the drug dispensing device 200, is also electrically connected to the input port of the CPU. The storage detection means and the cartridge detection sensor 70 will be described in detail later.

[0115] The output port of the CPU is electrically connected to the drive motor 95 for the X-direction transfer unit 91, the drive motor 105 for the Y-direction transfer unit 101, the drive motor 115 for the Z-direction transfer unit 111, and the drive motor 63 for changing the posture of the suction pad 52, respectively, via various motor drivers X to Z and P. The output port of the CPU is also electrically connected to the negative pressure generator (ejector valve) 45, which is an actuator for the negative pressure generator, via a negative pressure generator driver. An notification unit may be electrically connected to the output port of the CPU. This notification unit notifies the status of the device and its various parts through light such as LEDs, sound including voice, and vibration. It is equipped with a speaker or light to notify staff, etc., of medication timing even when they are away from the device.

[0116] The aforementioned external drug information is also input to the CPU via I / O and stored in the memory unit 152, and is used for assigning medication to patients, etc. The LEDs 25a1 to 25d5 of the drawer unit 80 may also be electrically connected.

[0117] When input information from the touch panel 151, various HP sensors 99, 109, 119, 158, and various signals from various sensors are input to the CPU, the CPU outputs the following command signals. Specifically, the CPU outputs instructions to the drivers corresponding to the audio and optical devices of the display device (including the notification unit) of the touch panel 151, LEDs 25a1 to 25d5, negative pressure generator 45, drive motor 63, drive motor 95, drive motor 105, drive motor 115, or LEDs.

[0118] The HP sensor 158 for the HP sensor P and the drive motor 63, which is output via the motor driver P, are used to drive and control the vertical movement mechanism of the suction part. The CPU has the function of executing various control operations as shown in the description and control flowchart described later.

[0119] Next, we will explain the principle by which sensors detect the insertion and removal of cartridges. Figures 16(a) and 16(b) are explanatory diagrams of a cartridge detection sensor 70 that detects the insertion and removal (insertion and removal) of a cartridge. As shown in Figure 16(a), it is assumed that there is a cartridge 10X to be detected, and that this is detected by an optical sensor, such as a reflective photo sensor, as a means of detecting the presence or absence of a cartridge 10X. The cartridge detection sensor 70, which is composed of an optical sensor, emits detection light 71a from the light-emitting unit 71, and if there is a cartridge 10X, the reflected light 72a from the cartridge 10X is received by the light-receiving unit 73, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the cartridge 10X. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16(b), if there is no cartridge 10X to be detected, the reflected light of the detection light 71a does not enter the light-receiving unit 73, so it is possible to detect that there is no cartridge 10X to be detected.

[0120] By placing the cartridge detection sensor 70, which consists of such optical sensors, on the cartridge tray 20 (for example, by mounting and fixing it via a mounting plate 74) as shown in Figure 16(c), the insertion and removal (insertion and removal) of the cartridge 10 can be detected. When placing the cartridge detection sensor 70 on the cartridge tray 20, it goes without saying that the placement of the cartridge detection sensor 70 by the mounting plate 74 should be in a location that does not interfere with the carriage 50, etc., when the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader shown in Figures 10(a) and 13(a) is reading.

[0121] In addition to the optical sensor described above, the cartridge detection sensor 70 may also detect the insertion or removal of the cartridge 10 by using a distance sensor to check for changes in the distance to the cartridge 10, or by using a weight sensor to detect changes in the weight of the cartridge 10. Furthermore, the cartridge detection sensor 70 is not limited to the optical sensor, distance sensor, or weight sensor described above, but may also be a push switch or the like that makes contact with the cartridge 10 to detect the insertion or removal of the cartridge 10.

[0122] An embodiment in which the insertion and removal (insertion and removal) of a cartridge 10 is detected by a cartridge detection sensor 70 consisting of an optical sensor, which is provided for each of the multiple cartridges, will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17(1) shows a cartridge tray 20 with the cartridge 10 not yet set, and Figure 17(2) shows the state in which the cartridge 10 is set in the cartridge tray 20. Figure 17(1)(a) is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge tray 20 with the cartridge 10 not yet set, and Figure 17(1)(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge tray 20 with the cartridge 10 not yet set. Figure 17(2)(a) is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10 and the cartridge tray 20 with the cartridge 10 set, and Figure 17(2)(b) is a bottom view of the cartridge 10 and the cartridge tray 20 with the cartridge 10 set. Figure 18 is a bottom view of multiple cartridge trays 20, each of which has a cartridge detection sensor 70.

[0123] As shown in Figure 17(2), when the cartridge 10 is mounted and set in the cartridge tray 20, the cartridge detection sensor 70 located on the outer bottom surface of the cartridge tray 20 detects and reacts to the bottom surface of the cartridge 10, allowing the system to understand that the cartridge 10 has been mounted and set in the cartridge tray 20.

[0124] By providing the cartridge detection sensor 70 on the cartridge tray 20 in this way, it is possible to check whether each cartridge 10 has been inserted into or removed from the cartridge tray 20, and these cartridge trays 20 may also be connected together as shown in Figure 18.

[0125] In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, detecting the insertion and removal of each cartridge allows for accurate identification of which cartridge has been operated on. However, providing a sensor for each cartridge may lead to problems such as the system becoming overloaded or the need to perform electrical wiring for each cartridge detection sensor 70.

[0126] Next, we will describe the control configuration of a medication support system 300, which comprises a management device consisting of multiple medication dispensing devices and a personal computer (PC) that is communicatively connected to these medication dispensing devices. Figure 19 shows a control block diagram relating to the medication support system of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 19, the medication support system 300 of this embodiment has a plurality of medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C having the same basic configuration as the medication dispensing device 200 described above, and a management device 210 that is communicatively connected to these medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C. The basic configurations of the plurality of medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C are all the same as the medication dispensing device 200 described above, but as will be described later, the configurations related to the medication dispensing operation differ from each other.

[0127] The management device 210 is composed of a personal computer and has five well-known hardware components. Specifically, the management device 210 comprises a control unit, an arithmetic unit, a memory device, an input device, and an output device. The control unit has a CPU and executes programs and issues instructions to other devices. The arithmetic unit executes programs and performs calculations. The memory device has main memory and auxiliary memory and stores data such as programs and text. The input device has a mouse, keyboard, microphone, etc., and transmits data and instructions to the computer. The output device has a display, printer, speaker, etc., and outputs data from the computer.

