Device

Abstract

To efficiently dispense prescribed medications. [Solution] When the dispensing control device (800) receives a cancellation notice from the drug station to stop dispensing, it transmits a dispensing instruction for the prescription drug whose dispensing has been stopped to the tablet packaging machine (300) or dispensing assist device (600). When the dispensing control device receives a cancellation notice from the tablet packaging machine or dispensing assist device to stop dispensing, it transmits a dispensing instruction for the prescription drug whose dispensing has been stopped to the drug station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug dispensing system and the like.

Background Art

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

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

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic drug supply device including a drug picking unit having a plurality of dispensing units to which a drug storage cassette conveyed from a cassette shelf is dispensed. Each of the plurality of dispensing units has a drug outlet for taking in and out drugs and an opening / closing cover capable of opening and closing the drug outlet. In this automatic drug supply device, by controlling so that only the opening / closing cover of the dispensing unit to which the drug storage cassette is dispensed is in an open state, even when a plurality of drug storage cassettes are dispensed to the drug picking unit, it is possible to surely take out a desired drug.

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

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Documents 4 and 5 disclose dispensing inspection devices for inspecting the appropriateness of dispensing. The dispensing inspection device in Patent Document 4 detects the number of drugs by imaging the drugs to be inspected, which are placed on a display stand, from three or more predetermined points in the rotational direction of the display stand. The dispensing inspection device in Patent Document 5 detects the number of drug sheets from images taken of drug sheets placed on a display stand using an imaging device, and detects the number of drugs contained in fractional sheets placed on another display stand from images taken of fractional sheets using another imaging device. This allows for the detection of the total number of drugs placed on the two display stands. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 047487 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-79642 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6424217 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-220911 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-127407 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Patent documents 1 to 5 do not disclose any process for preventing fractional amounts containing only one drug. One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a drug dispensing device that can dispense drug sheets with safety in mind. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A drug dispensing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a guide unit that guides the operator to the number of drug sheets containing multiple drugs and the number of fractional sheets cut out from the drug sheets as the number of drugs to be taken out, and a control unit that determines whether the remainder is 1 when a specified number, which is the quantity of drugs to be taken out from a cassette containing drugs, is divided by the number of drug sheets contained in one of the drug sheets, and when the control unit determines that the remainder is 1, it guides the guide unit to take out fractional sheets containing two or more drugs from the cassette. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a drug dispensing device can dispense drugs while taking safety into consideration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a drug dispensing system. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a drug station. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a drug station. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the main components of a drug station. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of a cassette structure that can be stored in a cassette rack. [Figure 6] This figure shows a perspective view of an example of the main unit and a schematic example of the main unit cassette transfer section. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of how to store cassettes. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing an example of the cassette gripping mechanism. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an example of the operation of the cassette gripping mechanism. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the main unit and the picking unit. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing an example of a picking unit. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a picking cassette transfer unit. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the gripping operation of the cassette by the first picking cassette transfer unit. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the operations of the first picking cassette transfer unit and the second picking cassette transfer unit. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the first shutter. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the payout control device. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing another example of the processing of the payout control device. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the control device. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the processing example shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] It is a plan view schematically showing an example of the arrangement of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing an example of the second detection unit. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the second detection unit. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing an example of the image displayed on the second touch panel. [Figure 24] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 25] It is a diagram for explaining the quantity reference data. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing an example of the drug list image. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing an example of the image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 28] It is a diagram showing an example of the image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 29] It is a diagram showing an example of the payout image, deletion determination image, and hold determination image displayed on the second touch panel. [Figure 30] It is a diagram showing an example of the hold details list image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 31]This figure shows an example of a confirmation image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 32] This figure shows an example of a guidance image displayed on the second touch panel. [Figure 33] This figure shows an example of a filling image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 34] This figure shows an example of a list of filling agents included in the filling image in Figure 33. [Figure 35] This table explains how to manage information regarding the feasibility of filling cassettes, lot numbers, and expiration dates. [Figure 36] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a drug station. [Figure 37] This figure shows an example of a payout selection image displayed on the first touch panel. [Figure 38] This figure shows an example of a filling image displayed on the first touch panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] [Basic configuration] <Medication Dispensing System> The drug dispensing system 100 related to this implementation will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the drug dispensing system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0013] The drug dispensing system 100 is a system that dispenses medications based on prescription data. The drug dispensing system 100 includes, for example, a drug station 1, a prescription input device 200, a tablet packaging machine 300, a powder packaging machine 400, a PTP dispensing device 500, a dispensing assistance device 600, and a dispensing control device 800 as devices used for dispensing based on prescription data. In addition, the drug dispensing system 100 includes a drug shelf 700. In the following description, the tablet packaging machine 300, the powder packaging machine 400, the PTP dispensing device 500, and the dispensing assistance device 600 may be referred to as various devices. The drug station 1, the various devices, and the drug shelf 700 are installed, for example, in a hospital or pharmacy.

[0014] The prescription input device 200 is a device that receives input of information about medications prescribed to patients by a physician (e.g., the type of medication (e.g., drug name, drug identification information), dosage (number of medications), and method of administration). The prescription input device 200 transmits the information about the prescribed medications as prescription data to the dispensing control device 800. The prescription input device 200 may also issue a prescription with the information about the prescribed medications printed on it. The prescription may also be issued by the dispensing control device 800, which will be described later. In addition, the prescription input device 200 and the dispensing control device 800 may issue dispensing instruction slips corresponding to the drug station 1 and the various devices described above, instead of a prescription. The dispensing instruction slips are printed with the information included in the dispensing data, which will be described later, created by the dispensing control device 800.

[0015] The above prescription data may include information about medications prescribed to each of multiple patients, and in this case, the information may be aggregated for each of the multiple patients. Furthermore, the prescription input device 200 may divide the information about the prescribed medications into predetermined prescription periods (e.g., 1 day) and generate prescription data for each predetermined prescription period.

[0016] The dispensing control device 800 controls the dispensing of drugs in the drug dispensing system 100. For example, the dispensing control device 800 determines whether to use the drug station 1 or one of the above-mentioned devices to dispense the drug indicated in the prescription data received from the prescription input device 200. The drug indicated in the prescription data is the drug prescribed to the patient and may be called the prescribed drug. The dispensing control device 800 comprises a control unit 801 and a storage unit 802.

[0017] The control unit 801 controls all parts of the dispensing control device 800. The control unit 801 includes a decision unit 811 and a transmission / reception unit 812. The decision unit 811 determines which device to use to dispense the medication indicated in the prescription data. The transmission / reception unit 812 receives prescription data from the prescription input device 200, or notifications from the drug station 1 or various devices. Based on the result determined by the decision unit 811, the transmission / reception unit 812 transmits dispensing data, including information about the medication to be dispensed (information indicating the type of medication, etc.), to the drug station 1 or various devices. The dispensing data can also be considered prescription data transmitted to the drug station 1 or various devices.

[0018] The storage unit 802 stores, for example, various programs used by the control unit 801, and a drug database (drug master) that manages information about multiple types of drugs stored in the drug station 1. This drug information includes, for example, the type of drug (e.g., drug name, drug identification information), expiration date, and lot number. The storage unit 802 also stores, for example, drug databases that manage information about multiple types of drugs stored in the tablet packaging machine 300, and drug databases that manage information about multiple types of drugs stored in the powder packaging machine 400. The drug station 1, tablet packaging machine 300, and powder packaging machine 400 also store their respective drug databases.

[0019] The dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database stored in the storage unit 802 when the drug database stored in the storage unit of the drug station 1 is updated. Specifically, when there is a change in the types of drugs stored in the drug station 1, the dispensing control device 800 receives information indicating the change from the drug station 1. Based on this information, the dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database of the drug station 1 stored in the storage unit 802. The dispensing control device 800 may also update the drug database stored in the storage unit 802 when the drug station 1 is started up. Similarly, the dispensing control device 800 updates the drug database of the tablet packaging machine 300 or the powder packaging machine 400.

[0020] Drug Station 1 is a device (first drug dispensing device, drug dispensing device) that dispenses drugs stored within Drug Station 1. The specific configuration of Drug Station 1 will be described later.

[0021] The tablet packaging machine 300, powder packaging machine 400, and PTP dispensing device 500 are examples of second-party drug dispensing devices (pharmaceutical equipment) that dispense drugs. The tablet packaging machine 300 is a device that dispenses drugs indicated by the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., tablets stored in the tablet packaging machine 300. The powder packaging machine 400 is a device that dispenses drugs indicated by the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., powders stored in the powder packaging machine 400. The PTP dispensing device 500 is a device that dispenses drugs indicated by the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, i.e., PTP (Press Through Package) sheets (drug sheets) containing the drugs stored in the PTP dispensing device 500.

[0022] The dispensing assistance device 600 is a device that assists in dispensing drugs from drug shelves 700 where drugs are stored. The dispensing assistance device 600 displays information such as the type of drug shown in the dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800. This allows healthcare professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, or doctors, and workers at drug station 1, to retrieve drugs from drug shelves 700. Workers at drug station 1 are those who retrieve drugs from drug station 1 and are unqualified individuals who do not possess the qualifications of a pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. However, workers may be qualified individuals who possess such qualifications. In the following explanation, healthcare professionals who are qualified, such as pharmacists, nurses, or doctors, may be simply referred to as users.

[0023] <Drug Station> Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an example configuration of the drug station 1. Figure 2 is a view of the main unit 2 from the front, and Figure 3 is a view of the main unit 2 from the rear. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the drug station 1.

[0024] Drug Station 1 is a device for storing, filling, and dispensing pharmaceuticals. As shown in Figures 2-4, Drug Station 1 comprises a main unit 2 and a picking unit 3.

[0025] (Main unit) The main unit 2 is a unit for storing pharmaceuticals. Specifically, the main unit 2 functions as a pharmaceutical storage rack capable of storing multiple cassettes Ca containing pharmaceuticals. The main unit 2 is a device that transfers the stored cassettes Ca to the picking unit 3 using the main cassette transfer unit 22 (22a and 22b shown as reference numerals 6001 and 6002 in Figure 6). The main unit 2 is also a device that transfers the cassettes Ca returned from the picking unit 3 to their original storage location. In other words, the main unit 2 functions as a cassette handling device that stores multiple cassettes Ca and transfers and receives cassettes Ca to and from the picking unit 3.

[0026] The main unit 2 can store a variety of drugs (e.g., approximately 1500 to 2000 types) that are expected to be used in a single facility such as a hospital or pharmacy. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 stores drugs such as drug sheets (e.g., PTP sheets), topical drugs such as ointments or eye drops, or powders. The main unit 2 may also store ampoules or vials that contain drugs. In this specification, drugs other than drug sheets (drugs in forms other than drug sheets) include topical drugs such as ointments or eye drops, powders, and ampoules or vials that contain drugs. The main unit 2 may store any drug that can be stored in the main unit 2.

[0027] The main unit 2 includes a cassette shelf 21, a main cassette transfer unit 22, and a cassette holding unit 23.

[0028] The cassette shelf 21 is a drug storage shelf capable of storing multiple cassettes Ca. In this embodiment, the cassette shelf 21 is capable of storing cassettes Ca of different sizes (types). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of cassettes Ca that can be stored in the cassette shelf 21, where reference numeral 5001 is a perspective view showing an example of a large cassette Ca1, reference numeral 5002 is a perspective view showing an example of a medium-sized cassette Ca2, and reference numeral 5003 is a perspective view showing an example of a small cassette Ca3. Also, reference numeral 5004 in Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a large cassette Ca1.

[0029] Reference numeral 5001 indicates that the large cassette Ca1 is provided with partitions Ca11 that form multiple locations for storing drugs. This allows multiple types of drugs to be stored in a single large cassette Ca1. In this embodiment, the large cassette Ca1 has four partitions Ca11, forming five drug storage areas (storage positions). The medium cassette Ca2 is smaller than the width (length in the shorter direction) of the large cassette Ca1, but larger than the width of the small cassette Ca3. Reference numeral 5002 indicates that the medium cassette Ca2 is also provided with partitions Ca21 (in this embodiment, two storage areas are formed).

[0030] Furthermore, the small cassette Ca3 may also be provided with a partition to form multiple storage areas. Alternatively, the large cassette Ca1 and medium cassette Ca2 may not be provided with partitions, and both may function as cassettes capable of storing one type of drug sheet. The partition Ca11 is also removable from the cassette Ca. Therefore, in the large cassette Ca1, the size and number of storage areas can be arbitrarily set. In addition, the types of cassette Ca are not limited to three types; two or four or more types of cassettes with different widths may be prepared, or there may be just one type.

[0031] In this way, by providing partitions in each of the multiple types of cassette Ca, multiple storage areas for containing drugs can be formed in the cassette Ca.

[0032] Furthermore, a claw receiving portion Ca12 is provided on the side wall (longitudinal end) extending in the short direction of the large cassette Ca1. The claw receiving portion Ca12 engages with the claw portion 2212 (see Figure 8) of the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the projection portion 351a (see reference numeral 12002 in Figure 12) of the picking cassette transfer unit 35. By the claw receiving portion Ca12 engaging with the claw portion 2212 or projection portion 351a, the main cassette transfer unit 22 and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 enable the removal or placement of the cassette Ca onto the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding unit 23.

[0033] Furthermore, a notch Ca13 is provided in the claw receiving portion Ca12. By detecting the position of the notch Ca13 with the position sensor 2214 (see Figure 8), the main cassette transfer unit 22 can move the cassette gripping portion 221 (see Figure 8) directly in front of the large cassette Ca1 to be transferred. Therefore, the large cassette Ca1 can be reliably removed.

[0034] Furthermore, two claw-receiving portions Ca12, located at both ends of the large cassette Ca1 in the longitudinal direction, are each equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag (not shown). Each RFID tag contains claw-receiving portion identification information for identifying each claw-receiving portion Ca12.

[0035] The orientation of the cassette Ca when it is placed on the drug dispensing unit 32 differs depending on whether the cassette Ca is removed from one side of the claw receiving unit Ca12 or from the other side of the claw receiving unit Ca12. When a single cassette Ca contains multiple types of drugs, such as the large cassette Ca1, the positional relationship of the drugs relative to the drug dispensing unit 32 changes depending on the orientation in which it is placed. Therefore, if the control device 10 cannot recognize the orientation in which it is placed, it may not be able to open the shutter 322 according to the storage position of the drug to be removed.

[0036] As described above, by recording the claw receiver identification information and providing an RFID reader (not shown) in the main cassette transport unit 22 (e.g., cassette pull-out unit 2211 (see Figure 8)), the control device 10 can determine the orientation of the cassette Ca when it is removed from the cassette shelf 21, based on the claw receiver identification information read from the RFID tag by the RFID reader. Accordingly, the control device 10 can open the shutter 322 in the drug dispensing unit 32 according to the storage position of the drug sheet to be removed.

[0037] Furthermore, the claw receiver Ca12, notch Ca13, and RFID tag are also provided on the medium-sized cassette Ca2 and the small cassette Ca3. In other words, they are provided on all cassettes Ca stored in the cassette shelf 21.

[0038] Furthermore, the RFID reader may be provided on the picking cassette transfer section 35 (e.g., projection 351a). In this case, when the cassette Ca is removed from the transfer cassette holding section 231 (state indicated by reference numeral 13003 in Figure 13), the control device 10 can determine the orientation of the cassette Ca based on the claw receiver identification information read by the RFID reader from the RFID tag, as described above.

[0039] Furthermore, each cassette Ca is provided with a barcode Ca14. The barcode Ca14 includes, for example, cassette identification information for identifying the cassette Ca, and size information indicating the size (type) of the cassette Ca (information indicating whether it is a large cassette Ca1, a medium cassette Ca2, or a small cassette Ca3). The barcode Ca14 is just an example; it is sufficient that the above information is attached to each cassette Ca so that it can be read by a barcode reader (not shown) provided on the cassette gripping unit 221, etc. By reading the information on the barcode Ca14, the control device 10 can compare the information with the data stored in the storage unit 15 (described later). Therefore, for example, the main cassette transfer unit 22 can reliably retrieve the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed, or the cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled. Also, for example, the control device 10 can open the shutter 322 when the above comparison result, the above information and the above data, match.

[0040] The main cassette transfer unit 22 transfers cassettes Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding unit 23. When dispensing medication, the main cassette transfer unit 22, for example, takes a cassette Ca containing the medication included in the dispensing data from the cassette shelf 21 and transfers it to the cassette holding unit 23. The main cassette transfer unit 22 then transfers the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 (cassettes Ca returned from the picking unit 3 after a specified number of medications have been taken from the picking unit 3) to the cassette shelf 21. Furthermore, when filling medication, the main cassette transfer unit 22 takes a cassette Ca containing the type of medication indicated by the medication identification information read by the barcode reader 34 from the cassette shelf 21 and transfers it to the cassette holding unit 23. The main cassette transfer unit 22 then transfers the cassette Ca (a cassette Ca that has been filled with chemicals in the picking unit 3 and returned from the picking unit 3) placed on the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette shelf 21.

[0041] By providing the main cassette transfer unit 22, it is possible to take a cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 and transfer it to the picking unit 3, and also return the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21.

[0042] The cassette holding section 23 is a buffer that temporarily holds cassettes Ca transferred from the cassette shelf 21 or the picking unit 3. The cassette holding section 23 includes a transfer cassette holding section 231 and a receiving cassette holding section 232. The transfer cassette holding section 231 temporarily holds cassettes Ca that are taken out from the cassette shelf 21 and transferred to the drug dispensing section 32 of the picking unit 3. The receiving cassette holding section 232 temporarily holds cassettes Ca that are returned from the drug dispensing section 32 to the receiving cassette shelf 21. In other words, the transfer cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 each function as a temporary resting platform for cassettes Ca.

[0043] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is equipped with a first touch panel 5. The first touch panel 5 is a display device that shows various information related to the drug station 1, and also functions as an input device that accepts input operations from the operator. However, the first touch panel 5 may function only as a display device.

[0044] Furthermore, the main unit 2 is provided with multiple doors 25 (opening / closing doors) on both the front and back. Users can directly access the cassette shelf 21 by opening the doors 25. Figure 3 shows a state in which a door 25 located on a part of the back is open. The doors 25 may be transparent or semi-transparent so that the cassette shelf 21 can be seen from outside the main unit 2.

[0045] Figures 2 and 3 show a configuration in which one picking unit 3 is provided on the front side of the main unit 2, but the system is not limited to this configuration, and multiple picking units 3 may be provided. Although not shown in the figures, this specification will describe the system assuming that two picking units 3 are provided.

[0046] (Picking unit) The picking unit 3 is a device that dispenses the chemicals stored in the main unit 2. To enable the dispensing of chemicals, the picking unit 3 functions as a device for an operator to perform the picking operation of retrieving chemicals. Furthermore, the picking unit 3 functions as a device for an operator to perform the filling operation of filling the main unit 2 with chemicals. In other words, the picking unit 3 functions as a device (a chemical handling device that enables operators to handle chemicals) for an operator to retrieve chemicals from cassette Ca stored in the main unit 2 or to fill said cassette Ca with chemicals.

[0047] The picking unit 3 includes a second touch panel 31, a drug dispensing unit 32, a barcode reader 34, a picking cassette transfer unit 35, a printer 36, a drug placement table 37, a tray placement table 38, and a tray closing button 39. These components are installed on the workbench 40 where the worker handles the drugs.

[0048] The picking unit 3 transfers the cassette Ca, which has been moved from the main unit 2, to the drug receiving unit 32 using the picking cassette transfer unit 35. The operator, while checking the display contents of the second touch panel 31, takes the drug from the cassette Ca that has been moved to the drug receiving unit 32 and places it into the transport tray Tr placed on the drug placement stand 37 or the tray placement stand 38. The drug placed on the drug placement stand 37 is ultimately placed into the transport tray Tr.

[0049] The user transports the transport tray Tr containing the drug to the inspection unit. The inspection unit is a unit for the user to perform a final inspection of the drug dispensed from the main unit 2. Drug station 1 may include the inspection unit in addition to the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3. The user is responsible for filling the drug into the cassette Ca.

[0050] The second touch panel 31, like the first touch panel 5, displays various information related to the drug station 1 and accepts input operations from the operator. When a drug is removed from a cassette Ca (when a drug is dispensed), the second touch panel 31 displays, for example, the type and quantity of drug that the operator should remove from the drug receiving unit 32. The second touch panel 31 also accepts input operations when filling a cassette Ca with a drug, for example, by specifying the type of drug to be filled or the cassette Ca containing that drug.

[0051] The drug dispensing unit 32 allows an operator to take a drug out of the cassette Ca or to put a drug into the cassette Ca (enabling the exchange of drugs by the operator). When the cassette Ca contains a drug sheet containing multiple drugs, the drug dispensing unit 32 allows an operator to take out the entire drug sheet or a part of it from the cassette Ca, or to put the entire drug sheet or a part of it into the cassette Ca.

[0052] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, a fractional sheet refers to a drug sheet that has been cut from the entire drug sheet (full sheet) containing the specified quantity of drug. A drug sheet refers to either the entire drug sheet or the entire drug sheet or a portion thereof (fractional sheet).

[0053] In this embodiment, the drug transfer unit 32 includes an opening 321 and a shutter 322. The opening 321 is an opening that allows an operator to access the cassette Ca transferred to the drug transfer unit 32 (to remove or fill (inject) the drug). The shutter 322 is provided on the opening 321 and controls the operator's access to the cassette Ca. The shutter 322 is an opening and closing unit that opens and closes the opening 321. The shutter 322 is normally in a closed state and opens when the cassette Ca is transferred to the drug transfer unit 32. The opening width of the shutter 322 can be changed according to the cassette Ca that is to be removed or filled (injected) with the drug.

[0054] The shutter 322 comprises a first shutter 322a and a second shutter 322b. The first shutter 322a opens and closes in the Y-axis direction, while the second shutter 322b opens and closes in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first shutter 322a (in the X-axis direction). The first shutter 322a is controlled to open and close in accordance with the size of the storage area of ​​the cassette Ca, as will be described later using Figure 15. This control allows the operator to access only the storage area containing the drug to be dispensed. The second shutter 322b is also controlled to open and close in accordance with the size of cassette Ca of various widths (e.g., large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, small cassette Ca3). This control reduces the possibility of the drug taken out of the cassette Ca by the operator falling through the gap formed in the X-axis direction (short side direction of the drug dispensing section 32) between the cassette Ca and the first shutter 322a. The opening and closing operations of the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b may be performed simultaneously, or one of them may be performed first.

[0055] The barcode reader 34 is a device that reads the barcode attached to the drug when the drug is being filled into the cassette Ca. The barcode includes, for example, a GS1 code attached to the drug sheet itself, a package containing multiple drug sheets (pillow packaging), a package containing multiple units of packaged powdered medicine in pillow packaging, or a box containing such packaging. The barcode may also include a GS1 code attached to a box containing drugs other than drug sheets (e.g., ointment, eye drops). The barcode only needs to contain drug identification information for identifying the drug, and the GS1 code is one example of this. In other words, the picking unit 3 only needs to be equipped with a reader capable of reading drug identification information. In this embodiment, the barcode reader 34 is attached to the corner of the workbench 40 so as not to interfere with the drug picking or filling work performed by the worker on the workbench 40.

[0056] The picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca between the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3 (specifically, between the cassette holding unit 23 and the drug dispensing unit 32). This allows the cassette Ca to be taken out of the main unit 2 and transferred to the drug dispensing unit 32, and at the same time, returned to the main unit 2.

[0057] For example, when dispensing medication, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca (the cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding unit 231) that is to be dispensed or filled with medication in the medication receiving unit 32 to the medication receiving position P1 (see Figure 13) of the medication receiving unit 32. If a cassette Ca is located at the medication receiving position P1, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the next cassette Ca to be dispensed or filled with medication to a standby position P2 (see Figure 13) located near the medication receiving unit 32 and puts it on standby. The picking cassette transfer unit 35 also transfers the cassette Ca from which medication has been dispensed in the medication receiving unit 32 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232.

[0058] Printer 36 outputs printed materials such as journals containing information about the drugs extracted from cassette Ca (e.g., type of drug, number of drugs extracted).

[0059] The drug placement platform 37 is a placement section on which drugs are placed in order to count the number of drugs. The drug placement platform 37 may also function as a fractional placement section on which fractional sheets are placed in order to count the number of drugs contained in fractional sheets. The fractional sheets may be cut from drug sheets taken out of cassette Ca in the drug dispensing unit 32, or they may be taken out of cassette Ca. In addition, drug sheets (full sheets) may be placed on the drug placement platform 37. In this case, the drug placement platform 37 functions as a fractional placement section on which drug sheets are placed in order to count the number of drugs contained in drug sheets. The drug placement platform 37 may have one fractional sheet placed on it, or multiple fractional sheets placed on it. Similarly, the drug placement platform 37 may have one drug sheet placed on it, or multiple drug sheets placed on it.

[0060] In this embodiment, an imaging unit 371 is provided above the drug placement platform 37 to image the fractional sheet, drug sheet, or combination of fractional sheet and drug sheet placed on the drug placement platform 37. Below the drug placement platform 37, a backlight 372 (illumination unit) is provided to illuminate the drug placement platform 37. When the imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet or fractional sheet placed on the drug placement platform 37, the backlight 372 lights up, illuminating the drug sheet or fractional sheet from the opposite side of the direction in which the imaging unit 371 images the drug.

[0061] Furthermore, an imaging unit 371 may be provided below the drug placement platform 37, and an illumination unit may be provided above the drug placement platform 37. In this case, the area on the drug placement platform 37 where the drug is placed may be transparent or semi-transparent so that the imaging unit 371 can acquire the shape of the drug.

[0062] For example, when the drug station 1 is started up, the control device 10 turns on the backlight 372 and puts the imaging unit 371 into imaging mode. In this case, while the drug station 1 is running, the imaging unit 371 continues to image the drug placement tray 37 regardless of whether a fractional sheet (or a full sheet of drug) is placed on the drug placement tray 37. If no fractional sheet is placed on the drug placement tray 37, the imaging unit 371 does not acquire an image of the drug, and therefore the control device 10 does not perform drug counting processing based on the acquired image. In other words, the control device 10 performs drug counting processing based on the acquired image only when a fractional sheet is placed on the drug placement tray 37 and the imaging unit 371 acquires an image of the fractional sheet.

[0063] However, the control device 10 may, for example, turn on the backlight 372 and capture images of at least the remaining sheets with the imaging unit 371 when it receives an input operation indicating that the specified number of items have been dispensed (e.g., when it detects that the tray close button 39 has been pressed). In other words, in this case, the control device 10 turns on the backlight 372 and sets the imaging unit 371 to capture images only when it receives the above input operation. The specified number is the number of drugs to be dispensed from the cassette Ca transferred from the main unit 2 to the drug dispensing unit 32. The specified number of each drug is specified, for example, in the dispensing data received from the dispensing control device 800. In addition, the specified number of drugs to be dispensed may be specified by an input operation by the operator.