[0128] The management device 210 in this embodiment manages control information for controlling a series of dispensing operations in each dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C, which involves transferring the pack 2 stored in the cartridge 10 to the corresponding small box 34 on the dispensing tray 30 for dispensing. Specifically, the management device 210 stores setting information for setting the control information for each dispensing operation in association with each dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C, and transmits the corresponding control information to each dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C. In each dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C, the dispensing operation is controlled based on the control information transmitted from the management device 210.

[0129] Specifically, the management device 210 includes an external medication dispensing control system 220, which is realized by its hardware configuration. The external medication dispensing control system 220 mainly consists of a medication search system 221, a medication information management system 222, a pack information management system 223, a medication dispensing control unit 224, a device information management unit 225, and a communication control unit 226. The external medication dispensing control system 220 in this embodiment transfers a part of the control system that was previously located inside the conventional medication dispensing device to the management device 210, enabling the management of different control information for each medication dispensing device.

[0130] Figure 20 shows a control block diagram related to a conventional medication dispensing device 200'. In the conventional medication dispensing device 200', as shown in Figure 20, when the medication-related information reading unit 65, consisting of the upper QR code reader 66 and the lower QR code reader 67, reads the QR code attached to the cartridge 10 or pack 2, it notifies the pack information management system 213 within the medication dispensing device 200' of the QR code information. Also, when the QR code attached to the small box 34 is read, the QR code information is notified to the medication information management system 212 within the medication dispensing device 200'. The pack information management system 213 and the medication information management system 212 analyze and process the QR code data notified from the medication-related information reading unit 65 as needed, and appropriately retain the information.

[0131] Furthermore, the medication search system 211 within the conventional medication dispensing device 200' queries the medication information management system 212 and the pack information management system 213 for information triggered by the user's medication dispensing instruction, and identifies the combination of the storage location of the medication to be dispensed (pack 2) (location of cartridge 10) and the destination of that medication (pack 2) (location of small box 34). The medication search system 211 notifies the medication control unit 214 of the identified combination. The medication control unit 214 takes pack 2 from cartridge 10 corresponding to the combination notified by the medication search system 211 and dispenses the taken pack 2 into the small box 34 corresponding to that combination. The display management system 215 displays information according to the status within the medication dispensing device 200', such as that medication is being dispensed, that medication has been dispensed, or that there is an error, to inform the user of the status of the device.

[0132] In the medication support system 300 of this embodiment, the medication search system 221, which performs the functions of the medication search system 211, the medication information management system 222, which performs the functions of the medication information management system 212, the pack information management system 223, which performs the functions of the pack information management system 213, and the medication control unit 224, which performs some of the functions of the medication control unit 214, which were previously located inside the conventional medication dispensing device 200', have been transferred to the external medication control system 220 of the management device 210. In the medication support system 300 of this embodiment, the external medication control system 220 transferred to the management device 210 is shared by multiple medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C.

[0133] To explain in more detail, each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C has a QR code reader upper 66 and a QR code reader lower 67, which constitute the medication-related information reading unit 65, mounted on a carriage 50, as shown in Figure 9. The carriage 50 moves to the vicinity of the cartridge 10 that stores the medication pack (medication unit-dose pack 2 or pack assembly 2A), and the upper reading unit 66a of the QR code reader upper 66 reads the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c.

[0134] In this case, as shown in Figure 5, if the medication-related information 6c is displayed on the surface of the medicine pack in the dispensing device, the QR code is read from the pack removal opening 17 by the upper reading section 66a of the QR code reader upper 66, as shown in Figure 10(a). Also, as shown in Figure 13, if the medication-related information 6c is displayed on the left support section 13 on the bottom wall of the cartridge 10 in the dispensing device, the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c displayed in the pack removal opening 17 is read by the upper reading section 66a of the QR code reader upper 66. Furthermore, some dispensing devices, as shown in Figure 12(h), read the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c by the lower reading section 67a of the QR code reader lower 67 while the carriage 50 moves up to the small compartment box 34 of the dispensing tray 30 while holding the pack 2 removed from the cartridge 10.

[0135] In this way, the information read by the upper QR code reader 66 and lower QR code reader 67 of each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C is transmitted via the communication control unit 217 to the pack information management system 223 in the external medication dispensing control system 220 within the management device 210.

[0136] Since the upper QR code reader 66 and lower QR code reader 67 of each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C are mounted on the carriage 50, the movement of the carriage 50 makes it possible to detect the name of the patient and the location of the cartridge 10 containing the medication pack that the patient should take. In other words, when the QR code on the cartridge 10 is read by the upper QR code reader 66 for the position coordinates (e.g., X: row, Y: column, Z: section) of the cartridge 10 corresponding to the location of the cartridge 10 in the medication dispensing device, it is possible to associate (link) the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c with the position coordinates of the carriage 50 corresponding to the location of the cartridge 10.

[0137] Similarly, in each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C, the movement of the carriage 50 makes it possible to detect the name of the patient and the location of the dispensing box 34 where the medication pack to be taken by that patient should be dispensed. In other words, when the QR code on the label 7 attached to the dispensing box 34 is read by the QR code reader 67 for the position coordinates of the dispensing box 34 corresponding to the location of the dispensing box 34 (for example, X: row, Y: column, Z: section), it is possible to associate (link) the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c with the position coordinates of the carriage 50 corresponding to the location of the dispensing box 34.

[0138] Here, among medication dispensing devices, there are differences in the configuration related to the dispensing operation depending on the model (type). For example, medication dispensing device 200A, a model for a small number of people (12 people in the illustrated example) as shown in Figure 21(a), is a vertical type with three cartridge trays 20 and two medication trays 30 arranged vertically. Similarly, medication dispensing device 200B, also a model for a small number of people (12 people in the illustrated example), is a horizontal type with three cartridge trays 20 and two medication trays 30 arranged horizontally, as shown in Figure 21(b). Furthermore, medication dispensing device 200C, a model for a large number of people (36 people in the illustrated example) as shown in Figure 21(c), differs from the models for a small number of people in the number of cartridge trays 20 and medication trays 30, and the positions of the cartridge trays 20 and medication trays 30 are reversed compared to the vertical type shown in Figure 21(a).

[0139] Furthermore, even with the same model of medication dispenser, the type (configuration) of the cartridge tray 20 and medication tray 30 that are set may differ depending on conditions such as the type and size of the drug unit-dose packaging. Moreover, as shown in Figure 22, cartridge trays 20 and medication trays 30 with different configurations (types) may be mixed and set together within the same medication dispenser.

[0140] Thus, because the configuration related to the dispensing operation in each dispensing device changes depending on the model of the dispensing device and the type of cartridge tray 20 or dispensing tray 30, traditionally, each dispensing device required its own dedicated control system. Furthermore, depending on the combination of differences in dispensing device models and types of cartridge trays 20 and dispensing trays 30, the number of dedicated control systems that need to be created can become enormous, resulting in high development costs and management and maintenance costs for the control systems.

[0141] On the other hand, if a common control system is adopted across multiple dispensing devices with different configurations in order to reduce the number of control systems created, it becomes difficult to achieve optimal control for each dispensing device, which may lead to a decline in the quality of dispensing operations in each device. Furthermore, when providing a dispensing device with a new configuration, a dedicated control system must be created from scratch, which may make it difficult to provide dispensing devices quickly.

[0142] The medication support system 300 of this embodiment is designed to solve the problems of QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery). Specifically, in the medication support system 300 according to this embodiment, the management device 210 manages control information for controlling the medication dispensing operations of multiple medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C, each of which has a different configuration related to medication dispensing. In other words, the management device 210 transmits the corresponding control information to each of the multiple medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C, so that each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C controls its medication dispensing operation based on its respective control information.

[0143] The device information management unit 225 of the management device 210 stores setting files containing setting information for setting the control information of multiple drug dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C in its storage unit, associating these files with the multiple drug dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C. As a result, some of the control systems of the multiple drug dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C can be migrated to the external drug dispensing control system 220 of the management device 210 and consolidated in the management device 210. Then, for the control of drug dispensing operations related to configurations that differ among the multiple drug dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C, optimal control for each drug dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C is achieved by setting the control information based on the setting information corresponding to each drug dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C.

[0144] Therefore, the configuration files containing the setting information corresponding to each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C are read and stored in the external medication dispensing control system 220 of the management device 210. The configuration files can be in any file format, such as a file format used in spreadsheet software, CSV format, or text format. Furthermore, multiple sets of setting information for corresponding medication dispensing devices may be included in one configuration file, or the same type of setting information for multiple medication dispensing devices may be included in one configuration file. Alternatively, multiple sets of setting information for corresponding medication dispensing devices may be included in separate configuration files for each set of setting information.

[0145] According to the medication support system 300 of this embodiment, the control system in each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C can be simplified, and each medication dispensing device can optimally perform dispensing operations such as reading medication-related information, removing medication from the cartridge 10, and placing medication into the small boxes 34 on the medication tray 30, in accordance with the control information transmitted from the management device 210, even if there are differences in the model or differences in the cartridge tray 20 or medication tray 30.

[0146] In the medication support system 300 of this embodiment, when a medication dispensing instruction from a user is input to the management device 210, the external medication dispensing control system 220 of the management device 210 first determines whether or not to update the medication-related information in the medication dispensing device (for example, medication dispensing device 200A) that received the medication dispensing instruction. If it is determined in this determination that the medication-related information should be updated, the medication dispensing search system 221 instructs the medication dispensing control unit 224 to update the medication-related information.

[0147] Upon receiving instructions to update medication-related information, the medication dispensing control unit 224 refers to the medication dispensing device information corresponding to the medication dispensing device 200A held in the device information management unit 225 and issues an instruction to the medication dispensing device 200A via the communication control unit 226 to read the medication-related information.

[0148] In this case, the control details for reading medication-related information in the multiple medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C will vary depending on the differences in the configuration of each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C.

[0149] Specifically, when reading the QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to each cartridge 10 on the cartridge tray 20 or to the pack 2 stored in each cartridge 10, the movement of the carriage 50 equipped with the medication-related information reading unit 65 (QR code reader upper 66, QR code reader lower 67) differs depending on the configuration of the cartridge tray 20 (number and position of the cartridge trays 20 within the medication dispensing device, number and arrangement of the cartridges 10 on each cartridge tray 20, location of the QR code (QR code reading location), etc.).

[0150] Furthermore, when reading the QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to each small box 34 on the medication tray 30, the movement of the carriage 50 equipped with the medication-related information reading unit 65 (QR code reader upper 66, QR code reader lower 67) differs depending on the configuration of the medication tray 30 (number and position of medication trays 30 within the medication dispensing device, number and arrangement of small boxes 34 on each medication tray 30, location of the QR code (location of QR code reading)).

[0151] In this embodiment, the configuration files corresponding to each medication dispenser 200A, 200B, and 200C contain device configuration information (configuration information) including device configuration information showing the configuration of the cartridge tray 20 and the medication tray 30 for each medication dispenser 200A, 200B, and 200C, and the communication destination address of each medication dispenser. When the medication control unit 224 receives an instruction to update medication-related information, it refers to the configuration file corresponding to the medication dispenser 200A to which the instruction pertains and generates control information indicating control content suitable for reading medication-related information in the medication dispenser 200A based on the device configuration information. The medication control unit 224 then issues an instruction to the medication dispenser 200A, via the communication control unit 226, to read the medication-related information along with the generated control information.

[0152] The medication dispensing device 200A receives instructions (including control information for the reading operation) to read medication-related information via the communication control unit 217. The medication dispensing device control unit 216 of the medication dispensing device 200A then controls various motors, etc., according to the received control information to move the carriage 50 to the appropriate position. For example, if the instruction is to read a QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to each cartridge 10 on the cartridge tray 20 or to the pack 2 stored in each cartridge 10, the device controls various motors, etc., according to the received control information to move the carriage 50 to the appropriate position and reads the QR code with the medication-related information reading unit 65 (upper QR code reader 66, lower QR code reader 67) on the carriage 50. Furthermore, for example, if the instruction is to read a QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to each small box 34 on the medication tray 30, the system controls various motors and the like according to the received control information to move the carriage 50 to the appropriate position, and reads the QR code with the medication-related information reading unit 65 (QR code reader upper 66, QR code reader lower 67) on the carriage 50.

[0153] The medication dispensing device control unit 216 acquires medication-related information from the QR code read by the medication-related information reading unit 65 and transmits it to the management device 210 via the communication control unit 217. This medication-related information is received by the external medication dispensing control system 220 via the communication control unit 226 of the management device 210, and sent to the medication dispensing information management system 222 or the pack information management system 223 for management.