[0064] The tray placement platform 38 is a platform on which the transport tray Tr into which the drugs taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32 are loaded is placed. The tray placement platform 38 also functions as a drug placement unit for placing drugs in order to count the number of drugs taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32. When drug sheets are taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32, the tray placement platform 38 functions as a sheet placement unit for placing drug sheets in order to count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheets. The tray placement platform 38 is equipped with a sensor 381 and a weighing unit 382.

[0065] Sensor 381 detects the transport tray Tr placed on the tray mounting base 38. In this embodiment, sensor 381 is a through-type sensor in which one end is a light source and the other end is a light detection unit that detects light emitted from the light source. When a through-type sensor is used, the presence or absence of the transport tray Tr can be recognized with high accuracy. However, a reflective type sensor that detects light emitted from the light source and reflected by the transport tray Tr placed on it may also be used. In this embodiment, sensor 381 is provided on both side walls of the tray mounting base 38.

[0066] The weighing unit 382 weighs the drug placed in the transport tray Tr, which is placed on the tray mounting base 38. The weighing unit 382 may weigh, for example, drug sheets, or a combination of drug sheets and fractional sheets. The weighing unit 382 is located below the bottom of the tray mounting base 38. For example, a load cell may be used as the weighing unit 382.

[0067] Alternatively, the memory unit 15 may not store the weight per transport tray Tr, and the weighing unit 382 may calculate the weight of the chemicals placed on the tray stand 38 by performing a tare. Specifically, after the transport tray Tr is placed on the tray stand 38, the weighing unit 382 performs a tare. After the operator places the chemicals into the transport tray Tr, the weighing unit 382 can weigh only the weight of those chemicals.

[0068] The tray close button 39 is a mechanical operation button that, when pressed by an operator, switches the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b from the open state to the closed state. The tray close button 39 has an illumination function and may illuminate at the time of switching from the open state to the closed state.

[0069] Furthermore, the upper surface of the workbench 40 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. To facilitate the removal or filling of chemicals into the cassette Ca by the worker, the upper surface is inclined to be lower from the main unit 2 side toward the worker's standing position (in the -Y axis direction).

[0070] In this embodiment, the user transports the transport tray Tr containing the drugs to the inspection unit in the drug station 1. However, the drug station 1 may also be equipped with a tray transport unit, and the transport tray Tr may be automatically transported from the picking unit 3.

[0071] (Control device) The control device 10 controls each unit of the drug station 1. The control device 10 comprises a main unit control unit 11, a picking unit control unit 12, a touch panel control unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0072] The main unit control unit 11 controls all parts of the main unit 2. The main unit control unit 11 includes, for example, a cassette identification unit 111, a main unit cassette transfer control unit 112 (transfer control unit), a position identification unit 113, a cassette management unit 114, and a drug management unit 115. The position identification unit 113, the cassette management unit 114, and the drug management unit 115 will be described in one of the embodiments described later.

[0073] The cassette identification unit 111 identifies the cassette Ca to be taken from the cassette shelf 21 based on the dispensing data, the operator's input operation to the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31, or the reading result of the barcode reader 34. The cassette identification unit 111 also identifies the orientation of the cassette Ca based on the claw receiver identification information read by the RFID reader.

[0074] The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the drive of the main cassette transfer unit 22. Specifically, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to transfer the cassette Ca identified by the cassette identification unit 111 to the receiving cassette holding unit 231. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 also transfers the cassette Ca placed on the receiving cassette holding unit 232 back to its storage position (original position).

[0075] When controlling the main cassette transfer unit 22 based on the dispensing data, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 transfers the cassette Ca containing the drug included in the dispensing data, which has been identified by the cassette identification unit 111, to the transfer cassette holding unit 231. Subsequently, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 of the picking unit 3 transfers the cassette Ca that has been transferred from the drug receiving unit 32 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232 to the storage location of the cassette Ca.

[0076] The picking unit control unit 12 controls all parts of the picking unit 3. The picking unit control unit 12 includes, for example, a picking cassette transfer control unit 121 (transfer control unit), a shutter control unit 122, a drug determination unit 124, a identification unit 125, and an image acquisition unit 126. The identification unit 125 and the image acquisition unit 126 will be described in one of the embodiments described later.

[0077] The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the drive of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 based on the dispensing data, the operator's input operation to the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31, or the reading result of the barcode reader 34. When controlling the picking cassette transfer unit 35 based on the dispensing data, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca, which is the target of the drug retrieval included in the prescription data, to the drug dispensing position P1 or the standby position P2.

[0078] The shutter control unit 122 controls the opening and closing operation of the shutter 322. The shutter control unit 122 independently controls the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b.

[0079] The drug determination unit 124 determines, based on the image of the drug captured by the imaging unit 371, whether the specified number of drugs defined by the dispensing data are placed on the drug placement platform 37. In the case of drug sheets, the drug determination unit 124 determines, based on the image of the fractional sheets captured by the imaging unit 371, whether the quantity of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets out of the specified number are placed on the drug placement platform 37. The drug determination unit 124 also determines, based on the weight of the drugs weighed by the weighing unit 382, ​​whether the specified number of drugs defined by the dispensing data are placed on the tray placement platform 38. In the case of drug sheets, the drug determination unit 124 determines, based on the weight of the drug sheet (full sheet) weighed by the weighing unit 382, ​​whether the quantity of drugs to be dispensed as drug sheets (full sheets) out of the specified number are placed on the tray placement platform 38. In other words, the drug determination unit 124 functions as a counting unit that counts the number of drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37 and / or the number of drugs placed on the tray placement stand 38.

[0080] If the drug to be dispensed is a drug contained in a drug sheet, the drug determination unit 124 may, for example, analyze the image to identify the shape of the fractional sheet placed on the drug placement stand 37. Based on this shape and the fractional sheet size per drug (size of a fractional sheet containing only one tablet of drug) stored in the storage unit 15 for each drug type, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet. An example of the counting method in this case will be described in Embodiment 2.

[0081] Furthermore, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs included in the fractional sheets based, for example, on the shape, the number of drug sheets included in one drug sheet (full sheet) stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type, and the area of ​​one drug sheet stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type. The number of drug sheets is a number defined as the number of drugs included in one drug sheet (the number obtained by multiplying the number of drugs included in the vertical direction of the drug sheet by the number of drugs included in the horizontal direction of the drug sheet). In this case, for example, the drug determination unit 124 may calculate the ratio of the area of ​​the shape to the area of ​​the drug sheet and count the number of drugs included in the fractional sheets by multiplying this ratio by the number of drug sheets.

[0082] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 may store information indicating the length of the ear portion ER (see Figure 19), and information indicating the sum of the length of the ear portion ER and the length of the fractional sheet containing one drug adjacent to the ear portion ER (indicated as "ERA" in Figure 19). The drug determination unit 124 can use this information to count the number of drugs included in the fractional sheet, taking the ear portion ER into consideration.

[0083] Furthermore, the storage unit 15 may store information indicating the length (vertical or horizontal) of fractional sheets containing a predetermined number of adjacent drugs on a single drug sheet. In this case, the drug determination unit 124 can count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheets based on the shape and the length of the fractional sheets.

[0084] Furthermore, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in the drug sheets placed on the tray stand 38 based on the weight of the drug sheets measured by the weighing unit 382 and the weight per drug sheet for each type of drug stored in the memory unit 15. For example, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the measured weight of the drug sheet by the weight per drug sheet by the number of drugs per sheet.

[0085] Furthermore, when a drug sheet (full sheet) is placed on the drug placement stand 37, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet based on the above image. The drug determination unit 124 may also count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet based on the shape of the drug sheet identified by analyzing the above image and the number of drugs per sheet. For example, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet based on the shape of the drug sheet identified by analyzing the above image and the fractional sheet size.

[0086] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 only needs to store the information necessary according to the counting method performed by the drug determination unit 124.

[0087] Furthermore, in the case of medications that are not in the form of medication sheets (e.g., ointments, eye drops), the medication determination unit 124 can count the number of medications as follows: The medication determination unit 124 may, for example, count the number of medications placed on the tray stand 38 based on the weight of the medication measured by the weighing unit 382 and the weight of each individual medication for each type of medication stored in the memory unit 15.

[0088] The drug determination unit 124 determines that the drug to be dispensed has been properly removed from cassette Ca if it determines that the number of drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37, the number of drugs placed on the tray placement stand 38, or the total number thereof matches the specified number.

[0089] Here, there are, for example, a first counting mode and a second counting mode for counting the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet.

[0090] When set to the first counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs for fractional sheets placed on the drug placement platform 37 based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 371. For drug sheets placed on the tray placement platform 38, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs based on the weight of the drug sheet measured by the weighing unit 382. If the counting results match the number of drugs that should be placed on each, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the number of drugs taken out by the operator matches the specified number. When the touch panel control unit 14 displays the result of this match on the second touch panel 31, the operator confirms this display, bundles the drug sheets and fractional sheets with a rubber band, and places them into the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement platform 38. Furthermore, if the drug determination unit 124 is configured to bundle multiple drug sheets placed on the tray base 38 with rubber bands, it calculates the weight of the drug sheets placed in the transport tray Tr by subtracting the weight of each rubber band from the weight of the drug sheets.

[0091] Furthermore, when set to the second counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs in the fractional sheets placed on the drug placement platform 37 based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 371. If the number of drugs included in the fractional sheets matches the number of drugs to be placed on the drug placement platform 37, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the result of the match on the second touch panel 31. After confirming this display, the operator bundles the drug sheets taken from the cassette Ca and the fractional sheets taken from the drug placement platform 37 with a rubber band and places them into the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement platform 38. The weighing unit 382 measures the total weight of the bundled drug sheets and fractional sheets after they are placed on the tray placement platform 38. Based on the measurement results from the weighing unit 382, ​​the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the specified number of drugs have been placed into the transport tray Tr.

[0092] The drug determination unit 124 calculates the weight by subtracting, for example, the weight of one rubber band from the measured weight, the weight of one drug to be dispensed (the weight of a fractional sheet containing one drug) multiplied by the number of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets, and the weight of the drug sheets placed in the transport tray Tr. The drug determination unit 124 then calculates the weight of the drug sheets placed in the transport tray Tr. The drug determination unit 124 determines that the specified number of drugs have been placed in the transport tray Tr if the weight of these drug sheets is approximately equal to (or within the margin of error of) the weight of one drug sheet multiplied by the number of drug sheets to be dispensed. The drug determination unit 124 may also determine whether the measured weight is approximately equal to the sum of the weight of the drug sheets and fractional sheets corresponding to the drugs to be dispensed, stored in the storage unit 15, and the weight of one rubber band, also stored in the storage unit 15.

[0093] In the first counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the number of drug sheets and fractional sheets taken out from the drug transfer unit 32 are appropriate, based on the weighing result from the weighing unit 382 and the imaging result from the imaging unit 371, respectively. Therefore, the drug determination unit 124 can accurately determine the appropriateness. However, in the first counting mode, the determination result from the drug determination unit 124 is output before the drug sheets and fractional sheets are bundled together with a rubber band and placed into the transport tray Tr. Therefore, it is left to the operator to remember to bundle the drug sheets and fractional sheets together with a rubber band and place them into the transport tray Tr after confirming that the above numbers are appropriate.

[0094] In the second counting mode, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the specified number of drugs have been placed in the transport tray Tr after the operator has bundled the drug sheet and the remaining sheets with a rubber band and placed them in the transport tray Tr. This reduces the possibility that the operator may forget to bundle the drug sheet and the remaining sheets with a rubber band and place them in the transport tray Tr. However, weighing by the weighing unit 382 is performed with the drug sheet and the remaining sheets bundled with a rubber band. Therefore, the counting accuracy based on weighing may be lower compared to the first counting mode (when only the drug sheet is placed in the transport tray Tr before weighing by the weighing unit 382).

[0095] The first counting mode and the second counting mode can be selected as appropriate at the hospital or other facility where the drug station 1 will be delivered. The decision of which of the first and second counting modes to set may be made based on which is more important at the delivery location: the reliability of the process of bundling the drug sheets and fractional sheets together with rubber bands and placing them into the transport tray Tr, or the reliability of the counting accuracy based on the weighing by the weighing unit 382.

[0096] In the first counting mode, the weighing unit 382 may measure the weight of the drug sheets and any remaining sheets bundled with rubber bands after they have been placed on the tray support platform 38, and the drug determination unit 124 may determine, based on the measurement results, whether or not the specified number of drugs have been placed on the transport tray Tr.

[0097] The touch panel control unit 14 controls the display of the first touch panel 5 and the second touch panel 31.

[0098] For example, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the number of drugs to be dispensed by the operator on the second touch panel 31. For drugs that are not drug sheets, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a specified number as the number of drugs to be dispensed by the operator. For drug sheets, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the number of drug sheets (full sheets) and the number of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets as the number of drugs to be dispensed by the operator. Alternatively, the touch panel control unit 14 may display the total number of drug sheets and the number of drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets (i.e., the specified number). With such a display, the operator can place the specified number of drugs on the drug placement stand 37 and / or tray placement stand 38. For example, the operator can put a predetermined number of drug sheets into a transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement stand 38 and place fractional sheets containing the predetermined number of drugs on the drug placement stand 37.

[0099] Here, the control device 10 determines whether the drug to be dispensed is a drug included in a drug sheet or not, based on information stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type, indicating whether or not the drug is included in a drug sheet.

[0100] If the drug to be dispensed is a drug contained in a drug sheet, the control device 10 calculates the number of drug sheets and fractional sheets to be dispensed based on the specified number and, for example, the fractional sheet size or the number of drugs per sheet stored in the memory unit 15 for each drug type. For example, if the number of drugs specified in one drug sheet is 10 and the specified number is 32, the control device 10 calculates that there will be 3 drug sheets to be dispensed and 2 drugs to be dispensed as fractional sheets. The touch panel control unit 14 displays this calculation result on the second touch panel 31. Subsequently, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the sum of the number of drugs placed on the drug placement stand 37 by the operator and the number of drugs placed in the transport tray Tr on the tray placement stand 38 by the operator matches the specified number.

[0101] If the drug determination unit 124 determines that there is a match, it determines that the drug to be dispensed has been properly removed from the cassette Ca. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a message via the second touch panel 31 indicating that the drug has been properly removed. After the operator sees this message, they press the tray close button 39 to close the shutter 322. As a result, the control device 10 transports the cassette Ca containing the next drug to be dispensed to the drug receiving unit 32. On the other hand, if the drug determination unit 124 determines that there is no match, it determines that the drug to be dispensed has not been properly removed from the cassette Ca. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 displays an error message via the second touch panel 31 indicating that the drug has not been properly removed. These controls are the same even when the drug to be dispensed is not a drug sheet.

[0102] Here, we consider the case where, while the drug station 1 is running, the imaging unit 371 continues to image the drug placement tray 37 regardless of whether a fractional sheet is placed on the tray. In this case, the imaging unit 371 images the fractional sheet each time a fractional sheet is placed on the drug placement tray 37, and the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet based on the image. If a fractional sheet containing less than the quantity of drugs to be dispensed is placed on the drug placement tray 37, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the counted number of drugs does not match the quantity to be dispensed. However, the touch panel control unit 14 does not display this determination result on the second touch panel 31. In other words, in this case, the operator is not notified (an error message is displayed) that the quantity of drugs to be dispensed has not been properly taken out. On the other hand, if a fractional sheet containing the quantity of medication to be dispensed is placed on the medication stand 37, the medication determination unit 124 determines that the counted number of medications matches the quantity of medication to be dispensed, and the touch panel control unit 14 displays this determination result on the second touch panel 31. In other words, in this case, the operator is notified that the quantity of medication to be dispensed has been properly dispensed. After displaying the determination result, the control device 10 automatically moves on to the next process (step). Furthermore, if a fractional sheet containing more medication than the quantity to be dispensed is placed on the medication stand 37, the medication determination unit 124 determines that the counted number of medications does not match the quantity of medication to be dispensed, and the touch panel control unit 14 displays this determination result on the second touch panel 31. In other words, in this case, the operator is notified (an error message is displayed) that the quantity of medication to be dispensed has not been properly dispensed.

[0103] Furthermore, the control device 10 may be able to set, based on user input, an allowable mode that permits fractional sheets containing only one drug to be placed on the drug placement stand 37, and a non-allowable mode that does not permit this. In this case, the control device 10 may change the method of counting the number of drugs depending on whether the allowable mode or the non-allowable mode is selected.

[0104] The memory unit 15 stores various data required by the control device 10. For example, the memory unit 15 stores standard data specifying the fractional sheet size or the number of drug sheets per drug type, data indicating the weight per drug unit, and data indicating the weight per drug sheet, for each drug type. The memory unit 15 also stores data indicating the weight per rubber band. If a drug is included in a drug sheet, data indicating the weight of the fractional sheet containing one drug may be stored for each drug type as the weight per drug unit. Furthermore, the memory unit 15 stores information, for example, specifying whether or not a drug is included in a drug sheet, for each drug type. In addition, the memory unit 15 stores, for example, (1) Data relating cassette identification information to the storage location of cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21, (2) Data relating the cassette identification information of cassette Ca (or storage location information indicating the storage location in cassette Ca) to the drug identification information, (3) Type information indicating the type of each cassette Ca, I remember that.

[0105] The type information may include, for example, information indicating whether it is a large cassette Ca1, a medium cassette Ca2, or a small cassette Ca3. The storage location information may specify, for example, the storage location from one end of the cassette Ca (e.g., the distance from that end).

[0106] Furthermore, the memory unit 15 stores images captured by the imaging unit 371. This allows for the recording of evidence related to the picking operation.

[0107] (Example of operation of Drug Station 1) The following describes an example of the operation of the drug station 1 according to this embodiment.

[0108] (Actions taken when dispensing medication) First, when dispensing data is read into the drug station 1, the main cassette transfer unit 22 of the main unit 2 grasps the cassette Ca containing the drug to be prescribed (dispensed, retrieved) from among the cassette Ca stored in the main unit 2 and places it on the cassette holding unit 23.

[0109] Cassette Ca, placed on the cassette holding unit 23, is transferred to the drug receiving unit 32 by the picking cassette transfer unit 35. The operator checks the second touch panel 31 and takes a specified number of drugs from cassette Ca at the drug receiving unit 32. The operator places the taken drugs into the transport tray placed on the drug placement stand 37 and / or tray placement stand 38. Subsequently, the control device 10 determines whether a specified number of drugs have been placed into the drug placement stand 37 or transport tray Tr, based on the imaging results from the imaging unit 371 and the drug weighing results from the weighing unit 382.

[0110] If the medication to be dispensed is in the form of a medication sheet, it is bundled into a predetermined shape with a rubber band and placed into a transport tray on the tray mounting base 38. The predetermined shape refers to, for example, the following shape.

[0111] (1) If there is one or more drug sheets, the specified shape refers to the planar shape of the drug sheet.

[0112] (2) If only fractional sheets are provided, the specified shape refers to the planar shape of the fractional sheets.

[0113] (3) When one or more drug sheets and fractional sheets are bundled together, the prescribed shape refers to the planar shape when one or more fractional sheets are placed on top of one or more drug sheets. For example, when dispensing 22 tablets of a drug consisting of 10 tablets per drug sheet, the prescribed shape is a shape in which two drug sheets are stacked on top of each other and fractional sheets for 2 tablets are placed on top of them.

[0114] Once all the medications to be placed in a single transport tray are placed inside, the user transports the transport tray Tr to the inspection unit, where a final inspection is performed. The number of medications to be placed in a single transport tray Tr may be specified, for example, in the dispensing data, or it may be determined by the control device 10 based on the dosage and method of administration, etc. The number of medications may be specified, for example, as the number of medications prescribed to the patient (i.e., the number of medications per patient).

[0115] (Actions taken when filling with medication) First, the user uses the barcode reader 34 to input the drug identification information of the drug to be filled into the main unit 2 into the drug station 1. Upon receiving this drug identification information, the main cassette transfer unit 22 in the main unit 2 transfers the cassette Ca to be filled to the cassette holding unit 23 based on the drug identification information.

[0116] In the picking unit 3, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 to the drug dispensing unit 32. The user puts the drug into the cassette Ca that has been transferred to the drug dispensing unit 32. Once the drug has been placed into the cassette Ca (for example, when the completion operation is received on the second touch panel 31), the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca back to the cassette holding unit 23. Subsequently, in the main unit 2, the main unit cassette transfer unit 22 returns the cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette shelf 21.

[0117] <Structure of the main unit> Next, the specific structure of the main unit 2 will be described using Figures 6 to 10. In Figure 6, reference numeral 6001 is a perspective view showing an example of the main unit 2, and reference numeral 6002 is a diagram showing an example of the general configuration of the main cassette transfer unit 22. Figure 7 shows an example of cassette Ca storage.

[0118] (Cassette shelf and cassette transport section) As shown by reference numerals 6001 and 6002 in Figure 6, the cassette rack 21 can store cassettes Ca in a matrix along a vertical plane. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the cassette rack 21 includes a plurality of cassette mounting plates 211 on which cassettes Ca are placed, and mounting plate support parts 212 that support each cassette mounting plate 211.

[0119] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the same type of cassette Ca is placed on each cassette mounting plate 211. In other words, the width of the cassette mounting plate 211 (length in the X-axis direction) and the widths of the large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, and small cassette Ca3 are defined so that the same type of cassette Ca can be placed on each cassette mounting plate 211. In the example in Figure 7, the same type of cassette Ca is placed on each cassette mounting plate 211, but this is not limited to this, and the two widths may be defined so that different types of cassette Ca can be placed on them.

[0120] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 6001, the cassette shelf 21 is provided with a first cassette shelf 21a and a second cassette shelf 21b facing each other. The main cassette transfer unit 22 is provided between the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b. The figure shows an example in which the main cassette transfer unit 22 is provided with a first main cassette transfer unit 22a and a second main cassette transfer unit 22b.

[0121] The main cassette transfer unit 22, under the control of the main cassette transfer control unit 112, retrieves a cassette Ca stored in the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b and places it on the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 231). The main cassette transfer unit 22 also retrieves a cassette Ca placed on the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 232) and returns it to the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b. This enables the retrieval or return of cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21, which stores cassette Ca in a row along a vertical plane. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the first main cassette transfer unit 22a and the second main cassette transfer unit 22b independently.

[0122] Furthermore, as shown by reference numerals 6001 and 6002, the first main body cassette transfer unit 22a includes a first cassette gripping unit 221a and a first cassette transfer mechanism 222a. Similarly, the second main body cassette transfer unit 22b includes a second cassette gripping unit 221b and a second cassette transfer mechanism 222b.

[0123] The first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b, under the control of the main cassette transfer control unit 112, pull out and grip the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the receiving cassette holding unit 232). The first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b also move vertically and / or horizontally to transfer the gripped cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 or the cassette holding unit 23 (specifically, the transfer cassette holding unit 231) and place it on the cassette shelf 21 or the transfer cassette holding unit 231.

[0124] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the cassette gripping section 221 (first cassette gripping section 221a and second cassette gripping section 221b). Also, reference numerals 9001 to 9003 in Figure 9 indicate an example of operation of the cassette gripping section 221. As shown in Figure 8, the cassette gripping section 221 includes a cassette pulling section 2211, a claw section 2212, a cassette support section 2213, a position sensor 2214, and a rotation drive section 2215.

[0125] As shown in Figure 8, the cassette pull-out section 2211, under the control of the main cassette transfer control section 112, pulls the cassette Ca placed on the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23 into the cassette gripping section 221. The cassette pull-out section 2211 is slidably supported by a rail (not shown) that extends in the depth direction of the cassette gripping section 221 below the cassette gripping section 221, and moves in that depth direction. This allows for the pull-out of the cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23, and the transfer of the cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23.

[0126] The claw portion 2212 is a member for hooking onto the claw receiving portion Ca12 provided on the cassette Ca. As shown by reference numeral 9001 in Figure 9, when the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned in front of the cassette Ca to be moved, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette pull-out portion 2211 so that the claw portion 2212 is positioned below the claw receiving portion Ca12, as shown by reference numeral 9002 in Figure 9. Subsequently, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 raises the cassette gripping portion 221. This temporarily locks the claw portion 2212 into the claw receiving portion Ca12. In this state, as shown by reference numeral 9003 in Figure 9, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette pull-out portion 2211 back to its original position, thereby pulling the cassette Ca into the cassette gripping portion 221.

[0127] When placing the gripped cassette Ca onto the cassette shelf 21 or cassette holding section 23, the reverse operation is performed compared to when the cassette Ca is pulled in. That is, in the state shown by reference numeral 9003, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette gripping section 221 to the position where the cassette Ca should be placed, and then moves the cassette pull-out section 2211 in front of the cassette gripping section 221, as shown by reference numeral 9002. After that, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 lowers the cassette gripping section 221, thereby releasing the temporary lock between the claw section 2212 and the claw receiving section Ca 12. After that, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette pull-out section 2211 back to its original position, as shown by reference numeral 9001.

[0128] Returning to Figure 8, the cassette support section 2213 supports the cassette Ca that has been pulled out by the cassette pull-out section 2211.

[0129] The position sensor 2214 detects when the cassette gripping part 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca to be moved. The position sensor 2214 includes, for example, a light-emitting part that emits light and a light-receiving part that receives said light. As described above, the cassette Ca is provided with a notch Ca 13. The stopping position of the cassette gripping part 221 and the storage position (placement position) of the cassette Ca are positioned such that, when the cassette gripping part 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca to be moved, the light emitted from the position sensor 2214 illuminates the notch Ca 13.

[0130] Therefore, when the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca, light is shone onto the notch Ca13, and the light receiving portion does not receive any light. In this case, the position sensor 2214 detects that the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca. On the other hand, when the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned at a location offset from directly in front of the cassette Ca, light is not shone onto the notch Ca13, but rather onto the wall surface of the claw receiving portion Ca12, and the light receiving portion receives the light reflected from that wall surface. In this case, the position sensor 2214 cannot detect that the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca. Therefore, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the cassette gripping portion 221 so that the position sensor 2214 detects that the cassette gripping portion 221 is positioned directly in front of the cassette Ca. In other words, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 finely adjusts the position of the cassette gripping unit 221 so that the light emitted by the position sensor 2214 illuminates the notch Ca13, and the unit is in a position where it does not receive light. This allows the cassette gripping unit 221 to reliably pull out the cassette Ca.

[0131] The rotary drive unit 2215 rotates the cassette gripping unit 221 (specifically the cassette pulling unit 2211) with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation, so that the cassette gripping unit 221 can be moved to the first cassette shelf 21a, the second cassette shelf 21b, or the cassette holding unit 23.