[0154] After completing the update of medication-related information in this manner, or after deciding not to update the medication-related information, the medication search system 221 queries the medication information management system 212 and the pack information management system 213 for information about the medication dispensing device 200A for which a dispensing instruction was given. As a result, the medication search system 221 identifies the combination of the storage location of the drug to be dispensed (pack 2) (location of cartridge 10) and the destination of that drug (pack 2) (location of small box 34). The medication search system 211 then notifies the medication control unit 224 of the identified combination.

[0155] The medication dispensing control unit 224 of the management device 210 issues instructions to the medication dispensing device 200A, which has received a medication dispensing instruction, to perform a removal operation to remove pack 2 from the cartridge 10 corresponding to the combination notified by the medication search system 221, and a placement operation to place the removed pack 2 into the small box 34 corresponding to that combination.

[0156] In this case, the control methods for the removal and placement of pack 2 in the multiple medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C will also vary depending on the configuration differences of each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C, similar to the case of the medication-related information reading operation described above.

[0157] Specifically, when removing pack 2 from cartridge 10, the movement of carriage 50 (where to move carriage 50, in what order to move it, etc.) differs depending on the configuration of cartridge tray 20 (number and position of cartridge tray 20 within the dispensing device, number and arrangement of cartridges 10 on each cartridge tray 20, position and method of removing pack 2 from cartridge 10, etc.).

[0158] Furthermore, when placing the removed pack 2 into the compartmentalized box 34, the movement of the carriage 50 (where the carriage 50 is moved, in what order it is moved, etc.) differs depending on the configuration of the dispensing tray 30 (the number and position of the dispensing trays 30 within the dispensing device, the number and arrangement of the compartmentalized boxes 34 on each dispensing tray 30, the position and method of placing the pack 2 into the compartmentalized box 34, etc.).

[0159] In this embodiment, the configuration files corresponding to each dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C contain, as described above, device configuration information indicating the configuration of the cartridge tray 20 and the dispensing tray 30 for each dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C, as well as dispensing device information (configuration information) including the communication destination address of each dispensing device. The dispensing control unit 224 refers to the configuration file corresponding to the dispensing device 200A related to the dispensing instruction from the user and generates control information indicating control content suitable for the retrieval and placement operations of pack 2 in the dispensing device 200A based on the device configuration information. The dispensing control unit 224 then issues instructions to the dispensing device 200A via the communication control unit 226, along with the generated control information, for the retrieval and placement operations of pack 2.

[0160] The dispensing device 200A receives instructions (including control information for the dispensing and placing operations) for the removal and placement of pack 2 via the communication control unit 217. The dispensing device control unit 216 of the dispensing device 200A then controls various motors, etc., according to the received control information to move the carriage 50 to the appropriate position. Specifically, when removing pack 2 from cartridge 10, it controls various motors, etc., according to the received control information for the removal operation to move the carriage 50 to the appropriate position and remove pack 2 from the target cartridge 10. Subsequently, it controls various motors, etc., according to the received control information for the placement operation to move the carriage 50 to the appropriate position and place pack 2 in the target small box 34.

[0161] Subsequently, the medication dispensing device 200A transmits the result of the medication dispensing operation (whether it was successful or unsuccessful, etc.) to the management device 210 via the communication control unit 217. This result of the medication dispensing operation is received by the external medication dispensing control system 220 via the communication control unit 226 of the management device 210, and the above operation is repeated as necessary.

[0162] In the medication support system 300 of this embodiment, the medication search system 221, the medication information management system 222, and the pack information management system 223 are also transferred from the medication dispensing device to the management device 210. However, some of these systems may be provided on the medication dispensing device side. However, by transferring the medication search system 221, the medication information management system 222, and the pack information management system 223 from the medication dispensing device to the management device 210, as in this embodiment, the control systems of the multiple medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C can be simplified, and the above-mentioned QCD problem can be solved.

[0163] Next, we will describe a specific example of the configuration of the cartridge tray 20 and the device configuration information included in the configuration file. Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the removal position (suction position) of pack 2 and the reading position of the QR code on the cartridge tray 20.

[0164] The device configuration information included in the configuration file contains, for each corresponding medication dispenser 200A, 200B, and 200C, information such as the removal position (adsorption position) 251 of pack 2 on the cartridge tray 20, and the reading position 252 of the QR code. These removal (adsorption position) 251 and reading position 252 can have various patterns depending on the configuration of the cartridge tray 20, such as the size, number, and combination of cartridges 10. Since this removal position information and reading position information can be set in the configuration file, the number, size, and positional relationship of cartridges 10 can also be set as appropriate.

[0165] The retrieval position information is used in the corresponding medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C to generate control information for the retrieval operation of removing pack 2 from each cartridge 10 on the cartridge tray 20. The reading position information is used in the corresponding medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C to generate control information for the reading operation of the QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to each cartridge 10 on the cartridge tray 20 or to the pack 2 stored in each cartridge 10.

[0166] Table 1 shows an example of the cartridge removal position information for each cartridge 10 included in the configuration file. [Table 1]

[0167] According to the retrieval position information in the configuration file shown in Table 1, for example, the cartridge 10 is identified by the combination of cartridge tray No., cartridge row, and cartridge column. Then, the position coordinates consisting of X, Y, and Z coordinates following that combination identify the retrieval position 251 of pack 2 for the cartridge 10 identified by that combination. In the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 1, the information for each cartridge 10 is described on a separate line. The position coordinates are the coordinates that indicate the retrieval position 251 of each cartridge 10 within each medication dispenser. By using the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 1, the retrieval position 251 of each cartridge 10 can be identified by referring to the retrieval position information in the configuration file.

[0168] Table 2 shows an example of the reading position information for each cartridge 10 included in the configuration file. [Table 2]

[0169] According to the reading position information in the configuration file shown in Table 2, for example, similar to Table 1, the cartridge 10 is identified by a combination of cartridge tray No., cartridge row, and cartridge column. Then, the X, Y, and Z coordinates that follow that combination identify the reading position 252 of the QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to the cartridge 10 identified by that combination or the pack 2 stored therein. In the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 2, the information for each cartridge 10 is described on a separate line. The position coordinates are the coordinates that indicate the reading position 252 of each cartridge 10 within each medication dispenser. By using the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 2, the reading position information in the configuration file can be referenced to identify the reading position 252 of the QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to each cartridge 10 or the pack 2 stored therein.

[0170] Alternatively, the position coordinates of the retrieval position 251 shown in Table 1 and the position coordinates of the reading position 252 shown in Table 2 may be included in the same column of the same table data, thereby forming a single table data (configuration file).

[0171] Next, we will explain a specific example of the configuration of the medication tray 30 and the device configuration information included in the configuration file. Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the placement position of pack 2 on the dispensing tray 30 relative to the small box 34 and the reading position of the QR code.

[0172] The device configuration information included in the configuration file contains, for each corresponding medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C, placement position information 253 indicating the placement position (sorting position) of pack 2 in each sub-box 34 on the medication tray 30, and reading position information 254 indicating the reading position of the QR code on each sub-box 34. These placement (sorting position) 253 and reading position 254 can have various patterns depending on the configuration of the medication tray 30, such as the size, number, and combination of sub-boxes 34. Since this placement position information and reading position information can be set in the configuration file, the number, size, and positional relationship of the sub-boxes 34 can also be set as appropriate.

[0173] The placement position information is used in the corresponding medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C to generate control information for the placement operation (sorting operation) of placing pack 2 into each of the small boxes 34 on the medication tray 30. The reading position information is used in the corresponding medication dispensing devices 200A, 200B, and 200C to generate control information for the reading operation of the QR code related to medication-related information 6c attached to each of the small boxes 34 on the medication tray 30.

[0174] Table 3 shows an example of the placement information for each sub-box 34 included in the configuration file. [Table 3]

[0175] According to the placement information in the configuration file shown in Table 3, for example, the combination of the dispensing tray No., the row of the dispensing box, and the column of the dispensing box identifies which dispensing box 34 it is. Then, the position coordinates consisting of X, Y, and Z coordinates following that combination identify the placement position 253 of pack 2 in the dispensing box 34 identified by that combination. In the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 3, the information for each dispensing box 34 is described on a separate line. The position coordinates are the coordinates that indicate the placement position 253 of each dispensing box 34 within each dispensing device. By using the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 3, the placement position 253 of each dispensing box 34 can be identified by referring to the placement information in the configuration file.

[0176] Table 4 shows an example of the reading position information for each sub-box 34 included in the configuration file. [Table 4]

[0177] According to the reading position information in the configuration file shown in Table 4, for example, similar to Table 3, the combination of the medication tray No., the row of the sub-box, and the column of the sub-box identifies which sub-box 34 it is. Then, the position coordinates consisting of X, Y, and Z coordinates following that combination identify the reading position 254 of the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c attached to the sub-box 34 identified by that combination. In the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 4, the information for each sub-box 34 is described on a separate line. The position coordinates are the coordinates indicating the reading position 254 of each sub-box 34 within each medication dispensing device. By using the table data consisting of the table shown in Table 4, the reading position information in the configuration file can be referenced to identify the reading position 254 of the QR code related to the medication-related information 6c attached to each sub-box 34.

[0178] Alternatively, the position coordinates of the placement position 253 shown in Table 3 and the position coordinates of the reading position 254 shown in Table 4 may be included in the same column of the same table data, thus forming a single table data (configuration file).

[0179] Next, we will explain a specific example of the configuration of the cartridge tray 20 and the read operation information contained in the configuration file. Figures 25(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing, respectively, an example of the reading sequence of the QR codes corresponding to each cartridge 10 on the cartridge tray 20.

[0180] The reading operation information included in the configuration file contains reading sequence information for each corresponding medication dispenser 200A, 200B, and 200C, for example, reading sequence T1 to T7 of the QR codes corresponding to each cartridge 10 on the cartridge tray 20. The reading sequence T1 to T7 of the QR codes corresponding to each cartridge 10 can have various patterns depending on the configuration of the cartridge tray 20, such as the size, number, and combination of cartridges 10. Since the reading sequence information can be set in the configuration file, it can be set appropriately, including the number, size, and positional relationship of the cartridges 10.

[0181] The example shown in Figure 25(a) is an example of a reading sequence (i.e., the path the carriage 50 moves) for sequentially reading the QR codes of all cartridges 10 on the cartridge tray 20. In the example shown in Figure 25(a), reading of the QR code starts with the cartridge 10 in the 1st column-1st row, and from there, the carriage moves in the X direction (row direction) to read the QR codes of the cartridges 10 in the 2nd to 4th columns of the 1st row (T1). Next, after reading the QR codes up to the last column of the 1st row, the carriage moves in the Y direction (column direction) to the 2nd row (T2). After that, the carriage moves in the X direction (row direction) to read the QR codes of the cartridges 10 in the 4th to 1st columns of the 2nd row (T3). Similarly, after reading the QR codes up to the last column of the 2nd row, the carriage moves in the Y direction (column direction) to the 3rd row (T4). After that, the carriage moves in the X direction (row direction) to read the QR codes of the cartridges 10 in the 1st to 3rd columns of the 3rd row (T5).

[0182] The example shown in Figure 25(a) is a reading sequence that follows a simple rule: move in one direction from one end of a column to the other, read sequentially, then move to the next row and move in the reverse direction to read sequentially from one end of the column to the other. However, it is not limited to this. For example, if you want to perform a continuous reading operation in the column direction, you may use a reading sequence like the one shown in Figure 25(b). In this case, since the size of the cartridge 10 placed in the third row on the cartridge tray 20 is different from the size of the cartridges 10 placed in the first and second rows, a positional shift occurs along the way, and it cannot be controlled by a simple reading sequence.

[0183] Even in such cases, by providing a configuration file that includes reading operation information, it becomes possible to appropriately control the QR code reading operation in a reading order suitable for each configuration, even if the configuration of the cartridge tray 20 varies (for example, even if cartridges 10 of various sizes and types are mixed together).

[0184] Table 5 shows an example of read order information included in the configuration file corresponding to the example in Figure 25(b). Furthermore, when reading the QR codes on each cartridge 10 in the reading order information shown in Table 5, the movement of the carriage 50 is controlled using the reading position information for each cartridge 10 shown in Table 2.

[0185] [Table 5]

[0186] Next, we will explain a specific example of the configuration of the medication tray 30 and the read operation information contained in the configuration file. Figures 26(a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing, respectively, an example of the reading sequence of the QR codes corresponding to each individual box 34 on the medication tray 30.