[0132] Specifically, the rotary drive unit 2215, under the control of the main cassette transfer control unit 112, rotates the cassette gripping unit 221 so that the cassette pulling unit 2211 faces the placement position of the cassette Ca while the cassette gripping unit 221 is moving to or after it has moved to the placement position of the cassette Ca. This makes it possible to remove the cassette Ca from the placement position or to place the cassette Ca into the placement position.

[0133] For example, the rotary drive unit 2215 rotates the cassette gripping unit 221 so that the cassette pull-out unit 2211 faces the storage position of the cassette Ca to be removed in the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b, and then pulls out the cassette Ca from that storage position. This makes it possible to remove the cassette Ca from either the first cassette shelf 21a or the second cassette shelf 21b, which are arranged along different vertical planes.

[0134] Returning to reference numerals 6001 and 6002 in Figure 6, the first cassette transfer mechanism 222a comprises a first beam section 223a and a first support section 224a. Similarly, the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b comprises a second beam section 223b and a second support section 224b.

[0135] The first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b each extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the cassette shelf 21 and slidably support the first support section 224a and the second support section 224b. The first support section 224a and the second support section 224b each extend in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cassette shelf 21 and slidably support the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b.

[0136] Furthermore, the first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b are provided separated by a predetermined width. This predetermined width is set to allow the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b to move along the width direction of the cassette shelf 21. In addition, the predetermined width is set to prevent collision between the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b and the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b even when they rotate with the vertical direction as their axis of rotation. By setting the predetermined width as small as possible, the main unit 2 can be made smaller.

[0137] The main cassette transfer control unit 112 moves the first support column 224a along the first beam 223a and moves the first cassette gripping portion 221a along the first support column 224a (the same applies to the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b). As a result, the desired cassette Ca can be moved between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding portion 23.

[0138] Furthermore, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the movement (position) of the first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b so that they do not collide with each other.

[0139] Specifically, as described above, the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b are supported in a cantilevered manner on the first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b, which are spaced a predetermined width apart. The first cassette transfer mechanism 222a and the second cassette transfer mechanism 222b are controlled so as not to interfere with each other in the movable area of ​​the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b (the area between the first beam section 223a and the second beam section 223b). Therefore, the first cassette gripping section 221a and the second cassette gripping section 221b can move between the cassette shelf 21 (storage position for cassette Ca) and the cassette holding section 23 without colliding with each other.

[0140] Therefore, the multiple cassette gripping parts 221 enable the transfer of cassette Ca between the cassette shelf 21 and the cassette holding part 23, thereby improving the transfer efficiency of cassette Ca.

[0141] Furthermore, the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b do not necessarily have to be positioned facing each other; they only need to be arranged so that the vertical planes for storing the cassettes Ca are different from each other. This arrangement makes it possible to save space in the storage area for a large number of cassettes Ca. However, by arranging the first cassette shelf 21a and the second cassette shelf 21b facing each other, it is possible to store cassettes Ca at a higher density while saving even more space. The number of cassette shelves 21 may be one, or it may be three or more.

[0142] Furthermore, the number of main cassette transfer units 22 is not limited to two; it may be one or three or more. However, by providing a first main cassette transfer unit 22a and a second main cassette transfer unit 22b, and by moving the first cassette gripping unit 221a and the second cassette gripping unit 221b so as not to collide with each other, it becomes possible to efficiently transfer cassettes Ca in the main unit 2, which is large capacity and compact.

[0143] (Cassette holder) As shown by reference numeral 6001 in Figure 6, the cassette holding section 23 includes a first cassette holding section 23a, a second cassette holding section 23b, a third cassette holding section 23c, and a fourth cassette holding section 23d. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 is provided with two picking units 3. Each picking unit 3 is provided with two drug dispensing sections 32 (a total of four). The first cassette holding section 23a, the second cassette holding section 23b, the third cassette holding section 23c, and the fourth cassette holding section 23d are provided to correspond to each of the four drug dispensing sections 32. Thus, it is sufficient to provide one cassette holding section 23 for each drug dispensing section 32.

[0144] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the cassette holding section 23 is provided in conjunction with the picking cassette transfer section 35 of the picking unit 3 so that the cassette Ca can be transferred to and from the drug dispensing section 32. Specifically, the picking cassette transfer section 35 is provided for each of the first cassette holding section 23a, the second cassette holding section 23b, the third cassette holding section 23c, and the fourth cassette holding section 23d. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the main unit 2 and the picking unit 3.

[0145] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, each of the first cassette holding section 23a, second cassette holding section 23b, third cassette holding section 23c, and fourth cassette holding section 23d is equipped with a transfer cassette holding section 231 and a receiving cassette holding section 232. In the example in Figure 10, one cassette holding section 23, which is provided in correspondence with one drug transfer section 32, is provided with two transfer cassette holding sections 231 and two receiving cassette holding sections 232 arranged alternately along the vertical direction. Note that one cassette holding section 23 may be provided with three or more transfer cassette holding sections 231 and three or more receiving cassette holding sections 232.

[0146] As described above, multiple transfer cassette holding units 231 and receiving cassette holding units 232 may be provided for each drug transfer unit 32. When multiple transfer cassette holding units 231 and receiving cassette holding units 232 are provided, it becomes possible to hold more cassettes Ca to be transferred to the drug transfer unit 32 near the drug transfer unit 32. Therefore, efficient transfer of cassettes Ca to the drug transfer unit 32 becomes possible. However, it is also acceptable for only one transfer cassette holding unit 231 and one receiving cassette holding unit 232 to be provided for each drug transfer unit 32.

[0147] In this specification, the cassette holding section 23 is described as being provided by the main unit 2, but it may also be provided by the picking unit 3. If it is provided by the picking unit 3, the location on the main unit 2 where the cassette holding section 23 is provided, as shown by reference numeral 6001 in Figure 6, functions as an insertion section into which the cassette holding section 23 provided by the picking unit 3 is inserted. In other words, it is sufficient that the basic configuration of the cassette handling device described above is realized by the cassette shelf 21, the main cassette transport section 22, and the cassette holding section 23.

[0148] <Structure of the picking unit> Next, the specific structure of the picking unit 3 will be explained using Figures 11 to 15. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the picking unit 3. Note that Figure 11 only illustrates the portion of the picking unit 3 in which the drug dispensing section 32 is provided.

[0149] As shown in Figure 11, a picking cassette transfer unit 35 is provided below the drug dispensing unit 32. Specifically, one picking cassette transfer unit 35 is provided for each drug dispensing unit 32 (one opening 321 and a shutter 322 provided corresponding to the opening 321 (see Figure 2)).

[0150] In this embodiment, the picking unit 3 is provided with a drug receiving section 32, which includes a first drug receiving section 32a and a second drug receiving section 32b. Below the first drug receiving section 32a, there is a picking cassette transfer section 35 which includes a first picking cassette transfer section 35a and a second picking cassette transfer section 35b. Below the second drug receiving section 32b, there is a picking cassette transfer section 35 which includes the first picking cassette transfer section 35a.

[0151] In this embodiment, for example, when dispensing drugs based on dispensing data, the picking unit 3 uses the first drug receiving unit 32a and the picking cassette transfer unit 35 located below the first drug receiving unit 32a. That is, in this embodiment, the first drug receiving unit 32a is a drug receiving unit to which a cassette Ca containing the drugs to be dispensed based on dispensing data is transferred. In the main unit 2, a first cassette holding unit 23a is used, which is provided in correspondence with the picking cassette transfer unit 35.

[0152] As described above, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 is equipped with a first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and a second picking cassette transfer unit 35b. Furthermore, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are independently controlled by the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 so that the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 (see Figure 12) move without colliding with each other. As a result, compared to the case where the picking cassette transfer unit 35 is composed of a single picking cassette transfer unit, it becomes possible to dispense drugs based on dispensing data more efficiently.

[0153] On the other hand, the second drug transfer unit 32b, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 located below the second drug transfer unit 32b, and the second cassette holding unit 23b are used when dispensing drugs not included in the dispensing data. In other words, the second drug transfer unit 32b is used when dispensing individual drugs (for example, when performing interrupt processing on the dispensing data), so it only needs to be equipped with the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. That is, the second drug transfer unit 32b is a drug transfer unit to which cassette Ca other than the cassette Ca that is transferred to the first drug transfer unit 32a is transferred.

[0154] However, when dispensing medication based on dispensing data, the second medication dispensing unit 32b may be used, and when dispensing individual medications, the first medication dispensing unit 32a may be used. Furthermore, the second medication dispensing unit 32b may be equipped with both the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b, or the first medication dispensing unit 32a may be equipped with only the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. When multiple picking cassette transfer units are provided for a single medication dispensing unit 32, it becomes possible to dispense medication efficiently.

[0155] Furthermore, when filling is performed, either the first drug dispensing unit 32a or the second drug dispensing unit 32b may be used.

[0156] Furthermore, it is not necessarily required that the picking unit 3 be equipped with multiple drug dispensing units 32; it is acceptable for the picking unit 3 to be equipped with only one drug dispensing unit 32. In addition, one picking unit 3 may be provided on the main unit 2. In this case, it is acceptable for only the cassette holding unit 23 corresponding to one picking unit 3 to be provided on the main unit 2.

[0157] (Structure of the picking cassette transfer section) The specific structure of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the picking cassette transfer unit 35. Reference numeral 12001 in Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 as seen from the main unit 2 side. Reference numeral 12002 in Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b that constitute the picking cassette transfer unit 35. Reference numeral 12003 in Figure 12 is a plan view showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b as seen from the workbench 40 side. Reference numeral 12004 in Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b as seen from the main unit 2 side. Note that in Figure 12, for the sake of explanation, only the picking cassette transfer unit 35 corresponding to the first drug receiving unit 32a is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 12, reference numeral 12001 illustrates only the portion of the picking unit 3 that is equipped with the drug dispensing unit 32.

[0158] As shown in reference numerals 12001 and 12002, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 corresponding to the first drug dispensing unit 32a comprises a first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and a second picking cassette transfer unit 35b.

[0159] The first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are transfer mechanisms that receive cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding unit 231 and transfer it to the first drug receiving unit 32a. Furthermore, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b are transfer mechanisms that transfer cassette Ca located on the first drug receiving unit 32a side to the receiving cassette holding unit 232.

[0160] As shown in reference numeral 12002, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a includes a first cassette gripping unit 351 and a first cassette transfer mechanism 352.

[0161] The first cassette gripping portion 351 is a member that grips the cassette Ca. In this embodiment, the first cassette gripping portion 351 is made up of a frame, and a projection 351a is provided on the side wall (longitudinal end) of the frame that extends in the short direction (X-axis direction) to catch on the claw receiving portion Ca12 (see Figure 5) of the cassette Ca. The frame has a hollow portion that is large enough for the bottom of the cassette Ca and the cassette holding portion 23 (here, the first cassette holding portion 23a) to pass through when the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves vertically, and that catches on the projection 351a. When the first cassette gripping portion 351 moves vertically upward in the cassette holding portion 23, the projection 351a catches on the claw receiving portion Ca12 placed on the cassette holding portion 23, thereby gripping the cassette Ca with the first cassette gripping portion 351.

[0162] The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping section 351. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 includes a first beam section 353 and a first support section 354. The first beam section 353 extends in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the picking unit 3 and slidably supports the first cassette gripping section 351. The first support section 354 extends in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the picking unit 3 and slidably supports the first beam section 353. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 moves the first beam section 353 along the first support section 354 and moves the first cassette gripping section 351 along the first beam section 353. This makes it possible to move the desired cassette Ca between the cassette holding section 23 and the drug dispensing section 32.

[0163] Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 12002, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b includes a second cassette gripping unit 355 and a second cassette transfer mechanism 356. The side wall of the second cassette gripping unit 355, which extends in the short direction, is provided with a projection that hooks onto the claw receiving unit Ca12 of the cassette Ca, similar to the first cassette gripping unit 351. The second cassette transfer mechanism 356 also includes a second beam unit 357 and a second support column unit 358. The structure and function of the second cassette gripping unit 355 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 are the same as those of the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the first cassette transfer mechanism 352, respectively.

[0164] Furthermore, as shown in reference numerals 12003 and 12004, the first beam section 353 and the second beam section 357 are spaced apart to the extent that the first cassette gripping section 351 and the second cassette gripping section 355 can move along the depth direction of the picking unit 3.

[0165] Furthermore, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the movement (position) of the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 so that they do not collide with each other.

[0166] Specifically, the first cassette gripping section 351 and the second cassette gripping section 355 are cantilevered to the first beam section 353 and the second beam section 357, which are spaced apart as described above. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 and the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 are controlled so as not to interfere with each other within their respective movable ranges (the area between the first beam section 353 and the second beam section 357). As a result, the first cassette gripping section 351 and the second cassette gripping section 355 can move between the cassette holding section 23 and the drug dispensing section 32 without colliding with each other.

[0167] Therefore, the multiple cassette gripping sections enable the transfer of cassette Ca between the cassette holding section 23 and the drug dispensing section 32. This makes it possible to improve the transfer efficiency of cassette Ca.

[0168] Next, the gripping operation of cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a will be explained using Figure 13. Reference numerals 13001 to 13005 in Figure 13 indicate the gripping operation of cassette Ca by the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a.

[0169] First, with the cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding section 231, the first beam section 353 moves vertically along the first support section 354 so that the first cassette gripping section 351 can be moved to a position directly below the transfer cassette holding section 231. Then, as shown by reference numeral 13001 in Figure 13, the first cassette gripping section 351 moves horizontally toward the transfer cassette holding section 231 and stops at a position directly below the transfer cassette holding section 231, as shown by reference numeral 13002 in Figure 13.

[0170] Next, as shown by reference numeral 13003 in Figure 13, the first beam portion 353 moves vertically upward along the first support portion 354, and after the transfer cassette holding portion 231 passes through the hollow portion of the first cassette gripping portion 351, the projection portion 351a of the first cassette gripping portion 351 catches on the claw receiving portion Ca12 of the cassette Ca and temporarily locks it in place. As a result, the first cassette gripping portion 351 can grip the cassette Ca.

[0171] In this basic configuration, the first cassette gripping portion 351 is provided with two projections 351a that face the two claw receiving portions Ca12 when the first cassette gripping portion 351 is positioned facing the cassette Ca. However, the first cassette gripping portion 351 may be configured with only one projection 351a. Even in this case, the first cassette gripping portion 351 can grip the cassette Ca by temporarily engaging either of the claw receiving portions Ca12. That is, the first cassette gripping portion 351 may be configured to grip two opposing parts (both sides) of the cassette Ca, or it may be configured to grip one side of the cassette Ca. The same applies to the second cassette gripping portion 355.

[0172] Next, the first cassette gripping section 351 moves along the first beam section 353 so that it is positioned below the opening 321 while gripping the cassette Ca. Along with this movement, the first beam section 353 moves vertically upward along the first support section 354 so that the first cassette gripping section 351 is positioned directly below the opening 321. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 13004 in Figure 13, the first cassette gripping section 351 can transport the cassette Ca directly below the opening 321. Then, the operator can remove the drug from the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping section 351, or fill the cassette Ca with drug.

[0173] The position directly below the opening 321 (i.e., the position from which an operator can remove the drug from cassette Ca or fill cassette Ca with the drug) is referred to as the drug transfer position P1.

[0174] After the worker completes their task at the drug transfer position P1, the first beam section 353 moves vertically downward along the first support section 354 so that the first cassette gripping section 351 can be moved directly above the receiving cassette holding section 232. The first cassette gripping section 351 also moves along the first beam section 353 toward the receiving cassette holding section 232. Subsequently, the reverse operation of the operation indicated by reference numeral 13003 in Figure 13 is performed. That is, as the first beam section 353 moves vertically downward along the first support section 354, the cassette Ca is placed on the receiving cassette holding section 232. At this time, the projection 351a separates from the claw receiving section Ca12, and the temporary locking state is released. Subsequently, as the receiving cassette holding unit 232 passes through the hollow portion of the first cassette gripping unit 351, the first cassette gripping unit 351 becomes able to move to the handover cassette holding unit 231.

[0175] On the other hand, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b can also move in the same way as the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a. For example, the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b grasps the cassette Ca containing the drug to be picked up or filled after the cassette Ca grasped by the first cassette gripping unit 351, and transfers the cassette Ca to the drug transfer position P1.

[0176] However, as shown by reference numeral 13005 in Figure 13, when the first cassette gripping unit 351 is located at the drug transfer position P1, the second cassette gripping unit 355 moves to a standby position P2 located near the drug transfer unit 32 (specifically, near the drug transfer position P1). After the first cassette gripping unit 351 moves toward the receiving cassette holding unit 232, the second cassette gripping unit 355 moves to the drug transfer position P1. After the first cassette gripping unit 351 returns the cassette Ca to the receiving cassette holding unit 232, it grips the new cassette Ca placed on the transfer cassette holding unit 231 and moves to the standby position P2. This operation is repeated.

[0177] As shown by reference numeral 13005 in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the standby position P2 is located below the drug transfer position P1 and is further away from the main unit 2 than the drug transfer position P1 in the depth direction of the picking unit 3. This prevents the cassette gripping part located at the drug transfer position P1 from colliding with the cassette gripping part located at the standby position P2 when it moves toward the receiving cassette holding part 232.

[0178] (Example of operation of the picking cassette transfer unit) Next, an example of the operation of the picking cassette transfer unit 35 will be explained using Figure 14. Reference numerals 14001 to 14008 in Figure 14 indicate examples of the operation of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b. In Figure 14, the shaded arrows indicate the direction of movement of the first cassette gripping unit 351, the black arrows indicate the direction of movement of the second cassette gripping unit 355, and the white arrows indicate the direction of movement of the cassette Ca by the main cassette transfer unit 22. Here, an example of operation will be described starting from a state where the first cassette gripping unit 351 is gripping the cassette Ca and is located at the drug transfer position P1, and the second cassette gripping unit 355 is gripping the cassette Ca and is located at the standby position P2.

[0179] In this embodiment, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a (first cassette gripping unit 351 and first cassette transfer mechanism 352) is accessible to the upper receiving cassette holding unit 231 and the receiving cassette holding unit 232, as shown by reference numerals 14003 to 14006. The second picking cassette transfer unit 35b (second cassette gripping unit 355 and second cassette transfer mechanism 356) is accessible to the lower receiving cassette holding unit 231 and the receiving cassette holding unit 232, as shown by reference numerals 14003 and 14006 to 14008. In Figure 14, the upper receiving cassette holding unit 231 and the receiving cassette holding unit 232 are referred to as the receiving cassette holding unit 231a and the receiving cassette holding unit 232a, respectively. Similarly, the lower-level transfer cassette holding section 231 and the receiving cassette holding section 232 are designated as the transfer cassette holding section 231b and the receiving cassette holding section 232b, respectively.

[0180] Furthermore, the positions of the transfer cassette holder 231 and the receiving cassette holder 232 in the cassette holder 23 may be freely set. In other words, which position in the cassette holder 23 functions as the transfer cassette holder 231 or the receiving cassette holder 232 may be freely set. Moreover, this setting may be switched at any time by the control device 10 according to the operating status of the drug station 1 including the main unit 2 (e.g., drug dispensing status).

[0181] In other words, the cassette holder Ca that constitutes the cassette holding unit 23 may be switched to function as either a transfer cassette holding unit 231 or a receiving cassette holding unit 232, depending on the operating status, under the control of the control device 10. In this case, the holder described above can be made to function as either a transfer cassette holding unit 231 or a receiving cassette holding unit 232, depending on the operating status. As a result, the cassette holding unit 23 can efficiently hold the cassette Ca according to the operating status. Note that the holder described above may also be switched to function as either a transfer cassette holding unit 231 or a receiving cassette holding unit 232 without considering the operating status (for example, based on input operations).

[0182] Furthermore, the access positions of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b to the cassette holding unit 23 may also be freely set. These settings may also be switched at any time by the control device 10 depending on the operation status described above.

[0183] First, as shown by reference numeral 14001, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 of the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a transfers the first cassette gripping unit 351, which is gripping cassette Ca, to the drug dispensing position P1. In this state, the shutter 322 opens, and the picking operation is performed on the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping unit 351. Also, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 of the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b transfers the second cassette gripping unit 355, which is gripping cassette Ca, to the standby position P2. In other words, the second cassette gripping unit 355 is waiting at the standby position P2 while gripping cassette Ca.

[0184] Furthermore, while the picking operation described above is being performed, the main cassette transfer unit 22 places a new cassette Ca on the transfer cassette holding unit 231a, as shown in reference numeral 14002.

[0185] When the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripping unit 351 is completed, and for example the tray close button 39 is pressed, the shutter 322 closes. When the shutter 322 closes, as shown by reference numeral 14003, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping unit 351 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232a, and then places the cassette Ca that the first cassette gripping unit 351 was holding onto the receiving cassette holding unit 232a. After the drug transfer position P1 becomes free due to the movement of the first cassette gripping unit 351, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripping unit 355 to the drug transfer position P1. In this state, when the shutter 322 opens, the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is performed.

[0186] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14004, the main cassette transfer unit 22 returns the cassette Ca, which has been placed on the receiving cassette holding unit 232a by the first cassette transfer mechanism 352, to its storage position on the cassette shelf 21. The first cassette transfer mechanism 352 also moves the first cassette gripping unit 351 from the receiving cassette holding unit 232a to the handover cassette holding unit 231a. After that, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 causes the first cassette gripping unit 351 to grip the cassette Ca that has been placed on the handover cassette holding unit 231a.

[0187] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14005, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping unit 351, which is gripping the cassette Ca, to the standby position P2 and waits until the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is completed. While the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is being performed, the main cassette transfer unit 22 places a new cassette Ca on the transfer cassette holding unit 231b.

[0188] When the picking operation for the cassette Ca held by the second cassette gripping unit 355 is completed, and for example the tray close button 39 is pressed, the shutter 322 closes. When the shutter 322 closes, as shown in reference numeral 14006, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripping unit 355 to the receiving cassette holding unit 232b, and then places the cassette Ca that the second cassette gripping unit 355 was holding onto the receiving cassette holding unit 232b. After the drug transfer position P1 becomes free due to the movement of the second cassette gripping unit 355, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 moves the first cassette gripping unit 351 to the drug transfer position P1. In this state, when the shutter 322 opens, the cassette Ca held by the first cassette gripping unit 351 becomes ready for picking.

[0189] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14007, the main cassette transfer unit 22 returns the cassette Ca, which has been placed on the receiving cassette holding unit 232b by the second cassette transfer mechanism 356, to its storage position on the cassette shelf 21. The second cassette transfer mechanism 356 also moves the second cassette gripping unit 355 from the receiving cassette holding unit 232b to the handover cassette holding unit 231b. After that, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 causes the cassette Ca, which has been placed on the handover cassette holding unit 231b, to be gripped by the second cassette gripping unit 355.

[0190] Next, as shown in reference numeral 14008, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 moves the second cassette gripping unit 355, which is gripping the cassette Ca, to the standby position P2 and waits until the picking operation for the cassette Ca gripped by the first cassette gripping unit 351 is completed.

[0191] If the transfer process of cassette Ca is being performed based on the dispensing data, the above operation will be repeated until the picking operation for all drugs included in the dispensing data is completed. Similarly, if drugs are being filled sequentially, the above operation may be repeated until the filling operation for all drugs is completed.

[0192] In addition, in reference numeral 14005 and 14006, if the second cassette gripping unit 355 is not present at the drug transfer position P1, the first cassette transfer mechanism 352 may directly transfer the first cassette gripping unit 351 to the drug transfer position P1. Similarly, in reference numeral 14008, if the first cassette gripping unit 351 is not present at the drug transfer position P1, the second cassette transfer mechanism 356 may directly transfer the second cassette gripping unit 355 to the drug transfer position P1.

[0193] In this manner, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b transfer the cassette Ca to which the drug sheet is to be removed or filled to the drug transfer position P1. Furthermore, if a cassette Ca is located at the drug transfer position P1, the first picking cassette transfer unit 35a and the second picking cassette transfer unit 35b transfer the next cassette Ca to which the drug is to be removed or filled to the drug to the standby position P2 and put it into standby.

[0194] Specifically, the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 grip the cassette Ca pulled out from the cassette holding unit 23 and transport it between the cassette holding unit 23, the drug dispensing position P1, and the standby position P2. In addition, the first cassette gripping unit 351 and the second cassette gripping unit 355 move in a manner that prevents them from colliding with each other.

[0195] This allows for work to be performed on cassette Ca at drug transfer position P1, and also allows the next cassette Ca to be placed in standby position P2 near drug transfer position P1. Therefore, after work on cassette Ca is completed at drug transfer position P1, the cassette Ca that was waiting at standby position P2 can be moved to drug transfer position P1. This makes it possible for the user to efficiently perform work on multiple cassette Ca.

[0196] Therefore, the picking unit 3 can efficiently provide the user with cassette Ca, from which the user can remove or fill drug sheets.

[0197] (Example of operation of the first shutter) Next, an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a will be explained using Figure 15. Reference numerals 15001 to 15003 in Figure 15 indicate an example of the operation of the first shutter 322a.

[0198] As described above, the first shutter 322a opens and closes under the control of the shutter control unit 122. Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 15001, the shutter control unit 122 closes the first shutter 322a when the cassette Ca is not located at the drug receiving unit 32 (specifically, at the drug receiving position P1). As shown by reference numerals 15002 and 15003, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a after the picking cassette transfer unit 35 has stopped the cassette Ca at the drug receiving position P1. The shutter control unit 122 also controls the opening and closing of the second shutter 322b in the same way as the first shutter 322a. This allows the operator to perform drug picking or filling operations for the cassette Ca.

[0199] The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 and the shutter control unit 122 identify the type of cassette Ca and which type of drug is to be stored in which storage position within the cassette Ca. Therefore, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 and the shutter control unit 122 can identify that only one type of drug is to be stored in the case of a cassette Ca without a partition. For this reason, after the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca so that its center is near the center of the opening 321, the shutter control unit 122 fully opens the first shutter 322a, as shown by reference numeral 15002. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of the cassette Ca.

[0200] On the other hand, in the case of a cassette Ca with a partition, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca so that the location of the drug to be dispensed or filled is near the center of the opening 321. Then, as shown by reference numeral 15003, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area in which the drug is stored. At this time as well, the shutter control unit 122 opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of the cassette Ca.

[0201] Thus, the opening width of the first shutter 322a is changed according to the type of cassette Ca that has been transferred to the drug transfer position P1.