[0187] The reading operation information included in the configuration file contains reading sequence information for each corresponding medication dispenser 200A, 200B, and 200C, for example, reading sequence T1 to T5 of the QR codes corresponding to each small box 34 on the medication tray 30. The reading sequence T1 to T5 of the QR codes corresponding to each small box 34 can have various patterns depending on the configuration of the medication tray 30, such as the size, number, and combination of the small boxes 34. Since the reading sequence information can be set in the configuration file, it can be set appropriately, including the number, size, and positional relationship of the small boxes 34.

[0188] The example shown in Figure 26(a) is an example of a reading sequence (i.e., the path the carriage 50 moves) for sequentially reading the QR codes of all the small boxes 34 on the medication tray 30. In the example shown in Figure 26(a), the reading of the QR codes begins with the small box 34 in the 1st column-7th row, and from there, the carriage moves in the X direction (row direction) while reading the QR codes of the small boxes 34 from the 6th column to the 1st column of the 1st row (T1). Next, after reading the QR codes up to the last column of the 1st row, the carriage moves in the Y direction (column direction) to the 2nd row (T2). After that, the carriage moves in the X direction (row direction) while reading the QR codes of the small boxes 34 from the 1st column to the 7th column of the 2nd row (T3). Similarly, after reading the QR codes up to the last column of the 2nd row, the carriage moves in the Y direction (column direction) to the 3rd row (T4). Then, while moving in the X direction (row direction), the QR codes of the sub-boxes 34 from the 7th column to the 1st column of the 3rd row are read (T5).

[0189] The example shown in Figure 26(a) is a reading sequence that follows a simple rule: move from one end of a column to the other, reading sequentially, then move to the next row and read sequentially in the reverse direction from one end of the column to the other. However, it is not limited to this. For example, if you want the reading sequence to always proceed from the first column to the seventh column, you can use the reading sequence shown in Figure 26(b).

[0190] By providing a configuration file that includes reading operation information, it becomes possible to appropriately control the QR code reading operation in a reading order suitable for each configuration, even if the configuration of the medication tray 30 varies (for example, even if there is a mixture of small boxes 34 of various sizes and types).

[0191] Table 6 shows an example of read order information included in the configuration file corresponding to the example in Figure 26(b). Furthermore, when reading the QR codes in each sub-box 34 in the reading order according to the reading order information in Table 6, the movement of the carriage 50 is controlled using the reading position information of each sub-box 34 shown in Table 4.

[0192] [Table 6]

[0193] Next, we will describe other specific examples of the configuration of the cartridge tray 20 and the read operation information contained in the configuration file. Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating other examples of the reading sequence of the QR codes corresponding to each cartridge 10 on the cartridge tray 20.

[0194] The example in Figure 27 shows that the reading sequence information included in the configuration file contains skip information that skips the QR code reading operation for cartridges 10 that do not have their QR codes read (skip targets). In this example, the QR codes for cartridges 10 in the first and second rows are not read, and only the QR code for cartridge 10 in the third row is read. Such reading operations may be performed, for example, when the cartridges 10 in the first and second rows are manually placed (sorted) into the small boxes 34.

[0195] In this example, the QR code reading sequence skips the cartridge 10 in the first row, first column, which is the starting position, and moves to the cartridge 10 in the third row, first column (T0). From there, it moves in the X direction (row direction) and reads the QR codes on the cartridges 10 in the first to third columns of the third row (T1).

[0196] Table 7 shows an example of read order information, including skip information, included in the configuration file corresponding to the example in Figure 27. [Table 7]

[0197] The reading order information in the configuration file shown in Table 7 includes skip destination information (skip information) that indicates the reading order number of the destination cartridge, corresponding to the cartridge 10 that will not have its QR code read. According to this, the cartridge 10 in column 1, row 1, which is the starting position for reading, is associated with the reading order number "9" as the skip destination information. Therefore, it is determined that the cartridge 10 in column 1, row 1 is to be skipped, and the QR code for this cartridge 10 will not be read. Then, following the reading order number "9" of this skip destination information, the system moves to the cartridge 10 in column 1, row 3 (T0). The skip destination information corresponding to this cartridge 10 in column 1, row 3 is "0", indicating that it is not to be skipped. Therefore, the QR code reading operation is performed from this cartridge 10 in column 1, row 3, in the predetermined reading order.

[0198] Next, we will describe other specific examples of the configuration of the medication tray 30 and the read operation information contained in the configuration file. Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating other examples of the reading sequence of the QR codes corresponding to each individual box 34 on the medication tray 30.

[0199] The example in Figure 28 shows that the reading order information included in the configuration file contains skip information that skips the QR code reading operation for sub-boxes 34 that do not read QR codes (skip targets). In this example, the QR codes for sub-boxes 34 in the first and second rows are not read, and the QR code for sub-box 34 in the third row is read. Such reading operations may be performed, for example, when packs 2 are manually placed (sorted) into sub-boxes 34 in the first and second rows.

[0200] In this example, the QR code reading sequence skips the starting position, sub-box 34 in column 7-1, moves to sub-box 34 in column 7-3 (T0), and then moves in the X direction (row direction) to read the QR codes in sub-box 34 from column 7 to column 1 of row 3 (T1).

[0201] Table 8 shows an example of read order information, including skip information, included in the configuration file corresponding to the example in Figure 28. [Table 8]

[0202] The reading order information in the configuration file shown in Table 8 includes skip destination information (skip information) that indicates the reading order number of the skip destination, corresponding to the sub-box 34 that will be skipped and whose QR codes will not be read. According to this, the sub-box 34 in column 7-1, which is the starting position for reading, is associated with the reading order number "15" as the skip destination information. Therefore, it is determined that the sub-box 34 in column 7-1 is to be skipped, and the QR code for this sub-box 34 will not be read. Then, according to the reading order number "15" of this skip destination information, the system moves to the sub-box 34 in column 7-3 (T0). The skip destination information corresponding to this sub-box 34 in column 7-3 is "0", indicating that it is not to be skipped. Therefore, the QR code reading operation is performed in the predetermined reading order starting from this sub-box 34 in column 7-3.

[0203] The various setting information exemplified in Tables 1-8 above may be combined into a single setting file, each in its own separate setting file, or further divided into more detailed setting files. In addition, the setting file may also include setting items other than the various setting information exemplified in Tables 1-8 above (for example, carriage movement control information such as carriage speed, acceleration, and deceleration of carriage 50, destination information when reading special QR codes, and information on movement in the event of an abnormal operation), and these setting items may also be freely modifiable.

[0204] Figure 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example where each medication dispensing device (200A, 200B, 200C) has its own set of settings in a single configuration file. For example, if there are only a few models (types) of medication dispensing devices (200A, 200B, 200C), such as three types, the number of configuration files will not be very large. In such cases, creating one configuration file for each medication dispensing device (200A, 200B, 200C), as shown in Figure 29, has the advantage of simplifying the management and operation of the configuration files.

[0205] Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which various setting information for each medication dispensing device 200A, 200B, and 200C is divided into a common setting file for all medication dispensing devices and individual setting files for each device. In the example in Figure 30, medication dispensing devices 200A and 200B, both models for small groups (12 people in the illustrated example), have common setting information. Therefore, this common setting information is combined into a common setting file 261, and the remaining setting information is divided into individual setting files 262A and 262B. In this example, medication dispensing device 200C also has two setting files 263 and 264, corresponding to this information division.

[0206] In this way, consolidating common configuration information into a single common configuration file 261 makes it easier to modify common configuration information. Furthermore, it becomes possible to standardize configuration files for each type and characteristic of configuration information, which has the added benefit of making it easier to create detailed settings.

[0207] The above is just one example; each of the following embodiments produces its own unique effects. [First aspect] The first embodiment is a medication support system 300 including a medication support device (e.g., a dispensing device 200) that performs a dispensing operation in which a drug pack 2 stored in a storage unit (e.g., a cartridge tray 20) is transferred to a corresponding drug placement unit (e.g., a dispensing tray 30) for dispensing, and includes a plurality of medication support devices (e.g., dispensing devices 200A, 200B, 200C) having configurations that differ from each other in their configurations related to the dispensing operation, and a management device 210 that is communicably connected to the plurality of medication support devices and manages control information for controlling the dispensing operation of each of the plurality of medication support devices. The management device is characterized in that it includes a storage unit (for example, the storage unit of the device information management unit 225) that stores setting information for setting control information for dispensing operations relating to the different configurations of the plurality of medication support devices in association with the plurality of medication support devices, and a transmission unit (for example, the dispensing control unit 224 and the communication control unit 226) that transmits corresponding control information to each of the plurality of medication support devices, and the plurality of medication support devices have a control unit (for example, the dispensing device control unit 216) that controls the dispensing operation based on the control information transmitted from the management device. Traditionally, for multiple medication dispensing support devices with different configurations, it has been necessary to individually construct a control system tailored to each configuration. Creating a dedicated control system for each of these devices increases the number of control systems required, leading to higher development, management, and maintenance costs. On the other hand, adopting a common control system across these devices to reduce the number of systems required makes it difficult to achieve optimal control for each device, potentially leading to a decline in the quality of medication dispensing. In the medication support system according to this embodiment, a management device is provided to manage control information for controlling the medication dispensing operation of multiple medication support devices, each having a different configuration related to medication dispensing. The management device transmits corresponding control information to each of the multiple medication support devices, so that each medication support device controls its medication dispensing operation based on its respective control information. The management device stores setting information for setting control information for medication dispensing operations related to different configurations among the multiple medication support devices in a memory unit, associated with the multiple medication support devices. As a result, at least a portion of the control system parts of each control system in the multiple medication support devices can be transferred from the multiple medication support devices to the management device and consolidated in the management device. Then, for controlling medication dispensing operations related to different configurations among the multiple medication support devices, optimal control for each medication support device is achieved using the setting information corresponding to the multiple medication support devices.

[0208] [Second aspect] The second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the management device has a setting information changing unit (for example, a device information management unit 225) for changing the setting information. According to this, the settings information stored in the memory unit can be changed to appropriately modify the control content of the medication dispensing operation.

[0209] [Third aspect] The third embodiment is characterized in that, in the first or second embodiment, the plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the storage unit configuration differs from one another, and the setting information includes removal operation information for controlling the operation of removing the medicine pack from the storage unit. According to this, in two or more medication support devices with different storage compartment configurations, at least a portion of the control system for the retrieval operation of medication packs from the storage compartment is transferred from the two or more medication support devices to a management device and consolidated in the management device. Then, optimal control of the retrieval operation for each medication support device is realized using the retrieval operation information for controlling this retrieval operation.

[0210] [Fourth aspect] The fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to third embodiments, the plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the configuration of the drug placement unit differs from one another, and the setting information includes placement operation information for controlling the operation of placing the drug pack into the drug placement unit. According to this, in two or more medication support devices with different drug placement unit configurations, at least a portion of the control system for the placement operation of drug packs into the drug placement unit is transferred from the two or more medication support devices to a management device and consolidated in the management device. Then, optimal control of the placement operation for each medication support device is achieved using placement operation information to control this placement operation.

[0211] [Fifth aspect] The fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the plurality of medication support devices are equipped with an information reading unit (for example, a medication-related information reading unit 65, an upper QR code reader 66, and a lower QR code reader 67) that reads medication-related information 6c (for example, a QR code) attached to the storage unit or the medicine pack stored in the storage unit, and that the information reading unit performs a dispensing operation for the medicine pack stored in the storage unit based on the medication-related information read by the information reading unit, the plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the storage unit configuration differs from one another, and the setting information includes reading operation information for controlling the operation in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information. According to this, in two or more medication support devices with different storage unit configurations, at least a portion of the control system for reading medication-related information attached to the storage unit or the medication pack stored in the storage unit is transferred from the two or more medication support devices to a management device and consolidated in the management device. Then, optimal control of the reading operation for each medication support device is realized using the reading operation information for controlling this reading operation.

[0212] [Sixth aspect] The sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the fifth aspect, the reading operation information includes at least one of the information of the position and reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information. This enables optimal control of the reading operation for each medication support device.

[0213] [Seventh aspect] The seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the sixth aspect, the reading operation information includes information on the reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information, and the reading order information includes skip information that skips reading operations for the storage unit or the medicine packs stored in the storage unit that the information reading unit does not read. According to this, even for complex reading operations that skip reading from storage units that the information reading unit does not read during the reading sequence, optimal control can be achieved for each medication support device.

[0214] [8th aspect] The eighth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to seventh embodiments, the plurality of medication support devices are equipped with information reading units (for example, medication-related information reading unit 65, QR code reader upper 66, QR code reader lower 67) that read medication-related information 6c (for example, a QR code) attached to the drug placement unit, and that the information reading units perform a dispensing operation for the drug packs stored in the storage unit based on the medication-related information read by the information reading units, the plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the configuration of the drug placement unit differs from one another, and the setting information includes reading operation information for controlling the operation of the information reading units to read the medication-related information. According to this, at least a portion of the control system for reading medication-related information attached to medication placement in two or more medication support devices with different drug placement configurations is transferred from the two or more medication support devices to a management device and consolidated in the management device. Then, optimal control of the reading operation for each medication support device is realized using the reading operation information for controlling this reading operation.