[0202] Furthermore, if the next drug to be dispensed or filled is contained in the same cassette Ca as the drug currently being dispensed or filled, it is sufficient to change the position of cassette Ca without changing cassette Ca itself. In this case, after the dispensing or filling of the drug currently being dispensed or filled is completed, the shutter control unit 122 closes the first shutter 322a and the second shutter 322b. Subsequently, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 moves cassette Ca so that the location of the next drug to be dispensed or filled is near the center of the opening 321. Then, the shutter control unit 122 opens the first shutter 322a by the width of the storage area containing the drug. At this time as well, the shutter control unit 122 opens the second shutter 322b according to the width of cassette Ca.

[0203] Therefore, by providing a partition in the cassette Ca to form multiple storage areas within a single cassette Ca, drugs that are likely to be dispensed at the same time can be stored in the same cassette Ca. This makes it possible to dispense drug sheets even more efficiently.

[0204] [Embodiment 1] In this embodiment, the processing of the dispensing control device 800 will be described. As described above, the decision unit 811 determines, in accordance with predetermined rules, which of the following devices—drug station 1, tablet packaging machine 300, powder packaging machine 400, PTP dispensing device, and dispensing assist device 600—will be used to dispense the drug indicated in the prescription data.

[0205] For example, the decision unit 811 may compare the type of drug indicated in the prescription data with the types of drugs included in the drug databases of each device stored in the storage unit 802, and determine which device has a drug database containing the drug indicated in the prescription data to be the device that dispenses the drug. If the drug indicated in the prescription data is included in multiple drug databases, the decision unit 811 may determine which device to dispense the drug according to a pre-set priority order. If the drug indicated in the prescription data is not included in any of the drug databases, the decision unit 811 may determine the drug dispensing destination (retrieval destination) to be the drug shelf 700 and determine the dispensing assistance device 600 to be the device used to dispense the drug.

[0206] Furthermore, the decision unit 811 may prioritize selecting the tablet packaging machine 300 or the powder packaging machine 400 as the device for dispensing prescription drugs that can be packaged in single doses. In addition, the decision unit 811 may perform the following processes. Prescription drugs that can be packaged in single doses are prescription drugs prescribed to a patient and consist of multiple prescription drugs that are taken at the same time of day (e.g., morning, noon, evening).

[0207] <An example of processing by a dispensing control device> Consider a case where a patient is prescribed multiple medications, and some of the medications dispensed in package units (predetermined units) from the tablet packaging machine 300 are not stored in the tablet packaging machine 300. In this case, the decision unit 811 may decide that the drug station 1 is the device that dispenses some of the prescribed medications.

[0208] The above-mentioned drug is, for example, a manually dispensed drug that is loaded by the user into a manually dispensed unit (not shown) of a tablet packaging machine 300. The manually dispensed unit comprises a plurality of manually dispensed storage compartments (compartments) into which the user loads the drug in package units, and a manually dispensed dispensing unit that dispenses the drug contained in each manually dispensed storage compartment. As a result, even if the drug is not stored in the tablet packaging machine 300, it can be dispensed by the tablet packaging machine 300 in a single package with the drug stored in the tablet packaging machine 300.

[0209] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the dispensing control device 800's processing. As shown in Figure 16, when the transmitting / receiving unit 812 receives prescription data from the prescription input device 200 (S1), the determination unit 811 determines whether or not the prescription drugs shown in the prescription data include any prescription drugs that can be packaged in a single dose (S2).

[0210] If the decision unit 811 determines that the prescription drugs that can be packaged in unit doses are included (YES in S2), it determines whether or not the prescription drugs that can be packaged in unit doses are included (S3). If the drug database of the tablet packaging machine 300 stored in the storage unit 802 does not contain any prescription drugs that can be packaged in unit doses, the decision unit 811 determines that the drugs that are included are included.

[0211] If the decision unit 811 determines that the prescription drugs that can be packaged in a single dose include drugs that are to be dispensed by hand (YES in S3), it determines that the device for dispensing the drugs by hand is Drug Station 1 (S4). If the drug database of Drug Station 1 stored in the storage unit 802 contains drugs to be dispensed by hand, the decision unit 811 determines that the device for dispensing the drugs by hand is Drug Station 1.

[0212] Of the prescription drugs that can be packaged in single doses, those other than those that are hand-dispensed are drugs included in the drug database and are therefore stored in the tablet packaging machine 300. For this reason, the decision unit 811 determines that the device for dispensing prescription drugs other than those that are hand-dispensed is the tablet packaging machine 300 (S4).

[0213] The transmitting / receiving unit 812 transmits a dispensing instruction for the manually dispensed medication to the drug station 1, along with dispensing data that includes information about the manually dispensed medication. The transmitting / receiving unit 812 also transmits a dispensing instruction for prescription medications other than the manually dispensed medication to the tablet packaging machine 300, along with dispensing data that includes information about the prescription medications other than the manually dispensed medication (S5).

[0214] When the control device 10 of the drug station 1 receives a dispensing instruction for hand-dispensed medication, it dispenses the hand-dispensed medication based on the information about the hand-dispensed medication contained in the dispensing data. The user then places the hand-dispensed medication dispensed from the drug station 1 into the hand-dispensing unit of the tablet packaging machine 300. This allows the tablet packaging machine 300 to package the hand-dispensed medication together with other prescription medications for which a dispensing instruction was issued.

[0215] The decision unit 811 determines the device for dispensing the prescribed medications according to a predetermined rule (S6) if the prescription data does not contain any prescription medications that can be packaged in a single dose (NO in S2), or if the prescription medications that can be packaged in a single dose do not contain any medications that are dispensed by hand. The decision unit 811 determines, for example, as described above, the device that has a drug database containing the prescribed medications to be the device for dispensing the prescribed medications. Furthermore, if the drug database of the drug station 1 stored in the storage unit 802 does not contain any medications that are to be dispensed by hand, the decision unit 811 determines the drug shelf 700 as the destination for the medications to be dispensed by hand.

[0216] In this way, the dispensing control device 800 can dispense manually dispensed medication from the tablet packaging machine 300 from the drug station 1. Therefore, the user can manually dispense the prescription medication dispensed from the drug station 1 into the tablet packaging machine 300 and have it dispensed from the tablet packaging machine 300 along with other prescription medications. Consequently, the user's effort of searching for and retrieving prescription medication from the medication shelf 700 and the occurrence of errors in retrieving medication from the medication shelf 700 can be reduced, making it possible to dispense prescription medications efficiently. In this process, it is sufficient to have at least the drug station 1 and the tablet packaging machine 300 as the devices used for dispensing prescription medications.

[0217] <Another example of processing by a dispensing control device> In a device that has transmitted a dispensing instruction for a prescribed drug, the device may stop dispensing the prescribed drug, for example, in accordance with the user's instructions, if the prescribed drug is out of stock or for other reasons. An example of the processing of the dispensing control device 800 in this case is described below. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing of the dispensing control device 800.

[0218] As shown in Figure 17, when the transmitting / receiving unit 812 receives prescription data from the prescription input device 200 (S11), the decision unit 811 determines which device will dispense each of the multiple prescribed drugs indicated in the prescription data, according to predetermined rules (S12). Based on the result determined by the decision unit 811, the transmitting / receiving unit 812 transmits dispensing data containing information about the prescribed drugs and a dispensing instruction for the prescribed drugs to each device (S13).

[0219] Subsequently, the decision unit 811 determines whether it has received a cancellation notice from the drug station 1 via the transmission / reception unit 812 to cancel the dispensing of at least one prescription drug that it has decided to dispense using the drug station 1 (S14). If the decision unit 811 has received a cancellation notice from the drug station 1 (YES in S14), it determines that the device to dispense the prescription drug that has been canceled from the drug station 1 is either the tablet packaging machine 300, the powder packaging machine 400, or the PTP dispensing device 500 (S15). The decision unit 811 may, for example, determine which of the tablet packaging machine 300, the powder packaging machine 400, or the PTP dispensing device 500 to dispense the prescription drug by referring to the drug database of each device, and according to the priority order for dispensing the prescription drug.

[0220] The transmitting / receiving unit 812 transmits a dispensing instruction for the prescription drug whose dispensing has been stopped from the drug station 1, along with dispensing data containing information about the prescription drug, to the tablet packaging machine 300, powder packaging machine 400, or PTP dispensing device 500 determined by the decision unit 811 (S15). This allows the prescription drug whose dispensing has been stopped from the drug station 1 to be dispensed from any of the tablet packaging machine 300, powder packaging machine 400, or PTP dispensing device 500.

[0221] Here, if the decision unit 811 groups multiple prescription drugs together in the dispensing data it transmits to each device, for example, on a patient-by-patient basis (a predetermined unit), each device can receive a cancellation instruction to stop dispensing the prescription drug on a patient-by-patient basis. For example, consider the case where the transmission / reception unit 812 receives a cancellation notification from the drug station 1 to stop dispensing a prescription drug for a certain patient from among the prescription drugs indicated in the dispensing data transmitted to the drug station 1. In this case, the decision unit 811 determines that the device to dispense the prescription drug for the patient whose dispensing has been stopped is either the tablet packaging machine 300, the powder packaging machine 400, or the PTP dispensing device 500 determined by the decision unit 811. The transmission / reception unit 812 transmits the dispensing instruction for the prescription drug whose dispensing has been stopped from the drug station 1, along with the dispensing data containing information about the prescription drug, to the tablet packaging machine 300, the powder packaging machine 400, or the PTP dispensing device 500 determined by the decision unit 811. This makes it possible to dispense prescription medications on a patient-by-patient basis using another device, even if the dispensing of prescription medications on a patient-by-patient basis is discontinued at Drug Station 1.

[0222] The decision unit 811, in a situation where it has not received a discontinuation notice from the drug station 1 (NO in S14), determines whether it has received a discontinuation notice from the tablet packaging machine 300 to discontinue dispensing at least one prescription drug that it has decided to dispense using the tablet packaging machine 300 (S17). If the decision unit 811 has received a discontinuation notice from the tablet packaging machine 300 (YES in S17), it determines that the device to dispense the prescription drug whose dispensing has been discontinued from the tablet packaging machine 300 is the drug station 1 (S18).

[0223] The decision unit 811 determines that the device to dispense the prescribed drug is the drug station 1 if the drug database of the drug station 1 stored in the storage unit 802 contains the prescribed drug. If the drug database of the drug station 1 stored in the storage unit 802 does not contain the prescribed drug, the decision unit 811 may determine that the device to dispense the prescribed drug is the dispensing assist device 600.

[0224] The transmitting / receiving unit 812 transmits a dispensing instruction for the prescription drug whose dispensing from the tablet packaging machine 300 has been stopped, along with dispensing data containing information about the prescription drug, to the drug station 1 determined by the decision unit 811 (S19). This allows the prescription drug whose dispensing from the tablet packaging machine 300 has been stopped to be dispensed from the drug station 1.

[0225] Similarly, in S17, if the transmitting / receiving unit 812 receives a cancellation notice from the powder dispensing machine 400, the decision unit 811 determines that the device to be used for dispensing the prescription drug whose dispensing from the powder dispensing machine 400 has been stopped is the drug station 1. The transmitting / receiving unit 812 transmits a dispensing instruction for the prescription drug to the drug station 1, along with dispensing data containing information about the prescription drug. The same applies if the transmitting / receiving unit 812 receives a cancellation notice from the PTP dispensing device 500.

[0226] Furthermore, if the decision unit 811 receives a cancellation notice from the drug station 1, it may decide that the device to be used for dispensing the prescription drug whose dispensing from the drug station 1 has been canceled is the dispensing assistance device 600. The transmitting / receiving unit 812 may transmit a dispensing instruction for the prescription drug to the dispensing assistance device 600 along with dispensing data containing information about the prescription drug. This allows the prescription drug to be retrieved from the drug shelf 700.

[0227] On the other hand, if the decision unit 811 receives a cancellation notice from the dispensing assistance device 600 when there are no prescription drugs to be dispensed from the drug shelf 700, it may decide that the device to be used to dispense the prescription drug whose dispensing from the drug shelf 700 has been canceled is the drug station 1. The transmitting / receiving unit 812 may transmit a dispensing instruction for the prescription drug along with information about the prescription drug to the drug station 1. This allows the prescription drug to be dispensed from the drug station 1.

[0228] If no cancellation notification is received from any device (NO in S17), this process may be terminated.

[0229] According to the above process, even if the dispensing of prescribed medications from various devices such as drug station 1, tablet packaging machine 300, or drug shelf 700 is suspended, it is possible to dispensing the prescribed medications using another device. Therefore, it becomes possible to dispensing prescribed medications efficiently.

[0230] In this process, in addition to the drug station 1, a second drug dispensing device (e.g., a tablet packaging machine 300, a powder packaging machine 400, or a PTP dispensing device 500) or a dispensing assistance device 600 may be provided as a device for dispensing prescribed drugs. Furthermore, the second drug dispensing device may be at least one of the tablet packaging machine 300, the powder packaging machine 400, and the PTP dispensing device 500. The second drug dispensing device may be at least one of the devices for dispensing prescribed drugs other than the drug station 1.

[0231] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience of explanation, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. The same applies to the following embodiments. In this embodiment, the drug (i.e., the drug to be dispensed) that is taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32 and put into the transport tray Tr will be described as a drug sheet (the entire drug sheet or a fraction of a sheet).

[0232] As described above, the picking unit 3 comprises a drug dispensing unit 32, a tray placement table 38, and a drug placement table 37. The tray placement table 38 is equipped with a weighing unit 382. Therefore, when a drug sheet (full sheet) containing a specified quantity of drugs, which has been taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32, is placed on the tray placement table 38, the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet can be counted.

[0233] Furthermore, the picking unit 3 includes an imaging unit 371 that images the fractional sheets placed on the drug placement table 37, and a backlight 372 that illuminates the drug placement table 37. Since the backlight 372 illuminates the fractional sheets from the opposite side of the imaging direction of the imaging unit 371, the shape of the fractional sheets can be obtained more clearly. As a result, the control device 10 can count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheets more accurately from the imaging results.

[0234] The imaging unit 371 and the backlight 372 may be provided above the drug placement table 37. However, in this case, the reflectance obtained from the imaging result may differ depending on the material of the fractional sheet. When the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs and distinguishes between drugs and fractional sheets based on reflectance, it may not be possible to distinguish between drugs and fractional sheets depending on the material. Therefore, in order to accurately distinguish between drugs and fractional sheets, it was necessary to use a relatively high-performance (relatively expensive) imaging unit 371.

[0235] In this embodiment, as described later, the drug detection unit 124 counts the number of drugs based on the shape of the fractional sheet. That is, the drug detection unit 124 only needs to be able to identify the shape (i.e., the edge) from the imaging result. Therefore, by illuminating the fractional sheet with the backlight 372 from the opposite side of the imaging direction of the imaging unit 371, the above shape can be detected with high accuracy without using a high-performance imaging unit 371. Consequently, the drug detection unit 124 can more accurately count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet from the imaging result.

[0236] Therefore, the drug station 1 can accurately count the drugs contained in the drug sheets and / or fractional sheets, enabling efficient dispensing of the drugs. It is also acceptable for drug sheets to be placed on the drug placement platform 37. In this case, the imaging unit 371 can image the drug sheets placed on the drug placement platform 37.

[0237] <Control device> The control device 10 of this embodiment includes a drug determination unit 124, a identification unit 125, and an image acquisition unit 126, which count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheets placed on the drug placement table 37. Specifically, when a fractional sheet is taken out from the drug transfer unit 32, the identification unit 125 refers to the above-mentioned reference data stored in the storage unit 15 to determine the fractional sheet size of the fractional sheet. The imaging unit 371 images the fractional sheet taken out from the drug transfer unit 32 and placed on the drug placement table 37. The image acquisition unit 126 acquires the image of the fractional sheet included in the image captured by the imaging unit 371. If the drug determination unit 124 can identify the image as that of a fractional sheet, it counts the value obtained by dividing the size of the fractional sheet image by the fractional sheet size determined by the identification unit 125 as the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheets placed on the drug placement table 37. The drug determination unit 124 uses this method to count the number of drugs corresponding to the number of fractional sheets acquired by the image acquisition unit 126. This allows the drug determination unit 124 to count the number of drugs contained in all fractional sheets placed on the drug placement stand 37.

[0238] Furthermore, the control device 10 may also include a drug determination unit 124, a identification unit 125, and an image acquisition unit 126 to count the number of drug sheets (full sheets) placed on the drug placement table 37. Specifically, when a drug sheet is taken out from the drug transfer unit 32, the identification unit 125 refers to the above-mentioned reference data stored in the storage unit 15 to identify the number of drug sheets in the drug sheet. The imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet taken out from the drug transfer unit 32 and placed on the drug placement table 37. The image acquisition unit 126 acquires images of the drug sheets included in the images captured by the imaging unit 371. The drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drug sheets included in all the drug sheets placed on the drug placement table 37 as the number of drug sheets identified by the identification unit 125 multiplied by the number of drug sheets acquired. For example, if the drug detection unit 124 can identify an image of a drug sheet, it counts the number of drug sheets identified by the identification unit 125 as the number of drugs per drug sheet. The drug detection unit 124 performs this count for each acquired image of a drug sheet, thereby counting the total number of drugs contained in all the drug sheets placed on the drug placement stand 37. In this way, the drug detection unit 124 can count the total number of drugs contained in all the drug sheets placed on the drug placement stand 37.

[0239] Furthermore, when drug sheets and fractional sheets are placed on the drug placement platform 37, the drug determination unit 124 can count the number of drugs included in the combination of drug sheets and fractional sheets.

[0240] Furthermore, the number of drugs contained in a drug sheet may be counted as follows. For example, when a drug sheet is removed from the drug dispensing unit 32, the identification unit 125 refers to the above-mentioned reference data stored in the storage unit 15 to determine the fractional sheet size of the drug sheet. The imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet that has been removed from the drug dispensing unit 32 and placed on the drug placement stand 37. The image acquisition unit 126 acquires the image of the drug sheet included in the image captured by the imaging unit 371. If the drug determination unit 124 can identify the image as that of a drug sheet, it counts the value obtained by dividing the size of the drug sheet image by the fractional sheet size determined by the identification unit 125 as the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet placed on the drug placement stand 37. Using this method, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs equal to the number of drug sheets acquired by the image acquisition unit 126. In this way, the drug determination unit 124 can count the number of drugs contained in all drug sheets placed on the drug placement stand 37.

[0241] Furthermore, if the image of the drug sheet acquired by the image acquisition unit 126 is not rectangular, the control device 10 determines that a portion of the drug sheet placed on the drug placement platform 37 is outside the imaging range of the imaging unit 371. In this case, the control device 10 may instruct the user to reposition the drug sheet on the drug placement platform 37. For example, the touch panel control unit 14 may display information on the first touch panel 5 or the second touch panel 31 indicating that the drug sheet should be repositioned on the drug placement platform 37. This allows the control device 10 to perform the counting process of the number of drugs based on the imaging results of the imaging unit 371.

[0242] <Control device processing> An example of the process for counting the number of drugs contained in a drug sheet or fractional sheet in the control device 10 of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 is a flowchart of an example of the process of the control device 10. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the example of the process shown in Figure 18. In the following explanation, drug sheets and fractional sheets may be collectively referred to simply as "sheets".

[0243] As shown in Figure 18, the identification unit 125 acquires standard data that defines the number of drug sheets contained in one drug sheet and the fractional sheet size per drug for each drug (S31). The identification unit 125 refers to the acquired standard data to identify the fractional sheet size of the drug to be dispensed (S32). That is, the identification unit 125 identifies the size of the fractional sheet containing one drug that has been taken out from the drug transfer unit 32 and is the target of imaging by the imaging unit 371. The fractional sheet size may define, for example, the vertical length and horizontal length of the fractional sheet containing one drug. The identification unit 125 also refers to the acquired standard data to identify the number of drug sheets of the drug to be dispensed (S32).

[0244] When the imaging unit 371 images the drug sheet or fractional sheet placed on the drug placement stage 37, the image acquisition unit 126 acquires images of the fractional sheet or drug sheet included in the captured image (S33). The acquisition of sheet images from the captured image may be performed using known techniques. The image acquisition unit 126 also identifies the number of drug sheet or fractional sheet images (referred to as the number of sheets) included in the image (S34).

[0245] In Figure 19, reference numeral 19001 indicates an example of image IM1 captured by the imaging unit 371. In this example, the image acquisition unit 126 acquires images I11 and I12 of the fractional sheets and image I13 of the drug sheet in image IM1. Image I13, in reference numeral 19001, is an image of the drug sheet (full sheet) containing 2 × 3 drug particles (fractional sheets). The image acquisition unit 126 also identifies that the image contains three images, i.e., the number of sheets is 3. In the acquired image, the region with a predetermined width that does not contain the drug MD is the edge portion ER of the sheet. In this example, the edge portion ER is included in image I13.

[0246] The image acquisition unit 126 extracts R (red), G (green), and B (blue) images from the captured image, and may apply a noise reduction filter (e.g., a median filter) to the B image. This allows for the acquisition of a clearer image from the image.

[0247] The drug determination unit 124 determines whether the drug counting process is incomplete for all drug sheets or fractional sheets included in the image (S35). If the number of sheets on which the number of drugs was counted in S38 and S45 is less than the number of sheets identified by the image acquisition unit 126, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the drug counting process is incomplete. When the number of sheets on which the number of drugs was counted in S38, etc., matches the number of sheets identified by the image acquisition unit 126, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the drug counting process is complete for all sheets included in the image (NO in S35), and this flow ends.

[0248] If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the drug counting process is incomplete (YES in S35), it identifies the image of one sheet to be counted from among the sheet images included in the image (S36). At this time, as shown by reference numeral 19001, the drug determination unit 124 identifies the rows formed along the defined drug arrangement direction for each sheet as object OB. Information indicating the defined drug arrangement direction for each drug type is stored in the storage unit 15, and the drug determination unit 124 identifies the arrangement direction in the sheet image by referring to this information.

[0249] The drug determination unit 124 determines whether the image of the identified sheet is an image of a drug sheet (full sheet) (S37). For example, the drug determination unit 124 determines whether the image of the sheet approximately matches the length of the defined drug sheet image by referring to information indicating the length of the drug sheet, which is stored in the memory unit 15 and is defined for each drug type. The defined length of the drug sheet may be the vertical length and the horizontal length of the drug sheet. If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the image of the identified sheet approximately matches the length of the defined drug sheet, it determines that the image of the sheet is an image of a drug sheet.

[0250] If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the image of the identified sheet is an image of a drug sheet (YES in S37), it counts the number of drugs contained in the sheet using the method described above (S38). For example, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drug sheets identified by the identification unit 125 as the number of drugs per drug sheet placed on the drug placement stand 37. Alternatively, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheets placed on the drug placement stand 37 by dividing the area of ​​the image of the drug sheet by the fractional sheet size (area in this case) identified by the identification unit 125. Furthermore, if the drug sheet includes an ear portion ER, as described later, the drug determination unit 124 may count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet based on the area obtained by removing the portion corresponding to the ear portion ER from the image of the drug sheet.

[0251] The drug detection unit 124 adds the number of drugs counted in S38 to the previous number of drugs (initial value: 0) in a buffer (not shown) (S39). This allows the total counting value for all sheets of images included in the image to be stored.

[0252] The drug determination unit 124 adds the number of sheets for which the counting process has been completed to the previous sheet count (initial value: 0) in a buffer (not shown) (S40). This allows the drug determination unit 124 to execute the process in S35.

[0253] When the drug determination unit 124 determines that the image of the identified sheet is not the image of a drug sheet, that is, it is the image of a fractional sheet (NO in S37), it determines whether the ear portion ER is included in the image of the identified sheet (S41). In the storage unit 15, information indicating the presence or absence of the ear portion ER is stored for each drug type. The information also includes size information that defines, for each drug type, the total value of the length of the ear portion ER and the length of the fractional sheet including one drug adjacent to the ear portion ER. The ERA in reference numerals 19001 and 19002 indicates the total value. Reference numeral 19002 indicates another example of the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 126. The drug determination unit 124 can identify whether the ear portion ER is included in the image of the identified sheet and the identified object OB by referring to, for example, the fractional sheet size and the above information.

[0254] In addition, the information indicating the presence or absence of the ear portion ER also includes information indicating whether the ear portion ER exists in the drug arrangement direction or in a direction different from the arrangement direction (a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction). Therefore, when the ear portion ER is included in the image of the identified sheet, the drug determination unit 124 can identify whether the ear portion ER exists in the arrangement direction by referring to the information.

[0255] For example, in the case of the images I11 and I12 of reference numeral 19001, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the ear portion ER does not exist. In the case of the image I13 of reference numeral 19001, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the ear portion ER exists in the sheet including the drug to be dispensed and that the ear portion ER exists in the arrangement direction. In the case of the image of reference numeral 19002, the ear portion ER exists in the sheet including the drug to be dispensed, but the ear portion ER exists in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. Therefore, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the ear portion ER exists in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. That is, in the case of reference numeral 19002, the drug determination unit 124 can determine that the ear portion ER does not exist in the arrangement direction, that is, the ear portion ER does not exist in the object OB.

[0256] When the drug determination unit 124 determines that the ear portion ER is included in the image of the specified sheet (YES in S41), it determines whether the counting process for all objects OB is incomplete (S42). For the image of the fractional sheet, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs included in the fractional sheet for each object OB. This enables more accurate counting of the number of fractional sheets.

[0257] Here, after counting the number of drugs in S45, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of objects OB for which the number of drugs was counted in S45 (objects OB for which the counting process has been completed). When the number of counted objects OB matches the number of objects OB included in the specified sheet (objects OB specified in S36), the drug determination unit 124 determines that the drug counting process has been completed for all objects OB included in the specified sheet. In this case (NO in S42), the drug determination unit 124 executes the process of S39.

[0258] When the drug determination unit 124 determines that the drug counting process is incomplete (YES in S42), it determines whether the length (e.g., vertical length) of the object OB excluding the ear portion ERA approximately matches an integer multiple of the fractional sheet size (e.g., vertical length) of the drug to be dispensed (S43). The fractional sheet size of the drug to be dispensed is included in the reference data stored in the storage unit 15. Also, the length of the image of the specified sheet and the length of the object OB specified in the image of the sheet can be calculated by known image processing.

[0259] When the drug determination unit 124 determines that the length of the object OB excluding the ear portion ERA is an integer multiple of the fractional sheet size (YES in S43), it subtracts the length (e.g., vertical length) of the ear portion ER from the length of the object OB (S44). The drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs included in the object by the method described above (S45). Then, the drug determination unit 124 returns to the process of S42.

[0260] If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the length of object OB excluding the ear portion ERA is not an integer multiple of the fractional sheet size (NO in S43), it subtracts an integer multiple of the fractional sheet size from the length of object OB excluding the ear portion ERA. Based on this, the drug determination unit 124 calculates the remaining length (S46).