[0215] [Ninth aspect] The ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, the reading operation information includes at least one of the information of the position and reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information. This enables optimal control of the reading operation for each medication support device.

[0216] [Tenth aspect] The tenth embodiment is characterized in that, in the ninth embodiment, the reading operation information includes information on the reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information, and the reading order information includes skip information that skips reading operations for the drug placement unit that the information reading unit does not read. According to this, even for complex reading operations that skip reading the drug placement section which the information reading unit does not read during the reading sequence, optimal control can be achieved for each medication support device.

[0217] [Phase 11] The eleventh embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to tenth embodiments, the setting information includes operation information (for example, retrieval operation information, placement operation information, and reading operation information) for controlling two or more operations included in the medication dispensing operation of the medication support device, and the storage unit stores the operation information for controlling the two or more operations in a single file. According to this, file management and operation can be simplified.

[0218] [12th aspect] The twelfth embodiment is characterized in that, in any of the first to eleventh embodiments, the setting information includes operation information (for example, retrieval operation information, placement operation information, reading operation information) for controlling two or more operations included in the medication dispensing operation of the medication support device, the plurality of medication support devices include two or more medication support devices in which some of the configurations related to the medication dispensing operation are common to each other, and the setting information for control information for controlling operations corresponding to the some configurations common to the two or more medication support devices is stored in the storage unit in correspondence with the same setting information among the two or more medication support devices. This makes it easier to modify the settings for control information used to control the operation corresponding to a common configuration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0219] 2: Medicine pack 6a~6c: Medication-related information 7: Label 10: Cartridge 11: Case section 17: Pack removal opening 20: Cartridge tray 30: Medication tray 34: Small compartment boxes 50: Carriage 51: Adsorption part 65: Medication-related information reading unit 66: On the QR code reader 67: Below the QR code reader 70: Cartridge detection sensor 80: Drawer section 90: Transfer section 200,200',200A,200B,200C:Medication device 210: Management device 211: Medication Search System 212: Medication Dispensing Information Management System 213: Pack Information Management System 214: Medication Dispensing Control Unit 215: Display Management System 216: Medication Dispensing Device Control Unit 217: Communication Control Unit 220: External medication dispensing control system 221: Medication Search System 222: Medication Dispensing Information Management System 223: Pack Information Management System 224: Medication Dispensing Control Unit 225:Device information management department 226: Communication Control Unit 251: Extraction position 252: Reading position 253: Placement position 254: Reading position 261,262A,262B,263,264: Configuration files 300: Medication support system [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0220] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-93708

Claims

1. A medication support system including a medication support device that performs a medication dispensing operation, which involves transferring medication packs stored in a storage unit to a corresponding medication dispensing unit, This includes multiple medication support devices, each having a configuration that differs from the others in its configuration related to the medication dispensing operation. The system includes a management device that is communicatively connected to the aforementioned plurality of medication support devices and manages control information for controlling the medication dispensing operation of each of the plurality of medication support devices, The management device includes a storage unit that stores setting information for setting control information for medication dispensing operations related to the different configurations of the plurality of medication support devices, and a transmission unit that transmits the corresponding control information to each of the plurality of medication support devices. The medication support system is characterized in that the plurality of medication support devices each have a control unit that controls the medication dispensing operation based on control information transmitted from the management device.

2. In the medication support system according to claim 1, The management device is a medication support system characterized by having a setting information changing unit for changing the setting information.

3. In the medication support system according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the configuration of the storage unit differs from one another. The medication support system is characterized in that the setting information includes retrieval operation information for controlling the operation of removing the medicine pack from the storage unit.

4. In the medication support system according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the configuration of the drug placement section differs from one another. The medication support system is characterized in that the setting information includes placement operation information for controlling the operation of placing the medicine pack into the medicine placement unit.

5. In the medication support system according to claim 1 or 2, The plurality of medication support devices include an information reading unit that reads medication-related information attached to the storage unit or the medication packs stored in the storage unit, and performs a medication dispensing operation for the medication packs stored in the storage unit based on the medication-related information read by the information reading unit. The aforementioned plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the configuration of the storage unit differs from one another. The medication support system is characterized in that the setting information includes reading operation information for controlling the operation of the information reading unit to read the medication-related information.

6. In the medication support system according to claim 5, The medication support system is characterized in that the reading operation information includes at least one of the following: the position and the reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information.

7. In the medication support system according to claim 6, The aforementioned reading operation information includes information on the reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information. A medication support system characterized in that the reading order information includes skip information that skips reading operations for the storage unit or the medicine packs stored in the storage unit that the information reading unit does not read.

8. In the medication support system according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned plurality of medication support devices include an information reading unit that reads medication-related information attached to the medication placement unit, and based on the medication-related information read by the information reading unit, it performs a medication dispensing operation for the medication packs stored in the storage unit. The aforementioned plurality of medication support devices include medication support devices in which the configuration of the drug placement section differs from one another. The medication support system is characterized in that the setting information includes reading operation information for controlling the operation of the information reading unit to read the medication-related information.

9. In the medication support system according to claim 8, The medication support system is characterized in that the reading operation information includes at least one of the following: the position and the reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information.

10. In the medication support system according to claim 9, The aforementioned reading operation information includes information on the reading order in which the information reading unit reads the medication-related information. A medication support system characterized in that the information regarding the reading order includes skip information that skips reading operations for the drug placement unit that the information reading unit does not read.

11. In the medication support system according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned setting information includes operation information for controlling two or more operations included in the medication dispensing operation of the medication support device, The medication support system is characterized in that the storage unit stores operation information for controlling the two or more operations in a single file.

12. In the medication support system according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned setting information includes operation information for controlling two or more operations included in the medication dispensing operation of the medication support device, The aforementioned plurality of medication support devices include two or more medication support devices in which some of the components related to the medication dispensing operation are common to each other. A medication support system characterized in that, with respect to the setting information for controlling the operation corresponding to the certain configuration that is common to the two or more medication support devices, the same setting information is stored in the storage unit among the two or more medication support devices.

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