[0261] As described above, in S45, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet placed on the drug placement stand 37 by dividing the size of the image of the fractional sheet by the fractional sheet size specified by the identification unit 125. In this embodiment, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in an object OB by dividing the size of the image of an object OB that constitutes the fractional sheet by the fractional sheet size specified by the identification unit 125. For example, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in an object OB by dividing the vertical length (length in the arrangement direction) of the image of the object OB by the vertical length indicated by the fractional sheet size specified by the identification unit 125. The drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheet by repeating the same process for all objects OB contained in the fractional sheet.

[0262] The drug determination unit 124 determines whether the remaining length is equal to or greater than the length of 0.5 tablets per fractional sheet of the drug to be dispensed (e.g., the vertical length) (S47). If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the remaining length is equal to or greater than the length of 0.5 tablets (YES in S47), it subtracts the remaining length from the length of object OB (S48). After that, the drug determination unit 124 executes the processes in S44 and S45. If the drug determination unit 124 determines that the remaining length is less than the length of 0.5 tablets (NO in S47), it does not execute the process in S48 and proceeds to the process in S44.

[0263] The drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drugs contained in object OB by rounding the value obtained by dividing the size of the image of object OB by the fractional sheet size determined by the identification unit 125 to the nearest whole number if there is a remainder. Therefore, if the length of the remainder is greater than or equal to the length of 0.5 tablets, the rounding will result in counting one more drug than necessary. Accordingly, the drug determination unit 124 subtracts the length of the remainder from the length of object OB if the length of the remainder is greater than or equal to the length of 0.5 tablets.

[0264] Using symbols 19003 to 19006 in Figure 19, we will explain the process of counting the number of drugs from the identified object OB. In this example, we assume that the drug MD with a fractional sheet size of 10 mm is the one to be dispensed.

[0265] In code 19003, object OBA is identified for the acquired image IA, and the image length of object OBA is calculated to be 30 mm. For object OBA, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the image length of object OBA, 30 mm, matches the fractional sheet size of 10 mm × 3. Therefore, the drug determination unit 124 counts 30 mm / 10 mm = 3, i.e., the number of drug MDs is 3.

[0266] In code 19004, object OBB is identified for the acquired image IB, and the image length of object OBB is calculated to be 33 mm. For object OBB, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the image length of object OBB, 33 mm, does not match an integer multiple (in this case, 3 times) of the fractional sheet size of 10 mm. In this case, the drug determination unit 124 calculates 33 mm / 10 mm = 3.3. That is, the drug determination unit 124 calculates that the remaining length is 3 mm. Since the remaining length of 3 mm is less than the length of 0.5 tablets (5 mm), the drug determination unit 124 does not subtract the remaining length of 3 mm from the length of object OBB (33 mm), but rounds the above calculation result "3.3" to count the number of drug MDs as 3.

[0267] In code 19005, the object OBC is identified for the acquired image IC, and the image length of the object OBC is calculated to be 36 mm. For the object OBC, the drug determination unit 124 determines that the image length of the object OBC, 36 mm, does not match an integer multiple (in this case, 3 times) of the fractional sheet size of 10 mm. In this case, the drug determination unit 124 calculates 36 mm / 10 mm = 3.6. That is, the drug determination unit 124 calculates that the remaining length is 6 mm. Since the remaining length of 6 mm is greater than the length of 0.5 tablets (5 mm), the drug determination unit 124 subtracts the remaining length of 6 mm from the length of the object OBC, 36 mm. Then, the drug determination unit 124 calculates 30 mm / 10 mm = 3, and counts that the number of drug MDs is 3.

[0268] In code 19006, objects OBD1 to OBD3 are identified for the acquired image ID. The length of object OBD1 is calculated to be 10 mm, the length of object OBD2 is 13 mm, and the length of object OBD3 is 33 mm.

[0269] For object OBD1, the drug detection unit 124 determines that the image length of object OBD1, 10 mm, matches an integer multiple (in this case, 1) of the fractional sheet size of 10 mm. Therefore, the drug detection unit 124 counts 10 mm / 10 mm = 1, meaning that the number of drug MDs is 1.

[0270] Regarding object OBD2, the drug detection unit 124 determines that the image length of object OBD2, 13 mm, does not match an integer multiple (in this case, 1) of the fractional sheet size of 10 mm. In this case, the drug detection unit 124 calculates 13 mm / 10 mm = 1.3. That is, the drug detection unit 124 calculates that the remaining length is 3 mm. Since the remaining length of 3 mm is smaller than the length of 0.5 tablets, the drug detection unit 124 does not subtract the remaining length of 3 mm from the length of object OBD2, 13 mm, but rounds the above calculation result "1.3" to count the number of drug MDs as 1.

[0271] Object OBD3 is identical to object OBB, which is code 19004. Therefore, the drug determination unit 124 counts the number of drug MDs contained in object OBD3 as 3.

[0272] Furthermore, the method for counting drugs in fractional sheets described above may also be used in the processing of S38, that is, in counting the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet (full sheet).

[0273] [Embodiment 3] While the power to the drug station 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "power") is off, a user may open the door 25 and take a cassette Ca from the cassette shelf 21 or place a new cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21. In this case, the position of the cassette Ca when the power is turned on may be different from the position of the cassette Ca before the power was turned off.

[0274] For example, if an open / close sensor is provided to detect the open / closed state of the door 25, the sensor can detect that the door 25 has opened when it changes from a closed state to an open state. Therefore, the control device 10 can determine that the placement position of the cassette Ca may have changed. However, the open / close sensor only functions when the power is on and cannot function when the power is off. Consequently, unless the control device 10 performs a process to identify the placement position of the cassette Ca after the power is turned on, it may not be able to detect a change in the placement position of the cassette Ca even if it has changed while the power was off. If the changed placement position of the cassette Ca cannot be identified, there is a possibility that a cassette Ca other than the one containing the drug to be dispensed may be transferred to the picking unit 3.

[0275] The drug station 1 of the present embodiment includes a second detection unit 27 (detection unit) that detects that the door 25 is in an open state when the power is off after the power is turned on. Therefore, when it is assumed that the arrangement position of the cassette Ca has been changed when the power is off, the control device 10 can re-identify the arrangement position of the cassette Ca after the power is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to realize the dispensing of drugs in consideration of safety.

[0276] FIG. 20 is a plan view schematically showing an arrangement example of the first detection unit 26 and the second detection unit 27. Reference numeral 20001 in FIG. 20 indicates the case where the door 25 is in a closed state, and reference numeral 20002 indicates the case where the door 25 is in an open state.

[0277] As shown in FIG. 20, a first detection unit 26 and a second detection unit 27 for detecting the open / closed state of the door 25 are provided at the upper end portion 21U (also shown in FIG. 3) of the cassette shelf 21. The first detection unit 26 and the second detection unit 27 are provided for each of the plurality of doors 25 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0278] The first detection unit 26 is, for example, a reflection type optical sensor, and detects the closed state of the door 25 by detecting the light emitted by the first detection unit 26 when the door 25 is closed. During power-on, the first detection unit 26 detects the open / closed state of the door 25. That is, the first detection unit 26 functions as the above-described open / close sensor. Note that the control device 10 may detect the open / closed state of the door 25 according to whether or not the first detection unit 26 detects light.

[0279] The second detection unit 27 includes a pin 271. As shown by reference numeral 20001, the pin 271 is pushed into the second detection unit 27 when the door 25 is in a closed state, and as shown by reference numeral 20002, the pin 271 protrudes from the second detection unit 27 when the door 25 is in an open state. The second detection unit 27 detects the open / closed state of the door 25 by the movement of the pin 271 linked to the door 25. [[ID=​Figure 21 is a perspective view showing an example of the second detection unit 27. Figure 21 shows the state of the second detection unit 27 when the door 25 is in the open position. As indicated by reference numeral 21001 in Figure 21, the second detection unit 27 comprises a pin holding portion 281, a detection holding portion 282, and a mounting portion 283.

[0281] The pin holding portion 281 holds the pin 271. The pin holding portion 281 also holds the dog 275, shown as reference numeral 21002 in Figure 21, so that the dog 275 can move in conjunction with the movement of the pin 271.

[0282] The detection and holding unit 282 holds the second detection unit 27. Specifically, in addition to the pin holding unit 281, the detection and holding unit 282 holds the spring receiving unit 274 (indicated by reference numeral 21002), the solenoid 276, and the groove-shaped optical sensor 277.

[0283] The mounting portion 283 is a component for attaching the second detection unit 27 to the upper end portion 21U of the drag station 1. The detection holding unit 282 is attached to the mounting portion 283.

[0284] Furthermore, as shown in reference numeral 21002, the second detection unit 27 includes a pin 271, a movable dog 272, a spring 273, a spring receiving part 274, a dog 275, a solenoid 276, and a groove-shaped optical sensor 277.

[0285] One end of the pin 271 is capable of contacting the door 25, and the other end is housed in the spring receiving portion 274. A spring 273 is provided on the pin 271. The spring 273 moves the pin 271 in the ±Y axis direction according to the open / closed state of the door 25, and is provided between the dog movable portion 272 and the inner wall of the spring receiving portion 274, with which the other end of the pin 271 makes contact.

[0286] When the door 25 is closed, the pin 271 is pushed into the second detection unit 27 (in the -Y axis direction) by the door 25. Specifically, the pin 271 is pushed into the second detection unit 27 until the other end of the pin 271 contacts the inner wall of the spring receiving unit 274. At this time, the spring 273 is biased. Therefore, when the door 25 is open, as shown in Figure 21, the pin 271 moves away from the spring receiving unit 274 (in the +Y axis direction) due to the biasing force of the spring 273, and the closed door 25 is pushed in. This allows the pin 271 to move in the ±Y axis direction according to the open / closed state of the door 25.

[0287] The movable dog part 272 is fixed to the pin 271 and moves the dog 275 in the +Y direction in accordance with the movement of the pin 271 in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the movable dog part 272 is in contact with the outer wall of the spring receiving part 274 when the door 25 is in the closed state. When the door 25 changes from the closed state to the open state, the movable dog part 272 causes the dog 275, which is in contact with the movable dog part 272, to be inserted into the insertion part 277A (see reference numeral 21003 in Figure 21) of the groove-shaped optical sensor 277. The dog 275 should not be inserted into the insertion part 277A when the door 25 is in the closed state (except when it changes from the open state to the closed state when the power is off), and should be inserted into the insertion part 277A when the door 25 is in the open state. To enable such operation, the size and position of the movable dog part 272, the dog 275, and the groove-shaped optical sensor 277, as well as the amount of movement of the pin 271, should be determined.

[0288] The spring receiving portion 274 accommodates the other end of the pin 271 so that the pin 271 can move, and also accommodates the spring 273 provided at the other end of the pin 271.

[0289] Dog 275 is a movable part that moves in conjunction with the operation of door 25 when door 25 is in the open position. As described above, dog 275 moves in conjunction with the movement of the movable dog part 272, which is linked to the movement of pin 271.

[0290] The solenoid 276 pushes the dog 275 inserted into the insertion section 277A in the -Y axis direction, moving it outside the insertion section 277A. When the second detection unit 27 detects that the door 25 is closed, and the control device 10 receives a user input to reset the detection state, the solenoid 276 is driven under the control of the control device 10, thereby moving the dog 275 outside the insertion section 277A. The control device 10 may also automatically drive the solenoid 276 after a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 to 1 second) has elapsed since the power was turned on.

[0291] The groove-shaped optical sensor 277 has a substantially C-shaped insertion portion 277A into which the dog 275 is inserted, as shown by reference numeral 21003, and is a movement detection unit that detects the dog 275 inserted into the insertion portion 277A. The groove-shaped optical sensor 277 (specifically the insertion portion 277A) is a transmissive optical sensor comprising, for example, an emitting portion that emits light and a light receiving portion that receives said light. When the power is off, if the dog 275 is inserted into the insertion portion 277A, the light receiving portion cannot receive light after the power is turned on because the dog 275 blocks the light emitted by the emitting portion. As a result, the groove-shaped optical sensor 277 detects the dog 275. That is, the second detection unit 27 detects that the door 25 is in an open state by detecting the dog 275. Alternatively, the control device 10 may detect that the door 25 is open when the power is off by receiving a detection signal from the second detection unit 27 indicating that it has detected the dog 275.

[0292] Figure 22 shows an example of the operation of the second detection unit 27. Reference numeral 22001 in Figure 22 indicates the state of the second detection unit 27 when the door 25 is closed. At this time, the pin 271 is pushed down by the door 25, causing the spring 273 to be compressed by the dog movable part 272, and the pin 271 is pushed into the inside of the second detection unit 27. Reference numeral 22001 indicates that the spring 273 is compressed inside the spring receiving part 274. The dog 275 is located outside the groove-shaped optical sensor 277 (specifically the insertion part 277A) (on the dog movable part 272 side in this embodiment).

[0293] Assume the power is turned off when door 25 is in the closed state (the state indicated by reference numeral 22001 for the second detection unit 27). Reference numeral 22002 in Figure 22 indicates the state of the second detection unit 27 when door 25 is in the open state when the power is turned off. At this time, the biasing force of spring 273 causes pin 271 to move in the +Y axis direction. In conjunction with this movement, the dog movable part 272 also moves in the +Y axis direction. Then, as the dog movable part 272 moves in the +Y axis direction, it pushes down dog 275. As a result, dog 275 moves in the +Y axis direction in conjunction with the movement of dog movable part 272 and is inserted into the groove-shaped optical sensor 277. In other words, dog 275 is inserted into the insertion part 277A when door 25 is in the open state. By inserting dog 275 into the insertion part 277A, the second detection unit 27 can detect that door 25 is in the open state after the power is turned on.

[0294] In Figure 22, reference numeral 22003 indicates the state of the second detection unit 27 when the door 25 returns from the open state to the closed state when the power is turned off. When the door 25 is closed, the pin 271 is pushed into the second detection unit 27 by the door 25 (in the -Y axis direction). In conjunction with the movement of the pin 271, the dog movable part 272 also moves in the -Y axis direction. On the other hand, the dog 275 is maintained in the state corresponding to the open state even when the door 25 returns from the open state to the closed state. Specifically, the dog 275 is maintained in the inserted state in the insertion part 277A by the frictional force generated between the dog 275 and the insertion part 277A (including the viscosity of the grease put between the dog 275 and the insertion part 277A). Therefore, even when the door 25 returns to the closed state, the second detection unit 27 can detect that it was in the open state when the power was turned off, after the power is turned on.

[0295] Let's assume the power is turned on from the state of code 22002 or code 22003. Here, the storage unit 15 stores data that associates cassette identification information with the storage position of cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21. In other words, the relationship between cassette Ca and the position of cassette Ca in the cassette shelf 21 is predetermined.

[0296] The position identification unit 113 of the control device 10, for example, after the power is turned on, associates the cassette Ca with the position of the cassette Ca on the cassette shelf 21 and updates the above data in the storage unit 15. This allows the control device to re-identify the position of the cassette Ca after the power is turned on, in cases where the door 25 is open when the power is turned off and it is assumed that the position of the cassette Ca has changed.

[0297] The position identification unit 113 updates the above data when the second detection unit 27 detects that the door 25 is open after the power is turned on. At this time, the position identification unit 113 may identify the position of cassette Ca in all cassette shelves 21. However, as mentioned above, 1500 to 2000 types of drugs can be stored in the cassette shelves 21. In other words, a large number of cassette Ca can be stored in the cassette shelves 21, enough to accommodate the drugs. Therefore, if the position of cassette Ca in all cassette shelves 21 is identified every time the power is turned on, it would require a considerable amount of processing time.

[0298] To reduce the processing time, the position identification unit 113 may identify the position of a cassette Ca in some of the cassette shelves 21. That is, the position identification unit 113 may re-establish the correspondence between a cassette Ca and its position in the cassette shelf 21 for cassette Ca located in the area corresponding to the door 25 that the second detection unit 27 has detected as open.

[0299] Identification information of the second detection unit 27 provided on each door 25 and information indicating the area corresponding to the door 25 are associated and stored in the storage unit 15. When the position identification unit 113 receives a detection signal from the second detection unit 27 that has detected the open state of the door 25, it identifies that the detection signal is from the second detection unit 27. The position identification unit 113 identifies the placement position of the cassette Ca housed in the area of ​​the cassette shelf 21 associated with the identified second detection unit 27.

[0300] As a result, the position identification unit 113 only re-identifies the placement position of the cassette Ca housed in the area corresponding to the door 25 that was open when the power was turned off. In other words, it does not identify the placement position of the cassette Ca housed in the area corresponding to the door 25 that remained closed when the power was turned off. Therefore, the process of identifying the placement position of the cassette Ca can be performed efficiently.

[0301] Furthermore, after the power is turned on, if the second detection unit 27 detects that the door 25 is open, as shown by reference numeral 22003, and the control device 10 receives a user input to reset the detection state, or if a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on, then, as shown by reference numeral 22004 in Figure 22, the solenoid 276 is driven under the control of the control device 10 to move the dog 275 outside the groove-shaped optical sensor 277 (in the -Y axis direction). As a result, the second detection unit 27 returns to the same state as reference numeral 22001. Therefore, even when the power is turned off again, the second detection unit 27 can detect that the door 25 is open. Note that in the state shown by reference numeral 22002, the control device 10 may drive the solenoid 276 if it receives a user input to reset the detection state, or if a predetermined time has elapsed since the power was turned on.

[0302] Here, in order to detect the open state of the door 25 when the power is off, it is conceivable to install a battery in the drug station 1, for example, and keep the open / close sensor powered even when the power is off. However, if a battery is used, it would need to be replaced every few years, for example. Also, batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) are relatively expensive. As described above, in this embodiment, a mechanically operated second detection unit 27 is provided to detect the open state of the door 25 when the power is off. Therefore, the open state of the door 25 when the power is off can be detected at a lower cost than when a battery is installed, and without the hassle of periodic replacement.

[0303] <Variation> While a configuration has been described in which the second detection unit 27 detects that the door 25 is open when the power is off, the configuration is not limited to this. The second detection unit 27 may also be configured to detect, after the power is turned on, that at least one cassette Ca placed on the cassette shelf 21 has moved when the power is off. In this case, the second detection unit 27 only needs to be provided in a position on the cassette shelf 21 where the movement of each cassette Ca can be detected.

[0304] In this modified example, the operation of the second detection unit 27 is the same as described above, except that it is based on the movement of the cassette Ca instead of the operation of the door 25. That is, the dog 275 moves in conjunction with the movement of the cassette Ca when the cassette Ca moves, and the second detection unit 27 detects that the cassette Ca has moved by detecting the dog 275. Even if the cassette Ca that moved while the power was off returns to its original position, the dog 275 is maintained in a state corresponding to the state the cassette Ca was in before it returned to its original position. Specifically, when the cassette Ca moves, the dog 275 is inserted into the insertion section 277A, and even if the moved cassette Ca returns to its original position, the frictional force generated between the insertion section 277A and the dog 275 maintains the state in which it is inserted into the insertion section 277A.

[0305] Furthermore, the control device 10 may notify the door 25 or cassette Ca if the second detection unit 27 detects that the door 25 is open or that the cassette Ca is moving when the power is off. For example, the correspondence between the second detection unit 27 provided on each door 25 or each cassette Ca and the door 25 or cassette Ca is stored in the storage unit 15. When the control device 10 receives a detection signal from the second detection unit 27 that has detected the door 25 being open or the cassette Ca moving, it refers to the storage unit 15 to identify the door 25 or cassette Ca to which the second detection unit 27 is provided. The touch panel control unit 14 notifies the location of the identified door 25 or cassette Ca via the first touch panel 5.

[0306] Furthermore, the second detection unit 27 operates when the door 25 is open when the power is turned on, and also when it subsequently closes. That is, when the door 25 is open when the power is turned on, the second detection unit 27 enters the state shown by reference numeral 22002, and when it subsequently closes, it enters the state shown by reference numeral 22003. Here, when the door 25 is open when the power is turned on and then closes, the first detection unit 26 detects that the door 25 has returned to the closed state. After a predetermined time has elapsed since this detection (e.g., a few seconds), the control device 10 drives the solenoid 276 to return the second detection unit 27, which is in the above state, to the initial state shown by reference numeral 22004 (reference numeral 22001). Therefore, even if the second detection unit 27 operates when the power is turned on, it is possible for the second detection unit 27 to detect that the door 25 was open when the power was turned off.

[0307] [Embodiment 4] In this embodiment, the drug that is taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32 and placed into the transport tray Tr (i.e., the drug to be dispensed) is described as a drug sheet (the entire drug sheet or a fraction of a sheet).

[0308] For example, if a patient is prescribed a fractional sheet containing only one drug, there is a possibility that the patient may not remove the drug from the fractional sheet, mistakenly believing the sheet itself to be the drug, and accidentally ingest it (i.e., the entire sheet). This embodiment reduces the possibility of such accidental ingestion and enables the dispensing of drug sheets with safety in mind.

[0309] In this embodiment, the second touch panel 31, under the control of the touch panel control unit 14, functions as a guide that guides the user to place fractional sheets containing two or more drugs on the drug placement stand 37 when the following conditions are met. Condition: When the specified number, which is the quantity of drug to be taken out from cassette Ca transferred from cassette shelf 21 to drug dispensing unit 32, is divided by the number of drug sheets contained in one drug sheet (full sheet), the remainder is 1.

[0310] Specifically, the control device 10 identifies the number of sheets of medication associated with the identified medication to be dispensed by referring to the storage unit 15. The control device 10 also identifies the specified number of medications to be dispensed by referring to the dispensing data, for example. The control device 10 determines whether the remainder when the specified number is divided by the number of sheets of medication is 1. If the remainder is 1, as described above, the touch panel control unit 14 guides the user via the second touch panel 31 to place the fractional sheets containing two or more medications on the medication placement tray 37.

[0311] For example, if the control device 10 determines that the remainder is 1, the touch panel control unit 14 may, via the second touch panel 31, guide the user to place a fractional sheet containing one drug in addition to the total number of drug sheets on the drug placement stand 37. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 guides the user to place a number of drug sheets obtained by subtracting one from a set of drug sheets (full sheets) containing one drug in addition to the specified number on the tray placement stand 38.

[0312] Let's consider the case where the system is set to the first counting mode described above (a mode in which the number of drugs contained in a drug sheet is counted based on weight, and the number of drugs contained in fractional sheets is counted based on images). In this case as well, the drug determination unit 124 only needs to determine whether the weight of the drug sheet placed on the tray stand 38 and weighed by the weighing unit 382 is approximately equal to the value obtained by multiplying the weight of a specified single drug sheet of the drug to be dispensed by the number of drug sheets to be dispensed. In other words, the drug determination unit 124 refers to the weight of one specified drug sheet and calculates the total weight of a number of drug sheets obtained by subtracting one from a specified number of drugs, plus a number of drug sheets obtained by subtracting one. The drug determination unit 124 may then determine whether the calculated weight is approximately equal to the weight of the drug sheet placed on the tray stand 38.

[0313] For example, when dispensing 41 drugs, the control device 10 of this embodiment decides to dispense 30 drugs on 3 drug sheets and 11 drugs on fractional sheets. In this case, the drug determination unit 124 only needs to determine whether the weight of the drug sheet placed on the tray base 38 and weighed by the weighing unit 382 is approximately equal to the value obtained by multiplying the weight of one prescribed drug sheet of the drugs to be dispensed by 3, which is the number of drug sheets to be dispensed.

[0314] Here, when multiple drug sheets containing a number of drugs equal to one less than the specified number are placed on the tray stand 38, it is assumed that 40 drugs will be dispensed using four drug sheets. Based on this assumption, the drug determination unit 124 may determine whether or not three drug sheets containing 30 drugs are placed on the tray stand 38 as follows: That is, the drug determination unit 124 compares the weight of the drug sheets placed on the tray stand 38 with the value obtained by multiplying the weight of a specified single drug sheet of the drug to be dispensed by the number of drug sheets (4) based on the above assumption minus one (i.e., 3). The drug determination unit 124 may make the above determination based on this comparison.

[0315] Figure 23 shows an example of an image (screen) displayed on the second touch panel 31. Reference numeral 23001 indicates an example of an image that guides the user to take out a fractional sheet containing only one drug from the drug dispensing unit 32. Reference numeral 23002 indicates an example of an image that guides the user to take out a fractional sheet containing two or more drugs from the drug dispensing unit 32, and is an example of guidance in this embodiment. In the example in Figure 23, it is explained that the number of drug sheets is 10 and the number of specified items is 41. That is, the control device 10 calculates 41 specified items / 10 drug sheets = 4 remainder 1.

[0316] The image of code 23001 displays "ABC" and "4 sheets 1T 41T" (where "T" indicates the number of tablets). In other words, based on the above calculation result, the touch panel control unit 14 is instructing the user to retrieve 41 tablets of the drug to be dispensed, namely "ABC," by taking four drug sheets and a fractional sheet containing one tablet from the drug dispensing unit 32. In other words, the touch panel control unit 14 is instructing the user to place the fractional sheet containing only one tablet from the drug dispensing unit 32 onto the drug placement tray 37 for the drug to be dispensed, namely "ABC."

[0317] In this case, the worker who sees the image of symbol 23001 places the fractional sheet containing only one drug onto the drug placement stand 37, and then places the fractional sheet into the transport tray Tr placed on the tray placement stand 38. Consequently, the fractional sheet is prescribed to the patient, and as described above, there is a possibility that the patient may accidentally ingest the fractional sheet.

[0318] In some cases, hospitals or pharmacies have internal regulations that stipulate that medication sheets should be cut to prevent the generation of fractional sheets containing only one medication. Even in such cases, if the image of code 23001 is displayed, there is a possibility that the medication sheet or fractional sheet will be removed according to the instructions in that image. Therefore, even if such internal regulations exist, there is still a possibility that a fractional sheet containing only one medication may be dispensed.

[0319] Meanwhile, the image of reference numeral 23002 displays "ABC" and "3 sheets 11T 41T". In other words, in this embodiment, the touch panel control unit 14 determines that the above conditions are met based on the calculation results. As a result, the touch panel control unit 14 instructs the user to take out 41 units of the drug specified by the drug dispensing unit 32, by taking out 3 drug sheets and 11 drugs as fractional sheets for the drug to be dispensed.

[0320] In other words, the touch panel control unit 14 instructs the user to take 11 medications (10 medications plus 1) from the medication dispensing unit 32 and place them on the medication tray 37 as fractional sheets. The touch panel control unit 14 also instructs the user to place 3 medication sheets (40 medications, which is 41 minus 1) on the tray tray 38.

[0321] It is unlikely, based on the worker's normal retrieval procedure, that a worker who sees the image of code 23002 would take one dose of the drug as a fractional sheet and then further separate the remaining 10 doses into fractional sheets for retrieval. It is also unlikely that a worker who sees the image of code 23002 would take one dose of the drug as a fractional sheet and then retrieve the remaining 10 doses as a single drug sheet. The touch panel control unit 14 displays the image of code 23001 when providing guidance for such retrieval.

[0322] Therefore, an operator who sees the image of reference numeral 23002 is highly likely to take out 11 medications as fractional sheets from the medication dispensing unit 32 (for example, taking out a fractional sheet containing 5 medications and a fractional sheet containing 6 medications) and place them on the medication placement stand 37. This probability is even higher if the above-mentioned internal regulations are in place. Therefore, by displaying the image of reference numeral 23002, the possibility of the aforementioned accidental ingestion can be reduced.

[0323] Thus, the control device 10 of this embodiment can guide the worker dispensing the drug sheets to place fractional sheets containing two or more drugs on the drug placement stand 37 when there is a possibility of fractional sheets containing only one drug being generated. Therefore, the possibility of accidental ingestion as described above can be reduced, and drug sheets can be dispensed with safety in mind.

[0324] The touch panel control unit 14 may also provide the guidance via the first touch panel 5. Furthermore, if such guidance is possible, guidance may be provided not by image display, but by illumination, sound (e.g., voice), or other various notification technologies.

[0325] [Embodiment 5] This embodiment describes an information processing device 900 that presents a method for storing drug containers containing multiple drugs in each of the multiple cassettes Ca stored in the drug station 1. In this embodiment, the drug container is, for example, a package containing multiple drug sheets or powders (pillow packaging), or a box containing such package. The drug container may also be a box containing drugs other than drug sheets (e.g., ointment, eye drops). The information processing device 900, described later, makes it possible to store various drugs in cassettes Ca while reducing the burden on the user in considering how to store each of the multiple types of drugs in which type of cassette Ca (see Figure 5). Therefore, it becomes possible to store drugs in cassettes Ca efficiently.

[0326] Figure 24 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information processing device 900. The information processing device 900 comprises an operation unit 901, a display unit 902, a control unit 903, and a storage unit 904. The information processing device 900 may be, for example, a PC (Personal Computer) or a portable information terminal (e.g., a tablet or smartphone). The operation unit 901 and the display unit 902 may be external devices that are communicatively connected to the information processing device 900. Alternatively, the information processing device 900 may be implemented by, for example, the control device 10 of the drug station 1.

[0327] The operation unit 901 accepts user input operations. The operation unit 901 accepts input operations for, for example, the drug list image (drug list screen) shown in Figure 26, which will be described later. The display unit 902 displays various information. The display unit 902 displays, for example, an image for inputting information via the operation unit 901 (e.g., the drug list image shown in Figure 26).

[0328] The control unit 903 controls all parts of the information processing device 900. The control unit 903 includes a determination unit 931 and an output unit 932.

[0329] The determination unit 931 determines, based on the quantity reference data and the number of dispensed items described later, the type of cassette Ca containing the target drug, the number of cassette Ca units of each type, and the number of drug containers to be contained in each cassette Ca.

[0330] The above quantity standard data is based on the dimensions of multiple types of cassettes Ca of different sizes and the dimensions of multiple types of drug containers that can be contained in cassettes Ca. It specifies the number of drug containers that can be contained in cassette Ca for each type of drug. The multiple types of cassettes Ca are, for example, the large cassette Ca1, the medium cassette Ca2, and the small cassette Ca3 shown in Figure 5.

[0331] Furthermore, the above-mentioned number of dispensed items is the number of target drugs contained in cassette Ca that will be dispensed from drug station 1 within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is set appropriately based on indicators such as how many quantities of various drugs the hospital or other facility that will receive drug station 1 wants to store in cassette shelf 21, that is, how long they want to be able to dispense various drugs without refilling. For example, if they want to store an estimated quantity of various drugs that can be dispensed without refilling for 3 days (the above-mentioned number of dispensed items), the predetermined period will be set to 3 days.

[0332] As mentioned above, by providing partitions in each of the multiple types of cassette Ca, multiple storage areas for accommodating drug containers can be formed in the cassette Ca. In the quantity-based data, the number of drug containers that can be accommodated in the cassette Ca may be specified for each type of drug based on the dimensions of the storage area. In this case, the type of cassette Ca, the number of cassette Ca, and the number of drug containers to be accommodated in each cassette Ca can be determined by considering the dimensions of the storage area formed in each cassette Ca. However, when multiple types of cassette Ca are used without partitions, it is not necessarily required that the quantity-based data be specified considering the dimensions of the storage area.

[0333] The output unit 932 outputs the decision result of the decision unit 931 to the printing device 950. The printing device 950 receives the output from the output unit 932 and prints the decision result of the decision unit 931. This allows the decision result of the decision unit 931 to be presented to the user as a report. Alternatively, the output unit 932 may display the decision result of the decision unit 931 on, for example, the display unit 902. In this case, it is not necessarily required that the printing device 950 be connected to the information processing device 900.

[0334] The memory unit 904 stores, for example, various programs used by the control unit 903, and the aforementioned quantity reference data.

[0335] <Quantity-based data> Figure 25 is a diagram illustrating the quantity-based data. Reference numeral 25001 in Figure 25 illustrates the quantity-based data used when a box containing pharmaceuticals is placed in Cassette Ca. Reference numeral 25002 in Figure 25 illustrates the quantity-based data used when a package containing pharmaceutical sheets (pillow packaging) is placed in Cassette Ca.

[0336] In Figure 25, "L", "M", and "S" indicate the type of cassette Ca, representing the large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, and small cassette Ca3 shown in Figure 5, respectively. Furthermore, "L / 5" indicates one storage area when the large cassette Ca1 is divided into five equal parts by the partition Ca11, as shown by reference numeral 5001 in Figure 5. "L / 2" indicates one storage area when the large cassette Ca1 is divided into two equal parts by the partition Ca11. "M / 2" indicates one storage area when the medium cassette Ca2 is divided into two equal parts by the partition Ca21. "S / 2" indicates one storage area when the small cassette Ca3 is divided into two equal parts by the partition. "L / 5", "L / 2", "M / 2", and "S / 2" may also indicate the type of cassette Ca.

[0337] The large cassette Ca1 has insertion points for inserting dividers at locations where it can be divided into five and two equal parts. Similarly, the medium cassette Ca2 has insertion points for inserting dividers at locations where it can be divided into two equal parts. The same applies to the small cassette Ca3.

[0338] In the example of reference numeral 25001, patterns Pa1 and Pa2 are defined as patterns for accommodating boxes in various cassette Ca or storage areas. Pattern Pa1 is a pattern that allows one box to be accommodated in "L", one in "L / 2", one in "S", or one in "S / 2". Pattern Pa2 is a pattern that allows two boxes to be accommodated in "L", or two boxes in "L / 2".

[0339] The proposer of the storage method for cassette Ca identifies which cassette Ca or storage area each of the multiple types of boxes that could be stored in cassette Ca can accommodate. For example, for a box that can accommodate at least one in "S / 2" and is intended to accommodate only one in cassette Ca or storage area, "Pattern Pa1" is assigned to the drug identification information (e.g., YJ code, GS1 code) of the drug stored in that box. For example, for a box that cannot be stored in "S / 2" but can accommodate two in "M" and is intended to accommodate two in cassette Ca, "Pattern Pa2" is assigned to the drug identification information of the drug stored in that box. The assigned patterns are stored in the storage unit 904 in association with the drug identification information.

[0340] Furthermore, in the example of reference numeral 25002, patterns Pa11 to Pa23 are defined as patterns for storing packaged goods in various cassette Ca or storage areas.

[0341] For example, pattern Pa11 is a pattern that can accommodate 10 packages in "L", 5 in "L / 2", 8 in "M", 4 in "M / 2", or 2 in "L / 5". Pattern Pa11 is selected for packages that can accommodate at least 4 in "M / 2" or 2 in "L / 5". Patterns Pa12 to Pa15 can be explained in the same way as pattern Pa11.

[0342] Pattern Pa16 is a pattern that can accommodate packages that cannot be accommodated in "L / 5" but can accommodate at least one package in "S / 2". Specifically, pattern Pa16 can accommodate 6 packages in "L", 4 in "L / 2", 5 in "M", 3 in "M / 2", 2 in "S", or 1 in "S / 2". Patterns Pa17 and Pa18 can be explained in the same way as pattern Pa16.

[0343] Pattern Pa19 is a pattern that can accommodate packages that cannot be accommodated in "L / 5", "S", or "Half", but can accommodate at least three packages in "M". "Half" is a general term for "L / 2", "M / 2", and "S / 2". Specifically, pattern Pa19 is a pattern that can accommodate four packages in "L" and three in "M". Patterns Pa20 to Pa22 can be explained in the same way as pattern Pa11. Also, pattern Pa23 is a pattern that can accommodate one package only in "L".

[0344] The proposer identifies which cassette Ca or storage area each of several types of packages that can be stored in cassette Ca can accommodate. For example, for packages that can be stored two in "L / 5" and four in "M / 2", the drug identification information of the drug stored in the package is assigned "Pattern Pa11". For example, for packages that cannot be stored in "L / 5" but can be stored one in "S / 2", the drug identification information of the drug stored in the package is assigned "Pattern Pa16". For example, for packages that cannot be stored in "L / 5", "S", and "Half", but can be stored three in "M", the drug identification information of the drug stored in the package is assigned "Pattern Pa19". For example, for packages that can be stored one in "L", the drug identification information of the drug stored in the package is assigned "Pattern Pa23". The assigned patterns are stored in the storage unit 904 in association with the drug identification information.

[0345] Here, the quantity of various drugs used (actual usage) during a predetermined usage period (e.g., 90 days) at the hospital or other facility where Drug Station 1 is delivered is managed, for example, by the dispensing control device 800 shown in Figure 1. The control unit 903 obtains drug identification information of drugs used at the hospital or other facility where Drug Station 1 is delivered from the dispensing control device 800. The control unit 903 identifies the pattern assigned to the acquired drug identification information by referring to the storage unit 904. This allows the control unit 903 to define a pattern (the number of drug containers that can be stored in each cassette Ca or each storage area) for each type of drug used at the hospital or other facility where Drug Station 1 is delivered (drugs that can be stored in Drug Station 1). The control unit 903 creates the data defined in this way as quantity-based data and stores it in the storage unit 904.

[0346] The above-mentioned patterns and their quantities are merely examples and may be set appropriately based on the size of each of the various types of Cassette Ca, and the size of the drug containers that may be contained within them.

[0347] <Calculation of payouts> The control unit 903 calculates the number of each drug to be dispensed based on the quantity of each drug used during a predetermined usage period (e.g., 90 days) at the hospital or other facility where the drug station 1 was delivered, using either (1) or (2) below.

[0348] (1) Maximum daily usage × Average number of uses per day × Refill interval × Specified period (e.g., 3 days).

[0349] (2) The period during which the number of items is maximized (e.g., 3 days) within a specified period.

[0350] In (1), "maximum daily usage" refers to the maximum amount of the target drug used per day during the predetermined usage period. "Average daily usage count" is the cumulative number of times the target drug is used during the predetermined usage period divided by the predetermined usage period. The control unit 903 counts the usage count as 1 if the target drug is used at least once a day during the predetermined usage period. For example, if the target drug is used on 81 out of 90 days, the control unit 903 counts the cumulative number of usage count as 81. In this case, the control unit 903 calculates the "average daily usage count" as 81 / 90 = 0.9. "Refill interval" indicates the period from when the target drug is refilled to when it is refilled again during the predetermined usage period. If there are multiple periods, the average value may be used.

[0351] (1) The control unit 903 calculates the number of units of the target drug to be dispensed per day by "maximum daily usage × average number of dispenses per day × refill interval", and calculates the number of units to be dispensed per day by multiplying the number of units to be dispensed per day by the predetermined period.

[0352] (2) In this case, the control unit 903 calculates the number of target drugs used during the predetermined period for each predetermined period. That is, the control unit 903, • The number of target drugs used on day 1, day 2, and day 3. • The number of target drugs used on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days. ... • The number of target drugs used on days 87, 88, and 89. • The number of target drugs used on days 88, 89, and 90. The control unit 903 calculates the maximum number of these target drugs as the number to be dispensed.

[0353] <Example of processing by the decision unit 931> The determination unit 931 determines the type of cassette Ca containing the target drug, etc., based on the number of target drugs dispensed as calculated in this way and the target drug quantity reference data (combinations of the number of drug containers to be contained in each of the various cassette Ca and storage areas, as specified by the pattern).

[0354] For example, consider a case where the pattern specified for the target drug is pattern Pa11, and it is to be contained in 55 cassettes Ca as packaging. In this case, the determination unit 931 refers to pattern Pa11 to identify combinations that can accommodate 55 packages, and determines one of these combinations as the method for containing the target drug.

[0355] For example, suppose the decision unit 931 determines that the types of cassette Ca containing the target drug are "L" and "L / 2". In this case, the decision unit 931 determines that there are 5 "L" cassettes and 50 units of the target drug to be contained in each "L" cassette, and that there is 1 "L / 2" cassette and 5 units of the target drug to be contained in each "L / 2" cassette.

[0356] The determination unit 931 may determine the type and number of cassette Ca to be used by selecting, for example, the combination from the above combinations that provides the highest occupancy rate in each cassette Ca when the target drug is contained in each cassette Ca. Alternatively, the determination unit 931 may determine the type and number of cassette Ca by selecting, for example, the combination from the above combinations that provides the smallest total bottom area (occupancy area) of the selected cassette Ca. This selection of combinations may be made, for example, according to a predetermined arrangement.

[0357] The determination unit 931 determines the type of cassette Ca in which the target drug will be contained for all target drugs. This makes it possible to present to the user the number of cassette Ca units required for each type of drug, and the number of drug containers to be contained in each cassette Ca, when all of the multiple types of drugs that may be contained in the cassette Ca are included.

[0358] Furthermore, the determination unit 931 may use a combination different from the one selected above to determine the type of cassette Ca containing the target drug for all target drugs. In this case, the output unit 932 can output two or more types of information regarding the number of cassette Ca required for each type. Therefore, it becomes possible to present the user with two or more types of information regarding the number of cassette Ca required for each type.

[0359] The determination unit 931 may determine the type of cassette Ca, etc., by, for example, the following two methods. Determination of the type of cassette Ca, etc., based on the premise of using all types of cassette Ca ("L", "M", and "S") and storage areas ("L / 5", "L / 2", "M / 2", and "S / 2"). The determination of the types of cassette Ca, etc., is based on the premise that all types of cassette Ca ("L", "M", and "S") will be used, but the storage area ("L / 5", "L / 2", "M / 2", and "S / 2") will not be used. In this case, the output unit 932 can output the two types of decision results to the printing device 950, making it possible to present the two types of decision results to the user.

[0360] Furthermore, the determination unit 931 may determine the type of cassette Ca containing the target drug, etc., within a range that does not exceed the total number of cassette Ca of various types used in the drug station 1. Alternatively, even if it exceeds the total number of cassette Ca of various types used in the drug station 1, the determination unit 931 may determine the type of cassette Ca containing the target drug, etc., based on the above combination selection, for example. In this case, the output unit 932 may output the types and quantities of cassette Ca that are insufficient, and this information may be used as reference material for considering equipment expansion.

[0361] The decision result of the decision unit 931 may be stored in the storage unit 904. For example, the storage unit 904 stores the type of cassette Ca, the number of cassette Cas, and cassette identification information, associated with the drug name and drug identification information. The number of drugs to be stored may also be stored for each cassette Ca (or each storage area).

[0362] Furthermore, the types of cassette Ca may include not only cassette sizes such as large cassette Ca1, medium cassette Ca2, and small cassette Ca3, but also the number of compartments created by dividing cassette Ca with partitions.

[0363] For example, if it is a large cassette Ca1 and the number of compartments is 0, the type of cassette Ca indicates a large cassette Ca1 that is not divided by a partition (the "L" mentioned above). For example, if it is a large cassette Ca1 and the number of compartments is 1, the type of cassette Ca may indicate one storage area formed by dividing the large cassette Ca1 into two equal parts by a partition (the "L / 2" mentioned above). For example, if it is a large cassette Ca1 and the number of compartments is 4, the type of cassette Ca may indicate one storage area formed by dividing the large cassette Ca1 into four equal parts by a partition (the "L / 5" mentioned above). The same applies to the medium cassette Ca2 and the small cassette Ca3.

[0364] Here, when Drug Station 1 is delivered to a hospital or other facility and put into operation, the user needs to store the available medications in the cassette shelf 21. However, as mentioned above, the cassette shelf 21 can store 1500 to 2000 types of medications, which are expected to be used in one facility such as a hospital. In some cases, the cassette shelf 21 may store thousands of types of medications (e.g., 3000 types). This means that it can store many more medications than a tablet packaging machine 300, and that the cassette shelf 21 can also function as a medication shelf 700. In addition, there are multiple types of cassette Ca that can be used in Drug Station 1. Furthermore, by providing dividers in some cassette Ca, the number of types of medications that can be stored in one cassette Ca can be increased.

[0365] When storing drugs in the cassette shelf 21, the user had to determine the number of drugs to store in the cassette shelf 21 for each of the thousands of drugs, based on past dispensing figures, etc. Furthermore, for each of the thousands of drugs, the user had to consider the determined number of drugs and the actual size of the boxes or packaging that would contain them, and determine the type and number of cassettes Ca to store the drugs, including whether or not to include dividers. Additionally, even if the number of different types of drugs to be stored in the cassette shelf 21 is small, the user may prepare multiple cassettes Ca containing the same type of drug.

[0366] In this situation, users had to decide, for each type of drug, whether to use the large cassette Ca1, the medium cassette Ca2, or the small cassette Ca3, how to install the dividers, or whether to install dividers at all, while checking the number of drugs that could be stored in each cassette. Consequently, the task of storing drugs in the cassette shelf 21 was a significant burden for the user.

[0367] In this embodiment, as described above, the determination unit 931 determines the type and number of cassettes Ca to contain the various drugs based on the above-mentioned quantity reference data and the number of cassettes Ca calculated based on the past usage quantities (dispensing records) of the various drugs. This makes it possible to automatically determine the type and number of cassettes Ca, which the user previously had to determine through trial and error as described above. Therefore, the burden on the user can be greatly reduced.

[0368] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the quantity reference data is created on a box or package basis. Therefore, the type and number of cassettes Ca determined by the determination unit 931 are based on the premise of storage in the cassette shelf 21 on a box or package basis. In other words, the user will store various drugs in cassettes Ca on a box or package basis.

[0369] Therefore, since the user can store the drug in the Cassette Ca without removing it from the box or packaging, the process of storing (filling) the drug in the Cassette Ca can be made more efficient.

[0370] Furthermore, since the medication is stored in the cassette shelf 21 in an unopened state while maintaining light protection, it can be returned directly to the drug wholesaler. It also becomes possible to quickly lend the medication to other pharmacies, etc. It is possible to return medication that has been opened and stored in its box or packaging to the drug wholesaler, or to lend it to other pharmacies, etc., but in that case, it is required to return the medication to the box or packaging. In particular, although the box or packaging has a lot number, the medication sheet itself may not have a lot number, so from the standpoint of ensuring safety, it is required to return the medication to the box or packaging. By storing the box or packaging in the cassette shelf 21, the user's effort of returning it to the box or packaging can be reduced.

[0371] Furthermore, hospitals and other facilities introducing Drug Station 1 for the first time may temporarily store medications that are used very infrequently in the cassette shelf 21. Such medications are highly likely to be subject to return later. Therefore, it is particularly effective for such hospitals and other facilities to store medications in the cassette shelf 21 in an unopened state.

[0372] <Image of drug list> Figure 26 shows an example of a drug list image (drug list screen) IM11, which lists information about drugs used during a predetermined period of use. The drug list image IM11 is an image that the control unit 903 displays on the display unit 902.

[0373] The drug list image IM11 includes a drug usage list 2601, which is a list of records associated with various information about drugs used during a predetermined usage period. The drug list image IM11 also includes a "Select Exclude from Tray" button 2602, a "Remove Exclude from Tray" button 2603, a "Fix 'Box'" button 2604, a "Fix 'Pillow'" button 2605, and a "Calculate" button 2606.

[0374] In the example in Figure 26, the "Fix 'Pillow'" button 2605 is selected. Therefore, the control unit 903 displays drugs whose cassette Ca contains packaging in the drug list 2601. In addition, the "Pillow" column, which indicates that the cassette Ca contains packaging, is checked in the drug list 2601. If the "Fix 'Box'" button 2604 is selected, the control unit 903 displays drugs whose cassette Ca contains boxes in the drug list 2601. In this case, the "Box" column, which indicates that the cassette Ca contains boxes, is checked in the drug list 2601.

[0375] The drug usage list 2601 contains information such as "identification information" (drug identification information; drug type), "drug name" (drug type), "type of administration," "specified drug type," "quantity," and "estimated usage amount within the filling period" for drugs used during a predetermined usage period. The control unit 903 can display this information on the display unit 902 by acquiring it, for example, from the dispensing control device 800.

[0376] "Dosage Type" indicates the form of medication to be administered to the patient. "Restricted Drug Type" indicates the type of medication not to be stored in Drug Station 1. The control unit 903 identifies medications that are "Restricted Drug Type" as medications not to be stored in Cassette Ca. "Restricted Drug Type" may be pre-set or specified by the proposer. "Quantity" indicates the number of medications contained in one package. "Estimated Usage Amount During Filling Period" indicates the quantity of medication to be used during a predetermined usage period.

[0377] The "Storage Pattern" column displays the pattern shown by the quantity standard data specified for each type of drug, as shown in Figure 25. Based on this pattern and the above-mentioned number of dispensed items, the determination unit 931 determines the number of drug containers to be stored in each type of cassette Ca for the target drug.

[0378] In the "Fixed Tray Size" column of the drug list 2601, the control unit 903 can specify the type of cassette Ca containing the drug, regardless of the quantity reference data, by accepting input from the proposer. If the type of cassette Ca is specified in the "Fixed Tray Size" column, the control unit 903 can specify the number of cassette Ca in the "Specify Number of Trays" column by accepting input from the proposer. Drugs for which the type and number of cassette Ca have been specified are excluded from processing by the determination unit 931.

[0379] The "Not for Tray" column in the drug list 2601 is a column where the proposer can select drugs that will not be placed in cassette Ca through input operations. When the proposer selects a drug from the list and touches the "Select Not for Tray" button 2602, the control unit 903 checks the "Not for Tray" column and identifies it as a drug that will not be placed in cassette Ca. When the proposer selects a drug that will not be placed in cassette Ca and touches the "Remove Not for Tray" button 2603, the control unit 903 unchecks the "Not for Tray" column and re-identifies it as a drug that will be placed in cassette Ca.

[0380] When the proposer touches the "Calculate" button 2606, the determination unit 931 performs processing on the target drugs, excluding those used during the predetermined usage period that are not stored in the cassette Ca.

[0381] [Embodiment 6] Further embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 27 and 28. Figures 27 and 28 show examples of images displayed on the first touch panel 5. As described above, the drug station 1 includes a picking unit 3 having a drug receiving unit 32 capable of taking out drugs from or putting drugs into a cassette Ca containing drugs, and a cassette shelf 21 capable of storing multiple cassette Ca.

[0382] When the main unit control unit 11 receives dispensing data, it stores information about the drugs included in the dispensing data (information about the drugs to be dispensed from the drug station 1) in the drug list stored in the storage unit 15. The drug list is a database that manages information about the drugs included in the dispensing data in the order of dispensing specified in the dispensing data. In other words, the drug list is a database that contains at least one drug that has been pre-set as the target for picking from the picking unit 3. Subsequently, as described above, the main unit control unit 11 and the picking unit control unit 12 operate each part of the drug station 1 to dispense the drugs in the order of dispensing indicated in the drug list. Specifically, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 controls the main cassette transfer unit 22 to sequentially transfer cassettes Ca containing the drugs included in the drug list from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3. Furthermore, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 controls the picking cassette transfer unit 35 to transfer the drug cassette Ca to the drug receiving position P1 or standby position P2 of the picking unit 3, so that the operator can sequentially take out the drugs. In addition, the main unit control unit 11 may store information about the drugs that have been dispensed as history information in the storage unit 15.

[0383] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, the touch panel control unit 14 displays various information related to drug dispensing on the first touch panel 5 in dispensing mode. Dispensing mode is a mode in which drugs stored in the drug station 1 are dispensed based on dispensing data.

[0384] For example, as shown in Figure 27, the touch panel control unit 14 can display a dispensing image IM12 (dispensing screen) on the first touch panel 5. Dispensing image IM12 shows a list of drug dispensing orders, arranged in patient order. Specifically, dispensing image IM12 includes a patient unit list 2701, which is a list of records associated with information such as the order of the patient to be dispensed, the patient's name, the dispensing status, and the estimated waiting time. Also, as shown in Figure 28, the touch panel control unit 14 can display a dispensing image IM13 (dispensing screen) on the first touch panel 5. Dispensing image IM13 shows a list of drug picking orders, arranged in drug order (drug picking order). Dispensing image IM13 includes a drug unit list 2801, which is a list of records associated with information such as the order of the drugs to be dispensed (the order in which the drugs are picked), the drug name (type of drug), the form of the drug, the total amount of drug to be dispensed, the patient's name, and the estimated waiting time. Each record included in patient unit list 2701 and drug unit list 2801 is displayed in the order in which they are dispensed.

[0385] Furthermore, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the dispensing list selection tab 2702A, the picking list selection tab 2702B, and the held item selection tab 2702C on the first touch panel 5. The dispensing list selection tab 2702A, the picking list selection tab 2702B, and the held item selection tab 2702C function as buttons that accept input operations for selecting the type of list to be displayed on the first touch panel 5 by the touch panel control unit 14. When the operator touches the dispensing list selection tab 2702A, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the patient unit list 2701 on the first touch panel 5. When the operator touches the picking list selection tab 2702B, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the drug unit list 2801 on the first touch panel 5. When the operator touches the held item selection tab 2702C, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the held drug list 3001 shown in Figure 30.

[0386] Furthermore, when the patient unit list 2701 or the drug unit list 2801 is displayed, the first touch panel 5 can accept input operations to select each record included in each list. When such input operations are accepted, the touch panel control unit 14 changes the display of the selected record to be different from that of the unselected records. For example, as shown in Figure 27, the touch panel control unit 14 may associate "-" with the unselected records and "○" with the selected records.

[0387] <Delete function> The control device 10 is equipped with a deletion function that irreversibly stops the dispensing of drugs that are being dispensed or are awaiting dispensing. Specifically, the control device 10 is equipped with a drug management unit 115 that manages the drugs handled at the drug station 1. For example, the drug management unit 115 functions as a drug deletion unit that deletes a specified drug from the drug list in the storage unit 15 based on the operator's (user's) input. Dispensing in progress means that a cassette Ca has been removed from the cassette shelf 21 for the purpose of dispensing a drug, and the cassette Ca is no longer in the cassette shelf 21. Waiting for dispensing means that a cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed is waiting in the cassette shelf 21.

[0388] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the first touch panel 5 displays a delete button 2703 in addition to the patient unit list 2701 or the drug unit list 2801. For example, consider a case where the drug unit list 2801 is displayed, and one or more drug records are selected by the operator's input operation, followed by the operation of selecting the delete button 2703. In this case, the drug management unit 115 deletes the information about the selected drug from the drug list in the storage unit 15. The drug management unit 115 also outputs deletion information to the main cassette transfer control unit 112 indicating that the information about the drug has been deleted from the drug list in the storage unit 15.

[0389] When the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 acquire deletion information, they stop retrieving the drug from the picking unit 3 for the drug that the drug management unit 115 has deleted from the drug list in the storage unit 15. In other words, if a process is executed to stop the dispensing of a certain drug based on an operator's input, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 stop dispensing the cassette Ca containing that drug.

[0390] Furthermore, the cassette management unit 114 of the control device 10, for example, treats a cassette Ca containing a drug whose dispensing has been stopped as a cassette Ca in a state of being out of stock, and stores (registers) this as history information for the drug in the storage unit 15. The storage unit 15 stores inventory quantity information, which indicates the number of drugs contained in cassette Ca (i.e., the inventory quantity of the drug), in association with the cassette identification information of cassette Ca. Therefore, the cassette management unit 114 updates the inventory quantity information associated with the cassette identification information of cassette Ca containing the drug whose dispensing has been stopped to information indicating that it is 0 (i.e., out of stock). Note that the above-described function of the cassette management unit 114 is just one example of the function of the cassette management unit 114, and the cassette management unit 114 only needs to manage cassettes Ca stored in the cassette shelf 21.

[0391] If the dispensing of a drug is stopped and the information about that drug is removed from the drug list in the storage unit 15, it may be necessary to separately place the drug into the transport tray Tr in order to provide it to the patient. However, if the information about the drug is simply removed from the drug list in the storage unit 15, the user may not notice the removal. In this case, the user may provide the patient with an incomplete set of medications.

[0392] In this embodiment, the control device 10 stores the drug deleted from the drug list in the storage unit 15 as being out of stock in the history information, and then moves the cassette Ca containing the subsequent drug to the drug dispensing position P1 or standby position P2 to continue dispensing the subsequent drug. The history information can be displayed on the first touch panel 5, for example, or output as a journal from the printer 36. Therefore, the user can view the history information on the first touch panel 5 or in the journal. Thus, the user can understand which drugs were deleted by input operation and not dispensed from the drug station 1, and recognize that the drug needs to be placed separately in the transport tray Tr. This reduces the possibility that the drug that should be provided to the patient will not be provided.

[0393] Here, let's consider, for example, the case where an input operation is made to stop the dispensing of a drug contained in a dispensing cassette Ca. In this case, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 stop dispensing from the cassette Ca and return the cassette Ca from the picking unit 3 or cassette holding unit 23 to the cassette shelf 21. The picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca containing the next drug to be dispensed after the drug whose dispensing was stopped (the subsequent cassette) from the cassette holding unit 23 or standby position P2 to the drug transfer position P1 (i.e., drug transfer unit 32).

[0394] As another example, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 return the cassette Ca that is waiting at standby position P2 to the cassette shelf 21 and stop dispensing the drug contained in that cassette Ca. In this case, the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfers the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed next to the drug to be dispensed to the standby position P2 where the cassette Ca containing the drug whose dispensing was stopped was waiting.

[0395] If the cassette Ca containing the drug whose dispensing has been stopped has not been removed from the cassette shelf 21, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 will not remove the cassette Ca. Instead, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 will remove the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed next and transfer it to the picking unit 3.

[0396] The above example described a case where dispensing of medications is discontinued on a per-drug basis, but dispensing may also be discontinued on a per-patient basis. That is, the drug management unit 115 may delete information about medications from the drug list in the storage unit 15 on a per-drug basis or on a per-patient basis. The drug management unit 115 may delete information about medications from the drug list in the storage unit 15 on a per-patient basis, or on a per-prescription basis, or on a per-dosing periodpatient basis.

[0397] Specifically, as shown in Figure 27, consider the case where, with the patient unit list 2701 displayed, a record for a certain patient is selected by an operator's input operation and the delete button 2703 is touched. In this case, as in the example above, the drug management unit 115 deletes the information regarding the drugs prescribed to the selected patient from the drug list in the storage unit 15. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 stop dispensing the drugs that have been deleted from the drug list in the storage unit 15. Specifically, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 return cassette Ca to the cassette shelf 21 for all drugs prescribed to that patient. The main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 also transfer cassette Ca containing drugs prescribed to the patient who is next in the dispensing order to the picking unit 3, i.e., drug transfer position P1 or standby position P2.

[0398] Furthermore, if the deletion operation described above is performed, the touch panel control unit 14 deletes the selected drug or patient record from the patient unit list 2701 or drug unit list 2801 displayed on the first touch panel 5.

[0399] As described above, in drug station 1, if the retrieval of a drug from picking unit 3 is stopped, cassette Ca (successor cassette) containing the drug that will be the next drug to be dispensed after the drug whose retrieval was stopped can be transferred to picking unit 3. Therefore, even if the retrieval of a drug is stopped, the dispensing of drugs included in the drug list in storage unit 15 can continue. In other words, drugs can be dispensed efficiently. In addition, in drug station 1, by treating cassette Ca from which the drug retrieval was stopped as out of stock, the successor cassette can be transferred to picking unit 3.

[0400] Furthermore, if the control device 10 deletes information about a drug from the drug list in the storage unit 15 on a patient-by-patient basis, it may send a cancellation notification to the dispensing control device 800 to stop dispensing the drug. In this case, as described in Embodiment 1, the dispensing control device 800 may determine another device provided by the drug dispensing system 100 (e.g., a tablet packaging machine 300) as the destination for dispensing the drug. The same process may also be performed if the control device 10 deletes information about a drug from the drug list in the storage unit 15 on a drug-by-drug basis.

[0401] Furthermore, the control device 10 may delete information about a drug from the drug list in the storage unit 15 and stop dispensing the drug not only through the first touch panel 5 but also through input operations on the second touch panel 31. As shown by reference numeral 29001 in Figure 29, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a dispensing image IM14 (dispensing screen) containing information for dispensing the drug to be taken from the drug receiving unit 32 on the second touch panel 31.

[0402] The payout image IM14 includes a delete button 2901 (the button labeled "Forced Audit" in Figure 29). When the second touch panel 31 receives an input operation to select the delete button 2901, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a delete decision image IM15 (deletion decision screen) on the second touch panel 31, as shown by reference numeral 29002 in Figure 29.

[0403] The deletion decision image IM15 includes a confirmation button 2903, a cancel button 2904, and a subsequent cancel button 2905. Consider the case where the second touch panel 31 receives an input operation to select the confirmation button 2903. In this case, the drug management unit 115 deletes information regarding the drug to be stored in the cassette Ca at the drug dispensing position P1 (the drug to be taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32) from the drug list in the storage unit 15 when the input operation is received. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 closes the shutter 322. The subsequent processing is the same as the deletion process described above.

[0404] For example, consider a case where, among medications "A", "B", and "C" prescribed to patient "X", the delete button 2901 and the confirm button 2903 are selected while medication "A" is being dispensed. In this case, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 stop dispensing medication "A". Then, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfer cassette Ca containing medication "B", which is the next item to be dispensed, to the medication transfer position P1.

[0405] If the second touch panel 31 receives an input operation to select the cancel button 2904, the touch panel control unit 14 stops displaying the deletion decision image IM15 on the second touch panel 31 and switches to displaying the dispensing image IM14.

[0406] Consider the case where the second touch panel 31 receives an input operation to select the subsequent cancel button 2905. In this case, the drug management unit 115 deletes the information regarding the drug stored in the cassette Ca at the drug dispensing position P1 when the input operation is received from the drug list in the storage unit 15. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 closes the shutter 322. Furthermore, the information regarding drugs that were to be dispensed after the drug prescribed to the patient is also deleted from the drug list in the storage unit 15. Subsequent processing is the same as the deletion process described above.

[0407] For example, consider a case where, among medications "A", "B", and "C" prescribed to patient "X", the delete button 2901 and the subsequent cancel button 2905 are selected while dispensing medication "A". In this case, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 stop dispensing all of medications "A", "B", and "C". Then, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfer cassette Ca containing the medication prescribed to the next patient to be dispensed to the medication transfer position P1.

[0408] Thus, at the drug station 1, the drug to be dispensed can be removed from the drug list in the storage unit 15 via the second touch panel 31, thereby stopping the drug retrieval at the picking unit 3. In addition, the cassette Ca containing the next drug to be dispensed can be transferred to the picking unit 3.

[0409] <Hold function> The control device 10 is equipped with a hold function that allows for the reversible cancellation of dispensing of drugs that are being dispensed or are awaiting dispensing. Specifically, the drug management unit 115 functions as a dispensing hold unit that performs a hold process to put the dispensing of a specified drug on hold based on the operator's (user's) input operation from the drug list in the storage unit 15.

[0410] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the first touch panel 5 displays a patient unit list 2701 or a drug unit list 2801, as well as a hold button 2704. When a drug record is selected in the patient unit list 2701 displayed on the first touch panel 5, and the input operation to select the hold button 2704 is received, the drug management unit 115 performs the hold process described above. Similarly, when a patient record is selected in the drug unit list 2801 displayed on the first touch panel 5, and the input operation to select the hold button 2704 is received, the drug management unit 115 performs the hold process described above. In other words, the drug management unit 115 puts the drug retrieval into a hold state on a drug-by-drug basis or on a patient-by-patient basis. The drug management unit 115 may also put the drug retrieval into a hold state on a predetermined unit, such as various prescription units (e.g., dosage timing units), rather than on a patient-by-patient basis.

[0411] Specifically, the drug management unit 115 stores information about the drugs to be held in the holding list of the storage unit 15, and then temporarily removes it from the drug list in the storage unit 15. The holding list is a database in which information about drugs whose dispensing has been held is stored in the order in which they were held.

[0412] The main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 determine that the drug management unit 115 has stopped taking out a drug that it has put into a reserved state from the picking unit 3. If the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 stop dispensing a drug that has been put into a reserved state, they transfer the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed next to that drug to the picking unit 3, i.e., the drug transfer position P1 or the standby position P2.

[0413] Therefore, if drug retrieval is stopped in the picking unit 3, similar to when drug information is deleted from the drug list in the memory unit 15, the cassette Ca containing the next drug to be dispensed can be transferred to the picking unit 3.

[0414] The cassette management unit 114 may also store in the storage unit 15 a cassette Ca containing a drug that has been put into a pending state as a cassette Ca that is out of stock and does not contain the drug.

[0415] As described above, the first touch panel 5 displays the pending item selection tab 2702C. When the first touch panel 5 receives an input operation to select the pending item selection tab 2702C, the touch panel control unit 14 displays the pending item list image IM17 on the first touch panel 5 as shown in Figure 30.

[0416] The pending details list image IM17 (pending details list screen) includes a pending medication list 3001, which lists medications whose retrieval has been put on hold. The pending medication list 3001 is a list of records associated with information such as the patient's name, the name (type) of the medication that has been put on hold, the form of the medication, and the total amount of the medication. The pending medication list 3001 displays each record in the order in which it was put on hold. The pending details list image IM17 also includes a detail unit selection button 3002, a dispensing data unit selection button 3003, and a release of hold button 3004.

[0417] When the item unit selection button 3002 is selected, the drug records displayed in the pending item list image IM17 can be selected on a per-drug basis. On the other hand, when the dispensing data unit selection button 3003 is selected, the drug records displayed in the pending item list image IM17 can be selected on a per-dispensing data basis (per patient).

[0418] For example, consider a case where patient "X" has been prescribed medications "A", "B", and "C", and the dispensing of medications "A", "B", and "C" is pending. In this case, if the item unit selection button 3002 is selected and medication "A" is selected, only medication "A" will be selected. On the other hand, if the dispensing data unit selection button 3003 is selected and medication "A" is selected, then medications "A", "B", and "C" will all be selected.

[0419] When a drug is selected, if the input operation to select the release hold button 3004 is received, the drug management unit 115 releases the hold state of the drug. The drug management unit 115 stores the information about the drug whose hold state has been released in the drug list of the storage unit 15. The information about the drug whose hold state has been released is also displayed again in the patient unit list 2701 or drug unit list 2801 displayed on the first touch panel 5.

[0420] Furthermore, the control device 10 may also put the drug into a hold state and stop dispensing the drug not only through the first touch panel 5 but also through input operations on the second touch panel 31. As shown by reference numeral 29001 in Figure 29, the dispensing image IM14 displayed on the second touch panel 31 includes a hold button 2902. When an input operation to select the hold button 2902 is received, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a hold decision image IM16 (hold decision screen) on the second touch panel 31, as shown by reference numeral 29003 in Figure 29.

[0421] The pending confirmation image IM16 includes a confirmation button 2906 and a cancel button 2907. Consider the case where the second touch panel 31 receives an input operation to select the confirmation button 2906. In this case, the drug management unit 115 stores information about the drug to be contained in the cassette Ca at the drug dispensing position P1 (the drug to be taken out from the drug dispensing unit 32) in the pending list of the storage unit 15 when the input operation is received. The drug management unit 115 also deletes the information about the drug from the drug list in the storage unit 15. At this time, the shutter control unit 122 closes the shutter 322. Then, the main cassette transfer control unit 112 and the picking cassette transfer control unit 121 transfer the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed next to the drug dispensing position P1.

[0422] When the second touch panel 31 receives an input operation to select the cancel button 2907, the touch panel control unit 14 stops displaying the hold confirmation image IM16 on the second touch panel 31 and switches to displaying the payout image IM14.

[0423] In this way, just as when drug information is deleted from the drug list in the memory unit 15, the retrieval of a drug that has been put on hold can be stopped at the picking unit 3 via the second touch panel 31. Furthermore, the cassette Ca containing the drug that is to be dispensed next can be transferred to the picking unit 3.

[0424] <Replacement function> The control device 10 is equipped with a reordering function that changes the order in which drugs waiting to be dispensed are dispensed.

[0425] Consider a scenario where, while the patient unit list 2701 or drug unit list 2801 is displayed on the first touch panel 5, a record is selected and moved to a different location within the patient unit list 2701 or drug unit list 2801. In this case, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a confirmation image IM18 (confirmation screen) on the first touch panel 5, as shown in Figure 31. The confirmation image IM18 includes a confirmation button 3101 and a cancel button 3102 that accept user input.

[0426] When the confirmation button 3101 is selected, the control device 10 rearranges the drug dispensing order in the drug list of the storage unit 15 to the modified order. This allows the control device 10 to dispense the drugs in the modified order. On the other hand, when the cancel button 3102 is selected, the dispensing order is not rearranged, and the dispensing order before the change is maintained.

[0427] When the dispensing order is changed, the touch panel control unit 14 rearranges the selected record in the patient unit list 2701 or drug unit list 2801 to the position specified by the operator's input operation and displays it.

[0428] [Embodiment 7] Drug Station 1 allows for the continuous filling of a single type of drug in predetermined units. Here, a predetermined unit refers, for example, to a box containing multiple units of a particular drug.

[0429] When a filling operation is performed to fill the drug station 1 with drugs, the control device 10 receives an input operation instructing the operator to start the filling operation. Upon receiving this input operation, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a guidance image IM19 (guidance screen) on the second touch panel 31, as shown by reference numeral 32001 in Figure 32, which guides the operator in reading the barcode. With the guidance image IM19 displayed, the control device 10 acquires drug identification information (e.g., GS1 code) read by the barcode reader 34 from the barcode attached to the box. Upon acquiring the drug identification information, the main cassette transfer unit 22 transfers the cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled, as indicated in the drug identification information, to the cassette holding unit 23. Subsequently, the picking cassette transfer unit 35 transfers the cassette Ca to the drug receiving unit 32.

[0430] When the cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled reaches the drug dispensing unit 32, the touch panel control unit 14 displays a guidance image IM20 (guidance screen) prompting drug verification (authentication), as shown by reference numeral 32002 in Figure 32, on the second touch panel 31. When the barcode reader 34 reads drug identification information while the guidance image IM20 is displayed, the control device 10 determines whether the acquired drug identification information matches the drug identification information of the drug to be filled.

[0431] If they match, the control device 10 permits the filling of the drug to be filled into the cassette Ca (i.e., filling the cassette Ca of the box containing the drug). In other words, the control device 10 permits the filling of the drug into the cassette Ca if the verification based on the second barcode reading is successful.

[0432] When the control device 10 authorizes the filling of the drug into the cassette Ca, the shutter control unit 122 opens the shutter 322. This allows the operator to fill the cassette Ca with a box containing the drug to be filled. Also, when the control device 10 authorizes the filling of the drug into the cassette Ca, the touch panel control unit 14 displays information related to the drug filling, such as the name of the drug to be filled, on the second touch panel 31.

[0433] Furthermore, if the control device 10 authorizes the filling of the drug into the cassette Ca, it acquires quantity information, which is contained in the barcode, indicating the number of drugs contained in the box. The control device 10 temporarily stores the acquired quantity information in a buffer (not shown) as packing information, which indicates the number of drugs to be filled into the cassette Ca. The quantity information may also be stored for each type of drug in a server (not shown) that manages the drugs. For example, if the quantity information cannot be obtained from the acquired barcode, the control device 10 may acquire the quantity information associated with the drug identification information contained in the barcode from the server.

[0434] The touch panel control unit 14 displays the number of drugs to be filled (package quantity), as indicated in the acquired quantity information, on the second touch panel 31. For example, if one box contains 100 drugs and this box is to be filled into cassette Ca, the touch panel control unit 14 displays "100" on the second touch panel 31.

[0435] When the shutter 322 is open, the operator fills the container with the chemical, and when the operator closes the shutter 322 by an input operation, the control device 10 determines that the filling operation is complete. When the control device 10 determines that the filling operation is complete, it adds the number of chemicals to be filled, as indicated in the acquired quantity information, to the inventory quantity of the chemical stored in the storage unit 15, as indicated in the inventory quantity information of the chemical. The control device 10 stores the number obtained by adding the number of chemicals to be filled to the inventory quantity of the chemical as the new inventory quantity of the chemical in the storage unit 15.

[0436] As described above, the control device 10 calls up a cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled (transfers the cassette Ca to the drug receiving unit 32), performs verification to fill the cassette Ca with the drug, and then opens the shutter 322. After this verification, the barcode reader 34 reads the barcode attached to the box of the drug to be filled into the called cassette Ca again.

[0437] In this case, the control device 10 successfully verifies the drug to be filled, and then successfully verifies the drug again. After calling up cassette Ca, if the verification of the drug to be filled is successful twice in a row, the control device 10 determines that the drug will be filled continuously. If the drug is filled continuously, the control device 10 updates the quantity information temporarily stored in the buffer. Specifically, the control device 10 adds the same number of units as indicated by the quantity information temporarily stored in the buffer and stores this as new quantity information in the buffer. The touch panel control unit 14 then displays the newly updated quantity information in the buffer on the second touch panel 31.

[0438] Furthermore, consider the case where the shutter 322 is open and the barcode reader 34 reads the barcode on the box of medicine to be filled into the called cassette Ca multiple times. In this case, each time the control device 10 acquires new medicine identification information, it adds the same number of medicines as indicated by the quantity information temporarily stored in the buffer and stores this as new quantity information in the buffer. For example, consider the case where one box contains 100 medicines, and the control device 10 acquires the same medicine identification information a second time after successfully verifying it the first time. In this case, the control device 10 adds "200" (100 x 2) to the "100" indicated in the quantity information acquired during the first verification (when the medicine identification information was acquired), and stores "300" as new quantity information in the buffer.

[0439] After updating the quantity information stored in the buffer, if the operator closes the shutter 322 through an input operation, the control device 10 adds the number indicated in the new quantity information to the inventory quantity information stored in the storage unit 15. This updates the inventory quantity information. Alternatively, after calling a cassette Ca, the control device 10 may add the number indicated in the quantity information obtained during the first verification to the inventory quantity each time the verification is successful.

[0440] Furthermore, if, during continuous filling, drug identification information different from the drug identification information attached to the box of the drug being filled is obtained, the touch panel control unit 14 may display an error notification on the second touch panel 31 indicating that continuous filling is not possible. Alternatively, the control device 10 may determine, based on user input, that continuous filling of drugs will be performed on one cassette Ca. Figure 38 shows an example of a filling image IM30 displayed on the first touch panel 5. Figure 38 includes a continuous filling acceptance area 3801. For example, if the user checks the continuous filling acceptance area 3801, the control device 10 may determine that continuous filling of drugs will be performed on one cassette Ca. That is, if the continuous filling acceptance area 3801 is checked, the control device 10 may recognize the continuous barcode reading as being for continuous filling and count the number of drugs to be stored in the cassette Ca according to the number of barcodes read.

[0441] [Embodiment 8] As described above, when filling drug station 1 with drugs, the control device 10 guides the worker to have the barcode attached to the drug read by the barcode reader 34 in order to call the cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled to the picking unit 3. The barcode is attached, for example, to the drug itself (e.g., drug sheet), the container containing the drug, or the box containing the drug. The control device 10 also guides the worker to have the barcode attached to the drug read by the barcode reader 34 in order to place the drug to be filled into cassette Ca that has reached drug dispensing unit 32. In other words, the control device 10 permits filling cassette Ca with drugs only after two successful verifications using the barcode.

[0442] When the filling mode is selected by the operator's input, the control device 10 sets the barcode reading mode to a calling mode in which the cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled is called from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3. The filling mode is the mode in which the operator fills the drug station 1 with drug. In calling mode, the control device 10 refers to the storage unit 15 and transfers the cassette Ca indicated by the cassette identification information associated with the drug identification information indicated by the barcode from the cassette shelf 21 to the picking unit 3.

[0443] When a cassette Ca arrives at the drug dispensing unit 32, the control device 10 switches the barcode reading mode to a verification (authentication) mode, which verifies whether the drug contained in the arrived cassette Ca matches the drug to be filled by the operator. In verification mode, the control device 10 refers to the storage unit 15 to verify the drug identification information indicated by the barcode against the drug identification information associated with the cassette identification information of the arrived cassette Ca. If the two drug identification pieces match, the control device 10 determines that the verification was successful and opens the shutter 322. This allows the operator to fill the cassette Ca with the drug. Afterwards, for example, when the operator presses the tray close button 39, the shutter 322 closes.

[0444] During the call mode, that is, until the cassette Ca containing the drugs to be filled arrives at the drug dispensing unit 32, the control device 10 sequentially acquires the drug identification information indicated by the barcodes read by the barcode reader 34 and manages it as information on drugs waiting to be filled. In other words, the control device 10 can manage the drug identification information in the filling waiting list of the storage unit 15 in the order in which it was acquired (the order in which it is waiting to be filled). Therefore, after the filling of a drug into cassette Ca is completed (after the shutter 322 is closed), if the drug identification information of the next drug to be filled is managed, the control device 10 can continue to perform verification for drug filling. When the filling of all drugs indicated by the drug identification information managed in the storage unit 15 is completed, the control device 10 switches the barcode reading mode from verification mode to call mode.

[0445] Figure 33 shows an example of a filling image IM21 (filling screen) displayed on the first touch panel 5 in filling mode. As shown in Figure 33, the filling image IM21 includes a filling drug list 3301, which is a list of records associated with various information about the drugs selected as the filling target. The filling drug list 3301 includes information such as the drug name and inventory quantity, associated with the cassette number. The touch panel control unit 14 displays "○" in the "Target" column of the filling drug list 3301, corresponding to the record of the drug to be filled, and displays "-" corresponding to the record of the drug to be excluded from the filling target. The touch panel control unit 14 switches between displaying "○" and "-" based on the operator's input operation in the "Target" column.

[0446] Furthermore, the filling image IM21 (filling screen) includes a mode display area 3302 that displays the status of the barcode reading mode. In the example in Figure 33, the mode display area 3302 shows "Barcode Mode: Cassette Call". That is, this filling image IM21 indicates that the barcode reading mode is set to call mode. When the cassette Ca containing the drug to be filled arrives at the drug receiving unit 32, the control device 10 switches the display in the mode display area 3302 from "Barcode Mode: Cassette Call" to "Barcode Mode: Cassette Arrived", which indicates the matching mode.

[0447] Here, we consider a case where the control device 10 automatically switches the barcode reading mode from the calling mode to the matching mode when a cassette Ca containing the drugs to be filled arrives at the drug dispensing unit 32, and where multiple types of drugs are being filled. As described above, while in calling mode, the control device 10 sequentially acquires the drug identification information indicated by the barcode read by the barcode reader 34 and manages it in the filling waiting list, but after the cassette Ca arrives at the drug dispensing unit 32, it switches to matching mode. Therefore, if the control device 10 acquires a barcode attached to a drug to be newly filled after the switch, it does not add the drug identification information indicated by that barcode to the filling waiting list. Instead, the control device 10 uses that drug identification information to compare it with the drug identification information associated with the cassette identification information of the cassette Ca that arrived at the drug dispensing unit 32. In this case, since the two drug identification information are different, the control device 10 will notify the operator of an error indicating that the matching failed.

[0448] Therefore, if there are multiple types of medications to be filled, and the medication identification information for all medications cannot be added to the filling waiting list during the calling mode, the following will occur: The operator will not be able to read the barcodes that could not be read during the calling mode in order to call up Cassette Ca until the filling of the medications whose barcodes were read is complete and the operator returns to calling mode. In other words, the operator will have to wait until the operator returns to calling mode before attempting to read the barcodes in order to call up Cassette Ca.

[0449] In this embodiment, the control device 10 can receive barcode mode switching instructions from the operator. For example, the control device 10 may display a filling image IM21 on the first touch panel 5 that includes a mode switching button (not shown) for receiving input from the operator to switch the barcode reading mode. The control device 10 may also display the above-mentioned filling waiting list on the first touch panel 5.

[0450] When the cassette Ca reaches the drug dispensing unit 32, the control device 10 switches the barcode reading mode from the calling mode to the matching mode. If the operator has not yet read the barcodes for all the drugs to be filled in order to call up the cassette Ca, they touch the mode switching button. As a result, the control device 10 receives a barcode mode switching instruction from the first touch panel 5 and switches from the matching mode to the calling mode. Therefore, the control device 10 can acquire the barcode as the barcode for calling up the cassette Ca and add the drug identification information indicated by the barcode to the filling waiting list. Consequently, the operator can reserve the calling of the cassette Ca containing all the drugs to be filled, and does not have to wait for the reservation to be reset until the filling of the drugs whose barcodes have been read is complete and the system returns to calling mode.

[0451] Furthermore, when the control device 10 switches to call mode by an operator's input, if the shutter 322 is open, it will temporarily close the shutter 322.

[0452] After the operator adds the drug identification information of all the drugs to be filled to the filling standby list, they touch the mode switching button. This causes the control device 10 to receive a barcode mode switching instruction from the first touch panel 5, switch from calling mode to matching mode, and guide the operator to read the barcodes according to the standby order. As the operator reads the barcodes according to the guidance, the control device 10 can perform matching on all the drug identification information included in the filling standby list according to the standby order.

[0453] [Embodiment 9] The following describes the method for managing drug lot numbers and expiration dates at Drug Station 1.

[0454] Drug Station 1 manages the lot number and expiration date of each drug for each type of drug stored in Cassette Ca. For example, the memory unit 15 stores the cassette identification information of Cassette Ca, information indicating the type of drug stored in Cassette Ca (e.g., drug identification information), lot number information indicating the lot number of the drug, and expiration date information indicating the expiration date of the drug, all associated with each other. If multiple types of drugs are stored in Cassette Ca, the storage location information indicating the storage location in Cassette Ca is associated with the drug identification information, lot number information, and expiration date information.

[0455] Let's consider the case where a drug with a stock quantity of 0 in Drug Station 1 is refilled, that is, when the lot number information and expiration date information of the drug are not stored in the storage unit 15. In this case, the control device 10 obtains the lot number information and expiration date information of the drug from a barcode (e.g., GS1 code) read by the barcode reader 34, for example. The control device 10 stores the obtained lot number information and expiration date information in the storage unit 15, associating them with the drug identification information of the drug and the cassette identification information of the cassette Ca containing the drug.

[0456] Furthermore, lot number information and expiration date information may be stored for each type of drug on a server (not shown) that manages the drugs. For example, if lot number information and expiration date information cannot be obtained from the acquired barcode, the control device 10 may obtain lot number information and expiration date information associated with the drug identification information contained in the barcode from the server.

[0457] Furthermore, if the acquired expiration date information indicates the year and month but does not include information indicating the day, the control device 10 stores the last day of the month of the expiration date in the storage unit 15 as the expiration date of the drug to be filled. In other words, the storage unit 15 manages the expiration date by year, month, and day.

[0458] Figure 34 shows an example of the filling agent list 3301 included in the filling image IM21 of Figure 33. As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the operator can view information such as the lot number and expiration date of the agent via the first touch panel 5. Note that only a portion of the filling agent list 3301 is shown in the filling image IM21. Therefore, the operator can grasp the entirety of the filling agent list 3301, as shown in Figure 34, by scrolling through the filling agent list 3301 in the filling image IM21.

[0459] The touch panel control unit 14 displays the year and month of the drug's expiration date on the first touch panel 5. For example, if the drug is contained in a box, the expiration date indicated on the box is often in the year and month format. Also, the drug is often filled into the drug station 1 in boxes. Therefore, by displaying the expiration date on the first touch panel 5 in accordance with the indication on the boxes, which are filled relatively frequently, it becomes easier for the operator to confirm whether the expiration date on the box and the display on the first touch panel match or not. However, the touch panel control unit 14 may also display the expiration date (i.e., year, month, and day) indicated by the expiration date information stored in the memory unit 15.

[0460] Furthermore, the storage unit 15 stores the cassette identification information or storage location information of each cassette Ca, associated with the first setting and the second setting described below. That is, the first setting and the second setting are set for each type of drug stored in each cassette Ca (drug identification information associated with the cassette identification information or storage location information of each cassette Ca). When a drug with a stock quantity of 1 or more in the drug station 1 is to be filled, the control device 10 manages whether or not to fill the drug, as well as the lot number information and expiration date information in the storage unit 15, based on the first setting and the second setting set for each type of drug.

[0461] Figure 35 is a table illustrating the method for managing whether or not a cassette Ca can be filled, as well as lot number information and expiration date information.

[0462] In the control device 10, a first setting is defined for each type of drug to determine what processing is performed if lot number information and expiration date information cannot be obtained from the barcode. For example, as shown in Figure 35, for each drug stored in each cassette Ca or each storage area (i.e., for each type of drug), one of the following first settings is applied: a "fill" setting and a "do not fill" setting. The "fill" setting allows the drug to be filled into cassette Ca even if lot number information and expiration date information cannot be obtained from the barcode attached to the drug. The "do not fill" setting does not allow the drug to be filled into cassette Ca if the lot number information and expiration date information cannot be obtained. When the control device 10 obtains drug identification information for a drug, it refers to the storage unit 15 and obtains the first setting applicable to that drug. Based on the obtained first setting, the control device 10 determines whether or not to allow the drug to be filled.

[0463] Let's consider the case where lot number information and expiration date information can be obtained from the barcode (when "Actual Input" is "Input Available" in Figure 35). As shown in Figure 35, when "Input Available," regardless of whether the setting is "Fill" or "Do Not Fill," the drug can be filled into cassette Ca, except in the case where it cannot be filled based on the second setting described later ("No Filling (Error)"). In other words, it is set to either "Fill As Is" or "Overwrite Filling" as described later. Therefore, the control device 10 permits the filling of the drug into cassette Ca, regardless of whether the first setting is "Fill" or "Do Not Fill," for the drug with the barcode (the drug from which expiration date information, etc., has been obtained).

[0464] Next, let's consider the case where lot number information and expiration date information cannot be obtained from the barcode (when "Actual Input" is "Not Input" in Figure 35). As shown in Figure 35, when "Not Input", the "Fill" setting is configured to allow the drug to be filled into Cassette Ca ("Fill as is"). Therefore, even if the "Fill" setting is applied as the first setting to the drug with the barcode (the drug from which expiration date information etc. could not be obtained), the control device 10 permits the filling of the drug into Cassette Ca.

[0465] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 35, if "not entered," the "do not fill" setting means that the drug cannot be filled into the cassette Ca ("no filling (error)"). Therefore, if the "do not fill" setting is applied as the first setting to the drug with the above barcode (a drug from which expiration date information could not be obtained), the control device 10 will not allow the drug to be filled into the cassette Ca. If the drug is not allowed to be filled into the cassette Ca, the touch panel control unit 14 may, for example, display an error image on the first touch panel 5 to notify that filling is not permitted.

[0466] Furthermore, a second setting is defined for each type of drug. The second setting concerns the handling of cases where the lot number information and expiration date information obtained from the barcode differ from the lot number information and expiration date information associated with the drug identification information of the drug to which the barcode is attached, which are stored in the storage unit 15. Specifically, the second setting determines whether or not the cassette Ca can be filled in such cases, and whether or not the lot number information and expiration date information can be rewritten.

[0467] For example, as shown in Figure 35, for each drug contained in each cassette Ca or each storage area (i.e., for each type of drug), one of the following second settings is applied: "overwrite and fill," "fill as is," or "do not fill." Although not shown in the figure, in some cases, the second setting "do not manage expiration date" may also be applied to each cassette Ca or each storage area of ​​the drug.

[0468] The control device 10 makes a determination for a given drug based on the first setting, and if it permits the filling of the drug, it refers to the memory unit 15 again and obtains the second setting applied to the drug. Based on the obtained second setting, the control device 10 determines whether or not the drug can be filled, and whether or not the lot number information and expiration date information can be rewritten.

[0469] First, we will explain the case where the drug to which the "Do not fill" setting applies is filled, as this is the second setting when the acquired lot number information and expiration date information differ from the lot number information and expiration date information stored in the memory unit 15. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the lot number information and expiration date information have been acquired, so please refer to the "Input Available" row in Figure 35. Also, in the following, the lot number information will be omitted, and the expiration date information will be used as an example.

[0470] As shown in Figure 35, if the expiration date information of the newly filled drug differs from the expiration date information of the same drug already contained in Cassette Ca (when "Actual Input" is "≠"), the setting prevents the drug from being filled into Cassette Ca ("No Filling (Error)"). Therefore, in this case, the control device 10 does not permit the filling of the newly filled drug into Cassette Ca.

[0471] On the other hand, consider the case where the expiration date information of the newly filled drug matches the expiration date information of the same type of drug already stored in the cassette Ca (when "actual input" is "="). In this case, as shown in Figure 35, the cassette Ca is set to be filled with drug, and the expiration date information in the storage unit 15 is not changed ("fill as is"). Therefore, in this case, the control device 10 permits the filling of the cassette Ca with the newly filled drug without changing the expiration date information in the storage unit 15.

[0472] Therefore, if the acquired expiration date information differs from the expiration date information in the storage unit 15, for drugs to which the "do not fill" setting is applied, only drugs with the same expiration date will be stored in Cassette Ca. This ensures that drugs with the same expiration date can be stored in Cassette Ca for drugs to which this setting is applied. As a result, the possibility of incorrect management, such as drugs remaining in Cassette Ca even after their expiration date, is reduced.

[0473] Next, we will explain the case where the second setting, "overwrite and fill," is applied to the medication being filled.

[0474] As shown in Figure 35, "overwrite filling" is set regardless of whether the expiration date information of the newly filled drug matches the expiration date information of the same type of drug already stored in Cassette Ca. In other words, the setting allows drug to be filled into Cassette Ca, and the expiration date information in the storage unit 15 is overwritten with the acquired expiration date information. Therefore, in this case, the control device 10 permits the filling of the newly filled drug into Cassette Ca. The control device 10 also overwrites the expiration date information of the drug stored in the storage unit 15 with the expiration date information acquired from the barcode of the newly filled drug.

[0475] Therefore, if the acquired expiration date information differs from the expiration date information in the storage unit 15, for drugs to which the "overwrite and refill" setting is applied, the expiration date information in the storage unit 15 will be overwritten with the new expiration date information each time the drug is refilled. As a result, this setting can be effectively applied to drugs that are used frequently, such as drugs that can be used before the expiration date of the drug refilled before the update has passed, even if the expiration date information is updated.

[0476] Next, we will explain the case where the second setting, "fill as is," applies to the medication being filled.

[0477] As shown in Figure 35, the setting is "fill as is" regardless of whether the expiration date information of the newly filled drug matches the expiration date information of the same type of drug already stored in the cassette Ca. In other words, the setting allows the drug to be filled into the cassette Ca, and the expiration date information in the storage unit 15 is not overwritten with the acquired expiration date information. Therefore, in this case, the control device 10 permits the filling of the newly filled drug into the cassette Ca. Furthermore, the control device 10 does not change the expiration date information of the drug stored in the storage unit 15.

[0478] Here, the expiration date of the drug being filled is likely to be closer to the date of filling than the expiration date of the drug already contained in Cassette Ca. In other words, the expiration date of the drug already contained in Cassette Ca is likely to be older than the expiration date of the drug being filled. Therefore, if the acquired expiration date information and the expiration date information in the memory unit 15 differ, for drugs to which the "fill as is" setting is applied, it is highly likely that the oldest expiration date among the drugs in Cassette Ca can be managed as the expiration date of that drug. As a result, it is possible to fill Cassette Ca with drugs with different expiration dates, and even if a new drug is filled into Cassette Ca, it is highly likely that the drug can be used before the expiration date of the previously filled drug expires.

[0479] Next, we will explain the case where the second setting, "Do not manage expiration dates," is applied to medications that are being filled.

[0480] For drugs to which this setting applies, the expiration date information for the drug is not stored in the memory unit 15. When the drug is to be filled, the control device 10 permits the filling of the drug regardless of whether or not the expiration date information has been acquired, or the date indicated by the expiration date. Therefore, this setting can be effectively applied to drugs such as topical patches or items such as instruction manuals, which do not require expiration date management.

[0481] [Embodiment 10] The control device 10 may also have a notification function that notifies the operator that it has received dispensing data when dispensing data is received while the picking unit 3 is performing the filling operation.

[0482] For example, when the drug station 1 receives dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, the touch panel control unit 14 causes the first touch panel 5 to display information indicating that the dispensing data has been received. For example, the touch panel control unit 14 may also display a reception notification area 3303 on the first touch panel 5 indicating that the dispensing data has been received.

[0483] With the above configuration, the worker can easily recognize that the drug station 1 has received dispensing data, even while performing the filling operation. This reduces the possibility that the worker may continue the filling operation without realizing that there is a drug that should be dispensed using the drug station 1, thus delaying the start of the dispensing operation.

[0484] In addition to the display on the first touch panel 5, the drug station 1 may also notify the operator that it has received dispensing data by outputting audio from a speaker (not shown).

[0485] [Embodiment 11] The control device 10 may also have a function to output a report showing the usage history of the drug station 1. By outputting the report, the user can understand the usage history (operating status) of the drug station 1. The control device 10 may output the report from, for example, a printer connected to the control device 10. The control device 10 may, for example, display the contents shown in the report on the first touch panel 5.

[0486] The control device 10 manages the usage history of the drug station 1 and stores data indicating this usage history in the storage unit 15. For example, the control device 10 only needs to store data indicating the usage history when it dispenses prescription data for a predetermined prescription period received from the dispensing control device 800 in the storage unit 15. By referring to the storage unit 15, the control device 10 can output the usage history of the drug station 1 to a report.

[0487] Examples of the above-mentioned usage data include information received from the dispensing control device 800 (received data). This received information may include information indicating the total number of prescriptions. The total number of prescriptions indicates the total number of prescriptions issued during a predetermined prescription period.

[0488] In the drug dispensing system 100, the total number of prescriptions may be the total number of prescriptions included in the prescription data received by the dispensing control device 800 (the total number of prescriptions issued by the prescription input device 200 or the dispensing control device 800). In other words, the total number of prescriptions may be the total number of prescriptions (the total number of prescriptions) that include drugs dispensed using all the various devices included in the drug dispensing system 100, such as the tablet packaging machine 300, in addition to the drug station 1.

[0489] When Drug Station 1 is used independently, the total number of prescriptions represents the total number of prescriptions (total number of prescriptions) included in the prescription data received by Drug Station 1 from the prescription input device 200. When Drug Station 1 is used independently, it means that Drug Station 1 is not included in the drug dispensing system 100 and Drug Station 1 does not dispense drugs in conjunction with various devices.

[0490] Furthermore, the above-mentioned received information may include drug station prescription information, which indicates the number of prescriptions for which drug station 1 was involved in dispensing medication out of all issued prescriptions. When drug station 1 is used in the medication dispensing system 100, the drug station prescription information can indicate what percentage of the prescriptions included in the prescription data were dispensed by drug station 1. When drug station 1 is used alone, the total number of prescriptions and the number of prescriptions indicated by the drug station prescription information will match.

[0491] The above received information is output to a report, allowing the user to understand the total number of prescriptions handled by the entire drug dispensing system 100, or the number of prescriptions handled by drug station 1. Furthermore, if drug station 1 is used in the drug dispensing system 100, the user can understand the number of prescriptions handled by drug station 1, as well as the ratio of the number of prescriptions handled by drug station 1 to the total number of prescriptions handled by the entire drug dispensing system 100.

[0492] Other information that may be included in the above usage record is, for example, information indicating the form of the extracted medication, information indicating the number of types of medication extracted (e.g., the total number of types and the number of types for each form), and information indicating the operating time of Drug Station 1. The form of the medication refers to the type of medication taken by the patient, such as tablets, capsules, or powders. The operating time may include, for example, the total operating time of Drug Station 1, as well as the operating time per prescription (e.g., per patient) and the operating time per medication.

[0493] [Embodiment 12] Figure 36 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a drug station 1 equipped with two picking units 3. As described in the basic configuration above, the two picking units 3 may be provided on the front side of the main unit 2. Also, as described in the basic configuration above, in the drug dispensing system 100 shown in Figure 1, the dispensing control device 800 determines which drugs to be dispensed from the drug station 1 from among the drugs indicated in the prescription data received from the prescription input device 200, and transmits dispensing data including information about those drugs to the drug station 1.

[0494] When the drug dispensing system 100 is installed in a hospital, the prescription input device 200 can receive information indicating the prescription category based on user input. The prescription category refers to, for example, the category of medical treatment received by the patient to whom the drug was prescribed, and indicates, for example, the type of medical treatment received by the patient and the medical department (specialty category) to which the patient receives treatment. A prescription category is assigned to each patient.

[0495] Examples of medical treatment formats include those in which a patient visits the clinic for treatment, and those in which a patient receives treatment through means other than visiting the clinic. Examples of those in which a patient visits the clinic for treatment include "outpatient," which indicates that a patient visits the clinic for treatment, "emergency," which indicates that a patient visits the clinic in an emergency, and "same day," which indicates that a patient visits the clinic on the day of the appointment. Examples of those in which a patient receives treatment through means other than visiting the clinic include those in which a patient is hospitalized for treatment. Examples of such formats include "inpatient" and "temporary." "Inpatient" is used by the prescription input device 200 to send the entered prescription data for inpatients to the dispensing control device 800 in a batch at a set time. That is, prescription data for patients assigned "inpatient" is sent from the prescription input device 200 to the dispensing control device 800 at a set time. "Temporary" is used by the prescription input device 200 to send the temporarily entered prescription data for inpatients to the dispensing control device 800. In other words, prescription data for patients designated as "temporary" is transmitted from the prescription input device 200 to the dispensing control device 800 when information regarding the medication prescribed to the patient is entered into the prescription input device 200. Examples of medical departments include "internal medicine" and "surgery."

[0496] The prescription input device 200 generates prescription data that includes information associating patients with the prescribed medications, as well as information associating patients with prescription categories. Accordingly, the dispensing control device 800 receives prescription data containing this information, and the control device 10 of the drug station 1 receives dispensing data containing this information. The dispensing control device 800 may also receive information associating patients with prescription categories separately from the prescription data, and the control device 10 may also receive this information separately from the dispensing data.

[0497] The memory unit 15 of the drug station 1 stores classification information indicating prescription classifications and unit identification information for identifying picking units 3 in association with each other. For example, classification information indicating the form in which a patient receives medical treatment on an outpatient basis (e.g., "outpatient," "emergency," and "same day") is associated with unit identification information indicating one of the picking units 3. Classification information indicating the form in which a patient receives medical treatment by means other than outpatient visits (e.g., "regular" and "inpatient") is associated with unit identification information indicating the other picking unit 3. Alternatively, for example, classification information indicating "internal medicine" may be associated with unit identification information indicating one of the picking units 3, and classification information indicating "surgery" may be associated with unit identification information indicating the other picking unit 3. The correspondence between classification information and unit identification information can be changed as appropriate.

[0498] The control device 10 determines which of the two picking units 3 will dispense the medication based on the classification information contained in the dispensing data for each of the multiple types of medications shown in the dispensing data. In this embodiment, the control device 10 determines which of the two picking units 3 will dispense the medication based on this information.

[0499] When the control device 10 receives dispensing data from the dispensing control device 800, it compares the classification information contained in the dispensing data with the classification information stored in the storage unit 15 to determine the picking unit 3 from which each drug will be dispensed.

[0500] The memory unit 15 stores data that associates drug identification information with storage location information or cassette identification information. Therefore, the main unit control unit 11, by referring to the memory unit 15, transfers the cassette Ca containing the drug to be dispensed to the picking unit 3 that has been determined to dispense the drug, based on the various drugs indicated in the dispensing data.

[0501] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the drug station 1 has two picking units 3 was used as an example for explanation, but the invention is not limited to this configuration and can also be applied to configurations with three or more picking units 3.

[0502] Consider the case where, in the dispensing data, classification information is assigned to each patient to whom medication is prescribed, and the classification information and unit identification information are managed in association, and the drug station 1 has multiple picking units 3. In this case, the control device 10 determines which of the multiple picking units 3 will dispense the medication indicated in the prescription data, based on the input classification information. As a result, the control device 10 can determine which picking unit 3 will dispense the medication according to the prescription classification. Therefore, the control device 10 can dispense medication in batches from one picking unit 3 for each type of medical treatment or medical department.

[0503] Furthermore, the control device 10 may determine, for each patient indicated in the dispensing data, which of the multiple picking units 3 will dispense the medication indicated in the dispensing data. In this case, it is sufficient that the information for identifying the patient and the unit identification information are stored in association in the storage unit 15. In this case as well, the control device 10 can dispense medication in batches from one picking unit 3 for each type of medical treatment or medical department.

[0504] Alternatively, the control performed by the control device 10 described above may be carried out by the control unit 801 of the dispensing control device 800. In this case, the storage unit 802 of the dispensing control device 800 may store classification information and unit identification information. In this case, the control unit 801 may also transmit information indicating the picking unit 3 determined based on the input classification information to the control device 10.

[0505] [Embodiment 13] In this embodiment as well, we will explain using a configuration in which the drug station 1 is equipped with two picking units 3, as shown in Figure 36. Figure 37 shows an example of a dispensing selection image IM25 displayed on the first touch panel 5. In the example in Figure 37, one picking unit 3 is referred to as the "main unit," and the other picking unit 3 is referred to as the "sub unit."

[0506] As shown in Figure 37, the dispensing selection image IM25 includes checkboxes corresponding to each picking unit 3 that accept selections for "packaging / manual dispensing available," "dispensing multiple types or less," and "complete prescription." In the example in Figure 37, "complete prescription" is selected for one of the picking units 3 (main machine).

[0507] "Packaging / Manual Dispensing Available" is an item used to select picking unit 3 as the destination for medications that will be individually packaged by a packaging machine or crushed by a crushing machine in the process after being dispensed from drug station 1. Manual dispensing refers to medications that are manually dispensed into the manual dispensing unit of the packaging machine and then individually packaged by the packaging machine.

[0508] Consider the case where "packaging / manual dispensing available" is selected in any of the picking units 3. In this case, if the dispensing data contains information indicating a drug that requires unit-dose packaging or crushing, the control device 10 will transfer the cassette Ca containing that drug to the picking unit 3 where "packaging / manual dispensing available" was selected. This allows drugs that the user needs to unit-dose packaging or crush in the process after being dispensed from the drug station 1 to be dispensed all at once from a single picking unit 3. Therefore, the user's work efficiency can be improved.

[0509] The prescription input device 200 can assign a flag to drugs that require unit-dose packaging or crushing, based on user input. The prescription input device 200 associates patients with the drugs prescribed to them and generates prescription data that includes information on drugs requiring unit-dose packaging or crushing, with the flag assigned accordingly. Consequently, the dispensing control device 800 receives prescription data containing this information, and the drug station 1 receives dispensing data containing this information. This allows the control device 10 to determine whether the drug shown in the dispensing data requires unit-dose packaging or crushing. The prescription input device 200 may also generate information indicating whether the drug shown in the prescription data requires unit-dose packaging or crushing separately from the prescription data. In this case, the dispensing control device 800 receives this information along with the prescription data, and the drug station 1 receives this information along with the dispensing data.

[0510] "Dispensing multiple types or less" is an item used to select picking unit 3 as the dispensing destination for medications prescribed to a patient, where the number of types is less than or equal to a predetermined number.

[0511] Let's consider the case where "dispense of multiple types or less" is selected in any of the picking units 3. In this case, if the number of types of medication prescribed to a patient in the dispensing data is less than or equal to a preset number, the control device 10 will transfer the cassette Ca containing the medication prescribed to that patient to the picking unit 3 where "dispense of multiple types or less" was selected. Since the dispensing data includes information indicating the types of medication prescribed to the patient, the control device 10 can determine the number of types of medication prescribed to the patient.

[0512] "Complete prescription" is an item for selecting picking unit 3 as the dispensing destination for medications prescribed to a patient, where all medications prescribed to that patient can be dispensed from drug station 1.

[0513] Let's consider the case where "Complete Prescription" is selected in any of the picking units 3. In this case, if the dispensing data shows that all the medications prescribed to a patient can be dispensed from the drug station 1, the control device 10 will transfer the cassette Ca containing the medications prescribed to that patient to the picking unit 3 where "Complete Prescription" was selected.

[0514] This allows medications included in prescriptions that can be dispensed at drug station 1 to be dispensed all at once from a single picking unit 3. Therefore, users can inspect the medications contained in the transport tray Tr without having to add any more medications to the transport tray Tr containing the medications included in the prescription. This improves the user's work efficiency.

[0515] The memory unit 15 stores information indicating the number of drugs (capacity) contained in each cassette Ca. The dispensing data also includes information indicating the type of drug prescribed to the patient and the number of drugs of each type. Therefore, the control device 10 can determine whether or not it can dispense all of the drugs prescribed to the patient by referring to the information indicating the capacity and the information contained in the dispensing data. For example, even if the drug indicated in the dispensing data is managed at the drug station 1, if the capacity of that drug is 0 (i.e., the drug is out of stock), the control device 10 may determine that it cannot dispense all of the drugs prescribed to the patient.

[0516] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the drug station 1 has two picking units 3 was used as an example for explanation, but the invention is not limited to this configuration and can also be applied to configurations with three or more picking units 3.

[0517] In this way, the control device 10 determines, based on user input, which picks a drug from among multiple picking units 3 to be used as the dispensing unit 3 for drugs that meet specific conditions. Then, if the dispensing data contains drugs that meet the specific conditions, the control device 10 transfers those drugs to the determined picking unit 3. The specific conditions are set, for example, from the perspective of improving the user's work efficiency after the drugs are dispensed from the drug station 1. Therefore, the user's work efficiency can be improved.

[0518] Furthermore, if multiple conditions have been selected for a single picking unit 3, and the dispensing data includes a drug that satisfies at least one of the conditions, the control device 10 may transfer the drug to the picking unit 3.

[0519] For example, consider a case where "packaging / manual dispensing available" and "dispensing of multiple types or less" (e.g., dispensing of 3 types or less) are selected in the main picking u...

Claims

1. A guide unit that indicates the number of chemicals to be taken out by the worker, including the number of chemical sheets containing multiple chemicals and the number of fractional sheets cut out from the chemical sheets, The system includes a control unit that determines whether the remainder is 1 when the specified number, which is the quantity of drug to be taken out from the cassette containing the drug, is divided by the number of drug sheets contained in one drug sheet, The control unit controls the guide unit to indicate a number of 2 or more as the number of drugs included in the fractional sheet when it determines that the remainder is 1.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the guide unit to indicate the number of drugs included in the fractional sheets to be taken out by the worker as the number of drugs in the sheets plus 1 when the control unit determines that the remainder is 1.

3. In order to count the number of drugs contained in the fractional sheets removed from the cassette, the system includes at least a fractional sheet placement section on which the fractional sheets are placed. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the guide unit to guide a fractional sheet containing two or more drugs to be placed on the fractional sheet placement unit.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit, when it determines that the remainder is 1, controls the guide unit to guide the operator to a number of drug sheets to be taken out that is one less than the number of drug sheets containing one less drug than the specified number.

5. In order to count the number of drugs contained in the drug sheet removed from the cassette, the cassette is equipped with a sheet placement section on which the drug sheet is placed. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the guide unit to guide the placement of a number of drug sheets, which is one less than the number of drug sheets containing one drug from the specified number, onto the sheet placement unit.

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